Good For You, Tim Tebow

An NFL quarterback by NFL standards, or not, I admire Tim Tebow's determination, patience, and perseverance in pursuing his dream. Talented and committed to his physical conditioning, Tebow has remained steadfast in his stance in which position he will play on the field, if he plays in the NFL. Even after spending last season in the broadcast booth, he did not change his stance in playing quarterback. Without a doubt, he has the size, speed, and toughness to play fullback for any team, and be a starter. He has the size and hands to play tight-end. Yet, his desire to play quarterback in the NFL is so strong that he is willing to gamble not playing at all by being a third quarterback on a roster, and probably not seeing the field, at best.

In writing this, I am beginning to consider that getting paid millions to stay healthy and on the bench as a number three quarterback might not be a bad move, but a brilliant play call instead. But, Tebow is too much of a competitor to have a plan such this. Or is he? A competitor would be willing to do the difficult and to face the real challenge head on: punching the ball a few yards up the middle against a heavy front seven as a fullback. That challenge of breaking loose for the end zone or knocking a linebacker out of the way would pump up the adrenaline for most. Or what about providing pass protection for the quarterback he wants to be? However, the money and sitting on the bench, being part of something great without being physically and permanently damaged years after a long career, could also be a turn on...in a way...and a smart one. But not for a competitor, such as Tebow.

I was not a fan of Tim Tebow when he played at Florida and this was primarily because I am a University of Alabama fan. It was also because he was constantly receiving all of the air-time attention when there were many, many great players and stories from other schools that deserved equal time and recognition. It continued even after his college career was offer.

Now, however, I am a fan - not because he is Tim Tebow, or the underdog of quarterbacks, or a Christian, or because he did mission work, all of which I support. I am a fan because he is pursuing his dream and not letting the negative comments, the rejections, or even missing a season stand in the way. We need more people like Tim Tebow; people who do not take "no" for an answer. People who live under conviction of pursuing dreams, pursuing God, and not caring what people think.

Freelance Writing

So recently I have been browsing sites such as Elance and Freelance and it is amazing to me the number of people, most of whom are from third-world countries - but, still, many Americans - will write for pennies per word. The disgusting part of this is that the corporations who post these ads EXPECT, DEMAND, DRIVE, PUSH, CHEAT, STEAL, FORCE their way into getting people to do this.

For example, I submitted an offer on a job in which the "employer" specifically stated, "If you disagree with my rates ($10/500+words), tell me in your proposal. Also, tell me how many articles a day you can write."

So, I told her how many I could write, that I would write exclusively for her, and what my rate was. A week later, I received a message, conducted a Skype interview, and began writing a few hours later. In addition, I prompted her attention during the Skype interview that my rate was not the $10 she was seeking. In fact, of 25+ applicants, nobody's rate was that low. They ranged from $20 to over $800. I was in the bottom third.

Now, that I have written four articles and the bill has been delivered, the "employer" read her ad back to me about the $10/500 words. Of course, I read my offer back to her, which had been formally accepted through the Elance platform. Still, she declined my offer. So guess what? Now, I am taking necessary action to either get paid or stop my articles from being used.

To think that someone in this country would research and then write for two hours for $5/hour is crazy. It is also disrespectful to take advantage of the poor in other countries, but they do it, those desperate for money accept it, and that is why it is insulting to us. We have more than we need; do we think we are too good for less?

While pondering over that question, I used the internet to find my posting articles and contact the webmasters, who promptly removed them.

Snapshot!

In just a few months, it will be time to visit Mother Nature and enjoy all her beauty. The greatest thing about hunting with a bow is that one gets to spend more time watching and listening than actually shooting. This down time gives us an opportunity to really study nature and how it works. A beautiful place, no elected governing body; yet peace, harmony and freedom still exists.

I know that I have learned more about myself and my God just by sitting there, watching and listening. Give it a try sometime, and bring a camera if you do not wish to hunt. The positions and poses that you might catch in that one moment under that one ray of light, if you are quick enough to do so, will never be the same again.

