The Buffet Plate

So the big thing is, of course, moving from WordPress to Tumblr.

As you can see when you click through, there are a few “entries” already there, from where I was messing around with Tumblr before deciding to pack up and move to the new neighborhood.

The Tumblr system is very easy to use, and it goes out of its way to make it easy. Little things like a bookmarklet that posts things to the Tumblr, like, say interesting articles I read at work.If you’ve kept up with my Twitter feed at all, you’ll note that I keep that bad boy pretty up-to-date. Why? Simple, easy, and the form factor is such that you keep it short intentionally. Say what you want about what you want. No need to get verbose about it.

Other random questions about the move, in no particular order:

Feelings on WordPress? I dig WordPress a lot. It’s a great system, and I have no qualms. But, because it is so robust, it almost is too powerful for my needs as I see them right now.

So, what, will the new blog just be a bunch of random pictures and stuff? That will be part of it. It’s easy to share “quick hitter” things through Tumblr.

Does this mean no more long, drawn out posts? In some sense, yes. See, I’ve always liked maintaining a blog, I really have. The problem is, while at work, especially, I’d see an article or something, I’d think “wow, that’s cool … and I can speak to the subject.” But, by the time I’d get home, I had either forgotten about it, or just didn’t feel like doing anything. Why? Because I felt like I had to write a magnum opus each time. Hence, my comment about Twitter being easier to maintain because it “forces” you to be brief. In some ways, that’s how Tumblr does its thing.

But don’t worry … long, verbose posts on things like, hmmm, South Carolina winning the baseball championship, perhaps? Yeah, that will come.

So what’s becoming of this blog? I think it’s possible to move the content over … but, for the time being, I plan on leaving this blog as it is, you know, as an archive. A lot of fun stuff happened during the “Project Codename” era.

What’s with the name “Buffet Plate”? I’m really bad at coming up with names for stuff like this. In fact, that was the irony of “Project Codename.” It was meant as a wink and a nod to cool names given to secret projects at big corporations. Plus, I honestly couldn’t come up with anything better.

This time, it was easy. The Tumblr did have a different name during its “beta testing,” but, the “Bffet Plate” name came to me, and it seemed so ideal:

• Easy to remember
• Evocative of the Tumblr experience (lots of little things on a plate, much like a buffet)
• It’s an inside joke having to do with a movie (obvs)

So there you go. It’s been fun here … but time to mosey along … see you on the other side, kiddies.

When I decided to stop paying for .Mac, I moved over here. I honestly had full intention of replicating the entirety of my old site. I promise. The problem was … honestly, it was a big pain in the tuckus. The one thing I do actually regret is not getting all of my old picture albums recreated on Picasa.

Now, all of that old content still exists, mind you, but it is here on the laptop.

I’ve found that, especially in the last year (and I think my posting or lack thereof will back this up), it’s just been harder to give commentary of any sort of nature, nevermind witty and/or insightful. It’s a double-edged sword of both lack of time and energy.

It is in that vein that I’m pondering a move of blogging to the Tumblr platform. Note, that just says “pondering.” Nothing’s definite by a long shot.

I like the short form of the Tumblr deal … link off, offer a short and sweet commentary and move on. In some ways, it’s like a more legitimate form of Twitter … and in case you haven’t noticed, my Twitter is much more active than this bad boy, since it’s just easy to bang off thoughts in 140-character bundles.

My only reservation is when I do have the urge to go on these long-winded rambles that I still retain the ability to do so. Truthfully, I would want to play by the rules in the Tumblverse, and if that type of stuff isn’t allowed or easily hidden behind a cut tag, then maybe I should look elsewhere.

Regardless … if there is a move, either I will import all of the WordPress stuff over, or I will leave this site up as an “archive” of sorts.

One thing, don’t interpret this as a swipe at WordPress. I dig WordPress, but, it appears that my needs have changed/evolved/however you want to put it.

I’ll leave it as an analogy: It’s not unlike why I have a Wii instead of a PS3/Xbox360 — sure I like the fancy-pants graphics and other techno-firepower offered by the PS3/360, but, frankly, the Wii is just fun. And, at this point, “fun” trumps “power.”

