Birds of Prey

New school

"This ain't back in the day...but you don't hear me though..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Things Done Changed

For the first time since 1979, the Temple University Football program is eligible for a Bowl game.

Dirty Thirty

On the last Saturday in October, the Temple Owls defeated the Midshipmen of Navy, in a come from behind victory 27-24. This game hits home as anyone that knows me will tell you...I'm a big supporter of my beloved TU...however as I sat in a rain delay during the World Series...I learned that the Owls have won their 6th game of the season...good enough for a Bowl.

The news while extremely heartwarming...came as a welcome surprise. Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer, but Temple is not by any means a football school. Head Coach Al Golden has done a great job a changing the culture, with a no nonsense approach. I've seen first hand how demanding Golden is, however he looks like a genius now.

Lead by true freshman Bernard Pierce, Temple secured a 14-10 halftime advantage. Then Navy took over, as Temple's passing attack or lack thereof enabled Navy's 24-17 4th quarter lead.

Pierce emerged from the anemic pass offense...as he did what he does best, becoming the first letterman since 1986 to run for consecutive 200 yard games. He gained 1,033 yards thus far and is the first Temple back to gain 1,000 yards rushing since 2002. He rushed for 100 yards in five of his last six games.

Pierce's teammate James Nixon etched his name in the books as well...as he returned a kick for 100-yards, a school record.

I've written this before, and I'm going to write it again...the only thing constant in this world is change...and now that Temple Football is mentioned on ESPN's Sportscenter, and receiving national attention...change is good, very good.

Timeless

Love

Versus

"I perform like Mike...anyone, Tyson, Jordan, Jackson..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Victory

I was driving on the beltway in Montgomery County, Maryland, listening to WKYS FM...when my fellow Temple alum, Deja Perez announced that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital due to cardiac arrest.

Human Nature

So here I am in the bat mobile...Madeleine is riding shotgun, and the news that Michael Jackson passed enters our air space. I'm not concentrating on it because my main objective is safety, but I begin to reflect to my childhood as the familiar tunes of his iconic music begin to soothe our shock.

Jackson was the most recognized man on planet Earth...everything he has done in the last 40 or so years has been on the world's stage. Success is tricky...in fact it's more like a double edge sword. That in my mind explains both his genius and erratic behavior...however I will judge no one...it's his legacy of music and dance that I appreciate. I don't have any children, but one day I will be sure to share the music of the Four Tops, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, the Jackson 5, and Michael Jackson with them.

My favorite song is Billie Jean...its the bass line in the beginning that makes me stop, look, and listen. On that favorite song list would also include Rock With You, Workin' Day And Night, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin, Beat It, Thriller, Human Nature, P.Y.T., Dirty Diana, and Remember the Time.

If I had to pick an all-time video it would be Thriller of course, and then Beat It. I really LOVE the Beat It video and I can do all the moves...been doing them for years, and yes...I just have to pay tribute to it one day at my wedding.

I also love to moonwalk...I find myself doing it for no reason sometimes. There are two moments that I will never forget...the first is when he did the moonwalk for the very first time...that will forever be timeless...the genesis of that move is so fascinating. The other thing that really helped me understand how important Jackson is, was when he teamed up with Michael Jordan for the video Jam. Jordan actually took time away from the 1992 NBA Playoffs to work with Jackson and shoot the video.

He is gone but not forgotten...his music will live forever.