Christine Michael, the future RB at Texas A&M

I got to do a profile of one Christine Micheal for John's football team last year. We knew Christine (pronounced "Christian") was special, having earned All-District honors a sophomore.

In his Senior year at Beaumont West Brook, he ran for over 1,400 yards in only 8 games. (The season was shortened by Hurricane Ike.)

He played in the Army-Navy Game in San Antonio, where he received the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the hardest working high school football player in the country.

He is currently ranked as Rivals' #3 RB in the entire country. I am glad that he has a strong verbal commitment to my alma mater, Texas A&M. He listens to his parents, is a devout Christian and was a great role model to underclassmen like my son.

The Texas Aggies don't know how lucky they are.

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Last weekend, my wife and I did some cleaning in the basement. I happened across some slides that I had completely forgotten for at least twenty years.

One of the pictures I found depicts a night that changed Rock and Roll history in 1982. A group of high school ne'er-do-wells became the most famous white-funk-punk cover band in Glenview, Illinois history.

Our band, K.N.O.B. had an all-star cast of musicians.

1. Drummer - Matt Ferraro (went on to experience vast success doing film scores in Hollywood) http://matthewferraro.com/

2. Guitars - Bullet Bob Ness, His Majesty King Williams (King also manned the synthesizer.), Andrew Grundy (allegedly changed his last name to "Ridgely" and joined a successful musical duo in London).

3. Vocals - Tony Gattone, Billy Winsauer and Patrick Titus

For three sold-out (Glenbrook South High School Variety) shows, we kicked it. Girls fainted. Parents groaned. The clergy gasped. Women were suddenly (momentarily) interested in me. Our performance was edgy and laced with suggestive hip-action. Alas, Billy and I had creative-control differences. Like the Beatles, we broke up.

So, to commemorate KNOB's 25th Anniversary at the pinnacle of the rock-world, Junior and I have put together the Vicarious Life 80's Music - Top Ten for your debate and analysis.

10. Here Comes My Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Damn the Torpedoes- 1979

9. Love On Your Side - Thompson Twins - Quick Step and Side Kick - 1981

8. Digging Your Scene - Blow Monkeys - Animal Magic - 1986

7. I Confess - English Beat - Special Beat Service - 1982

6. Touch and Go - The Cars - Panorama - 1980

5. Stop Your Sobbing - Pretenders - Pretenders - 1980

4. My Brain is Hanging Upside Down - The Ramones - Animal Boy - 1986

3. Stay Up Late - Talking Heads - Little Creatures - 1985

2. Alive and Kicking - Simple Minds - Once Upon A Time - 1985

1. Our House - Madness - The Rise and Fall - 1982

People who knew me in high school might say, "Hey you didn't include any Prince. He used to be your favorite." And, that would be true. But, over time I have concluded that Prince was a guy who created a persona; he had enough magnetism and talent to convince people he had a more profound message and deeper spirituality than others.

We picked music that has endured.

In retrospect, I have realized Prince's message was no different than any other musician in search of his next (shall we say) love connection. He was a man with great timing who used his talents in pursuit of the satisfaction of his personal ambition and selfish appetites. Sexy Packaging. All style. No substance.

Kind of reminds me of a certain person in politics enjoying rock-star status today.

The Two Aces

This post marks the 100th post in the History of the Vicarious Life. I've been doing this blog now since 2005, I think. My readership is now up into the double digits. So, I'm giving The LA Times (Communist Propoganda) and The Washington Post (eastern bureau of the LA Times) a good run for their money.

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There is a young man in Single A Ball with the Texas Ranger organization name Ryan Tatusko. The Rangers are currently in Surprise, AZ for Spring Training. Tatusko wrote an interesting piece about a baseball life, and his experience in the Minor Leagues. It is a must-read for any young ballplayer with aspirations for playing in the 'Bigs'. Here is a link:
http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7273#p135836
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Anywhoo, Maddie had her first Volleyball Tourney of the season yesterday. And, the day before that, J. Scott and JP Mooneyham exercised their 2nd Amendment Rights in the back yard at our home in Virginia. The footage in this little video is from Maddie's scrimmage, a week ago.

Co-starring in the video (below) is J. Scott Mooneyham, Texas Aggie graduate and veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Mooneyham was a Marine Chopper Pilot and remains a patriotic American. If you have time, read this link about another patriotic Aggie Chopper Pilot, who lost his life in a Black Hawk Helicopter crash on campus last week.

May God bless those committed few who protect our liberty. And, may God protect us from those who resent their commitment.

Winter Baseball Workouts in NoVa

John has been working out with a great batting coach on Saturdays, named Gregg Ritchie. Coach Ritchie is a hitting instructor for the Pittsburg Pirates Organization. We go for two hours every Saturday to receive reps and instruction from Coach Ritchie's excellent group of college coaches and players. A great opportunity.

The opportunity to go to this camp was afforded to us by our friend, Jeff Willis. Jeff's son Luke and Junior play on the same select team, high school baseball team and football team. Jeff (the dad) grew up near the site of the 1st Battle of Bull Run, in Manassas, Va.

Above is Luke Willis, a versatile athlete. He made Varsity at Oakton HS (Vienna, Va.) in baseball as a freshman. Having seen his football skills, I predict that he will be a recipient of District Honors in Special Teams next season.

John also works out with the NVTBL Stars at an indoor facility in Fairfax, called MVP baseball. I have been very impressed by the comportment of the members of the team. The Manager of this team has recruited poised, hard workers.

John has been getting some good work in with his offspeed pitches. He's gaining more confidence in his curve. This summer's schedule promises the an intense stretch of six weeks of non-stop play. We're scheduled to take part in showcase tournaments at states universities, and out of state (Wake Forest, East Cobb, Ga.).