Here he is as a little dragon. Yup, that's little T (Travis Junior) at his firts halloween!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
History was made....
Last night, while celebrating a friends 30th birthday, I watched history be made. I watched the people of The United States of America vote in our first African American President. I know in time i'll always remember where I was and the people that were with me. However, after it is all said and done, President Obama has a long way to go. Let us not forget that although we have a new Democratic President, we still have a congress that has an approval rating of 18% as of 11/1/2008. I hope that he stays true to his word by working on both sides of the aisle. Otherwise, the "change that is coming" may not be good.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A sad day to be a Vol
Yesterday as I stood inside of Dick's Sporting Goods, I wasn't the only one watching in awe of the television. As Phil Fulmer sat down at the podium to give his resignation, I wasn't the only one emotional watching this in Dicks. There were a number of individuals that stopped what they were doing just to watch one of the most emotional press conference's i've seen in my day. At one point a gentleman asked someone in the shoe department for a shoe in his size. The employee looked at him and kindly said "sir, if you don't mind, i'd like to watch this first and then i'll help you out".
That is just what something like this does to fans. Whether or not you like Phil Fulmer, he will go down as a legend at The University of Tennessee. He'll finish his career at UT with over 150 wins, a national title, numerous SEC titles, and he will be a hall of fame coach. But as sad as it was to see him go, it was necessary. Could they have done this at year end, yes, but with the way the landscape of college football has become, this was a business decision that had to be made. His record over recent years against the rivals in the SEC has dwindled as well as his losing record against ranked teams helped Mike Hamilton make this decision. But nothing made it easier as to see the enormous amount of Alabama fans in attendance for the UT vs. Bama game. This told Mike Hamilton and the University that they didn't care to come and spend their money on the program so long as the man in charge was still there. But that's how it goes when you are paid millions of dollars to do a job. People expect results.
As for me, I felt for the man. But deep down, i'll always remember the only time I got to meet Coach Fulmer. It was after a workout session in the indoor facility. I had finished up my baseball career at UT and was rehabbing my arm to get back into the game. After my workout I went to visit my roommate who worked with Coach Fulmer in the Football office. While up there Coach came walking in. It was just me and my roommate there 10 feet before he walked into his office. Cordially my roommate said "Hey Coach, this is my roommate, Logan Brummitt, he played baseball here at UT". As I stood to shake his hand, I said "Coach, it's a pleasure to meet you sir". Coach Fulmer's reply was a shake of my hand, not a word and walked right by me. Not a hi, hello, how are you doing or even a kiss my ass. So deep down, I have little sympathy for someone who couldn't even muster up a hello as we shook hands.
As he walked away, my roommate looked at me and immediately apologized. His words, and I'll never forget this, were "dude, i'm sorry. If I would've told him you just gave us money or were a recruit, he would have shook you off, but that's how he really is"....
So coach, thank you for all of your years, your memory's and your victories. I will say i'm all Vol and I will miss you. But personally, I don't really care.
GO VOLS!
That is just what something like this does to fans. Whether or not you like Phil Fulmer, he will go down as a legend at The University of Tennessee. He'll finish his career at UT with over 150 wins, a national title, numerous SEC titles, and he will be a hall of fame coach. But as sad as it was to see him go, it was necessary. Could they have done this at year end, yes, but with the way the landscape of college football has become, this was a business decision that had to be made. His record over recent years against the rivals in the SEC has dwindled as well as his losing record against ranked teams helped Mike Hamilton make this decision. But nothing made it easier as to see the enormous amount of Alabama fans in attendance for the UT vs. Bama game. This told Mike Hamilton and the University that they didn't care to come and spend their money on the program so long as the man in charge was still there. But that's how it goes when you are paid millions of dollars to do a job. People expect results.
As for me, I felt for the man. But deep down, i'll always remember the only time I got to meet Coach Fulmer. It was after a workout session in the indoor facility. I had finished up my baseball career at UT and was rehabbing my arm to get back into the game. After my workout I went to visit my roommate who worked with Coach Fulmer in the Football office. While up there Coach came walking in. It was just me and my roommate there 10 feet before he walked into his office. Cordially my roommate said "Hey Coach, this is my roommate, Logan Brummitt, he played baseball here at UT". As I stood to shake his hand, I said "Coach, it's a pleasure to meet you sir". Coach Fulmer's reply was a shake of my hand, not a word and walked right by me. Not a hi, hello, how are you doing or even a kiss my ass. So deep down, I have little sympathy for someone who couldn't even muster up a hello as we shook hands.
