tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-367573832024-03-07T10:57:51.989-08:00Trav's ThoughtsSo here's the thing. . .I have thoughts and I'm sharing them. Welcome to my place.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.comBlogger2110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-78233864335056917352020-04-25T09:40:00.000-07:002020-04-25T09:40:47.608-07:00Brands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had to answer Gran's question from last week. The blanket in the background of the pic of Princess Leia is a Dodgers blanket. I miss baseball.<br />
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So...brands. Last week we ordered groceries for pick up from Fry's. It was yet another new experience for us. Like most, we go to the grocery and shop the rows and shelves. We have a list, which often is a guideline simply to ensure that we don't forget something we truly need<br />
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But we rarely come home with only what's on the list. Sometimes they have pumpkin chocolate cookies in the bakery section and we pounce on those. If not, then perhaps we'll go with the large M&M cookies. Or maybe the double fudge ones. The point is, there's typically a decision to be made with the line item "cookies" on our list.<br />
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When you order for pick up, you're constrained by limited availability. Sure, you have an opportunity to make a note in your online list what product you'd except as a substitute for something the grocery doesn't have. It's just not the same as browsing in the moment. And often what I want at the time I'm making the list isn't necessarily what I choose at the store.<br />
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Yeah, I can be fickle. Bet you are too.<br />
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Like last week, we couldn't get Skippy Creamy peanut butter from Fry's. I'm a Skippy dude since I can remember. It didn't occur to me to search for a different brand of PB. We just deleted it from the online list. So when we did our Target run, we looked for Skippy. No joy. All they had on shelf was Jiff Creamy, so rather than do without, we made the executive decision to go with the Jiff, just this once. I did so reluctantly, but Pam has a look and she gave it to me to remind me that...well, let's just say I was embarrassed and put the Jiff in the cart.<br />
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We all know the high demand items - TP, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, etc - and I think most of us have quickly become accustomed to taking whatever is on the shelf, 1 per customer please. It's annoying if you like Charmin and all they have is Northern. Or you prefer the 12 pack 48 mega rolls and they only have 4 pack regular rolls, 2 to a customer of those. But you need some stuff, so you take what you can get.<br />
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If you didn't understand what people meant by privilege before, you're probably getting the idea now. Being in a world where you can typically select between brands is privilege.<br />
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Today we struck gold. We were able to get the brand of TP we prefer. And bonus - they had hand sanitizer. Hadn't seen any of that since this whole thing began. Yay us!<br />
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Pam and I are fortunate to live where we do. We have the financial means to care for ourselves. We're safe and secure in our home, only venturing out - masked and gloved - for those items that can't be ordered online. We're riding out this current crisis as best we can, and our best is such that it's not putting that much of a hardship on us.<br />
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So today we celebrate that we were able to get our brands. There's a comfort in that. I know it seems silly and certainly privileged in these times. We're going to keep reminding ourselves that when we can't get Skippy or Charmin or Sargento cheese that we live in a place where there is still peanut butter and TP and cheese.<br />
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Some day soon the shelves will be fully stocked with all of our preferred brands. We'll be able to get them at any time of day, instead of lining up an hour before a store opens and hoping a truck showed up with something that we need.<br />
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Or maybe this crisis will break us all of our brand loyalties. Maybe it will change what we think we need. Time, as they say, will tell. <br />
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Oh, just for kicks because I can, here's a glamour shot.<br />
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<br />Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-69947704950928428292020-04-19T12:06:00.000-07:002020-04-19T12:06:38.844-07:00Is this thing still on?Hey gang, if anyone is still out there.<br />
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Do I actually know how to do this anymore? It's been awhile, but I came across something today and I just felt the need to share.<br />
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Pam and I enjoy the Sebastian St Cyr mystery series by C.S. Harris. If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it. It's best started at the beginning with <i>What Angels Fear</i>, since it is mostly written in chronological order. You'll get a little confused as to who is who and how they got where they are if you start otherwise than at the beginning.<br />
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What's the reason for this intrusion after so much silence? Well, we just downloaded book #15 in the series, <i>Who Speaks for the Damned</i>. And damned (see what I did there? hehe) if I didn't see a quote bearing the name of a much respected member of our little corner of the bloggosphere. Right there on the first page to pop up after the download, it says<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Who speaks for the restless and the damned? - Charles Gramlich</blockquote>
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Well hey golly and gee wiz gang! Sure seems like it might be the Charles Gramlich I know from blogging. Of course, there could always be another Charles Gramlich who is an excellent writer who might be mined for such an excellent quote to begin a mystery novel.<br />
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So we're healthy. We're happy. We're not in Washington State anymore. We own a beautiful townhouse. We live 3 miles from my folks, who are also both happy and healthy as of this writing. Pam sold her interest in her business and is now mostly retired. I'm still working at the same place, doing my thing from a most excellent home office.<br />
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We invited this little darling to come stay with us, and she accepted. Her name is Princess Leia Organa. She's about 7 years old, we guess because we're not entirely certain. She came to us through a friend who took ill and couldn't keep her anymore. We call her Princess, or Sweets, or Pretty Lady. She came to us in January 2018 and has been an absolute joy.<br />
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That's about it for now. Don't look for regularity in this space. Hope you are all well and weathering this virus crisis as well as you can.<br />
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TTFNTravis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-11486311639718902802016-11-23T00:30:00.000-08:002016-11-23T00:30:34.576-08:00Dona Nobis PacemYeah, I missed it.<br />
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In my defense, I've been dealing with a significant health issue since early October. I've taken disability from work and Pam has taken a leave of absence.<br />
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I won't share the details because that's private. Just know that I'm doing well and looking forward to getting back to good health in the new year.<br />
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My best to all.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-5942005789894474162016-04-27T00:30:00.000-07:002016-04-27T00:30:20.647-07:00We Wondersss...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZdFjpCT5Jg6l2kHZJ5LH41QuPmx8ZGvr1PaR28v9eUozptHTg7kL1bNDJiivvpAZq48MsTLdUA4E4dn9QKht1eUz0n20ouByalliyv2MwP1kr7w5T2HrykCMPmDDzdPxmhe/s1600/Reusable+bags.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgZdFjpCT5Jg6l2kHZJ5LH41QuPmx8ZGvr1PaR28v9eUozptHTg7kL1bNDJiivvpAZq48MsTLdUA4E4dn9QKht1eUz0n20ouByalliyv2MwP1kr7w5T2HrykCMPmDDzdPxmhe/s200/Reusable+bags.jpeg" width="168" /></a></div>
We wondersss, preciousss, yes we doesss. Like...<br />
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...Pam and I bring reusable canvass bags to the grocery and to any other place we shop for our sundries. Actually, we keep a stash of reusable bags in both vehicles so that we can use them anywhere we might require some kind of bag to carry a purchase. We bring more than enough bags for all of our grocery and sundry purchases. And yet, without fail, the person who bags these purchases stuffs as much as possible into as few bags as possible.<br />
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We shouldn't have to ask to spread out the load, should we?<br />
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...Why History has decided to remove all of the historical programming from its channel. Oh sure, some would say programs like <i>Pawn Stars</i> and <i>American Pickers</i> might talk about historical trinkets, gadgets, and the occasional significant piece of Americana. But <i>Ax Men</i> and <i>Ancient Aliens</i>? I'm sure plenty of viewers enjoy that kind of programming, but why is it on History Channel? Where are all the documentaries about actual historical events? Why must so much of the programming be sensationalized pseudo-history or worse...entirely fabricated based on rumor and conspiracy theory? Can't History make well-researched documentaries about events in time that changed the world, or advanced the human condition? <br />
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Perhaps we'll just have to continue to get decent historical and educational programming from Smithsonian Channel.<br />
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...Why so many people addicted to posting comments in articles and tweeting their thoughts can't do so with proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Or at least two out of three. Or even one out of three. I get that you only get 140 characters per tweet, and I get that you want to put your thought out quickly, but you really can take the extra 30 seconds to read what you've just typed for clarity and sense. Don't you understand that words spelled incorrectly and phrases missing periods or other punctuation marks can change the meaning of what you intended to say? Or make what you wanted to say completely senseless or impossible to understand? Or that auto-correct doesn't always understand the word you really wanted and the word it chooses may completely ruin your message?<br />
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Those people called "grammar police" or "spelling nazis" get a bum wrap it's not about being self-important at least it isn't for me it's more about figuring out when one of your thoughts ends and the next one begins it's easier to do that if you spend a couple of those 140 characters on a period take a breath you don't talk in run on sentences why write that way?<br />
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So we wondersss...yes preciousss, we doesss.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-58973599240354118972016-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:002016-04-26T00:30:14.125-07:00Cue that theme music......uhm, or not.<br />
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While I fully intended to resume DWTS reviews this week, the stuff and the things kind of got in the way. I can report that the stuff and the things are bringing us joy and euphoria. <br />
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So Pam and I wish you all the joy and euphoria you can get out of your stuff and things. Perhaps you'll see a Dancing review next Tuesday in this space. It could happen.<br />
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Carry on!Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-57755286110151242442016-04-22T06:03:00.001-07:002016-04-22T06:03:51.603-07:00Prince<div style="text-align: center;">
"I had a massive ego [at youth]. Massive. But that's not such a bad thing. Because at least you're aspiring to be something, you consider yourself great because you want to be great."</div>
