Let’s have some fun together and #KillTheBeard

This has caused quite a bit of controversy in the world of geeks and smartphone users. Tim Cook (CEO of Apple) even went so far as to apologize for Apple Maps.

The main complaint is that Apple Maps just isn’t as good. There are bridges that seem to defy physics, landmarks are in the wrong spot, giant mountains where a highway should be, and much more.

If the new app seems to have so many widespread issues, why do I love it? Because, it is a fundamental change from the way Apple has fought Google (read Android).

It’s no secret Steve Jobs hated Android. He commented that he would do everything in his power to kill it. There have been countless lawsuits and counter-suits filed by Apple against Google and the manufacturers that use the Android OS in their smartphones based on some questionable patents. These suits were all in an effort by Apple to stop the sales of many Android based phones and tablets. Many often claimed Android software or the phone hardware was stolen from Apple.

Depending on which country, the results of the suits have been mixed. But one thing was clear, Apple was focusing more on suing their rivals rather than innovating and competing.

This is why I love Apple Maps. Instead of suing Google and trying to stop Google Maps in the court, they simply removed the Google App and created their own and started to compete. Until then, Nokia was the biggest maps competitor. Now Google Maps has powerful competition and since the release of Apple Maps, we have seen numerous updates to Google’s app. We have seen underwater “street view,” public transit upgrades, and today I read they added some 25 million new building footprints.

Some of the updates may have been scheduled regardless, but I can’t help surmise that Google knows they must innovate and improve now more than ever. Sure, Google always wanted to keep improving their maps app but now they have that fire under their ass that didn’t exist before.

Is Apple Maps going to catch Google Maps? Not any time in the near future. Will it continue to improve. Of course. There is no denying Apple has created some incredible innovations and they will continue to do so. I for one am excited to watch Apple Maps improve if it means Google Maps just continues to keep getting better as well. So, thanks Mr. Cook, no need to apologize. We know you will work hard to make your Maps app better, and that can only be a good thing, no matter where your mobile allegiances lie.

A question that is asked repeatedly in Thick7′s debut music video which is getting much attention since it first appeared on Youtube on Sunday, May 27th.  While you were BBQing and drinking by the pool to celebrate Memorial Day, Thick7 was dropping bombs that you’ll never forget (a lyric from the song).

Featuring Alison Haslip formerly of G4′s Attack of the Show, as the sexy bartender, the video follows the Thick7 boys on what I can guess is a typical night of scouting the talent and try to decide which woman they will take home. Judging by the women in this bar, I think they need to find a new watering hole.

Not much is known about the group besides what can be learned in this video titled “Apperance.”

According to their website Thick7.com the group was formed five years ago on the streets of Hollywood. Members include Bownce, Daddy Longlegs, DJ Ratif, and Nish.  Bownce and Daddy Longlegs are the front men with Bownce providing most of the “Flow like the 90′s.”

Bownce also says in his profile that he is “Relentlessly upbeat and motivated, Bownce looks to take over this debilitated rap game.”  Besides talking in third person too often, his lyrics are clever with a twist of humor and narcissism.  Then again, I think the describes just about every hip hop and rap artist out there.

Daddy Longlegs or “DLL” is a self proclaimed fashionista. Which fashion that is we aren’t sure.  Judging by the “Would You Hit That” video, we are guessing 70′s Saturday Night Fever.

We can’t get enough of the new song, hopefully there will be more tracks very soon.  A question we hope to get answered when we interview Thick7 on The Ruby Room Podcast.  Hopefully we can find out a little more about these guys, the future of the group, why they are called Thick7 (although I can guess), and much more.  For now, enjoy their new hit single, and help them answer the question, “Would You Hit That?”

I need to point out that I only got one of the play in games right. Just shows that the play in games are stupid. Anyway, to the matter at hand.  I’m really not sure why UNC has a ram as their logo. This obviously is an older logo of theirs but they still use the Ram mascot at games. He is your typical puffed chest mascot logo in a sweater. We have seen many of these so far. I have always love the UNC colors and they look great on the white ram. Conversely we have Lamar who has taken the animal head logo to a new low. Not only is the cardinal just a head, it looks like that is all he is supposed to be, like an Angry Bird. The script Lamar saves this logo, which is why I chose this one over just the flying cardinal head. I just can’t get over how weird the bird looks so UNC takes this one.

