What's your resolution?

It's NYE and I know, I haven't wrote in a while. My question is what is your resolution? If you ask me this year, my answer is we'll see. 

My reason is that I'm wanting to this year to be one of more action and less words. I'm going to write down my goals and hope that I make an impact strong enough that folks will see something happening. Don't get me wrong, it's not for approval, but I like we as a society, myself included, talk too much anymore. Successful people write down goals and I've never taken the time to do so, so here go? 

So my question, what is your resolution? Again, these are really just my random thoughts. 

Happy 2016 everyone.

Seriously NFL?

This is the question I pose after reading that Cameron Heyward, son of NFL legend Craig "Iron Head" Heyward, has settled with the NFL on fines for having the words "Iron Head" in his eye black paying tribute to his late father. Fined for eye black honoring his father? Seriously NFL?

This is absolutely ridiculous and I can hear now "well if this is allowed others will write all kinds of stuff." If it's inappropriate, ok sure, but being fined for honoring one's father, who was a renowned player it's own league is simply asinine.

My other question is this to Roger Goodell, "doesn't the league have a lot bigger things to deal with outside of this? 

The NFL has become known as the "No Fun League" to many including me. They are more worried about business and less about football and even the players it seems. 

I don't know I could be wrong, but again these are really just my random thoughts.

Wings for breakfast anyone?

Ok, first I know it has been a while, but I'm back. Now, it's 7:50 in the morning and I'm craving wings! Some garlic parm and Asian style or my fav combo, bbq parm. 

This brings me to my thoughts, I'd rather have "lunch or dinner" foods in the morning and breakfast burritos is always an option for dinner. Brings me to say "about dang time" to McDonald's for making breakfast available all day. Now, step it up and make the whole menu available all day. How many of you have wanted chicken nuggets for breakfast or a chalupa for breakfast from Taco Bell. Yeah there are other options that do full menu all day, but sometimes there is certain things you want. 

Maybe I'm wrong, but again these are really just my random thoughts. 

What's Your Battle?

First of all, my apologies, it's been a while but I'm back! In my time away from the blog, I've been reading and I just finished former ESPN personality Stuart Scott's memoir, Every Day I Fight. It details his life and battle with cancer which he passed away from in January. Between this book and an incident that occurred on July 1, I've adopted Every Day I Fight as my new mantra. 

    I had a neighbor who's hired help had been parking on my property and I just wanted to man up and discuss it with him. Well he decided that calling me a "fat f@&$" about 23 times in a 5 minute conversation and that people like me were the problems in his life. Thankfully, I didn't stoop to his level and didn't cuss at him once. I credit my faith and strength from God himself for allowing me to stand strong and for realizing that some people are just going to be that way. 

    Anyway, while cancer isn't my battle, I have plenty in my life and I'm choosing to fight hard everyday. Whether it's my weight loss, my relationship with Jesus, my relationship with my wife, family, and friends, or to be the best teacher, every day I will fight to be that. 

There will be days I will struggle, but I will fight. To paraphrase Scott's ESPY award acceptance speech, you beat cancer(or whatever your battle is) by the way you live. And if I work hard to do my best in every aspect, then I will feel like a winner in my battles. If you want someone to pray with you through your battles, email me, ericjustinbates@gmail.com. 

But you know, these are really just my random thoughts.

Maybe we need a little more of this?

Today, our little town had Pioneer Day. I looked around and took pics(as you can see) and thought how if we had more of this going on, we'd have less crap in our world. 

Everything from a bed race, turtle races, a pizza eating contest, hot dog eating contest, and other things between. 

Simple, good clean fun for families. Who knows, maybe I'm crazy but again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Could Sam Presti be making his "3rd Strike" decision with Donovan?

With reports that Oklahoma City is in "serious talks" with Flordia's Billy Donovan to become the next head coach of the Thunder, one has to wonder, is Sam Presti making his 3rd big mistake as the team's GM? 

Mistake 1 was letting James Harden go to Houston. If OKC keeps him, I think last and this year's results are different. 

Mistake 2 was Kendrick Perkins' ridiculous contract that kept him on the team WAY past his productive prime. Presti got lucky in being able to trade him off to Utah this year in the big 3 team trade that brought Enes Kanter and others to OKC. 

