Life at Jockey Hollow

Waking up from hibernation....

2011-03-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sports Pops and Drops - March 2010

2010-03-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to re-establish my blog mojo - below includes my random musings on pops and drops - Sports style:

Drop - Ben Roethlisberger. I am sure there are elements of truth to all allegations in the last 12 months against Big Ben but that is not why he is a drop. Check out these wardrobe decisions lately:

Really? Ben will make over $100M in 8 years (over $10K per minute played) and apparently he still purchases his shirts at Spencers. His defense should consider the alibi - "my t-shirt made me do it"

Pop - Keith Bullock - On the opposite end of the NFL spectrum - this guy deserves a well deserved pop. A Tennessee Titan who, most likely is in his last year in a Titans uniform. Bullock funded, selected, and awarded nine high school students scholarship money. Nine scholarships....in honor of his fallen teammate - Steve Mcnair

Drop - The NCAA Selection Committee - Below includes the top 20 basketball teams going into the opening round of the NCAA tournament and their corresponding seed given by the committee. Remember the Sesame Street song...."one of these things just doesn't belong here....one of these things just isn't the same." I trust my blog faithful can figure this one out:

Pop - U11 Lady Kicks - the spring season has just begun and the Lady Kicks are already tournament champions - The Icebreaker Tournament had teams from Georgia and Alabama and the Lady Kicks proved victorious. Almost forgot....Pace had 3 goals in 4 games....including the only goal in the championship game.
Thanks for Reading!

Jackson Hole

2010-03-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

Considering the fact that I have been on a 7+ month hiatus on blogging - thought now would be appropriate time to step up and blog a little diddy on Jackson Hole - the most recent volume to the annual guys trip.

Truly some of the most beautiful scenery that I have laid eyes on - crystal clear skies - able to see most of the Teton range around Jackson. Many of the snow elite would tell you the conditions were sub-par or of mash potato consistency.....I would take the western skiing everyday when compared to the likes of Boone, NC.

I ventured on the snowboard this go around. Taking lessons were well worth their weight in gold - will work on getting some video posted soon of me shredding the slopes.

Thanks for Reading!

Guys Weekend III

2009-07-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

We had our third annual guys weekend last week in Philly. I could give my viewing audience a blow by blow listing of what this crew did for 3+ days but, in reality, over 75% of my viewing audience was on this trip and already knows all the details.....

Here are a few of my key take-aways:

- Philly - My first visit to the city of brotherly love and I have to be honest - before visiting my impression of this city was that it was a run down, dirty, and gray city. I was wrong. Starting with the Philly Cheese steak all the way to the National Constitution Center this city has aged beautifully and has much to offer. I look forward to bringing Pace back in the very near future

- Bill, Steve, Clark, - I love the fact that these guys can take time from their growing and already busy schedules to hurl insults at one another for a few days. Truly good friends

Valley Forge - Obviously a historic location NW of Philly that we had the opportunity to visit. I found some very interesting parallels to Valley Forge and our trip:

Henry Knox - namesake of Knoxville, TN was the chief of artillery at Valley Forge who later became Secretary of War. I went to school in Knoxville, TN and hope to one day become Senior Manager at The Home Depot

Rations - During the darker, colder days at Valley Forge - some soldiers were getting their only nourishment from "firecake," a tasteless mixture of flour and water. Bill actually requested his own tasteless mixture of flour and water each morning.....Kashi Cereal

Looking forward to the trip next year.

Thanks for Reading!

Staycation 2009

2009-06-13T09:12:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of recognizing one of the largest global economic meltdowns since the Great Depression and the fact that I work directly in space hit the hardest (Housing and Retail) - Pace and I decided to stay close to home this year. I took the entire week off and we hit the local attractions. Here is a breakdown by day:

Monday - Stayed at home on this day - went to the neighborhood pool and even tried to have a little water excitement in our own front yard. I have great memories of the slip "n" slide growing up (even a resurgence in college) and I wanted to try and recreate those memories for Pace. My friend's slide growing up must have been 50 feet long and would propel me into the grass going 35+ miles and hour. This product that we rolled out in the front yard had been dumbed down....not sure if the slide was even 12 feet and you would consider yourself lucky if you somehow found enough momentum to complete all 12 ft of the slide. The staycation started out with a whimper....

Tuesday - Went to our very own Lake Allatoona - A local dam controlled lake and rented a jet ski. The drought cycle has ended in GA and the lake was even 3 inches above full pool. Two hours on the lake - we had a blast.

Wednesday - A visit to the Tellus Museum a science museum just north of us. If you are in the area - check this one out. This museum had a GM EV1 car on display - a car GM should have kept in production in 1996 - but US politics and big oil got in the way. Now GM is bankrupt and trying to play catch up with a third generation hybrid from Toyota.

Thursday - A visit to the theme park - Lake Winepesaukah in Chattanooga, TNI have not been to this park in 20+ years and not much has changed. A family owned park that dates back to 1925 - ticket prices, rides and lines all very reasonable. A great time.

Friday - A visit to the Kangaroo conservation center in Dawsonville, GA - The largest Kangaroo sanctuary outside of Australia - over 300 Kangaroos on over 200 acres in North GA. Check out the pics:(see the small Joey in mom's pouch)?
(a rare albino kangaroo)
(a very friendly wild and pregnant deer)

My grandfather use to say: " a man can travel around the world and may not see a thing.....but a man can travel around his block and see the whole world" - I feel like we accomplished this feat with staycation 2009.

Thanks for reading!

Picture Day

2009-04-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

Been a while since I posted some pics. Here are a several recent pics I am pretty proud of:

Here are a few pics of Pace playing Soccer. She is playing great but the Lady Kicks have run into a little heavier competition lately. Record now 4-2-1

Last week - UT had alumni event at Piedmont Park. Here are a few pictures of me with Lane Kiffen and Bruce Pearl:

Awesome pic of Catherine Harrison, her husband and Bruce....

This event was part of the Big Orange Caravan tour. If you ever get a chance - try and make it to one of these events....truly an opportunity to see the coaches in a more of a unfiltered environment.

The President of the Alumni group spoke before Bruce and Lane. He said all the right things. One of the items he highlighted was the fact that our incoming Freshman classes keep getting brighter and brighter. Stats were rattled off....the highest GPA for any incoming Freshman class. ACT score average was 27 for incoming Freshman. On and on. In the middle of these mind-blowing statistics. Bruce Pearl raised his hand and stated that his incoming Freshman class did not have near the scores as the average UT Freshman. Classic.

Thanks for Reading.

Momentum

2009-04-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Not much new news recently.....but here are a few key take-aways:

- Soccer - Pace scored her third goal this past Saturday. Awesome kick with "umph" on the left side of the goal. For U10 - this group of girls are fun to watch. The communication on the field and team chemistry has these girls starting strong at 4-1-1

- VLOGs - Yet another form of communication is developing steam and our very own Mark Clark has hit the ground running (literally) with his version of a youtube vlog. Very good stuff - check it out at mc5971 on youtube

- Susan Boyle - Speaking of youtube.....What a great feel-good story Susan Boyle turned out to be this week - for a true "do not judge of book by its cover" check out Mrs. Boyle

- THD - Many of you know that I am a homer.....but I have to mention that THD is starting to get a little swagger bag in its step. Last quarter same store sales were better than Lowes - this has not happened since 2003. University of Michigan publishes quarterly customer service metrics and THD made the largest gains when compared to all other retailers. And all props to CEO Frank Blake. A low key and humble CEO that continues to put focus back into the stores. The market has rewarded this stock nicely YTD. S&P YTD is down 7% while HD is up 6% YTD. More upside in the quarters to come.

Thanks for Reading!

Alex Zdolshek

2009-03-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Friday was rough. Many things to do and trying to leave by 3:30. Need to finish a few slides for presentation....have to add addendum for a contract.....

Damn - someone just put meeting on my calendar today for 4:00PM...on a Friday no less. Landscape guy just called and wants to know why check is not in the mailbox.....forgot to do that. I have a meeting this Saturday....going to miss Pace's soccer game and my tennis - a little bitter right now.

Hard to get any work done during March Madness. Can watch the basketball games on my laptop now just like I were watching at home. The mighty VOLs, who were up with 30 seconds to go just lost. Not a good year for the SEC in basketball this year.

Have company at the house tonight...the house is a mess and I have no food.

I had supplier come in to talk about plastic bags for 30 minutes - very bad timing. There are probably 112 other items I should be working on right now. I greet him in the lobby - he would not even look me in the eye when he shook my hand. His prices are too high and he knows it. I have other things to do and he needs to make this quick.

Small talk - "how was your trip" - "weather is nice" - "should be a great weekend"....."my son has been sick"

"Does he have the flu bug that has been going around?"

"No...He has Cancer"

In September Alex was having pain in his hips. Doctor thought it was "growing pains" or maybe a contusion he suffered while playing little league football... but the pain continued. After doing a little more research - it was determined that Alex had two cancerous tumors. Alex is fighting for his life right now.

All of this other stuff is simply non-sense.

