Connexxions

New Orleans 2 Years Later

It's been two years now since Katrina hit my town.  I was just commenting to my best friend, now roommate, last night that I can't believe it's been 2 years since.  I'm having trouble believing that it's been a year since I wrote my last annual post!  Last year I reflected on how much my life has changed in just 367 days.  This year I've been forced to take on a more outside view of the city, since I'm only there about once a quarter on business. 

As the news goes, people face fatigue with the stories that just can't seem to go away.  Katrina is one of these stories for many people.  A huge frustration, still, for the people of the city is that only the negative media coverage seems to come out.  Earlier this year, we had former medical professionals appear on a grand jury for possible euthanasia.  Never mind, that they saved many other victims under extraordinary (literal sense) circumstances.  It's not like it was a typical day in the sun and they decided to just start killing people; but people tried to bring them down on such charges...unsuccessfully.  I can still remember Anderson Cooper trying to cause controversy less than 3 weeks after the storm to get the mayoral candidates of Kenner in a shouting match for "news."  It makes me want to curse out the news channels like my Iraqi cab driving friend.

It's been a rough year for politicians as well.  At my last count, we've had 4 politicians indicted on federal charges...two at the national level and two at the local.  The most upsetting for the locals was probably school board member Oliver Thomas because he was seen as the good and decent one, and I emphasize one, on the New Orleans school board.  Just like anything else, there were probably many other politicians facing federal indictments in every state around the union; but we are under a microscope so everything counts.

Chris Rose, a writer for the Times Picayune who has gained much national recognition since Katrina due to his impressive writings, has had his book "1 Dead in Attic" now picked up and published by Simon and Schuster.  We, the people of New Orleans, knew about our gem well before the storm. For me, Rose has been my source for the real happenings of the city from the outside.  He pushes through all the clutter and let's you know what's truly down under the pile.  Even Oprah has succumbed to the negative media.  He has denied an appearance on Oprah today because they didn't want to discuss his book...they want him to come on and talk about, "the mental health crisis" in New Orleans.  I'm glad Rose denied the opportunity; but I'm sure Oprah will still create healthy dose of drama around the country for their 90% drama-craving audience.  To the people of New Orleans the situation is a very real problem...to people around the country it's a punchline or a good book.

The city of New Orleans focused fast on getting tourism up and running because it's the bread and butter.  I still become sad each time I fly in because there used to be 20 planes at a time there. and now I can count the number of direct flights per day on two hands.  The airport looks almost identical at 9 in the morning as it does at 9 at night.  It's weird.  Family and friends talk to me about happenings in the city like I'm just supposed to know what's going on.  In Atlanta, the only time I hear about New Orleans is if the Saints have done something or if something bad happens.  I suspect it's the same everywhere else.

And naturally after all of this, it comes back to crime.  The crime that gets portrayed by national outlets is the same as it is in Chicago or Baghdad.  People have to know where and when not to walk.  The crime that should have been discussed was the level of increased teen violence in the suburbs due to parental displacement.  That was/is the real problem.  No one outside of the city has a clue though.

My company just hired a new VP from NYC.  He expressed what the general overall feel of people up there is on us.  Their mindset hasn't changed since the storm happened.  They look at it on paper and wonder what the hell we're doing.  He was very interested, as most are that find out I'm from New Orleans, to hear my view point.  I liked that he was receptive and listened to me.  He mentioned the sentiment of most New Yorkers.  I mentioned 9-11.  All of a sudden, he understood.  All of sudden, the situation wasn't on paper anymore.

I miss my city a whole bunch, and I miss my family that is still there like I was dying of thirst.  They're all still down there.  Two siblings are at LSU, and the rest of my family is in the Big Easy.  This year, I've had a slow dance with my older sister at my brother-in-law's Bacchus Mardi Gras ball; I've had long conversations with my dad about doing what you have to do and staying mentally tough; the much-missed home cooked meals of my mother; the sense of pride watching my younger brother move up the depth chart on the LSU football team; my younger sister graduating from high school and moving to the next chapter in her life; my godson and niece growing in front of my eyes...becoming little people; a cup of Community Coffee with the mentors that were cultivating me to one day help be a leader in the community.  It's amazing how those events to me mean so much because their just samples of life; but to the people that see it every day, it is life.  It really makes me have an appreciation for what this life is supposed to be about.

I know the Saints have been talked about so much as a miracle.  I guess sometimes you just get lucky and those things happen.  Although, we've suffered as fans for a little over thrity years, so I guess one day something good has to happen.  I've heard ignorant comments about why do they care about football so much or that the Superdome is a waste of money.  I think Tony Kornheiser said it best on the Monday night football game against the Atlanta Falcons last year, "If it's important to the people of the city, then it should be important to us."  Sports give us an "out" and immediate gratification.  I hope that the local teams do well this season, so the people have something to fall back on and unite.

In the big picture, I know that the people of the city will continue to move forward; and I hope that the people of this country will give us the time, chance and help to do what it takes to rebuild lives because it's going to take all of those things coming together.

Best Cab Ride Ever!!

I ride in lots of cabs.  Yesterday, I'm in a cab from the Loop to Lakeview (Chicago).  At around 7, it's a 15-20 minute cab ride.  I said hi to my driver when I jumped in with no response, so I jumped on my BB figuring it was going to be a quiet ride.  As we crossed over the Dearborn bridge to Wacker, he asked me where I was from.  He had a bit of an accent but his English was pretty good.  I lobbed the same question back to his court.  "Iraq," he said.  I have no doubt he's had the conversation that was about to ensue with just about everyone in his cab for longer than 5 minutes.  I couldn't resist, so I started with the family question.  He told me that his immediate family (wife and 3 kids) were here with him, but the rest of his family was still in Iraq.

I really didn't have to ask too many more questions.   To my surprise, he elaborated and flowed from one topic to the next.  I made a few comments and small follow-up questions here and there, and other than a few bits of slang phrases he didn't understand, the communication was great.  I could tell he was very happy here.

One of the first things he mentioned is how great this country is.  I travel often, and I hear this all the time from people who've moved here.  I hear it from people that moved out of the country for a time but then came back because they love it.  It makes me proud to be here because all I hear is the negative.  I'm always amazed how people take this country for granted.  Unfortunately, I think the only time I really take it all in is when I stand for the national anthem before any sporting event.  Thankfully, I go to many of them. 

For the most part, people really have no clue how much drama the media creates by not really painting an accurate picture of the world for us.  I always thought it but never truly realized it until I went through Katrina.  The media was and has been such a cause of frustration for people down there because they do a garbage job of reporting with accuracy.  My cab driver brought this up immediately.  As with most people that move to a new country, the first thing you learn is how to curse.  When I brought up the news, a few of these words came out.  It was a little humorous because he didn't say them for effect.  He said them like they were a normal part of speech.

He told me that he has been here for 3 years now, and it's the best decision he's ever made.  His kids (ages 18, 16 and 12 I think they were) have a chance to survive.  They can walk outside at night.  His family in Iraq...not so much.  He said it's like anything else...you just have to know where and when not to walk.  He explained to me the various sects of Iraqis, which was fascinating to me.  I hear it all the time on TV or magazine, but he gave me more accurate information in 5 minutes on each than I've received from any other outlet since the war began.  He was born in 1958.  He served during the war with Iran in 1989.  He is a civil engineer by trade and because of his degree they made him an officer, which he was clearly angered with.  He showed me where a bullet dispensed by an AK-47 caught him in the arm.   He said, "Let me rebuild the bridge after we destroy.  I don't care about guns."  It was odd but I smiled because I knew what he was getting at.

