MORNINGMANIAC's Blog

The state of Georgia was named one of the top ten fattest states in the country...Hey people in case you didnt realize--Ill remind you and me again-obesity is a major problem in GA...We need to get serious here about physical fitness and taking care of our bodies.

We are number 8...Mississippi was number 1...

We love our southern style cooking--but we can enjoy many of those same foods but cut out all the bad fat and needless calories...GA is also one of the leading states in new diabetes cases as well--these two statistics are in direct correlation with each other and its time we got serious about protecting ourselves and our children.

It doesnt take much time to walk around the block--like Nike says Just Do It!

Bar none the most disgusting and most vile piece of video Ive seen in a long time...Lee County Georgia...a sixteen year old boy who wanted to see an infant fly launches him off the pillow by jumping on the other end...I was almost ill watching and like the sheriff of Lee County--you almost have to turn away as the baby is heard crying in the background...

The sheriff promises to investigate this horrible act and make sure that a stearn message is sent to the rest of the community at large and the world really--that this kind of behavior against a defenseless child will not be tolerated....Lock this kid up now before he really does kill someone...The child could have easily broken his neck and been killed...We can't let this kind of behavior slide folks--teach this teenager right now about right and wrong...Teach him a lesson that he'll remember the rest of his life.

And one other question where are the parents?  This is the worst item of the day--matter of fact the worst item in a long time!

For the first time, ever,  I have recently been wondering whether gun ownership is a good idea.

Our new law which clears the way for some 300,000 citizens to walk around with their weapons--concealed-- makes me a little uneasy.  Although background checks have been done--there is no way to guarantee those folks with concealed weapons permits will always use good judgement.  And we all know all it takes is one mistake.  There are no do-overs when firing a weapon. 

But now that we have all this new freedom--should we all arm ourselves just in case someone decides to play judge, jury and executioner.  I'm not quite sure on this one!

Don Imus the old and grizzled granddaddy of radio--is back on the hot seat again...After an exchange with sportscaster Warner Wolf...Imus suggest that because Adam (no longer Pac Man) Jones is african american he is prone to being arrested often. This followed Wolf's report referring to the Las Vegas nightclub shooting incident that led to his suspension from the NFL.

Well im sure most people didnt even know Imus was back on the radio.  But yup he's back. And back with a vengeance.

Some may think Imus is funny.  My mother was a big fan when we lived in NY growing up--she listened to him faithfully.  Im gonna go with the fact that he's just not in charge of all of his grey matter faculties. Maybe he's showing a little age and saying things without thinking or maybe he's just a racist--Who cares?  But if he wants to say those kinds of inflammatory statements then he should be prepared for the consequences--which means that everyone with a cause will be heading down to his radio stations corporate office and they ll be picketing and boycotting and making all kinds of noise!  But thats the purpose--he was looking for attention and now he's gonna get it!

No time for Barack Obama to relish this history accomplishment!  Becoming the first African American nominee for president of a major political party is huge in its historical significance...But in the new media age and do or die--kill or be killed political strategizing--its onward toward winning the White House and beating the presumptive nominee on the other side of the aisle - Sen. John McCain!

Now the question remains who is the best running mate?  Who can fill the voids in your weak spots...Obvioulsy HIllary Clinton, the senator from NY seems to be on the Sen. Obama's short list and rightfully so...She did carry crucial swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio and maybe that might be the best partnership to challenge the Republican machine...

But this is politics and we all know theres' no black and white--there's only blue and red!

 

Big Brown underwent his final workout before Saturdays Belmont Stakes...If he's able to pull it off Big Brown would cement his place in history becoming the first horse in 30 years to bring home Horseracing's Triple Crown....The controversy surrounds his injured left front hoof--which apparently has a crack in it...His handlers have been watching his every move and treating him with kid gloves since he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness...

But some are saying the quest to become the first to pull off the trifecta since Affirmed did it in 1978 is not nearly worth the risk of the thoroughbreds' life...Some animal rights activists say he shouldnt even run...But this is big business--its tv ratings--theres multi-millions at stake and theres the historical significance...Should he run and risk it all?

This is a touchy subject -- where do you fall? Run for the Glory or Play it safe and stay in the barn!

 

How much higher can gas prices possibly go before someone decides to take some serious action! Better yet...Who should be taking action on our behalf??--Your  thoughts?

The Delta Northwest alliance--i just dont know how I feel about it... I love its great American comeback story--from the depths of bankruptcy to flourishing super power of the airways...I also love the fact that jobs n DeltaVille are staying put and more jobs may even be created...