Colleges coaches with no previous NBA experience don't have the best track record, so why would Presti hire a guy like that when there are better options out there? 

Time will tell if this makes Presti look like a genius or sends him looking for another job. But of course, these are really just my random thoughts.

Have you figured these out?

So, sitting there thinking about what is going on in our lives, I got to thinking about things that if people knew and accepted, that life would be easier. 

1. Some people just suck.

Some people just choose to be a jerk. Responding to these people just fan their flame and make you more upset in the long run. Learning to deal with them and going on about life will take you a long way.

2. Family goes beyond blood.

There are those people that may not be related to you, but they will go to bat and be there for you just like (or even better than sometimes) family will. Recognize these people and treat them the same way. 

3. High school was a big smoke screen of BS.

There were so many fake people in high school, you thought you were in a sit-com. The real world saw through it real quick, or at least that first week of college.

4. College doesn't teach you everything you needed for your job.

As a teacher, there was A LOT I didn't learn how to deal with in college, it generally only comes from experience.

5. Money changes people.

When someone gets a job (or a spouts with a job) that changes their tax bracket, don't be surprised to see them change, and not usually for the better. If they treat you different just because they have more  money now, they weren't really who you thought in the long run.

Realizing these things will help your life immensely, but again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Is there any sports journalism that isn't crap anymore?

Today, as sanctions came against Oklahoma State University's football team. A couple of years ago, Sports Illustrated's Thayer Evans released an article about "major violations" committed  by OSU's program. Today, SI commended Thayer Evans for his work, despite the fact that the penalty was nothing major as there no major infractions. 

The funny thing about this, money was supposedly given to players as reported by Evans, but did he talk to any of these players, no. This is horrid journalistic integrity by Evans and by SI allowing it. SI wouldn't even allow Evans to be interviewed, which to me says they really knew that it was pure crap. The worst part is, Evans was on record as being a Cowboy hater, how could SI allow someone with a grudge go after this? Yet today, they commend and celebrate a "victory." 

My point is, the "major" sports media outlets have mostly gone to crap. ESPN has come to the point they want to find the entertainment value and looking for the "story behind the story" in everything. Give me some highlights, stats, and maybe a key point to win and go on. Now, I do think ESPN does a good job with some of the 30 for 30 programs they've done. But in the big picture, it's became ridiculous. 

Granted these are my opinions and really just my random thoughts.

Could this really be the best 2 days in sports?

Today, in less in 1 hour begins the full fledge NCAA basketball tournament. For me, this, especially the first 2 days maybe the greatest 2 days in sports! Listening to talk radio, the topic has came up over the last couple of days. Something I learned, 9 BILLION will be wagered on this total event! That's over twice the amount wagered on the Super Bowl. 

The action, the upsets, and the fact I can see it on channels at once (great excuse to go to B Dubs!) that is why it is the greatest 2 days in sports for me! 

But again, these are really just my random thoughts!

My respect for Mike Golic just went up!

Watching Mike and Mike this morning, in light of the Chris Borland decision to retire from the 49ers fearing brain injury, Golic got an email asking him if he would tell his own son would to hide his concussion. 

Mike then said he was in this situation and said he failed. His son(who just had his pro day) was in high school and took a shot and hit the ground. He was taken to the ambulance and Golic was told the medics wanted take him in for observation. He asked his son how felt and his son said he blacked out for a second but he felt fine. He said let's take him back. Coaches asked him if he wanted his son to go back in and he said yes.

Mike flat out said he messed up that time. Right there, my level of respect for Golic went up. He talked about how maybe the medics should have the ability to override the decision. He reiterated that he messed up in this situation. 

I wish the parent of every kid playing football would listen to what he said and take it to heart. The fact that a former NFL player said he messed up in handling his own son's situation should speak volumes to these fathers who didn't play beyond their high school years. 

That really struck a chord with me, but again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Match-ups that might give Kentucky trouble

So Kentucky moves into the NCAA tourney undefeated, having been challenged only a few times. After looking    at the season, I have come up with who I think could do it. 

1. Virginia

2. Wisconsin

3. Iowa St

The big reason, these 3 play great D. Granted, they won't have a chance to see any of these until the Final Four or Championship game.

I see the Wildcat nation being all defensive, remember, I'm just a basketball fan/blogger giving my opinion.