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Prince Rogers Nelson</div>
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7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016</div>
Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-9541643298579805322016-04-18T00:30:00.000-07:002016-04-18T00:30:20.572-07:0016 B-25s Go To Tokyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On 18 April 1942, 74 years ago today, Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle led 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers off the carrier deck of USS Hornet in a raid against Tokyo. Although damage was modest, the impact on American morale was immense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was blogging regularly, I re-posted my commemoration to honor the men who flew those bombers to Tokyo to prove that the Japanese homeland was vulnerable, and to give the US a morale boost after a series of devastating defeats in the Pacific to mark its entry into World War II. <a href="http://www.travsthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/04/16-b-25s-go-to-tokyo.html" target="_blank">You can read my post from 2013 here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet_2J9JqWe_iWjtGMoX9n9eOsYElF21gJjCzR0GKANjit7xeY941wjwX-h0uAWvjYIo7koE0ljGh-O8qmsjBa29M6wDmbq5iS4sExngaQ9ZysGNUeXRvDUPj5utYVX13LQdlh/s1600/Goblet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet_2J9JqWe_iWjtGMoX9n9eOsYElF21gJjCzR0GKANjit7xeY941wjwX-h0uAWvjYIo7koE0ljGh-O8qmsjBa29M6wDmbq5iS4sExngaQ9ZysGNUeXRvDUPj5utYVX13LQdlh/s200/Goblet.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I made that post, there were only four surviving Raiders. At each reunion, the surviving crew members performed a roll call and then drank a toast to the Raiders who passed since they last met. Each man has a special silver goblet engraved with his name. The goblets of those Raiders who have passed are turned down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A final toast was to be between the last two surviving Raiders, with a bottle of vintage Hennessy cognac from the year of Colonel Doolittle's birth, 1896. The bottle and the goblets have traveled to each reunion since 1960.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On 9 November 2013, at the National Museum of the US Air Force near Dayton OH, the four surviving Raiders made the Final Toast, knowing that this would be the last time they would be able to travel. They saluted their brothers who have passed before them, and declared the mission over. The goblets remain on display at the museum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And now only two surviving Raiders remain.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sgt Edward J Saylor was born 15 March 1920. He was a flight engineer and gunner on aircraft 15. He retired from the Air Force in 1967 as a Lt Colonel. He passed on 28 January 2015, just a few weeks short of his 95th birthday.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lt Robert L Hite was born 3 March 1920. He was co-pilot on aircraft 16 and survived his war in a Japanese POW camp. After leaving the service at the end of the war, he returned to active duty in 1951. He left the Air Force finally in 1955 as a Lt Colonel. He passed on 29 March 2015 at the age of 95.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lt Richard E Cole (born 7 Sept 1915) turned 100 last year. He was co-pilot on Doolittle's aircraft.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sgt David J Thatcher (born 31 July 1921) turns 95 this summer. He was a flight engineer and gunner on aircraft 7.</span></li>
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On 15 April 2015, the Doolittle Raiders were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for "outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States".<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">It is the nature of time that they leave us. One day, all the goblets will be turned down. The deed will live on as we choose to remember it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gentlemen, you have my profound gratitude for your service and your sacrifice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Let me also recognize the 57 US Army maintenance crew, without whom the planes could not have been properly prepared to succeed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And lest we forget...the crews of USS Hornet, USS Enterprise, and Task Force 18 cruised into harm's way with the precious tonnage of an American Navy still reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor just a few short months before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also recognize the Chinese citizens who assisted the Raiders, at great personal risk. I thank those people for their courage and sacrifice.</span>Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-78008201752020617542016-04-05T00:30:00.000-07:002016-04-05T00:30:03.885-07:00Sorry, no DancingSorry gang. Last night was the NCAA Tournament final, so there is no Dancing review this week. There won't be one next week either, because I'm out of town on business.<br />
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I will continue the reviews, because I'm remembering how much fun I used to have. As long as it doesn't become a chore, I'll keep it up.<br />
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But congratulations to Villanova. They executed an outstanding game plan, endured a furious late comeback by North Carolina plus an outrageous three point shot to tie the game with 4.7 seconds to play, and then won it on a three pointer at the buzzer.<br />
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And that was the 20th upset of this terrific tournament.<br />
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Cheers!Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-60610387448247285042016-03-29T00:30:00.000-07:002016-03-29T00:30:18.447-07:00Cue that theme music...Live from Hollywood!<br />
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Here we are for week 2 gang. I'll see if I can do a little better than last week.<br />
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My encore from last week is the Foxtrot from Paige and Mark. I chose it because Paige caught me totally by surprise with how well she danced. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BkkZDdXYLA" target="_blank">Click here if the video doesn't play</a>.<br />
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OK ready? Here we go!<br />
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And it's Festival of Tiny Costumes, otherwise known as Latin Night!<br />
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We've had our first injury...Mark Ballas hurt his back so we'll see what that means in a bit.<br />
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Jody and Keo dance Samba. She really needs to get out of her head. Sometimes you just need to learn the steps and then dance it. It's hard to do, but you just have to put in the work and it'll come to you...especially if you have some natural talent. She has that, plus she has the performance behind it. So I think all she needs to do is relax and trust Keo. I think the pressure really is on Keo, because he hasn't had partners with this kind of ability before on this stage, and he has to understand what she can do and provide her with a framework to succeed. I think he did that tonight. The choreography was challenging but not overly difficult. There was content and she danced it pretty well. The performance had energy and it seemed like she was relaxed. Now I would like to see her focus less on perfecting everything all at once and more on finding the little things in the routines that invite us all into the story. I think that's where she'll begin to shine and make herself unique and different. Judges say 7s across for a total of 21. Solid score.<br />
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Marla and Tony dance Argentine Tango. We find in rehearsal footage that Marla is an organically healthy eater. Okey dokey then. She's also kinda sexy with those long LEGSSES. I'd like to see her dig into the extensions and use those lovely long LEGSSES more effectively. She talked in rehearsal about drinking her amino acids to avoid cramping up, but then it seemed like she danced like she was afraid of cramping up. She rarely extended through the movements with tight calf and thigh, and she seemed much too reserved. I thought she just went through the performance motions instead of really owning it. I do agree with the judges that there was more sophistication in this choreography and in the phrasing of each movement, but I also feel that Argentine Tango should be a more sensual dance. This routine didn't feel sensual to me. I thought it was danced reasonably well, but she could have taken it to another level. Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20. That's fair.<br />
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Geraldo and Edyta dance Salsa. This could be disastrous. I wasn't aware that he is working with a bit of a handicap. He had back surgery which left him with no feeling in his left foot. I'm not a fan of the opening, but Edyta has to do something to make the routine work. There is still very little dancing from Geraldo and virtually no hip action. Although I must say that toward the end he did start to move a little better. And it looked as though he was enjoying the performance much more than last week. Of course the best part of the dance was Edyta in a tiny costume. You know I loves me some Edyta in a tiny costume. Still, Geraldo won't fool anyone into thinking he can actually dance. There was more rhythmic movement and better musicality, but still too much walking through the steps. Judge say 5,4,4 for a total of 13. Harsh but I think fair.<br />
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Paige is supposed to dance Salsa with Mark, but will dance with Alan from the Troupe instead because of Mark's injury. He injured that back doing a very basic partner swing through is legs during camera blocking. I remember Alan from SYTYCD and he's a terrific partner. Paige is really good gang. I am so impressed. She dances with the energy of a pro. She and Alan look like they've been dancing together for weeks, and it's really just been two hours. That was an outstanding performance. I can't even believe what I just saw. Alan was able to go full throttle and she kept up with every step. That was fantastic choreography. Her technique is terrific. If I have a criticism, it would be her tendency not to really listen to the music and be aware of the beats, because she often gets well ahead of where she should be. Mark can pull that back without sacrificing her strengths, and if Alan has to keep dancing in Mark's place, he'll learn how to guide her through as well. Nicely done! Judges say 8s across for a total of 24. Yup yup yup! I think she and Mark are an early favorite, and it's good to see that Alan can step in and keep it going if Mark is out for a couple of weeks with the injury.<br />
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Antonio and Sharna dance Rumba. I've heard Rumba called the vertical expression of a horizontal desire. Now Sharna explains it as inviting someone to invade your personal space. Works for me! Rumba is super sensual. Some celebrities pick it up very well, and some are very awkward and visibly uncomfortable. I actually like the way he frames Sharna. He's very smooth and he's clearly enjoying himself. I'd say he's in the "picks it up very well" category. That smile is so genuine. I thought his technique was solid. I think he mostly kept his shoulders back and his core tucked up, which allowed him to keep good balance and that strong frame, although I did see that his feet tended to slide just a little bit. For me, that didn't affect the overall feel. They have excellent chemistry together. Now all Antonio needs to do is work on performance and connecting one movement to the next. I enjoyed this dance and I'm looking forward to seeing how he improves each week. I think he'll be around awhile. Judges say 6,6,7 for a total of 19. I think I might agree with that. <br />
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Kim and Sasha dance Rumba. Kim had a bit of a meltdown in rehearsal. She took some criticism seriously and it hurt her feelings. Sasha made it all better by connecting with Gloria Estefan. I think sometimes the pros have as much of an adjustment as the celebrities. They have to figure out how their celebrity learns best, and possibly change the way they teach more than a little so they develop a bond rather than an adversarial situation. Anyway, the dancing was pretty good. I'm not worried about performance. I think Kim has musicality and she's not afraid of the steps or the stage. Unfortunately she got her foot in the wrong spot, stepped on Sasha's foot, and messed up the timing toward the end of the routine. She let the flub pull her out of the performance, so the dance kind of limped to the finish. I thought it was a pretty strong routine up to that point. Judges say 7,6,6 for a total of 19. I want her to stick around for awhile, so I'll be looking for her to have a good rehearsal week and a break through performance next Monday.<br />
