Author: gshorkeyblt2

Speed in becoming a subject matter specialist is as essential a writing quality as creative production, so the combination of interviewing skills, research ability, and client input to produce the voice, length, or look of desired projects begins Day One. CDTalent Enterprises is a contract resource featuring informational blogging, SEO and feature length content writing, and editorial support functions. Client-facing verbal skills are at core of effective-successful group interactions and one-one situations. Variety of projects accomplished means writing-wise, I'm confident about 'smarter than the average bear' who only does one thing well.
Panther Football

Panthers 0-2 start isn’t fatal, but like Legette production and O-line injuries, far from reassuring

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers 0-2 start isn’t fatal, but like Legette production and O-line injuries, far from reassuring

Admitting I turned off the game immediately after the first few disastrous minutes (only a field goal after INT? Whew!) to take a bike ride in optimal weather instead, doesn’t make me a really bad fan. Holding Cardinals to 82 yards rushing is a *major* improvement from Week 1, and Renfrow’s two TD catches is better news overall, so we’ll see how home opener vs. ATL goes…

Guessing that the most often Googled question in Charlotte was, “How many NFL teams recover from 0-2 starts to make the playoffs?” the answer is of 288 teams hitting that mark since 1990, 88% didn’t participate in second season, and only three- ’93 Cowgirls (uhhh, Cowboys), ’01 Patriots, and ’07 NY Giants- won Super Bowls. Fourteen have made the playoffs since 2014- including the LA Rams and Baltimore Ravens, who won their divisions last year- when NFL started 17 game seasons, which added a little extra room for early season non-success.

The Terrible Ten on 0-2 spot in 2025

While the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans are factually in this unhappy place, most oddsmakers give them a much better chance at being like the Rams or Ravens, especially since Ravens still have RB Derrick Henry battering anyone who wants a piece of him, Lamar Jackson’s arms and legs are still attached, and there’s a hard core, #1 rated defense to hold the fort against almost anyone not having Josh Allen (or Mahones) to do battle with.

Of the rest, most are chronic Losers:

  • Saints have tapped this level 24x in 59 seasons. Even in a division with three teams at 5-12 last year, many will count on two Ws when they play the ‘Aints, mostly because of an extremely iffy QB situation.
  • Browns- No surprise here. Brownies have gone 0-2 sixteen times, have *5* QBs in the building if you count the pile of bones that was once DeShaun Watson, a 40+ year old statue named Flacco, and two rookies who get nothing but crap for their relative situations, especially Coach Prime’s kid, Shedeur, who arrived as a 5th round pick (but tortured the Panthers in preseason game).
  • Jets- You really only wondered how often, right? New Head Coach Aaron Glenn has brought Hope, but she and Lady Luck usually leave NY well before the end of each season. No playoffs since 2010, five times at 0-2 mark in last nine years, and with QB Justin Fields in concussion protocol, retread Tyrod Taylor is at the controls. Better off than Panthers? Read any NY paper for sports writers and regular people opinions (NOT!).
  • Titans and Dolphins- They belong in same boat, because there’s no telling what HC Brian Callahan (3-16 in coaching career) or rookie QB Cam Ward can actually produce, and the often-injured (concussions) Tua Tagovailoa, while sometimes steering a productive offense, can’t be relied on to finish a season. Mike McDaniels occupies one of the warmest head coaching spots at this point, no specific improvement- defense is giving up 33 ppg – could end his reign. He gets questions about that for a reason.
  • Dah Bearz- *Nobody* is giving them any slack about blowing an early lead in 27-24 Game 1 loss to Vikings, and the 52 points division rival Detroit thwapped! them with Week 2 is MILES shy of the salvation fannies expected from new Head Coach Ben Johnson, well, immediately.

So where do Bryce, Canales, Carolina Panthers stand?

The ATL pass rush (six sacks) looked strong against Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, and Bryce Young was blown away early by the Cardinals blitzing, so the possibility Young’s confidence in the pocket reverts to the early season woes of 2024 must be dealt with by keeping him upright on Sunday.

Starting with Canales admonition that, “Sometimes its better to eat it-take the loss,” any group of Little Leaguers would have known when a play is going badly, DON’T try to save it with a miracle throw. Yes, that fluttery INT by Young was when heading out for a bike ride seemed like a better idea than blowing away an extremely quiet and satisfying couple days with friends out in western NC, by watching a rotten game.

That Bryce slung it all over the lot (35/55, 328 yds./3 TDs/1 INT, 1 fumble) without his arm falling will stand as a basis for judgement the rest of season. Renfrow coming back after not making 53-man roster, and Young finding him in tight spaces is legitimate QB-ing and clearly positive. McMillan hitting 100 yards was affirming as anyone could ask for, yes, Legette’s eight targets and -2 yards isn’t going to be helpful compared to Tremayne’s 3 catches for 48 yds., Sanders 7/54 yds., Hubbard 5 catches/39 yds. and even TE Tremble’s productive 3/20 yds.

Anyone who thinks ‘I’ve talked with (DC Ejiro Evero) about playing our young guys’ is sufficient input from HC Canales, a common thread for fans is HE BETTER!

Giving Panthers credit for having a chance down the stretch is done with knowledge of several games last year where the final result was an L, which only rated some polite golf-applause for 5-12 season. They are neither the powerful group that Ravens or Chiefs are with a similar record, nor the Brownies, who will continue to take considerable crapola for being a franchise that tortures their fans, or Bears, who *might* get it righter in 2025 but are still prime time torturers themselves.

Wide receiver DJ Moore still works exceptionally well in Chicago, producing an outstanding 2024 with 98 catches and 6 TDs, although his yardage (966) was down from 2023, as Ray Odunze got considerable targeting by rookie QB Caleb Williams when he wasn’t constantly on the run, being sacked 68 times.

Dammit! about RG Robert Hunt (torn bicep) and C Austin Corbett- whose unreal series of injuries might extend another season- could be out for extended periods or in Hunt’s case, even the entire year. The Panthers O-line were supposedly safe for once, having brought back essentially two deep personnel from the 2024 offensive line, Canales said Cade Mays and Corbett were a coin flip difference in readiness at center. Christensen is a legitimate piece to flex in at right guard, but losing both means another call for GM Dan Morgan to locate additional quality personnel on whatever taxi squads he can identify.

The ATL pass rush (six sacks) looked strong against Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/vikings-vs-falcons-live-updates-game-score-sunday-night-football/live/ and Bryce Young was blown away early by the Cardinals blitzing, so the possibility Young’s confidence in the pocket reverts to the early season woes of 2024 must be dealt with by keeping him upright on Sunday.

POV - Content Creation

50th Reunion in 3 weeks – Are Memories vs. Politics Possible? Fingers crossed

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on 50th Reunion in 3 weeks – Are Memories vs. Politics Possible? Fingers crossed
Alex Chrys (L) raises Arabian show horses, Scott Grayman (M) is the epitome of reunion attendance, drove up from Jersey after sundown Saturday, and myself (R) in tuxedo at 40th.

Having watched a lot of US Open this year, there were tearful moments like Chris Evert being lauded for her career, ’75 title was her first. I’d still put Vietnam being overrun the Spring of senior year at top of memorable list. I’m hoping to walk away from yakity-yak by true trumpies on 27th.

Okay, that last part will rile ‘regular’ readers, although its a sincere wish about not hearing anyone push ‘He saved the country!’ Fingers crossed that Scott Grayman somehow makes it up that Saturday 6:00-11:00 p.m. at The Terrace at Water’s Edge, 2 Freemans Bridge Rd., Glenville.

Not everyone will care about how reunions work out, whether you see certain people again, or ever. I’m a Writer (yeah, cap W is ego), I hope I catch the feeling of anticipation for you. Little long, no sense scrimping on verbiage at this point.

Happy, Satisfied, or Just Older?

Certainly not a graduation picture, but yeah, gets me feeling old.

