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 keep in mind those things during the actions that lead down  your path; but it is possible to do so before you go down that path or sub-path.  For instance, the job I recently undertook.  The only part that was about money was that I had enough to live.  I had higher priorities like personal growth in the industry.  The new company offered much more of this than my previous one.  So, I jumped on it.*

Recently, Tiki Barber has made it known that he will probably retire at season's end.  The Barbers (Tiki with the Giants and Ronde with the Bucs) have always seemed to be a class duo of brothers.  Tiki often talks of how he has always been off the radar, but always made sure to take advantage of the opportunities presented to him.  He attributes that mentality to his overall success.  Even as powerful of a force as he is now, the man still flies under the radar for the most part.  The only people that tend to know his value are fantasy geeks and NFL personnel.  He is at the top of his game right now and he will most likely be leaving.  It's not about money and it's not about playing time.  It's about having options.  In the shadows of Barry Sanders and Robert Smith, Tiki has heeded the advice of doctors and family.  He has clearly defined that he has several points in his life that he needs to accomplish.  His long-term health is one of them. 

I wish I could shake his hand to tell him how proud I am of him, but in reality, it's what we're supposed to do as people.  So, why would I congratulate someone for doing something they're supposed to do.  I would never shake someone's hand for opening the door for a woman or helping a child learn how to read.  Those are things we're supposed to do.  Unfortunately, those things seem like novel ideas in today's world.  We've become so robotic and P.C. that we have become scared to act on the things we should do.

I would love to hear guys like Tiki speak to young men and women in high school about money not being everything...about striving to do your best in everything but for the right reasons.  The NFL has a mentoring program fro rookies coming into the league.  Guys like this need to be part of that program to teach them that options are important because one day the game will leave them.  And as invincible as we think we are at 25, some things like getting older we can't control.  We can control being dynamic enough to always have options.

Big ups to Mr. Barber for going out on top.  Most athletes can't do it.  It's hard to leave what you spend your life crafting.  It's hard to begin that new journey.  But, no congratulations to Mr. Barber on doing what you're supposed to do.  You're just human.

*I apologize to my readers for the lack of posts recently.  It's been a busy transition process to my new position.  I will step it back up.

Saints Reopening Dominance

...a continuation from my previous post...

My plane ride from Atlanta to New Orleans on Saturday might as well have been a charter flight to be landed on top of the Superdome.  The plane, mostly filled with Falcons fans, was a raucous ride of trash talking.  Even the flight attendants were having fun with it.  The attendant on the PA was from Atlanta and didn't care one lick about football, which was eveident by her reference to Bobby Herbert (she said HER-BERT instead of A-BEAR), who was sitting in first class on his way down for his weekly radio show.  After being teased about her mis-pronunciation, she welcome us to the flight by introducing the pilots.  "I'd like to introduce you to the captain...Michael Vick."  That was immediately followed by a large favorable applause.  The attendant giggled, "And his co-pilot...Drew Brees."  That comment was initially followed by cheers and quickly drowned out by boos.  Everyone was laughing so it was a good time.  Somewhere on the plane chants of, "Who Dat?!" had found their way onto the plane.  I haven't really heard those cheers in abundance since Jim Mora, Sr was the coach.

Monday...game day.  I knew the city was going to be busy so I made a point to meet with my best client early in the morning for breakfast.  Under a tree titled, "Branche Du Bois," we sat outside and sipped our frozen coffee conconctions in the courtyard of CC's on Magazine.  It's those moments in the crisp, air of a New Orleans fall day that can't be found anywhere else.  Those are the little moments I really treasure about the city.  My client was wearing jeans with her Deuce McAllister Saints jersey.  I made the mistake of thinking that it was Friday because everyone in the city was so laid back and calm.

I dropped off my client and drove past the Dome on my way back home.  The first thing I noticed was the buildings to the left of me that had their windows blown out.  Plastic still covered the open spaces where glass had once been.  "Progress," I thought.  One block further ahead from Poydras Street, I looked up to the massive structure that is the Dome and saw the stages set up, the Coors Light Train and props for the NFL Experience.  "Game time," I thought with a big grin.  I raced home to get my dad so we could race right back for the game.

My Mom drove my Dad and I to S. Claiborne at Earhardt (about 5 blocks from the Dome).  Cars were lined up for blocks preceeding that intersection.  A line of fans were making their way like a pilgrimagge to the Dome.  We walked and passed trucks blaring music and grills cooking various meats.  The loud chants of Who Dat?!! rang through the air.  All of this was normal except that it was 330...a good 4 hours before kickoff.  This is largely atypical for a Saints game as most of those fans tailgate for the LSU games and just show up to watch the Saints.  We met up with my brother-in-law and his friend Billy.  The four of us ventured the sights around the Dome.

Every corner of the Dome had a vinyl on it, welcoming the fans back alongside the proud Fleurs-De-Lis.  Across from the vinyls were screens that showed the main stage in front of Gate C.  The gate The Goo Goo Dolls were performing in front of.  We tried to get close to that actual stage but were turned away by police officers.  The show was completely jammed with people.

530...Doug and I decided to enter the Dome for the first time in over a year.  The experience of entering the Dome was a familiar one.  Nothing immediate had changed.  As we took our seats, I noticed that all of the seats had been refinished.  The new dark green surface of the field now stretched from side to side. Previously, it simply ran about 10 yards past the sidelines.  The biggest and best change I noticed were the new video screens.  These babies were long overdue.  They put two new replay screens up at both end zones as well as 4 new ad/scoreboards in each corner.  Finally, they had new ad ribbon boards alongside the lower level of the Dome.  It was like looking at a restored 1967 Corvette.  She's old but she's got character.  And the bottom line, is that she's all yours.

Pre-game...I'm not quite sure how to describe what was going on.  There was so much positive energy flowing at once.  It was like a perfectly planned night.  Usually, I hear these hyped events and something always seems to be missing.  That night, I think my initial shock came from how perfect things ran from beginning to end.  To begin with, Robin Roberts was on the field as the emcee for the opening festivities.  She is a huge Gulf Coast favorite as she is from Mississippi.  She is one of our own; and she took us through the intro of what the region has been through and why the New Orleans Saints mean so much to the entire area. And then, the show began.  Escorted by cultural favorites of New Orleans, U2 and Green Day made their way on stage. Billy Joe started and finished on the mike with The Edge.  The opening number was fittingly, "Wake Me Up When September Ends."  I could feel the energy growing within the crowd.  It was as if the crowd was ready to explode but waiting for the perfect time.  Then, Bono came out of nowhere and took stage next to Billy Joe.  They sang a rendition of, "It's a Beautiful Day."  They changed words to make it relevant to New Orleans and when they said the name of the city the crowd screamed out mercilessly.  They were still built up but I could tell they hadn't busted through yet.  The rapid light show combined with the two bands' rhythm and the idea that 10 million households were watching was just awe inspiring .  The emotion created was freeing and uplifting.  Billy Joe at one point randomly yelled out, "NEW ORLEANS!!"  The decibel of level created rivaled that of a 4th and 1 from the goaline in an overtime game.

The bands exited quickly for President Bush was making his way to the field for the coin toss.  Joe Horn was the first to make contact with the President.  Every game they have two kids (around the age of 9) nominated to be captains on the field.  I mentioned to Doug that they were a shoo-in to win show and tell the next day at school.  How can another 9 year-old compete with. "I met the President last night.  What did you do?"  I digress.  Doug mentioned that he wanted us to receive.  Can you imagine how freaking loud it will be in here if we return the opening kick-off?"  Before I could respond, the Falcons had won the toss and elected to receive. 

