Mr. Scott Judy

If You Are What You Say We Are....A Superstar

2011-02-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you have to know.

You have to know when to swallow your pride.

Your pride has to give way to others and their needs.

Others and their needs develop as the focal point of your life.

Your life is then transformed.

And then, you become a superstar.

Throughout my life, I have always been looking out for myself first and everyone else came second. Growing up with a father in the military, I had my fair share of moves in my childhood and because of those moves, friendships, especially lasting ones, were hard to come by. It makes me sound old already to have to point out the fact that this was before social networking, email only came in my high school years, and keeping an address book was one of the most important, yet monotonous tasks that a child could take upon themselves. Because of the difficulties surrounding my childhood, it was about me and looking out for #1.

I don't think I ever became aware of how self-centered I became, how outrightly selfish I was. Selfish was the word to describe all the rich kids that I thought were better than me. Selfish was how I saw kids who would throw a tantrum to get what they wanted, and generally, they did. Selfish was everyone else but me. That's how I saw it.

I would brag or say things that earned me a dubious label. I was often seen as cocky, haughty, self-centered, prideful, condescending, and worst of all, selfish. When I said such things, to me it was a joke. To others, it was the truth. Truth became reality and frankly, reality bites.

Looking at who I am and what I am, its taken a long time to figure out what I'm working with. From the observations of others, I have been told that I am: a good-looking man, intelligent, funny (which is somehow surprising to some), very athletic, mature, spiritual, understanding, and the list goes on. Funny thing is, I never really thought it was true. Let me give an example.

Shortly before I left to Germany, I visited my old high school, Mountain Home High School. I wanted to see some teachers before I left. To me, my teachers weren't just teachers but friends and people I looked up to. I visited my old English teacher, Mrs. E. As we had our short conversation and as part of it, she brought up my second high school girlfriend, Teresa. I tried to change the subject but Mrs. E never left any stone unturned and stated, "I never really understood why you went after her. I'm not saying she was bad but you had soooooo many other girls that I could tell liked you and wanted to go out with you." I was a bit stunned but in typical Scott Judy fashion, I couldn't back down. I had to put it right back at her and see if she was just trying to inflate my ego or if what she was saying was legit. I asked, "Oh yeah, like who?" to which she smiled and listed off 5 girls in succession without hesitation. Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, she said, "Scott, you're a smart kid but man, when it comes out to picking girls, you are totally oblivious." You know what Mrs. E? Guilty as charged.

I never had the confidence. Those girls she named off were in my opinion, 5 of the top 8 hottest girls in the school. I never, ever had the confidence to even think about approaching them, let alone thinking I was even in their league. At least to one person, I guess I was wrong.

I continued to develop this false sense of "it's all about me, me, ME!" I had co-workers, friends, family, and everyone wondering if it was ever going to sink in that there are others on this planet and that its time I start thinking about them. I never thought I was in such a rut but when you're as selfish as I was (yeah, that's right past-tense right there, brace yourself for changes), you'll never notice the difference. Then, life happens. Events happen. People happen. I am now 28 years old and just beginning to figure out that others are on this earth and that I should put their needs ahead of my own.

Wait....

Wait a minute....

Are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine and yes, this really is me talking.

Right.....

Listen, there were events that built up to this and had a lot to do with changing my outlook on life. Instead of rehashing every single thing, I'll tell you the two main events.

First, I was part of a group from the school I teach at to go to Chicago for a conference. It was part of a program that we run at the school. Teachers of the same subject meet together in order to establish norms and create a basic common curriculum and such for the classes they teach as an effort to get students learning the same things, regardless of the teacher they have. Our group had it's share of struggles and this conference was supposed to help iron things out. This was my first conference and I was excited to be in Chicago but admittedly, not excited for the reason why. I had a really rough trip. I felt like I was being treated as a punk kid whose value as a teacher and person was being called into question. When I had a chance for a moment or two to myself, I was elated. Tired, broken, hurt, I lashed out on the way to the airport. For me, things were now becoming personal and I wasn't about to let anyone overrun me. I remember the stares I got from my colleagues. Yeah, I had shocked the world and just brought in the most uncomfortable thing I could but I didn't care. I felt like I was being bullied and I wasn't about to take any more abuse.

The next Monday, I got an email from my principal saying he wanted to meet with me. An instant feeling of dread came over me. I went in and he asked me to close the door. That never happens. I was screwed.

He began the conversation re-telling some of the events that took place in Chicago that he was less than pleased with. He mentioned changes in my attitude. He mentioned that it was affecting my kids. He told me I wasn't the same guy he hired and he didn't know who I was anymore. Like most people, my defenses went up and I was ready for a battle. But before it got to that point, he did something I will always remember, he offered his help. He told me we were going to read a book together, "How to Win Friends and Influence People". My first thought, "How dare you! Do you know who I am? I am Scott Judy. I have friends. I influence people. I don't need some stupid book." I didn't realize the selfishness I had. I agreed and began reading immediately.

For those of you that haven't read it, its an awesome book and I highly recommend it. It really helped me see the needs of others. It helped me see my own selfishness. I can't even begin to describe all the thoughts and changes that have taken place within me because of that book. Just know, it was event #1.

Event #2 was a freak accident. It was when I broke my ankle (for a full recap, read "Hanging By A Moment" by me). As I was in the hospital waiting for surgery, I began to reflect. I'm essentially on my own now. I had to rely on others from church to help me get to the hospital and for initial care. My cousin and one of my best friends live in the area but there is no way I could impose on them. Luckily, my mom was making plans to come down and help take care of me. Once my mom arrived, we spend the next few days in Utah and then traveled to Boise for Christmas. A couple days after Christmas, we were back in Utah. My mom was kind enough to stick around for the doctor's appointment when he said I would be okay on my own. I'm going to be eternally grateful for my mother and everything she has done for me because its more than I've ever done for anyone else. Through all the pain, frustration, and everything that came with that accident, I shed only one tear, the moment my mom walked out the door to go back to Boise. Talk about heart-wrenching. The tear didn't come because I was sad that I now had to do it all on my own. Nay, the tear was a product of the love I have for my mother and seeing her go was one of the top 5 hardest moments of my life.

Its only been a few months removed from both of those events. I have made an effort to change my perspective and right the wrongs I've made in my life. Its a hard thing to admit such mistakes but there is a sense of freedom about it as well. Its going to be a long road, probably longer than I imagine but I'm willing to make the journey. I ask that you be patient and grant me nuance. Grant me the the gift of at least trying to understand who I am now and who I want to become.

I'm learning to swallow my pride.

I'm learning to place others and their needs before me.

I'm allowing others to become the focal point of my life.

I'm learning to become a superstar.

The Fanhood Valentine

2011-02-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

Every year comes a holiday that some people love, some hate and a lot are just starting to give up on. Valentine's Day is becoming amazingly polarizing. If you're single, you hate it because it seems like everyone else has someone (Note: this was reinforced as I saw students get deliveries throughout the day and it served as a reminder that high school students are somehow succeeding in relationships while I still suck at it). If you're in a relationship, you feel semi-obligated to get something for your partner in order to show your love and affection to them in order to get some lovin' back. If you're interested in someone, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Its like the other person kind of expects something but kind of doesn't and either way, the margin for error is so ridiculously small that "Dead Man Walking" doesn't apply to married men that forgot about it but to you because your heart may be about to get ripped out.

Every year we get bombarded with more and more Valentine's ads that are putting the frequency Christmas ads in the backseat. Yet for a polarizing holiday, it continues to amaze me to watch others and their agony or ecstasy about the anticipation if their actions are considered suitable by their partners. What happened to going to the store, finding the stupid little cards of your favorite cartoon, passing them out to everyone and secretly watching that certain girl open up the one you gave her just to see her reaction?

We got older.

We matured a little.

We figured out giving Valentine's to the same sex is more socially awkward than going out on Halloween as Charlie Sheen.

In short, we grew up.

We think we have this figured. We think. Yet, more often than not, the more people I talk to about Valentine's Day start to hate it more than they love it. They hate putting in the time, effort and money to get something one day they got free and took for granted yesterday and tomorrow. But, as every good relationship expert that has put a book in the subject area and sipped coffee at Starbucks will tell you, you have to give in order to receive in a relationship.

And that's where we begin the transition to fanhood.

Before I start spitting out some serious hate, let me make a few things clear:

1) I am not suggesting that everyone become as obsessed with sports and as outspoken as I am. If that happened, there would be a lot more single guys in the world.

2) Read with the intent that this is my opinion and my opinion alone.

3) If you change your ways, I will respect you more than I do now. If you don't, the only thing you can expect is a nice, cold bottle of Hate-R-Ade.

The one thing that frustrates me most about Utah, the lone exception may be the schizophrenic weather, are the "fans" here. Some get it but a lot don't. I'm not going to concentrate my hate on just one demographic (Jazz fans) but I'm going to dish it out everywhere.

Fanhood is a sacred practice. Its right up there with any other sacred and holy practice you can think of. Fanhood is something that you do out of love, not obligation. It can be a life-long journey or come in an instant. You will experience every low and every high possible. You will laugh, cry, swear, cheer, be ridiculed and be able to tell the other team "where to go" or "where to stick it".

What does it mean to be a fan? Depends on what level of fanhood you are in.

Level 1 - You know the sport, you know a team, you recognize the names of a few players.

Level 2 - You know some of the basic rules, you know what a mascot is and you know when the star player does something, everyone cheers.

