Tag: #best practices

Panther Football, Sports

My tuxedo for NYE looks good, rookie QBs Daniels, Penix, Jr. duel was Special

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on My tuxedo for NYE looks good, rookie QBs Daniels, Penix, Jr. duel was Special

While a personal observation of being duded up for tomorrow’s festivities is legitimate, watching the Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels and Falcons Mike Penix, Jr. trading lasers and darts on Football Night in America yesterday brought a pang of Oh my! regarding Bryce Young’s recovered relevance, and how far ‘up’ still is for Panthers.

Expectations for the Panthers were never lofty (picking Over 5.5 Wins is now a FanDuel loss), DT Derrick Brown being gone after first game hurt a lot, so getting more-better tacklers for Panthers defense should be top of GM Dan Morgan’s shopping list. Panthers were league worst against rush at 2830 yards (177 avg.), #2 Patriots allowed 2103 (131 avg.), Ravens were best run stoppers, 1305 (81.5). Just sayin’.

Sure, looking good is always worth talking about, and having seen Jayden Daniels games just twice this year, I’ll still tip the hat in congrats to a gentleman who HAS to be Offensive ROY.

Torrential rain in Charlotte caused a tree up the street to fall across Sharon Road and knocked out internet for ten hours, until after the Vikings Sam Darnold tore up Green Bay (33/43, a career best 377 yards, 3 touchdowns/1 INT) in a gut check 27-25 win over long time rivals. That earned him a joyous bathing https://www.nfl.com/news/sam-darnold-soaks-in-pretty-special-locker-room-scene-vikings-packers by his teammates, while Young’s Panthers were profoundly spanked by the Buccaneers 48-14 at Tampa Bay.

Minnesota rose to 14-2, and will play the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the winner gaining the #1 seed in playoffs and a bye in first round.

At least I got to see Daniels and Penix hook up for what should become a classic example of what a franchise (11-5) rising from the dead looks like. 2023 Heisman winner Daniels was 24/36 for 227 yds., 1 TD/ INT, adding 16 rushes for 127 yards wowed a national TV audience.

In only his second NFL start since taking the QB reins from (expected to be kicked to the curb shortly) Kirk Cousins, Penix was 19/35 for 223 yards, 1 TD/INT, which should silence ALL critics of Atlanta using its #8 pick in draft for Penix after signing Cousins to a lucrative 4 year, $180MM contract ($100MM guaranteed). Learning how far his skill set deteriorated after Achilles surgery, and Penix obviously strong left arm and accuracy, speaks to another big ‘dead money’ change in ATL, which blew $40MM on former star QB Matt Ryan.

History won’t be forgotten, Year 2 was still ‘Better’

Young didn’t play poorly, going 15/28 for 203 yards and a pair of touchdowns to the estimable Adam Thielen (5 catches, 110 yds./two TDs), while former Panther Baker Mayfield was a surgical 27/32 for 359 yds. and *5* touchdowns, with a pair of scoring throws to WR Mike Evans, who again tortured the Panthers with an 8 catch/97 yards and those touchdowns, afternoon.

It’s reasonable for Carolina fans to be thankful about most of how Bryce Young has performed since returning to QB1 status after an early season benching. To see a pair of ex-Panthers QBs raising their teams into the playoffs in dynamic fashion since leaving Charlotte, ok, one last hmmm for Scott Fitterer having actually gotten BOTH here on pretty good financial terms, and their not playing well enough to be asked to stay.

If it took six seasons of lousy football to stop #MrTeppers$ from being the meddler he was until deciding to let his football people handle all football matters in 2024, Washington turning things around 180 degrees (4-13 in 2023) in just one season has to be appreciated.

The difference in the McCaskey’s long-time ownership of the Chicago Bears – 101 year old Virginia McCaskey inherited the team in 1983 from her father, George Halas – with its legacy of lousy play, messed up administrative decisions, and constant coaching changes, the Harris Group’s purchase ($6.05 billion) and overhaul of everything – from new Head Coach Dan Quinn, to the front office, facilities, and a jaded fan base – from the massively unlikeable Daniel Snyder, and Tepper’s moving to off-stage and quiet regarding operations, should be a case study.

The only good thought possible from 2024 is, da Bears burned through all those picks, got their own Heisman winner in Caleb Williams, and have posted the same 4-12 record as Panthers, three games worse than 7-10 in 2023 (one game to go).

2025 arrives soon, Good Thoughts for portal?

Iowa State and Miami was a barnburner from start to finish, 35 points already scored with 2:23 left in the first period, 49 with 10:43 still left in the second. The Cyclones Rocco Becht (22/35, 270 yds./3 TDs) finished matters off with a QB sneak with less than a minute to go, stealing the Pop Tarts Bowl 42-41 for the school’s never-done-before 11th win of the season, despite five turnovers.

Ward sat out the second half after going 12/19, 190 yds., 3 TDs. His 158 career touchdowns is currently a Division I record, but Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has 153, and up to three more games to take the record himself.

If viewers somehow failed to hear, “…and they had (X number) of players in the portal who didn’t play” 500 times, it was/will continue to be a theme throughout the college playoffs and beyond. Many players who weren’t starters all year got to strut their stuff as a result. Yay!