But what does this kind of super power mean for our pockets--Although it keeps jobs vital to Atlanta...getting out of atlanta by plane may become much more expensive...Why the competition may soon be squeezed out...Airtran Midwest and other discount airlines are sure to the feel the pressure from the new super carrier and ultimately may be forced out of the game...Its already tough sitting on the tarmac on one of the discount carriers waiting for a gate--so we know its already tough on the "other" guys are Hartsfield Jackson....So now what -- we may see lower fares to begin with just to compete but once they gain control--there's sure to be alot of pressure as fares go up and we are now left with no choices...so hold on to your frequent flier miles because we may very well need them to make traveling affordable and practical...

 

 

 

Do you know Sam Spady?  No.  And you wont get a chance to get to know her because she passed away back in 04 from alcohol poisoning.  She had it all--she was beautiful and smart--class president and cheerleader...A business major at Colorado State University....with nothing but the world waiting for her...

But it all changed in an instant when she attended a frat party as all college kids do!  But she drank shot after shot and then went to lay down by herself...She was found hours later dead from alchohol poisoning...A parents worst nitemare and it all could have been avoided if others had paid attention or if someone had seen her and known what warning signs to look for...Now Patty Spady Sam's mother...is on a mission to educate young people and make them aware of the problems and dangers associated with binge drinking and alcohol poisoning....

Having a college aged child--that i already know is overly social...I always worry that he's one bad decision away from tragedy.  Thats why its so important for parents to talk TO--not "AT" their children about the dangers of alcohol how easily things can go bad!  And an evening more disturbing trend and information that comes out of this tragedy is the fact that more and more young girls are bingin' to try to keep up with the boys--and to put the other edge on the sword--the liquors are flavored making it even more appealing for the girls.

Peer pressure is the greatest pressure our children deal with--and its hard to combat it in a college dorm or at the big game when you are sitting in your living room!  Check out the dvd with your kids and talk about it--and talk about making wise choices!  Don't spoil their college years--help them survive their college years! For more information go to samspadyfoundation.org.

I-85 is no joke!  My family just had a scare that shook us all up!  This latest hit and run with four fatalities scared me all over again!  I was out of town and my parents called to let me know they had been in an accident -but they were okay--just a little bruised up!

Fortunately they were buckled up and had a bunch of airbags deploy to protect them! Others may not be as fortunate!

Apparently my dad was cruisin in the HOV lane doing about 65-70 when all of the sudden a car darted in front of him as traffic began to slow down.  He slammed on the brakes but couldnt avoid crashing into the car sending that vehicle into the air and flipping over!  Before the airborn vehicle came to a crashing halt--it had struck two other vehicles.  At that speed everyone is lucky to have been able to walk away from that kind of impact and incredibly scary situation.

People drive way too fast on I-85.  Throw in the truck traffic and all the congestion! Theres no room for wreckless driving.  How about this suggestion--give yourself a few extra minutes so you dont have to make a mad dash in an area that doesnt have any room for mistakes.   We know there are too many cars for too little space and its crazy to think that you are going to get to your destination any faster by speeding and weaving in and out of traffic.  All it does is put your life in jeopardy--and as we have seen the last couple of days--the lives others are put in danger as well!  Use good sense on all our Georgia roadways buckle up and arrive alive!

As the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approaches us I am reminded that in many facets of our country's being--his dream has become reality including the democratic process...

Taking a closer look at the race on the Democratic side we see the diversity at the top as the front runners Hilary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama symbolize what Dr. King lived and ultimately died for...The right to pursue whatever our dream is-regardless of race creed or color or even gender...

We certainly have made progress in the many years since his untimely departure and there are so many opportunities for people from all walks of life...Ironically, the candidates are battling over each others characterization of his legacy...but both seem to be reaping the rewards of his sacrifice....

Regardless of who wins we have witnessed an historical event--and although we may not see a woman or an african american president, there are many folks out there who think we may not have ever seen something like this during our lifetime...
Just the fact that they are serious candidates means monumental progress for our country...

How far we have come...On this birthday Dr. King would be proud...

On New Years Day...we said goodbye to a man who lived his life for the man above...

A man who had two of his own children and many other young men that looked at him as a father figure...I first met Dennis Roland on a hot summer day in El Paso, TX...He was one of four coaches in the Sun Bowl the day I worked out with the teams starting Quarterback...After the workout coach remarked that he'd take me on the defensive side of the ball if I got tired of playing wide receiver...From that point on he became a fan of mine and even more importantly I was one of his biggest fans too...

