Tag: #BoomerwithAttitude

#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.

#leadership thought, Panther Football

This ex-Yankee sharpens 2024 production – Panthers, politics, Red Silk Boxers

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on This ex-Yankee sharpens 2024 production – Panthers, politics, Red Silk Boxers
Talk about a classic shot: December game at Clemson, 1995. Sam Mills is going to try and stop Steve Young sneaking in from the one. 31-10 was final.

I bought tickets for Knights game on 17th, expect to ride bike downtown and see how close to Panthers practice fields I can get this week. The names of those who won’t be playing football in Charlotte long will be, well, long, starting soon. Lots of people to not learn about.

My red silk boxers picture, from just before moving to Charlotte in 1995, was about elementary personal positivity I’d like to revisit in 2024. That feeling a rising tide lifts all boats, the sunshine-y promise over four days that April for folks anniversary, became Go! action 38 days later. I was never a Giants or Jets fan.

I attended my first Panthers game, against the Steve Young-Jerry Rice 49ers, at Clemson. Panthers made it to NFC championship in Year 2, lost 32-29 to Patriots in their first win (2004) of Super Bowl run, and Broncos in 2016.

The franchises overall record is 223-260-1, 31-68 since #MrTeppers$ bought the team. Its not all his fault, but…Without 15-1 record in Super Bowl season, Rivera wouldn’t be nearly their winningest coach. I lucked into Panthers-Cowboys playoff tickets on Christmas Eve.

I’ve seen the depths three times, but just about every righteous button has been pressed by Panthers GM Dan Morgan in 2024, starting with extending stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown. https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-dt-derrick-brown-agrees-to-four-year-96m-contract-extension While extensive coverage went to Brian Burns struggles with getting paid, Brown’s stats became a profound statement of his value to this organization – any upgrading of talent or regard for its #3 yardage defense ranking last year is based on his effectiveness.

The free agent elements brought in to mitigate the wiping out of Panthers linebacking corps, the newbies, and names in/out/remaining in the pot, they know THE PADS ARE ON NOW.

–8/1/24, GShork – Yes, Carolina, the Panthers will be bettable this year – points will be scored. No, its not just Canales positive smoke, its a brighter operational day. #MrTeppers$ should just ride the wave, maybe talk about stadium $$$ after they beat 5.5 win projection.

Not Cam Newton’s RPO

Its not necessary to visit any Panthers practices to know run-pass options won’t be in Head Coach Dave Canales playbook, even though he speaks regularly about running the ball offensively. Defensive coordinators figured out long ago that whacking the QBs *on*every*play* was a definite way to slow an RPO offense down, and yes, ‘6’5″, 250 and runs like a deer’ description of early Newton’s physicality is 180 degrees different from Bryce Young’s much slighter frame.

Otherwise, yes, there will be a real quantity of head banging for Panthers O-line in 2024.

If even TWO of the reports that Young is throwing it accurately to Everyone, Everywhere, All the time is true, *that* is still what most sports pundits consider a major criteria for Good Quarterback. The only time Cam hit a receiver on ‘up’ throw in red zone, Devin Funchess reached OVER a Redskin defender from behind to pluck what would have been an easy INT free. https://www.panthers.com/news/devin-funchess-becomes-first-nfl-player-to-sign-professional-basketball-contract (Who knew he was this good an athlete?)

Chuba Hubbard is the stalking horse for Panthers running game – at least right now. He’s been a grinder (3.9/carry) and scored 12 TDs for Panthers, five in ’21 when McCaffrey was the lead back and got traded, five last year (238 carries/902 yds) when there was NOT a great O-line in big picture. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard

If only thing that’s come out of camp about Miles Sanders is he’s lost some weight, Canales still likes crowds in RB and TE rooms.

Sizeable IFs

Austin Corbett’s move to center (post-knee surgery) and early addition of free agent guards Hunt, Lewis to run with the extremely solid Taylor Moton at right tackle, and betting on a better, remotivated Ikem Ekwonu on the left, is highly anticipated. Corbett has never played center as a professional, Ekwonu’s rep took a righteous dinging in a sophomore season full of penalties and shredding by blitzers that ruined Young’s first season.

Brady Christiansen will be backing up most line positions, but people will be leaving camp sooner vs. later if results are lacking. Morgan replaced Rashaad Penny’s retirement in less than a day. There’s already position competition gents… Cade Mays (3 yrs.)? Stephenson, excuse me, Steven Sullivan?

