Gee, I thought I was getting better...

So, the Mavs beat Houston again, a real positive experience.  The game started pretty rough, they started by trying to go through Dirk, his shot was flat and Scola seemed to be just agressive enough.  Seemed like Coach Mchale's attack was to maybe try to wear Dirk out by making him play both ends of the court.  Scola was on fire and appeared to be unstoppable the first half.  Eventually, they tried to go through Vince Carter who also was struggling.  Jason Kidd didn't take a shot until 50 seconds left in the 2nd quarter.  This perplexed me a bit.  Jason is probably somewhere between a 37% to 45% three point shooter, they were sttruggling, so why was he passing shots?

I asked Rick Carlisle that question.  He was not pleased.  He said, "is that an observation or do you have a question".  I replied, "Should he have shot the ball more?"  He didn't like that follow up question either.  I did feel embarased, some laughed due to the nervous energy in the room, but, after all is said and done, I'd rather have an experience than no experience.  I'll get better. (I thought I was getting better), but, I think the key I've learned is, I'll do what I do as I observe a game.  I'm developing and improving my system.  Afterwards, I need to take what I've gleened and lead a question into the observation rather than stating the observation.  We'll see how that goes next time.

I spoke with Lamar Odom and Jason Kidd and it was pleasant, and we'll talk about it on air, but, all in all, still a FANtastic expereince.  I'm a FAN first, and a journalist second.

A dream achieved

Are you a sports enthusiast?  Did you ever wish that you could watch your favorite team play a game and then actually speak to each of the players after the game to ask them why they did what they did when they did it?

If you answered yes to the questions above, I want you to know what it’s like.  On Saturday night, I went to the Maverick game, a game they pretty much had control throughout the entire game and posted their 3^rd victory in a row.  I was privileged as a co-host to Robin Valetutto on KVCE radio 1160 on the AM dial to attend the game with my press pass.  The press pass, like Wayne in Wayne’s World, allowed me into places that many wish they could occupy.  I navigated through areas of the stadium that were titled, “Media Dining” and so on.  As I rounded the corner, I could see the post-game show with Bob Ortegel being filmed, and ESPN radio to their left.  Robin and I walked down the hall further as I could see fans looking from the outside in, shooting phone camera video of this inner closed off area which led to the press room.  Like a child in a candy store, I turned to Robin and said, “I’d like to go and take some pictures of the TV show being filmed”, she politely responded, “let’s get settled in to the press room and then you can go back and get your pictures.”  I grabbed my seat and settled our stuff in, and I left the room to go back down the hall to see the live post-game show being shot and there was the head coach Rick Carlisle walking towards me.  The best I could collect myself was to look at him and say, “Nice game coach.”  He replied, “Thanks.”  I figured I’d better get back to the press room so that I wouldn’t miss that time where he was going to address the media and rushed back to the room.

I entered in the room and quickly scurried to my seat.  I could see the door open from which location the coach would enter.  I could see him speaking with Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odem’s wife.  It seemed a bit surreal that I was seeing people in life that I had formerly only seen on TV.  The next 5 minutes, various journalists asked questions about the game.  I was thinking, should I?  Should I ask a question?  Then, the only question I could think of was asked by another.    I shot the experience on my iPhone4 video camera.

While I was soaking this in and walking on air, I’m thinking Robin’s leading me out of the AA center to start walking to the car for departure and we turn a corner and she opens a door.  I mean, this door being opened was both literal and metaphorical.  It was a door that I could personally have never opened on my own, it was a gift.  Time slowed down for a second as I looked straight ahead and I could see Lamar Odem being interviewed about 15 feet straight ahead of me.  It took me a few seconds to gather my senses and realize that I was actually in the Mavericks locker room. 

I can still envision the layout, not to sound weird, but, even the smell.  It smelled like a locker room.  As I entered the doorway, to my immediate right was Brandon Wright.  The rookie center, who had an outstanding game that night.  This guy can jump out of his shoes.  I noticed that he was much leaner than I expected to see.  I could also see what appeared to be a red abrasion on his left shoulder.  I then remembered how he took a fall in the game, so I asked him if he hurt his leg in the fall.  He assured me that he didn’t and I followed up talking about his shoulder.  He brushed it off like it was nothing but then shared with me that he had surgery on his left shoulder.  I’ve personally dislocated my left shoulder some 40 times over the last 35 years, so, I asked if it felt good.. tight.  He said, “Yep!”. 

