I once had dinner with Wayne Huizenga, Jr. The heir to the Blockbuster / Waste Management fortune and at that time a significant owner of the Miami Dolphins. During dinner someone asked Wayne about the Dolphins and a new stadium.

Wayne's response was great. "I don't really think it should be the job of the governments to be paying for the construction of sports stadiums."

I would agree and usually am against governments building stadiums. However if I were to support a government fitting the bill for a project like a baseball or football stadium, I would insist on them looking at the Fort Wayne Tin Caps Parkview Field project as a case study.

I have followed the news and construction of Parkview Field from Stephen Parker's blog AroundFortWayne.info. When I was back in Fort Wayne in July, I went to two Tin Caps game and the real world Parkview Field experience just re-confirmed my digital world expectations.

Let's compare Parkview Field (newly built, city funded) to Gwinnett Stadium (newly built, county funded).

Gwinnett Stadium is the home of the Gwinnett Braves. A Triple-A team (next in line to the majors) in a major market (essentially Atlanta). The Fort Wayne Tin Caps are a Single-A (far from the majors) in market #106.

Gwinnett spent $60 million to build their new stadium. Fort Wayne spent $30 million.

Gwinnett stadium is basically a glorified Single-A ballpark with some nice suites and a open entrance. The park has no character. It has no theme. And to compensate they put these gawd-awful bounce houses around the park to "entice the kids." There was no planning for traffic flow. There was no creativity. And it was basically plopped in the middle of an open field / woods.

Parkview Field is designed to Double-A standards and everything, and I mean everything is done thematically. Playing off the Johnny Appleseed team name, everything is related. Sections are called "The Tree Tops" and "The Orchard." Seats are green. It sits beautifully placed within the city skyline in the background. And it is bringing people downtown.

I was at an Atlanta Braves game the other day with one of the owners of Hardball Capital (the company that owns the Fort Wayne Tin Caps). I thanked him for doing the stadium right. His response, "well we got the city to pay for most of it." And even though that is in stark contrast to Huizenga's comment two years earlier, it didn't bother me because at least they spent $30 million right.

As a Atlanta Braves season ticket holder and a Fulton County tax payer, all I can say is that I am glad I don't live across the river in Gwinnett County.

As a someone born and raised in Fort Wayne and one day looking to move back there and run for office, all I can say is that I am proud Fort Wayne continues to do things right.

Tell me this is not where you would want to watch baseball, and your not proud of $30 million dollars of government spending.


© Stephen Parker - AroundFortWayne.info


© Stephen Parker - AroundFortWayne.info

© John McGauley

The photo above was taken in 2003 when my friend Keleigh and I and about 6 other students went camping in Elat, Israel (pictures) - which is right at the Egypt/Israel/Jordan border. Hands down she is one of the most impressive people I know.

Before joining the study abroad program in the Fall of 2003 where we met, she did missionary work in Jordan. Being a cute, blond, American woman doing Christian missionary work in a predominately Muslim country would be enough to be impressed. But it doesn't end there.

While I did one semester in the Middle East and returned home, she has been there ever since. She now speaks Arabic and Hebrew fairly fluently. She got a Master's degree from Hebrew University (mind you all the classes are in Hebrew). And for the past year she has worked with an NGO going in and out of the West Bank escorting Palestinian kids with heart defects into Israel for medical treatment. Her stories are amazing.

Impressed yet?

So when I knew I was going to be in Portland, and I heard she was back in the States for a bit, I figured I would try and get coffee and catch up. Instead, I was invited to stay at her parent's beautiful marina home on the Columbia river and I got to do some wakeboarding!

But unlike my weekender writings about Ashley and Pat - which primarily focused on the characters in those friends - I am going to take this a different route.

Keleigh and I's other friend in Israel was Heather. Heather and I decided not to go on the "class trip to Egypt," but instead we'd do our own trip to Greece (pictures). When we returned from Greece, everyone else would be in Egypt, and we weren't going see them again before returning home.

It was 3:15 am, on a cold December morning as Heather and I walked up the cobblestone streets just outside of the Old City wall in Jerusalem to meet our Sherut. Heather turned to me and said, "well, so much for ever seeing those guys again." I agreed.

It might sound a bit cold, but that honesty is what I loved about Heather. And for the most part she was right. Had it not been for Facebook (which wasn't around yet), that statement would probably have been true.

But interestingly enough, even with Facebook, I find it fascinating who I stay friends with over the long-term.

It isn't necessarily the people I was closest to in high school or college. Hell, my college roommate of four years and I have only talked twice since graduation in 2005. He also lives in Portland, but I didn't even entertain the idea of trying to meet up with him.

It isn't per se the people we share the most in circumstance with either.

