Coaching Wisdom!

"People can have great engines, but it means nothing if they don't have both hands on the steering wheel." -Bobby Bowden

I like President Obama personally!

Mr. Obama is not the first /won't be the last politician that thinks government IS the answer. Bon Voyage' Mr. President. Let's have a beer when you are in town. 

True, or not, this is a different perspective on what Obama’s ‘Legacy’ may be:

One 82-year-old lady loves Obama and she may have a very good point. She says that Obama is amazing, and is rebuilding the American dream! She gives us an entirely new slant on the "amazing" job Obama is doing, and she says that she will thank God for the President. Keep reading, for her additional comments and an explanation. When discussing Obama, she says:

1. Obama destroyed the Clinton Political Machine, driving a stake through the heart of Hillary's presidential aspirations -something no Republican was ever able to do. 

2. Obama killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - no more Kennedys trolling Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home. 

3. Obama is destroying the Democratic Party before our eyes! Dennis Moore had never lost a race. Evan Bayh had never lost a race. Byron Dorgan had never lost a race. Harry Reid - soon to be GONE!

These are just a handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed. By the end of 2016, dozens more will be gone. Just think, in December of 2008 the Democrats were on the rise. In two election cycles, they had picked up 14 Senate seats and 52 House seats. The press was touting the death of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party. However, in just one term, Obama put a stop to all of this and gave the House and the Senate - back to the Republicans. 

4. Obama has completely exposed liberals and progressives for what they are. Sadly, every generation seems to need to re-learn the lesson on why they should never actually put liberals in charge. Obama is bringing home the lesson very well: Liberals tax, borrow and spend. Liberals won't bring themselves to protect America. Liberals want to take over the economy. Liberals think they know what is best for everyone. Liberals are not happy until they are running YOUR life. 

5. Obama has brought more Americans back to conservatism than anyone since Reagan. In one term, he has rejuvenated the Conservative Movement and brought out to the streets millions of freedom loving Americans. Name one other time when you saw your friends and neighbors this interested in taking back America! 

6. Obama, with his "amazing leadership," has sparked the greatest period of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen. Law abiding citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods field while other industries have failed, faded, or moved off-shore. 

7. In all honesty, 4 years ago I was more afraid than I have been in my life. Not afraid of the economy, but afraid of the direction our country was going. I thought, Americans have forgotten what this country is all about. My neighbors and friends, even strangers, have proved to me that my lack of confidence in the greatness and wisdom of the American people has been flat wrong. 

8. When the American people wake up, no smooth talking teleprompter reader can fool them! Barack Obama has served to wake up these great Americans! Again, I want to say: "Thank you, Barack Obama!" ` After all, this is exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed!! 

9. He has saved Carter’s legacy and made Jimmy Carter happy, since Jimmy is no longer the worst president we've ever had. Credit goes to where credit is due. I feel better now! 

THANK YOU OBAMA

NFL Network's Michael Robinson's First In-Studio Interview

In 2001 I was doing a Thursday Night High School Sports / Recruiting Show on (what was then) Sports Radio 910 in Richmond. The object of a huge recruiting battle that season was Varina's Michael Robinson who had committed to Penn State over the then recruiting juggernaut in the Commonwealth of Virginia; Virginia Tech.

We invited Michael to visit the show and explain his decision. He came into the studio with his older brother who I detected was acting a little like his "handler" which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't in the mood for a kid with an entourage. That first impression would soon evaporate. Michael and his brother were great to deal with and just regular guys.  

Michael was gracious and thoughtful with his answers and poised beyond his years. To the surprise of me & my Partner Bill McDonald our guest agreed to take calls. We had a huge in-state following (we're talking about 2001) and the Hokie following came in hot. I watched Michael answer all the questions and he even weathered the questions about his future as a quarterback and leaving the State. By the end of the hour, the calls started to change to congratulations and good wishes. Mike had won them over.

Michael exceeded my expectations with his College and Professional careers. That's not what I will remember about Michael Robinson. I have since told him personally that I never once "worried about that kid" that came into the studio that evening. First impressions are everything and of course you never know who's watching. 

Seeing him on the NFL Network strikes a familiar chord with me. Mike returns to that same studio to regularly talk sports with Wes McElroy of Fox Sports 910. Congrats Mike for your life on and off the field. 

In true 21st century fashion we are raising Harley; my stepson Scott's 1/2 Beagle 1/2 Boston Terrier. You know the story, when one of the kids decides it would be nice to have another life to take care of and then it turns out that they are not up to caring for it for some reason. I am thankful; I know that this plays out every day with "real" children. 

If you look at this little guy you realize that I lucked out. What a fabulous pet! At the end of the day he doesn't know that I am past my prime, rapidly losing my swagger and just an old guy trying to stay relevant. I now understand dog owners.

Back to the BLOG!

More than 6 years ago I posted my last post on my blog. I blame Twitter! This new 2017 version will take advantage of my reduced work load and hopefully a wider perspective. 

I can promise that there will be a heavy dose of political theory (only more fun than that sounds). Also expect comments about sports and broadcasting and I will probably mix in my version of Professional Indoor Football history. Enjoy the Game! 

My Views on Media in general ...in anecdote form.

I mentioned to my wife that her choice of TV programming on this lazy Holiday afternoon was; (how I put this diplomatically) beneath her intellectual standards. Her response; "if I wanted to think I would read. Enough said.