Solid Credit for upgrades to receiving corps

Best news for WR room is (seriously) that Jonathan Mingo spent time with Panthers great Steven Smith, Sr. during off-season. Mingo has all the physical tools, as does Terrance Marshall, and by all accounts, Ian Thomas has shown something under Canales early coaching. Keep the standard of ‘Whatever improves the competitive outlook of team’ in mind. Football Operations is getting great PR for consistent moves, and yes, it still seems #MrTeppers$ is being invested appropriately and without any hoo-ha.

When talking best moves on upgrading front, getting All Pro who runs great patterns Diontae Johnson as WR1 for CB Donte Jackson, who was about to become an economic cut ($14.5M), tops the trade list. A close #2, because Charlotte has gotten some quality personnel on the roster vs. shunned as ungood place to be, is Xavier Leggette (lee-get), the first round pick Panthers didn’t have going into draft. He’s a rookie most likely to earn a nickname and too modest to accept it. An inch shorter and a ripped 221 lbs., he’s Mushin Muhammad size with serious giddyap, and he’ll be a party to watch happen.

Canales-OC Brad Idzik won’t take as long to get production from him at WR2 as Panthers waited for Ohio St. blur Curtis Samuel to succeed (and then go free agent).

Canales-OC Brad Idzik won’t take as long to get production from him at WR2 as Panthers waited for Ohio St. blur Curtis Samuel to succeed (and then go free agent). Mushin is a franchise great, will be inducted into Ring of Honor with Julius Peppers during Week 8 game vs. Houston Texans.

Ja’Tavian Sanders out of Texas has got to be a prayer answered at tight end. My credo is use that weapon until a defense proves they can stop him, don’t sweat his blocking. Pavoratti didn’t sing the praises of Buicks or Golden Corral, right? Has it only been since 2020 that Olsen has been gone? 15.3yds./catch at Texas and almost elite speed, check, so maybe, please, show us how touches can (always?) equal catches.

Because I like the prospect of calling an obvious event early, mark Sanders down for a red zone TD catch early in season; he’ll filter outside on a goal line defense, be an unstoppable 1-1 cover. You might call it ‘best practices.’

–GShork says, 8/1/24

No pressure on Brooks cutting things up too soon, adding catch-run yardage out of backfield? Noooo, zero expectations…

Hey, WR room still has Adam Thielen, won’t get 1,000 again as primary, but he keeps getting open, so Young has the safety blanket tosses. He’ll earn his check and be a great teammate too. If part of what’s being rebuilt in Panthers organization is culture, with dawgs and foxhole guys in the mix, Thielen deserves to run some routes with daylight between catches and getting thumped by OLBs on a bad team at ending of solid career.

Health care, Political, Sports, Thought Leadership

Social Goodness mission in NY, Gratitude for casino results, Olympic stuck-the-landing drive

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Social Goodness mission in NY, Gratitude for casino results, Olympic stuck-the-landing drive
Driving five miles for coffee was rewarded (twice) by having better than regular java at FoCastle Farms with refills and super-cinnamon soft cake cider donuts.

Enjoyed nephew’s Raleigh wedding and family time to the max Friday and Saturday, then high speed, point-to-point, 700+ miles Sunday in 100 degree heat driving north was affirming. Ten ‘As I Damn Well Please’ days of max mental health in NY, then 829 miles in 12 hours to stick the proverbial landing in Charlotte Thursday was Mission Accomplished stuff.

I made two timely decisions to stop for directions, then relied on incredible 35.4 mpg in my silver Sonata, Bullitt2, and dead reckoning navigation skills. #BoomerwithAttitude in 2024 is Eye-it and-fly-it.

Having promised myself nine holes of good swings (screw scoring), and played two balls all the way (from whites, several 440-plus) in breezy 86 degree sunshine, yay! for 5 wood and wedge work. Wouldn’t have tried playing in 97 heat in Charlotte. Saturday at racetrack was a qualified economic loss, but looking good every bit of the day-night, checking my casino luck-skill (+1200 last year) was a classic Yes! on skills.

Greatest unexpected positive was whacking tennis balls with brother David, now 64, in light sprinkle and fading light. Only hit a dozen or so, but seemed to have that nasty break on his serve right out of the closet. Can you believe it, a doctor suggested stressing his leg could help some necessary rebuilding of bone issue. It doesn’t get much better than that for a birthday gift, right?

