"Hey Coach...

...do you mind taking a quick picture?"

I hold the view that each of us is just a person, with human emotions, desires, and feelings, and that at our very core, we are all very similar. With that same line of thinking, I've never really been "star struck" in my short 28 years of life. Granted, I haven't met too many people that I would consider famous or of celebrity status (sorry Tom and Tim, but you're just a bunch of lowly track guys in my book - run a 9.78 100m and we'll talk). That is, until a couple of hours ago.

Tonight, after the Tennessee/Tennessee Tech game, four of us went to Copper Cellar to grab a late dinner. Thirty minutes later, the man himself walked in the door to do the same...Bruce Pearl, UT Men's Head Basketball Coach. Let me just give you a quick rundown of what he has accomplished:

Career Record: 350-94 all-time (78.8% wins), 33-10 at UT (76.7% wins)
1994 NCAA Div-II National Title at Southern Indiana
Sweet-16 at U. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Thirteen 20-win seasons as Head Coach
2006 SEC East Champs, beating eventual NCAA Champions Florida twice
2006 Sporting News National Coach of the Year

Pearl has been on a roll ever since he stepped onto The Hill last year. He far-exceeded expectations last year with a 2nd seed in the NCAA tournament, winning 22 games and the SEC East title. The question remained, "What about next year?" Well, I'll go on the record by saying that my expectations have already been surpassed. Early season losses to Butler and North Carolina followed up by 7 straight wins, 3 of which were ranked in the top 30 (Memphis, Oklahoma St, and Texas).

Tennessee is now poised to enter conference play with 12 wins. Exceeding expectations (which he undoubtedly will do) of going over .500 in SEC play and he has yet another 20-win season under his belt and a berth in the NCAA Tournament once again. I am continually in awe of what this guy can get out of his under-recruited and undersized players. It doesn't matter, he gets it done every night.

Here's his formula for success so far:

Attending local high school basketball games + ringing the Salvation Army bell at WalMart + speaking at local businesses + pepping students while standing on a campus cafeteria chair + taking time to recognize the fan's support + working from dawn til dusk + desire + etc = UT no longer JUST a football school.

He is a marketing genius.

I'm in no way advocating that Bruce Pearl be worshipped for who he is to Knoxville, but rather an example of how building relationships (in every capacity) can do for a very large group of people. I firmly believe that all of the reason's above that Pearl's success has come from the time taken to build relationships. With players. With fans. Even with non-fans. The fruits of his labor are very much apparent with everyone he has been around. And also for allowing me to graciously interrupt him during dinner for a picture will always be a "picture" of what I am also to be. Ultimately, whatever we may desire, I believe it comes down to building the right relationships the right way. And for that I say (and said):

"Thanks Coach...love what you have done here."

What's wrong with this picture?

Sure, forecasting the weather must be difficult. I don't envy the weather(people) in this area because of how often they get it wrong, but today's forecast has left me scratching my head though. High of 43 and low of 44? Hmmm. What to wear.

Merry Christmas!

To the (not so) fortunate few,

I hope this finds each of you well this Christmas season. I'll hurry this up so none of you "freeze your baguettes off" by answering a couple questions that may cross your mind...

1. No, I haven't been drinking any eggnog.
2. Yes, a big pretzel broken in half makes a realistic cigar.
3. Yes, that robe is from the Target women's department (tags and receipt make for easy return, but sshhhh!).
4. Of course, I still have my turtleneck from last year.
5. Yes, the chest hair is real.
6. No animals were harmed in the making of my hat (except a few rabbits).
7. Yes, I'm sure I haven't had any eggnog.

"Later dudes! Let 'er rip. Hang ten..."

...and Merry Christmas,

Adam

ps...Sorry about all of this...again.

Edward Gerhard: Christmas

I recently happened upon a CD that has done more than it's share of bringing the Christmas Spirit to the Casa de Gerken this year. Edward Gerhard was playing a free, live show on WDVX's Blue Plate Special a few weeks ago. I caught only the last 15 minutes of his concert on the radio, but it moved me enough to immediately go out and purchase a used copy at the local Disc Exchange.

Honestly, it's fairly difficult to find what I would even consider "good" Christmas music. This album has completely broken the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas song mold I was raised on in the 1980's. Sorry mom, but that stuff is plain brutal.

If you're looking for some music this Christmas season, look no further than Edward Gerhard's all acoustic/instrumental "Christmas" CD, aided by the likes of Bill Mize and Arlo Guthrie. It's simply beautiful.

Do these waders...

