End of times? Doubtful

I won't make this post too long, because honestly I don't have much to say. When I first heard of this Harold Camping character's predictions that Jesus would return on May 21, 2011, I didn't think much of it. I mean how can you take someone seriously who claims he can predict the exact date and time of Christ's return (See 1994), when clearly the Bible states in Matthew 24:36, 'Of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.'

That is pretty clear cut, and we're supposed to believe he can figure it out through long division? Come on dude. I don't know what grounds of credibility he stands on because I'm pretty sure we as Christians know this old goon is off his rocker. You know the big guy upstairs is probably chuckling a little bit.

I'm just saying.

Celebrating with dignity

As the news of Osama bin Laden's death began spreading like wildfire all over the globe through the social media world of Facebook and Twitter, everyone's immediate reaction was initially the same. Osama is dead! Yes! But after the dust settled a bit, the question raised was rather it was right to celebrate someone's death? While 99% of the time I would say absolutely not. This just may be the exception.

bin Laden was not just a bad guy. He was the most evil, pathetic, putrid of Satan's spawn that there is. He had thousands of people killed for radical reasons. He was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. You remember that, right? Imagine if your loved one had perished in one of the twin towers or in the plane that went down in that field in Pennsylvania. It is difficult to imagine the magnitude of losing a loved one that way, but try to do it just for one moment. If this were just any other "bad guy", I would completely agree that it would not be "right".

Although I for one did not go out and riot the streets, burning couches, and chanting rot in hell. I was not upset about the one's who did. The magnitude of this moment will be forever ingrained in our memories. Right now, we can't comprehend how big a deal this is that we finally found this rotten bastard. This guy was darn near impossible to find, elusively slithering from cave to cave. Our Navy Seals did the deed, and we should be eternally grateful for this.

I've noticed one particular quote and a few Bible verses floating around. The Martin Luther King quote which says, "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I contend that Osama is more than an enemy, something more unimaginable that we as humans can't comprehend. How else can you explain all of the horrible things that he is responsible for? I bet Satan himself looked up to Osama. I do agree that returning hate for hate multiplies hate, but being happy for our country's tremendous victory is something entirely different.

I am sure in our lifetimes, we will never see anything like we saw Sunday night. I think the celebrations you saw throughout college campuses, including my alma mater, Appalachian State, was indicative of what happened on 9/11. Many of us were very young at the time, in middle or high school, and it will be something that we will never forget. It certainly hit home for me.

The Bible verse I saw was Ezekiel 18:23, which says, Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

Osama most definitely falls in the category of "wicked". I don't think there's any argument there, but here I feel the Lord is speaking of a human being who actually has a soul and conscience. I don't feel as though Osama was ever going to turn away from his wickedness. I know God loved him just the same as you and me, but I believe the Lord knew this 'man' was destined for hell in a hand basket. Sure, we would like to believe that maybe one day Osama would have turned from his wicked ways and became a humanitarian. But did anyone really believe that to be true?

I really enjoyed Mark Wineka's column in today's edition of the Salisbury Post talking about celebrating with dignity. It was just another day in Salisbury, and other cities in the United States. We didn't throw a parade, there wasn't t-shirts being made, we weren't storming the streets of Rowan County. We were simply proud for what our service men and women accomplished, and rightfully so.

I definitely didn't mind the celebrations in D.C. and in Times Square, and you shouldn't either. This was a HUGE moment in the history of our country and the world. I'm not ashamed to say, yes I wished this man dead. You have to throw political correctness and humanity out the door sometimes, or it'll eat you alive. Don't let anyone let you believe this man deserved a proper burial, ethical treatment, or a trial. I may sound a little harsh, but I for one cannot forget the kind of person he was.

Rot in hell Osama!

Now what?

Hear me out...

I feel like one of those baseball players who has just won the world series, and he is asked what are you going to do now? And the player usually responds, "I'm going to Disney World!"

Well, unfortunately for me, I didn't win anything and I am sure not planning on going to Disney anytime soon. If you haven't heard, I recently got out of a job in which I did not like. Covering school board, board of trustees meetings, and board of aldermen meetings was to say the least, not for me. I never really had an interest in those things, but I mean who would? I thought that over time I would be accustomed to covering them and it would be a nice experience until I found something better. Well, I just did not pan out for me, and now I find myself back at home.