Why should anyone care about my road trip? Personal JOY and mental health were the prime consideration, because there might be tense times in near future. I’m taking responsibility for my actions in pursuit of that joy, infringing on nobody else. I tipped one dealer $25 – a decent sharing if there’s rent and groceries, I’m just enjoying a little Life rush. My cards – tarot reading is hook to my books – indicated a Good Woman is supposed to be appearing, I’d appreciate that more than boxing a trifecta in next part of 2024.

Social Goodness plans for playing more tennis, that begins immediately. I’ll let you know about the serving part, my shoulder still sounds funny from bike accident in 2020.

Wednesday was definitely casino time

Even after hitting with David until 8:30 in the gloaming and sprinkle, Wednesday was definitely last casino time, went with a seersucker pearl-blue jacket, gray slacks, Bugachi blue-blue shirt, had same felt hat with $200 budget each time. Wound up driving to Schenectady three times, doubling my $$$ the last two. That’s not quite Olympian determination or success, but I appreciated having discipline to say, ‘$200 up, take the traveling cash and I quit’ after just 45 minutes.

Yeah, a bathroom selfie instead of red silk boxers on a Texan with cigar, but I was glad to uphold Saratoga tradition-rep of looking good.

Filling up my Social Goodness tank, bro and I enjoyed Wheatfields 1 lb. Lasagna and bright lights on Broadway post-races that Saturday. Hitting an exacta ($66) with favorite as #2 worked great for bankroll early, freed up betting through featured 11th, a $500k Grade 1 race. Losing voucher slip ($55) at end of day was one of few negatives on two week odyssey-road trip.

I never made it to Siro’s this year, always give it homage in my books. With all the fast driving, I smooshed a cone to avoid a collision at a rotary, so panel awry and $200 parking ticket at downtown location for wedding welcome night, I’d feel okay wishing anyone such a trouble free vacation.

Okay, the water pressure at Dave’s wasn’t that hot, but neither were daily temps, 10-12 degrees less than Charlotte and breezy, high 50s at night, windows open!

Picture of guy in red silk boxers, cowboy hat, cigar

A historic picture of LeSharque (checking as Romance writer name?) in red silk boxers and bow tie is now part of GShork’s Attitude 2024. Just FYI, the classy tuxedoed gent I’m referencing was supposed to be an artsy classic https://artincontext.org/roy-lichtenstein/ The ‘voice bubble’ over the cowboy hat, taped to some coat hanger and anchored with an ace bandage wrap, specifically addressing the red silk boxers, says “I’m so gal-durn rich, I bet nobody notices I’m wearing red silk boxers outside like I’m freaking Madonna.”

That’s some of the Attitude I’m copping at this point. I will not be cowering from any whoa-ho! post-Biden announcement fears after return from Saratoga. How I continue to keep an Etsy microeconomy and personal momentum going into Fall of ’24 is my short term focus. I got official notice about responsibility, and will train as first-time election precinct official (after 40 years as a voter), beginning in August. I’m refreshed and ready for this run to November.

Not sure how The Great Recession, COVID Pandemic, and now resisting *another* round of trump negatives will stack up with Brokaw’s ‘Greatest Generation’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Generation_(book) but there’s a magnitude of something coming next four months. If my post-Biden analogy-prediction of bloody heads popping in profusion in trump world like Season 3-4 of The Boys holds up, let Miller be in that scene. Just sayin’.

We’ll see how the Olympics roll for USA

The first election I voted was 1976, post Watergate. I always gave those Repubs who went to Nixon and said, “Nuh-uh, you can’t stay,” credit for reality and pride, doing right by the country and office. Nixon wouldn’t do about 10,000 of the things trump et al minions continue doing in service of The Big Huge Lie. These last two SCOTUS verdicts, wow! but Uncle Joe stepping down for the good of party and country, Legendary is the best word.

I’m chuckling out loud at Pubs demanding Speaker Johnson investigate whether the President lied about his cognitive powers after this. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/can-t-tell-the-truth-mike-johnson-caught-in-lie-about-joe-biden-s-health/ar-BB1qf0f5?ocid=BingNewsSerp Will the Olympics take all the air out of Repubs and news cycle, until they LEAVE EARLY, with a withering amount of financial bills to fix? Will that give Harris (+$200M raised in short period after change, direct link to Women’s support) an opportunity to showcase her leadership more than LeBron against South Sudan, or on boat for opening ceremonies?

