Clemson; C'mon Now.....

3 Hours Clemson Would Like to Erase

Playing Thursday night, USC enjoyed the first primetime spot of the new football season. This was great and all, but the real primo spot was given to Clemson.

This couldn't have turned out any worse for the Tigers.

Tiger fans couldn't end the terror fast enough. T.V. sets around the country blared these quotes, all night long;

"Alabama is starting 10 freshmen..."

"Clemson has the best backfield tandem in the country..."

"Clemson is the best in the ACC..."

"'Bama is 2nd tier in the SEC...Maybe 3rd."

"Clemson doesn't look like they're even trying..."

"Clemson walked out of the tunnel like they deserved to win this..."

"Clemson is getting pushed around..., etc".

Herbstreet went on and on, about these issues. Not that they didn't deserve it, but I'm just sayin'.

Saturday, Tommy Bowden made Nick Saban look worth $4 million, and the Tigers made the ACC look down right inferior.

915 Chester St. Is For Sale...

Historic Elmwood Park Home, Hits Market...

This two story, Charleston style home has 2,350 sq. ft. and features 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths. >>Click Here for more pics

Walk in the front door (from the Charleston style front porch), and you are immediately impressed (again). The beautiful foyer leads into a large dining room to the right, while the large eat-in kitchen is straight ahead.

The three bedrooms are on the second floor. The large master suite has a brand new (large) bathroom, which is rare for the area. The master has all of the modern features, while keeping the historic charm intact.

The finished third floor acts as an enormous playroom. This area has many potential functions, and is nicely done.

The home features four fireplaces, smooth ceilings and designer colors throughout. It's very well done, and fun to walk through.

As the story goes, Elmwood Park is the one downtown area that avoided Sherman's troops. Therefore, the old southern charm lives on in this popular neighborhood.

Chester St. is one of the most popular streets, in Elmwood Park. The tree lined street is dotted with different colored homes, and is home to many of Columbia's truly "historic" homes.

Call/Email/Text if you are interested in 915 Chester St. The home is offered for $289,900.

"Tear Down These Meters!" Go David!

To Pay County, We Must Pay City Toll. WUT!?

Notice that the picture above, is taken at the only angle that doesn't show one parking meter.

When I went to pay my taxes in January, I was greeted by nice, shiny red parking meter. I asked the friend with me, "Is there any sort of double taxation here?" He asked me what I was talking about. I explained, "We're paying the city, for the opportunity to pay the county." WUT???!!! (Of course its not "double taxation," because the money for the meter is a "fee, or toll." Uhh, huh. I'm calling it a "Toll Tax")

David and I spoke about it for about 20 minutes. I was glad to know, that I was't the only one that had discussed the matter with him.

It bugged me so much, that I had to blog about it that night. >>Click Here To See Post

Well done Treasurer. >>Click Here to see David's letter.

We understand, that parking meters are an important component to Columbia's budget. Having said this, Columbia needs to take the high road on this one.

Big Kite & Hurricane = Total Stupe

As My Uncle Used To Say, "Dude...You Ain't Hittin' On Much..."

>>Click Here To See Flyin' Stupe... It's in slow motion, the second time they show it. Complete sandplant, then ragdoll..

I hate to beat anyone while they're down, but holy crap. This fella is either a suicide situation, or just a plain ole' stupe.

I'm all for an adrenaline rush, but Mr. Windsurfer and his giant kite tempted a Florida hurricane, and got blown up.

Thank God, he's expected to live.

This Was Awful To Watch...

I Was Pullin' For Some LoLo...

This gorgeous U.S. athlete, was the favorite to win it all....and doing it. Finished 7th.

Lolo Jones was cruising to a gold medal, when her heel pushed the ninth hurdle over. Pushing the hurdle with the bottom of her cleat, instead of the regular "clipping" with the toe, forced Jones to slip awkwardly. She was passed by almost everyone.

This was pretty dang tough to watch. In her interview, she handled it perfectly. Privately, she bawled her eyes out.

Hotsheet; Columbia's Newest Listings

>>Newest Listings; Aug 6 - 17, 2008

"Famously Hot" Columbia, Tries Again

Finally, We Are Superlative At Something.

I know Columbia has a hard time branding itself. I've actually tried to come up with something clever myself (w/ the heat being my #1 subject). For a while, I thought Columbia needed to "name itself," to create its brand (Charlotte = The Queen City). The new slogan, and logo come very close to this. I wish the font was bolder, but I actually like what they've done with the logo.

Further, "Famously Hot," has some sort of superlative flair to it. The slogan may stick this time, but I'm not sure it will recruit anyone to visit Columbia. >>Go to http://www.famouslyhot.com/ to view the new website.

From the article in The State, it seems like Columbia wants to bring conventions here, and fill hotel rooms. In my mind, two things will need to happen before we can accomplish Columbia's goals.

1) Conventions; Get on the phone. Our people need to work the phones, cut deals with cities and groups, and ask organizations to have their conventions in the midlands.

2) Fill Hotel Rooms; Get the Gamecocks consistently in the Top 10, in football and/or basketball. Nothing will fill hotel rooms faster, than a great SEC major sports program. The Gamecocks are Columbia's quickest route (if we can do it), to the national map.

Don't get me wrong. The effort is fine, and the new slogan is far better than, "Where Friendliness Flows". I'm just not sure that continuously presenting Columbia as a destination city, is the thing to do. I'm just not sure it's who we are...

Below are some of the ads that will appear in print, with puns galore. The T.V. ad is actually upbeat. I'm not sure that it will recruit companies and organizations to visit, but the music and flashing pictures are pretty upbeat. FJ

‘Make your gathering sizzle’
Wording from one of Columbia’s “Famously Hot” ads that will appear in travel industry journals

Go ahead, put our feet to the fire. We’re hot but never bothered.

Our city and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau are ready and eager for any challenge. We’ve got a well-placed Convention Center in this historic state capital that simmers with cool river-edged scenery, open-air restaurants, live music, sports and concerts.

Or if you’re looking for something different, we’ve got plenty of other venues — from the high-tech and mod, to perfect postcard locations of columned mansions and sprawling oak trees.

Hungry? Cuisine here ranges from grits to gourmet. (Actually, in the kitchens of some of our hottest chefs, grits are gourmet.)

Columbia’s heat is legendary. If your event has been singed by false promises and poor service, look no further. Our mix of Southern hospitality and fiery dedication will make your gathering sizzle.