Level 3 - You know most of the basic rules, you may own some memorabilia of a team and you can name your team's star player.

Level 4 - You know the basic rules, you actually want to go to games and you know more than your team's star player (whether it be other players on your team or other star players). "Fairweather fans" this is you.

Level 5 - You can explain the basic rules and know some of the intermediate level things, you know the teams in the league, the conferences, the playoff structure and you know most, if not all the star players in the league.

Level 6 - You know the basic league rules about trades, contracts, etc. You go to games and have started a collection of gear. You miss things for certain sporting events. You can identify a number of players on each team. People wonder if you have a problem.

Level 7 - Comic Book Guy (worst suggestion ever....).

Level 7.1 - You know it all about the sport. You watch it on multiple levels. You feel the need to call in to sports shows, yell at analysts and send sports writers harassing emails demanding new columns. You place sports as the #1 priority over friends, activities and even your own job. You have a problem. You are me.

So what's my big problem with "fans" in the state of Utah? They are a level 4 who thinks they are a level 7. This applies to 99% of the people I've met here. I've never heard more justification for why their team sucks, more nonsensical booing at the worst times, more fairweather fans than I've ever seen. I've been to games in New York and Chicago and still, Utah is worse. Worse than two of the four (L.A. and Philly are the other two) rabid fan bases ever.

What separates the "rabid four" from Utah? Those fans educate themselves and care. If their team sucks, they know. They may make some excuses but they know. Conversely, when their teams are good, they are more than ready to let you know. When they boo their teams, as much as I hate to admit it, there is generally a good reason (or person) its directed at. I don't like the rabid four fanbases but they know about fanhood.

They put in the time and effort to love their team. When you are a fan in those cities or born into "fandom" (I already feel sorry for my future children, they'll have no choice), you are a fan for life and you are educated. Watching the NY Knicks the past few years was deplorable. They were horrible. I'm fairly sure the top college teams could've competed with them and beat them. But, NY fans refused to let basketball go down like that. The fans still went to the Garden. They let James Dolan know they think he's an idiot (which I'm fairly convinced he is). Even when the Knicks were at their worst, there was always some sort of buzz at the Garden. Now that they're getting better and should make the playoffs this year, its actually fun watching their games. I love watching Spike Lee jump on the sidelines and taunting players. I love seeing Donald Trump giving a thumbs up as if to say, "If you thought Dolan was bad, wait until I buy the Mets" smirk on his face. Those are Level 7 fans and that's what makes it so awesome.

Here are things I hear in the state of Utah about their teams and I hear things like this on a regular basis:

"Jimmer is the best player ever!" - BYU fans (I think I just puked something blue writing that).

"The Utes really were the true National Champs!" The BCS, Florida, and an Andre Smith-less Tide have something to say about that.

"I love the Jazz...." Yeah, when they win....and when I see Kyle Korver (when he played here, now replaced by the other great white hype, Gord-o Heyward, the last part came from the female population here).

"Utah State deserves to be in the top 10!" Nope, they don't. Not even wasting more time on this.

"UVU is relevant!" .....um......in what?

Snow College, Dixie College, SUU.....nevermind, no one talks about you.

Yeah, its true. I hear it. I love the fact that people around here at least know the teams and talk about them. I'm glad they are getting some national buzz. I just wish they would be consistent with their fanhood and put in the time to reap the proper rewards.

You know what its really like? Its like screwing up a chance with a hot girl, only to settle with her homely looking friend just because she's the easier one to talk to. Geez Utah, man up and go get her.

Utah fans are the same as the guy that does too much on Valentine's. Once the girl dumps him, he walks around with his head hung low and justifying what he did as the right thing because it was he wanted and he knew it was right, not really thinking of what she wanted.

I find this hilarious in some aspect because Utahns constantly bash on Idaho as a weaker sibling. Yet, through a meteoric rise of a small town football team, Idaho has produced better fans for one team (Boise St.) than Utah has for all their teams, combined. And to add insult to injury, during the recent Las Vegas Bowl, BSU fans showed that.

Love doesn't make the world go round. It makes the ride worthwhile. - Franklin P. Jones. Make the journey of fanhood worthwhile Utah. Love the one you love.

Point Break

2011-01-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Will he stay?

Will he go?

Will he force the hands of his employer to trade him according to his demands or will the employer win out and get what they want, leaving their heralded star with a chip on his shoulder?

How much longer do I have to wait and listen to constant speculation, some of which I think was developed while sitting and waiting on a toilet?

This is the current state of the NBA regarding the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony. One of a 5 or 6 true superstars in the league that can take any team and make them win 40+ games out of 82. Its not as bad as the "Summer of LeBron" but it does make me begin to google LeBron karma tweets just to distract myself. But, the situation (and not the guy from Jersey Shore) actually gave me an idea and direction.

When I decided to start writing, I made a decision to try and stay away from my profession. Now there's a lot of reasons why this makes sense but most of all, I was scared of possible readers above me that have a say whether I stay or go. Finding the right argument or point about education and the way to dissect it is risky business. I finally found the direction to take on an argument and ready to state the big point. If all my eye-rolling and light-heartedness about the Melo situation has brought me one thing, its the realization that there is a difference in overrated and overburdened are two different things with similar results. Carmelo in Denver = overburdened, not overrated. Teachers = overburdened, not overrated.

As I was listening to the B.S. Report with Bill Simmons, the point was made that the public's view of Melo is that he is an overrated player. He's a gifted scorer but not much else. He may have more ink on his body than in a new edition of Huck Finn, minus the n-word (oh yeah, there's a new post coming on that too). Anyone who follows the NBA as a die-hard and has gotten to watch Melo go against LeBron or D-Wade or Kobe or KD or players of that ilk know the man can step it up and is one hell of a player. He can play serious D. He can grab a board, dish a dime and be the best player on the floor, if not the league on any given night. I'm not his biggest fan but I give the man his credit. He's so good that the only way you can properly describe him is that damn good.

What does this have to do with teachers? Melo got drafted by a horrific Denver team. They had 9 straight seasons of play .500 or worse and had 3 50+ win seasons as an NBA franchise before him. Since 2003, Melo's first year, they have been above .500 every year, not at or below. They've had 3 straight 50-win seasons. They've had more fans than ever in their history. The Nuggets' revenue has been the highest ever and 2 years ago, were really 2 bad plays away from making the NBA Finals. He's easily the best Nugget to ever put on the uni.

Now, he wants out. The fans of Denver are starting to turn a little on their basketball Jesus. Why? Money? Small market? JV level supporting cast? Crap management? Why?

He's overburdened.

The story is all to similar to Melo. He knows the history of Nuggets. He watched guys like Mutumbo and McDyess try and do it. In all respect to Melo, those guys were never even close to the caliber of player he is. He wants help. He wants stability. He wants to go home. He wants New York.

I don't blame the guy. If I was a gifted NBA player, I'd want to turn around one of the oldest and storied franchises in the NBA too. If he brought an NBA championship to New York, he might supplant Derek Jeter on the icon level immediately. That's no joke. The Yankees are the biggest team in the Big Apple but basketball is bigger than the Yanks. Melo knows this. He's from the area. He won a NCAA championship at Syracuse University. With the one year he played there, he's already considered one of the greatest to don the orange and he even did it with a relatively sub-par squad. With one NBA Championship in New York, his name goes down in basketball lore with the likes of Jordan, Bryant, Bird and Robertson. Yeah, its that big of a deal. He wants a better career than Rocky Mountain High. He did it before in the state of New York and he wants to do it again, regardless of who he plays with. He feels like he can and only he can. He wants to be remembered as one of the greatest and will be, if he's a Knick and brings home the hardware.

Melo, my man, good luck. I know your pain.

I'm a high school teacher. School is in session 180 days a year and within those 180 days, I'm supposed to teach kids the entire history of the World or United States. I have 6 classes and we are on an alternating block schedule, so I really get each student for 90 days. There are interruptions to my schedule; meetings, assemblies, sports and tons of other things that don't allow for the 80 or so minutes I should have my students every other day. On top of that, I have to create a life-changing lesson everyday, be so freaking passionate about it that I bleed from my pores, manage nearly 40 16-year olds, grade papers, watch for behavior issues (whether in-class or external), morally care for each kid, make meaningful assignments, deal with parents, answer to the administration, and, because I'm at the bottom of the totem-pole, participate in extra-curricular activities otherwise there's someone waiting to take my job. To you, it may sound like a lot. To me, its another day at the office.

Public perception, especially prevailing political perception as well, that I hear is that I, as a teacher, am nothing more than a glorified babysitter. To them, my job isn't hard. To them, I'm overrated. To them I issue the challenge of doing my job for a week, let me scrutinize you and then we'll talk.

In Utah, especially within the school I teach at, academics are a relatively strong and have been for awhile. Problem is, according to multiple reports, Utah is slipping but Utah doesn't see the problem. As long as they are above average, they're fine and the prevailing thought is that nothing is wrong, so why fix it?

Because the system is breaking and its breaking fast. You need better results. You need to be better than average. You need to be at the top. First place to start, with me, a teacher.

Depending on what report you look at, Utah is in the bottom 5 for teacher pay. Teachers are getting overwhelmed by our responsibilities and lack of community support. When a kid is failing a class, rarely the question is, "What can we do to help my kid?". More and more often, the question is, "Why are you letting my kid fail?" or my favorite, "Why are YOU failing my kid?". Its ridiculous. Why is the assumption that it's my fault? Why? WHY?