Every group will get air time at convention, Biden’s age is no longer a question. Let’s admit, for several cycles the Dem’s haven’t been guilty of circular firing squads. Open convention or aligned on committed delegates is solid, the business-task at hand 100% known. Bigger deal than Olympics? Yeah, second won’t really count.

Like the US Men’s Olympic Super Team of NBA stars https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/wnba/us-mens-basketball-team-rolls-past-serbia-110-84-in-opening-game-at-the-paris-olympics/ar-BB1qMhIf?ocid=BingNewsSerp (oh my! KD 21 pts. on 8/8 shooting in first half), Biden, and now Harris, must continue proving *this* 2024 version of USA democracy is worthy of the hype and expectations, even after nailing an overall Greater Good promise, saving things that we’ve come to think of as New Normal in post-pandemic, not-elected trump world.

Ms. Biles is beyond spectacularly back, the USWNT put two excellent games together in soccer competition behind a new coach https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/the-story-behind-uswnt-s-coach-at-the-olympics-emma-hayes/ar-BB1qC4dK?ocid=BingNewsVerp, and Katie Ledecky is still Katie Ledecky, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XIC6O9P4WE with a 1:53.6 leg in 4x200m freestyle, but lots of medal-level activity in Paris won’t change immediate political challenges at home.

For the female boxer who quit her match with a ‘questionably gendered/previously suspended’ fighter whose punch was ‘far, far more painful than anything she had ever experienced,’ yes, you need to pick another sport.

#leadership thought, Business, Sports

4 Perfect Carolina Lifestyle Days, 4 Days of ‘Madness’ Default, NC Legal Betting Worked Well

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on 4 Perfect Carolina Lifestyle Days, 4 Days of ‘Madness’ Default, NC Legal Betting Worked Well
Unfortunately, the Queens Cup Steeplechases, a favorite Social Goodness event, won’t happen this year. Its one of the best non-betting race days around. https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/union-county/queens-cup-steeplechase-canceling-its-2024-horse-racing-event/

Thanks to a short, white Dukie guard who got final point (148) in a blowout so I won a 3-leg parlay of Overs my first online weekend. Two terrific 12 mile rides to Pineville and back on long time steel-steed (Miyata), and my case of Nakedwines arrived. Yep, #BoomerwithAttitude.

Cycling under brilliant blue sky, working smooth and quiet through gears, and pacing along the scenic course after watching beaucoup hoops, I appreciated finally caving to the constant barrage of online gambling sites in a financially positive way. It was easy to see, use, account credited wins fast, tracked bet history.

Creighton won by more than 4.5 in DOUBLE OVERTIME! and as noted, James Madison-Duke also paid off. Question was whether JMU would keep Duke motivated with a forty point lead to hit 147.5, and fan-wise, I was happy it all worked out like it did. Young Dukies dusted somebody when they needed to, thanks to dude dropping ten-treys – plus a FT, yay!

Yes, betting is linked to my sportswriting in current-factual mode. Watching Big East action all year came through – ANYone can pick UConn – and the Bluejays are for real, riding 7’1″ center Ryan Kalkbrenner, a well-balanced team at both ends of floor. Just sayin.’ Marquette (also Big East) with Tyler Kolek back after six games (oblique) is incredibly productive and mentally tough.

It wasn’t really a laziest weekend, because TV watching centered around a profitable time-task, but NCAA watching AND getting out for dribble-shoot session at favorite glass backboard between games, that’s Carolina Lifestyle too. Yes, I cooked a pizza – a Screamin’ Sicilian Supreme that is 25 ounces, loaded with everything, plenty cheesy. Two-for $7.99, a no brainer.

Anyway…I got ancient Miyata – Owned 32 yrs., 12 spd. levers on the down column, a working antique! – looked at regarding a bent fork, smiled at expert saying, “You fit on this bike? Its a frame for someone like 6’5!” Being five-ten on a good day, imagine my surprise. 32 years!

Bike guy said, hey, bike and fork are steel, its not carbon fiber or aluminum stuff that might just shear off. You rode it couple years already, no problem, but since other guy pointed it out, you’ve gotten your warning.” Great! I bought/he changed rear tire, oiled chain, bang zoom! $34, I got my gear on and rolled on an optimal, 74 degree sunny day.

