Business, Community based pr, Sports

Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023
Looking good for NYE always counts, but even Daddy Warbucks cut couldn’t save Panthers from a shaved monkey effort vs. JAX

Nobody is likely to say it out loud and proud, Charlotte area sports fans are having a crisis of belief in local teams. That the Pistons lost 28 in a row is only a distraction to our own situation (5-27). There’s Fields doubters and another #1 pick possible in Chicago, both NY teams, with $45M Rodgers and Zack the Unloved, plus Danny’s $40M ACL, are bigger deals, Discomfort with sub.500 in Charger-land with strong armed Herbert, and gutless-cheap leadership? We got a guy doing double duty here!

Cleveland? Yeah, $92M into Watson deal, still something seriously wronger there QB-wise, but congrats to Flacco and Brown’s defense. Patriots? (Bleep) Belichick.

Truly, a great many teams are dissatisfied with their football prospects this late in their seasons. Hey, they’re barking about playing bad for real in Philly, and Kansas City too. That 7’4″Wembanyama kid in San Antonio, getting 18.9 pts., 10.3 rebounds, 3 blocks, and Spurs are 5-27. Forty, maybe sixty more pounds, he’ll be the second coming of Ralph Sampson.

Saturdays dinner date seemed to hedge her approval on my acceptance of her poor USC (5-7) Gamecocks, so losers are everywhere, not just Panthers.

Chicago must’ve felt the love, at least they sent thanks again for officially gaining Panthers 2024 #1 overall pick – and of course, for DJ Moore having his best day ever.

Does the last game matter?

While a considerable number of teams are still technically alive in the NFL parity world, #MrTeppers$$ took an unkind swerve with what’s inevitably going to be labeled a #TepperToss while at game in JAX. Feeling foolish, maybe a little thin-skinned DT? Sure seems like it. Gettin’ whupped 26-0, with half-dozen sacks to finish out the Panthers 2023, some trash-talking Jax fans might push your buttons.

Whether Mr. T has become introspective about previous meddling as adverse to Successful Football Operations, or he still wants to ‘pair’ coaches is still in question. If Detroit’s Johnson was close last year, that $15M-plus payday could be real, but who feels good about a non-expert Boss standing on their turf? Evero will probably stay on defense vs. assume HC role, but as noted before, Sportwriter Guy me being wrong about every turn for three years, we’ll see.

Last games matter because its what everyone gets plenty of time to remember, players and fans, and coaches. People still say, ‘Cam didn’t reach for that ball!’ in the 2016 Super Bowl. In a 2-14, slow train wreck season, with busted expectations aplenty, players still want opportunities to do better. If your contract is up, can anything done *today* keep me in memory of those who might still have opinions about my playing anywhere again? Do Zack Wilson or Ken Pickett wish certain things hadn’t been said or confirmed about playing time?

Ask Russell Wilson how it feels to get benched for his last games in Denver, so he doesn’t get dinged! and Broncos wouldn’t be allowed to cut him to save a $54M contract year in the spring. Will Brian Burns *still*put himself on the line one more game without a new contract? Will Panthers defense want to mess with Mayfield getting a rich contract in Tampa? Could be a pride thing both ways.

Ask a long haul COVID sufferer about an old axiom about what fails to kill us only makes one stronger, 2-14 losing is bad losing. Steve Wilks got major credit for 2022 team‘s intestinal fortitude, amping fan interest, an effective, run-oriented offensive line, and team cohesion. Wilks was stiffed by Tepper, another choice is necessary, so WhoDat? in 2024.

–1/2/24 Glenn S. And Everybody wants who? and how much? so that’s where the betting sites are going overtime.

How many Oles! does Fitterer have?

Having admitted that Sportswriter Me left the sackcloth wearing and moaning to others most of this season, the question in bullfights and management moves is slipping the sword behind the animals strong neck to end things, hopefully with the elan-deadly seriousness of a matador. We’re talking about #GM Scott Fitterer now, because the talent level, albeit with a surprise or two, isn’t comforting to many. How many Oles! might be fulfilled by someone besides ‘the guy who wants to be in on everything,’ will be part of 2024 considerations.

I only caught pieces of the Jaguars game, was thrilled that the Kung Pao sauce I tried with chicken/broccoli stir-fry, and a bold California red from my arrived-for-New Years shipment from Nat Geo wines, was so tasty as a working lunch. Just my job to see the slog before the blog. No pressure to produce in the immediacy of a blitz like Bryce sees, a late, ugly crumbling by the Panthers just a feeling to be noted.

The good game against Green Bay, that last-gasp 33-30 loss, might have meant something…but no, goose egg.

I could afford to be civilized – a good game on another channel wouldn’t be a problem. Still had wine and good kung pao, no throwing laptops required. Brother and I later opined about relative calm of Mr. Richardson’s generous spirit over 25 years of Panther ownership and community, compared to the number of flawed, expensive relationships since Tepper. It still sucks he got run out, Daniel Snyder lasted 20 years.

Are we super aware #MrTeppers$$ supercedes all else over six years of ownership? Nope, just regular aware, and aware of his $875M Rock Hill facility deal blowing up too. I’m actually wondering who’d take the job here (Just please, not Belichick!)

Loserville? Check the numbers

For those who desire major league baseball here, an established and beloved team like the Hornets – rescued to some degree by Carolina hero Michael Jordan (who got paid off LARGE, and given an attaboy!) for trying so long with this franchise – the Hornets seem financially incapable of fielding a quality team. That said, there’s no real option for a bigger baseball stadium , and the $$$ for a lineup to fill a 45,000 seater with a *competitive* team would require *real* deep owner pockets for half of 162 game season is a fantasy. What new management can do about fanning interest for Hornets is also in question.

For seven years and 364 games, the Hornets led the NBA in attendance 7x, essentially sold out (capacity 23,819). Charlotte lost its team because Mecklenburg County taxpayers said NO! to a new arena for owner George Shinn. In 2022-23, their regular season average was 17,123 per game, (89.7% of 19,077). Now, LeBron sells out.

The sellers-scalpers don’t come down on prices for Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Packers games at BOA. but even with a cheap flight and two overnights in Charlotte, the economics of tickets here aren’t a problem for those fans who can’t get tickets back home. Fans leaving at halftime because they have a 4:00 BBQ, *that’s* a problem.

  • Panthers (2-14) Still tough to believe Tepper yanked plug on Reich mid-season. Was there consensus on 5Ws of coaching hires, or BRYCE?
  • Hornets (7-23, 13th (of 15 in East) Scoring 110.6 ppg, allowing 121.4 ppg. This hasn’t been your Dad’s Hornets for a long time.
  • Knights Baseball (International League, 18-56 in 2023, 29.5 games out)
  • Checkers Hockey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Checkers (16W-11L-3T, 6th in Atlantic Div. AHL – Hershey leads with 54 pts),
  • Charlotte FC (10W- 13Draw-11L) in 2023, 13-3-18, 42 pts. in 2022 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_FC. (Hiring 3rd coach, same as Tepper with Panthers last 3 years)

Give the Queens University Royals Mens team some slack for 6-9 record in second season of Division I basketball, but 0-8 on the road. Games on 6th, 10th, 12th.

#leadership thought, Business, Sports

Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years
Fannies definitely weren’t this plentiful for 9-7 win vs. ATL Falcons. Terrible weather, but Young completes a 17 play, 92 yard drive, taking last 7:35 of 4th quarter, a max-gut check performance ending with Pinero’s winning boot.

