I got the Music in me...

I just had to cut out of a Social Media Conference to get on with the rest of my day but it certainly had me thinking. As I walked to my car I had a little 'bounce' in my step; I was on a college campus, it was a beautiful late morning, air still a bit crisp but not a cloud in the sky and I knew as soon as I got to my car I was going to open the roof put down the windows and crank up exactly what I needed on THIS morning...

The first thing I love about music is that it can change my mood or channel my thoughts instantly. Usually I can control that by what's in my head or what I want my personal 'playlist' to be but sometimes it will happen just by what is on the XM on a 'spontaneous' nature, and it doesn't ALWAYS make the mood a good one (think John Cusack in 'Better Off Dead' when he chucks the radio out the window). So, as I am walking and admiring the scenery on a SOUTHERN COLLEGE CAMPUS I think about music and where my love for it began and how it developed...

At 8 years old I had the best stereo system on the block; not only did it have a turn table and double cassette deck but it also had an 8 track deck as well and it was hooked up to FOUR speakers and we could plug in microphones and create our own 8 tracks. The 8 track that stands out the most to me in my mind is the GREASE SOUNDTRACK. My mother would play it in the car alot and we would sing along. I also remember hours in my room with Scott Rubenstein dubbing over hot songs. Our favorite was RAPPER'S DELIGHT by Sugarhill Gang. To this day I can 'rap' the ENTIRE song --- you should try me sometime, this and BABY GOT BACK, but that's another story entirely.

Shortly thereafter we moved to South Florida and the stereo came with me but 8 tracks were replaced with vinyl. My two best memories of vinyl; before our house was finished I lived with my cousins for about a year. Everyday I would come home from school and hang with Stacy for hours listening to her 45's. Stacy was cool, she was a FRESHMAN in High School and I was only in 6th grade. To this day I can picture that tan 45 holder with the blue K-102 sticker on it...I think she wore MY SHARONNA out! The other memory is of the records I would play in my room alone with the headset on; Queen - News of the World, Kiss Live and Kiss Live II, Van Halen, Journey and of course AC/DC - Back in Black.

I'll also admit that around this time I was in the band and I really enjoyed it, though I didn't enjoy falling off the top riser in 6th Grade only to lay on the floor looking up as the tuba came down next on top of me...

My favorite part about playing music was solo competitions. I liked being able to pick my own music, work with my teacher and get 'lost' in the piece. In 8th Grade I tackled the theme from Carmen, the Opera, on the tuba. Why did I take that on? Well, one of the stanzas is the theme from the Bad News Bears and I loved baseball. I received straight Superiors in competition and went on to be First Chair All-County and All-State that year. I gave up band in high school, mostly under the peer pressure of a growing social calendar, I wish I hadn't.

Music has always been the 'score' to my life. Songs from the 80's and 90's bring back memories of friends and girls, of times and places I wish I could escape to or could have escaped from. Today I love music as much as ever. My iPods are almost full and I have two hard drives full of music and I still have at least 100 CD's that have yet to have been transferred over. The other day I was going through them and I came across R.E.M.'s Eponymous Album and the sticker from the store I bought it from was still on it. The second I picked it up I could see myself in that spot, at the cash register and then the ride back Gainesville where we listened to non stop R.E.M.

Today I listen to everything. I can go from Keith Urban to Lil' Wayne and everything in between. I appreciate it all because it is someone's love and inspiration from their heart and soul put into Art for us to enjoy.

I still love to go to live shows and can't wait to see Springsteen in April. I love going to outdoor shows that are small and intimate.


I picture a bottle of red wine, a blanket and the stars as we listen to a jazz ensemble or the Symphony and reminisce on life, what we've been through and how we got here.


Cheers and happy early Valentine's Day

Michael Phelps is getting a pass...why?

Because he is WHITE! Ok I said it. Maybe it's not that 'black and white', pun intended, but I GUARANTEE if Mr. Phelps was an African American or Latino he would NOT be getting this free pass. Don't get me wrong either, I love the kid and was glued to the TV every morning during the Olympics, but facts are facts.

Here are the excuses I am hearing:

1. I don't condone what he did but it's not that big of a deal, he is only endangering himself since he does not play a team sport.

2. He's 23 and he was never a kid, this is just a phase.

3. He has apologized profusely and has promised it won't happen again.

Ok, let's look at them.