Really Creighton? This is what you are going with? To be fair, I did read that the Jay will be retired after this year. I’m not sure if that was the actual mascot, this logo, or both, but it’s about time. This looks like something you would see on drawing for dummies lesson. Alabama comes strong with the only pachyderm in the tournament. Elephant are usually a very docile looking animal but they have done a great job giving him some attitude. This one was an easy call, winner Alabama.

I really like this match up. Both schools use text as their logo and do it well. Temple uses a very unique multi-level, dual line version of a T. I can’t think of another school that uses anything similar, making the Temple T very recognizable. California went the same rout as Missouri and uses their shortened nickname in a classic script font. My issue with the Cal font is that it reminds me of a Baseball uniform. This is fine for their baseball team, but not for the other sports and the school in general. Temple moves on.

Michigan has one of the most basic, straight lined logos in sports. The blue M with yellow maize outline is iconic. This version also has the Michigan name across the middle. It’s like they found something that worked and just stuck with it. It will never go out of style and always looks good. Ohio hasn’t done too bad of a job themselves, but that cat leaves something to be desired. I really don’t like how the whiskers somehow dissect his face. Iconic status wins here. Go Big Blue!

What can I say about a naked Indian Native American that Wayne’s World 2 didn’t already? I think there is a loin cloth there and at least he has shoes (kinda). NC State has taken their nickname seriously. They are the wolfpack and I’m glad to actually see multiple wolves instead of just a head. NC State has another logo with interlocking letters but I think this one better represents the school. Although the design of the Aztec is pretty good, I can’t move a naked man logo into the next round, NC State takes it.

Hey look another Bulldog and another Bear. Ok, so Belmont is technically the Bruins. Things I like: the hat on the GTown bulldog, the colors of the bulldog, the fact the dog is smiling yet still showing his teeth. Notice I didn’t say anything about Belmont there? There is a reason for that, their logo is lame. I don’t like the white and blue bear, I don’t like the bright red tongue, and I don’t like that little dip under the M. Easy win for Georgetown.

It’s unfortunate these two logos have to meet up in this round because I really like them both. St. Mary’s nickname is the Gaels. We saw Gaels before with Iona. SMC has done a great job incorporating the Gaelic style in their interlocking letters. They also have done the triple interlocking letter better than I have seen from anyone else, not to mention the small G shield below. Purdue’s logo is just so strong. The velocity of the logo and the way they incorporate the school name into the front of the train is so well executed. The steam muddies the logo for me but they are the Boilermakers so I understand it’s necessary. In the end, the St. Mary’s logo really stands out as very well designed and thought out so they get the win.

Rock….Chalk….Jayhawk….K U. Talk about iconic. Anyone who cares about college basketball knows the Jayhawk. I would love to know the reasoning behind his stance. We have seen a lot of similar puff chested mascot logos but none with a kicked out foot like this. It’s a little weird to me that the KU is just branded on his chest though. Then there is Detroit. They are the opposite of iconic. I had no idea who they were or what their logo looked like. After I looked it up, I have to say I was impressed. What stands out is the city skyline in the background. The Titans and sword are decent but I have never seen a city skyline in the background of a college logo. For that reason alone, Detroit gets the upset.

What I didn’t talk about in Alabama’s first match up was the fact that they are the Crimson Tide. So why do they have an Elephant? No really, why? Similarly, UNC is the Tar Heels, so why do they have a ram? So neither of these mascots matches the school nickname. In this case, I think the nostalgia factor of the UNC ram trumps the uniqueness of the ‘Bama elephant. UNC wins.

Two letter logos in this match up. Michigan moved on because of the simplicity and timelessness. Temple moved on based on how unique their logo is. While I still think the Michigan M is good, the Temple T is different than any other letter logo and they advance.

In the previous round I gave NC State the win based more on their opponent than their logo. It’s an OK design but it’s a little too busy for me. For Georgetown, there is something to be said about doing something lots of other teams are doing (the Bulldog) but doing it the best. The GTown Bulldog is hands down the best of the numerous bulldog logos making them a winner in this round.

Both of these logos have unique qualities. Detroit with the skyline and St. Mary’s with the Gaelic styled interlocking letters. Similar to the previous match up. Detroits design looks cluttered next to the SMC logo. Good design stands, St. Mary’s gets the win.

Temple’s logo is unique, UNC’s is cool. Anyone can be cool, not everyone can be unique. Because of this, Temple gets the win.

