Shut Your Pie Hole!!!

I will be so glad when the NFL lockout is over and we can get back to the business of Pro Football. Too many weird things have happened during this work stoppage. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers is bad mouthing his quarterback, Ben "The Predator" Rothlrsburger. Harrison is not a Dwight Freeney either so he needs to shut up! Jimmy thinks Roger Goodell is the devil. Ol' Man Rooney is probably doing back flips in his grave right now over this idiot. Not only do we have to put up with Harrison, but consider the antics of Chad Ochocinco. Playing soccer and bull riding are just some of the thing this fool has been up to during the lockout. He can't help his team win games or go far into the playoffs but he can get thrown off a bull in 1.8 seconds. Too bad the bull didn't stomp out his ego. Other players were drinking and driving and assaulting people. They must have attended the Ray Lewis School of Off-Season Crime. Speaking of Ray-Ray, He warned that if we don't have football this year, criminal activity would increase. He was probably talking about at his crib. Hopefully, the player's union will vote yes on the new collective bargaining agreement, and we can let our women and children roam free again. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!???!!!

Learning Never Ends.

I am currently reading the book, "Why We Win" by Famed sportscaster Billy Packer. In this work, he interviews several hall of fame coaches from different sports. He asks them a similar set of questions and puts the interviews in a chapter form. Coaches like Bobby Knight, Chuck Noll, Red Auerbach, and Joe Gibbs were included in the book. When he spoke to Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Fame coach of The Los Angeles Dodgers, one comment stood out. Mr. Lasorda was asked if personal relationships were important in a team setting. His response caught my attention. He said," People learn by three different ways. We learn by conversation, observation, and participation." Personal relationships are the key to personal growth.

Conversation: The  words we speak have huge impact. You may think what you say doesn't matter, but you would be wrong. Not only do your words affect others but what comes out of your mouth has an impact on you, your attitude, and your outlook on life.You build up or tear down simply by the words you speak. A person that has the gift of encouragement is a rich person because they make those around them better. A negative attitude will spread faster through  a foul mouth than dandelions in an unkempt yard. Speak positive. Spread positive.

Observation: I am sure we have all heard the saying,"Garbage in. Garbage out." Everyone learns by looking. We all remember the classroom and how our teachers demonstrated things on the chalkboard. They did not do this to have something to do. It is a known fact that if you hear something, see something, and write it down you will retain knowledge faster. The images you allow into your mind can be a valuable learning tool. Also, if we fill our mind with junk images, we can stunt our mental growth. Reading a book a week will improve your vocabulary and expand your knowledge beyond your current state. A sharp mind is a learning mind.

Participation: It is not enough to listen and read. You must also get in the game. Spectators will never know the true thrill of victory or agony of defeat. We also learn by doing. We learn from every action and reaction. Life happens whether we are in the game or not. We need to join in to gain the maximum effect. Are you a thinker? Are you a talker? Are you a doer? The world needs us all but the those that accomplish the most can think, talk, and do for themselves.I have played football and I have watched football. There is an amount of satisfaction associated with both. But, there is no thrill greater than being in the trenches and knocking the snot out of somebody. Get in the Game. Live. Learn. Love. Life Happens!!!

Vacation Diaries Part 2

Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Myrtle Beach I had Kidney Dialysis treatment in a center called Davita. Everything went pretty well there and this allowed my wife a break from home treatment to enjoy her vacation. The Beach Colony Resort was an awesome place to stay. Three pools, a lazy river, 2 hot tubs, a spa , a gym, an arcade, and racquetball courts made for a great week for all. The outside bar was a nice touch too. The beach access was easy to get to from the resort and my wife loved our lifeguard, Parker. He is a college student at Clemson and was there to rescue me when a one foot wave beat me up pretty bad. Perry had my back even though he almost drowned me. I still love him and he is still in the will. We enjoyed having my mother in  law and father in law with this year. We ate a joint called the Dead Dog Saloon in Murrell's Inlet that was really good. Perry had a cheeseburger and fries. Dolly Parton has a place in Myrtle Beach. It used to be a Dixie Stampede dinner show. Now it is called Pirate's Cove and it was an awesome experience. The food was good and the show was highly entertaining. We left Myrtle Beach on Saturday morning and went to Pigeon Forge, TN for a couple of days. We took Perry to the Hollywood Car Museum and saw some of George Barris' car collection. That was neat and the pictures are great. I wanted to go to Ripley's Aquarium which was fantastic. The highlight of our trip there was The Titanic Museum. It is a replica of the front of the ship built in the Smoky Mountains. We went on a self-guided tour and three hours and 45 minutes later we closed the place. What an experience! Overall we had a great time.

I'm BAAAAAAACK!!!!