I try to keep this blog fairly loose and political/religious free. But we are in the season of Lent - a period where we all go into a "spiritual wilderness" to try and find that best self, made in the image of God, that lies in each and everyone of us (Dr Sam Matthews reiterates this at the beginning of every Sunday service). I would not know Alex if he sat next to me - but, for that one moment, Alex taught me to put away the extra noise going on in my personal and selfish life and to be compassionate. In the words of Henri Nouwen..."compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery"

The meeting lost all business relevance. At the end of our time together, I mentioned that I would pray for his son. I need your help. Please keep Alex, a 12 year old boy, who months ago was playing basketball and football and is now going through intense chemotherapy in your prayers.

- Reed

Pops and Drops - Week Ending 2/7

2009-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Pop - Lady Kicks Soccer. I remember it all very well. I watched Pace try out for a select soccer team for two nights in early January. The temperature must have been 15-20 degrees. The thin wool socks I was wearing might as well have been flip flops - my feet were numb. After the two frigid tryouts Marin and I received a phone call. Pace had been invited to continue to play with the Lady Kicks. She went to practice for the next two nights....only to have the coach call and say that our daughter was not aggressive enough....that these were the golden years of soccer (9-12) and it would not be fair to push Pace only to have her burned out trying to play catch up with girls who were more "seasoned" then she was.

I almost lost it. Who did this guy think he was....inviting my daughter to play and then un-inviting her? He did offer us a consolation - Pace could continue to practice with the team during the off season to help improve her skills for try outs next year.

Screw that.

Pace handled it much better then I did. I went to the practices and I began to become quietly impressed with my daughter. She was not on the team - yet wanted to continue to practice. I would have supported her if she wanted to go and slash the coach's tires.....maybe egg his house.

I am at my desk last week and I get a call from Marin....the coaches were impressed with her willingness to come to practice and were seeing her skills already improve - they wanted her on the team. I almost lost it right there and I still get choked up thinking about it now. My 9 year old just taught me a valuable lesson.....the right attitude and "sticktuitivness" will get you far.

Drop - Rod Blagojevich - I now have found a politician that I dislike more than slick willy. This guy running the talk show circuit comparing himself to Gandi, Martin Luther King Jr, and Nelson Mandella made me sick. I hope he gets hard time.

Pop - Gran Torino - If you have not seen this movie - go now. Well done through and through. Clint Eastood - a 79 year old living legend.

Thanks for Reading!

A short film by Pace

2009-01-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Succession Planning

2009-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am sure that Pace will read this business case in her Management 101 class (if she so chooses to go down that path) during her Freshman year:

Apple - In 2009 shareholder wealth was destroyed because:

- Poor communication to shareholders from board of Apple regarding health of CEO
- Inability of management to clearly define and execute succession planning

Shareholder litigation over this latest health issue with Jobs is going to explode over the next 12-18 months. Read Job's latest email to Apple employees:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28661291

Senior Leadership - at the very company that has some of the sexiest - most innovative products in the world and one of the most healthy balance sheets ($28B in cash) is afraid to tell Steve to take a back seat. How confident should shareholders be with their management bullpen?

Apple should prepare for life without Steve Jobs.

Jodie

2009-01-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

I just stayed up late to watch a guy named Jodie score 54 points in Thompson Boiling

Mad Money

2009-01-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I am a glass is half full type of guy....but the last week has been rough from an economic standpoint. Unemployment #s are at levels not seen since since 1945 and there may be many more layoffs in the near future.

It is always darkest before the dawn.

So I am driving to a restaurant Friday night and I turn on my XM radio (Christmas gift) and start listening to Jim Cramer - Mad Money host on CNBC. Just a little background - this guy has NEVER had one positive thing to say about The Home Depot. In fact of the reasons I often flip the channel when watching this guy is because of his total disgust for a company which, I believe, he knows very little.

So I am begrudgingly listening....his focus this week is the top 5 Dow all stars:

Monday: Johnson and Johnson
Tuesday: Verizon
Wednesday: Caterpillar
Thursday: Hewlett Packard

All good stocks in their own right. Imagine my surprise when Friday's Dow all star is no other then The Home Depot! I cannot do review justice. Below includes the link to Kramer...breaking down THD:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28578782

Thanks for Reading!

2008 Year End Review

2009-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe we are at the dawn of yet another year. Before we prognosticate on what will be in 2009.....let's take a look at 2008.

- The posts at Jockey Hollow were littered with a consistent theme: The Road to Hell is paved with immediacy. Everyone is in a hurry. In a hurry to get rich...a hurry to get married....a hurry to get a new coach.....a hurry to get more stuff. At some point, our society will step off of this crazy train and learn to be patient. Be still.

- My posts have been less about Pace and more about my random rants. I am only a little sorry for this pattern. To try and cover some lost ground - I have included recent pics of Pace:

- Stocks - In January 2008 I highlighted the following stocks: Clorox, The Home Depot, and Tivo. No one would have predicted that the S&P would fall by 40% in 2008, but if you had picked these three stocks, you would only be down 12%. I still like these stocks. The Home Depot continues to be the #1 player in the Home Improvement space and outpaces all others in brand, international growth and real estate locations. Growth, however, will not be the story in 2009 - Customer Service and Supply Chain solidification will remain the major focus. Clorox is a perfect safe play in this crazy environment with a high dividend yield and a low PE. Proctor and Gamble and Colgate may also be good options. Tivo....still like this company as an acquisition target from a company that is sitting on tons of cash (Apple).

Thank you again for reading in 2008.....here is hoping that your goals and wishes for 2009 are the very least you receive.

Redo

2009-01-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

I stayed up to watch Hillary and Bill Clinton ring in the new year 2009.......can we have a redo?

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

One would never think we were in financial crisis when looking under Pace's Christmas tree: Roller blades, a digital camera, and a wii fit were the big gifts this year. The wii fit is a blast!

What I Have Liked About TV in the Last 21 Days

2008-12-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Two things on TV have really struck a chord with me lately and I thought I would share, with what I believe, to be the best damn readers in the blogosphere.......

The Final Minutes of the UT/Kentucky Game: watching the players come off the field and give Phil Fulmer a hug is not something I will soon forget. "The Game Ball Firmly Clutched by Fulmer." A hat-wearing Erin Andrews: "Coach you were all business today - what does it mean that your quarterback gave you the game ball. Coach looks at her - "It is really special....we are going to say our prayer now - I will be with you in a minute." Erin Andrews waits and I am sure she said something after the prayer but not sure anyone remembers one word. The next thing I remember is Coach saying that he will always be a VOL. His players carry him off the field.

I hate sharing the same blog breath with the UT Basketball coach but the truth is Bruce Pearl could win 12 championships in a row and he will still not have the same respect from his players and his fans as the former UT player, the former Grad Assistant, the former Assistant Coach and now the former Head Coach that is Phil Fulmer.

The Secret Millionaire - I gave up on reality shows after the first season of Survivor but flipping through the channels the other day and I was drawn to this novel concept - Millionaires giving away some of their own money. A restaurateur who made his millions in the chicken finger business visits the Louisiana area struck hardest by Katrina. He volunteers some time and then ultimately helps out a high school football team, a community center, and a pastor who lost everything he had to the hurricane. Over $300K was donated to this community. We need more reality shows like this.

Side Note - Went to Nashville over the Thanksgiving holidays, caught up with Bill, Erin and little man Carter and even ran a 5 mile Turkey Trot. Was feeling pretty good during the run....and then I see this man in what had to be a 30 lb chicken suit pass me with ease. I may have officially retired from running.

Thanks for Reading!

A slow few weeks

2008-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

The nation is in turmoil.....Wall Street is a wreck and all financial institutions are marching down the road to nationalization. Not very many positive things to write about. So what I thought I would share are a few videos that would lighten the mood:

The eTrade Baby - hard to go wrong when you add a talking baby to any commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S968LBLGXjs

The Safesaw - saw this video in a safety meeting this week - pretty amazing product:

And last but certainly not least......it is finally basketball time in Tennessee:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L2tRbb4USw

Thanks for Reading!

Company Man

2008-11-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

Indeed it is a sad day for the VOL Nation. The game of college football is no longer a game but a business. A business of sponsorships, recruits, rankings, and salaries. Do not get me wrong - big time college football is the business that we have chosen - and it is time to get back to business, but what often gets lost in the shuffle are the folks who dedicate their lives to the institution that they know and love.

Phillip Fulmer's passion for UT Football is great - but his passion for The University of Tennessee is greater. It is on the backs of these men that traditions are built and legends born.

One day I hope to visit Knoxville - visit some dear friends and then watch the Orange and White clash with some SEC foe in Neyland Stadium on Fulmer Field.

9

2008-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Pace turned the big 9 this week. She bobbed for apples, went on a hayride and had a sleep over with many friends. Big present this year was a bike. A 26" Schwinn......with gears. I am afraid to blink - this young lady will be in double digits before we know it.

Buffet Speaks

2008-10-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Buy American. I Am.

By WARREN E. BUFFETT

Omaha

THE financial world is a mess, both in the United States and abroad. Its problems, moreover, have been leaking into the general economy, and the leaks are now turning into a gusher. In the near term, unemployment will rise, business activity will falter and headlines will continue to be scary.

