XCLUSIVE: EARTHWIND, THE AAFL'S VISIBLE DB

In the last few weeks of the playoffs, I found myself to be a little annoyed by the quickly approaching end of the NFL football season. I had a good routine in place. Sundays, after a good workout, some good spiritual word and some good food, I looked forward to screaming at my TV for the duration of 3 football games. It was absolutely fabulous!

Now don’t get me wrong, I do like other sports. However, I was just not ready to let football go this season. Much to my surprise, I received news that there was a new league on the horizon for the spring.

Could the AAFL, otherwise known as the All American Football League, resurrect my hopes for a good football game in the NFL off season for those of us who want to cling to gridiron entertainment? The jury is still out, but I did want to get some questions answered. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to put my investigative reporting skills to work to get us the XCLUSIVE.

With an inside track to Earthwind Moreland, a “protected player” from Team Alabama, I have the details on the “league with degrees” and get you answers and advice from a guy who wishes he could be invisible.

As a player who has participated in several post-collegiate football leagues, what is the difference between the newly developed AAFL and leagues like the CFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football?

E: The first thing that stands out is the fact that in order to play in this league you have to have a degree, which in those other leagues you really didn’t have to have a degree. This is the main thing that they are trying to promote.

Is the caliber of the player the same or a little less? What is going on with that?

E: Well, I think that there is a high talent pool, but you still have some of those guys who you normally would play with in the NFL and those other leagues that didn’t graduate so the pool is not as large, but the talent is still there.

Explain the term “protected player” and the perks, if any, that go along with it?

E: The different teams, so they can have evenly matched teams, were awarded a [certain state(s)] to protect players from. So [the league] was trying to balance out the draft so that you won’t have a lot of teams trying to protect players from pretty much anywhere and you having a dominate team [where] the talent level and competition is unequal. I don’t know if [being a “protected player”] is a perk, but maybe you just don’t have to worry about who’s gonna draft you. You already know what team you are going to be trying to compete and be on. One of the things about being a protected player is that you can’t be traded to another team.

Why can’t people find pictures of you on the Internet?

E: Well, you can find pictures of me.

I can’t find any.

E: Well, you haven’t gone to the right site. If I can recall, there’s a site called…

What is the name of this site?

E: I was just looking at it the other day on the Internet.

You like looking at pictures of yourself on the Internet?

E: I really do. It makes me think that somebody’s out there watching me.

Earthwind sounds like it could be the name of a superhero. Do you have any supernatural powers? If not and you could have a supernatural ability, what would it be and why?

E: I don’t have any supernatural powers. I am human, but if I could have a supernatural power, I think I would want to be able to be invisible. You know how you see people as you walking and they are looking. You know that they are saying something but you just don’t know what it is so you can just make yourself invisible and go ahead and hear what is being said.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how many sessions with John (Energy Fitness Guru) would you say that you had a workout that would be rated a 10?

E: If I had 20 workouts, I would say 15 to 17 are number 10.

So about 86 to 90% of your workouts should be rated number 10 on a scale of 1 to 10?

E: Yes.

According to John, he is the only person that ever achieved a 10. With that being said, what is the best rating you think you’ve received at Energy Fitness?

E: Well, I am gonna give myself a 10 as well because I know there were times where I was right there with him. Sometimes [John] comes up with things that you just don’t expect that he would come up with.

Which client or trainer from Energy Fitness could you beat in the following activities?

Table Tennis?

E: I think I can beat them all. Whoever steps up. I am very competitive so I think my game in table tennis is pretty good.

Pie Eating Contest?

E: I am not a pie eater so I think I would lose that.

Who do you think would beat you?

E: KB

Dance-athon?

E: I think I got some moves. The only person, because that is his background, would be Devyne and John maybe a close second at beating me. I don’t really thing John could really beat me cause I got some moves.

Tic-Tac-Toe?

E: I don’t think anyone can beat me at that.

Horseshoes?

E: Maybe somebody like KB or John. They look like they probably would be good at something like that, but I don’t think I could lose on that either.

What has been the best piece of advice that a coach or trainer has given you in regards to being an athlete?

E: Just do your job. (Coach Belichick) I think that at times, in everything that we do, we tend to worry about the other person instead of worrying about ourselves. If we just do what we have to do, then [we] can let that take its course.

