This is from a couple weeks ago:
My blog is worth $14,113.50.
How much is your blog worth?
Ed Reif, from the great state of California, home of the Governator, In-n-Out Burger, and a lot of weirdness gives me a little plug. Go check out Ed's own experiments with the 2000 Bloggers...
Hotel@nyware- A Business class ticket to cool, with complimentary mojo after takeoff: 2000 Books Monster Quilt -Keep 'Em Coming!
I have updated the review... NOW, with video! Check it out!
iPod2Car Review
This from the the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram:
Creer update
Texas is no longer recruiting Tatum running back Lennon Creer, another Star-Telegram Elite 11 member. Alabama has been rumored to have entered into the picture, though.
Now with Captions!
Last weekend was my birthday - actually it was Sunday, but I like to take the whole weekend when it's available! Friday night we went out with some friends... Here are some pics of the evening...
Let's start with the iPod Shuffle now available in colors! This is a great piece of technology - small, light, wearable... Great for working out, and now available in the iPod colors - original silver, pink, blue, green, and orange! Apple - iPod shuffle
Of course, Windows Vista is available today! You might want to look into getting some kind of guarantee. As CNET points out...
Microsoft's list of requirements for optimally running Vista Ultimate, the fullest version, or other versions, is long and detailed.
Great short story by the master of science fiction, Isaac Asimov. Very interesting premise for the future; or is it our past? Hmmmm... ponder the imponderables.... The Last Question
Found this article on one of the 2000 Bloggers sites... We have a pit bull, Duke, and he's the most sincere and fun dog we have, however, I think that's his handiwork on the bannister. We also have a Catahoula (Armani, don't ask) and a Redbone Coonhound (Reba, get it - the red hair and Reba McIntyre, the country singer), but Duke is the most well behaved of them all. Binary Blonde writes an interesting article on facts and non-facts about the breed, which is actually three different breeds. I didn't know that! Anyway, good read here.
Just a little follow-up on this...
Tino Buntic has some updates on this cool experiment. He still has space available, so head over there and get in on the fun. Also, take note of this "social experiment", where blogger Steven Aitchison is conducting his own study of this interesting phenomena. Head on over there and put in your comments.
Oh, and the picture might be a cover for a book. Check out Joseph Jaffe's site, JaffeJuice, for more info.
Ms. Kovar provides a really nice guide/synopsis on the current presidential candidates and their web sites. Heather is a reporter for News 12 Connecticut and many of her posts deal with her reports. I also found out she went to school at SMU; don't know if she's native Texan, but at least she was here for a few years!
Heather Kovar's Blog: Speaking of Firsts
Update: I wrote that Heather is a "reporter" for News 12 Connecticut... actually she's the morning show ANCHOR for News 12 Connecticut. Big difference... Ms. Kovar was nice enough to NOT call me out on this egregious error. My apologies and thank you for being so gracious...
I'm still on the fence about making the switch to Vista. On the one hand, as an admitted techno-geek, I just want it because it's the latest and greatest. It has a lot of nice features and I have the hardware to support it. Here are more compelling reasons you might want to switch. As I look at the list, it really boils down to compatibility with the tools, applications and games I use. So far, nothing has popped up to indicate I will have many issues, but it was worrisome that the first time I tried Vista, I didn't have sound.
PC World - Windows Vista: 15 Reasons to Switch
2000 Bloggers Can’t Be Wrong... w00t! I made the board! Tino Buntic created this site and I feel privileged to be included. I know I'm not first, but just being one of the 2000 is cool to me... That's me in the yellow box.
Go check it out and visit some of the other fine writers on the "photo board".
The Blogger Links Benefactor - I Link To Blogs For Free: 2000 Bloggers
Interesting idea for accessing your music library from anywhere. Right now this only works with Windows-based PCs, so your mileage may vary... I particularly thought this was an interesting quote and, not being a musician, would have never thought of this a way to use this type of service.
"As Principal Percussionist with the Austin Civic Orchestra, I urgently needed a refresher in the fifth movement of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9 at a rehearsal last spring. My recording of the music was stored on my computer at home on the other side of town. Fortunately, I was able to retrieve the recording and download it to my PDA without having to drive home and miss any rehearsal. Avvenu saved the day!" —KojiDoes it make it a "limited" type service? Or is this something that anyone who likes to listen to music will find beneficial?