360 degrees

I have had the outdoors on my mind all week and mounting my new scope on my rifle last night only brought back memories to last season when I spent quality time with my closest friends on several trips to the great outdoors. One of these trips lead to my greatest accomplishment of my life - a very nice buck.

However, I began this morning with college football on my mind - perhaps after dreaming about a Yeti cooler last night. Yes, my focus shifted from my scope to reflecting on last hunting season to dreaming about Yeti coolers. If you interpreted all of that, here is more: shortly after my feet hit the floor, I received an invitation to the Buckmaster's Expo next month, so my mind was back on hunting. Full circle. But, before you call me nuts or say I may suffer from ADD, I received THE catalog from Red Head today which furthered my thoughts of climbing a tree or pitching camp. I am not talking about their little fall magazine either. I mean the big book. 600 pages.

So, while I may have a slight case of ADD, I believe it was meant to be. Scope, memories, cooler, football, hunting, catalog. Yep, that is destiny. It is 100 degrees outside, but 35 degrees with an earthly scent in my mind.

Confederate Flags Removed

What are your thoughts about the confederate flag debates the last few weeks? South Carolina removed it from their capital building. I am having a hard time understanding how this symbol of the Civil War is offensive to some. In fact, it was this war that ended slavery; a war in which white people fought and died. It placed brothers against brothers in some cases and was a monumental time in our nation's history.

I would hope that those who are offended would just try to change their perception a bit. How about instead of viewing the flag as a reminder of slavery, view it as a reminder of freedom. It is not about racism, so that should never be part of the conversation. If it were, then the white race would not have lost lives to help free the black race.

I will tell you now that I have many black friends, so please do not just call me a racist without putting deep thought into my questions or because I do not understand the offense created by the flag. Should one say, "Well, every time I see the flag, it reminds me of my ancestors who were slaves." To that I would ask, "Do you think of Martin Luther King's murder every time you see a parkway named after him?"

I believe the answer to that would be how he fought for equality, his famous speech, and many other positive thoughts - not the negative ones. You see, we make our own decisions as to what triggers our emotions and associations. So why cannot one choose to associate the flag as a positive thought - freedom?

Let us all work together to make this world better; to change our perceptions; to help others change theirs. Change mine if I am wrong, but do not criticize. Help me understand.

What is all the hype?

Click here and see.

Congratulations, Dale Earnhardt, Jr!

I do not know how race car drivers put the past behind them, as the famed Dale, Jr. has regarding his dad's death on the very track in which he won this weekend. Ironically, the last lap of this race included a very bad accident involving another #3, Austin Dillon, as the 2001 race did which cost Dale, Sr. his life. Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress, teamowner of the #3 both then and now, climbed out of the mangled car bruised. After Dale, Sr's, crash, the #3 was retired and Childress said, "You will never see #3 on another car." I guess grandchildren not only consume hearts, but they make you forget about one's promises and maybe even the hearts of others.

I wonder how Dale, Jr. really feels about seeing the #3 again, passing by it lap after lap, seeing the horrific crash Childress's young grandson survived. Sure, Childress seeked Dale, Jr's blessings before the unveiling, but I doubt one ever gets over the loss of their parent, especially when they worked together.

An interview prior to Sunday's race with Dale, Jr. and Steve Letarte consisted of them watching film together of Dale's first win at Daytona. One could tell that Dale was holding the tears back as he relived a race in which he won. It was, indeed, a touching moment followed by excellent comments from first-year broadcaster Letarte, who was Earnhardt, Jr's crew chief for a few years. If the emotion of watching his victory overcomes him, we can only guess at what he feels each time he passes turns 3 and 4 of Daytona.

Congratulations, Dale, for winning the race, beating the emotions that probably told you to quit racing, and for creating your own legacy. You are greatly admired. I could not do that.