State
|
Chris
|
Cassie
|
Alabama
|
Yes (LSU-Alabama game 2008)
|
Yes (grandparents live there)
|
Alaska
|
NO
|
NO
|
Arizona
|
Yes (Grand Canyon trip in high school)
|
Yes (visited dad at Honeywell school)
|
Arkansas
|
Yes (Hot Springs and Little Rock trip in elementary
school)
|
Yes
|
California
|
Yes (San Francisco as newborn)
|
Yes (Los Angeles trip in 2013)
|
Colorado
|
Yes (many ski trips as kid)
|
Yes (visited friends as kid)
|
Connecticut
|
NO
|
NO
|
Delaware
|
NO
|
NO
|
Florida
|
Yes (spring training trips as kid)
|
Yes (Disney trip as kid)
|
Georgia
|
Yes (Atlanta Olympics 1996)
|
Yes (Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Hawaii
|
NO
|
NO
|
Idaho
|
NO
|
NO
|
Illinois
|
Yes (Rangers road trip to Comiskey
as kid)
|
Yes (visit to Cyn and Chapman)
|
Indiana
|
NO
|
NO
|
Iowa
|
Yes (accepted job at WOI sight unseen in 2000)
|
NO
|
Kansas
|
Yes (Mizzou-kansas basketball
game in 1999)
|
NO
|
Kentucky
|
NO
|
NO
|
Louisiana
|
Yes (drove through a lot as kid, but may not have stayed
overnight until I visited James Adair in 2003)
|
Yes (born in Baton Rouge)
|
Maine
|
Yes (Lobster and Portland Head Light 2012)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Maryland
|
Yes (Orioles game 1995)
|
Yes (lunch during DC trip 2013)
|
Massachusetts
|
Yes (Emerson College visit, Red Sox game 1997)
|
Yes (New England trip 2012)
|
Michigan
|
NO
|
NO
|
Minnesota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Mississippi
|
Yes (Vicksburg cemetery 1996)
|
Yes
|
Missouri
|
Yes (College visit 1997)
|
Yes (Mizzou-Miami OH game 2011)
|
Montana
|
NO
|
NO
|
Nebraska
|
Yes (TCU-Nebraska game with Kevin 2000)
|
NO
|
Nevada
|
Yes (Las Vegas 30th b-day)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
New Hampshire
|
Yes (Dartmouth 2012)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
New Jersey
|
Yes (flew into Newark on NYC trip with mom)
|
NO
|
New Mexico
|
Yes (Santa Fe trip as kid)
|
Yes
|
New York
|
Yes (Baseball HOF trip with dad as kid)
|
Yes (New Year’s Eve trip)
|
North Carolina
|
Yes (Biltmore visit pre-Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
North Dakota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Ohio
|
Yes (Cleveland and Canton trip with mom)
|
NO
|
Oklahoma
|
Yes (several times as kid)
|
Yes
|
Oregon
|
Yes (summer 2015)
|
YES (same trip)
|
Pennsylvania
|
Yes (honeymoon)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Rhode Island
|
Yes (New England trip 2012, visited Brown)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
South Carolina
|
Yes (Clemson driving range pre-Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
South Dakota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Tennessee
|
Yes (Memphis St. Jude’s trip 2004)
|
Yes (Opryland as kid)
|
Texas
|
Yes (born here)
|
Yes
|
Utah
|
Yes (ski trips)
|
Yes (Blake and Heather’s wedding)
|
Vermont
|
Yes (New England trip 2012, quick stop for coffee/tea)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Virginia
|
Yes (Arlington National Cemetery as kid)
|
Yes (DC trip 2013)
|
Washington
|
Yes (Rangers-Mariners trip as kid)
|
Yes (summer 2015)
|
West Virginia
|
NO
|
NO
|
Wisconsin
|
Yes (flew in, toured Miller Park before Chicago visit)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Wyoming
|
YES (summer 2015)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
STATES REMAINING
|
10
|
15
|
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
50 States Update - Summer 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
New LamarVikings.com Design
I started this site in 1995 when the internet was a much different place. It was the first team-specific high school football website in North Texas and it was a fun way to support my friends on the team. Later, it became a way to volunteer my time when my brothers were Vikings. After they graduated, it was a way to stay connected with my alma mater.
