P90X Rage

Don't look now, but you're being duped!

Haven't you heard? It's all about P90X these days. If you can't commit to an exercise and diet routine to attain a body reminiscent of a science book diagram of the human muscular system, then you just aren't worthy of a damn thing!

Let me get this straight. I've been doing it all wrong, huh? Swimming a mile several evenings a week, lifting weights 5 times a week, riding my bike 10 miles a morning 4 times a week, playing football and tennis in the Texas heat and the Houston humidity, all while participating in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, lots of water, and limited carbs and sugar isn't going to get it done?

You don't need this new P90X fad if you've maintained freindships, personal relationships and a life of balanced perspective that does not require a date with your DVD-player and kitchen stool late at night long after the family has given up on getting any attention from you.

Here's the challenge I'm throwing out for all talkers: I'll out-run, out-swim, out-bike, out-lift, out-play, and out-hustle for an unbelievable play/shot/catch/jump any P90X user.

Bring It!

Cue Phil Collins: This Story is Against All Odds

I love sports. L O V E.

I've been a fan since I was 8. And by fan, I mean I was tormented by disappointment and delirious from success. I am also a long-time fan of creative expression that makes no apology for being unique. Couple that with my appetite to challenge contemporary and conventional wisdom, and I naturally gravitated toward the flavor of the nation's best sports commentary-themed radio show.

You know which one!

Realizing for a long time that I shared the same energy, enthusiasm, and creative element of the host and his loyal band of brothers that shared his vision, I dreamed of one day being in a position to contribute to the show.

I felt I was in the studio with him, "spotting" him lines and ideas just before he needed them. And then he spoke them! I watched him drop from the sky in a helicopter in Portland. I watched him improve his on-camera presence from one television production to the next, all the while knowing my true calling was to work with the best ever as he became the greatest there would ever be!

So I honed my craft, practiced interviewing legends, and wrote on things that were in people's sub-conscience, but had yet to realize they were thinking. And I got good at it. Really good.

When my preparation had simmered to a perfectly slow boil, I reached out. The host was impressed, both with my material and my perspective. The fact that I ferreted out a means by which to make contact with him favored me as well. It probably said something about initiative, as opposed to stalking or desperation. And I appreciate his distinction.

I suppose it would have been great if this had happened sooner, but...

You Can't Hurry Love.

Yankees Drank from Giant Steinbrenner

George Steinbrenner came into this world with a bang on the 4th of July. A life of 80 years was commemorated at MLB's All Star Game Tuesday night when he died that morning of a massive heart attack.

For all the easy, convenient, accurate, and appropriate attacks on the man, one thing cannot be denied. He was a fighter, an innovator, a visionary, and a champion. Greater than 25% of the team's 40 American League Penants 27 World Series were under his reign.

The dictator King George ruled harshly without hesitation, and contributed selflessly to the lives of those less fortunate than him with unmitigated modesty and annonymity. All the while sustaining through 4 decades a Yankee spirit that transcended the team and its championship titles to the fans who celebrated them throughout the world.

For all the glory he earned, he just as bravely stood defiantly in the face of criticism. All he insisted on was achieving excellence, and settling for nothing less than complete focus on his goals by those whom he had charged with responsibility.

Short is the list of great accomplished men without detractors.

The Paper Dog Days of Summer

1. The Astros are on pace to lose 100 games this season.
2. The Rangers, the only other alternative to Texas baseball, just lost all 4 games at home to the Orioles!
3. FIFA just took 1 month to crown a world champion with a game that went 3 hours of broadcast without a goal before finally ending with a score of 1 - 0.
4. I resent having to call a score of 0 "Nil"!
5. FIFA Referees either don't know the rules, don't care about the rules, or are unable to call a game according to the rules.
6. You can play the ball while standing out of bounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7. Players writhing in pain one second during defense are sprinting full-speed on offense the next second.
8. Vuvuzelas
9. 90-second in duration proclamations of "Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!"
10. Seriously, If I never hear another vuvuzela, it'll be too soon!

We Have Seen the LeBron

Pogo said, "We have seen the enemy, and he is us!"

LeBron James will announce his decision regarding his future during a Live 1-hour television broadcast tonight on ESPN. Many quickly and conveniently point to their disdain for such a display of ego, arrogance, and hubris by the self-monikered Chosen 1, as he has tattooed across his back. But the source of the problem is that the very people who complain about the presence of birds continue to feed them.

It makes about as much sense as complaining about the grocery store tabloids' salacious front page headlines. We live in a capitalist, consumer-based society. The point is this: If we could not or would not financially support the industry of celebrity, it would cease to exist.

Complaining about the fevered pitch of anticipation regarding LeBron's decision is like jumping on a Pogo-stick: Though you create a bit of a spectacle, it wastes alot of energy...and in the end, you don't really get anywhere!