IN HOT SUN
Dreams of a Substitute Quarterback
Ronnie C. Wright
CONTENT
Prologue
24 August 2009
{SUN} glowed on their helmets, as they prepared for war. No trees – no shade – just sun.
The sounds of warriors engaged my senses. Every drill was in order.
Blood, sweat and tears covered the grass. Liquids – different colored liquids were everywhere. Many of the bottles were marks of trade sold to fuel the troops in battle.
Close enough a wounded warrior lay in pain. The explosion made contact with my ears and, threw my mind, body and spirit into the combat zone. Eye witness reality – [thought] – “they fight for us – our nation.”
Medic Noname, focused straight through me, making an imprint on my total being. I grasped a deeper appreciation for dedication and sacrifice. Heads, hands, hearts and health – often shattered in defense of sovereign territory.
My life is good! My family – my friends – my fellow countrymen are happy – thanks to their efforts.
The warrior, not badly hurt was cheered. He had lifted his head and spirits. My life seem better, knowing, all is well. Immediately, I thought, “Today, is truly the beginning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…”
I noticed the leader on the field; he appeared to be saying, “With your hands – you can!” The soldiers rallied around him. They were charged up. Firing a missile in enemy land he demonstrated his might, his will – his skill.
What a weapon!, I thought. The war is won.
The General came in view and yelled at him as to make a point to the others – “more is expected.”
The General and his team looked like points of light in the {SUN} – CASTING A LASER BEAM TOWARDS ONE GOAL – WINNING.
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Part One: Faith, Family & Food
WHO
1
AT SUNRISE, on August 25, 2009 – light streaked across the sky. My imaginary friend Hercules, a war veteran slowly raises his head and says, “Welcome to The Swamp” then flashbacks to Vietnam.
LATER
Law Professor, Lyrissa B. Lidsky clears the thick jungle with her ultimate weapon – knowledge. In a flash! – she fires a bullet: “The Marketplace of Ideas.”
Kristine Crocker, aka Crocker, a future psychologist relaxed in her blue jeans in tight quarters for a chat after another hot day – sunlight still shivered in her golden hair. Okay!, I ask – what engaged your senses your first day of battle? – hesitation…
then she speaks – the heart of the swamp was filled with different people – screaming – total commotion; chicken – I distinctly remember smelling chicken – suddenly, I craved coffee and thought – how do we stay motivated?
NATION ON THE MOVE
On Friday August 28, 2009 Hercules popped the top on a cold one, wiped the sweat from his brow, smiled and said -THE NATION IS ON THE MOVE.
Flashback
I traveled back in time arriving in present day with the following: WE THE PEOPLE with the will to {FIGHT}Form Intellect Gathering Higher Truth with {LAW}Logic And Words…exercised by three primary branches:
1. Legislative Branch
2. Administrative Branch
3. Wisdom Branch
SHALL WIN!
Now, it was fitting to lay down the acronetics BILL OF RIGHTS:
Amendment 1
{PEOPLE}Peaceable Expression Or Petition Lifting Everyone…respecting religious, personal and press speech.
Amendment 2
{ARMS}A Regulated Militia Strengthens – people & state.
Amendment 3
{PEACE} Protect Every American Citizen Everyday against government invasion without consent.
Amendment 4
{PAUSE}Protect Against Unreasonable Searches/Seizures Everyday without probable cause, affirmed oath, described place, person and/or things.
Amendment 5
{LIFE}Liberty Is Free Exercise and shall not be placed in double jeopardy, nor deprived without due process of law or just compensation.
Amendment 6
{SPEED}Simply Put Everyone Expects Delivery of speedy public trial by impartial jury informed of accusation with witnesses, due process and aided by defense.
Amendment 7
{SUITS}Simply Understand Issues To Sue at common law that gives the right of trial by jury and according to common law rules.
Amendment 8
{FUEL}Forget Unusual Excessive Law, especially excessive bail, fines, cruel or unusual punishment.
Amendment 9
{DON’T}Disparaging Others Not Tolerated.
Amendment 10
{STATES}Sometimes Things Are To Express Sovereignty for the states and the people.
Hercules sat there with a large grin on his face – his colorful gator tattoo glowed in the sun – he sipped slowly and said, you’re free man – think!
So, I think! A Gator dropped the bomb to free humanity.