Jim Larranaga, 75, the Miami men’s basketball coach who quit over the weekend, summed up the frustrations of many – Alabama’s super-successful Lou Saban quit last year for same reason – by noting that they are only *two years* from having played in the Final Four, and it wasn’t that eight kids didn’t like playing there, simply that they could leverage NIL (name, image, likeness) more profitably elsewhere.

That’s not how a coach of 41 years wants to roll, the effort of recruiting and coaching day to day being overwhelmed by teenagers making money grabs, scholarship commitments tossed in the garbage because (simplistically) teenagers aren’t bound by signing ‘contracts’ as minors.

Count on hearing many of the same situations reprised come March Madness, except from Marquette. HC of mens basketball Shaka Smart will continue his best practices philosophy of building a program the old way, mixing freshman with seniors and an occasional grad student, like nobody else seems willing to any more, when winning brings so much pressure for immediate fixes.

The twelve team playoff – as the Dr. Pepper Dad explains it, “goes most of the way through January,” is a mother of a burden to true student athletes. (Standard) Eleven game season + Conference championship + up to four playoff games, equals **16** games. Restructuring college athletics, meh, a problem for next year. Just sayin’.

#leadership thought, POV - Content Creation, Sports

10 Days of ‘Being Blue,’ Brothers for Game & Good Ride, End of Umping Season Impressions

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on 10 Days of ‘Being Blue,’ Brothers for Game & Good Ride, End of Umping Season Impressions
Different Blue coming soon at Nordy’s again (or an ExecAsst?) Hugo Boss jacket, Black buttonless tuxedo shirt, bow tie.

Beyond Green-egged pork loin and terrific wine for Thursday night football, to getting brother Mike and dogs back out to Denver Tues., and sun directly in the eyes for 9 & 11:00 double header both Saturdays, I’ve enjoyed the #AmericanFamilyExperience that recreation league baseball embodies.

Call it extra grocery $$, my POV is, at 67 I make a difference- and getting thwapped! three times Sat., like never before in 4 years, I affirm I can still take it.

This fall season has been a terrific reprieve from worrying about politics in the everywhere else. We three brothers enjoyed terrific dinner and 49ers game, and Monday, when brother, RV and dogs was supposed to leave, engine consideration requiring a lift back from Charlotte shop, having breakfast while picking up his Jeep Tues. a.m. was a great opportunity to extend-repay any number of times such a courtesy is done with family. Just a ride maybe, but a clutch ride, and he gassed me up. ‘Nuff said.

Football, and no political POVs worked well with Thursdays wine, I saved those worries till breakfast with good hash browns, crisp bacon, and plenty of java before Tues. g’byes to Mike and beagles. I’ve been working on good karma every night, thank you American Family Experience.

Getting Thwapped! means a Meat hit

My usual credo is ‘If you heard it hit me, that’s not really a problem.’ Then I took a 10 year old’s foul tip straight in the chest area between top of plastic chest protector and bottom of mask. Coming to screen afterwards, one Mom smiled, ‘I know you say that, but I *heard* that one.’ And most recognized I *must* have just missed a nutter a little later.

10-19-24 Field #3 – Karma might have listened too close about historically, my not having been hit squarely- I got a tingle for sure. I still consider that ‘best practices.’ Cool when crowd works with my chatting along, I’m recognized at OP fields after plenty of games there over last month.

Most of a Dozen Shots from Being a Blue

I’ll continue to praise the LL baseball environment as American Family Experience, especially the weekends (9, 11:00) and coolish nights lately, what it means to those ballers of whatever skill, to try implementing advice you offer while they’re at bat. Solid gold encouragement for sure. Having given my card to one well-chilled Dad on Wed. night, I promised to share my POV joy a little about that experience here.

Call it extra grocery $$, Umpiring is a really difficult option to beat, great atmosphere at $60 for two hours and change. Travel teams and five games a day stress, stopped that gig two years ago. Rec league teams, first season after coach pitch, sometimes 10-12-13s. Hey, somebody turned in the cleats I left behind after Mon. night game in time for this weekend, so I’m glad about that too. Last Saturday I wore dress shoes! instead of sneakers while doing the plate. Knew it’d make a good little story.

Sometimes I use one of Dad’s old tees to dust off plate, tell people ‘I have a brush, just trying to keep Dad involved.’ They tell you as an Umpire not to talk with people behind fence, one call and you could turn bad on you, but I admit to being a yakker. If not you, I’ll talk to people over there, no problem pal.

My top thought bringer was a pretty excited young shortstop, telling me he might get to pitch the 3rd inning (which he does). Turns out coach I mentioned youngsters excitement to was Dad, who admitted, “If I told him definitely, you wouldn’t be able to catch his attention for anything else, no way.”

He showed no great talent, spraying balls to the backstop while other team turned walks into runs with constant stealing. This maybe 4,’ cap-askew kid, just got back on the mound and threw another one. What determination, getting to rubber, turn, fire! for most of five runs or all the way through lineup, whatever their league rule was. Max enthusiasm, great coaching attitude, real glad I wasn’t on the plate was important to overall Satisfaction.