Hunger Games attitudes about coaching fiefdoms? I’ll leave that for another day. Whether GM Scott Fitterer is going to be gone with a front office re-org isn’t known on my paycheck level, but dammit! the offensive line wasn’t supposed to be talked so negatively about six months ago. 8 right guards and 7 LGs later, yeah, its still going to be talked about.

A ‘walk-on-by’ non-destination for Head Coaches according to SI’s Peter King? Just PLEASE don’t let him pick Belichick)

I take the blame for accepting a LOT after McCaffrey escaped without squawking, and I’m much less certain about it being *unanimous* with the Brain Trust about Young as the Must Have QB (CMC and an MVP, I see it happening).

Also, I was positive 2022 #3 pick Matt Corral would get benefit of that good coaching coming in for Bryce. Good reputations, but who got extra coaching I approved of Tepper spending on?

–Glenn Shorkey – I have proof of lauding middling picks as small genius Fitterer, a cool #3, but given away in ’23 after broken ankle as rookie.

Mayfield-Rhule was worst prediction of 2022, but…

Last year I stated ‘Rhule probably needs to win nine to keep job,’ and he was bounced early in Year Three, a waaaay bad prediction. Then, can anyone forget how interim coach Steve Wilks and a run-oriented offense, with D’Onta Foreman and minimal quarterback output, won six of ten after they started running ball control to the max?

Except for DJ Moore’s helmet violation costing the Atlanta game, and a Tampa Bay loss in Brady’s semi-last hurrah, 4 TD day, Panthers could have taken the division. It was an outstanding coaching job, by a LOCAL HERO, a reboot on healing a losing culture and fanbase, mucho attaboys! across the league, and a can’t lose Head Coach choice.

That kind of thinking and $10.50 (plus tax, tip?) will get you a premium 22 oz. draft in Charlotte. Nothing like, y’know, Respect though.

Stiffing Wilks became a sack-fumble by #MrTeppers$$, hero winds up in San Francisco with MVP candidate C-MC, two guys waiting for a ring.

‘Yeah, I guess I must suck, I was only guy not to score.’ – McCaffrey, after *not* scoring a TD in 18th straight game for record.

(He’s still getting married to Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo in the off-season.)

Absolute Biggest Miss 2023, Sorry to Mislead You  

Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

Draft-wise, everything was predicated on top pick, and when Young stopped doing visits, with lot of talk about how impressive he was, sure seemed obvious about done deal on franchise quarterback. Until then, I had said CJ Stroud, like everyone else would, now.  

Two specific expectations came through quickly at beginning of 2023 season. Offensive line was *covered* acccording to me, Panthers even signed extra bodies, had fixed long time ballet (jumping people around) they’ve used for injuries in past. OMG! I said “It’s talked about (as a problem) until its not, and now its not (a problem).” Could I *BE* any further from the truth (say like Chandler in tribute)?

Yes, throw $25 million free agent Sanders in as lot less satisfying run production by proposed tandem (Hubbard, 741 yards, 4 TDs season, a yay! for rainy second victory), and documented leaky pass protection into mix, what happened to that hard core, productive O-line?

People point out Young’s sack total weekly (7 against Dallas, 51 this season, Sam Howell/Commanders is most sacked, 59 times), that he barely gets second step from center before wearing other teams jersey on his back. How many Panther fans agreed that ‘All we need is someone who can throw the ball’?

Oh hey, its not the weak offense, but Burns STILL doesn’t have his contract either. Trades offers were ignored, will he decide for himself?

“Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.”

Easy to nod agreement to Comment #2, every other commentator and myself has noted, “Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.” 100% bingo! dead as a doornail fact. And if your secondary can handle anyone as a receiver, and Panther tight ends are invisible but not in a Greg Olsen-ninja way, loading the box and blitzing have been useful against rookie QBs forever.

Chark and Mingo have been injury scratches often, both were afterthoughts, like bandaids as useful when needed before this Sunday. You *want* your valuable new guy surrounded by capable support, but until Right Now, its been more like Notre Dame QB Rich Clausen’s rookie year here in the meat-grinder, never given a TE to dump passes to and being blitzed mercilessly.

Young found Chark and Mingo during final drive, elevating players who had low bars to meet, this might later be called a turning point for him.

While Cam arrived along with two All-Pros in Jeremy Shockey (former) and Greg Olsen (about to go Legend) from Chicago, the Panthers haven’t gotten production from TE position since (Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble and Giovanni Ricci combined for 471 yards on 48 catches), free agent Hayden Hurst 18/184 yds, 1 TD, concussion), Tremble, and if I’m surprised Ian Thomas is still around as a pass catcher (since 2018), I’d concur he’s one of early cuts expected from roster after season ends.

We’ll see how potential people coming IN – both on the field talent and where the front office bears changes – stacks up with Panther needs, what those soon departing didn’t provide. Bottom line, Charlotte may not be as attractive a free agent destination as before. It seems like Fitterer has gotten whatever was tasked, including ‘the talented’ Darnold and ‘also under-loved’ Baker at a bargain price before. The All Defensive Draft (2020) including Jeremy Chinn is only shining moment for Panthers, and three years of stud-dom later, I question why there’s not a spot for Chinn?  

Mea cupa, about #MrTeppers$$

I didn’t write a lick about the Panthers most of year, not much of a homer-rah rah! guy, and little to add to the recent kicking that seems focused on #MrTeppers$$ and meddling. Yes, it’s a long-time axiom about $$$, it doesn’t equal brains nor guarantee Success.

‘A walk-on-by, non-destination for potential Head Coaches’ one sports guru says, requiring major cultural change capability (and please don’t let it be Belichick). Tepper has paid out a lot of good money while gaining some warts as an owner. He kind of owns the situation though.

Arriving in Charlotte at same time as Panthers, 1995, it was a revelation and on-going fact I relate, that until they whipped Dallas on Thanksgiving to go 10-0 that Super Bowl year (2015-16), Charlotte fans didn’t truly BELIEVE the Panthers success was for real. The collective ‘We’ thought being NC nice to Darnold might overcome those NY scars, getting another under-loved QB who also under-performed as a thrower, with no shiny, fast, super-good CMC to hand off to, ‘We’ haven’t liked things any better than Tepper.

That same collective was stunned big time when Wilkes wasn’t rewarded with a contract for that 7-10 finish off Rhule’s bomb of a start in 2022. Going from that splashy 6 year, $62 million or whatever bidding war with the Giants for Rhule, to a Hunger Games fiefdoms and SCHOLARLY approach with Reich and a highly paid patchwork of coaching philosophies? Geez, and I thought that was a GREAT use of his cash?!

Panthers coaching upgrades, Goal of #1 QB (CJ Stroud) makes sense, Tepper-organization $$$ speaks to cap, results

 Panthers last drive Sunday, THAT is going to stick in the minds of many though. Taking whole last 7:35, QB goes 5-5 in wind and rain, tippy-toe catches, and Chuba Hubbard! It was flag-planting time, and for all the attention given to fannies who braved the elements, yeah, I admit not being up for the nasty. I sat in some inch-deep gushing downpours on aluminum bench seats in Tampa, aware of ‘The Lightning Capital of the World’ fact all around, watching soccer games. Best of wishes, good for you all doing the deed.

The day BEFORE that finale for Reich, I stated definitively Tepper would NOT admit such a massive and expensive failure, again, at 1-10. Guess he forgot ‘We have full confidence…’ press conferences come first.