Kick-off...the initial series for the Falcons was what I expected.  Pure emotion on defense fueling a three and out series.  I never expected that 90 seconds into the game we would be up 7-0.  Steve Gleason, who along with Fred McAfee has won the hearts of Saints fans with his hard work and pure heart on special teams, broke through untouched and blocked the punt.  Doug and I were already standing.  We both saw Gleason coming through at the same time because we both jumped at the same time even though he was a good 9 yards from the ball.  Steve wanted it bad because he didn't just block it, he smothered the ball.  Curtis Deloatch blazed to the goal line and rolled over the ball in the end zone for the touch down.  Ten black shirts had already made their way back to the end zone.  The white shirts were flat no where to be found.  For a second, I thought they would have to buy a new roof because it was about to come off.  It was a year's worth of excitement, emotion and adrenaline released onto the field.  Doug was standing 2 inches to my left.  Honestly, had I tried to speak to him, I would have had more success text messaging him because it was so loud.  Deloatch took the ball and did a double-pump reverse jam over the goal posts.  The man has mad hops.  Hi-fives were flying all over the place.  I don't think Doug and I could have hit each other harder, but no one was feeling any pain.

The tone had been set.  The Falcons next drive was their best and only real threat.  Vick got into the red zone and hit Crumpler for a sure touch down, but he dropped it.  An immediate sigh was followed by immediate cheers.  The entire Falcons team was off all night.  I haven't seen an all around defensive performance by the Saints like that since the early-90's when they employed the 'Dome Patrol.'  We are by far one of the slowest defenses on paper; but like I said in my post prior to this one, the game isn't decided on paper. 

Watching from an elevated position, I could clearly see our DBs blanketing their receivers causing Vick to check-off several times before making a decision.  Charles Grant and Brian Young worked hard all game to penetrate the pocket.  The linebackers stayed home on the outside rarely over pursuing.  This combination forced Vick to check all receivers and gain minimal yardage on the ground.  I wasn't surprised that they did it, but I was surprised that they were able to execute all night long.  That is truly impressive.  The entire night was 360 degrees of domination.  The last time a special teams unit blocked a punt and a field goal in the same game was the 2003 Houston Texans.  For years, there was an ongoing joke that everyone in the stands knew what play was coming next because they always lacked offensive creativity.  Doug and I agreed that we had no clue what would be coming next.  Payton pulled a double-reverse with Devery Henderson (who has a special place in our hearts for his time at LSU...he even won an ESPY for his catch).  On top of the play, Drew Brees threw a killer block to propel Henderson into the end zone.  It was the ultimate team effort that illustrated to me that for the first time since 2000, our Saints had no primdonnas and were totally accepting of their responsibility to the fans.  Joe Horn, Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant, Steve Gleason and even young Mr. Bush understand what it's about. 

I'm not drinking any Kool-Aid saying the Saints are going to the Super Bowl, but they are very reminiscent of the 2000 team.  Many new faces and no big heads.  It was just a bunch of guys trying to prove themselves on a common mission.   That team took out the supposedly invincible St. Louis Rams 2 out of 3 times that year including once in the play-offs.

Some myths:
1) The game was fixed.
    a) Have you ever talked to or been an athlete?  We don't just throw games.  Our pride would never allow it.
    b) Have you ever seen a pro player's game check?  Um, few people have the resources it would take to buy their key players.
    c) All of the 'experts' agreed that the Saints came to play on all cylinders.

2) The field was rigged.
    a) Ok, let's say it was.  The Saints still have to play on it, so it's apples to apples.  If Vick is slower on it, so is our defense.
    b) You were dumb enough to gamble on an unprecedented event and you lost.
    c) All of the 'experts' agreed that the Saints came to play on all cylinders.

A note to the people that think reopening the Dome was a waste...I was fortunate enough to see Tony Kornheiser's 'editorial' after the game.  The best part was at the end and along the lines of, "What we think is irrelevant.  If it's important to people of New Orleans, then it should be important to all of us."

It was a wonderful experience.  For the Falcons that night, as usual in the NFL, it was about business.  For the Saints, it was about having fun.  That was the competitive edge that set them apart.

Some side sports notes...Jim Mora is a class act as evident in his post-game press conference...Marques Colston and Devery Henderson are emerging as go to  McAllister must love Bush there because he has no pressure on him and less abuse...He will have a great year and injury free.

The Meaning of Saints

I get to go to the New Orleans Saints game against the Atlanta Falcons this Monday night with my friend Doug.  People outside the city are questioning whether or not this is really a big deal.  Simply put, YES.  I've been to the quarterfinals of a World Cup, the 1996 Olympics and some of the best SEC games ever, but I think this one might crack the top spot of my all-time most emotional events ever.

Dan Patrick from ESPN is in New Orleans this week doing his radio show. He has focused his show around former players from the city and actual victims of the hurricane...not people who live on paper like so many other cable outlets.  One man from Slidell emailed his show that, "...I have been working for months to restore my home.  I have no furniture, but bought a 50-inch television so he can watch the game.  It's a night away."  Another woman wrote, "...if nothing else, I don't have to deal with the insurance adjusters and contractors.  It's an outlet." His partner in crime, Keith Olbermann told a story about being in NYC after 9/11.  He said days after a NYPD officer, "What he thought the outcome of the Mets game would be?" It wasn't what do you think will happen now or what should we do.  It was about sports.  It is a release.  It's not life, but it is a metaphor for it.  It’s the ultimate essence of sports.  I give Mr. Patrick major props for doing his job as a journalist responsibly.  He's listening to the citizens. 

Through various airports and cities I've been recently, people tell me their initial notions about the city of New Orleans and what they think should happen.  It's interesting because their view is usually always opposite mine...until they hear me speak.  I don't get emotional about it.  I just tell them other people's stories.  As soon as I make an emotional connection with them, all of a sudden they realize that this isn't a problem to be solved on paper.  Their demeanor changes.  If you're not from here and weren't affected, then you don't speak.  Have the discipline and responsibility to not speak.  You have no idea what we went through and are not qualified to tell us how you think it should be done.  Save your theories for dissertations on increasing the number of endangerd species on the northern coast of Africa.  Life is not lived on paper.  That's why we play the game.  That's why the 2001 New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams in the 2002 Super Bowl in the Superdome.  If the game had been played on paper then, the Patriots would have lost by 40 points.

I'm tired of hearing:

Q: "How can you spend $100 million on a Dome when people still don't have homes or running water?"
A: First, the Dome is an icon.  More so than the French Quarter, any person who enters New Orleans must drive by it.  A ton of famous events have happened and we take pride in the fact that people want to hold those events here.  We are a tourist town and the Dome is one of the reasons for it.  Second, so many people have not been able to build their homes back due to the BS coming from private insurance companies.  No one hears about that thought unless you actually speak to residents.  Lastly and most important, the money spent was allocated through bonds.  It legally has to be used for that purpose.

Comment: It's just a football game.  ESPN, the NFL and the city are making too big of a deal about it.
Response: If you're in NYC, Seattle or Miami, then maybe it's just a corporate event.  Maybe all the good tickets are held by large entities.  In New Orleans, football is a passion.  It's ingrained in its citizens.  The people that bought out the whole season for the first time in franchise history are regular citizens that really have to think before buying season tickets.  It's not the CEO of a company.  It's the high school math teacher or the administrative assistant to that CEO.  Maybe the random PhD student living on Long Island thinks we're infantile, but football is a part of our identity.  The fans of college football's SEC understand.

Even if you have no plans to watch Monday Night Football, please watch the pre-game.  Watch the screen closely and notice the number of people crying, the number of men that are fighting back tears and the thunder from the crowd.  Those aren't corporate dollars.

When all of this happened, there was so many unanswered questions (and still are) about the future of this city.  My first thought was that the pro-sports franchises are not as important right now and this might be the time that we lose them.  We weren't doing well before Katrina to support them so how would we now? 

The power of Bush marketing has been unbelievable.  He has done a ton for the community with very little recognition required...class act.  The season has sold out.  I think it's a combination of him, Brees (the new QB), a new head coach, Morten Anderson's return and the first NFL game back in the city.  Like all Americans, we are a resilient people.  They know the Saints need to be a cornerstone in the rebuilding process.  It's a bright and visual reminder of the city's path back.  In a media-world where things are forgotten in a day, it's a symbol that keeps us in the forefront of the country's minds.