P.S. The first person who can find and email an image of Earthwind to this blog (for all to see) will get a free pint of Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream!

Bird's Eye View of Rio 2008 Carnaval

I woke up this morning thinking about the laundry list of things that I must accomplish before Monday. but then I logged on to the Internet and received an unexpected surprise. It was a slideshow of the Carnaval celebrations from around the world. I could not stop staring at the picture from Rio. To think that I may have the opportunity to see the elaborate costumes, floats and celebrations in person just makes me speechless.

I bet I may be the only person from Seneca, South Carolina to witness Fat Tuesday 2008. Wow!! I had the spur-of-the-moment opportunity to attend Junkanoo in Nassau during New Year's 2007 and it was an awesome experience (minus the policemen with those machine guns..). So I cannot fathom what it would be like to stand on the streets of Ipanema to watch the samba performances...

Wednesdays' Wisdom

As we continue the countdown to Rio 120, I had an epiphany during lunch today with the pictured "Boss Lady" & TCW (Tech Wiz Crew). It occurred to me, as word is spreading about my upcoming adventure to play futebol in Rio, that the last two Wednesdays have been a hot day for excellent advice to come my way. I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason so I am gonna pass on some of this insight to you. Perhaps in some way, you can make it applicable to your life.

1. Take the good Lord with you!

2. Everything will get done before you leave because you have to get it done.

3. Don't get down there and start gunnin' out the gate. Ease yourself into the system.

4. It is time to get focused. You can drink and smoke after your career is over. (fyi-if you don't drink or smoke like myself, feel free to place the vice of your choosing in this statement.)

5. Take care of your body. That's how people like Jerry Rice are able to still play til they are 40.

6. Do your thing and make us proud.

7. Have Fun!

8. Be Sweet!

In closing, I want to alert everyone to a small "pet" project that I have been working on. As you know me, I like sports. I am particularly a fan of football. With this being said, this is your hint ladies and gents (and babies-cause word on the street is there is a 4 month old that can read...). I, like Barack Obama (Pres. Hopeful) and Barack O'Drama (Gangsta Grillz), have an Exclusive!!! Stay Posted cause this one is gonna be pretty hot....You know I can't take a hiatus from the "A" without passing some unexpected info your way...(keep your fingers crossed..)

Need Calories Now!

After a hard workout, there is nothing better than some good home cooked food from your favorite soul food restaurant.

Who Is Gonna Make the Travel Team?

I am about 8 days away from the start of my journey to Rio. My schedule has been hectic; and as a result, I am under the gun regarding my packing. This is not your typical overnighter. I want to make sure I pack as lightly and efficiently as possible. First of all, there is a bag and weight requirement for the flight. Secondly, I am not sure how I will be transitioning to my place of residence so I have to be prepared to haul these bags on public transportation, etc. You just never know.

Well, most travel experts will say that traveling light entails bringing items that can serve many purposes. I have incorporated this approach in several of my trips. It makes sense because many times I still end up overpacking. However, I know that many people have experienced that gut wrenching feeling when they undershot the warddrobe on a trip...It is not fun because all you are thinking about is "if I was at my house, I could do...0r if I had this item here, I could..."

So now I am confronted with a situation. I have six pair of killa sneakers. However, everyone doesn't get to make the travel squad. Who is gonna make the cut? Which pair or pairs get to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take it to the streets of Rio?

For the lucky selectee(s), it is a fabulous way to bring their wardrobe career (with me) to a close. In case you don't know, every pair of kicks that I own, whether acquired from Laced Up or some other fabulous shoe boutique, is donated to charity. It is one of the ways that I like to contribute to the low-budget, fashionista cause. I do not think it is my place to hoard all of the hot sneakers. By doing this, I free up room in my closet to bring another pair into the fold..

Voting: 2008 Primary Hits Close to Home

Don't fret. I have all toes in tack. It seems that my schedule did not allow me to post a follow-up to the slight hypothermia scare. I have since that time become a regular user of toe warmers. They are available at your local Dick's for $1.99. (Note: Dick's is not a sponsor and this is not a paid product plug.) However, it is my civic duty to mention that this product is working well for me and encourage those in similar "extreme climate" situations to have some handy.

Anywho--the topic of my humor today is the 2008 Primary. Now, I will be the first to admit that I have not invested the time into following every move and jab thrown in the Democratic Primary. However, I like to use a unique mix of media avenues to receive information in a way that is convenient for me and doesn't come across too forced...if you know what I mean. I have listed my top 3 media avenues below.

