I’ve thought about this for a few days and I have finally decided that I should blog about it. I want to talk about softball parents.

My daughter has played softball for 6 years now and I sometimes stand dumbfounded at how some of the parents act. This week at a tournament, the team we were playing illegally substituted some late arriving players. There was a coaches conference with the ump and a tournament official to determine what should be done. They decided that the other team would have to forfeit if our coaches agreed. They did not. We were getting our butts beat on the field and the coaches decided not to allow the forfeit, but to continue the game, and then we lost.

Let me say this….rules are rules and everyone knew what they were. If it were me, I would have made them forfeit. But it is a coaches decision and I stand by them….half of the parents did not.

When the game was over, these parents made a big scene in front of everybody by confronting the coach. He said he didn’t take the forfeit because he wanted the girls to learn something about dignity and honor….something these parents never learned.

There was yelling, screaming, and crying by these parents as the girls just sat there. The coach asked if he could talk to the players alone and the parents got mad and took their girls to another part of the ballpark. This devastated the coach, but he appologized to those of us who were left behind and said that he would see us the next day.

There are little segments in society who think they are priveliged and above others around them. Some call them ellitest, some snobs, and others call them words that I would never use. Unfortunately, these people raise their children the same way. They hang in their cliques, making fun of everyone else instead of improving there own gameplay.

The girls that were left behind had one thing in common…..they were happy to be there. These weren’t girls that were picked every year because their parents were friends with the coach. These were girls who played there way in and deserved to be treated better than having to deal with parents whose since of entitlement got the better of them.

I did not speak out because it would have made the situation worse. All I could do was reassure my daughter that everything was okay…..and then I laughed. I looked at these so-called adults as they seethed and waited to jump the coach when he had no back up and I laughed at them. I did not want to be associated with those people.

I explained to my kids that this was an example of how not to act. And if they start to get out of line I remind them of who they are acting like and they stop.

This really bothered me….what would you have done. Which side would you be on. I hope you know.

The first thing I want to do in this blog is appologize for taking so long with this…..SORRY!!!

Just like it sometimes goes in life……I’ve had one thing after another happen and I haven’t felt in my right mind(whatever that is)  to write.

3 Nails is the band I want to tell you guys about this week. First of all I want to thank the guys for sending me the stuff and I guarantee your music will play on the Scoreboard this year.

I remember the first time my kids heard me listening to these guys. My 11 year old daughter thought I was listening to an act signed to a major label. “Why aren’t they on the radio?” she asked me. My reply….they should be! My 15 year old son wanted it on his mp3 player as soon as we got home. I think this says a lot for the appeal of this band to a younger audience and to an older rocker like myself.

The music is tight! I love the mix and I can’t say enough about 3 Nails. The sound is current and the vocals remind me of a cross between 12 Stones and 80’s Bad Company. (Don’t crack on the 80’s….at least it wasn’t Disco!)

I am reviewing the cd AGAINST THE LEDGES.

TAKE ME AWAY- is a melodic plea from a broken man. I loved the grinding guitars.

SHINE-talks about the spark that grows into a flame raging for God. I think the bass really stands out in this song

FORGIVE- is a heartfelt cry from a lamb that’s went astray.

HIS WILL- This song should be playing on the radio right now. It is a balaad that prays for God’s will and the need to get past yourself. The guitar solo jams and chorus and melody sticks with you.

FIRE- starts off with accoustic guitar and then kicks it with electric in parts to drive home the point of being on fire for God. I’ve gotta tell you that I go around the house singing this chorus all the time.

FEEL- this song speaks of a prodigal return and I think the drums really stand out.

GIVE UP- is God speaking to someone with a hardened heart. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there.

BREATHE FOR ME- is God asking for a life lived for Him. The bass player rips it up on this song.

RECLAIMED- is a longing for rebirth. This is beautiful and moving in a way that I can’t explain. It is a song that is felt more than heard. The piano is haunting and the strength of the vocals have to be experienced. I think this could be number one on the charts.

INSIDE OUT- is a rocking way to end the cd. Selling out for God brings about change that the world must recognize.

I can’t say enough about these guys and I hope that we get to jam someday. If you want to check them out (and you really should), go to http://www.myspace.com/3nlz

If you are a Christian Rock or Contemporary band and you want your project reviewed with a chance to have it play as bumper music on my sports show, email me at GWRITESEL@ENTERCOM.COM and check out my bands myspace profile at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THECRIMSONPROMISEBAND

Keep the music coming….my next review will be on Tony Dale’s latest project.

