As you can see, it is all about the hair. Seems everyone is wearing a mohawk and many have gone for the blue look. Go Rays!

From the New York Times, September 17, 2008

Paul Newman, an ambitious, intellectual actor and a passionate student of his craft, achieved what most of his peers find impossible: remaining a major star into craggy, charismatic old age. He acted in more than 65 movies over more than 50 years. He was also an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a racecar driver. He died on Sept. 27 at his home in Westport, Conn., at 83.

Years ago, it was my surprise and pleasure to receive a kiss on my cheek from Mr. Newman. He was in St. Petersburg with his racing team to participate in one of the first Grand Prix races held downtown. Walking through the Pit Area I was excited and as usual not paying total attention to where I was walking and bumped right into Paul Newman as he came around the corner of one of the car transports. I was dumbfounded. He was there, in person in a blue racing suit. I tried to mumble an apology and he said no problem, kissed me on the cheek and continued on his way. It was an amazing heart racing experience.

No doubt Mr. Newman will also remember that day but unfortunately for a sad reason. His racing partner crashed into one of the walls and was killed. It was a devastating accident.

Paul Newman is synonymous with living a life that was considered by many as unconventional. His marriage lasted longer thanmost any other "Hollywood Marriage." He was able to keep his "private life" mostly private and his interests were diverse. He gave back to the world in many ways. His life adventure had a positive effect on the lives of many and it will continue to improve the life circumstance of people for years to come.

Thank you Mr. Paul Newman, for the kiss, for your movies, for your food, for your philanthropy and most importantly...thank you for your example.

The playoffs are within their grasp. They might win the Division. It is a great example of teamwork and belief in possibilities. Go Rays!

UPDATE:
Rays clinch club's first playoff spot
Tampa Bay makes history by earning postseason berth
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com

Saturday's emotional driven 7-2 win over the Twins in front of a home sellout crowd of 36,048, clinched the Rays' franchise-first postseason appearance. Additionally, the win -- coupled with Boston's loss to Toronto -- extends Tampa Bay's lead atop the American League East to 2 1/2 games.

Congratulations! Next we hope for the Division Title and on to the World Series.

This young team has exceeded most fans expectations. Teamwork and believing in themselves is what the Rays attribute for their success.

Sure we all do. Maybe it is because we don't know which direction to take in our lives. Maybe we are stuck trying to make a decision? Maybe we are caught up in something and don't know how to change or get out. Maybe it is a question of feeling you are wrong if you do or wrong if you don't. Sometimes we are stuck just trying to get the creative juices flowing or juggling all life's responsibilities.

If you feel like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place today remember one thing...

Everyone has been there. The important thing is to not stay there. It isn't the time to give up, it is the time to have faith and figure a way out. Dare to try. So what if you make mistakes along the way. Try again. You don't want to remain there and use it as an excuse. No one gets a free pass to sit on life's sidelines just because it sometimes gets tough.

You can do it! You are awesome! Afterall God doesn't make junk. You are loved.

Today I was having brunch at a neat little restaurant in St. Pete called Kissin' Cousins'. I was having a nice time when it was brought to my attention that an elderly gentleman and lady had been seated behind me.

They were probably in their middle to late 80's and frail BUT they were enjoying each others company so much and seemed to be glowing with happiness. All too often it seems when you look around a restaurant you see couples not talking and rarely smiling. This couple (according to the waitress) apparently come in a couple of times a week and splurge on a dry Manhattan which they drink slowly while enjoying laughter and conversation.

If you take the time to notice there are nice things happening right in front of us. It makes for a nice contrast to storms and the economy. Seeing them made me smile and reminded me that I should take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the "present," the gift of this glorious day.

HOUSTON (Sept. 12) - Hurricane Ike, a colossal storm nearly as big as Texas itself, began battering the coast Friday, threatening to obliterate waterfront towns and give the skyscrapers, refineries and docks of the nation's fourth-largest city their worst pounding in a generation.
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I am hoping that people heeded the warnings and evacuated. It is frightening to think they may lose their homes and belongings but worse than anything would be to find their lives in jeopardy. Those of us that have been sparred because Ike veered west are praying that all survive.