I'm not saying Geoff Calkins is old, but I want to be him. His perspective is usally dead on and I look forward to reading his columns, especially about Tiger basketball.
In this column, he is exactly right.
Our Memphis Tigers are scared to succeed. And that is getting in the way of them playing to their potential. Our coach is young, tenacious and a great recruiter, but by my estimation, lacks the ability to get his players to listen to him in times when they need to the most. He is their coach. Period. That’s why teams have them. Sure, teams are talented and ulitmately the players get out on the court and do amazing things, but coaches exist for a reason. It is the difference in collegiate level big-time basketball and AAU ball. Sometimes players HAVE to be coached. He is a nice guy, doesn’t curse at all, doesn’t drink caffeine, doesn’t eat junk food. But to truly reach these kids—the overwhelming majority of which haven’t come from an upbringing quite like his – he has to put his foot down.
Coach Pastner can’t keep playing Wesley Witherspoon, a senior, because “he knows he has potential” and “heart.” A lot of guys have heart. Heck, just ask the thousands of players around the country who were stars in high school -- with loads of heart -- that aren't playing in college. If heart was all it took, the competitive landscape in basketball would be vastly different. Heck, if heart was all it took, I would have been a Rockette when I grew up. Wesley has been given ample opportunity to prove himself for the team and hasn’t since Pastner’s first season when he made a buzzer beater to take us to the second round of the NIT in 2010.
Coach Pastner can't play a top recruit -- Adonis Thomas-- for 17 minutes of a game (Murray State) when he produces NOTHING. No points, no assists, no rebounds. Nothing. I love Adonis and think he is the real deal, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t a great player, it just means he is having a bad day. we all have them. So be it. If that’s the case, take him out, put him on the bench and don’t play him for nearly half the entire game, for goodness sakes.
Now, I'm not saying Pastner has to be like other coaches and curse out his player in front of a national TV audience. If you have been a reader of my blog, you know who I am talking about.:) But he's got to relate better to these players and get them to listen to him. Sit them on the bench when they blatantly don't do what you have coached them to do. Period.
Another thing, we flat out have to win. We have enough going against us by just being in Conference USA. And we will still be in CUSA, not the Big East, thanks to our fearless AD (who thankfully and finally is retiring in the summer.)
So, what's my point? Sure you've gotta have heart. But also talent. I've battled saying this for three years now, but heart isn't all that's going to cut it with our players, and it isn't going to cut it with our Head Coach, either.
And that’s the Dawn Ray of Sunshine report for today.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Social Media and Today's College Athletes... Freedom of Speech, but not Freedom from Ramification
This blog post has been in my head for a while, so I think I will just jump right in. I definitely think there are some merits to the relationship between social media and today's college athletes. (The NCAA prefers to call them "student-athletes" but I'll just call them college athletes. I really should call them employees of the school, but that's another blog post.) One one side of the spectrum, tweets and Facebook posts really help build a fan base and following for the team and college. I, for one, follow many Memphis Tigers basketball players (current and former, along with a few future) and find it fascinating. Maybe I'm a dork, but I like to see how they interact with each other on social media and Twitter and how they trash talk each other a bit when they are playing summer ball in the Bluff City Classic.
I think these young men help build excitement around their team by giving fans a sneak peek into their lives outside of the 2 1/2 hours we see them on the court during basketball season or on TV. Sometimes they even have profound things to say. Other times, not so much...
On the other side of the spectrum, however, I think too much Twitter and social media can be detrimental to the team, its players and even its fans. Think about how many people have made stupid comments via Twitter that have affected their reputation forever? All is takes is one ill-placed tweet or post and your reputation is ruined.
I guess what I am saying is SOCIAL MEDIA IS DEFINITELY ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH. BUT IT IS NOT FREEDOM OF RAMIFICATION. So, when a player posts trash talk about the other team, you better believe that team is going to see it and a smart coach would use it to his advantage in the locker room to get his team fired up.
If I were a coach, I would ban social media on game day. Players would have to turn their iPhones or Blackberries or whatever device they have before they turn in for bed the night before (for an earlier game) or first thing that morning for a night game. They could have one last tweet before turning the device in and going dark from social media. Then, it would be time to focus. That would alleviate some game day posts and potential trash talking. And posting from the locker room? No way. Not that they are saying mind-boggling things, but let's face it, if they are tweeting from the locker room right after the shoot around, they are not as focused on the upcoming game. And being a college athlete is about focus and determination.