My eyes panned over to the left side of the doorway.  There was another young player,  I believe his second year, Ian Mahinmi.  He was surrounded by reports, so, I wasn’t ready to engage.  Then, I continued to look on the left side of the locker room and the player right next to Ian was Rodrigue Beaubois.  “Rody” has been playing much better this year and in recent games, has been very good.  The press was interested in him as well.  On this night, he knocked down two shots in the 4^th quarter. 

It was about that time that I noticed that the player’s name was at the top of his designated section.  I also panned the entire room looking for the senior three, Dirk, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry.  Shawn Marion was not dressed that night to play, so I was wondering about the three… where’s their locker, where are they?  None were present in the room at that moment.

Vince Carter then emerged from the shower area and walked back to his section.  His locker is to the right of Jason Kidd’s.  It was here that I learned my first lesson.  Some players evidently like to get dressed BEFORE they speak to you.  I turned to Vince and said, “Great opening shot in the second half”, he looked at me over his right shoulder and said, “Do you mind if I get dressed first”?   Oh man, I thought, I just made an IDIOT of myself.  I thought, here was my opportunity to speak to the players, and I started out on the wrong foot.  Of course, I apologized and slowly pulled back from his space and continued to survey other players in the room. 

On the far top right side was Dominique Jones.  A much larger man than I assumed him to be.  No one was speaking to him.  He didn’t play that night, at least from what I could remember, so, I thought, can’t think of what to ask him… AND he was getting dressed.  Wasn’t going to make that mistake again!

I migrated back toward Rodey.. or is it Rodney Beabois?  Never found out.  I remembered how he had two consecutive baskets in the 4^th quarter and asked him about them.  He spoke softly and with a thick French accent.  He maintained eye contact and all of a sudden turns to his left and begins to chuckle.  I turn my head to the same direction to see Jason Kidd poking fun at him because of his comments.  There I was, sharing humor with Jason Kidd.  I’m a quick learner and said to Jason, “I bet you’d like to get dressed before speaking”, and he agreed.  I thought, I’m now becoming an experienced reporter!

After Jason got dressed, I spent about a minute with him.  He is a great speaker, articulate, engaging and to the point with the questions.  I’ll post his interview at a future date, and we’ll be speaking about it on Tuesday night’s show.  I felt about as much of a connection with a person as possible when speaking with Jason, really enjoyed that one.

Then, over my shoulder, the big German walks in the room from his shower.  The rest of the reporters surround him for their time.  I migrated over to listen a bit and figured I’d catch up with him after it thinned out a bit.  A few minutes passed and my strategy worked… I was there one on one with Dirk, a guy that I’ve been watching since he came into the league.  I spoke with him on the radio when Norm Hitzgus first interviewed him when he was signed to the Mavs in his very first year.  The guy I watched mature and grow and lead this team to a championship.  Earlier in the evening, I watched him literally carry the Mavs the entire second quarter.  Their plan was to offer one pass to the low post to Dirk, and he swapped baskets with the entire San Antonio team the entire second quarter.  So, I asked him about that, to which the first few words he said gave me my second learning experience.  He said, “Like I said a second ago…..”  Those words were said politely, yet firmly and yet at a tone where I knew I did something wrong AGAIN.  This time, he was dressed; however, as I would come to learn, I probably should have just shot out my question when ALL the journalists were granted their time.  I had assumed that Dirk being alone was MY opportunity not realizing that the appropriate time to speak with him had passed. 

Nevertheless, in retrospect, I have always coached kids to live and not be afraid.  I could have been overwhelmed by the experience, but I chose to embrace it and go after it.  I did.  I spoke with my favorite NBA players and asked decent questions looking them in the eyes.  No fear, capturing my opportunity granted to me by KVCE 1160 on the AM dial and by the forever gracious Robin Valettuto.

It was well worth it

We threw the benefit show for Steve Cass and everything went as planned.  So well, It was a divine experience.