I don’t what more to say about either of these logos that I haven’t already. It’s surprising to me that Georgetown has made it this far. Their logo embodies a lot of my complaints, it’s an animal head, it’s a bulldog, its an animal with clothes (if even just a hat). Yet, I have liked it up to this point. The well designed SMC logo is so versatile and good looking. Georgetown’s unlikely run ends here.

Both of these logos have moved to the Elite Eight mainly based on their unique design and the fact that they stand out as being different than the trends. If that’s the case, SMC does it better than Temple. SMC also acknowledges their nickname. The 7 seed continues their run all the way to the final four.

So the final four has been set. We have Saint Mary’s, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and UNLV. Come back tomorrow for the Final Four debate and the champion.

Images credit: Chris Creamer’s Sportslogos.net

If you are in the DFW area, I suggest you head to Frisco, TX and find Cafe Flair Crepes and Bubble Tea. Tucked away in the maze of white, one story buildings in the The Centre at Preston Ridge between Gaylord Pkwy and Warren sits an inconspicuous cafe amid the big box chains and boutique shops. The signage is almost too small to notice but don’t be fooled, big, bold flavors await inside.

I have been frequenting this hidden gem since it first opened about one year ago. When I first heard of Cafe Flair, I was skeptical. My first thought when I here the word crepe is a weird french food with fruit. The first time I stepped inside, that notion changed completely!

The menu at Cafe Flair spans all three meals. If it’s breakfast you are looking for, you can find crepes with fruit, crepes with vegetables, or even crepes with bacon! Couple it with a coffee or a fruit smoothie and you have yourself a complete breakfast. If it is later in the day and you are looking for a lunch or dinner option, you have plenty to choose from. Salmon, Turkey, Veggie, Chicken, and even Lasagna crepes are on the menu. If you are just looking for a sweet snack, try one of the many fantastic dessert crepes. No matter what you order, the presentation will be top notch and the taste will be incredible. I had no idea you could put so many different ingredients into a crepe. This is a far cry from that thin, tasteless food I had envisioned.

We already had one 16 seed knock of a number 1. Will it happen again? What I liked about both of the Syracuse logo and the UNC Asheville logo is the background. Syracuse’s logo features the Carrier Dome while UNC Asheville integrates their name into a mountain ridge. The mountains are very cleverly done, subtle but it gets the point across. I like the color of the UNC Asheville logo better. The dark blue against the orange in the Syracuse logo just looks wrong. Maybe it’s because I am used to their alternate logo of an orange S. Somehow the UNC Asheville Bulldog is almost an afterthought in this version. Which is a shame because as bulldog logos go, this is a good one. I’m giving the win to the 16 seeded UNC Asheville.

Although the mascots for Kansas St. and Southern Miss. are nothing similar, their logos kind of are. Both are a profile of an animal head looking to the right. Both even similar lines to them. Honestly, I don’t understand the K State wildcat logo. Why is there a two lane highway running from his neck to his mouth? From what I could find on wikipedia, there isn’t a reason, it’s just the design. Southern Miss didn’t really go out on a limb for their design but it’s clean, mean, and looks good on with or without text. Just because I don’t understand the purple wildcat, Southern Miss advances.

Could there be a match up of two more basic logos? In this case, however, I think basic is a good thing for both. The heritage of these schools is reflected very well in the design. Vanderbilt, founded by “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt (who was not an actual Commodore) the star and a block V. The black and gold colors work well together and really stand out. Harvard uses a shape that makes me think of the banners used in olden times or on the end of a trumpet. Something distinguished and high class. Both logos use the same font but the star is a better, more eye catching design, so Vanderbilt wins this one.

Another puff chested mascot. The Wisonsin badger has always been a favorite mascot of mine and it’s great to see him represented well here. Similar to the Florida Gator, the Badger is wearing a turtle neck, but I can understand, Wisconsin can get pretty chilly. Playing against Wisconsin we have the Montana Bears. The grizzly certainly looks grizzly, but as we have learned in the past, I am a fan of the full bodied logo over the head. Even though the actual design of the bear is much better than others I have seen, and I really like the snarl, Wisconsin’s badger is unique and well executed. Wisconsin wins.