Sorry I couldn’t warn you sooner, Charlote, I drank the KoolAid. Quite a few teams will have top spots open in Coaches and Front Office Land, with names to ponder here or there. Specifically HERE though, will require someone who accepts the large on field challenge AND has ability to build a fence of mature outlook about their Football Smarts vs. Empire Operations Re: MrTeppers$. Four years for $50M *might* get some interest, probaly six would be ‘penalty stroke economics.’

FYI, nobody is going to let go of that $850 million fiasco in Rock Hill in the near future either. Tepper is a well-tarnished brand going into 2024.

Sports betting propositions will soon become part of my blogging expertise on MrTeppers$, Panthers, Rock Hill, microeconomy. My unofficial look at Head Coach candidates – and as of early January, a new GM in Charlotte.

I’d bet a chunk of change Mr. Wilks won’t be fielding any calls from Charlotte, Tomlin wouldn’t mesh well with a handsy, I’m-The-Decider owner, nor can I imagine how rebuilding here would be to his liking. If its just about MrTeppers$, and Fitterer gone as GM being a losing parlay, getting the guy from Detroit with OC Johnson as HC, they’ve already have success together, how high is up for Detroit guy is question. It’s not Question #2, its Fact #2, less people are going to give Tepper the benefit of personal, organizational doubts in 2024.

As of early March, speculation about tag and trade for Brian Burns is abundant, and THIS is when that extra $45M or so to distribute should show up, DO SO, DAN!

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Sports

Pineiro kicks, Bryce leadership, defense come through for Panthers in 15-13 win over Texans

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Pineiro kicks, Bryce leadership, defense come through for Panthers in 15-13 win over Texans
Still an all-time favorite house in Monroe, from sidewalk to second floor, these people are exceptional. Plenty of time for regular football pictures, right?

Pineiro’s missed PAT before half was a matter of concern all the way to end of game. Young’s baptism of fire with last drive was the QB everyone thought Panthers had drafted #1. There were empty seats aplenty this week, 1-6 still looks better than it did in 2022 (or 0-7).

There’s a justifiable feeling of euphoria in Charlotte after Bryce Young’s first comeback win (22/31, 235 yds/1 TD) as a Panther. Noooo doubt about it being a total team win. The defense backed the offense when it faltered – a strip fumble by Jackson, a Burns sack – and how about a tight end catching a touchdown pass (Tremble, 1 yd.)! Add three more field goals, 24 in a row, for Pineiro.

Proposition bets were Panthers +3, over/under 43.5 (-112), and I definitely took that. Young was moving and throwing accurately today, and with the constant blitzing he’s gotten,that’s progress. Lets say his approval rating is markedly higher than before the bye week.

That #offensive lines are discussed regularly until they’re not for a good reason, the Panthers are still being discussed.

Young’s performance vs. Dolphins wasn’t bad either: 23 of 38 passes (60.5%) for 217 yards and a touchdown, with a still decent 85.1. Nothing spoke of panic. The first two scoring drives of the day worked smoothly, Panthers got a gift score with pick six off Dolphin’s QB White for a respectable 42-21 final score. Overall Young got a chance to drop back, assess, and throw plenty for a full, prime time game. Plus, he didn’t turn the ball over, and minimizing negative possessions *does* adds up. 

Was yesterday make or break?

ONE PLAY, with a blitzer blowing through a block, Young shakes him off and makes *killer* throw to sideline, Thielen with tipppy-toes in. Even if no score with a failed 4th and 2, that’s doing the deed. Isn’t it great to have a definite #1 receiver, and somebody to throw it to him?

–10/30/23 Subtract 55 yards of sacks from Young’s QB rating (to 180 yards) if you want to, he held up pretty well.

Timing for breakout win couldn’t have been better. At home after bye, in pursuit of elevated play for all areas, and OC Thomas Brown calling offensive plays instead of Head Coach Frank Reich was the biggest question coming out of the bye. The Panthers defense has been giving up just under 140 yds/game, gave up only 110 this week.

Chuba Hubbard had 15 carries for 28 yards, but got first downs with short runs during final 15 play, six minute plus drive to third field goal as time ran out. This team might have developed discipline.

Yes, 1-6 is exactly where Panthers were last year. Will #offensive line regain its run mojo against the Colts? Not just being a homer to reinvest this weeks winnings with +2.5 vs. Colts this week, and Under 44 is legitimate too. Return of RG Corbett is the biggest positive https://www.panthers.com/news/for-austin-corbett-after-294-days-it-all-poured-out-in-that-moment-acl-rehab

Frankie Luvu got his citizenship, family attended, and Luvu fills up a stat sheet weekly (12 tackles v. Texans). Still not understanding misuse of Chinn, Burns is still a disruptor, and still not going anywhere. Yes, he’s playing out a 5th year, and having turned down high draft choices last year and up tohe trading deadline in 2023, Tepper won’t let Burns go, although he’ll pay a premium for the delay. No deal could heal that move. Lots of people think otherwise though, https://www.the33rdteam.com/category/analysis/2023-nfl-trade-deadline-why-a-brian-burns-trade-is-worth-considering/

Six sacks as ball security?

Texans D came to play, but ONE PLAY, with a blitzer blowing through a block, Young shakes him off and makes *killer* throw to sideline, tipppy-toes in, even if no score at end, that’s doing the deed. Its great to have a definite #1 receiver (Thielen, >65.5 yds, -130 a DraftKings winner – he had 8/72 yds.).

The Whacking of Quarterbacks 1,2,3 (4,5…)

With a courtesy nod to the noteworthy GOAT Brady, a frequent beneficiary of gentle handling for several years, who has likened NFL protectiveness as akin to playing flag football, only Cousins’ Achilles, as a non-contact injury, is anything out of the ordinary with ‘rash of injuries.’ Stafford’s thumb (we’ll see), Ridder (Atlanta, possible concussion), Taylor (neck) and Pickett (ribs) sound ordinary when Brett Favre strapped it up 321 times without a miss.

For all his supposed slightness, Young showed no hesitation about moving forward in the pocket and throwing on the run. There was a stat with Chargers 6’6″ stud QB Justin Herbert being tied for lead (12) with Josh Allen for batted passes, and he led the league last year. Young is willing to eat the ball on a sack more than just sling it, but 5-6x a game is NOT a great O-line stat for anyone.

Purdy is finding out a little about not always being perfect, Joe Burrow is the best/sweetest thrower in the NFL. Sounds like Minnesota will have a busy week sorting out who takes over for Cousins, who was having a career year. In 2017, Case Keenum went 11-3, with 22 TDs/7 INTs and over 3,000 yards saved the Vikes bacon last time they needed a QB fix who. (Odds wouldn’t be good on Case again. Or Kapernick)

At 1-9, the Panthers +300,000 odds of getting to the Super Bowl (Eagles are +450), with a money line of +164 (bet $164 to win $100). Unfortunately, no prop bet on Panther sacks.

Speaking of those who got the job done during their times in Charlotte:

https://www.panthers.com/video/julius-peppers-hall-of-honor-speech

https://www.panthers.com/video/mushin-muhammad-2023-hall-of-honor-speech

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Sports

A New Normal blog, minus retail microeconomy and Mom in Hospice

by gshorkeyblt22 Comments on A New Normal blog, minus retail microeconomy and Mom in Hospice
Hospice worked the way it was intended for us. Mom ate and chattered well, even gained weight the last two months. I got to take vacation!

