GAME DAY COUNTDOWN

There are 4 days, 21 hours, 58 minutes, and 52 seconds left until the action begins, on ESPN! More importantly, is the dearth of wager discussions by my Mississippi State acquaintances. Those guys are scared, as well they should be. The poem to the right was given to me by a friend of my nephew, who resides in Baton Rouge. This friend is a freshman this Fall and she will be attending games in the student section, for the first time. That experience is tantamount to riding a roller coaster for the first time.

For those of you who do not know this about me: "Hi, I am Scooter and I'm a College Football addict." I watch games both on TV and in person, follow recruiting and love to party in traditional bayou tailgate fashion!! Cooking at these parties is definitely my speciality, true to my heritage...along with the beverage consumption, of course.

More notably, is the experience of a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. If you haven't been there, it is very difficult to explain...95,000 screaming Cajun yahoos, the electricity and the smell of bourbon in the air is other worldly. It gives me goose bumps, just thinking about it. It provides visitors an empathetic feel for what the Christians "gladiators" experienced, being sent by Cesar to their demise in the Roman Coliseum. This is especially true when 'Bama or Those Nasty Gators from Florida roll into BR town.

These games are comparable to tribal warfare. It sounds like a great time, doesn't it? Only when your team wins. Losing coaches frequently finds "For Sale" signs hammered into their lawn on Sunday mornings, following these bigger games.

Anyway, this is the beginning of The Tigers' march to the BCS National Championship Game. I would love nothing more than to put a spanking on those USC Trojan Wussies, for their "shuck and give action," back in 2003. However, we'll just have to wait until January for that to come to fruition. We should start a second countdown clock for that game, as well.

I can hear The Drum Cadences rumbling, right now: http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=177310&SPID=2544&SPSID=31765

As you may have already deduced...trash talk comes cheap relative to discussions of playing on The Old Gridiron, in The SEC.

Fun With Vino and Cheese

I always seem to lose these notes, following one of these events. So, I decided to post them so that does not continue to be an issue...

Wine Tasting Notes

"I drink it when I’m Happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I’m thirsty.” Madame Lily Bollinger, founder of Bollinger Champagnes

WINE (with CHEESE PAIRING, below)

White:

Charles Shaw, Two Buck Chuck

Just Kidding… BTW, this is a very good, everyday type of wine. For the price, there is no better Chard, Cab or Merlot (Yes, contrary to Sideways, there will always be Merlot lovers).

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2006

Concentrated and complex, with vivid passion fruit, grapefruit and tangy peach flavors. Vibrant minerality and tangy lime juice acidity keep thumping through the finish. Wine Spectator: 92 points

Fromage: Brie, Cow, France

Incognito, Viognier, Lodi, 2005

The appearance is light straw, with a greenish tint. It has aromas of peach, cold blossoms, and noble apricot. The mouth feel is creamy, smooth, weighty, medium-bodied and tart, and the mouth filling peaches and cream flavors are joined by a big warm kick in the glass. Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

Fromage: Humboldt Fog, Goat, California

Treana, Viognier/Marsanne, Central Coast, Mer Soleil Vineyard, 2004

This wine displays the elegant varietal characteristics of Viognier and Marsanne. This alluring blend offers floral aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and jasmine followed by ripe flavors of stone fruit with rich honey overtones. High-toned citrus notes and a solid minerality lend excellent balance. The mouthfeel is lush and full with a broad mid-palate while bright acidity cleans the palate and lends ease and versatility to food-pairing. Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

Fromage: Comte, Cow, France

Red:

A to Z, Sangiovese Rose, Oregon, 2006

This beautiful pink/magenta Rose with inviting aromas are full of fresh pure strawberries, watermelon (yes…watermelon) raspberries, cherries, wildflowers, herbs de Provence and what the French call petit fruits rouge with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This stunning wine is juicy, bright and lush at the same time, finishing clean and crisp. Great for hot Texas days.
Scooter Speak: 90 points

Fromage: Mimolette, Cow, France

Belles Soeurs, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir, 2003

Supple, silky and generous. Not a huge wine, but has enormous flavors, from raspberry to cherry to smoky spice and weaving in floral and mineral notes, persisting on the long, long finish. Tremendous refinement.
Wine Spectator Score: 93

Fromage: Gruyere, Cow, Swiss

Kilikanoon, Clare Valley, Prodigal, Grenache, 2004

On the nose, perfumed aromas of cherries, chocolate and leather, that combine well with the dusty, spicy oak flavors. A big Grenache style, with richly perfumed plum, cherry and chocolate fruit flavors. Although dry, the wine possesses a real "sweet fruit" character that is reinforced by the warm alcohol finish. Subtle oak influence and firm tannins have produced a wine that is balanced with pronounced flavour persistence. Wine Advocate Score: 92 points

Fromage: Petit Basque, Sheep, Spanish Basque Country

Altos de LUZON, 2004, Jumilla

The seriously endowed 2004 Altos de Luzon is a blend of 50% old vine Mourvedre (52 years) and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by beautiful aromas of smoky licorice, black currants, cherries, and earth. Offering wonderful ripeness, an alluring texture, sweet tannin, and adequate acidity, it certainly over-delivers for its price. Drink it over the next 2-4 years.
Wine Advocate Score: 90 Pts.

