Mea Culpa

Scanning the headlines today, a media monitor could find the most eclectic items.

Some intriguing; some sad.

To me, one of the most intriguing items on today’s news feed was the “Mea Culpa” expressed by former Tennessee Titan QB Vince Young.

Since VY’s tirade – and subsequent meltdown in a home game versus Washington on in November 2010 – his career has spiraled downhill. He now admits this and he also adds that he was wrong that day when he had the run-in with former Titans Coach Jeff Fisher.

I was there on that beautiful late autumn day. Paul and I attended that game. It started off well enough for the home team.

Then, things went south.

We saw it when Young chucked his shoulder pads into the stands and left the field to a chorus of boos. Later, after a tirade, he yelled at Fisher and left abruptly.

Essentially that ended his career as a Titan and it was also, sadly, the beginning of the end of Fisher’s Tennessee tenure. These days, he prowls the sidelines in St. Louis as the Rams Head Coach. Meanwhile, the Titans have slogged through three very mediocre seasons and Young has bounced from team to team until he finally landed outside the league.

On the In the Loop with Nick & Lopez Show in his hometown of Houston, VY admitted his regret, recently, about the incident with Fisher and acknowledged the bad reputation that serves as the residue of the fracus.

As a long-time Titans fan, I admit the whole thing left me dismayed and somewhat disillusioned.

To me, Fisher was a great coach and served as the biggest icon of our team’s successful run in the early part of the century. But, our late owner, Bud Adams, was a Young fan and advocate and when the relationship between QB and coach soured, so did the relationship between coach and owner. 

Within two months of the shoulder pad incident, Young was gone and so was Fisher. The former coach enjoyed a year of sitting out while the Titans faithful followed a team that became less interesting and more predictable to watch by the day. An 8-8 season became the norm; 7-9 if the breaks went against us or 6-10 if we had really bad luck.

But, there is a new wind of optimism blowing across L.P. Field with a new coach and  as a faithful fan, I’m willing to give them another chance.

As for VY, I wish him nothing but the best. Confession, it is said, is good for the soul. Now that he has turned the chapter on the ignominious end  of his run in Nashville, maybe new opportunities will present themselves.

JG

Originally posted 7/10/2014

Herding Cats

It’s been a while since I’ve told you about the latest exploits of Roger the Cat. He really seems to have lost patience with his humans this summer.

Roger has a basic belief that no matter how good the food is in his bowl downstairs, there is ‘secret food’ … meaning a bag - somewhere in storage, that is better, tastier, fresher. A corollary to this notion is that no matter how much food you have in the bowl, it might vanish. So, you always need more.

Maybe a predator will take it? A food fairy will whisk it away? A clever mouse will sneak in, eat the bowl dry and snicker on the way back out the cat door to the woods.

In any case, he says, you can never have ‘too much.’ And sometimes, he says, you have to search for the secret food in every possible location.

This sets the stage for his most recent maneuver.

It’s not enough to have more food…or better food. You need it now. This may be true whether or not you have an empty bowl.

And the best way to prevent the empty bowl? Ordering his folks downstairs IMMEDIATELY to re-fill it. 

You’ve heard the line about ‘herding cats?’ Well, how about a turn of the phrase and you have ‘cats who herd you.’

That’s what it feels like most mornings. 

Picture this, if you will. I’m walking across the kitchen from the fridge to the counter. Roger cuts me off and forces me to my right (closer to the downstairs door). Then, as I head over to the cabinet, to pour my bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, he slams into my legs and pushes me further toward the door.

As I begin to descend the staircase, he is underfoot all the way down, lest I might change my mind, pause to put on my shoes or decide that, even though I have showered, shaved and gotten ready for work, I’m really just going to go back upstairs and sit on the sofa while I watch another hour of Mike and Mike in the Morning. 

Herding (from Dictionary.com)

herd [hurd] 

noun
1. a herdsman (usually used in combination): a cowherd; a goatherd; a shepherd.

verb (used with object)
2. to tend, drive, or lead (cattle, sheep, etc.).

3. to conduct or drive (a group of people) to a destination: The teacher herded the children into the classroom.

Think #2 or #3. They’re spot on.

Anyway, that’s what it feels like most mornings – and many evenings too – when he hurries us up and drives us down the stairs.

Living with Roger is definitely entertaining and he is not a cat for the faint of heart or those without patience. He’s not the most laid back cat I’ve known…but he keeps things interesting.

JG

Originally posted 7/9/2014

Blood Kin

Today, during my lunch hour, I did my part.

At my workplace, we have had the MEDIC mobile blood unit on site this week. So, I took a little time today and went over to donate a pint of blood.

We often hear about how there are blood shortages around town - especially on or near holidays. I have never really understood how the blood supply could ebb and flow (so to speak) but I take the information at face value. 

