Along with MILLIONS in the streets here and around the world for No Kings! marches, we know what’s being stood up for and *against*. Flowers for Mom at Easter was about maximum color from me. Dad would make sure the nurses got something nice, so my code too. The good little extra stuff counts.
Bottom line though, Mon. I missed my $59 flight to FL on mission to help my brother, driving up to Charlotte vs. towing his Jeep behind 37′ RV at current prices was the plan. Then I left my wallet on dresser after a late pants change, no ID to get past TSA, SOL for help on driving plan in immediate future. Damn!
Yeah, I get my brother might be a little hyper about Plan A failing spectacularly (at my level), without any *actual* bombs happening, even Epstein. Its on me, nobody else dropped ordinance badly, even if a gnarly as hell mistake. I’ll try to make time in schedule after Easter. Best I can do.
Sort of like the Hornets, best they can do
Most of Southeast Division of East is jammed in same place, but overall Hornets have put up a 23-7 record since January 22, so many seasons of nothingness has generically become a terrific playoff opportunity. Call it 6th place in my book, 7:00 game with 18-57 Brooklyn tonight. Disappointing vs. 76ers and Sunday vs. Boston (114-99), they played well against New York. Playing to most recent form, including Diabate contributions, they are 16.5 pt. favorites, should get 40th win of year easily against Nets.
Consistency has become most often Good, with attaboys! for Knueppel spread everywhere, the face of franchise and very probably Rookie of the Year.
‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is the new mantra.This won’t be first or last time you’ll read that. 3/31/26 shorkknows.
Between the twin ascenstions of interest for both Hornets playoffs and Panthers selections, the obvious standard is the Expectations the Charlotte community once again has of its NFL and NBA best guys repping so well. In all cases, ‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is a new mantra, which hooks in the trio of HC Dave Canales, GM Dan Morgan, and top Panthers $$ VP Brant Tilis, and highlights how well VP Peterson has handled the Hornets personnel helm in two seasons.
LaMelo has contributed more positives and less injury time off the court this season, both serious Betters. Blending so well with the professional scorer, premier player Miller has become, with the ‘Core Four’ and Diabate have been as advertised, even though early Ws were sub-expectations. Congrats to all involved in his decision to remain with Hornets and develop as an NBA level asset, versus splitting off to (probably) make the French Olympic team.
Can we appreciate Kalkbrenner’s at the rim presence yet? Is projecting a sixth seed too high to seek? What would 41-41 get? Taking care of business remains the norm now, like during that eight-gamer that really moved the organization’s needle into Facts in Evidence, stacking done right shooting nights, offensive balance, get the loose rebounds, make passes through Knueppel. Just sayin.’
Sorry, both soccer teams are going to have to wait a bit for primo attention.
A Quality of Life Decision
Mom & Dave, chocolate donut Mothers Day, 2023.
I made the decision to move to Charlotte after coming down from upstate NY with youngest brother and son for my folks 40th anniversary in early April, 1995. They came up from Tampa. Its often called ‘Chamber of Commerce’ weather, that official Carolina blue sky, knowing pro football was coming, great family connection to land with, I arrived just after Memorial Day. Damn fine Quality of Life decision for sure.
I’ll crank out another great 15+ mile bike ride today, thinking ahead to next year, doing a sprint ironman, with a swim and 5k final run leg, instead of beating myself up about failure to carry ID and blowing up the plan. Can I say its not as critical as having lots of people on the streets, protesting like it was post-Watergate and ‘Nam 50 years ago, sincere as hell?
My weekend was special and productive sales-wise, legitimately super clear with product information to many, able to get people (mostly) on decisions about good looking suits, ties handled, beaucoup shirts. I’m way big excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. That $$ volume is still #1 element I consider as Success is rolling, I continue to say-feel ‘I don’t care about the bauxite for aluminum, or the soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits from Canada.’
Microeconomy-wise, I’m excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. THAT is still the #1 $$ element I consider, and continue to say, ‘I don’t care about bauxite for aluminum, nor soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits.’
Good thoughts for however I invest the free day (ride is callin’) I created by messing up with wallet/ID/non-brother saving into having a day to drive situation stopped cold. Nothing to say, I showed up short on every front, nope, you don’t get on the plane. If it was as straight-forward on a whole lot of other things this final day of a WILD March, would we be taking No Kings! for granted? Not me. Continuing the Minnesota Moment with happy chants of USA? YEP!
Ask Duke about accepting you lost, no matter how well things went Until or Except For.
Yes, yes, yes, its a horse race, and you get the analogy, right? Down to Sweet 16 now for March Madness, but as an event, I’ve gone 6-6 on having a great time at Queens Cup Steeplechases. was always high on my social calendar. Can’t really bet on them though...
Having sent my nephew a long video by a journalist that hits an essence of what millions fear about this nervous situation with Iran and most of the world, I’m still trying to keep personal considerations upbeat. A strong 15 mile bike ride, a 5,000 word submission for a new novel competition, joining a tennis league, doing my usual schmoozing with people who attended and appreciated our church group’s annual fish fry, buying a snappy sports coat (<$400 of 900, tracked it two weeks) in time for Easter.
No, I won’t get to participate in a third No Kings! march because I’m scheduled 10-6 at my job. Yes, there’s still a concern about the fairly constant ache in my wrist-hand, probably from a medication designed to help control cholorestol rupturing a tendon, but I’m not going to pitty-pat serves either. Yes, I’m counting on the most responsible members of our elected officials to cool out the situation bombing-wise and boots on the ground possibility.
Yes, its crazy to think its cheaper for my brother to fly me to FL on Monday so I can drive his vehicle back vs. the $$$ of gas for him to haul it behind his 37-ft. RV to Charlotte. Hey, GOP! make the deal, push on TSA $$.
Plenty of little stuff still counts
The point is, lots of stuff continues to be what’s important to each of us. Every day I offer my best efforts as a suit-selling helper to guys/couples getting ready to attend weddings, often their own. Going to work- only two miles away- means I’m going to get lots of trips from the 200 miles the gauge in Sonata shows is available. Bought $50 at $3.19/gal. (yay!)
No protest marching Saturday, and management says discussing it with customers (even if willing) is verboten, which is understandable. I walked away from the lady at fish fry who felt COVID shots were 100% straight line to her friend dying of a heart attack. IMHO, RFK, Jr. is a hazardous moron- if not for Hegs and Bondi, he’d be #1 on my list to join the unemployed roles.
Getting that 5,000 words submitted was personal, as is this blog- I haven’t done one in six weeks. Production is a specific part of considering myself a Writer. Having told customers I’ve created a schedule where I’m working 8/9:00 ‘closes’ so mornings are free for rides, writing, or lunch dates, not producing to my talent level is a poke in the ego and Someone’s eye. Those elements are about both thought leadership and my microeconomy as best practices, ok? I’m always gonna be a BoomerwithAttitude.
