Inauguration Day 2009

There is a little known fact about me that you may not know. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Now, you may be asking, "Bradley, why in the world do you have a degree in Political Science?" Great question. The answer is fairly simple - I love to study politics and government. Seriously, I absolutely love studying our political system, the protocol of government, the Constitution, and our nation's history. It's why my favorite television show is the West Wing (I have to watch it on my DVR these days).

Most of the time, guys or gals who get a Poly Sci (insider term) Degree do so with the intentions of getting into law school, passing the bar, and becoming a lawyer. Although that prospect intrigued me, that wasn't the path I took. I tell you all of this so that you will understand why I will TiVo 12 hours of Inauguration Day coverage and watch every bit of it. To me, on this day in history, it really doesn't matter who is being sworn in but rather the pomp and circumstance (another insider term) and the whole protocol of the day's events that I enjoy. I love watching the little things like the seal of the President being on Bush's limo when he arrives at the Capital building, but off of the limo when he leaves. Or the fact that Marine One is no longer called Marine One when Presidnet Bush boards the craft. Or watching Obama reach his hand out to shake a military guards hand while the military gaurd is now saluting him as the Commander in Chief. Obama wasn't used to it, and it took him by surprise.

Regardless of who you voted for, or what you believe, Inauguration Day should always be viewed by every American with patriotic pride. On top of all that, this particular day was monumental becuase of the historical significance of Obama's election. On this day, we can lay aside all differences and celebrate our nation. It only happens every four years, so be sure to set your DVR's (or whatever we will call them then) for Inauguration Day 2013. God bless America...

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

For the last week all I have heard ringing in my head is "Roooooooock, Chaaaaaaalk, Jaaaaaayhaaaaaak, Kayyyyyyyy, UUUUUUUUUUUUU!" (sing it in a mid range voice as if you were in a monestary) If you have never heard the chant of the University of Kansas fans, then you have missed out on one of the unique and colorful things in college sports. Recently, I traveled to Lawrence, Kansas, with some good freinds of mine to watch my beloved Tennessee Volunteers Men's Basketball team take on the defending national champion Kansas Jayhawks.

If you don't know anything about the history of college basketball, then let me fill you in on the significance of Lawrence, Kansas. It is the birth place of basketball - no literally - Dr. James Naismith developed the game of basketabll while at the University of Kansas. He tutored and trained a young man named Phog Allen (why in the world would anyone name their kid PHOG?!).
Coach Allen became a legendary basketball coach at Kansas and one of his players was some guy named Dean Smith. Dean Smith just happens to be one of the all time winningest coaches in basketball while he coached at North Carolina.

Ok, enough of the history lesson! The point is, that this old style basketball arena named after its legendary coach PHOG Allen is one of the most unique sports venues in the country. I truly enjoyed my time at PHOG Allen (I like to put his name in all caps because I think it is a funny name) while listening to the crazy but well mannered Kansas fans not only sing Rock Chalk Jayhawk but scream continously as their Jayhawks defeated my Volunteers 92-85.

Allen Fieldhouse was on my bucket list (see the movie), so it was great to be able to mark that one off. Now, if any of you find it in your heart to take me to Fenway Park for a ball game, or to the Masters Golf Tournament in August, Georgia, or to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, you won't hurt my feelings and you will be able to help me mark another one off my bucket list.

Roooooock Chaaaaaalk Jaaaaaayhaaaaaakk, Kayyyyyyy.... UUUUUUUUU! Go Vols!