I knew you could do this, but I just haven't had the time to figure it all out. Now the fellows over at HDJunkie.com have written a clear procedure for getting HD video recordings off of your PVR. If you have Verizon FiOS' first generation PVR, then you know that managing all the HD recordings can be a p-i-t-a because the drive is SOOOOOO small for this activity (20GB! give me a break). With this procedure and my HTPC, I can offload those programs to the hard drive or burn them to DVD, and I should have enough drive space on the PVR at all times. As it is, I've had to delete some the kids' stuff just so I can time-shift my "My Name is Earl/The Office" viewing pleasure! Now I can watch "Heroes" without worrying about missing Jack Bauer's hero acts on "24". This should work for any "cable-provided" PVR.
Copy HDTV from your Cable Box to your PC!
Thought I would mention this article, since Ms. Des Jardins was kind enough to link to this recent post. Jory, if I may, is a media consultant and one of the co-founders of BlogHer. I feel quite privileged and honored!
The Servant Leader: More than a paradox or trendy corporate mandate...and not kinky | BlogHer
Great information here on creating backlinks for your blog/website. It's a quick read, but one that will take some time to complete if you're not already a member of the various sites listed. But it should be well worth the effort.
Instant Backlinks - Blogging on Blogging
The article lists several reasons that the iPhone announcement was premature. Everything from giving competitors time to react to the breakdown of talks with Cisco over the use of iPhone name. In case you didn't know, Cisco actually owns the name "iPhone".
How Steve Jobs blew his iPhone keynote
Enjoy some Vista tips with your Sunday morning coffee... or lunch...
Top 10 Tweaks, Tips, and Tricks for Windows Vista ~ Chris Pirillo
I've known Joe since we were in college. Great guy with a lot of interesting network marketing ideas. He has an extensive contact list and really knows his way around the internet network marketing business. Go take a look at his blog and get to know Joe!
Building Your MLM, Network Marketing Business
I submitted an article to the Carnival of Success. Go and check out the other fine articles available there. I am sure the authors will appreciate your visits and comments.
SuccessJolt » Blog Archive » Carnival of Success #13
Right off the bat, this article really caught my eye: Mid-Life Crisis: It’s Not Just for Men Anymore!
Another Vista tidbit, only from a negative perspective. Not sure if this view will pan out, but I do know that, from a business perspective, the company I work for, just finished a Windows XP roll-out and we will not be looking at rolling out Vista for a while...
Vista at the tipping point | Tech News on ZDNet
As I reported previously, Vista offers some cool ways to increase performance. This is fairly comprehensive test of this performance hack with some interesting results.
» Is your flash drive fast enough for Vista’s ReadyBoost? | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com
Already seeing results from my review of John Chow dot Com! Go there and read the other reviews; I'm sure the authors will appreciate your visits to their sites. And while your there leave some comments and suggestions. Thanks, again, John!
Review My Blog - Ninth Batch « John Chow dot Com
Nice article on upgrading to Windows Vista. I ran into sound driver issues, both with on-board SoundBlaster24 and a Soundblaster Audigy 2. I couldn't get sound from either one... These issues should be resolved by now, or at least by the release date at the end of this month. Otherwise, the upgrade was fairly smooth, but time-consuming, even on my system with a dual-core AMD Opteron 165 with 2GBs of memory. At least this guide should help some of you get through the upgrade process without too much tribulation.
Upgrade from Windows XP to Vista
Thought this was very funny... this quote was especially humorous - "She's too much of a train wreck. Besides, we already have Paris Hilton." OUCH! Well she is trying to remake her image. Somehow the panty-less escapades probably put a damper on this opportunity. After the Janet Jackson fiasco, I think the NFL likes their celebs "fully" clothed.
FOX Sports - NFL - Report: NFL tells Britney 'No thanks'
Here I go again... as I've said in the previous post, I'm all over the place, but this article from Ft. Worth Star-Telegram is a good read and definitely a timely piece of journalism. Heroes are a very subjective business in the military, no matter how you or I feel. And apparently, ultimate heroism has been more difficult to achieve since World War II. I certainly believe that those fighting men of WWII are our greatest generation, but anyone who has served since, especially in times of conflict, are no less deserving of recognition.