Fromage: Mancheca, Sheep, Spain

Dessert/Port:

Chateau Guiraud, 1st CRU, Sauternes, 2001

Golden yellow in color. Butterscotch and vanilla, with hints of ripe apples. Full-bodied, with lots of sweetness and a spicy apricot and honey aftertaste. Excellent concentration and balance. Loads of botrytis character on the finish. Intense and hard not to drink it all because it's so luscious and rich. Wine Advocate: 94pts; Wine Spectator: 96 pts

Fromage: Verde Dolce, Gorgonzola, Cow, Italy

Royal Tokaji, Aszu 5 Puttonyos, 2000

Alluring aromas of gingersnap cookies, apricot and orange marmalade. Sweet, yet deftly balanced by lively structure. Fine lingering finish, where the harmony really shows. It’s easy to see why the Royal Hungarian Family so loved this stuff…
Wine Spectator Score: 93

Fromage: Mille Foglie, Cow, Italy


Alvear Pedro Ximenex, Solera, 1927

The impressive 1927 Pedro Ximenez Solera, from a Solera system begun nearly 80 years ago, boasts a dark amber color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme brulee, liquefied nuts, marmalade, and maple syrup. Huge and viscous, yet neither cloyingly sweet nor heavy, it is a profound effort. It is meant to be drunk alone at the end of a meal. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 96 Points

Pairing: Skip the cheese… Chocolate Nibits & Pecan Halves

Have a Great Weekend, everyone !!

Vacation Time !!

Destin is the destination city for me, next week. It is in the Florida Panhandle and is commonly known in the Southeast as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village." It has grown from a historic fishing village to a premier resort destination that it is today. It doesn't hurt that it is the hometown of Emmitt Smith, for all you old time Dallas Cowboy fans.

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The city sits along the coast in the Panhandle, at the end of a peninsula separating Choctawhatchee Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. It is famous for its beautiful emerald-colored waters and sugar-white sand beaches, hence, its other nickname: The Emerald Coast. The beaches are the best, anywhere. As a matter of fact, the quartz sand there is so clean that it actually emits a little squeak when you walk on it.

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I've enjoyed going there for years and it should be lots of fun !!

Todos estamos hechos del mismo barro pero no del mismo

(We are all made of the same clay but not from the same mold. Mexican proverb)

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I'm not much on this zodiac stuff but I thought this one was such fun and therefore worth sharing... After reading this I know why past relationships didn't work out....It's all clear to me, now !!

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"Hi, I'm Scooter and I'm a Monday Morning Quarterback..."

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VIRGO - The One that Waits. Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please.

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SCORPIO - The Addict. EXTREMELY adorable. Intelligent. Loves to joke. Very Good sense of humor. Energetic. Predict future. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want. Attractive. Easy going. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Caring.

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LIBRA - The BEST One. Nice to everyone they meet, Unless they get bad vibes from the person they're meeting. Their Love is one of a kind, but if done wrong, they cut you off like it's nothing. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! However not the kind of person you wanna mess with .... you might end up crying...

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ARIES - The Liar. Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny. Excellent kisser EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, Addictive. Loud.

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AQUARIUS - Does It In The Water. Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Extremely energetic. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out.

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GEMINI - Irresistible. Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners Very Good in the you know where... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Trustworthy. Always happy. Loud. Talkative. Outgoing VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE.

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LEO - The Lion. Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Knows how to have fun. Is really good at almost anything. Great kisser. Unpredictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found.

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CANCER - The Cutie. MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. Love is one of a kind. Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet! Entirely creative. Extremely random and proud of it. Freak. Spontaneous. Great telling stories. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to.

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PISCES - The Partner for Life. Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. High appeal. Has the last word. Good to find, hard to keep. Fun to be around. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet.

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CAPRICORN - The Passionate Lover. Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Predict future. Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to own Gemini's in sports. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart.

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TAURUS - The Tramp. Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships. Likes to give a good fight for what they want. Extremely outgoing. Loves to help people in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth!

