Virtual Sports, The New Norm? by Klassy K

New Norm Sports

Virtual Sports, The New Norm? by Klassy K

Home skillets! It’s been a long time and I know that it’s been quite a difficult time for all of us. Many have lost their lives due to the Coronavirus, became ill, and/ or suffered in some form of fashion. Whether emotionally, financially, physically, and/or spiritually, we all have been affected in some way. Our lives were completely changed overnight.  One day we are going into work to working from home, taking kids to school to homeschooling, having social gatherings with friends and family to now social distancing, Zooming, and wearing masks everywhere we go.

Honey chile, I have to say that one good thing out of all of this was not having to take my kids to school and picking them up. Homework, class projects, assignments, checking and reminding them to go to google classrooms, e-mailing and calling teachers, making sure their lunches are ready, trumpet and violin lesson(s), clothes are cleaned, hair is done, whew chile! I am having hot flashes just thinking about it. I guess I’m lazy, who knows?  Hey, that’s what working from home can do to you!

We (United States) were not prepared for this pandemic and unfortunately many lives were lost. Social injustice, police brutality, systematic racism, blacks being murdered, lynching of blacks (not suicide by “hanging themselves”), “Karen” incidents for just being black, and so many countless others, 45 and other political leaders are not doing much about it. I have to say that this “2020” was not what I was expecting it to be at all.  As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to it because it is the election year. Now Americans are finding other ways to entertain themselves, since sporting events, concerts, and other crowded outside events were all canceled.

Coronavirus Stadium

However, there have been many talks with owners of major league baseball, NBA, NHL, NFL, etc. to bring sports entertainment to the television. In fact, the Detroit Tigers will have their season game tomorrow, Friday, July 24 airing on Fox Sports, playing against the Cincinnati Reds at 6:10 pm. Unfortunately, the players will be playing in an empty stadium, but hey at least we can be somewhat entertained. What’s creepy though, some television outlets are thinking of creating animated virtual holograms to be “fans” in the stands. I guess to make watching the game seem “normal” since the virtual fans will make boo’s, clap, shout, and even do the wave. Well if that should happen at least we are going to be able to predict what they are going to do as soon as a player hits a home run, fouls out, or simply their teams are just flat out losing.

The NBA is doing “bubble” exhibitions with their players, which is another way of saying, welcome to the new norm pandemic basketball. The NHL is waiting to return to finish the rest of the season and the NFL is getting ready for training camps. I know eventually, sports entertainment will return completely.  However, will the new norm possibly be wearing masks, only allowing 50% capacity into a stadium, having hand sanitizers everywhere, practicing social distancing? Who knows?

– Klassy K’s Sports Korner: A contributor writer for http://www.aheartfullofconversations.com

 

 

“Gone But Not Forgotten” by Butch Ford

Joe Louis Areana

“Gone But Not Forgotten” by Butch Ford

As the world continues to change and as we further adjust to our new way of life, two staples in Detroit sports history have recently been demolished, right up under our noses; Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Both monuments were the homes to several  NHL Stanley Cup and NBA Finals Championships by the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons respectively…as well as countless concerts, Monster Truck Shows, The Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and NCAA Collegiate Athletic Events.

Some of my fondest memories took place in these venues.  The Controversy and Purple Rain Tours by Prince; New Edition’s Heart Break and Home Again Tours, The Soldier of Love Tour by Sade, and The Triple Threat Tour featuring Bell Biv Devoe, Johnny Gill & Keith Sweat.

Palace

But it was the championship tradition established by our two winning franchises that make these such colossal losses.  We all remember The Bad Boys in the late ’80s.  Who could forget Steve Yzerman and The Russian Five?  And the “Going To Work” Pistons of the ’90s with Big Ben, Rip, Chauncey & Rasheed made us beam with pride.

We’re all gonna miss “The Joe” and “The House That Isiah Built” as they were affectionately known, but the memories will last for generations.  Detroit is a sports town with a rich sports history.  We’re just patiently awaiting the next wave to ride.  Don’t worry.  It’s coming soon.  But this time it will take place in the beautiful Little Caesars Arena.

 

Butch Ford

Don’t let your past get you messed up! by Chellyz View

shutterstock_570396466

Don’t let your past get you messed up! by Chellyz View

Wow! I witnessed my visions grow and expand by staying dedicated to the physical and mental assignments that needed to be done in my life. I was evolving into the human and spiritual being that The Holy Spirit designed me to be. The light within my soul began to gleam and brightened my path and offered inspiration to those around me. Then boom, I heard my past blasting in the room like the fireworks and the feelings took over like a Polar Vortex. Everything felt cold and there was a slight chill that hovered over my presence. This would happen from time to time. The memories, heartaches, my transgressions, and pain caused me to shutter. Have you ever been in a place in your life when you asked a Higher Power, “Why would you want to use me as a guiding force for change?” Then you hear The Holy Spirit reply, “Why not?”

I was pushed to write this today on Thursday, July 9, 2020, so my fingers had to jump on the keyboards to release my thoughts. I know there is someone out there who is going through this crisis, revolution, and time of uncertainty trying to figure things out or beginning to understand this is the time to activate your purpose. Now and again, your past gets you messed up though. You start telling yourself you don’t deserve the blessings, you can’t make a difference, or why would anybody want to listen to you because you just don’t feel worthy. Nope! Stop! Hold up wait a minute! We must not do that! Yes, we must realize we are not perfect but every single day we have the opportunity to awaken to level up and change the trajectory of our life. We can correct our misjudgments. We have the privilege of changing our path. We just have a right to do so!

Forgiveness

What? You didn’t know you have the right to not remain silent.  You must speak and demand your past to not control your life. You have permission to pluck those unwanted and unsightly deterrents to make room for you to see clearly and grow! You must leave those individuals behind that make you doubt yourself and have you believing that you will be defined by who you used to be! There is strength in your bones that will empower you to get right back up when you have failed. Don’t allow your past to get you messed up to the point where you can’t function. It’s time to operate out of excellence.

You might have an overflow of tears while celebrating how you overcame certain battles and situations. Let them lead you to a river of an abundance of happiness; not regret. Don’t allow the negative voice of others or the one creeping in your mind to tell you that you don’t belong where The Holy Spirit ordained you to be. I ain’t talking about the pulpit because we are not all meant to preach. However, we all have the power to teach through experience and life lessons.

God Forgives

Today, I don’t have any fluffy five steps to tell you how not to let your past get you messed up because you know I do from time to time. All I have are these words to encourage you. At this moment, I want to tell you that it is alright to live. Yep! Please let me stress to you that You are worthy! There’s a wholeness inside of you that makes this world complete by sharing your gifts, visions, and the brightness to warm this world when it seems a little cold! Go ahead love the person you are evolving into and shine!

-Let your heart be full of new ventures that will lead you to the possibilities of limitless conversations!