I Once Yelled Obscenities at Him

Mark Paschal's career at North Carolina is over. But his blood, sweat, and tears have paved the way for success.

I will sit down and write about Mark Paschal before our bowl game. I was planning to do this anyway, an extended blog about the senior class and what they've been through, focusing mainly on Paschal. But now that piece will have a little more meaning. The summary is this: no Carolina player embodies more of what a student-athlete should look like, what a tough, gritty, football player should look like, than #41.

Don't Even Worry, We Gonna Make It...

Last week, I was hoping to find the time and motivation to write a comprehensive preview of the college basketball season. A day spent on the national storylines, a day on the ACC, and a day on the Heels. Needless to say, this did not happen, as the crossover of football and hoops seasons here in Blacksburg has made for a pretty hectic time. Then, on Monday night, I was planning to just go ahead and put up a Carolina preview anyway, just in time for the loyal readership of The Blue Team to scan prior to the Kentucky game. However, something told me to hold off. And then This happened (great look from the courtside camera behind our basket, you can hear his frustration as he gets up).

So now our glorious season is done. All the hopes and dreams of the Carolina Family have been dashed. The season-long coronation of college basketball's best team will now be a battle just to make the NCAA Tournament. Injuries include Marcus and Tyler x2. We're toast.

Not exactly.

Back away slowly from that ledge, ye young Tar Heel enthusiast. Put down the sharp instruments o backer of the Baby Blue. And put away the AK-47 intended for Ramon Harris my fellow rooters of Roy (it was a hard foul, but not at all intentional or dirty, he's not named Gerald). This season is not over, the championship aspirations still remain. To quote Papa David Noel, "don't even worry, we gonna make it..."

As I watched the Kentucky game, I was extremely frustrated. The team was incredibly discombobulated, as evidenced by sloppy passes, poor decisions, and the lack of defensive rotation. We could not have won a national title down at the local YMCA, in my opinion. Lawson, in particular, did not have a good game, driving too far into the lane on numerous occasions, a mistake that frequently ended in a turnover. Suffice to say that, prior to Zeller going down with his wrist injury, I was not too pleased with what I was watching. But yesterday, even knowing that we were about to get news of Zeller's significant injury, the season came back into perspective.

The reason everyone seems so upset right now is the bad karma of three major injuries. Zeller's broken wrist finally brought to the surface what a lot of people were quietly whispering: this team is jinxed already. Too many injuries, too much bad karma to win a national title. But I got news for you: winning a national title is not just about karma. It's about perseverence, improving as a basketball team, and focusing on a goal together. Marcus is going to get healthy (eventually) and Psycho T will be dominating before too long. Before you know it, this team will play a complete game and run somebody decent out of the gym.

Of course, there will be some bad games. There will be a few losses I am sure. And if for some reason there are two more huge injuries (Ty Lawson anybody?) or Hansbrough cannot get healthy, then forget I ever wrote this post and keep me away from the utinsel drawer.

I am just asking that this season, the Carolina Family keeps the big picture in mind and manages to enjoy the ride along the way. The big picture is March - ultimately, that will determine the success of the season in the minds of most, as it normally does at Chapel Hill. So a loss next week in Maui or in mid-January is not the end of the world. But the ride is important too - enjoy watching the talented student-athletes, the highlight-reel plays, the blowouts, and the close victories. There is too much to be marveled at to just waste away an entire season expecting more or giving in the "bad karma". Besides, if you are feeling down, just watch this.

Don't even worry, we gonna make it...cause this year, we are bringing some more banners to the dome.

Can You Smell What Barack is Cookin'?

With today being the Super Bowl of the United States’ political world, it is the duty of The Blue Team to provide you, the bored-at-work reader, with a live rundown of political commentary from a moderate poli-sci major…and some sports too. After all, sports is still the specialty around these parts, so we cannot possibly allow a good night for blogging to pass us by without some serious sports analysis. Alright Peas, let’s get it started…

