FanNation

Where in the World is RUGator?

Some really awesome folks have been asking about my whereabouts. Still here, but I've been working hard on trying to establish Diehard101.com as a player in the sportsfan's web world.

Awhile back, it's founder reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in being the site's official New York Yankee (and hopefully, Florida Gator) writer. I was flattered and said yes to the opportunity. While the site is still in its fledgling state, we've (if I may be so bold) made some great strides. Diehard101.com is scheduled to go fully commando on August 1 (my birthday!). In the meantime, we're in "Alpha" mode. You can access the site and join. In fact, we are still looking for official bloggers for certain professional and college teams. Please go to: http://www.diehard101.com/phpfox/upload/ 

Theatre of the Absurd

What I just finished watching for the last four hours, stretches the limits of sports credulity and perhaps will never again be seen again in my lifetime. I thought I had seen almost it all. But the spectacle put on by Tiger Woods in today's third round of the U.S. Open defies my limited abilities with the English language.

Fighting excruciating pain in his recently surgecially repaired left knee on almost every full shot, Woods shot to the lead today with two eagles and a chip in birdie from a dead lie on 17 which hit the flag stick and dropped home. All three miracles took place during a back nine which will be recorded for the ages. You've got to be kidding me. 

Fortunate Son

I'm not shy about about telling people what I do. I'm a teacher.

I came to to this place after much struggle, heartache, and soul-searching.

And here I was today, the last full day of school (we'll have early dismissal days on Mon., Tue., and Wed., of next week) with my eighth graders, many of whom I've known since kindergarten and many of whom I've taught their older brothers and sisters, extolling the virtues of dreaming big, of trying, of not being afraid to fail, and of giving to others first in order to live a successful and fulfilling life, when in walks a beautiful and very poised young lady from years gone by. Hollywood's got nothing on this. 

Father's Day Letter

From the sound of things, there are a lot of great fathers out there. Depresses me.

I live much of my life for my kids. My two girls. I'm no Ward Cleever, but they're the people who mean the most to me. I'll do anything for them. It's why I stay married (how pathetically sad is that? Do you have any idea what a brutally honest declaration that is for me?)

Thinking back to my own childhood, I can remember some of my friends (not all) telling me that they had "this and that" type of relationship with their dads. Not me. 

Summer Reading For Teens

I thought about trying to put together a list of recommended books, but found this link instead. It's better than anything I could conjure up because the books are reviewed by 9th through 12th graders and not some old grey beard (hypothetically speaking, of course).

Check it out at: http://collier.k12.fl.us/lhs/mediacenter/reviews.htm 

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." And if you don't think that academic excellence and athletic excellence do not go hand in hand, than "you don't know jack."