I had a great vacation with my wife, our son, and my Mother and Father in law. The trip started Friday June 3rd after a round of home dialysis. My wife did all of the driving for me and Perry. On the first day, we went to Ashville, NC foe a sleepover. Lunch on Friday was at Sonny's Barbecue in Corbin, KY. What a great BBQ Beef Brisket! Perry had a Cheeseburger and fries. Stacy had a Pork trio plate. It was a great experience. In Ashville. we met up with Mom and Pop. Dinner was at the Apollo Fire Greek Restaurant. Everyone had a Greek salad but Perry. He had a cheeseburger and fries. I had a platter that had Greek salad, Lamb Gyro, Greek Meatballs, and marinated chicken. Chicken Alfredo was consumed by the rest of our party. That was a great find by Jim Johnson! Saturday morning, after a free breakfast at the hotel where Perry had a Cheeseburger and Fries, we caravaned to The Beach Colony Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. We spent a week there. We stayed on the ninth floor. Most resort hotels do not have a thirteenth floor or a thirteenth room on each floor due to it's unlucky connotation. My wonderful family stayed in room 914. This funny fact was not lost on my superstitious wife Stacy. She slept with one eye open for two nights.

Sunday was a wonderful day at the beach after a plate of Stacy's Famous Biscuits and Gravy. I was adorned in tan, flowered swim trunks, a tan, sleeveless shirt, blue and gray beach shoes, and a blue on blue beach towel, which is the size of Texas. My head was covered with the sharpest Panama Jack hat. To complete this picture. I was spray painted in SPF 60 sunscreen. The texture is comparable to the Maple Syrup at FlapJack's in Gatlinburg, TN.Right Said Fred was spot on! "I'm Too Sexy!"  For lunch, We had Ham and Swiss sandwiches. Perry had a Cheeseburger and Fries. After a late afternoon swim in the pool and hot tub, I attempted a lap in the lazy river. This was a great source of amusement for my family. Two scraped knees and three knots on the head later, we were back in the room for a great BBQ chicken breast dinner prepared by my beautiful wife. Perry had a Cheeseburger and Fries. What a fantastic start to one of my favorite vacations. TO BE CONTINUED...

It's a Goode Thing!

Last night, I went to dinner with my family. We took my mother to Edward's Drive In here in Indianapolis. We had a wonderful meal and then went for a ride. We stopped off at the home of my great aunt and uncle, Lonnie and Norma Rigney. They re both 82 years old and full of life and stories. My grandfather, Virgil Rigney, and Uncle Lonnie came to Indianapolis in the 1940s. they were a huge part of starting the Teamster's union on the trucking docks in Central Indiana. I sat for two hours and listened to stories about Jimmy Hoffa and Frank Fitzsimmons, both legends in the Teamsters lore. What a night!

I got to thinking about my last name. Are there any famous Goode's or Rigney's? I went to Wikipedia and researched both. Here is the information on the last name Goode:

• Alex Goode (Born 1988), British rugby union player
• Alexander D. Goode (1911-1943), US Army chaplain
• Andy Goode (born 1980), British rugby union player
• Coleridge Goode (born 1914), Jamaican British jazz musician
• Daniel Goode (born 1936), American composer and clarinetist
• David Goode (born 1971), British organist
• David R. Goode, retired CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation
• Elena Goode (born 1982), American actress who stars on the daytime soap As The World Turns
• Erich Goode, American sociologist
• George Brown Goode (1851–1896), American ichthyologist
• Harry H. Goode (1909-1960), American engineer
• Harry King Goode (1892 - 1942), British World War I flying ace
• Jeff Goode, American television show creator
• Jamie Goode, British wine writer
• Joanne Goode, former British badminton player
• John Goode (1829–1909), American politician
• John Paul Goode (1862–1932), American geographer
• John J. Goode (born 1956), Irish shipping magnate
• Lynda Tolbert-Goode (born 1967), American hurdler
• Malvin Russell Goode (born 1908), African-American television journalist
• Mary Goode (born 1979), field hockey goalkeeper from Ireland
• Matthew Goode (born 1978), British actor
• Milton Goode (born 1960), American high jumper
• Patrick Gaines Goode (born 1798), American lawyer, and legislator
• Richard Goode (born 1943), American classical pianist
• Roger Goode, South African DJ
• Roy Goode (born 1933), British lawyer
• Sarah E. Goode (born 1850), first African American woman to get a US patent
• Virgil Goode (born 1946), American politician
• W. Wilson Goode, Jr. (born 1965), Philadelphia City Councilman
• Wilson Goode (born 1938), former Mayor of Philadelphia

Fictional characters:

• Ebeneezer Goode

And we all know about Chuck Berry's famous little diddy, "Johnny B. Goode". I find it intriguing that my last name has appeared in so many walks of life. My cousin Roger is a South African DJ! So, that's where I get my love for music from...A mayor, a lawyer, an actor, and a wine writer too!!! I am overwhelmed!