Still, it’s a shooting war, and being WAY short of experienced leaders after all the high-ranking military people who got canned in last year when prez and Secretary of DEFENSE (still the official title, not War) didn’t like their standing on long accepted previous US standards of conduct. MINNESOTA definitely transferred a major amount of steel to American spines by what they did in such obvious ways and conditions. Millions here and around the world- understood it took cajones, actual or philosophical. (Thanks again for that)
We all have elements to our lives we cleave to. Many complain that politics have become a concern they’d rather leave alone/forget about. ‘War is hell’ is an axiom-given, and young men, and yes, school girls, dying- be they Russian, Ukranian, Palestinian, Iranian, or American- is not good.
Commercials try to cut the use of ‘rock star’ as nonsense in comparing corporate competence to high level entertainers, yet there’s a real possibility that politics and religion become THE most incredibly decisive dividing line this country has ever seen.
While the US is considered ‘The Great Satan’ by many Muslims, would American forces be ordered to attack Iran tomorrow, when they gather in great numbers in their mosques in prayer? All other war crimes, even Hitler’s attempt to end the Jewish people, would become second tier. Apologies for ‘harshing anyone’s mellow’ here, but politics are important to me. Speaking up about the possibility of *another* (third time?) sneak attack at such a time, ‘Couldn’t happen’ isn’t a simple thought right now.
Hoops counts too, even if I’m not following ladies closely
I bemoan the loss of my own skills, iffy free throw shooting and range, meh. I hate how idea of NIL millions changing things so drastically. As an aside I wonder, could trump’s policy negatives mean the World Cup plans *doesn’t* include playing here over the next couple months.
The Sweet 16 starts tonight though, I’m off, and whether cheering at Palm Restaurant or washing dishes and doing laundry with a pizza, watching is my Tradition. Amen. 3/26/26
I watched the Duke-Siena game (71-65) that kicked off March Madness. Siena-no subs!- lead at half, surprised all by hanging mano-a-mano with mighty Duke all the way to end. Growing up, I attended Siena games pretty regularly, played pickup games with brother Dave (grad) there, listened to green V-necked sweater alumni complain ‘That’s a carry!’ when palming the ball by dribblers became part of the deal. I’m disappointed their coach will be leaving to coach at his alma mater, Syracuse, where he played with distinction.
Siena history is often about ‘cradle of coaches,’ because several have come, knocked out a couple 20-plus win seasons in MAAC, and leave for much bigger green paycheck-wise. So now players go elsewhere for the same reason, its the way of the world. Loyalty? Pssshhh.
Taking Michigan State another round on FanDuel bets? Had to do it, they bust me every time I don’t. Pitino and St. John’s? Duke taking a blast wouldn’t just make UNC fans around here happy as sin. Dick Vitale doing any game I watch- I’ll find a radio feed or watch it with sound off.
Having often quoted the great UCLA legend, John Wooden, about how the women’s game is better because they follow the plays correctly/as coached, I still have only so much bandwidth for hoops, and local Hornets are making plenty of noise at 39-35 (10th place, play in), just beat the Knicks Thursday. https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810918 . All the exciting NCAA finishes we’ve seen, and those to come, its part of my sports writing mental makeup to watch. Yes, UConn ladies under Gino A. are as great an example of how to play the game right as I can imagine. If they, or another top team is on when I’m back from work, great.
No, I’m not an Angel Reese fan, period. Caitlin Clark’s ‘From the logo’ commercials is amusing stuff. A Woman with solid cred and a sweet J like Obama as President, I’d probably sub them in immediately.
In-store customers have $$$ to spend, most know what they’d like, appreciate knowledgeable service. Being trusted- like wife noting my head shake about undershirts and Bugachi stretch long sleeves as gospel- and guys are trying on stuff a lot easier than ever, thankfully.
Thinking I was working well and smart because I *knew* calling it ‘the prettiest jacket’ and her Oh! its your size, put it on! was pre-ice storm meeting of stylish mindsas personal affirmation. That beats my online-only lifestyle change pre-2026, from screen and keyboard to frequent positive interaction like retail sales niche I’m now enjoying.
January in retail isn’t usually higher sales volume times, but as closing shift, having zero competition for customers most of last 1.5 hrs., and my willing and able help across a solid spectrum of opinions and facts-stories about product, has been rewarded. Not at level Bryce Young and Panthers will need to come up with beyond 5th year option we’ll see soon, but prom and nuptials (March-Sept.) season is coming soon to Suits.
You could make a case for Hornets run of good-er hoops as similar season of promise. Big fan shout for Sexton’s offense, exactly as hired to do, eye it and fly it guy (5-5 vs. Spurs), haven’t heard that he’s a liability on other end of the floor either. Fingers are always-justifiably crossed about LaMelo, and goodness, that other #1 pick Liam McNeeley seems to be chewing on G-League pretty well https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rookie/2026/01/31/hornets-liam-mcneeley-windy-city-g-league/88445078007/ After Diabate’s 18 pt.-19 rebound outing, is his decision to play in Charlotte- instead of opting to work with French Olympic team- made him as successful addition as Coach Lee could imagine, sooner?
Hornets top last *years* W total, 7 in a row
Grant Williams is back and contributing toughness on front line, McNeeley and the savvy, productive shooter Kon Kneuppel has quickly become on top-rated NBA (116.4) offensive team is an excellent focus point for current success. Don’t sweat the expectations after an 11-5 January, Miller is stroking it and Diabate is still a super-mobile pleasant surprise!
19-63 last year? Doesn’t count for anything now, right?
Several new guys from ‘Core 4’ 2025 draft are doing *fine,* including Kalkbrenner as rim protector, time as in-the-hole center on D allows Diabate to chase/become up-pace. I think Sion James still has some torque to showcase on defense as well, and keeping people off Kalkbrenner’s back is 2nd job of strong ‘tweeners like James.
The Hornets finishing rate on breakouts is much improved, having to defend Kneuppel on perimeter opens lanes, Melo is extra lethal with routes to the hole. KKs passing/presence is a stat sheet stuffer.
The Hornets finishing rate on breakouts is much improved, having to defend Kneuppel on perimeter opens lanes. Melo is extra lethal with routes to the hole, KKs passing/presence is a stat sheet stuffer. 2/2/26 So its been 25 years since such a streak? The glory years are coming back? I always refer to ’96-’97 team where GM Bob Bass brought in new *everything,* and Dave Cowens went 54-28.
Enjoy the hoops, pay attention to Minnesota
This sports writer is enthused about the progress of other sports team from Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers having lost the odor of seven waaay below average years of football quickly with an 8-9 campaign good enough for NFC South title and #4 seed v. Rams. The 34-31 loss was a fitting, semi-heroic way to end their playoffs. Yes it took the other guys maximum best, down to a gritty Rams finale, which won’t affect the legend of ‘Big Game Bryce’ continuing.
That loss left ideal space for the long-favorite son Hornets to reclaim regional and NBA props, and I bet 12-yr. old kids on good driveway with glass backboard around the corner start declaring ‘KK, bombs away!’ I was always a Jerry West guy.