Star-Telegram | 01/13/2007 | Vets question why few medals given in Iraq
I know I'm all over the place with my postings, but that's kind of the story of my life... I've always been "jack-of-all, master-of-none" and it's served me well. But it can also be detrimental because it comes across as unfocused or uncommitted. What are your thoughts, especially as it relates to this blog? Any ideas, thoughts or critiques you may have are certainly welcome.
Some really good career-type information here at this site. Nice layout and pertinent articles for the job hunter or newly graduated.
Edugree
Update: The iPod2Car has been renamed... or the product line has been renamed to iSimple. I'm sure Apple had a heavy hand in this decision being as they don't appreciate anyone being even slightly confused as to the origins of any "inferior" products lest they give Apple a huge black eye... and we don't want that, now do we?
I got my first iPod over a year ago, after first trying the Dell DJ. One of the main things I wanted to do was to be able to listen to my music player in my truck (well, actually Suburban, but I like to call it a truck). Imagine the possibilities on long soccer trips! No more CDs scattered all over the place; no more fiddling with the changer. My whole library of CDs and my MP3 collection on one small, easy to use gadget. So I tried the usual FM modulator solution, and I was not impressed. I'm not an "audiophile" but I think I know what does and doesn't sound good... FM-based transmitters DO NOT sound good and the all-too-frequent, high-pitched whine drove me crazy. So I went looking for a better solution, and ran across the Aux2Car, but never found the funds to get one for the Dell DJ. Once apple released a color iPod, I knew I had to make the switch to the 20gig iPod Color Photo, so I sold the DJ and bought the iPod. It was then that I discovered the Peripheral Electronics also made the iPod2Car, now renamed to the iSimple iPod Car Adapter Interface, and listening to music in my truck has never been the same. Although, I had Best Buy do the installation, I realized later on how easy the install would have been to do myself. As it is, two of my co-workers have gone out and bought one of these units and have installed it themselves - one in a Toyota 4Runner and the other, in a Dodge Ram truck. Anyway, I highly recommend this product and it's available at many retailers for many late-model year vehicles. You will not regret putting one in your vehicle of choice. And lastly, here's a video to demonstrate the difference in this product and and FM modulator:
This news should really be a boon to US soccer. Even though Beckham has seen his better days, there is no doubt that he is still an icon of the sport. Being in L.A. will also be beneficial to him and the sport due the large Hispanic population that are avid soccer fans. And actually, as far as changing the competitive balance of the league, I think this is a non-factor. L.A. won't win an MLS Cup just because he is there, but it will make them contenders, if not one of the favorites.
From the Dallas Morning News:
Beckham to play for LA Galaxy
Former English captain will earn estimated $250 million for five years02:48 PM CST on Thursday, January 11, 2007
LONDON – Roll out the red carpet, Hollywood. The David Beckham show is coming to town.
It's not Bend it Like Beckham this time, though. It's more like "Spend it Like Beckham."
APDavid Beckham was a fixture on England's national team.The most recognized player on the planet – fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant and husband of a former Spice Girl – is taking his game and fame to Tinseltown, and he's going to be earning an estimated $250 million for the five years of his contract.
The 31-year-old former England captain agreed to a deal Thursday to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, turning down a two-year contract extension from Real Madrid for a chance to lift soccer's profile in the United States.
"There are so many great sports in America," the former Manchester United star said. "There are so many kids that play baseball, American football, basketball. But soccer is huge all around the world apart from America, so that's where I want to make a difference with the kids."
Los Angeles opens its season April 8 in Houston, but Beckham is not expected to join the team until August. His four-year contract with Madrid expires at the end of this season. FC Dallas plays in Los Angeles on April 12. A date for the teams' match in Frisco has not yet been determined.
Beckham, who has failed to win any major titles in 3½ seasons in Madrid, said the time was right for a change.
"I've played now for two of the biggest clubs in the world and played at the highest level for 15 years, and now I think that I need another challenge," Beckham said.