I received this much useful information all before we hit the end of Lakeshore Drive.  As we turned off of LD, I finally had to ask, "So what is the view of people in Iraq on Americans and the war."  He said pretty much exactly what I was expecting to hear but I never hear on TV...an accurate portrayal.   He said his countrymen loved that we went in there at all cost to get Hussein out of Iraq.  He said he had seen women and children hung in front of the eyes of a husband and father for nothing more than a bad day at work.  He had seen men beaten to their death because they said hi to a woman on the street in a public place.  The country has been so happy to have him gone.  He said all sects are happy Hussein is gone but all for different reasons.  The big problem with the image of the war are the few idiots.  The suicide bombers and the roadside bombs cause the most noise in the US.  He got very passionate at this point because he mentioned that he could no longer watch TV because he never saw all the good that the US has done for them...only the bad.  I could see his eyes in the rear view mirror get deep and watered.  "Iraqis want the same thing Americans do," he said.  They needed help to get control of their country, but now they want to run their own country.  He said he understood how hard it was for the Americans to just leave.  Towards the end he probably said the most insightful thing.  "Americans are so used to having everything now. They don't understand what it takes to breakdown and build up, so they think everything there is a mistake.  It's not.  I would've never been able to come to this great country had they not invaded Iraq."

The last minute or so was small pleasantries.  I could have sat at the corner of Kenmore and Belmont for another hour listening to that.  I realize the man works on tips and he didn't have to speak, but I don't question the genuineness  of his viewpoint.  As I exited the cab, he offered his hand.  He shook mine vigorously and told me, "I love the US and am so happy to be here.  I wish you much luck my friend." 

"Congratulations on getting here.  I wish you continued success here and for your family," I said looking him dead in the eye. 

I paid $20 for that $14 cab ride.  I learned so much in just 15 minutes...it was worth every penny.

Mike Vick F/U: The Real Issue

Since my last post, Michael Vick worked out a deal with the FBI.  Like I said earlier, the FBI doesn't accuse unless they know they're going to win; so I knew whether in court or on paper he would be found guilty. 

I'm still hearing the ignorant cries of racism.  I have to learn to let it go because it will always be an issue.  Moreover, I'm hearing people (that once said wait until he's found guilty) now say, "Oh, well they threatened his life, so he had to sign the paper."  Mike Vick put his own life in jeopardy.  It's hard for me to feel sorry for the guy because I know he's had people telling him since his early days at Virginia Tech to change his crowd.  He didn't listen.  As I said before, he's a product of his environment.  His whole life, due to his athletic abilities, people have told him yes to everything.  Why would he not think he's invincible?  I'm still not sure he gets it.  So, I'm torn on how to feel.

Now, here is the real issue that seems to get missed in all of this.  The dog fighting is terrible, but,  honestly,  it's  what the FBI uses to garner public support for their mission by having pressure applied to the defendant(s).  The real case the FBI, and the NFL, are concerned with are the gambling rings involved that lead to organized crime and racketeering.  Make no mistake about it...this is what they're after.  The NFL is concerned for its brand, and the FBI with public chaos; but they both stem from the same underground activities that were taking place.  The NFL is scared to death that Vick and his cohorts will name a bevy of other athletes that will do irreplaceable damage to them.  It would take a great deal because the NFL is by far the biggest moneymaker in this country.  The dog fighting is absolutely terrible, and I don't think any living thing deserves that kind of treatment; but it's not the real issue the Feds are concerned with here.  In 30 seconds of fighting, your salary and mine will be wagered on one fight.  It's an extraordinary amount of cash that goes down here, and it leads to extraordinary amount of crime.

Take the NBA referee Tim Donaghy and his illegal point-shaving gambling scheme.  The FBI is just as concerned with this as they are with Vick.  The NBA and FBI are going to go after the same things here.  They will not get the same public outrage because no cruelty was involved.  The average fan thinks it's terrible, but they move on from their day.  They don't send in refs jersey's to dog kennels to be used for cleaning.

When all is said and done, Vick won't get what he deserves as far as time in prison.  However, he will get everything he deserves for the rest of his life.  As much as he had before, he will have just as much gone.  He has sacrificed literally hundreds of millions of dollars.  The Atlanta Falcons WILL go after every penny of that contract.  Nike will likely follow suit.  I don't think he realizes how deep he is in right now.  And if that weren't bad enough, his reputation is gone.  The intangibles that make him a good man are ruined.  It takes forever to build and one thing to bring it down.

Michael Vick

From now on, I’m going to begin all of my sports posts with this. Disclaimer: Sports is a business. Make no mistake about it…it is no longer the romantic American Pie we all used to know.  If you can’t separate your emotion from it, then you can’t discuss the situation.

I gave this story a 48-hour period to cool from emotion and fire it created in Atlanta; and then I gave Michael Vick, the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons time to respond formally. The NFL and the Falcons finally did yesterday, so here is my take on the situation.

I absolutely adore how sports bring people together on the field. I believe between the lines it is the one place where the fans and athletes can stay pure because outside the lines it’s just business. You don’t put money on your favorite team, you don’t cry when they trade your favorite player and you don’t draft your hometown hero on your fantasy team. I’m not a Falcons fan, but I saw a few games at the Georgia Dome last year. Like any other arena, it’s amazing to see people of all types in unison cheering on one team. It gives a break to reality. However, the power and essence of sports can just as quickly bring the country backwards. The OJ Trial is an easy example. Books are still being written about its social implications to this day. Fifteen years later, we now have Mike Vick.

 Race
It’s no surprise that the first thing people jumped on was the race bandwagon with this one. It’s the easy and ignorant target…always is. This is not a racially motivated instance. I don’t know what else to say. It just isn’t. Look at the facts. No, really look at the here. If you haven’t read the facts, then you can’t speak about the topic. You can see the entire 18-page document. He tortured and killed a dog by soaking it in water and then electrocuting it. They beat dogs to death. Now, pick a superstar NFL player of another race…Peyton Manning, Troy Polamalu, Drew Brees, Tedy Bruschi…anyone of these men would be facing the same thing Mike Vick is right now.

The Law versus NFL/NFLPA

I’m so sick of hearing, “he’s innocent until proven guilty.” This has become a tag line for people who refuse to acknowledge that there needs to be accountability in a situation. People don’t even know what it means. That line is representative of the government’s stance to make sure you receive a fair trial by a jury of your peers and aren’t just put in jail never to come out. It doesn’t mean that you’re not guilty. The court of public opinion proves that.

I’m no great legal mind, but I definitely understand the basics. Unfortunately, as a whole we are ignorant when it comes to the process. I have no choice but to invoke the genius from the movie Men in Black here when Tommy Lee Jones is talking to Will Smith,

“A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Everything they've ever "known" has been proven to be wrong. A thousand years ago everybody knew as a fact, that the earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew that the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on it. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow.”

I’m not sure it can be said much better than that. I’ve heard stupid things from sports radio callers such as, It’s a conspiracy. They messed up the 2000 election. They let Scooter Libby go, so now they’re looking for their next big name. Um, what? This man proved the quote above. The federal government has over a 90% success rate when it comes to convictions. That means they don’t indict unless it’s a slam dunk.

When it comes to the NFL, it is not a public forum. It is a private company. They don’t care what you think. Their first commitment is to protect the “shield”. If I had a multi-BILLION dollar investment and the most popular sports franchise EVER, then I would do everything to protect its integrity. Make no mistake about it. The NFLPA is completely on board with every decision the NFL has made thus far. They can’t protect Vick anymore. I would say the majority of players agree with what the NFL is doing. Very few quotes are coming out from players unless they play for the Falcons. The ones that have said something have been pretty ignorant statements such as Clinton Portis and Emmitt Smith. The NFL is nearly 80% black. The NFLPA president, Gene Upshaw, is a former star black player; so I would say they have above average representation. I haven’t heard him cry for racism. 