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Nyle and Peta dance Rumba. His family came to rehearsal this week. His entire family is deaf, by the way. Doesn't matter. He's just a performer. I don't think I need to mention anymore that he is totally deaf and has been since birth. This was a sweet performance. Again Nyle demonstrates a natural rhythm. There are two issues I have with the his work this week. The choreography was a little too fast and a bit jerky for my taste in a Rumba. I missed the smooth sensuality typical of this style. And, although I find the constant picking on lifts to be annoying, Rumba shouldn't have any and Sharna's choreography flagrantly broke the rules. Even with those issues, I still enjoyed the performance. I think Nyle has a potential that is going to be realized as he and Sharna continue to develop the physical cues that get him through the dances. He's already far surpassed my expectations and I think he's just going to get better each week. Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20.<br />
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Mischa and Artem dance Cha Cha Cha. Artem is trying to take the drama out of learning and performing this week, but Mischa doesn't seem to be cooperating. Here's another gal who just needs to relax and trust her partner. I actually know people who work really hard to not have any fun or enjoy anything. Mischa seems like she's working hard at not enjoying this experience. Maybe it's just because she's a bit shy and still uncomfortable with what she's doing. She says the music has been different throughout the day, which threw her off. She thinks she's not having good rehearsals and music is different and yada yada yada. You know what gang, sometimes life just doesn't go right on the first try. So you try again, and try again, and then try again. Nobody is going to make it better for you, so make it better for yourself. It's a shame that she and Artem just don't seem to be connecting. They don't have any chemistry. I'd like to see her calm down, give over to Artem, relax, and just dance. Artem is a great partner if she'll let him help her. It's what he's there for. Judges say 5s across for a total of 15. The attitude is off putting and isn't going to get her votes.<br />
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Von and Witney dance Cha Cha Cha. Uh-oh. Von is late to rehearsal and gets fined. And then it becomes a game in rehearsal. Everything costs $100. Looks to me like Von is giving us a nice club performance vibe with this Cha Cha Cha. There's some classic content, but a lot of it was straight off the club dance floor. I don't mind all that much, as long as posture and technique are really good. I can't say those things were really good. I think I'd say this performance was sort of like playing a pre-season game instead of a Super Bowl. It was adequate, but my expectations are higher than just adequate. So choreography and technique were a bit lacking, whereas performance and style and swag got high marks. I guess I liked the performance, but I think he can do much better if he applies himself to cleaning up technique, expressing the flavor of each dance style, and then using his full size to make a great frame for Witney. Club is fine, but respect the medium here and give us good competition level effort! Then we'd have something to talk about, I think. Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20.<br />
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Wanya and Lindsay dance Salsa. Wanya is on the road in concert with the Boys this week, so rehearsal time is hard to find. This routine is really good y'all. The movements are all well connected. The pair is in constant motion,, which is how a Salsa should be done. Wanya is so light on his feet, and it felt like he was leading Lindsay through the whole routine. That was really impressive. Lots of energy. Excellent footwork. Tremendous choreography. Style and swag. There was a club feel to it without losing the flavor and presentation of competition Salsa. I loved how fluid the dance was. I admit to a bit of surprise at how good Wanya is, because I don't really recall dance being part of Boys II Men. They are an excellent vocal group, but not really in that old "boy band" category with the hip hop dancing as a large part of the act. So the fact that he has caught on so well so early is nice to see. Wanya and Lindsay look to be a strong front runner at this stage, not only because of the dancing but also because he should have a solid voting block. Judges say 8s across for a total of 24.<br />
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Doug and Karina dance Paso Doble. He actually might be able to do this dance well. One thing he's got is the attitude. It's nice to hear the Paso style music. I think that always helps. I like the aggression and the stomp in the footwork. You know, that really worked for me. He attacked it and controlled it. He hit all his marks. The phrasing was really good. Karina's choreography suited him because it was basic Paso. She didn't add anything that was too difficult. The simple choreography allowed Doug to focus on his steps and improve his footwork, and give us a performance. Yes, he should have led more with his hips and chest. Yes, he should tuck in his backside. Yes, he needs to be more fluid as he connects movement to movement. But this performance was an improvement over last week. Also I think the chemistry with Karina was improved. He's going to keep working as long as he's around. I'm hoping he gets a chance to Waltz. Everyone should get a chance to Waltz. Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20. Very nice.<br />
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Ginger and Val dance Samba. They are looking for the sexy and the flirty this week. I like this routine. Samba is the party dance, and this piece had that flavor. Lots of bounce and energy. There was a cute intro with a bench and a flower, then a nice story to tie the intro to the dance content to the ending. It did take just a little long to get to the actual Samba content, but once they got there they sure did pack a bunch of those recognizable Samba steps Len wants to see. Now apparently she missed a couple of steps, but I actually missed her missing them because she covered so well. I did enjoy the performance, and I liked that Val made a whole story out of the routine. I think the light and fluffy choreography allowed Ginger to find herself in the music and to relax so that she could easily cover the little foot faults. Overall, a very nice job. Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.<br />
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Here's our leader board after these dances:<br />
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24 Paige and Alan subbing for Mark<br />
24 Wanya and Lindsay<br />
21 Jody and Keo<br />
21 Ginger and Val<br />
20 Marla and Tony<br />
20 Nyle and Peta<br />
20 Von and Witney<br />
20 Doug and Karina<br />
19 Antonio and Sharna<br />
19 Kim and Sasha<br />
15 Mischa and Artem<br />
13 Geraldo and Edyta<br />
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And now results based on the scores from last week plus votes!<br />
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Mischa and Artem are in the bottom. Geraldo and Edyta are in the bottom. Doug and Karina are in the bottom.<br />
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Everyone else is safe.<br />
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Geraldo and Edyta are the first elimination, which should surprise no one.<br />
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Tune in next week!Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-14502855528384397992016-03-28T00:30:00.000-07:002016-03-28T00:30:14.165-07:00Final Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well gang, after 13 upsets during the round of 64 and 3 more in the round of 32, we had to get to the Regional finals before we saw any more.<br />
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And while a 2 seed over a 1 is technically an upset, a case certainly could have been made for Oklahoma to be on the top line. So the 2 seed Sooners winning the West Region over 1 seed Oregon doesn't really pass the eye test for the word upset. Oklahoma has arguably the leading candidate for National Player of the Year in senior Buddy Hield. But OU lost its conference tournament so the committee put them on the 2 line. Oregon won its conference and was rewarded with a top seed. Go figure. And so, 2 beats 1 in the West Region, and the number of upsets goes to 17.<br />
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Villanova is another team that lost its conference tournament and dropped from the top line to a 2 seed. Kansas was named the overall top seed in the field. So this is technically another upset, but in this case I firmly believe that the 2 seed Wildcats were the better team on Saturday. Kansas is led by a solid upper class who were after-thoughts to kids who went on to the NBA after just a single season. Villanova is also led by a group of outstanding seniors who are all about effort and defense. That defense won them the South Region, as 2 beats 1 again bringing the number of upsets to 18.<br />
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So our first match up in the Final Four is 2 Oklahoma vs 2 Villanova.<br />
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Sunday's Regional final games feature two more 1 seeds. All four teams are from the ACC, and we'll have significant upsets if the favored seeds don't advance.<br />
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If you're a top seed and have to play a double digit in a Regional final, and if you're going to build a comfortable lead in the second half, then at some point you're going to have to expect the DD to let everything hang out and come after you. A DD has nothing to lose and everything to gain. As a top seed, you simply cannot allow the DD to make you panic. You shouldn't panic. And yet, 1 seed Virginia did panic in the second half after building a 16 point lead, giving up a 25-4 run to 10 seed Syracuse. Down 4 with :26.9 left, Virginia forced Syracuse to try and win from the free throw line. The Orange made 3 of 4 from the line to win the Midwest Region and become the fourth double digit to make the Final Four, and the first 10 seed. The number of upsets is now 19.<br />
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Last chance for the top line comes down to 1 seed North Carolina against 6 seed Notre Dame. The Irish are my last real rooting interest in this tournament. ND stayed close in the first half and managed to get a short-lived lead in the second half, but UNC used its size and quickness to overpower the Irish and build a lead. The Tarheels maintained a comfortable distance, scoring when ND missed and otherwise trading baskets as time wound down. UNC did what a 1 seed should do...impose its will and close out strong. North Carolina is simply a very good team having a very good run at the exact right time of the season. And so the Tarheels are the only 1 seed to survive, winning the East Region rather easily.<br />
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Now we have a Final Four with a 1 seed from the ACC, a 2 seed from the Big East, a 2 seed from the Big 12, and a 10 seed from the ACC. <br />
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2 seed Villanova plays 2 seed Oklahoma<br />
1 seed North Carolina plays 10 seed Syracuse<br />
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I'm indifferent to Villanova and Oklahoma, but I despise both North Carolina and Syracuse. But you know what is really neat about all four of these teams? They are all led by outstanding seniors. And I dig that.<br />
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Dancing tonight!<br />
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Cheers gang! Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-70971233702898383012016-03-23T00:30:00.000-07:002016-03-23T00:30:01.952-07:00Of Lions and Lambs<div style="text-align: center;">
Spring has sprung,</div>