The whole city is getting out of work at 3 pm on Monday to get to the game and/or tailgate.  On top of the day, the Falcons and Saints are two teams that have managed to maintain a passionate rivalry despite an era of free agency.  The fans create the rivalry because players come and go. The band lineup is U2, Green Day and Foo Fighters.  The first President Bush is flipping the coin.  They are not rolling out that kind of red carpet for nothing. The NFL and the city are showing their belief in its people.  No one thought, it was silly to have a baseball game in NYC days after 9/11. This is no different.  Because the human spirit is intangible and can't be put on paper, it seems to be too often forgotten.  Never underestimate the power of the human spirit as well as it's need to be nurtured.

People are always asking others why would anyone want to move back to New Orleans after all that.  It's because New Orleans is not a place.  New Orleans is an idea, a unique culture running strong through the blood of its citizens. 

I look forward to writing a recap on Tuesday.

BTW, my prediction is that the Falcons will win this one.  I think it will be close in the first half because of the emotional value, but Atlanta has a phenomenal team and will dominate in the 2nd half.  Like I said, the game isn't decided on paper so I hope I'm wrong.

Les Miles Outcoached Again

It happened again.  Exactly one year from last year's SEC opener against the Tennessee Volunteers  in Death Valley.  The LSU Tigers lost their SEC opener again but this time to their bigger rival in the Auburn Tigers.  Last year, I watched my Tigers lose to the Volunteers in person and this year I was able to see a game for the first time inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium.  I made the 2 hour trip from my new home of Atlanta to Auburn.

A quick side note about the stadium.  Jordan-Hare is a beautiful stadium and in many ways is almost the spitting image of Death Valley (or vice versa depending on how one looks at it).  The only real difference is I think LSU holds about another 10,000 passionate SEC fans.  My only criticisms are that they need to get another video monitor on opposite side of the stadium and vastly need to upgrade their sound system.  I know they have the cash so AU needs to step up right there.  I was sitting amongst the traveling Bengal Tiger faithful and after each play they would like up to the right to see the replay but to no avail as there was no video screen.  We're used to that luxury in Tiger Stadium.

Anyway, Mr. Les Miles was simply outcoached again this year.  Last year, Fulmer had him outcoached and this year Tuberville had his number.  Yes, the refs absolutely blew two major calls in this game.  In the first half, JaMarcus Russell threw a pass in the back of the end zone to Jared Mitchell.  The man was completely bear hugged...no call.  I had a better view than the ref being on the goal line two rows from the field.  And then, on LSU's 2nd to last drive, one of Auburn's guys tackled Early Doucet before the ball was even close to him.  They throw the flag and then waived it off.  That was absolutely abhorrent reversal.  The ball had never been tipped until one of Auburn's DBs tipped it before it got there.  Absolutely, it was pass interference.  ESPN radio and TV raved about it all night.  It reminded me of 2004 at Auburn when their kicker missed an extra point.  About five seconds later, the ref pulls a flag out of his pocket.  He calls us for jumping over a player's back.  Another complete BS call, ESPN tore up the refs that day too as well they should.  I don't know what the hell is going on down there with the refs but it's crap and obvious too!

Now, I am not blaming Auburn football for the refs.  Those guys are out there to play not control the refs.  This is one of the best defensive football games I've ever seen at the college level.  This is why the SEC is heads above the rest when it comes to other college football conferences.  LSU annihilated Auburn...on paper.  LSU had 300 plus yards of offense compared to AU's 150 plus.  As much as I hate to admit this, Tuberville is smart about making adjustments and Miles is not at all.  The things that Miles has to know going in:

1) Auburn's punter is superb and our defense is stacked, therefore they would punt often and we would have to construct long drives.
2) Auburn's front four is blazingly fast and strong.  Their linebackers are a complete package.  Outside of #4, their DBs are a major weakness.  They lack the height and speed to compete with LSU's receivers.
3) Brandon Cox has the tools in the pocket but outside of it he is just an average  athlete.  Bring at least one every time. 
4) Will Muschamp is an amazing D coordinator and he knows LSU's offense very well, since Jimbo Fisher was the O coordinator at LSU when he was there too.
5) Kenny Irons is a beast.  He only had 70 plus yards rushing, but when he needed those extra yards for the first he got them.

For whatever reason, Les refuses to use the pass to setup the run.  It's like the only thing he knows is run to setup the pass.  Everytime, Russell put the ball over the middle or on a curl we were successful.  The man was 20 for 35 which proves amazing efficiency.  35 seems like a lot of passes but most came only after Auburn scored the lone touchdown and it was crunch time.  Bo Pellini did a great job with the D.  They held Auburn to under 200 yards and 1 touchdown.  The offense couldn't get one.  They had their chances, but Miles lacks the killer instinct that Saban possesses.  The first time it was evident was against Tennessee.  It became evident in many other wins.  LSU's talent alone is so high that it disguises his inability to adapt throughout the game.

I didn't leave the game upset just disappointed.  The kids played their hearts out and they should have won that game but they are the victims of poor coaching decisions.  It's a serious problem when people who know nothing about football ask questions about why things aren't happening in the game.  Last year, my gf at the time asked me why does he keep sending the nickel blitz in when they (TN) are just nickel and diming us down the field?  Until that point, I thought she only knew how to keep score.  My first thought was, "Damn, if she sees that Fullmer must be having a field day." That thought was immediately followed by, "Wow, she's really hot now too!" I digress.   This year, I was standing (you don't sit in the SEC) next to a girl who was more focused on taking pictures than watching the game.  She said, "Why do we keep running the ball to the outside?  Auburn is too fast."  I thought, "Wow, if a LSU sophomore thinks that, then Tuberville must be having a field day."

Final thought: It can't be Jimbo Fisher because he was the O-coordinator under Saban and we would crush opponents as well as out play them.  Saban has a killer instinct and Miles does not.  If you don't agree come up with another example for me besides Miami in last year's Peach Bowl.  The U is not the same U anymore.  The plays run may be Fisher's call, but the game plan, and changes to it, are Miles' call.   I don't see us beating Florida this year because Meyer will outcoach him again if he doesn't learn to make adjustments.  Talent will only get you so far and then you have to be able to use your brain.

Kickers: Was Adam Sandler on to Something?

In sports, especially professional sports, we can almost assume that once a month we will see some criminal activity taking place.  Certain people get stabbed, certain people take gun shots, certain millionaires shoplift (I'm a thousandaire and don't really understand this) or certain people hit some racing their new Modena, but for some reason the stupid crazy stuff  always happens to the loneliest guy on the team...the kicker/punter.  Almost without exception on any football team, the wide receivers are prima donnas and the kickers have something mentally challenging about them.  When it comes to the kickers, I think all the pressure and loneliness is getting to them.  Each team needs to hire a sports psychologist just to handle these people. 

Let's look at the past...Martin Gramatica self-mutilated his hamstring after making a field goal, a Chris Hanson  from Jacksonville chopped into his foot with an axe  and who can forget Ray Finkel going off on Dan Marino.  Now, the reserve punter, Mitch Cozad, from the might Bears of the University of Northern Colorado football team has pulled a Tonya Harding by stabbing the starter, Rafael Mendoza.  What the hell?  Couldn't he just have thrown a fist in face and got in a fight like most guys do or how about focus on getting better?  Instead he thought, "Nah, let me stab this dude, then we'll see who's punting on Saturday." 

I don't know why maybe it's the isolation or lack of parental support, maybe Adam Sandler was right on the money or maybe they just aren't wired right in the first place.

If you're mad right now, because you're thinking, "Hey, don't pick on kickers.  Don't say those things.  You don't understand the pressure."  I do.  I was a kicker at two levels...high school and college.  I was the starter in high school, but in college I never pulled a Harding.  Of course, my friends and family always told me that something was different about me.  I thought Harding was kind of weak in her approach.  When I did something, I really...

9/11: 5 Years Later

I've written a good deal about this personally and have never released any of it for public eyes.  As a whole, I think most Americans feel the same about it.  I remember where I was when it hit.  I was asleep since I didn't have my mass communications class until 12.  My then girlfriend left 2 frantic messages on my machine.  My machine was in the other room so I paid no mind to the first, but when I got the second I thought, "Damn, I guess I better go check what she wants."  I remember hearing a bunch of loud blather about something at the WTC, but I really had no idea what she was talking about.  I turned on the TV to find ESPN (Ch 35) from the previous nights events.  They were showing coverage...then to FOX  (70) @ 944am...then to CNN (42)...then to local ABC affiliate (2).  Finally, I settled on one and I don't remember which one.  I remember standing three feet from the screen in nothing but my LSU football shorts, the remote in my left hand and my right hand holding my left elbow, feeling completely vulnerable.  One knee slightly bent, I found myself in complete disbelief as I watched the replay of the 1st plane hitting.  I thought, "What kind of sick documentary is this?"  But it was very real.  I was 4,000 miles away and felt so close.  Thinking about it right now, puts a small choke in my throat.