Because my salary is largely paid by those parents, or so they feel. They see no reason to pay me more because I'm a "glorified babysitter". I get my summers off, so I shouldn't get more in my bank account. I don't work a "full work day" in their eyes, so I don't deserve it. I should feel grateful for what I have, say thank you, be on my merry way and let the parents decide how I should do my job.

I say not so. I say understand my position. I ask that they see me as what I am. I'm like Melo, I'm not overrated, I'm overburdened.

Here are common decisions teachers have to make. Notice the theme of the problems:

Where should I live? Can I afford to live near my school or do I have to go to the suburb of the suburb and drive 40 minutes each day so I can afford a house?

What type of car can I drive? Because if my image is important to the kids, I'm denying my ride.

What can I buy my kids? And by kids, do I mean my own or my students?

What about a Masters Degree or a Doctorate? How long do I have to save up before I can start? How long will I be paying off those students loans once I do? Does that mean that I'll have to move to the suburb of the suburb of the suburb, just so I can go to school?

Yep, you guessed it. Money.

Why?

It makes the world go 'round. The Candyman had his heyday, now money has its own time.

I'm not asking to drive a new Mercedes to my mansion on the hill to deliver my kids brand new iPads and look at my reflection in the casing of my doctorate from Harvard. No, no, no. All I want to know is that I can have a house within 25 miles of my school, drive a car that won't get me ridiculed by my students, be able to start a higher education program now and not later and to provide my family with the basic necessities. In order to make my job easier and to relieve some stress, help me not to worry about my bills. Help me know I'm taken care of and help your students know they are too.

180 days is not enough for students. An entire summer of freedom often means an entire summer to forget how to conjugate a verb, how to plug in numbers to the quadratic equation, writing a proper 5 paragraph essay, etc. Teachers have to spend a couple weeks at the minimum reviewing last year's material just so we can get started with what we have to teach. We need more school days. We need more time to teach and more time for them to learn. Its plain and simple. More instruction time = more information = more efficient students = higher test scores = more kids in college = more scholarships = more money = happier parents. Did that all make sense?

I spend my nights and weekends outside of my contracted time at the school busting my butt to make sure every single student reaches their fullest potential. I may be overburdened but my drive to succeed at every little thing doesn't allow me to fail. One of my biggest fears as an educator is to fail as a teacher because if I don't do my job, a student may be scarred and incompetent because of me. Community, I will carry my half of the yoke if you agree to be there with me on the other half. Help me with my burdens and I will have greater resources available to ease the burdens and worry you carry as a parent about your student.

Who's with me?

The Right Stuff

2010-12-31T21:35:00.000-08:00

In 1996, one of the definitive movies of my youth hit the box office. I remember as a kid, I was more excited to see this movie than almost any other movie in my life up to that point. It had everything: a good storyline, drama, at least one quality actor, humor and most of all, Michael Jordan. You can laugh at me all you want but as a 14 year old kid, nothing was cooler to me than Space Jam.

My brother and I went on the last day of school before Christmas break with some family friends and their kids. There was a snow storm outside that probably would've cancelled school, had we still been in session. We were riding in an old blue jeep, complete with the smell of the chain smoking red-headed driver, the smell of a diaper you didn't want to open and from a kid that you had to wonder about his bathing habits. Despite all that, I got to see Space Jam. I got to see Michael and it was on a big screen, complete with buttery popcorn and all the junk food I wanted. I loved the movie and I still do. As soon as the soundtrack came out, I had it. As soon as the movie came out on video, I rented it. That movie has been in my mind for years.

Recently, I broke my ankle and my butt has a permanent spot on my couch with my right foot elevated and an ice pack on my ankle. It doesn't take long for boredom to set in and make you explore, just to exercise your mind in some way. I began playing with some of the features on my blu-ray player and noticed I had the Amazon Video on Demand app. Well, it just so happens that Amazon lets you rent movies. It just so happened that you can rent Space Jam. It just so happened, I rented it and relived some sweet childhood memories. Ah, how I love technology.

I watched sports my whole life. I've seen most of the definitive games of every major sport in the past 15+ years. I've studied each sport extensively and one of the things I've studied is the ability to win it all. Not one single player wakes up and says, "I feel like sucking it up today and I refuse to win a championship" (although I have wondered at times with some athletes....). There is no one exact formula for winning but there are some ingredients you have to have. One is attitude. One is teamwork. One is a degree of star power. No matter what you play and what system you run, you have to have the right stuff. If you have it, you know it. If you don't, its evident to everyone else but you.

Watching Space Jam, 5 little cretins from outer space steal the talents of Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Mugsey Bogues, Larry Johnson, and Shawn Bradley. For those of you wondering where I'm going with this, here it is. They stole the talents of one point guard, two power forwards and two centers. Barkley and Ewing were black holes with the ball. If Larry Johnson wasn't within 6-8 feet of the basket, he wasn't that effective. Shawn Bradley was the tall, lanky, white guy that you dunked on to get christened as a true NBA player. And for as great as Mugsey was and as much I loved him and tried to emulate him, he was never a top 5 PG in the league and a defensive liability. Out of the 5 guys the cretins, later the Monstars, sucked powers away from, they didn't suck any away from guys who had won it. They missed a shooting guard and small forward. They didn't have the right stuff.

In the movie, Michael Jordan joins with the Looney Tunes and somehow manages to win the game. They had the right system. They had star power. They had teamwork. And most of all, they had Michael. Up to this point in their careers, Michael had 3 championships and 3 more would follow. He had that unique ability to get the absolute best out of everyone on his team. In the 1995-96 season, the Bulls won a record 72 games and at least 10 wins can be attributed directly to Michael and his "Screw you, I am not losing this game to guys that aren't even worthy to carry my jock strap" attitude. But that's what it takes. It wasn't a system every team could or should follow but it was successful for him and his team.

Each of us has ups and downs in our lives. We all see people that we consider successful for one reason or another and deep down inside, we want to be like them. Whether its financial success, peace of mind, a great family or some special talent, we want what they have and want it better than they have it. Its okay to admit it, its human nature. Just like in Space Jam, the recipe isn't the same for each of us. The way I see it, there's at least one major strength and one major weakness that we all have. In order to reach that level of success and to find "the right stuff", we have to think like a coach. Find what the strength is, play offense in order to make the strength shine and then determine what the major weakness is and play defense against it.

Here's my strength: my competitive fire. Before I got my faced smashed in a cake for my 28th birthday, the only wish I had was the same goal I make every year, every week, every day: Be better today than I was yesterday. Its what drives me day in and day out. I want to win every contest, game, match and anything that I can. If there's something that doesn't have a way to determine a winner and a loser, I find how to make it a competition. I always bring my "A" game and espouse the motto, "Any day, anywhere, anytime".

My weakness? Easy. Same thing, the competitive fire. I get obsessed with winning so much that I bulldoze others in my path. To me, creating and winning an argument is more important than how I win it and how the other person walks away from it. Not everything is a competition or should be either. I'm aggressive. I'm always right and I don't care what happens as long as I'm on top and you're not.

People who know me attest to both these points. In the different experiences I've had, the people I've crushed, the friends I've lost and everything that comes with it, I've had to learn how to balance things. I've had to figure out what the right stuff for myself is. I've had changes to my personality but I still have the same fire that burns within. I'm still searching for that perfect recipe of the right stuff. I don't know what it will be for me but I can take a page out of Jordan's playbook. In the early part of his career, Jordan was nothing short of unbearable to play with. When he announced his first retirement, a lot of the NBA breathed a sigh of relief. When he came back, he was still "The Man" for the Bulls but, BUT he was a changed man. A different teammate. His expectations of winning didn't lessen, in fact, they might have been higher than ever before. But he worked with his teammates in a new manner. He was the new Jordan. No one quite knows what happened but riding the bus while playing for the low minor leagues of the Chicago White Sox. He lived in oblivion. He did his best to just be one of the guys and earn his stripes. He rode the bus, he sat in dugouts that dually served as an urinal and was sent to the bottom. He had to reach the bottom of his expectations to be able to rise back to the top.

I'm no Michael Jordan, that much is clear. However, I hope to steal his secret. I don't know what the bottom of my expectations quite are but I do know that this broken ankle has to be about as low as it can be. This is something that not only affects the physical body but the mind as well. I had to rely on others, which is about, if not, the hardest thing for me to do.

The time on the couch has given me a lot of time to think and reflect. I will rise again. I will be more humble. I will change. I will find the right stuff and like Mike, I believe I can fly.

Here's to 2011 and a New Year and the opportunity to fly like an eagle. Thank You.

Hanging By A Moment......

2010-12-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

I remember during my high school years when a new group called Lifehouse came on to the scene with their song, "Hanging By a Moment". I loved that song and even more, I liked what the band was in comparison to the other one-or-two hit wonders of my day. There were a lot of alternative bands around the end of the '90s and beginning '00s that just seemed like they missed part of the equation. Either the singer was lacking in vocal ability or the band just wasn't that good (big surprise) or they didn't have the image or the "lasting power". Lifehouse out all of them, was the one I was rooting for. The singer obviously had great ability, the band was sufficient and played to their strengths, their image was clean, yet with a slight bit of edge that still hasn't been properly tapped into and I was totally convinced they had "lasting power". Lasting power is such a rare thing. The ability to stay around and stay fresh. Few people/artist/things/events have it. The Beatles may have had the greatest lasting power of any music group or artist ever, Marilyn Monroe may be it for actresses, the Yankees for sports and so on and so on. I'm not saying that Lifehouse has Beatles power by any means but I was hoping that this was a band I could listen to as I grew older. Well, Lifehouse has had their ups and downs and never really materialized into the band I thought they could've (thank you emo music for screwing this up because as far as I'm concerned, you and grunge are the bane of rock history) but their song, "Hanging By a Moment" is still one of my favorites to listen to.