With the PS3/360, I could stay up until all hours playing online battles of “Halo” or “Call of Duty” in ZOMG! HDeeeeee!!!

However, I much prefer an evening playing “Wii Sports Resort” or “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” with Melanie and/or other friends. There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer … just a look at where we are and where we’re going.

Today’s topic? Unicron claiming another victim.

Now, of course, I obviously couldn’t go so far as to use my “ESPN as Unicron” metaphor, but, it was something I could speak quickly and decisively on. I do stand by my statement — SEC football and ACC hoops are the two silver tuna franchises in college sports.

Sorry Notre Dame. Sorry Big Ten. Sorry Pac, um, what’s this “Pac 10″? They have college football on the West Coast? Who knew.

Those are the biggies, and now ESPN has both of them under their umbrella. They paid out the nose to get them both, but I think it will pay dividends for sure.

And, if you don’t get the “ESPN as Unicron” metaphor, enjoy the opening scene from “Transformers: The Movie,” except try to imagine this to a soundtrack of Big & Rich …

We’re comin’ … to yo’ citaaaaaaaaaay!

I think I stopped updating because things have been good.

Also, let’s face it … no one was reading. I mean after all, I never said anything controversial, or informative, and, well, we don’t have kids, so … that about covers the reasons why someone would read a blog, right?

I don’t know if can change that, but, oh well, let’s see what I can come up with.

I’m currently watching Anderson Cooper 360, or as the kids would say AC360. They’re talking about this whole immigration flap in Arizona. For work purposes, I’ve been keeping tabs on it. In fact, I was able to write a little something on the subject very early on.

At work, there was a slight, yet humorous, disagreement on Cypress Hill’s announcement that they were canceling a show in Tuscon, citing SB1070. The initial reaction was “let’s get that up.” Then I spoke up …

“They’re still performing?”

I cited “III: Temples of Boom” as their last album of consequence, and that was stretching the term “album of consequence.”

So let’s review — Cypress Hill and Shakira are the only two musical acts to come out against SB1070? Whoooooooooooooooooooo. That will bring Arizona to its knees for sure!

But, we laugh now … it’s only a matter of time …

C’mon … you know he won’t be able to resist changing out Old Glory for the Bandera de Mexico in that jacket … perhaps to a reworked version of “Where the Streets Have No Name,” I mean, after all, a lot of places where the illegals travel once they cross the border have no streets, and what streets they do have likely have no names. It’s a perfect fit, is it not?

Eh, whatever. Let them protest. I mean, even I, as someone who does come down hard on the “super conservative / DERP! TEAPARTY!” side of the issue (for better or worse, usually worse), doesn’t think SB1070 is the best way to attack the problem of illegal immigration.

I usually think these celeb protests are a little silly. Mostly because (call me shallow), but, I can’t take them seriously, since they are more B-plus-List instead of A-list. Know what I mean?

Oh yes, Cypress Hill? I said that you were “B-plus-List.” You’re welcome.

Based on a conversation with Melanie, I guess I should clarify: All picks are made as if I was a voting member of the AMPAS. I do like to keep track as to how many of my picks/votes win, since I’m obviously right

So, without any further ado, here we go:

Visual Effects: “Avatar”

Live Action Short Film: “Miracle Fish”

Animated Short Film: “Logorama”

Makeup: “The Young Victoria”

Film Editing: “Avatar”

Documentary (short subject): “China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province”

Documentary Feature: “Food Inc.”