I finally gave it up four years ago for various reasons when I started a new job. It was rough for a little while, seeing the site I built fall off somewhat. But when Sam took it over, the site returned to its previous stature. He's incredibly talented and shares my pride in LHS.
VFND!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
States Visited
This week, my mom is completing a life-long travel goal by visiting her 50th state. We'll cross over from Minnesota into North Dakota on Saturday morning.
We'll be traveling with my "bonus dad," Steve Chapman, who will have just three states remaining on his journey towards this goal: Alaska, Idaho and Oregon.
I still have quite a few left. My wife is even further behind. Notes are an attempt to indicate first visits to each state.
We'll be traveling with my "bonus dad," Steve Chapman, who will have just three states remaining on his journey towards this goal: Alaska, Idaho and Oregon.
I still have quite a few left. My wife is even further behind. Notes are an attempt to indicate first visits to each state.
State
|
Chris
|
Cassie
|
Alabama
|
Yes (LSU-Alabama game 2008)
|
Yes (grandparents live there)
|
Alaska
|
NO
|
NO
|
Arizona
|
Yes (Grand Canyon trip in high school)
|
Yes (visited dad at Honeywell school)
|
Arkansas
|
Yes (Hot Springs and Little Rock trip in elementary
school)
|
Yes
|
California
|
Yes (San Francisco as newborn)
|
Yes (Los Angeles trip in 2013)
|
Colorado
|
Yes (many ski trips as kid)
|
Yes (visited friends as kid)
|
Connecticut
|
NO
|
NO
|
Delaware
|
NO
|
NO
|
Florida
|
Yes (spring training trips as kid)
|
Yes (Disney trip as kid)
|
Georgia
|
Yes (Atlanta Olympics 1996)
|
Yes (Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Hawaii
|
NO
|
NO
|
Idaho
|
NO
|
NO
|
Illinois
|
Yes (Rangers road trip to Comiskey
as kid)
|
Yes (visit to Cyn and Chapman)
|
Indiana
|
NO
|
NO
|
Iowa
|
Yes (accepted job at WOI sight unseen in 2000)
|
NO
|
Kansas
|
Yes (Mizzou-kansas basketball
game in 1999)
|
NO
|
Kentucky
|
NO
|
NO
|
Louisiana
|
Yes (drove through a lot as kid, but may not have stayed
overnight until I visited James Adair in 2003)
|
Yes (born in Baton Rouge)
|
Maine
|
Yes (Lobster and Portland Head Light 2012)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Maryland
|
Yes (Orioles game 1995)
|
Yes (lunch during DC trip 2013)
|
Massachusetts
|
Yes (Emerson College visit, Red Sox game 1997)
|
Yes (New England trip 2012)
|
Michigan
|
NO
|
NO
|
Minnesota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Mississippi
|
Yes (Vicksburg cemetery 1996)
|
Yes
|
Missouri
|
Yes (College visit 1997)
|
Yes (Mizzou-Miami OH game 2011)
|
Montana
|
NO
|
NO
|
Nebraska
|
Yes (TCU-Nebraska game with Kevin 2000)
|
NO
|
Nevada
|
Yes (Las Vegas 30th b-day)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
New Hampshire
|
Yes (Dartmouth 2012)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
New Jersey
|
Yes (flew into Newark on NYC trip with mom)
|
NO
|
New Mexico
|
Yes (Santa Fe trip as kid)
|
Yes
|
New York
|
Yes (Baseball HOF trip with dad as kid)
|
Yes (New Year’s Eve trip)
|
North Carolina
|
Yes (Biltmore visit pre-Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
North Dakota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Ohio
|
Yes (Cleveland and Canton trip with mom)
|
NO
|
Oklahoma
|
Yes (several times as kid)
|
Yes
|
Oregon
|
NO
|
NO
|
Pennsylvania
|
Yes (honeymoon)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Rhode Island
|
Yes (New England trip 2012, visited Brown)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
South Carolina
|
Yes (Clemson driving range pre-Craig and Amy’s wedding)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
South Dakota
|
Yes (2014)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Tennessee
|
Yes (Memphis St. Jude’s trip 2004)
|
Yes (Opryland as kid)
|
Texas
|
Yes (born here)
|
Yes
|
Utah
|
Yes (ski trips)
|
Yes (Blake and Heather’s wedding)
|
Vermont
|
Yes (New England trip 2012, quick stop for coffee/tea)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Virginia
|
Yes (Arlington National Cemetery as kid)
|
Yes (DC trip 2013)
|
Washington
|
Yes (Rangers-Mariners trip as kid)
|
NO
|
West Virginia
|
NO
|
NO
|
Wisconsin
|
Yes (flew in, toured Miller Park before Chicago visit)
|
Yes (same trip)
|
Wyoming
|
NO
|
NO
|
STATES REMAINING
|
12
|
18
|
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
CSMA Master Class: Southland Conference TV Aces Live Event Broadcasts
When the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears finished off Stephen F. Austin in the semifinals of the Southland Conference Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Chris Mycoskie knew he was on to something big.