I haven’t gotten out to shoot (or ride either, damn! its cold), but have plenty of possibilities when it warms up just a little bit. Right now, all props go to people in Minnesota, Inspirational stuff! I’m originally from upstate NY, I know Artic vortex cold. Four days here, I left dribble faucets, but the washing machine…
Today, Wed. is 6.5 hr. shift, I expect to get a couple shots at Valentines Day suits, which is always my goal (fyi- Literally hit a buzzer-beater, they turned out lights at 8:07, I turned to guy with jacket on hanger, he said I’m ready, bang zoom, $895 hits my personal standard). I’m bringing a yellow pad with me though, during long nothings possible as closer, I can nail down some thoughts for Intro to ‘DGUYBPDJ: Don’t Give up your Bill-paying Day Job,’ my projected $2.99 online publication about decision making, possibly from a less-grand POV than Mr. Gates.
Community Clearly Counts Here Too
Closing also means I won’t get to participate in our annual Mens Club (St. Gabriel’s) Pierogi Dinner on this 1st Friday. Along with Christmas trees and Fish Fry’s, its a social staple of our overall mission. We regularly feed 6-700 for our events- the usual analogy for pierogis is potato-based ravioli with cheese stuffing, and along with kielbasa, sauerkraut, sour cream, we have musical groups as entertainment. My schmoozing with tablefuls of happy people historically indicates our clients love the community level events.
That always includes the admirable quality of our product, its a packed cafeteria waiting in line, everyone sitting down with good food and company, cookie and ice cream for dessert, knowing we (SGMC) helped create an aware and highly social environment.
#1 is that $$$ raised stays in community is our best practices, though we’ve made allowances- for Houston when it flooded years ago, and we donated time and resources appreciably when western NC was devastated two years ago- people who drove there, provided food. This is what we do for each other, our neighbors.
Having participated in two No Kings! marches in Charlotte, that was in prime outdoor attendance time of year. As a Yankee-no-longer, 31 year resident here after those many upstate NY winters, we still kid about Others being sissies below 45 or oh no! *possible* snow. When I hear, ‘There’s nothing worse than being so hot!’ I always respond, ‘You’ve never really been REALLLLY cold, have you?’ You can only layer so much, and -22, MASSIVE amounts of people! taps a gut level sincere admiration for showing the way to America and yeah, the World writ large.
As 8th grade paper boy, I had 34 customers across 4 blocks, wore 3-layers on legs, down jacket and minimum of 3 layers inside. Sack on side, -60 wind chill, I swore if I got home with nothing falling off, I’d NEVER say ‘It’s too hot.’ Years later, after move to Tampa in mid-June, 95 and humid, my Aunt Jo empathized, ‘You must be dyin’ darlin,’ and I said, ‘Yep, its pretty warm.’ Man up, Deal’s a deal.
I’ve also hung on a lift for a way long time because some idjit lost his skies at bottom or whatever too.
That is max-max chilled- lucky not smart to have a bowl to split (just sayin’). Memories of heading due west into snow at a REAL steady 16-20mph+ blast, after it turns out class didn’t meet and you gotta get back and fed at off-campus apartment, that’s struggling with cold Reality.
Minnesota is having ice parties! Oooo-rah! or that loon noise, eh? Still a #BoomerwithAttitude.
Compared to most of two years home alone with a screen, back on the suit-selling and chatting with many is good by me.
While knocking it out in suit-selling punctuated first week back in retail, its also super-affirming how many former customers have recognized I gave them desired great service in 2023, good to have me back.
Nothing I saw in 15 min. clip for Carolina Panthers-Saints when I got home- 5 sacks and only 81 yds. rushing by defense- despite 11 penalties, I couldn’t see how they lost. Guess you had to see the total badness, its not usual ‘We wuz robbed!’when NFL is checking things out.
In fact, it was playing for first place, NFL level defense, and Panthers still need 2-of-3 wins down the stretch. My season projection, and $20 worth of FanDuel (-450) on the proposition, 9-8 and in position to take NFC South, was a small gamble- most fans know thats often enough here.
The Carolina Panthers are looking at a Bucs sandwich now, with Seahawks between, to put down new markers. Staying over .500 is a must, Division Winner! is the organizational grail. I didn’t figure losing both games to Saints, buuuut OMG! if NFL investigation is actually happening.
I tell-remind customers they haven’t heard squadoosh about #MrTeppers$ for most of two years. Somewhere before getting the Tilis-Morgan-Canales ship moving, he paid attention to best practices advice of, “Let your football operations people do what they do.” He is not a meddler, and despite record bad 2024, Ejiro Evero back as DC is direct result. -GShork 12/16/25
Employment, Productive Microeconomy, a Sweet Writing Schedule
Having known before Thanksgiving that I’d have a good bill-paying retail job in SouthPark, I’ve commented that it was cool to be manager’s #1 draft pick when department had an opening, at least not going to Raiders. He hired me four years ago too, as COVID was ending. As previously noted, I believe the economy is way different now than ’21-’22.
As a career salesperson and journalist-Writer, my communications skills are A-1 and flexible. I’ve always been killer determining what people want-need in helpful manner- I get paid on how well I accomplish that. Working the closing schedule (2-9:30), I can automatically schedule two to four hour blocks for writing weekly, go for bike rides on 3 mi. Booty Loop nearby, grocery shop, and have lunch meetings- its two miles to work!
That ‘opportunity’ came directly to me, unsolicited, as straight a bolt of good fortune as this 68 yr. old BoomerwithAttitude and Romance Writer could’ve imagined.
Reading regular negatives in LinkedIn about ageism (obviously true) and just how lousy the job market ’24-’25 is for grads, getting a re-do after my ‘doing something else’ post-COVID decision in ’23, thanks, I’ll take it.
Lucky? I maintain highly qualified- you’ll appreciate the difference. I am king of the Hugo Boss blue suit, appreciate the Jack Victor and Canali lines, and will discuss the difference between a sports coat and an $875 unstructured jacket if you don’t already know.
I cheered for the gent who tried on, literally, every blue-tinged jacket in the department, *except* a reddish-purple blue one, just said, No. ‘No, what?’ wifey asked. ‘No, honey?’ cracked me up. All agreed a beauty of a jacket, but he had no interest.
Guys who say yay or nay, great when they try things on. A younger, maybe thirty guy becoming CEO of a company after selling two previous ones, really wanted an image suit. Does he know how to pull the trigger when shown the goods? You betcha.
Right now, its like Maverick’s ‘target rich environment.’ Oh, open till 10:00…
Am I insulated from what’s about to be a tougher microeconomy for many? I know there’s a 22% hack in my Medicaid starting in January, but I’m effectively earning about $30/hr. on two weeks this first pay period; I’m effectively doubling my Social Security income. I still have $151 of SNAP benefits, which I really needed this time last year.
I try to keep a bag of groceries in the car for less fortunate Others, even some frozen meat, but no Pampers. Never let it be said you’ve done less than the least possible when its crunch time. When tossing a couple bucks, I believe $3 is way better than 2.