Flashback
A mushroom cloud…
Images of war and warriors rush through my mind…why?
Give me liberty…we fight for liberty!
Relentless, Dena Louis, a student of the arts, especially broadway said. We are more than a color…we are unity, love & wisdom…we fight to expand and to increase our awareness. People are complex…we are often uncomfortable but, this simply means, we are growing. My aunt, a Black woman sang opera for FDR…she was uncomfortable but, she embraced the challenge…we must embrace the challenge…suddenly…
Flashback
The White House…formal setting…that’s me, a fly on the wall, hanging out…that’s what I do hang out! I really like this concept of hanging out with the in crowd…so, I decided to put it in the form of a question.
I jumped into the fox hole at The Study-Abroad Photo Exhibit for student photographers, Kelly Mclarnon & Lauren Nicole Langston and ask their Photojournalism Professor, John Freeman where was he hanging out during Woodstock.
Flashback
New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller on the phone with festival organizer, John Roberts discussing a possible state of emergency. Here I was in Berlin Germany, arriving ahead of the event, Summer 1968. We The People had lost Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy shortly before my family and I arrived on my dad’s birthday, July 20th. It was a true paradox – the west was free and the east trapped by a wall. I developed a deep sense of responsibility and felt I had to do something. Photography in high school became my platform, my campaign for truth and justice. One word sums it up – fasination.
That fasination in the trenches rubbed off on Kelly and Lauren and is clearly evident in the photographs they captured in Berlin and throughout Europe. So, I interviewed them separately. The image of Reagan telling the Russian leader to tear down the wall came to mind.
Flashback
I’m hopeful, Kelly said. The Wall coming down gave me more hope to focus, connect and love all people more directly. There are beautiful people everywhere and I experienced this in Berlin. I worked to capture the local community through my lens and reflect the culture, the purpose and passion that went into revitalizing this wonderful place in history. These moments on film will continue to motivate me to bring about peace, harmony and love.
There’s a common thread that runs through humanity, Lauren said. I see it in wealthy and poor nations. A need to stay connected to the earth. We have this desire for organic food…not only the food we eat but, the food for thought. I discovered this hunger for the real – the organic. I thought about the farmer workers, the local merchant, the shop keepers, the women in factories and used this as my primary motivation to capture ordinary people, places and things. I want to help people through my work, especially kids through the significance of photography. I call it - reality.
Love is reality, Amy M. Meyer who is simply original, said. It’s the foundation to family, knowledge, home and happiness. It adds to the adventure and it makes the air that much sweeter. It can make an old building appear new again.
Flashback
Ellis Island…immigrants pouring in… then appears the unveiling of the restored Statue of Liberty.
It’s all good!… energy is exploding all around me…I’m inspired, so I write…
GIVE ME LAW AND GIVE ME LIBERTY
(L)aw is framed by Constitutional law.
(I)nstitutions enforce a system of rules.
(B)asic Contract law regulates many things.
(E)conomics, politics and society is shaped by Law.
(R)eal property and personal property (chattel) is defined by Property law.
(T)ort law allows just compensation if personal or property rights are harmed.
(Y)our Rights are elaborated in a number of ways:
a)dministrative law reviews government agencies.
b)ench law or common law aka “judge made law” rules western society.
c)ivil society focuses on equality, fairness and justice to move it forward.
Thank God! we are a nation of law.
It gives people, places and things a purpose…
WHAT
2
A guy rides by on a green bike.
AT EXACTLY THREE O’CLOCK in a gentle breeze, Amy appeared with a fresh and familiar calm filled with original warmth and style. She is studying Japanese culture and by simply living the moment, adds a slice of life that is different and colorful.
She lead me to rocks overlooking the battle ground on campus – an observation post. Here I feel totally free and totally independent, she said. Sitting outside makes me happy – it motivates me to walk after dinner.
As the wind blew, she just smiled and said,As I close my eyes, I see a fabulous festival in Japan celebrated in color, sound, lively people and free flowing food. A lady – a beautiful lady, a glamorous lady with long brown hair and pale skin dressed in designer wear walks into the room with grace. This lady commands attention with her down-to-earth manner. She is cool, calm and collected.