I get very angry when I hear these nutjobs (I was going to put a link here but refuse to give them more publicity than necessary) make comments about the whole thing being staged.  These ignorant people live in a world on paper that is governed by thesis statements.  These are the same people who accuse New Orleans officials of blowing up the levees in order to get black people out of the city.  I remember morons like Harry Belafonte and Kanye West (please stick to singing) saying that Bush was a racist for doing that.  Are you f*&$ing kidding me?  I took that as a personal slap in the face.  I know many on both sides of the color spectrum that are in the same boat to this day.  The weather didn't discriminate just like the terrorists didn't discriminate. These people have a serious agenda.  Had Gore won the seat in 2000 and not Bush, then the extreme right would be saying the same crap.  These people seem to miss the fundamental idea that the terrorists don't care who's in office...they don't care about right, left...Donkeys or Elephants.  They HATE Americans and everything we, as a cohesive unit, stand for. 

I heard a poll on the radio that 40-something percent of Americans blame Clinton and 40-something percent of Americans blame Bush for 9/11 happening.  Who cares?  I know no one did right after it happened.  The thing that matters is today.  What are we doing to crush these people?  I remember the fire that came out from the American public for a good year after the attacks.  Five years later where has that fire gone?  We need to get it back.  Three  things need to be realized: 1) Politicians on both sides need to stop using this day as a scapegoat because it's a sacred day.  Whatever politician is in office is in a lose/lose situation.   So make the best of it.  2) As proved just a month ago at Heathrow Airport, the threats are still looming very real.  We need not lose sight of this and remember how they injured us on that day.  I remember.  I felt insulted and humiliated.   3)  When you see one of these nutjobs  and want to slap them, just use your energy to smile.  It will do no good to waste your breath.  Go find an area to pray, stand on your head for Yoga or find a Zen place. 

I know many people that were affected directly and indirectly in NYC, DC and PA.  I really feel for them.  I know that choking sensation you get.  I know that heaviness in the tear ducts you feel.  I can't imagine being 60-something floors up and trying to decide whether or not to jump out of a window as maybe my best option.  Can I call my family?  Can I call my son?  Can I call anyone that I love?  What will happen to them?  What will happen to me if I don't jump?  What will happen if I stay?  I wish I hadn't fought with my wife this morning.  Does she know I love her?  Do I...Oh my God, what is that vibration...the floor is moving...the wall is coming closer.  Ok, I'm jumping out.  I just can't imagine. 

I guess it's human nature to always aim to take down the top dog.  With being the best, comes a responsibility to maintain the image and give people opportunity to be a part of that image.  That's why they gun for us.  That's why they want to take us down.  That's why we are the best...the United States of America.

Restricted Travel, Hotel Opportunity

Recently, I came back from NYC, and for the first time in a few years I checked my bag.  I've mastered packing enough to where I can always carry-on comfortably.  The new restrictions on carry-on items such as toothpaste required me to do so.  My first thought was to leave the 'illegal' stuff at home and hit up a Duane Reade when I got there; but then I thought, 'No, because they might make a technicality over stick deodorant or whatever...just check it.'  I wish I had carried-on because the 1-hour baggage claim wait at LGA was ridiculous.  Not only is there a large increase in checked baggage, but they had 3 (yes 3) airlines coming into one carousel. 

My thinking is that there is a tremendous opportunity here for hotels to capitalize on this situation.  Even before the increase in the security level, this opportunity existed.  Hilton, Starwood or your favorite hotel conglomerate of choice could partner with Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive or your favorite personal care conglomerate of choice to offer their products waiting in the hotel room for clients.  The typical road warrior that spends 3-5 days in the air would greatly benefit.  Imagine having your own travel profile, as most frequent fliers do, and it listed toothpaste and deodorant preference.  You walk into your room at the W Hotel to see a nice tube of Crest, Pantene and Oil of Olay.  This is a great piece of tryvertising that isn't being tapped.  If it is, then it needs to be advertised more heavily.  Let me know it's out there.

Job Interviews: From Suck to Blow

I'm reading Seth Godin's blog about the hiring process.  Honestly, I think he's a great mind, but I rarely read his blog...Why?  Because everyone else is.  I always know that I'll see something he's written on someone else's blog....that's freaking awesome.

Anyway, this particular post caught my eye on the RSS.  Recently, I've been going through this mundane process.  Headhunters and HR people, as a whole, are  funny people.  If you don't fit exactly into a the 'round hole' then they have trouble finding a place for you.  In my opinion, it's a 'cog' job as Seth calls it.  I'm interviewing for 'insight and creativity' jobs.

It's an interesting read for the most part but one thing he said seems obvious.  He asks the questions, "If you’re hiring for the first kind of job, exactly why are you sitting a nervous candidate down in your office and asking her to put on some sort of demonstration in her ability to interact with strangers under pressure? Why do you care what his suit looks like or whether or not he can look you in the eye?"  He then proceeds to blame it on Harvard and the trickle down effect on college...no worries there.  The reason that the 'clogs' have to wear suits and put on the 'show' is the same reason I have to take the damn LSAT (law school), GMAT (B-school) or whatever other dumb test exists.  It's a weed out process.

Ok, I'm supposed to be studying for the GMAT...gotta go...later.

IPTV: Italy's Fastweb Has the Jump

Today's WSJ has a great article (subscription required) on the Italian startup Fastweb making strides in the IPTV realm.  The article cites on of the largest problems for growth is the cost of infrastructure.  It will be interesting to see how the major US players such as AT&T and Verizon market this new technology here. 

Moreover, I like how the article illustrates that 'content is still king.'  Even though different media forms, I think XM and Sirius could learn something from the European pioneers of IPTV.

Email me for a copy of the article.

Farewell to Mr. Agassi

I have followed Andre Agassi since I was about 12.  The young brash kid who brought to mind images of McEnroe.  He was sponsored by Nike and I had his truly ugly shoes (he is now Adidas).  He was cocky and had every right to be.  I have really enjoyed seeing him transformation from brash young man to wise classy family man he is today.  Agassi is a class figure and I'm proud to have been a fan of his all of these years.

It was exhilarating to watch Andre Agassi's final run at the U.S. Open this past week.  The 36 year-old with a painful back complication did an unbelievable job of pushing himself to the limits.  Watching him over his 3 matches, I could tell that he was putting everything he had into it and he had the entire crowd at Arthur Ashe stadium in his corner.  I actually watched him in the tiebreaker to beat Pavel from a dive bar in Little Italy (NYC).  Even the bar was cheering for him to finish on each point.   The second match over Baghdatis was, personally, one of the best matches I've ever seen.  After the second set, I couldn't move my eyes from the TV.

Today, the final day of his U.S. Open career, was almost painful for me to watch.  He played Benjamin Becker, a largely unknown player from Baylor via Germany.  I must say I was thoroughly impressed with him.  I turned on the match during the first set and immediately I could see that Agassi was going to have a tough time.  One of his serves was hit 142 mph and was nailing 130 mph consistently.  The only hope Agassi had was early on because Becker had several forehand unforced errors.  Becker may have been a bit in awe of his place in time.  They went through 8 deuces in Set 2 that Agassi lost.  He couldn't bend over to get the low shots and the serves were just overpowering.  I could tell his back was gone during his service...some barely hit 95 mph (he's normally in the 120's).  Every now and then he had a flash of brilliance returning a strong serve, but Becker would outlast him.