Didn’t see the Panthers being 0-6 into October, but on August trip to upstate NY – specifically Saratoga races and a $1200 Monday night at blackjack table – I was physically and mentally feeling brilliant, even happy.

Get some mental health like that when you can. Social Goodness still counts.

A trifecta winner (+230) had me buying dinner wine, and a good night of blackjack didn’t launch a new microeconomy, but I’ve decided to officially rejoin some Social Goodness in America.

Being noticed for haberdashery at 66 was affirming, because dressing well is a Saratoga tradition. I wasn’t a Gatsby costumed dandy, but a definite upgrade from tees and shorts, frat guy reunions with cigars, pork pie hats and horn rim-topped Maui Jims as a standard.

Thankfully, after a year in the closet, muscle memory checked out well golf-wise. I played a lot of shots for nine holes, with two balls and no scorecard on a long, wide, familiar course. It was a perfect 76 degree-two beer TUESDAY (93 in Charlotte) and work wouldn’t start again for a week.

Vacation had a kind of ‘cut-above’ feeling Christian McCaffrey must walk around with (except he’s so modest). He was so damn good here, that 1000-1000 year. He’s looking like MVP material in San Fran (currently +1400). *I* never said ‘injury prone.’

What felt incredibly New Normal enjoyable in late August, became a positive attitude worth pursuing. So I did. Naaah, I’m not retired, more ‘Full time writer and gig economy consultant’ now. #cdtalententerprises #sportswriter

Saratoga has a reputation for social events and haberdashery; I was a dancing DJ at two of Marylou Whitney’s Travers Eve balls in ’90s. This Travers, I went full Hugo Boss blue, lilac shirt, paisley blue-gold tie, great hat and polished shoes trackside. Only took a few, ‘Nice suit’s to affirm the effort.

Myself, 8/26/23 Officially rejoining in some extensive Social Goodness in America

Four Betting Truths – The Value in a Trifecta

  • When there are several equally good horses (3-5- or 2-1 favorites) in a race, its legitimate to try trifecta boxes ($12). Don’t try to figure out two best and win or place bets, take another horse – or hot jockey – that pays a price. In the Alabama, Edwin Rosario (#10) at 14-1 booted home the third place horse I needed by a nose. He won all three times I played him that day.
  • Buy and read the pink sheets, 5 min. to Post Time, they’re a buck. Whomever wrote the thumbnail sketches, at least it gives you a sense of info you lacked before. After a couple races, Saratoga usually has 11-12 races a day, check results – maybe you’ve got someone who knows a little.
  • Always back up your top choices with place bets.
  • Always be glad to buy the wine or split a check with your bro or bestie when you’re even a decent, on vacation winner. Lasagna at Wheatfields and touring a well-lighted, exciting looking city after track was terrific.

Appreciated decent chats with many, let several ladies know how to bet on more than a horses name. Gave one gent Truth #1 above, “…and with those two favorites, I’m looking for value, or my man Rosario.” He thought there’d be something more technical about how to bet, but its still the juice of getting paid for being right.

Definitely a $25 tip for dealer!

Having your judgment affirmed in concrete terms, like this fistful of chips, was stone-cold great. Started with $20 bets, ended up with a heckuva lot more chips, better than ever. I split aces at $175 per, plus $175 second hand and called it quits for an epic run.*Nothing* on my scheduled vacation I couldn’t handle with that much extra $$$.

At legendary Siro’s Friday night, I arrived early, in soft, light mint-green jacket, gray Baker slacks, yellow with blue grid shirt, brown-gold tie, polished shoes, and my Good Hat. Outdoor areas filled up in 25 minute after last race . I had a split of Moet while waiting, then got pulled onto freestylin’ dancing area by a curvy lady in sleek black and a curvy hat.

Neither a trifecta winner at Saratoga nor those purple chips had any impact on ending my retail career at Nordstroms. I had carried a refreshed and winning Attitude forward post-vacation, finishing with eight straight days of getting at least one suit. Cashing chips did involve buying a new basketball, a positive marker I utilize regularly.

Sunshine as therapy is organic and easy. WINNING, gotta say – I also beat my 6’4″ buddy in ’21’ by muscling up on him the last few points – is always better than alternative in my book. Oh yeah! I finished book #2 in August too. https://www.wattpad.com/story/218725526-a-triple-shot-of-karma-platinum-fury-focus

Finishing a book does a lot for mental health, and gaining another $40/hr. gig for my journalistic expertise and creative writing is still the 2023 business plan for this #BoomerwithAttitude.

Yay! I went looking to maximize social experiences a lot on this road trip, and doing more often in Real Life! I don’t imagine I’m the singlular person changing attitudes from defense to offense, socially speaking.

Hospice, more than just end game situation

My mother, Ernel Margaret Shorkey, 89, passed the end of September, and while Hospice is often viewed as an end game situation, my taking her out on warm days to read in gazebo, or morning visits, up until the last week, dropping off flowers, that’s what our family will remember.

Administratively, having protocols in place with Hospice – Mom was a DNR – she had a good relationship with her support staff, we relied on their attention to my loved one.

We’d recently seen an open-eyed Mom, who chatted along for quite a few weeks, I’ve got the videos. The underlying fact of Hospice giving our family time to celebrate and prepare, yes, we lived #NewNormal then too. Being there at the end, feeling she heard us say it was okay to go, I’ll send a moment of such peace to the many who didn’t get that during COVID.

We’ll gather again down in Tampa soon, to bring her back to her people – Mom & Dad Sevigny, her sisters Jo and Elinor, Uncle Frank and my Dad. I had to include Mom here, what a difference a day makes. I got several pieces of furniture, mostly stuff Dad made, plus a two seater couch that unfolds to a bed. I’ll show the video of her thinking my phone was a piece of pie often, all the way to hearing the crunch of her biting it.


Business, Sports

Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

by gshorkeyblt21 Comment on Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

Charlotte didn’t believe 2015 Panthers could actually make Super Bowl until they whipped Dallas on Thanksgiving to go 10-0 is my standard. Belief in Young will take at least 4-5 Ws.

Beat writers may want to straddle just how well so many expect Bryce Young to play, and gushing like a homer all day-every day isn’t my style. OTAs start shortly in the still sweaty cauldron that is Spartanburg, but even if there are question marks, its the NFC South.

When 2010 draft brought Cam Newton here, I let alllll the stuff about his Dad offering Cam to high bidder go, he was ours – just root for Success. Drew Brees was a 5’10” over-achiever you could appreciate, but other than size, what’s not to like about Bryce?

— Me, and 5 million other guys who made him +1250 DraftKing favorite.
‘Everyone on the Brain Trust agreed,’ huh?
Want to fully experience the Panthers at work? Get to Spartanburg early, shade is at a premium.