Beckham will become the biggest star to play soccer in the United States since Pele and Franz Beckenbauer played in the now-defunct North American Soccer League in the 1970s.
The Galaxy, citing industry experts, said the LA deal is worth more than $250 million in salary and commercial endorsements – about $1 million a week – and is "thought to be the biggest in sporting history."
"David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America," MLS commissioner Don Garber said.
Beckham and his pop star wife, Victoria, should fit in just fine in LA. Beckham opened a soccer academy in Carson, California, last year, and Victoria was photographed house-hunting in the area.
A celebrity who draws paparazzi like a movie star, Beckham and his wife regularly find their way onto tabloid and magazine covers. With trendy clothes, rotating hair colors and styles and a glamorous wife, he's the epitome of the modern mix of celebrity and athlete. He's even had a movie named after him: Bend it like Beckham.
His soccer skills are only part of the equation. He's David Beckham Inc., a multinational corporation with links to Pepsi, Gillette, Motorola and Adidas.
MLS even changed its rules on salary caps, clearing the way for Beckham to sign the lucrative deal and become the first player to be signed under the new rule.
"I'm going out there to hopefully build a club and team that's got a lot of potential," Beckham said. "I think that's what excites me."
Check it out! Kinda cool and interesting...
Why the "Team A beat Team B who beat Team C" statement does not mean that Team A is better than Team B...
This is a post from LonghornNation:
My school is better than Texas. We're 1AA
SE Missouri St beat
Murray St who beat
Indiana St who beat
Missouri St who beat
Western Illinois who beat
Northern Iowa who beat
South Dakota St who beat
UC-Davis who beat
Montana St who beat
Colorado who beat
Texas Tech who beat
Texas A&M who beat
Texas
Check it out. Apple has announced their much-anticipated phone. It has quite a few interesting features and, according to this article, should teach all the other phone OS makers a thing or two. I like the ideas behind this phone, but for now a good Windows Mobile-based phone is my choice.
So in my journey that is this blog, I have come across various sites and articles of interest. One site that I have come across several times is John Chow Dot Com. This is my review of his site. As with any review, my hope is to be unbiased and fair. So here we go...
John Chow Dot Com is an exceptional site that provides a ton of ideas for business, blog monetizing and Search Engine Optimazation (SEO). Out of literally thousands of sites, John's really stands out due to his sincerity, objectivity, creativity and character. At least that is what comes across to this reviewer, and I hope that was the intent. He is also humorous and provides personal glimpses into his life that really make you feel like he's just one of the guys - a regular joe, made good. I think this "window into my life and and success" style is a key element to his ability to draw an audience.
As with anything, the site is not perfect. Mainly, I wish John would hire an editor or fire the one he currently uses. There are a few spelling errors as well as context and grammatical errors. It may be nit-picky, but quite frankly, these types of errors show a certain lack of professionalism or carelessness. In addition, John's writing style does not scale well to the inexperienced user or someone new to blogs. He tells you to do something, but expects you to figure it all out, which can be hit or miss for the newbie. All in all, these flaws DO NOT detract from the content, which is why this site is highly recommended. I hope you find the content to be as helpful to you as it was to me.
New CIO at work believes in this modern concept of leadership... It certainly has many advocates including Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard. Here are some principles of Servant Leadership:
10 Principles of Servant-Leadership
After carefully considering Greenleaf's original writings, Larry Spears, CEO of the Greenleaf Center has identified a set of 10 characteristics that he views as being critical to the development of servant-leaders. These 10 are by no means exhaustive. However, they serve to communicate the power and promise that this concept offers:
1. Listening
Traditionally, leaders have been valued for their communication and decision making skills. Servant-leaders must reinforce these important skills by making a deep commitment to listening intently to others. Servant-leaders seek to identify and clarify the will of a group. They seek to listen receptively to what is being and said (and not said). Listening also encompasses getting in touch with one's inner voice, and seeking to understand what one's body, spirit, and mind are communicating.
2. Empathy
Servant-leaders strive to understand and empathize with others. People need to be accepted and recognized for their special and unique spirit. One must assume the good intentions of coworkers and not reject them as people, even when forced to reject their behavior or performance.