I also think putting social media in the hands of young, naive players is a bit irresponsible. They should be coached by their coaches and the coaching staff about the ramifications of negative social media instances. Their social media activity should be monitored by the coaching staff so the coach knows what is going on in their personal life. (Please note, some coaches may be out there doing this, but I'm not so sure. The players I follow could use a little coaching on reputation management.) It would be unfortunate if someone were to ruin their career and future due to a reputation-altering tweet or Facebook post.
I think social media has its place in sports, certainly, but I wonder about the negative impact that comes from it, particular on game days. Only time will tell, I guess, and I will still go one following my Memphis Tigers and other athletes to see what they are up to. Besides, how else would I know what Jalen Rose's Bible verse is for the day?
I think these young men help build excitement around their team by giving fans a sneak peek into their lives outside of the 2 1/2 hours we see them on the court during basketball season or on TV. Sometimes they even have profound things to say. Other times, not so much...
On the other side of the spectrum, however, I think too much Twitter and social media can be detrimental to the team, its players and even its fans. Think about how many people have made stupid comments via Twitter that have affected their reputation forever? All is takes is one ill-placed tweet or post and your reputation is ruined.
I guess what I am saying is SOCIAL MEDIA IS DEFINITELY ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH. BUT IT IS NOT FREEDOM OF RAMIFICATION. So, when a player posts trash talk about the other team, you better believe that team is going to see it and a smart coach would use it to his advantage in the locker room to get his team fired up.
If I were a coach, I would ban social media on game day. Players would have to turn their iPhones or Blackberries or whatever device they have before they turn in for bed the night before (for an earlier game) or first thing that morning for a night game. They could have one last tweet before turning the device in and going dark from social media. Then, it would be time to focus. That would alleviate some game day posts and potential trash talking. And posting from the locker room? No way. Not that they are saying mind-boggling things, but let's face it, if they are tweeting from the locker room right after the shoot around, they are not as focused on the upcoming game. And being a college athlete is about focus and determination.
I also think putting social media in the hands of young, naive players is a bit irresponsible. They should be coached by their coaches and the coaching staff about the ramifications of negative social media instances. Their social media activity should be monitored by the coaching staff so the coach knows what is going on in their personal life. (Please note, some coaches may be out there doing this, but I'm not so sure. The players I follow could use a little coaching on reputation management.) It would be unfortunate if someone were to ruin their career and future due to a reputation-altering tweet or Facebook post.
I think social media has its place in sports, certainly, but I wonder about the negative impact that comes from it, particular on game days. Only time will tell, I guess, and I will still go one following my Memphis Tigers and other athletes to see what they are up to. Besides, how else would I know what Jalen Rose's Bible verse is for the day?
Friday, July 22, 2011
I Be Up in the Gym Just Working on My Fitness
I'm no Fergie Ferg, but I've been in the gym working on my fitness. I finally made the commitment to hire a personal trainer. And I mean commitment on many levels-- personal, time and financial. I called out to my Facebook friends to get trainer recommendations. I had a few caveats (of course) before choosing the right trainer:
1. Must be male: simply, I would hate, hate, hate any trainer that was a female. Mainly because she would be skinny and in shape. (and fat girls don't like skinny girls, just sayin'.) Of course, I would know that she should be fit and thin -- who would want a fat personal trainer? But, my own self-esteem can't handle that.
2. I needed someone who wouldn't be my friend: frankly, I have enough friends. I don't need to hire them. So, I need someone who isn't interested in being my friend, but interested in doing the job I hired him to do. That would be kicking my ass, ladies and gentlemen.
3. I don't need an enabler: I'm a communicator by profession and I can pretty much make an excuse for anything-- fitness and exercise being one of my biggest excuses (I don't have time, I'm too busy with work, kids, school, whatever.) Further, I can make nearly everyone believe it-- I'm in PR for goodness sakes ... and I'm good at it. Well, no more, I say. No more excuses. Frankly, I needed someone who would be honest and not an enabler. So when I made an excuse, he would say, "I don't care if it hurts. Just finish the damn set" and so forth.
4. I need someone who is kinda mean: it works for me. It motivates me. I need someone pushing me. Not letting me quit. I'm seriously a big time quitter at things I'm not good at, and let's face it, I'm not good at fitness, exercise or taking care of myself. Therefore, I need someone who is mean; who will yell at me, push me and make me do it.