Consider reasons to be jazzed up

  • Even if you felt Steve Wilks deserved to get the Head Coach role, Frank Reich brought the best kind of people with him, including Duce Staley, who he teamed with offensively during Eagles 2017 Super Bowl season.
  • Christian McCaffrey, that 1000-1000 young man some thought broke too easy, was gone mid-season and almost won a Super Bowl already, but the kid from ‘Bama has that Heisman and leadership props himself. Okay, he didn’t save a guys life (yet) or get engaged to Miss Universe like McCaffrey, but he ain’t just ANY rookie.
  • Let’s admit that #MrTeppers$ will make a difference, with quality, certifiably good coordinators and assistants to coach up Panthers everywhere.
  • When the organizations biggest Gotta Fix has been a lackluster offense requiring specific, productive leadership at the helm, should even casual fans recognize they’ve gotten better?
  • The practice facility and stadium situations are still out there, but you haven’t heard the words, ‘up against the cap’ in a long time. #GM Scott Fitterer gets credit for putting deals together, VP of Football Administration Samir Suleiman is the ‘cap guy’. Most people thought Shaq Thompson, after his best year (135 tackles, 8 for loss) was a goner with a $24.46MM cap hit, but Panthers managing to keep him on a reworked two year deal is good for everyone.
  • With a proven offensive line, bringing in Miles Sanders stats to Charlotte https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4045163/miles-sanders and his history with Coach Staley in Philadelphia, on a 4 year/$25.4M contract ($5.9MM signing bonus, $13M guaranteed, according to sportrac.com), and an opportunity for frequent carries by hard-running Chuba Hubbard (95 rush/466 yrds./2 TD, 171 yds. receiving), the ground game is solid.
  • Hayden Hurst (TE, 3 yr./$21.75M, $6.17M signing bonus, $13M guaranteed) fixes another significant hole in the Panther offense, one that’s existed since Greg Olsen left for the Seahawks and then announcers booth.
  • When Cam Newton came to town, the Panthers invested in two All Pro TEs, Jeremy Shockey (past) and Greg Olsen (legendary) to give Newton a check down receiver. Hurst brings credibility to the position earned as a key target for Joe Burrow during two AFC championship runs by Bengals. If 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns isn’t world-beating, it beats what’s been the norm.
  • Panthers wouldn’t listen to anyone about trading Brian Burns, there’s another run stuffing big-body free agent to put with Mr. Brown on the line, and Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero is going to make S Jeremy Chinn an All Pro, someone other teams will have to account for.

‘We got Joe’ – Guys you don’t bet against

There’s a huge influx of young guns in the NFL, with Mahomes the current lightening rod for a force you don’t want to bet against. The Buffalo Bills will never forget how a few seconds makes all the difference with a QB you WOULD want to bet against, like Herbert, Jones of NY, and Josh.

The word on Young is a WISE HEAD with props comparing him with Peyton Manning for knowing what to do in specific situation. Caveats on his size at this point, fingers crossed about O-line.

— #gshorkonsharonroadseam 5/8/23 I admit hating Manning’s constant ‘OMAHA’ checking, but he KNEW.

Joe Burrow at LSU was/is All That, and got Joe Brady, his OC at LSU , the Broyles award anda good job in NFL with Rhule’s Panthers, but they obviously out-personneled everyone with pass catchers. Joe kept his part going with Bengals, Brady’s system didn’t impress at pro level.

Aaron Rodgers, iffy a character as he sometimes seems, *still* isn’t someone you blow off until final whistle. Will NY get the full benefit of his expertise, if he can’t be bothered with some good will at OTAs? Greatest fear about Rodgers is he gets injured and its back to Zack.

It’s the NFC South folks

Is Young worth three games? because 10-7 would win the division most years. Tampa took it with 8-9 record last year, a year after Brady led them to a 13-4 record, and everyone else tied at 7-10.

ATL has two names for QB room – Logan Woodside and Desmond Ridder- and maybe Taylor Heineke (2 yrs./$20MM?); Tampa has maybe Jacoby Brissett, who was steady with Browns, and Saints Derek Carr (4 yrs./$150M) rode the wave of QB uncertainty best by signing in early March.

Despite 1-6 start in 2022, Panthers were a helmet-off penalty on Moore causing a missed PAT, and a lousy quarter defending Mike Evans (10 catches/207 yds./3TDs) as Brady went 34-45/432 yds/3 TDs to officially eliminate the Panthers. Tom is officially (at this time) still retired, so nobody in division has a better documented QB than Panthers, period.

Business, Sports

Panthers Brain Trust ups its game during drive to top pick Young

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers Brain Trust ups its game during drive to top pick Young
What’s in the cards for #Carolina Panthers and 2023 draft group, led by #1 pick Bryce Young? Predictions may be all over, but Panthers were a helmet penalty extra point and a lousy 24 point quarter by Brady and the Bucs from playoffs last year, off a 1-6 start.

Nobody is dissing the #Carolina Panthers front office over their draft process, even if ‘Panthers organization and brains’ sometimes slipped into air quotes in recent past, especially with QBs. GM #Scott Fitterer’s reputation for ‘in on every deal’ is respected, which started long before pulling off the draft picks and DJ Moore price tag for #1 pick, #Bryce Young.

Maybe its the 4th time Fitterer’s brought best available leader into quarterback mix, but all the exploring and validating was about #best practices, not just a jumbled Rhule this time around.

5/2/23 #gshorkonsharonroadseam

Panther icon #Steve Smith seems solid on their #2 pick https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/jonathan-mingo/ as “a receiver who runs like a running back, around or through you” after the catch. Lots of experts said it was easier to get a top flight receiver than a franchise quarterback. Is immediately replacing Moore’s 1,000 yards production – and maybe scoring more touchdowns – a legitimate gauging of talent?

The Panthers draft was rated everywhere from A, A- to C+, depending on how heavily you weighed the obvious picking of Young as a future star, a #2 (Mingo) earlier than many thought necessary, and a LB/freak athlete from Oregon because Ejiro Evior wanted him, has been a Fitterer specialty. https://www.panthers.com/team/coaches-roster/ejiro-evero It seems like needs were met, #collaboration and ORGANIZATION sure strikes a different tone in Charlotte.

Word from San Francisco, which thinks Sam Darnold is the most talented thrower they’ve ever had – good luck with that. Talent wasn’t really the question…

They’ve signed 13 undrafted free agents, and still have $22.6MM of cap space for when negotiations with #Brian Burns extension starts. He’ll want to continue leading this defense, #2 on yardage/23rd in getting scored on, but getting paid still counts.

–5/1/23

Nobody in the organization has mentioned trading Matt Corral, last years second #3 pick, after a broken ankle in pre-season. He’s a freebie pickup of talent, and with Reich and an excellent coaching staff, could become a significant asset. Andy Dalton is current #2.

Alabama QBs, The Ghosts of Weinke, Newton

Starting with Newton as an ultimate extension of physical superiority in speed-strength in the RPO (run-pass-option offense) while winning 2010 national championship and Heisman at Auburn, Bryce Young is now the third Heisman QB in Panther history – Chris Weinke of Florida State, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Weinke being the first with that designation.

Weinke, was Panthers #1 in 2000, and he was 28 years old at FSU because he’d played baseball in Toronto’s minor league system. He wound up activating a lot of performance (yardage, TDs, starts) standards on a 1-15 team, where he eventually became a $5MM backup – when that wasn’t the norm. They handed the keys to Rodney Peete, and Weinke was out in 2006.

Cam Newton still casts a shadow around Charlotte as a franchise star, his contributions noteworthy, but Young won’t be getting coaching from Newton even if both like the idea. We’ll see if Eagles star Jalen Hurts is an outlier of strength-quality production among ex-Tide QBs with his historic (for like two hours) financial extension off last years Super Bowl run.

Mac Jones with the Patriots didn’t over-impress https://nypost.com/2023/04/29/patriots-bill-belichick-finally-addresses-mac-jones-trade-reports/ in Year 2, and the potential for Tua T. in Miami is somewhere between getting clonged badly several times in 2022, and getting to the playoffs again in a division that now includes Aaron Rodgers twice a year.