I really struggled with this one. Not because UC is my school’s biggest rival or I live in Texas, but because both of these logos are so well done. Everybody recognizes the iconic, burnt orange longhorn. Even Texas’ rivals use this logo upside down to express their hatred for UT. Yep, rivals will actually buy a Texas Longhorn sticker and put it on their truck upside down. I don’t think you see that anywhere else. Cincinnati’s mascot is a bearcat. Yeah, I don’t know what that is either, but I guess it has claws. The great thing about the UC logo is it does double duty. It is a part of their mascot and on their uniforms, it is the middle C in Cincinnati. For that reason alone, I am moving UC into the next round.

Here we have another case of a time where I must pick between the lesser of two evils. Let’s start with the Bonnies. It looks like he just ate one of those C pillows you put behind your neck on a plane. Either that or the bottom of his jaw has fell off. I understand what they were trying to do, but the execution is terrible. I hate it. The FSU seminole isn’t much better. Yes, I understand this logo is quite old. The words Florida State in the feather were probably really cool when this was first drawn, but now they look dated and very difficult to read. Also, why does he have bacon on his cheeks and nose? I’m a little concerned with the facial expression too. I’m just glad this isn’t a full bodied logo because we probably don’t want to see what is going on below the waist. Because it is an iconic logo though, FSU moves on.

Hey look, another freaking bulldog. I know, let’s put a spiked color on him, nobody everybody does that. Also, let’s make him really mad and mean. To be fair, I don’t actually mind the design of the Gonzaga Bulldog, I am just getting tired of one bulldog logo after another. I actually like the logos Gonzaga uses on the front of their jerseys better than this, but I couldn’t find it on it’s own. They spell Zags in a unique font which looks really sharp. Much better than this World Wrestling Federation rip-off that West Virginia uses. Seriously, did the rednecks of West Virginia not think we would notice? This round game goes to the Zags based more on their uniform logo than this one.

Every time I watch Monday night football, I hear one of the guys exclaim he is from “THE” Ohio State University. So why don’t they include that in the logo? I am only half serious. I like a lot of things about the OSU logo. The colors, the font, the giant red O, it all works well. Loyola Maryland’s mascot is the greyhound. I think greyhounds are very weird looking animals so I am actually happy they chose just a head for their logo. I also like the way the head looks like the rest of the body is just outside the frame instead of a decapitated, floating head like many others. The shield in the background has an Apple design to it with the reflection line. That trend is everywhere now and for now, I still like it. Because Loyola Maryland found a way to do a animal head logo better than anyone else, they move on.

I look at these logos and try to find something to write about them and I have nothing. I liked them enough to move them to this round, but I can’t say I am really in love with either. Both have the weird floating head, both have a unique font, both have a very overused animal. The reason UNC Asheville moved on in their first match up is the reason they will move on again. I like the mountains built into the text.

Although, it makes my decision harder, I like when there is a match up of two very different styles. Wisconsin actually has another W logo that would compete well with the Vanderbilt star but the badger is the one that is competing here. What really stands out to me in the Vanderbilt logo is the use of the star. I can’t think of many other school logos that use a star, so based on originality, Vanderbilt downs the Badgers.

Really, there is no contest here. I barely like the FSU logo and I love the UC claw. I said all I needed to say about both earlier, so Cincy, see you in the Sweet 16.

Dog vs Dog. Head to head. Get it? Gonzaga made it here based on a logo that isn’t really in the tournament. Loyola Maryland made it based on the originality and the fact they found a better way to do an animal head logo. It’s also a match up of two opposite looking dog mascots. On one hand you have the long, skinny, tall greyhound. On the other is the short, stout, fat bulldog. Because there are already too many bulldog logos in the tournament, Loyola Maryland moves on.

I’m not going to lie, I am really surprised UNC Asheville has made it this far. When I first saw their logo I liked it, but I didn’t think it was overly fantastic. I think the unique nature of the mountains has finally worn off. I still really like the Vanderbilt logo.  Something about clean, sharp, black star and the hefty block V work very well. I am moving Vanderbilt into the Elite 8.

There is that pesky greyhound logo again. Up to this point I think it has easily beaten the competition, but pitted against the Cincinnati C Claw, it doesn’t stand a chance. The C claw is too perfectly executed and works on multiple levels. Loyola Maryland, this is where your cinderella story ends.

These definitely are my two favorite logos of the region. Both are unique. Both work on more than one level. I could probably go either way on this one but I am leaning towards Vanderbilt mainly because I think the Star V looks better in print and on clothing than the less substantial C claw. Vandy wins.

Wow, three regions down. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I have really been surprised about the outcomes. Tomorrow we reveal the final region and complete the final four.