As he walked away, my roommate looked at me and immediately apologized. His words, and I'll never forget this, were "dude, i'm sorry. If I would've told him you just gave us money or were a recruit, he would have shook you off, but that's how he really is"....
So coach, thank you for all of your years, your memory's and your victories. I will say i'm all Vol and I will miss you. But personally, I don't really care.
GO VOLS!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Two months in and a lot to handle
Dr. James McIntyre hasn't been in Knoxville more than two months as the new school superintendent and he has already seen a tough budget, a spending freeze, an accident at Karns high school that led to the unfortunate death of a student and now a school shooting that has led to the death of another student. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families that have lost their kids, but I couldn't imagine what is going through the mind of our new superintendent. I hope he is ready for this challenge.
Once again, my thoughts and prayers are out to both of these families.
Once again, my thoughts and prayers are out to both of these families.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
YPLC Networking Event Thursday!
Join YPLC at the Crown & Goose on Thursday, August 21st, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. when YPLC presents its August Networking Event. The Crown & Goose will offer complimentary heavy hor 'doeuvres and happy hour drink specials. A $10 donation is asked of all those who attend. Proceeds will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis.
Tim Burchett for Mayor....
Well, although this is old news, the public now knows that Tim Burchett will be running for mayor. The question is, who will be running against him. It has come to my attention that the following will turn their petitions in to run. Now, i'm sure their will be more. But it'll be interesting if these all actually do...
Tim Hutchison
Mike Hammond
Mike Padgett
Randy Tyree
It'll be interesting to see how the conversation goes between Tim and Tim before they begin running against each other. Now, I really hope Randy Tyree doesn't waste the publics time with another lackluster campaign, then again, what else is there for him to do. As for Mike Padgett, well, it's rumored he ran for the Senate with the idea of Mayor in mind. Deep down, I hope he runs and wins the democratic primary. Reason being is that i'll look forward to campaigning against him come the general.....
Tim Hutchison
Mike Hammond
Mike Padgett
Randy Tyree
It'll be interesting to see how the conversation goes between Tim and Tim before they begin running against each other. Now, I really hope Randy Tyree doesn't waste the publics time with another lackluster campaign, then again, what else is there for him to do. As for Mike Padgett, well, it's rumored he ran for the Senate with the idea of Mayor in mind. Deep down, I hope he runs and wins the democratic primary. Reason being is that i'll look forward to campaigning against him come the general.....
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Dark Knight
Last night I was lucky to see The Dark Knight at the IMAX in Pinnacle. I want to say that if you have not seen this movie, you need to see it. Whether or not you are a Batman fan, this is and will be the best movie of the year. The casting, writing, editing, etc, etc was just excellent. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, et all, put on amazing performances. In short, I just hope they have plans for another one!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Who do you want to Jott?
Recently I was speaking with my friend Steve Drevik and he turned me on to a program called Jott. I will say that I am in my "infant" stages of using this but in the last 2 days alone, I've used it successfully half a dozen times! I'm already a big fan of it and so far I recommend it. Jott has specific programs for the iPhone as well as the Blackberry. Below is a breakdown of what it does courtesy of "The New York Times".
A free service, Jott (www.jott.com) uses your phone as a voice-dictation machine. Once you set up an account, you simply call (866) JOTT-123 on your hand-held device to connect. After the call goes through, you will be prompted for whom you wish to “jott.” You reply with the word myself and wait for the recording tone. Now you can speak “Buy birthday present for Johnny before Aug. 5,” or whatever task reminder you need. Upon hanging up, Jott will transcribe the task and shoot it off in a e-mail message to the address you provided for yourself during setup.
The beauty of this service is that you can assign a speed-dial number to Jott’s service for a one-button call any time you need to send yourself a reminder. The approach can be used while driving or in other situations where text messaging or typing on a small device are less than ideal.
The uses for Jott as a productivity tool do not stop with reminders to yourself while on the go. You can dictate a message to other individuals or whole groups. You can even post an entry to your blog.
Below is a comment about Jott from the creator.
We feel pretty strongly about working hard to create something of value, and only then trying to pay the rent around here.
So yes, the Jott for Blackberry beta is free right now, and will be for awhile, but eventually we'll have to keep the business going. The plan is to make this appealing to a broad set of folks, and so we will try to keep the price very reasonable.
We're getting amazingly strong feedback on it, so hopefully we're on the right track.