I stand strong on being a BoomerwithAttitude, and since the boost I felt as a Precinct Judge (D) on Nov. 4, and whats happened across the country until now, I’m still confident in my microeconomy, my democracy, and those Carolina Panthers grading solid B+.
The pen is a classic because I made it with Dad in Tampa long ago. I still chuckle at his ‘worst ever worked with’ assessment- I got the ultimate one-off souvenir I wanted.
Something short and pithy needs to be said about changes to Charlotte lifestyle in three weeks- this probably isn’t that. This is All Souls Day Nov. 1st, with all of Kirk’s great front yard cemetery stuff already put away. Man was giving away FULL SIZE chocolate bars! Loads of kids coming by to TorT, and legend tells of possible adult beverages. Beyond a tall, talking witch robot, and grabbing a full-size bag of M&M peanuts, the highlight was a LARGE, noisy-active, mobile! spider that young Batman *really* didn’t like.
Reality of Halloweenfire pit with a dozen adults on next street over – I opined ‘we wouldn’t be seeing any tear gas in Myers Park’ during chat about Border Patrol coming- it didn’t mean *something* couldn’t happen. A major duplex other end of block, and another biggie build on nearby Forest Dr. E.- no workers since Saturday. Just sayin.’
Yes, two weeks from ‘Hey, Mr. Shorkey…!’ I’m waiting (decently) patiently for paperwork to clear, so I can get trained and back in the groove in the Men’s Suits Dept. at Nordstrom’s. Several years ago I was an expert reporter on microeconomy from there, using my unique POV to judge the rebound from COVID-19 ravages by how many wedding suits, proms, and renewal of general business suit buying I handled in ’21-’22. I’m going to do that again starting shortly.
My first vaxx was March 18, 2021. Coming back from grocery store, I went into a Novant location at top of my street, a supervisor said, “Lets get you stuck,” when I was officially Cat. 5 (not 65) in NC. Twenty-six minutes from parked car to back to house, how could I ever feel closer to being guaranteed of living? 97% efficacy, meaning it walks the talk about being super-effective, at the time I called it the greatest service imaginable.
For more than six-eight months at Nordstrom from Fall ’21, all employees wore masks, most of the customers did too. We were aware of personal distance, in an industry when/where trust was at a premium. I mostly wore one, though in an empty dept, I went without. I left retail in 2023, the great awakening or whatever, dissatisfaction with all previous norms vs. feeling Special.
I use that Attitude in lead chapter to non-fiction, half-finished, projected $2.99 wisdom online book (working title) ‘DGUYDJ: Don’t Give up Your Day Job,’ which is what *everyone* tells you/any other dreamer along the way. The ‘Welcome to the Real World’ 15 pc. Graduation card-puzzle I’ve got going on Etsy, that’s going to be killer for $8.95 (+ $2 shipping) this spring. Yes, work the microeconomy people.
I’m 5x vaxxed now, and 100% as thankful a particular previous manager left *two* VM while I was in Durham last weekend, doing a quantity of Fall earth-moving and hacking down with old friends (Kim insists on livable wage, $300 for 11 hrs. all projects done spit-spot), about landing in a Men’s Suit dept. opportunity. And now I’m waiting for the paperwork and timing for training, with the hugest retail time of the year at hand.
FYI- As someone whose role is to help people get what they want, I am excellent at determining what that is. Being of service 1:1, I appreciate Maverick’s line about new ‘target rich environment.’
Really good salespeople don’t forget service aspect
Really good salespeople don’t forget that customer service aspect. Until someone signs, or slides a card, you are suit selling to get paid, but IMHO, I’m less an hourly guy, more a professional, hanging skins on the wall with satisfied people guy for foreseeable future. I’m literally going to be the closer, meaning late shift.
Okay, its a bathroom shot, but Hugo Boss blue me & fedora wound up $1200 ahead at blackjack. Still calling it skill, but closer to lucky than this clutch Job Offer.
During post-COVID ’22, I did plenty of business in last hour, even last 20 minutes of shift. Often guys were just taking a shot coming by, weren’t sure anyone would be available to help. I’m going to rate current state of affairs as much more positive than back then. Manager said dept. is half-million ahead of budget, I like my chance$, will mention gratitude feelings next Thursday.
Lucky? Supremely qualified is more accurate. Thankful? Like the Carolina Panthers to be on righteous side of .500 and looking for the REALLY Good Things to keep happening. A Monday Night game against 49ers? Hooo-boy! Better get our groups Christmas trees unloaded FAST. The Panthers defense should know to buckle up tight with CMC in town.
Right place and Time
People know LOTS of items might not be available, almost certainly more expensive everywhere for obvious reasons. What I’ve seen in department visits seems a little pricey compared to Oct. ’23 (when I tried self-employment again), but apparently $795 for unstructured-no shoulder pads sports coats is very much where things are in late ‘2025. Suits over $1,000, Canali will be more, younger All Saints stuff in Suits area might surprise. I’m betting its still a great alterations group, we should charge more for really tight turnarounds.
Springsteen moans about the feeling of Why me/them? for living through bad times like ‘Nam- back in Suits isn’t that dramatic. The retail industry has manpower challenges in this economy, but I *was* #1 rated guy for same situation last year, when they didn’t add anyone during usual Fall-Christmas time. Appreciating how a specific manager has me ranked as #1 pick based on best practices, its not the NFL, but at least its not Cleveland.
I’m still a BoomerwithAttitude. While I hunkered down a little during early reign of relative presidential terror in America, marched twice, and took a 22% Medicaid cut, at 68 I’ve got a regular paycheck on the way, and while SNAP was necessary last year, I can buy those more expensive groceries, even periodically get a bag together in car to provide for others- as an individual whose been there. Vaxxed, check with a comma, threat of homeless handled well – a Great Suit Feel to end of 2021
lol Did I recently make any promises regarding this? Well, my criteria for making changes went beyond just cashing a 4-legger on FanDuel, I’ll tell you that. Didn’t anticipate Bryce Young slinging it all over the stadium, but I was sure taking any points to back Panthers, and WHOW! Don’t overlook the obvious (or promised) when Good-er Times show up, right?
Yep, its a different ‘tude in Charlotte- definitely not liking thug aspect of Border Patrol, guys wearing masks we like have Carolina Panthers logos.
While I still like ‘Smarter than the average bear Writer’ as a brand, I will watch the checks stack up in the bank and call it Righteous. You the Man, Marquelle.
Fans won’t beable to see Panthers practiceson field downtown this season or next. This is a scorching reminder for anyone who ever attended a practice in Spartanburg. This is like 9:30, and people are in the small sliver of shade, you just stood there, talked some, and sweated.
Its obviously been a looong minute since Charlotte has cared this much about both its NFL and NBA franchises. With kudos for a couple seasons of solid management all around, and showing major promise in getting to There in 2025, burying Loserville tag on two vibrant, moving forward leadership groups will make for a hotter, more satisfying rest of sports year. (Knights are 11-9, 4th in International League East)
7/21/25 https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k26-summer-league-kings-hornets Well now, 6-0 is actually more than anyone expected, and I’m kind of laughing at those who dissed KK after mediocre first game. Whether a reasonable, happy news result is coming about last years French product at #6 still seems in doubt, https://www.nba.com/player/1642275/tidjane-salaun but just knowing Ryan Kalkbrenner is available to become the rim-protector Hornets have lacked forever isn’t a fact that will diminish before next season.