Am I, or perhaps I should ask, “How many of us, are where we expected/wanted to get since Graduation Day in June, 1975?” Good for those who can say Yep! I have several (5 nephews, one niece) very smart next gen kids in extended family, but none of my own. If they’ve brought you joy/grandchildren, I’ll be glad to hear about it. I’ll open with a Rhodes scholar and a Major in US Army…

Many of you weren’t part of whomever Facebook decided should be on my regular feed for a long time. Kathy Lambert-Zandi and Belle W. often, haven’t seen Bob Houlihan in a while, Jim Dixon a lot, Chris Boehm, George Alper yeah, but I’ve been seriously remiss at doing squadouche about staying up with Scott, who was a best bud since we met in 1st grade at Howe School. Its been ten years since I heard anything, even from Allyson Towler-Grayman, that Best Girl from the ‘hood (and Class Venus), who married his brother.

(Ed. Note: Allyson sent note about not being helpful as I desired after post to Reunion site, and I indeed went back through Messenger stuff and found both phone and Scott’s e-mail – from 2019. Dumb guy me!)

Back in 1963, our folks were concerned which schools you would go to when buying a house – Howe was barely three blocks away. Brothers Steve and Mike went to St. Helens, but there wasn’t any room in that grade for me, being part of huge bulge in the population snake. I counted *36* in my 2nd /3rd grade pictures when I did get in, so with all respect due to teachers today, THAT was crowding a classroom!

I *always* walked to school, only a couple times in snow up to my knees ;-D, and however many school closings we heard on the radio in morning, Linton HS didn’t close if Mr. Amell could make it there.

Still a ‘Journalism guy,’ which I heard a lot at 25th and 40th? Wellll, lots of blogging, 1 3/4 books, and sports analysis (yeah, betting info with some meat besides over/under) pays bills, Medicare/caid situation hasn’t come to front as disaster on that (yet). Charlotte, NC seems an ideal place most of the time, lots of outdoor opportunities, still at 190 lbs., close to best rugby weight playing for Schenectady Reds in 1986. I’m within the plock! plock! sound of pickleball courts at Myers Park CC, though I have yet to play a stroke.

Still a tennis player, but you’ll have to buy me a drink if you want to hear my Liz Nealon story about playing #6 and sports banquet…

Reunions are for catching up, maybe holding our younger selves to account

Looking good for Travers Day in ’23

Post-COVID I’ve made a couple trips here for Saratoga races, had three pretty successful blackjack sessions (+$1800) at Schenectady casino. Mom passed two years ago on reunion date (9/27), Dad at end of January ’13. My sympathies for everyone who has lost their parents or family members. Truthfully, the day folks left Schenectady for Tampa is still the most upsetting day of my life, besides burial.

I don’t know if I *ever* considered being 68, but their being essentially gone at 31 was traumatic, because no more stopping in and grabbing a piece of pie, or watching a game with Dad. I was surprised Mom didn’t fall apart at saying, ‘Yes, turn it off,’ at the end, but that’s what they’d decided long before. It was pure luck, making calls to guys while hustling back to hospital after a bad turn for Dad, and having them all arrive at same time for pick up, barely four hours later. Our family had opportunity to grieve together for a week, and my sympathies for so many people during COVID that didn’t get to say proper good-byes. Reunions aren’t close to that serious.

My mostly dark brown hair harbors only a few silver foxes, and except for a gold crown molar, flapper-tooth up front, and a terrific new left knee at end of 2017, I’m still original equipment Glenn. Bicycling and eating right has helped keep me fit, one pill in a.m. keeps BP right. Mike has another year on his five year, Star Trek-like journeys in 37′ RV with two beagles, Steve retired from bank a couple years ago, lives less than a mile away. Every time I mention his three boys academic achievements, people ask what happened to me (sigh).

David – Danny Smith called him ‘Little Shorkey’ in gym class hoops – has come to our last couple reunions, although he was ONLY part of first freshman class in ’75. He’ll gladly tell the story of how a bunch of us came back from college and tore up the football field the Sunday before Election Day game vs. Mont Pleasant, a tackle game because there was 3″ of wet snow on it. He says the gym teachers ranted about it – hey, we forgot season wasn’t over – but knew enough to keep his mouth shut about knowing who did it. Ahhhh, memories…ask Joe Genovesi.

Many will probably have more interesting stories. Alex Chrys and his Arabian horses, Patti Barbeau and her amazing strength in a personal situation, hopefully Bobby Massaroni’s heart is working well, and I still smile at how confused Dave was at 40th, when Karen Korniak- (?) used the word ‘partner’ about living situation in CA.

Still a GE sign, no Copper Keg (No Linton either)

Dad always said getting old beat the alternative, and I’ll go with that as Truth, so I’m glad to be at 50th (with most of you…) The house on Lakewood is still in good shape, the revival of Rose Garden we’d go to after church is terrific (certainly not paved over), and as I noted in recent blog about Central Park tennis courts down at end of street, a major tennis tournament (Schenectady OTB Open) with a sweet spot on international calendar, two weeks and a quiet distance upstate from the Open was cool. Our photographer Terry Casillo can tell you about Nitty Singh’s tremendous work on that.

Schenectady isn’t the ‘City that Lights and Hauls the World,’ hasn’t been for a while. *Lots* more like Springsteen’s ‘My Home Town.’

Collectively we’re not labelled The Greatest Generation, that was our folks, but (thankfully) not Gen Zers – I’m a BoomerwithAttitude in a pretty freaking scary time for all of us. I’ll leave it to each individual, here and across this country, to make their decision about this still being the America you grew up with, or want to laud for whatever reason. I’ll save my sports memories for the reunion, but Coach Catino would appreciate my having a lot better backhand (like, next to zero) than I did in 1975.

Still a journalism guy? Definitely more A-One than AI on communications, which I believe is my God-given strength. My main character (Marlena the Magnificent) has a belief in tarot reading as an asset, and a Universe that always smiles on her efforts in Life. I hope it does some smiling on whatever comes for us after this reunion.

Second book after Cards & Consequences is ‘With Platinum Fury Focus.’

#leadership thought, Sports

Less defiant than John Wick’s ‘Yeah, I think I’m back!’ still working on serve

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Less defiant than John Wick’s ‘Yeah, I think I’m back!’ still working on serve
If there’s a game more macho, you’ll have to show me v.1986. In 2025, now I’m thinking tennis…

With the US Open tournament upon us, I found myself pounding two-handers cross-court, at pace, forehands consistently four blocks up, and a gratifying number of serves that didn’t hurt my shoulder or wrist-hand – could be arthritis or a previous bike injury on wrist, not just old.

I’m working with those Tibetan monk circulatory exercises on YouTube…Just sayin.’

Yeah, counting blocks is part of not actually joining a tennis group yet, want to recheck a sometimes clanky shoulder, and therefore neglected serve, because I *won’t* go into a competitive situation (I believe 3.5) with a pitty-pat, just to start games serve. Alterations in toss and expectations on location worked out pretty well in a half-hour practice between LLWS games, worth the effort as 2nd time out.

OTB Thoughts, pre-US Open, Class of 1975 time

The Schenectady OTB Open, on truly public courts, the only FREE! tournament in the world at height of tennis as the hot sport, was located half a block down to end of my street, Lakewood Avenue. Through a patch of woods, go a little right, and bam! on the back courts in Central Park. Eventually they built a proper stadium. Johan Kriek played there, all the Spanish guys too. REALLY close seats to action.

The Schenectady tennis tournament Nitty Singh built from humble origins (husband Indr, was The Lion of area tennis for years) to having a sweet scheduling spot for hard court players, mens and womens tournament, two-weeks before US Open and a couple quiet hours from NYC, has real memory weight a month from reunion. I’m smiling about the volatile Jennifer Fuchs, who often got extra looks, when shouting her name in self-encouragement sounded like- long u sound, but, you know – swearing?

Michael Stich participated-won as reigning Wimbledon champion one year https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_OTB_International_Open. I watched a dynamic new talent, Andre Agassi, lose in the finals to a veteran Indian Davis Cupper, after blowing away The Human Backboard, Harold Solomon, the day before. Pete Sampras was there, but was just making full change to career-defining serve-volley style.

A best bud of brother Steve’s from Cornell stayed with us one of early years, a super-convenient half-block from those woods, beating a soon-to-be-star Jimmy Arias, in the finals. Steak dinner with wine, congrats. As an amateur, the friend could only accept a couple nice tennis shirts. I mentioned it years later, at Jim Courier’s Outback Series of former stars held at The Palisades on Lake Wylie. Arias said the biggest thrill of tournament was his Dad allowing him to keep the warm-up suit he’d won, always played in shorts-tees, just a kid with a racket.