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The grass has riz.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wonder where</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The birdies is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Bulwinkle J Moose~</div>
<br />
It's said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I say ppppppffffffffftttttt to that!<br />
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It has done nothing but rain since the middle of December and frankly I've had enough. I can typically get through the wet season, but we've had record wet here in the Pacific Northwest and I just want to be dry for awhile. We've seen the dang lion. Let's have some lamb!<br />
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I'm fortunate that my life right now is tame enough that I can spare the energy to whine about the weather. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the terror attacks in Brussels.<br />
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Peace.<br />
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<br />Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-20471565299368545052016-03-22T00:30:00.001-07:002016-03-22T00:30:18.095-07:00Cue that theme musicOK, let's give this a try. I'm pretty rusty, but I think I remember how to do it.<br />
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Live from Hollywood!<br />
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Hehe. That felt good.<br />
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Welcome to Season 22. We're wearing our fru fru finery. We've had our cheese and merlot and CAKE. And I'm ready to tell you all about the Dancing.<br />
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Are you ready?<br />
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I think I am. Here we go!<br />
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Kim Fields and Sasha Farber dance Cha Cha Cha. Kim says best case for week one is that she "don't hurt nuthin". I remember Ms Fields from Facts of Life. Lady got groove. Plus she's an actor so she's all about the performance. She and Sasha have great chemistry together. The choreography was basic, but there was plenty of content for the first week. Kim handled what she was given very well. She has great musicality and timing. She does need a little more hip action, but she danced with great energy. She'll have to work on her footwork and relax her shoulders to get her hips moving. I enjoyed the performance, and that's as much about her dancing as it is about the fact that she's Tootie! Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20. <br />
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Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas dance Foxtrot. She's an MMC fighter and it may be impolitic to say it, but it will be interesting to see how she transfers her athletic power into elegance and grace. Oh, no problem there. I don't watch fighting so I really had no idea who she was or how she was going to react. She was outstanding. She had plenty of elegance and grace, and beyond that she had presentation and confidence. She's a lady gang. That shouldn't surprise me, and I apologize that it does. I shouldn't stereotype her because she fights. I really enjoyed that performance. She had musicality and her lines were really nice. She extended through the movements. There is so much potential there. I thought she was very confident, and Mark is going to have a great time teaching her. Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.<br />
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Doug Flutie and Karina Smirnoff dance Foxtrot. OK. Equal impolitic comment...let's see if Doug can translate his athletic power into elegance and grace. It's a plus that he gets to start with a ballroom style in the first week. He has very little rhythm and almost no musicality or timing. But that's OK. He embraced the opportunity and gave it his all. He lost his balance a bit through the twirls and that messed with his steps, but other than that he got it all in and made it through the dance. Dancing certainly isn't natural to him, and some of his movement is awkward. He smiled throughout the performance and Karina gave him good choreography that he could handle. Judges say 5s across for a total of 15. That's OK. I suspect he'll have a fan base that should get votes and potentially he could improve.<br />
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Jodie Sweetin and Keo Motsepe dance Tango. Her biggest problem may be getting out of her own head and not putting too much pressure on herself to do well. She does have some dance background, and talk about a built in fan base. I figure she'll not only be an early favorite because of her dancing, but she'll have the Full House crowd poised to vote. Oh good for Keo. He has a partner this season and he can really stretch with his choreography and performance to really make her look good. That was really strong, just as I suspected it might be. There definitely are some areas to work on, like posture and head position and control. They were just a little exuberant, which made the dance seem hectic in spots, although I did like the attitude and attack. I think these two could settle in quite nicely. Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20. Hmmmm...I would have expected 7s across for that performance.<br />
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Geraldo Rivera and Edyta Sliwinska dance Cha Cha Cha. This could be awkward. And it was. Although he his 72 years old. And he does have a sense of humor about himself, opening the dance with a reference to Al Capone's vault. But let's face it, there was no real dancing in that routine. He just doesn't have any natural rhythm. He tried and he had fun, which might be the best thing I can say. There just isn't much else. It's kind of a rotten thing to do to Edyta on her first season back after taking so much time away from the show, but someone had to get the guy who can't dance a lick. Fortunately we'll get to see plenty of Edyta during the pro routines with the dance troupe. And yes, pun was intended because we always get to see plenty of Edyta. She is Queen of Tiny Costumes! Judges say 5,4,4 for a total of 13. Ouch.<br />
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Marla Maples and Tony Dovolani dance Quickstep. Tough dance to begin the competition. I think Tony just might have himself a pretty good partner for this season. She has lovely long lines and a very playful presentation. There was a moment where it looked like Tony was dragging her across the floor, but she managed to hang on and keep her feet under her. I thought she kept her poise. Her posture was pretty good. Did I happen to mention that she has lovely long LEGSSES? I didn't? Well she doesss, preciousss, yes she doesss. I love Tony's choreography and I can tell that he enjoys her. She was elegant even as she lost frame and timing a couple of times. Very solid performance. Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.<br />
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Wanya Morris and Lindsay Arnold dance Cha Cha Cha. Love it. Boys II Men was actually my introduction to hip hop music. I like that Lindsay made her choreography around Wanya's personality. And man did he dance it. There could have been a little more Cha Cha Cha content and a little less hip hop, but the energy in the room red lined. There's no question he has musicality and excellent timing. Plus he's got swag. I think he brings a lot of what Alphonso brought a couple of season ago. Wanya will have a huge fan base that should pick up the phone, and he'll deserve those votes. The man has natural rhythm and takes choreography really well. It will be interesting to see how he controls that swag and turns it into the elegance and grace needed for the ballroom styles. I'm thinking he'll do just fine. Judges say 8,7,8 for a total of 23. Wow. <br />
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Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy dance Jive. Now that was fun. I like that Val recognizes what he can give his partner each week, and he knew that she could handle just a little more difficulty in his choreography. He won't hold back on degree of difficulty once he recognizes potential. She managed most of it, but there were just a couple of times when she wasn't confident with her steps. Other than that, she had so much chemistry with the audience. We could see how much fun she was having. She threw herself into the dance and brought the rest of us in with her. I think one thing she'll get better at is extending through each movement with her legs and her arms. That's going to come with confidence and I don't think it will take her very long to build that confidence. I loved that performance. Judges say 8,7,8 for a total of 23. Wow again.<br />
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Mischa Barton and Artem Chigyintsev dance Tango. Sometimes the celebrities think they know what they are getting into, but realize pretty quickly once rehearsals start that it's way more than they expected. Sometimes they rise to the challenge, and other times they just don't have what it takes. I think Mischa is one of those who will ultimately thrive if she stays in the competition long enough. Her performance was very reserved, and I think that comes from lack of confidence. She's going to have to work on her posture because she's really leaned over. It was almost like her upper body wasn't connected to her hips and legs. She was certainly awkward and I don't think she has a natural rhythm or musicality. I think she has the potential to get there, but she'll have to commit to it and bring more energy to her performance. And trust Artem. Judges say 5,5,6 for a total of 16. Could have been worse.<br />
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Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd dance Cha Cha Cha. I had no idea he was deaf. It doesn't matter. Perhaps someone can tell me how a person who can't hear anything at all can have natural rhythm, musicality, and timing. Wow. I absolutely loved that performance. Peta's choreography was outstanding, and Nyle followed it the whole way. He never missed a step. He was on time throughout. He does have some things to work on such as footwork and extensions through his arms and hands and fingers. But I have to say that even for a celebrity who can hear, that was an outstanding performance. He danced with energy and so much personality. He and Peta have a wonderful chemistry together. Judges say 8,7,8 for a total of 23. <br />
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Antonio Brown and Sharna Burgess dance Quickstep. Oh you just know Antonio wanted a Latin dance to start. But he'll have to demonstrate elegance, grace, and control right off the line. I liked his musicality and his energy. You could tell he was having a great time with the dance. I thought he did a fine job on some of the quick footwork, although for the most part I didn't think he danced as cleanly as he should. He has the same issue that so many football players have...keeping his upper body from leaning forward and controlling a tendency to be a little hectic. Football is about attack, but dance is about knowing when to pull back and find the moments between the phrases. Quickstep isn't an easy dance to start with, but he did a credible job. I love his personality. Judges say 8,6,7 for a total of 21. The 8 is too high, so the 6 balances that out.<br />
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Von Miller and Witney Carson dance Foxtrot. Congrats to Witney on her recent marriage! Now with Von, I think starting with a ballroom style actually was good for him. I actually expected him to be light on his feet. He's a big man, but as linebacker he has great footwork. I though he did a good job keeping his shoulders back and down, which couldn't have been easy because Witney is so small compared to him. A natural tendency would have been to lean down toward her. So that's an early point in his favor if he doesn't have to break a habit to lean. I thought he had a wonderful ease in his movement. I think he has tremendous presence, and it was great to see him show control throughout the dance. I'm very happy with this performance. Judges say 8,6,7 for a total of 21. The 8 was high again, but again the 6 balanced it out.<br />
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Here's our leader board after opening night:<br />
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23 Ginger and Val<br />
23 Wanya and Lindsay<br />
23 Nyle and Peta<br />
21 Paige and Mark<br />
21 Marla and Tony<br />
21 Antonio and Sharna<br />
21 Von and Witney<br />
20 Jodie and Keo<br />
20 Kim and Sasha<br />
16 Mischa and Artem<br />
15 Doug and Karina<br />
13 Geraldo and Edyta<br />
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I dig this cast gang. There's a lot of personality, a lot of energy, and a lot of potential. <br />