Being a 4x Defensive Play of Year in Big East isn’t luck or coincidence, and if they want him on perimeter shooting threes like a Euro-center, that’s probably the least of his traditional back-to-basket, guard your man mission. Not considered a great rebounder? Giannis was 11.9 rpg, what’s great ? Everyone should be on the boards, evv-very-one! Moussa Diabate can’t shoot much? Get some glass, keep other guys honest. Sion James will be a force on the defensive perimeter and boards – 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game (Duke, 2025) .
The Hornets now have *plenty* of shooters with Knueppel, McNeeley, Miller, Sexton, and as far as anyone knows, Melo. Tre Mann, Josh Green and Nick Smith, Jr. will need to battle, Mason Plumlee might be one Dookie too many after scanning early roster.
Hornets President Jeff Peterson is Donald Glover’s character in ‘steely-eyed missile man’ category re: Rich Purnell Maneuver (‘The Martian’, 2015).
Original moniker was applied to NASA flight controller John Aaron (Apollo 12, 13), and refers to calm, crucial solutions and decisive actions – his ‘Switch SCE to Aux’ – after a lightning strike threatened to scrub Apollo 12 launch is legend. In movie, its a gravity slingshot around Earth for an impossible mission – 553 days longer – to save a left-behind astronaut.
7/17/25 Yeah, that is about how far Hornets had seemed from Success. GShorkknows
Contracts and Expectations, Many, many names
Whenever a naysayer opines that *everything* is riding on this Panthers team blowing 6.5 wins out to insure GM Dan Morgan, HC Dave Canales, and Pres. Brandt Tilis don’t lose their jobs, I let them know that football operations are doing just fine, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t been that rip everything up by the roots owner for a while. Lots of names will pass through Panthers roster before first game (Jax) in September, Hornets have some numbers to trim as well.
Yes indeedy, there are loads of Expectations here in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, and YES! Morgan did an admirable job, showcasing an A+ rated draft of documented production defensive and offensive talent, after substantial filling of defensive gaps with qualified FA personnel. Dang! about Josey Jewell leaving in concussion protocols after seven months.
There isn’t an unsigned tag on #2 pick Nic Scourton any more, and he’s done all previous training thus far. Camp starts Wednesday, so it wasn’t a hold-out per se. https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-nfl-draft-contract-details-revealed-for-panthers-second-round-pick-nic-scourton/ The NFL knew Morgan needed to draft a ‘he can hurt you long’ receiver at some point, his selecting AZ All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at #8in 1st rnd. an indicator why (IMHO) he’s got inside track on Executive of the Year. Addressing defensive needs got handled as best practices. Just sayin’.
Offensive lines get talked about until there’s no need to, and the Panthers now stack every position with a replacement. Austin Corbett and Cade Mays will have a battle for center, luck on staying healthy hasn’t been Corbett’s best friend. Chuba Hubbard is the teams Alpha-Lead Dawg, if that’s necessary to state, although having another 1,000 yard guy back there shouldn’t be a struggle.
Will we determine whether Bryce can see even better down field behind this line, or will Panthers move him around to open up passing lanes? (He sees fine).
Young’s ten TDs-no turnovers in final three games still hits key chord in growth estimations. The most effective aspect of a play action pass is the reality of the quarterback actually giving the ball to runner for a healthy gain. Panthers Hubbard keeps that uppermost in a defenses concerns, adding variety with open playbook becomes a fact with QB Young and Head Coach Canales on same wave.
DEEE-fense! arrives in Charlotte – Damn straight!
Fact Panthers defense surrendered a stupendous amount of rushing yards – over 3,000 – well, Derrick Brown is again the Sheriff, and there are defensive ends and nose tackles now with documented stats and history with DC Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 model. No, Shy Tuttle wasn’t the answer at the nose position, though he figures to stay on roster as a rotational player. GM Morgan isn’t passing out #MrTeppers$ to just anyone, and the $100MM contract that Jaycee Horn earned after an All Pro, injury-free year, speaks to how things should now be done in Charlotte. Looking at you Mr. Moton.
You probably haven’t heard many of the 90 names on camp roster who project as second half of keepers on final 53-man roster, and its going to be Panthers taxi squad (15) that will make a difference through 18 week regular season.
Going into Wednesday, its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six seem like no-brainer keeps. At no point will Panthers try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat.’
Is that Rozeboom guy from Rams really a 135-tackle bad ass?
Its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six-seven seem like no-brainer picks for roster. At no point will they try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. If he wants to imitate Stevie SuperStar starting with returns, lets go! No ego, he played opposite a Heisman guy.
Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat, T-Mac,’ but no, ain’t gonna be AZ dry heat.
Did doubling up on young stud defensive edge rushers (Nic Scourton, Round 2, #51) and Princely Umanmielen, Round 3, #77) mean Clowney was expendable? Apparently yes, though there was a moment of concern about a slip-possible injury immediately post-cut. All the linebackers have downfield speed for coverage, how well sacks are produced will be a subject of much counting from Game One.
The Panthers have been bottom three in sacks for years, but just FYI, team record is 60, held by 1996, 2013 teams. In Peppers superman 2008 campaign with 14.5 sacks, they had 50. With the recognition that Evero’s projected safety tandem (Moehrig, Ransom) are recognized thumpers, don’t be surprised what a professional, career as well-regarded defensive coach, can come up with, maybe blitz packages, when his personnel is closer to genuine NFL grade.
Yes, Expectations will be way higher than last, well, seven years. I’m a #BoomerwithAttitude, so thumbs up for Football Operations. Go Hornets, thoughts for Melo…
New Zealand All Blacks classic haka is aggressive as hell as spectacle, but not a riot.
Millions of people in some 1,800 marches across America on Saturday, and dozens of countries around the world, displayed extreme negatives regarding the US Prez, whose $45MM birthday parade was a badly attended (and embarrassing) event. About 1/3 of that was budgeted for repairing those DC roads the tanks will tear up during a military hoo-hah usually done for dictators.
I told a number of people at Charlotte event that I never did anything related to Vietnam protests, which were often MASSIVE, vocal, strongly purposeful events long before today’s social media could get the necessary word out by posting on multiple sites. A 50th class reunion in September is a huge counterpoint to knowing ‘Nam went down in a matter of weeks the Spring of my senior year.
Having stated often how glad I was to not be involved in that meat-grinder, its a 100% Truth that, aside from our incredibly bloody Civil War, NOW is the most divisive time in our nation’s history.
I’m not the only person who cheered about trump’s VERY badly attended birthday-celebration for ‘US Army’s 250th Anniversary’ Saturday. If those people who support djt’s chaotic second term at the helm thought he owned the libs, the Reality of ‘Eat (excrement), 50 billion flies can’t be wrong’ was evident on a world-wide stage. GShork 6/16/25
Will another 1000-1200 words make a difference?