Why do I talk like this? Because nature inspires me to expand my horizons – to stretch – to reach beyond the everyday routine – right now. I see myself as her – as an ultracool person – cool enough to tame and pet a bear, or walk with a deer or swim with fish. Something may seem difficult and sometimes I wonder but, I’m motivated by family and friends to face uncertainty – it takes energy – it takes focus – it takes me. It makes me proud.
You know it’s funny…I just thought of a boy…and, I say – TALK TO ME…
I viewed these three simple words: TALK TO ME as an invitation…it moved me to take action so, I put on my helmet and ventured out into the field to talk with the troops…
I spot Vinnie providing hotdogs for the soldiers…he always has a big smile and a big word-today his word is hot – the sun is hot and, the hotdogs are even hotter…try one!…people from all over the swamp, lined up for these mouth watering treats…you gotta be a Gator to appreciate these dogs, Vinnie said.
A picture of Professor William McKeen comes to mind…hang out, he said. Focus on the story moving forward…
These professors, they have a way of storing this stuff in your head, I think…I run as fast I can pass speeding vehicles to catch up with this tall character with blonde dreads…I introduce myself…I discover that he is studying philosophy…I asked, what’s your name…I’m Tree…
Wow! that’s different…why Tree…he stared at me, smiled and said, because I branch out…good enough for me.
A MOMENT
Afternoon – picnic table under a tree – writing in my journal…
(A)ctively Choose Today… (B)elieve Everyday… (C)reate A Reason Everyday…
THE ABC’s
Breathing is something we all have in common and, yet we take it for granted, everyday. It’s impossible to imagine life without breathing because it’s our primary purpose. We should truly breath for love, labor and laughter inspired by fuel, food and fun.
You must agree that ‘Leadership + Integrity + Fairness + Excellence is what really matters in “LIFE.” Further, you must agree that the difference between ordinary and extrordinary is what I coined as “RIDE” which stands for ‘Realize Illuminating Discoveries Everyday…’ when you jump on “the rollercoaster” and, learn how to breath.
In essence, feel the natural power of your inner energy or, taste your slice of the pie or come to fully-appreciate the blessings of liberty.
The fact is – we are simply ordinary people seeking ways to grow, develop and expand our values with “Real American Spirit.”
“CHOICE HAS GIVEN ME THE KEY TO MOMENTS…” RCW
As a boy I enjoyed many moments exploring Bayport, Florida on land and on water. My grandfather, William Wright, Sr. often stopped by this tiny marine store on the Island for supplies; thus – beginning my interest in gas, pies and great escapes, in hot sun.
Years later, here Iam writing this phrase “GAS” short for ‘Great American Spirit….’ filled with unforgettable moments…
Enjoy the ride
Still on a bench, under a tree…you know – legend has it – the University of Florida had the most Streakers, in the USA during the 70′s…mind escapes to hundreds of streakers on the green grass…
FLASHBACK
Present day talking with Chillin Chel back from a pre-med summer at Harvard. Her black rim eyeglasses fits her brilliant personality. She works with flies in a lab. Hey Chel how’s your blond twin? Squeezed!
What’s new? Hearing half conversations…private things on buses…I’m developing a blog on these strange stories told by these strange people on buses…imagine it!…it’s pure entertainment.
After using my imagination and seeing streakers and strange people having half conversation…Larry stopped by, looking very much like Curly from The Three Stooges…what you doing, he asked?…writing in my diary…what are you doing…reading this awesome book, he replied. He hands me a book titled:LONGITUDE: THE STORY OF A LONE GENIUS WHO SOLVED THE GREATEST SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM OF HIS TIME By Dava Sobel. You got to read this!…o’kay!
Another book…why not go to the library and find this book. Before I leave, I meet Bailey – literally, the girl with the pearl earring…she is classic, logical and plans to become an engineer. You have tons of books in your backpack…sign of a genius… how do you view this universe?
I look out and I see a French countryside with rolling hills for miles, displaying its natural beauty. I think of my favorite artist, Georgia O’Keefe and, my teddy bear with a blue button down shirt. I appreciate nature and art. I’m inspired by the it, especially when I decide what to wear because its comfortable and flowing, constantly – in its representation. I see time – time to prepare my day, allowing me to arrive for appointments early enough to relax and enjoy a moment. It’s important to make time for family, friends and work. Simple things sum me up – I hope I’m uniquely one with the universe.
