Conversation in the Midlands Will Shift Thursday
Thursday night the lucky Gamecocks get to kickoff the entire college football season. The program gets the full attention of the nation as T.V.’s everywhere will be turned to the USC/NC State game.

Looking closer at the situation, the Gamecock football team has a lot riding on Thursday nights game. USC needs a WIN !

First, Carolina is carrying the SEC banner all by itself. Millions of SEC fans will be down right pissed if an ACC team takes a “W” from “the best football conference” on national television.

Further, the Carolina football team has a lot to do with the social tone in the Midlands. The conversation, email banter and Facebook/Twitter exchanges will shift from political rantings and beach pictures to football smack talk. I know this largely happens in many other football towns but it certainly happens in Columbia, so it’s worth mentioning.

Other than being a fan, the reason I hope USC takes this first game is because if they don’t, the entire midlands will shake it’s collective head. If the Gamecocks lose, folks around town start to roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders. When they win, the talk around town is much more fun and there’s no bitching and blaming.

This all may seem incredibly obvious but seeing as how the Midlands has had a string of unpleasant events lately, I thought the subject warranted a blog post.

On a football level, Thursday nights game is important because it only gets tougher as the season continues. Cue the University of Georgia…next Saturday.

I’m optimistic about the season opener and the season itself, and am sure this years bunch is ready to collect some “W’s” for Columbia and Gamecock Nation. The Midlands could use some good branding and P.R. these days. Maybe Gamecock football can lead the effort.

>>Columbia’s Newest Listings; Aug. 13 – 20, 2009

First Family Vacation – Taylor and Marion St.
Sweet Finley arrived August 21, 2009. At birth she weighed 7 lbs 3 ounces, measured 20.25 inches and had a head full of hair.

As most of my friends know I’ve never experienced the birth process before. Well, I have now! Not one of you told me I had to participate!!!

After a perfect pregnancy we ran into a small snag at the very end. During labor, it was determined pretty late that Finley was turned the wrong way. To make matters a little more difficult, her hand was next to her head. She was stuck, big time. Finally, the doctor suctioned her out and little Finley began life with a nice cone head!

We couldn’t be a happier little family! So far, daddy is her favorite. 😉

Saturday’s Double Date Likely a Milestone Moment
Until she turns and faces forward, you wouldn’t even know my lovely wife is pregnant. It’s actually quite something to witness as I constantly hear the comment, “OMG, You don’t even look pregnant from behind!”

For whatever reason, Jenna didn’t want me to put the picture above on Facebook. Well, I’m not. Instead, I’m putting it on the blog because I’m proud of it. I like it because she looks great and it’s a milestone for us. This picture is probably the last image we’ll have as “just the two of us.”

Saturday night, we decided to go out with some of our BFF’s for one last outing. As usual for us, we went to a “local” establishment and had a great time. It was awesome because we were with great friends and we knew about half of the crowd. There were hugs all over the place.

Ginny, thank you for snapping the picture and Jenna please forgive me for posting it. I’m just a proud daddy to be. 🙂

Next ‘date’ = Babysitter !!!

>>Columbia’s Newest Hotsheet; August 4 – 12, 2009