Knowing his fate, I left after the second set.  I came back to see that he had just been defeated.  It was closer than I thought it would be.  I'm glad I made it back for the end.  It was great to see the emotion pour out of him from the sidelines.  His opponent took centre court and bowed gracefully.  I love seeing class on both sides of the court.  Becker's future is promising but he knew Agassi was the man of the hour.  Agassi took the court and the microphone for the denouement.  He simply thanked everyone (the fans) for what they had taught and given him.  Standing in my room, I could feel chills and the drops of sweat tracking down over the erect hairs on my body as he spoke.   A great ending.

iTunes to Sell Movies

I remember about two years ago when Mr. Jobs said that he didn't see video as the future of iPod.  I think we all saw that as way too shortsighted.  We knew better.  $14.99 for new releases and $9.99 for older movies.  iTunes will get it.  I know MSFT is trying to get their player to market.  I'm interested to see how this plays out in the 'Jobs vs. Gates Celebrity Deathmatch for the Living Room.'

Katrina Anniversary (367 Days Later)

I  wrote this over a two day period at a Starbucks in NYC.

So, it has been 1 year since Katrina ravaged my home town and the coast alongside it. I've experienced so much that I can't believe it's only been a year.  I remember sitting in our temporary home of Livingston, Texas thinking what the landscape of New Orleans  would look like one year later.  At the time and now, it is nothing as I could have imagined.  I remember thinking, 'If the national media is this bad right now, then they'll focus on everything that should've been done.'  I was correct in my early assertions. I remember thinking how important it was for the good leaders to step up and for people not to be selfish. 

One year later everyone and their brother is focused on how the situation was botched and things should have been handled.  I'm not going to do that.  I will say that it was an unprecedented situation and it's ridiculous to treat hindsight like 20/20.  It was a lose-lose situation for anyone that was in a position of leadership.

It's been an odd year for me and everyone else down south.  Not 2006, but just the last 367 days.  When most think back to 8/29/05, I will think back to 8/27/05.  For some reason, I think about so many odd things the Friday before 'she' hit New Orleans.

I was set to close on my first home purchase on the 29th. so I was at my insurance agent's office trying to get binder for my closing.  However, since the non-threatening Katrina was in the Gulf, the company couldn't issue it.  I remember no one, including myself, made much of a big deal about it.  It was just another part of the weekly summer drill in south LA.  Two minutes later, my agent asked me if I wanted to grab a bite to eat at Ruth's Chris.  Naturally, I accepted.  On top of being headquartered in New Orleans and being a great place to eat, they are my biggest client.  So we went to eat at the original Ruth's on N. Broad and Orleans Ave.  I'd never been to the one that rested on the edge of the 9th Ward before.  I was eating in a dark room of power.  The walls had been witness to some of the most powerful politicians in the state and nation for years.  That day was no different.  Anyone who was anyone was eating within 5 feet of me that day.  Everyone was calm and joyful.  Less than 48 hours later, those same people were unnerved and panicked.  The historical restaurant...gone for good.

After lunch, I remember leaving work for the day.  I had made a sales call in Metairie and decided to call it a day around 3.  I was excited about going to see the Saints pre-season game that night.  I figured between the game, hanging out with a friend and my new house it was going to be a sweet 3 days.  In my car on my way back, I thought to myself, 'Damn, I left my laptop.'  Due to my self-directed weekend projects, I never left it at work.  At some point early on Monday  morning, it was destroyed.  All of my work and I couldn't have cared less...it just wasn't that damn important anymore.

I picked up my friend for the Saints game around 6.  Her dad was glued to several cable news channels about Katrina.  Until that point, it had been forecasted to hit FL somewhere.  We, the seasoned veterans that make up New Orleans, paid little attention to it.  We knew the drill.  We really paid him no mind and headed off to have a good time.  We didn't expect much from the team as it was preseason.  We left around the 3rd quarter to go grab some coffee and just hang out for a few hours.  I got home around 2.  I remember turning on the weather channel from my bed to see the latest.  The path had changed, the strength had increased and New Orleans was now in sight. 

7 hours later I awoke to the local news people urging people to get the hell out of the city.  I saw one woman seemingly fight back tears.  I called my older sister to see if they were leaving with the two kids.  I called my dad, who was in AL, at the time to see what he wanted me to do with my younger sister.  His advice to me was to stick together with my family and work as one.  And so, we took Airline Highway out of the city towards TX...the rest.

I think back to so many situations for me personally that were odd about the weekend.  The little things that I did differently.  Looking back, it seems completely serendipitous.

IPTV: Part Deux

Over a year ago, I wrote about the Future of IPTV.  My questions from the post have yet to be answered as there hasn't been enough growth, but eMarketer recently released a new study that shows its increase in popularity.

Here's a sweet quote, "...the total number of broadband households worldwide will grow to approximately 422 million by 2010. Of that number, 139 million will have sufficient bandwidth to receive IPTV."

I can't wait to see where this goes.

Generational Networking (That Box)

Last night, I was speaking with my dad about the intangibles that people often overlook such as networking and being my own entity no matter what I do.  This is one of the things I have been taught from an early age...all done completely by design. Lately, our conversations on this topic have increased as he is now looking for a position.  We have been back and forth offering help to one another.  He mostly helps me with experience and I with the new ways that are vital to networking in the world today.

One particular aspect we discussed last night is that people try to create these boxes for us to fit into.  My dad has never been like that and as a result I was never raised that way.  For instance, my dad has run small companies for over 30 years; so now, when people want to interview him they have trouble putting him into a category.  The same is true with me.  My resume shows me striving to wear several hats at each stop along the way.  I get responses from HR people like, "Oh, you've done well in sales; but you also did marketing and..."  I've become accustomed to seeing that confused and eager look in their eye.  Another scenario is that they think they are just getting a typical media salesperson so they expect me to rant about only my medium  When I discuss my outlook on the industry as a whole, they are taken aback.  It's like I'm 5 years ahead in my thinking of where I should be.

I took a colleague of mine to lunch today.  He is in his early 30's, and to put it mildly, extremely accomplished for his age.  Through a story, he worked hard to bring me from his mid-20's to the present.  He thought he was preaching to me, but I told him that I was engulfed.  The man is with a company now that recently went through an M&A process, so they are in a transition phase.  The bottom line is that he has his eye open for the right opportunity.  Frankly, we're both surprised he has yet to open his second company.  Anyway, one thing he commented on is that when a hiring manager finds that rare person with experience beyond their age (that box) they're supposed to fit into, they aren't quite sure what to do.  That's where the selling comes into play.  My friend broke it down like this:

20's: Having fun and trying new things.
30's: Starting to create a path of where you should be going.
40's: It's time to arrive and make some noise.
50's: It's time to start giving back.

I called my dad immediately after lunch to tell him about it.  I found it somewhat serendipitous that the conversations that had taken place in the past 24 hours.  He agreed and had more to comment.  I deduced that my dad at 23-45 was about 15 years ahead of where was supposed to be.  My friend is easily 8 years ahead of the curve.  My self-assessment is about 3-5 years.

I think there are those of us out there who are hungry and don't fall into these categories.  The resume gets us in the door, but it's up to us to prove the experience and forward-thinkingness.  It's one thing to discuss our progressive thoughts; but I think what has to be proven is that as experience is gained, we know how to utilize it properly once attained.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Cell Phones

Often times, I get annoyed that US cell technology is not up to par with our European and Asian counterparts.  I have two emotions when I see/read about progressive cell technology...frustration and relief.  Relief because I would be broke from constantly trying to sport these looks.  Damn, they are fine though.

Sports Shorts 7/30-8/5/06

Back in May, I wrote about Reggie Bush's marketing power for the New Orleans Saints.  I think we (the fans, the city, his sponsors) became a little nervous earlier in the week when camp opened.  A few talked about how he might hold out until the next draft.   Honestly, I had no doubts that he would sign because it would have been marketing suicide.  My worries lied more with his learning curve.  The NFL is a completely different beast than the NCAA.  Cedric Benson is a prime example.  Also, I'm tired of hearing all the preseason hype on him.  No one has a clue how he will do.  Obviously, the potential is there, but give the man some time.  Anyway, I'm looking forward to being in the Dome for the home reopener versus the Falcons.  I spoke to a very knowledgeable person in a coffee shop Wednesday night from AZ.  She commented on how hopeful and optimistic she was about the Saints.  It's good to hear that from someone that isn't a Saints fan.  It also gave me a better thought process from my previous ideas about outsiders.

