I own a Kindle, and I love it. Hundreds of books in a tiny computer the size of a mini-notebook. It's easy to see in the sun, travels with me on trips, and makes reading fun again.
I perused Barnes and Noble today, searching for a good Thesaurus and Dictionary for work. I Stumbled across this lovely display of Collector's Editions of classics. Gold-edged pages, ornate covers, thick bindings. Beautiful.
Sometimes I feel guilty for reading an e-book instead of an old-fashioned, classic book.
Trayvon Martin's death is tragic.
The conversation that follows is fascinating.
From USA Today:
The tragic case played out in Sanford, population 54,000, about 30 minutes north of Orlando, when Martin left his father's home to buy candy and iced tea for his little brother at a nearby 7-Eleven. He was on his way back in the rain when Zimmerman, 28, spotted him. Zimmerman was armed as he patrolled the area in his car in response to several break-ins in the community. Zimmerman called 911 to report a suspicious person, according to the call released by Sanford emergency dispatch. Against the advice of the 911 dispatcher, Zimmerman followed Martin, according to the 911 recording. The two men fought and Trayvon Martin was left dead. Zimmerman told the Sanford police that he shot the teen in self-defense because he was fearful for his life. The police have said there is no evidence to contradict Zimmerman's claims. Police say Zimmerman was bleeding from his nose and the back of his head.
Dozens of marches and rallies are taking place across the country to bring awareness about how young black men are perceived.
ABC ran this interesting story on Friday. Two mothers of black teenagers talk about the advice they give their sons to help them appear safe to be around. I find captivating. It's stories like these that I'd love to tell. Beyond just reporting "what happened" but looking into "what it means."
Just like any job, there are good days and bad days. And there are many more days that are just same old, same old.
Even though I'm reporting on different stories and meeting different people everyday, it can feel like repeats.
But there are days that buck the trend and feel fresh.
Today was one of those days.
There's a park right in the middle of Medford that is plagued with problems. Stabbings, issues with transients, drug arrests are some of the first things associated with Hawthorne Park.
There's always been grumbling and complaining about the area, but nothing ever seems to happen.
Until now.
The city is hiring a consulting firm to come with a plan to revitalize Hawthorne and it's going to ask park users and nearby business about how to fix it up. I can tell you, opinions are a dime a dozen. But now something's finally happening. A million dollars to fix up what some call an eyesore in the heart of the city.
I somewhat stumbled on the story and was able to beat some of the other stations and the paper in town, breaking the story. I found some several nice, fun people to talk to about it, and I was happy with my shooting and writing. Add on a good live shot and plenty of time and it was a good day.
It's days like these that make up for all the mundane days.
Cinderella is a Spartan.
The Spartans of Norfolk State University versus the Tigers of Missouri University. 15 versus 2. Nobody versus Power.
I won't replay the game, but I will tell you this-- being on the floor during the last part of the second half was one the best if not the best basketball environment I've ever been present for.
The arena was packed, lots of Mizzou fans but more Kansas fans. Of course, they were rooting against the Tigers and for the Spartans. There were other indifferent fans, maybe locals, but they were pulling for an upset.
The crowd rocked so hard for Norfolk (Their awesome band helped). It was magical. NSU won and brackets were busted.
The team celebrated like there was no tomorrow, because for them there was no yesterday. It was Norfolk State's first tournament appearance. Ever. They'd never played a March Madness game before. Can they go up from here? The Spartans think so.
Halfway through the Saint Mary's game, this happened:
I love this for so many reasons. Listen to the reception these newly crowned kings get. Look at the uncontrolled smiles on these young 20-something's faces. They own the sports world at this moment.
My favorite moment is at the very end, this young girl is just one row behind the athlete. They're complete opposites-- He's in green and gold, she's in Jayhawk blue and red. But thanks to supreme effort on the court, their paths cross for these few moments. It's something neither of them will ever forget. And judging by the brilliance of their smiles and shine in their eyes, they wouldn't want to.
Well that was heartbreaking. A friend texted me and said the way we lost was so painful, he would've preferred to stay down by 10 the whole time rather than have a glimmer of hope.
