Nashville makes the right choice

The city of Nashville made international news on Thursday and for the wrong reason. Nashvillians went to the polls to decide whether or not it would adopt English as the official language of local government. The measure was rejected by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin. If the amendment had passed Nashville would have become the largest city in the country to enact such a law. I totally agree with those that it would have given the city a black eye and it speaks of discrimination. What’s even more worrisome is that the special called election cost the city between $300,000 and $350,000 when that money could have been better spent else where. I’m all for giving ideas a chance, but in this case I’m glad the majority won out. Good job Nashville.

Dear President Obama

Thank you for taking on the task of fixing what’s wrong with the United States. Your leadership and renewed hope for change are needed now more than ever with the United States in its current economic state. I voted for you because of what you promised along the campaign trail and for what you stand for so it’s time for you to deliver on those promises.

The Clinton years were some of the best the United States has seen of late and I expect that feeling to return in time with your hard work. The whole world will be looking in when you take the oath of office on Tuesday and your inauguration speech will set the tone for the next four years so don’t disappoint. You had a dream now go live it because “Yes We Can”.

The spoken word is a powerful motivation tool

I figured it was about time I added a video to my blog. When it came to deciding which one it was going to be it was an obvious choice.

I’m a better person for watching this video from start to finish. Randy Pausch’s powerful message will likely resonate with all ages for years even decades to come. I encourage everyone to go out and get the book if you haven’t already done so because the spoken word truly is empowering.

One round at a time

That’s what I’m saying about the Titans as they look back at 2008 and ahead to 2009. No one outside of Baptist Sports Park saw a 13-3 regular season coming in 2008 not even Crazy George. Looking back 2007 was a pleasant surprise when the Titans made the playoffs and gave San Diego a major scare in the AFC Wildcard round. As 2008 unfolded things were apparent the Titans had built on what they had started in 2007 making it to the AFC Divisional playoff round. A hard to swallow loss to the Ravens will keep the team hungry for the upcoming season. With a few key off season moves most notably resigning Albert Haynesworth, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas and Kerry Collins a trip to the AFC championship and maybe even the Super Bowl in 2009 is not out of the question.

Being a sports fan is not for the faint at heart

It’s hard to put into words how I feel today after the Titans let a golden opportunity get away yesterday in their lose to the Ravens. Tennessee dominated the game stat wise and did a great job of protecting QB Kerry Collins, but in the end turnovers cost them the game. I’m must admit that I got an uneasy feeling at halftime when RB Lendale White fumbled inside the Ravens 20 yard line. That uneasy feeling remained through the second half and when TE Alge Crumpler fumbles inside the Ravens in the 4th quarter I knew things were not looking good. A short field goal by Tennessee tied the game at 10-10 late in the 4th, but the Ravens went down and converted a field goal to go up 13-10 with under a minute remaining. That field goal was the nail in the coffin as the Titans failed to get a first down as time expired. I was so disgusted after the game that I tossed my “This is our house’ towel in the trash. This was a great opportunity to prove the so called “experts” wrong and the Titans couldn’t make it happen. I will watch the Super Bowl, but not with the same glee as I know for a fact the Titans had the team to get there. I guess there’s always next year, but this is going to be a long off season. Being a sports fan for your favorite team is not for the faint of heart.

Make a difference. Take ten minutes to donate to an area charity today.

I took a hard look at my list of new year’s resolutions earlier today and I noticed that something was missing. After some reflection it hit me that it was time to give back. So thanks to Dave Delaney I ventured over to www.donorschoose.org and found a great cause where I donated $10. The cause “Do You Hear What I hear” is seeking donations to help fit 6th to 8th graders with headphones so they can participate in the Read 180 Program. The best thing about it was the time involved. I encourage everyone to take ten minutes to find a cause in your area and give back. Trust me the reward is worth it.

Why Hyundai gets it

It’s no secret that the automotive industry has been one of the hardest hit business sectors in the current economic downturn. That hasn’t stopped one automaker to go on the offensive and offer an incentive plan to those who have lost their jobs within 12 months ownership of a new vehicle. Yesterday’s news that Hyundai is moving forward with this idea is one that others in Detroit need to follow. The best part of the deal is that there is no charge for it and it has no baring on the customer’s credit rating. Hyundai is taking a bold approach with their incentive plan and it  just might pay off big in the end winning over consumers for years to come. Detroit are you listening?