3. Healing
Learning to heal is a powerful force for transformation and integration. One of the great strengths of servant-leadership is the potential for healing one's self and others. In "The Servant as Leader", Greenleaf writes, "There is something subtle communicated to one who is being served and led if, implicit in the compact between the servant-leader and led is the understanding that the search for wholeness is something that they have."
4. Awareness
General awareness, and especially self-awareness, strengthens the servant-leader. Making a commitment to foster awareness can be scary--one never knows that one may discover! As Greenleaf observed, "Awareness is not a giver of solace - it's just the opposite. It disturbed. They are not seekers of solace. They have their own inner security."
5. Persuasion
Servant-leaders rely on persuasion, rather than positional authority in making decisions. Servant-leaders seek to convince others, rather than coerce compliance. This particular element offers one of the clearest distinctions between the traditional authoritarian model and that of servant-leadership. The servant-leader is effective at building consensus within groups.
6. Conceptualization
Servant-leaders seek to nurture their abilities to "dream great dreams." The ability to look at a problem (or an organization) from a conceptualizing perspective means that one must think beyond day-to-day realities. Servant-leaders must seek a delicate balance between conceptualization and day-to-day focus.
7. Foresight
Foresight is a characteristic that enables servant-leaders to understand lessons from the past, the realities of the present, and the likely consequence of a decision in the future. It is deeply rooted in the intuitive mind.
8. Stewardship
Robert Greenleaf's view of all institutions was one in which CEO's, staff, directors, and trustees all play significance roles in holding their institutions in trust for the great good of society.
9. Commitment to the Growth of People
Servant-leaders believe that people have an intrinsic value beyond their tangible contributions as workers. As such, Servant-leaders are deeply committed to a personal, professional, and spiritual growth of each and every individual within the organization.
10. Building Community
Servant-leaders are aware that the shift from local communities to large institutions as the primary shaper of human lives has changed our perceptions and caused a send of loss. Servant-leaders seek to identify a means for building community among those who work within a given institution.
From the Dallas Morning News: AUSTIN – Texas coach Mack Brown on Sunday announced three-year co-defensive coordinator Duane Akina will call defensive plays and San Francisco 49ers special teams coach Larry Mac Duff has been hired to coach linebackers and assist Akina with the defense. Mac Duff’s official title will be assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator. Mac Duff and Akina worked together at the University of Arizona for 10 seasons (1987-96) and also at the University of Hawaii for two seasons (1984-85). Mac Duff, 58, joined the 49ers after two stints at Arizona where he served as the Wildcats defensive coordinator for a total of 12 seasons. Mac Duff also spent four seasons as special teams coach for the New York Giants from 1997-2000. “Not only has he coached at every level, but he also has a wealth of experience coaching in everything from top college bowl games to the Super Bowl,” Brown said of Mac Duff. Mac Duff will replace Gene Chizik as linebackers coach. Chizik, who called plays on defense for two seasons at Texas, left to become the head coach at Iowa State. “This is a really unique opportunity for me that I couldn't pass up,” Mac Duff said. “I enjoyed working with the 49ers, but with the chance to work at Texas with Coach Brown, the staff and players, it was really exciting.” In choosing Akina to call the defensive plays, Brown has put an end to changing the terminology of the defense twice in the past three years under Greg Robinson in 2004 and then Chizik in 2005. Akina called the defensive plays in the Alamo Bowl, a 26-24 victory over Iowa in which the defense gave up big plays early but made adjustments and limited Iowa to 10 points in the second half. The Hawkeyes had 184 yards passing and 61 rushing in the first half and 90 and 28 in the second half. The Longhorns were third nationally against the run in 2006, giving up 61.2 yards per game on the ground. UT was 99th against the pass, giving up 236.2 yards per game through the air. The defense set a school record for passing yards allowed (3,071), completions allowed (239), completion percentage allowed (.583) and passing yards per game allowed. Much of the team’s problems in the secondary came because of weak play at linebacker. Three members of the secondary – S Michael Griffin, S Marcus Griffin and CB Aaron Ross – led the team in tackles as Chizik committed safeties to stop the run all season long. Akina has produced consecutive Thorpe Award winners in Michael Huff (2005) and Ross this season. Akina is expected to be more aggressive in terms of blitzes than Chizik, who preferred using a base, 4-3 defense and rushing only four. E-mail chipbrown@dallasnews.comUT hires Mac Duff to replace Chizik
04:17 AM CST on Monday, January 8, 2007
Larry Mac Duff
As most people do, I dream. Sometimes I remember my dreams, sometimes I don't. Sometimes my dreams scare me and wake me up, but that is rare. SOMETIMES, I have dreams that are so weird, yet so profound, that I wake up flabbergasted, bewildered, amazed - you know, that WTF-state of mind... Well last night was one of those nights with that kind of dream. Here's a run-down of the themes/characters, in no certain order:
If you got a new iPod for Christmas, this list might be helpful. Another site that has really good information and tips for the iPod and iTunes is iLounge.