Costume: “The Young Victoria”

Original Song: “The Weary Kind (Theme from ‘Crazy Heart’)”

Original Score: “Avatar”

Sound Editing: “Avatar”

Sound Mixing: “The Hurt Locker”

Cinematography: “Avatar”

Art Direction: “Avatar”

Animated Feature Film: “Up”

Original Screenplay: “Inglorious Basterds”

Adapted Screenplay: “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

Foreign Film: “Un Prophete”

Notes on these, before we get to the biggies –

• Obviously, anything having to do with visual or the storytelling aspect of a movie goes to “Avatar,” since, truthfully, it’s a one-of-a-kind film.
• With all apologies to “District 9,” which I really enjoyed, I think should Tarantino not win for “Basterds” for original screenplay, I think itll be highway robbery.
• “Up” wins animated picture, since it is nominated for Best Picture, but there’s no way it wins.
• If you haven’t seen “Logorama,” it’s floating around on the Internet. Look it up. Fun, but makes a statement as well.
• As I told Huntley, “Un Prophete” is my choice for best foreign film for a very scientific reason: It’s the only one I saw a trailer for in a theater.

Okay, now on to the big money. Double down on these, lawyaz:

Director: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
Normally, I’m a big believer in a unified director/picture ballot. Does it hold this year?

Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the blah blah blah”
Admittedly, I have not seen “Precious.” However, based on all I read, her performance is Oscar worthy. I mean, that’s saying something about an actress whose best-known role was in “Phat Girlz.” Part of me think that Penelope Cruz could sneak in with a token Oscar for “Nine,” since I don’t have it winning anything else. As much as I liked “Crazy Heart,” Maggie was good, not great. Therefore, I go with Mo.

Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Inglorious Basterds”
A performance that makes the movie. It’s rare that I come out of a movie and say immediately, “give him the Oscar” without any prompting, but Waltz’ turn as Col. Landa in “Basterds” prompted such as response. Plus,  everyone I know who saw the movie always talked about Waltz first. That says something. I don’t see any other real contenders.

Actress: Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”
Not that Meryl needs any further accolade, but, her Julia Child was impeccable. She was Julia child. Her performance was the one bright spot in an otherwise “meh” movie. I know there’s a lot of buzz about Sandra Bullock, but I don’t see it. She was sassy and wore tight-fitting outfits. That does not an Oscar make. Not to mention, having spent time in Oxford, Miss., her accent was not that of an old school Ole Miss co-ed. Take that to the bank.

Actor: Jeff Daniels, “Crazy Heart”
Perhaps my one sentimental pick of the bunch … I think it’s well-deserved. Bad Blake wasn’t a real person, but, dadgumit, “The Dude” was Bad Blake. While I think it’s an easy pick, I fear that Morgan Freeman will win. See, I haven’t seen “Invictus,” but, I think I, the pasty-white American from South Carolina, could play Nelson Mandela in a movie, speaking in pig latin the whole time, and the AMPAS voters would hand me the Best Actor Oscar. Sort of like in “Milk” last year, good performance or no, I fear the person being portrayed will be rewarded, instead of the actor’s performance. But, I’m sticking to my guns here.

Best Picture: “The Hurt Locker”
Yep, “Avatar” has raked in more money than most of Africa’s combined GNP. Yes, it was a great movie, and one that I enjoyed. Yes, I think it could very well win Best Picture (and Cameron as Best Director), and I wouldn’t be upset. But after seeing “Hurt Locker” a couple of weeks ago, I walked out thinking that it was, in my heart of hearts, truly the best movie I have seen this year. I’ve never seen anything like “Avatar,” but, the intense ride in the deserts of Iraq is one not to be missed. I mean, I was on pins and needles the whole time during this look into one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and a glimpse into a poignant, yet almost thrown away line from another war classic, “Full Metal Jacket” — “ain’t war hell?”

In recent years, recruiting has taken on a life of its own, with “recruitniks” following the battles, scrutinizing every potential comment or “tell” of a top-flight recruit and analyzing their school’s incoming class.

It is in that vein that I give you this, one of the great recruiting battles of our time:

In the late 1990s, there was a kid in Greenville, S.C. He had some talent, and pretty early on, the recruiting materials started filling his parent’s mailbox.

The kid was pretty smart, and managed to pare down his school choices pretty early.

Eventually, it was narrowed down to Georgia Tech, Furman and the University of South Carolina.

Each school had their draw — Georgia Tech had strong academics, a nice tradition and a fun urban setting. After all, Atlanta was a big city, and the kid thought moving away to the big city would be fun. The school was strong in what he wanted to study, and it was an early favorite for his services.

