At 0-4 heading into a nationally televised date with the 4-0 Colts next Sunday, the Tennessee Titans really have nothing to show us as far as football is concerned.
We are left to use this sad team as an english lesson to illustrate the often mis-used word "irony".
Long ago the Titans [...]
Gmail, and possibly some other Google systems are going through a major outage today.
Here are some things to do in the meantime to keep from melting yourself from melting down as well:
Pause your Google AdWords campaigns until this blows over. Who knows how far reaching the Google problems are. Think [...]What a difference a year makes.
A year ago, there were tears and fear. A year later, Ross woke up excited about his first day. He saw his kindergarten teacher on the way into school, gave her a quick hug and moved on to 1st grade. As he walked the [...]
Two things happened this week that I believe signal the biggest challenge Google has faced since becoming the dominant player in search:
Today, Yahoo and Microsoft announced a 10 year partnership that combines their forces for a direct assault on Google. Microsoft's new Bing search technology will power Yahoo's search, and [...]
Following Titans' linebacker Keith Bulluck on Twitter is enterataining. He's been haninging out with his family in New York, but now he's "fully prepared 2 get down 2 business this week". As a Titans fan who just sank a lot $ into tickets, I like what he's predicting:
kbull53: One [...]
Our hopes for a speedy recovery go out to the two people shot last night in an apparent drug related disagreement on Fred Rogers Place in Nashville.
The irony is too much to resist however - a double shooting on Fred Rogers Place? Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, as we recall, is [...]
There's nothing like sweaty hockey fans in July to getting excited about the upcoming season. The Nashville Predators held their annual Skate of the Union event for fans tonight at the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville.
I got my picture taken with Predators star forward Steve [...]
I recently read an account of a military family member who was disheartened at the disparity in attention given Michael Jackson's death on the same day her nephew was killed in action.
It sure seems that we get desensitized to ongoing casualities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I certainly spent a lot of time lately [...]
I visited LP Field yesterday to pay my respects to former Titans QB Steve McNair. Here are my pictures.
The Titans played a tribute video on the jumbotron inside the stadium. Part of it was from a program produced following McNair's 2003 Co-MVP season. The [...]
Fittingly, I think, Steve McNair's family chose the 9th day of this month to hold a memorial service in Nashville. It's also incredibly gracious that the McNair family would share the visitation and the memorial with Steve's fans in addition to those that actually knew him.
It seems like it's been [...]
Police confirmed Sunday that former Titans QB Steve McNair became Nashville's 36th homicide of 2009. An autopsy showed McNair was shot four times - twice in the chest and twice in the head. His girlfriend suffered one fatal gunshot wound to the side of the head.
Everything still points [...]
Metro Nashville Police gave new details Saturday night concerning the violent death of former Titans' QB Steve McNair. All signs point to a murder suicide - McNair being the victim. Police say he was shot more than once. The woman with him at the time, 20 year old Sahel Kazemi, [...]
After hearing of Steve McNair's violent death on July 4th, I went to the scene.
Nashville has lost a legend who created so many memories fans share collectively. Here are ones that I'll always remember:
The second to last play of Super Bowl XXXIV. A play was NEVER over [...]The news I read today that Kodak is retiring Kodachrome, its oldest color film, is not shocking.
The funny part is the quote from Mary Jane Hellyar, the "departing" president of Kodak's Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. She's quoted as saying Kodak plans to stay in the film business "as [...]
Today I received an email from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. It contained an appeal that should concern every one of us who are blessed to take our meals for granted:
Did you know that 1 in 5 children in Tennessee are at risk of hunger? According [...]
Despite the difficult economic circumstances, I've continued to recruit this year for positions on my team. I'm not recruiting like I did in 2007 though - when there were quite a few more positions to fill.
The positions I hire for and manage appeal to Generation Y - often men [...]
Four year old Jenna Claire was on the back porch this evening at dusk when she suddenly cried out, "There's a huge snake!" It was about 2 feet long. Can anyone tell us what kind of snake this is?
Regrettably, the guy I worked to try and get elected to the city commission lost Tuesday. Devin McClendon came up a few hundred votes short. What's encouraging however, is how Devin ran his campaign and how gracious he was last evening. I saw some of the winners come up to [...]
Here is an email I sent out to our neighbors this morning in support of Devin McClendon - my friend and my choice in the May 5th election for Brentwood (TN) City Commissioner. If you're a resident of Brentwood, please vote! If not, please read on anyway - here's a guy [...]