See more at: http://tinyurl.com/jwj38w3.
See more at: http://tinyurl.com/jwj38w3.
Friday, June 07, 2013
Volleyball Broadcast Nets Southland TV Network’s Second CSMA Award
 |
| Photo by Bradley Widding |
FULL STORY
Friday, May 24, 2013
Southland TV Network Receives Two CSMA Nominations
FRISCO, Texas – The Southland Conference Television Network has earned a pair of nominations for this year’s College Sports Media Awards, both in the live game category as part of the collegiate athletics division. Productions of the Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F. Austin football game and the volleyball tournament championship match between Oral Roberts and Central Arkansas are up for the honor.
This marks the first year the Southland TV Network has received multiple nominations. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and announced at a ceremony on May 29 at the Sports Video Group’s College Sports Summit in Atlanta, Ga. The network will be seeking its second CSMA trophy, with the first coming in 2009-10.
“The College Sports Media Awards recognizes the best production across the industry, from national and regional networks to conferences, leagues and universities,” SVG chairman Tom Buffalano said. “Each year the level of competition rises and the bar is raised. To receive multiple nominations is a testament to the high quality of work that the Southland Conference Television Network has been producing for several years, serving their schools, student bodies, alumni and fans in a tremendous way.”
The two Southland broadcasts will be up against three other nominees: Florida State University (baseball vs. Georgia Tech), Lafayette College (men’s basketball vs. Bucknell) and the University of North Carolina (women’s basketball vs. Florida State).
“We’re very proud of the continued attention and respect that the Southland Television Network continues to receive from the broadcasting industry.” Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett said. “It’s quite an honor to be nominated among so many other accomplished broadcast entities, and I know our Conference membership is very proud of the product we collectively create and provide for television.”
Randy McIlvoy, Shea Walker and Brooke Bentley made up the on-air team for the Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F. Austin football broadcast at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. The “Battle of the Piney Woods” featured 962 yards of combined total offense in a 51-43 victory for the Bearkats.
Lincoln Rose and Bentley called the volleyball championship in Conway, Ark. Tournament host Central Arkansas defeated Oral Roberts in four games, clinching UCA’s first trip to the NCAA tournament.
The Southland TV Network became a reality in 2008 and has broadcast more than 150 events. The network earned a College Sports Media Award in 2009-10 for best live game in the collegiate division, following that up with an honorable mention in the professional division (2010-11) and a nomination in the collegiate division (2011-12). Plus, the network has captured six Telly awards, including one this year for the volleyball championship broadcast.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the College Sports Summit features two days of panel discussions, workshop tracks and a technology showcase hall. Chris Mycoskie, the Southland Conference’s assistant commissioner for television and electronic media, will be one of the featured speakers during the CSMA Storytellers Forum.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
What I'm Reading
The Story: We're reading through this in my Frisco Bible Church small group. It takes the Bible and makes it read like a novel. Very cool and easy to understand. I have really enjoyed this unique way of studying God's word. And, yes, I am reading the Teen Edition.