Recently, the song took on a new meaning to me as I was in a half-stand, half-crouch mode looking at my right ankle bursting to the left and about to come out of my sock while my right foot was dangling off to the side like a dead fish. I had just made a dumb play and I didn't hear a sound or realized what had just happened but looking down, it seemed as if time had stopped and all I could see was my ankle, just hanging.

8:15 A.M., Saturday, December 18th, 2010. My alarm goes off for a 9:00 a.m. basketball game and I hit snooze. I had been salsa dancing the past two nights and with it being the last week of school, things were semi-stressful but mostly exciting because 2 weeks of freedom for this guy was coming. I rolled back over and hoped I would magically spring out of bed and be ready to go show some youngins how to ball.

8:45 A.M. - The alarm goes off for the ump-teenth time and I finally roll my carcass out of bed. No time to really get too prepped, so a quick swipe of deodorant, wet the hair down, throw on my black-sleeveless shirt, white shorts and grab an Oatmeal Cream Pie on my way out the door. Yep, I'm a zombie but I'm still convinced that Zombie Scott can still ball.

9:00 A.M. - Quick warmup. Really dragging.......no time to stretch.........now paging Dr. "This Has Bad Game Written All Over It"..............

9:10 A.M. - Game has started, made a nice stop, grabbed a board or two, have a foul and 0-2 shooting, missing a wide open 3 but being grateful I didn't airball it like my buddy Brad.

9:20 A.M. - I look at the game clock and with only 5 players, halftime can't get here soon enough. I'm huffing and puffing a bit but hey, I'm an in-shape 28 year-old. I can handle this. Must make it to halftime.

9:24:41 - Okay, this may be a slight modification of the time but the next few events were a blur, so bear with me. Our team had the ball and turned it over to my right. The opposing PG tipped the ball out of the air and took off. I saw the PG cheat on the pass and was ready to go after him. He was quick and my brain didn't send the signal to move that fast. He had a 1/4 court head start and I bolted down to the other end. I made it back to contest the shot. This was a play I've had to make more times than I care to count. I'm going to swat that shot going Mach 5 or I'm taking him out. Either way, that ball is not getting in the hoop. Only thing about going Mach 5, you have no control. None, zero, zilch. As he went up, I did too and flew past him. I crashed into the wall and.............

"Forgetting all I'm lacking,

Completely Incomplete,

I'll take your invitation,

You take all of me"

CRACK! BAM! BOOM!

Forget it. I don't know what sound was really made but I'm sure it sounded like a forest of celery meeting the Lumberjack Games. Now, like I said, I didn't hear anything or initially feel anything, all I did was pick up my right leg and look down. Ankle to the left, foot hanging on by sheer virtue of skin and tissue to the right. I went straight to the ground.

I felt a few darts of pain in my leg and then had an intense tightening of every single muscle, even the ones I didn't know existed. It was horrible. Then, everyone came running over and played doctor. Luckily, and I don't know how, I still had most of my wits about me, so I was able to direct traffic. I instructed my friend Sarah to get my wallet out of my car, had Zach and John administer a blessing of comfort, and was able to get ready for the next step, the hospital. We splinted my ankle using a "Caution, Wet Floor" sign (which was sweet and I'm bummed I don't have a picture of it) and stuffed me into the back of Sarah's Mazda 3. I was holding on and to be honest, the pain wasn't excruciating, yet. We got to Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful and I got rolled right into the ER. Once in the room, I don't even know how I got onto the bed but whoever thinks its funny to keep hospitals cold needs to stop, its not funny. I was freezing. Once the came in and got my info, they dug in. Initial diagnosis - surgery. The nurse was kind enough to give me morphine, THANK YOU, and started taking off my shoes. He asked if he could cut my shoe and I replied politely, HELL NO! He explained how much it'd hurt and for all those that know me, I will bear pain in the name of sport. So, once loosened, it came off with no problem (gee, what an idea.....) and he got my sock off. Here's what was awaiting me on the other side:

Ugly, huh?

The next step was getting the orthopedic surgeon on the line to schedule the surgery. Which we did and he was on his way over. In the mean time, they were going to try and set it back in place and splint it. They offered me a choice: 1) more morphine and bear it or 2) knock me out and I would wake up in a few hours. I went for #1 and got something stronger than morphine. It wasn't fun and thankfully didn't last long but they put a fiberglass splint on and all was well again. The doc dropped by and we chatted. Surgery at night and a loooonnnnnnnggggggg road ahead.

I was wheeled up to the 4th floor to wait for surgery. My cousin, Josh, was there and thanks to his personality, we found things to make fun of, which were plenty. Had tons of time to kill and since nothing better was on TV, I started the texting and calling to individuals that needed to know.....then who I wanted to tell........then who else was left that wasn't in the know. Finally, it was time for surgery.

The only time, and I repeat ONLY, time I felt sick was right now. When I talked with the anesthesiologist, I started to feel sick. He was going to give me an epidural, which would numb me from the waist down and a nerve block, which would block all the pain for 12-48 hours on my right leg. I remember getting light-headed then hearing, I'm going to sedate you first and .....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............

I woke up when the nurses got me up at midnight and found a new splint, no underwear but things were done and a success. The no underwear thing was weird. Convinced I should have a say when and who should remove it. Anyway, I got released on Sunday and now starts to road back. I'm still not sure what hardware I have but:

"Just hanging here by a moment,

Hanging by a moment,

Hanging by a moment here with you".

p.s. Thank you to everyone for their concern during this whole ordeal. Its been greatly appreciated and everything that everyone has done has been noticed and I am thankful for such wonderful people in my life. You're awesome.

p.p.s. I should really review things before I publish. Final diagnosis - Broken fibula and tibia. If I can get the x-rays up, I will. They really tell the whole story. No more questions after you see the havoc wrecked on my ankle. Its really ugly.

Scott vs. The Blizzard

2010-11-26T16:55:00.001-08:00

In my undefeated streak vs. Mother Nature, there has never been anything she has sent that I haven't been able to handle. This includes tornadoes of destruction, brutal rain storms, electrifying dry lightning storms, winds so strong that I have been physically moved, earthquakes, and the list goes on and on. Mother Nature and I have been on solid terms lately but I cursed her on Saturday, November 20, 2010. While in the midst of a small snow storm with chilling temperatures, my satellite feed on my TV went out. In my anger, I cursed her and issued a challenge: If I couldn't see the Patriots-Colts game on Sunday, I would be coming after her and I would bring Hell with me. Offended by such a statement of pride, Mother Nature issued a challenge of her own: If I let you watch your game, you will have to face MY wrath with the dubious monster of my youth, the Blizzard.

Now, for those of you not familiar with this monster of my youth, let me fill you in. From the end of Kindergarten to the end of 3rd grade, my family and I lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne is known for possibly the craziest weather ever. I don't think it ever got warmer than 85 degrees. The wind never stopped for more than 5 minutes. It snowed 2 inches in 1 hour on May 28, 1992. I played baseball in June wearing long underwear. We wouldn't be pulled in from recess unless it was -10 degrees below zero outside. We had tornadoes in the summer every year. Anyway, the Blizzard. Blizzards got to be so often and so horrible that I began to think that's what regular snow was. We got over 3 feet one night and the drifts were so bad, we were stuck in our house for 3 full days. Now, I love my family but being an 8 year old with a 6 year old little brother and having limited cable reception is a recipe for 2 super pissed off parents and a "Where there's a will, there's an A+" video series marathon. I swear I was doing 6th and 7th grade math as an 8 year old. After that, I let Mother Nature have her way, just as long as she never sent that type of blizzard again. She was good with that but my insult Saturday sent her into a frenzy and she sent the blizzard back. The purpose of the blizzard: Prevent me from spending Thanksgiving with my family. So, the stage is set: Scott vs. the Blizzard. Let's go to the scouting reports for each fighter.

Scott - Drives a Mazda 6 with new tires. Only gone off the road once in winter time and that was due to another driver. Amazingly confident in skill set. Pros - Confidence, natural ability, and an iPod loaded with fantasy football podcasts. Cons - Often impatient, gets intimidated by big trucks on winter roads, can be over-confident.

Blizzard - Professional fighter. Has both speed within an area and power. Solid as a rock. Pros - Hits hard and stands ground well. Can mix speeds and punches. Fights his style and forces opponents to counter. Cons - When slowed down, open to knockout punches. Often wears opponents down but doesn't knock them out. Very vulnerable to quick opponents counters.

Round 1 (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.) - Blizzard sends out a formidable front but Scott is able to stick and move, stick and move. Little slippery in spots while Scott nearly got sucked in to some quick jabs that could've proved costly. Fighters both come out with a 10 for the round.

