“What Were They Thinking”

I haven’t written a WHAT WERE THEY THINKING (W2T2) blog since the holidays arrived. Needless to say, I have lots to catch up on ….

And, yes, this is my favorite blog …..
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Big Unit Retires – Goodbye To A Fashion Staple

Randy Johnson officially hung up his cleats, yesterday. His career was defined by terms like INTIMIDATING, OVERPOWERING and ECCENTRIC.

That’s right, I said eccentric.

Randy Johnson was an enigma. From the way he handled on-field pressure to his frosty treatment of those holding cameras, microphones or notebooks, he was a unique character.

Lets take a look at the versions of Randy Johnson we witnessed over a couple decades’ time …..

Randy’s Mullet:
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Legends also inspire others. Perhaps, the “Mullet” was the inspiration Randy Johnson gave to others …..
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In fact it’s probably fair to say Randy Johnson’s LEGEND has inspired the hairstyles of celebrities outside of the world of sports …..
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While the hairstyle was certainly a trademark for the future Hall Of Famer, I think most people will remember Randy Johnson for specific incidents of GREATNESS, where he dominated lineups and collected strikeouts by double digits, per performance. In fact, Johnson played a part in a couple memorable Baltimore situations …..

July 13, 1993 – Randy Johnson sails a fastball over John Kruk’s head in the All Star Game. In response, Kruk spins his helmet backwards and basically GIVES UP.

August 14, 1997 – Randy Johnson is scheduled to pitch against the Orioles in a summer evening matchup, at Camden Yards. But, the LIGHTS wouldn’t work. Amid rumors swarming around Cal Ripken and his consecutive games streak, the game is canceled. However, some of us suspect the birds just wanted to face the BIG UNIT in a daytime affair, the following day.

Randy Johnson’s career saw him reach numerous personal and team-related achievements …..

He could be the final 300 game winner we see for a very long time …..

His 4,875 strikeouts rank second ALL TIME …..

He will be remembered as the GREATEST SOUTHPAW of the modern era …..

He earned $175 million in his career …..

He was part of a POSSE …..
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He won a World Championship with his buddy …..
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Okay, okay …. I know you’re waiting for this …..

Without a doubt, one of Randy Johnson’s most memorable performances came on a cold January day, in 2005. As the newest Yankee strolled through Manhattan, he made his disdain for media known while telling the camerman to get the camera “out of my face.” Oh yeah, and don’t talk back to him …..
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That was probably the funniest incident regarding Randy Johnson. Aside from the funky mullet and slaughtering statistics, that fateful day on the streets of New York will be etched in the memories of many baseball fans. Thus, I gotta ask, “Randy, what were you thinking …..”
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Baltimore’s Hottest & I Mean “HOTTEST” Cup Of Coffee …..

I have no doubt that most WNST listeners/readers relax with their favorite coffee-type drink, each morning, as they scan the website for the freshest updates and perspectives. It’s a ritual, right?

Now, look down at your cup and relive the experience of making it or having it made for you. Who made your coffee? Do you even remember? If so, was it from this GUY …..
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Or, how about this goober ???
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Trust me, if a sexy nurse from Anne Arundel County has her way, coffee in the Baltimore area is gonna get a whole lot “HOTTER.”

If you love coffee, you’re about to get a reason to REALLY LOVE IT …..

Meet Brandy McMillion, owner of Java Divas, in Pasadena …..
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When I say Brandy’s a nurse, I’m not kidding. Yeah, she dresses as a NAUGHTY NURSE on Mondays, because it’s “Women In Uniform” Day, at Java Divas. But, her profession is nursing, at a Baltimore area hospital.

Here’s the deal …..

Last year, Brandy, and her husband experienced the same reality cast on MILLIONS of Americans, over the past couple years. He lost his job ….. AND, their second child was due. The adversity certainly put a financial strain on their household and the immediate future.

So, whadda ya think they did? That’s right, they watched TV !!!! And, while watching the Travel Channel, they were blessed with an idea that might just change their LIVES forever …..
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In short …. HOT WOMEN + COFFEE = $$$

A feature on drive-thru coffee shops, serviced by girls dressed in sexy clothing – and little of it – caught the McMillion’s attention. These shops are becoming increasingly popular on the West Coast, and throughout the Desert South portions of the United States. Yup, Brandy looked on her map, confirmed that Severna Park, Maryland, is on the East Coast (I’m Kidding !!!!) and the dream began.

And, after months of planning and hurdling obstacles, such as licensing, suppliers and location, “Java Divas” became a reality, on November 16, 2009. The business is 3 months old and every day is better, from a retail perspective.

After hearing about this “Little Coffee Shop …. with HOT WOMEN,” I had to pay a personal visit. Why? You know that answer ….. I’m Rex Snider. Things like this pique my interest. So, I made an appointment, and stopped by Java Divas for a chat. And, I wasn’t disappointed – in the staff or the appealing nature of the business, itself.

I’ve been thinking about how I would describe the girls who were working during my visit. Of course, I dealt with Brandy – she owns the joint. I want to be respectful to her husband, because I would want him to be respectful toward my wife. But, as an entrepreneur, he knows the lure of their business practice. So, I’ll say this quite humbly …..

