Letting Go

It was a windy cold day in January when we said goodbye. The ground was hard and covered with snow, I've always enjoyed that type of day in Ohio, but this one in particular the wind bit through your wears. As we gathered around my Grandfathers final resting place and witnessed first hand the firing of guns in salute to a fallen comrade, I wondered would this moment be felt for all time. I suppose it was the finallity of the situation, or maybe it was the look everyone had as they blankly stared back at one another. If you stared too long at one person and they saw you then the emotion of saying goodbye would overcome you. So it was easier to just scan the area and hold it in, asking yourself if you remembered that person across the way or was that the person you'd spoken to but not really known for all those years. For me most of the time was spent looking at all my Grandfathers children there saying in their own private thoughts goodbye to their Father, indeed watching my Mother was most gut rentching. As the ceremony proceded and came to an end, I soon found the greatest heartache was seeing a spouse saying goodbye to apart of herself, they'd been together for 59 years.

The night before his funeral I was up late preparing a few words, I'd been asked to do so days before we arrived in Ohio, but I'd waited till that night to start. I wanted to be there and feel those memories there In Ohio that had brought me up all my years as a child and now a Father. I read scriptures, I even thought of using some good musical lyrics to get my point across. Now matter how I wanted to begin, all I could think of was how it would end. For the last five months or so My Grandparents spent most of their time in an old folks home just down from their own home, as it turned out they would not return to that place we'd last seen them and shared laughter. That must be hard to know you are so close but physically are unable to be where you mind and spirit already are. An all to familiar end was approaching, when the body just sleeps and not eats it is only a matter of time, and we all knew it...though it wasn't any easier when he passed. But before he did, he did something that to this day is all I could focus on that night and even now. I guess he knew and called for my Grandmother, holding her hand and looking in her eyes and recalling 59 glorious years together, he smiled. He said to her " I love you and you gotta take care of yourself, you gotta eat." He then smiled, held her hand and was gone. That very thought of the two of them together, alone in a room having that moment is what the focus of my thoughts that evening before and that day thereof consisted of. Those memories never fade, its probably then I feel the loss so powerfully.

My two year old Daughter was going through a photo frame and came across my Grandfathers picture and the poster of his Obituary, she asked who's that man. I said to her thats your Great-Grandfather. I asked her to be careful with this treasured item, as she asked to hold it and we looked at it together. I read to her a passage that I wish I could give credit to its author, and told her remember "Grandpa" you met him before. I smiled and and looked at her as though I had failed her by not giving her the chance to have known him, she after all wasn't even a year old when they met. I then felt overcome having failed him, I wonder if he even knew who I was introducing him to at the time of our last gathering. He was bedridden by then and I carried him to his bed ,unknowingly it would be the last time I'd see, or hug him...can't say I appreciated that moment as I do now. I excused myself to get her some water, I didn't want her to see my eyes watering and ask why...not ready to explain that to my little girl.

Which in a round about way brings me to that night prior to his burial. I could relay what was said and written by me and others that day, its still very vivid even now. But I want to put you in the room, were two kindred spirits became one...as I said before I give credit to whomever wrote this and my thanks for allowing me to use it and most of all my enduring love for the message that conveys the thoughts of those final moments:

MAY I GO NOW?

May I go? May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day,

To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and so afraid, because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.

So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.


In Loving Memory

Herbert H. Ochier Sr. 11-18-1917 ~ 1-20-2007

Lessons yet learned?