Have to state I won $68 Saturday for college football picks on Fanduel. Part of my expertise when writing football should be followed up on. If 49ers had converted 2-pt. after last TD (48 total pts.), I would have done that again (Over was 47.5 as part of 4-legger, incl. Ravens game). Just sayin.’ Yay! for my microeconomy.

Genuine appreciation

You betcha, the Genuine Appreciation by parents, patrons, players, the elemental interfacing after hours of my mostly remote work production, is personally enriching. Soooo many positives, thank yous from parents watching, the kids who want to tap fists, I’m doing a little part for that American Family Experience. I traded some group snack cheese puffs for 2 pieces of gum. Telling one group ‘this catcher is really up close to batters’ two pitches before a batter knocks his glove loose for being that close, they know I’m working knowledgably. VERY little second-guessing, I’m known to be solid on strikes, including the down and away every coach wants THEIR pitcher to get.

The catcher-son of a gentleman I’ve spoken with 4-5x was in front of me Saturday, and I noted his positioning with Dad after an inning, sort of hanging off outer third, and he said hasn’t really told him where, more about close when son felt comfortable. Pitchers typically nibble outside a target was a POV I offered him, keeping catcher centered vs. past white lines results in lot of balls while yes, producing sucker swings. Its a great gentlemans meeting of minds, helping kids in a real way.

I prefer to have them positioned between me and unreliable 10 year old arms and persons with a bat, also a safety issue, y’know? Guy hooked other ump and myself up with post-game cheeseburgers my first time at Olde Providence. Just sayin’.

Thats been my CDTalent Enterprises mantra/extended purpose over 4+ years. Beyond balls and strikes, little things to coaches, often they might already know, but seeing something detrimental to ‘fix,’ I’m up for contributing that. Especially pitchers. Catchers – Don’t pose, I saw where you caught it, then where you moved it to.

Catchers cheating

I’ve been asking crowd about catchers cheating a little recently, few knew what framing truly meant – but I’m talking MOVING a pitch. Whether they’ve grabbed a mitt of dirt low or stopped a sky-high wild one, catchers will present the result as close to middle of the zone as possible. Pitchers and YOU, the crowd, often wonder, ‘Why isn’t he calling strikes?’ because glove is right there. That’s what I get the big $$ for.

After calling a higher than usual strike, and hearing ‘I don’t think so,’ from batter, I looked at the young man while brushing a ton of sand off the plate. “It will never be to your advantage to have me hear something like that,” I told him.

One kid moved his elbow a minimal amount and managed to get clipped, sent to first. I saw what happened, but declined to call the violation of not trying to avoid – and one person’s voice asked if thats what had happened – but hit batter was my decision. I went to dugout after half-inning, and told the batter I saw the play, let it go because a good kind of slick move. HAVE to appreciate the art of the subtle move, from Reggie Jackson’s hip in World Series to *every*single*catcher* trained to frame/move pitches to steal a strike call. I’ll have to tell Scott Grayman, he always advocated the pinch and ‘Look where it hit me!’ approach.

Slinging bats, obstruction

Sometimes league rules codify a first warning for bad bat action, I might give two for a team – coaches are generally very good with followup to warnings. One safety and game situation I take charge of is plays at the plate, because everyone runs on passed balls, runners from third sliding in with pitcher hopefully covering at plate, Out! or safe is a regular event.

Getting bats and batters out of the way, telling catchers ‘Move the bat away from plate’ before ball might still be in play, helps a young catcher. I enlightened some patrons about kids getting tagged out at plate, because there is often a ridge in right hand batters box, noticeably dug down in middle, but solid clay perhaps 6″ from plate that often stops slides. Fun fact to know and tell.

I ended first game Saturday on obstruction call – one more time the batter froze in box after a wild pitch, and kid from 3rd coming. Catcher dove around batter, couldn’t flip to pitcher, so had to say Obstruction, winning run scores. Everyone was thrilled at finale, thats what makes it such a cultural binder. Line it up! Congrats all around, kids they know from school.

I’ve only called two out for slinging this fall season (many leagues actually say out of game), because I let everyone know at plate meeting, its a safety issue I can control. One previous coach said I traumatized his pitcher because I yelled, “DONT THROW IT!” as he was stepping into his delivery and I didn’t have my mask on. Most pitchers are ready to go pretty quick, so its talk to the hand time. Take an extra couple seconds to instill safety aspect, isn’t a bad thing. Yes, next batter, if teammate left bat after a hit, pick it up.

I often say this tongue in cheek, ‘You don’t reward stupid,’ because when kid on 2nd keeps stretching his lead, Dad was saying more, more, the pitcher gets signal when he’s too far. Ooops! Yeah Austin, gotcha at second. Same with trying for a triple instead of just a double- Close, but out! (shouldn’t have done that).

I worked with a first time, real game Blue one game, been doing Machine Pitch. He didn’t know signal for infield fly rule (a 0 or 1 out finger at top of mask). He called a balk though. Attaboy! Overruled him/provided help on a call at first.