                               THE LONZO 

Hey everybody! Sorry this has taken a while but I went back to Ohio for vacation and I’ve been sick every since. Every time I go through the mountains I get a sinus infection and my ears hurt for days! Enough about that……time to review….as promised.

A band called Idle Down mailed me a CD….and here’s what I thought of it.

WITHOUT YOUR BLOOD- The first trac on the project and right away, 2 things stick out, first and foremost the mention of Jesus Christ and the guitars. It’s fast and catchy and helps set the mood for what’s to come. PLASTICINE slows things down and is a passionate plea for patience and the knowing that things will work out in the end. SEA OF HANDS is a praise song….that says it all. PRAY FOR A MELODY is a song that talks about the influence of Jesus in song writing. EVEN THOUGH is a moving tale of love found and lost…..and we’ve all been there!

THE MESSENGER is reminicient of Degarmo and Key (remember them?) with similar harmonies and guitar style. WOODROWS WAY is my favorite trac on the project. It has a definite Steely Dan feel, with a driving beat, killer harmonies, funky guitar riffs, and awsome solos. SUFFER LIFE puts you in mind of the Greatful Dead with it’s simple but satisfying mix of accoustic and electric guitars and a little piano thrown in for some spice. TAKE OUR LIVES is a deep song that reminds me of Todd Agnew. The line ‘Take our lives as your sacrifice, it’s all we have to give’ says it all. ON MY WAY ROCKS!!! It falls somewhere between ZZ Top and Molly Hatchet with a very solid bass line. HEY THERE PEOPLE is a tearful plea to listen to the message of Christ.

The music was tight and I enjoyed listening to this project. I hope this gets you interested in listening to Idle Down. I encourage you to support your local Christian artists. It’s all about the great commision and I ask you to help get the word out. You can check them out on their Myspace or playing somewhere near you.

If you are a Christian band, contemporary to rock, send me a CD or drop one by the station. Make sure you adress it to Lonzo. (the address should be on the website…somewhere.) Bands are already sending me stuff….so keep it up!! See ya next time!

                  THE LONZO

I know….I know! I know I haven’t blogged in months and I have no excuses except for…..maybe my large noggin is filled with stale air. (I’m sure some of you would agree with that.)

I usually don’t blog unless it’s football season or someone makes me angry. I’ve asked around to see what other people blog about and they tell me that this should be a way for people to get to know something about  me, aside from radio.

I’ve blogged about my band before but I’ve never given the name out. We have a Christian band that ranges in styles of contemporary, rock, and southern rock. If you want to check us out, go to myspace.com yeah, we are Crimson Promise. (Disclaimer: this is not an endorsement of my band by the radio station or it’s affiliates….but if your curious, check it out!)

There are a lot of Christian bands in this area and a lot of 1st class talent. The problem we have found is that there is a perception that if it’s not southern gospel, it’s not Christian music. Not trying to be cynical here, (but this is me talking…er…writing!) but I don’t think southern gospel music existed during the time of the twelve disciples. I could be wrong but since the recording device wasn’t invented till sometime later, there is a lack of evidence as to whether it did or didn’t.

Christian rock has been given a bad rap by a lot of closed minded people. I’m not here to bash my brothers in Christ but I do pray that God would open there eyes to this awsome way of reaching people.

I grew up listening to bands like Petra and Strypper. I went away from Christian music for awhile and then I heard Whiteheart, who is one of my favorite bands of all time. They helped me out during a hard time in my life. Christian music takes the message of Christ to the ends of the Earth and reaches those who thought they were alone.

In the future I will be reviewing some local Christian bands on my blog. I hope to give them a little exposure and maybe help to open up some doors for them.

The first band up will be a group called IDLE DOWN. So be sure to check it out next week and if you are a local Christian band, send me a CD and i’ll give it a listen.

           The Lonzo

An Embarrassment To The Oval Office

 Today, popular radio show host Rush Limbaugh made a public offer to President Barack Obama to appear on his program and debate the crucial issues that are currently affecting this country.

Currently, Rush stands defiantly in the face of the Obama administration like no other. The continuous drumbeat of the Rush Limbaugh program is the greatest thorn of any that plagues the side of the Obama presidency.

