Remembering a friend and brother

Bruce D. Weathersby
1966 - 2006

On this, World AIDS Day 2010, I am remembering my best friend Bruce Weathersby who died on November 3, 2006.  I did not know it at the time, but Bruce had lived many years with HIV.  I have spent much of the last four years trying to understand why he never told me.  Even more difficult to process-- why I didn't recognize the signs.

The Three Amigos

(L-R) Karl Sykes, Mike Woolfolk

and Bruce Weathersby

For the 15 years of our tremendous friendship, I never had a clue.  I suppose it was proof, positive, that those with HIV who take care of themselves, get medical attention and take available medications can live long and productive lives.  But once Bruce lost his good job with BellSouth (now AT&T) in Mississippi, despite a stellar record, he also lost his health benefits which cut off his access to prescription medication.

After his passing, I found revealing information that confirmed his status and documented years of psychological torment over his situation.  How he hid this from those close to him, including his family, is beyond me.  None of us had a clue, until after he was gone.

It should not have come to that for Bruce.  It should not come to that for anyone.  I pray for the day when we finally conquer HIV and end AIDS.

Related Links:

Expressing Myself - The Story Behind the Birth of "Oh, Good Evening!"

Excuses, excuses... - The Beginning of the End

Bless His Soul - The Passing of a Well and Faithful Friend

The Terrific Trio - Reflections on a Great Friendship

A Difficult Trip - Farewell to a Friend

Mother Knows Best - Insights, Advice and Comfort

Lions win in Stafford's Return

I am ghoulishly giddy on this Halloween night thanks to my beloved Detroit Lions and their big win over the visiting Washington Redskins!

Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Photo Credit: NFL.com

Quarterback Matthew Stafford made is first start since Week 1 when he suffered a separated shoulder at the hands of Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers.  Oh, what a return it was!  Stafford threw four touchdown passes-- three of them to Calvin Johnson-- and for the second straight season, handed the Redskins a nice big "L" to show for their visit to Ford Field.

While I am extremely happy to get the win, I can't-- for the life of me-- understand why Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, down by six points late in the fourth quarter, benched starting quarterback Donovan McNabb in favor of backup Rex Grossman claiming Grossman could best run the two-minute drill.  HUH?!?!  Shanahan really blew that one and Detroit's defense made him pay.  Grossman coughed up the ball after taking his first snap!  Ndamukong Suh scooped up the loose ball and danced into the endzone! Now, we're up 13.  Game over!

Lions DE Kyle Vanden Bosch sacks
Redskins QB Donovan McNabb
Photo Credit: DetroitLions.com

I'll take my wins any way that I can get them and I was fairly confident that the defense would do what it had done all game long-- give McNabb fits-- and protect the win.  But, Shanahan pretty much conceded defeat when he inserted a barely warmed up Grossman into the game at such a critical point.

Hmmm.  The Redskins are off next week giving Shanahan, McNabb and the media two weeks to let this thing simmer.  It will be interesting to see how things play out for the rest of the season.  More importantly, it will be interesting to see how things play out after the season.  My guess is that Donovan McNabb-- while standing on the sideline after being pulled from the game-- was thinking to himself, "I'm calling my agent as soon as we get back to DC and telling him to start quietly planning my departure from this comedy of errors."

Oh, Good Evening!

Prayer of the Faithful

I found this on my friend Tiffany Black's Facebook page this afternoon. I am NOT a Yankees fan. Heck, I don't even like baseball that much. But, this-- is-- HILARIOUS!!!!!

"Our father, who art in the Bronx, baseball be thy name. Where hot dogs are on buns, and championships are won, on earth as they do in New York. Give us 2 more games in the days of October. And forgive us our errors, as we forgive those who root against us. And lead us not into elimination, but deliver us to the World Series. For thine is the kingdom, the bragging rights and the trophy, for #28. AMEN!"

Oh, Good Evening!

A new Starbucks "brew"-ha-ha!

Starbucks logos through the years.
(l-r) Oldest, Old, Current

I woke up this morning to find that a friend had posted something interesting on my Facebook page.  Something in the news that I had missed yesterday-- Starbucks to test serving beer and wine at select stores in Seattle.

Then, I went to my favorite business news site-- CNBC.com-- and saw that the Power Lunch crew had done a segment on this during yesterday's show.



Hmmm. At times, I love a beer or two, even the occasional glass of wine. But I don't go to a coffee house for either.  I agree with Laura Reis on this one.  Starbucks should stick to what it does best-- COFFEE.  I do understand the business mentality of "how can we grown and bring in new money," and it's no secret that Starbucks has been looking for ways to increase revenue after 2pm-- don't you love the invitation to return with your morning receipt to get any drink you want for $2 bucks?-- but serving alcohol is not the way for Starbucks!

The Lions WIN!!!

Lions RB Jahvid Best
Photo: Gavin Smith/detroitlions.com

I can't remember the last time that I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon as much as I have enjoyed today.  Usually, my afternoon in front of the television watching my beloved, but long beleaguered Detroit Lions, so tremendously disappointing.  Today, my team did what every die hard Lions fan has been waiting a long time to see-- they won, and won BIG!

When was the last time the Lions put 44 points on the scoreboard and kept an opponent out of the endzone?  Great job by the Motor City Men in defeating the St. Louis Rams.  Final score: 44-6.

Now, my joy is tempered a bit because the win could prove costly.  Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who happens to be on my fantasy team, suffered a shoulder injury early in the fourth quarter.  I pray it's not a bad separation similar to what quarterback Matt Stafford is currently rehabbing.

Oh, Good Evening!