Hunting versus Dog Fighting
This one is a close second for me behind racism as far as the ignorant statements. On an average day, PETA gets on my nerves about this one. But with this players and critics are getting on my nerves. For whatever reason, a dog is a domesticated animal and a deer is not. As long as you hunt and eat what you hunt, then you’re ok. How do you think people ate before large grocery store chains ran the country? They hunted. Some people don’t live in areas with such grocery stores, so how do they eat? They hunt. Before you judge, how many times did you eat a steak or a piece of chicken this week? It was killed for you. Why is that ok?

I love Joe Horn because of his heart and the work he did for the people of New Orleans before, during and after Katrina; but I only agree with maybe half of what he says. Some of it is ignorant…especially when he speaks in the 3^rd person. This week he tried to prove his point by saying, “Aren’t all animals created equal?”  WHAT? Did you just say that? I need another whole post just for that question alone.

Utopia and Michael Vick
I’m not going too deep into larger social issues here, but unfortunately Mike Vick is a product of his environment. He is just completely ignorant as to what he has been doing this whole time and now it’s too late. It has taken all of this for him to finally see what is wrong. And make no mistake about it, he still doesn’t think it’s wrong…he just doesn’t want to get into trouble. He lacks accountability for his actions. It aggravates me. He has $130 million alone from his playing contract that he can make if he accepts the relatively easy responsibilities that go along with it. Like it or not, one of the responsibilities is that he’s the face of the franchise and must tote the line. Don’t want to do that, then don’t sign the paper. Mr. Vick you can’t have it both ways. You tried and it has caught up with you. As much as you think you own your life, if you threaten the validity of the “shield,” then you will lose. You have an average playing career of 3 years. You are not bigger than the game. There are others’ livelihoods at stake. This has already been proven with Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson. In both cases, the NFLPA has been satisfied with Roger Goodell’s decision making. They don’t want their league to catch the bad image that others possess. They care about their livelihood.

I’m not an apologist for Vick, but he is a victim of what he’s grown up around. His brother Marcus enhances the argument too. They have been star athletes, thus they have ALWAYS been given special treatment. Every time they’ve done wrong…someone has covered it up for them. I’ve been on many teams and seen this firsthand at the high school and college level. If we treat people this way, then how can we expect them to act any different? Someone is going to pay the price eventually.

Allen Iverson and Mentoring
I’ve always been a fan of Iverson. Like many athletes, I think he doesn’t think before he speaks; but I’ve always admired his heart, and I believe him to be a good person. He has proven to be much wiser in the last few years. He has offered to mentor Vick since he’s been through it. That is awesome. It is a great idea. I would love to see a program where embattled veteran athletes take rookies under their belts to help them through tough times and prepare them to ditch their “bad friends.” However, it needs to be: I did this so don’t make the same mistakes I have…not…This is what I did and how you can get around it.

Bottom Line
I’m annoyed with Mike Vick. He HAD the privilege of not only being able to play in the top pro sports league in America, but he is one of the faces of the league. He HAD $130 million contract with the Falcons and over $200 million in endorsements. He is in danger of losing nearly 85% of that total package and that doesn’t include future potential deals. Teammates have said that Vick just wants to be back on the field. Of course, it’s all he knows…it’s all he feels comfortable doing. Now he’s being forced into an extremely unknown situation. Arthur Blanke (who has done more than he ever needed to for Vick’s career) will never let him put on a Falcons uniform again. I’m not certain the NFL will ever let him put on ANY uniform again.  Think about that.  If you were 27 and what you love to do and get paid for is completely stripped from you.

iPhone Follow-Up: Network Choice

I recently wrote about the Apple iPhone release and my predictions/concerns for the product.  One of my concerns was why Apple (a great brand) chose at&t (a largely confused brand) to handle its coverage.  An article from Business Week here presents some nice light to the question.

Paul Krugman and New York Times Hypocrisy

I have trouble reading any newspaper these days, and (after going through Katrina) I take what I see on any cable news outlet with a huge grain of salt.  The only newspaper I read with any regularity now is the Wall Street Journal.  It always seems to attack issues from a business standpoint rather than always a political one.  I live in Atlanta, and I think it's one of the worst papers in the country as far as always being extreme left (they do have a great Sports section though).  Of course, the standard for these papers is and probably always will be the New York Times.  Talk about a prime example of a stubborn brand that used to stand for something strong has now become weak and transparent.

Part of the problem is that the people creating the stories live in a box.  They live in a world on paper.  It's the equivalent of a baseball beat writer following a team never having played baseball, understood baseball or watched baseball. All they want are answers so they can create a story of what exists in their minds and feed it out to the thousands, maybe millions reading it. They've become blinded by the quick fix and dollar causing them to lose their integrity to report the news.

This Monday past, I was watching CNBC's Morning Call which interviewed NYT's columnist Paul Krugman (watch it here).   The topic was Rupert Murdoch's media conglomerate News Corp's bid to takeover the WSJ publication.  Krugman is a wormy guy that looks and sounds like he's been in a lab writing formulas all day.  In his interview, he shows clearly his disdain for News Corp's bid of the WSJ.  That's fine.  I get that.  I share Krugman's view in that it could be serious conflict of interest if it becomes the right-wing version of the NYT; however, Murdoch is very savvy when it comes to running a media outlet (probably the best in his age group); however, if I were a shareholder then I would have faith that he wouldn't screw up what works for the WSJ.  They have a very unique position in the landscape of newspapers…having said that, Murdoch is human.

The initial concern Krugman has is where our POVs cease to agree.  One of the first things he mentions on the video is how FOX has a right wing bias, etc and that would carryover onto the WSJ.  When I watch cable news on a story, I usually take in MSNBC, FOX and CNN.  On the news front, I don't find a huge bias from one side to the next.  It's a huge marketing scheme on all sides, and they love that this is a topic of discussion.  Regardless, why is the man so worried about this bias if it did happen? From a readership perspective, he is a columnist for the largest liberal newspaper in the country.  Isn't our country supposed to be about hearing various sides of an issue and finding common ground? That seems hypocritical to me. It’s like the kid in school who takes his ball and goes home if he doesn’t win.

The NYT should be ashamed for making Krugman their face on TV.  The man looked scared.  Liz Clayman (the hostess) was not exactly asking difficult questions, and the man couldn't help but to just focus on his disdain for FOX News Channel.  He is blind by his viewpoints and yet we consider him an educated voice.  How can anyone be educated that can't at least try to see different viewpoints? To me, I consider it ignorant.  As I said, he's a lab geek.  He has no idea about how a business is run and doesn't give Mr. Murdoch enough credit.  Murdoch inherited some small shares of a newspaper and ton of debt from his father in 1952.  He now runs one of the largest (and most successful) media conglomerates in the world.  The man knows what he's doing and is dynamic enough, even at 76, to change with the times. Krugman shows no respect for this fact.

The rest of the interview is basically doing what he can to discredit FOX News as a legitimate new source.  I'm not making this up...his evidence was a polling to suggest that as the Iraq War has turned away from Republican favor then FOX covers it less.  Truth be told, many (right and left and regardless of news outlet) are aggravated with the way the war has been executed, and Americans have become empathetic so they're not watching as much. Therefore, the news outlets aren't covering as much.  To illustrate his example, he cited that FOX News had three times the coverage of Anna Nicole Smith's death than any other channel.  Ms. Clayman quickly interjected that ALL the networks covered this.  It's true.  I was sick of it.  Outside of saying that she died, I don't understand all of the hype.  CNN's Larry King had Paris Hilton's first interview out of jail.  Again, I don't know who cares, but Krugman never mentioned that.

I read the WSJ and like the position it takes.  I'm interested to see how the new FOX business channel turns out.  Note that the new FOX channel is taking direct aim at CNBC and Ms. Clayman stayed true to the interview. Krugman tried to turn the tables and she wouldn't let it happen.  That is journalistic integrity and savvy.  That's the way it should be. Maybe the NYT should hire her.  Although, I doubt they have the insight or the guts to do it.  Now, I think it would be much more entertaining for Murdoch to skip the WSJ buy and buy the NYT.  I'd love to see a column from Krugman after he gets a paycheck from his new boss! Of course, he’d probably grab his pen and go home.