Oh yeah, Mayfield was a Heisman guy in Charlotte last year. 1-5 record, some mop up duty in another. 6 TD, 6 INT. Oy!

When all four decision makers were 100% in their praise – and Young canceled any remaining Top 30 visits – the announcement by the Commissioner was a 3 weeks unofficial Done Deal for me.

Pre-draft, Young was -1250 or so on DraftKings. Just sayin’.

Then there’s an Outstanding Offensive Line

A definitive asset that awaits Bryce Young is a very together and DEEP #Offensive line. The Panthers became a highly productive run team https://www.catscratchreader.com/2023/1/16/23556866/final-2022-ratings-for-the-panthers-offense-per-pro-football-focus with minimal expectations of production from Mayfield et al.

Panthers didn’t ‘just’ need a Good quarterback, more an Alpha, franchise-level leader. Can Panther fans expect the level of coaching in 2023 will make THAT much of a difference? The OC-DC and assistants assembled are well-documented, top of their game types, and Yes, that’s the Mission Statement clarity the top brass has operated under.

In #’Good to Great,’ a business management must-read, Jim C. Collins felt getting the right people on the bus AND in the right places was a primary difference maker. NOBODY doubts that steadiness of O-line and two-headed running attack will benefit Young. The Panthers organization is 100% agreed on directionality, every supporting factor (ie. Coaching staff) is planned around, and Bryce Young is considered a very wise head.

In Charlotte, adding G Chandler Zavala (NCState), a linemate of #Ikem Ekwonu at State, local hero (Providence Day) and the Panther’s much appreciated rookie OLT last season, adds some explosive power – his rep is a mauler on runs. Young won’t lack for opportunities to show off a little magic in the new, shinier version of the #Carolina Panthers.

#leadership thought, Business, Community based pr

Easter sales moved my microeconomy, Queens Cup social is coming, #1 pick a big deal for Panthers

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Easter sales moved my microeconomy, Queens Cup social is coming, #1 pick a big deal for Panthers

Easter, 1995 was when I decided to move from upstate NY to Charlotte, NC. My folks came up from Tampa for their 40th anniversary, youngest bro David and nephew Curtiss and I drove down. It was Chamber of Commerce weather, we golfed on the 9-hole course where The Cypress senior community is now. On Memorial Day I made the jump, never had any regrets.

‘Lifestyle’ is much different since landing at #gshorkonsharonroadseam in late-2021. A lot of Americans were on the move, pandemic constraints changed renting. My retail efforts are in a micro-economy where selling suits is my specific window-POV to report on. 2023 was my best earning year in the last five. I was under-withheld, so paying Fed taxes at about 8%.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be of service to my 89-year old mother, whom I brought two Lindor chocolate eggs and purple flowers to after church. Sending pictures to my bros is very affirming. Starting my 29th year in Charlotte, New Normal for lifestyle is steady, and creatively, #BoomerwithAttitude is still legitimate.

#gshorkonsharonroadseam is location, and suit-selling as micro-economy.

Saturday and Monday were both above average, a target-rich environment with another three-Bugachi shirt buyer ($160-180), a product I personally pump. Very few people are blinking about $650-$850 sports coats.

— Me, on Monday, after I dressed down to jeans, black sweater, sneakers vs. usual suit-tie, and did $3,400 sales in 6.5 hrs. Three guys bought the first jacket they tried on.

Need something for the Queens Cup Steeplechases?

There’s a mauve, hyper-light Peter Millar displayed in the department, and my current favorite intro for anyone around it is asking about the QCS in two weeks (April 29th). Several people have commented they’ve heard about the event, but never been. I give a quick social rundown, including my own wearing of a blue-on-blue Bugachi shirt, yellow Garcia tie, and antique Ferrari hat last year, skipping the seersucker jacket because it was extra hot.

One of the axioms of sales is people buy from those they like and trust. I’m certainly interested in helping others, *everybody* likes getting needs taken care of, and in my methodology, customer service starts with good information. Take a couple through how the slim cuts (Boss, Baker, Victor) fit differently under arms, presenting that good-looking, pebbly feel blue blazer in 38-short (sleeve length), while suggesting they consider a terrific social event costs ZERO. I think of it as ‘best practices.’

What Woman isn’t ready to help her guy find something gooood to wear beside her for a day of horse watching, drinks, big hats and short skirts, and this person says he’s been five times and NEVER had a bad day? Socially, I always look forward to it, and I’m sincerely willing to tell others about the ambiance and the Hotwalkers Ball while he’s trying on the small, black/blue window pane Ted Baker ($695) or Jack Victor. Win-win. Tickets https://www.queenscup.org/tickets/ .

Expecting to continue my streak of fun outings at #QueensCupSteeplechases on 29th.

Putting a jacket on the guy, versus letting them wrestle into it after whirling overhead, is always a positive. *Every*single*female* likes it when I say, “Guys often buy a suit and immediately want a white shirt, time out on that.”

Even if people are jogging through, a lookee-see, pointing out we have plenty of Peter Millar sports-shirts is a no-brainer. Everybody likes Millar, and digging a little for what someone might want is the Q&A that makes me a good consultant.

–Glenn S., 4/14/23

Panthers, still on our minds

The #Carolina Panthers will have the #1 pick in upcoming draft, and gaining the franchise level quarterback they’ve desperately needed is a soon to be fact. All the expected candidates will check 98% of the boxes, some pundits will note that (except for Jaylan Hurts), neither Ohio St. or Alabama has produced a great pro QB recently.

The lowdown on #Carolina Panther fandom:

That Super Bowl year so many remember whenever discussion of Cam’s current situation comes up, until the Panthers thumped Dallas 31-14 on Thanksgiving Day to stand at 10-0, many residents of the Buckle on the Bible Belt weren’t believing their team could make the Super Bowl.

That said, getting a #1 pick again, with a semi-clear path out of football purgatory, people have expectations. Belief will take a lot longer.

Few expected Rhule’s rudderless teams to be better than average, but that’s Past now, right? Panthers front office has earned nothing but league-wide respect, ending the dumpster fire of last couple years. Panther Pride? You betcha. All Tepper flaws forgiven? Hey, its Easter, lets go with the spirit of the season.

Business, Sports

Panthers coaching upgrades, Goal of #1 QB (CJ Stroud) makes sense, Tepper-organization $$$ speaks to cap, results

by gshorkeyblt21 Comment on Panthers coaching upgrades, Goal of #1 QB (CJ Stroud) makes sense, Tepper-organization $$$ speaks to cap, results
Between the price of beer and getting the #1 pick in 2023 draft, trust the Panthers know what they want. Trust the fans always want the beers.

The absolute best thing Owner David Tepper has done PR-wise was spread his cash supply on documented OC and DC coordinators and assistants for a team that just might be a well-trained stud quarterback shy of being MUCH better. FYI – The current number on Ohio State’s CJ Stroud as Panthers #1 pick is -160 by CBS Sports (betting $160 to win $100 base bet-proposition)

GM Scott Fitterer, Tepper, Reich, and first year OC Thomas Brown will be 100% on same page with this choice. All the boxes will be checked. Yes, its still a month to draft day.

This isn’t Kevin Costner as Sonny Weaver, Jr. in ‘Draft Day.’ Some will call it a 4th iteration of Fitterer bringing in previous, if flawed, leaders. Keeping Matt Corral, post-broken ankle v. trade, means he’ll be a more valuable backup from same great coaching. Everyone’s glad Shaq worked out staying.