Furman was smaller, yes, but in a way, it was his “hometown school.” It also had strong academics, not to mention an understated tradition. The school recently invested into some facilities, and that part was very appealing. The kid had a good feeling that he would shine if he went to school there.

South Carolina was also a favorite. The kid grew up going with his father to South Carolina football and basketball games, and it was a sentimental favorite for sure. Admittedly, he had to do some research into their academics, but, like Furman, they recently did some renovations to key facilities, and that helped.

So then the battle began.

South Carolina was the first to offer. The kid’s mother got all teary eyed when the offer came in. It was a happy moment.

There was pressure to commit right then, but, the kid was smart, he wanted to let everything play out. After all, he knew this was a huge decision, one that would impact his future unlike any previous decision he made. He knew that whatever school he chose was going to be a key component to his dream of a fruitful professional career.

Furman followed up with an offer of their own shortly thereafter. No word from Georgia Tech.

Not helping the kid was the fact that everyone — friends, family, you name it — kept hounding him about where he was going to go. It was a stressful time, for sure.

The process moved on.

He took an official visit to Furman and an official visit to South Carolina.

As one would expect, Furman offered a little more personal attention, since that was a big draw for the school — a smaller student body leads to a close-knit community.

However, South Carolina did a good job wooing the kid on his visit as well.

After the official visits, the letters from other schools generally stopped flowing in. It was getting close to decision time.

Georgia Tech sent word that at the moment, they were oversigned, and while they were still very interested in having the kid come to school at Georgia Tech, the numbers would have to work themselves out before an offer could officially be extended. So, basically, it was well known that it was between Furman and South Carolina.

Since Furman was in the kid’s backyard, almost literally, he took a lot of unofficial visits to the campus. He had friends there, and was seen a lot on the weekends playing basketball in the student rec center with members of Furman’s football team and other students.

Decision day was far off, but the whole process was still very stressful for the kid. I think he was ready for it to be over. He wanted to make up his mind and just get it over with.

He took an unofficial visit to Furman one weekend, then returned home. It was then he decided that he was finally ready to commit — and he chose:

South Carolina.

The factors he cited? Well, South Carolina was in Columbia, which was a different city than Greenville. The idea of going somewhere a little farther away from home appealed to him. He liked the vibe down there, he liked the facilities, and, yeah, it was bigger than Furman and would present a series of challenges, he was ready to tackle it head on.

Not to mention, he grew up going down there a lot, and it just felt like a good fit. It felt like home.

So, he was ready to go, a firm commit to South Carolina.

Then, late in the game, Georgia Tech swoops in with a late offer. A lot of people thought the kid might change his mind, since he had his eye on Georgia Tech very early in the process.

No chance.

He was firm to South Carolina, and he honored that commitment.

The kid wound up going to South Carolina. He had a couple of bumps in the road early on, but wound up graduating and is currently enjoying that very fruitful career in the pros.

That kid?

That was me.

Note, there was nothing said anywhere in that whole story about playing football.

Every last bit of it is how it happened, though. When I started out, I wanted to major in computer science, so obviously I liked Georgia Tech.

Furman built a new building just for computer science, and South Carolina had renovated an existing building. I got wait-listed at Tech, and eventually got in, but I had already decided to go to South Carolina.

Both Furman and South Carolina gave me nice scholarship offers, but, in the end, I wanted to get out on my own a bit, and, yes, South Carolina just felt like home.

I did have a rough first year, part of which dealt with a change in my major from computer science to journalism, but, I came out on the other side, graduated, and currently enjoy the fruits of my educational labors with a nice career.

Stories like mine, however, with the word “football” thrown into the mix, would make a “recruitnik” salivate with joy.

So what am I trying to say here?

Admittedly, I’m not a “recruitnik.” I enjoy games a thousand times more than following stories like the one above. I generally only pay close attention to recruiting right now, around National Signing Day, since I do want to see what kind of class the Gamecocks pull down.