Revelling Madness: Did you know?: iTunes.
I live and die by a few teams... and the team I have the most history with is the Dallas Cowboys. But it's been hard being a Cowboys fan, because, quite frankly if they aren't winning you constantly hear it from the die-hard Cowboy haters out there. I've been fortunate to grow up and live through about 3-4 really GREAT times as a Cowboy fan, even when they were losing to the f'n Pittsburgh Steelers, who I have grown to respect and no longer "hate" as much... Wasn't that win in '95 SUPER sweet? Anyway, in these days of the watered-down, parity-loving NFL, not having a dominating Cowboys team is depressing. I mean going into December didn't you just feel that the Cowboys were the team to beat in the NFC? Then came December... the defensive melt-downs, the QB who could do no wrong suddenly can't do right and the small things that add up, like the Roy Williams interception that was called back by a penalty (What penalty?), the Terry Glenn fumble that cost the Cowboys 8 points (thankfully not 10, but it didn't matter), event the punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns in the last two games were for naught... go figure!!! Love the Cowboys, but it's hard to be a Cowboy fan right now... Ready for next year... Again...
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Thought this was some interesting news. Looks like the PS3 is becoming a less viable purchasing option...
Microsoft's Second Coming of the Xbox 360 Revealed
Looks like the PS3 is turning more and more into just a glorified Blu-Ray DVD player, albeit the least expensive one on the market, which is another story in itself...
PS3 Steering Wheels Won’t Have Force Feedback. At All. | Playfeed
I emailed a few friends and family about this site... maybe we will get some hits and comments to stir things up.
Here is a handy guide on how to use RSS...
RSS Guide for Newbies
that some deaths affect you more than others? A few posts down is an obituary for Pat McAdoo, a long-time resident of Seagraves, TX - the town in which I grew up. Please take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, or how much you appreciate them. Don't leave anything unsaid. I guess it hits too close to home, especially since Monica, his daughter and my classmate, was so thoughtful and kind when my mother passed away. I will never forget her acts of kindness and what they meant to me then and now. My only regret is not being able to return the favor during her loss. She did request that I pass along any funny stories or recollections about Pat, which I did...
I stole this, from a member on Longhornnation, but it's somewhat appropriate (Thank you, LindaMarie!)As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Article from Orangeblood
December 20, 2006
John Chiles: 'It just makes me more hungry'
The Texas fan base is still stinging from the loss of John Brantley's commitment, but the burnt orange nation can sleep a little easier than most with the knowledge that Texas has another hotshot quarterback commitment in the form of John Chiles.
The Rivals100 member from Mansfield Summit is set to enroll at Texas in about three weeks, and he suddenly finds himself looking at what could be a wide open quarterback depth chart. It's a pretty drastic change from the scene that presented itself weeks ago, when Brantley and Jevan Snead both figured into the Longhorn quarterback derby. Throw in Colt McCoy and Sherrod Harris, and the Horns appeared to be so stacked with quarterbacks that there was some talk of Chiles moving to wide receiver.
My, how things have changed. Chiles, an athletic playmaker with legitimate 4.4 speed, will now walk into the Longhorn program no worse than third on the depth chart, and he could very well be looking at logging some playing time in 2007 depending on how things shake out. The recent developments have certainly helped kick the door open for Chiles, but he said his attitude hasn't changed with the recent recruiting developments.