Anyway, 20 minutes of my time doesn’t seem to be a lot to ask, right? So…consider today’s posting to be our annual Coach Jeff’s Blog PSA.

As a tiny tot, I used to be squeamish at the site of blood; at the mere thought of blood. But, through my teen years, I was able to outgrow that quirk. Now, talking about donating blood seems no different than talking about donating any of your other time and treasure.

The folks in the mobile MEDIC unit were friendly, professional and efficient. And that is good because they had quite a positive turnout today.

I would definitely recommend that, if you get a chance, you donate. It’s not such a bad thing. If for no other reason, do it for your family; do it for your blood kin.

Here’s all that’s involved:

• A Quick Screening
• A Bit of Medical History
• The final step

The screening is interesting because the interviewer asks you a lot of questions in rapid fire succession. Even though it is hard to keep up with her, this is an important step to ensure that only proper donors move on to the next round.

At that point, basically, they ‘hook you up.’ And you let nature take its course.

There was a nice lady across the way doing her part. The two of us visited and we also chatted with the two phlebotomists who were criss-crossing the van taking care of their business.

Before too long, your pint bag is filled and you move on. 

The MEDIC team members ask you to stick around for a couple minutes to make sure you are none the worse for the wear. You get a quick snack. And then you are on your way…with a t-shirt in your hand and a good feeling in your heart because you know you just did the right thing.

JG

Originally posted 7/8/2014

You're an All Star

Over the last few years, I have become less and less supportive of the fan vote for the starting line-up for the MLB All Star game.

Having said all that, in reviewing this year’s results unveiled last night, I have to say the fans did a great job this year.

Instead of rolling my eyes at the overabundance of Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and Cardinals in the starting line-up, I admired the diversity this time. Twenty-five first time All Stars. Nice.

And, who can quibble with selections of Oakland A’s, Baltimore O’s and Milwaukee Brewers? Shoot, the Brewcrew and Athletics have the best records in their respective leagues. Why shouldn’t they have an extra player in the line-up?

And that’s the thing. It’s not the matter of four or five. It’s a case of two versus one. Pretty good balance.

Look at the starters for the NL, going around the infield: Cardinals, D-Backs, Phillies, Rockies, Brewers. Outfield: Pirates, Brewers, Dodgers. DH: Marlins. Excellent. 

For the American League, we go: Royals*, Tigers, Mariners, Yankees and A’s  around the infield.  In the outfield, it’s Orioles, Blue Jays and Angels. Eight positions; eight different A.L. teams featured.

There is another Oriole, at DH, (*also, the O’s would have had the starting catcher, Matt Wieters, but he is out with a season ending injury) but who is complaining? The birds have been cellar dwellers in the A.L. East for much of the 2000s so a little notoriety isn’t a bad thing.

Anyway, like I said before, the fans did a good job of spreading the wealth.

For those of us living in the heart of Braves Country, we were happy to see Freddie Freeman named to the N.L. roster of reserves.

Joining Freeman on the N.L. roster are pitchers Julio Teheran and Craig Kimbrel.

And if Braves’ fans are active in the voting for the last member of the team, Justin Upton might just make the squad (#VoteJUp).

Of course, in order to claim that final spot, JUp will have to outpace Justin Morneau, now of the Colorado Rockies. A former Twin, it would make a great story for him to come back to Minnesota after resurrecting his career in the Mile High City. 

In fact, he was still playing for the Twins last spring when Holly and I saw them during inter league play in Atlanta.

Speaking of the Twins, I was thinking about them over the weekend and, in particular, how it’ll be nice for the game to be played in Minnesota this year. It’s certainly a contrast from last year’s game in New York. The Twins are not regulars in the Sunday Night ESPN rotation. You don’t often see them on the Fox Saturday Night Game of the Week, either.

I would say, for many fans, this will be the first time they have seen Target Field (which, I hear, is a wonderful ballpark).  

Anyway, the whole thing will be fun. We’ll play it up, big-time, at my house (as we usually do). First, there’ll be the Home Run Derby on Monday night followed by the Mid-Summer Classic next Tuesday.

Between now and then, there are still games to be played and votes to be cast. Still, I’m already getting excited and the big game is still a week away!

JG

Originally posted 7/7/2014

Stars and Stripes

Happy Birthday America!

And a note to all you folks reading Coach Jeff’s Blog. Wherever (and however) you are enjoying the holiday weekend…I hope you have a great one!

Today, we will grill up some yummy burgers and serve them with all the fixin’s as my family comes to my house for a 4th of July lunch. Earlier, we will attend the Town of Farragut’s July 4th parade.

I love this parade. It is a snapshot of small town America showing its finest.  Fun. Festive. Up close and personal.