Once again our American brethren have been tested, and I hope we do not fail them. While it may not be katrina, it in some ways may be worse. Our midwestern folks are in trouble and its affect will soon trickle down to all of us in different forms such as higher prices on agricultural goods, and yet again higher fuel costs. I like you didn't recall hearing an all points bulletin call for all hands on deck. Not having yet full details of heroism, I know that there were brave men and women risking their lives to protect property and lives. I know that even now there is no end to this nightmare, the waters in some places have yet to crest, and that is most dangerous. Lessons learned through Katrina I hope will pull them through, but I still haven't heard anything we didn't hear then...empty promises once the cameras go away. Its all news until something else comes along to take its place. The focus will be there for sometime, the devestation is yet to be determined. But when the news people pack up and leave, what will they leave behind. Will it be a determined government providing all the help required, will it be the triumph of a few, or for some the loss of all humanly possible. We have a chance at greatness in the face of futility, please make the most of it...have we learned from our prior transgressions, that remaines to be seen!! Over the next few weeks I hope to continue to follow this story and learn more about what took place and what is needed to help, I hope you too will do the same.

"PING"... cinderella for another day?

As I watch the NCAA CWS on ESPN I cannot help but hope that we all have enjoyed the showcase of talent from all teams. Every outing has been purely exciting, especially from an offensive standpoint. Yeah like most of you my teams are not in it, or not playing for the championship. However for the baseball purist you get to watch teams compete for not money but for the right to be a champion. When all is lost and you think a team is down and out they have suprised all by having real late inning comebacks. Though enjoyable it brings me to my thought of the day, where the heck has the pitching gone?

I'm not complaining mind you, after all it has been quite interesting to say the least. But when a team has the other on the ropes and all it takes is an out or two, how does a team mount a comeback and do so without recording an out. I've watched and yelled at the television, all the while wondering why haven't we seen the pitching coach much less the head coach calling for another relief pitcher. It amazes me to see a guy on the mound give up four runs without an out and no one visits the mound to settle him down, give him some time to breath, or I don't know maybe pull his butt out of there!I don't care if its your best guy or not, this is not a seven game series, you only get two chances and if you lose the first...huh it ain't gonna be easy. For instance the Georgia vs Fresno State game last night is a prime example of the coach waiting too long to do anything, before you know it his team went from being up to being down and one loss away from total destruction. I'm afraid to ask where his mind was, but hey I guess that is why he gets paid and I don't to watch a blow out take place, I believe it was a .."PING"... grandslam that did them in. That "Ping" sound is one of the most recognizable in all of sports, it means look out a bullet is on its way or look up in the sky , that baby's gonna go for miles!

Folks you aren't gonna believe this but I'm seeing it happen again. Fresno was up 15-6 in the top of the seventh and now bases are loaded and now they are up 15 -10 ...I know at this level the hitting is keen but why can't a guy pitch his way out of a jam without giving up five runs before recording an out. I always thought the idea at Omaha was to leave nothing on the table 'cause if you do, you'll be home long before the final out is posted. I do hope that Fresno can hold on to give us one more entertaining outing tommorrow, and believe you me I mean just that too... hold on for dear life.

The late Tim Russert

I was on my way to bed when flicking channels I came across the eulogy given by the late Tim Russerts son. I did not know him other than what was displayed on television and the likes. But listening to a son eulogize a Father in such a loving way and understanding how difficult it is to do so for a loved one. I was touched that he could do it in a manner fitting such a tribute but yet still giving it the emotion that I can only imagine would have made his Father proud. I know that from all account the family was pretty close and Tim Russert was well respected in his field, so many of our loved ones have gone on and they were not forgotton especially this past weekend. For all those Sons and Fathers who have only the memories to hold onto, keep them daily in your hearts because daily you pay homage to their lives and they are always proud you were their Son or Father. I am lucky to still have my Dad with me, and maybe later I'll be able to tell him I'm proud to have such an influence in my life, and most of all ....thanks!!

We call that turbulance.

If you could close your eyes with me for just a moment, try and recall your last vacation. Was it hanging out at the beach, could it have been shopping in New York , maybe high rolling in Vegas. Or for the lucky ones perhaps it was closer, may a few hours drive having Grandmas potatoe salad, homemade peach cobbler and fresh made lemonade. Please keep them closed, we're not quite home yet. Back then your biggest complaint was that you couldn't see all the attractions you wanted due to a lack of hours in a day. Heck sometimes it was because there wasn't enough room in the suitcase or car to bring back all you picked up on vacation. Are you still relaxed, can you hear the waves breaking and smell that cool crisp ocean breeze??