Seeing, Kentucky's road, I think they will probably see Notre Dame in the a Elite Eight, but that may be the biggest challenge they see until the Final Four. 

Again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Breakfast should be like this every morning.

First morning of Spring break and my wife says "let's go to Hugo's!" Well, this makes me very excited and you'll see why shortly. 

Hugo's is in Claremore, Ok and serves breakfast all day, well 6am-2pm anyway. They specialize in breakfast and big portions. First time we went, we split an omelette and got a side of bacon. I swear there was like half a pig on this plate. Well, we back this morning and each got our own plate. I got the 3 eggs and chicken fried steak which comes with a huge portion of German style hash browns and a biscuit and gravy. The biscuit is homemade by the at. 

The wife got the ham and cheese omelette with the German potatoes and she went with toast. 

Well, it was delicious as usual as you can tell from the picture. The whole bill was less than $22. Good food, good people, and good prices. If you are in NE Oklahoma, go check it out.

The Gnarley Dawg!!!

I had to grab a quick lunch Saturday and saw this place, The Gnarley Dawg, that was half of a mile away. I'm really glad I checked it out. My apologies for crappy pics, one day I'll upgrade to a phone with a better camera. 

Some great choices of quality dogs, burgers, sausages, and chili. Their sauces are fantastic as well. 

I enjoyed The Hooch which is their in-house made brat, sauerkraut, mustard, and a dash of celery salt. I also had the Frito chili pie which I thought was great. The chili has just the right amount of kick, but they provide cayenne powder on te table if you need more. 

I asked the gentleman that helped us about the restaraunt and he said they were recently under new ownership and are looking to expand the menu and new locations. 

If you want to see the full menu and get some more info, check them out at www.gnarleydawg.com

I don't care where you are a Real Housewife!

So my wife enjoys the "Real Housewives" collection of shows. I can't freaking stand them. I will sit there and watch to be spending time with her, but most of the time I leave the room.

To me, the fact that these shows about the drama of the housewives of rich men are an example of how pathetic television has become. Who gives a crap whether this woman was rude at your party? I don't understand the enjoyment of watching this. I personally like to avoid drama, much less watch it on television and far much less the level of stupidity that these people can take it to. 

The worse part is, the growing number of people watching this crap allows these people to get richer! This crap is right up there with Honey Boo Boo(talk about a show I felt dumber after seeing 10 minutes of.) 

We all have our preferences of television, but this stuff is asinine. Yes, I have the right and ability to change the channel, and you can get your butt that I do. Call me crazy, but these are really just my random thoughts.

Could McGary be the piece the Thunder really needed?

Mitch McGary was pulled up from the Thunder's D League team, the OKC Blue, and made the most of his first game back. McGary put up 19 in 23 minutes in the Thunder's 131-108 victory over the Clippers this afternoon.

This leads the question, could he be the spark? I think so as he brings an energy that OKC has missed all season. If they can continue to get solid play from him and stay healthy, they could very well climb back into the playoffs and what team will really want to see a surging Thunder team in the first round...nobody.

Time will tell whether this first game back was a fluke or the start of a run, but again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Has anyone really gotten a job via LinkedIn?

So, I had the thought this morning "does anyone ever really get hired from LinkedIn?" Most of the folks I know on there are people I already knew anyway and they take the time to "endorse" your skills. I've connected to others but honestly, the most I've ever gotten is a free college wind ensemble recording. Great recording by the way Dr Baugh.

I'm also a drill writer for marching bands, I use a gamut of social media including LinkedIn and yet most of my clients come from face to face "pitching" of my product. I'm sure someone has probably gotten hired from LinkedIn, but I don't know of anyone. 

Who really knows but again, these are really just my random thoughts. 

Are all these toppings necessary?

So tonight, we hit a chain "gourmet burger" joint. This burger has provolone, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy onion straws on it along with some kind of a mayo. It was messy but my biggest issue, I couldn't taste the beef. 

This leads me to ask "are all these toppings really necessary?" If you can't taste the beef or whatever you choose for you meat or meat substitute of choice, I don't see the point. That should be the focal point of the flavor profile. 