Good Thoughts sure, but 8 will be Enough

So the ‘I’m back!’ attitude, that’s about Linton Class of ’75 Reunion in September instead of Thanksgiving – woot- woot 50! – and brother David and I expecting to duke it out on courts at some point. Pounding ground strokes and getting off decent height/speed practice serves, I’ve got to be prepared for his playing regularly with a neighbor.

We hit in a little evening mistiness last year for his birthday in July, when I was up for traditional Saratoga track and golf visit, he’s since discovered physical motion beyond house-modification work was good for him. His good serve came out of hibernation naturally from what I saw.

$10 and 12-pack of Michelob Light (as advertised, ‘for the winners’) he’d take me in straight sets – THAT was a sucker bet worth jumping on.

Before I moved to to Charlotte (Memorial Day ’95), we had a man-up bet on a Wimbledon, meaning best-of-five sets event. Even 35-plus years ago, still in decent ex-rugby shape, did I imagine I could go five sets. BUT… $10 and 12-pack of Michelob Light (as advertised, ‘for the winners’) he’d take me in straight sets – THAT was a sucker bet worth jumping on.

For two sets, I consistently blocked his bender of a serve with my trusty Wilson Advantage, black/tan *wooden* racket as he kept coming to net. He’s always been a tough pass because an agile 6′ hooper, but how much experience beyond blocking an occasional floaty one did he have? Verdict was not a lot, netted many low ones. I’m up two sets-zero when he offers double or nothing.

“You’ve got to be kidding. I’m dropping it on your toes coming in! I’m up two sets…”

Best feeling in a while was centered on splitting/playing 3 Aces well to end night. Key thought: ‘Whatever you wanted to do this vacation, $$ will not be a concern.‘

‘You want the bet or not?” Absolutely! I did, and when I came down for breakfast next morning, he had a case of Michelob Light wedged against the attic door, and $20 in an envelope. I maintain those are the sports bets you GOTTA pay off on. Even this much later though, I’m sure there’s a revenge game in my near future. Tennis will probably be just ‘pro-set 8’ with David, still have my varsity letter with racket pin for reunion.

I’ll watch the Open starting now, think of watching so much quality tennis within a couple blocks of my house from years ago, and its okay to know I have time to keep working on a better serve. Yeah, for tennis and Class of ’75, I’ll cop the John Wick “I’m back! (for a week around 27th).”

Hey, everybody knows there’s a casino by river where old train building wasn’t used all those years, right? I sure do!

#leadership thought, Panther Football

‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills
This one’s for ump with clutch call on tag at 2nd base in LLWS game, and football operations for Panthers, putting a much-better product on the field in 2025.

Politics aside on mens #&%!?# souls or lack thereof, after a 6-run rally in seventh inning carried Irmo to victory the night before, the Southeast reps were part of youthful glory everywhere for Little Leaguers, families, and fannies. Panthers now at cut-down time to 53, fans should hope GM Morgan has that A+ touch one more time (for a linebacker?) before Sept. 7th game with Jags in Jacksonville.

September 8th I have some Precinct Judge (D) duties in prep for local elections on 9th. I wonder about current political soul-ry more often lately. Stephen Miller is for sure wrong though, Tibetan circulatory exercises from online actually work, making me an active 68 who doesn’t usually require the nap. CBD drops are hemp… Yeah, Blue & Yellow combo is a protest for Ukraine.

As a sports fan, and considering retiring as an active Blue (umpire), I watched a full share of LLWS, and congrats to those young players, and an overall thrilling run of TV human moments and sportsmanship. The ‘Believe’ their coach laid on them before that near-miraculous comeback, its a touch better than ‘Win one for the Gipper.’ Yay! Coach.

The call at second, where Irmo runner *barely* wanders off, as catcher heaves it down after passed ball that might’ve opened a door for another Southeast rally, and fielder waves a slap-tag at him ‘just because,’ ump was right on it for OUT! Just sayin’.

Proud Blue raises a cold one to you gentlemen, and to your dedicated leadership, those coaches and these moments will be forever memories. Its not hyperbole to say its the American Way I grew up with, everybody can appreciate laying it on the line, somebody wins.

SURPRISES?! For 2025 Roster – room for a couple Others

August 26th is now the operational date for getting down to 53 on main roster, plus 16 on taxi squad. The Panthers work on best practices in front office, and are very aware they can’t afford to let other teams poach precious nuggets like Horn or Brycen Tremayne, who has a well-documented https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article311718130.html stretch of good days during training, scrimmages, and productive preseason efforts.

Up close, its a tough call on keeping six or seven receivers on 53-man roster – most had penciled Renfrow as #6. Please don’t trade Thielen back to Vikes! to make room. To be a hero again back there, maybe – guy deserves to be part of a great year, could definitely mentor Horn.

Trevor Ettiene probably won’t be a surprise keeper, a sweet return last night was affirmation he’s the return-special teams talent they’ve wanted. UDFA Thornton as a DB seems like a lock for Panther rotation, his strong final preseason game with Steelers nothing but good news. -GShork 8/22/25

If many aren’t 100% sold on Nick Scott at safety opposite Moehrig, Canales vote will count. Chau Smith-Wade is going to be a bona-fide https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4697636/chau-smith-wade cover guy this year. Ransom had an INT last night, the prospects of being both strong cover and the traditional Ohio St. run-support football guy will help put DC Ejiro Evero’s reputation back on more righteous track.

Penciling in one more unforeseen linebacker pickup by Morgan to give that group actual depth is reasonable. A major factor in 2024, bodies-personnel were brought in/started in under a week several times during injury-plagued season. The roster has been restocked with players with documented productivity for 2025, Windmon and Rhattigan should see their names on it. Shy Tuttle might well be leaving, or kept as affordable backup.

Is Wallace ready to be All That for Panthers defense in Year 2? GM Morgan showed his quality marksmanship in free agency, before an A+ draft as rated by PFF, using #2 and #3 picks on hard-charging defensive ends. Panthers have been within three of bottom sack position and pressures for years. Anything like that 3,000 given up rushing isn’t going to be allowed. Nose tackle Cam Jackson (6’6″, 328 lbs, Florida) will get plenty of reps.

A Four-Point better Offense – You Better Believe It

The Panthers are far from the worst ppg team in the NFL at 20.1 – that would be the Giants (16.1) and Cleveland at (15.2). NFL avg. – 22.4 https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/carolina-panthers-average-points-per-game

GM Dan Morgan has built a healthy level of respect league wide for being a super-cagey front office guy legend, starting early with a major log on the fire, drafting a true WR1 with #8 pick, Tetairoa McMillan while rest of NFL was thinking deee-fense! https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/news/carolina-panthers-rookie-tetairoa-mcmillan-value-picks Camp video showed T-Mac tracking-catching a perfect over the top, fade to outside shoulder, tight coverage throw, and then everyone saw same deal, with a one-arm catch in first exhibition game. That’s not just reputation or trick mirrors, its WR1 grade play.

Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025.

Its painful that anyone feels Leggette’s position as first round draft choice last year (Morgan’s initial career biggie deal) is somehow diminished to ‘secondary sidekick’ status if T-Mac becomes All That as a rookie. Second years are frequently the jumping off year for such players, extra coaching counts. NOBODY can find fault with the obvious effort XL has put into becoming a better ‘hands’ receiver, certainly not HC Canales, whose loyalty to efforts for better by all individuals is strong. Yes, there are expectations.

Canales previous relationships with WR Moore might be enough at decision point this time. If Panthers could afford to keep seven receivers, he has got special teams efforts as hole card, like Etienne will in staying as a back. (Ed. Note – Renfrow comes back! after Coker injury, Thielen trade.)

CHUBA HUBBARD https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard deserves to get name in CAPS, and Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025. Bryce Young’s comfort level in the pocket, and on-the-run accuracy when waving Coker to backline spot for toe-tap TD, continues an upward affirmation of his offensive control.