Round 2 - Blizzard comes out of the corner firing. Big haymakers nearly land Scott out for the 10 count. Dazed and confused, Scott is weak in the knees and struggles to stay up. Blizzard scores big in this round. (In case you're getting lost, the Blizzard was so bad that they shut down the highway at the Utah-Idaho border, I had to come home and was lucky to escape because the Blizzard brought Hell with him as a manager). Blizzard picks up a 10 while Scott manages an 8.

Round 3 - Still dazed, Blizzard continues the assault for half a round but due to poor conditioning, Scott is able to rattle off a few counters and escape. The ref nearly called the match on a TKO in favor of the Blizzard due to Scott's inability to muster anything in the first half. Back in the corner, Scott receives extra treatment. Blizzard scores another 10 while Scott picks up a 9 for the solid second half of the round. Blizzard is up by 3 and Scott really needs to pick it up for any chance of a win.

Round 4 - (Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.) - Scott comes back out a pulls a change of pace. At first, Scott uses a faster style than Blizzard was ready for but then slowed down. Scott scored big with both body shots and working the head. Showing a lot of confidence, Scott picks up a 10 as does the Blizzard for a solid showing.

Round 5 - The Blizzard scores 2 HUGE punches. A cross to the left eye of Scott opened him up and left his visibility in doubt (I had to pull of the road to clear my windshield because of frozen windshield washer fluid). Blizzard kept working the eye and forced Scott to cover up and move to avoid defeat. Blizzard also used a hook to send Scott nearly out of the ring. At the end of the round, Scott and his manager had to hustle to stitch the eye (stopping in Snowville to clean the windshield and buy new washer fluid). Blizzard - 10, Scott - 7. Really, really looking bad for Scott.

Round 6 - Blizzard is back in control and now just playing with Scott but not knocking him out. Scott stays consistent and despite a hostile crowd around him (lot, lot of stupid drivers on the ice), Scott regains confidence and starts to fight the slowed down speed. Blizzard scores a 10, Scott a 9. Scott's corner is warned about possibly needing to throw the towel.

Round 7 - Scott gets thrown but a small uppercut but retaliates with jabs and regains mobility. Its a boring round with not much that happens as both fighters hold their ground. Both score a 10.

Round 8 - Blizzard really slows it down and starts throwing haymakers out of desperation. Scott isn't fooled and is able to move out of 3 different traps the Blizzard throws. Effective countering and new stitches on the right eye allow Scott to see the road better and he starts to use his most effective weapon, the peak-a-boo strategy. Throws the Blizzard off balance and Scott gets a few big, big sets off and the Blizzard is starting to slow down. Scott picks up a big 10 and the Blizzard slips to a 9. Momentum significantly shifting in favor of Scott. You can hear the crowd chanting for Scott.

Round 9 - Blizzard comes out and is bound not to let Scott take control. Keeps things slick for the first half but then the wheels come off. Scott is able to block and go. Half way through the round, Scott puts Blizzard on the ropes and starts to unleash some big punches. All of a sudden, Blizzard is now in a frenzy and fighting off a TKO. Scott scores huge with the judges and takes a 10 but the bigger story is the plight of Blizzard, taking only an 8.

Round 10 - FINAL ROUND KNOCKOUT! Scott is still down on the judges scorecard and can't afford to let the judges decide. Halfway through the round, Scott comes with a great combo and out of the peak-a-boo, lands a Tyson-like uppercut that puts the Blizzard out cold on the mat. Wasting no time, Scott gets to the corner and watches with the world as the ref gives the 10 count. For those of us watching, there is no doubt that Blizzard is not getting up from this. With a smile of his face, Scott's hand is raised in victory!

So, with Blizzard vanquished, I was able to spend Thanksgiving 2010 with my family. It was great. I got to see my cousin Pat, who I haven't seen in 15 years. I helped cook dinner and spent the quality time I desired with my parents. A few years ago, this would've been a trip of obligation but now, it was a trip of love. One thing that no blizzard or other force of Mother Nature can stop is the human will. I love my family and would've gone through Hell and back to get to them, if that's what was needed. Blizzard, I took this one but something tells me, we will be seeing each other again.....soon.

As good as it gets?

2010-08-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Despite not living up to promises made to many friends, colleagues and students, I haven't posted in close to a year. And, this has not been the year to be lazy on posting such things. Looking back at the last sports year, we've had more drama than anyone has known what to do with. From Tiger to LeBron to Drew Brees and the Saints to my woeful Seattle Mariners. Looking at all this, only one thought comes into my mind: Not everything that is good to you is good for you.

What?

Think about this a little more in depth. We are surrounded by everything that satisfies us and have more access to those pleasures more than anytime in the history of the world. However, with instant gratification at our fingertips, it can become unhealthy. Wasn't the whole idea of luxuries/pleasures/gratifications such that it become a temporary state or occasional event so that we don't become overly accustomed to "Happyland"? Well my friends, enter the NFL.

Never has a sport permeated American life the way the NFL currently does. Even the most disgusted, turned-off individual knows a thing or two about football. From the tater-tot flag football level to our beloved idols running amok on Sundays, one thing is certain: America absolutely loves football. I get giddy for the start of school in the Fall, not for new students, not for the consistency of schedule or anything else but the shine of the Friday Night Lights. I love going to high school football games. We can get plastered but I don't care, there's something about the atmosphere that is magical. Yet, we have a foreboding problem: an extended football season.

The NFL owners recently met and one of the big issues on the docket: expand the NFL season to 18 games. 18!?! Just for the regular season? Are you kidding me? Look, I'm already addicted enough to fantasy football. Last year, I was in 10 head-to-head leagues. I remember talking to my buddy Kaleb, who smartly asked, "What the hell is wrong with you?" to which I replied, "I'm bored and this is what happens when you're still single and have nothing better to do." I get paralyzed through the preseason and I honestly find it hard to concentrate on things that matter, such as preparing lessons because, as most fantasy football addicts, I spend time daily on checking my leagues and all the activity that doesn't happen. In fact, a recent survey indicates that people who play fantasy football spend at least 10-15 minutes per day checking on their team, most of this occurring while at work. Can you imagine what will happen if you give us, the ravenous wolves, 2 more weeks of football?

Here's my real issue with the proposed expansion, the product will be damaged. The past few seasons in the NFL have changed greatly because of the rise in concussions. The funny thing about players and concussions is, nobody seems to know how to handle the problem. Hey, I've got an idea: if a player gets a concussion, done for 2 weeks at minimum. Are we really ready to trot the boys out for 2 more weeks of competition only to watch our Sunday Gods go down with more injuries?

The growing disinterest in baseball (which is alarming because baseball is the true national pastime and is the duty of every American to love and be educated in baseball), comes largely from the 162 game schedule. I understand, 18 NFL games is in no way 162 MLB games but, when is it too much?

The main force behind this is owner greed. Roger Goodell has already stated that this is a fan driven idea because we, the fans, hate the preseason. I don't personally watch the NFL preseason, unless there is a position battle that I need to observe for my fantasy football drafts but I'll take what we have. The owners would each get 1 more home game, which means anywhere from an extra $2-6 million an owner gets to pocket in revenue. Currently, the average NFL team is worth $1 billion plus, imagine the increase this would create, FOR A SPORTS TEAM! The NFL gets 2 more NBC Sunday Night NFL games and 2 more ESPN Monday Night Football games, which increases profit even more, for the owners. But, at what cost will this come to the players?

Outside of the previously mentioned problem of concussions, the NFL game is played faster and harder than ever before. Players get hurt more often. Within the past decade, coaches like Mike Shanahan have proved smart for the game, although devastating for fantasy football. Shanahan is one of the first to use a platoon system at running back and make it successful. The platoon/rotation system kept players healthier throughout the season and is largely the reason for Shanahan's success. But you can't predict the future, nor can you rotate through every position like you can with running backs. I, as a huge fan that supports the NFL, want the best product available.

My solution? Create an 18 week season where each team gets 2 byes and plays 16 games. How many would be against this? Allow one more week during the season for guys to rest and get/stay healthy for a more exciting game on the field. Allow one more week for coaches to get together and have better game plans for the upcoming games, instead of a 2-3 day preparation. We get a better product, healthier players and we appease the social norms of being finished before Valentine's Day. Mark my words people, if the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day ever fell on the same day, divorce rates and marriage counseling will skyrocket. Can you imagine the fights that would ensue? Sure, it sounds trivial but ask around and you'll find I'm right. As for the preseason? Whatever. Shorten to 2 or 3 games. I doubt that many people will be broken hearted.

I fear that an extended NFL schedule would mean an extended NCAA schedule, which in the end, would trickle down to High Schools. I deal with football players. They get tired. The hits to the head really do matter. Despite the invincibility of the male teenager, they can't take much more. And, now we go back the other way. If high school players can't handle the extended schedule, college scouts will talk themselves out of recruiting certain players, lessening the talent pool for the NFL teams to pull from, which, in the long run, makes for a worse product that the NFL sets out on Sundays.

So, NFL owners, please think about the product and your players. Please don't make me have to pick up the likes of Benjaurvis Green-Ellis or Javon Walker in hopes of keeping my fantasy football team afloat because your greedy, crotchety, moronic, Donald Trump wannabe selves want some more greenbacks from the workers of America. Please keep my idols healthy to stay on the field and play. Please keep the games competitive and not turn potential weeks 17 and 18 into JV football. Just remember....

Not everything that is good to you is good for you.