So ... I’ve been buying American stocks. This is my personal account I’m talking about, in which I previously owned nothing but United States government bonds. (This description leaves aside my Berkshire Hathaway holdings, which are all committed to philanthropy.) If prices keep looking attractive, my non-Berkshire net worth will soon be 100 percent in United States equities.

Why?

A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. And most certainly, fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors. To be sure, investors are right to be wary of highly leveraged entities or businesses in weak competitive positions. But fears regarding the long-term prosperity of the nation’s many sound companies make no sense. These businesses will indeed suffer earnings hiccups, as they always have. But most major companies will be setting new profit records 5, 10 and 20 years from now.

Let me be clear on one point: I can’t predict the short-term movements of the stock market. I haven’t the faintest idea as to whether stocks will be higher or lower a month — or a year — from now. What is likely, however, is that the market will move higher, perhaps substantially so, well before either sentiment or the economy turns up. So if you wait for the robins, spring will be over.

A little history here: During the Depression, the Dow hit its low, 41, on July 8, 1932. Economic conditions, though, kept deteriorating until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933. By that time, the market had already advanced 30 percent. Or think back to the early days of World War II, when things were going badly for the United States in Europe and the Pacific. The market hit bottom in April 1942, well before Allied fortunes turned. Again, in the early 1980s, the time to buy stocks was when inflation raged and the economy was in the tank. In short, bad news is an investor’s best friend. It lets you buy a slice of America ’s future at a marked-down price.

Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.

You might think it would have been impossible for an investor to lose money during a century marked by such an extraordinary gain. But some investors did. The hapless ones bought stocks only when they felt comfort in doing so and then proceeded to sell when the headlines made them queasy.

Today people who hold cash equivalents feel comfortable. They shouldn’t. They have opted for a terrible long-term asset, one that pays virtually nothing and is certain to depreciate in value. Indeed, the policies that government will follow in its efforts to alleviate the current crisis will probably prove inflationary and therefore accelerate declines in the real value of cash accounts.

Equities will almost certainly outperform cash over the next decade, probably by a substantial degree. Those investors who cling now to cash are betting they can efficiently time their move away from it later. In waiting for the comfort of good news, they are ignoring Wayne Gretzky’s advice: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been.”

I don’t like to opine on the stock market, and again I emphasize that I have no idea what the market will do in the short term. Nevertheless, I’ll follow the lead of a restaurant that opened in an empty bank building and then advertised: “Put your mouth where your money was.” Today my money and my mouth both say equities.

Warren E. Buffett is the chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, a diversified holding company.

What a Difference Two Weeks Make

2008-10-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Pace, my folks and I went to Destin, FL this past week - so sorry for going dark to the blog faithful.....What a crazy two weeks though. A few highlights:

- Palin - The momentum from the RNC has stalled. A few condescending interviews, some really good Tina Fey impersonations, a mediocre debate and a wall street collapse has caused this folksy VP candidate to lose some of her luster. The mudslinging is going to be pretty intense the next 30 days.

- Alcoholics Rejoice - I truly believe only alcoholics can empathize with this financial bail out. Imagine drinking until you cannot see straight and doing it for 20 years. Day in and day out consuming more then your mind or body can handle. After 20 years Uncle Sam walks into the local watering hole and pays the tab. How did we get to this point and is $700B really going to solve what is wrong with this economy? The truth is spending is out of control in this economy and throwing money at issue is not addressing root of problem. Hang on tight and watch out for The New New Deal type talk in Washington

- Newman's Own - Very sad to see Paul Newman pass away last week. A man that all men want to be like on and off the screen - young and old. A humble man who lived in CT away from the glitz, glamor and narcissism of Hollywood. A man who donated ALL after tax profits of Newman's Own to charities. A man who when asked in Playboy interview in 1968 about his marriage to Joann Woodward (who he was married to for over 50 years) on whether or not he thought about straying from his marriage.....his response: "why would I go out for a burger when I can have steak at home"

- Goal - Pace scored her first goal of the season on Saturday - a solo shot on the right side of the goal. We are very proud of her and expect more goals to be in her future

Thanks for Reading!

All a Twitter

2008-09-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday 9-20 was a pretty crappy day.

Tennis: I got up in the morning to play tennis. Played in some uber rich neighborhood. The guys we played had egos bigger then their houses and I wanted to beat them to a pulp with their trophy wives watching. Ultimately I had no consistency and could not hit the broad side of a barn. We lost 6-2,6-2 My third loss in a row. I have lost my tennis mojo and need to get it back quickly.

You guys probably care very little about my tennis game and/or the mental gymnastics I go through on the court.

Silver Lining: Went to Pace's Soccer game afterwards and she is becoming more and more aggressive on the field. She is now playing in a big girls league where they actually practice and keep score. Their team won so there is the silver lining for Saturday. I tried to do a post game interview for this blog entry but Pace ran from me when she found out I wanted to post her interview on the blog.

Then I go to buddy's house to watch the UT/FL game. I arrive 10 minutes late and the gators have already scored.

Twitter: Twitter is a new venture capital darling (www.twitter.com) that has no real line of sight on how the hell it is going to make money. Twitter is a web service that allows users to enter short text (140 characters or less) and give frequent updates. This service really says alot about our society. Cell Phone, Emails, Blogs, Facebook, and myspace are not enough. No - society needs even more instant gratification, instant notification, instant coffee, you name it.......whatever it is we need it now!

So I signed up.

If you would like to know what I am doing every 15 minutes then get into my twitter group. I doubt there will be any interest.

If you were in my twitter group - these are the communications you would see during the UT/FL game:

- 3:45 - Another dink pass by Tebow. Damn. Still early though

- 4:00 - Held them to field goal - still in it

- 4: 15 - Fumble. WTF

- 4:20 - Special teams suck. 17-0. Let's get out of this half.

- 4:50 - 27-6 - Is the Ryder Cup On?

- 5:10 - Anybody want to play Mario Cart?

The truth is everything runs its course. Corporations run courses......Garage, Growth, IPO, Maturity, Divest, Invest or Merge. I believe the analogy is the same for college football coaches. Phil Fulmer is one hell of a coach and he got UT to where it is today. His contributions to the University on and off the field are tremendous and should never be minimized. Now is the time to move on though Phil. This does not have to be an ugly Johnny Majors like departure - leave on your terms - but do it soon.

Thanks for Reading!

Game Changer

2008-09-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

The GM 100th anniversary is this week and many believe that the production Volt will be on display - providing a glimpse of the next 100 years at GM. How does the US reduce dependence on foreign oil? Through a combination of "drill baby drill" and US Corporate ingenuity, we can stop one of the largest transfers of wealth in human civilization.

For those new to the Volt - GM will release this product in 2010 with an estimated price tag of $30K. The car will travel 40 miles on all electric charge without one single drop of crude. Most folks drive 40 miles or less in one day. Once you pull the Volt into the garage - you plug in your Volt to the nearest socket. Once fully charged the car is ready for another 40 miles. Worried about the 120 mile weekend trip? No worries. Once the electric charge has been depleted - the gasoline engine will kick in.

I believe GM is in better shape then Ford or Chrysler, but there is no doubt, GM is in dire straights. While not a hail Mary pass, this move is a flea flicker and one that, if successful, could propel GM back to profitability.

Thanks for reading!

Hockey Mom

2008-09-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

It would be poor blog journalism to comment on DNC 2008 and not comment on RNC 2008 so here are a few more random thoughts on RNC 2008:

- Rock star Treatment - was not there for the RNC 2008. No stadium no flashing light bulbs and no Greek columns

- Diversity - Camera shots throughout the convention did not do a good job of showing diversity within the party. Too many white folks from suburban America. The majority will be a minority in our lifetime and the Republican party better catch up with a concerted effort to get more minorities involved in the party

- Cindy McCain - Does she not have a Princess Diana type quality to her? Very composed and a tremendous amount of charity work to her name. There is, however, a Carol McCain - John's first wife. The story goes that, while McCain was a POW, his first wife was in a terrible car accident leaving a former beauty queen disfigured. In 1980 John divorced Carol and, within 1 year, was remarried to Cindy McCain. I have to say I was terribly disappointed when reading this story

- Mitt Romney - This guy gave one of the more conservative speeches I have seen in a very long time. "We need big change....not big brother." While I thought he did a great job - it was clearly an exclamation mark speech so others would remember him in 2012.

- Trig Palin - I was a nervous wreck watching Trig Palin get passed around like a football throughout the convention. The fact that he has Down Syndrome made matters worse. I "get" the photo opportunity but let's get a babysitter for babies under 1 at the RNC

- Sara Palin - Grand slam. I have never seen a speech rally a party as much as that speech on Wednesday night. She answered the critics regarding her experience and dropped the hammer on Barack.

- John McCain - Foul Ball. I was not terribly impressed with McCain's speech. First of all - whoever organized this event should be fired. Those demonstrators were a complete distraction and should have never made the audience. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for McCains service to nation but how many times are we going to listen or read about his POW experience? This story is well chronicled. America needs to hear more about the McCain history of reform and compare to the Obama call for change.