— 3/30/23, As Stephen Covey often suggests, the Panthers #1 pick isn’t anything fans should worry about. #Gshorkonsharonroadseam

2nd Time with Franchise QB: More than Move the Chains

Frank Reich as Head Coach is now operationally fine, and Steve Wilks found a pretty solid place to showcase his chops in Phoenix.

Yes, 7-10 record off 1-6 Rhule-Mayfield start was a resurrection, for organization and fans. No hard feelings there (maybe). It was difficult seeing McCaffrey become an even brighter (Super Bowl!) star with 49ers, DJM was all class, and he felt the Love here. Both gone in one season – If you want to declare ‘We were blessed with their efforts,’ feel free Charlotte.

Former Panther QB Jimmy Clausen saw unrelenting blitzes without a checkdown receiver the year before Cam’s rookie year, but All Pros Jeremy Shockey (past) and Greg Olsen (future) came to Charlotte with Cam. Both had terrific blocking skills, but Olsen became a lethal ninja-type TE, reappearing eight yards downfield for first downs that moved the chains.

Plus players, plenty of cap space

His three consecutive 1,000 seasons hasn’t been replaced, but starting with Adam Thielen (from Minn., 3 yr/$25MM), RB Miles Sanders (from Philly, 4 yr/$25MM), WR DJ Chark (16.7 avg yd/catch, one yr. $5MM ‘make good’ contract), and resigning center Bradley Bozeman (3 yr./$18MM), puts good personnel all around that franchise piece. You haven’t heard ‘up against the cap’ in a while.

Expectations for rookie stats (4,000+ yds) will be similar level to Newton’s. The 2023 Panthers won’t be in Game Management 101 mode.

Newton’s physical skills in RPO (run pass option) of 2010 offense were obvious, but even during his MVP season, his throwing stats were in line with career numbers, like three points higher. He never threw anything besides a bullet, never ‘threw a receiver open’ or aired it out for a fast guy to run under. On a certain level, it’ll be a 2nd Coming the Panther faithful can-will embrace.

O-line as Strength

The offensive line is built righteous, all paid for too. The mantra about offensive line play is always a problem, until it isn’t – well, now it isn’t. Panthers have notably signed several additional lineman, after years of what seemed an organizational flaw, with line repositioning necessary whenever two injuries occurred. Ekwonu and Moton are All-Pro material. https://www.panthers.com/video/ikem-ekwonu-earns-spot-in-pff-90-club-after-performance-vs-49ers.

The running backs (Chubba Hubbard, 1,078 yards/7 TDs in two years; high achiever Sanders) will benefit from Bozeman’s return and OC Thomas’ usual two-man gang approach to the position. Jamaal Williams had 17 TDs for Detroit last year under Staley, and they averaged132.2 yards/game. The Panthers averaged 130. Expect some saltiness in their approach to run blocking, and giving Stroud (-160 is stiff, but a winner) the sort of steadiness barely imaginable this time last year.

Accumulating coaches positive: Asst. Head Coach/Running backs, Duce Staley https://www.panthers.com/team/coaches-roster/duce-staley

Staley and Reich were part of the offensive coaching that made Philadelphia Eagles 2017 Super Bowl winners, a VERY BIG factor in Reich’s selection as Head Coach. While visions of prime talent gone elsewhere (McCaffrey, Moore) will persist, Line Coach James Campen and Staley will continue upward cycle of strong O-line play, with significant statistical success.

#leadership thought, Business, Health care

#NewNormal still legit, plenty of product keeps suit-selling micro-economy positive

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on #NewNormal still legit, plenty of product keeps suit-selling micro-economy positive

After two weeks off from COVID-positive test, I’m just thankful brothers and I visiting Mom on her birthday wasn’t affected by my last visit. Tuesday I had a regular temp of 97.4 and oxygen 99 at check-in, sinus draining manifested Wednesday. That Sat. I did nose swab, which showed positive. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2023/02/14/finally-positive-for-covid-right-after-english-gents-tux-suit-double-broke-a-long-cold-streak/

All of us noted Mom is physically less frail on her 89th, she feels solid in shoulders and upper arms. Her hair was freshly done up curly, she spoke often.

Mom’s hair was fine for b-day, this is styling genuine Russian fur hat.

There’s an awareness that, #BoomerwithAttitude aside, there’s going to be less of such moments in the future. Taking the Universal balance POV, my nephew Ian successfully proposed to Nicki, grand-nephew? Trace is fully three, nephew Spencer will defend his PhD thesis (and turns 30!) this spring, and so things go forward. Just sayin’…

Brother Mike and dogs is in town from FL for birthday , and attended the St. Gabriel Men’s Club meeting Fri. This week (10th) is annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinner for parish and beyond, I’m sure Mike will get some glory for his kitchen efforts in past, while enjoying the camaraderie again.

The club did it exceptionally well for thirty years straight, stopped since COVID, so 600+ this Friday would look a lot like #NewNormal. I had no insurance coverage the first year of the pandemic – I’m 4x vaxxed now, good to hug my Mom, and willing to shake hands again.

Spring has Sprung? Three weeks to desired product

A $4,290 Friday proved that our suits at Nordstrom are gaining destination shopping status. Being up 58% over last year is a fact. I worked Wed-Thurs.-Fri. (1-8:30 = 22 hrs.), and manager essentially gave me weekend off because of funeral service and ‘life celebration’ for a buddy Saturday a.m. (More on that later)

That I ‘paid for myself’ in micro-economy vs. draw with big Friday finish is how it can roll this time of year. FYI – I picked up where I left off on Monday, a broad-shouldered, shorter guy, who jammed in a Hugo Boss Blue, which keeps my streak going.

Friday wasn’t a typical three-suit day, but I did an outstanding job delivering my personal #best practices to three customers who really needed it. Saying customer count is at a premium Wed.-Friday during week is true.

Mr. Skeen – Older gentleman, hasn’t needed a suit in years, grand-daughters wedding is event. We didn’t have to discuss any of the slim cut lines, and everyone (including wife), agreed the charcoal gray with white hatching Peter Millar was a great match with his hair.

Totally painless, minimal alterations, and he appreciated that we could ship the finished suit to Cornelius home (no cost). His wife did not find the kind of dress she wanted.

The Whole Family Event

The other designers we carry (Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Jack Victor, Peter Millar) are between $795-$995 for suits, Canali is a definite jump in price – $1,600 sports coats, $2,400 suits – so its great to hear a potential client ‘really likes the fit of Canalis’ right off the bat.

Client and wife had two youngsters in a stacked stroller, and I eventually put all of them in the largest dressing room. Wife and I were both strong on a beautiful silvery-charcoal, with a subdued blue stripe that showed when closer. The dark blue suit he checked early didn’t have a chance.

— Short-armed client needed sleeve alterations on shirts, and he asked about picking up by 1:00pm Saturday for flight to Vegas. Got it expedited. Few buyers sweat fees for bang-zoom! great service.

A Man with Yikes! Suit Needs

Sales-wise, its always been part of my methodology to impart a decent amount of information to someone quickly. First job out of college, twenty cold calls a day, I projected a fairly simple idea, why TIME, Inc. titles, especially People magazine, should be around their registers. With #suit-sizing, there’s nothing like putting a 42 Regular or 38 Short on just to learn some basics, how it hangs.