...make my butt look big? Don't answer that.

I was able to dodge the Christmas crowds this afternoon for an hour of fishing up at Tremont. By the way, so far on the Christmas gift buying: For Me - 2, For Others - 1. At least I'm good at something...and I'm not talking about fly fishing. That was evident by the "0" I threw up on the scoreboard from my hour on the water.

We have had some really warm weather the last week or so in the Valley. Today it was 70 and sunny, so I figured water temperatures have risen enough the last couples days to cause the fish to be more active. Even Byron from Little River Outfitters in Townsend commented on his daily fishing report, "The water will warm up and you should catch a few." Apparently, he doesn't know who he was talking to here.

As soon as I hit the entrance to the park, the thermometer in my truck read "55" degrees, and I noticed that the pavement was wet. The weather around here never ceases to amaze me. Just 15 miles in my rearview it was warmer and way more dry.

I found my way to the top parking lot above the Institute around 4 o'clock. After a wrestling match with my waders, I was on the trail to my favorite hole. After 20 minutes of casting several different flies with nothing to show, I pressed on upstream. From this area, that means climbing out of the "gorge" back to the trail because of a couple impassable cascades (see pic to left...doesn't do it justice but it's crazy steep). Apparently, when we have heavy rains, the andrenaline junkies race to the Park to try their hand at running the drops in kayaks.

Once I got back on the trail I was pretty much over trying to catch any fish for the day. I found a nice new bench and just sat. It was the highlight of today's trip actually. I know, pretty defeated attitude right? No, I wasn't at all. It was just what I needed. So what did I do for the next 45 minutes? I sat. I took pictures. I thought (which hurt). I sat some more. Either way, here's some of my perspective:

From the Backcountry...

...To the front office. At least, that's what this weekend was like. I was treated to the Redskins/Eagles game in Washington this last weekend...and in the Dominion suite, no less. What a great time. We flew up to D.C. early Saturday morning and arrived at Dulles just before noon. We followed the Southern Appalachians, and the sunrise, all the way. That's a nice way to see the mountains.

After we landed, we headed down to Georgetown for a hamburger at Clydes, walked around for a while, then headed back to the hotel to relax. Later that evening, we went down to the nearby movie theater to see "Blood Diamond." Not a good flick, unless you like a drawn out, no plot, shoot 'em up movie...should have went to Bond (James Bond). However, David and I were more than slightly amused during the pre-movie festivities when Richard and Joe squared off in a racing video game. I believe I heard one say, "Let's race again! Cause I'm gonna wreck your a** this time!" I'm happy to know the competitive spirit never goes away.

After the movie, we had a late dinner and were off to bed. We set off for the stadium mid-morning which took us through the National Mall area. It was nice to be just driving through this time, but I was still able to get a couple pics. I love how the buildings are so American.

We arrived at the stadium just after 11a for the 1p kickoff. Of course, we headed straight for the suite which boasted an open buffet and bar. Hard to complain about that, so I didn't. The 'Skins lost by two points, though it went down to the fourth quarter with Washington battling back the whole second half. The result wasn't what we wanted, but it was a great time had by all, and I'm more than grateful to have been included in the trip. After the game we headed straight back to Dulles for an evening flight back to Knoxville. It was a quick, but great trip. Thanks David, Joe, and Richard for having me along. I hope to be able to return the favor someday. Here's some pics from the weekend:

And of course, I don't like to disappoint my fans, so I agreed to let this one have her picture made with me. What can I say..

A Dancing Tree

I saw this tree the other day on my way to Maryville (God's country), and it made me smile. I threw the truck in reverse to get a quick shot. At least something out there has found a way to celebrate kudzu, the fallen leaves, flu season, and even the fact that it's missing it's right leg.

Roadtrippin'

I'll be heading up to D.C. this weekend for the Redskins/Eagles game with some friends. These guys, I must add, are some of the most fun, nicest, and generous people I've ever known. I'm still not sure what I've done to be on the their giving end so many times.

Hikes to the top of Mt. LeConte for stays in LeConte Lodge. Umpteen trips to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. Bachelor Party/Fishing Excursions/Golf Outings on Gasparilla Island, FL. Passes to the sideline at a UT football game. Nights in their cabin that lies on the boundary of the GSMNP. Now, a trip to D.C. for my second NFL game. It's unbelievable the opportunities I have been given for new experiences from these guys.

If I was a betting man, I'd put money down that this trip will also be one to remember. I'll definitely be posting some pics from the weekend, but until then, here are some from some of the previous times mentioned above...