Wow! Bailey represents her words and moves me to seek that recommended book and, maybe explore Galileo.
Walking along the orange brick road to the library, I meet Nunu from India. He is a graduate student in engineering and he was literally lost in the swamp. I served as official scout and guide and we talked about general stuff. He was seeking the circle of love, located in the center of the swamp. What’s the circle of love? He didn’t exactly know…but, it sounded to American to pass up, he said. There it is! how do know?…see that glow…that’s energy man…and, see that circle…that’s love…he was greeted warmly…
I wondered into the library…I climb the stairs to meet the wizard…the wonderful wizard of cause. This country titled: GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD AND PEOPLE ARE CRAZY is playing in my head. Theory: People are crazy because they don’t read…between the lines, on the lines, before the lines and after the lines…{READ}Realize Excellent Adventure Daily…
WHERE
3
THE SWAMP-GATOR COUNTRY
RAYS OF REALITY
Another game is won, and another victory song.
Cheers to the inners spirit from which players play,
Cheers to the little child with dreams and clay,
To fan – the greatest feather that braces the wind.
Lights that land upon heart completely open for day.
- RCW
THE SWAMP – gaming genius, creator of the chomp thang’, legendary for swallowing opponents whole – had been waiting for these snake oil salesmen, these Volunteers, for almost a year. The sky was blue and sunny on this appointed Saturday afternoon in fall of 2009, and though autumn it was hot! Gators were moving into familiar territory by the thousands, purposely dressed in orange and blue. Their thunderous sound as sharp as a razor, their confident manner, expressive. Counting the days on the calendar to bring a swift and sudden bite. Volunteer bait stood, in amazement by the loud highly awake cheers. Eric Schneider, a season game holder could hardly wait for the signal. How dare they, Eric shouted. How dare they, speak ill of the nation…how dare they believe that trash talk could save them. How dare they…May I quote you…He replied, Write it on the wall, in the halls and throughout the land and, add…this is the toughest place to play, and for 19 years, I personally witnessed it all…nothing gets out of The Swamp but, a Gator.
The bright leader from St. Augustine – tall, smart and highly energetic – came upon the scene in a new Urban era. Over few seasons, a noble swordsman craved his mark on the record books. This battle tested task master established himself as one of the best, the game has ever seen – a real game changer.
How could a freshman believe he could lead an entire nation? He answered – My power and strength comes from above – I have faith…Thus the start of an on-field/off-field genius who is kind, generous and, almost too good to be truth – but, he is! – purer than money and richer than gold.
Leaders have an ability to READ – Raise Energy And Delivery…that something special. We all have energy – but, this is intense. Like Jordon, Montana and Woods – this is another level – another gear and, it puts fear in the the opposition.
No Gator before was more determined, more dedicated or more aware of his role. Faith in God and the power of prayer are not only daily rituals but – deeper – they are inner principals rooted in the spirit that is Holy. His hero is his Father – his heroes – his parents and, his friends – a foundation of the faithful.
Friends and foe alike – find him – amazing! They use words such as superman – not human – intimidating – the best at his position, ever. His greatness was captured in a pose for all to see on a night Gators invaded Manhattan. This Gator stands with all – not as a stand out but, a stand in with a helping hand. Not for fame – not for glory – not for trophies – not for awards – simply for a nation that is a foundation for greatness.
I watched him place a star on the Gator Walk of Fame for young and old to see.
He was bringing up the end of the line with class, hugs, handshakes and kisses.
He gave them love and affection. He made them all proud. I had witness greatness -
first hand. He was strange – weird – and downright – down home. I had a better
understanding of his genius.
___________________________
Professor of History Emeritus, C. John Sommerville said, I met genius at Princeton, one afternoon, over tea – his name John Nash, Nobel Laureate Scholar and Mathematical whiz. I must say, he too was viewed as a bit odd. Here I stand many years later with a demanding faith and a deeper awareness beyond the ordinary witnessing genius on the field of play. This team has spirit – this team has soul…they seem to understand that everyday is a new opportunity and, at the same time accept the fact that reality is now – between the past and the future…they are a new creation – born again if you will…it’s a coming together for them and the whole Gator nation. More Gators than not - seem not to be enslaved by fear or unfamiliar territory but, moved by faith moving forward into freedom and responsibility. They recognize that they have a right to be themselves – independent with a perfect sense of development as a unit working as one. I heard this message earlier – Feeling good about what you eat? These Gators eat the word for strength and their opponents for lunch. I sum it up, this way – personhood! Appreciating the freedom to relate to something much, much bigger…
Other Gators chimed in – in a big way. Brittany Gilbert – It’s vibe! power and beauty – like nailing your first double. His genius is obvious – it’s demonstrated in his achievements. I saw a chair – in the middle of an open field and thought about sitting there – just to watch genius up close and personal. Gators recognize and appreciate thoroughbreds running in the wind – you just know it when you see it.