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Hey, that was kind of fun. Reading back through for my edits, I can definitely tell I'm rusty. I'll have to work it out and get back into review and recap shape.<br />
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Tune in next week for a Latin night and our first elimination.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-65277444383631479192016-03-21T00:30:00.000-07:002016-03-21T00:30:14.364-07:00Order Restored, Mostly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hokey smokes Bulwinkle! What a wild ride so far.<br />
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So far. The tough thing for all those double digits that won on Thursday and Friday is to carry the momentum through the round of 32 on Saturday and Sunday. The favored seeds are forewarned now. Typically the DDs that have an opportunity to advance to the round of 16 are those that can rebound effectively, play solid defense, stay out of foul trouble, minimize turnovers, and don't have an over-reliance on the 3-point shot. It also helps to get off to a good start.<br />
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Of course, the same can be said for the favored seeds in order to avoid becoming the next upset victim.<br />
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On Saturday, the only double digit to get everything right was 11 seed Gonzaga. The Bulldogs simply bulldozed 3 seed Utah to advance to the round of 16. Gonzaga executed an outstanding defensive game plan in addition to overwhelming Utah in every offensive category. It wasn't even close. I followed the Zags throughout the season, and this was the best effort game I've seen from them. They might be an 11 seed, but if this team continues to play with this kind of effort and efficiency, they could be very dangerous on Friday. <br />
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The only other upset on the day was 5 seed Indiana over 4 seed Kentucky. YAY!<br />
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Although Saturday was tame in terms of upsets, Sunday did bring another double digit seed into the round of 16. Of course, it was inevitable since there was a DD match up between 10 seed Syracuse and 15 seed Middle Tennessee. But it's not an upset, since the favored seed survived. The Orange will meet 11 seed Gonzaga in another double digit match up.<br />
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Wisconsin is no double digit, but the 7 seed Badgers hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to upset 2 seed Xavier. And that's our 16th and final upset of the first weekend.<br />
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Whew!<br />
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Lots of chaos. Although, take a look at the West Region. If you went with all the favorites, you're perfect there. And if you picked all of the 1 seeds to go to the Final Four, you've still got a chance to win your office bracket.<br />
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<li>South Region features 5 Maryland vs 1 Kansas and 3 Miami vs 2 Villanova</li>
<li>West Region features 4 Duke vs 1 Oregon and 2 Oklahoma vs 3 Texas A&M</li>
<li>East Region features 5 Indiana vs 1 North Carolina and 7 Wisconsin vs 6 Notre Dame</li>
<li>Midwest Region features 4 Iowa State vs 1 Virginia and 11 Gonzaga vs 10 Syracuse</li>
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We've had upsets, buzzer beaters, fantastic comebacks, and overtimes. I've still got Duke, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Gonzaga to follow into the round of 16, none of which is considered a favorite to win the tournament. I'm just enjoying each of them for as long as they can stay in, and I can take any of them going out now without crushing disappointment.<br />
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And tonight is Dancing! <br />
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Life is good.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-2258449955497141232016-03-19T00:30:00.000-07:002016-03-19T00:30:05.279-07:00Madness and Mayhem, Courtesy of Double Digits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The round of 64 has brought its usual mayhem, with double digit seeds taking out favorites and busting brackets across the country. <div>
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The upsets started tamely enough on Thursday with a couple of 9 seeds knocking off 8 seeds. Although the 9 vs 8 games are typically evenly matched, it's still an upset when the higher number beats the lower. And so 9 seed Butler took down 8 seed Texas Tech, while 9 seed Connecticut erased 8 seed Colorado. Butler's reward is 1 seed Virginia while Connecticut gets 1 seed Kansas. Another 9 seed, Providence, beat 8 seed USC late on Thursday to make it 3 out of 4 for the 9 seeds. Providence plays 1 seed North Carolina on Saturday.</div>
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Then came the 12 vs 5 match up between Yale and Baylor. You can count on a 12 seed to beat a 5 just about every year. The 5 line is what is considered the first of the "unprotected" seeds. A typical 12 seed is a mid-major conference champ that not only dominated its own conference, but also had a solid non-conference schedule with some quality wins against teams from power conferences. It's dangerous to be a 5 seed, as Baylor found out against the Ivy League champs. I'm already nervous because 12 seed Yale matches up with my 4 seed Duke today. Yikes.</div>
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That was the upset of the tournament on Thursday, until 12 seed Arkansas Little Rock forced 5 seed Purdue to double overtime before sending the Boilermakers home. One thing you have to do as a 5 seed is to understand that the kids you're about to play don't care that you come from a conference that has its own sports network on cable plus several guys who will play at the next level one day. Little Rock was happy to be in the tournament, but they also played with the same purpose as any other team in the field of 68...to win and advance. Well, the Trojans are going to play on Saturday while Purdue is done. 12 seed Little Rock gets a shot at 4 seed Iowa State today.</div>
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Then 11 seed Wichita State joined the double digit upset parade by taking down 6 seed Arizona. The Shockers opened the tournament in one of the First Four games in Dayton on Tuesday. They beat fellow 11 seed Vanderbilt for the right to give Arizona fits. Wichita State is led by a couple of savvy senior guards who have played in four straight NCAA Tournaments and gone to a Final Four. They squeaked into this year's field of 68, and are determined to prove it was the right choice. 11 seed Wichita State will try to make another round of 16 today against 3 seed Miami.</div>
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Gonzaga also was a bubble team, earning an 11 seed by winning the WCC conference tournament championship. The Bulldogs were clearly the more poised and prepared team on Thursday, playing in the last game of the day and ending an unexpectedly solid season from 6 seed Seton Hall. I thought the team Gonzaga had last year was loaded and likely Mark Few's best ever. That group went to the round of 8. This year's team is unpredictable. I'm interested to see the match up of NBA caliber front lines in the round of 32 against 3 seed Utah.</div>
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With a chip on its shoulder, 10 seed Syracuse joined the mayhem first thing Friday morning. The selection committee was roundly criticized for putting the Orange in the field with a 19-13 record and just 9-9 in the ACC, but none of that means a thing once the ball is tipped. Syracuse toppled 7 seed Dayton. The Flyers were 25-8 out of the Atlantic 10, but they were flummoxed by the match up zone defense that is the Syracuse trademark. I've never been a fan of Jim Boeheim, but his Orange will be half of a double digit match up in the round of 32 on Sunday.</div>
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Another 10 seed, Virginia Commonwealth, knocked off 7 seed Oregon State. VCU has a strong recent tournament history under former coach Shaka Smart, becoming the only team to go from the First Four games played in the field of 68 to the Final Four. The Rams have now begun a new era of success with head coach Will Wade. Wade is apparently the youngest head coach at the Division 1 level. The Pac-12 Conference was fairly well respected by the selection committee, with 7 teams represented at 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and two 8 seeds, but so far only 1 seed Oregon and 3 seed Utah have advanced. 10 seed VCU gets 2 seed Oklahoma on Sunday.</div>
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Speaking of the poor showing from the Pac-12, 4 seed California lost one of its best players to injury in practice just prior to the start of the tournament. You don't just adjust in a couple of days to losing your point guard, who also happens to be your top scorer as well as a primary senior leader. It's a shock to everyone. So 13 seed Hawaii took advantage of that vulnerability to upset the Bears, and just that abruptly a young man's college career is over. That's the dichotomy of this tournament...the high of an upset balanced against the finality of the end of a career. Seniors don't get the promise to try again next year. Although neither will Hawaii, as the university is under a post season ban in 2017 for NCAA violations. Don't bother this year's 13 seed Rainbow Warriors with that little detail though...they'll be busy on Sunday when they face 5 seed Maryland.</div>
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If you fill out a bracket, which I do not, there are four sure things. You advance all of the 1 seeds, because no 16 seed has ever beaten a 1. You can pretty much advance the 2 seeds as well, because 15 seeds rarely upset the 2s since the expansion to 64 teams in 1985. I said rarely. Middle Tennessee became only the 8th 15 seed to upset a 2, toppling Michigan State. That's your upset of the tournament so far, as well as the end of another outstanding career. Denzel Valentine may be this year's Wooden Award winner as the national player of the year. He'll graduate and go on to a career in the NBA, and although he did play in the Final Four in 2015 and the Spartans were the sexy pick to potentially win it all this year, he won't be a national champion in 2016. Meanwhile, 15 seed Middle Tennessee is the other half of a double digit match up in the round of 32 on Sunday as they'll meet 10 seed Syracuse.</div>
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One of the more impressive upsets has been 14 seed Stephen F Austin over 3 seed West Virginia. It wasn't impressive because it was yet another mid-major beating a team from a power conference, nor because it was a 14 over a 3. It was impressive because SFA played as if it were actually the favored seed. The Lumberjacks committed only 6 turnovers to West Virginia's 22 and shot 39 free throws for 74% against 27 free throws for WVU. The Mountaineers made a living this season from the free throw line, shooting the second most in Division 1. SFA refused to be rattled and refused to be denied. They'll look to ambush 6 seed Notre Dame on Sunday.</div>
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Are you kidding me????? Our final double digit upset of the round of 64 comes courtesy of 11 Northern Iowa. UNI banked in a half court shot to beat 6 seed Texas at the buzzer after the Longhorns had tied the game with 2.7 seconds to play. Now that's the kind of wacky step over lip lock finish you expect to see when you start talking about double digit upsets. It's fun for everyone except the favored seed when a double digit wins a tournament game. But it's March Madness Memorable when it happens on a buzzer beater. Northern Iowa will play 3 seed Texas A&M on Sunday.</div>
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There were 12 upsets of favored seeds in the entire 2015 tournament. There have already been 13 upsets of favored seeds in 2016, and we've just finished the round of 64. It's the first time ever that a 13 (Hawaii), a 14 (Stephen F Austin), and a 15 (Middle Tennessee) have all advanced on the same day. </div>
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All the programs I follow have made it through to play on Saturday or Sunday.</div>
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Will madness and mayhem continue? Or will some kind of power conference order be restored in the round of 32?</div>
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Stay tuned.</div>
Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-25869894123516000532016-03-09T00:30:00.000-08:002016-03-09T00:30:32.931-08:00Cue that theme music!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzQYHusJ6JQNPzjdrBwCId0q_GIuraK0NLbPblS2izVt5sSBOItv8r52TtXC1hFyW7YxQmZ1_BpAG3qXIY2jyhw2MN5yHqQC6UHj2hWgtMoJDWyeatJOGnAygMZOOPEsC_WDl/s1600/DWTS+log+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzQYHusJ6JQNPzjdrBwCId0q_GIuraK0NLbPblS2izVt5sSBOItv8r52TtXC1hFyW7YxQmZ1_BpAG3qXIY2jyhw2MN5yHqQC6UHj2hWgtMoJDWyeatJOGnAygMZOOPEsC_WDl/s400/DWTS+log+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was happy all day today because the cast for Season 22 of Dancing with the Stars was officially announced this morning. Season 22 premiers on ABC, 21 March.<br />
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We'll miss Derek, but I love that Edyta is back. And Sasha gets out of the lobster costume. Keo seems to have a partner who could get him past the second week. In fact, overall it's an excellent set of pros so we'll see if our celebrities are up to the challenge.<br />
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I might even be tempted to recap a little bit. <br />
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Maybe. <br />
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We'll see.<br />
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Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller of the Denver Broncos will dance with Witney Carson</div>
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TV Weather personality Ginger Zee will dance with Val Chmerkovskiy</div>
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Actor and TV personality Jodie Sweetin will dance with Keo Motsepe</div>
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Wide Receiver Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers will dance with Sharna Burgess</div>
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MMA Fighter Paige VanZant will dance with Mark Ballas</div>
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R&B Singer Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men will dance with Lindsay Arnold</div>
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Actor and TV personality Marla Maples will dance with Tony Dovolani</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1oqI4zkBMnDalizDBUabNAn5OiZoqq2d3T6KJkF2ruMND5qAqiUIrzUbXN6OVm_AOzXXIsK1z1DnXykFshEgQraP7z6So3NIdyPDDfAdbzj8SdIimD6mkr3e7grtHnE9qK7G/s1600/Marla+Maples+and+Tony+Dovolani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1oqI4zkBMnDalizDBUabNAn5OiZoqq2d3T6KJkF2ruMND5qAqiUIrzUbXN6OVm_AOzXXIsK1z1DnXykFshEgQraP7z6So3NIdyPDDfAdbzj8SdIimD6mkr3e7grtHnE9qK7G/s200/Marla+Maples+and+Tony+Dovolani.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
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Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie will dance with Karina Smirnoff</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzHx5szK4NB155fX4R7hU0VxX7aBR1y_JXEZsd1lSCbKJsTiMDfEtTGjxMiHXhtXh_xe3TAiVp95xVY2ThzDxKTSIKuANqKHNUhruI7vfiVFrU45AorZ6X4BmpAzhVShqY6tq/s1600/Doug+Flutie+and+Karina+Smirnoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzHx5szK4NB155fX4R7hU0VxX7aBR1y_JXEZsd1lSCbKJsTiMDfEtTGjxMiHXhtXh_xe3TAiVp95xVY2ThzDxKTSIKuANqKHNUhruI7vfiVFrU45AorZ6X4BmpAzhVShqY6tq/s200/Doug+Flutie+and+Karina+Smirnoff.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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Actor and Model Mischa Barton will dance with Artem Chigvintsev</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0FiG9-D4SC4i7qihIscWAfDXn2p8Nk1mWTZ4J07Uly3jaIMbY3mHoMw-g1460o1mdcx48OsmZIfDHziW82YmwGrh5tbvHuVL4m8h5LH0HivcqeqO_246uceJBGBhx4FvDAlj/s1600/Mischa+Barton+and+Artem+Chigyintsev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0FiG9-D4SC4i7qihIscWAfDXn2p8Nk1mWTZ4J07Uly3jaIMbY3mHoMw-g1460o1mdcx48OsmZIfDHziW82YmwGrh5tbvHuVL4m8h5LH0HivcqeqO_246uceJBGBhx4FvDAlj/s200/Mischa+Barton+and+Artem+Chigyintsev.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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Actor, Singer, and Director Kim Fields will dance with Sasha Farber</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwVsBAmSQS2aKNV7J3YyGIH20T3xH9JmlJro6vZEb-amPhm-TSZE-t3M5z1V1gVa9ESNWXhJgmTEsfA3vMTtJ6URrU9TAW71Q1hWEMn93tvNttbwXj2cHKJSCb9Hk7jRd-mpT/s1600/Kim+Fields+and+Sasha+Farber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwVsBAmSQS2aKNV7J3YyGIH20T3xH9JmlJro6vZEb-amPhm-TSZE-t3M5z1V1gVa9ESNWXhJgmTEsfA3vMTtJ6URrU9TAW71Q1hWEMn93tvNttbwXj2cHKJSCb9Hk7jRd-mpT/s200/Kim+Fields+and+Sasha+Farber.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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Attorney, Author, and TV personality Geraldo Rivera will dance with Edyta Sliwinska</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LQBULRDUUwRaDDtSMluUyfHMYaU69noC4fmcZ6gG-B2yey_av0WzFwPFv1o3vqgh4NJHAdzjfOtpr7d2TXE8M6o8jXyEZCg6gd7HrzgutnXRmW_pSyNKKLtycXw_nZGP73Wf/s1600/Geraldo+Rivera+and+Edyta+Sliwinska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LQBULRDUUwRaDDtSMluUyfHMYaU69noC4fmcZ6gG-B2yey_av0WzFwPFv1o3vqgh4NJHAdzjfOtpr7d2TXE8M6o8jXyEZCg6gd7HrzgutnXRmW_pSyNKKLtycXw_nZGP73Wf/s200/Geraldo+Rivera+and+Edyta+Sliwinska.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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Model and Actor Nyle DiMarco will dance with Peta Murgatroyd</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS2yfATKYhMjBFlua9AW6flcbDfg-y94Srd1m7AqRwkKRmqQGJaqnoSuT2MiVcGLAiz9bvcwovz8nHx7AhNrf59N4K1H0YIE4LzIpZUe6f0eUfN-TarkAonlCfKA0jRnLhSEa/s1600/Nyle+DiMarco+and+Peta+Murgatroyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS2yfATKYhMjBFlua9AW6flcbDfg-y94Srd1m7AqRwkKRmqQGJaqnoSuT2MiVcGLAiz9bvcwovz8nHx7AhNrf59N4K1H0YIE4LzIpZUe6f0eUfN-TarkAonlCfKA0jRnLhSEa/s200/Nyle+DiMarco+and+Peta+Murgatroyd.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>
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Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-37869513801060910822016-03-08T00:30:00.000-08:002016-03-08T00:30:00.237-08:00We wondersss...We wondersss preciousss, yes, we doesss. Like...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ95rJaNmYBy1flhS-lIeVTcG6IcIv-ZBe9TiT775NuXi3e1jd-3F1vSGFhpdJULrv_RQz9UfN9eSxmiNGgXp2rnhDflF7b57qoKFGalIk7B7uqeOHLoUySN0oqHssGpHxISz/s1600/2016+Final+Four.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJ95rJaNmYBy1flhS-lIeVTcG6IcIv-ZBe9TiT775NuXi3e1jd-3F1vSGFhpdJULrv_RQz9UfN9eSxmiNGgXp2rnhDflF7b57qoKFGalIk7B7uqeOHLoUySN0oqHssGpHxISz/s200/2016+Final+Four.png" width="200" /></a></div>
...after years of billing this glorious week of college basketball leading up to Selection Sunday, when conference tournaments are played and champions are crowned, as Championship Week, why ESPN has decided that the title needs to be shortened to text-speak or twitter length. Now they call it Champ Week. Really? Sixteen letters and a space is too long now?<br />
<br />
...why can't we say Application and Appetizer anymore? Why must the abbreviated App stand for both? I'm in a restaurant and I want food, not another useless data stealing doohickey on my freakin' phone!<br />
<br />
...if Mimi will understand that I am trying to comment on her posts as I ease myself back into this blogging business, but her blog is conspiring against me. I have to read in Feedly because <a href="http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mimi Writes</a> won't load properly to let me read and comment! It's the only blog giving me problems like this. I did finally get lucky with one essay and quickly got my comment posted... oops! Now she definitely won't believe me when I blame her blog for not letting me comment.<br />
<br />
...if thisss time we canss successssfully sssusstain our bloggy interessst, yesss preciousss, we wondersss.<br />
<br />
Yeah, gonna give it another go. I feel a need to communicate again. <br />
<br />
Carry on.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-41007008140183531472016-03-06T08:29:00.000-08:002016-03-06T08:29:29.094-08:00Serenity of SafetyPam and I are watching Premier League soccer, which we enjoy on Sunday mornings with our coffee and blueberry bagels or donuts. While waiting for the toaster...<br />
<br />
What? No, we're not putting donuts in the toaster. This morning it's blueberry bagels.<br />
<br />
...we hear this fantastic phrase to describe a significant points lead in the standings over a rival.<br />
<br />
Serenity of Safety.<br />
<br />
Isn't that great? I don't often hear many American commentators turn phrases like that.<br />
<br />
Carry on.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-60796964730248532382016-03-04T17:30:00.000-08:002016-03-04T17:30:02.167-08:00Cue that theme music...It has been widely reported that Edyta Sliwinska will return to Dancing with the Stars for Season 22, which premiers 21 March. The full cast will be announced on 8 March.<br />
<br />
We thankss DWTS for this gift, preciousss, yes we does.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEOAwip3yc6I0-sx638xdB9cIvdbWyMhcKSRZ714Qo58jm7S89hNcQlUORUtTvKugt3PziK83ZdkwDktPedH1OK8kdhCfDtKtiKWF3p5xwLXKcLAlQ-ntGPlWyAm_OBAvFG8v/s1600/Edyta+Sliwinska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEOAwip3yc6I0-sx638xdB9cIvdbWyMhcKSRZ714Qo58jm7S89hNcQlUORUtTvKugt3PziK83ZdkwDktPedH1OK8kdhCfDtKtiKWF3p5xwLXKcLAlQ-ntGPlWyAm_OBAvFG8v/s320/Edyta+Sliwinska.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Carry on.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-23628859286401040742015-12-06T00:30:00.000-08:002015-12-06T00:30:00.859-08:00The Ornament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrDL4tJy1L6Mjj5Q3kkkBCNubbDduR3lVbDKrDWXxF4DR1isMuMiDXs8LeMzm8rZrGaehjo96Z9bezzeEqGd4LI6nAZhoEWT69WCMjoML5sriCPGfOKGJR8Jz6eyOkXvH0Q7H/s1600/DSCN0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrDL4tJy1L6Mjj5Q3kkkBCNubbDduR3lVbDKrDWXxF4DR1isMuMiDXs8LeMzm8rZrGaehjo96Z9bezzeEqGd4LI6nAZhoEWT69WCMjoML5sriCPGfOKGJR8Jz6eyOkXvH0Q7H/s320/DSCN0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It. Is. Mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pam and I spent Thanksgiving week and the week following with the folks. While we were doing some holiday decorating, we started talking about holidays past and Mom said I could finally have it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have described this ornament several times. Here is the full story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was a boy, before we moved away from the San Francisco Bay Area, we spent the weekend after Thanksgiving and most December weekends at my grandmother's house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
have so many incredible memories from those years. Whether she got a
real tree or an artificial one...and she would do either depending on
her holiday mood, and enjoy both...she decorated it exactly the same
way. She had a blueprint in her head of how the lights should go, and
where every ornament should hang, and which side should face the street
to be seen through the living room window.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And
she would decorate her tree by laying it on the floor. See, she was
about four and a half feet tall. It was easier for her to lay the tree
down, get it perfect, then hoist it up on the table in front of the
window. When my sister and I were old enough, our job was to hand her
the ornaments in the order she called for them, from the boxes she had
carefully laid out on the sofa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Except for one ornament. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
special job, the most sacred honor, was the hanging of the little
plastic ornament with the pinwheel thingy. It had to go on the exact
branch in the exact spot, not only because that was Gram's blueprint,
but so it could catch the breeze from the heater vent and spin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
loved to sit and watch that ornament. I'm told it caught my eye when I
was a toddler. I'm told I would stand or sit for hours watching it. My
little hand would reach for it at first, catching the admonition to
look but don't touch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When
the heater vent stopped, I would reach my hand out to make it spin
again. I would be told again not to touch, and then Mom or Gram would
come and blow on it. I'm told I took such delight that I learned how to
blow on the ornament and make it spin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
never got to touch that ornament, and it became so special to me. It
became the last ornament to go on the tree, and was not hung while the
tree lay on the floor. Gram made a special show of hanging it. And I
looked forward to it every year...never touching.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
finally got to hang that ornament when I was 8. I remember it clearly.