New Feature

2009-11-23T21:05:00.001-08:00

For all those that know me, you know that I am never short on an opinion. I am always ready to give my view of things and thus, a new feature for the blog is born. Welcome to, "If I was in charge..."
Now, as scary as this may be, I may, just MAY, come up with a few good points. After all, I support most of the things I'll take on. The one problem is, they forgot to ask me about things before they pulled the trigger and made the decisions. Well my friends, its time to fix the failures of men and right the ship.
So, first installment of, "If I was in charge...", we're going to tackle a big one: The Public School System. No wait, I'll wait on that and read the bylaws to make sure I won't get lynched for taking that one on yet. Let's face it, I'm not exactly on top of the food chain yet. Still just a guppy in the vast ocean of teachers. That will be a futuristic one...
Let's look at the New York Knicks.
Oh wait, what's that? Someone just fell on the floor laughing so hard that they puked realizing that this is a near improbable fix? Well, its not totally hopeless but about there.
The Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA and produced possibly the most drama filled moment in the history of the NBA when Willis Reed made his daring comeback. Last decade, they were a contender and really the last "bad boys" of the NBA. Plus, they play at Madison Square Garden, possibly the greatest venue in the United States. The fans have shown some of the strongest sense of loyalty to any team of any sport but even they have realized that the current state of their Knickerbockers is beyond deplorable. They're hoping for a Savior. Maybe the King? I hope not.
So what's the plan? Here's how I see it.
1) Keep Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni for as long as you can. They're successful in their jobs. Donnie may have the personality of a fish (and look like one for that matter) but he did turn the Pacers into something shiny after a few years and ready to compete on some level. He can do that with the Knicks but its going to take a LONG time to repair all the moves Isaiah made. And as far as Mike goes....well, I like the guy. There's possibly no one else in the NBA that understands modern offenses better than this guy. The defensive side of the ball...well...his teams can sure score a lot of points can't they?
2) Keep David Lee, Toney Douglas, Jordan Hill, Wilson Chandler, and Chris Duhon. TD and Hill are projects but they fit D'Antoni's system. Chandler hustles, is young, and cheap. Duhon isn't anything fancy but he's serviceable and does an okay job. None of these guys are All-Stars but they are system guys and there's definitely worse options. Now, Mr. Lee. Put a few pieces around him and he's the next version of Shawn Marion. He's really the Matrix 2.0. Lock him up for a few years.
3) Start trading away anyone valuable. Bye-bye Jared Jefferies, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, Eddy Curry, and anyone else they can get rid of. Do it. Even if it means getting $.30 on the dollar. Your season can't get any worse but you might as well move the contracts you can and try and get a few draft picks in return.
4) Throw everything you have to get Lebron James. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of the King but its obvious what they need. They need him. He's one of those special type of players that can change the course of a franchise. You want him on that wall, you need him on that wall. He's really your only ray of hope. Really.
5) Once you land Lebron, find someone for him to "grow old" with. For example, Jordan had Pippen, Malone had Stockton, Penny/Kobe/Dwayne had Shaq (wait, let's throw this one out because its starting to look like Shaq is a phenom killer...), anyway, you get the idea. Now, what's the problem with this? You'll be giving the King a max contract and if you go after Bosh or Wade or someone on the high-end of the list, that's another max contract. Don't surround these guys with the fodder of the league waiver-wire but did it ever dawn on you to maybe get a solid guy that can be the wingman and get better role players? You'll need a solid point that can take care of things, a SG that is good for 15 or so a game, a PF that can set a pick, and a center that a double-double a game player. They all exist. Just get them in NY.
6) Get the locker-room/chemistry/goofy guy. I'm convinced every team needs one of these guys. They have become so prevalent and important in baseball and have to be there in basketball. Get the Giambi "I'm going to wear a leopard skin thong to break out of a slump" guy. Get the Ken Griffey Jr. "I'll make you wear a world's greatest teammate tie that I got made for you" sort of guy. Get the "I'm going to fart on an airplane and make you want to jump out because it stinks so bad" guy. You play 82 games a year. You've lost for so long and been so bad, your fans might set up a team noose to hang you. You have wives/girlfriends/booty calls that will wear you down. The nasty hotel food, the stinky cabs, the ugly reporters, it all wears you down. Get that guy to make you laugh and may just moon the TV to change the subject.
7) Hire a hitman to take out James Dolan. Or not...Just get someone else who gives a crap before he decides to hire Isaiah "I run everything into the ground" Thomas to turn things around. Get someone that will actually care about the fans instead of James "I'm the Al Davis of the NBA" Dolan.
8) Do things that will actually get fans interested. Ever hear of marketing? New Knick girls, new Knick-girl uniforms, free pizza night, luxury suite giveaways, pictures of Isaiah in the urinals, etc. In this "what have you done for me lately?" kind of world, do something for the fans. "If you build it, they will come".
How about we change that last quote? How does "if you give them a reason to come, they'll come" sound? Too rational? Too logical? Or the final plan for the Knicks to finally be a power once again?

Student Mailbag

2009-07-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm going to channel my inner Simmons and write a mailbag that consists of experiences and thank you cards that I received for teacher appreciation week and just cause I'm awesome. As always, these are real accounts.

Thanks for putting up with me in your class this year. It has been fun. I know I have been some trouble with me and Matt always talking but hopefully I didn't cause you a lot of trouble! Thanks for all you have done for our class this year. It was one of the classes I was actually looking forward to! -Brock
Awww...a sweet word from the wanna-be gangster. Attention all people: A GANGSTER LOOKS FORWARD TO CLASS!

Mr. Judy. Thanks for being such a great teacher. I have honestly had fun in your class. It probably has been the class that I have looked forward to go to every other day. I really have come to appreciate your concern for everyone. Like you lecture yesterday, about not doing drugs. I'm glad that you are a teacher that actually cares about ALL of us. Also, thanks for putting up with me for the year...not that you really had the choice :) - Ashley
I really do have a heart underneath all this uber-masculinity. Let the record show that this is yet more proof that I do care about my students. Also, let the record show that this is two in a row that look forward to my class. Unfortunately, the record will also show me getting thanked for putting up with multiple kids. Seriously, I need to get paid more if that what kids are thanking me for...

J-U-D-Y. Thanks. -Anonymous
Ummm....you're welcome?

Dear Mr. Judy, Today in class you gave us this whole big thing about drugs and how they affect you and all that good stuff. A member of my family was, I guess, not happy with life and got into all kinds of weird stuff. They started doing all kinds of drugs and drinking, weird kinds of alcoholic beverages I can't even pronounce. I just want to thank you for helping to make sure that sort of stuff doesn't even enter a students life. Plus, even though you told me not to take A.P. History, I'm still going to take it and when I get an "A", and pass the test, I'm going to come and rub it in your face. Thank you for being a cool teacher. Sincerely....-Mike
I'm only one man. I can't change the world but I can threaten you if you take drugs. Even if you are bigger than me and can beat me up...

Oh dear...Mr. Judy...I do admit, I'm glad I had you as a teacher this year. Thanks for being mean all the time. It really meant a lot :) haha jk. I really had a good time in your class and I learned a lot. Thanks for all you do for us. But I do have to say, I'm really disappointed that you don't like the Yankees. That brought you down on my list of favorite teachers...one day I will conquer the orange juice challenge. Thanks again for everything.
My occasional remarks are appreciated? Really? Well if that's the case..
I want to explain. I'm a Mariners fan first and foremost. There are a few other teams I am partial to. If I was at gunpoint, I used to choose the Sox over the Yanks. When I sick in March and took some medicine, something changed. I saw the light...and a Yankees logo. But I'm still a Mariners fan. Always will be. Yankees...we're above the I hate them level but let's not push the envelope.
Lastly, the orange juice challenge is impossible. I know. I've tried. Why do you think I use this as a means to take the house (me) versus the students?

Dear Mr. Judy, HAPPY V-DAY! I just wanted to tell you how much I love your Hollister vests and square high heels. I wish I could join the tennis team :( -Anonymous
I'm going to assume this is Happy Viewmont Day. If not...I'm scared. Little awkward getting wished a Happy Valentines Day from a student. Clarification: I own vests from Express and formerly a vest from Polo by Ralph Lauren but hey, polo player vs. bird, I can see the misunderstanding. I DO NOT WEAR HIGH HEELS! Where did that come from? Seriously!

Thanks for being my teacher and working with me on the problems I've had in your class. I really appreciate the help. -Rachael
No problem. All in a days work.

Remember when I drew that picture for Lizzy? Here's on for you :) (Picture of me and a girl with the caption: Mr. Judy and his future wife! Muahahahaha). Hey Judy...we're supposed to write a teacher appreciation note. So I chose you...thanks for putting up with Kat and my stories and stupidity. I like your drugs chat. I thought that was good. So thanks. I hope I get you for U.S. History...wait, is that the class next year? Huh...I dunno. -Amanda
My favoite student thanking me. How nice. Never fear Amanda! Things are in place. You will be back in my class next year! But I am a little concerned. Was that an evil laugh?

Judy, In consideration of Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to thank you for your hard work. I admire your relaxed but firm attitude and how well you handle every situation thrown at you. Thank you so much for being patient with me (being a sophomore). I can't tell you Thank You enough for your efforts to keep the German program around. You are thebomb.com Judy! -Little P.
That's a new compliment. thebomb.com huh? I kind of like it. Look at the qualities listed here: Hard Work, Firm Attitude, Ability to handle situations, Patience, Working for a dead program. Hey, I'm overqualified to run the NHL with those qualities!

