What’s the glue you ask? I have a simple answer…….
Your favorite Whiskey and Cigar combination!
As I sat alone this past weekend puffing, sipping and contemplating the year ‘that is’. I was couldn’t help but think of the loss of four great Americans (each in their own way);
- Chadwick Boseman – Such a good man and incredible actor who broke new ground. You will be missed.
- Cliff Robinson – You were a staple in the 90’s on those great Portland Teams. Thank you.
- Lute Olson – A great educator and coach. 31 players sent to the NBA; 12 were selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
- John Thompson – A maker of men. He coached basketball but it was clear that he understood that basketball was merely just a vehicle, a tool for young men to change their lives for the better.
It really began to hit home with me, just how unfortunate of a year it 2020 has become. And before someone says it, yes…. celebrities and our loved ones die all of the time but there is something profound about it during this particular time in history. It feels like yet just another punch to the mouth! Like Mike Tyson said… “Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth”. I had a plan for 2020 but I got definitely hit in the mouth and it would be easy to quit but at The StickMen Blog, we don’t have time for self pity. There is always a way and it’s this lifestyle and the relationships that it generates, that has made this “shit show” of a year slightly bearable. So now here I am, back at my laptop, inspired to honor my commitment to The StickMen Blog. It’s time for me to Puff (StickMen Select Maduro Habano), Sip (Glenlivet Double Oak) and Chat (2020’s never ending onslaught). I’m sure I will miss a few things but please chime in and add to the list 2020’s high profile disappointments:
- January
- Kobe – In hindsight, we should have known something was up because the loss of Kobe was earth shattering. Even if you weren’t a die hard hoops fan like me, you knew of Kobe.
- Something wicked this way comes…..
- February
- Ahmaud Arbery – Modern day lynching. We all saw it and nothing else to be said.
- COVID-19 appeared in the U.S. and I can safely say that it’s overstayed it’s welcome! GTFO!
- March
- Breonna Taylor – RIP beautiful sister. You did not deserve your fate.
- The market went down….. way down…. thanks to the previously mentioned COVID-19. For those of us who like to dabble in stocks and pride ourselves on being market savvy, this has been a shitty year. Many tried and true patterns have been thrown out of the window with a roller coaster of a year.
- April
- Hey, it’s me COVID-19… BOOM… I’m still here bitches! Especially in NYC – At the time had more cases than any where else in the world!
- May
- George Floyd – I have no words for what happened to you brother but I hope that you know, a fuse was lit.
- June
- The BLM movement is here. Some try to twist and mangle the message for divisive purposes unfortunately but the statement is valid. Also, PLEASE stop insulting blacks with “all lives matter” comments. Of course we know that! It goes without saying. We just don’t believe that some feel like ours matters too.
- July
- Gun violence continues to plague communities across the country. Where’s the common sense here?
- Hey everyone….. Yeah, it’s me… COVID. I know… You thought I would have left by now. I wanted to but the weather his great and everyone is so much nicer to me here than other parts of the world! I think I’m going to stay a while! Thanks for your hospitality!
- August
- Jacob Blake – So 7 times in the back was an appropriate response?
- Chadwick Boseman – Thank you. Who knew you were in so much pain. You truly were a Prince.
- September – Wait for it
- October – Wait for it
- November – Wait for it but GO VOTE!
- December – Let’s all dig deep and take positive energy into 2021. It has to get better right?
For now, September through December are just place holders that more messed up stuff is likely to happen at the rate we’re going although I am genuinely hoping to be wrong. So while we all wait to see how this all unfolds, please remember to;
- Puff, nothing like the soothing flavor or your favorite stick
- Sip, but please do it responsibly
- Chat, about the good things in life
The beauty of this Cigar and Whiskey Lifestyle is the the people you meet. A lot of understanding and common ground can be reached over a good bottle of your favorite whiskey.
Let that be the glue the binds us…
… and lead to more times like below vs. succumbing to the actions of so many that wish to tear us apart.
Tell your family and friends that you love them, tell a friend that you lost contact with over something stupid that it no longer matters….. Because it just doesn’t.
Thanks #1. Our chats have always left me a better, more educated man than I came into them. I appreciate your rawness in this post. While we don’t always agree… we always find common ground. That might be the best legacy 2020 can still leave us with. The dumpster fire gets so bad that common folks realize we have way more in common than not. Way more ability and desire to pull together than pull apart. Way more love and understanding than hate. Way more…
As always, we have much to chat about.
Irish for me tonight. Red Breast 12yr single pot still. Smooth. Aporia year for a pensive evening. Till we see each other again…
PS… MA is a G’Town grad in the JT era. That one hit hard. Recommend anyone watch AI’s hall of fame acceptance speech to understand just what kind of man John Thompson was.
Likewise! Love our conversations and looking forward to many, many more! It’s easier said than done for many people, but simply having a conversation with an open mind can do wonders. Thanks for reading and looking forward to connecting again soon!
What up #1? Great read. I always enjoy our time Puffing, sipping, and chatting. It’s great to have true friends during this 2020 debacle.
MJ
Thank you MJ! Appreciate you reading and it’s good friends and family like you that help us make it through these crazy times!