Predictions: iPhone

Anyone that knows me is aware that I'm a huge Apple fan.  The first computer my dad put me on was an Apple II back in the day.  I lost touch with the company until my freshman year of college when I worked on a Mac network. It was around the time that Apple released the first iMacs and brightly colored iBooks.  Steve Jobs has been great at turning Apple around and making it a player once more.  Enough has been written about that over the past 10 years.  Under his leadership, not only has Apple been great at reinventing itself, but it has learned from their mistakes...unlike Sony.  For instance, the iPod.  They made it available to Mac and Windows users whereas the Apple of old would have made it Mac only.  Recently, they have made iTunes Plus which will let users share music without restriction.

I've been waiting for awhile to write about the iPhone, so I figured I'd wait till the hype was at its peak and then scribble.  Well, tomorrow is the day.  And as I sit here in the

Atlanta

airport waiting to hit NYC, I'm seeing about every 3rd person with an iPod and every 2nd person with a cell phone/Bluetooth ear piece attached to their heads.  Apple has finally put a true convergence of these two together...the Motorola ROKR didn't count.  The screen is the latest technology to hit the consumer markets and it's reported to be remarkably easy to use (check out WSJ's Walter Mossberg for the latest preview).  The idea of the 'true' Internet and not a dumbed-down version of it and is supposed to be fantastic.  You've seen the commercials, so you know what you're looking forward to seeing.  My two favorite things to follow are business and sports.  Within the professional realm of both, I've learned to detach emotion from both (unfortunate reality of pro sports).   I have an old G4 Powerbook, an iMac, 2-iPods and am a shareholder (bought it at $35...YEAH!). Needless to say, I'm emotionally involved with Apple, but my parents always taught me tough love.

I'm a strong believer in waiting past the first generation (1G) of anything before purchasing.  I waited until the 3G iPod before I bought one, 2G iMac, the 3G of my current car, etc.  The Blackberry Pearl was the most recent major 1G purchase I've made in a long time.  There are several reasons I always follow this rule such as money, bugs, etc.  However, as I type there are lines wrapped around at&t and Apple stores nationwide with people in the cult.  Thank God for these people.  I will never be the one standing outside for tickets, toys, standing outside the movies for the next Harry Potter or whatever; but those the people that help create the market and drive new technology.  Apple is limiting to 2 per customer.  I'm excited that I will happen to be in NYC tomorrow to see all of this unfold.  My friend Darren Herman said that people have lined up 4-days in advance in

Manhattan

!

Having said that, here are my predictions for the iPhone:

SHORT TERM...From a functionality perspective, I think most people's expectations will probably be exceeded and surprised.  People see the ease of a new product on TV and usually think about the burgers at their favorite restaurant that never quite looks like the picture. 

The gadget geeks will be more than satisfied with their product, but I don't think Apple will hit the corporate customers as hard they are expecting and that includes the usual trendy small business owners.  Unfortunately, Microsoft Outlook still rules the day as a personal organizer and there is no option to sync with this program like there are with Blackberry and Treo.  Any webmails such as Gmail and Yahoo won't be a problem, but most companies of any size don't use this.  

A major surprise I've had is Apple's partnerships with at&t, and the reason is I've not been impressed with much at&t has done from a customer service or innovation perspective; whereas, for the most part, I've had the exact opposite experience with Apple. Their Genius Bars in their stores are just that...genius.  Their open discussion forums online and phone tech support is just wonderful.  They have become a leading poster child for the 'customer experience.' Everything at&t and Cingular in this realm was (and still is) absolutely terrible.  Regardless of Apple's intentions, will customers be able to differentiate the two when they start having problems?  My 18-year old sister can go into an at&t store right now and ask a question about a phone and most likely get someone her age that doesn't know and/or doesn't care....she can go into an Apple store and get someone of any age to help with any product with passion.

$500?  They did this with the 1G iPod which kept me from it.  $60...the data plan and only 450 minutes…if it ran on the 3G network maybe Skype would be a great option here.   Sony is having a rough time with their PS3 and in close danger of losing many loyal users.  There are many factors but one of them is the high price tag.  Sony has had the same problem with their PSP and have come down to the level of the Nintendo DS.  Will Apple duplicate?  Likely not, the market will drive their price down just like the hundreds of MP3 players did for the iPod. 

WiFi support is lacking as a whole and the phone will run on an older EDGE technology.  It's hard for me to imagine taking full advantage of the iPhone capabilities on the EDGE network...I know because my

Pearl

runs on it.  I'm almost wondering if it's a better idea to pay $29.99 a month for T-Mobile's Hotspot program rather than at&t's $60 data plan.  To me, there are more Starbucks/Borders/Barnes and Nobles etc. with Hotspots (see article on T-Mobile's Tripe Threat) than there are random WiFi networks. 

LONG TERM...I'm curious to see what this does for the cannibalization of Apple's iPod.  I'm sure they have it in the plan, since they have 80% market share; but I'm anxious to see it unfold.

Since the addition of iTunes plus now allows users the share music freely and other companies such as RIM begin to push the envelope of smart phones, will Apple lose their dominant position on the music industry.  There are already touch screens out there much more advanced than the one being released tomorrow. 

Does Apple have a plan to become the Google of the hardware world? Basically buying companies and putting them on a shelf to keep them from competing. 

I haven't heard many speak about it, but this will be the first form of iPod with Bluetooth.  So, yes people will be sharing music, but think about the opening for advertisers and user-generated media.  I'm excited about this because we could begin to see some pretty funky stuff.

BOTTOM LINE:  I'm excited about the release and anxious to hear about the new experiences.  I have faith in Apple but not at&t, so I think whatever goes wrong will be taken care of; and I'm pretty sure I'll become a 2G/3G user.

Praise Inflation

I can't take credit for coining the term praise inflation seen in the title.  The credit goes to Mr. Jeffrey Zaslow of the WSJ.  Having said that, I did pick up (AKA click to) the article read it and 'borrow' the title...so can I please have my damn cookie now?  I'll be out to lunch in a few hours...can you please make sure there is an applause note from my celebration assistant on my desk?  Please don't ruin my day by disappointing me because I'm having dinner with my uber-attractive girlfriend tonight on my ego-lifting dinnerware.

No, I'm not this much of an ass...or maybe I am?  I am from the same generation the article titled, "The Most-Praised Generation Goes to Work," mentions.  Twentysomethings are now coming into their own in the workforce.  Some right out of college, some seemingly hot shot MBAs...they expect praise for everything they've done.  I've mentioned several times in the past about crippling people with such low standards of achievement.  Employers and professors are finding it necessary to compliment every little thing that students/young workers are doing today for fear that they might damage their already fragile ego.  According to Zaslow, major corporations, like Bank of America, are hiring consultants to teach older managers how to deal with the sensitive younger crowd.  Or for instance, the Scooter Store and Container Store:
"The 1,000-employee Scooter Store Inc., a power-wheelchair and scooter firm in New Braunfels, Texas, has a staff "celebrations assistant" whose job it is to throw confetti -- 25 pounds a week -- at employees. She also passes out 100 to 500 celebratory helium balloons a week. The Container Store Inc. estimates that one of its 4,000 employees receives praise every 20 seconds, through such efforts as its "Celebration Voice Mailboxes."
Those two examples are so ridiculous that I couldn’t' paraphrase it.  My initial thought was, "You must be kidding me!!"  However after thinking about it, like the kids coached by Dr. Phil, I'm going to blame the parents.  I really want to blame my peers believe me, but everything is usually someone else's fault (insert sarcasm). 