1. Personally, if he were NOT in the public eye, I could also care less. I believe I am in the minority in my generation to say that I never experimented with weed. I have my own personal reasons but to each his own. HOWEVER, this guy IS in the public eye. What is the signal it says to the 11 year old who is being told to stay away from recreational use? I mean the dude just won EIGHT GOLD MEDALS and is sleeping with every hot chick in Hollywood --- what 11-14 year old does not want to be like Mike? If he is not a ROLE MODEL he is at least a public figure. He also has MILLIONS --- if this was his choice, why not light up in a hotel room with no cell phone cameras.

2. Give me a break! He chose the life and is reaping the rewards. Plus, I have kids and I am not looking to the 'phase' :-)

3. The apology angle ---give me a break! Four years ago Phelps was caught and arrested for a DUI. We got the same sob story...please.

So, you are thinking --- where is the race deal Gil? Let's not be naive...name for me ONE African American athlete who has been found smoking dope and the story becomes a 'feel good' one? I'll wait.

In the meantime, the world has come to Phelps' back. Even the International Swimming Federation fell for the heartfelt apology. Tell me when Roger Goddell will do that in the NFL.

Anyway, I just find it all to be intriguing and worth watching.

On a side note, this was ALL just stream of consciousness while listening to an amazing 3DD/Maroon 5 mix I put together but no I am not 'packing a bowl'.

Creative Writing Assignment #1

Ok - I gave you my warning in my last post!

Also, before I paste it in here, I would be remiss if I did not say how proud I am this morning of TWO people: one, my little sister is 33 today and she is an amazing woman, mother, wife and sister! two, I got one of the best emails last night. My friend Steve, who's BLOG is linked on my page here, is finishing his FINAL ROUND of Chemo and will be OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Last night in the email he said he was, "officially a survivor". Funny, we already knew he was so much more! I love both of you greatly, thanks for being such important parts of my life...

Ok, here goes ----


Looking out the windshield his mind played tricks with the raindrops. It was a game of distraction; pick two drops and ‘bet’ with himself as to which one gets to the bottom first. It had always been this way. The rain comforted Jeremy in the darkest of times. Tonight was one of those nights. He knew following him would lead to this but he had to do it. He had to know what his father did when he claimed he was ‘going to work’. He knew in his heart there was no ‘legitimate’ work. How could there be…there was never a briefcase, never the dinner conversation about a ‘tough day at the office’ or ‘that bastard Johnson down the hall’. Instead there was tension and arguments which led to beatings and crying.

Tonight was going to be different though. For once, Jeremy knew the truth and he was prepared to use it. As he sat in the driveway steeling his nerve for the encounter he let every bit of anger and frustration flow through his 25-year-old body. Tonight, the nightmares would end; the lightning flashes and he feels the hand, the elbow or the bat…whatever he got his hands on; as the thunder rolls he hears his mothers screams. As soon as the drop on the far left wins the race he will get out of the car. Jeremy plays the scene out in his mind. He starts with the pictures; the drug deals, the athletes and the politicians. He knows he has enough that his Old Man will listen. He’ll have 15 minutes to pack up and get out of her life. As a child she sang every night to Jeremy, always the same song, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” by Simon & Garfunkel, tonight he would be that BRIDGE; after tonight the waters will be still, she can sleep. The raindrop is half way down, almost time. What if he says ‘No’ or tries to get ‘physical’? Jeremy felt the cold metal pressing against his abdomen. How ironic would it be to shoot his father with his own gun? How many nights did he lie awake wondering what it would be like to do just that? He knew he wouldn’t have to. His father would go, he would have to protect his friends and clients. Three quarters of the way down, Jeremy thumbs through the pictures, the physical and the ones in his mind. He never came to a ballgame, never took him to the park and never let on that there was any pride in his offspring. Ironically, he will probably be proud tonight – at least the kid stood up for himself.

The raindrop is done and so are the nightmares – the car door opens…

Will the writing get any better? Let's hope so

Over the last year and a half of building this blog I have truly come to love writing and being able to express myself. I was not expecting anyone to read me consistently, let alone 'follow' me except for my mother and a few other friends that i have picked up along the way. In fact, that might still be reality some days, however, I have received so much great feedback from people whom I love, cherish and value their opinions. This group includes at least THREE professional 'writers' as well as TWO editors. Thank God the TWO of them have not jumped all over my grammar, syntax and all the technical stuff. Instead it seems most of the feedback focuses on my 'voice' and how I am able to convey my thoughts here on the screen.