The Man in the Mirror: This was a gift to our church's dads on Father's Day, so maybe I should not have picked one up. My wife said it was alright because I am a dad to two cats, and hopefully a future father to people. Anyway, it was the end of second service and there were a ton of them left, so I don't feel too bad. That said, I rifled through the first few chapters on the beach last week and am looking forward to the rest. More than anything, I enjoy knowing that it's not just me going through these problems. There are men everywhere with major struggles and God is there with solutions.
The Man in the Mirror: This was a gift to our church's dads on Father's Day, so maybe I should not have picked one up. My wife said it was alright because I am a dad to two cats, and hopefully a future father to people. Anyway, it was the end of second service and there were a ton of them left, so I don't feel too bad. That said, I rifled through the first few chapters on the beach last week and am looking forward to the rest. More than anything, I enjoy knowing that it's not just me going through these problems. There are men everywhere with major struggles and God is there with solutions.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Top 10 List: Sporting Events I've Witnessed in Person
10)
2007-08 BCS National Championship - Ohio State vs. LSU, Louisiana Superdome (January 7, 2008):
Championship week started with a trip down to New Orleans to get shots of the Tigers arriving at their hotel in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the bus was late and it was FREEZING. The combination of standing out in the cold and lack of sleep that week resulted in a very sick sportscaster. When the day of the game arrived, I was running a 102.5 fever. But, there was no calling in sick when the home team was playing for a national title. I shot the entire game, then put on my jacket and tie to host the local Fox post-game show. Somehow, I pulled it off and didn't die in the process. If not for the way I felt, this probably would have been higher on the list. College football is my favorite sport and the championship game was a great spectactle, especially with it being a virtual home game for the Tigers.
9)
Indy Racing League - True Value 500, Texas Motor Speedway (June 7, 1997):
I have spent a lot of time at Texas Motor Speedway, but nothing stands out quite like the first race I attended. This was the first IndyCar event at the track and I had just started my internship in the sports department with WBAP Radio. My task was to grab some sound bytes in victory lane. Billy Boat was celebrating and everyone was having a good time. Then I caught Arie Luyendyk in the corner of my eye, walking towards us. He didn't look happy, and started screaming about how he was robbed. He and A.J. Foyt, who owned Boat's car, came to blows two feet in front of me. The next morning, the IRL admitted a scoring mistake and awarded the win to Luyendyk.
8)
Saban Bowl I - LSU vs. Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium (November 3, 2007):
I can't imagine another regular season college football game having the build-up that this one did. The hate spewing from LSU fans towards Nick Saban was incredible, starting with the moment he left the Dolphins for the Crimson Tide. It boiled over in the days leading up to this game. Even without that, it would have gone down as an incredible game, with Chad Jones forcing a fumble that led to a late touchdown to give the Tigers a 41-34 victory, and kept #3 LSU in the national title hunt. Plus, the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the best I've ever experienced. Just like the first time I walked into Tiger Stadium, I got goosebumps.
7)
2007 Big 12 Championship - Missouri vs. Oklahoma, Alamodome (December 1, 2007):
LSU was playing in the SEC Championship the same day in Atlanta, but I wasn't assigned to cover the game. So, with my alma mater playing in relatively nearby San Antonio, ranked number one and a win away from the national title game, I called my dad, found some tickets, and headed to the Alamodome. When I arrived at Mizzou in the fall of 1997, the Tigers were not exactly a football powerhouse, having not been to a bowl game since 1983. I arrived at the right time, as MU made a bowl during my freshman and sophomore years, and started to build a decent program. Now, on the verge of getting to the game's biggest stage, I had to be there. It didn't work out that day, of course, as the Tigers lost to the Oklahoma Sooners for the second time that season. The next day, the knife dug even deeper, as Kansas was selected for a BCS game over Missouri, despite the Tigers' win over the Jayhawks just a week prior.