I found him. His name is David Allen, owner of NBS Fitness http://www.nbsfitness.net/. He's a meathead former football player, but has the brains with the brawn. And he's really not a meat head at all. He is very smart, knows the human body and what makes it work and was a former strength coach at LSU. And he is massive. I mean, solid and in shape. As for NBS, you can figure out what it means. Yep, NO BULL SHIT. Now that's exactly what I need.
I've been working out with David for 3 weeks with a partner, the lovely and talented Shawn Sandy. She keeps inspiring me and keeps me motivated. David won't let me quit. My hubby, Tom, has been super supportive and says it's time to take care of me, rather than everyone else. So he's giving me to David 3 times a week, an hour at a time. And so far, I don't hate it. (which, if you know me, know that is a HUGE compliment!)
To show how much progress I've made, David pulled my first workout and compared it with my workout Wednesday. Workout 1, I did 17 pushups. Girl pushups, and I was dying. Week 3, I did 70 (yep seven-zero) girl pushups! That is major progress. Especially for a fat girl who is way out of shape. (Okay, maybe I'm being too hard on myself. I have 2 children, one of which is only a year old.) But my goal in 3 more weeks is to do FIVE REAL pushups in a row. Can I get a woop woop?!?!?!
I'm also running three times a week. Now, when I say running, I don't mean running a 6 minute mile. I've started the "Couch to 5K" program, whereby I follow a weekly program and alternate between running and walking to build up to running a 5K. And, I don't hate it. I have found that the 30 minutes I spend running three times a week helps me clear my head. It helps me think about things and I can just let my mind go. I don't have to solve any problems, I can just think about things and see where my mind goes. I'm not sure how long it has been since I have done that.
I will keep you posted on my progress, dear readers, and I hope you will help hold me accountable.
NO BS!
1. Must be male: simply, I would hate, hate, hate any trainer that was a female. Mainly because she would be skinny and in shape. (and fat girls don't like skinny girls, just sayin'.) Of course, I would know that she should be fit and thin -- who would want a fat personal trainer? But, my own self-esteem can't handle that.
2. I needed someone who wouldn't be my friend: frankly, I have enough friends. I don't need to hire them. So, I need someone who isn't interested in being my friend, but interested in doing the job I hired him to do. That would be kicking my ass, ladies and gentlemen.
3. I don't need an enabler: I'm a communicator by profession and I can pretty much make an excuse for anything-- fitness and exercise being one of my biggest excuses (I don't have time, I'm too busy with work, kids, school, whatever.) Further, I can make nearly everyone believe it-- I'm in PR for goodness sakes ... and I'm good at it. Well, no more, I say. No more excuses. Frankly, I needed someone who would be honest and not an enabler. So when I made an excuse, he would say, "I don't care if it hurts. Just finish the damn set" and so forth.
4. I need someone who is kinda mean: it works for me. It motivates me. I need someone pushing me. Not letting me quit. I'm seriously a big time quitter at things I'm not good at, and let's face it, I'm not good at fitness, exercise or taking care of myself. Therefore, I need someone who is mean; who will yell at me, push me and make me do it.
I found him. His name is David Allen, owner of NBS Fitness http://www.nbsfitness.net/. He's a meathead former football player, but has the brains with the brawn. And he's really not a meat head at all. He is very smart, knows the human body and what makes it work and was a former strength coach at LSU. And he is massive. I mean, solid and in shape. As for NBS, you can figure out what it means. Yep, NO BULL SHIT. Now that's exactly what I need.
I've been working out with David for 3 weeks with a partner, the lovely and talented Shawn Sandy. She keeps inspiring me and keeps me motivated. David won't let me quit. My hubby, Tom, has been super supportive and says it's time to take care of me, rather than everyone else. So he's giving me to David 3 times a week, an hour at a time. And so far, I don't hate it. (which, if you know me, know that is a HUGE compliment!)
To show how much progress I've made, David pulled my first workout and compared it with my workout Wednesday. Workout 1, I did 17 pushups. Girl pushups, and I was dying. Week 3, I did 70 (yep seven-zero) girl pushups! That is major progress. Especially for a fat girl who is way out of shape. (Okay, maybe I'm being too hard on myself. I have 2 children, one of which is only a year old.) But my goal in 3 more weeks is to do FIVE REAL pushups in a row. Can I get a woop woop?!?!?!