Reality is that I type 'stream of consiciousness' and don't really go back and change anything outside of spell check (a hush falls over the room as you all collectively go "DUH" - LOL). I want to change that without losing my 'voice' so I have decided to take a WRITING CLASS. I am starting with a 'Creative Writing 101' course that starts on February 2nd. The course is offered through the Gotham Writers Workshop out of New York City, so every Monday night I will get on a plane, go to class on Tuesday and fly home Tuesday night. Who wants to meet in the City for dinner on the next 6 Mondays? Ok, so I am not getting on a plane every week - the class is on the INTERNET, through a series of 'tubes' I will be able to take a class, communicate with my teacher and even share my writings with the class.

I am very excited to contimnue to share a lot of my personal feelings here as well as my unique look at sports, politics and life but now you can start looking for a new series of 'creative pieces'. I share this as some of you might wind up reading some of it and go..."what the F is happening down there in Atlanta?"...hopefully it will be exercising my creative mind and not sharing...maybe I should use different color text...probably the two will cross over anyway...

Meanwhile, I am anxious to start, put up my first piece and have my 'editiorial' and support staff let me know how I am doing.


Shabbat Shalom

Enjoying my cultural/spiritual side

Sometimes explaining to someone how being Jewish is more than a religion can be difficult. By all definitions that I have found, we as Jews are a PEOPLE and define ourselves as such. Our religious beliefs vary greatly and the way we observe that religion is as different as the clothes we wear but at its core belief is a shared heritage that is unmistakable and forges bonds that are undeniable.

This morning, while sitting in my girls' Kabbalat Shabbat Service (basically a school prayer service on Friday mornings) I was reflecting on my 'Jewish life' and how vital and beautiful it is. Mind you I did not grow up in a 'religious' house or even one that put an over-emphasis on being different. I went to Hebrew School and was Bar Mitzvahed and we observed the MAJOR Holidays but that was about it. I think my strongest Jewish Identity came from learning about the Holocaust, its impact on us and the world and then the creation of Israel.

Listening to Cydney stand in front of the entire school and chant the AMIDAH, which is the 18 Blessings at the core of our belief, was so moving. First I am proud that at eight years old Cydney can chant the entire series of blessings, but listening to her go through the movements as well lets me know she gets it and feels that connection. Second, I was humbled as the Guest Rabbi, whom I know through community stuff, looked up at me and smiled as Cydney chanted. It was a look of pride for the father and man I am. I needed that today, it warmed my heart.

So what got me on the path to where my kids go to Jewish Day School, we have Shabbat Dinner on Friday nights and I serve on a few Jewish Community Boards? I'm not really sure but I know that my trip to Israel in 2000 cemented it forever. This afternoon, while waiting in carpool line to pick the girls up, I decided to pick up my latest book and read instead of 'kibbitzing' with the soccer Moms :). My latest reading is a series by an Author named Daniel Silva. This series has eight books and the central character is an Israeli spy/assassin. In fact, if you saw Munich, the main character is this guy. Needless to say the books are fast paced and exciting and getting to see things through a Jewish/Israeli lens is neat for me. Anyway, one of the places mentioned in this book is a visit to Yad Vashem by the main character. If you don't know, Yad Vashem is the Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Israel. It is one of the most beautiful yet painful places in all the world. As I was reading I was remembering every step I took in that place in February of 2000. The most touching place for me was the 'Children's Hall' where the children of the Holocaust are remembered. Imagine a very dark corridor where just five lights are used to create the illusion of millions of tiny lights (stars) that represent the lost children of the Holocaust. Realizing in 2000 that those 'children' would roughly be my parent age was very painful. From there I remember the Art Museum and wondering how amazing the human spirit is that actual works of art could be created by people in so much pain and terror on a daily basis. There is also a parallel Children's Art Musuem that displays the work of the kids that is equally compelling.

To wrap up the day, I sat and listened to Cydney during her piano lesson here at the house. She has a recital on Sunday so this was her 'dress rehearsal; of sorts. One of the songs Cyndey is playing is Hava Nagila and I can hear the difference in her fingers on the keys when she plays that tune versus another.