Attempting to write something strong-meaningful about overall picture probably won’t fly as high and well as Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ of 1776 in swaying public opinion, and there are plenty of columnists and pundits who will have opinions and better platforms to present their views to a larger audience. I’ll use bullets (no ballot necessary, the people have definitely spoken) for a Monday review on non-attendance in DC.
There will probably be a number of fellow grads I won’t be chatting with in September, but since we haven’t communicated much since HS, its not going to affect my sleeping habits. Those who identified me as ‘one of those journalism guys’ at previous reunions, the only piece I regret from back then was dissing the majorettes, because KK turned into a dynamic Woman vs. just *really* cute girl junior year. NOW is a lot more serious deal, definitely no regrets on stating my POV.
Kent State (5/4/1970, 4 dead, 9 wounded) was my first clue our government could actually do something like shoot unarmed protestors. Most consider it a tragic situation, jittery young Ohio National Guard troops opening fire, but there’s NO mistaking how serious the current administration is about trying to control what We the People are allowed to say or do, at least according to trump & his Minions. I’m not the only #BoomerwithAttitude who recalls Chicago cops working their fucking night-sticks, but TV made us aware of black people being beaten and more long before that. But I didn’t see that so much in Schenectady, NY.
Bobby Kennedy invoking his own brothers assassination FOR THE ONLY TIME – and Indianapolis was the only city that wasn’t ablaze in America the night of ML King’s death. THAT’S deserved rioting, not just protest.
The direct repudiation/regular bitch-slapping (apologies for a non-gender specific but accurate phrase) of long time American belief in principles of posse comitatushttps://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/posse-comitatus-act-explained (bans using military for police actions) and habeas corpus -a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify a prisoner’s continued confinement – is beyond just disturbing. Lady Liberty lies propped against an LA curb, nicked repeatedly by rubber bullets and probably tear-gassed, just five months into this administration.
‘We’ DID fix a quantity of negatives about environment and civil-womens-gay rights back then, at least paid enough attention to it to recognize what losing those advances would mean today. Could changes have happened any more organically, without LOTS of effort on legal front by many, many people over many, many years? Save the freaking eagles worked. Gal Gadot (as Wonder Woman) beating Ares, and ending WWI by breaking his hold on the minds of German military isn’t on the menu with trumpies.
RULE OF LAW – Can America trust the judiciary to hold strong against a relentless tide of malfeasance while providing full immunity? A common sign Saturday was ‘No faux (fake) king way.’ Un-Constitutional doesn’t seem to carry as much weight, if ANY, with ‘those people.’ Its in black and white about ‘born here = Citizen,’ and right to be told charges and allowed to defend oneself. People – including those who voted for trump and/or participated in infamous, watched by the WORLD ‘Capital tour group’ in January, 2021 – only now seem to recognize what they’re losing after an espouso is picked up going to work, or their job is axed by DOGE.
Is a person who shoots a Minnesota State senator and wife, murdering two and seriously wounding two others, a throwback to assassinations of political figures like Malcolm X, the Kennedys and M.L. King, Jr. in Sixties? We *better* not hope so, not when anyone can get a military-grade weapon like an AR-15 that spits death at an unholy rate sent through the mail. Forget Reacher having a discussion with gun store owner about getting pistols and ammo before 3-day ‘cooling off’ period because he knows some ways around regulations.
NATIONAL DEBT – Repugnants in Congress are VERY willing to gut every social program to pay for a multi-trillion dollar tax break for billionaires, knowing without any doubt it will put an already staggering debt ($36T) into non-Elon/SpaceX orbit. trump *immediately* tanked an envy-of-the-world economy he inherited from Biden. Does anyone doubt he told BBC (billionaire boys club) members when to get in-out of market? I don’t have any kids, but everyone else’s, know even worse times are coming regarding repayment and budget tradeoffs`.
Book banning, tariffs randomly slapped down against allies and (except Russia) others without reason, attempting to reverse any-all vestiges of DEI by wiping out even the mention of Enola Gay – which was name of bomber that dropped historic 1st ever nuke on Hiroshima – because of that last part of its name. NO taking gifts of value from other countries, and a prez who decides it doesn’t apply to him because ‘I’d have to be crazy not to accept something (as over the top) as a jumbo jet,’ and the illegal creation of a currency (Bitcoin-ish) anyone can buy without signaling they are gaining influence through BIG TIME direct bribes to him and family, is a constant drum beat.
Sorry, have to get back to Real Writing
Okay, not all of this was Saturday, but the WORLD *is* watching US and ‘cuz I’m a word guy, I needed to get it off my chest. It took a minimal amount of time for the end of Vietnam War – as soon as North knew US bombers wouldn’t be doing anything to slow their roll, they mopped up South Vietnam in weeks. As first war USA lost, its affected how this country went about things for decades, and today, EVERYONE truly wonders how ‘we’ can be trusted in almost any venue or for any reason.
Europe is moving on with necessary WHO and NATO-related operations (ie. Ukraine), long-time BFF Canada has its elbows up in the corners about little brother attitudes and trump’s cretin-ish musings of 51st state possibilities, and if the Orange One believing Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone can be taken militarily, he’s apparently no smarter than Putin about biting off more than he can chew. Thinking USA will escape devastation two previous world wars brought on everyone else isn’t about thought leadership or best practices, its ludicrous.
We the People has arrived at a bottom line about democracy. Picard’s “Here and no further!” for any Trekkies, or substitute ‘trumpies’ into a one-liner from Vietnam-era ‘Platoon,’ “Eff’n Cong are comin’, and they ain’t stoppin’ for shit!’ is legit too.
‘This isn’t how I remember things being’ is a common, wistful thought on lips of many #BoomerswithAttitude like myself. I recently put what is described as a premium graduation card-puzzle on Etsy (19″x13″, 15 pcs., $8.25 + shipping), because my microeconomy as a relative peasant non-billionaire class BETTER have an alt gig! When that ever-lovin’ 3rd rail, Social Security – which is NOT AN ENTITLEMENT, I PAID INTO IT SINCE AGE 16, OUT OF $1.65/hr. MCDONALDS PAYCHECK – is threatened right in front of us? Bullshit on ‘Better.’
Medicaid cuts and starving kids, loss of healthcare? Everything, everywhere, all at once? Holy crap!
‘Welcome to the Real World’ is an intentionally darker duotone piece, ‘WTRW’ was originally meant as a jaded look at employment situation, with the many inconveniences and crazy things grads et al face in 2025, We the People has arrived at a bottom line about democracy. Picard’s “Here and no further!” for any Trekkies, or sub ‘trumpies’ into a one-liner from Vietnam-era ‘Platoon,’ “Eff’n Cong are coming, and they ain’t stoppin’ for shit!’ is legit too.
