Jinx? What Jinx?

Here in Texas it seems rain always wants to fall right around Memorial Day and July 4th. When it does this takes people away from the lakes and backyards of America and into the restaurants/bars/ movie theatres. Today was that kind of day! From 9 am until 6 pm, the rain fell with a vengeance. The day after a holiday kept things slow. Had it fallen one day earlier it would have done wonders with business for yours truly. Things have a way of evening out so I will now dispose of this 'what if' query.

With gasoline now topping out at almost 4 dollars, I am really starting to wonder how many people are just going to stay home this summer? In between tourism taking a shot in the arm, air fares continuing to ding the passenger (a 15 dollar bag fee on AA flights? Please!), airlines getting closer to foreclosure, a very depressed housing market stateside, layoffs, downsizings, and an election that will at best be fractious is there any hope for an economic recovery? I can only imagine what goes through the mind of the family of four when deciding where to make concessions. I expect a hotter than normal summer here in Dallas and expect to tread water, not exactly swim above it. Of course in my industry, come September football in all categories cures many many ills of the summer that preceded it.

Let the worrying begin: Josh Hamilton adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. For the longest time there has been a 'jinx' that seems to plague any athlete that makes the magazine cover. The same can be said for the athlete that is on the cover of Madden NFL videogame. I refuse to buy into crazy cowinkydink theories, except to say that in light of what Mr. Hamilton has overcome in alcohol and drug addiction he tells my story and gives to many who don't think or don't know how to overcome. Potential is a word that other people want to lay upon you. When you yourself actually reach the promised land of goals, it is to be enjoyed, cherished, and remembered. Can't have the lows without the highs. That's the law of life. Forget all this Triple Crown talk for now. Just enjoy all that Josh Hamilton has been able to achieve in 2008. Rangers fans may experience deja vu when noting that Juan Gonzalez and Josh Hamilton are the exact number of letters...

Adam 'Pacman' Jones set to meet with Roger Goodell about being able practice with the Cowboys prior to training camp. OTA's are now the thing within the NFL. Everyone deserves a second chance. I hope if reinstated Pacman realizes just how lucky he is. How good he has it compared to working folks. I am a little surprised that he will wear Deion Sanders old #21. Anyone notice that the NFL has thrived financially when the commissioners last names rhyme? I give you (Bert) Bell, (Pete) Rozelle, and (Roger) Goodell! At least until 2011 anyway...

Sis gets her knee fixed tomorrow. Mom flys in to assist her for a week. I look forward to at least one day of Mother/Son time in between drives to the airport.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will