A Coach wasn’t going with idea his pitcher plunked the batter on wrist, kept saying, “He was swinging!” No coach, he was backing away, and from part way between 1st- 2nd, I saw *exactly* what happened. He.plunked.the.batter.

Getting hit in thigh, ball breezing between thighs a little low, taking an exclamation point! foul tip straight in the chest- an event that surprised but didn’t hurt me- and that tingler, well, still two more games this week. Another check before Election Day (and rent) is a Good Thing, and then comes Thanksgiving and group Christmas tree sales.

Doing what I can

Even if you’re the center fielder who stuck their glove out, and the good hit the batter thought he had, somehow wound up in your previously never-caught-a-thing kids mitt and all rejoiced, we have to affirm what we know is right, not just get lucky, on Election Day.

Little League, cheeseburgers, Carolina nice weather, Democracy, ballot not bullet, #BoomerwithAttitude, a little showmanship on a called third strike, between my Umpire Wisdom-wise Blue (and Precinct Judge (D) attitude), lets say I don’t think this country will take a called third strike, bat on their shoulder attitude regarding this most important event of 2024.

I need actual replacement cleats for my golf shoes, but Dodgers – Yankees in the World Series, what more could any kind of fan honestly ask for?

Oh, I’m 30 pages into non-fiction piece book, ‘I’m A Creative, Determined, Talented Writer’ (& Don’t Quit Your Day Job is Often Decent Advice).

#leadership thought, Panther Football, Sports

So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

I was early for a field ump assignment, under the lights at Independence Field Wednesday, and saw the coaches working on it, but 10 hours plus of tropical rain Monday was still around, a tarp didn’t help home plate area enough. Decently hit grounders were seriously slowed by grass/turf. For whomever does the pants this week, that red clay on uniforms is gonna be tough.

With a yellowed full-full moon above, and the artistic coloration of a building beyond right field, we played seven, the full two hours and fifteen allowed. I congratulated Corey, the home plate Blue, around him and 1st base line looked WWII stuff, where ‘slogging’ is operative word.

I’ll get back to the ballers a little later, such a shareable youth sports event. Muddy? Pssshhh. Yes, my outlook on Wednesday, but MONDAY Panthers are #1 story. Hold the awww, Bryce is gone moans. Andy Dalton is the QB who just won Panthers first game in as BIG a way as you could believe, AND defense stoned the Raiders run game with just 54 yds. allowed. Absolute team effort.

And then came Dalton

Diontae Johnson most definitely, 8 catches/122 yds/TD, Leggette 2/42 yds, Tremble 3/29, Hubbard 5 rec/55yds/TD, plus 21/114 yds. lugging it, Thielen 3/40 yds/TD, that means all dawgs got fed. Of course, that brings up the absolute change in norms coming at benching of Bryce Young after 0-2, deer-in-headlights performances that weren’t appreciated. No excess judgement on ultimate decision maker, but Bryce, by any metrics of successful QB play, needed to sit.

Sunday was elemental, empirical – Did using a very good veteran #2 QB satisfy the idea more could be/needed to be done offensively? Yes. Next football decision and hold the Awww, Bryce...

Next action, and Reality at 37, is Dalton isn’t the forever QB, the expectation is Bryce will return to helm, but Panthers were down 30-3 by time I finished polishing my season opening blog and turned on game. Unreal. I think the way Saints mauled Cowboys for 44 in Big D the week after wasting Panthers has to be considered along the way, just sayin’. Carr is throwing it pretty well.

The Panthers defense got gouged regularly by Chargers without Derrick Brown, but somehow the Eagles are giving up worse than 6.7 per rush, so call it a spear set in place vs. Raiders for front seven Panthers.

This Monday morning, I still believe Panthers have significantly better personnel in 2024 than before Morgan, Tilis, Canales started running football ops. I’ve given #MrTeppers$ props for not talking much, but bringing back those Game 1 projections of mine seem a lot more real now, after Dalton has connected long and with Everybody on passes, and hung a genuine W on the board. 2024/09/08/it-wont-be-a-jinx-to-say-panthers-start-2024-with-a-w-in-dome/

There’s no denying its a different game with experienced vet like Dalton, and yes, everyone got healthy with his distribution. Yes, he’s only guy in NFL so far with 300+ yds., 3 TD day. 437 yards sounds like lot of contributors because it was. By the money numbers, Panthers were +5.5 (didn’t interest me), and over/under was 39.5 (-115), nobody was expecting fireworks like 36-22. HC Canales has always maintained that running football would be difference maker, and they would be doing it – Hubbard and O-line produced.

Give it up for 3 sacks and INT, only allowed 3/11 on 3rd down. That’s Evero’s hot buttons for Panthers defense, sacks and getting off on third downs.

Uhhh, no, its not JUST one win. Glad to have the Red Rifle working with live ammo. Stay strong Panthers defense. Not seeing any cred that Canales somehow abused Bryce by pushing belief in his abilities (yada yada). No, that was QB Whisperer Coach.

It says Cincinnati on schedule next, that would seem a legitimate tester. See ya’ Sunday.