What WFH and lifestyle are elementally about

Great weather is a profound temptation for WFH, remote, freelancers of all stripes. Those who plan fitness-physical sessions into schedules or life processes (early rides or runs, ProFlex, tennis, social-business golf, pilates) gain benefits with regular doing, nothing radical about getting away from keyboard.

Quality of life issues go beyond elder care considerations though, and issues of aloneness have become workplace issues post-pandemic. WFH was a mandatory restructuring, and how work got accomplished – collaboration – became the focus.

Best practices now includes Quality of Life/lifestyle considerations, and for those who aren’t missing loooong, tension-producing commuter trips compared to tea time with two daughters, bunnies – and perhaps a wife who has professional concerns herself – who all leave you alone in home office, great! If you only need another hour to realign some elements of that leadership thought piece…how about Now as best practice?

Holding yourself accountable is, well, mandatory. When the light goes on in office area, time on task, right? It’s cool to put laundry in or out while WFH, call it an alternative smoke break. What I’m doing in geek-speak, is letting things run in the background. Nobody is holding my feet to fire about including a bathroom break (or tea time), yet ideas are still percolating, we’ll see if they fit or not when back in the saddle.

This lifestyle has become #New Normal for many. Four day work weeks, for whom? asks a freelancer, arranger of self-schedule.

Put the carrot out there is a consistent work rule

Knowing yourself and work habits either becomes positive and factual, or you are kidding yourself about what constitutes JOB PRODUCTION.

There’s a three-mile course four blocks away. Everyone watches out for riders on that route. Right, two laps, after a working lunch. How close to 800 word target? We’ll go after smoothing out the XYZs, then let it simmer 35-40 minutes while working some upstrokes for quads. I’ll read it again, trying to hit person with interest of a novice, but also a voice of shared expertise. Cool.

Is that the plan? Freelancers might confuse themselves with the choice of ride or finish assignment, might not care for Zoom sessions, but you’ll recognize when priorities get messed up, lack legitimate resolution. If you DON’T recognize it, Challenge #2 will be a bad lesson soon. Going into an expected frenetic period like this weekend, not setting yourself back through total procrastination should be a point of professional pride. (Honestly, I should have finished this Monday.)

Working for yourself means the work represents who we are, and product is creative writing worthy of someone agreeing to pay us for. Creatives call it production, and collaboration is communication and technology. Was Zooming a constant, less gratifying experience for many? most? split? I haven’t needed to be in many meetings the last few years, I’m more point of spear application, with previous expertise, online gigs, showing research and creative writing skills as a resource.

I still consider AI some version of the enemy, and as always, the chimps haven’t produced any Shakespeare. I’m still your best writer option. Just sayin’. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2019/12/03/real-writers-best-option-for-creative-work-ai-or-1m-chimps-computers/

If you want a Secret Sauce Moment, it’s when default expectation is ‘Relax, you’ll get plenty of opportunities!’ Working effectively means sunshine isn’t a guilty cheat, its a deserved goodie.

— 3/25/24 #gshorkonsharonroadseam – Location matters less with online work, but living four blocks from The Booty Loop, cool.

If you asked about Alone, you probably know the answer

Am I walling myself off and not meeting enough professional others in a post-pandemic world? I liked the people I worked with, but am I, as a remote-WFH person, missing out on things being away from office?

Its a recognized situation, and while collective drinking (and analysis) with others during March Madness is a fact, pushing yourself to attend outside of bubble activities definitely takes practice and personal effort. Queens University is less than a mile away, and I’ve participated in several outreach programs held there over years I’ve lived in Charlotte. Its never been easier walking to an event and mixing with those of similar mind, a classic way to meet.

Fourth of July, I spoke a while with both a political candidate and one of the grande dames (informally) of a strong community group, while dismounted from my bike ride. I admit to having a great neighborhood to walk around in, and after passing someone with their dog, “Is that a Golden Doodle, or… ?” is the easiest 25 feet away ice breaker ever.

Even as an umpire for Little League, where I’m a bit of a yakker-willing to chat with almost everyone guy, point is to take advantage of low personal risk, easy reasons to speak to someone. Like between inning grounders, practice easy conversation. “So that’s how to read that X rule, Blue?” Perfect. You’re off the hook, just nod while expert talks is a best practice. Next guy by will ask another question.

You aren’t expected to be brilliant, 90% of life is being there, right? It’s a new microeconomy, adjust.