BAM BAM BAM....wake up fool, those days are as gone as your old high school waist line, only to be seen in black and white pictures which are too fuzzy to be in color. We are in a crisiss mode and the only way out is to pay the piper, at least that is what the Airlines are telling us. I cannot believe that they have the gall to charge for services not rendered. They want me to pay to check my luggage and then hope it lands with me and not in Tokyo. How about they let me pay an amount that reflects how soon my flight took off, or in some cases how many days it took to leave the airport. They tell me to get to the airport at least two hours prior to take off, then when I run like the law chasing a bank robber to make my gate I find my flight delayed or my seat given to someone else. You can imagine the response, sorry there's nothing I can do, or we can get you on another flight going nowhere and for this much more money. I have heard now those little perks such as peanuts, pretzels and half a soda are being taken away, but if you want to pay a fee you can get ice with that water. I know that all things are going up and they too are losing money, but how do they expect the average joe to pay the extras when all he is trying to do is get home to see that someone special, maybe for the last time.

Now that I brought you home from your vision of long lost vacations, how are you planning this years adventure. Will it be staying home and sharing the cost by buying that special someone a ticket and not the whole families airfare. Might you just go as far as a tank of gas will take you, I'm sure there are things locally to experience. What about joint family vacations with close friends. No matter how you try to get around the idea of saving money there are those out there thinking of ways to get into your wallet, ways of telling you how much its hurting the company and not just the indiviuals. You see its not just the travelers hurting , its the employees of big business that are too being punished. If we choose to stay home, will that hourly wage employee be able to not only retain his job, but pay the bills. If he can't pay then it puts a financial bind on the next joe blow, and finally the plant shuts down 'cause the factory can't sell what it cannot afford to make. I'm not sure the big picture is being seen here, if solutions are not soon forth then the damages may be irreversable.

So the next time the Captain thanks you for flying their Airline, thank him on a job well done. Keep in mind the whole time you were in the air the gas near empty light was on, and that so called turbulance was him shaking every ounce of fuel out of that bird to keep the air conditioner on too...Happy flying and I hope you vacation smart and with patience, lots and lots of patience.

KABOOM!!... courtesy flush please!!

As though the outcome were in doubt, I will concede that the better team is going to win the NBA Championship and it won't be the Lakers. The Celtics are humiliating the Lakers and that is putting it nicely. I really thought the effort tonight was going to be there, Heck I would settle for a lack luster effort 'cause that would be a better showing than this, please call of the dogs!!


I know that when the series began many, including I thought that the momentum from the Western Conference series could spill over into the Finals for the Lakers, no one thought based on the Celtics previous inability to win on the road would not favor the Lakers. I guess someone woke the beast from the East. Although I would have liked a different outcome, at least these Celtics I can live with as the new Champion, there are a few of them I actually do like.

In the begining I called this the resuming of an old traditon, it just hasn't had that same flare. I didn't feel the same as before whenever these two franchises would meet in the Finals. I know its a different decade, but I sure was hoping to get some of that passion from a long time ago. Maybe all could be contibuted to the fact that neither team is playing in its respective old stadiums? Perhaps if we were in the old Forum some of the old "show time" would have shown through. And speaking of "show time", why did the league not give us some of those old greats from both sides more air time. I recall seeing a few, but why miss an opportunity to bridge yesterday with today from a fans perspective? It wouldn't have been that hard to gather them together, shoot maybe they could have played a halftime show.

I am watching the final moments and hearing the crowd chant certain things that only sting when your team is the one falling short, I nonetheless don't like it. I'm a sore loser and know that if they were the ones losing that I would feel pretty good about my crowd going nuts. Its just hard to hear them with darn near ten minutes left to play, now that is ridiculous. With about forty seconds left the Lakers are down by forty points.......WOW!!!!