The epitome of athletic team effort, well, sort of

About umping a muddy, full moon game, it was 10-11s vs. 12-13s, same org, everybody on same system. Corey was plate ump, handled the truly mucky area, people moved gingerly around the plate all night. To keep their balance, batters weren’t taking full cuts either. Still, no bitching about the conditions, that’s what was working for me. Making a few calls during ball game, fine panorama of the evening down near an active park, with some live music from back of a bar, a short block from back of theater behind home place. Runners and nearby girls soccer, a little wet, yep.

Wednesday evening as symbolic of athletic team effort, meh, but youth baseball works for me. I appreciated how the pitchers pitched, not stressing balls and strike calls, a little heavy, maybe. Hey, *everybody* runs on pass balls. Outfielders didn’t just miss fly balls, they tracked them down and usually found the cutoff man effectively. What’s to complain about? we got a game.

There were people sitting in the stone-ledge amphitheater behind home, someone always went to find balls fouled out of play. A wet field didn’t bother watchers. The coaches wiped off and rotated the balls steadily, telling their pitchers, ‘Take a good one.’ One of younger team, Wyatt, I recognized from last week. Had to chuckle when his Dad, coaching at first, just shook his head, “Ahhh, maybe some day he’ll learn how to hit a curve ball.”

My four games at Saturday assignment at Carmel MS, and three nights next week, started at 8:30 (-3:15), but its barely five miles from my house. I’ve always said-felt umpiring, being a Blue, was my contribution to the American Family Experience. $60 when you’re plate umpire is a legitimate contribution to my microeconomy too. Extra groceries, y’know.

Just maybe, sometimes, I’m a guy who can make a difference with a young pitchers (obvious) flaws. When you start umpiring, they tell you don’t be chatty with people on other side of fence, just takes one call to get them going wrong.

Answer: Sorry, I’m a yakker. Extra talking kind of got me sideways with a commissioner type Saturday, specifically a thrown bat and my calling runner out vs. just warning. All about safety issues Mr. Manager. Maybe a little #Boomerwith Attitude.

If you hear it hit, its no big deal

Clipped by a 15 yr. old fastball-foul tip to bone in forearm. Thanks to coach with ice pack! Mon. after. from wrist to elbow.

Sunday I’ll be back at Sedgefield, where I got foul-tip clipped this Spring. Whether arm was broken (not) was an immediate concern then, ice pack arrived just in time or it would’ve blown up. Supposed to be 13-unders today, little less velocity. The ‘hear it hit aspect,’ crowd always ohhh!s when you take a crack! in chest protector or mask, but its more not hearing it, that means it caught meat (me).

Being Blue is still a physical challenge. I always get a chuckle for saying, “I don’t get out of bed if not going to get hit at least a couple times.” The best thing a Blue can ever do is Out! call, standing over finale to a play at third when tag is high, runners foot got underneath it. Bam! Case closed.

After a stiff one to the grill in Spring, I took off mask and said, “I’m gonna think about that one an extra second,” just for little theater. I haven’t taken a nutter in all my years, fingers crossed. I consider that a ‘best practices.’

Turns out a beef from Sat. caused me to be off Sun. I’m almost glad, lost $120, but when I left after one o’clock, it was 89 degrees, turned out to be a scorcher afternoon, mid 90s, blazing Carolina blue sky. I finally washed my cruddy car instead. I wonder if that clay in Independence Park dried out. Here’s where that staying hydrated focus meant taking care of yourself – Sedgefield is a hike around to back side of school, no services for bottled water.

Panther Football, Sports

Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

Panthers scored TD at end of regulation, not getting to kick extra point (or playing many first teamers) wasn’t a problem. Vicky Bruce’s goal in 27th minute at refurbished ($41M) American Legion Memorial stadium was seen by 10,553 enthused spectators, and Knights hung a 5 spot in 4th inning fireworks, none after matinee game. On a 90 degree day, cold beer and well-played games were all you could ask for.

Forget about naysaying for just a little while Charlotte, although winning their inaugural game guarantees nothing for the first women’s pro sports team here since WNBA Sting folded in 2007. Saturday’s triple header sure beats the ‘Loserville’ tag our teams have earned while being blasted regularly the last couple years. Hornets only won 21 NBA games last season, Carolina Panthers were an often described as a dumpster fire while going 2-15 in 2023, and Triple AAA Knights, now 54-62, were a dismal 54-96 last year. Take the upswing on Knights being more competitive.

Panthers still not playing first teamers

For the fans who continue to sweat (sorry! its legit about Sat.) Head Coach Dave Canales still not putting starters (37 held out vs. Jets) on field in pre-season games, there is an expectation that changes against Buffalo Bills this Saturday. Cutdowns to 53-man roster are next Tues. (27th) and HC Canales has *got* to want to see Bryce Young and the offense working for real before season opener vs. Saints two weeks later.

Given the barrage of injuries throughout NFL camps, ie. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (torn meniscus) that will sideline the rookie from Michigan for 2024 season, Canales caution with expected starters is still outside usual NFL best practices.