Pressing the flesh again at Chamber of Commerce or industry events, especially if you weren’t comfortable with that part of networking before the pandemic, will take discipline.

You can read dozens of opinions on LI, even respond there, but face-to-face is still my happy place. I call it Social Goodness, and feel free to not immediately shake hands all around. Let others know your boundary on that, “I’m still getting used to doing it,” is adequate, bring your Purell if you have to.

Pick a question or three you’d honestly like to get answered before showing up. Write it down on an index card, it shows you’re serious about it. A vast majority of time, a person you tap will take you to others, and ask *them* to answer your legitimate query. THAT’S the nub of difference,

Others can and will help you, at least talk to you about it. Best practice is like that $865 million Powerball lottery, you have to be in it to win it.

Lastly, I’m getting 250- 19×13 puzzles (16 pcs.) in my hands shortly, so I’m an entrepreneur again!

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Betting Truths – The Value in a Trifecta

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

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

Definitely a $25 tip for dealer!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hospice, more than just end game situation

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

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

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

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


#leadership thought, Business, Community based pr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need something for the Queens Cup Steeplechases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Glenn S., 4/14/23

Panthers, still on our minds

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

The lowdown on #Carolina Panther fandom:

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

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

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

#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
Business, Thought Leadership

Being of Service: A Three-Suit Sales Day, Brunch person, COVID doctor

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Being of Service: A Three-Suit Sales Day, Brunch person, COVID doctor

While positive comments for shepherding people (painlessly) through suit process are appreciated, as part of my job, taking pride in the process is psychic income. Yes, I get comments for suit-wearing, and picking Glenn Bossnblue as pen name is tied to feeling good about that aspect of my retail micro-economy. It looks like three-suit sales days aren’t going to be unusual. LOTS of good-looking $700+ sports coats getting attention.

My POV remains positive, with suit selling as my bellweather on results, weddings are still #1 reason for suits. After a $3,800 Wednesday, with literally off the rack $500 suit at very end of night, $4,500 Friday ended with $1,200 sale (Jack Victor black-blue sport coat, $785, Bucachi black long-sleeve, $179), multi-color mohair sweater ($239).

(It takes about $1,400/day in sales to pay for myself – hourly draw/commission. 36.5 hrs. week)

Like good defensive backs, I have a short memory of LOUSY – less than $400 sales in 8-hrs. Saturday is 99% forgotten about. A bourbon at The Palms, 25-minutes of shooting hoops in a parking lot with one light, then quality leftovers and brewskies watching the Florida-Florida St. tussle were very relax-able elements. Not New Normal, just unstressed finish watching a rivalry game (a lot like the ’80s versions).

Sunday Brunch was paid for by companion, the opportunity to tip well was earned-deserved every step along the way by Stephanie, whose attendance and intelligence as a professional waitress enhanced a brunch at https://www.opentable.com/green-valley-grill. She did great, smoothing out a less successful Saturday with a Sunday afternoon free lunch, with frequent refills on coffee to info about Spanish Eggs, apppropraite action on the delay of espresso shot on vanilla ice cream with choclate biscotti dessert. $$$ on the table for good-good-good service is the appropriate accolade.

Its not just ego, or a magic blue suit – SERVICE is a legitimate dividing line when deciding to shop at Nordstrom or elsewhere, with me or anyone else. Good sales service isn’t taking your four items of clothing ‘to open a room for you.’

Like Stephanie at brunch, finding that cool 3X Bugachi for bulky guy, or suggesting options beyond a white shirt, that’s the good service guy I tend to be, so I appreciate a similar cooperative communicator.

Being OF SERVICE

The front-line COVID doctor I’m looking forward to meeting this week, yeah, the collective WE can never do justice to what medical personnel, at all levels of service, went through during pandemic. The Novant supervisor who immediately said, “Let’s get you stuck,” while still a Category 5 NC resident – and taking a mere 26 minutes from parking to leaving experience – is a service I won’t forget.

The old axiom of semi-gratitude is that, whatever burdens you’re bearing in life, “someone else has it worse.” In this seasonal expressing of thankfulness, it would take more than my writers imagination to understand looking the beast COVID in the eye daily, and I admire those who put themselves on the line for US.

Yes, I get comments for suit-wearing, and and picking Glenn Bossnblue as new pen name is tied to feeling good about that micro-economy. A bunch of three-suit days, I’ve got a feeling thats not going to be unusual. LOTS of $700+ sports coats recently.

