NMM: Greyson Chance

Being discovered after a video of him performing Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" went viral, Greyson Chance has skyrocketed to fame. His album, Hold On 'Til the Night, had a solid debut. Now, Greyson is back working on more music. 

He's released a single, called "Sunshine and City Lights," which shows how he's matured as an artist. This song is sure to be another solid hit for Greyson.

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Thoughts On Guns

I was sent a video recently of a story on ABC News regarding gun control in the United States filmed after the Virginia Tech shooting. I felt I should give you my stance on this as best I can.

First off, let me say this is NOT how we should go about solving the problem...

For me, I'm on the fence. On one hand, I'm all for our rights as Americans. On the other hand I believe something must to be done in order to combat mass shootings. 

I guess you can say my main problem is not with hand guns as the video from ABC News addressed but semi-automatic and fully-automatic rifles. Why do average citizens need the kind of guns you see freely propagating around war zones? It's ridiculous.

Now, another part of the whole debate I take issue with is the involvement of the media. I don't know about anyone else but I've seen multiple TV shows and movies that were violent and have played some pretty violent video games as well. You don't see me going out and shooting up a school now do you? I know I'm just one person but I think the mainstream media is being used as a scapegoat to try and explain these shootings when it isn't totally to blame here.

I believe parents, families and friends need to share in the blame as well. 

The suspects in all of the mass shootings as of late have been young men. What does that mean? I believe it means that parents need to do a better job of parenting. I don't mean to constantly dog your children to the point they hate your guts but I would say be smart in what you let your children watch, play, etc. Most importantly, be there for them. It does no good whatsoever if you're not there to give your child the support he/she needs.

Another thing that boggles my mind is why don't people say something when they see a family member or friend acting strange or going through a rough time? It's ridiculous how we hear the family saying it wishes it would've told someone that the person had some problems after the fact. 

We need to take personal responsibility to be there for our children, family and friends to help them if needed. Crazy as it sounds, just taking some time to talk to the person may help tremendously.

Like I said, I'm on the fence about this issue and I believe no one truly has the answer.

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Memory Serves

Photo: McDonald's / CBS Detroit

It's been way too long since I've done an Oops Award. So, I'm going to try to get back to them this year. Here we go!

A Michigan man's Big Mac may cost him more than he bargained for.

Officials say a suspected robber of a Detroit-area McDonald's was nabbed by police months after he had allegedly robbed the same restaurant. Employees recognized the man in the drive-thru and alerted authorities.

This has to be one of the dumbest criminal stories I've seen. Why are you going to rob a restaurant then go back to the same one a few months later? What you thought the employees would forget you or something? I guess you can say this man really got served!

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NMM: Olly Murs

For the first New Music Monday of 2013, we're going across the pond once again to check out Olly Murs.

This budding musician was first scene on the X-Factor stage in 2009 and was the runner-up. Despite that, Murs' career has exploded, signing a joint record deal with Epic Records and Syco Music.

Since then, Murs has gone on to great fame, releasing tons of music and touring throughout Europe, inclduing opening for One Direction.

His newest single, "Troublemaker," is one of those infectious songs that will stick with music fans around the world. This song even features hit recording artist, Flo Rida.

Check it out!

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Re: The Lockout

A day after my last post, the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a TENTAIVE deal that will end the lockout. That doesn't change my stance on the whole thing, though.

I've been very vocal with my displeasure throughout. Almost everytime the Hurricanes have posted something on Facebook or Twitter, I've always had a cynical comment to hand back to them.

As I alluded to in that earlier post, some other fans have really been rude to me and others who want to express thoughts and opinions on the subject. Many have said we're not really fans and we won't be missed. There have even been a couple guys who commented on a FB post I sent to the Hurricanes basically telling me to get off the page unless I have something good to say.

Here is what I think...

I'm not really a fan? How about the fact that I've been to numerous Hurricanes games over the past several years and bought merchandise and concessions while there? How about all the times I've watched the Hurricanes games on TV when they played away or I could not make it to the games? How about begging my family to buy tickets to a Durham Bulls game just to see and touch the Stanley Cup in person? And how about the fact I exceeded my tweet limit (over 2,000 tweets) everyday just to win a contest for tickets to the All-Star Game when it came to Raleigh (which I did win)?