I am not shy about revealing how over weight I am. At 6'1" with my large frame, I should be around 200. I'm hoping that publishing it on my blog will motivate weight loss solutions.
On January 18, I posted that I weighed in at [...]
It didn't last long and Devin was waiting for his chance to grab the prize. At the beginning of the year I announced my intention of posting at least 5 times a week. The first person to leave a comment pointing out my failure to do so would win [...]
The league will be talking about how the Predators, currently outside the playoffs, dismantled and embarrassed one of the Western Conference's top teams Saturday night in front of a sell out crowd at Nashville's Sommet Center.
The Predators scored 5 goals in the first 11 minutes of the first period, got [...]
I imagine Facebook would be happy to refund the money you paid to be a member if you don't like their Terms of Service. Of course, that's the point. I didn't pay a cent and Facebook is a business.
Here are 10 tips to follow if you don't want [...]
I asked my cousin, a missionary pilot in Cameroon, about the Miracle on the Hudson landing by a USAirways pilot last month. He stressed that training is the key to responding to crisis situations such as the one Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger faced in January.
I was very impressed with [...]
I want to recommend a new blog to you authored by a friend of mine from way back in high school. Second-hand Sally's Guide to Life and Proper Punctuation will be a treat to read, trust me.
My friend Bitsy is "a not-so-desperate housewife living in South Kakalaki in [...]
I issued the Dirkmonster Challenge in January, supporting my desire to post to the blog more often in 2009.
Thanks to all those who left comments in January, including Devin, JoBrad, Jay Graves, Corey, disgusted citizen, and Molly. I truly appreciate the time you took to read my blog and [...]
This is really opening myself up for abuse, but what the hell. In the Dirkmonster's iTunes library, these are the "top 10 most listened to" songs:
Lost, Michael Buble Gravity, John Mayer Accidentally in Love, Counting Crows Waiting on the World to Change, John Mayer Hey there Delilah, Plain White T's Our Song, Taylor Swift Brown Eyed [...]Over the weekend I got a classy and well written letter from The ASMBA Star Foundation. The ASMBA Star Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable foundation that supports the needs of our military families. I'd like to share some of the letter:
From assisting wounded warriors to providing educational assistance to [...]Here are the top 5 viewed videos on the Dirkmonster's YouTube Channel:
Redskins' Lorenzo Alexander makes a tackle without a helmet: A lucky video catch, but what makes this video is the commentary from the ladies I brought with me to the game. Watch, but listen closely. Notre Dame's [...]I have two tickets up for auction on eBay for the Predators big game against the Detroit Red Wings on February 10th, 2009 at Nashville's Sommet Center.
These seats are in the new "All You Can Eat Zone" at the arena. Your ticket gets you access to an exclusive area outside the [...]
A good friend challenged me today to find a spiritual home. He knows how we've not found a church home since moving to Brentwood over a year and a half ago.
My spiritual life is active. I have prayer, devotional time, Bible study and service work. I believe exercise can even [...]
The Predators got the break they needed going into the All Star game.
Coming out of that break, they are hot and have quickly played their way to within shouting distance of a Western Conference playoff spot. Friday night they got a road shut out of the Wild 2-0.
Here [...]
An apparently well known music critic jumped the shark last week in a strange attack on Billy Joel that made about as much sense as Richard Simmons fighting Brock Lesnar. It was just about as effective too, as some question Rosenbaum's motives: Billy Joel and Boomer Critical [...]
I'm curious to know how Titans fans (I am one) are dealing with Super Bowl XLIII.
I've got a certain sense of how the organization is handling it. One way: "Life goes on". Lyn saw Jeff Fisher buying air filters at Home Depot last weekend. Another way: "Move on". Jim Schwartz [...]
Not nearly every issue (perhaps no other issue) of ESPN The Magazine mentions Calvin College, an outstanding Christian liberal arts institution in Grand Rapids, MI. Therefore, since Calvin is so special to the Plantinga family, it was entertaining to come across this:
Not nearly every issue (perhaps no other issue) of ESPN The Magazine mentions Calvin College, an outstanding Christian liberal arts institution in Grand Rapids, MI. Therefore, since Calvin is so special to the Plantinga family, it was entertaining to come across this:
Reports from Washington indicate President Obama is using a Blackberry 8830. If I were him, I would see if his wireless providor is offering an upgrade - perhaps to the Blackberry Bold (which I carry). But then again, if the POTUS is happy with what he's got, then save [...]
