1st Post in April

Baseball: the Majors to the Minor Leagues - Know the best part about baseball season? It means the NFL draft and subsequent training camps will be here before you know it. Yes, everything revolves around football. Having said that, I am excited to see the Dodgers finally righting their ship. Seems like Ned Colletti, the new General Manager, has an excellent business plan in mind. Brief contracts for most of the recent signees and then they'll make way for the minor league standouts in the next season or two. Competitive now, but laying the foundation for a much better ballclub in the future. This kind of "old school" planning of building through your farm system is such a wonderful change from Paul DiPodesto's reign as the previous GM. It was tough to follow the train of thought of some of his moves, but already in Colletti's brief stint, the future planning is obvious.

Went to Opening Day for the Carolina Mudcats with the wife and kids. Great time. The organization really pushes the family aspect (was spot interviewed on the subject last year) with lots of entertainment between innings, a clean well-kept park, and a lot of "Muddy" the Mudcat. My kids love him, but like the Easter Bunny, not if he's too close. The concession prices can add up quickly but probably a deal if compared to a movie theater. Nice choice of beers at Five County Stadium too. My only complaint - how about pouring the beers in a souvenir-style cup like the soft drinks. My large Bud Light was in a plain white plastic cup. Why not just serve it in the standard cheap red plastic keg cup while you're at it?

The Masters - Great to see Lefty win another major. Was rooting for Couples, but more than happy to see Phil walk away with the coveted Green Jacket.

Vince McMahon - Have you seen the April edition of Muscle & Fitness? Mr. McMahon graces the cover and is featured inside. I've got one word for you: Impressive. To be sixty years old and in that kind of shape physically?! Chairman of the WWE is a pretty nice title too.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg - An absolute blast in terms of theme parks. After touring and re-living the 18th century in Williamsburg and Jamestown, Busch Gardens serves as an open-arm welcome back to the 21st century. Bottom Line is life was harsh back then, be thankful, and enjoy the comforts of Modern Life.

While the Loch Ness Monster still delivers a thrill, Apollo's Chariot is definitely the highlight of the park. It earned the label "my favorite" after the second ride, and over the course of two trips to the Park was ridden six times. Festhaus is ideal for lunch and the show is entertaining. They've added a nature reserve for Bald Eagles and Gray Wolves in the park. Great thrill to see them both so close, but something didn't seem quite right about a Wolf jumping up on a log and performing tricks like some kind of circus act at the Wolf show. Always enjoyed seeing the Clydesdales at the park too.