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics, they deserve to win and they earned it as all Champions do.

Our other journey

Remember the phrase "Space, the final frontier...to go where no man has gone before." Yeah cheesey I know, and also from the Star Trek movies, but still it meant something. I can recall the days when the Space program had everyones attention. how many of you know that today the shuttle landed and did so safely, does anyone care? I can recall as a child growing up in the 1980's whenever the shuttle launched we saw it on television. It didn't matter if you were in school or at home each channel broadcast its launch. When is the last time you saw its glorious take off and understood what you were witnessing. Just as I figured, most only remember when tradgedy happens. All are watching then and focus only on the failures of the space program.

I remember being home watching the space shuttle Challenger when it launched and seeing a horrific sight. For most of us we can recall trying to grasp what had happened and with the world mourning the loss of lives that day one will never forget. Was it becomeing to conventional that we stopped caring. Maybe the focus towards the stars became more like a movie, we could catch it whenever and didn't really have to see it to believe it. I as a child was very passionate about our solar system, knowing that there are things to discover and explore so far off that it would take light years to get to if just fascinating. Are you not compelled as well as I to know more about our past and our space future as those brave men and women of NASA who go where no man has gone before? Its more than just landing on the Moon, its about what those pioneers never thought possible. One day to travel from the Earth to say Mars is a feat that will truely happen, can you not imagine what lies before us at this time. It may not happen tommorrow, it might not for decades to come. But when it does will you be watching, or will you wait for dispare. I recently watched the movie Apollo 13 again and that is a prime example of how nobody cares until something newsworthy happens. Were it not for near tradgedy then America would have just considered another voyage to space and nothing more. however it became nail biting drama when lives were at stake, sound familiar?

Look I know it is a very costly journey, and like most other governmental agencies the cost is over inflated. That cost could go towards the research for vaious diseases, and other more engaging needs. But we must not deter from learning more about the heavens and the safe return of our Astronuats. The solar system is a vast array of planets and stars we may never be able to reach, never be able to comprehend the how and the why they exist. But only in the exploration of this system will we be able to know more of its affect on our own planet, and the possible solutions plagued over centuries that still haven't been identified.

So the next time a shuttle is launched please take the time to appreciate where its going and where its been. Allow yourself to feel the amazment as they space walk outside with the blackness of space as their background. Allow yourself the sense of pride in knowing how far man has come and how dangerous this feat actually is. And finally, find out the next time a shuttle will launch and land, the view from above must be inspiring and the grace at which it descends to Earth is as beautiful as the colors of the rings of Saturn......it really does mean something when you open your minds to the universe.

Omaha or bust!!

Another season full of promises has come to an end with an early exit by the FSU Baseball team. It again was a hard fought battle between Miami and the losing Noles. Miami controlled the game for the most part, while at least the Seminoles again tried to sermount a comback. They didn't make it, and though they did accomplish what others were unable too, we the Seminole Nation are left to wonder and perplex what is it going to take to get there and stay awhile? Every year they start off mild and get hot leading up to the Omaha run and always find a way to cough it up. Usually it's defensive errors, and there were some, but this time it was the offense that let them down and not to mention untimely pitching. Heck you cannot consistantly spot the other teams double digit leads and expect to wait till the ninth to wake up the bats.


Its getting harder and harder to see a talent laden team lose its talent to the draft and leave little left in the cupboard. I know coach Martin and those left behind find away to compete and all credit must go to these players. One cannot get to spoiled as we have been with most FSU sports 'cause there are a lot of other programs that wish they could have half the success we have enjoyed, but still it hurts not to do better on the national stage as it were. But anyway best of luck to those players moving on and to those remaining...better luck next year and thanks for all your effort both on and off the field.