Reports from Washington indicate President Obama is using a Blackberry 8830. If I were him, I would see if his wireless providor is offering an upgrade - perhaps to the Blackberry Bold (which I carry). But then again, if the POTUS is happy with what he's got, then save [...]
I like the viral message that's going around Facebook recently in which you're invited to post 25 random things about yourself and then "tag" 25 of your friends inviting them to do the same.
Here's my entry. If you're comfortable publishing yours in the comments, please do!
I used to be very [...]I like the viral message that's going around Facebook recently in which you're invited to post 25 random things about yourself and then "tag" 25 of your friends inviting them to do the same.
Here's my entry. If you're comfortable publishing yours in the comments, please do!
I used to be very [...]It's a cliche for music critics to attack Billy Joel, and Ron Rosenbaum admits as much in his mean ad hominem attack on Billy Joel who he calls The Worst Pop Singer Ever.
Really? The worst? First of all, the piece never even attepts to support the headline. The closest [...]
It's a cliche for music critics to attack Billy Joel, and Ron Rosenbaum admits as much in his mean ad hominem attack on Billy Joel who he calls The Worst Pop Singer Ever.
Really? The worst? First of all, the piece never even attepts to support the headline. The closest [...]
There is a worm, or computer virus, that's making its way around the Internet infecting Windows PCs'.
It's called the Conficker or Downadup. Microsoft released a patch last fall that protects your PC. But the worm continues to thrive because many users have not updated Windows on their machine(s).
Yesterday I posted about testing American Express' concierge service in an attempt to secure concert tickets. I wasn't optimistic so I wasn't surprised when I got these message today:
I hope you are having a nice day. I regret to inform you that unfortunately we were not successful in securing tickets [...]My American Express card gives me access to a concierge service that supposedly can help me with anything from dinner reservations to concert tickets. This week I'm giving it a try, entrusting them with the purchase of Billy Joel/Elton John concert tickets.
I called the Concierge Services' 800 number Thursday, hoping that [...]
Nashville Council Member Eric Crafton should have to go to every school in Metro and write on the board: "Mis ideas son malas para Nashville" 500 times. Dear readers, that's the closest translation I could come up with for: "My ideas are bad for Nashville".
Nashville voters soundly defeated Crafton's [...]
My dear "mom in residence" Ginger Primus sent friends and family the story of her adventure today. Ginger has lived in McLean, VA for decades and is a veteran of crowds on National Mall. But as we all saw today, this was different:
Starting at 5 this AM I joined a [...]Like our team, I suppose millions who had to work today took time out to watch President Obama's Inauguration.
We had it planned out well. With no cable TV at the office, we planned a high tech solution to stream it through one of about a hundred [...]
...And that's exactly what they're getting after falling 3-1 to the New Jersey Devils Monday night. Freakin' Brendan Shanahan picked this game to come back into the NHL and scored - no one will ever score more goals against the Predators. This team is [...]
I posted back in November about taking a cold shower after a workout. It's now a fixture of my routine at the Y.
Here are some reasons it works for me:
Today's US Airways crash into the Hudson river alongside Manhattan was a miracle in that all the passengers survived. It brought to memory another airliner that crashed into the Potomac river in Washington DC 27 years ago - almost to the day.
In that tragedy, Air Florida Flight 90 [...]
There are more people on the planet 18 and older than there are under 18, so it stands to reason that by sheer population there are more adults than kids on social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace.
Click here to learn more interesting factoids about who's got a profile and collecting friends [...]
Another nugget from the Brentwood (TN) City Commission meeting Monday night:
The Brentwood REI at 261 Franklin Rd apparently has a room that small groups can reserve for meetings. It was suggested that Scout Troops or other small groups might find this useful. Call REI at 615-376-4248 to get the [...]
Emmanuel Studio has been creating stained glass for churches and other buildings for over thirty years. Monday at the Brentwood City Commission meeting, Dennis Harmon spoke about his company and the $22,000 window it is creating for the Brentwood Library.
Library director Chuck Sherrill said his tour of [...]
The first 2009 meeting of the Brentwood (TN) City Commission had a two sided agenda (don't click here to download the 21 megabyte pdf) but lasted barely an hour. Lots of "Yays" and no "Nays" is the way Mr. and Ms. Commissioner [...]
The Nashville Predators had two in a row going into the back half of the home and home series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Not gonna be three in a row after 3-1 loss Sunday night.
It seems like there haven't been a lot of games on TV lately, which keeps [...]