If the entire staff looks like Brandy, Pasadena is gonna drink MILLIONS of cups of Java Divas coffee. I will definitely stop by their drive-thru on Tuesdays, for “Fantasy Day” and Fridays for “Sports Spirit Day.” But, rest assured, there is no way I’m missing Saturday, because it’s “Beach Day.”

That’s correct, they wear bikinis, while serving the brew …..
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Another very attractive young lady was on hand, as well. But, I’m gonna leave it at that ….. her dad is a personal friend, and he’s capable of causing physical trauma. But, I have a feeling Sarah will be quite successful at Java Divas.

I wish I could tell you more – but, my time at Java Divas kinda passed as a blur. I recall asking a few stupid questions, where Brandy looked at me as if I was that bearded guy from The Hangover …..
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Admittedly, it’s easy to lose your concentration …. but, to be honest, the girls at Java Divas serve fantastic gourmet coffee drinks (serving Caffe Pronto) and tasty treats to satisfy your morning or mid-afternoon hunger. They’ve got EVERYTHING you’ll find at Starbucks – but, it’s lesser expensive and did I say the help is HOT ???
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Above all, the Divas are LADIES. It was easy to sense they know part of their appeal – obviously. But, in observing their customer interaction, I was impressed by the the professionalism and devotion to providing an excellent product and service. Java Divas is a winner …..

And, as we point out at WNST, they’re BALTIMORE. Brandy McMillion and her girls are not bound to some chain in Seattle or a parent company. They’re smart ….. and hardworking. They acted on an idea and succeeded. Yeah, I wish me and my buddies would’ve thought of the idea, first …..
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That ain’t happening. But, the girls at Java Divas are happening !!!! Consider visiting them today – they’re located at 8355 Ritchie Hwy. (corner of Pasadena Rd.) – just south of the Rt. 10 access. More for more information, check ’em out on the web …..

www.javadivas.net

This is one of those rare occasions when a “What Were They Thinking” blog has a positive inclusion. I’m glad Bill and Brandy McMillion were THINKING and WATCHING the Travel Channel. Best of luck !!!!
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Tiger Poses In Prison Gear …..

Have you seen the latest issue of Vanity Fair Magazine?

Trust me, I’ve never picked up Vanity Fair ….. BEFORE NOW. Tiger Woods, has obviously made a string of poor personal decisions over the past couple years – and you can count this magazine shoot among them …..
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What in the hell was he thinking? In fact, how could ANYONE foresee such photographs as being positive for their image? This isn’t the TIGER WOODS we know. Then again, maybe it is. We’ve certainly seen a different Tiger, since November. Nothing should surprise us any longer.

Perhaps, he really is among a cast of characters who would’ve gladly posed for such a photo spread …..
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Who is the “REAL TIGER WOODS” ??? I don’t think anyone has that answer – including, his wife. A couple weeks ago, I vowed to refrain from talking about Tiger’s personal life and I’ll stick to the plan. But, his decision making, and/or lack thereof, really is causing some people to wonder about the guy.

Maybe, this entire debacle of Tiger’s “life gone bad” can be pinned on one person who currently serves in an advisor’s role. I guess it’s possible to tie questionable photo shoots with stonewalling cops and other poorly contrived ideals. And, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an “insider” dismissed, as the conflicted golfer tries to pick himself up.

Regardless, somebody had to agree to these photos. Somebody had to think THIS was a good idea. But, there has been alot of that lately …..
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Someday, Tiger Woods will stop making THIS blog, so often. But, until then, I must ask …. “Tiger, what were you thinking …..”
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Happy Birthday, King …..

Lost somewhere among a very ordinary Friday, America has forgotten TODAY’S significance. It was 75 years ago today – January 8, 1935 – that a child born in Tupelo, Mississippi, would someday CHANGE the world.
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Indeed, today is Elvis Presley’s birthday. The KING of Rock & Roll influenced every genre of music and every musician – whether they know it or not. He challenged barriers and stereotypes that censored expression.

Sure, he bent and compromised his lyrics to ensure his performances invaded televisions in homes across this country. But, in spirit and with being honest to himself, he couldn’t muster a tune without dancing. Heck, he “dirty danced” before it was invented …..
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While he’s often remembered by the oddity surrounding his death, he’s a man who really lived.

He never took NO for an answer. He was generous – probably too generous – to family, friends and strangers. And, he fulfilled obligations …..
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Is he a standard? Hell, yeah. In fact, he is the STANDARD.

When we think about the BEST of the BEST, certain names come to mind …..
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Yes, Elvis Presley is BIGGER than all of our sports heroes combined. He’s reached far more people and inspired millions, upon millions.

Yet, on this 75th Anniversary of his birth, he won’t be found on the cover of the Baltimore Sun or USA Today. He’s not gracing the homepage of Yahoo or AOL. And, nearly every bar and nightclub will let tonight slip by without playing one of his songs. Shameful.

But, not here. I didn’t forget him. In fact, I didn’t forget another deserving soul, either …..
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Happy Birthday, Bob Haynie !!!!