When I think about it, I'm not really surprised.  We have completely coddled our youth.  The pattern is evident.  (Here comes sports analogies.) When my dad was in high school in the 60's, they got a trophy in basketball for championships only...there was no second place trophy.  When I was young (in the 80's) playing soccer/basketball, everyone received a trophy.   In tournaments, medals were awarded to 1st/2nd place teams.  Now, my godson (7) plays baseball in a league in which everyone gets to bat once regardless of the number of outs.  The poor kids must be sorely confused when they watch the games on TV; and they must be even more upset when they realize how wrong they were about the rules of the game and require a hug to get over their initial shock.

Seriously, a basic human need exists for encouragement, but it should be used as a way to increase drive therefore increasing self-worth/confidence. Instead, we have turned encouragement into a crutch that is required for someone to function on a daily basis.  It's almost impossible for me to blame my generation though because the majority has been raised so weak that as soon as something doesn't go their way, they fold up like a cell phone. The strength of character is extremely low.  It's so blatantly obvious today.  I don't watch American Idol, but Simon Cower from the show is the perfect example.  I've never understood why everyone hates him.  He tells it like it is and people simply can't handle it.  They cry on stage.  My job requires me to do many presentations.  When my President has the time to come with me, I invite him to accompany me.  He would come anyway, but I'm proactive in my approach because I want to improve based on actual merit and not fluffy compliments.  As soon as we get out of a presentation, I immediately inquire as to what areas I need to improve on and how to do it.  The man has twenty years on me...the best thing I can possibly do is listen.  I'm no saint, but one thing I realized (too late as most of us do) is that the best thing I can do is listen.  I realized this in my early twenties, and I truly believe it's contributed to my success.  I've proven to myself because as I've gotten older I've had to work harder to listen and noticed that when I don't tasks can be harder to accomplish.  I'm no one to talk about being sensitive.  Anyone that knows me, probably is aware that I can be quick to get down on myself if I hear something negative and sometimes I will 'fish' to get myself back up. It's important to realize it and take control of it.  If I got down on myself every time I didn't get praise for something, then I'd literally be checked into a clinic on medication right now.  People now want credit for things they're supposed to do.  Chris Rock said it best, "I take care of my kids! Hey, Dummy!. You're supposed to take care of your kids!" I never been to jail!  So what do you want? A cookie!!"

This really scares me because I do plan to run my own company one day, and I will be in charge of these so-called men and women.  I don't think I will be good at this coddling thing, but I need to be because most don't know any better.  And maybe I won't get the smartest cookies in the jar, but honestly I'd rather have the average guy/girl with a heart and character.

I truly believe it all goes back to the parents where your foundation is laid.  It doesn't have anything to do with video games, music or movies.  It has to do with the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis...your parents are the first ones you're surrounded with.  Of course, I'll have a chance to walk the walk when I have kids of my own.  I can only hope and pray that there is someone around to pat my back each time I tell my kids how godlike they are.

Don't Be Fooled

Disclaimer: 'You' below refers to all of the old guard trying to run our media world and influence our thoughts.

I received a good amount of feedback (my sincerest thanks) to my post about the happenings surrounding Don Imus and the Rutgers basketball team.  Apparently, most people share the same view, which gives me some hope for all of us. 

Yesterday, I was able to "find" an email that was sent by Les Moonves, CEO of CBS, to the company.  In it, he basically said that: ...they decided to cancel Imus completely, that he has heard the many diverse voices of the company, that this has weighed heavily on the minds of the decision makers, that CBS is truly concerned about the minds of young people, yada, yada, yada.  TRANSLATION: WE WERE GOING TO LET THIS BLOW OVER, BUT WE ARE GUTLESS AND OUR ADVERTISERS ARE SCARED, SO WE MUST FIRE DON IMUS.

Lesson #1: Outside of the executive level, CBS won't fire anyone unless it's related to race or sexual harassment.  Why?  Because those things are all threats to their share price. 

Lesson #2: Those diverse voices were the decision makers they heard were that of CBS' board.  Go see CBS at the SEC...it's not too diverse.  It's a bunch of multi-millionaires (and one billionaire (Redstone) that run the global media landscape by creating problems, so they can make bills, bills, bills.

Lesson #3 (2nd MOST IMPORTANT): Don't try to tell us (young people) what you are trying to do for us.  You have done absolutely nothing except CRIPPLE us further.  I guarantee you no one, including the

Rutgers

women's team, could've cared less about Don Imus until last week.  Now, the only reason we care is because there is nothing else on TV, radio, podcast, blogs, hell I can't even watch ESPN without seeing this crap.  Unlike the bored CBS board, our younger generation has things to do like get an education, listen and follow real leaders/mentors and work our way up to take your position, so that we can make the future of this country bright again.

Lesson #3a: I mentioned hypocrisy in my last post through hip-hop and Imus' comments. Talk about hypocrisy from Moonves at CBS.  CBS is technically split from Viacom, but Sumner Redstone is still the chairman of both.  Viacom owns more youth influence properties than any other media outlet around the globe, and they are constantly showing things that affect the youth of today.  Am I concerned?  No in the least.  Fortunately, my generation is much savvier than the decision makers running both CBS and Viacom give us credit for.

Lesson #4 (THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR LAST): Video game violence is not killing other people, hip-hip is not killing other people and Don Imus's comments are not fueling racism (or at least they weren't until you made an issue out of it)...people do these things.  The bottom line is ACCOUNTABILITY.  Each generation is more savvy and fast-paced than the previous one, and this trend will continue as long as time runs.  My generation is beginning to make headway into being the next leaders in this country.  I want us to work towards not "babying" the generations that follows us.  We need to set a path toward moving forward not living in the past.  So many great things have come out of the Baby Boomer generation.  It's unfortunate that they are now disregarding everything they fought for 40 years ago.  In general, it was a fight for choices and equality, and we are better for it.  Now, they are trying to send us back, so they can have control!  They are trying to control the way we think.  Let us be independent.  We are much more intelligent than you think.  Give us some credit...let us fail, so that we can learn.  It's ok.  We're not going to break.  Let us fight and earn our voice.  Stop thinking that what has been best for you is best for us.  You grew up in a racist/sexist world...you help to change it...we are evolving it.   It all goes back to Politics, Silliness and Sex.

"Got some dirt on my shoulder, could you dust it off for me?" -Jay-Z

Dumb, Bored and/or Both?

Several months ago, I wrote about Politics, Silliness and Sex.  It was my take on the great strides we've made in weakening our society.  The amount of time we waste going over pointless minutia...today we found out who the real father of Anna'a baby was.  Wonderful...report it, put it on the ticker and move on.  Do I really have to see a 5-panel discussion on this?  Who cares...seriously?  Is it that big of a deal?  I didn't get the 5 weeks of coverage after her death either.  I, along with a few other million people, remember seeing her in Playboy when she was 19.   Can we just keep that there?

However, the reason I am writing this one is about the comments made on the Rutgers women's basketball team by Don Imus.  For the record, I don't like Imus in the least, and I'm mad at Rutgers for knocking out my LSU Lady Tigers.  I was hoping that this would die after a day, but I've never been that lucky.

People are so quick to jump on a box kill whoever makes a mistake.  Mr. Imus' show has been the same format for years...all of a sudden it's a big deal.  And why?  Because it was a slow newsweek.  One of the players was asked what she thought about the comments right after they lost the in the Final Four.  The comment was along the lines of, "It's no big deal.  He's just another voice." She's right.  This kind of talk goes on all the time.    We can't go nuts every time a comment is made.  Do I think his comment were offensive...yes.  But before we all want the guy's head, remember the arena and context where it was said.  This was not a news report or professional commentary.  This was a radio program like Howard Stern or whatever other wacky local morning talk show is out there.