The joint practices against Jets last week provided helpful indicators on progress. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers started slow with a pair of INTs, got back on track late with a TD pass during two-minute drill. Panthers QB Bryce Young was 14/22 on Thursday, 5/7 to five different receivers on his chance at two-minute drill, resulting in a FG. Eddie Pinero is the only kicker in camp now, so apparently he’s not getting any more than the $2.5M for year two of his contract like he desired.

Terrence Marshall, Jr. and second year receiver Jonathan Mingo seem to be assured of making the 53-man team off the intrasquad practices. Marshall’s TD in Jets practice left him giddy enough to drop the ball on his defender, a major reason for the teams dust-up during week. That $100M free agent Robert Hunt went down early in one practice was cause for concern, but he came back later, so whew! for offensive line and yes, points to Canales for holding starters out in another game. Panthers are better, but losing first line players (they had 15 people at guard positions in 2023) would be a killer.

RB Chuba Hubbard (238 carries, 902 yds, 5 TDs in 2023) went down awkwardly in practice but is judged okay, and Jonathan Brooks isn’t ready yet, but Dillon Johnson (18 carries, 89 yds., last second TD) looked fine. Panthers Jack Plummer was 11/18 for 42 yards, but HC Canales is truly pushing the running game aspect.

DB Demani Richardson’s late INT on Saturday capped a terrific week, with two others in practices. Despite DC Ejiro Eviro’s Panthers defense putting up somewhat gaudy numbers – 3rd in passing yardage, 4th in overall yardage, and 5th in third down efficiency in 2023 – they only had NINE TOs last year. Some ball-hawking in secondary, and increased respect for rookie Trevin Wallace’s banging people as MLB, Panthers looked more like an NFL team.

Knights played to few, Ascent FC before many

It was difficult to determine how close to their average attendance (6,000) the Knights were, because almost everyone took shelter in shade, but the Ascent fared much better with that enthused 10,553. Renee Guion’s free kick was headed by Annika Creel to a well-positioned Vicky Bruce, who tucked it away in the 27th minute against DC Power FC.

The Ascent will have 14 games in Aug.-Dec. part of season, then 14 more from Feb.-May, playing in USL Super League. That they drew such a crowd at other end of Charlotte from Panthers game is a hopeful sign. Sorry, didn’t see that game, can’t say a ton about it.

Sports

Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)
Panthers face a murky, uncertain situation on the field and in the front office. Getting #MrTeppers$$ to take a seat vs. trying to run football operations himself, here’s hoping for more light and fun in the future.

So you opened Fansided mail Monday and found out Scott Fitterer is no longer a Panther management person. There’s a regular stream of departures on player side coming as well, not many ‘make good’ one year contracts panned out. (Perhaps I drank the KoolAid, *might* have thought so too), but guy who said, “All that’s necessary is dropping a good QB into mix for 2023 Success” is working same unemployment line as ex-HC Frank Reich.

A LOT of NFL teams aren’t happy with their results – Arthur Smith is gone in Atlanta (7-10 all 3 years), Chargers will continue getting blown out if Herbert doesn’t throw five TDs (give Dan Marino a call about Truth of that). If Belichick and Pats are calling it quits as dance partners, the joy of millions awaits official word of the split. Asking #MrTeppers$$ to not bring him here is legit – nobody liked HIM, just the rings Brady won for all.

That Detroit Lions are only #3 seed based on ref’s decision in Dallas game (sigh, this crew has a hoo-hah *every*week*), its still a considerable way up the professional mountain to NOT be considered the proverbial red-headed step-child (31-68) that the Carolina Panthers have become.

Admitting that dissing the Lions organization about the Matt Millen years (don’t ask) was always an easy blast, now I’m stuck with the Loser’s Refrain, “We’ll getcha next year.” Can’t knock their Pistons hoopsters, who recently recorded 28 straight losses for a single season record, when Charlotte (8-25) and San Antonio (5-30) have ugly as sin records too.

After Dan Campbell’s first year (2021), Lions were 3-13-1, getting Jared Goff and three high draft picks in return for long-suffering Lions QB Matt Stafford, who promptly won a Super Bowl with Rams. Stealing OC Ben Johnson from them (with considerable #MrTeppers$$), maybe call it payback for letting Panthers think they could do same thing by just adding a QB (and a coach for every position)?

Three Months to Draft

No sense getting cranked up about2024 draft when #1 pick Panthers clearly need is in hands of Chicago, who will decide to keep Justin Fields after last few solid games this year www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4362887/justin-fields, or trade current QB for more draft capital. The smart money is on them using that improvement as a solid rationale for trading Fields and selecting Caleb Williams (USC) at #1 this year.

Fields had a very different second half of the season, noooo doubt he has arm and legs to do even better, but if Tepper wasn’t happy with results of previous QBs Fitterer brought in, grabbing an iffy fourth-year guy who seemed on edge of gone in Chi-town won’t fly. Bears will want max return from in any trade, challenge (ha!) would be Panthers having no draft capital to work with.

Fitterer is GONE – Who’s in?

Welcome to the Carolinas, and top flight coach and necessary General Manager, know your boss will have you on speed dial.