In a week that saw us Inaugurate our first African American President I am optimistic about everyone being accepted no matter what their religious, ethnic, gender or social beliefs. On the flip side, I hope that in all this 'melting' we are still able to take pride on our own individual and unique heritages and cultures. Oftentimes, as a Jew, it is very easy to assimilate and slip into the 'white, mostly Christian world, which is fine but its also important to recognize and celebrate our differences and even take the opportunity to educate someone else on just how beautiful those differences can be.

Shabbat Shalom

It's the beginning, not the end...

Tomorrow marks a historic day in our Nation's history and I am very enthusiastic about the possibilities. At least in this moment of time, there is no BLUE states or RED states there are United States. Do I think every one shares this thought? Heavens no, but more than 50% of us do and that is what this REPUBLIC is all about. If I dwelled on the negatives, I would see the trepidation and fear mongering even in my own peer group, but I refuse to look that way, there will be enough for the partisanship over the next FOUR years. Tomorrow is about renewal, rebirth and the possibility of what can be, for however naive and fleeting that is.

What tomorrow is not is the fulfillment of a 'Dream'. It is the dawn of a new day, a promise for what someday may be but it is not FULFILLMENT. Fulfillment comes when we no longer discuss the passing of things as 'firsts'. I've talked about this before, but it bears reiterating --- we must not be a society of exceptions. It is not enough for ONE to have done something. It will only be enough when everyone has equal access to be the ONE.

Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, full of hopeful and inspiring speeches, smiles and wonder. What plays out over the next 6 months will shape the direction of not just our nation but the world. We have too many REAL issues to work and not enough hours in the day to sort them out.

As you watch, harness that power of positive thought, take in our country, in all it's glory, all that mankind can be and try to integrate just a little bit of that into your daily life for the next year, it is what I will be doing. They say it only takes 5 weeks to turn something into a habit, let's make them good ones.

The Pros and Cons of a Playoff System for College Football

This time of year, almost every year, a debate rages on about whether or not ‘Division I’ college football should join every other collegiate sport and create some sort of playoff system to determine it’s champion. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, there are obvious pros and cons for both cases. I will try my best to stay impartial in looking at both sides; in fact, that should be easy because I am torn as to which I think is truly best for the ‘game’ I love. Please note that some of these pros and cons maybe myths and not facts (we’ll look at that as well).

First, let’s look at the pros of moving to a playoff system which determines its winner ‘on the field’ (this is just my list from 30,000 feet – literally, I am on a plane, I’d love to hear your additions to the list):

1. We get just that, ONE winner at the end of the day, no multiple Bowl Games that leaves the outcome in doubt.
a. Does one winner = the best team or just a champion?
b. On any given day one team can beat another
c. Does anyone really believe the Arizona Cardinals are ‘better’ than the Carolina Panthers?
2. Revenue – sure the Bowl System is a sweet bonanza to the schools, the conferences, the BCS and the network it is on, but imagine the potential revenue for a ‘Super Bowl’ amongst college football.

Next, let’s move onto the cons of a playoff system:

1. The beauty and uniqueness of the current system is devalued. There is some value here – the Bowls (at least the big ones) are special. Now the counter argument is they can still be incorporated into a playoff…ok
2. The ‘student-athlete’ will have too much time added onto their season and they won’t be able to concentrate on Final exams. This is BUNK and we know it, those in favor of the current system need to stop using this argument. It’s like saying our prisons are there for rehabilitation - BULLSHIT
3. What would be the format? A ‘plus one’? 4 teams? 8 teams? - on this one there is no myth…but what exactly works for football? Look back over the last 20 years and you will rarely find a time that 4 teams are deserving of a playoff let alone 8 teams.
4. A playoff system would ruin the regular season and make it meaningless. In my opinion this is the MOST compelling argument. Look at College Basketball, where a champion is determined ON THE COURT and they have the most successful tournament and excitement in March Madness. Proponents of a playoff will say EXACTLY…however, football is NOT basketball #1 and #2 the college basketball regular season IS MEANINGLESS; TV ratings are ABYSMAL and everyone knows that wins and losses on a regular basis are meaningless unless you are on the ‘bubble’. Right now, the college football regular season is pretty compelling, especially in conference play.

That is a good start to the playoff scenario; let’s turn our attention to the current system – the BCS. The BCS has already gone under several tweaks but yet has gotten things completely correct.