Being away from home is not all it's cracked up to be. At least for me anyways. When I was in school in Boone, I didn't mind it. I guess it was because I really loved where I was and I actually had friends up there. This was the complete opposite in Burlington. The only people I knew were the people I worked with, but these were just work friends. Lots of my nights were very lonely, and no matter how long you spend on facebook or texting someone, it's just not the same. So in saying that, I am very happy to be back home. The downside of course now is that I don't have a job, and I really need a job. But this time before I take another position, I will be sure to make a good decision about whether I am going to enjoy doing this or not. If that answer is no, then I will simply decline. To me, it's not worth having a job that you hate doing. Some people can do it and just be happy to have a job, but I am not that person, and I never will be. I wear my heart on my sleeve (forgive me for the cliched saying), and if I'm not happy, you're generally going to know it.

I know in time, I WILL find something great. Sports are my passion, and although I don't want to directly get into game coverage, I think I have to find something sports-related. Maybe a public relations, media personnel, event coordinator for a local pro sports team? This is just my thought for now. I just hope that I can find another position in a somewhat timely manner. At least by the beginning of summer I hope. So with that said, I just continue to ask for your prayers and support. This has definitely not been an easy road for me, and God has brought me through this thus far.

So what am I going to do next? I do know I am not going to Disney World...

UNC ACC Champions?

After UNC's 81-67 win over the Duke Blue Devils in the regular season finale, the Tar Heels were awarded in the 2011 regular season crown. So like any good fan, immediately after the final horn, I proudly posted ACC CHAMPS to my facebook page.

Of course, not all of my facebook friends are Carolina fans and that's ok. A few made sure to let me know that the regular season champ is not technically according to by laws called the Atlantic Coast Conference Champions..... blah blah blah.

So you're telling me that when you show through the entire regular season that you are without a doubt the best team, that shouldn't merit an ACC Champion title? Now I understand where my friends are coming from. But I believe that thought process is outdated. Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, you HAD to win the conference tournament to get into the NCAA's. But nowadays, you are pretty much guaranteed a spot in the tournament if you finish in at least the top 4 or 5 of the league. So no, you are not technically assured a spot in the big dance without the tournament champion bid, but we all pretty much know who is going to make it and who is not going to make it.

Now back to my argument for not considering the regular season champion worthy of the title ACC Champions. We all know that virtually ANYTHING can happen in the conference tournament. We see it all the time. A team that really hasn't been that competitive all year long makes 15 threes and knocks off the number one seed. This can be a great thing, and that's what makes the conference tournament so exciting. But to say this underdog, miracle, lucky, etc. team is better than the regular season champ is ludicrous in my opinion.

I know after losing out on the regular season crown, Duke fans have their eyes set on their annual tournament run. BUT, if Duke wins this weekend in Greensboro, does that necessarily mean they are better than UNC? No, not in my opinion. They obviously split this year and are fairly evenly matched teams. It's hard to say what Duke would have done with freshman sensation Kyrie Irving sidelined, but we'll never know. Irving is not likely to return this year and is more than likely heading to the NBA as a lottery pick.

The bottom line is, whether you can consider the tournament champion the actual champ, or the regular season champion, you have to admit, surviving the ACC season and coming out on top (although not as impressive as it once was) is still impressive. Not saying winning the tournament is not a feat of an accomplishment, but I personally believe the regular season is a better determinant of who is the best. After all, that little get-together is just a cocktail party, right? (See Roy Williams' quotes).

New beginnings

As I walked across that stage at graduation in the Holmes Center and shook Chancellor Peacock's hand over a year ago, I never would have imagined the position I am in today. Well, that's not entirely true. I did imagine that I would for sure have a job, preferably within driving distance of Salisbury.

That thing called reality bit me in the butt fairly hard. After graduation, I methodically browsed job sites, and very casually would apply somewhere every once in a while. I soon realized that process was not going to get me anywhere, and through persistence and help of others, I have finally gotten a job. While it is a huge relief to say the least, I am mostly excited to be getting my career jump-started in journalism.

Why yes, journalism you say is a risky business to be in, but, it's a business I want to be in. There's nothing like seeing your name and copy in print and the thrill it brings to me is worth the low salary. Being a journalist is not about the money. You get to meet sometimes famous individuals, and a lot of times, just plain ordinary folk that can find a way to impact your life in unimaginable ways. I do foresee potential roadblocks, but I feel prepared to face these challenges.