The Other Trojan
Matt Leinart has yet to sign  I'm fearful he will turn into this year's Cedric Benson.  It's unfortunate because, unlike Benson and the Bears, the Cardinals have some serious talent.

The Braves
It's almost surreal, in the loosest form of the word, to see the Braves on a run to not make the playoffs.  I remember when I was 10 back in 1991 the call, "From worst to first!"  Now, I fear this year I could possibly hear, "From 14 years of divisional titles to last."  We are 14 games behind the Mets and they are nearly running on all cylinders.  We are 5.5 out of the wild card, but 9 teams are ahead of us.  Bobby Cox is no one to be argued with and I will give him the benefit of the doubt because he has been so successful.  They better make the move though.

I will be at the TED during the last weekend of September for the season finale against the Astros with one of their fans.  I hope I'm watching a wild card playoff series.  Of course, they've been killing teams on the road but not at home...Why?  Because they're all offense and most parks are designed for HRs.  The offense reminds me a lot of the 2003 Braves.

On another note, the Braves put Andruw Jones on the waiver wire and was claimed.  I'm not going into the details but basically it's a technical way to trade someone after the deadline.   It goes on all the time, but Andruw is a headliner.  Schuerholz knows what he's doing.   He's not going to be traded, but I'm a little surprised by the response from fans.  I understand the frustration that comes from watching him at the plate.  He's always swinging for the fences instead of going to the opposite field for RBIs and doubles, but he has over 90 RBIs with two months left in the season.  Moreover, he could be the best CFs to EVER play this game.  Too often, defense gets overlooked in this sport because there are few official stats.  That alone warrants him staying in Atlanta.  We've been spoiled having him for 10 years (he's still on 29) and I guarantee if he left, we'd miss him sorely.

NCAA Football
Ok, preseaon polls are a terrible idea.  They should come out about 4 weeks into the season.  Don't get me started on the BCS either.   The coaches poll came out this week.  Iowa at 17.  I have a feeling they break the top 10 by week 2.  Leadership combined with an easy schedule.  Those boys can play. 

OU lost their QB for taking cash outside the job.  He was kicked off the team and needs to be accountable.  My beef is with the critics.  All of a sudden everyone says they're going to drop out of the top 10.  Have you seen Adrian Peterson play?  Have you seen their defense?  It proves that people are itching for college football to start because they're creating unnecessary drama.

MLB Notes
The world series champion is coming out of the AL this year.  If the Twins can get the wild card, I say they win the whole thing.  Their pitching over a 3 game period is unbelievable (think 2001 D'Backs).  If the Twins are home in the postseason, the Red Sox will take it.  Their pitching has lacked some consistency, but they (namely David Ortiz) are money in the clutch

Floyd Landis
Not many in America care about cycling unless they're in it or an American is winning (which is only known via Sportscenter).  Lance put us on the map.  Mr. Landis comes out of nowhere to win.  Long and short he's been fired by his team and stripped of the title. because he tested for high testosterone.  I'm not sure what that means, since I've never juiced; but can you imagine how many more women will be calling him for dates now.

We Got IT.

This weekend past, I made a visit to Lake Martin in Alabama.  One of my mom's cousins has a house out there and every year we all make a valiant attempt to get out there.  I don't think my immediate family has ever all been out there at the same time. 

It was really nice seeing everyone and I didn't even see everyone.  When we were all evacuated during Katrina, my parents were in AL with family while my siblings and I were in TX.  The family in AL took care of my parents; and a few weeks later, when we moved to Baton Rouge, they drove trucks of supplies down to help us get setup. 

Needless to say, a good amount of emotion was spread throughout the camp amongst the hugs and kisses.  It was as if everyone was glad to see each other under safe and somewhat normal circumstances.  I'm always amazed, as people, how quick we can be to take others for granted; but the great thing is that we are reminded by people too.

During the 24 hours I was there, I had several relatives tell me how much they enjoyed my writing and how much it meant to them.  Honestly, I never knew how many people were reading my blog or were touched by it.  Their compliments meant so more to me than I can express.  One of my closest cousins told me I had 'it.'  She explained to me that 'it' (not the 'it' from eBay) was the understanding of what really matters in life...family (the people who truly care for you).  I was quite flattered and did not know what to say.  I rarely do.  I'm terrible at taking compliments.

As I got on the road for my 3 hour trip back to Atlanta, I was thinking about 'it.'  While I was flattered, I realized that I don't have 'it' without the ones closest to me having 'it.'  My family was a cohesive and calm unit.  Combining our strengths made us a strong force to take down.  The whole experience (which we are still feeling the effects of) took things from us but not one another.

All Things Being Cyclical

Often I think to myself that one of the best things I ever did for myself was begin to listen to my parents.  For whatever reason in high school, I was that typical male that knew everything.  Early in college, I was still that male but began to at least consider the option that maybe they knew what they were talking about.

When I look back, I truly believe that it has set the course for the way I view things now.  My father and mother have given me so much advice and guidance.  As I became more receptive, they became more open to giving it to me.  Most of the time I will consider the advice of people but dissect what they are telling me.  When my parents speak to me, I almost take it without question.  I know their only agenda is to see me be well in life.

It took awhile, but I finally came to terms with the fact that I would be forever indebted to these wonderful people and that there is absolutely no way I could ever pay them back.  However, I will keep trying to do so.  It can be dinner or lunch.  It can be randomly doing what I can to help them out. 

My father and I have a great relationship.  He has taught me so much about business acumen.  The intangibles...the intricacies of this world that can't be taught in B-school.  No course, no book, nothing can teach what he has given me.  Another aspect whereby I can never repay him for what he's given me.  Until now...

Due to the state of New Orleans right now, he is currently looking for a position.  For the first time in 35 years, he has to look for a job.  He's has run his own outfits since graduating from college.  For him, I'm sure it's a very humbling and huge learning experience.  When it comes to job hunting today, the only thing that looks the same as 35 years ago is showing up on time.  The networking, the hunt and the attire are all completely different.  My age, location and industry, lend me to live in a fierce world of competition.  I've spent a great deal of time and effort building up my network learning all that I can.  I keep building this entity.  It never occurred to me that the collateral I was building up would be used on someone else.  I'm teaching him about networking sites such as LinkedIn and The Ladders.  Also, about how companies filter resumes now and to get it actually read by a person.  The people he needs to speak to and which blogs he needs to be reading.

My dad is sending me his resume (available upon request).  He is asking my advice on what it looks like.  I am asking the contacts I have made to help me out with resume review and helping him find a spot.  It's a new journey for him and the idea that I can help him out is one of the coolest things I have experienced.  It's odd when I call my dad for advice now because he has several questions for me right back.  I'm so honored to be part of his decision process.

It's the ultimate compliment to him because the advice I'm giving him is simply a reflection of the scope of advice he's given me.  When I speak, it's him listening to the mold of a man that he created.

Test Drive: Jaguar XK

We always see the celebrity perks...goody bags at awards shows, free fashion goods or free custom rides picking up the famous at the closest airport.  An article (subscription required) in the WSJ today talks about Nico Bossi and Jaguar's attempts to push 'tryvertising' to a new level. 

His job is to drive around his new Jag to all the hot spots in NYC.  He's basically a the real-life rich male version of Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.  The car costs nothing except his time.

I'd like to have that job, but I have to pay some bills.  The job pays $0 plus no expenses.  You do the math.

What ways could you turn this into a viable business that pays?

(email me if you'd like a copy of the article)

Non-Racisim in Advertising

I read an article on AdAge about the CEO of Black Enterprise magazine, Earl Graves, calling the ad industry racist for not targeting blacks.  I was a little confused at first because I know that in my industry, OOH, we target the black community all the time.  Black/Hispanic advertising is a large chunk of our business.

He speaks about how the media buying habits of blacks are different than everyone else.  He illustrates it by saying how Seinfeld was the number one show in America for years and he's never seen it.  Moreover, he speaks about how the black community has proven their net worth, but people don't want to pay for it.  Mr. Graves make his case and point with, "More than 20% of consumers who have bought a Chrysler 300C are black, yet far less than 20% of the vehicle's ad budget is being spent to target blacks directly."