‘Things can happen,’ but fans faith in Panthers rebuilding as a professional football operation again, is being handled correctly, with long-term Success on the table, and pride very possible for upgrading, is primed. Collecting on any impulse bets about Over/Under 6.5 wins would be a start on satisfying some seasonal expectations.

A consistent, semi-legendary fact, about how long it took Carolina Panthers fans to believe in last Super Bowl team – ’twas Game Ten, that Thanksgiving blowout of Dallas, Panthers still unbeaten – is kind of the local standard. Expectations in 2025 are better aligned with level of enthused Believin’ like those Little Leaguers did. Congrats! again to them, loved the ride.

Panther Football

Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

Head Coach Dave Canales announcing starters would get some reps in pre-season was a change from 2024, when fear of injury to front-liners without personnel for ‘next man up’ philosophy made them seem physically over-matched, as Saints shoved them around in 45-10 rout that followed Panthers all season. Injuries, including Jonathan Brookes 2nd knee (ACL) and Josey Jewels concussion protocol, are not actual factors now. Derrick Brown and Ejiro Evero’s defensive front seven, with plenty to improve on in 2025, won’t be talking smack, just NFL production every game.

This is a much better than 6-11 team making micro-improvements. Yes, if not the farm, put some resources on over 6.5 wins, and +400 (projected 3rd!) for NFC South beckons mightily.

If the Browns don’t show out in all-brown gear tomorrow, I’ll be mildly thankful for the non-dookies visual. Should we anticipate a lot of pads cracking action? Chuba Hubbard is the Lead Dawg, have to believe offensive line stakes out some attitude for him. Position ranking, Panthers have essentially two full O-lines, so offense is seeing starters action.

Trust the system Mr. Right Tackle

Taylor Moton got a little emotional about contract situation recently, I’d say trust the system Mr. Right Tackle. Extending at max rate isn’t out of the question, playing both your team and yourself into higher-greater Success has been rewarded on regular basis with #MrTeppers$.

HC Dave Canales won’t be showcasing a full playbook of possibilities, but T-Mac and XL are more than just decorations, and, well, everyone DOES want to know about going downfield. McMillan IS a physical mismatch for anyone, and fannies-the NFL would like to see how far his stride gets him regarding ‘fast.’ He’s not doing four steps and button hook routes like the chunky kid back in the neighborhood games, and he’s tracked over-the-shoulder stuff in camp situation videos, so yes, we’ll probably see a couple long balls.

If XL gets to show off another catch-run like at FanFest (39 yards), there can be quiet optimism about whether he fully becomes a tough cover for defenses based on that physicality. I’d never peg him a failure if the whole WR room had a collective big year and Leggette missed 1,000 yards with 60 grabs (49 in 2024) through distribution. If fantasy league projects double (8) TDs from him, what should McMillan’s stats look like? Yes, there are expectations now, and amping the YAC vs. very avg. 10 per catch would make him a dangerous WR2.

Can MORE than the six (or seven, Renfrow’s in, right?) expected WRs figured as locks for final roster possibly get a chance for reps? (Yes.) Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer should get opportunities to air things out, so best practices says some footballs in the air Friday. Last year the UDFA (undrafted free agents) names were DB Demani Richardson and WR Jalen Coker. Do your adding and subtracting on this. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/roster/_/name/car/carolina-panthers

Competition for jobs, yep, pads are on. LB Bam Scott-Martin has definitely had his chance to impress in preseason improved with Panthers release of veteran OLB Josey Jewels because he’s still in concussion protocol, seven months after injury.

Things happening Elsewhere

Should I actually care what comes out of four QBs situation in Cleveland, even if its up close or on free TV? I’d say no, because I’m no fan at all of Pickett, and what would be a good outing for Gabriel or Sanders? If Sanders went 6/13, 68 yards, 1/1 TD-INT, would that satisfy anything? 150 yards, 3/1 – doubt he gets the reps to produce that – but I’d say hmmmmm for sure. Defense? Gotta see it, big and bad.

Should we poke the J-E-T-S! about Fields yet? Maybe its just a tick of mine, but every time I see ‘hope’ in sentence with his name, *twitch.*

Amazing how everyone recognized the weight on Caleb Williams in Chicago (68 sacks, LOT of weight) was tough on #1 pick, so how Bryce Young made it to current level with second half of season progress becomes more ‘Yeah, that’s how QBs used to age, Year Three (plus more talented people around them if possible) you saw Better.’

Sure, some QB Whisperer must’ve happened there, and now its not, ‘A year before end of his rookie contract, are we sure about…?’ Yes, GM Dan Morgan should be up for Exec of Year consideration, the needle has clearly been moved.

Panthers signed their 2nd round DE (Nic Scourton) and #3 Princely Umanmielen (Florida) before the Bengals got #1 pick, and Stewart was often mentioned as a defensive pick https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45824885/shemar-stewart-bengals-hammer-home-language-reach-deal for Panthers pre-draft. Instead, Morgan picked T-Mac at #8, and #2 Scourton participated in all Panthers team activities during camp.

Big difference in rookie attitude, Bengals putting certain language in contract because, ‘We don’t want to pay for (potentially) four years in jail,’ not hearing that with ‘Our kind of guys’ in Charlotte. Just sayin’.

Out in Vegas with Raiders, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1QZ4KhIxYE I’m willing to hope Austin Jeanty does well, his first NFL moment wasn’t so memorable though. If anyone can turn that operation around, Pete Carroll has previously done wonders with Gino in Seattle, and there’s Brock Bowers killing it, but it’s still the AFC West, with Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, a tough place to get well quickly.

Nix proved he can sling it, Panthers picked up ‘Turk’ Wharton https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45441385/nfl-carolina-panthers-tershawn-turk-wharton from Chief’s defense in a salary cut move that improves Panthers defense in a big way. Overlooking the Saints, sorry, taking two from them is in everyone’s calculations, splitting with Buccaneers would open up possibilities for sure.

Panther Football

Full WR room, Chuba and superior O-line, major upgrades to Defense – Plenty to like about 2025 Panthers

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Full WR room, Chuba and superior O-line, major upgrades to Defense – Plenty to like about 2025 Panthers
As hot as Charlotte is – I put together a late lunch and almost passed out in my apartment because I didn’t turn on the AC as soon as I entered – and pads at practice has begun, best of thoughts for the process next 40 days holds for Panthers.

Yes, the Carolina Panthers have dragged the lower rungs of NFL forever it seems (‘just seven’ misses mark), but MrTeppers$ has got to be pleased with promising changes for football operations in Year II of GM Morgan, Head Coach Dave Canales, and $$$ guy-VP Brandt Tilis.

At a time when actual physical heat in Charlotte is regularly tapping high 90s, fan enthusiasm is clearly warming up too, based on a strong second half to 2024-25 season by QB Bryce Young, terrific drafting by Morgan, and the best practices accumulation of essential talent the franchise hasn’t had available in far too long.

From the return of defensive standout Derrick Brown, the selection of WR Tetaroia McMillan (#8) at top of A+ rated draft, an actual kicker competition (!!) and good news about TE Ja’Tavian Sanders (neck injury-midseason, 33 catches/342 yds./TD), Panther fans almost certainly won’t be selling their season tickets to football fans from elsewhere on a weekly basis.

First day in pads, minor problems

Several names have already been replaced by newly signed possibilities on 90-man pre-season roster, and that’s going to be a consistent churn for most of forty days, until week before the season opener vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7th.

Elements like rookie DE Princely Umanmielen (Kentucky) tapping Young’s arm in practice, LB Trevin Wallace and RB Chuba Hubbard exchanging pleasantries after a sideline hit, or offensive lineman Chandler Zavala getting a knee tweaked blocking Brown, forging a squad that expects to push Tampa Bay for the NFC South title has begun in earnest.

Just FYI, kickers Matt Wright and Ryan Fitzgerald (FSU) have both gone 7/10 on the skinny goal posts thus far. Fitzgerald was a finalist for 2024 Lou Groza Award, going 13/13 on FGs, 14/14 on extra points, and 5/5 over 50 yards. (Eddie who?)