6)
Men's Basketball Regular Season - Missouri vs. Kansas, Allen Fieldhouse (January 24, 1999)
I hate ku with a passion, but I have to admit that Allen Fieldhouse is pretty cool. When the arena went quiet before tip-off, and the beakers do their "Rock Chalk" chant, it gave me goosebumps. But this game wouldn't have made the list if not for the way Mizzou played that day. The Tigers came into Lawrence and won, 71-63. I was covering the game for KCOU radio, so I couldn't cheer on press row. Instead, when something good happened, I'd just exchange looks and the occassional leg punch under the desk with my fellow student reporters. As it turned out, this was Norm Stewart's final game at ku, and as was custom, I didn't spend a cent in the Sunflower State that day.
5)
Super Bowl XXVII - Bills vs. Cowboys, Rose Bowl (January 31, 1993)
With the Cowboys not having made the Super Bowl since after the 1977 season, my dad said "they may not make it for another 15 or 20 years, so we better go this time." After winning the NFC championship, he found tickets, grabbed a hotel room in Fullerton, and booked roundtrip airfare to LAX. Everything about the game was larger than life, including the NFL Experience theme park outside the stadium, the halftime show (featuring Michael Jackson pre-pedophilia accusations) and the Cowboys' blowout victory. After the game, we headed back to LAX for the red-eye to DFW. At the time, I was writing a weekly column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's "Class Acts" section, so I took care of that on the flight. We drove straight from the airport to Shackelford Junior High (yes, my dad made me go to school), where I wore my new Super Bowl sweatshirt and was the envy of every kid there.
4)
Games of the XXVI Olympaid - Atlanta (Summer 1996)
It is impossible narrow the Olympic experience down to just one of the events. In fact, I don't really remember any one event in particular as being more spectacular than the others, but we took in a lot of great stuff. Every event was part of a ticket lottery, and we got very lucky, getting to go to several Dream Team basketball games, some swimming and diving, plus a lot of sports we had never seen before. One of those was field hockey between India and Pakistan. It is the national game of those countries, who are always on the brink of war, which made it especially interesting and kinda scary to be there. We also visited Centennial Park a lot, and were there just hours before the bombing. It was surreal waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the breaking news, then going to the events the next morning with everything under extra security.
3)
Nolan Ryan's 7th No-Hitter - Blue Jays vs. Rangers, Arlington Stadium (May 1, 1991)
This was the shortest experience of anything on this list. This game was not scheduled for TV, but it was very rare that we did not keep up with a Rangers game in our house growing up. We had this one on radio, and when it got to the end of the 7th inning, and Nolan still had the no-no going, my dad yelled "let's go!" We got in the car and sped to Arlington Stadium, listening to the radio as we drove, fully ready to turn around if Toronto got a hit. We got to the park, found a parking spot, and ran into the stadium in time for the 9th inning (nobody was guarding the entrances - everyone must have gone inside to see history). We watched the final three outs, jumped and screamed as Nolan finished off the Blue Jays, and then sprinted back to the car and headed home.
2)
Mark McGwire's 60th, 61st and 62nd home runs - Reds/Cubs vs. Cardinals, Busch Stadium (September 1998)
Knowing what we know now about McGwire's PED use (and the fact that the record was broken again just a couple of years later), some devalue this event. But nothing could change the excitement of those days for me. I was going back and forth from Columbia to St. Louis every day, seeing something amazing. I'd like to think I am usually pretty neutral, and able to contain my emotions when I'm part of the working media, but I couldn't help but have a huge smile on my face in the press box after each one of these homers. Following the post-game press conference after number 62, I headed back to my car and turned on KMOX, where I heard the legendary Jack Buck say it was the most exciting sporting event he had ever witnessed. Having barely started my career, I thought it was all down hill from there.
1)
World Series Game 3 - Giants vs. Rangers, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (October 30, 2010)
My grandfather was the original team doctor for the Rangers in 1972, and passed the job along to my dad and uncle in 1985. The team was a huge part of my life, and for so many years, the Rangers were just plain horrible. Still, that didn't keep us from loving this ballclub. My dad, mom, brothers and I went to spring training every year, and up to 60 games a summer. To see them finally reach the World Series was almost hard to believe. No matter what, I knew I had to get to Arlington to see the first game. Everything about it was incredible, but the best part was experiencing it with my grandpa and dad. I don't know anything could have lessened the experience, but the Rangers winning that night elevated it to an even higher level.