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Graves about the power of the dollar amongst blacks, but I don't agree that the lack of ad-spending is  racism.  In my opinion, because targeting black Americans is different than the general public, different ways need to be used to market to them.  The typical TV ad that gets the 35 year-old white professional is not likely to get the 35 year-old black professional.  Targeting the black community typically involves using guerrilla marketing tactics and product placement.  I hear/see it often from experts and friends that are black.

For instance, less than 20% of the ad budget may have been used to target blacks specifically, but how many times were they used in a hip-hop video or given to an NFL rookie for an endorsement.  Things such as this are not figured into the mainstream medium equation.  They only uses things such as TV, radio and print.  In fact, I'd venture to wonder if on-line and OOH, the two biggest gainers in ad spending, are included as well.  Mr. Graves even proves my point with the Seinfeld comment.  If I asked most white Americans about Seinfeld, I'd probably get a mixed response to the likes and dislikes; however, if I asked black Americans, I would virtually get a response of all dislikes. 

I hope they study this further and not cause  a bunch of reactionary 'diversity councils' to tackle a problem that may not exist.  This is too quick to play the 'card.'

Thanks Ellen

I don't blog much on television because I don't watch much of it.  Between the women gossiping in my office and the industry trade magazines, I'm able to keep up with current pop-culture events.  The only parts of American Karaoke I've seen are in the beginning when the really bad people, like myself, are singing.

However, Thursday I was able to make it home from work a bit early.  I was changing into my workout clothes.  The Ellen DeGeneres show was on.  I always thought she was a cool, funny person and  is from New Orleans.  Other than that, I've never really followed her. 

During her show, she showed video of her going to New Orleans in mid-May.  The premise of her show was to illustrate how things are still bad after nine months and that the country can't forget about the great city.  People were forgetting about us after one month.  People still make asinine comments to me about what happened.  Anyway, I could tell how much she missed her city and how sickly she felt for the people that endured/are enduring what happened.  She, like many others, are completely frustrated at the slow movement at rebuilding the city.  The people there are very resilient and much of everything will have to be done alone.

She did more than she realizes by just bringing, in some form, the city to a national medium.  She went so far as to give a man and his wife a set of Bosch tools and a Dodge truck.  It may be just one person, but every bit helps in rebuilding that city. 

While on camera near one of the largest levee breaches, a woman approached her and thanked Ellen for bringing the area to the nation.  One of the most powerful things people can do for us is to go visit.  Not only to spend money, but to see first-hand what it is like.  The best writers in the world have tried and it is impossible to put into words.  Even video, does not do it justice. 

Evey time I think I've hardened to the situation, I'm amazed at the various ways emotion is stirred up inside of me.  Whether it is from driving back into the city or catching a random talk show on TV, it always comes back into my gut.

Thanks, Ellen.

The Power of Bush Marketing

I've been out of New Orleans now since January.  When I've been back, things have improved slowly but surely.  I know from being there that the change is so slow that it is hard to notice, but I can see it after having been away for a bit. 

I called my friend Doug from the airport on NFL Draft day.  Knowing who the number one pick had been secured the night before, "Did we draft Bush?" I asked.  Well, we did and it seemed unreal.  I had immediate thoughts running through my head of the marketing potential he would bring to the city.  I'm sure he was bummed about being #2, but I think the city and him won each other over equally.

The marketing presence and timing is fabulous for my city trying to rebound.  25,000 Reggie Bush jerseys have been sold so far and he doesn't even have a number!  They open at home on Monday night against the Falcons for the first game in the Dome since evacuees owned it.  The best part is that we have broken our season ticket record.  We have less than 50% of the population there, people are worried where they will be next year and look what he has already done.  This is great.

Huge props to the city and Mr. Bush.

Perception Is Reality?

Many things have been different in the everyday atmosphere of Atlanta versus New Orleans.  In New Orleans, every day I would have to deal with the remains of Katrina.  Here, as in every other city in the US, life goes on as if nothing has changed.  Why shouldn't it?  People have their own lives to worry about.

Since being here, often times in conversation people will ask me where I'm from.  I wish the question never came up because as soon as I say, 'New Orleans.'  I can see like a thousand questions going through their head about what s/he should say next.  I completely sympathize with them because they don't know or really understand what happened.  I imagine, from their point of view, it's an uncomfortable situation.  It's kind of like when I go to a funeral and I tell someone how sorry I am for their loss.  I know they've heard that for the umpteenth time that day, but what else can I really say?  However, when they ask where I'm from, I can't really lie.  I usually answer and don't elaborate on the situation down there unless they push.

I was caught in two awkward situations yesterday.  I wasn't really sure how to respond. 

First thing Thursday morning a lady asked me, "So, did you have trouble sleeping last night?" referring to the bad thunderstorms the previous night.
    "No," I responded curiously.
    "Yeah, I guess not.  You're used to that sort of thing being where your from."
    As usual, I consider the source and react accordingly.  I just smiled, nodded and went along my way.  Just my opinion, but the weather here in Atlanta is strikingly similar to that of New Orleans.  Thunderstorms here rival that of New Orleans. 

Second thing Thursday afternoon at a Chamber meeting a man asked me, "So, where are you from?"
    "I live in midtown."
    "Are you from here originally?"
    "No, New Orleans."
    "Oh, wow so I guess you swam out of there huh?" he said with a big grin and laugh to follow.

Again, I considered the source, smiled and changed the subject.  Honestly, I have no idea what he said for the next two minutes.  I was a little perturbed by what he said.  I mean I was in the 20% of the city that didn't flood, but I know a good many people that were in that 80% and lost everything.   People I care deeply about have been affected in so many ways.

Later that night, I was lying in bed thinking, 'Is this what everyone around the country thinks but doesn't say?'  I can't imagine that being the case.  If anyone ever says anything like that to me again, I would do the same thing and not react emotionally.  Ignorance is bliss, but it makes me wonder if this is what goes through the heads of most Americans.

   

LSU Tigers Break Horns

I just kinda  sat on the edge of my bed for five minutes staring at the screen with a blank mind. I've never seen a team play so well on pure emotion. There were times at the end when LSU should've run clock, but  it was almost as if they didnt care about points. They just wanted to play defense. You have to admire that kind of heart. In my bracket, I had LSU losing to TX.  I figured they matched up evenly athletically, but TX can shoot.  I couldn't care less about my bracket. I'm so happy they proved me and everyone else wrong.  Elite Eight was all 'heart of gold' and tonight was a continuation of that emotion.

Buckman was named TX player of the game, but what about Gibson? Holy crap that boy took some killer shots and nailed like all except one. He looked like Anderson from UCONN last night. Big shot after big shot.

They're young, but you can't overlook commradre. They've played together before college for  so long.   It's like they just know.  Enough can't be said about the hardcore play of Thomas, Davis, Mitchell, Mitchell and Temple.  Temple gets overlooked because he doens't put up the points, but damn how many points does his D takeaway from the competiton?  First, he stopped JJ and now Tucker.

It was one of those games that you hate to see end becaue they're both such hard fighting class acts.   The Tigers taking on the Bruins should be a nice showdown of underdogs.

Heart of Gold

Two weeks ago I wrote about the Heart of Orange from Syracuse.  Tonight, I saw the Heart of Gold out of LSU live from Atlanta. 

Exactly what I said would happen...happened.  LSU's quickness and athleticism was too much for Duke.  Defense takes a lot of heart.  They held Duke to their lowest total since 1996 and JJ to only 11 points.  Darrell Mitchell and Glenn Davis lead the way, but I'd have to give co-MVPs to two true freshman in #14 Garrett Temple and #12 Tyrus Thomas.  Temple didn't let off JJ the whole night.  I saw JJ get two open looks...he made one and missed the other.  Thomas is a blocking machine.  Shelden Williams hadn't seen anything like that all year. 

There isn't much more to say about it.

Applebees: No Shrimp For You!