Fans won’t get to see practices with plays like T-Mac’s outstanding grab on a perfectly thrown pass to beat safety Mike Jackson’s tight coverage, Clemson product Hunter Renfrow showing his route-running ability didn’t disappear during over a year out of football with ulcerative colitis, or just how fast-elusive 6th round pick Jimmy Horn, Jr. is compared to Panther legend Steve Smith. Horn was QB Shedeur Sanders ‘other’ receiver at Colorado, opposite Heisman winner Travis Hunter, but lacking the option of attending practices this year and next due to construction, fans may have to content themselves with tracking the coming and goings of personnel on a paper roster https://www.nfl.com/teams/carolina-panthers/roster or online resources.

A dozen names you might not have heard (or continue not to): Bailey, Basham, Gifford, Dafney, Harrison-Hunte, Hudson, Incoom, Kandar, Losoya, Ray, Reid, Tarquin – will be knocking heads in the heat with returning players and whomever GM Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis feel might improve the team’s return to professional NFL respectability.

ANTICIPATION – Absolutely!

While injuries are always a rationale for lesser performance team-wise – and Morgan will get props for his efforts both last year and putting a much better group of bodies on the field this time around – Canales has achieved his stated desire to have full WR, RB, TE rooms to work with in 2025-26. TE Sanders comes back lighter and faster after his neck injury, and is expected to become the red zone presence Panthers drafted him (Texas) for last year.

Whether any of three tight ends can evoke positives to Greg Olsen, WR Jalen Coker https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4695883/jalen-coker can hopefully expand on a very solid first year, and highly motivated Xavier Leggett (49/497/4 TD) could be a major contributor if drops concerns are mitigated.

DC Ejiro Evero was brought back despite a year where Panthers defense gave up 31.4 ppg, over 3,000 rushing (179.8 per game), and registered only 32 sacks (Broncos blitz-happy D led NFL with 63) and nine INTs – but had a #4 ranked defense the year before. Morgan spent freely to sign free agents to solidify all three levels of that unit, and while there’s no chance that Derrick Brown could reduce those numbers by himself, bringing that rushing average down ten spots (Patriots, 131.4) or ATL level (#16, 120.6) would be an excellent goal.

The addition of free agent safety Tre’von Moehrig from Raiders and Lathon Ransom, a thumper from Ohio State, should help both run support and in coverage on back end. Having a bona fide nose guard (Bobby Brown III) vs. Shy Tuttle, and 6’6″, 328 lb. Florida Gator nose man Cam Jackson figures to change that 3K problem as well.

The linebacking crew will miss Josey Jewell in coverage, and he tied A’Shawn Robinson with top sack total of 5.5, but was released because he is still in concussion protocol seven months after the injury. FA Christian Rozeboom (135 tackles, Rams) will be truly appreciated from Day 1.

NFC South title in play? Yep!

Without getting excessively enthused about three close losses to playoff teams (Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Kansas City), .500 is the next level of achievement for Panthers to strive for. They were hosed in Buccaneers game at home when Adam Thielen’s TD catch at back of end zone was disallowed by an official and *apparently* video replay didn’t 100% confirm it. Panthers Hubbard then lost a fumble in OT and Bucs kicked a FG for the win.

Few have forgotten Leggette’s drop of a pass that would have put them in a position to win in Philly, and his dedication to catching with his hands vs. letting ball get into his body has been discussed since, and sweaty videos of that dedication are legitimate. His opinion that defenses won’t be able to double cover both T-Mac and himself is more legitimate than puffing of pride. If Horn brings back memories of ‘Stevie Superstar89,’ who was considered just a punt returner as a rookie but became an iconic receiver here, Leggette is Mushin Muhammed size with hellacious wheels, and there’s nothing wrong with holding that picture up for consideration either.

Adam Thielen figures to get his share of looks/catches from the slot to help move the sticks, and after Chuba Hubbard was rewarded for his solid efforts https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard with a four year, $33.2MM contract that allowed the Panthers offensive line to control more game time while still protecting Young, many of the pieces of a successful season are in place. Adding a 1,000 rusher (Rico Dowdle) when the Cowboys didn’t do anything possible to keep him in their backfield means plenty in bigger picture.

Panther Football, Sports

Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good
Fans won’t be able to see Panthers practices on field downtown this season or next. This is a scorching reminder for anyone who ever attended a practice in Spartanburg. This is like 9:30, and people are in the small sliver of shade, you just stood there, talked some, and sweated.

Its obviously been a looong minute since Charlotte has cared this much about both its NFL and NBA franchises. With kudos for a couple seasons of solid management all around, and showing major promise in getting to There in 2025, burying Loserville tag on two vibrant, moving forward leadership groups will make for a hotter, more satisfying rest of sports year. (Knights are 11-9, 4th in International League East)

Lots of Moving Pieces, Others will do Sweating

While Hornets fans will possibly swoon at the 22 Pt./12 Reb./6 Ast. and generous ladling of attaboy! Sports Illustrated put on Liam McNeeley’s Summer League debut, https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/news/hornets-may-have-the-steal-of-the-2025-nba-draft-and-it-s-not-kon-knueppel its not quite time to do Oscar-type ‘play them off’ for local NBA crew.

7/21/25 https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k26-summer-league-kings-hornets Well now, 6-0 is actually more than anyone expected, and I’m kind of laughing at those who dissed KK after mediocre first game. Whether a reasonable, happy news result is coming about last years French product at #6 still seems in doubt, https://www.nba.com/player/1642275/tidjane-salaun but just knowing Ryan Kalkbrenner is available to become the rim-protector Hornets have lacked forever isn’t a fact that will diminish before next season.

Being a 4x Defensive Play of Year in Big East isn’t luck or coincidence, and if they want him on perimeter shooting threes like a Euro-center, that’s probably the least of his traditional back-to-basket, guard your man mission. Not considered a great rebounder? Giannis was 11.9 rpg, what’s great ? Everyone should be on the boards, evv-very-one! Moussa Diabate can’t shoot much? Get some glass, keep other guys honest. Sion James will be a force on the defensive perimeter and boards – 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game (Duke, 2025) .

The Hornets now have *plenty* of shooters with Knueppel, McNeeley, Miller, Sexton, and as far as anyone knows, Melo. Tre Mann, Josh Green and Nick Smith, Jr. will need to battle, Mason Plumlee might be one Dookie too many after scanning early roster.

Hornets President Jeff Peterson is Donald Glover’s character in ‘steely-eyed missile man’ category re: Rich Purnell Maneuver (‘The Martian’, 2015).

Original moniker was applied to NASA flight controller John Aaron (Apollo 12, 13), and refers to calm, crucial solutions and decisive actions – his ‘Switch SCE to Aux’ – after a lightning strike threatened to scrub Apollo 12 launch is legend. In movie, its a gravity slingshot around Earth for an impossible mission – 553 days longer – to save a left-behind astronaut.

7/17/25 Yeah, that is about how far Hornets had seemed from Success. GShorkknows

Contracts and Expectations, Many, many names

Whenever a naysayer opines that *everything* is riding on this Panthers team blowing 6.5 wins out to insure GM Dan Morgan, HC Dave Canales, and Pres. Brandt Tilis don’t lose their jobs, I let them know that football operations are doing just fine, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t been that rip everything up by the roots owner for a while. Lots of names will pass through Panthers roster before first game (Jax) in September, Hornets have some numbers to trim as well.

Yes indeedy, there are loads of Expectations here in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, and YES! Morgan did an admirable job, showcasing an A+ rated draft of documented production defensive and offensive talent, after substantial filling of defensive gaps with qualified FA personnel. Dang! about Josey Jewell leaving in concussion protocols after seven months.

There isn’t an unsigned tag on #2 pick Nic Scourton any more, and he’s done all previous training thus far. Camp starts Wednesday, so it wasn’t a hold-out per se. https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-nfl-draft-contract-details-revealed-for-panthers-second-round-pick-nic-scourton/ The NFL knew Morgan needed to draft a ‘he can hurt you long’ receiver at some point, his selecting AZ All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at #8 in 1st rnd. an indicator why (IMHO) he’s got inside track on Executive of the Year. Addressing defensive needs got handled as best practices. Just sayin’.

Offensive lines get talked about until there’s no need to, and the Panthers now stack every position with a replacement. Austin Corbett and Cade Mays will have a battle for center, luck on staying healthy hasn’t been Corbett’s best friend. Chuba Hubbard is the teams Alpha-Lead Dawg, if that’s necessary to state, although having another 1,000 yard guy back there shouldn’t be a struggle.