• It is 8:00pm and sixteen states just closed the polls. An influx of electoral votes for Barack Obama gives him his first lead of the night, a lead he likely will not lose, at least according to Vegas. ABC has already awarded Pennsylvania to Obama, but CNN has not. According to ABC, Obama for your Mama (OFYM) leads 102-34.
• CNN has switched to Suzanne Malveaux out at Grant Park in Chicago, who is finally audible to viewers at home after providing us with nothing about half an hour ago. The crowd was so loud that no one could hear poor Suzanne. It sounded much more like the north end zone at Virginia Tech than a political event.
• Dana Bash (not Dane-A, but Dan-A), is at the McCain camp in Arizona where a boys choir is performing in the background. Apparently Kanye West was booked. Dan-A reports that the mood is pretty somber in the Republican camp. Glad she was there to give us that bit of information.
• A quick shout-out to tonight’s proud food sponsor of The Blue Team: Chick-Fil-A. A #5 eight-pack combo, four-piece chicken strips, and sweet tea courtesy of an old 2006 Chick-Fil-A Bowl gift card. Here’s to going back and getting another gift card this season.
• Virginia’s Senate race has already been called for Mark Warner, the former governor of the Commonwealth. You could have called that race two months ago. I did not even know who he was running against until I saw my electronic ballot while voting today. Seriously, it is that much of a landslide.
• North Carolina, though early, is currently showing a lead for Obama. As I have mentioned to many folks, the fact that NC is even close to turning blue is an indicator to me of the strength of the Obama campaign and a realistic chance of winning this election.
• According to David Axelrod, Obama’s chief strategist, Barack and Michelle are chilling at home, waiting to party a little later tonight. He did indeed play his good-luck basketball game this afternoon, a game that no doubt included former Dookie Reggie Love. What a great gig that guy has.
• I was not at all surprised that Philip Fulmer was essentially fired by Tennessee yesterday. Things have gotten really bad for the Volunteer Nation, but the division within the fanbase is what has been shocking to me. Many common Volunteer fans gave up on Fulmer a few years ago following his 5-6 season that was littered with arrests and team turmoil. However, a number of big boosters remained fiercely loyal to the coaching staff despite big losses to Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. A contract extension following last season seemed to give Fulmer and the boys a vote of confidence; instead, it has just increased the cost of his contract buyout. Up to $9.6 million total, combining the $6 million owed to Fulmer over the next four seasons and $3.6 million to his staff, will be paid out by the athletic booster club. Add in the salary of the new coach and his staff and you will have quite an expensive year for the Volunteer Nation.
• Fox News has also awarded Pennsylvania to Obama, but CNN is holding off. Bizarro World.
• 70% of post-graduate educated voters in New Hampshire voted for Barack Obama. Smart people love OFYM apparently.
• Speaking of smart people, an interesting read by Donald Miller. Check it out, and thanks to the owner of Matt Swab for providing.
• So Psycho T has a stress reaction in his knee, which no doubt caused a stress reaction within the extended Carolina family. Obviously no one wants our prized, beloved, walk-on-water big man injured. However, “early in the season” and “not too bad” were the phrases associated with this injury. So folks, chill out and don’t stress over it (pun intended). Tyler will be fine.
• I hope.
• Kay Hagan is well-ahead of Libby Dole in the Senate race in North Carolina, yet another Democratic candidate who is likely to win a seat in Congress this year. Future Senator Hagan sat next to us at the NCAA Tournament last year in Raleigh as she and her daughter rooted on the Heels. They were very nice and seemed to be good fans. We did not know until she left who she was, as it was then she shook our hands and passed us a business card. Never asked for our vote, just enjoyed the game. I could not vote for her given my Virginia residency, but I am glad to see many others did.
• Rudy G is on ABC discussing Sarah Palin. He makes a very good point, mentioning that she has many of the qualifications of a normal Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate. However, 60% of people polled upon exit said she was “unqualified” to serve as President. Giuliani attributes this fact to the debate and the harsh criticism of the Democratic party of Palin’s selection. This despite her ranking as a 7.8 out of 10 amongst males ages 31-55.
• Kay Hagan has just been officially projected by CNN as the winner. Somehow, this Senate seat has gone from Jesse Helms to Libby Dole to Kay Hagan in a decade. Wow. The best part of this race was the recent television ad campaign by Dole that accused Hagan of being “godless”. I just find that hilarious. On the bright side, Libby Dole can go home and enjoy more “right moments” with husband Bob, he of the original endorser of Viagra.
• 9:00pm update – CNN has it 174-49, Fox News 163-81 in favor of OFYM.
• “Race was an important factor” = 55% for Obama, 44% for McCain; “Race was NOT an important factor” = 53% Obama, 45% McCain. Age actually ended up being a much more important factor, nearly 2:1, with 70% of those votes going to Barack Obama. Interesting.