Again, we start with the pros:
1. The Bowls have been consolidated so Conference Champions are not forced to their original bowl alliances so an actual Champion can be determined. Here is believe is the greatest success of the BCS. Take this year’s game, or all of them. In the OLD BOWL lineup we would have NEVER gotten Florida-Oklahoma, OR Florida-USC, OR USC-Texas, OR Florida-USC, etc…bowl tie in’s would have sent USC to the Rose to still play Penn State; Florida would have gone to the SUGAR…maybe to play Utah; Oklahoma (or Texas) would have gone to the ORANGE and played Virginia Tech and who knows who Texas in the FIESTA.
2. Money – the BCS is a financial boon for the Schools and their Conferences. Could a playoff bring more? I think so, but right now the rich are getting richer.
3. The debate! In many ways the sheer fact that we are even having the debates are a good thing for college football and the BCS. As much as you want to bitch it keeps the sport and topic relevant all year long.

On to the cons:
1. We are left feeling empty on a usual basis that there is at least one team getting ‘screwed’ by the system. Ok, I can’t see any untruth here except life sucks and isn’t fair…a good lesson for college kids to learn ☺.
2. Coaches and players may continue to feel disconnected and not content and this might leave the college ranks earlier than usual for greener pastures. Ok, that would suck, especially on the coach’s front, but the kids are going as soon as they can and who can blame them?
3. Conferences are left to determine how they want things done – do they have their own Championship game? How they handle tiebreakers (did you see that Big 12 – lol)? In general, the NCAA is shut out of the BCS and the Bowl System and that is a little weird…

There you have it, a look at both scenarios with no answer, just some of the pros and cons and the start of a healthy debate. I don’t have an answer and like I said early on my opinion on the matter changes nearly daily. I do think the creation of the BCS was the first step to reforming a broken system. Whether a playoff system is the next step in that evolution is yet to be determined.

My Greatest Joy

As any parent can attest to, raising children is the most difficult task you will embark on but also the most rewarding. Hopefully the rewards outweigh the frustrations and in the end you don't damage the kids, yourself or your loved ones around you too severely.

This morning, while in the shower, all I could think about was my two girls, Cydney now 8 and Rachel, who is 6. Why in the shower you might ask? Part of this week I am playing my normal role as Dad, but also taking on the role of Mom and 'house mananger' and mind you I am not complaining. My wife doesn't travel excessively and when she does it is usually for a night or two and I do my fair share of traveling as well. This morning I was thinking back on how just a year or two ago how panicked I would be if Ilene were out of town. Not that things would go wrong but at how overwhelming it is to get a house moving and out the door in such a short time span...I know single parents and those that do the lion share of the work (SAHM's) can relate. This morning I realized how simple it has become. Sure Rachel NEVER wants to get out of bed, at 6 she has mastered not just hitting the SNOOZE button but she also turns the damned alarm clock completely OFF. On the other hand, Cydney is a morning person like her Daddy. She is up and at'em and ready to tackle the day. No longer do I have to get them dressed or do all that stuff; they are self sufficient. My biggest issue, to this day is HAIR and that had me panicked this morning as Rachel has a new haircut. Cydney does her own ponytail, thank G-d and Rae Rae says to me, "Daddy, can you use the hot iron please"...ummm..."what's that", I ask..."it's the thing that makes Mommy and my hair straighter silly, it gets really hot and you put it on my hair"..."ummm, ok, well it looks like Mommy took it with her to Kansas"...."ok, Daddy, you got lucky this time, you can just get a brush, wet it and then brush it"...how cute is that?

So many other amazing things come from them and out of them, take these series that have happened in the last few weeks:

- We are in Disney World for Cydney's birthday and on the last night the Magic Kingdom is open late so Cyd and I go to hit Thunder Mountain Railroad in the dark a few times before leaving. It's a blast and as we are strolling back, holding hands and skipping (there's a visual) I say to Cydney, "can we always do this?" and she said "of course Daddy, I love this". About 5 minutes later Cydney just stops and turns to me and says, "what exactly did you mean my ALWAYS"...I said, "you know when you are a teenager and stuff", to which Cydney replies, "maybe I didn't mean always Daddy". I thought I had her.

- One of the myriad of gifts Cyd got for her birthday is the doorbell for your bedroom set. We installed it over the weekend, it is really cute but oh so LOUD and ANNOYING. On top of that Cyd has now adorned her door with a great BIG sign that reads, "If I don't answer then you are not allowed to ENTER". Oh my, my 8 year old is about to turn 16!!!!!!!!!