Will we determine whether Bryce can see even better down field behind this line, or will Panthers move him around to open up passing lanes? (He sees fine).

Young’s ten TDs-no turnovers in final three games still hits key chord in growth estimations. The most effective aspect of a play action pass is the reality of the quarterback actually giving the ball to runner for a healthy gain. Panthers Hubbard keeps that uppermost in a defenses concerns, adding variety with open playbook becomes a fact with QB Young and Head Coach Canales on same wave.

DEEE-fense! arrives in Charlotte – Damn straight!

Fact Panthers defense surrendered a stupendous amount of rushing yards – over 3,000 – well, Derrick Brown is again the Sheriff, and there are defensive ends and nose tackles now with documented stats and history with DC Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 model. No, Shy Tuttle wasn’t the answer at the nose position, though he figures to stay on roster as a rotational player. GM Morgan isn’t passing out #MrTeppers$ to just anyone, and the $100MM contract that Jaycee Horn earned after an All Pro, injury-free year, speaks to how things should now be done in Charlotte. Looking at you Mr. Moton.

You probably haven’t heard many of the 90 names on camp roster who project as second half of keepers on final 53-man roster, and its going to be Panthers taxi squad (15) that will make a difference through 18 week regular season.

Going into Wednesday, its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six seem like no-brainer keeps. At no point will Panthers try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat.’

Is that Rozeboom guy from Rams really a 135-tackle bad ass?

Its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six-seven seem like no-brainer picks for roster. At no point will they try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. If he wants to imitate Stevie SuperStar starting with returns, lets go! No ego, he played opposite a Heisman guy.

Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat, T-Mac,’ but no, ain’t gonna be AZ dry heat.

Did doubling up on young stud defensive edge rushers (Nic Scourton, Round 2, #51) and Princely Umanmielen, Round 3, #77) mean Clowney was expendable? Apparently yes, though there was a moment of concern about a slip-possible injury immediately post-cut. All the linebackers have downfield speed for coverage, how well sacks are produced will be a subject of much counting from Game One.

The Panthers have been bottom three in sacks for years, but just FYI, team record is 60, held by 1996, 2013 teams. In Peppers superman 2008 campaign with 14.5 sacks, they had 50. With the recognition that Evero’s projected safety tandem (Moehrig, Ransom) are recognized thumpers, don’t be surprised what a professional, career as well-regarded defensive coach, can come up with, maybe blitz packages, when his personnel is closer to genuine NFL grade.

Yes, Expectations will be way higher than last, well, seven years. I’m a #BoomerwithAttitude, so thumbs up for Football Operations. Go Hornets, thoughts for Melo…

Business, Political, Thought Leadership

Canada, trump, Poker Lessons Learned from M*A*S*H,* LudaCup

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Canada, trump, Poker Lessons Learned from M*A*S*H,* LudaCup

It was a while ago, but I learned some lessons about over-betting an average hand like Big Slick/Kornikova (Ace-King) because once people you play with regularly know your ‘tell,’ you’re going to get spanked often and badly. For trump it was TACO tag, for snobby Major Winchester it was humming louder when he had a sucko hand.

For about eight years, maybe ten guys from work, even two tables, would go to Rich Luda’s place for monthly Hold ’em tournaments. It was a $50 buy-in, usually paid down to third place. Bring your own beer, Rich was a terrific host with cigars, somebody usually had a joint, and the chop busting was non-stop. With re-buys and such for 16, winners usually got a trophy and $400+.

I had the dubious distinction of being first out a number of times, and while I gifted my brother one cool Tournament Donkey spinner I’d earned, I still have a pewter donkey. One of my exits was epic – having painted my face multiple colors to match a wild golf shirt, I went all-in early with a guy who had a pair of 5s under to go with a rainbow board that had another; I had a pair of jacks or so. NOBODY fails to get a laugh using the line, “It took Shorkey longer to paint his face than he got to play!” including last month, a decade or more later.

For those who don’t know what a Kornikova is, Anna was an extremely attractive tennis player who didn’t win much. The spinner had a donkey in sniper-telescope crosshairs, the rip being all its good for is to bring a load of $$$, then it gets plugged. Get it?

TACO, tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

The TACO (trump always chickens out) tag will never go away, despite his usual bully tactic of doubling down when wrong, trying to buy the pot in poker terms. The expectation is others will lay hands down instead of gambling everything on sticking it to a known bluffer-‘chip bully.’ trump counted on Canada retreating to little brother status because of long-term, well-integrated economies and that politeness thing. The US was the only super-power left (well, China), and the proverbial final straw was slapping tariffs on Canada despite all that good history.

For the record, I’m of Canadian ancestry, five-six generations from when several groups migrated south into Vermont. I’ve never lacked for confidence about that, and it never gets guessed. Canadians politeness is part of a national identity, which Daily Show host Jon Stewart characterized as ‘the friendly golden Labradoodle of nations,’ and most often was taken for granted by US (but always, thanks for getting our embassy people out of Iran during hostage situation).

Everyone’s worried about the southern border with Mexico, the 5,525 mile (8,891 kilometers), 13 states-8 provinces border with Canada, no problem, eh?

Like trump said numerous times – memorably in his/JD Vance’s televised ambush-WWE tag team of Ukraine’s leader Zelenskyy in a White House meeting – about not having good cards, came with hard suggestions he sue for peace with Russia.

Now, if you have that lowly pair of 5s and instead of one, TWO more come up , it behooves you to just shut up and bet, which is what happened in the picture at top. Not always LEAD the betting, maybe act a little bit confused about why you’re still in if you want, but with my previous reputation for over-betting, other guy at end was a non-believer (and big loser).

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is a Liberal, although more importantly, a trained economist, with a seven-year term as Governor of Bank of England (Mexican Presidente https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia_Sheinbaum is a documented Real Deal, and was rated the 4th most powerful Woman in the world by Forbes in 2024, another negotiation trump will try to survive), but until the last part of the most recent Canadian elections in March, the Liberals were not expected to take the reins of government. Having seen the chaos of trump’s ham-handed screwing of *everyone* because he felt he could expand beyond Democrats and immigrants, Canadian voters abandoned a Conservative candidate with trumpie leanings, electing Carney in March, 2025.

Carney quietly put the brakes on the relationship where USA always got the bigger piece of cake.

No angry texts, no worried negotiations, just the knowledge Canada didn’t have to react like trump expected, and like the European Union also discovered, actions need to have consequences. The Repubs in Congress have consistently backed down in fear of trump’s frequent threat (and actually hammering) to involve those who didn’t kow tow in expensive primary challenges. PM Carney took Canada to into well-known hockey mode, going into corners with ‘elbows up’ attitude, meaning someone (like trump) expecting to hammer an opponent into the glass might get a lot less desirable face full of payback instead.

So here America is, not first, more like alone

There’s not going to be an easy resolution, mostly because trump has ALWAYS been the sort who would burn something to the ground vs. back off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLeaif6hyYs. There’s a sh*t ton of background from that in America’s recent past, especially the 2020 elections, where trump and his minions litigated and carped about ill-defined elements of the defeat for four years, based entirely on his ego.

The European Union, seeing Russia’s brutal three year war of attrition with Ukraine as a repeat of WWII situation with Hitler’s Germany, and with too many memories undampened by 80 years passing and appeasement then being useless, has supplied a huge amount of material and $$$, since Putin’s invasion. The EU made the decision – as did US President Joe Biden – that providing Ukraine with the essential means to hold off the much larger Russian army meant they were stopping their own countries from devastation, again for European nations.

In 2025, the EU isn’t blinded by what American troops did ‘back then’ to liberate Europe https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/about-henri-chapelle-american-cemetery/; they also decided not to expect anything positive from trump dissing NATO and being way too friendly toward Putin’s Russia. No tariffs?! and stopping advanced weaponry, even logistical satellite information so Ukraine wasn’t getting early warning of what Russians were doing before major attacks, was a negative result.