Images credit: Chris Creamer’s Sportslogos.net

In the first match up of the West region we have a powerhouse in Michigan State vs an up-and-comer in Long Island. MSU”s logo is typically just a block S for State. First off, I hate that. Maybe they just don’t want to use an M and be confused with their interstate rival, Michigan. This is why I chose an older log of the Spartan head with block MSU below. The face of the Spartan reminds me of the old Baylor Bear that I liked and the logo has a sense of nostalgia. LIU on the other hand is just plain awful. The bird itself is pretty weak. Add to that the black LIU being held by a black bird, it’s almost illegible. MSU takes this one easily.

This one took about three seconds to decide. Memphis has stuck with this logo for quite some time. They have changed the coloring slightly but the basics have remained the same. It’s time for a major overhaul. An orange tiger with blue stripes just looks weird. I understand it’s your school colors but it just doesn’t work. Saint Louis on the other hand has embraced their odd mascot, the Biliken. He is sort of a troll like elf. What really makes this logo work for me is the uniqueness and the wink. I can’t remember any other logo with a winking mascot so SLU advances.

This region is full of terrible logos and New Mexico and Long Beach are no different. The Lobos’ logo is done in the new trend of thick, sharp lines. I am glad the lobo kept his tongue in his mouth but the mouth needs to be tweaked. The snout is too long and looks slightly disconnected from the rest of the head. LBSU did a great job trying to use an interesting font, but unfortunately, that B is just too weird looking. I’m not a fan of the fact the two circles seem to be independent of the spine of the B and really, they look like boobs. I can’t, in good faith, move LBSU on to the next round so this one reluctantly goes to New Mexico.

Really Davidson? Really? Let’s go over the design process for Davidson. “Ok, our color is red so a red square is a great start. Our mascot is a wildcat, can anyone draw that? No, OK, no problem, I’ll just search through clip art in Microsoft Word.”  A few years back, Louisville updated their logo and I think they really hit the nail on the head. The cardinal is fine and I like how they incorporated the wing, but what really stands out is the font, specifically the L. The look of feathers and the angled lines really make a powerful statement and the L even does well as its own logo. This match up is an easy win for UL.

Yesterday I talked about Ram logos and how they all look similar. Colorado State’s logo manages to break the mold a little bit. In this case its almost as if they inverted the logo and the negative space becomes the ram. This would work well in any medium, whether its print, electronic, or apparel. The Murray State Racers need some help. The M is pretty basic and not bad, but that horse and jockey are terrible. You have to squint to make out the detail and once you do, it’s not worth it. The out-of-the-box thinking of Colorado State gives them the advantage and the win.

This match up is pretty tough. Iona has a couple different logos and as I researched them, I was able to see the evolution of the Gael. The old Gael was more of a Leprachaun, very diminutive and humorous. This Gaelic man stands tall with his chest puffed, looking for a fight. There is a lot to see in this logo from the shoe buckles, to the hat, and the chin strap beard. Very well done. Marquette doesn’t disappoint either. They too have gone through an evolution in logo as well as their mascot. In this case, they stuck with an interlocking letter design but I like that the also included the full name in a banner. Marquette would have won another match up, but in this case, the Gael is too strong. Iona wins!

Another chest puffing cartoon. If you remember, I am a fan of full bodied logos as opposed to just the head, which is why I chose this Florida logo instead of their other well known Gator Head. I am a little confused as to why a gator in Florida would wear a turtleneck sweater. I guess they just needed a place for the F. Also, his eyes, while probably anatomically correct, seem way too small. Now, I am in love with this Virginia logo. It’s clean, subtle yet strong, and clearly identifiable. What I really like best though, is how it looks on apparel. Hats, shirts, shorts, you name it, they all look really sharp with this logo. This is a case of  ”less is more.” The win goes to Virginia.

This match up is quite possibly two of the worst logos in the tournament. Let’s start with Missouri. I do like that they used their nickname Mizzou, however, the tiger head almost looks like its two sided. There is way too much neck showing behind the head which makes for an odd shape and I almost expect to see blood dripping off the back. Then there is Norfolk State. What’s up with the gradient in the pastel green helmets? This might work better as a school seal rather than a sports logo. The tiny writing around the edge of the circle would get illegible if the logo were printed any smaller. All that being said, someone has to win. Because their logo actually looks like an athletic logo, Mizzou moves on.