In the end, I generally feel sorry for the players who are in the middle of the recruiting storm. I can tell you, trying to choose where to go to college was stressful enough for me, and I didn’t have the eyes of the world watching me through recruiting services, fan message boards and communities invested in the comings and goings of a sports team. I can’t even imagine what some of these players go through.

Even in my casual approach to keeping up with the recruiting, I know I’m part of the problem. I don’t know what the solution is, or even if there is one, to soften the insanity of recruiting. The best thing I think we can do as fans is just keep a little perspective on the whole matter. Or try to, anyway.

This quote from a blog entry from Charlotte Observer running enthusiast (and deadly leadoff hitter in softball) Theoden Janes empowered me as I set off into uncharted territory this morning.

For the first time, I ran in an official race — The “Jingle Jog 5K” as part of the big Thunder Road Marathon here in Charlotte.

To back up for those who don’t know — a while back, as part of my wider goal of “weight loss,” I started to do interval training (walk-run-walk-etc.), which evolved somewhat into running in general.

But, I continued to hold on to my view of running as “exercise” versus “recreation,” thus, I didn’t exactly have an overwhelming desire to ever run in a race. Not to mention, in my exercise, I wasn’t exactly posting tear-it-up running times.

Now, my attitude was in direct contrast to Melanie, who was in official training to run in the Thunder Road half-marathon with her Dad and older sister.

Eventually, I got my running chops up such that it wasn’t any sort of stretch to think that running 3.1 miles was an attainable goal. So, one day, Melanie casually mentioned that the Thunder Road did have a 5K race (in addition to the full and half-marathons).

So, in an almost equally casual nature, I decided, “eh, what the heck.”

I signed up, paid the fee online, and I was locked in.

Wait, what? What did I just do? Signed up for a race?

I have to admit, I was intimidated. I mean, really, there’s a difference between running around my neighborhood or running on a treadmill versus an actual race.

I tend to over-exaggerate the worst-case scenario in my head. There was a small part of me that really thought that I would be the last person across the finish line.

Nonetheless, I was locked in. So, it was on to the first order of business — making an appropriate playlist.

So, I made some choices … and then made some last-minute revisions this week, so the following was to be my fuel:

1. “So What’cha Want” — The Beastie Boys
2. “Surrender” — Cheap Trick
3. “A Modern Way Of Letting Go” — Idlewild
4. “Sandstorm” — Darude
5. “Around the World / Harder Better Faster Stronger” — Daft Punk
6. “Burnout” — Green Day
7. “Angels Of The Silences” — Counting Crows
8. “State Of Love And Trust” — Pearl Jam
9. “Everlong” — Foo Fighters
10. “It’s Time To Party” — Andrew W. K.

In the process of planning this list, the following conversation took place:

Rick: “Do you think it’s bad luck to put a song called ‘Burnout’ on a playlist for a race?”
Melanie: “I think you’re thinking too much about this.”

So, after some treadmill work leading up, it was today. Race day. The day of reckoning.

Gulp.

However, before we left, I had enough time to get online. I saw the blog entry I referenced earlier. For whatever reason, reading that quote put my mind at ease.

We got into Uptown early this morning. It was freaking COLD with a capital “K.”

We went to the convention center so that Melanie, et al, could pick up their running packets. We passed by a skinny dude with a distinctive haircut.

Melanie: “Was that Darrin Horn?”

Turns out it was. So, me being me, I went up to him, said hello. Told him that I loved what he was putting together in Columbia, and to keep it up. He told me that he was NOT running. Why?

“It is COLD out there.”

He also said he liked that I had all of my gear on. Gamecock toboggan and sweatshirt. Respek.

All of the marathon runners were off a half hour before we started. In the process of waiting around, I saw my co-worker Allyson, who was bundled up like me. We talked for a few minutes before things got started.

And, so, we were off. I was off. Here we go.

Right as I crossed the mat to start my fancy runner chip thingy that was keeping my time, I hit the play button.

I was keeping what I thought was a decent, if not a little slow, pace.