Clearly the Obama presidency is afraid of Rush Limbaugh, what he represents, and the millions of Americans that listen to his program and appreciate the soundness of his logic. This is evident just by looking at the recent efforts of the Obama administration and Rahm Emanuel to politically destroy Rush. They think having the liberal mass media in their pocket is helping this effort, but no, it’s not. It’s driving more and more people to their radios to hear for themselves just how much of a detriment one man behind a microphone can really be to an entire country.

But Mr. President, there’s nothing to be afraid of here! There are no smokescreens, no illusions, no hidden agendas… Just two men, two microphones, and the convictions of your own beliefs to use as weapons within the debate. That’s it.

Maybe, Mr. President, it’s that very environment and open atmosphere of ideas that you are afraid of… Your entire campaign and current presidency is built around smokescreens and illusion. What will you do when confronted with substance and truth that presents real opposition to your policies?

Does presiding over the ceremony of 26 police officers who’s jobs you ‘saved’ hold a candle to the 4.4 million jobs lost? Do you really think the American people are that stupid to not see through that?

You’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime any president should be thrilled for. You’ve been given the chance to state your case to the largest audience of opposition you have. You can tell us why you’re right, and why you belong as the top decision maker in our country. Convince us, President Obama, the truth will always set you free.

Furthermore, you’ve been given the opportunity to squash the biggest thorn in your side since the beginning of your campaign. The only problem, however, is that you’ll have to do it with intelligence and rationale. You won’t be able to use leaked memos to politico, nor your hardcore liberal hacks you send to CNN to slander him with propaganda and misinformation. Oh, sorry, your teleprompter won’t be there either.

No, you’ll have to rely on your conviction of your beliefs, your logical rationale for your policies, and your intelligent articulation of the reasons behind them.

Mr. President, are you even capable of doing that?

We citizens have failed as voters if we’ve elected someone to any office that cannot, or will not articulate their opinions and ideals in an intelligent fashion back to the people.

We who actually pay attention know precisely the outcome of that debate.

Rush Limbaugh will, without question, bury Barack Obama in an open forum.

We know it, but more importantly… so does the president.

I’m Matt Tomlinson and I DARE President Barack Obama to debate Rush Limbaugh.

MMA GETS LEGALIZED IN SOUTH CAROLINA – WOOO HOOO! – By Matt Tomlinson

Earlier this month the South Carolina House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee passed a bill to eliminate the ban of Mixed Martial arts within the state. It passed unanimously with a 57-0 vote as soon as it hit the house floor.

Now, it heads to the Senate where it will likely pass even faster. This makes South Carolina one of the few remaining states to permit regulated mixed martial arts within the state.

That’s right, cage-fighting is coming to South Carolina!

Some of you reading this; likely fans, are happy.

Some don’t care.

Some of you are wondering why in the world our state legislators would allow the legalization of two men beating the crap out of each other?

It’s to this latter group of WORD listeners that I would like to plead my case. I challenge you to open your minds and take a new look at the fastest-growing sport in America, why it’s safer than most other sports, and why bringing it to South Carolina is a great step forward for our state.

First let’s clarify what MMA is. It’s not “human-cockfighting” as John McCain once called it. Even McCain himself has retracted these comments. It’s not “Ultimate Fighting”, as the media likes to stigmatize it.

It’s martial arts. It’s wrestling; the likes of which you watch your son do at his high school. It’s Karate; the same stuff you drop your daughter at after school. It’s boxing, the same sport you’ve accepted as an American Past-time for decades.

If all of these activities are acceptable by themselves, why is it not acceptable to wrap them into one discipline and call it Mixed Martial Arts?

But wait, before you throw the “safety” excuse at me, I highly recommend you do some research. I’m willing to bet many of the people reading this blog had no idea that in the history of the sport, MMA has had 1 death in regulated competition. Boxing averages about 8 per year. Professional Football, Rugby, and Soccer also trump that number. By a lot.

Furthermore, a recent study done by the John Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine published a 5-year study of sanctioned Mixed Martial Arts as a sport and came to the conclusion that “the overall risk of critical sports-related injury appears low.

Here’s another interesting quote from that same study:

“During the 635 professional MMA matches, 300 of the 1,270 athletes sustained documented injuries with an injury rate of 23.6 per 100 fight participations. Most common reported injuries were lacerations and upper extremity injuries. Severe concussion rate was 15.4 per 1,000 athlete exposures, or 3% of all matches. No deaths or critical sports-related injuries resulted from any of the regulated matches during the study period. Age, weight, and fight experience did not statistically increase the likelihood of injuries after controlling for other covariates.”