2007-08 BCS National Championship - Ohio State vs. LSU, Louisiana Superdome (January 7, 2008):
Championship week started with a trip down to New Orleans to get shots of the Tigers arriving at their hotel in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the bus was late and it was FREEZING. The combination of standing out in the cold and lack of sleep that week resulted in a very sick sportscaster. When the day of the game arrived, I was running a 102.5 fever. But, there was no calling in sick when the home team was playing for a national title. I shot the entire game, then put on my jacket and tie to host the local Fox post-game show. Somehow, I pulled it off and didn't die in the process. If not for the way I felt, this probably would have been higher on the list. College football is my favorite sport and the championship game was a great spectactle, especially with it being a virtual home game for the Tigers.
9)
Indy Racing League - True Value 500, Texas Motor Speedway (June 7, 1997):
I have spent a lot of time at Texas Motor Speedway, but nothing stands out quite like the first race I attended. This was the first IndyCar event at the track and I had just started my internship in the sports department with WBAP Radio. My task was to grab some sound bytes in victory lane. Billy Boat was celebrating and everyone was having a good time. Then I caught Arie Luyendyk in the corner of my eye, walking towards us. He didn't look happy, and started screaming about how he was robbed. He and A.J. Foyt, who owned Boat's car, came to blows two feet in front of me. The next morning, the IRL admitted a scoring mistake and awarded the win to Luyendyk.
8)
Saban Bowl I - LSU vs. Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium (November 3, 2007):
I can't imagine another regular season college football game having the build-up that this one did. The hate spewing from LSU fans towards Nick Saban was incredible, starting with the moment he left the Dolphins for the Crimson Tide. It boiled over in the days leading up to this game. Even without that, it would have gone down as an incredible game, with Chad Jones forcing a fumble that led to a late touchdown to give the Tigers a 41-34 victory, and kept #3 LSU in the national title hunt. Plus, the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the best I've ever experienced. Just like the first time I walked into Tiger Stadium, I got goosebumps.
7)
2007 Big 12 Championship - Missouri vs. Oklahoma, Alamodome (December 1, 2007):
LSU was playing in the SEC Championship the same day in Atlanta, but I wasn't assigned to cover the game. So, with my alma mater playing in relatively nearby San Antonio, ranked number one and a win away from the national title game, I called my dad, found some tickets, and headed to the Alamodome. When I arrived at Mizzou in the fall of 1997, the Tigers were not exactly a football powerhouse, having not been to a bowl game since 1983. I arrived at the right time, as MU made a bowl during my freshman and sophomore years, and started to build a decent program. Now, on the verge of getting to the game's biggest stage, I had to be there. It didn't work out that day, of course, as the Tigers lost to the Oklahoma Sooners for the second time that season. The next day, the knife dug even deeper, as Kansas was selected for a BCS game over Missouri, despite the Tigers' win over the Jayhawks just a week prior.
6)
Men's Basketball Regular Season - Missouri vs. Kansas, Allen Fieldhouse (January 24, 1999)
I hate ku with a passion, but I have to admit that Allen Fieldhouse is pretty cool. When the arena went quiet before tip-off, and the beakers do their "Rock Chalk" chant, it gave me goosebumps. But this game wouldn't have made the list if not for the way Mizzou played that day. The Tigers came into Lawrence and won, 71-63. I was covering the game for KCOU radio, so I couldn't cheer on press row. Instead, when something good happened, I'd just exchange looks and the occassional leg punch under the desk with my fellow student reporters. As it turned out, this was Norm Stewart's final game at ku, and as was custom, I didn't spend a cent in the Sunflower State that day.