There are SOOOO many people to thank, I know that I risk missing some names, but, I must do my best.

I'll start with the photographers and videographer.  Carrie Alexander and Diana Stathakis (photographers), and Robert Hansen (videographer).  They went leaps and bounds beyond the call of duty.  BTW, just wait till the DVD comes out, it looks like it's to be awesome.  Carrie never stood still.  She moved all over the place getting some fantastic shots.  In addition to Diana shooting, she and Sabrina formed all the graphical print and digital work.  Additionally, Diana did all the sled work getting things to the print shop, picking it up, delivering items and more.  Robert video taped the bands, interviews, and even played some monster guitar.  When all things were torn down and memories began, he's been like a soldier working to get all video loaded and edited. 

The bands.  Let's go chronologically.  Slick Willie, man these guys were basically raw emotion kicking this thing off.  They were so kind and sensitive, but then when the music started, they exploded with energy and kick'n rock-n-roll. 

Then, Steve himself got up and rocked the floor for 1 straight hour of amazing CLEAN in your face guitar playing.  Accompanied by Dave Porter on drums playing some amazing chops.  Then there was the treat with their steel guitar player, fender guitar player, Paul Sisoon.  Add to that a female vocalist that was as sassy as you can get with a voice from above that was not only in perfect tune, but, was compelling to listen.  And then there was Dale, holding down the groove on that bass. 

Chip then led Texas Underground with a full range of southern rock that brought the crowd to a heightened sensation.  This was followed by Kat Moore, who has had success on the Texas country charts with some excellent original music.

The Reloaded band took the stage and kept the momentum going.  Three guitar players and harmonies that are out of this world.  If you haven't seen em, you must.  Their music is only surpassed by the quality of human beings that they are.

Larry Ross, Jay Trahan lead Stratakatz and boy did they excite the crowd and bring a tremendous show.  They moved about the stage like they were born to do it.  Two lovely ladies singing lead and harmonies provided a visual oasis of gorgiosity!  Add to that Mark on the other guitar moving with a zeal that makes you bop your head with him.

Finally, Sabrina & Gypsybleu took the stage and requested prayer for Steve.  Every person in a chair arose and came to the stage to pray with/for Steve.  May the Lord be glorified and hear our prayer and may we be prepared for his will.  I can tell you that Sabrina was in her normal AMAZING form and owned it from the beginning to the end of her performance.  And may I say a special thank you to Sabrina for her planning assistance and running the silent auction, and never ending friendship to me.  Tony provided 1st class bass clinic with the amazing chops he can put together.  Robert, after having run a video marathon then played on the stage not having missed a note.  Greg, always greg, works tons of hours and still is prepared to give 100% no matter how little rest he gets and I knew that if I needed something, I could go to him and ask, and he would always be ready to help.  Finally, Fernando showed up.  I was so touched that after having been to Europe, I thought surely he'll need to catch up with his family, but, he sacrificed his time and came.  Like a Marine, he simply asked what we wanted/needed him to do.  Thank you Fernando!

Rick Stevens, a special shout out.  I honestly have to isolate and say, he was a clone of me at the gig.  He met with us that morning and whatever I assigned him to do, he passionetly executed it. I honestly could not have gotten through the day without all the things he did. 

Kathy and Mason managed the door.  This was a key point because all who were to buy raffle tickets or be directed to the silent auction began at the door.  They faithfully stood their post and I never had to look twice.  I was provided with ticket counts, dollars collected and whatever things I needed from both.  Mason helped to pack up at the end as well.  NOTE - this is a high school student pitching in!!  And in that spirit, may I commend Jeremy (Greg and Carrie's son) for all his help, and Alisha and her daughters for helping out videotaping and other things).  They say our youth are struggling... not the youth I got to see that weekend!

I want to isolate Larry, Greg, Sabrina, Diana, Carrie, and Robert once again because, they were in this from the beginning and/or were integral pieces during the day of the event.  Planning involved the council and feedback from them all.  Without them, I could not have gotten ANYTHING done.

Lonestar Legend provided the hall with NO CHARGE.  They provided staff, bartender, waitresses at no cost to us AND they also shared from food and drink revenue!!!!!!  Thank you Shan and staff.

