Catching Up...

Wow, it's a lot harder than I thought it would be a actually find time to write a blog. There have been many things I've thought about writing, but by the time I actually sat down to write, I didn't have the energy.

First, I'd like to join everyone in offering my prayers and sympathy to the people of Virginia Tech. Family, friends, just everyone remotely connected to that tragedy. I can't possibly imagine what they must still be going through. Some of the gestures made by other schools were very nice, such as the student section at Penn State's spring football game where they formed the VT logo. That's the picture at the top of this post.

On a much, much lighter note, the NFL Draft is this weekend. I am not really that interested in it this year. Basically, I just wish that Tank Tyler would end up with the Carolina Panthers. It's time for my favorite NFL team to have a player from my favorite college team. Or maybe San Diego can draft an NC State guy. They're my 2nd favorite NFL team, at least as long as Philip Rivers plays there.

Other quick-hit sports thoughts:

The NBA playoffs are underway...wake me up when they are over.

The NHL playoffs are underway...wake me up when they are over. Only because the Hurricanes aren't in the playoffs, though.

Tony Stewart says NASCAR is like wrestling. I agree, except wrestlers are athletes. I don't mind racing, really. I'm not a fan, but I can tolerate it. That doesn't mean I think I can do it....I'm 6'4" and about 285 pounds, so I'd have some trouble just getting into the car.

Josh Hamilton is making the Cincinnati Reds my favorite baseball team. I really hope he keeps a handle on his demons and has continued success. His story has the potential to inspire lots of addicts to believe that they can overcome their troubles and have productive lives.

And, last but not least, the kids have been fighting what appears to be a stomach bug this week. Seth had it Tuesday, and Emma got it Thursday. Jennifer and I are both shaking in our boots hoping that we don't end up with it for the weekend. Especially her, since she will be flying to Michigan for an overnight trip Saturday.

My birthday was Monday, April 23, and it was probably the most fun birthday ever. I cooked baby back ribs, and they were very good, even if I have to say so myself. After dinner, though, Jennifer and I went out into the yard with the kids and played. It was really a special time. Throwing balls, helping the kids ride a bike, rolling around in the grass, just having a great time with everyone. Jennifer and I are both excited about the upcoming summer and all the fun times on the horizon.

Update - Imus fired from radio show

Don Imus lost his job with CBS Radio this afternoon. Congratulations Al and Jesse!!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/ncaa/women/04/12/cbs.imusfired.ap/index.html

First Post Ever

Hello, and welcome to my blog! This is my first attempt at blogging, so please bear with me.

I have an opinion on the whole Don Imus story. I'm sure you already know that story, so I won't get into the details of it. I listened to his show regularly for about 2 years, and I can tell you that he is telling the truth when he says it was a joke that went too far.

He pushes the envelope, but that's what he's paid to do. People listen to him because they want to hear him go out on that edge. This time, he'd be the first to tell you he went too far.

The most bothersome thing for me about the whole situation is that Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson are leading the parade of people calling for Imus' job. These two show up when things get bad, and proceed to make things worse. They always know the exact course of action to take, and will settle for nothing less. They don't believe Imus deserves the benefit of the doubt in this situation, even though they both have been through several embarrassing

episodes of their own. Since they still are in position of influence and notoriety, obviously they believe that some people deserve second chances.

Even though Rev. Al told the world about the horrible things that happened to Tawanna Brawley, which proved to be lies, he still helped feed the fire of the Duke lacrosse case, which also was a rush to judgment. He was given a second chance, and made the same mistake. Rev. Jackson called New York City "hymie-town", and now thinks that he is able to pass judgment on someone else's comments. Seems very hypocritical to me. Next thing you know, he'll be giving marriage advice.

I will not be shocked if Don Imus loses his radio show. He's already lost the MSNBC simulcast, which was easy to see coming after the pullout of several sponsors. I don't think that's what should happen, but it seems as though that snowball has already started rolling down the hill.

I just think it's sad that all of the good things that Imus has done for kids, for Walter Reed Hospital, for many other causes, is so easily forgotten, pushed aside because he made one really horrible comment. It is quite telling that his suspension starts Monday instead of immediately because of a pre-arranged annual telethon for charity he has every year, that raises millions of dollars. Next year, if Imus is fired, will Rev. Al and Rev. Jesse be in NYC to raise that money??

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On a lighter note, Tiger Woods proved he was human this past weekend at the Masters. Don't be surprised if he wins the last three majors of the year.

NC State has their spring football game Saturday. The beginning of the Tom O'Brien era. It will be interesting to see what type of impact his first series of practices as head coach have had on the team. I think he is going to do an outstanding job.