See, one thing about my playlist … it was constructed to give me different music for different parts of the race. A chill beginning, taking it up a little bit with some rock. Thumping techno gets me up to, and hopefully just a little part the halfway point, and some solid rock powers me to the end.

Also important is the total time — 34.5 minutes. In my various “exercise” and even treadmill sessions, I thought I could finish it in that amount of time.

One thing I noticed — in my race, there were all kinds of people. There were some that looked like “runners,” there were people like me. There were men, women, young, old, scrawny and not-so-scrawny. It had an all-inclusive feel to it. I liked that, and it helped me feel less insecure.

At one point, I realized that the guy in front of me had only one leg, and he was running with a prosthetic. Wow.

The course itself wasn’t overly difficult. There were hills, sure, but, nothing too terrible.

The only problem I had was, to quote my glorious leader that I met earlier, it was COLD out there. Due to various circumstances, I had not been able to take a run since this cold snap has hit the Carolinas, so, I was literally sucking wind out there.

At the halfway-ish point, around Presbyterian Hospital, there was a water station. Figuring I needed to take the opportunity to right the ship, I slowed up to a relative speed walk, gulped a cup of water and managed to get my breath back.

On the second half, I knew the finish line was at a prominent building in the Charlotte skyline — the NASCAR Plaza. So, I focused on that building.

As I continued on, focusing on the skyscraper, I saw a lot of people had started walking. I was determined not to be one of them. It was cold, I was feeling a little worn, but, I ducked my head and kept moving.

NASCAR Plaza kept getting bigger and bigger.

All of a sudden, I was thrown for a bit of a loop. My iPod kicked into those first few quiet chords of “Everlong.” What was shocking was that I was in eyesight of the finish line.

I was … ahead … of my expected pace?

One thing I always try to do when I do any sort of running is have a sprint to the finish. I did it to always “finish strong,” not to mention, it was a help on getting some better speed on the basepaths in softball!

Anyways, once it hit the main power chords, I dug in and searched for my mystical “fifth gear,” so to speak.

So, while I had what you might see as a fast or heavy jog for most of the race, it was time to start running.

That section was the main “spectator” seating area, so obviously, it had the most “cheerleaders.” Complete strangers willing us to the finish.

Over my music, as I started to kick it into high gear, rumbling to the finish line, I heard a guy yell at me, “You better keep going, Alabama is coming up behind you!”

So I ran as hard as I freaking could. With all apologies to Mr. W.K., I didn’t make it to his party anthem. However, not to say that there wasn’t cause for a party!

I made it. I did it. Official result: 30:22. My official pace was 9:58/mile.

Wait, I ran at a pace under 10:00/mile? No way. Really?

Heck, if I hadn’t had to catch my breath at the water station, I might have made it under 30:00. But, had I not taken that opportunity, I might not have finished at all. So, it is what it is.

As Melanie said later, it gives me an easy goal for the next one.

As I crossed the finish line, I got a high five from Norm the Niner, and I had some free Powerade and took advantage of all the goodies.

At some point, I admit, the gravity of my victory in simple accomplishment made me well up a little bit. I mean, for me, I might as well had finished first in the Boston Marathon.

Well, knowing I had some time to kill, I went to the nearby Childress Klein YMCA branch in Uptown, which was a block away. I warmed up by sitting in the sauna for about 15 minutes. To illustrate how cold it was out there, I sat in a 185-degree room for 15 minutes and never broke a sweat.

Sufficiently thawed, I went back out to the finish line area to wait for everyone else. Seeing the half-marathoners started to come in, I started to look around in earnest.

As I was milling around, I felt a pat on my back.

“Hey man, how’d you do?”

I turn around, and it was Coach Horn. I told him that I ran the 5K, and did it in a hair over 30 minutes. My first-ever race.

“That’s awesome. Good job!”

Needless to say, it was a thrill. Horn’s wife shortly came across the finish line with a friend, and they were off.

Eventually, I rendezvoused with the rest of my gang, and we headed home for the rest of our day.

Overall, it was a heck of a good experience, especially for my first time.