• “If he loses Florida, it’s peace out Cub Scout for McCain”. – some dude on CNN.
• The NBA season just started last week and I am the lone person in Blacksburg who cares I think. And care I do. I am really interested in the growth of some teams from last season, especially New Orleans and Houston. I watched both win key early games last week, New Orleans at Phoenix and Houston at Dallas, and both squads had a key role played by new off-season additions. James Posey hit huge three-pointers late for the Hornets and Ron Artest was awesome on both ends of the floor for Houston, scoring 30 points and shutting down Dirk. I like both teams moving forward and cannot wait to watch them continue to gel in the competitive Western Conference.
• A fascinating story about Lynchburg, VA and EC Glass High School. The anchor on ABC (sorry, missed the name) related that the last time he was in the auditorium at the high school, Paul Harvey received a standing ovation when he complained that the school had dropped “Dixie” as its fight song. Barack Obama stood in the same auditorium a few weeks back and has now carried the county that contains Lynchburg. Times are a changin’.
• I’d like to thank Willis McGahee (did not play), Marshawn Lynch (left early – stomach virus), David Garrard (lack of passing the football to his team), and Brandon Marshall (general suckiness) for a crushing loss for the Hokie Thugs in the Phi Alpha league. Really, thanks guys. Please redeem yourselves ASAP.
• Rest easy (er) Carolina fans, Butch says he ain’t goin’ to Tennessee. No truth to the rumor that he pointed to a picture of Sarah Palin and said “she’s the only 10 I see”.
• Virginia is 70% reported with only a 12,000+/- lead for McCain. NC is 47% reported with similar numbers, but for Obama.
• ABC News sending us out to Kogelo, Kenya for coverage of the ancestral village of Barack Obama. Unfortunately the audio is not working, which really sucks because I think hearing their perspective would be a great story on election night. We did get a great shot of an African man in a red cowboy hat, which is amusing. Keeping the international theme, the Hispanic vote in New Mexico and Arizona increased as a whole in this election, mostly in support of Obama. A good story by ABC about a family in that region that is really, really struggling to make ends meet, so much so that Christmas will not include any gifts this year. That in itself is not as unusual as many people think in America or anywhere else, but does go to show the plight of many people in our nation.
• Ohio to Obama. Get the fork out.
• Roger Wilkins, a professor at George Mason University, and a board member of the NAACP, weighs in on the election, citing the different life his 6 year-old grandson will have than he did as a youngster. What an incredible impact on a young black boy or girl to see an African-American as the figurehead and chief executive officer of the United States.
• I think concessions speeches should includes hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and beer. Did you get that one? It was kind of quick, I know, but hilarious. You can stop laughing now though. Really.
• The Minnesota governor, Tim Pawlenty, weighs in on ABC about the problems with the Republican party. He acknowledges a lack of connecting with core, day-to-day issues, and with the younger generation of voters. He also mentions the slowness of the party to respond to environmental and healthcare issues. Finally, he talks about how much an economic downturn has hurt the incumbent party in all national elections over history, as every time we face tough economic conditions, the non-ruling party tends to win the next vote.
• Facebook and Twitter are cited by ABC for data on younger voters. I love Facebook.
• Mark Warner’s acceptance speech as Senator of Virginia commences with “Right Here, Right Now” playing in the background. If he’d have played 311, I’d kiss him.
• A quick summary of my personal voting today. I moved two months ago and have not yet received my change-of-address information (i.e. new voter registration card). I also have two valid driver’s licenses, one with my old address, the other my new one. However, I went to my original voting locale and simply showed one license, got my name checked off, and voted. We voted for President, Senate, House of Representatives, and School Board here in Blacksburg, that was it. Four votes to cast. I was in and out in less than five minutes, and it would have been shorter had I not stood in the booth and stared at my electronic vote for an extra minute, taking it all in. On the flip side, my parents waited for over an hour in Mint Hill/Charlotte to vote. Yet another advantage of small college towns.
• A striking discussion on CNN between James Carville and their Republican correspondent, Alex Castellanous. Alex says that the Democratic party has moved towards the center with Barack Obama, while Carville claims the past two years to be “an absolute drubbing” in favor of the more liberal party. Both are correct to an extent. I do think that the party has moved a bit more towards the center in the past decade or so, post-Clinton, but I do not think that is the sole (or even major) reason for the dramatic shift in Congress toward the Democratic party. Much more of that has to do with the Republican party’s lack of connecting to voters on domestic policies and every-day issues. I’d go on, but let’s save two hours.