Thanks for being a good teacher and for being concerned last semester. I just wanted to say I am doing better and Thanks! -Rissely
My charity knows no bounds. Its even international (she's from Peru).

Hey Judy, Thanks for having an awesome class! I only had you for one semester and you're already my favorite teacher, even though you have a huge ego!! You always make class interesting and even though I hated all the work, I have to admit I learned so much! Thanks for being Awesome! And don't ever stop being hard on those stupid kids (like me). Hope you have an amazing rest of the year and I hope you're excited for summer as everyone else is! Long time no see. -Sara
Apparently, my ego knows no bounds either...

Thank you for being an awesome teacher. You are defnitely one of my favorite teachers. I like how you really care about us opposed to just knowing our names. I also really like all your lectures. You make history worth learning. Thank you for everything! -Hailey :)
Now that's a compliment of unparalleled levels! History itself is worth learning but the fact that I made it worth it. Now I feel special :)

Well, even though sometimes your ego kills me and you hate the Jazz, I guess I'm just saying thanks. I've really learned a lot in both your classes - I do really like the way you teach and I absolutely loved the Islam unit. And also, thanks for fighting for the German 2 class and I really hope we get it! -Sara
Looking back, my hate for the Jazz probably cost me a few favorite teacher votes but hey, what can I say? I hope we get the German 2 class next year too. Time will tell. This is also the same girl that laughs and agrees that my ego enters the room 10 feet before I do. That's simply not true. It's at least 12 feet!

Mr. Judy, Thank you so much for making my sophomore year so enjoyable. You are such a fantastic teacher and I love how understanding you are. You give off a friendly and approachable feeling which helps ths students feel very comfortable. You teach with clarity and humor which has really helped me learn throughout this year. Thanks again and I hope to see us in the World Book of Records! -Haley
I plan on getting in there with the most tabasco sauce consumed in a minute. Haley thinks she can do it for most bendable elbows (she has a good shot). Notice the new upgrade of teacher. Good to fantastic. I'm on a roll people!

Quote from a student in the school newspaper: "Mr. Judy is a pretty good teacher but sometimes he can get distracted if he sees his reflection in the whiteboard." - Landon

Yup, these are my students.

Homecoming for the Ages

2009-04-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes.
It's spring...or at least its supposed to be.
Somebody must have angered the weather Gods because the past few days and weeks, spring flirts with us more than Miley Cyrus, the new American golden girl. Of course, we all know how the story will turn out. She'll be the second coming of Britney Spears. And yet, my friends still wonder why I'm scared out of my mind to have daughters...
Despite the fact that a normal, roller-coaster spring is upon us, spring is always, always a great time of the year. Why do you ask? One word: Baseball.
We're back, baby! That's right, time to chalk the field, cut the grass, and pull out the rosin bags. It's that magical time of the year when the world seems to come together...
THE KID IS BACK, THE KID IS BACK, THE KID IS BACK! "Seattle, put your hands together...and now introducing...number 24...the Kid...the Legend...KEN GRIFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEYYYYY JUUUNNNIIIIOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!" Talk about bringing tears to my eyes, and yes, these were real (notice I never said they made it out...). The Yanks have their guys, the Sox have theirs but for us broken-hearted, down-trodden fans of Seattle that have seen 2 really awesome seasons in the past 15 years, this is our guy. He saved our organization. He got the money to build Safeco Field, heck, he built the place.
Yes, I know he's old, fat, and no longer the guy he used to be. He doesn't have to be. He just has to come out to the ballpark, give that copyrighted smile and our hearts will be warm, no matter what. Yep, the KID is BACK! (As I'm writing this, Junior just went deep for his first homer in Safeco Field, excuse me...I have tears of joy to wipe away)
For those of you that don't grasp the importance of this moment, this is bigger than Van Halen getting back together, bigger than Tori Spelling returning to 90210, and bigger than Jim and Pam on the Office (wow, that's a first...Office reference...hmmm...).
Kenny, here's looking at you KID!

Up, Up, and A-Roid

2009-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

I keep telling myself that I'm going to do this more and yet, here I am, almost a month removed from the last post. Sad, I know...
So, first off, I just want to point out to everyone that I would've cleaned house in Vegas. I had all three bets right. I had the Cards beating the spread, the over for points in the game, and most importantly, the Steelers winning it all. And it is for this reason that I have now realized, I can never, ever go teach in the vicinity of Nevada. I don't bet for real but I can easily see myself getting sucked into sports betting and blowing a future child's college tuition. Can you imagine how well that conversation would go over? "Sorry honey, I honestly thought I had this parlay...Its not my fault that the Mariners can't win a game...I told them to call me and they never did...Idiots..."
Do I have to talk about A-Rod? Really? I do? Okay then...
With the news being leaked about A-Rod doing steroids, baseball is continually going down hill. And this saddens the Scott. I actually started to like A-Rod again. The way he dissed us when he left Seattle was tough but time heals all wounds. Not completely but they get healed. I still remember him turning his nose at me after the Oakland A's game in 1997.
Anyway, I got to give him his due respect for coming out about it. Here's my gripes (because I always have some): 1) Everyone lies. Even him. Yes, it took an SI report to get him to come out. Good job to whoever blew this thing up. She should get fired too. 2) "I don't really know what exactly I was taking." Either A-Rod is lying again or he is one of the biggest idiots known to man. 3) Did you see the interview with Peter Gammons? He looked more like a girl than a dude. I heard steriods can do that to a man...
Here's a little humor outside the sports world for anyone that may find this funny. A former student of mine was asked about me and how I am as a teacher. This got published in our school newspaper and it still makes me laugh. "Mr. Judy is a pretty good teacher but sometimes he gets distracted when he sees his reflection in the whiteboard."
Hear that? Proof I am a good teacher. And vain. But seriously, who doesn't love me?
And speaking of loving me, I had probably the best Valentine's Day I've ever had. Thank you.
I'm going to close this out with a great video. I haven't done this yet but its one of the coolest things I've seen in the last week. At the NBA All-Star game, Shaq came out in and stole the show in only a way that Shaq could. Check out the big man and the dope moves.

Playoffs and BBall

2009-01-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

Its been quite a while since the last post. We have plenty to talk about in the sports world.
So, after the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, I was 2-2 in my picks. Unlike the rest of the world, I actually had one of the next weekend picks right, moving me to 1-3 for the weekend and 3-5 for the playoffs. I found no convincing reason why the Chargers would beat the Steelers and turns out, I was right. And, I hate Phillip Rivers. Moving on, I thought the Eagles would've beaten the Cards but no....that's asking too much. McNabb is going to take a lot of heat for this game but I'm more interested in the horrible D of the Eagles. I did get the Chargers pick right and did you see the hit McGahee took? TRAIN WRECK! Wow. That made me hurt just watching it. So, overall, I'm 4-6 for the playoffs. How's the Super Bowl shaping out?
I'm going to start doing this sports betting style, so hopefully I can go over .500 for my picks. Today's opening line is 7 for the Steelers. I think the Cards will cover the spread and definitely come within 7. The over/under is 46.5 for the game. I'm taking the over but not by much. Last of all, the big pick. Steelers. I think they actually have the personnel to cover Fitz and can put pressure on Warner. Plus, the Steelers can tackle, which is something the Falcons, Panthers, and Eagles have forgotten to do. Steelers win on a FG within 3 minutes, Warner gets sacked, fumbles, and that's the game.
Now, I know I blew through that way too fast but I've got more pressing things to talk about. Let's talk about the 100-0 girls basketball game down in Dallas. Covenant vs. Dallas Academy. This is probably known to most of you about the game but in case you don't, here's the gist. Covenant is a private, Christian school that played Dallas Academy, a small school specializing in students with certain disorders. The D.A. is very small with a class of 20 girls, 8 of whom play on the varsity team. Covenant opened up a can on the D.A. and destroyed them not only on the court but just as much mentally as well. I have a couple of problems with this. 1) Why, why, why are these two school even playing? That should've never, ever happened. 2) Many ask why Covenant kept playing and shooting 3's and running the score up. I don't believe the coach purposefully ran the score up. 3 pointers are part of his plan and every coach will back me, you stick to the plan, you run your plays and you make sure the kids get it right. Everyone is outraged that coaches, parents, and players were cheering the closer they got to 100. I applaud them. Look, this is girls basketball, 100 points by a team is impressive on any level. 3) The Covenant coach got fired for not apologizing. I understand that. What I don't understand is how the D.A. coach got to keep his job. That puzzles me. Your team doesn't score a point and all of a sudden, you have job security? Wow, that makes a ton of sense. And here I thought I was suppposed to do my job in order to keep it...I don't want to sound overly rude but come on! Look at Rod Marinelli, formerly of the Detroit Lions. He went winless, 0-16 and he got fired. In fact, he knew he was going to be fired. I know its a bad deal but its life. Wear a helmet.
More to come...

Winds of Change in the NFL...