I don't think so. Not one bit.
We were flat for about 35 minutes. We were slow guarding the dribble and got beat by their quick little guards all day. Our shots weren't falling, not because they were bad. They were open looks, they just didn't fall. Purdue's defense had an answer for Delly all game and kept Jones pretty quiet until he start pushing his way inside for higher percentage shots. Our treys were weak.
In the second half, we had good offensive possessions, working for buckets and making them. But the black and gold answered overtime, keeping that near double digit lead all game.
Then we hit the 4:30 mark and things started turning. We were down 11 at that point, but gained on their lead from there on out.
The bench was doing a great job, jumping up after every bucket and kneeling on the sidelines willing good defense on the other end of the floor.
The bench lit up when Jones hit a big three to pull within 2.
Then it went nuclear after Page's triple from the corner.
I love video because it captures that moment perfectly. My favorite moment in sports is the silence of thousands of people holding their breath when a huge three is in the air. Everyone knows it's going in, but isn't ready to believe it yet. But when it hits the twine-- explosion. That's exactly what happened here.
The audio levels on my camera hit red, and the fans went nuts. The bench was so fired up, I had to edit the celebration short to keep an f-word from being mouthed on camera.
We were up with :44 to go. We had momentum. It felt like a Madness Miracle.
But it wasn't meant to be. A mental lapse, an airball, and a shot that was taken a second too early spelled disaster and a loss for Gael Nation.
A devastating, heartbreaking loss. I've seen a handful of Gael losses, but I've never seen the emotions overcome the players as it did Friday night. Several players leaning over, covering their faces, to keep cameras from seeing their tears. But we knew they were there.
For the next 30 seconds, players embraced each other in arms and in spirit, walking off the court in pairs and trios.
The season is over.
-- --
In the press conference, Delly and Jones were the student-athletes facing the media. Their faces were read, their eyes puffy. It was clear to everyone in there what was going on for the last ten minutes in that locker room that was filled and empty at the same time.
When they got up on the risers and looked down on the dozens of reporters, Delly and I made eye contact.
I tried to give a look of comfort and slight nod of the head. I tried to say, "You did great. Be proud."
I don't know if that's the message he got, but I hope so.
-- --
Coach Bennett talked about Jones' role as a leader in this game was the best he's ever seen from him. Said he's come a long way from the player and the man he was years ago when he joined the Saint Mary's program.
Coach's reflection on Jones in the last question of the press conference and, ultimately, the season: "…this year he continued to improve and he wanted to be good. It's hard to change, I think it's hard to change when you're 22, but you can if you really want to. He really wanted to be that, he wanted to be a good leader and be a guy we could count on. He turned into a heck of a player. But more importantly for life, his leadership skills improved, as a person he improved and as a coach, that's what you're looking for."
Coach on the court, and off it.
-- --
We caught up with Jones in the locker room a few minutes later. Here's what he said about Coach and his time at Saint Mary's: "It's been the three best years of my college career. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I want to thank Coach Bennett, for giving me a second chance as a player and as a man. I want to thank every player that's weever played with me. And I'm just glad to be a part of the Saint Mary's tradition."
-- --
Take that all in for a moment.
What do you think the Saint Mary's tradition is?
Who wouldn't be proud to be associated with that?
-- --
There were questions about when the pain from this loss wears off and how the season will be remembered.
I'll say that this was the best season in Saint Mary's' recent history. Excellence throughout the season led to a regular season conference title and a dethroning of Gonzaga, a conference tournament title, months of time spent in the Top 25 and the best mid-major conversation.
Coach Bennett has turned the Gaels into a perennial noticeable team. There's maybe a handful of mid-majors that could be considered elite and we're one of them. (I'd say Gonzaga, Butler, Davidson, VCU could make the list depending on their March run)
-- --
At the end of the season, I typically feel a sense of loss. Like it won't ever be as good as it was this year. We got a break or two that we won't get again and we won't be able to top what we've got.
I don't feel that way this year. I've got a positive outlook for the Gaels' future. And that's a beautiful thing.
-- --
Always a Gael.