John, Kathy, and Vince Villareal, it was as treasure to see you out in the audience.  A friend is a rare thing, a true friend, and sir, you are my friend and I thank you and your wonderful family.

Peter and Marino, my sons, you showed up to support.  I was and AM honored that you were there.  May the Lord bless you in your honoring of your parents.

Robin Valetutto and Willie Martin of KVCE radio, 1160 AM dial.  Thank you for coming out and supporting.  Willie, thank you for the interview and encouraging words you shared with your personal testimony of yourself and your sister.  Robin we thank you for your financial support as well.

In conclusion, if I missed your name, I sincerely apologize.  I may add to this if I think of more, and I may have mispelled some as well.  Please forgive me.  Steve, I pray that the Lord does his perfect will and that whether it's here or there, we will rejoice in him together.

A Benefit for Steve Cass

On December 4th, 2012, we are partaking in a benefit show for Steve Cass.  If it is at all possible, please come and support this cause for I tell you, it is for a tremendous person.

There will be 7 bands donating their time, energy, passion, and music.  Club will be sharing proceeds from Food and Drinks to the benefit, an awesome Raffle and Silent Auction. 

Sabrina and Gypsybleu requests that you come on out and show what an awesome group y'all are. We are so excited about this and can hardly wait for that Sunday, December 4th.  it will be from 3 - 9 p.m..  If you have any questions, please contact us @ 214.673.2751.

Thank you so much ahead of time.

The assumptions we trust...

A weekend getaway.  The weather is hot, the lake is refreshing.  You're with friends and family and life is just happening.  There's no warning.  You reflect afterwards and see things that may have made a difference.  You've had past experiences that made you swear that you would live day by day to the fullest and then yet another dose of reality hits to reaffirm yet another awareness point and yet another commitment.

While at the lake, I was asked to visit and eat with the family next to our cabin.  One of the people there no longer breathes the same air we do.  He drowned.  He actually drowned on Saturday, the day after I was asked to join him and his family for a meal to which I declined.  In retrospect, I wished I could have spent some time and then again, I really don't know what it would have been like, would I have maximized the time... I doubt it.  We live today... looking for Friday... despising the oncoming Monday.  Looking forward to the vacation and complaining about the heat during the vacation. 

Lord, grant us the ability to capture the moment.  To live life in abundance, to realize that we are dust.  Our time is very short... yes very short.

Me and my Mesa Boogie

Well, I finally got a new amp.   I started with a Marshall, then, I went to Fender, then, two Fender amps at the same time.  I was left wanting.  The Marashall was too powerful for the smaller clubs.  I could never open it up enough to get the tone.  The Fenders, well, they're ok, but, I still couldn't get the tone I wanted.  So, I recently traded them in towards my new amp.  My Mesa Boogie.  Wow, I am so happy with the tone.  It's amazing with only 30 watts of power, but the tone is ... well, you need to come and hear it.  I like it so much that today, I've decided to get a second one.  Hope to see you at the gigs upcoming so you can tell me what you think.

Marino Stathakis
Lead Guitar - Sabrina and Gypsybleu (s&m2)

We're approaching our 4th year as a band

Long time ago in a galaxy far far away, Sabrina and Gypsybleu was formed.  It was around this time 4 years ago that Larry Ross decided to put together a band.  Larry is extremely insightful and had a vision to get musicians that could not only play music, but were kind of like family.  Cassandra graciously opened her home and allowed us to practice night after night without complaint.  So, to both Larry and Cassandra, we want to say a heart felt love and appreciation for your roles in putting together this band and without you, we would not exist as a band.

Our first gig was at the Boot and Saddle.  I knew at that time we had something special.  Sabrina and I (Marino) appeared to perfectly compliment each other. I personally had not committed in my heart to the band UNTIL that first performance, one time on stage with these folks, I was hooked!