Each year, the parade features the FHS band playing “Anchor’s Aweigh.” Various churches, civic organizations, businesses and other entities join the route, starting at the high school and heading west for a couple miles on Knox County’s largest thoroughfare marching to the strains of Stars and Stripes Forever.

During election years, you can also count on seeing a number of candidates for elected office joining the fun.

It’s always a good idea to bring a sack of some sort. Many parade participants will hand out free goodies from candy to pens and pads of paper. One year we got a free chicken biscuit.

It did NOT go into a sack. 

But, bringing some sort of breakfast with you is another excellent idea. A copy of the morning newspaper also helps you pass the time until things crank up.

Another good idea is to arrive early. And when you do arrive early, it’s prudent to park in a lot that allows for an early exit. Also, find a good spot near the eastern edge of the parade route.

When the parade is gone, then you can go, too. And if you have some yummy burgers ready to go on the grill, why wait?

Burgers and bands. Fireworks and festivities. Friends and family. No matter what your Independence Day plans might be, I wish you a Happy July 4th!

JG

Originally posted 7/4/2014

I Believe That...

  As we head toward the long July 4th weekend, there are a number of  

  thoughts I’ve been thinking.

For one thing, when I went out for my evening walk last night, I was met by a wall of humidity. Welcome to July, right? Last night’s walk was a grinder. Nothing like the bucolic strolls I wrote about earlier this week.

Otherwise, I Believe That:

I Believe That We Will Win
Team USA’s impressive run in the World Cup has surely boosted our stature on the international stage. Even though the Americans lost 2-1 to Belgium yesterday, they did so with another gritty performance.

Meanwhile, at home, nothing sells like success. I have to believe that if we had gone nil-three in pool play, this burst of national pride would have been more subdued. But, we are used to winning things and this team captured our attention with a win, a draw and two razor-thin losses.

Now…here’s something else I believe. As much as Americans like success they also like Americans. I predict the country’s attention will turn to backyard barbecues this weekend and, whereas the soccer community will definitely turn in to watch some key matches, I doubt the general public will pay much attention. 

Also, I believe…that I will always associate that chant with Paul’s tenure as “Admiral Dave” when he would salute the throng of FHS faithful as they professed their positive attitude for Farragut. 

Gas Prices
There is always some industry analyst prepared to explain the reason for the latest hike in gas prices. Whereas I fully understand the unrest in Iraq could play a role in causing our gas prices to inch up, the talking heads always seem to ignore the obvious. Gas prices always seem to rise when Americans are set to travel – for summer vacations, for the Fourth of July, during the holidays… 

You can almost set you budget by it. Anyway, that’s something I believe…

Car Shopping
Speaking of gas…

We’re in the process of acquiring a used car for Paul to drive around town (and when he heads back to college next month). The good news is we are getting close to having this deal done.  Even though I have only been involved on the periphery, something else I believe: I believe that it is never easy to buy a car.

You have the usual haggling (that part is never enjoyable) and then, of course, there is the part where you have to work with the bank, which can be tedious.

Still, everything is coming together and we should have the car by the end of the day tomorrow.

At least I believe we will…

JG

Originally posted 7/2/2014

O Canada

As Lisa and I got closer and closer to our wedding day, we kept checking off the myriad details on our to do list as young couples do.

One day, she brought up the idea of our honeymoon. She said she wanted to do something a little different; something unique and special. How would I feel about Montreal and Quebec City?

I loved the idea. We planned our honeymoon, made all the arrangements and soon we were on our way; a young couple off for a great adventure.

The destination was perfect for a honeymoon – romantic, special, meaningful. Someday – maybe on our next anniversary – I will write more about our honeymoon adventure.

I was probably slightly more impressed with Montreal; she fell in love with Quebec City. As we were walked through the charming streets of Old Quebec one day, she snapped this photo of me. She has always said it is one of her favorites.

In a like manner, I say that trip is one of my favorites. It was a perfect honeymoon destination. Canada has always held a special place in my heart and this affinity grew ten-fold after our honeymoon.

I have made four subsequent journeys north of the border. Each has been special in its own way. 

Perhaps it is because of personal experience but I always think of our Canadian friends on this day. Today, they mark their annual birthday celebration.

Just as we will do later this week (and the French later this month on the 14th), our neighbors to the north will enjoy backyard barbecues and main street parades. There will be a concert at the capitol and the Toronto suburbs will be filled with the tantalyzing, wafting scent of Ribfest 2014. 

From sea to sea, Canadians are celebrating – even as we speak - on this Canada Day 2014.  They’ll sing O Canada and enjoy their day. And I, their Southern friend, offer a tip of the cap.

Enjoy a rib for me.

JG

Originally posted 7/1/2014