I love Saturdays, Greg Ellis the program man said with a big smile. This is breathtaking!
Melisa Sweet noted – Cool people - hot weather - what’s not to like? Success, diversity – an innate desire to succeed is what the Gator nation is about. We define problems and solve them with focus, strength, ability and leadership moving us to greater heights. Just image romance and adventure meeting now – got it! you are transported here – in The Swamp …this time – this space – this place is uniquely different…it’s where Gators live, play and protect their turf. An older male Gator, jumped in with - this is where I’m from and where, I will be…
Forget the spread – this is a rowdy win…Graham Anderson shouted.
Sure I expected more – I’m a Gator, my entire family are Gators…Allison Gray, said. Still – I’m high! with excitement…I’m exuberant!
The Swamp is alive!, Crystal Gross, yelled expressively. This is school spirit and I like it – it’s refreshing! Kaitlyn Bornemann - excitingly added, It’s a love story just as good as Twilight. Mix beauty, fun and adventure and you get our real ambition – it’s captivating and, it’s all good!
Gators contribute in different ways – some in the arena and, some – by supporting those in the game. In Autumn, the Gator Nation becomes one – depending one each other for victory. The team’s leader has a deep insight into the human connection – his understanding of the fundamentals and sportsmanship and joy of the sport, inspires all to participate in the day.
A dynamic Lithuanian born Gator, Agnes Klimaite recognized the overall hustle and energy of the team. She said, I’m drawn by the movement and the traditional culture and it moves me to explore my options and, to learn how I can contribute. Perhaps learn how to add value through marketing. It’s funny! – sunshine of the faithful mind is no fantasy – it’s our point of view of home. We see things different and ask – why not? Why not win a championship each year? Why not make a visit to New York City to collect a trophy? It’s a lifestyle.
Reflections
This place is perfect! It was here – in The Swamp that I recognized that words have what I coined DNA or, in essence – a complex system, in and of itself. I wrote a scholarly paper titled Acronetics and trademarked the name as a technology to create logical answers and applications from letters in the word aka complex system and – thus became the world’s first Acroneticist. I viewed the world as a word and seeked solutions to large and complicated problems in the tiny universe we call the word.
A simple word like KEY contains the answer within the word itself, I argued – for example: Knowledge Empowers You…The word KEY provides knowledge that empowers you just by making that dynamic choice. In lies the key or the answer which depends on your choice and, also on the key word itself. Another example of an acronetic – {GATOR}God’s Anointed Team Of Rulers…I truly smiled when I created this one.
I grew up in a country town named Brooksville, the actual center of gravity for the state of Florida. Alfred A. McKethan, a legendary Gator Great whose name is stamped on athletic fields, scholarships and buildings in The Swamp is from my home town and, a family friend. He is considered one of the state’s most powerful people ever – and, he made his fortune in banking, road planning and citrus. His leadership and influence made an impact on my decision to choose Gator Country over Harvard. He arranged a personal educational loan on just my signature. Once I made that leap of faith – there was no turning back…
Acronetic Life Formula
{LIFE}Look Inside For Essence…and,{LEAP}Live Everyday Around Purpose…and, {FAITH}Forging Ahead Into The Haze…with {FOCUS} Forming Outstanding Concentration Unleashing Success…employing {STEPS}Strategies To Effective Problem Solving…to {LEARN}Listening Effectively And Reasoning Now…for {LOVE}Linking Our Values Everyday…
Sitting on a bench at the College of Architecture when I wrote this formula. I hoped to create a truly multi-disciplinary technology.
I submitted my scholarly insights and writings to the International Hall of Fame of Inventors under ACRONETICS: A Central Resource Offering New Expression To Improve Core Success. It open doors that allowed me to travel and connect with talented inventors from around the world.