March Madness 2006 is upon us.  It is a huge time for advertisers coming in second only to the Super Bowl.  In my opinion, after adding the length of time the tournament runs compared to the Super Bowl the advertising dollars spent are more efficient and effective.  Outside of GM, the perennial big spenders for the NCAA Tournament, I think that Applebees must have flooded the most budget into this year's tournament.  Wise in their choice of time purchased...yes.  Wise in their choice of creative ad shops...no.

I swear I'm never going to Applebees again unless I'm absolutely forced to do so.  I don't understand how a commercial that plays a parody on the "Gilligan's Island" theme song warranted being the big spot for them.  I would think there had to be some intelligent people making the final decisions that ran some focus groups or something.  If I find myself humming this song at anytime during the week, then I will have to sue.  I have a hard enough time going to Applebees in the first place, so having to see those two idiots with flooded instruments hustling shrimp does not make me want to eat there.

I can't blame CBS at all for running these.   Someone wants to give you ad dollars, then you take them; but I have changed the channel repeatedly because of these commercials.  I do comeback but I'm usually late getting there.  I wonder what feedback they've had.

Yes, the song may be catchy, but it's due to the television show not the commercial.  Question for AB:  You had a killer ad budget for creative.  Was this the best you could do?  How does this truly increase your brand value?  I have seen people literally running out of their houses with their hands over their ears nearly going insane.  What do you do when former customers begin to take legal action for causing insanity?  If I call your headquarters, will you be playing this song repeatedly while I'm on hold?  Finally, was your goal to drive customers away?  If so, please disregard all prior questions.  You've done well.

Heart of Orange

Three years ago at my home in New Orleans, I remember watching Syracuse battle Kansas for the 2003 National Title in the Superdome.  I have always been a huge college basketball fan and I usually remember one great story from every year.  1999, I remember the then unknown Gonzaga Bulldogs getting to the Elite Eight.  We all know what they have become.  I remember Bryce Drew's 1998 buzzer beaters.   Cameron Dollar's, of UCLA, buzzer beater to move onto the Sweet 16.  I could go on, but they are all the things that make March Madness what it is.  It may be about money to the school and the sponsors; but it's about heart, talent and pride to 99% of the kids on the floor.  I remember two freshmen starters for 'Cuse.  They were Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara.  They beat two highly touted, and deservingly so, college veterans named Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison.  I have mental burn of Hakim Warrick blocking the last second three pointer to clinch it.

It was no secret that Melo was NBA bound.  With LeBron James entering the NBA, it had been the best marketing scheme for the NBA since the Jordan years.  However, McNamara had no hype around him other than he was a freshman PG that helped lead a team to a championship.  Every year since, he has been the focus of college basketball at Syracuse.  For most of the past three seasons, I have lived in SEC country so I am not exposed that often to Big East basketball.  It's a shame because he's fundamentally sound and fun to watch.

With all the athletes today that walk around with a feeling of entitlement, it's refreshing to see players like Gerry McNamara.  He is not the only one, but he came to the forefront of the nation this week at the 2006 Big East tournament due to  Coach Jim Boeheim's press conference, which is great to see a coach step up like that for his player.  People who've never picked up a ball and write in papers will never understand this. 

G-Mac's game is what is great about sports and college basketball.  A player like this is on every team, but you never see them on Sportscenter.  You see them if you're a true fan...if you follow the players.  At the press conference, Coach Boeheim came to the defense of his senior guard.  The camera panned over to Gerry.  He wasn't starring at the cameras and trying to show up his critics.  He had his head down.  He was showing his class and humility.  As this year's Big East Championship run has proved, the man lets his actions speak.  He's not there for the BS.  He's there to play.

I don't think that 'Cuse will go deep in the tournament.  I think they already got what they really wanted.  They wanted to win for their leader.  Gerry McNamara may never play past the college ranks or maybe he becomes a role player like Steve Kerr did with the Bulls and Spurs.  The thing that matters is that there was a packed house at MSG tonight chanting, "Gerry! Gerry!" showing their final respects for all the heart he has put into the name on the front of the jersey and not the back.  Success breeds success and he performed on the biggest stage in the world...New York City.  His performance was echoed by the supporting cast because he didn't win it alone.  He's a leader and a competitor.  He entrusted the ball to a freshman Eric Devendorf and sophomore Josh Wright.  Bottom line...he's a winner.

Mardi Gras 2006

Today was weird.  The annual company email from our CEO came out informing us that the New Orleans office would be closed tomorrow due to Mardi Gras.  At the New Orleans office, we always have to work on President's Day and we get Mardi Gras day (Fat Tuesday) off.  I don't get that privledge anymore; but I am bringing two king cakes to work tomorrow so I can give the foreigners a taste of what it's like.

Everyone today asked me if I was missing it.  I really am.  I guess it's another one of those things I took for granted.  Something that no one else has or understands and I was part of it.  I remember in college that I would always plan trips to get away while everyone else stayed in town for Mardi Gras.  Now, I'm living out of town and am greatly missing it.  I really began missing it on Sunday because all the Saturday parades were canceled and moved to Sunday, which means that whole day was jam packed. 

Every year it amazes me how much people misconceive what the celebration is about.  Some people around the country are freaking out because they think we're spending loads of money on this event and don't see a need to help the city.  Not so, the parades are free and the balls make money for the city.  People, under any circumstances, need time to rest and recompose their emotions.  This is a time much needed for the people of New Orleans.  Still, there are few leisure activities for the citizens. 

It is always in my heart; but this year, I'm really missing those choice opportunities I have to spend with my family and friends.  Everything now has increased significance.

Post-Katrina: An Insider’s View from the Outside

I submitted this to the AJC editor today.  I'll let you know if it gets picked up.

I have lived here for exactly a month now. The first visit I had to Atlanta was in 1996 for the Olympics. My dad, younger brother and I spent a week here traveling between the stadium, Athens and Stone Mountain. I remember telling my father that I wanted to live here one day. At the time, it was really because I was (still am) a huge Braves fan. Now a working professional, my actions have culminated with me being an official Georgia resident as of yesterday. I guess I am an outsider to New Orleans now.

In the months after the hurricane, while living in New Orleans, I called national clients daily. I had to make a conscious effort to say little about the hurricane when they would ask. It became an emotional trigger. The same way I make a point not to bring up religion or politics with customers. I was not able to relate in words what happened and what day-to-day life was like. It became the hardest part of my job because I wanted people to be able to relate to what was truly happening down there. The national and cable news was (and still is) so cruelly inaccurate. Before the hurricane, I took what they said with a grain of salt. Now, I rarely believe anything they say.

Even though my move was in the works before Katrina, it was so hard leaving my family in New Orleans under the circumstances; but it was the best thing for them and me. It is the most bittersweet action I have ever undertaken in my life. I figured the hardest was behind me.  I knew that by simply not having a daily reminder of this disaster was loads of stress out of my life. Apparently, I was wrong.

The hardest part, since being here, has been learning to bite my tongue when people find out from where I come. So much so, that I have considered telling people I am from San Diego, Austin or anywhere that is not on the Gulf Coast. Thus far, I have received two reactions. One, they want to delve deep into the details, which is hard for me because no matter how much I explain, I am still left with the emptiness of still leaving them with a mysterious look on their face. I appreciate that they want to understand. The second is people trying to convince me that giving money to New Orleans is a complete waste of resources. This statement completely infuriates me because it is easy to be an ‘armchair quarterback.’ I have a feeling that if I took this person’s home, destroyed it and told them they had to start over at any age they would not be so aloof On the phone, I can hang up with these people. In person, I become engaged. Being in sales, I have developed a thick skin. The topic of post-Katrina New Orleans is something I have to think hard about before making any statements.

I am looking forward to becoming an active and involved citizen of Atlanta, but New Orleans will always be my heart. Having said that, I know that as each day passes I become further removed from the daily issues facing New Orleans. Each day, I become more of an outsider. I hope I do not lose sight of what my family and I went through as well as what they and others are still going through there. I hope that I retain the compassion and patience for my fellow countrymen under harsh circumstances. Now on the outside looking in, I trust that I will not ever see this situation from the perspective Gods looking down from afar on a chess game.

Katrina Movie

Kinch, an architect in New Orleans, has posted a link to a very good video of Katrina on his blog.  Like he said, if you can't imagine what it was or is still like, then please watch.