Looking forward to seeing both parties in a debate format. The question you have to answer is what is the right balance between social welfare and economic prosperity? Right now I believe the Barack camp focuses too much on social welfare.

Mike Huckabee said it best: "I am not a Republican because I was born rich - I am a Republican because I did not want to spend the rest of my life poor waiting for the government to rescue me"

Thanks for Reading!

DNC 2008

2008-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

I missed the boat on week two of the Olympics. I will spare you my thoughts on the Chinese Olympic architecture compared to the Atlanta architecture of just 12 years ago. I will also spare you my theories on China dominance and how it all seems very "forced" within the Chinese culture. Forced excellence can only go so far.

I watched most of the Democratic National Convention this year and I have a few thoughts. While I know early on I committed to not being a political blog, please allow me this mulligan to comment.

Kennedy - One has to give mad props to Ted Kennedy. Love him or leave him - this guy is one of the true political icons in the last 50 years. To see this man's passion bleed through that microphone in Denver while his family watched with both fear and joy was a scene I will never forget.

Michelle Obama - I have never quite realized how truly beautiful this woman is. This may be a sign of me being single too long or maybe a sign of getting older but Michelle was striking and could potentially be one of the more attractive first ladies since Jackie O.

Slick Willy - No doubt this guy has a gift. He has a gift of playing Jedi mind tricks on the American public for the last 16 years. I was in awe and was fully expecting someone to come up to the stage in a wheel chair and Bill to put his hand on the forehead. The man would throw his chair in the crowd and begin walking. Maybe a 1-800 # for the new ab-rocker he could be promoting. To add insult to injury mouthing the words I-LOVE-YOU before Hillary spoke almost made me spit up my Sweetwater 420. Everything that is wrong with politics today is because of Bill Clinton. Fake, Insincere, and no value basis.

The Main Event - well done on the planning of the 2008 DNC. Mile High stadium - filling up every seat. Everyday people speaking was also pretty impactful. The Barney Smith line was classic.

Barack - When trying to understand the fundamental difference between Democrats and Republicans please listen to the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of this speech First 10 minutes: There are many of you out there who have credit card bills you cannot pay, mortgage bills you cannot pay, and car payments you cannot afford. Last 10 Minutes: We must all adhere to the fundamental belief that I am my brothers keeper. I believe government, as we know it, is too big. I do not want a government that is a policeman for citizens that overspend. I do not want a government that puts my retirement in a negative interest earning account. I am responsible for my own health. The original framers of the constitution had it right - more or less then that original focus does a disservice to this great land.

Since I began crafting this entry - Sarah Paulin was selected as the Republican VP candidate. I wanted to post a link to one of my favorite reporters interviewing a woman that I am starting to like alot!

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=836304396&play=1

Thanks for Reading!

Olympics Thoughts - Week 1

2008-08-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

There is a third grade girl missing from Pace's class this year. I believe she is competing on the Chinese Gymnastics Team.

If I were Misty May.... I would want my money back from that Tattoo job on her shoulder.

All these damn GM commercials. You would never think that this company is bleeding money at the rate of almost 20 BILLION Dollars this year

Nothing like sitting at home watching Volleyball in Beijing and hearing Tone Locs Funky Col Medina in the background

What is up with this damn pool anyway? I saw Michael Phelps mom warming up in the water cube. She broke a world record.

Speaking of Phelps....did you see the recent article with Mark Spitz? Poor guy felt "snubbed" that he was not invited to the Olympics. Spitz wanted to hand Phelps the gold medals. Cry me a river Mark. Buy your own ticket. For those wondering what Mark is doing now a days: A Motivational Speaker.

I had an epiphany last night on the way home from work. I am going to lace up the running shoes again and try running. Not sure what came over me. Maybe that new Kid Rock Song. Maybe the Olympic spirit. Maybe these Home Depot commercials. "It's Time." Goal is to run under 20min in a 5K before January 2009. Will keep the blog faithful posted.

Thanks for reading!

Back to School for Pace

2008-08-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Pace had sneak a peak at her school on Friday and school starts this Monday. I believe 3rd grade will be a tremendous year of growth for Pace. We have an "unofficial" measuring chart in laundry room and since April of this year Pace has grown two inches!

Below is short video of Pace on Rope Swing at Butler Creek. The creek is down a little from the drought - but the swing remains a popular summer time destination in the neighborhood.

Reflections at Jockey Hollow

2008-07-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Still do not have an iPhone....in my frustration I blew my gadget money for the month and purchased a Wii. What a blast. A great business case in this Wii little story: Nintendo knew they were not going to be able to keep up with the high speed shoot-em up graphics of Sony and Microsoft - so they threw in a game changer: focus less on speed and violence and more on interaction at home. The new Monopoly in people's home is now the Wii. You can play this product with your 8 year old daughter, your thirty something year old drunk friends, or your seventy something year old grandmother. Brillant.

Sign that the apocalypse is near: Jessica Simpson, Sammy Hagar, and Snoop Dog all release country songs/albums and/or begin touring with country stars

Josh Childress from the Hawks signs with the greek basketball team: Olympiakos. The weak dollar pushed Childress to sign and other NBA players are considering similar options. This concept does not make sense. Why the hell would you leave the best league in the world to go play with a "B" or "C" league in a country where Men's Basketball is the the equivalent of Roller Derby in the US? Almost like shopping at Lowes when a Home Depot is across the street.

Speaking of the housing industry - I believe now is the time to buy a house. We are at the bottom. The Federal bailout (just approved this weekend) will be strong and swift. Controls will be put in place to prevent this crisis from happening again. Building has come to a near standstill the last two years and the housing inventory in the US continues to get older. Buy now.

My Mom (Nona, Donna) came to town this past week to insure Pace could make tennis camp. What a saint this woman is. I grew up in a time where "latch key kids" were just coming on to the scene....a time of double incomes and the appetite to acquire "stuff" in the form of 3000 sq ft homes, SUVs, and big TVs. My mom continued to be a stay at home mom to insure that little bro and I had a well-rounded and loving up bringing. Not to get too deep on my fellow readers, but I am experiencing this boomerang effect on child rearing and my own personal development. I believe I have spent the last 30 years trying to get out of the environment I grew up in and now I want to get back in to the Inglewood environment where I know my roots to be. Probably a common phenomenon with all of us at some point in our lives.

Steve Jobs continues to make headlines about his health. I have blogged about this in the past - but he needs to come clean as never has one man been so visibly tied to one company. I ran across this clip of Steve Jobs talking about his health in a 2005 Commencement address at Stanford. Honestly brought me to tears and something that everyone should see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Thanks for reading!

Runaround Sues....A blog worth repeating

2008-07-21T18:27:00.001-07:00

Steve so eloquenty blogged on the events that transpired the night of July 5th. Worth providing link here:

http://kennedyvols.blogspot.com/2008/07/guys-weekend-part-2.html

One cannot even begin to make this kind of stuff up.

Casey at Bat......

2008-07-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who remember my blog a few weeks ago regarding the iPhone....remember? Wanted one so badly I could taste the microchips? The night before the iPhone was set to debut, Pace and I drove by the AT&T store and saw a line of 12-18 year olds waiting in line. Pace and I would not have fit well in this crowd.

So I went the next morning. Sold out. Saturday. Sold Out. Sunday sold out. My thirst for an iPhone has not be quenched but I will keep the blog faithful posted.

I should be in bed now. Laid on the couch tonight and turned on the home run derby. Really a lackluster lineup. No more Sosa, no Giambi, no Ryan Howard or Adam Dunn. A bunch of MLB nobodies.

Josh Hamilton comes to bat representing the American league. Josh picks his former little league coach to pitch to him. His coach is 71 years old. Hamilton's arms are littered with tattoos. 1 home run. Announcers begin to talk about his sordid history. Had it all and threw it away. 2,3...5, and 6 home runs. Blue chip prospect in 2001. Injuries and drug addiction. 9,10 home runs. Baseball career goes into free fall. 15, 16, 17 home runs. In and out of rehab - many failed drug tests. Career thrown away. 20,21 home runs. Banned from Major League baseball.

Through a mercy draft - Texas picks him up in 2007 and he begins to pick up the pieces....27,28 home runs. The most home runs in one round in home run derby history. At Yankee stadium.

He hates the tattoos but likes the reminder - the reminder of his drug induced past.

The final round of the derby comes up. Hamilton needs 6 home runs to win. The crowd of 56,000 cheering his name. 2 home runs and 7 outs (1 out is an infield hit). 3 home runs and 8 outs. The crowd gets it. They see a piece of them in Hamilton. Not perfect. Elements of the past they want to put behind them. But every now again, once in a blue moon - a chance at greatness. A chance to give a kick ass presentation to a VP. A yard that looks well manicured if only for a few minutes. Your daughter loves her hot chocolate so much that she wants to share it with you. A chance to hit Home Run Derby in Yankee stadium. Moments of greatness.