It was just a few words that he shared with me some time later during a seven on seven drill during practice...He told me that "I could be something special, if I wanted to be" and those words stay with me to this day...Even when I didnt deserve a fan he found a way to lift me up--and I've never forgotten his support--

This past Saturday we paid our respects  in Coach's home town of Cochran,GA.... At his homegoing service we heard many stories of the lives he touched...the racial barriers he broke down...the friends he made and more importantly kept...And  the fact that those who knew him best--never heard him even whisper an ill word about another human being...He couldn't lived a better life--leading many young men to the word of god...and not only sharing his love for his savior but living it as well...He walked the walk and talked the talk for the lord....His son found a scripture scribbled on a piece of paper in his hospital room which summed up the character of Dennis Roland...It was from the book of Job 13:15 and simply read..."Though he slay me...I will still trust in him...

Coach Roland was put here not just to win football games...he was put here to help shape and mold better young men...In that regard he is the winner and will always be thought of as a winner!  For Coach lives on in all the young mens' lives that he touched-including yours truly....Those angels in heaven had better get in shape because a new head coach is running Gods' offense now and he loves to air it out! God Bless Coach Roland and Thank you so much for the life lessons!

Talk about a cheezy and classless exit--could Bobby Petrino have made matters any worse than bailing on us in the middle of this mess of a season after compiling a miserable 3-10 record...But whats more is that this is Bobby's m-o! I heard on ESPN radio that he's had 15 jobs in the last 25 years of his coaching carousel...We know about his thirteen game stay here in Atlanta--But dont forget he bailed on Louisville one year after signing a ten year extension..Well good riddance in Arkansas...You go be number one hog! We need to work on repairing our franchise--

But this is the kind of story that lessons are made of--As Keith Brooking said "When i start something I'm gonna finish it--im gonna see it through!" That's why he's an All Pro Linebacker and Bobby Petrino will never coach in the NFL again...What did he think it was gonna be a cake walk--But you have to be tough anyway to coach and win in the NFL and you have to be even tougher to bear the lean years...Petrino said in Arkansas last night--"It was a tough decision on one had and an easy decision on the other!" Well its always easy to run and hide...And obviously that was the easiest decision for Bobby--But hey Frank Broyles don't be surprised if he takes off on you as well and leaves you the hogs with nothin but a bunch of bacon!

A line from the great poem penned by Edward Guest says: Black may be the clouds about you--your future may seem grim...but dont let your nerve desert you...keep yourself in fighting trim--if he worst is bound to happen in spite of all that you can do running from it will not help you--see it through!

Bobby take heed on the words from the poem for truer words have never been spoken...

Anyone have a number for Chan Gailey?

All i want for Christmas is one wish...That Michael Vick could become one of the greatest stories of redemption--ever...I know most you bloggers say he got what he deserved and i don't agree--Let's agree to disagree--Save your disparaging comments for some other more worthwhile cause...This is my wish not yours!  But I hope for his sake and his family's sake that he is able to return to society a better man--a productive member of our community or wherever he chooses to rest his head...Whats wrong with having faith in mankind....and my brother...

Merry christmas and Michael Vick is in my prayers-Can you find it in your heart to pray for him?

Just when I think I m gonna lose all faith in my fellow man--something happens to restore my faith...

I had the privilege of flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles with a soldier who paid the ulimate price in the cost of war...He was killed in the line of duty and being taken home to his final resting place...

I saw the officer when we boarded the plane--I was one of the first on board and he was already seated comfortably...The captain made an announcement that we were traveling with a few of America's finest servicemen and much to my delight a rousing applause erupted...The officer was sharp...Shoes spit polished so well you could see your reflection in them...Hair neatly coifed...Pants and shirt pressed to perfection with bars glaring off his shoulders...This officer truly made you proud...

It wasnt until we landed that the captain of our flight made the announcement that we were carrying the fallen soldier to his final resting place...The captain asked that everyone remain seated to give the officer a clear path to the door so he could carry out his duties...Which required him to go out on the tarmac and supervise the off loading of the remains...When the door opened no one moved--everyone sat and waited and paid hommage...and in their own private way said thank you to the soldier who gave his life to protect ours...I was so moved-- I sat and watched the off loading process which was done with the greatest of care...
His parents would have been so proud to know how many people were so thankful for his ultimate sacrifice...

I dont know the soldiers name--but i do know he will never be forgotten...