The tree decorating ritual progressed as usual. When it was standing
majestically on the table in front of the window, Gram brought out the
ornament. She walked to the tree as I took my place where I could see
it spinning for the first time. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gram
motioned me over and said I was old enough now. She handed the
ornament to me. She didn't need to point to the branch. I knew where
it went. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
ornament felt so light in my hands. It was just simple plastic with a
very light bit of aluminum inside. But it was so much more than that to
me. Perhaps I'm projecting onto the memory. But I remember the
fascination with that ornament so vividly. I remember Mom and Gram
telling me not to touch. I remember it always being the last ornament
to be hung on the tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
remember I took the ornament from Gram and held it carefully by its
hook, with my other hand beneath it in case it slipped. I dropped cups
and utensils all the time, but there would be no dropping of this
special bit of plastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
took it to the branch, shielding it from the heater vent that was
already blowing warm air. I didn't want the ornament to start spinning
until it was properly hung. I held the branch steady and placed the
hook securely, then I let it go. I didn't move until I looked at Gram
and she gave the nod that the ornament was in the right place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I moved away from the vent into my spot so I could watch it start spinning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know what was my happiest holiday, but I do know that this is one of the happiest memories of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, finally, the ornament is mine for my tree.</span>Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-59850101380777453012015-11-04T00:30:00.000-08:002015-11-04T00:30:00.843-08:00Dona Nobis Pacem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the 12th Blog Blast for Peace and my 11th participation.<br />
<br />
No, I did not give you 30 Days of Peace Quotes. No, I did not post my 100 Reasons to Blog for Peace yesterday on the Eve of Blog Blast. No, I haven't done anything in this space that I intended to do in the last 10 months.<br />
<br />
My peace was derailed almost from the beginning of 2015. Nothing has come easy. The simplest tasks have been ridiculously complicated. It's been almost comical, but the relief in laughter has been slow in coming.<br />
<br />
Blog Blast founder <a href="http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mimi Lennox</a> has set a theme of Peace and Love for this 2015 launch. My Peace Post is about Challenge, Struggle, and Opportunity. That's been my year. But if you look closely, you'll find Mimi's theme in my year. She does have a knack. Even when I have a thing to relate, even if I think that thing is outside the story Mimi wants from me, somehow she yanks me underneath the umbrella of this movement and my message for Blog Blast becomes exactly what she wants.<br />
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Uncanny, that woman is. I haven't been in contact much with Mimi since this blog went dark. Yet her theme trumped my own. I'm ok with that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Martin Luter King Jr.</b></div>
<br />
Details aren't important. Suffice to say that my challenge in 2015, indeed my and Pam's challenge, has been overcoming repeated illness, plus the stuff and nonsense that comes with lousy health. We have both fought one illness after another since January. We lost weight. We became reclusive. We begged off social engagements. We fell behind at work, ran ourselves ragged trying to catch up, then missed more time because we didn't get enough rest and caught the dang bugs again.<br />
<br />
Rinse and repeat.<br />
<br />
We simply could not string enough time together when one or the other or both of us felt well. We gradually surrendered to the lethargy of not feeling well, which led to a completely overwhelming negativity. <br />
<br />
Pam is an innately positive person. She can find a bright side to any situation. I work at being that kind of person, and I've gotten to the point where I usually can find the positive in just about anything, almost without thinking too hard.<br />
<br />
2015 knocked us both down, put its boot on our throats, and leaned in for the crush.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Always remember that striving and struggle precede success, even in the dictionary." </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sarah Ban Breathnach</b></div>
<br />
It is a hard thing when you can't pick your partner up. How do you say something to your partner to cheer them, when your focus is gradually turning inward within your own struggle? We've all done that when we're sick...it's only about us. It's about how lousy we feel. We selfishly hoard our energy because we want it all for our own struggle to feel well.<br />
<br />
You know what they tell you on the airplane, right? Those safety demonstrations? In the event of cabin decompression, they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before you help someone else. Good safety tip...until you're so focused on getting your own oxygen that you don't look around to see if anyone else needs help.<br />
<br />
My struggle to feel well. Pam's struggle to feel well. Independent of each other. Frustrated and tired of feeling awful most of the time.<br />
<br />
Except...we're not independent of each other, Pam and I. We never have been, since <a href="http://travsthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-little-anniversary.html" target="_blank">that moment in 2006 when our lives met and intertwined</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Empathy is the most mysterious transaction that the human soul can have, and it's accessible to all of us, but we have to give ourselves the opportunity to identify, to plunge ourselves in a story where we see the world from the bottom up or through another's eyes or heart." </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sue Monk Kidd</b></div>
<br />
One night not too long ago, neither of us could open a jar. No matter how we tried, we simply could not get the thing open. Stoopid pickles.<br />
<br />
And we started laughing.<br />
<br />
It was a moment of extreme silliness. A moment of high hilarity. A moment of such sublime ridiculousness. A complete tension release. A reminder that even during those times when we were each mired in our own selfish hoarding of energy to be well, we were together.<br />
<br />
She and I. Us. We.<br />
<br />
With love. In love. Loving.<br />
<br />
The individual challenge. The singular struggle. The shared opportunity.<br />
<br />
Intertwined.<br />
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And...finally...peace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm319fjOiLqETlQqBNNzDH-fFBdi_MzEGQ8eZZEDQ8qCrsj2K6dk4n1lfhxICOjoNGuJTKRL4d6c2cWl1XIvgr3zfZyQLA-KtXvEKRcBEPHKtetW__xjXLHo-vKj5kR6qlSHeB/s1600/Nov15Travis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm319fjOiLqETlQqBNNzDH-fFBdi_MzEGQ8eZZEDQ8qCrsj2K6dk4n1lfhxICOjoNGuJTKRL4d6c2cWl1XIvgr3zfZyQLA-KtXvEKRcBEPHKtetW__xjXLHo-vKj5kR6qlSHeB/s400/Nov15Travis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Dona Nobis Pacem.<br />
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Image credit: I found the image I used on my Peace Globe at a site called <a href="http://allaboutartgallery.com/artists/anna-razumouskaya/" target="_blank">All About Art</a>. The artist's name is Anna Razumouskaya. <br />
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<br />Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-89307114706463365762015-08-06T00:30:00.000-07:002015-08-06T00:30:00.698-07:00There's no forcing it cause it just ain't happeningHi gang,<br />
<br />
A guy can only do what he can do. Right now, this guy can't blog. There are reasons. Maybe some day I'll tell you what they are.<br />
<br />
Or maybe not.<br />
<br />
I'll see you for Blog Blast 2015.<br />
<br />
Be well.<br />
<br />
Peace.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-19754754985848330502015-05-14T00:30:00.000-07:002015-05-14T00:30:01.020-07:001945 - 2015We've been ill. First me, then Pam. Then me again. I won't get into the details. <br />
<br />
We've been so ill over the last few months that all the plans I had to commemorate the 70 years since the final year of World War II had to be postponed. We're just now starting to crawl out from under it, finding our footing and getting back to some kind of normal life.<br />
<br />
It hasn't been a whole lot of fun.<br />
<br />
But we seem to be recovering. Enough so, anyway, that my mind is turning back to all those essays I had intended to share with you from February, March, April, and now into May. A lot of special dates were missed.<br />
<br />
Missed, but not left behind. <br />
<br />
Stand by. I'm going to catch up. It's too important not to go back and explore. So I shall.<br />
<br />
Cheers gang.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-36308722705848375522015-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:002015-02-08T11:45:14.487-08:00Dean Smith (1931 - 2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPlo_lYKXzxIACdCcDB-Z-2-l2WMQ1-SInXlRGAqoex5_RRAWrJmhBI9f_hLmzpM9MXxXgiir-4PG-VUKQ8KWLH2F7QsF4qFXhKHc-qnokjQ8J0B6noU5qECb19ZpnBid1UMH/s1600/Dean+Smith+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPlo_lYKXzxIACdCcDB-Z-2-l2WMQ1-SInXlRGAqoex5_RRAWrJmhBI9f_hLmzpM9MXxXgiir-4PG-VUKQ8KWLH2F7QsF4qFXhKHc-qnokjQ8J0B6noU5qECb19ZpnBid1UMH/s1600/Dean+Smith+1.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
Former University of North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith has died. He was 83.<br />
<br />
I had a like/dislike relationship with Coach Smith. Relationship...no, that's not the right word. I never met the man. I coached youth basketball as a high school volunteer. My philosophy was shaped and most heavily influenced by John Wooden and Bob Knight at that time. As I learned more and more about the game and became more passionate and dedicated to it, Mike Krzyzewksi became more of an influence.<br />
<br />
But the very first offense I taught my very first team was a version of Coach Smith's four corners. It was the absolute best way to teach kids basic fundamentals...ball skill, passing, floor balance, and spacing. The very first book I ever read on the technical aspects of the game, and how to teach them, was <i>Basketball: Multiple Offense and Defense, </i>written by Coach Smith and published in 1981. It still stands for me as the best book ever of its kind.<br />
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Coach retired from the game in 1997. At the time he was the winningest college basketball coach in the history of the game with 879 victories and a .776 winning percentage (879-254). He was named National Coach of the Year 4 times and ACC Coach of the Year 9 times. He is in sports Halls of Fame for the states of North Carolina and Kansas, for the NCAA, and for FIBA.<br />
<br />
Coach led UNC to 11 Final Fours and 2 national championships. He led the USA to a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics. He won 17 ACC regular season championships and 13 ACC tournament championships.<br />