In other words, severe injuries simply aren’t happening. No deaths or critical sports-related injuries resulted from any of the matches? How many sports can boast that safety claim? Almost none.

Finally, in regards to safety, consider this. In combat sports the #1 cause of long-term injury are taking repeated blows to the head. A Boxer takes hundreds of blows to the head in training and during 12 round fights. The danger is not taking harder shots to the head, but taking so many. It’s the reason Cassius Clay is only a shell of his former self.

In Mixed Martial Arts, competitors used 4 oz. gloves. This means more knockouts, and less shots to the head. A  Mixed Martial arts fighter will take fewer shots to his head in his career than a boxer will in a fight. Think about it.

In addition to the fairness of the sport, the training and facilitation of MMA is just one more activity to keep our youth off of the streets and away from drugs and gangs. It’s a phenomenal way to exercise and at the same time build confidence, a work ethic, and camaraderie amongst training partners.

Finally, let’s take a real look at the reason why this sport is finally being permitted.  That’s right; the money. North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and West Virginia are raking in ticket sales due to the explosion of popularity. We can’t have the Jones’ out-doing us can we?

But all of this money doesn’t go to the promoters. Our state government will profit off of ticket sale percentages and licensing fees.

Mixed Martial Arts is here and it’s here to stay. If you’re morally opposed to it because of safety concerns, then pull your son out of highschool football and turn off that boxing match on TV, because your breaking your own code!

I’m Matt Tomlinson, and I support Mixed Martial Arts in South Carolina.

I know I haven’t blogged in a while……no excuses….i’ve been really busy….or really lazy!(The latter not the former, i’m sure.)

It’s Superbowl Sunday, an unofficial national holiday, where even you lame people who think football ends with college graduation will watch. A name comes to mind here……Russ!!

Last year I predicted the Giants would win and I even got the score nearly right. At the end of this blog, I will attempt to do it again.

It’s 10 a.m. as I write this, and the tv pregame has already started. The down economy may prevent people from having stellar superbowl parties, but people will still be watching. This could be a good thing because people will stay home and watch with their families. That’s what i’m gonna do.

I’ll be making some killer hot wings, nacho dip, pizza, cheese sticks and much more. It’s a fat guys dream and I’ll be living it later tonight.

Some people aren’t excited about the match up, but I can’t wait. Everyone knows Kurt Warner’s story and he has a chance to solidify his Hall of Fame career. Arizona’s high powered offense against Pitsburgh’s unstoppable defense. It doesn’t get any better than this!

I’m not going to go on and on about stats or players I’m going to get down to the point.

I can’t wait for the food, the game, and the commercials and most of all I can’t wait to see Arizona win it’s first superbowl.

ARIZONA          27

PITTSBURGH  21

GO CARDS!!!!

First of all, yeah I know I haven’t done this in forever, but i’ve been busy.

I want to thank everybody who listened to the show this year. The move to F.M. (and hopefully the quality of the show) brought in a record number of callers this year.  I’m sorry to see the College Football season end but we still have the bowls and the NFL.

I would appologize to any Clempson fans I offended this year, but….I’m not going to. Hey, you won the game (again!), give me a break!

I thought the addition of producer Chris this year helped the show a great deal and Josh (though EVIL he may be) was solid as always.

And then there is Mr. Matt With The Facts…..what can I say about that ‘Clemson Guy’……..hmmm. I thought that he improved again this year and is on his way to becoming a really good talk show host someday. Keep dreaming man……you’ll get there.

I could critique my own performance this year……but i’m too biased for that! I’ll just say that I did an efficient job……which is my M.O. at WORD.

I promised video and we should have that up on next weeks blog. So as you prepare to view it….get your popcorn ready! I swear i’ve heard that phrase before….somewhere.

If you were listening to the final show we said that we would post the overall winner of the NFL picks this season, so here it is!

If you were looking for the upset….keep looking…..I won

The Lonzo                                               124-64-1

Theatre boy Chris                                  118-70-1

Matt with the Facts                               115-74-1

Evil Producer Josh                                 114-75-1

As the humble champion I would like to quote one of my favorite 80’s movies    “Kiss the Converse…….Kiss em!”

You can wow and amaze your friends if you know what movie that’s from. 5 extra points if you can name the stars of the movie, especially the little kid.

Thanks again to everyone that listened and participated. Our appreciation is beyond words. AND FOR YOU HATERS………see the above quote.

                     The Lonzo……..has left the building! 