Hamilton struck out. Some guy name Morneu won this year - already forgot what team he plays for. I need to get to bed. Some spreadsheet is calling my name in the morning. What I will not forget is that Texas ranger who picked his 71 year old little league coach to give him pitches. A guy that thanks God after he loses his derby chances. A guy who just had a moment of greatness.

Extended Guys Weekend - Part Deux

2008-07-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

We had our second annual guys weekend out this past week in Atlanta (The "A") and it was a blast. The genesis of this blog began 1 year ago during 1st annual guys weekend - so the updates that you see today that include pics of Pace and other random thoughts are due, in large part to this annual trip.

Below includes top ten list for the 2nd Annual Guys Weekend:

10: Gracie May executing Barry Sanders-like moves on the Chattahoochee

9: The intense Nintendo wii regimen

8: Going to Braves game and watching guy with push mower mow the outfield - obviously not a corporate manager

7: Pace talking trash to Bill while playing pool

6: Going through 115 degree kitchen only to find out that the belly dancers will not perform that night

5: Patrick mastering Guitar Hero on the first try

4: Clark's shorts of many colors that his mama sewed for him

3: Our 3ft fireworks extravaganza that was unable to compete with the neighbors

2: Going to "quaint" bar in Kennesaw - hoping to view wine list and ultimately learning the soldier boy dance

1: Patrick realizing that all refugees from Bad Boy Kennelz can never be fully rehabilitated

We all had a blast and this trip, once again, helped me realize how truly lucky I am to have such solid friendships with these guys. Looking forward to next year. I believe Philly is in the rotation.

Thanks for reading!

Pace at Camp Widjiwagan

2008-06-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Spending some time here in Nashville with the folks on Father's Day and wanted to reach out to the blog community and give a shout out to all the Proud Papas out there. I cannot possibly put to words the influence my Dad has had over my life. Family focus and Community (Church, Neighborhood, and Work) are elements that I grew up seeing in Dad and try to emulate often. Dad and Mom both have taught me that the greatest status symbol today is not the iPhone, not the zip code in which you live and not what is parked in your driveway.......the greatest status symbol today is a long term marriage.

Thank you Dad for doing what you do best - being a tremendous Dad and Granddad.

The 3G iPhone and Malignant Tumors

2008-06-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Normally this would be a light week as Pace is at Camp Widjiwagan. Thank God for Apple during the long days of Summer.

First of all - Congrats again to Apple for continuing to push the envelope by developing tremendous products that are sexy and rich in innovative features that everyone dreams about. $200 for an iPhone....are you kidding me?

In my younger, impulse buying days, I would have been one of those first guys waiting in line to pay $600 for the phone. I resisted and for almost a year now have peered over the shoulders of others at restaurants, ball games and work watching the technologically advanced - surf the web, make a phone call, show pictures of their cat and listen to Kanye West all at the same time. I have looked at these people with envy and disgust. No doubt that I am a hypocrite. Pace wants nothing to do with clothes from Target. Limited Too and Justice are the only retailers that "work" for Pace. While I tell her that Target has the same quality/same style at lower prices.... she wants nothing to do with the red bullseye. The Nokias, Motorola Razor, and the Blackberries of the world are my Target. The Apple iPhone is the new status symbol of 2008 and I want one so badly I can taste the microchips.

July 11 - I am there. Apple Store, eBay, AT&T store, or street corner - I will have a 3G iPhone.

From a stock market standpoint, it is common to buy on the rumor and sell on the news. While I have never understood this concept - I thought Apple would be bulletproof. 3G, new applications, slashing the price by $200, going live with the new network in 22 countries on July 11. No way would the market respond negatively to this news. The stock was down 5% at the close.

The stock is at $180 now and I wanted to take out a second mortgage and buy. I got home and wanted to immediately see Steve Jobs roll out this beauty of a product. In reading the interviews and looking at his presentation that day - one thing immediately stuck almost like a beige Dell next to an iMac.

Steve Jobs looked horrible. Pale, shallow cheek bones and shoulder bones clearly visible through his trademark black turtle neck. His voice was weak. The man who had risen to great heights, single handily crashed and burn and then rose again to lead one of the greatest corporate turn around stories in American history now looked vulnerable and weak again. On Wednesday - Apple issued a press release that Steve was suffering from a common virus and was taking antibiotics to recover.

In 2004 Steve Jobs had a malignant tumor removed from his Pancreas. This information was not released until Jobs was recovering from surgery at his home in Palo Alto. Jobs sent an email to all Apple employees almost in the same tone that he had a Dentist appt and would be late to work.

In the Sarbane Oxley, check and balance corporate culture that we all live and work in - men of Steve Job's elk are truly an endangered species. I am in awe of his innovative spirit and respect his need for privacy but with so much weight on one man's shoulders, the stockholders must be given timely and accurate information regarding the health of Steve Jobs.

Thanks for reading!

Summer Begins and Other Rants

2008-05-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here (well not officially but from an 8 and a 31 year olds perspective - summer has arrived)

Pace had a great year at school and finished strong winning two awards - one in Physical Education and the other in Music
David Cook wins American Idol. My vote went to Carrie Underwood....what an outfit! I wish she knew my last name was Stephenson. Her mom would not be ashamed....
The Oil Bubble - Never thought it would cost $60 to fill up my Altima...but here we are. I believe like dot com, housing, banking - the oil bubble will pop, but not yet. This is the energy tipping point in American history. Before this bubble pops my hope is America will continue to focus and become energy independent. The speed at which we see these changes will amaze us all if fuel continues to be above $3.50/gallon. In the mean time - check out the GM Volt.

Thanks for reading!

GOALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

A welcome change at Rocky Top

2008-04-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Great article from Chris Low at ESPN regarding the new offensive coordinator - Dave Clawson:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3366239

A few deceiving stats in 2007:

- 32 points/game

One of two teams in SEC to have:
- 3000 yard passer
- 1000 yard receiver
- 1000 yard rusher

At the end of the day - UT was 9th in the SEC in total rush offense. This is their bread and butter. If UT was at a top 5 rushing offense in SEC for 2007 - Ainge would be going in the first round.

Welcome to Rocky Top Dave.

No Country and Furniture

2008-04-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Couple of thoughts this week.

Just had a counter top installed. Looks great. Not sure if you can see Pace's shiner on her left eye. Pace had a fight with a coffee table and ultimately lost. Accidents like this only happen while at dad's house.

Saw No Country for Old Men last night. Overall a good movie -but do not quite understand all the hype - not sure why it won all those awards. Very dark and disturbing. I believe the theme is predator vs prey. At any given time - we can be one or the other. There is probably a deeper message in there somewhere.

1Q08 Results

2008-04-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

The 1st quarter (calendar) has come and gone. Time to do a status check of earlier entry recommending the following stocks: Tivo, The Home Depot, and Clorox have all been tracked and here are the results:

HD - +15%
TIVO - +15%
CLX - -10%

Thinking Clorox would have been my safest play...turned out it was my poorest performer. If you had 10K to invest at the beginning of the year and invested in these stocks (equally) you would be $600 richer. If you had invested in the S&P you would be $500 poorer. My analysis is little more then emotion and throwing at a dart board - but YTD my picks yield a 11% positive swing compared to the S&P.

Of course one could have selected the gold index and been up 20% YTD.

Thanks for reading.

Bloggers Block

2008-03-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

No other excuse for my over 1 month hiatus but bloggers block. For those of you who read and do not have a blog - you cannot possibly understand. The pressure for fresh content is intense. Here is a brief recap of what has happened in the last month through a Stephenson's eyes:

Biggest scare this month was Pace having Pneumonia. Pace had a cough and the sniffles for a very long while and I thought that it would simply pass. She then had a fever that would not subside. After a fearful night of a 103 temp - I took her to the doctor. Pneumonia. She then received 4 shots over the next two days in her legs. Next time Pace sneezes - she will go to the doctor.

We had a pretty big scare with the ATL tornado last weekend. I live 20 miles north of the ATL and was not directly hit (though we did hear the tornado sirens in our neighborhood). Tremendous damage to the GA dome, Omini/CNN Center, Equity Building and the Cabbagetown Loft Condos. A miracle that no one was killed. The SEC tournament was playing during this time. Two teams were playing (Kentucky/AR I believe) right before the storm hit. One of the players hit a 2 pt jumper forcing the game into overtime. If he had not made that shot - over 20,000 people would have flooded outside the dome and been put in serious peril. Truly Amazing. Also a true shout out to GA for managing that disaster and winning 3 games in 48 hours to go on and win the championship.

One of my good friends came into town last weekend - Anthony..With his wife and son (Bobbi and KC). We went to six flags and had a blast. Pace is not quite tall enough for the big rides (Batman and Goliath) - so while they waited in line for these rides - Pace and I played games. I probably spent over $100 on games and won $3 worth of prizes. These prizes will also be on the next donation pickup. Junk.
I also need to give a well deserved update on Gracie. She has outgrown the hole digging, house chewing and running through the neighborhood like a wild banshee. I am biased - but I believe she is one of the smartest dogs in Cobb county. She follows these commands with ease 1 - "Crate"(goes to her crate) 2 - "wheres your toy" ( she gets ball or toy to play with) 3 - "Are you hungry" (she runs to the room where her food sits) 4 - "Sit". We love this dog and are so fortunate that she is party of 2064 Jockey Hollow Court.

