I awoke this morning and looked at the calendar and was amazed to realize we’re almost through the month of February!
It’s hard to believe we’re almost through the first two months of the new year.
My children have reminded me that they’re none too happy we’ve apparently succeeded in dodging any truly measurable snowfall again!
With 2009 being upon us we also are faced with the facts that this country’s economy is still going to struggle for a while.
Locally, the choice is up to us as to how MUCH we struggle. The station ahs started running recorded promos from Randy Randall, the mayor of Clinton as well as John Carter the mayor of Gray Court along with Emil Finley, the stations president reminded folks that we, as individuals have a tremendous amount of influence as to how quickly we, locally turn the corner headed back in the right direction.
Too many times I have heard people talking about driving to Greenwood or Simpsonville to go out to eat, shop, and even buy groceries.
These same people are usually the first to complain when they hear how tight things are locally. If they stopped for a second to realize that every time they go outside the county and spend money that money stays outside the county.
The time is now for all of us to also examine our own budgets. Each school district, even with the hope of some additional revenue from the newly passed stimulus bill is also realistic that there are tough choices to make.
I think it’s time that each department of each school examine whom they spend their money with and how much.
I strongly suggest school districts as well as city and county governments put out to bid the majority of their purchases.
Now, let me point out several county and municipal entities already do that. Not only do they generally get a better price, they also shield themselves when they come under scrutiny from the general public who are looking to make sure they are being good stewards of the citizen’s money.
This year, we can all make a difference, because every dollar truly ads up. Whether it’s we as individuals, or schools or city governments, I think we all must try to not only save money, but also make every effort to spend as much of it locally as we can.
IF you start today, and make that concerted effort I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It’s almost my favorite time of year!
Greetings from surprisingly warm Lynchburg, Virginia. We’re on the road with the Presbyterian College men’s basketball team.
Tomorrow will be the second game of a two game swing through Virginia. Last night the guys fought hard but took it on the chin against league leading Radford.
Tomorrow night, we take on a tough Liberty squad that features Seth Curry, Stephon Curry’s younger brother.
Why do I say it ALMOST my favorite time of the year? The biggest reason is because baseball season is just around the corner.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy football and certainly have enjoyed the college basketball season but for me, there’s just nothing like baseball.
I remember one of the first games my Dad ever took me too was in the summer of 1977, and I got to witness first hand Pete Rose’s 44-game hitting streak end at the hands of Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber.
The Braves back then were very consistent. Consistently BAD! At the same time, they were my Atlanta Braves.
WTBS was in its infancy; there was Georgia Championship wrestling, and…the Atlanta Braves. America’s team.
From that first game till now, for me, there’s nothing like the rush I get when I watch a really good baseball game. These days, I get the added pleasure of having the opportunity to broadcast my favorite sport on the radio.
One of the biggest compliments I have received in this business came when Mike Pitts, at a Laurens Dixie Youth game told me he liked my “old school” style of broadcasting.
One of the pieces of advice I ever received in this business came long ago from Bob Fulton, the long time voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
He said, a play by play man’s job was to be able, through words, have the listener be able to close their eyes, and imagine “watching” the game on a television set.
Our “job” is to “paint” the picture for the listener to be able to imagine being there.
As much as I enjoy working football and basketball, the challenge of “creating” the atmosphere, while taking my time in baseball is the ultimate experience.
I’m only 16 days away from the first baseball broadcast of the season when Elton Pollock’s Presbyterian College baseball team with visit the Georgia Bulldogs down in Athens for a two game series.
One thing you will learn quickly if you have not experienced a PC game before is when you come; you will not find a more hustling group of kids.
Just like Coach Nibert’s kids leave it all on the court in basketball, the same may be said for Coach Pollock’s baseball team.
Put that together with the character that his kids display on AND off the field and they epitomize the PC athlete.
So, I challenge everyone to make it a point to come out to watch the PC team in action because not only will you have a great time, you’ll be helping expose another generation of kids to a lost art.
The art of America’s favorite pastime. BASEBALL!!!!! See ya at the field!
Tomorrow will be the second game of a two game swing through Virginia. Last night the guys fought hard but took it on the chin against league leading Radford.
Tomorrow night, we take on a tough Liberty squad that features Seth Curry, Stephon Curry’s younger brother.
Why do I say it ALMOST my favorite time of the year? The biggest reason is because baseball season is just around the corner.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy football and certainly have enjoyed the college basketball season but for me, there’s just nothing like baseball.
I remember one of the first games my Dad ever took me too was in the summer of 1977, and I got to witness first hand Pete Rose’s 44-game hitting streak end at the hands of Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber.
The Braves back then were very consistent. Consistently BAD! At the same time, they were my Atlanta Braves.
WTBS was in its infancy; there was Georgia Championship wrestling, and…the Atlanta Braves. America’s team.
From that first game till now, for me, there’s nothing like the rush I get when I watch a really good baseball game. These days, I get the added pleasure of having the opportunity to broadcast my favorite sport on the radio.
One of the biggest compliments I have received in this business came when Mike Pitts, at a Laurens Dixie Youth game told me he liked my “old school” style of broadcasting.
One of the pieces of advice I ever received in this business came long ago from Bob Fulton, the long time voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
He said, a play by play man’s job was to be able, through words, have the listener be able to close their eyes, and imagine “watching” the game on a television set.
Our “job” is to “paint” the picture for the listener to be able to imagine being there.
As much as I enjoy working football and basketball, the challenge of “creating” the atmosphere, while taking my time in baseball is the ultimate experience.
I’m only 16 days away from the first baseball broadcast of the season when Elton Pollock’s Presbyterian College baseball team with visit the Georgia Bulldogs down in Athens for a two game series.
One thing you will learn quickly if you have not experienced a PC game before is when you come; you will not find a more hustling group of kids.
Just like Coach Nibert’s kids leave it all on the court in basketball, the same may be said for Coach Pollock’s baseball team.
Put that together with the character that his kids display on AND off the field and they epitomize the PC athlete.
So, I challenge everyone to make it a point to come out to watch the PC team in action because not only will you have a great time, you’ll be helping expose another generation of kids to a lost art.
The art of America’s favorite pastime. BASEBALL!!!!! See ya at the field!
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