• Congressman John Lewis, a former associate of Martin Luther King Jr., weighs in on ABC, talking of shedding tears and being over-whelmed by the potential history of this day. The perspective of an African-American who lived through and experienced America during the Civil Rights Movement is so different from anyone else tonight. I think reading their thoughts in the coming days and weeks will be incredibly interesting.
• Thanks to Bailey’s and Coke Zero for their combined support here in the 10 o’clock hour.
• Quick shift to the NFL – how ‘bout them Cowboys? Dallas has fallen apart without Tony Romo and with the onslaught of defensive injuries. I find it funny that everyone on ESPN talked up Brad Johnson when Romo was injured, as he is experienced and solid at quarterback, except now they all think he sucks because he…well, he sucks. Funny how quickly these “experts” have changed their minds. The NFC is pretty clear to me: New York, Philly, and Carolina are really good (who hoo!), Arizona, New Orleans, and Green Bay are dangerous, Washington and Tampa Bay are tough, and Dallas is the wild card team that could go either way. Not too worried about the other squads, Atlanta included. The AFC is a bit cloudier, with Tennessee and Pittsburgh leading the way, but the entire AFC East (including Miami given their schedule), Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and San Diego lurking for the final four playoff spots. I picked Pittsburgh to win the Super Bowl, and I stand by that prediction so long as Big Ben’s big shoulder is ok.
• In local Virginia news, the 5th district race for a Congressional seat had originally been called for incumbent Virgil Goode over an hour ago by the Associated Press; however, they have back off that claim as of 10:30pm, as Democrat Tom Perriello is leading the vote by just over 2,500 votes with 95% reporting. I am amused by this, of course.
• Barack Obama is 47, right between the baby-boomers and Gen X, as pointed out by Roland Martin on CNN, potentially allowing him to relate to both major generations. The discussion then turns to Obama’s potential party allegiance as our President: will he turn left or stay closer to the center? Speculation says it depends on his ability to get Republicans in Congress to buy in to his policies.
• Fox News has just declared Virginia to Barack Obama. CNN, ABC, and Fox News will not go this far, but I’ll do it: stick the fork in John McCain, he is done.
• Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas (ironic since this live rundown began with a reference to BEP) joins CNN’s Anderson Cooper live in the studio via hologram for his analysis. They joke about it, but it really looks like something out of Star Trek. This is unreal. He is really a hologram standing in their studio. I am bamboozled right now…maybe it was the Bailey’s.
• Let’s get real serious here for a minute. Barack Obama is about to become our President. Historically, he is significant because he will be the nation’s first minority President. But, will he really be a good President? Can he unite the nation, turn the economy around, protect our borders from both attack and illegal immigration, provide affordable healthcare while decreasing taxes, build stronger relationships with our international neighbors, police the world landscape, and represent the office with dignity, class, and integrity? Can he really do it? Just being the first black President cannot be enough; he must create a legacy of sound decision-making and leadership in addition to the historical significance due to his race. I liken this to Jackie Robinson breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball: had Jackie been an average player, his legacy would only have been related to the color of his skin. But, Robinson was a Hall of Fame player, a revolutionary player with speed and athleticism not yet seen in the league. He would have been remembered simply based on his skills had he not been black. That is what Barack Obama must strive for in his presidency. A legacy of change, of improvement, of greatness, in addition to the historical significance of his race.
• 11:00pm EST: Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States. United State history, for the first time, has no color barrier. Yes, we can. And we did.
• Watching the celebrations in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and around the country is like one huge College World Series dog pile one the pitcher’s mound. What joy, what adulation.
• Great analysis on CNN about tonight’s result: this does not change anything overnight as far as US policy goes. However, it does go a long way in changing the way other nations, especially more progressive Europe, view our country. We must move forward as a nation, united as one now. “We the People” is finally just that: We, ALL of the People.
• Quick thoughts on President-Elect Barack Obama’s acceptance speech will have to come another day. In addition, more analysis will come in the next couple months, and hopefully we will find out the name of the new Obama dog as well. For now, let’s end with a couple of thoughts…

Galatians 3:26 – 28: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

And from the song “Changes”, courtesy of Tupac Shakur: “It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some changes . Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the way we treat each other. You see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do, to survive.”

God bless America.