I'm also running three times a week. Now, when I say running, I don't mean running a 6 minute mile. I've started the "Couch to 5K" program, whereby I follow a weekly program and alternate between running and walking to build up to running a 5K. And, I don't hate it. I have found that the 30 minutes I spend running three times a week helps me clear my head. It helps me think about things and I can just let my mind go. I don't have to solve any problems, I can just think about things and see where my mind goes. I'm not sure how long it has been since I have done that.
I will keep you posted on my progress, dear readers, and I hope you will help hold me accountable.
NO BS!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Cars As Billboards...and Memorials... and Tombstones
This post has been sloshing around in my head for months now and I decided to finally write it all down. It seems everywhere I drive, I see bumper stickers that say things like: OBX, TYB, LWP, ASP, STJ, 26.2, 13.1, MB, you get the point. You know which ones I am talking about-- they are white ovals, with a black outline and black letters.
Then, there's the school bumper stickers (which I admit, I have one for my son's school-- CMDS.)
I get those to some degree -- you have a favorite place that you like to vacation (OBX=Outer Banks, MB=Myrtle Beach) and you want everyone to know. Got it. You pay tuition for a fancy private school, you want folks to know. But there is something going on with cars that I just don't understand. It is the tribute message on a car for all to see your grief.
Think about it. You know you have seen them, they go a little something like this (picture really hard to read Old English font):
In Loving Memory of Stevie Q.
August 25, 1962 - June 22, 2010
Rest in Peace, Big Daddy!
Gone but not forgotten.
Seriously, WTH? I don't quite understand a tribute to a deceased loved one plastered on the back windshield of your pickup truck. I don't want to seem to be uncaring, but I don't understand how airing your grievances while rolling down I-40 or Poplar Ave. will help your grief.
Perhaps I am wrong, but I just think it is weird. Particularly curious are the ones that have unfortunately lost their small children and put that information on there. Not to sound insensitive, but that is just weird.
Besides, with that hard-to-read script and sometimes an image on the window, isn't it going to cause accidents? Because you know you are gonna look and perhaps that is the point.
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Fashion Hits Just Keep On Comin'
As I was boarding my very early flight this morning in Atlanta, I was struck by what I saw. At first, I thought I was seeing things. I was a bit bleary-eyed from the redeye flight from LAX, but I rubbed my eyes and sure enough, there it was. The man from the American Gothic painting was on my flight. Imagine my surprise when the overall-wearing, sportcoat clad farmer walked onto my plane!!!
Yep, except he wasn't carrying a pitchfork and he was wearing a really bad ball cap. I felt I had a brush with celebrity.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Air Travel Has Definitely Lost Its Cachet
Remember back when people actually cared what they looked like? Back when is was not acceptable to wear pajamas or house slippers in public? Well, apparently those days are long gone. Today I traveled to Los Angeles from the Memphis International Airport. Now, I'm not picking on my fair city, it jsut happened to be where I was.
And frankly, girl in line in security, I don't care to see your navel or your stomach, no matter how flat or tan it is. And Mr. Sloppy, you shouldn't wear house slippers on a plane. With tube socks, no less. And oh, by the way, 14 year old girl who looks like you are 25, I don't care to see any writing across your behind. I don't care how much you "LOVE PINK" or how "JUICY" it is. (And don't even get me started on how I feel these types of sweat pants lead the sexualization of young women in our society!) And to you, Missy, pajamas aren't cute on anyone -- especially at the airport -- unless you are 5 years of age or below. Then it is only acceptable under certain circumstances.
And these rules don't just apply to the airport. It seems no matter where I am, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, or a t-ball game, I see people in inappropriate clothing. I have always abided by the rule "just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it." That philosophy goes with so many things.
So, no, size 24 lady, you shouldn't be wearing a halter top. No, man with a size 54 waist, you shouldn't be wearing a muscle under armour shirt that is too short and shows your belly. Now, I'm not saying there should be a dress code and I'm not making fun of overweight people, but seriously?!?!?!? If any of your body parts are hanging out, then it doesn't fit. Period.
And that goes for little skinny folks, too. Hey you, yeah you, over there, the very tanned (with a tanning bed) skinny 18 year old with the low rise jeans. I don't care to see your butterfly tramp stamp. I think you have the freedom to have one if you want, but why should I subjected to see your ill-fated attempt at being cool? Or was it just that you had too much PGA punch at that graduation party?
And seriously, young man. Pull up your pants. You shouldn't have to walk around holding them up and I frankly don't care to see your boxer shorts. I don't care what brand they are.