Sabrina has a sense of musical professionalism and was really cut to be a Broadway performer. I, as an insider to this band can say to you with NO hesitation, she epitomizes the phrases, "The show MUST go on!" I've never been challenged with all the difficulties that have hit her in the last 4 years, but, come 9:00, she's there, ready for the downbeat.  I'm a bit frustrated with the Lord because I can tell you that you can always be a better singer than you are with proper technique, but you got to have the vocal chords to begin with.  If a normal voice has, let's say 200 chords, she's got like10,000.  I got 100.  Not only does she have an extremely strong voice, but she has an ear too.  I mean, it's one thing to be able to bring a strong voice, but it has to be in tune!  And furthermore, not only does she have a strong voice and sings in tune, but she can move from all different genres of music.  She can go from Aretha type to Janis Joplin to Katty Perry, (need I say more?).  Ok, I will.  She can entertain folks.  She has a charisma that draws and holds an audience.  And finally, her personality is such that you'd never know she had all this talent.  She'll make you feel like you're her best friend.. And, she may be the one person that has over 200 best friends.  She just has that connection about her.  To play with her on the stage, there is no stepping on each other and we both have sense of entertainment that has an unspoken connection.  We sometimes call it VMM.  We've actually experienced finishing songs and going to call out the next song and mouth the exact song at the exact moment.  All I can say is it works and even though much of what we do repeats itself, it still feels fresh after all this time.

Robert and Greg are great people and they may be the hardest working people in our band.  Although I am the only United States Marine in the band, Robert and Greg are Marines at heart because they are the first to arrive and the last to leave.  They are two pillars and without them, we could not do what we do.  As people, Larry's original vision could not have been better executed.  Remember, he wanted to have a family like environment where the band members would love each other and have more than just a musical unit. Robert and Greg are two of the most sincere, kind, and likable people I've ever known.

Our bass players, yes, plural as in playerSSSS.  As in life, divorce exists and families change so it is with a band.  In the list of bass players, we've had the fortune of playing with Larry Ross, who has gone on to successfully put together several other bands and currently continues with his vision with Stratakatz.  Stan Allison who was extremely versatile as a bass player and provided us with an awesome job at bass for 2 years, Buthel, those of you who know Buthel, I don't need to say anything for his personality, professionalism, and MONSTER chops all speak for themselves, to the rest, if you haven't, I'm so sorry that you missed him playing with us.  John Paul who helped to bridge some gaps, Dave Lewis who is faithful, and reliable and provides us with professional support in the absence of our current bass player Tony Merante.  Tony, like everyone else in the band makes it easy to hang out.  He's one of the funniest people you'll know.  He's a family man convicted to provide the most stable home environment for his lovely wife and son.  BTW, did I say he can play bass?  OMG, this cat his one of the most talented bass players I've ever been associated, and he has the humility of a rookie.

We would be remiss in not mentioning the fact that we've only had ONE keyboard player associated with us throughout our playing experience.  His name is Fernando De Los Santos.  (hope I spelled it correctly).  He's from Spain, and when he gets those wireless keys going, he rocks the club and has the girls screaming in a frenzy.  He rips through the keys like a virtioso.  With all that talent, he's got his equipment up on the stage hours before I (Marino) show up.  He has the warmest smile, and he has a tremendous sense of humor too.  You'll never find an easier soul with which to talk, play, laugh, or just plain drive 4 hours with to Abilene.

I would not be complete if I failed to mention Diana, my wife.  She has been a support system that cannot go unrecognized.  ALL of the photos you see, the website, putting my clothes together, sitting front row, providing feedback, encouraging during the hard times, and my best friend.  As of this article, we're approaching 33 years together on August 16th, 2011. 

All of this to say, we approach our 4th year.  I can promise you that if it is at all possible, we'll continue Lord willing, and we have plans for some up and coming directional changes that will leverage our most awesome fan base.  Let me repeat this.  Without the fans, we are trees falling in the forest not making a sound.  I've heard of musicians that gasp at playing Sweet Home Alabama ONE MORE TIME, but, if it means something to the fan, then it means something to me, to us.  We so greatly appreciate each and every one of you.  We do our best to greet, speak with, and even be-friend you.  I can tell you of so many stories of newly acquired friendships and acquaintances do to this experience.  One person that lifts me up so much is Brett.  If you haven't met Brett, you're missing a piece of life that needs to be experienced.  I haven't cleared with him to say much more, but, I hope he reads this and allows me to share some of his story.  I assure you, you will never be the same after meeting him.

Thank you all.