This is all I have for now - thanks for reading!

Self Portraits

2008-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing to write this week....so thought I would include a few self portraits.

How Lofton Got His Groove Back

2008-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

I remember watching the TN/Ohio State Game.......it was getting close in the second half. The buckeyes had just scored on a fast break....the ball was inbounded by Chisim. Chisim passed the ball into Lofton who had his backed turned. The ball hit off the back of Lofton and then lifelessly bounced out of bounds.....The truth is the pre-All American did not want the ball. He had not really wanted the ball all season. Lofton seemed content to see the Chisims and the Princes of the world take over a team that he had so successfully guided in years past.

Somewhere in the off season...in all of the returning to San-Antonio hype...the All American hype, Lofton encountered a foe much bigger then a contested 3 pointer - the beast between his ears.

The VOLs traveled to Kentucky the next week to play a disappointing Wildcat team. No need to even mention the history here and the fact that the "Mr Kentucky" basketball did not even get a phone call to try out for the Wildcats. Lofton went 5-10 from 3 point land breaking the all-time SEC record for 3s and scoring his more typical 22 points that game. Nothing like a home-coming to get some of that Lofton mojo back. The VOLs lost that night and Lofton had lost his bid for Mr. All American much earlier this season but what happened at Kentucky could be the missing link to make this a very very special March Madness for the Vol Nation.

New Addition to the Family

2008-01-27T15:41:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago Pace stayed over at one of her good friends - Renee's. Renee has a Gecko and of course Pace was captivated. A few weeks of pleading and negotiating - Pace and I went to Petco to pick up a Pet - a Gecko which we later named Peyton (check out all those Ps). The real catalyst for the Gecko purchase was one excellent Parent/Teacher conference. Great report. Pace is hitting her stride at Bullard.
I have to be honest - so far this Gecko has been a bore. I have never seen him once outside of his rock. Geckos are nocturnal...I have even made a point to wake up in the middle of the night expecting to see some hustle and bustle. Maybe eating on his crickets or worms. Maybe climbing on his driftwood or admiring the well-positioned plants. Nothing. Under a rock. Once you unplug the lamps, and open the aquarium he is fun to hold. The care booklet advises in bold that before and after handling of the Gecko must be accompanied by a solid hand washing. Otherwise you may be exposed to salmonella. Geesh.

Stocks I like for 2008

2008-01-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Tivo (TIVO) - I am heavy in tech this year. Regardless of economy, if the product is innovative, the masses have a technology thirst that cannot be quenched. This stock I also like because it could be a buyout candidate. Apple continues to push for more and more space in your entertainment center - and was not successful with it's iTV product. A user friendly product that has legions of loyal fans would be perfect fit for Apple that is sitting on piles of cash.

The Home Depot (THD) - I liked it at $38....I REALLY like it at $25. No doubt I am a homer here. Current price already has like 100% recession built in. Only upside from here.

The Clorox Company (CLX) - I have no idea what this economy will do in 08 (election, housing, etc) but I do believe CLX to be a pretty safe bet whatever happens. This company is a consistent performer in down periods.

I will track these stocks over the next year to see how they perform against the S&P. Thanks for reading!

2007 - Year End Review

2008-01-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

Pace and I just wrapped up the holidays and what a tremendous holiday season it was. I received the more functional gifts - (which I need and am very thankful) and Pace...well it looks like a Hannah Montanna factory exploded near the Christmas tree.

As I reflect on the year - one thing that sticks out above all others is that I am more cognisant then ever of my age. I am near 31 and I know many who are reading this are much older and chuckle at this reference but hear me out:

In the pool this past summer, Pace was on my shoulders. Instead of her usual launch she paused. "Dad you have no hair growing in the center of your head" jump and then splash.

My back now hurts from Pace jumping off my shoulders this past summer

I remember very easily running a 5K in under 20 mins. I am not sure if I could run a 5K in under 30 minutes now

More pain relievers have creeped onto my bathroom counter and night stand

I have taken more of a keen interest in my parents $60/bottle health juices and I too believe there are health benefits

I can now appreciate the benefits of "master on the main"

I am not a Toby Keith fan but enjoy one of his recent songs: " I am not as good as I once was.... but I am as good once as I ever was"

Overall it has been a very good year. Pace is doing well and growing into a well-rounded young girl, work is challenging and fulfilling, and last but not least, my blog viewership surpassed the 1000 mark in November. Thank you for reading and I hope your wishes and goals for 2008 are the very least you receive.

One of these things just doesn't belong here

2007-12-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

This past week my folks celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations mom and dad! You guys have set the standard.

Some people in this world get "it" and some people simply do not. I want to move my focus to someone who simply does not get "it" in this category.....Bruce Pearl

Not certain if I have been living under a rock the past several months...or if I have simply been drinking the Bruce Pearl kool-aid - but I just found out that Bruce and his lovely bride filed for divorce in September of this past year....weeks before their 25 year anniversary. Being the studious kind of guy that I am...I googled this news-worthy event and BAM!

Bruce - Was the size 2, ride on the lake and the Chick Fila worth it? By now this girl has gone back to Kingsport to spend time with her 23 year old beau who works at smoothie king and has a life time pass to Golds Gym. You are a distant memory. A photo shoot....a story she will tell her friends while eating at Sonic. And you...the one woman who loved you on the most intimate of levels is gone and has lost all faith in the institution of marriage. You gave up a bottle of fine wine for a 12 ounce can of Coke Zero.

You are a role model Bruce. Now some of those kids that play so hard for you are beginning to scratch their heads. Maybe their father left their mother for a bright shiny object. Now they know your true colors Bruce.

When the game is on the line....down two to Vanderbilt...how hard are your young men going to play now?

What I think.....I think

2007-12-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am never going to step foot in the Georgia Dome again. The VOLs are 1-3 when I attend

I have switched back to Comcast. Direct TV Service was poor and an eye sore protruding from my house

Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year. Pure. With family, eating, and watching football. Too much stress and pageantry on all other holidays.

Hawaii should be in the BCS national title game. Regardless of schedule - a division 1 undefeated should leapfrog a division one two time loser

Will the real Chris Lofton please stand up

I went to Target today and bought the following: 1) A lava lamp for Pace (shh -Xmas) 2) Blueberry Naked Juice 3) Bananas 4) Frozen Pizza 5) Socks. What other retailer can make that happen?

Fred Thompson needs to up his game if he is going to make a dent. I read somewhere he is married to a woman who is 20 years his junior......well done Fred. Well done.

We start season 2 of church league basketball tomorrow. We hope to do better then our 2-10 record last year. Maybe Chris Lofton will show up

After charging me $35/night to watch Gracie. Pet Play Place had the gall to ask me if I wanted to get Gracie a 15 minute doggie massage for $15. I am in the wrong business.

Saw Cool Hand Luke over the holidays. If you have not seen this one....please check it out soon. A classic movie about a rebel/non conformist in a 1960s chain gang.....or is Luke a Christ-like figure preaching to his disciples while continuing to move forward when beat down? Check it out.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING - From the Stephenson Family

2007-11-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

B*rry

2007-11-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

BeforeAfter
This guy disgusts me. Goes from 35 homers one year to 70 something the next. A great player in his own right before this white cream mess - a Hall of Fame first round inductee. Now, because of his greed, he has almost single-handily ruined the hard work of a generation MLB players.

This week Barry was indicted on obstruction of justice and perjury. The tragedy in all of this is that these charges came a year late. Hank Aaron saw his no cream, no creatine, no personal trainers and no cute smoothies home run record get taken away by this chump. Poof.

Barry's bad decisions have already defined him as a baseball player. Bud Selig can define himself as the commissioner of MLB Baseball by expunging the B*rry records.

Chicken Wraps and 2x4s

2007-11-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Difficult to read any headline that does not mention the housing crisis. Many markets experiencing up to 30% declines. Financial houses where CEOs are leaving with their tails tucked between their legs after having to write off hundreds of millions in bad debt. Beazer Homes just slashed 25% of its work force and stated that home inventory and order cancellations are both at all time highs. The list goes on and on and on.

It is difficult to put on the apron every day under these conditions. Compounded by a bad housing market, The Home Depot got lost in a panacea of rock-star CEOs, bad strategies, and focusing on the next metric/the next store versus the next customer.

Let's take a step back. 10 years ago - McDonalds became involved in everything from children's clothing to other dining concepts (Boston Market). Meanwhile the cash cow (burgers and fries) ultimately suffered. The golden arch began to tarnish with restaurants that were dirty and a menu that was stale.

Have you been to a mickey ds lately? MCD has sold off the Boston Market Brand, stopped the McKids Clothing line and focused on the core burger and fry. The stores and menu have all been updated. I have had more chicken snack wraps in the last three months then I have eaten at MCD in the last 5 years.

Enter the largest home improvement store in the world.

Lowes has taken market share....Ace Hardware is a pesky fruit fly at the dinner table.