The Tennessee Titans gave it away this evening to the visiting Baltimore Ravens. Gave it away on turnovers 4 times and that's it for the 2008-2009 season. One and done. Choke. Soiled themselves.
The turnovers in scoring position are the most galling aspect of what was [...]
Anytime you go down 3-0 in a hockey game, you may think it's not your night (again). But as long as you score the next 5 goals, snap a losing streak and embarrass an NHL superstar in front of his father, all is well.
There was [...]
I want to extend an invitation to friends, family and readers of the Dirkmonster blog: Please stop by our tailgate party in Lot B Saturday before the Titans/Ravens game. We'll be by a light pole set up next to a Green Infiniti SUV, blue tent [...]
Here's hoping whether or not you're at the game, whatever the weather may be, the Titans end up with a victory Saturday here in Nashville.
As the Titans are preparing today for Saturday, so should you if you're planning to be one of the 67,000+ fans [...]
Typically the Titans and the Predators schedules don't overlap in Nashville, but when the NFL post season comes into play, it happens. Such is the case this Saturday, January 10th, when the Titans play the Ravens at LP Field at 3:30 followed by the Predators vs Blackhawks at 7:30pm at [...]
The holidays are officially over and millions of Americans are back to work today after a healthy vacation.
Our kids' afternoon sitter is back after travelling a couple thousand miles with her sister and grandmother in a car.
My buddy JB is back after two weeks off - all indications are [...]
I really thought the Predators would win today and for awhile it looked like they would. But two third period goals by the Flames, the game winner with less than a minute left, beat them and extended the current losing streak. That's a tough way to lose.
However...
The good news is [...]
As usual, Seth Godin has it right - your marketing budget should be unlimited so long as the results are greater than the spend. This is especially true for online marketing.
Unfortunately, many marketers do not close the loop on their online marketing campaigns. By that I mean, they cannot [...]
According to typepad's stats, my blog surpassed 10,000 page views all time today.
On the one hand, I've kept it alive long enough to get there. On the other hand, "long enough" comes to about three years.
Hence, the 2009 Dirkmonster Challenge.
I want to create more posts and post more [...]
Among my earliest memories is my Dad and motorcycles. When we moved from New York City to Arlington, VA about 1973 my Dad had a 360 cc Honda (blue I think) that he used to commute toWashington DC. About that time he bought me a helmet so I he could take his [...]
I'm no web 2.0 genius, but it seems to me that there are two things among many I have to do to get more readers (and commenters!) to the Dirkmonster blog in 2009:
To reiterate, I'm no [...]
Happy New Year everyone!
There are those years no one will ever forget, like 2001. Others register instant memories for me: 1976 (Bicentennial celebration in DC), 1987 (Mom died), 1996 (I got married) and 2002/2005 (our children were born).
Other years, I'd have to think about it order to come up with something hugely significant. There's [...]
Chip Saltsman probably had no chance to be elected Republican National Committee Chairman anyway, but this pretty much seals the deal.
The chairman of the Republican National Committee said he was "appalled" by a song called "Barack the Magic Negro" on a CD distributed by one of his political rivals...Chip [...]
We learned about Fifth Disease this Christmas as Ross broke out in rosy cheeks, a rash and woke up with sore legs. He was sick on his birthday a week ago as well. It did not slow him down. Notably, this Christmas was the [...]
Ross had his 6th birthday party today. For his cake design he wanted his "Mii", his alter ego on his Wii game system. I'm just glad he didn't want Daddy's "Mii" which Ross likes to make gain weight. Ha Ha. Anyway, I thought Darlene's in Nashville did [...]
This Thanksgiving, I'm overtaken with what I have to be thankful for. I pray for grace, mercy and peace to be with you and your loved ones. If you wish, please comment on this post with a gratitude list you'd like to share.
I'm thankful for: My wife Lyn and our [...]
Tonight the Predators out shot the St. Louis Blues by 30. But Nashville could not find the back of the net because their ex-number one goaltender played like a brick wall. But so did Nashville's goaltender Dan Ellis, who turned away every Blues shot through [...]
I've taken more cold showers this year than ever before. Stop. That's not why.
I found that cold showers are invigorating for a number of reasons. After my workout warm down, I immediately take a cold shower to really cool down. Then it's straight into the sauna to heat back up and stretch. [...]
Ross and I enjoyed a cold fall day on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University Saturday as guest's of Godfather's Blue Crew. The Blue Raiders took care of their part of our fun, routing North Texas 52-13. (Special thanks to Blue Raider tailback Phillip Tanner [...]