In my scholarly paper, I contend that the {MIND}Master Internal Navigating Device seeks {TRUTH}The Real Understanding To Happiness..an {ACT}Actively Choosing Truth or a process conducted through routine objectives with {PURPOSE}Person Understanding Real Promise Of Selection Everyday – in essence, with good choice or good selection, producing good {RESULTS}Realizing Every Step Ultimately Leads To Success. This holds tremendous promise for the Gators and, the world.
INTRODUCTION
I was fortunate to see Tim Tebow practice and play which inspired my diary titled: IN HOT SUN. I was immediately motivated by Tim Tebow’s leadership and his quarterbacking skills.
My interest in the position goes way back to high school – when I played receiver as one of the fastest runners in the State of Florida – occasionally operating the offense from the “wildcat” formation. I was the captain and, I recall waking up after a vicious hit on the field. It was funny really – maybe not.
My teammates, all warriors had this look on their faces – concern. When I reached the sidelines, all I wanted was some Gatorade – and, it did not stay down too long.
I could see many of my classmates and coaches with this look – this look! – they were familiar, yet – alien at the same time. Looking back – it was a concussion – pure and simple. Now, their strange behavior makes sense to me. I fully understand their concern more today than before.
So, the screenplay about substituting for Tim Tebow was born. Content manager, Aron Glatzer read some of my diary and selected me as a contributor to the Bleacher Report.
My vision is simple – you can never replace a Tim Tebow but, a boy can dream of substituting for this game day genius – say, the FSU game. Now – It’s on! – my quest to beg, borrow and worm my way into a position to quarterback the Florida Gators on the field.
What should I do first? A letter to the President of the United States – certainly, he could help. Also, I needed to involve the entire nation because you’re talking about substituting for Tim Tebow – come on now.
The President of the University didn’t exactly kick me out but, politely pointed to the door. At least I walked away encouraged to take my request to the top of the sports chain – University of Florida, Athletic Director, Jeremy Foley. I threw my pass to the AD and before he booted me through the door – I got up and left.
Then I met Skip Shackelford of CBS Sports who listened to my pitch, shook my hand and said, “Good luck!” That’s it – “luck.” How about, “kid, this is the greatest dream since, sliced bread.’
Maybe someone could shed some historic light on this dream – someone who was around when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. presented his famous, “I Have A Dream” speech. So, I consulted with Professor of History Emeritus, C. John Sommerville who smiled and said, ” faith is demanding.”
Why not go to another expert – Rocky – that’s right Rocky! at least by watching the movie…Rocky Balboa spoke to me…a little man with a dream – that’s me! I figured, Tim Tebow and I believe in “Faith, Family & Friends” – we both experienced a concussion and, we’re both members of the nation that gave the world “Gatorade” – this can work.
I’m committed and, I have a dream! – so, people - this moment is for you – “The Foundation for the Gator Nation.”
I’m hungry…I have taste for pizza.
GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES
BACK WHEN I was a boy, operating a small lawn service business, I – Ronnie C. Wright made it fashionable to search all over town for cheap gas, mouth watering pizza pie and great escapes such as, fishing or swimming at “Pine Island,” just a few miles from my family home, on the Gulf of Mexico.
I discovered that the hilltop was not the only place in the village for these necessary things. In fact, I came to realize that I could make a few bucks from my grandfathers with my little “GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES” Guide. My slogan: ” As American as Honey, Milk & Apple Pie!” Thus, the beginnings of a little business.
There has always been a natural connection between ‘Ronnie C. Wright,’ – that’s me! and, his curiosity in things now known as “luxury, diet & wellness.” This “interest” as my dad called it, has lead me to become “the world’s first Acroneticist,” inventing Acronetics, a technology that’s a science and an art that looks at the “DNA” found in each word.
When I think about the words “GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES,” I see a “BLAST!” or, in essence a ‘Beautiful Life Adventure Simplifying Things.‘
I polished and developed this boyhood way of looking at things into a “process” for my business and, personal life as a whole.
This small town view has turned a little investment into a big return.
And, still today I drive around the swamp in my old pickup truck seeking to find reasonably priced gas, the best pizza pie and unforgettable great escapes.