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He was a tremendous teacher of the game. His philosophy emphasized team over individual. He cared about the whole young man, not just the basketball player passing through his program.<br />
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He was not a perfect man. Who is? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHroLjIvQfXOnkSv96pNRTygyHF57pbR8hKnQBWEVNq989Zuuqq1VvlHJLKavRgyBWhyu7tgdLN3ddu1adhuQwrNbK_wlBDaM1gdF1ec7nY152kwpKskLBbGSnpgeNjWMUxfBQ/s1600/Dean+Smith+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHroLjIvQfXOnkSv96pNRTygyHF57pbR8hKnQBWEVNq989Zuuqq1VvlHJLKavRgyBWhyu7tgdLN3ddu1adhuQwrNbK_wlBDaM1gdF1ec7nY152kwpKskLBbGSnpgeNjWMUxfBQ/s1600/Dean+Smith+2.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dean Edwards Smith</div>
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28 February 1931 - 7 February 2015</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot." </div>
<br />Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-67638802487823130232015-01-12T00:30:00.000-08:002015-01-12T00:30:02.226-08:001945 - 2015It was 70 years ago that World War II came to an end. I want to write selectively and strategically throughout the year in commemoration. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gDYIwIkgpi0ltT1StmtVHns9qdVN-5MMTF90lJZ1m-RAQcTc-N7yC3HfmgH5nM1a1ThCoVJKxehbtkiykLh0PJa2a_vsdTWvMIPZrhjoTYAnNKfSqc-epkvSDZDw1JNLBrC0/s1600/World+globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gDYIwIkgpi0ltT1StmtVHns9qdVN-5MMTF90lJZ1m-RAQcTc-N7yC3HfmgH5nM1a1ThCoVJKxehbtkiykLh0PJa2a_vsdTWvMIPZrhjoTYAnNKfSqc-epkvSDZDw1JNLBrC0/s1600/World+globe.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
My goal with this first essay is to give you a quick idea as to how the world has changed since 1945. One way to do that is to line up some basic statistics. First we'll look at population.<br />
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In general, this can often be difficult to do over long periods of time because the composition of the world can change. Also, all countries don't use the same census methods. I don't really want to get bogged down too much in statistical variation and such...the information is more for flavor than to make any political or mathematical point.<br />
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So, here are population figures for 1945 and 2015 as pulled from a site called <a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/" target="_blank">WolframAlpha</a>, a computational knowledge site. Obviously 2015 is only a couple of weeks old, so the values listed are live at this point in time as calculated by the site. These are the main countries that made up the Allied and Axis powers. I have included China, which has steadily emerged as a world power during the 70 years since WWII ended.<br />
<ul>
<li>Global: 1945 = 2.35 billion; 2015 = 7.28 billion</li>
<li>United States: 1945 = 140 million; 2015 = 326 million</li>
<li>United Kingdom: 1945 = 49.2 million; 2015 = 63.9 million</li>
<li>France: 1945 = 39.7 million; 2015 = 64.4 million</li>
<li>Russia: 1945 = 99.2 million; 2015 = 142 million (not Soviet Union or Russian Federation)</li>
<li>Germany: 1945 = 69.3 million; 2015 = 81.5 million</li>
<li>Japan: 1945 = 72 million; 2015 = 126 million</li>
<li>Italy: 1945 = 45.4 million; 2015 = 61.2 million</li>
<li>China: 1945 = 533 million; 2015 = 1.37 billion</li>
</ul>
OK. Clearly there are a lot more people in the world. Duh...understatement much? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraT8SjlTCqzyTI8N57q7aQWlBPqoBdsyhntS3v5_BUxvXi3IeW2JQ5Xg4M1IQRXUye2jmhmca0w4OPn4VVQQ1G5LuYXCmbzrUxJR_9keLQh-ICqCpB4nLpt6L4YOCUDTqaO-4/s1600/Stock-Market-Since-1900.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraT8SjlTCqzyTI8N57q7aQWlBPqoBdsyhntS3v5_BUxvXi3IeW2JQ5Xg4M1IQRXUye2jmhmca0w4OPn4VVQQ1G5LuYXCmbzrUxJR_9keLQh-ICqCpB4nLpt6L4YOCUDTqaO-4/s1600/Stock-Market-Since-1900.png" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
What else can we review to see how the world has changed? How about money? We know that WWII began amidst global economic depression. We know that economies in general are dynamic. They are volatile in the short term, expanding and contracting in reaction to all kinds of factors. But over the long term they typically grow. <br />
<br />
So let's look at how incomes and prices have changed since 1945. These values are from the US only.<br />
<ul>
<li>Annual median income: 1945 = $2,600; 2014 = $53,891</li>
<li>Hourly minimum wage: 1945 = $0.30/hour; 2015 = $7.25 to $9.32/hour</li>
<li>Median price of a new home: 1945 = about $8,600; 2015 = about $311k</li>
<li>Average price of a new car: 1945 = about $1,220; 2015 = about $30k</li>
<li>Average cost of a gallon of gas: 1945 = about $0.21; 2015 = about $3.18</li>
<li>Average cost of a loaf of white bread: 1945 = about $0.09; 2015 = about $1.41</li>
<li>Average cost of a dozen eggs: 1945 = $0.64; 2015 = about $1.95</li>
<li>Cost of a postage stamp: 1945 = $0.03; 2015 = $.49</li>
<li>Average cost of a movie ticket: 1945 = about $0.32; 2015 = about $8.12</li>
</ul>
I don't know about that $8 movie. Pam and I saw The Hobbit Battle of Five Armies over the holiday and paid $11 each for a matinee showing. I guess there are less expensive theaters around the country that drive that average. Makes sense, right? <br />
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What did you pay the last time you went to the movies?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHsu0mVtmN-awn8Woe4_Zh7DjG9fVkZxT6WIYRfjKRJi_J_tVsuHSo9ZPlVecZNifR9sZNffQlUkcMPDJTzATM4cycDi1rL6NVLDI2vH6_HUGEhT38K3PDeDb5vQ5qH0bYlml/s1600/1945+TV+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHsu0mVtmN-awn8Woe4_Zh7DjG9fVkZxT6WIYRfjKRJi_J_tVsuHSo9ZPlVecZNifR9sZNffQlUkcMPDJTzATM4cycDi1rL6NVLDI2vH6_HUGEhT38K3PDeDb5vQ5qH0bYlml/s1600/1945+TV+set.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSGVBcXtHV8biMn4QwQ_PO4GGPitZIpyK2t09o-inLI7cCW5hnnlMyoHl9MSN9qvyiKirhZOyr9GdOLwHIyGcB1JlgWeeMDuH5mB5qiXxRzodCpuMmRP2ier3JXq7pjR2mfpO/s1600/2015+TV+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSGVBcXtHV8biMn4QwQ_PO4GGPitZIpyK2t09o-inLI7cCW5hnnlMyoHl9MSN9qvyiKirhZOyr9GdOLwHIyGcB1JlgWeeMDuH5mB5qiXxRzodCpuMmRP2ier3JXq7pjR2mfpO/s1600/2015+TV+set.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>In 1945, there were only about 10,000 TV sets in American homes. Radios, however, were ubiquitous around the world and often a lifeline to freedom outside war ravaged occupied territory. The cost of owning a television was about $100, close to half your monthly salary if you're making $2600 a year. The cost of a radio was about $36. In 2007, there were about 285 million TV sets in US households, costing anywhere from $200 to several thousand dollars depending on screen size and type. Digital music and satellite radio also have added significantly to our entertainment and information choices when we step away from the TV. <br />
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In 1945, there were 6 types of operational jet aircraft in the world. On 20 July 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. And late in 2014, an international space probe landed on a comet. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Computers in 1945.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEatlfcPCE3oddSjw26jwylmkEi3M1tct1ptO6-AiLJyjgsTAfpMT5FZBenT0LQs2s7ZvvwABYD7knHyUE1skGvHA8Fxxv1aWz5acsKfXlgx4wpS77tyT2i6GtYBFYbk7kaxd0/s1600/1945+Computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEatlfcPCE3oddSjw26jwylmkEi3M1tct1ptO6-AiLJyjgsTAfpMT5FZBenT0LQs2s7ZvvwABYD7knHyUE1skGvHA8Fxxv1aWz5acsKfXlgx4wpS77tyT2i6GtYBFYbk7kaxd0/s1600/1945+Computer.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Computers in 2015.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaIdMWkI20r3jf59H_9OZSdhjsfkwM_Bpqdg29Mey3es2Tn5yrHSOg8wkh8fVMP7m9qePxgiVRglhe661nr34FvMr8XrTVUUiWlJxaRBOv0WIXzoPiudYGQXN_2znsKYN15VX/s1600/2015+Computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaIdMWkI20r3jf59H_9OZSdhjsfkwM_Bpqdg29Mey3es2Tn5yrHSOg8wkh8fVMP7m9qePxgiVRglhe661nr34FvMr8XrTVUUiWlJxaRBOv0WIXzoPiudYGQXN_2znsKYN15VX/s1600/2015+Computer.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I could go on. Of course, we're all aware that the world is different than it used to be. Change is constant and inevitable. You can pick up your smart phone right now and access more information than you could find on your bookcase in a set of Encyclopedia Britannica in 1945. <br />
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One could argue that things were simpler 70 years ago. I recall a scene in the film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV7gog2vDB8" target="_blank">The Longest Day</a>, which depicted the Allied landings at Normandy on 6 June 1944. The scene was of a US 82nd Airborne trooper dropping on an unsuspecting French woman in the town of Ste Mere Eglise. She had been going to "the little house" when he dropped out of the sky, told her "shhh", and moved on about his business.<br />
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"The little house" is a euphemism for outhouse. Translation...no indoor plumbing at her home. Simpler time, but surely not easier or even desirable. <br />
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For my part, I'll take today's conveniences over the mythical simplicity of a bygone era.<br />
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Thanks to my pal <a href="http://memawsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debra</a> for sharing a terrific find as she researched family history and her father's service in WWII. Check back with me once in awhile through 2015 as I share my thoughts
with you about 1945. I'll check in with you too, and maybe you can tell
me something about 1945.<br />
<br />
Cheers gang. Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36757383.post-884177105651638032015-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:002015-01-01T00:30:01.361-08:001945 - 2015Happy New Year and welcome to 2015.<br />
<br />
This is a commemorative year gang. It was 70 years ago that World War II came to an end. I'll be writing about that, not often but certainly strategically throughout the year. I'm going to spend time with each subject I choose to ensure that my essays are informative and thorough, and above all respectful.<br />
<br />
I encourage you all to schedule some time to find out a little more than you previously knew about the era. Not just about the war, although those events probably should take precedence to any research you do. But I find it equally important to understand the times.<br />
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If you have parents or grandparents that are still with you who experienced the times, ask them to tell you stories. If you lived in that era, tell your stories.<br />
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Above all, please remember that our current times are shaped in large part still by the events of the 1940s...the early war years, the middle years that began the baby boom, and the last years of the decade that set the stage for momentous social change.<br />
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Check in here once in awhile through 2015 and I'll share my thoughts with you about 1945. I'll check in with you too, and maybe you can tell me something about 1945.<br />
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Cheers gang.Travis Codyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.com2