You may ask, "is it possible to have that?" My answer is yes. The best burger I've ever had was topped with 4 cheeses and a homemade Mac and cheese, plus mayo and still that beef patty came through. The toppings did way they were supposed to do and enhanced the flavor not shadow it. That is what this burger had plus the homemade bun was soft and yet was strong enough to support it all. 

I don't care if it's fast food to high dollar, let me taste beef. But again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Do we really need the Pro Bowl anymore?

This is something I've been asking myself for a week and a half now. I could care less about the Pro Bowl and I really think it should become an honor like All-American in college football and we ditch the game.

Some will say "well people care, it was highest in the ratings that night." Let's face it, that was a bunch of guys desperate for football and didn't want to watch the SAG awards or whatever "Real Housewives" with their girl.

We don't get the good players from the Super Bowl teams, so what's the point? How do you feel if you're that guy, "congrats, you are playing in the Pro Bowl because the real first choice took his team to the Super Bowl and can't play?" 

Another reason, the game doesn't mean anything. At least in baseball, the game has meaning to the season, not just an after thought.

I do applaud the NFL for trying to make it relevant with the picking of captains and selecting of teams. It was a shot, I just think it's not really worth anymore.

Of course Roger Goodell is going to do what he wants to do. And again, these are really just my random thoughts.

My Super Bowl Commercial Top 5.

Just cause I can and I want to, I chose to give a top 5 of the Super Bowl commercials. It was kind of hard this year with all the seriousness going on, but I chose what I liked.

Honorable Mention 

Bud Light PAC Man

Who wouldn't want to do that. Maybe it's me being Old School, but I like it.

Mercedes Tortoise and the Hare

Slow and steady my......

5. Nissan Dad

Great commercial, really pulled the heart strings.

4. Doritos Guy on the Airplane.

Just proof that you should check out the whole situation before you proceed. 

3. Clash of the Clans

Liam Neeson....enough said

2. Coca Cola

A great message, well done Coke.

1. Budweiser Best Buds

A puppy that is protected by Clydesdales and finds his way home. These guys are geniuses. 

Most annoying

Chevy Colorado. I was about to scream at Dish Network.

There it is but again, these are really jus my random thoughts.

What's your reason for watching?

So, being the eve of the Super Bowl, I have come up with the reasons I think people watch the game. 

1. Your team is in the game.

You are either a Pats or Seahawks fan. That's the obvious one. 

2. You are just a football fan. 

You are hard core for football and want to get this last ounce of it in until August. 

3. You like the commercials.

You are that person that can't wait to see  what the marketing gurus have come up with this year. Check out my post from a couple of days ago and weigh in. Just my opinion, the money Budweiser pays their marketing guys is well spent. 

4. Social convention.

You don't want to be that person who is clueless in the conversation at work the next morning. 

5. You are betting on the game. 

Good luck, especially if you are one that bets every detail. 

6. You care about the halftime show. 

Spoiler alert, NFL requires the vocals to be pre-recorded. It's lip-synced. As a band director, that's a let down. 

7. You're bored as crap. 

There's my reasons, I'm guessing most of you fit in somewhere. But again, these are really just my random thoughts.

I'm not so sure Scott Brooks should set down.

Let's face it, the Oklahoma City Thunder are not performing to expectations and lots of fans are starting to call for his head, including me. 

Scott keeps proving that they can't take care of business. I'm not sure he has any control of the locker room which means he has no real control whatsoever.

They have no true offensive scheme other than get the ball to KD or Wesbrook. This has bitten them in the butt in the past. 

Now, they are in jeopardy of not making the playoffs. If they don't, Presti will virtually have no choice but to fire his boy. 

In my opinion, we need a Poppovitch style coach who won't take any crap and has an offensive game plan. But again, really just my random thoughts.

Super Bowl Commercial Previews?

As you probably know, over the last at least 2 years, some of the Super Bowl commercials have "leaked" early. My question is, "why?" 

I don't want to see them early and why would the NFL or advertisers want them to be seen early? 

Maybe I'm just old fashioned but I want to start seeing new commercials right before the National Anthem. 

I'm just hoping for some good funny ones and a couple of of serious ones. Dodge killed it with "God Made A Farmer" a couple of years ago. 

Again, really just my random thoughts.

Could it be?