The reason we find jokes funny is because they contain a truth.  It's all in the presentation and the context.  We have all sat around with our friends at a bar, a park, watching TV, whatever and made a joke that probably would not have been made in the general public.  Yes, Imus has a bigger stage but how the hell can we come down on these people when we do it ourselves?  And another thing, if it's that big of a deal when someone does something, then why does a simple non-emotional apology clear the air?

The thing that bothers me most of all are the activist groups.  I swear these people cause us to completely regress as a nation.  Their business is making sure that their cause remains a victim and people either refuse to see that or don't want to see it.  Al Sharpton is bad, but I usually find Jesse Jackson and Julian Bond much worse.  They're referred to as black leaders...why not black IGNOBLE leaders?    Imus called the Rutgers team "...nappy-headed, hoes."  So then, why not come down on Sean Carter (AKA Jay-Z) or Chris Bridges (AKA Ludacris)?  I guarantee you that they discuss worse topics than this, refer to women in more derogatory terms than that and degrade their own race repeatedly.  Odd, that doesn't seem to bother them.  Rutgers has a press conference over this.  I'm in the age group of the team that played, and I guarantee that if their iPods were checked some of this music has made it on there.  They were listening to it before they warmed up each game and all of a sudden they're offended...please.  I love Jay-Z, so I'm confessing...cast your stones at me.  I'm white, and I repeatedly listen to music that uses the N-word.  A word so bad that I would more than willingly say fuck on my blog but can't even make my fingers type the fomer one.  I don't want to hear the argument about the team or the rappers that, "It's ok because they're black."  I don't think so.  It's the game of life and life ain't fair, but we need to call it both ways.  We are Americans.  We are supposed to be one.  Isn't that what we've been fighting for, "One Nation Under God?"  We take it for granted, and we need to work to become great once more.

So my question is, "Are we dumb, bored and/or both?"   

McStarbucks??

I was in one of the two Starbucks (there could be another and I haven't found it yet...the place is big) in Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta yesterday.  While I'm waiting for my drink, a man commented to me, "Everytime I go into one of these, they're packed."

"Yeah, someone knew something before we did huh?" I responded. I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was making small talk and not just coming to this realization. 

On my most recent trip to KC, I was reading the Business Week cover story on McDonald's from the week 2/5.  It is good summarization of the re-marketing process the Golden Arches have undertaken.  The first major push they made was with the whole "I'm Loving It" campaign, which I thought was a poor attempt.  However, they have surprised me with a few things like finally accepting debit/credit cards and more importantly pushing their franchisees to run 24/7.  It discussed how corporate is slowing down their real estate acquisitions, which immediately brought Starbucks to my mind. 

Starbucks is in the process of getting breakfast added to their menus.  Within the past year, their prepackaged lunches have become consistent sights in the land of green straws.  We  can find green umbrellas in some of the most prime real estate in the world today...sometimes two or three on one piece of property.  Mr. Schultz and his team are some smart Java chips; but I wonder if they're beginning to run out of real estate and beginning to try to figure new ways to reinvent themselves.  I hope they don't force the issue through the food though.  I'm hesitant to agree with this strategy.

I remember when I spent countless hours studying/writing at Starbucks; and when I finally wore the green apron.  The one thing that was constantly being preached is that they provide an atmosphere for coffee drinkers to enjoy various beverages.  Still, lunches are offered, it is not the reason Starbucks are always packed...it's the atmosphere they've created.  The sense that it's a place for people like you.  I worry that the addition of lunch, breakfast, etc. will begin to blur what they are.  They will become the next McDonald's, which is outstanding for all the partners and shareholders! Therefore, I'm not saying that would be a bad thing; but I forsee some increased in adaption by Starbucks and their large client base.

It also begs the question: Who will be the next Starbucks?  Many thought the coffee craze was over.  Well, if the niche becomes blurred, will they seek out a new nook in the coffee world? Maybe it will just be small coffee chains in general...maybe a powerful conglomerate that gobbles up smaller franchises to make a network. 

Spirit of New Orleans

Last night, I watched my New Orleans Saints defeat the Philadelphia Eagles from a bar in Kansas City.  I was receiving text messages from my friend Doug while he was in the Superdome.  The whole bar was in the corner of New Orleans.  It was a nice little atmosphere.  The game was excellent playoff football.  Both teams showed resiliency which provided for a back and forth affair with few mistakes.  The atmosphere sounded electric over the TV so I can't imagine how crazy it was next to 68,000 people that showed up.  I could only hear about it afterward.

My friend Doug called me to tell me about the game.  I asked him if the inside of the Dome was anything like the atmosphere during the Saints first playoff win in 2000 or the reopening of the Dome against the Falcons.  He said that the atmosphere was ten times as electric.  At the time, he had no idea where they were going out but that there was basically a pilgrimage of people headed to Bourbon Street from the Dome. 

My first football season away from home has been in Atlanta.  There aren't too many people there cheering for the Saints during the season, so I've gotten a blurred image of what the rest of the country is thinking about the Saints.  Last night was evident to me that the entire country really is back the city of New Orleans.  And the Saints are making it easy for them because they illustrate a team effort.  The team oozes leadership from the top down.  Deuce McAllister was the man to display it last night.  He and the lineman pushing the pile over 5 yards for a touchdown yesterday just showed the heart and the faith that the team owns.

The Saints are in the NFC Championships for the first time in their history.  Chicago or Seattle...I don't care...I just want to be fortunate enough to see this unit play together again.

Gator CHOMP!

There won't be too many times that I will discuss my pleasure with the Florida Gators seeing how I am an LSU fan.  I was pulling for them in the BCS National Title Game versus Ohio State tonight.  The reason is because the SEC is a whole another level when it comes to college football, and I really get tired of them being looked at as overrated when teams disprove repeatedly.  The SEC does not ever get the respect it deserves.  Tonight proved it because OSU just looked plain slow. Notre Dame was out of its element against LSU.   In the 9 BCS Championship games that have taken place, an SEC team has only played in 3 of those games and they've won all 3...TN, LSU and FL.  When it comes to strength of schedule, more attention needs to be paid when it comes to the brutal SEC schedule that gets played every year. 

It's been fun watching LSU and UF this year...both have Final Four appearances and both have major BCS bowl appearances.  But, what a year for UF.  A NCAA Men's Basketball and Football Championship in the same year.  That's impressive, here are my congratulations!  I'm doing the chomp tonight.

New Traditions

Recently, I wrote about how new beginnings/traditions can be a cool thing which scares most of us.  At some level, we are all scared to get outside that little box in which we live.  The unknown has always had such a powerful aura to it.  Humans want to know but they don't.  I can think of several common situations in life where this applies.  It all goes back to fear and wonder. 

Last year, I wrote about Christmas being so different because the things we were thankful for had changed so much due to Katrina.  This year was so different because life was all new.  New house...errr new place to live in an old house, new job for my dad and the new choices in colleges.  So much has changed in the past year for my family.  By far, the most has changed for my parents and younger sister.  The only thing my siblings and I really have to deal with at this point is how we can best make life easier on those three.

It was interesting watching everyone communicate under closer surroundings.  Our former house was very open and spread out, so everyone is used to being able to go and do their own thing if necessary.  The new place is much more close knit and intimate.  It is a little like living on a reality TV series...I think.  It's just those little things we used to forget to be thankful for.  For instance having friends over used to require just going to another part of the house and now it's required to schedule a room a finding a way to discuss things at a reasonable volume so as not to disturb others.  It's going out with my friends in New Orleans and coming in late.  Whereas I used to be able to enter the house and get to my room without disturbing anyone.  This no longer exists.  I have to put force behind the front door to open it so that makes noise; and then, walking up the stairs echoes through the whole house so I walk carefully trying to be considerate of those sleeping.  It's just plain interesting.  The family is adapting well though, and I'm happy to see it.