The final person Friday really needed a fully fitted suit. His neck-shoulder muscles filled an area well short of the shoulder seam, causing a handful of nothing. Eventually he fit well in a 48 Hugo Boss, which is a champion in giving shoulder-space, and its a slim cut jacket on the sides. People usually think about the pants after there’s interest in overall fit. In gentleman’s case, basic math of ‘chest size minus 6’ wouldn’t work (48-6=42″ pants).

If standard pants with suit are 42″ and guy is no more than 36″ waist, that can’t be hemmed. Next part would have been whether ‘thunder thighs’ could’ve fit in the slim cut pants, but…

At start of March, I feel fine about imparting ‘sizing’ information people can take forward in looking for suits overall. As long as we’ve got product, I expect very similar micro-economy results, now that weddings and proms are very consistently the deal.

My Contribution to a ‘Life Celebration’

St. Gabriel’s legendary Lenten Fish Fry happens Friday, March 10th.

(Three previous speakers bloviating overrode possibility of nice looking sandwiches/snacks at Legion Brewing, so I had a beer in the man’s honor and skedaddled. My story would have been like this, and relevant to the upcoming Fish Fry)

Men’s Club member Armen Boyajian (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/armen-boyajian-obituary?id=38372268) worked at the Diocese of Charlotte. As noted, our Men’s Club has done fish fries a very long time. In the early days, with only two fryers vs. current four plus upgraded other cooking elements) and often longer lines, we started giving people beer in line.

We couldn’t sell it because didn’t liquor license, but people often dropped off contributions. We did it forever, donated (and up-sized) those $$$ donations for places, like a parish we had a connection with in Houston during massive flooding, but mostly its about good works in Charlotte.

So, Armen is selling fish fry tickets down at the Diocese, and tells a couple ladies, “…and you don’t have to worry about beverages, your beer and wine is free,” which caused a nearby lawyer to quickly jerk and say, “What?!”

While we’d done it openly all those years, *apparently* the Diocese owns the school and its cafeteria, and dispensing alcohol, free or not, on the premises, got the lawyers involved. No more guys filling up a couple pitchers for the workers in back (and never the Boy Scouts or workers from middle school and HS aged, doing community hours of course), everything done by licensed bartenders. BIG game changer.

I’m sure the look I would have put on my face the moment of “What?!” would have livened up that life celebration considerably. That’s also #NewNormal, we get to celebrate and grieve our loved ones again. Still can’t understand taking chances with elderly family along the way by so many. Feeling Mom’s 89-year old good shoulder under my hand, that counts for something.

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Thought Leadership

Finally, positive for COVID – Right after English Gent’s Tux & Suit Double Broke a Long Cold Streak

by gshorkeyblt21 Comment on Finally, positive for COVID – Right after English Gent’s Tux & Suit Double Broke a Long Cold Streak
Is there anything better than the squeals of children at play, ice cream with parents, AND a firetruck?

While still wondering why I’m surprised people don’t recognize salespeople are on commission, I was exceedingly glad to have that quite amiable COO-level, English gentleman appear last Wednesday evening. Late January-early February isn’t the greatest time in retail, so his Boss tuxedo ($995) and Peter Millar midnight blue suit ($795) double-bubble put my reputation back in place. I’m alone Mondays and Wednesdays, but it’d been ten days since I’d gone through the whole process…

We were both well-pleased with the minimal tailoring necessary to achieve final product, and fact he’d be able to report the two-for-one effort as accomplishment to his wife, whose apparently spoken of his ‘hour of hard labor’ at such times. Of course, he was wearing proper shoes for tux-hunting, found the waist (surprisingly?) well-fitted at 34 with the Millar, a remark heard often in these post-pandemic times.

We were both pleased with the minimal tailoring necessary to achieve final product, and fact he’d be able to report the two-for-one effort as a significant accomplishment to his wife.

–Me, Monday after Super Bowl, tested positive, and in office with keyboard

Now is my brush with pandemic times?

I had to call out Friday because I was draining massively. Friend suggested that, while Nature was kind of busting loose with 66 degree days, I might want to get ahold of a COVID test kit. I didn’t do the swab – very good directions all the way – until Saturday a.m., and now will be out of work for whatever period of time.

I admit not being as diligent with mask as several others in department, and very infrequent user of available sanitizer. A general feeling of fatalism – more a sooner or later deal – has prevailed. When I finally blew my nose enough to call out, I got four free boxes of tests at Walgreens no problem. I watched the Super Bowl alone, and the ratatouille I made instead of just chili, it laid on my guts like lead.

That friend at Pfizer said, “It was in the list of options of what might happen,” so I’ll accept that constipation is why I’ve been grouchy about tummy tenderness.

Yeah, yeah, there’s paperwork to be done regarding self-identfying after testing positive. I’ll fill that out shortly. Friend at Pfizer says she can’t be around someone who tested positive, so killing post-Valentine’s Day hockey date is second casualty of COVID.

How Close to Being a Bad Person?

How about a reality check of ‘bad person’? I ran out of gas a couple blocks from home Monday, so visited Mom at Carmel Hills of Tuesday, when my temperature at check in was 97.8, oxygen level 99. It was a good talking session, at least she was engaged, and the fur hat she wore was worthy of comment.

I definitely started draining nasally on Wednesday. On Thursday night, I went to a basketball game at Queens (84-80 loss to Eastern KY) with brother Steve. Both times I wound up with a maskful of liquid, not a great feeling. There weren’t many people around us at game, it was pretty good stuff to get out for whats a solid neighborhood event.

I had mask on while trying to figure out scanning their Qcode to get into game (I failed, but got in anyway) with two students, was right next to brother, but walked there and back alone.

I’m particularly worried about time with Mom so close to kaboom! descent of symptoms on Wednesday, and while its out of my hands, I’m going to wipe down my keyboard once in a while. I used the test kit because there was no difference in ignoring the answer it could provide – testing positive – than what I thought so stupid in others who wouldn’t acknowledge how ignorance might kill their aged Moms, friends, or family back in the bad pandemic days.

Three Weeks into 66

Five years ago today, the slaughter at Parkland was the biggest news of the day. That’s also the day Mom got out of the hospital after a-fib troubles, and I became her primary care for next six months. Getting her to nephew Paul and Caitlyn’s marriage in Raleigh was a Biggie, possibly the greatest thing I’m ever responsible for, and it makes me aware of how we all have to take care of ourselves as we take care of others.

Its a good-looking day out for #gshorkonsharonroadseam. I’ve made an appointment to get a full physical, which I haven’t had in two years.

I’m still a Boomer with Attitude -I made it to the very end of COVID before I invariably got it. I finally read a full book, which I got from one of those stick libraries around my neighborhood. ‘The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’ was 561 pages, and it was worth reading. I didn’t read to Mom last time there, when she’s relatively up for chatting, I take 3-4 min. videos for rest of family.

I also went to regular church for first time since Christmas or a funeral, since NC locked down in March, 2020.

It was a very worthwhile Super Bowl, one we can hold up as an example of teamwork and, because you’ll hear it forever more, “You don’t bet against guys like Mahomes in the clutch.”

Did I allow myself to get a bit blase about ordinary healthcare concerns at the end? Are you still as observant of the rules, especially where eldercare is concerned?

Happy Valentines Day to all applicable parties.

Hoops and heat for ‘Lockdown Prep’ NC weekend, some worries about NY people