I don't normally buy into a lot of conspiracy theories but I had a thought when talking with a buddy today. His wife and oldest sun both have the flu and they had to get Tamiflu. He said it was still like $150 to get it filled(not sure how accurate that is in general, his words not mine.) I has heard from others it was expensive when I had a thought. What if the pharmecutical companies are spreading this? 

I mean think about it, they are saying that the flu shot is not helping with this particular strain so it would make sense that they are spreading a strain that the shot is ineffective so patients would have to buy Tamiflu just for effective relief. 

I don't know, maybe I'm just being paranoid and have seen too many crazy movies. Then again.....

Really just my random thoughts

Is it time?

After thinking about the number of games that we've seen incorrect calls that have affected the outcomes of games and seasons, is it time to start using technology instead of the human element?

Tennis could very easily use this as they already have the Hawk-Eye system for calls that are challenged by players. I saw at least 3 calls reversed today in an Australian Open match because of it.

In basketball, this could change a lot of things. It would be hard to accuse the officials of favoring players if it was technology. Of course, there would have to be checks and regulations to make sure there wasn't any ill programming happening.

I just feel like we are seeing more and more big calls gone wrong. Let me know what you think? Again, these are really just my random thoughts.

Don't forget to come interact and like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/rjmrt

What is your culture?

Normally, when we are talking about culture, we are talking about a country or an ethnic group but I think each person has their own culture. 

So where does your culture come from? I think it comes from many influences. Mine comes from family, faith, food, friends, and my activities. 

So, as a way to try and get to know my audience more intimately, I ask, "what is your culture?" 

I now have a Facebook page for the blog and I encourage you to like the page, share, and interact. The page is http://www.facebook.com/rjmrt

My appreciation and frustrations with dentists.

So I'm currently sitting in the dentist's office with my wife. We get here at 9:15 and her appointment is at 9:30. We get back there on time and the assistant comes in and says we have a change of game plan, not only are they going to do a double root canal, they want to go ahead and finish one of them today too. I had scheduled an appointment at the tire shop at Noon and the assistant tells me we will done in plenty of time.

Well time is rolling by and at 10:30, still we still haven't seen the dentist and then the hygienist comes in and says, "hey, we could go ahead and do a cleaning. 

Well, it's no 11:15 and we aren't really into the first root canal yet. I'm frustrated. All I ask is please respect my time. 

Now, I do appreciate the fact that these folks are professional and have great bedside manner. I think that should be a major part of the dental licensing exam, a personality test. I think the label should be on their license that away if you are one who wants a person who doesn't small talk much and gets it done, you can find a dentist that is that way or if you want a friendly type, you can have that too. 

I don't know, really just my random thoughts.

I'm tired of the deflated football crap!

I don't about you all, but I'm sick of hearing and seeing "Deflategate" over and over. It's on the news, on sports talk radio, socia media, and everything else. 

Ok, so they deflated balls. Roger Goodell would normally jump on this, have it fined, and on to his next duty as NFL Head Nazi. 

Face it Colts' fans, you got best 45-7, deflated footballs were the least of your problems. I'm not a Pats fan, I'm just tired of hearing about this crap. 

Here's my solution, fine them and set a policy that can prevent something like that from happening in the future. I don't know, maybe an official who has to guard the "cournicopia" of footballs for both teams and keep a record of when they went out, when they came back, and their weight. 

Again, really just my random thoughts.

Griffin Communications' greed may just lead me to an answer I've been searching for.

So, if you read my blog any, you know I also throw some sports blog in there as well, after all this is "Really just my RANDOM thoughts." I will not get to see the AFC title game due to a dispute between Griffin Communications, owners of my local CBS affiliate, and Dish Network. 

The blame game is being played but after me doing some research, I'm hacked at Griffin Communications. They are asking for 4 times the amount that they had been getting from Dish, which Dish doesn't want to have to pay and pass off to customers. 

Dish however may have an answer to my quest of wanting to drop Satellite/Cable altogether. They have come out with a set up where you can stream a number of channels for $20 including ESPN 1 & 2  & Food Network. That's probably 40% or what we watch. Plus there's no contract attached from what I've found. So, internet, plus $20, plus I think it's like $7 a month for another streaming service and I'm set. Some networks show entire episodes online for free. Yeah, it might be a week after, but I don't usually get to watch stuff live anyway, I'm using the DVR. 

I wonder how many people could benefit from this? Again, really just my random thoughts.