As I make this transition in my life, and my transition to Burlington, I want to thank anyone that has ever helped me along the way. Whether that be professors, various editors, colleagues, friends, parents, relatives, and peers. You have helped me reach my goal. While this career may or may not be long-term, today I am satisfied to be where I am and I know that God has chosen this path for me to follow.



“Generally speaking, the best people nowadays go into journalism, the second best into business, the rubbish into politics and the shits into law”
-Auberon Waugh

Panthers falter in week one

Coming into the 2010 season, the Carolina Panthers were labeled as the NFL's youngest team, which isn't necessarily a terrible thing, but normally it means you're rebuilding.

Some prognosticators have said the Panthers could do big things, while skeptics say it could be a long season in Charlotte. After week one's 31-18 loss to the New York Giants, Panther fans are left with many questions.

After five turnovers, some coming in crucial situations where the Panthers were close to coming away with some points, it's hard to remain optimistic as a fan.

Panthers linebacker Jon Beason's optimism of the team was not shook.

"I like this team. I think we still have an opportunity to be very special. We'll just move forward." Beason said.

Moving forward is all you can do.

The season is still extremely young, and while Carolina may be without starting quarterback Matt Moore (who suffered a concussion) for this week's home opener against the 1-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fans may get to see rookie QB Jimmy Clausen, who came in late in the game Sunday.

The Panthers had no expectations coming into the season, and after falling on their face in the Meadowlands. We don't know what to expect Sunday.

We do know that Cats will have to get back to the drawing board, and correct the mistakes they made.

DeAngelo Williams may have said it best.

"It's no time to panic at all. It was the first game. We've got 15 left."

Let's just hope the second is better.

Understanding fan devotion

So, here's the situation. I'll set the scene for you just in case you weren't there. Rowan is playing at Lexington in American Legion Baseball and of course myself and Brent are there like we always are. It's a close game at Holt-Moffitt field, a place that is not easy to win at.

Rowan's hitters have finally gotten to the pitcher, Beaker, who had kept the Rowan bats a bit off-balanced. A pitching change is eminent.

If you've ever been to a Rowan Legion baseball game, you know when the opposing team makes a pitching change in the middle of an inning, the traditional 'whooooop wooooo' chant ensues. As the pitcher delivers his pitch to the catcher as he warms up, the Rowan crowd goes, whooooop, and as the catcher throws it back, we all go woooooooo, until the ball finds the pitcher's mitt.

Most of the time, it is not a big deal and most people usually laugh like it's a comedy routine. And that's exactly how it should be viewed.

Is it goofy? Well, yeah.

Is it malicious? Absolutely not.

A handful of times, from Sumter to Lexington, we've had people ask us if it was necessary? We respond by promptly saying yes it is, and that is not the response some folks want to hear.

The problem with most team's fans these days, is they are too soft and they often come straight from their church service and pretend we are in still in church.

Rowan has fans. We may not be the most popular bunch, but believe me, we love our Legion baseball like no other. We take every pitch and every terrible call made by the umpires seriously.

Most people don't understand it, and we don't expect them to.

The whoooop woooo chant was definitely not started by Brent and I, we merely just kept the Rowan tradition alive. Neither of us EVER bad mouth or single out opposing players. We simply cheer for our team a little differently than everyone else.

Another item that seems to get under opposing team's fans' skin is the rally clap. The rally clap is pretty self-explanatory. When Rowan is trailing in the late innings, we start clapping in unison to ignite a fire under our team to let them know we want them to rally and win. If you watch college baseball, the rally clap is a very regular thing. Well, much to my surprise, some folks don't like this. We've heard things like, it's rude or disrespectful, and it messes with the pitcher's concentration.

I'm sorry, I didn't know we were at a golf or tennis match.

If you let it bother you, it will. In this case, we know we are doing our job as fans. Fans are not just supposed to be spectators at games. Fans make the games what they are. They bring a certain atmosphere to an otherwise boring athletic event. I guarantee you, if you go to a game at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, you will hear much worse at a much higher rate.

My final point I am going to make is that we are going to cheer for our team the way we want to. We are the most devoted fans there are. We have no direct connection to the team. We just know that we are going to cheer on our boys no matter what somebody's mom thinks of us.

And you can take that whoooop wooooo to the bank.