PM Carney and certain spokespeople have made it absolutely clear – We still love Americans! – but their collective citizens, to the greatest possible degree, have cut *every*single*possible*economic*tie* to their running amok southern neighbor. In 100% middle-digit-extended response to trump alone, they have ceased going to Florida for beaches and sunshine, nor bought Kentucky bourbon, and everyone concerned knew why. In watching the above youtube and others, its easy to see trump isn’t going to gaslight CANADA into doing his warped bidding. They are now being recognized as a senior level partner at the international level, stepping out from shadow of the United States now, more younger and Reacher’d up little brother who doesn’t get picked last any more.

Way different economics, elbows up on bullies

Several countries who always bought military equipment from US have cancelled orders, and the Swedes have a multi role-fighter jet (Saab JAS 39 Gripen) that’s pretty hot stuff as an alternative; the French Dassault Rafale is considered one of the most advanced and capable warplanes in the world. All the $$$ Canada gave to US defense contractors over decades has been essentially turned off. Cutting off exports of Canadian steel (screw tariffs! ZERO, not just more expensive) was their version of applying a definitive ‘face wash’ (rubbing a hockey glove in other players face during melees), into Detroit’s car manufacturing.

Next years World Cup soccer, designed to include Mexico, Canada, US sites, might be significantly less well attended in US, based on ugly attitudes and documented problems by visitors who risk getting harassed with negatives/denied entry because there were unfavorable text messages about trump on personal phones. Will ICE be at stadiums, checking dark-haired customers coming from Jersey or Texas? Uncool, and if you haven’t already bought tickets…

How many times did Winchester from MASH and I get whacked when people knew our tells? I’m chuckling at fact NOBODY with anything decent folded because I raised the big blind from $200 to $500, at least paid until they saw a flop. My version of TACO, reducing my big betting when I still only had a Kornikova, was a signal they punished me regularly for, raising all around the table, and I wasn’t always smart enough to drop out with zip. They knew I was weak, more Tournament Donkey bringing the $$$ than someone who was about to deliver the boom!

trump tore up North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis recently because he openly stated there was no way he (Tillis) could vote for trump’s Bad Billionaire Bill knowing it was a load of nasty for his 663,000 constituents on Medicare/Medicaid (yo!) A normally valuable ally in politically purple North Carolina, Tillis stated he wouldn’t run for re-election in 2026, and *many* people told trump it was a mistake to strongly diss a usually strong ally when it mangles the Congressional battle map with a retirement.

Poker-wise, you might get that last necessary card- like a fourth 5 – on the river, a big surprise when it happens. Sometimes, as trump has learned, you shouldn’t try and snake someone 50% in the corners just because you can. When they’ve got the elbows up, its very possible you’ll get a mouthful of payback instead, eh?

microeconomy, Political, Thought Leadership

NO KINGS! Marches a Success, Vietnam fell 50 years ago, So now what?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on NO KINGS! Marches a Success, Vietnam fell 50 years ago, So now what?
New Zealand All Blacks classic haka is aggressive as hell as spectacle, but not a riot.

Millions of people in some 1,800 marches across America on Saturday, and dozens of countries around the world, displayed extreme negatives regarding the US Prez, whose $45MM birthday parade was a badly attended (and embarrassing) event. About 1/3 of that was budgeted for repairing those DC roads the tanks will tear up during a military hoo-hah usually done for dictators.

I told a number of people at Charlotte event that I never did anything related to Vietnam protests, which were often MASSIVE, vocal, strongly purposeful events long before today’s social media could get the necessary word out by posting on multiple sites. A 50th class reunion in September is a huge counterpoint to knowing ‘Nam went down in a matter of weeks the Spring of my senior year.

Having stated often how glad I was to not be involved in that meat-grinder, its a 100% Truth that, aside from our incredibly bloody Civil War, NOW is the most divisive time in our nation’s history.

I’m not the only person who cheered about trump’s VERY badly attended birthday-celebration for ‘US Army’s 250th Anniversary’ Saturday. If those people who support djt’s chaotic second term at the helm thought he owned the libs, the Reality of ‘Eat (excrement), 50 billion flies can’t be wrong’ was evident on a world-wide stage. GShork 6/16/25

Will another 1000-1200 words make a difference?

Attempting to write something strong-meaningful about overall picture probably won’t fly as high and well as Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ of 1776 in swaying public opinion, and there are plenty of columnists and pundits who will have opinions and better platforms to present their views to a larger audience. I’ll use bullets (no ballot necessary, the people have definitely spoken) for a Monday review on non-attendance in DC.

There will probably be a number of fellow grads I won’t be chatting with in September, but since we haven’t communicated much since HS, its not going to affect my sleeping habits. Those who identified me as ‘one of those journalism guys’ at previous reunions, the only piece I regret from back then was dissing the majorettes, because KK turned into a dynamic Woman vs. just *really* cute girl junior year. NOW is a lot more serious deal, definitely no regrets on stating my POV.

  • Kent State (5/4/1970, 4 dead, 9 wounded) was my first clue our government could actually do something like shoot unarmed protestors. Most consider it a tragic situation, jittery young Ohio National Guard troops opening fire, but there’s NO mistaking how serious the current administration is about trying to control what We the People are allowed to say or do, at least according to trump & his Minions. I’m not the only #BoomerwithAttitude who recalls Chicago cops working their fucking night-sticks, but TV made us aware of black people being beaten and more long before that. But I didn’t see that so much in Schenectady, NY.
  • Bobby Kennedy invoking his own brothers assassination FOR THE ONLY TIME – and Indianapolis was the only city that wasn’t ablaze in America the night of ML King’s death. THAT’S deserved rioting, not just protest.
  • The direct repudiation/regular bitch-slapping (apologies for a non-gender specific but accurate phrase) of long time American belief in principles of posse comitatus https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/posse-comitatus-act-explained (bans using military for police actions) and habeas corpus -a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify a prisoner’s continued confinement – is beyond just disturbing. Lady Liberty lies propped against an LA curb, nicked repeatedly by rubber bullets and probably tear-gassed, just five months into this administration.
  • ‘We’ DID fix a quantity of negatives about environment and civil-womens-gay rights back then, at least paid enough attention to it to recognize what losing those advances would mean today. Could changes have happened any more organically, without LOTS of effort on legal front by many, many people over many, many years? Save the freaking eagles worked. Gal Gadot (as Wonder Woman) beating Ares, and ending WWI by breaking his hold on the minds of German military isn’t on the menu with trumpies.
  • RULE OF LAW – Can America trust the judiciary to hold strong against a relentless tide of malfeasance while providing full immunity? A common sign Saturday was ‘No faux (fake) king way.’ Un-Constitutional doesn’t seem to carry as much weight, if ANY, with ‘those people.’ Its in black and white about ‘born here = Citizen,’ and right to be told charges and allowed to defend oneself. People – including those who voted for trump and/or participated in infamous, watched by the WORLD ‘Capital tour group’ in January, 2021 – only now seem to recognize what they’re losing after an espouso is picked up going to work, or their job is axed by DOGE.
  • Is a person who shoots a Minnesota State senator and wife, murdering two and seriously wounding two others, a throwback to assassinations of political figures like Malcolm X, the Kennedys and M.L. King, Jr. in Sixties? We *better* not hope so, not when anyone can get a military-grade weapon like an AR-15 that spits death at an unholy rate sent through the mail. Forget Reacher having a discussion with gun store owner about getting pistols and ammo before 3-day ‘cooling off’ period because he knows some ways around regulations.
  • NATIONAL DEBT – Repugnants in Congress are VERY willing to gut every social program to pay for a multi-trillion dollar tax break for billionaires, knowing without any doubt it will put an already staggering debt ($36T) into non-Elon/SpaceX orbit. trump *immediately* tanked an envy-of-the-world economy he inherited from Biden. Does anyone doubt he told BBC (billionaire boys club) members when to get in-out of market? I don’t have any kids, but everyone else’s, know even worse times are coming regarding repayment and budget tradeoffs`.
  • Book banning, tariffs randomly slapped down against allies and (except Russia) others without reason, attempting to reverse any-all vestiges of DEI by wiping out even the mention of Enola Gay – which was name of bomber that dropped historic 1st ever nuke on Hiroshima – because of that last part of its name. NO taking gifts of value from other countries, and a prez who decides it doesn’t apply to him because ‘I’d have to be crazy not to accept something (as over the top) as a jumbo jet,’ and the illegal creation of a currency (Bitcoin-ish) anyone can buy without signaling they are gaining influence through BIG TIME direct bribes to him and family, is a constant drum beat.