Any one who has listened to WORD in the last week, knows that I turned 40 on Saturday. Maybe i’m running this into the ground, but I had to talk about it one more time. I don’t know…..can I make fun of Russ’ age anymore? He’s still a lot older than me! (He hates it, so I have to keep going with it….don’t I!)

What does 40 mean in the 21st century? People are more active….and more overweight….stats don’t lie, I guess. New careers begin, new families are made, the next great American novel is written. (I have a trilogy almost done…..but 10 drafts later…..it’s still needs some work….maybe some day….. I’m such a chicken!!)

40 is a time of reflection…..what have I done with my life. I’ve been accused of dwelling on the negative, but I think that is a defense mechanism to get me positive affirmation. Verbal abuse leads to low self-esteem, which can cause you to turn inward and never come out of your protective shell. I lived within that shell (and still go there on occasion…it’s quite comfy!) until I found radio. Radio has helped me so much! When talking to people everyday is your job, you get better at it, and even begin to like it. In this I thank the listening audience….please don’t send me a bill.

Let’s dwell on the positive. I’ve been in radio for 11 years now, and even though I get up at 4 a.m., I still think ‘What a cool job’. Am I the star of the show….no, but I am still a vital part of the program and that’s awsome! I’ve worked my way into a good position with as much job security as you can have in radio…and….and they let me do my on show on the weekends! I have the career I always wanted….even if it took me a while to get here.

I have a beautiful wife, son, and daughter and we are close, like a family should be. I have a house, a car to drive, and food on the table. I have a Christian rock band and we’re out trying to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (In the studio working on our next album….it rocks!) I have my walk with my Saviour, which is not where it should be, but I strive daily.

So what do I have to complain about…..I guess I don’t have much. (Except that things hurt a lil more than they used to…..oh my aching joints….i’ve fallen and I can’t get up!!!!)

Maybe 40’s just another day…….bring on 50!!!!!!!!

The first week of the college football season has come and gone. Most of the teams that were supposed to win did….but some, didn’t.

The South Carolina Gamecocks opened up the season with NC State and it was nearly a disaster. Far be it from me to question the Head Ball Coach but I will. Tommy Beecher (Eddie Munster) looked like a frightened deer but didn’t throw as good as one would. Not even Bambi would have thrown 4 interceptions in the first half of a game. I know this is going  to sound mean, but, that little bump on the head came at a good time. Chris Smelley came in and led the Gamecocks to 3 straight touchdown. There is no quarterback controversy…..start Smelley!!!

Mike Davis ran for over a hundred yards, most of them in the second half. Get that man a sports drink….he deserves it! Don’t let him go look for one on his own….that could lead to trouble!

The defense looked awsome!! Stay healthy Brinkley….please stay healthy! Moe Brown caught a deep ball and even Taylor Rank rushed for a touchdown. No Coach Obrian 34-0 isn’t running the score up. Be glad that Smelley didn’t start the game!

Bring on Vandy! “Veangeance is a dish best served cold! Kaaaaaahn!!!!!” Sorry got a little carried away……..I predict USC 42   Vandy 12

CLEMPSON

What can I say……sorry, trying to stop laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thunder and Lightning…..Davis and Spiller……Clear skies in the Georgia Dome quelled the coming storm as Nick Saban’s defense brick walled Clempson’s vaunted running game. We’ve heard all summer that the Tiger offensive line was suspect and now we know it is true.

Harper, who is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, had a little trouble throwing from his back. Where was Clempson’s defense? Oh yeah, they’re playing in the NFL now.

If you listen closely, you can almost hear the echoes of ” We’re 9th in the country, we’re gonna go undefeated, we’re gonna win the ACC and the National Championship! Go Tigers!”. Not to worry…those echoes will become shouts again.

As you return to work Tuesday morning and you notice the heads hung low, smile to yourself and enjoy the quiet. If you approach one of these lowly Tiger fans, you are sure to hear “How many championships have the Gamecocks won? The refs cost us that game! LSU won the title with 2 losses last year! We can still win the ACC! I want my mommy!!!”

Buck up my lil Tiger campers, your playing the Citadel next. The Keydets…or Cadets….or whatever their called will be medicine to salve your huge gaping wounds. Next week everything will be alright again.

You can beat the Citadel……can’t you?

Be sure to tune into ‘The Scoreboard with Lonzo and Matt’ this Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. If you feel that i’ve slighted you in some way, our phone lines are always open for you.

I’m not afraid……BRING IT!!!!!!! Kittens meow…Tigers roar….which one are you?

                  The Lonzo