It ain't pretty, but hello game six.

I'll be darn, just got back and up by five with twentyfive seconds to play. I suppose my girl new I needed a break from the losing and to come back to on the way to game six. Looking to the next game we have to play better team defense and more sources of offensive production on the road. At times Gasol plays too soft for a big man, gotta go up strong with authority that close to the basket!


I just saw flashes of Larry Bird to Dennis johnson against Detroit. What a poor in bounds play, man this team cannot relax...Steal by Fisher and a sigh of relief, Lakers win and it ain't pretty, we'll take what we can get at this point. Wipe the sweat off and get down to business for the next game, got a long road ahead and long nights to wonder what if...

Lakers over the Celtics...??

I have purposely left out talking about the Lakers Celtics series because, well I'm not sure the Lakers can sustain the drive to the Championship. The Celtics have definately out played my boys, and to have lost that huge lead in the last game is ridiculous. I am now watching the game as it enters into the fourth quarter, and though the Lakers are up by nine points, I still don't think the Celtics won't come back. I still believe in this team, but I need more than belief, I need results. I really want this series to go all seven games, and if then and only then we are not the better team will I be somewhat satisfied with their road to the NBA finals run.


Is anyone else flabbergasted by the FSU baseball teams complete dismantel yesterday? They make a huge run at Stanford in the late eighth inning only to be crushed in the nineth. This team has got us prepared for a much deeper run in Omaha and look out the same "bug " gets us again. I know thry aren't done yet but come on you cannot give up that type of runs in one inning. Then today my LSU Tigers lose to North Carolina, can I catch a break. I need this Laker team to get it going tonight or my sports weekend won't be happy. Unfortunately somebodys is going home after tommorrow in the double elimination round Hopefully it won't be my teams.


I'm not to versed on golf but man what a performance by the great Tiger Wooods, and I am rooting for him to finish strong in the playoff. Wow says a lot about our surgical Doctors today, to be able to compete so well this soon, who would have thought he'd look this good, and still be in pain.



current update...lakers falling apart and the baby's up. I'll put my faith in them but I gotta leave the room and tend to her............better not be disappointed when I get back!!??

My Little Lady!

Hello to all, and especially to those celebrating Fathers day. The day will come and go, but the reasons hopefully will last a lifetime. This is only my second as a dad, but my thirty-sixth as a son. I am the proud dad of a gorgeous little girl, and she alone could provide the warmth of the sun through those eyes and that remarkable smile. Like most dads out there having a girl provides certain challenges, and just as many rewards.

Before she was born and we new the sex of our future child, people would ask whether I wanted a girl or a boy. Most times the response was either would excite me; you do that to be safe. Early on in the pregnancy you do not want to jinx fate. However those that know me and saw the gleam in my eyes every time I spoke of the anticipation heard my desire to have a girl. I have always wanted a girl and was completely in love with her when we found out, we really didn't know till birth. Every time we'd had the checkups she was always in the wrong position to truly identify a girl or a boy, so much so that by the time the last sonogram was taken the doctor said not to hold him to it but he'd bet it was a girl.

At birth I was the first to spend time with her; she was a C-section baby, so mommy was a little busy! I sat there by her side with her little hand holding my finger and listening to her beautiful screaming, yeah I didn't know that scream would get kind of old. Nonetheless one of the greatest things a father could experience in his life was looking back at him now for the first time. She was crying and looking for her mommy, while I was looking back at her and looking to her future. In an instant you have her life planned and know where you want her life to lead, yet knowing she is an individual and will make her own choices, you can't help but hope it’s always in the right direction.

Thus the first challenge having a girl brings, wanting her to know and see that a man should always treat a woman with respect and that her choices should always be just that. A father will be the example she looks to, a father will be the shoulder she leans on when she brings home that guy you will want to explain why you know where he lives and sleeps. A father will be the one who will miss being there when she does something for the first time because of work. A father is the one who secretly checks in on her while she sleeps to make sure she is ok, and checks the locks on the doors to make sure the family is safe at night.