Damn! That first election post-Watergate seems like a million years ago, when top Repubs like Goldwater told Nixon, “You gotta go!” because he’d lost the trust of the nation. Nixon had too much respect for the office to try staying, while trump has A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y zero shame about demeaning office, and by the crudest example of Repub enablement, stuck it out legally through two impeachments.
Telling others Saturday that I didn’t attend gatherings about Vietnam, the HUGE loss of time, treasure, and lives it historically represents, an ultimate divisiveness it produced back then, I also said, BUT I’M HERE NOW. How about *you*?
#BoomerwithAttitude is still on tap, no great sympathy for those creating chaos with external meddling AND, even though nobody asked, willing to quantify what’s on my overall plate.
Getting in three full 10.5 mile rides on X-Charlotte Trail over 8 days is legitimate #1 on Count it! physicality. Haven’t done over thirty mile week in a year, stubby tires mountain bike is a challenge. Riding as reward factor for writing Monday ‘Resumes’ piece that included Gene Hackman and me, I’m positive about pursuing the right opportunity.
Getting a *great* haircut from Desirous was a clutch decision about feeling shaggy for an important presentation. No kidding, Looking Good and Old School tactics like ‘Being there’ are still difference makers.
Bike riding is my very quantifiable, long-term asset for physical confidence, and counting positives physically at sixty-eight is a legitimate good habit. Staying on fun and firmness brings lots of people out to share the well-maintained pavement with. Ride in 74 degrees and sunshiney NC afternoon, then Food and NCAA hoops watching was overall Saturday Reality. There’s plenty of tense going around, I’ll be for more tennis – not ignorance, choice.
Yes, I admit loving how the Canadians, calm and clear Trudeau, excellent hand-off of a small crisis to New Guy, still stuffing trump every shift (hockey term) of news cycle, making it clear its not about hating US, but Tariffs- Elbows up, damn straight! (AND PAY YOUR ELECTRIC BILL, EY! notice is coming from Ontario soon…)
Four more with Good Reasons, ey?
A physical release in optimal weather is a deserved time-out reward, so take credit for doing something necessary, important, or Special. Including ‘Me’ in the company of Hackman and NFL QBs in Monday morning LinkedIn article was being seriously happy about a ‘specific and terrific’ cover letter I’d sent about a challenging EA administrative role.
Adding in the killer haircut and not-worn-often-enough-lately charcoal suit and sweet, coral-colored with ducks tie, presenting myself at their local HQ with additional quality examples of my written communications expertise, was a solid, Old School doubling down Tuesday. Since the HR person is now a LinkedIn connection, I’ll point out that ‘Resume’ piece shortly. Call the total effort #2,3 on good things accomplished.
#4 Mint Museum, Wednesday for Freebie Night
Over my thirty years in Charlotte (same as Panthers), you’d sometimes hear, ‘But there’s not so much cultural here (or bagels stiffness, or crispier crust..).’ My response is ‘There’s a coffee mug for that, ‘If its so important, GO BACK!’ -3/5/25 GShork story to new Charlotte person Brittny, touring the Mint Wednesday, *plenty* to appreciate on three floors.
I decided on visiting the Mint late last week, and arriving 6:20, strolled three floors and multiple galleries for 90 minutes. Perhaps not demonstrative proof of culture, but I defend those exceptional aspects like the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (which played for Pavoratti), does four wonderful June concerts behind SouthPark Mall and Christmas events downtown; regular Broadway tours at The Blumenthal, and culture *does* includes TWO Mint Museums and a Bechtler.
That literary park with Authors signs, sounds, fountains across the street is a treat to show visitors every time. Just sayin.’
I only gave away two CDTalententerprises cards, one to Brittny ‘without an A’, a favorite kind of memory hook clarifier, me being a two N Glenn. She said she was a newbie to Charlotte, we walked and talked, plenty of other participants to share opinions with too. I came back for her when I found something unique-r, and I’d be pleased if Brittny uses the good information that’s found on my good-looking card.
I have a tux & I know how to use it.
Clothes make The Man? If not now, When? Compared to mid-week usual, Styling a black felt hat that keeps getting noticed, Dad’s brownish-green hounds-tooth jacket, green shirt, antique-unique tie, tuxedo pants, I thought I might even drop in someplace afterwards. Wound up 100% satisfied as imagined with a self-guided event.
There were MUCH more display galleries in this Mint Location than I imagined. I’ve been in Charlotte long enough for this to be third iteration with Mint name.
There were a significant number of younger people as a category, nice mixture overall.
As I conveyed to an LI connection afterwards, networking has always been a strength, I have plenty of confidence in talking to others. Sports writing background and sales, Q&A has always been my standard, and after two full years WFH, I’ve missed that aspect. If not Great Expectations, engaging on Art is do-able.
I’ll get around to describing a microeconomic situation at Nordstrom’s in my ‘Don’t Give Up Your Day Job’ non-fiction book, but having a bit of artsy background, and being historically gregarious, Wednesday counted as a terrific reboot, new Social Goodness as an easy to achieve priority.
#5 – Opportunity to be of Service – Good Thought, it worked out
While I declined a nomination for Club Secretary in February, somebody else stepped forward during actual elections Friday for our community Mens Club meeting, so while I rethought taking the post (4x previous) because certain long-term organizational knowledge might be a clutch difference in success, guess we’ll see. More actual good PR for solid, long-time organization continues with Fridays annual Fish Fry. As a #BoomerwithAttitude, I’ll keep that communications/leadership club in my bag, use my five wood more in the Spring Captain’s Choice.
OKAY – Create a 700-900 word blog on a regular schedule – 1st of three on Monday, check on new habit, Week Two. Quantified, specific. Just me.
Still my classic Panthers picture, Year 1 at Clemson vs. 49ers, Sam Mills on way to stopping Steve Young. Team is still working that Keep Pounding theme.
After LaMelo’s NBA season opening line of 38P/11A/8R, I questioned what level of production would be appropriate for Bryce Young to be considered as having a successful return to an NFL team’s leadership, how would on-field results look? Melo is injured again, but apples-to-apples, from a long time BoomerwithAttitude–sports writer’s POV, three beyond just solid games against Chiefs, Bucs, and Eagles are good by me.
Ex-Panther quarterback Sam Darnold painted the most prolific nyah-nyah!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeAzU97p4JE on former Viking-now Falcon QB Kirk Cousins Sunday, but in belly-of-the-beast fanwise Philly, Young again moved the Panthers decisively, going 19/34 for 191 yards, 1 TD/INT against first-caliber, NFL playoff-bound competition, going down to a single play at the end yet again, another L on bottom line.
Mostly. And I don’t hear all that much complaining by fan base.
Walking back for southbound rail after Tampa Bay game till now, I’m not delusional about recognizing, yes, it’s a very different team last four games, with confident NFL QB play and others doing their jobs. How Chuba extended his arm with ball for 1st down early in final drive for OT in Bucs game, instead of just going out of bounds (then dammit! later fumble, same level of effort). Adam Thielen showing the ball to someone on Bucs sideline who MUST have said No way! on one-handed-while-falling snag like I did in Sect. 524, but getting stiffed on that TD catch I saw and replay didn’t. Yes, it makes a difference to watch the game in happier circumstances than any recent experiences at BOA.