My dad began has been hard at his new job for a month now.  It's been educational for me because I've grown up just watching him be the boss.  Now, he reports to someone else; but I think it's what he really was looking for because it offers him a way to continue working without having to be sole responsible person.  He's head of business development for an engineering firm.  So basically, he has returned to the roots of what he loves and what he's good at...engineering and networking.  All he has to do is do what he loves and has no worries about other employees, etc. 

Interestingly enough the biggest stress relief as a result of the new house is the yard.  I'm sure everyone will relate to this on some level.  I'm convinced that one of the sole reasons my parents decided to have 4 children is because they knew they would need help around the house!  I remember growing up cleaning our yard on the weekend was an all day affair and my mom is anal about it...nothing was ever finished.  The yard used to require coordination, walkie-talkies and motivation.  Now, it just requires like 45 minutes and two people.  Honestly, between my mom, dad, younger brother and I at times we found ourselves standing around looking for things to do because sometimes there just isn't enough yard.  I could see in everyone's actions.  Each of use was looking for something else that could have been done, but there was nothing.  It's kind of like that TV you have to move.  Yeah, two people would be nice, but it's just easier to move by yourself.  I mentioned it and we all kind of laughed the situation.  I think that's going to be the biggest stress relief on my parents...the yard and upkeep has been reduced by about 92%. 
Anyway, things are coming back into the city.  I was really glad to spend time with my friends and family.  I made the most of it and probably went out more in 10 days then I ever have in my life.  My dad has a new job, my mom is experiencing relief for the first time in a while, my younger sister is about to graduate and entertaining scholarship offers, my younger brother is now academic All-American for LSU football, my older sister's family is doing outstanding and looking beautiful and I'm doing what I love in Atlanta. 

The city of New Orleans is coming back slowly but surely on so many fronts.  The city has Fleur-de-lis fever.  I guess things do happen for a reason...sometimes.

My Black Friday

Black Friday is famously known as the day after Thanksgiving melee of Christmas shopping sprees. Even though it sounds like a doomed day, it is meant to be a win-win for everyone involved. Shopper save some cash on all their gifts, and the retailers go from red to black.

For some of us, this day is a real day of relaxation; since, for some, the Thanksgiving can involve lots of traveling, organizing children and fake socializing with family members. It can be exhausting. The weekend from Thursday through Sunday is downright a great football weekend. For my family, it was nice as we saw the LSU Tigers knock off the Arkansas Razorbacks and the New Orleans Saints once again dominate the Atlanta Falcons. However, the team that inspired me the most on that weekend was my family.

For what seems to be about the tenth time in the past fifteen months, we came together to help one another get through a difficult time. The task at hand that week was the help my parents move out of the house in which we spent the past twenty years of our lives growing up. The house had become exactly what my parents had wanted it to be. It was an open house where everyone was always welcome. It was a place that their children and friends would always feel they had a place no matter how far from they were. While it was something that was going to happen in the next three to five years, the sudden forced nature of the sale left a bittersweet taste on all of our palettes. The original plan was for my parents to build a smaller house on a nearby lot and then sell the current house as the time came. Hurricane Katrina has given us so many reality checks and this is just one more.

So many times we think we can control what goes on in the day to day. The more I look back at what has happened, the more I think how ridiculous this notion is. I think the only thing we really might be able to control is our character development which is built on our reaction to life’s unforeseen circumstances. It’s like my friend Ian says, “Everything happens for a reason so why worry?” Soon after the Hurricane, I even called Ian out on it because I couldn’t understand why all these things were just ‘meant to happen’ to my family, friends and all the good people of New Orleansthat I knew. I felt bad for putting Ian on the spot as I did. It wasn’t the right move, but I did make an effort to heed his word. While I think it’s oversimplified, many have dispersed this knowledge. As a man, I can tell you that this advice you used to literally make me angry. My older sister, Chenae, would always throw that at me…especially after breaking up with a girl. Something I’ve noticed in my years on this earth is that men usually need a reason (logic) to believe something more than women. Women are much better with faith than we are. I guess this leads men to the false notion that we actually have a huge say-so in what goes on in our lives. Anyway, after things had settled a bit last year and had some actually time to truly reflect, I started to realize maybe there is something to that way of thinking. I still worry often about things (because I think too much anyhow) but nearly as much as I used to do.

One of the good things that have come out the whole situation is that it has made us all less selfish and more appreciating of what we have. I think before the storm we (the kids) were secretly selfish in not wanting to see the house we grew up in taken from us. We would listen to my parents talk about how it would just be too much house to take care of without help, etc.; but I’m not quite sure we were really listening. Well, we were after this whole ordeal. If selling the house is what it was going to take to release unnecessary stress from my parents’ lives, then so be it. I think it was the toughest at times on my younger sister, Caitlyn, because she is the last one fully living under my parents’ roof; so on top of dealing with the job of being a senior in high school she had to deal with not knowing where she’d be sleeping. I can definitely appreciate her situation. If there was some family badge of courage, I would probably give it to her. I’m sure she still had the typical teenage hiccups with my parents, but I know for many kids they may not have been able to handle everything with the temperament that she displayed.

It was odd sitting down for dinner at Thanksgiving knowing that it would be the last time we all got together for a meal or holiday in that house. I could see the emotion in my parents’ eyes as they noted how grateful they were that everyone was back together in on e house one last time. The majority of my family lives nearby, but Cole is at LSU and I now live in  Atlanta ; so it’s rare that we are all together at once. I saw my father’s grasp on my mother’s shoulder tighten as he spoke. Little things such as that always seem to get to me. It amazes me that so much emotion can exist in such a little physical motion.

The move took place over a five day period. The goal was to squeeze about 8,000 square feet of house into 3,000. For one of the few times in my life, my dad told me that he didn’t have a backup plan. My dad is “Mr. Backup Plan.” On top of everything else, this left a dangling stress over everything else that was to happen over the next week (moving to closing). It was, I guess, the same as any other family move…highly stressful because there is so much to move in so little time. My parents could take their time unpacking, but the packing is the pain and it’s usually the little things that hold things up. As we moved boxes in, the house began to seemingly cave in. It was definitely going to be a lifestyle adjustment for everyone. It’s going to take awhile to get a lifetime unpacked. Again, Caitlyn would have the most to adjust to after all is done.

For the rest of the crew, it shouldn’t be that hard. My older sister has her house in town. I guess Cole and I will just have to fight for the one extra bedroom when we’re in town. So basically that means I will be on the couch, since he has about 5 inches and 100 pounds of muscle on me. My dog, Wyatt, will be in his fourth place in the past year. I think he’s good as long as he gets scratched periodically and the treats keep flowing.

I think for my parents they’re glad it’s over. It’s so bittersweet because I’m sure they would’ve like to build a smaller house than just move. They still will build the house but it may take a little time now. As I said, they would’ve just preferred to do things on their own terms.

The movers were there all day Tuesday to help move the big stuff and boxes we’d packed. I touched down in Atlanta around eight that night. I spoke to Chenae. She said several friends came over to help my mom finish up all the little things. I think there may have been a few tears shed between friends. I’m so grateful for the great friends we have…thank you. You made our lives easier and more fulfilling.

My parents closed on the 30^th. I’ll be driving home from Atlanta for Christmas and it will be to a different house…weird. I have another friend who told me how fun it is to begin new traditions. I’m looking forward to seeing the next major chapter in our lives unfold!

Showing Affection to Your Family

My friend, Ian, recently made a post about how much affection we should show our families.  I thought the comments were quite interesting.  It's neat to see how different cultures treat this subject.  You can check out his post here.

Bobby Knight...Please Leave Him Alone

Bobby Knight doesn't need me helping him defend himself.  He'll throw a chair at me or slap me in the face.  That is quite alright with me.  I've seen this 8,000 times on ESPN.  I'm sure it's aired everywhere else too.  Is this really that big of a crisis?  Michael Prince even said he had no problem with it.  Even his mom had no problem with it.  So why does everyone else?  The man needed his attention and he got it.  Knight was quoted as saying, "f I was confronted with the same set of circumstances I would do the exact same thing." 