I'm not so sure

So thinking about things today, I'm not so sure all of our available technology is the greatest thing for mankind. 

Yes, there are some amazing pros of all this stuff, GPS, Google at our fingertips, being able to reconnect with folks, etc. but seeing some of the negative ramifications that come from it still make me wonder. 

I teach high school kids and the lack of knowledge of things most of us learned as students is sometimes astonishing. These kids don't know geography. I had to learn all my states and capitals in middle school plus label the states on the map. Now if it isn't the states right next to ours, there's a good chance they don't know where it is. All they need is Google or GPS, God forbid they have to read a map. They might be up a creek.

We've gotten so dependent on technology, it almost leaves us open to vulnerability as people and a nation. I mean think about online predators and things like that.

It's just something to think about, I'm not saying all technology is bad, I use it in positive ways all the time like communicating with parents of my students, paying bills, and even writing this blog on my Iphone(No, I don't have an IPad, I teach in Oklahoma, 49th in teacher pay.) I just think we should think about how much we are depedent on technogy.

Seriously?!

So a HUGE pet peeve of mine in drive -through windows of fast good joints is getting interrupted by the worker asking me about combo size, drink, and etc. 

This is RUDE!!!! In fact I dang near drove off from Arby's tonight because of it! Do us a favor, either post a sign of the way to order that fits your computer system or just simply wait until the person is done talking.

Don't give me "it's for efficiency and customer service." Being rude and cutting somebody off is good customer service? Honestly, just set out the sign. If someone gets upset cause they can't read, that's not on you. 

I know I'm not the only person that this irritates!

What we learned from Kentucky/A&M.

Just got through watching the UK double OT win over Texas A&M. A couple of things I learned today..

1. Kentucky struggles at the free throw line. They are tied for 231st in the country  with a .667. COME ON, these are top recruits and they can't shoot at the line better than that. This could bite them in butt later on. 

2. They don't like a good zone. It gave them fits all day. Somewhere, Syracuse is sming cause they know there is probably no one better in college basketball that runs te zone better than them. Thoughts for the tourney.

Thinking on my way home.

I wondered how much more fast food is Colorado and Washington selling now?

Well, in my pursuit of this answer, I came upon an article from USA Today last year about Colorado and the impact that legalizing marajuana had on the state. The article said that the state was developing a testing and monitoring system for edibles infused with THC. Can you imagine the number applicants for this gig? How about the application? Maybe one of the few times in history were actually putting "smoking marajuana" on the hobbies section is a good thing? How does the drug test work? You can only test positive for weed? 

Well, I haven't found the answer to my original question, but when I do, you'll read it here.

How much house will Stoops really clean?

Well, as a lifelong Oklahoma fan, to hear that it could be a "historic" cleaning of the house of assistant coaches makes me curious. Curious and anxious after what was a disappointing finish to this season.

I was never convinced that we were going to be Big 12 champs with Baylor still returning a chunk of players, but I didn't expect 8-5 either.

I do believe Josh Huepel has got to go, at least back to QB coach. Too much trying to force a passing game when had we continued running the ball more, we'd have maybe won a couple more of those games. 

I would be willing to give DC Mike Stoops  another year but looking like he's out too which now that I think about him being defensive backs coach, it's time for him too.

Something can be said for changing up assistants more frequently. It could be a sign that you're winning. I read an article last year that Nick Saban's average assistant lasts 3 years. 

I guess time will tell at 11am CST but I know 

RIP Stuart Scott

Today, as many of you may know, long time ESPN SportsCenter host, Stuart Scott passed away at the age of 49 after a batter with cancer. 

The following quote was from his acceptance speech after receiving the Jimmy V award last month:

"When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live," he said. "So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you."

This has had the most profound impact on me today but I want to change it a little. Forget living that way just if you have cancer, live and fight that at for all of your life. I truly believe that we spend too much time daydreaming or being timid when we should live. 

RIP Stuart, there's nothing I could say any better that hasn't been said already. You gave it all you had I hope I can live my life the same way.

One of my favorite BBQ joints

So you will learn I am a BBQ conisseuer so you will see plenty of entries. Today, we hit one of my favorites BurnCo in Tulsa. These guys are only open Tuesday through Saturday and when the food is gone, they are done! 