There are those times when she's playing and in her own little world that I smile and know she is getting so big, she is able to reach things she couldn't less than a few months ago, and I wish that time would slow down so I'd have more time with her. I know that time is all we have and we never know how much of that we actually have, so I take the time to love her, watch her and in particular express to her my pure joy when she calls me “my daddy!”


I know wish to acknowledge my Father, my late grandfather, and my very close friends both here and up north a most happy fathers day. You all have in some way influenced me and I didn’t want to not say thanks to you all for being there both before and after the birth of my little girl…..THANKS !!

What's in the box?

I want to tell you a story about a little child, we'll call him Teddy. You see Teddy grew up in a town not unlike your own, nice neighborhood, close friends and went to a good school. His parents worked hard to provide him and his syblings a good home, like most of us they wanted more for their family, but were doing the best they could with what they had. The family from time to time went out for dinners, a movie and what Teddy looked forward to most of all were the outings to the local sports arenas. As time went by Teddy's family didn't do the things he once looked forward to. It wasn't very noticeable at first, his parents did as much as they could to make a few changes but it still wasn't enough. Soon Teddy would see and hear the worry displayed from his family, late night voices and crying from downstairs could be heard everytime the phone would ring or another certified letter was delivered. After awhile Teddy didn't see much of his Father, he'd taken a nightshift position to help save for their Disney Land trip coming next year, like the one they'd not gone on the year prior. Mom was busy putting things in boxes to make room for the things they didn't have room for, no matter at least Uncle Fred moved in last week and they play when he's not helping mom put away boxes.
It was on a Tuesday, Teddy was in front of his classroom with tears rolling down his face. He could barely get the words out, his best friend Jason was standing by his side crying as well. "They took our home away, and we have to move to my uncle Freds home to some place I've never heard of." Teddy was saying goodbye to his friends and school, while back at home his parents were getting all they could into the trailer before their given posted deadline....the rain really poured heavy that day.
This is not a true story relayed to me, it is however something I have seen on news reports for the last two years on a weekly basis. I am not in anyway saying that people didn't put themselves into a foreclosure position. However when the banks and the government were handing out these ARM loans, all the Teddy's of the world finally had a place they could call home. I have seen reports where kids had to say goodbye to everything they had and knew, it wasn't their fault that their parents did not make wise choices, then again some families would not have had the opportunity to have purchased a home were it not for these "hot rates" I have no misconception that when the ink was drying on paper that people were being told not to worry, when and if the ARM loan goes up, it will only be a little and even then you can refinance that loan before you get into trouble. Hmm trouble is that day came for a lot of other people at the same time, and TROUBLE don't care who its got as long as its got somebody.
So when you lay your head on the pillow and sigh at what a wonderful picture of whatever is hanging on your walls, please do not forget about "TEDDY." There are so many like him staying in shelters, or with family he never knew he had. There are so many families who may never overcome the mistakes a mortgage brings. If we can help those in need from far off places we've never been, and never heard of when disaster strikes, then why can't we help those who live next door. Why can't we see that help begins here locally and not all those people were stupid. Why is the frame of thought it was only the poor people, or those trying to out do the "Jones's." A lot of these were good hard working folks, now without homes, and soon without jobs. You see its affect is not just subject locally, but nationwide. It should not be a "bail out " system, don't read that into this conversation, however the next time you run to your local haunts check out the number of homes being sold not just by realtors but by banks, I'll bet its getting pretty close to your neighborhood, if not next door. You can tell the economy is being effected by this whole dilema, and its not just gas prices either. Those who were waiting for their dream homes to be built or to become available will, if not already, find it difficult to obtain that home loan. Oh yeah, thats right. If you thought so what if "Teddy" lost his home, it won't affect me, you are wrong. What happens locally will always soon enough reach out wether you know every Tom, Dick or Harry......TROUBLE NEEDS SOMEBODY....why not YOU!!????