Every morning when Lowes and Ace wake up - they wake up wanting to be The Home Depot. Home Depot remains king in the home improvement industry. But THD did lose focus. Commercial maintenance, six sigma, and ridiculous salaries is not what built this great brand. Low prices and superior customer service made this company what it is today.

The stock is trading at 52 week lows - the housing market is a mess. It is always darkest before the dawn. The PE ratio is below 10.

The company is in the middle of one of the largest stock buy backs in history, selling off parts of the business that are non-core Orange Box, updating stores, and focusing on one customer at a time. Buy this stock for the long term and you will not be disappointed.

Mustang Ranch

2007-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend Pace's Girl Scout Troop went to Mustang Ranch in North Ga. The girls rotated between three stations: Face Painting, Grooming a horse....excuse me a mustang, and riding a mustang. The guy that owned mustang ranch must have been one of the last cowboys in Georgia. I would put his knowledge about mustangs, quarter horses, ponies and Spanish horses up against anybody. A few fun facts about mustangs:

Mustangs are a type of wild horse originally bred by the Native Americans
Mustangs still run wild in many parts of the US but are slowly becoming more domesticated as urban sprawl continues
One can adopt a mustang from Land Management for between $150 -$300. A quarter horse can be purchased for $2000 - $4000
Mustangs, as a rule, have more of bond with their owners versus any other horse
Many believe that part of the increase in wildfires in CA is due to Mustangs no longer being able to graze on the growth in the CA forests

8

2007-10-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Pace turned the big 8 on the 29th. What a wonderful trip it has been and will continue to be. Words cannot really describe how proud I am of Pace and her growth over the past 8 years so I will spare you my attempts at any type of eloquent filler.

I am convinced though that it is more difficult to raise an 8 year old today then at any other point in history. We live in a more information rich - narcissistic world then ever. Helping Pace find balance and realizing that bigger things exist other then Tivo and Limited Too is crucial to her development. I am but one spoke in the development wheel. Pace's mom, school, community, and church are all keys to her successful life journey.

Of course we had a Hannah Montanna themed party. While I was truly spent on Sunday after having 7 girls stay at the house - I do believe this to be the most successful b'day party yet for Pace. Marin drove much of the planning for this party and did a great job. Take a look at a few of the pics:

Time to Catch Up

2007-10-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Let me first apologize for lack of updates. The past month has been very hectic....... like a one eyed cat watching two mouse holes.

I will use this entry with pics from the recent weeks events. But first - let me give a heart-felt shout-out to Erin and Bill for the Birth of their very healthy baby Boy Carter. Looking forward to seeing Carter and watching the Langston family grow.

The following pics are from mainly two events:

The GA/TN Game - The Vols were Jeckyl during this game and played well. Just saw the Hyde Vols this past weekend play Alabama. Two pics: 1 - A pic of Pace and Kara. Kara is a nice girl I met on the strip at the UT/GA game. Wanting to talk to her...I asked Pace to ask her if the two of them could take their picture together. Worked like a charm. (Kidding - this is Ben's girlfriend - good to catch up with the bro and his friends who, by the way , throw a heck of tailgate). 2- A pic of two folks from the band who came up to section YY to energize the crowd. Pace took this picture and it looks great!

Sandestin - Pace and I took the annual trip to Sandestin and had a great time - hopefully these pics will fill you in. 4 Pics: 1: Alligator - Walking along the rough resort area Pace and I ran into an alligator. I immediately wrestled the alligator, wrapped its snout with black tape and then went to the nearest photographer. Crisis averted

2: Pace and the ocean - I am convinced that a prettier beach does not exist. 3: Pace, Taylor, and I - Taylor is an 18 year old parrot that we are sure to visit and say hello every year.

4: My folks: hip as ever sitting on the white sands of Destin.

Thanks for viewing!

Cookie Jar

2007-09-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

You can't blame me said the media man - I am not the one who came up with the plan. I just point my camera at what the people want to see. It's a two way street, you can't blame me. Cookie Jar - Jack Johnson

On the way to church last Sunday - Pace and I were listening to the Disney Channel. Vanessa Hudgins was singing (for those of you who do not know, Vanessa Hudgins is one of the super- stars on High School Musical).

Typical Sunday for Pace and me. After church we grab a Moes burrito.

So we are listening to Vanessa and the conversation goes something like this:

P: Dad you know that Vanessa Hudgins was fired from Disney?
R: No - had not heard
P: Yeah she sent naked pictures of herself over the Internet to a boy and Disney fired her
R: No - that cannot be true.
P: It is true. Emily said her sister read it over the Internet and Jack heard the same story on Q100
R: Well surely that is not true

It is true. Vanessa may get her job back because she has made billions for Disney.

My 7 year old now knows that one of her pop idols sent naked pictures to a boy over the Internet. Kids have so much information at their fingertips. Unfiltered. More so then any other generation. Scary. Pace and I going to Destin this week. No TV.

Football Rant

2007-09-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in earlier post that Cal was the strongest offense TN would see all year. I was wrong. Florida beat TN like a drum.....like that drummer from Def Leppard had two arms.

Fulmer has a stellar record at UT (138-43) but productivity has slipped the last 4 years and I am beginning to wonder if the program needs to cut down the Johnny Majors tree and begin looking for some fresh talent.

I heard guy on the radio make a similar point. He mentioned that the last 20 years,this fine democracy in the US has been run by two families - Bush and Clinton. Johnny Majors and his descendants have been at UT for the last 30 years. The US cannot afford to to have a Clinton for another 4 years and the Vol Nation cannot afford to have Phil for another 4. Time to elect a new coaching staff.

It could be worse...I could be writing a blog about Notre Dame.

I have never been a big Bill Belichick fan - his attitude toward the press, his slobbish attire at football games and now this video tape soap opera. His condoned actions have tainted that entire organization. One has to wonder if when he is sitting on his back porch (drink in hand reflecting) - if this is something that will even cross his mind. At the end of the day - all one has is his/her moral compass. The Belichick compass is shot.

Fifteen Dollars

2007-09-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

I remember it almost like it was yesterday..... Pace and I walking through the Marietta Square. This little old lady (Skirt down to ankles, black socks, sprout of hair peaking out from her chin) had one little black wrinkle in her arm. Upon closer inspection we determined that it was the cutest 8 week old puppy you had ever seen. We played with what we assumed was this little old lady's (a retired nurse) puppy. After a few minutes of exchanging pleasantries the little old lady said that this was her last puppy and she would sell it to us for $15.

Pace and I then began walking to the ATM. On the way I remember telling her how much responsibility a puppy is and how we need to work together to help raise her. Unfortunately Pace's piggy bank could not support Gracie May. I have never seen so much destruction from a 40 lb animal in my life. Here are a few pics:

We often hear about the vet bills, the carpet cleaning bills, and the occasional furniture chew that a dog may bring to the household. But the house? Windows, Siding, and gutters have all witnessed the wrath of Gracie. When a dog is outside - she should chase rabbits, moths and roll around the grass. Not our Gracie May.

Week in Review

2007-09-06T19:55:00.001-07:00

- Pavoritti passed away this week - tried very hard to translate his lyrics to his more popular songs and break them down for you. Damn near impossible to find that service on the web. I have added a little diddy here with James Brown and Pavoritti that I think you will Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCIyzNISw1Q

- Last week the pool table arrived. This week Gracie chewed to pieces the eight ball rack.

- Apple continues to put out new products at a break-neck pace....but they caused a near revolt lowering the price of the iphone by $200. Good move by Steve Jobs to issue apology and offer $100 credit. One pays to be cutting edge.

- UT got off on the wrong foot this past weekend with a loss to the Cal Bears. Couple of very high level thoughts here:

Cal will most likely be the best offense the Vols will see this year
Ainge has had a career where he has only been operating on 4 or 5 cylinders and not all 6. A healthy Ainge for 3 years and we would be talking about him going in top three QB picks in 08 draft
It could be worse - UT could have lost to App State

Pool Table Arrives

2007-08-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

The pool table arrived this week. The table fills the space quite nicely and should be a welcome addition to the Stephenson household. This is more then a pool table that fills a room - it is a symbol that further establishes my re-entry into bachelorhood. It was a toss up between a pool table or a stripper pole in the foyer. The alternative would have been difficult to explain to Pace and the HOA. Pace and I have already played a few games.....right before we break...I tell her to get on the bus because she is going back to school.
One other note of interest:

- Richard Jewell passed away today. Richard Jewell was a part time security guard who, after urging everyone to leave the area when he identified a suspicious package during 1996 Olympics, became the prime suspect for a crime he did not commit. The media trashed this guy - he lost his job and spent months trying to clear his name. He died of natural causes. One has to wonder if the stress from this event ultimately caused some of the sickness that he latter suffered.

The Week In Review

2007-08-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

Overall a good week at Jockey Hollow. A few highlights:

- Pace completed her first week of school and is enjoying getting back into the routine. Because she is a big second grader - she is now on the lower floor of school. Apparently this is where all the bigger, mature, more sophisticated kids hang out at Bullard. I remember having similar "status" ambitions in elementary, Jr high, high school and college. Now it is more like a office, a bigger 401k/college fund and a lake or mountain house. No matter what level we achieve - we want more.