One smiles at you, the other looks like he just spit out a wad of chew. I have to say, I wish both of these logos could advance. There is a lot of whimsy in both and each makes me immediately think of their respective school. But, there can be only one winner and based on originality, SLU defeats the #1 seed and moves to the Sweet 16.

New Mexico got to this round only because they were the lesser of two evils. I already told you how much I like the UL logo so it should be no surprise that the Cardinals move on and the Lobos are left whimpering in the desert.

Great creativity in this match up. The buff Gaelic man seems ready to take on the charging Ram. Sometimes I like a logo because of it’s detail and sometimes the detail is too much. In this case, the detail and slight humor of the Iona logo trumps the more subtle Colorado St. Ram.

This is another instance where one team moved on despite a poor design. The Missouri tiger is oddly shaped, confusing, and just plain boring. Virginia manages to be simple yet strong. The iconic symbolism of two crossed swords and a sharp, angled outline of a V move the Virginia logo into the Sweet 16.

I really struggled with this match up. At this point we have weeded out the bad designs and really anyone could advance. In this instance, the understated SLU Biliken catches my eye more than the UL Cardinal. My one complaint and the reason UL won’t advance is, even though it looks great now, I think this design will look dated in 10 or 15 years. SLU moves on.

Very interesting match up here of contrasting styles. Iona’s logo is over the top, humorous, colorful, and in your face. Virginia’s is subtle, serious, and monochromatic. In this match up it came down to wearability. Which logo would I rather have on a hat or T-Shirt? The answer is Virginia. They advance to take on SLU in the Elite Eight.

I find it interesting that in the South Region, two very detailed logos made the Elite Eight, yet here in the West Region we have two line drawings with very little detail. As much as I love the unique Biliken and his winking eye, the versatility of the Virginia logo really impresses me. In each match up, Virginia stood out as well designed and its opponents seemed like they were trying too hard. I did not expect them to be in the final four when I started this region, but that’s the beauty of March Madness. Virginia survives and advances to the Final Four.

Congrats to Virginia. It just goes to show that good design makes all the difference. Tomorrow we will go through the East Region.

Images credit: Chris Creamer’s Sportslogos.net

Here is how it works. I did a little research on all 68 teams in the tournament. I found current logos and past logos and picked the ones that I liked the most. Then I matched them up bracket style. Over the next few days I will go through each region, game by game, until we to get to the final four. We will reveal the final four and the Logo Tournament Champion later this week as the real tournament begins. Just like the actual NCAA tourney, there isn’t any magical formula here. Sometimes I liked the logo from decades ago better than one the school has now, so that is the one that made it. I chose based on what was cool, unique, nostalgic, iconic, or just plain funny.

Let’s start with the South Region. (Play in games are stupid so I already decided who won)

Although I don’t have all the numbers and data I want at the time of writing this, I do have the amount of weight that I lost. Disclaimer: My weight seems to fluctuate almost daily, it’s very strange. After 1 month of not going out to eat, I have lost a total of 13 pounds as of this morning. I took a couple of readings during certain days of the challenge, and have worked out some, not a lot, during my challenge.

The other readings will have to come once I can crunch some numbers and get my cholesterol checked. Once I do have those numbers, I’ll post them here. Overall my thoughts of the challenge are that it is VERY easy to not go out to eat. Cynthia and I have decided to start making it more of a routine to stay in and not go out. I’m sure once we see how much money we’ve saved, it will be a lot easier to make that decision.

The guys in my band and my podcast also decided to challenge themselves during the month of February. Greg decided he was going to wake up before 6 am every day except on the weekend. He made himself email David and I every day so we knew he was awake. Every morning I would kinda smile a little when I saw the notification on my phone with the simple phrase “I’m up.” Greg was successful all except 1 day. He added his $20 to our Ruby Alexander band fund.

David decided to challenge himself and not cuss for the month of February. I am pleased to say David did a lot better than I thought he would. He even had a couple of days where he didn’t cuss a single time! The total cuss words spoken by David was only 47. That is “freakin’” amazing. Good job! David said he would add in a quarter for each time he cussed, so our band bank account has a little more added to it from his challenge. I’m not sure what were going to do with the money, maybe get us some type of lessons to help us for our future gigs.

Today is my wife Cynthia’s Birthday! She is a wonder woman and I love her very much. I can’t wait for her bday party this weekend, it is going to be a blast. Happy Birthday babe! Tonight we will celebrate by going out to eat.