Did you hear a click or a thud the last time you pumped gas??

Ask anyone about the weather and they usually have a response, its either too hot or too cold. There is never really a middle ground, we all feel to some degree the temp is not where we'd like it to be. If we then can openly complain about something we have no control over, other than adjusting the way we dress, or the mere pushing of a button for relief. How is it possible that we as a American have no way to control the price we pay for GAS?? It's remarkable how everyday the price per barrell sets an alltime record.
I know we all have felt the crunch by now, and if you haven't, that my friends is the problem. Collectively if we "all" didn't allow the oil companies to dig into our pockets then what do you think would happen. When is the last time you think one of these gurus pumped gas at over $4.00 a gallon and said to themselves" man what the heck, I just pumped $50.00 and my tank still isn't full?" Do you really think they are feeling the crunch as well? I say if they were then someone would have if not already done something about it. I do not fault them for having the fortitude to be the haves verse the haves not, I know I wish I had that problem.
The people who are being forgotton are those who make minimum wage or have a one income household, and cannot afford the inflation as it were. My household has two sources of income and it's not easy since I travel about 350 miles a week for my job. We however manage, but I don't see any help from Uncle Sam do you? I know there are no easy answers, 'cause if I had them then I'd be one of those Guru's. I am simply saying that there are people out there who if help doesn't arrive soon will be knocking on the door to bancruptcy, and that is a different demon all its own.
Tommorrow I will get to more of this conversation and the fight or plight we as Americans are facing , we haven't begun to talk yet about foreclosures either....one day we woke up and it all went bad.
On the sports side of things my LSU Tigers pounded their way into Omaha, outstanding offensive performance this evening. Not to be left unplugged, Mr. Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th Homerun today and Cooperstown he is headed when all is said and done, hats off to you sir.

Gonna be down two??

As I watch my lakers losing by 17 pts to the Celtics I am now reminded that one cannot afford to be sentimental when it comes to winning, and right now we are on the verge of losing huge. I admit in the last post I felt a little indifference towards the Celtics, but now about to be down two games to none, I know now with whom my allegiance shall remain.
Holly molly the boys have awakend, they are now just down by four points and making a real run at it. No matter what at least they have challenged this team and themselves, it will make a difference in game three.
Before I forget, let me congratulate the FSU Noles and the LSU Tigers on their gloriously hard fought victories today. The Noles are on their way to Omaha, and tommorow hopfully the Tigers will conclude their series as well.
On another note this blog called the Gazette, is my way to reach out and to speak on all topics not just sports related. I hope to updated it as often as possible, and to leave no discussion untouched. I am committed to keeping it interesting and relative to things that happen around the world and here in my little nitch........................Lakers lose!!

A traditon continues

Well sports fans we are in for a real treat this evening, game two of the Lakers/Celtics NBA Championship series. I have always been a die hard Lakers fan, but I'm having trouble not routing fot the "New Celtics." Yes thats what allows me to even begin to think green, the phrase "new." I come from the Magic,Kareem,Worthy,and Rambis...just to name a few...Lakers Era. Most of us hated the Celtics then, but now maybe not so much. However should the Lakers fail to win the series, well still water run deep and the hatred will go on. But the Celtics do have one of the games most deserving NBA players, Kevin Garnett. This guy has been a devoute player every game of his life and never had the right nucleus to really accomplish anything. It may sound sentimental, but sometimes you pull for the "guy"even if he isn't on your team. We all felt the same for Michael Jordan and David Robinson as they too won their first NBA Championship.

I shall be watching tonights game anticipating a Lakers victory, and truely just enjoying a renewed tradition. It may not be Magic vs Bird, but its as close as we are going to get for now. The NBA understands this point and thus they gave these two icons a chance to be apart of the series with the split face and same words commercial...Outstanding!!