"I'm still focused, just like I was from day one. I'm just trying to improve on what I can as far as quarterback," said Chiles. "Everybody has to do what's best for them. What I'm going to do is what's best for me and my team. I'm just going to try to get better for next spring and try to learn as quickly as possible."
Ever since his commitment, there have been continuous rumors of Chiles wavering (all of which have been unfounded, mind you) and Brantley's pledge to Texas was one of the reasons that some thought Chiles might look elsewhere. Those talks can officially die now, and Chiles said there was never any truth to the speculation.
"I heard rumors about (Brantley switching). Of course, everyone was talking about it. But I didn't expect it to happen. It really didn't matter to me either way. If you're worrying about competition, you're not focusing," Chiles said. "It just makes me more hungry."
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Chiles is set to move to Austin in the second week of January, and he said his entire mindset at this stage is getting himself mentally and physically prepared for life as a Longhorn. He and several of the other commitments have already struck up a friendship and Chiles said he's willing to do whatever is necessary to get himself ready for action.
"I'm just trying to be focused. Me and Tray (Allen) are actually going to work out tomorrow. We're going to work out and stay in shape, improve on whatever it is we need to improve on," Chiles said. "Of course, that includes learning the system and getting adjusted to college life, but I think going in during the spring will help me. And I'm the type of person that likes to take a weakness and make it a strength. Critics think that I can't throw, so I'm going to make that one of my strengths."
One might think that Chiles would be beaming on the inside with the knowledge that Brantley and Snead are out of the Longhorn quarterback equation, but he said he's been at peace with whoever he has to compete with for quite a while.
"I prayed about it a long time ago and I just left it at that. It seems like everything is working out for me but I have to keep focused and not let any of the outside stuff distract me from what I need to do," he said.
And what about his commitment now that reporting day is rapidly approaching?
"It's not even really a commitment anymore," he said. "It's more of a countdown to the next national championship."
John Chiles suddenly finds himself in the quarterback mix for Texas.
Pat and Carolyn were Sr. class parents for my high school class of 1981. Pat was a great guy, funny to the end I'm sure... Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn, Monica, Rick and their families!
From the Lubbock Avalanche Journal:
Patrick Lee McAdoo
A Celebration of Life for Patrick Lee McAdoo, age 66, will be Wednesday, 2 p.m. Jan. 3, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Seagraves. Mr. James Kinnaird will officiate with Rev. Dustin McEwen assisting. Burial will follow at the Gaines County Cemetery in Seagraves. Services provided by Mark A. Jones Funeral Directors of Seagraves.
Pat was born on Jan. 2, 1940 in Corpus Christi. He moved to Seagraves from Wink, Texas when he was an infant. His dad, L.M. and mother, Martha purchased the local Chevrolet dealership. Pat later became a partner and co-owner of the dealership until his dad passed away in May of 1987.
Pat attended school in Seagraves and graduated as Class President in 1958. He graduated Texas Christian University in 1962. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and very proud of the fact that his son, Rick, attended his alma mater and pledged his fraternity in 1984.
On Sept. 9, 1962 he married the love of his life Carolyn Smith in Seagraves at the First United Methodist Church.
Pat was loyal to Seagraves and its residents. He served as Mayor from 1988 to June, 2006, when he retired. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Seagraves and taught Sunday school for many years. He served on the Seagraves First State Bank Board and served as a member and past chairman of the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission and council of government covering a seventeen county area of the Permian Basin made up of fourteen county judges and four mayors from this area. Pat was also a member of the Rotary Club ìPaul Harris Fellowî and has served as an officer of the local club for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home; one son, Rick and wife Kristen of Fort Worth and one daughter, Monica McCormick and husband Steve of Seagraves. He also leaves five grandchildren, Allison and Mitchell McCormick and Patrick III, Adam and Erin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Stephen McCormick, Jr.
Memorials can be made to Seagraves/Loop EMS, Route #1, Box 125, Seagraves, Texas and the Seagraves/Loop Museum, PO Box 1387, Seagraves, TX 79359.
Gonna try some of these. All I need is that cool blender that costs $500 and I'll be set...
Smoothie Recipies
Magic Lantern Guides: Pentax K200D
Bollé Vanadium Silver Frame, Polarized Cobalz Lens