- Mitt Romney comes to the Varsity. For those of you that have visited me in the ATL you know that I love to take folks to the Varsity. Apparently Mitt recognizes the local appeal as well. This is not a political blog - so I will spare you the detail about his successes in private equity, his strong family values, and his support for the troop surge.

- Brooke Astor passing away at 105. In the same week that reports came out that Americans barely crack the top ten in the world with respect to life expectancy - Brooke Astor passed away at 105. She was married to the heirs of John Jacob Astor - first US millionaire who made his wealth from furs. Even more interesting is that, in her life time, Brooke Astor donated over $200M to New York City Arts. She often said: "Money is like Manure...it should be spread around." Well said.

- On Wednesday night Pace, Courtney and I went to a Braves game. Braves vs San Fran Giants. Great game. Bonds hit a home run, Cox was thrown out, and the Braves won. She had many questions about Bonds. How do you tell the story of Barry Bonds to your seven year old daughter? Is he a cheater (though nothing has been publicly proven and he has received no suspension from baseball), is he one of the greatest athletes that we will see in our lifetime who sometimes has a bad attitude? I am going to dust off the blog survey and would love to hear your thoughts.

- I purchased a pool table this weekend. It will fill the void that is my dining room. While I am removing the gymnastics space that Pace uses often - The pool table should work well and allow me to be a little more social on Jockey Hollow this upcoming football season.

- No pictures this week - but will do better next update.

First Day of School

2007-08-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of school for Pace. I had grandiose plans of giving you a picture of Pace right before she was about to catch the bus (she did not like the idea of me walking her to the classroom) but the bus came early and we had to do a mad dash just to make it. So no early morning pic with her in her outfit and her book bag. This is a pic after her first day of school chilling with a few friends.

Camp Widjiwagan and Bob Nardelli

2007-08-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

This is why I love blogs. There are many articles on the web right now discussing Bob Nardelli and you may even find a few web sites on Camp Widjiwagan. Nowhere, however, will you find Bob Nardelli and Camp Widjiwagan in the same title.

Several weeks ago Pace spent two weeks at Camp Widjiwagan - a YMCA camp in Nashville. I gave her a disposable camera and here are some of the pics. She did an excellent job. She rode horses, went swimming (lake and pool), archery, and much more. We love this camp and look forward to going back next year.

Yesterday - Chrysler (now private with Cerberus Capital Management) made the announcement that Bob Nardelli would be CEO under the struggling automaker .

Nardelli is a bulldog. His GE background will allow Chrysler to stop the bleeding by focusing on manufacturing and streamlining the overall Supply Chain. He is also very fortunate that, by being private, no longer has to please wall street analysts or a multitude of stockholders. His command and control techniques will work.......for the first six months. The real challenges lie ahead. How will he respond to Union contracts? More importantly - how is he going to innovate? You can six sigma a plant in Lansing Michigan all day long but how do you put a product on the road that people will want to buy? In the same way that Nardelli ultimately lost track of the customer experience at Home Depot....he could easily let innovation continue to fall short at Chyrsler. Companies that fail to sincerely innovate will die a slow death. Dell, Microsoft, and Walmart need innovation chemotherapy. Stock buy backs and dividend increases only buy time and indicate an overall inability to innovate.

2nd Annual Crawdaddy Hunt

2007-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

We have a creek that runs through our back yard (Butler Creek). Last year we stumbled upon a crawdaddy while walking through the creek, took it to show and tell and made a goal to catch at least one crawdaddy a year.

We ventured out today....nets and all.

We had a great time and even ran into a Georgia Copperhead. Ultimately we came up empty handed on the crawdaddy, but the summer is not yet over......

"Pit Bulls Need Hugs.....Not Thugs"

2007-07-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

It is almost as if.....

Michael Vick went to a committee. A committee that specializes in ending careers. Let's call it the Career Ending Committee (CEC). Here is how that conversation probably went:

Vick: I am making 10M a year...endorsements left and right.... The ATL is like putty in my hands. What do I need to do to throw it all away?

CEC: Have you tried flipping off the fans after a loss?

Vick: Yes - I continue to show blatant disregard to my fan base. My jersey remains the hottest selling in the NFL

CEC: What about giving a nurse an STD?

Vick: Check. A few bad articles in the paper. A mention on PTI. Something more damaging please.

CEC: How did the water bottle with the secret marijuana compartment work out for you?

Vick: Getting warmer. I am starting to wear on my city and the sports nation. I need a finale

CEC: Have your cousins continue to receive welfare but buy them a 500K house. Then develop a state of the art kennel. Call it Bad Boys Kennels. You can then become a major hub for illegal dog fighting. Oh yeah....finance everything under your name, make a few appearances, and bet a few thousand dollars on a few dogs. For the under-performing weak animals, be present when many are killed. Not put to sleep....much too humane. Drown, shoot, and even electrocute the animals.

Vick: Bingo. Thank you.

What bothers me most in this poltically correct world in which we live is that many folks on sports radio are making this a race issue. A "racial divide in Atlanta." Please. More like an iq divide. If lily white Peyton Manning had these type accusations the blog would be the same.

Identity Crisis

2007-07-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

I often struggle with the overall mission of the Jockey Hollow blog. Should the blog focus on family pics..... should the blog be free flow thoughts on what I see while flipping through the channels......does my blog have a political bone in its blog body......maybe my blog should offer investing advice? These and other blog thoughts often run through my head.

The answer is probably somewhere in the middle.

A melting pot, if you will, of the blog universe. I have constructed my first blog poll - your input (mom and dad) is appreciated. I wanted to link one hilarious video from the Will Ferrel crew called "The Landlord." For those looking for family pics - this link is not for you:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/74

57 Channels and Nothing On

2007-07-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was flipping through the channels the other day (Pace has been at camp/grandparents the last two weeks - so things have been a little slow) and I was able to watch Pete Sampras get inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. Couple of thoughts here :

- The International Tennis Hall of Fame is in Newport, RI.....Why Newport, RI?

- I enjoy playing tennis (huge tennis community in the ATL) - but I do not follow the pro circuit and would have a hard time telling you who the top 5 tennis players are in the world. The players are not exciting. Gone are the days of John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, or even Andre Aggassi. Pete Sampras always struck me as an extreme talent who could not take advantage of the Cannon endorsements or even getting a book deal after a horrible divorce with his wife (McEnroe). Because Pete did not have this flash - in his prime he was probably one of the most highly ranked players (in any sport - 7 Wimbledon Titles!) who often sat on the border of obscurity.

So as I came across this channel, I was more intrigued with the Newport, RI question then with Pete Sampras. I soon became drawn to Pete. You could see how incredibly humbled he was to be inducted into the most hallowed of tennis circles. The camera panned to his family. If he had one family member in Newport then he had 60. Great Sampras turnout. Pete was VERY emotional in his acceptance speech and I often wondered if he would be able to finish. He thanked his family for all the sacrifice - the tennis camps, practices, schools, pros, etc. He thanked his fans. In the end he simply said..."I am a tennis player....nothing more....nothing less. That is more then enough for me. It always has been" He then walked off the stage. At that point Peter Sampras transcended all book and endorsement deals.

The Lone Star State and Good Country People

2007-07-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Last week - I put away my orange apron and headed to Texas.

Mark, Steve and I all went to see Bill and Erin in the Dallas/Ft Worth Area. Realizing that Bill will soon "go dark" after Langston Jr arrives - we wanted to catch up. I could write a book on the events that took place during this week, but I will spare my blog community (mom and dad) all the details by focusing on one event.....Shiner, TX.

Shiner, TX is of course home to Shinerbock brewery. Being the beer connoisseurs that we are, we had to pencil this trip into our agenda. We arrived in Shiner at around 4....realizing that the last "official" tour given was a 2:30. We were able to talk our way into a last minute tour with other beer-loving stragglers and learned quite a bit. One memorable detail of the tour: Shinerbock was, in fact, a very local brew never making it out of TX from the early 1900s to the 1980s. After being purchased the new owner decided to increase prices and market the beer as a premium brew, in line with many of the imports. Sales took off and the beer is now in 39 states and growing. Genius.

We bought a souvenir, spent our wooden nickels, and were ready to head back to Austin. On the way out we wanted to get one last taste of the local Shiner institutions. After getting a recommendation we headed to Howards for a few more brewskys. Howard is, no doubt, the modern day entrepreneur. In one building he had a gas station, bar, video rental, bait shop, and a beer garden. Howard is also a dentist. We drank with the locals at Howards and had a blast. We also ran into one incredibly nice couple that then invited the four of us back to their place for grilled sausage. I was dumbfounded by the generosity of this couple - to invite 4 random guys to their home who, hours ago, they did not no from Adams Cat was phenomenal. We came to Shiner for the incredible beer and left remembering the generosity of this tiny community.

Thanks for visiting and look for updates next week.

Welcome!

2007-07-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first exposure to the blog world. Hopefully this will be vehicle for family and friends to receive and send updates on the Stephenson family. Look for weekly updates!