Myself, post-Thanksgiving, 2022. Life at this end of #gshorkonsharonroadseam feels quite stable.

Alterations are always a Service Biggie

Early Monday its a green with black Ted Baker ($845) for wedding suit for next week, and fiancee nurse is staying up after overnight shift to get this important aspect done with him. He’s a marathon runner (100 milers) guy, with bigger calves and wanting to show ankle changes – alterations guy handled tapering like expect from pros. People have no qualms about paying for results, especially expediting.

In my micro-economy, SUITS area being up 57% over last year is no surprise . While we still sell out of common sizes quickly, we have plenty of product overall.

Turned right around, 2nd guy in gray suit

Finishing a great start to finish/rung up client and turning to a highly motivated next prospect is a salesman’s sweet spot. Jonathan was willing to learn and importantly, try on, both shirts (better with 32-33 sleeve) and suits. I affirm try-er on-ers regularly.

As a salesperson and journalist-writer, doing fairly quick overviews of designers (Baker, Boss, Millar, Canali, and more recently, Jack Victor) sets the stage for ‘sizing’ customers, getting a jacket on them soon, basing estimates on myself as a 42 regular.

I’ve had lot of success with Boss, always point out how lowering the arm holes-shoulders are perfect for certain builds, with a great profile as a slim cut. Jonathan came in looking for exactly the slim fit, nice charcoal gray (Baker, $845) he’d expected, plus two much better than just white, trim fit Donahue shirts ($155). Bringing two sizes and options is a great closing situation.

“Of course, the Boss felt a little better in the shoulders, but I realllly like how the gray looks on me.”

“Shoulders on BOSS terrific, but I really like how the gray looks.” Bang zoom, that’s decision I like to hear at end. Put a hem on it, pick it up in an hour. That a THIRD guy blew through and took a Millar check sports coat ($745) and a pair of white shirts, *that* is how triples should roll.

Although there’s a consistent fear of inflation or recession, my current POV-expectation is, with plenty of product vs. last year, setting goals for better paychecks is Reality. In 2021, I was often selling from an empty cart, burning time online having suits and shirts being shipped from other stores vs. just ringing up Peter Millar shirts/sweaters I *should* have had.

We (Nordstrom) still don’t do Black Friday pricing, which could have contributed to my poor showing last Saturday. Our regulars know they won’t miss sales, but deal hunters were often disappointed. End of the pay period, you’d better believe I’m wearing my Boss Blue – aka The $$$ Suit – instead of black management feels ‘would help identify us with customers.’

Reward those who have or will serve you well. Since first sales job out of college, and Boomer with Attittude, if you wanted more money, the word has been “Its right out there, do more.” Zig Ziglar stated it undeniably: If you get other people what they want, (as a saleperson) you automatically get what you want.

Department is up 57% vs. 2021, butNordstrom’s doesn’t really do Black Friday pricing,. I’m within two of our nice Jack Victor sports jackets of my goal.
Political, Sports, Thought Leadership

Micro-economy still ‘suits me,’ Moore blunder speaks of excitement too

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Micro-economy still ‘suits me,’ Moore blunder speaks of excitement too
During pandemic, hoops behind Rama Elementary were only ones in Meck. County not double-2×4 stopped from use. New net was least I could do.

With two shifts left this pay period, I’m $2000 from goal, so yes, I’ll wear the Hugo Boss Blue on Saturday. Like Astros no-hitting Phillies, you ride your best players – that suit is $$$.

Having Sunday off, I shrieked with all of Charlotte for HUGE Moore helmet blunder, guess many still care. *Very* interesting game PJ!! up to finale. D’onta Foreman 118 yds, 3 TDs – that O-line was working. #Glenn Bossnblue, author, is a new cdtalententerprises.com product.

FYI, I early-voted, a ten minute commitment from parking and crossed blue line to check in to done. Visited with Mom before that, she just got her new chair with head rest, so took her outside to look at the lake and trees, then shot hoops for 25 minutes before 12:30 lunch and ready for work. That’s why people aren’t willing to surrender their daily freedoms in WFH mode instead of office mandate.

New Normal works for many. Hanging another net at Rama Road Elementary required standing on top of my car and holding onto the rim while threading the loops through. Took about same ten minutes as voting…Broke it in right, you betcha. I’ve liked shooting there forever, draining shots from Anchorage, Alaska part of America painted in parking lot is satisfying.