5)
Super Bowl XXVII - Bills vs. Cowboys, Rose Bowl (January 31, 1993)
With the Cowboys not having made the Super Bowl since after the 1977 season, my dad said "they may not make it for another 15 or 20 years, so we better go this time." After winning the NFC championship, he found tickets, grabbed a hotel room in Fullerton, and booked roundtrip airfare to LAX. Everything about the game was larger than life, including the NFL Experience theme park outside the stadium, the halftime show (featuring Michael Jackson pre-pedophilia accusations) and the Cowboys' blowout victory. After the game, we headed back to LAX for the red-eye to DFW. At the time, I was writing a weekly column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's "Class Acts" section, so I took care of that on the flight. We drove straight from the airport to Shackelford Junior High (yes, my dad made me go to school), where I wore my new Super Bowl sweatshirt and was the envy of every kid there.
4)
Games of the XXVI Olympaid - Atlanta (Summer 1996)
It is impossible narrow the Olympic experience down to just one of the events. In fact, I don't really remember any one event in particular as being more spectacular than the others, but we took in a lot of great stuff. Every event was part of a ticket lottery, and we got very lucky, getting to go to several Dream Team basketball games, some swimming and diving, plus a lot of sports we had never seen before. One of those was field hockey between India and Pakistan. It is the national game of those countries, who are always on the brink of war, which made it especially interesting and kinda scary to be there. We also visited Centennial Park a lot, and were there just hours before the bombing. It was surreal waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the breaking news, then going to the events the next morning with everything under extra security.
3)
Nolan Ryan's 7th No-Hitter - Blue Jays vs. Rangers, Arlington Stadium (May 1, 1991)
This was the shortest experience of anything on this list. This game was not scheduled for TV, but it was very rare that we did not keep up with a Rangers game in our house growing up. We had this one on radio, and when it got to the end of the 7th inning, and Nolan still had the no-no going, my dad yelled "let's go!" We got in the car and sped to Arlington Stadium, listening to the radio as we drove, fully ready to turn around if Toronto got a hit. We got to the park, found a parking spot, and ran into the stadium in time for the 9th inning (nobody was guarding the entrances - everyone must have gone inside to see history). We watched the final three outs, jumped and screamed as Nolan finished off the Blue Jays, and then sprinted back to the car and headed home.
2)
Mark McGwire's 60th, 61st and 62nd home runs - Reds/Cubs vs. Cardinals, Busch Stadium (September 1998)
Knowing what we know now about McGwire's PED use (and the fact that the record was broken again just a couple of years later), some devalue this event. But nothing could change the excitement of those days for me. I was going back and forth from Columbia to St. Louis every day, seeing something amazing. I'd like to think I am usually pretty neutral, and able to contain my emotions when I'm part of the working media, but I couldn't help but have a huge smile on my face in the press box after each one of these homers. Following the post-game press conference after number 62, I headed back to my car and turned on KMOX, where I heard the legendary Jack Buck say it was the most exciting sporting event he had ever witnessed. Having barely started my career, I thought it was all down hill from there.
1)
World Series Game 3 - Giants vs. Rangers, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (October 30, 2010)
My grandfather was the original team doctor for the Rangers in 1972, and passed the job along to my dad and uncle in 1985. The team was a huge part of my life, and for so many years, the Rangers were just plain horrible. Still, that didn't keep us from loving this ballclub. My dad, mom, brothers and I went to spring training every year, and up to 60 games a summer. To see them finally reach the World Series was almost hard to believe. No matter what, I knew I had to get to Arlington to see the first game. Everything about it was incredible, but the best part was experiencing it with my grandpa and dad. I don't know anything could have lessened the experience, but the Rangers winning that night elevated it to an even higher level.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Graduation Announcements
Graduation is just over a month away... Announcements have been ordered!
Grad 2010 Graduation Announcement
Graduation invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
New Book by an Old Friend
My old friend from Des Moines, Jessica (Buffum) Zondervan, has a new book coming out in mid-August. Pre-order "Breathing on Purpose
Jessica is an amazing woman of God and this promises to be an incredible read.
Here's a preview:
In Breathing on Purpose
Sunday, June 20, 2010
ButterBusters.com
I've been helping my aunt Pam set up her new blog. Check it out at ButterBusters.com. Her first post is coming soon.
This will be a great way for Pam to share her thoughts, feelings and ideas... not just about Butter Busters and ways to modify all the foods you love to low-fat, but about life in general...