We are not flying this holiday season (so far). For that I'm thankful this Thanksgiving.
That said, I have been in and out of Nashville International Airport a couple times this fall and my experience has been quite positive. In addition, my office is virtually at the end of a [...]
During my drive up Nolensville road this morning, I noticed a gas station in the town of Nolensville selling fuel for $1.89/gallon.
At the time I was listening to CNBC on my XM and it was pointed out once again that oil prices are the only bright spot for consumers. [...]
It seems like a sign of the times to me.
This morning's Tennessean lists over 100 properties in Metro Nashville that the city government is auctioning off to collect delinquent taxes, penalties, court costs attorney's fees and other liens.
I mapped most of the properties on Google. Complete information is available [...]
As if Seth Godin needs a link from me...
However, twice in the last week or so I found that Seth published challenging posts that were straight to the point: I am NOT, as they say, "all that and a bag of chips."
Do you know enough?
If not, what [...]
Great news after a scary injury tonight.
This update from nhl.com:
Thank goodness Jason Arnott was reported to have movement and feeling in his arms and legs after a scary headlong crash into the goal tonight.
I took this video as the crowd cheered the team captain as he was taken from the ice on a stretcher. He was transported [...]
Gather round children! Once upon a time, there was a big, strong and fearsome NFL linebacker named Lavar Arrington. Lavar was a star in college and then was drafted by the Washington Redskins. He made it to the Pro Bowl because he put the hurt on his opponents every Sunday. But [...]
This is the first time I've seen gas below $2 in a LONG time. This station is on Nolensville Rd. across from Lenox Village (south Nashville). Anyone seen cheaper?
Circuit City will close its stores in Hickory Hollow and Spring Hill as part of a coast to coast cut. The Hickory Hollow store closing will add to the commercial woes in Antioch, TN and cost an undetermined number of jobs.
[...]One giant of the social marketing space, Steve Rubel, tipped me off to a free audio download of another giant, Seth Godin.
Here's the teaser:
According to Godin, Tribes are groups of people aligned around an idea, connected to a leader and to each other. Tribes make our [...]
I came across this week's cover story in Business Week on a new movement towards frugality in America.
As a kid, I noticed my Grandma Lettie's approach to their household finances. She was very frugal as a byproduct of her managing through the Depression. But by the time I came [...]
This week's issue of Sports Illustrated contains a NHL preview section in which the Nashville Predators are picked to finish 10th in the Western Conference - out of the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. "Horse Hockey", as Colonel Sherman T. Potter was fond of [...]
Hey Barack! I'm a fan and all but you have a lot of nerve leaving town during rush hour this morning. I have half a dozen team members and one wife stuck in "Barack-Lock" traffic on the Interstate.
I think you have your own plane so you could've scheduled the [...]
My wife Lyn had her revenge tonight. When she was at Vanderbilt (1984-88), her car was vandalized one weekend when Auburn was in Nashville to play the Commodores. Someone wrote "War Damn Eagle" on her Dodge Omni in shoe polish. When she cleaned it [...]
Observations from tonight's Nashville Predators preseason victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets
I have to admit despite the dire warnings and fearful predictions, I'm still skeptical of the idea that we MUST rush into passing a $700 Billion rescue plan for Wall Street OR ELSE. I'm thinking, burned once on that idea with the Patriot Act. Burned again on that [...]
It's stunning the twists and turns Campaign 08 has taken from the historic figures on the tickets to the ever changing issues defining the election. Surprisingly, domestic security and the "war on terror" probably are not the issues that will propel Obama or McCain to the White House. It could [...]
Congress hears testimony today from the Treasury Secretary and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on why a $700 billion (or more) financial bailout should be quickly passed, "warning that letting problems persist would have dire consequences for the national economy".
Everyone seems to agree that there is a [...]
Here's an update on the free furniture giveaway for fans of this blog:
Sofa #2 has a new home and its proud new owner told me this morning he "loves it".
Sofa #1, however, remains available. There was an interested party, but it turned out this piece was too [...]
We've got two used but worthy sofas that are free to one or two lucky fans of the Dirkmonster blog.
Sofa #1, seen here in the garage where the car should be, is still in pretty good shape, and is great for naps. It's about [...]
I was joking with some friends at work that what we're doing here is "making the world a better place, one email at a time." The truth is that creating and deploying email marketing campaigns for huge brand name companies is hard work. Not only that, but in most people's [...]