John PollardFounder and CEO, Jott.com
A free service, Jott (www.jott.com) uses your phone as a voice-dictation machine. Once you set up an account, you simply call (866) JOTT-123 on your hand-held device to connect. After the call goes through, you will be prompted for whom you wish to “jott.” You reply with the word myself and wait for the recording tone. Now you can speak “Buy birthday present for Johnny before Aug. 5,” or whatever task reminder you need. Upon hanging up, Jott will transcribe the task and shoot it off in a e-mail message to the address you provided for yourself during setup.
The beauty of this service is that you can assign a speed-dial number to Jott’s service for a one-button call any time you need to send yourself a reminder. The approach can be used while driving or in other situations where text messaging or typing on a small device are less than ideal.
The uses for Jott as a productivity tool do not stop with reminders to yourself while on the go. You can dictate a message to other individuals or whole groups. You can even post an entry to your blog.
Below is a comment about Jott from the creator.
We feel pretty strongly about working hard to create something of value, and only then trying to pay the rent around here.
So yes, the Jott for Blackberry beta is free right now, and will be for awhile, but eventually we'll have to keep the business going. The plan is to make this appealing to a broad set of folks, and so we will try to keep the price very reasonable.
We're getting amazingly strong feedback on it, so hopefully we're on the right track.
John PollardFounder and CEO, Jott.com
Coming to a Country near you!
As most of you know, Barack Obama is on his "world tour" right now. I say "world tour" because this seems to be more like a concert than anything else. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad B.O. is going to visit a number of foreign countries as well as the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. I mean, this could be our commander in chief in 4 months and he's "now" seeing the troops face to face for the first time. I want to say "it's about time" but really, it just feels like a photo opp for me...
Monday, July 7, 2008
Free Speech, Political or are they in "distress"?
First Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
While driving through my girlfriends neighborhood last week (leading up to Independence Day) I noticed this in a neighbors garden. As you can see, it is an American Flag purposely flown upside down. Now, my disgust immediately took over. However, before I knocked on their door and expressed my displeasure, I wanted to make sure what this actually meant....and here is why. You see, in my personal opinion, I look at this as a political statement. A statement that says "I am not patriotic, I am UN-American and I don't like America". But what is great about this country, the First Amendment gives us the freedom to do such an thing. However, earlier in the year I ran for County Commission in Knox County and was not allowed to put a political sign of mine in my girlfriends yard nor one of her neighbors. Here in lies my issue. What is free speech?
On the website, USFlag.org, they list the following with regards to proper etiquette of hanging an American flag.
"The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal."
So, by this, should I really be knocking on the door to see if everything is OK on the home front? Or is this a distress signal to America itself?
Noam Chomsky states that:
"If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech for views you don't like. If you're in favor of freedom of speech, that means you're in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise."
Now, I never really agree with Noam Chomsky but his far left ideas have a point here. In order to appreciate the First Amendment, you have to take the good with the bad. Although they may not be happy where America is right now, I still have to right to knock on their door, complain and call the head of the HOA and have it taken down....just like my sign!
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
While driving through my girlfriends neighborhood last week (leading up to Independence Day) I noticed this in a neighbors garden. As you can see, it is an American Flag purposely flown upside down. Now, my disgust immediately took over. However, before I knocked on their door and expressed my displeasure, I wanted to make sure what this actually meant....and here is why. You see, in my personal opinion, I look at this as a political statement. A statement that says "I am not patriotic, I am UN-American and I don't like America". But what is great about this country, the First Amendment gives us the freedom to do such an thing. However, earlier in the year I ran for County Commission in Knox County and was not allowed to put a political sign of mine in my girlfriends yard nor one of her neighbors. Here in lies my issue. What is free speech?
On the website, USFlag.org, they list the following with regards to proper etiquette of hanging an American flag.
"The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal."
So, by this, should I really be knocking on the door to see if everything is OK on the home front? Or is this a distress signal to America itself?
You could try to say I'm confused between a love of government vs. a love of our country. No, I'm not. I love my country and I love our government. Good, bad, or indifferent. What I do not love is the fact that one can express their ideals by hanging an American Flag upside down while I can't even put a sign in a yard before the election.
Noam Chomsky states that:
"If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech for views you don't like. If you're in favor of freedom of speech, that means you're in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise."
Now, I never really agree with Noam Chomsky but his far left ideas have a point here. In order to appreciate the First Amendment, you have to take the good with the bad. Although they may not be happy where America is right now, I still have to right to knock on their door, complain and call the head of the HOA and have it taken down....just like my sign!
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