Monday, July 19, 2010

A Difference

Over $1500 was raised yesterday, at a Bluesgate jam fund raising concert at Longshots in Charles Town, West Virginia. The concert featured over 12 bands, several jams and over 9 hours of music. The gig was broadcasted over the internet.

The concert was raising money for the fisherman in the gulf. Now $1500 is not $20 billion dollars. However, it is $1500 which will help the fisherman. This was just one concert, in one bar, in one community. These were not the huge names in music. They were talented blues players playing a fitting blues fund raiser. Across America their are a lot of  communities, a lot of talented musicians, and an chance to make a difference.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

World Cup: Congrats Spain

Spain and the Netherlands met in the World Cup Final and both countries were looking for their first World Cup title. Spain won the match 1-0 in overtime. The television ratings were up in the United States for this World Cup.

Soccer is the World's game and not really the United States game. It would change if we fielded championship quality teams. The country would watch before switching back to baseball, and soccer would never climb to the level of American football, the NBA, and would be hard pressed to catch the NHL. Soccer leagues have struggled in this country. We know defense whens  championships, but we like scoring.

However, the World Cup Championship is the biggest sporting event in the world and I did watch. On the plus side soccer moves very quickly. The pace of their football is very quick. The yellow cards were pretty exciting. Both teams played hard. Spain appeared to be more aggressive than the Netherlands. I think that is one of the reasons Spain won. However, it was a battle between both teams.

Spain beat Portugal 1-0, then beat Paraguay 1-0, and beat Germany 1-0 to reach the finals. I tip my hat to their defense, Germany had put up four goals in games against Argentina and England. Spain started the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Switzerland, followed by a 2-0 win over Honduras and a 2-1 win over Chile. Congratulations to Spain on their World Cup Championship. We will see who wins in 2014 in Brazil.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Lebron James

Sorry for your loss Cleveland. I'm sure it stings. Don't be a hater, he gave you seven years. Sure he turned down the most money in Cleveland, but I am sure he plans to recoup his losses in increased endorsement. His hyped moved is setting the NBA World on fire, like his jersey in the streets of Cleveland.

Miami wasn't a front runner when I wrote my article on where Lebron James might wind up. Like the Cavaliers I guessed wrong.But everything changed when the Heat re-signed Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosch agreed to play for them. Lebron joined a real contender and an organization which is run by Pat Riley, a man who knows a thing or two about contenders.

I'm not a big fan of the way Lebron had his ESPN special to announce where he was going. Wasn't needed. A simple statement would have done the job. However, the sports world is all about hype and the special did add the drama and fed the hype machine. According to the hype machine the Heat and King James are already in the 2011 NBA Finals. But there is a difference between reality and the hype machine. In reality you have to play the game. In reality there will be challengers like the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic. There are 82 games first and then the playoffs. There is a lot of reality to be played. There is a lot of hype too. Can the hype become reality? We will see starting this Fall.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Happy Birthday Ringo

He wanted a message of hope, peace and love for his birthday. Great things to hold onto if you can find them.

Ringo Starr turned 70 today. I have been fortunate to see him twice with his various All-Star bands. Both along time ago and kind of makes me old. The first time was at Wolf Trap. The All-Stars there included Jack Bruce, then I saw him again in Portsmouth, Virginia with Sheila E and some 80's musician. Real fun shows.

He has to be a proud dad, being able to see his son follow him into the family business of great music and drumming. Zak Starkey the drummer for the Who since 1996. Filling legendary shoes of Keith Moon. He also has to feel proud being part of the Beatles and being able to have a fun solo career.

Cheers and happy birthday!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Robert C. Byrd

I was going to do a 4th of July blog late last night, however technology did not work with me. Like always there are a lot of topics to blog about. I will stay with a patriotic theme, a political appreciation if you will. The blog will give an opinion but it will be positive.

Last week Senator Robert C. Byrd passed away at the age of 92. He was a democrat, senator for the state of West Virginia. West Virginia paid tribute declaring Friday, Robert C. Byrd day in the state and the nation paid tribute by flying the flag at half mast.

He served West Virginia well. He brought jobs, better infrastructure, and stood up for the state in Washington. West Virginia will be hard press to find another Senator to fill Byrd's shoes.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Beau Torbert Update July 3

Through 46 games Beau is hitting .404, which leads the American Association. Torbert is tied for second in the league with 11 home runs. He leads the Pheasants in hitting, hits with 74, and doubles with 15. Beau is second in home runs with 11, RBIs with 49, and slugging percentage .689.

Beau Torbert is having an outstanding season, the only bad news is team mate Brandon Sing is a wonderful season too. Sing leads the league in homers with 17, leads the team in RBIs with 52, run scored with 47, and slugging with .818. Sing's batting average is at .396 which is just behind Beau's.

Stats are from pointstreak.com.

The Sioux Falls Pheasants are close to clinching the first half division title and a playoff spot. The team has a 31-15 record.