Yep, you're right. I'm really not a fan. No this lockout has forced me into this state of mind. The players and owners together turned their backs on the fans so why should we support them? It's mind boggling how everyone has picked on me when others have been doing the exact same thing. Let me tell you, I'm sick and tired of being the target for criticism. Why are these people so concerned with how I feel?

I mean, I had everything set. I even wanted to intern with the Hurricanes organization. Well, that is all a distant memory now.

The Hurricanes and other franchises across the country better be aware of the many disgruntled fans out there, like myself. There are fans that will switch to other sports if they are available. 

Mike Maniscalco of 99.9 The Fan brought up a great point. Take the Triangle area, for instance. You have UNC, N.C. State and Duke athletics, specifically football and basketball. Then you have other college sports, the Panthers, Bulls, Mudcats and so on.

If enough disgruntled fans in markets such as Carolina, Nashville, Columbus, L.A. and others switch to other sports, that will greatly hurt those hockey markets, maybe even wipe out the NHL teams in those markets altogether.

It may seem like a dumb thought but it could really happen. I, for one, am sticking to what I've preached: not giving the NHL the time of day. Oh, and to all those who have criticized me for my comments: do you really think I give a crap about what you think? I will not miss fans like you!

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NHL Lockoutpalooza Update

You were expecting some big news, weren't you? Well, I hate to burst your bubble but nothing has been done by either side regarding the lockout and I'm certainly not going to bore you to death with the details.

What I'm going to talk about is my stance on the whole issue. I've been very cynical about the whole thing. And rightly so. This is the third lockout under commissioner, Gary Bettman, and the second since 2005.

As many of you know, I like to voice my opinions whether it be through this blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or a combination of these platforms. Like anyone else, I'm entitled to my opinions and I respect the opinions of others.

However, I expect the same from other people and that doesn't happen as often as I would like. 

Here's a great example of what I'm talking about.

The Carolina Hurricanes posted a picture of the PNC Arena ready to go for the 'Canes minor league affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers', game there this Sunday. The game was supposedly scheduled way before the lockout but it is quite funny how I did not even know about the game until about a week after the lockout began (and I get event emails and regularly check Ticketmaster and other sites).

Anyway, per my cynical self, I posted a comment everywhere the picture appeared: FB, Twitter and Instagram. I don't remember my exact words but I said something to the effect of: "I'm a disgruntled hockey fan and I am not paying major league prices to see minor league hockey."

Not too bad, right? Well, my comments apparently ruffled some feathers amongst some outspoken fans.

It all started on Instagram. One person responded, calling me a "fair weather fan" and so on. I reported their comment and blocked them. Another person responded and dismissed my "major league price" claim by saying they paid just $10 to go to a game in Charlotte.

Apparently they haven't checked Ticketmaster because the cheapest tickets left are around $35 for the back of the lower level. In other words, if you want to get really close to the action, you will still have to pay around the regular ticket price for a lower level 'Canes seat.

Not to mention, a mere $15, $20 or $35 can add up quick for some, especially if you have a big family. Add in the cost of gas to get there, parking (which is normally $10), concessions and gear and you can expect to shell out a lot of green for one game.

But the comments didn't stop there.

On Facebook, a lady (who is a huge 'Canes fan given her profile picture) responded to my comment saying "We don't need you (at the game) anyway." That comment really made me angry. I mean, here this person is, supposedly a big "fan" talking to another fan like that. Her comment turned me away from the game even more.

I don't mean to babble on and on about it but I want to get the point across that my opinions are my opinions. Fine if you disagree but, if you must respond, do so in a civil manner!

It will be a miracle if I ever attend a hockey game of any kind again!

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Welcome To 2013

We have made it through another year. Although 2012 was up and down for me I want to start off 2013 with a positive story. Enjoy!

Chris Hendricks was diagnosed with cerebral palsey at an early age and was told he would never walk again. That didn't stop him from pursuing his dream: to become a recording artist.

As a child, Hendricks was a constant target for bullying. In 2010, he began to use his music and life experiences to inspire others, reaching out to students as part of his Breaking Down Barriers program; an anti-bullying initiative.

Hendricks has just recorded a new EP, called "Meant To Survive," and will hold a release party this Saturday night at the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh.

I'm so amazed at this guy and how he has used his music and experiences to show that you can do anything regardless of what others say.

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