I came to Charlotte the same year as Panthers (1995), saw my first game at Clemson, and getting a picture of Steve Young about to be met on a goal line quarterback sneak by a missile named Sam Mills, was a thrill. There have been two Super Bowl trips for Panthers, New England (Brady’s 1st win, 2003) and Denver (2016), neither of which ended in wins. The Cam-Olsen-Kuechly-Davis unit Charlotte loved (HC Ron Rivera, 76-63-1 has most victories) was cool, but 2023 was a HUGE trough for Panthers,

Since the offensive line was a primary sore spot, with Young frequently wearing someone with other teams jersey by time he took second step from center, thats GOT to be place to start. Ikem Ekwonu at OLT two years ago seemed like a godsend for stability, but a huge falloff in overall effectiveness (and brutal overall injury situation, just sayin’) was at center of Panthers pathetic output.

The difference in Newton at 6’5″, 260 running the RPO (run-pass option) with his size and speed from Game One couldn’t be further from the reality of 5’10” (maybe) 190 lb. Bryce Young being sacked *62 times.*

–Myself and EVERYONE in Charlotte, throughout 2023 season. Howell (Wash.) was a victim 65 times. 3rd was ol’ Zach W. (Jets, 46)

Yes, I thought off 7-10 record, with terrific running game results from D’Onta Foreman, and a solid defense would benefit the new quarterback greatly. How Foreman wound up in Chicago on a one-year contract is NOT what should have happened, and Fitterer was certainly the loser on that contract. How much $$$ did D’Onta want again? becomes relevant when he/Panthers were willing to part with their only talented receiver, DJ Moore, to get absolute #1 pick, and he had a career year with Chicgo https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorD.00.htm .

If the Panthers find their Head Coach before Ground Hog Day (that’s fast), it will almost surely be because #MrTeppers$ whacked someone like Detroit’s Johnson with his checkbook. Best practices is using FOOTBALL PEOPLE to make such decisions, which would mean he really hasn’t chosen to use those resources yet. With the deepest pockets among NFL owners, that whacking is undoubtedly his (second/only) best route, because overpaying after the shine has come off Panthers in a big way seems mandatory.

Tepper gave up on Reich, but he can’t go after another QB in draft. For anyone who really thought the choice of Young was unanimous, that Tepper miiiiight have pushed for him will probably take a while to be outed.

Panther Football

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

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, 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
Panther Football, POV - Content Creation

6 Solid Concerns for Panthers at end of 2022 Season (yep, a new stadium)

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on 6 Solid Concerns for Panthers at end of 2022 Season (yep, a new stadium)

As a sports analyst, I’m ‘money,’ but Rhule’s 3rd year was my worst prediction ever.

Can Sam Darnold, game manager, sling it like the #3 stud pick five years ago more than once? If DJ Moore hadn’t pulled his helmet off, and Mr. Tepper hadn’t yanked (and given no reason for) the financial rug on a facility in Rock Hill, would Charlotte have been even more hyped about beating Tampa Bay/Brady for a playoff spot?

The answer was Yes, fans would have loved to see the playoffs after brutal early season situation. Football still counts in Charlotte, even if its gained some image as a futbol town after Tepper’s soccer team posted a 13-18-3 inaugral season, with a league record 74,759 for its home opener, and a playoff chase until next to last game.

https://www.panthers.com/news/rapid-reactions-panthers-finish-season-with-10-7-win-at-the-buzzer

The quarterback situation and Darnold’s ‘value,’ a contract for Steve Wilks, some Scott Fitterer magic? in the draft, sports fannies and the economy, and a stadium are The Six Concerns, with the QB position and person (Sam Darnold) being two questions at same time.

Darnold – The jury is out

Expectations for Darnold’s return were based on what Walker did during a running game fueled string of successful outings. Back in the lineup after 11 weeks with a high ankle sprain, he did what was asked, while the running game dominated. Last weeks game in Tampa -341 yards and three TDs, two throws that were really ripped, is what most had expected in Years 1-4 of his career. The productive display in loss was Bucs stopping the Foreman-Hubard running tandem, and GOAT Brady taking advantage of turnovers and CJ Henderson.

Part Two is Darnold becoming a free agent after Sunday, when his rookie contract expires. Does he get a raise and guaranteeed contract? MORE than $20MM, compared to what? $18.85MM was what Panthers were always on hook for, but he was disappointing and considered expendable until the last part of season.

His 5 of 15, 47 yards and a fumble game line, even if it scored, doesn’t sound like a fully revamped version of Darnold worth $20 million.

-Myself, 1/8/23

Panthers expecting Matt Corral back from a broken ankle, okay; PJ Walker knew the system well enough to make a difference, the Atlanta game with Moore’s penalty aside, he would have been 3-2. Neither is considered a top line, (Insert for Success) QB.

Mayfield wasn’t the answer

There was plenty of hand-wringing early about whether new QB Baker Mayfield would be the solution to the Panthers poor offensive production, but his numbers as a 1-6 starter in Charlotte (57.8%, 1,313 yards/6 TD-6 INT) look like those of a journeyman vs. a former #1 pick. His 24/28, 230 yards, 2 TDs in rout of Denver weren’t a sign of anything more.