They used to work for a company called Hasty Bake which makes grills and smokers and then decided to open a Q joint and it has been a hit ever since, in fact they just moved into a bigger building this past year and still have lines around the building as you'll see in the pic. 

I'm a huge fan of the ribs and their other specialty is The Fatty. It is a sausage with chopped beef and a small amount of spicy sausage wrapped around it into a log. Then they weave BACON around it and smoke it. It doesn't suck. They do some interesting sides including a smoked mac and cheese with bacon and a grilled potato salad. 

What's a great part of the place is the atmosphere. They open the door and say "Welcome to Paradise." You can tell they are having a lot of fun. If you are ever in Tulsa, go check it out. 

My group

I wasn't going to try and use my Blog to do this, but I realized I would be doing them a disservice by not fighting for them in anyway possible. This is my high school band. I teach in a VERY rural high school, like in a cow pasture, literally. When I got there 6 years ago there was 8 kids in the entire program and now there is almost 50 from 6-12. 

We are not funded very well at all. My salary(with the lowest extra duty stipend I've ever had) and music are what is funded. Equipment, fees, & repairs are what we have to fundraiser for. I drive the bus so we don't have to pay for a driver. 

2 years ago, this little group qualified for the state contest for the first time school history. Last year we started a marching program and this past fall earned a Superior rating at the regional marching contest, which is the highest award a marching band can get from our state acticities association. Also, we've had 10 kids offered scholarships since I've been here. We have to take the students to a community college to practice on a marimba and timpani for auditions.

As you can tell, this group works hard and does the most with what they have. I've had Board members say they want the kids in uniform to look more professional but yet aren't contributing(outside of the one who is a band parent.) 

If you or anyone you know want to contribute to helping a school get what they need for a full experience quality music education, please donate or forward to someone who would.

Thanks

www.gofundme.com/hu7rdw

Who's the bigger jerk?

So right now, there is a debate in who is the biggest jerk, the FSU team members who walked off field without shaking Oregon's hands or Jim Rome with his calling the college band kids "dorks." 

I'll be honest, I'm a little biased. If you read my bio, you'll find out I'm a high school band director.  On the other hand, not showing sportsmanship is a HUGE pet peeve of mine.

I lean towards FSU, Jimbo Fisher and his staff's job is to not only teach and coach football, but the lessons which from the sport which can be applied in life, which includes losing gracefully. 

Jim Rome only had his family, and as the song says. "Momma tried." Plus, we all know that Rome is a jerk and an idiot.

That's my thoughts.

First mistake of 2015

So I've already screwed up and it hasn't even been 13 hours in yet. Normally, we have a standing New Year's Day event with my wife's Dad's side of the family, however this year, it was moved to a later date. That being the case, we didn't think about lunch and slept in way past breakfast. In our little town, we have just a handful of places to eat and considering we were sick of Sonic and pizza, we opted for Subway. (Note, I'm going back to Paleo tomorrow. I did great for 6 weeks and let stress and the holidays get me. That's a 2014 mistake I'll learn from.) I was still in my"pjs," a long sleeve t-shirt and cotton shorts, so I didn't want to have to go in. I get on Subway's website and check out their specials. No prices, but I get that. I decide to try the Big Pastrami whatever. 

So I call to order so I can use the pick up window. My wife got a six dollar combo and included baked BBQ chips, I got a foot long pastrami, and we got 3 cookies. The lady taking my order repeated it back but didn't give me a total and hung up before I could ask. I grab about $16 in cash thinking it should be plenty. I get there and it's $18.89!!! I said "come again?!" I was then told that the pastrami was almost $10!!!! I can get one at a chain deli for less. So I had to run back and grab 3 more dollars. I get back, about 5 minutes later, the woman gives me the total and doesn't say sorry, thank you, kiss my butt or anything. 

I get home and find I got regular BBQ chips and a sandwich that isn't even close to being worth $10. On top of that, I said light lettuce on my wife's sandwich and there was more lettuce than anything. 

I normally try to hit non chain places when I can but I expect to have decent customer service and for them to get my order right. 

Subway, you're overcharging for an inferior product and wasn't enough of it on there to validate the price of it either. I suggest you find a way to look up price by zip code and if you are going to charge that price, it better not suck and it did today. 

Roast is already in the crock pot for dinner.