1. Frank Ski's bootleg of the Oprah & Obama celebration at her estate in California-I happened to hear highlights of the speeches made at this affair while picking up breakfast one morning after my workout. I appreciated Frank's quick thinking and craftiness to bring this event to the ATL masses. Prior to hearing these recordings, I was a little out-of-touch with what Obama was up to, but that speech snipet raised an eyebrow. The Obama camp should praise Frank Ski for his courageous acts...

2. Viacom Veejays-DJ Cipha Sounds (correct me if that isn't his name), Rocsi/Terrence and that chic that is on the VH-1 countdown show (on the weekends)....they can always give me a few good voting blurbs..now Rocsi and Terrence probably can't say what they really feel, but I will say that Sucker Free & VH-1 chic don't hold no punches about their political platforms. I appreciate that b/c I feel that certain video choices on their rotations I can identify with, approve of and generally enjoy watching...so I give their voices some credence...and what they are saying is not half bad...

3. My Mama-I love my mama because I think this Primary Season (both Democratic and Republican) has morphed into her quivalent of the NCAA Final Four. She calls me with all of the debate highlights (from tv and from the kitchen table at my grandparents house), article quotes and family members' attempts to sway other family members to support their candidate. My mama, most importantly, tells it in a way that it seems like you are hearing some hometown gossip. It helps that several of the candidates decided to make my hometown and places nearby a stop on their campaign trails. Yesterday my granddaddy saw John Edwards who was on his second visit to Seneca. I think the day before he listened to some Thompson guy speak. Today, he braved the cold with my mama and cheered Obama on at the Clemson University Amphitheater. To keep in the primary spirit, my mama has been collecting candidate signs....I am still trying to figure out if she's giving them to the family members that support those candidates to taunt them (if they are not for her candidate) or as an olive branch to say "hey, your voting for the other person, but I want to help you support your candidate."

So my media outlets have provided me with all of the coverage that I needed to make an informed choice this primary season...In case any candidates catch this post before they get sat down in the polls, it is important to realize that my time is limited. Keep the facts short. Keep the delivery engaging and don't waste my time talking crazy about the competition. I barely have time to listen to you so don't waste your window of opportunity on side business..

slice of life

17 Degrees

Hello, I was going to save up all of the interesting details of my daily existence until I landed on the smooth, sandy beaches of Rio. However, a new development in my life occurred this morning and I must speak about it.

The city in which I currently live is experiencing a cold crunch, not snap. I know many of you live in places where the temperature gets colder than 17 degrees. My hat is off to you. However, I had to look my fear, of torture by cold weather, in the eye this morning. I decided to be proactive. I added a new vest, sweatshirt and gloves to the mix. Also, from lessons taught by 28 degree weather, I brought my turf shoes in the house.

I should've known that my feet may have been prepping for the worst when last night, with my thermostat on 80, space heater on high and soccer stockings on nestled underneath flannel sheets, my feet were unusually cold. It was the type of cold that would make one think that I had been walking around outside barefoot!

So morning arrives. I have on three pair of workout pants, three shirts, one sweatshirt, one ski vest, one pair of socks, one pair of soccer socks, gloves, headband, scarf, lotion on my face and lip balm. I am ready. I walk outside, and I am pleased that I am feeling pretty decent.

It tis cold but ya girl is prepared! My feeling lasts until about 15 minutes into my session with Chin. My feet begin to feel unusually cold. Now the ground is hard, but there is not any visible ice. It proceeds to go downhill from there for my feet. They go numb. Numb to the point that I was going through ball drills not feeling the ball. Most of it was solid, but then there were times when I obviously couldn't gauge my touch on the ball and it went haywire...

I was concerned so I asked Chin (since he had experienced colder weather) about hypothermia setting in on my feet. He laughed in my face and said some comment about 17 degrees below in Minnesota..and getting some Vortex socks...

All in all, I didn't let my feet get the best of me and I finished out our session. However, the worst was yet to come. My feet were in so much pain when I tried to unthaw them. It is imperative that I find these Vortex socks before tomorrow morning. My toes are depending on it. Please believe that I do not want to be known as the toeless soccer player. I definitely don't want that story if it's in my power to prevent it..