$15.95 for a Modelo Big Boy that stayed cold into 3rd quarter, I even tipped 15%. I was wearing 4 layers, won’t call it overkill, and on a nippy late afternoon, bless the dance team and yeah, the Purrcussion group of drummers. It wasn’t a full stadium, but it was Thanksgiving weekend, people out west who might attend are still in rough shape, not just cold or ungood record. If Panthers aren’t Our Team 100% right now, when?
Everyone is impressed by Josey Jewell, who has been everywhere. Trevin Wallace is finding a groove too, A‘Shawn Robinson, with a 1.5 sack day in Philly, even Saquon getting his, doesn’t mean everyone gets to run as far and free as Irving did for Bucs.
Sorrow for Brooks of course, but lately, hearing ‘worst in league’ noted, I want proof, so while Panthers scoring defense is last in NFL at 30.5 ppg, its down from right at 34 ppg. last month. They’re 30th (of 32) giving up real estate at 392.1 yds. per game.
And Helllooo, Dallas…
At 5-8, the Cowboys are in rougher shape than owner-standard bearer for willful, meddling old men, Jerry Jones, is willing to admit his franchise is mired in. He (apparently) won’t let lame duck Head Coach Mike McCarthy play QB Trey Lance instead of barely effective Cooper Rush, and while he still isn’t getting many props for it, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t opined about football operations since before free agency in March. 12/11/24 -A Tale of Two Teams Tango in 2024, our QB-owner guys are Okay-er.
If you caught the look of agony on Micah Parson’s face after Cowboys defense blocked a Bengals punt with less than two minutes left, and still turned ball over to Joe Burrow for the go-ahead score, note that the CarolinaPanthers have been to Super Bowls twice since Dallas last raised the trophy. It seems very likely that multi-billionaire Panthers owner David Tepper can see what ‘cantankerous’ looks like up close, so keep the discipline Mr. T. Getting to say, ‘Good game!’ while winning indeed counts, seems like things are aligned.
‘Gracious host’ is more often about bourbon choices, it has zero about getting to win on BOA turf. A painful, wincing handshake ‘n go, anything like after ‘boys getting thrashed by Packers in first round would satisfy…
Aside from Barkley getting a decent 124, and Eagles with 209 yards rushing overall, the Carolina Panthers defense has looked stronger, made more overall good stops, even better than Bucky Irving gouging them for 150+ and two walk-off field goals vs. Chiefs, Bucs might show. Holding Hurts to 108 yards passing- how many fantasy jockeys were betting on that leg? DC Ejiro Evero has kept better QBs than Cooper Rush from blasting Panthers recently, will Jaycee Horne and CeeDee Lamb going after it be an epic sort of afternoon? (Horne had three pass interference calls vs. KC, just sayin’.) Blitzes? Count on it.
Dallas shouldn’t be smiling at all about this visit, because whom is going up-Better could be defined. Some respect for three tight Panthers losses would be realistic, and just having Bengals yank their collective ‘nads HARD with that recovered block-game winning drive, well, we played Chiefs way better, but as some poet said, that (kind of loss) is gonna leave a mark. – GShork 12/12/24
Comparison shop Young’s stats, he isn’t a slinger yet, and what everyone has recently witnessed is, he’s not afraid to STICK one on a receiver either (ie. Moore, hopefully more with Leggette), and he’s spreading it around effectively – TEs Tremble and Sanders have made first career TD catches. With a QB doing right on LONG drives, shadow of the goalposts-15 play stuff, they’re still forced to overcome regular pre-snap flubs that make it tougher. Young has learned its okay to toss one away instead of trying to save a suddenly negative play. HC Canales mentioned that, although he tangles some actions in coach-speak at times.
You can’t miss the long-anticipated precise touch, or Young’s perceived-actual comfort of movement in the pocket, a direct result of GM Dan Morgan’s large free agent buy of guards Hood and Lewis early. Even though Austin Corbett was lost to injury after what was a successful move to center, the offensive line’s continuity has been a source of strength for Hubbard (over 1,000 after 26/92 yds. vs. Eagles, 8 TDs) and the rushing contribution Canales preached when he first arrived.
They’ve also only given up 22 sacks. That’s a fact worth putting out there by itself.
Leggette HAS to make the catches that this offense will rely on, is a best practices ultra-fact. Put that out there, just cuz.
Bandwagon?
Start with belief that GM Dan Morgan et al had assembled some front line players, especially with free agents, as offensive line got a pair of expensive, necessary guards, but O-line has played steadily-very well together, taking 100% full game snaps (71 vs. Philly) several times. Cade Mays has handled the protection and line calls while taking over for Austin Corbett, LT Ekwonu has regained his form, Moton is always business, *there hasn’t been 15 guards*, the tight ends both block and go downfield. (Yay! for Panthers icon Greg Olsen getting the color analyst gig this game.)
Fans are relatively happy about spiking Eagles while two TD underdogs, and A’Shawn Robinson with 4.5 sacks and Mr. Josey Jewell are welcome reinforcements, Horne is obviously taking matters seriously. My $20 bet is still six Ws, so I say Hellloo Dallas! and we’ll take care of Mr. Cousins and Baker soon as well. This new Team version, confident quarterback moving elements along, Panthers defense not getting rolled for 8-13 garbage yards after first contact, that’s just best practices in football.
Eddie Pineiro missed two opportunities against Tampa Bay that cost Panthers, made four against the Chiefs, 23/25 for season, and THAT’S how you ask for a raise. Innovative play calling by Canales, some freedom going for it on 4th down gutsiness, with Young triggering a play they both like, that’s a tinge of best practices as QB Whisperer, right?
A ‘W’, yes, that’d be extra okay too. Worried about losing out on #1 pick? That’s not a question for this Sunday.
‘Tis the season? Yes ’tis
Glad for previous tix, and yes, plenty of gratitude for things falling my way/best possible outcomes on MICROECONOMY front recently. I didn’t discuss politics at T’giving gathering, remarked to others I felt it was ok to wear Panther colors again. Charlotte people assembled were more concerned with family than QB play or what trashy/tragic political disagreements prez-elect is abusing for shock value.
I was thrilled about a Great T’giving around people enjoying blessings, then worked shifts Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, TH at community groups Christmas tree lot. What better gig possible for positive affirmation all around, the ultimate family experience, a chance to speak well about years of this particular events history in the parish under primo Carolina blue skies and 61 degrees? If a Panther W went with another Sunday of gorgeous weather, pre-Christmas brisk though it might be, I’m willing to give Dallas the one point game is listed at.
Having always pointed to the Super Bowl season where Panthers were 9-0, then thumped the ‘Boys 31-14 on Thanksgiving, they were 10-0 before people here felt it was reasonable to start believing. Same deal Sunday, you want the bet, up to $5, respond by game time. Panthers 24-16.
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).
CDTalent Enterprises 