I say, "Thank god we still have teachers in this world who are that passionate about making sure their kids understand what's important in this world."  Development of character is one of those important things and that's one of the reasons people send their kids to school.  More is learned in this world outside of books than inside of them.  The best teachers I had were the ones that brought personal insight to the class and didn't just read off of Powerpoint decks all day.  I've discussed the importance of character before and the crippling that we are doing to the youth of this country.

Maybe it's just the talking heads that have never been a part of a team before that don't quite understand from where I come.

Some Thoughts on Sony

Reading an article in the WSJ today, I can't help but wonder what the hell Sony is doing.  The console market has been for some time now the one arena where they have dominated.  They decided to come out later than Microsoft's XBOX 360 and loyal customers were willing to let that slide.  Since, they've delayed it two more times and customers were still willing to let that pass.  Now, I think they're teetering on some thin ice.  They have a limited number of units available in the U.S. and they are delaying the release in Europe until spring.  Also, they have listed some 8,000 games that will not be backwards compatible on the unit.  This wouldn't be a problem except that for a while this was seen as an advantage to the 360.  Sony had over 70% market share at the time when the XBOX 360 hit.  I'd have to think it will decline significantly.

Also, the WSJ and other outlets are guilty of comparing the 3 new consoles.  While there are 3 new consoles, it is obvious to me that only 2 are actually competing.  The Sony PS3 and the Microsoft XBOX 360.  The Nintendo Wii is not really their competitor.  Their system seems to be focused on a much different type of gamer.  The system and target seem to be reminiscent of Sega's last hardware project...the Dreamcast system.  Nintendo has done a decent job of reinventing itself over the years and have thrived because of it.  I wonder who will ultimately come out on top between Sony and Microsoft.

Midterm Elections 2006: The Young Guns

I voted yesterday for the first time since moving to Georgia.  It was a pleasant experience and I must say if every state was as efficient as this one, I don't think there would ever be voter confusion. 

I watched the results early this morning as I dressed for work.  The power has shifted for sure in the House.  I'm not sure if they have called it yet in the Senate, but it looks like it's headed that way.  However, I read yesterday's Trendcentral report this morning.  The Intelligence Group asked 18-34 year olds what their take on the elections were.  The group was not trying to gauge the country but strictly this demographic.  I was quite curious to see how my peers discussed their views on politics, since we are usually portrayed as such an apathetic group. 

I was pleasantly surprised by some of the robust answers like Tom (24, Boston) and Alissa (20, Atlanta).  I was disappointed in the likes of Carrie (29, NYC) and Alan (25, Minneapolis).  I'm disappointed in answers such as these because they clearly point out what I discussed in my previous post; but they're voting, so I'm happy about that.  Steve (28, Chicago) aggravates me not because of his answer, but of how valid his point about the portrayal of corruption is in both parties.  I would like to see people of our generation run to change this image.  I don't hear much speak about it though.

Here is a copy of the article.

Politics, Silliness and Sex

This morning I read the opinion page of the WSJ's Personal Journal (email me for a copy) section.  Three opinions in a row caught my eye because they are all cross-sections of various problems in the US today.  They are things that annoy me (and probably most Americans today), but we only hear from the few that are affected by problems today.  It seems to be what sells in the media landscape.

Politics
In this piece, it is made quite clear how close minded and weak we have all become.  The first instance that someone disagrees with our views and they are written off.  The author makes a golden quote, "People come to dinner parties not with debating points but with baseball bats. Bush is an idiot; Clinton is a liar -- end of conversation." Unfortunately, it is never that easy.  We are now so inundated with things to make our lives easier that we rarely run across confrontation.  These changes are great, but they come with a price.  Basically, we are on a constant quest to customize our lives to where nothing disagrees with our views.  It cripples us.  As soon as someone disagrees, we write them off.  The result is these extreme camps of left, right and conspiracy theorists.  I remember studying the change of political parties in college.  It's amazing how empathetic voters have become.  What's more is that fewer people are identifying with a party because it's now seen as extremism.  I think it's sad because it has breeded absolute hate.'  You can't like or dislike some of the President's policies (Bush or Clinton), but you either have to hate or love him.  Even further, I hate and find it embarrassing the blatant disrespect we have now developed for people in positions of authority.  Don't agree with someone...fine.  When did these extremest bumper stickers and t-shirts start.  Like "F the President."  I'm sorry, but things like that should only be said in times of dire hate.  I think it's so sad.  People have threatened to leave the country.  Are you kidding me?  Go, please get the hell out.  You make us weak.  How about stepping up and doing something?  The people that do things like that are all talk.

Change for Few
The second piece was about the recent firing of Jane Fernandes, who was the provost at Gallaudet University (a deaf university).  She was accused of being an audist.  Yes, because she basically said that, "People that grow up in a hearing family has learning advantages to those that don't."   The majority of people can hear and most things in this country are conducive to that.  We have excellent learning environments for people that have hearing disabilities.  Many people made great strides in the past to make sure these learning centers and schools were made available.  In my eyes, these people do their elders a disgrace because now they're searching for something.  I think anyone who says that she doesn't understand because she's not one of them is diluted.  The woman is deaf.  She has been accused of not being 'deaf enough.'  To me, that's the equivalent of being, as the author states, of not being 'black enough.'  I had a professor, that was black, in college tell us this in a class.  All of the white kids didn't get it and all of the black kids got it and thought it was stupid.  I have  feeling most of the deaf people in this world feel the same and are embarrassed.  Of course, instead of the board taking a stand, they fired her.  We're so unbelievably sensitive. 

Sex...
...Austin Powers once said, "Yes, please."  Not that kind, I'm talking about gender here.  This piece was written by Christine Whelan.  She is a young writer that just released a book called, "Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women."  I haven't read the book yet, but the subject matter is long overdue.  It basically shows the various reasons why marriage is not in decline, but people are waiting longer and making smarter decisions about who they marry.  The ideas of the past (think Sex and the City...which I love) is that men are threatened by successful women.  I have long thought, and she proves, it that this is bogus.  It may have been true for the generation of men that had to adapt to that change during an era when women really started to make their strides.  However, I have to think that this has not been the mainstream thinking by men in 20 probably closer to 30 years at least.  Many relationships that I witness (good and bad) all want the best for their spouse.   If the relationship is good, then who cares who makes the most money.  If it's good, it won't matter.  The women that feel this way are either insecure or experiencing it.  The men that are doing this are insecure....get over it.  Both genders have their strengths and weaknesses, so focus on them together.  Again, I feel that the majority of men and women get this.  I think it's the minority of people that make us all look bad.

Summary
I get annoyed with how soft we've become.  I'm not an old person from an older generation.  I'm 25 and very much in the mix.   I look at my nephew's (age 7) sporting events.  They don't keep score and everyone gets a trophy.  It's just a microcosm of our society...so, so sad.  Good experiences are great, but we become better people through the strengthening of character.  We usually learn more from the bad stuff than the good.  We're crippling ourselves.  Right now, America's brand is less than average.  I don't blame Bush because it was low before he took office.  That was huge reason for 9/11.  We are not at the point of no return to be great again.   How long will it be before we get so extreme that we begin to hurt one another physically? 

I thank you for reading.  Call me if you want to grab some coffee so we can intelligently discuss opposing viewpoints.  Or, please feel free to bash me and tell me how much you hate me.  I look forward to the blatant disrespect.

Strength of Character: Tiki Barber

I've written often about how important it is to me to always keep in mind the things I truly value and let those be my guide.  I use the term 'things' loosely because I don't mean it to point to material things.   Anyway, I am human and it's not possible to always ke