Where do we go from here? I’m not sure. What I can say, though, is that the next time won’t necessitate an epic act of courage.

However, I can say that I’ll need to go ahead and start thinking about the next playlist. I want to keep it fresh, after all.

As we approach Saturday, I can’t help but be reminded that in addition to my Dad’s birthday and my (now) nephew’s birthday, last Halloween is when my Grandmother passed away.

The time where she was hospitalized and her subsequent passing was such a strange time for me. I mean, aside from the idea of losing a relative, it was weird as to how my one escape felt, different.

That escape was, ladies and gents, Gamecock football.

See, during the time where my Grandmother’s well-being was priority #1, Dad floated me his tickets for the game against LSU (which, like this past weekend’s game, was the “State Fair” game) and the game against Tennessee (this weekend’s opponent).

John accompanied me to LSU and Melanie accompanied me to UT.

But … something was just so strange, and different about both of those experiences, again, setting aside the family situation in Greenville.

Well, it was the fact that while I was there with people that I loved … my Dad wasn’t there. I don’t think I realized it until well after the season just how weird it really was.

See, people wonder how I got on this crazy train of Gamecock athletics. It was because my Dad was a Gamecock fan. When I was younger, he’d drop me off at my Grandparents’ place and go to games every so often. Then, when I got old enough, and of the proper mindset, he started taking me to games.

Right around that time was a young, brash QB named Steve Taneyhill who I instantly gravitated to. I was hooked.

There were times where we had those “growing pains” of a typical parent-child relationship. But we seemingly always had the Gamecocks to come back to.

As crazy as it seems now with our tailgating setup with tables, tents, multiple coolers, grills, etc., it seems odd to think of a time where “tailgating” was, quite literally, “tailgating.” A small cooler with a couple of Cokes and some Duke Sandwiches in the back of the old “Blue Bomber” truck.

It was a simpler time, yes, but a happy one.

Even when I went off to college, my Dad, now with my Mom in tow, still came down for games. It was different, in that now I took in the games with my friends in the raucous pit of the student section, Dad was always in the stadium. Typically, I’d see them before or after a game … if it was a day game, maybe we’d meet up for dinner. Or sometimes, it was just a quick hello after the game by the Cockabooses.

But, the constant — my Dad was at the games.

Now, it’s all about the season tickets and the reserved parking in the Fairgrounds and all, but, again, the constant remains.

So to all of a sudden not have that one constant thing was … odd. It didn’t feel right. In some ways, it didn’t feel like I was 100% there either.

While I enjoyed both games … especially that win against UT … at the same time … I didn’t enjoy them.

I didn’t enjoy them because the one person I identify with Gamecock football — not a coach, or a player or an AD or even a radio announcer — wasn’t around. I had been to several away games on my own or with friends, but, a home game? Without my Dad? Weird with a capital “W.”

In the end, it’s like the wins and losses seem to fade away, but the experiences and the memories remain strong.

Even now, I have my own thing, and he has his own thing. But, for seven Saturdays in the Fall, we get together and enjoy a few hours over some food and some football.

That, maybe moreso than the game itself, is what keeps me coming back year after year after year. You know .. it’s a family thing.

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At the risk of angering my friends who occupy the fringes of both ends of the political spectrum — I watch both MSNBC and Fox News.

(ducks)

In the last 10 minutes on both channels, I’ve seen the close up of Tom Delay shaking his tuckus on “Dancing With the Stars” several times. I’m scarred.

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I have trouble talking with anyone else named “Rick.” It’s so … awkward.

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Seriously … Lou Holtz and Brad Scott — where’s my check?

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So far, so good on football season. Big game Thursday night. Can’t wait!

New fairgrounds parking? I like it. New seat location? I like it. Yet, some Gamecock fans complain … I guess they just like to complain.

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Since I skipped my 10-year reunion to go sit through a tropical depression to watch USC play LSU, I have no idea what to expect at Melanie’s reunion this weekend.

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Rachel Maddow … um … I don’t get it. Her appeal is what, exactly?

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I haven’t run in several days. I’m going to wind up regretting that.

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Life is good.