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SAGITTARIUS - The Promiscuous One. Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in the you know where..!!! Not the kind of person you wanna mess with- you might end up crying.

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I should have known something bad was going to happen when it read "Not one to mess with." But, wait a minute....they all say that !!

Release This Unseen Limitation on Your Life

A friend of mine recommended this book to me, recently, and below is a summary. The author, Guy Finley, reveals some very interesting and insightful ideas about the process we all go through, each and every day, to know ourselves better. He even suggests that this is the most important thing to know, which is the basis of his school of thought: Psychopictography. More on that, later...

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He says that we are not meant to be the slave of any negative thought or feeling, nor are we intended to live under the limitations inherent in these darkened states. Our true role is to be the sovereign governor of our interior lives and all that this spiritual estate implies. It is our spiritual right to decide what kind of thoughts and feelings are permitted to roam through our consciousness and to rule their relationships as the overseer of our own soul. Of this let there be no doubt or else the question becomes "Who runs our lives, anyway?".

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In line with this last idea, the following insight amplifies all his lessons regarding learning to let go and live in the Now: there is not a thought that can stay in our mind, not a feeling that can remain in our heart, that is not willingly remembered. He explains this amazing truth about an equally amazing, but as yet unrealized, power of ours.

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Have you ever had appear in your mind the image (i.e., definition of Psychopictography, above) of someone who hurt you, or run a whole mental movie about something that didn’t work out, so that in recalling the event you actually relived the sense of loss? How does such a painful image seem to stay in the mind, especially given the fact of how much we struggle to make it go away? We all know how it feels to try and "fix" such visitations, where we dream up a new solution, tell ourselves what we should have said, hope that something we can think of will make it go away. Of course none of these answers work for one very good reason. Here is the key to this continuing conflict.

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These unwanted images return again and again as they do because something within us keeps recalling them and drawing them to the forefront of our mind. Hmm...we've hear this before. Perhaps your reaction to this lesson is something like: "Impossible! How can that be true since all I want is to free myself of their painful presence?" The answer is self-evident, even though our present senses dictate otherwise.

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Since the truth is...we do not have to share a single moment with the memory of anything that we don’t want to, this means there is something in our present nature that wants to recall painful past experiences. Such new self-knowledge lends us the light we need to make higher choices for ourselves, based in conscious awareness. Now we can choose to remember what it is that we want to! In other words, rather than allowing ourselves to be drawn into battle with unwanted thoughts or feelings that appear by themselves within our heart and mind, we can do something completely new. We can choose not to focus on what these troubled states want us to; we know that’s the road to ruin. Instead we will choose to remember what it is that we want above all else -- the Light of Truth that not only reveals what has been hurting us, but that frees us from these unconscious conditions at the same time.

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After reviewing these ideas, it was as if a load of bricks had been lifted from me. A major sense of relief and release. This is very interesting insight. Now, I'll take a little time to understand it better and begin to apply the principles. Oh yeah...I highly recommend the book. It's a little deep but good stuff...

Nice Guys Finish Last

Baseball manager Leo Durocher coined the term, explaining how athletes become champions. Both my high scool football and baseball coaches loved this expression and used it daily. Unfortunately, the phrase has permeated business and other parts of our lives, impacting relationships, of all types. I sometime forget about being nice, especially when I'm busy , hurried or in other stressful situations. I'm sure this is true for us all... So, I found a current book on the subject so that I could work on that part of who I am and that it may be helpful for others as well.
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In The Power of Nice, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, who head the New York advertising agency The Kaplan Thaler Group, debunk the myth.

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With a foreword by Jay Leno, often referred to as "one of the nicest guys in show business," and laced with evidentiary anecdotes and advice, the book makes a strong case for niceness while also noting that it doesn't mean "being wimpy."
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The book highlights six "Power of Nice" principles:
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Positive impressions are like seeds. The power of nice has a domino effect. That effect may not be immediately apparent but will eventually find its way back to you, at some point in time.
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You never know. A stranger on the street may seem insignificant but could be related to your boss or a client.
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People change. Treat everyone with respect. Today's clerk could be tomorrow's CEO. This example was especially noteworthy to me, as my company's current CEO is quick to tell people that he started his career in the mail room, with his first job, and now runs a Fortune 500 company.
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Nice must be automatic. It loses its effectiveness if used only sporadically.
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Negative impressions are like germs. The flip side of the first step, above.
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You will know. The effects of your actions may not be seen but they are felt, if only by you. So, treating others with kindness, respect and generosity will be repaid with interest.
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Oh well. I suppose I shall begin being nice, on a consistent basis. Or, maybe not...which reminds me of another saying: " I do the things I do and not necessarily the things I want to do." Good Grief !!