Sorry, have to get back to Real Writing

Okay, not all of this was Saturday, but the WORLD *is* watching US and ‘cuz I’m a word guy, I needed to get it off my chest. It took a minimal amount of time for the end of Vietnam War – as soon as North knew US bombers wouldn’t be doing anything to slow their roll, they mopped up South Vietnam in weeks. As first war USA lost, its affected how this country went about things for decades, and today, EVERYONE truly wonders how ‘we’ can be trusted in almost any venue or for any reason.

Europe is moving on with necessary WHO and NATO-related operations (ie. Ukraine), long-time BFF Canada has its elbows up in the corners about little brother attitudes and trump’s cretin-ish musings of 51st state possibilities, and if the Orange One believing Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone can be taken militarily, he’s apparently no smarter than Putin about biting off more than he can chew. Thinking USA will escape devastation two previous world wars brought on everyone else isn’t about thought leadership or best practices, its ludicrous.

We the People has arrived at a bottom line about democracy. Picard’s “Here and no further!” for any Trekkies, or substitute ‘trumpies’ into a one-liner from Vietnam-era ‘Platoon,’ “Eff’n Cong are comin’, and they ain’t stoppin’ for shit!’ is legit too.

Ed. Note, 6/23/25 Freaking great, now he’s bombed Iran without, ‘doesn’t need,’ Congressional approval.

‘This isn’t how I remember things being’ is a common, wistful thought on lips of many #BoomerswithAttitude like myself. I recently put what is described as a premium graduation card-puzzle on Etsy (19″x13″, 15 pcs., $8.25 + shipping), because my microeconomy as a relative peasant non-billionaire class BETTER have an alt gig! When that ever-lovin’ 3rd rail, Social Security – which is NOT AN ENTITLEMENT, I PAID INTO IT SINCE AGE 16, OUT OF $1.65/hr. MCDONALDS PAYCHECK – is threatened right in front of us? Bullshit on ‘Better.’

Medicaid cuts and starving kids, loss of healthcare? Everything, everywhere, all at once? Holy crap!

‘Welcome to the Real World’ is an intentionally darker duotone piece, ‘WTRW’ was originally meant as a jaded look at employment situation, with the many inconveniences and crazy things grads et al face in 2025, We the People has arrived at a bottom line about democracy. Picard’s “Here and no further!” for any Trekkies, or sub ‘trumpies’ into a one-liner from Vietnam-era ‘Platoon,’ “Eff’n Cong are coming, and they ain’t stoppin’ for shit!’ is legit too.

Damn! That first election post-Watergate seems like a million years ago, when top Repubs like Goldwater told Nixon, “You gotta go!” because he’d lost the trust of the nation. Nixon had too much respect for the office to try staying, while trump has A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y zero shame about demeaning office, and by the crudest example of Repub enablement, stuck it out legally through two impeachments.

Telling others Saturday that I didn’t attend gatherings about Vietnam, the HUGE loss of time, treasure, and lives it historically represents, an ultimate divisiveness it produced back then, I also said, BUT I’M HERE NOW. How about *you*?

Panther Football

Take Leggette, as in bet on nose – OTA, Good Coaching, McMillan as Double Trouble, Lot Better in Year Two

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Take Leggette, as in bet on nose – OTA, Good Coaching, McMillan as Double Trouble, Lot Better in Year Two
Things will be less gloomy in Charlotte, with a brighter offensive-defensive energy, a newness reboot of franchise.

Celebrating start of personal 31st year in Charlotte, arrived 1995, same as Panthers, and similarity of high energy and ‘newness-reboot’ on team pride for 2025 is legit. By most estimates, Panthers have six solid, multi-skilled WRs, with a quantity of attention on Xavier Leggette, after four opportunities to show off his Dollar Bill gallop as TD celebration.

He’s honest and right about several non-catches costing team football games, and being the other side from 6’4″ Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers #1 pick from Arizona, teams are going to have trouble doubling size and speed on both.

OC Idzik – ‘First time same position for me too’

When some NFL analysts have evaluated the Panthers upgrades in personnel as only worth a single victory more – 6.5 – than last season projection, believing the best receiving room talent accumulated since first Super Bowl is in direct line with best practices by football operations is easy. https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/7/10902996/carolina-panthers-2003-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-XXXVIII Add three tight end targets and a couple backs, Bryce Young’s options behind a well-tested offensive line will mean undeniably bigger numbers offensively. In documented production of every free agent and draftee in 2025, the WR array is beyond solid, on offense and defense.

https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/low-ranked-nfc-south-ripe-for-panthers-picking-going-into-2025-nfl-season-01jwre9ydzx7

There’s no reason to doubt the Truth of Leggette’s POV, that doubling he and McMillan will be difficult. Any footage of the AZ All-American looks like a physical overmatch on size, especially when he high-points many receptions, and his yards after catch are substantial. As a 227-pound speed burner, Leggette is more basic than saying ex-Panthers favorite DJ Moore was ‘tough to get on the ground,’ whether he’s tough to catch, he’s statistically easier (less YAC) to get on turf than a speedy/studly guy should be.

Expectations for improved concentration and hand-catching vs. body is a definitive second year goal, and camp coaching plus Leggette’s attention to task, will be evident. Naysayers regarding XL’s Must Achieve production or risk being lost in WR group are dumb, that he’ll become a lesser option for targets because of Panthers wealth on that front, what ‘many less’ constitutes in an expanded playbook with better personnel, the fannies haven’t seen anything to base a bust tag on.

Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik was solid on fact of 2025 as second time around in same system after a couple years of plug-play adjustments himself, before coming from Tampa Bay with Head Coach Dave Canales last year. Don’t expect Panthers will abandon an excellent offensive line operation with Chuba Hubbard at core of ball control to sling footballs around BOA Stadium.

Expectations for improved concentration and hand-catching vs. body is a definitive second year goal, camp coaching plus Leggette’s attention to task will be evident. Naysayers regarding Xavier Leggette’s Must Do production or be exiled to end of WR line are dumb. His becoming a lesser option for targets because of McMillan and Panthers wealth on that front, what ‘many less’ constitutes in an expanded playbook with better personnel, the fannies haven’t seen anything to base a bust tag on.

6/1/25 – GlennS. Just sayin,’ I saw Xavier doing a pre-Kentucky Derby interview, and whether he was coached on speaking slower or not, IMHO, no great effort was required to understand him. Now, Jerry from poker, when he gets excited, even though I know I asked him something, yikes! (If you pay attn, XL does fine in this 12 min. clip)

Panthers GM Dan Morgan made Leggette his first Big Boy decision, trading up with Buffalo to draft Leggette in first round, when *everyone* knew Panthers didn’t have a #1 pick going in. That’s not a pressure point, nor is McMillan. He understands and is practicing exactly what coaches emphasize, that becoming a better receiver entails instead of what sort of fantasy football numbers he generates.

In the bigger Carolina Panthers picture, the off-season improvement of Ejiro Evero’s defense got the lion’s share of emphasis with free agent signings, then Tet-Mc’s semi-surprising pick at #8, and the anticipation of the WR1 the NFL world knew they sorely needed probably AFTER they got another defensive asset, but Sports Illustrated and I are on same wave about XL’s higher productivity potential.

Could elevating his stats from 49/496 yds/4TD to 70/750/7 TDs ever be considered a negative? If both reached over 1,000 yds., would anyone doubt they’d be a playoff team? https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/nfl-analyst-names-2nd-year-wr-panthers-top-summer-breakout-candidate-01jwrj1pfb51 His YAC wasn’t exceptional (112.3 yds. ranked #92) for his documented speed. Carolina Panthers fans will recall Curtis Samuel’s crazy speed (4.31 in 40) for several years, and going free agency after one full season of injury-free production. As noted, at 6’1″, 227 highly motivated pounds, so catching AND on the ground equation changes when he catches in stride.

Catch, then be Special. – HC Dave Canales, early comment about Leggette’s catching.