That he he was picked up by Rams and got a W on a Thursday night despite knowing almost nothing about their offense is what medical personnel call ‘a false positive.’

Mayfield being picked up by Rams and getting a ‘W’ Thursday night, despite knowing almost nothing about their offense, is what medical personnel call ‘a false positive.’

–Myself, a fine sports analyst. 1/5/23

CONTRACT for Coach STEVE WILKS

Early whispers about Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh and Charlotte abound, and NOBODY fails to understand what a damn fine job 6-6 was for Wilks, AND he’s personally responsible for turning around every aspect of Panther pride, on team and in community.

Don’t throw out the fact he’s A Local Legend, or what the numbers offered would have to be. Would/should he be disappointed if Panthers put ‘reasonable’ four years- $36MM on the table? Forty-one mill, paying a little for job just done?

Mr. Tepper slathered Rhule in $$$, and it would take a major commitment ($12MM, and probably a management say in personnel) to get Harbaugh away from Michigan and past other suitors.

Wilks is a home-grown Charlotte Legend from West Charlotte, he’s 100% responsible for rebuilt Panther Pride in community. While Harbaugh has undeniable credibility at pro level, Wilks deservedly owns the loyalty of this locker room.

While there will be Big Money laid on the splashy notion of Harbaugh as coach here, Tepper couldn’t go far wrong with a head coach that holds such sway in a locker room making a transition. If the real losing is done here – with DETROIT LIONS as example – Wilks would be an outstanding choice.

Fitterer Continues GM ‘Magic’?

Panthers will have a full seven picks in March draft, including a 3rd, (2) 2nds, (2) 4ths this year from McCaffrey trade. Panthers have steadfastly refused trade offers for Brian Burns, Pro Bowler and stud defensive end, who they will shortly have to negotiate with. They feel the 7th round pick that brought WR Shenault was worth it. https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/laviska-shenault-jr/

If Fitterer bringing in Darnold last year wasn’t the solution expected https://cdtalententerprises.com/2021/04/09/panthers-take-care-of-business-gm-fitterer-lands-qb-darnold-to-get-rolling/ at this point he’s perhaps a different quantity, but a *valuable* asset…? An old football axiom is “If you have two quarterbacks, you have a problem. If you haven’t got ONE, you’ve got a real problem.”

Panthers are still in latter category. Free agents and Ikem Ekwonu transformed the reputation of the offensive line for Panthers in 2022, RB D’Onta Foreman is looking to get paid well over the $2MM for this year. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/donta-foreman-21831/market-value/ If Fitterer and Dan Morgan get more input on drafting for need, like OLT Ekwonu, 2023 draft could be a bellweather year, like all-defense picks three years ago.

STADIUM

Its going to come up again, probably sooner more than later. There have been two upgrades on BOA stadium, there was a promise to stay X years after last one, but owner-Charlotte are on horns of a dilemna, including five negative years and strong progress only at end 2022. Would Charlotte spring for a NEW! stadium after Tepper’s Rock Hill debacle, where he blew off/bankrupted his corporate real estate arm? He paid bills off to county ($80MM) but it tarnished his image as great businessman.

Panthers coming off 1-6 start to 7-10 finish, that’s when fannies are going to get tapped as taxpayers.

— #gshorkonsharonroadseam It won’t officially be a negotiation in 2023, but its an awareness of hmmmm.

Agreeing on a new stadium with public contribution is probably a tough sled in 2023 economy. Not that anyone hates the team, but a $Billion sports palace doesn’t seem in the cards. Would Tepper threaten to move TWO teams, having been so proud of great first season for soccer/”Charlotte is a soccer town”?

It seems problematic for other reasons besides where a stadium would go besides downtown. Baseball Knights did LOT better in Charlotte vs. Ft. Mill, and that was corkscrewed into its location next to Romare Beardon Park, and benefits from regular downtown and stadium parking.

Fannies and the Economy

Hotwalkers Ball, after Queens Cup Steeplechases, 2022

For those who invested in live ticket events in 2022, as the country pulled out of the full force of COVID, Charlotte now has professional teams in every major sport, including lacrosse. There are plenty of overlapping seasons, and you can look up the stats on what it costs to take a family of four to a hockey, football, basketball game – hot dogs and beers, parking, etc.

If there is retrenching, where is the most reasonable spot to do that? Discretionary events like sports, where interest can be accomplished with online-cable membership. EVERY time someone says “WE NEED” a stadium, I know Mr. Shinn didn’t get what he wanted, even if it got built anyway. Original Panther stadium was built with PSLs (personal seating licenses), an incredibly unique solution back in 1992. Tepper doesn’t have free reign over such a consideration, his $800MM Rock Hill fiasco is a legitimate concern.

There are plenty of options for Charlotteans, including chilling at Whitewater Center. Having survived a Great Recession and COVID-19 the last ten years, people still vote with their dollars. Change requires planning. Choices get made. Don’t take too much for granted, Sports.

And as far as best practices Mr. Tepper, get Mr. Wilks his contract.