If you don't already have them in your kitchen, pick up your copies of her New York Times bestsellers: "Butter Busters
" and "I'm Listening: The Butter Busters Cookbook Companion
."
This will be a great way for Pam to share her thoughts, feelings and ideas... not just about Butter Busters and ways to modify all the foods you love to low-fat, but about life in general...
If you don't already have them in your kitchen, pick up your copies of her New York Times bestsellers: "Butter Busters
" and "I'm Listening: The Butter Busters Cookbook Companion."
Saturday, June 12, 2010
New Texas A&M War Hymn Lyrics: LSU Edition
With the Aggies moving into the SEC, new lyrics may be in order for the War Hymn. If LSU is going to be considered Texas A&M's biggest rival now, here ya go:
Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck
Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck
All hail to dear old Texas A&M
Rally around Maroon and White
Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies
They are the boys who show the real old fight
That good old Aggie Spirit thrills us
And makes us yell and yell and yell
So let's fight for dear old Texas A&M
We're gonna beat you all to Chigaroogarem
Chigaroogarem
Rough, Tough, real stuff Texas A&M
Good bye to LA State University
So long to the purple and the gold
Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies
They are the boys who show the real old fight
'hey fighting tigers, fight all the way'
That is the song they sing so well
Sounds Like Hell
So good bye to LA State University
We're gonna beat you all to Chigaroogarem
Chigaroogarem
Rough, Tough, Real stuff, Texas A&M
Saw mike's tail off
Saw mike's tail off
Saw mike's tail off
Short! A!
Mike's tail is sawed off
Mike's tail is sawed off
Mike's tail is sawed off
Short! A!
Not quite the same, huh?
Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck
Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck
All hail to dear old Texas A&M
Rally around Maroon and White
Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies
They are the boys who show the real old fight
That good old Aggie Spirit thrills us
And makes us yell and yell and yell
So let's fight for dear old Texas A&M
We're gonna beat you all to Chigaroogarem
Chigaroogarem
Rough, Tough, real stuff Texas A&M
Good bye to LA State University
So long to the purple and the gold
Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies
They are the boys who show the real old fight
'hey fighting tigers, fight all the way'
That is the song they sing so well
Sounds Like Hell
So good bye to LA State University
We're gonna beat you all to Chigaroogarem
Chigaroogarem
Rough, Tough, Real stuff, Texas A&M
Saw mike's tail off
Saw mike's tail off
Saw mike's tail off
Short! A!
Mike's tail is sawed off
Mike's tail is sawed off
Mike's tail is sawed off
Short! A!
Not quite the same, huh?
Traveling With The Tribe
Below is a message from my good friend Joe Gumm. Please check out his show pilot and cast your vote in this contest:
I wanted to let you know that I've been working on a pilot I'm pitching called Traveling With The Tribe. It's a family travel show to off-the-beaten-path places around the U.S. I've entered the show in a contest and would love to get your vote. It takes about three minutes. You can actually vote AND watch the pilot. If you don't have time to watch the pilot, please vote if you can. I APPRECIATE IT. The instructions are below. The voting ends July 4th.
Thanks and thanks for your support.
Joe
Here is how to vote:
1. Go to www.nextventertainment.com/web
2. Click on the big blue tab at the bottom left of the page that says,
"Shortcut to the Finals"
3. Type in "Gumm" (or my project's name) in the search bar on the
right just above the list of submissions
4. Click on WATCH.
5. Then click on VOTE.
I wanted to let you know that I've been working on a pilot I'm pitching called Traveling With The Tribe. It's a family travel show to off-the-beaten-path places around the U.S. I've entered the show in a contest and would love to get your vote. It takes about three minutes. You can actually vote AND watch the pilot. If you don't have time to watch the pilot, please vote if you can. I APPRECIATE IT. The instructions are below. The voting ends July 4th.
Thanks and thanks for your support.
Joe
Here is how to vote:
1. Go to www.nextventertainment.com/web
2. Click on the big blue tab at the bottom left of the page that says,
"Shortcut to the Finals"
3. Type in "Gumm" (or my project's name) in the search bar on the
right just above the list of submissions
4. Click on WATCH.
5. Then click on VOTE.
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