Today, with gas prices rising; pizza places closing and great escapes costing a bundle, I thought it was about time to bring out the old “guide” that leads us all to the real “American Dream.”
So, look forward to me delivering a report filled with good news about “GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES,” in future postings.
Until – “Keep filling up, eating up and enjoying America.”
GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES is a natural invitation to experience three things that are as “ALL-AMERICAN” as honey, milk and apple pie – gas stations, pizza pie and unforgettable adventures. My focus when starting this project, my eyes were as wide as ’The Swamp.’ As the world’s first Acroneticist, I employed the technology I invented – Acronetics and, the Acronetic - ”TASTES” which in this case, stands for ‘To Appreciate Subtle Things Evoking Style…’
As an inventor and journalist, I rather like the word “STYLE;” and, with its powerful essence, I see it as ‘Something That You Live Everyday…‘ because its ‘Something That You Love Everyday…’ This way of life is expressed throughout America, in its spirited attitude, architecture and attractions.
The locations that I selected for this blog and book are expansive, reaffirming my belief that “STYLE!” – through its unity, uniqueness and universal appeal is timeless…
The wonder of the people, places and things discovered, makes a production like this fun. My role is simple – to show you what Gainesville offers us through architecture, design and lifestyle.
Someone once wrote: “WE DO NOT REMEMBER DAYS BUT, MOMENTS…” I have selected the moments in GAS, PIES & GREAT ESCAPES to inspire, impress and impact your life with true American Style.
Hercules my imaginary war veteran friend ask for a slice of pizza…he laughed took a big bite and told me to get off my ass and, add sports articles to this collection. I admit – pizza is good! but, I need to the write…
THE BLEACHER REPORT
TIM TEBOW THE PICASSO OF HIS TIME
Running, throwing, blocking, giving – he paints a canvas with faith and courage…
” He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” College football today is big business – generating millions for its respective universities – Tim Tebow, in this highly technological era – elevated the spirit. “I never thought of losing, but now that it’s happened the only thing is to do it right. That’s my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life,” Muhammad Ali, said.
Although Tebow took a personal blow in the Kentucky game, witnessed my thousands in the stadium and millions at home – his faith and spirit appeared to rise above all else and paint a picture of hope for all. His prior acts of courage on and off the field of play are testaments to his personal brand of compassion and character capable of transforming an individual and a nation.
_______________
GAINESVILLE – According to Gators insider, Tailgate Joe - the coaches have complete confidence in John Brantley aka “John The Baptist” who has been tested and baptized in The Swamp for two seasons and prepared to go if needed, in the LSU game.
“JB is handling most of the snaps,” Tailgate Joe said. “He is highly motivated and focused on coach Urban Meyer’s game plan.”
The Defending National Champions – now undefeated at 4-0 are in power – rather than panic mode.
Tailgate Joe said, “I heard offensive coordinator Steve Addazio talk about JB’s solid grasp of the offense operated with knowledge and skill. Let’s remember – he has a Heisman Trophy winner by the name of Tim Tebow to consult with in the office.“
The Gators primary objective is making sure Tim Tebow is healthy and, the key word is “healthy.” The coaches place health first - for all players, before anything.
“JB is a ‘BTP’ or in essence, a Big Time Player,” Tailgate Joe said. “This kid plays in the SEC and, he could start in this league but – he is a true Gator – tried and true – orange and blue – his daddy (John) and uncle (Scot) both ‘Gator Greats’ taught the young rifleman well. Flashback - 2006, John Brantley quarterbacked Trinity Catholic to a State Championship and, he was coached by a former UF quarterback by the name of Kerwin Bell. As I recall, JB broke the State of Florida touchdown passes record for a career with 99, topping Tim Tebow and led his team to a 27-1 mark as a star field general.“
.The Gators are living in reality and moving forward with the hopes that Tebow will be ready to play. If not – then John Brantley is the man with the pigskin in his hand.
In the huddle the players say, “All for one – one for all” They have tremendous respect, appreciation and confidence in John Brantley.
Brantley clearly understands what he faces and could be facing in Baton Rouge on the LSU campus. He said it’s pure pleasure to backup and observe Tim Tebow; it’s rounded my game.
“JB is ready for prime-time!,” Tailgate Joe, concluded. “And, he’s playing with a cast of barn burners, steel workers and rough leather gators.“
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