So...now back to Wikipedia. The last name Rigney did not yield as much information. I found one famous Rigney. Bill Rigney, baseball player for the New York Giants (prior to the move San Francisco). Check this out:

William Joseph Rigney (January 29, 1918 — February 20, 2001) was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. A native of Alameda, California, he batted and threw right-handed.
A 26-season major league veteran, Rigney played for the New York Giants from 1946 through 1953. His most productive season came in 1947, when he collected career-highs in home runs (17), RBI (59), runs (84), hits (142), doubles (24) and games played (130). An All-Star in 1948, he was a .259 career hitter with 41 home runs and 212 RBI in 654 games.
Following his playing career, Rigney served as the Giants manager from 1956-60, leading the club in its first season after moving from New York to San Francisco in 1958. He then became the expansion Los Angeles Angels' first manager in 1961, moved with them to Anaheim, and remained until the 1969 season, winning the AL Manager of the Year Award in 1962.

Isn't that cool! My son Perry Walls wants to take my name when he turns 18. That will be the biggest honor in my life! He is my legacy. It is Goode to be me. I love you all more!

I Spin The Songs...

Today, I have a lot on my mind. Who shot J.R.? Where's the beef? Help I've fallen and I can't get up! Do I really have ED? If it is supposed to make me feel better, then why are there so many side effects? Let me start by saying dialysis went great right up until the time my bowels decided to make boom boom. Well, enough about me. How are you today? I want to talk about music today. I have a good friend and former coworker that now lives in Charlotte, N.C.. He owns a small mobile DJ service. You know the guy in the corner at most wedding receptions playing "The Chicken Dance". He started out where most respectable "Announcers" began their careers in a strip club in Boilermaker Country. While in Charlotte, he decided to go to broadcasting school. Now he is interning for a funny morning show called Woody and Wilcox on 106.5 The End. Oh, by the way, he still has the mobile DJ business for now. In fact, his last gig was in a strip mall in Knoxville, TN. That is dedication! As a former high school DJ, I am in awe of his determination. He will succeed. Look out Howard Stern, Bob and Tom, Billy Bob and John Boy, and Woody and Wilcox. DJCrackerJack has the prize all the girls want and the boys wish they had! Look out! He was in the Navy. Do you have a request?


Osama Bin Laden: "Hit me with your best shot!"
Obama: "In The Navy"
Joe Biden: "She Bang! She Bang!"
George W. Bush:: "Freebird"!!!!
Dick Cheney: "Waterfalls"

Remember That One Time...

It is Memorial Day weekend. Time to break out the grills, fishing poles, and cornhole Gaines. The first official weekend of summer which does not begin until June 21. Time to drive to see family or stay at home and listen to the Indy on the radio and watch the Coca Cola 600 on TV. So much to do and only three days to do it. What is Memorial Day and its long weekend really? Here are some interesting facts about this misunderstood holiday.

"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." Exodus 12:14 KJV. God wants us to set aside a time to remember. We must focus on blessing from Him, loved ones that have passed on before us, and our fine men and women of our Armed Forces  who have served fought and died for our freedom. God Bless America and her troops that defend Her.

Facts about Memorial Day.

1 It started during the Civil War in America. 620,000 people lost their lives for both the North and the South. We honor them.

2. General Logan made it an official holiday. "Gen. Logan, the speaker at the Carbondale gathering, also was commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans. On May 5, 1868, he issued General Orders No. 11, which set aside May 30, 1868, "for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion" David Holzel @ CNN.com.

3.It was originally known as Declaration Day. The name Memorial Day popped up in 1882. It became a Federal Holiday in 1967 and was from that day forward known as Memorial Day.

4. The holiday is a franchise. "Our holidays were enacted state by state. New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day a legal holiday, in 1873. Most Northern states had followed suit by the 1890s. The states of the former Confederacy were unenthusiastic about a holiday memorializing those who, in Gen. Logan's words, "united to suppress the late rebellion." The South didn't adopt the May 30 Memorial Day until after World War I, by which time its purpose had been broadened to include those who died in all the country's wars." writes Holzel. Talk about a little bitter.
In 1971, the Monday Holiday Law shifted Memorial Day from May 30, to the last Monday of the month. Hallmark ranks it righ up there with Christmas, Mother's Day and Birthdays. McDonald's and J.D. Byrider do not have the corner on the franchise market!

5. Memorial Day has its customs. In General Orders No. 11 it is stated that "in this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed," but over time several customs and symbols became associated with the holiday.
It is customary on Memorial Day to fly the flag at half staff until noon, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. we learn something new every day.

6. Each Memorial Day is a little different No question that Memorial Day is a solemn event. Still, don't feel too guilty about doing something frivolous, like having barbecue, over the weekend. After all, you weren't the one who instituted the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. That credit goes to Indianapolis businessman Carl Fisher. The winning driver that day was Ray Harroun, who averaged 74.6 mph and completed the race in 6 hours and 42 minutes.
Gravitas returned on May 30, 1922, when the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. Supreme Court chief justice (and former president) William Howard Taft dedicated the monument before a crowd of 50,000 people, segregated by race, and which included a row of Union and Confederate veterans. Also attending was Lincoln's surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln.
And in 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. in an act of national unity. The time was chosen because 3 p.m. "is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday."

Take time this weekend to reflect on all the great things we have been Blessed with in America. Unlike our schools and our Politicians let's remember,

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."