That is all.
And frankly, girl in line in security, I don't care to see your navel or your stomach, no matter how flat or tan it is. And Mr. Sloppy, you shouldn't wear house slippers on a plane. With tube socks, no less. And oh, by the way, 14 year old girl who looks like you are 25, I don't care to see any writing across your behind. I don't care how much you "LOVE PINK" or how "JUICY" it is. (And don't even get me started on how I feel these types of sweat pants lead the sexualization of young women in our society!) And to you, Missy, pajamas aren't cute on anyone -- especially at the airport -- unless you are 5 years of age or below. Then it is only acceptable under certain circumstances.
And these rules don't just apply to the airport. It seems no matter where I am, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, or a t-ball game, I see people in inappropriate clothing. I have always abided by the rule "just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it." That philosophy goes with so many things.
So, no, size 24 lady, you shouldn't be wearing a halter top. No, man with a size 54 waist, you shouldn't be wearing a muscle under armour shirt that is too short and shows your belly. Now, I'm not saying there should be a dress code and I'm not making fun of overweight people, but seriously?!?!?!? If any of your body parts are hanging out, then it doesn't fit. Period.
And that goes for little skinny folks, too. Hey you, yeah you, over there, the very tanned (with a tanning bed) skinny 18 year old with the low rise jeans. I don't care to see your butterfly tramp stamp. I think you have the freedom to have one if you want, but why should I subjected to see your ill-fated attempt at being cool? Or was it just that you had too much PGA punch at that graduation party?
And seriously, young man. Pull up your pants. You shouldn't have to walk around holding them up and I frankly don't care to see your boxer shorts. I don't care what brand they are.
That is all.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thanks for the concern, but I'm not dead
I know it has been a while since I blogged, but things have kinda been happening at a pace I can barely process. Here's a laundry list:
Brett Favre: well, he did it again. He retired. Again. Thank Goodness! Let's see how long it lasts. On a positive note for Brett, he at least is doing some good in the South and aiding in the clean up of the Alabama tornadoes. Of course, he's probably doing it for PR reasons, says the PR girls, but still. It's a good deed nonetheless, and I thank him for it.
I hope you have enjoyed my return to blogging. I have so many things to say and I need to make time to say them. (most of you who know me know I am very rarely at a loss for words.) It just seems to be lately that I am short on time.
- New House: The Ray Family has moved to Germantown into a bigger house. We like to call it our "forever house." Mainly, because it is perfect for us, but also because we hate moving so badly. I. Despise. It. Yall come see us. Bring your momma 'n 'nem.
- Family and Kids: the preschool politician keeps us busy with his social engagements and is playing socer and baseball. School's about to be out and as usual, we have him trapesing all over the city on the campaign trail. Little Zane will be ONE May 17th. WHAT?!!??!?! That just can't be right.
- Work: work has been insane lately. Insane is not bad, insane is just crazy busy. I'ven been traveling quite a bit, have been giving several great projects that are requiring a good bit of my time, press and PR efforts are picking up. (woot woot! let's hear it for HGI!!!!)
- March Madness: yes, you know I was completely obsessed with the NCAA tournament as usual. I'm likely the only mom that schedules her children's activities and napping habits around the tournamen in March.
- Floodwatch 2011: its a global story-- the Mississippi River at record highs flooding downtown and other parts of West Tennessee. They say my home county of Lauderdale is 52% under water. Folks in Shelby County are at shelters. It's very sad.
- Grizzlies Watch 2011: everybody on the bandwagon (including me!) You know I love college basketball but the NBA, not so much. But we do love us some Grizzlies. The team, led by perhaps the most under-rated coach in the NBA, Lionel Hollins, is doing the unthinkable as a #8 seed and making a run in the playoffs. I haven't seen the city come together and get behind something since the Tigers in 2008. But I LOVE IT! It makes me proud to be a Memphian. A Memphian by choice!
Brett Favre: well, he did it again. He retired. Again. Thank Goodness! Let's see how long it lasts. On a positive note for Brett, he at least is doing some good in the South and aiding in the clean up of the Alabama tornadoes. Of course, he's probably doing it for PR reasons, says the PR girls, but still. It's a good deed nonetheless, and I thank him for it.
I hope you have enjoyed my return to blogging. I have so many things to say and I need to make time to say them. (most of you who know me know I am very rarely at a loss for words.) It just seems to be lately that I am short on time.
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