- Rachel is TWO kids, I swear. There is the very loud and very opinionated young lady that does not understand NO and needs complete control. I usually let her mother handle her...they are very much alike (just kidding, sort of - LOL) and then there is the SWEETEST most affectionate kid I have ever seen. Over the last few weeks the sweet girl has been around so much more. I've never met a kid who aims to please more than my Rae Rae. Last night we had very bad storms and she came into my room, climbed on the bed and said, "Daddy will you hold me, I had a bad dream". Who says no to that one? We snuggled for two hours and then she says, "I'm ALL GOOD, you can sleep now dude"

- I also just love to listen to them talk to each other. What kids know and experience today is amazing from pop culture to technology to the world around them. Having my 8 year old explain how important it is that Obama support Israel is just really cool stuff.

So there was my morning. Nothing can make you cry and smile like your kids, I hope yours, like mine give you smiles and joy that far outweigh the pain (at least for now).

Working on getting better

I've been 'blogging' now for awhile but never really wanted anything more from it except for my own personal gain. I like to tell stories, I like having opinions and occasionally I like making people laugh or think.

I want more now. I think I have found my voice and developed a 'style' and I think there is more out there for me.

Today I went to the book store and picked up a book on the topic as well as one about writing. I think I am going to look to take a creative writing class as well. There is a lot inside of me and I think some of it is even worthwhile for public consumption - LOL.

Tonight, I am closing the laptop and I am going to read, not for pleasure (though I have been doing that and I HIGHLY recommend Daniel Silva and the book The Messenger).

As a kid I wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster and I started at UF as a Journalism Major. The 'writer' in me is alive and I want to explore it.

I have loved all the positive feedback publicly and even the great constructive criticism I have gotten from my personal editor and proofreader. To become better I need it all and I hope you will feel free to assist, someday I'll give you credit in my great masterpiece ;-)

3 movies in ONE weekend - must be worthy of a post and a review or three

Friday night wound up being completely unusual and quiet (for once)...Cydney got a call for a sleep over at 5:00 and then Rachel opted for a night at Nana's, so after Shabbat dinner we were on our own so we decided to see Valkyrie, the Tom Cruise movie. First, let me say I am NO Cruise fan, and I am biased by this whole Scientologist bullshit. The movie was pretty good, one thing I will give it was INTENSITY. I sat there glued to the movie the whole time. That didn't make it great but it was compelling. I guess I am a bit spoiled by having a Dad that was not just a History teacher but also a Holocaust expert so I knew most of the story but I think it was told well. The movie plodded a bit, but I was glad to get to see it.

The second movie up was Saturday afternoon with my girls. One of my favorite things to do is get alone time with both Cyd and Rae Rae. On Saturday we caught the Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories. I really liked it. The girls were amused especially Rachel. I love watching them as they watch a movie, they are such opposites. Cydney gets VERY involved in a movie and her expression doesn't change much, she is concentrating I think more than just enjoying. Rae Rae on the other hand is so expressive and nothing brings that out more than a COMEDY. She laughed and smiled the whole time and when she does that it just lights up the room, even a dark theater. As usual, there was goofy Sandler stuff and the obligatory Rob Schneider appearance but all in all it was entertaining.

Saturday night we had a sitter, but no plans, so when in doubt go to a movie to get out of the house. I reluctantly went to see Marley & Me. I was only hesitant because it had been several 'chick' flicks in a row, though I guess Valkyrie wasn't one...anyway, Jennifer Aniston is on my TOP 5 list so I couldn't complain too much. Let's just say I identifed a little too closely to the story in some parts and it got emotional. Besides having had several dogs as a child I really connected to the Owen Wilson character (and that sounds weird normally - LOL). The movie made me think about so much and it continues to have me thinking, contemplating, planning and challenging myself even 2 hours later.

Big week coming up! My Eagles won tonight so a week from today they play the New York Giants for the chance to go to the NFC Championship Game. Ironically I land in New York about an hour before kickoff so I can't go to the game but I'll be following along! I am however going to a BIGGER game this week! On Thursday morning I am hoping down to South Florida for the BCS National Championship game and a chance to root on the GATORS with my co-horts TEAM STRAUS (just the 3 of us baby) and I will run into a host of Fraternity Brothers and old friends to catch up with.