2008-12-29T20:55:00.000-08:00

Alright, let's take a look at the winds of change going in to 2009.
Let's talk some NFL. The regular season is over and now the fun begins. Both Conferences have 1 no brainer and 1 matchup of intrigue.
Looking at the NFC, we have the Eagles vs. Vikings and Falcons vs. Cardinals. I like the Eagles in this matchup by 10. Philly's D is as nasty as they come and for all the progress Tavaris Jackson made holding a clipboard, he's not turning into a late-season Cinderella story. With things so up and down for the Vikes, they're done. AP will get his but so will Brian Westbrook. With the easy one done, let's move on to the tough one. The Cardinals will be happy to be back home but Atlanta has a lot of mojo going right now. The key for the Falcons is getting pressure on Kurt Warner because covering both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald is impossible without leaving Steve Breaston wide open. I like Turner to go wild though and I'm taking the Falcons by 3.
As for the other side, we have the Ravens vs. Dolphins and Colts vs. Chargers. I'll take the Colts over the Chargers. Even thought the Chargers have been playing big lately, that run is going to stop with the Colts. The Colts have some sort of black magic working for them and the Bolts might have an LT issue. Colts by 13. Now the other toughie. The Ravens have got a full head of steam and the Dolphins have Cinderella magic. If Atlanta's turnaround wasn't so big, the Fins would be the story of the year. Instead, they're second. Miami doesn't turn the ball over and they're experimenting with the new craze, the Wildcat. Baltimore has Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and still one of the most intimidating D's in the NFL. Flacco is a rookie but he can manage a game. I'm taking the Ravens by 6.
So, continuing with the NFL theme, let's talk coaches. Marinelli - gone. No surprise. Crennel - gone. No surprise there either. Marinelli? Gone? Surprised? Not me. I had some initial shock at first but then, when you look at the body language and the execution, or lack thereof, and it's no surprise. I still think that those pesky GMs aren't done either. I have a funny feeling about Andy Reid. Should the Eagles lose, I seriously wonder if he'll be back. I think Wade Phillips will be gone. Don't be surprised if Brad Childress gets axed either. Jim Haslett, see ya. Marvin Lewis - peace out. Jack del Rio will no longer sport the suit for the Jags. Question marks loom over Tom Cable, Herm Edwards, and I also think over Norv Turner. And who will fill the vacancies? White guys. I don't consider myself a racists or an activist but after some of the recent crap out of Auburn (yes I realize the NFL is better about this than the NCAA but I don't see many candidates out there that aren't white), I don't know what to think. Three names to watch for as a jump from the NCAA to the NFL - Jim Tressel, Pete Carroll, and Tommy Tuberville. If a GM asked me, I'd put Tressel in Cleveland, Carroll in Dallas, and Tommy in New York. It'd work. Trust me.
I also have a bold prediction to make but I need to preface this with reason first. A lot of a player's success in the NFL has to do with the system they are in. Some have god-given talent and will be great, regardless of the system. Others need the right system. The biggest gamble in the draft is a QB. QBs have the highest learning curve and the hardest time adjusting to schemes, defenses, veterans, coaches, and the lifestyle. This year's class does not have a Matt Ryan or maybe even a Joe Flacco. This year's class needs some help. Now, assuming that the best will declare for the draft, I think the best QB that will emerge will be Chase Daniels. He brought that program to the forefront of college football in the 07-08 season and had scared everyone in the Big 12 so bad, they planned to stop him and him alone. When that is happening to you and you still have success and exceed expectations, you're NFL good. If I'm Detroit, I trade that #1 pick for a star defensive player/later first round pick and a third or fourth round pick. I wait for Daniels to drop to me and take him. The Lions fanbase would hate you for passing up on some other players but they will thank you in the end. Daniels would be a considerable upgrade over a pissed-off Kitna, a washed up Culpepper, or a flat-footed Orlovsky.
Oh and I have one more for you. Bill Cowher will still be in the studio next fall. Peace peeps.

Sports Thoughts 11/25

2008-11-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

So, on this Thanksgiving Eve, with nothing better to watch on TV, its time to talk sports. There's been a lot happening in the past few days and believe me, the current events haven't gone unnoticed.
First, let's talk Charlie Weis. What a joke this whole thing has turned out! Someone stupid enough says, the current state of the economy will keep his job safe and that a buyout is not impossible but improbable enough. People, this is Notre Dame we are talking about! Hello! They are one of the few institutions that are not ever, EVER, going to have to worry about money issues. So, let's look at the man. He inherited a hot team and showed signs of fizzling out by the end of his first season. He can't put it all together himself. He's a great recruiter but allowing the other coaches to make the calls was a big mistake. Charlie is heralded as an offensive genius, not a defensive strategist. So, Charlie, listen up, if, IF, you want to save your job, fire your D-Coordinator and get someone worth putting in that spot. In fact, if you wait long enough, your old buddy Romeo Crennel will probably be available soon....
Second, shut up about Lebron James. The summer of 2010 is still far away and we are wrapped up in where Lebron is going to go. The world does not revolve King James. Sorry buddy, more important people and events than you. As long as you don't go to Europe, we're good.
Third, the Mariners hire a new manager. THANK YOU LORD! Don Wakamatsu will be a great, great guy and is possibly the best fit for Seattle. As an M's fan, I am excited about his hire. The new GM and this guy have a lot to do. So, I know everyone loves to give you advice and I am no exception. Here's my answers to the M's problems. 1-Trade for Billy Butler from the Royals. He'll be good for us and a lot better (and cheaper) than Jason Giambi. 2-Trade a catcher away. We've got more than enough and heaven forbid we clear space for our best prospect (Jeff Clement) to develop. 3-Sign Mike Hampton. He wants a 1-year deal for not very much and if he turns things around, trade him at the deadline for prospects. 4-They've already began this. Put Carlos "The Buffalo" Silva on a diet. Make him the poster child for some commercial diet plan or system. When he's lighter and healthy, he'll justify his contract a little more. 5-Don't rush Bedard back. Let him come when he's healthy. Then trade his ungrateful butt to someone else. 6-If you can get rid of Yuniesky Betancourt, please do. Defense is slipping and do we even need to count the amount of things wrong at the plate with this guy? Don't cripple us for years to come. 7-Bobby Abreu. Still like the guy and he's still a good hitter. The other name being tossed around is Pat Burrell. Let's see, the last time we signed a slugger who is prone to strikeouts like Burrell, how did that work out??? Hmmm....who was that? Oh yeah, Richie Sexson. 'Nuff said. Needless to say boys, you have your work cut out. Please don't disappoint. Seattle has had enough problems lately.
Finally, the Thanksgiving Day lineup. Ouch. Just glad I have the NFL Network so I can watch the one game that might be worth it. Prediction though people: The Lions will beat the Titans. Just watch, I'll be right. Or horribly wrong.
Stay tuned. Same awesome guy. Same awesome channel. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

And Now Introducing....

2008-11-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

So, let's get something straight, sports are my life. I have watched sports since I was a kid and haven't stopped since. My earliest memories of sports were watching the famous Showtime era of the Lakers. I loved watching them. Magic, Kareem, and one of my favorites, Byron Scott. Hey, he was a great player in that system, get off me. I went from the NBA to College Football where I found my first love, the Miami Hurricanes. That was in 92 and we've had quite the journey since. From good to bad to ugly to resurgence to glory years to heartbreak to sliding down to well, I don't even know what we are now. Next, was hockey. I got one of my all-time favorite games, NHL 95 by E.A. Sports. Great game and new found glory of Sportsdom. Hockey is one of the greatest games on earth. I am convinced that people need to take the time to learn to game of hockey and for heaven's sakes, support it. After hockey, I found my real love, baseball. I began playing in middle school/junior high and started watching it. The beauty and culture are amazing. I can sit through an entire 9-inning game and not flinch. The greatest game on earth. I eventually got involved with basketball, tennis, golf, and soccer. I started coaching track and added that to my list. I am officially in love with sports. So, here's a list of my teams

College Football: University of Miami Hurricanes
College Basketball: Indiana
NHL: Detroit Red Wings
MLB: Seattle Mariners
NFL: Still searching...
NBA: Detroit Pistons

These are my teams. The L.A. Clippers were my NBA Team but I'm done with those busters and have moved on. I've never been able to stick with a NFL team but I am becoming partial to one.

Now, there are of course honorable mentions. Here they are:

College Football: Texas, Auburn, USC, Penn State, Alabama, BSU
College Basketball: UNC, Duke, Michigan State, Louisville, UCLA, Kentucky
MLB: Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, L.A. Dodgers
NFL: Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers
NBA: New Orleans Hornets, L.A. Lakers

There's some that I love more than others. There are some I absolutely hate. I hate:

College Football: Va. Tech, Ga. Tech, Oklahoma, Florida State, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, BYU
College Basketball: UConn, Ohio State
MLB: L.A. Angels of Anaheim, Texas Rangers, Oakland A's, San Diego Padres, San Fransisco Giants, Atlanta Braves
NFL: Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams
NBA: Utah Jazz, NY Knicks, NJ Nets

I am who I am and I root for who I root for. For me though, its not just about the contest. Its everything that goes into it. The place, the players, the officials, the front office, the coach, the commentators, everything. With that being all said, here we go.

Welcome to the Show

2008-11-21T18:59:00.001-08:00

Alright everyone, Scott has joined the blog world. I am going to create blogs that highlight the different areas of my life and interests. I am mostly doing this because my secret hope is that someone at ESPN is going to read the sports areas that I have and hire me on to be the next witty, obsessed guy they own. Also, I hope to highlight some of the things I do at school. I teach at a high school and hope to show some of my sweet lessons and the amazing experiences I have coaching and interacting with students. Plus, I am always the thinker, so you'll get some extra philosophical type ideas. Now that we have the formals out of the way, sit back, relax, and enjoy the awesomeness that is ME.