An undeniable Aww shit! moment

It doesn’t seem possible even yet, that Panthers star receiver DJ Moore would do ‘something like that.’ He’s been a great pro for couple years, a highly regarded route runner and genuinely tough guy to get on the ground. All respects due, and he got the contract extension to prove he’s All That. Yeah, BIG dramatic moment, because with a point after, a crucial victory would have immediately thrust the struggling Panthers back into a playoff position in the division.

Is it possible, watching as kicker Eddie Pineiro missed a 1) 48-yard extra point and 2) a chip shot FG to avoid defeat after Moore’s electrifying moment, we’ve achieved a renewed passion in Panthers fanbase? There wasn’t a bemoaning of being losers who stupid things always happen to, most attitudes include hope that got injected with the 62-yard TD, a beauty of a throw by PJ Walker, and Foreman’s productivity all day.

34 points! From end of third quarter, down 21-13, they displayed their most consistent playmaking all season. Marshall’s 40 yard catch-run to ten was a key play, and despite lots of flags, Panthers still finished the drive. The secondary was getting burned by Demarius Byrd on 47 yd. TD (31-28 ATL, Mariotta’s 3rd TD pass), with 2:14 to go, then CJ Henderson’s interception and 53 yard return changed the game.

A MISSED FG in OT! Some want to point blame there, but without that helmet penalty on Moore, its a cinch comeback W instead of an L – those two clutch misses would’ve never been necessary.

Voting is of infinitely greater concern

The prospects for near future mayhem and stressful times in the United (really?) States puts Moore’s bonehead move waaaay down the list of what the collective We the People should be thinking about.

As another weekend awaits, stating how I believe in the voting process is based on long term facts, two local elections worked on long ago, AMERICA writ large, and that US thing, is fact. My first vote as a 19 year old freshman was post-Nixon Watergate, as a J-major. A Boomer with Attitude, I’ll always take that responsibility seriously.

My first vote as a 19 year old freshman was post-Nixon Watergate, as a J-major. I’ll always take that responsibility seriously.

Contrast democracy as most of us have lived it, with a Wisconsin politician who proudly stated, “No Republican will ever lose an election again,” based on new proposed voting regulations. WTF?!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/02/wisconsin-republican-gubernatorial-candidate-tim-michels

Being disappointed/borderline shocked at the final result, the game itself was a good back and forth rivalry games should be. Meanwhile, the Russians have consistently rocketed utilities in the Ukraine, leaving many in the dark and cold of November. Winter approaching without Russian gas is a very real concern for most of Europe.

An American footballer took off his helmet and his team lost the game? Speaking of football, we’re taking the first round of World Cup at the Royale & Blathering in Blightsworth, right? Nobody ‘out there’ cared about it for a second.

Ron Johnson (Senator, WI), and in North Carolina, Candidate (R) Ted Budd want to eliminate the Social Security system, what this Boomer with Attitude has paid into, like MILLIONS have, their whole lives. Pres. Biden understands that basic, which seems lost on every Repub’s talking/non-talking campaigns points about ‘entitlements.’

Took bundled up Mom in her just-arrived new ‘buggy’ outside to see the lake and check foliage. Its 73 degrees today, bike ride as New Normal max affirming..

Will a woman’s right to determine what she does with her body be a MAJOR factor in stomping out ‘white guys know better’ thinking on the most elemental level in 2022 elections? You better believe it, GOP.

DJ Moore will catch more touchdown passes, one unsmart action will probably be forgiven very soon, and he’ll (almost) certainly keep his helmet on.

Perhaps, relative to a one-off event, previous (election) experience proved early and mail-in voting is legitimate and effective, and some of those many millions of already cast votes are from GOP-type people who recognize using other methods of exercising their rights.

If not, those ‘unqualified candidates’ Mr. McConnell spoke of might want to borrow that protective helmet, most deserved defeating.

Ten minutes of effort, and $50 in donations, that’s ballots not bullets America. Things figure to be as close on Tuesday as 34-34 was last week, just a lot more important going forward than what happens regarding a single athlete’s mistake.

Deliberately deciding to have NO PLATFORM to vote for, just saying INFLATION INFLATION INFLATION and threatening litigation by every election-Denier that could destabilize America another two years, I vote against that negative, irrational, non-governmental non-agenda. Sorry if your micro-economy isn’t ‘suiting’ you as well as mine. Stay strong.

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