Many times it just feels like random chance who stays in our life and who doesn't. But for those that do, I can't but help be grateful for the depth they add to my life.

Working weekends for the past four years meant that I regrettably had to check the "will not be attending" box to the 30+ weddings I have been invited to. Even some that I planned on going to, got canceled fairly last minute because of work (which I got an earful about one in particular this weekend).

Though as my plane banked and began its descent over Memphis, I found myself staring out the window and thinking back to a conversation I had with Allen a year earlier about balance. And how because I implemented balance into my life this year, my descent "back home" felt more like coming back home than it did after my March weekender.

But in classic "Andy blog honesty," I also freely admit that while this trip pointed to one area of balance I was glad to be growing in, it also brings to light another area of balance I still am missing.

Weddings are of course incredibly joyous occasions for me, but also a bit of a reminder of my own discontent and loneliness. I freely admit that.

I don't think I am alone in this with other 20-somethings professionals that try to use the excuse that they are focusing on their career over their love life. But at 27, a full 6 years beyond when I thought I would have been at my own wedding, here's to my sincere and honest wish for Lissa and her husband to experience a full and happy marriage. And here's to me in continuing to try and figure out the balance needed to find a full and happy marriage of my own.

If you don't get the title of this blog, you need to watch the news more (and keep reading). This past weekend I continued my new years resolution and took the 8th weekender of the year and visited my friend Ashley in Louisville, KY. No offense to the other weekenders out there, but this was by far the most fun.

We ate out on the deck at a beautiful restaurant that overlooked the Ohio River on Thursday night. And even though I couldn't get a scallops entreé, and had to settle for salmon, the sunset was breathtaking and easily compensated for lack of scallops.

Friday was fantastic. Started the day by going to the Louisville Slugger museum. I found Ryne Sandberg's bat signature, saw how bats were made, even got my own bat with my own name burned into it. The end of the museum was a bit embarrassing, as they let you go into a batting cage and use a Major League Baseball players bat. Well out of 20 pitches at 40 MPH, I hit NONE! Zero! I sucked at baseball as a kid. I suck at baseball as an adult. But I still love it.

After the museum we went to the Woodford Reserve Distillery and saw how good ole Kentucky Bourbon is made in Versailles, KY (don't you dare pronounce it like the castle in France - because apparently like Georgia, people in Kentucky can't talk).

I had the first shot of my entire life. Downed mine - and half of Ashley's - like a champ. I think I would actually like bourbon if I drank (but then again, the fact that I probably would really like bourbon is why I don't drink).

After that we went to Porcini's. It had great food, and a great atmosphere. And if you haven't been watching the news, Porcini's is where Rick Pitino had sex with a woman who later blackmailed him for $3,000 for an abortion, and later tried to extort millions of dollars from him.

So while I did enjoy the Italian dish which I can't pronounce or spell, unfortunately I did not partake in the "Rick Pitino special" - but at least no one got pregnant.

But of course, doing stuff isn't what makes these trips fun. Spending time with people I get to spend way too little time with is easily more enticing to me than all the activities.

Now you may remember me blogging about Ashley back in December. In that post I said that, "Ashley has grown into an incredibly beautiful, successful, and talented engineer." But Ashley is also one of the most intelligent people I know.

And I am not talking academically intelligent (although she is that as well). I am talking life intelligent. Not just regurgitating fact intelligent, but original thought intelligent. Needless to say, conversation with her is always intriguing and insightful (and hilarious).

And that makes for a perfect weekender. Great food, great stuff to do, and phenomenal conversation that includes a lot of laughter and a lot of depth.

When I was in high school I dated a girl with the most amazing house. Although it wasn't until after purchasing my own home that I realized just how much I loved that house.

It was big, but not flashy big. It was nice, but not materialistic nice. It sat on 20-acres, just outside of the city, in a "developing neighborhood" (read: they had no neighbors).

But the best part about it - no homeowner's association (at least not that I knew of, so I am going with that there wasn't one for this illustration).

If they wanted to put in a pool, they could (and they did). If they wanted to let us drive a John Deere Gator or a Hummer around the backyard, we were allowed to (and we did). If they wanted to let us have a loud, outdoor party, they could let us (we never did that).

Fast forward 10 years. I have had some issues with my neighbors and homeowners association since moving in. I think - and could be wrong - but it stems from the fact that I am the youngest owner in the neighborhood and therefore they thought I wouldn't know any better.

But they picked the wrong 25,26,27 year old. And frankly, I got fed up with it all.

Now you might ask, why make a big deal? Simple. Because I bought the house with the idea that it was open to anyone. I installed finger print locks so people could come over with out me. People are free to stay over when they want. I want it to be place of warmth and welcome to any one.

So when something interferes with that, I get defensive. And even though I am the least private person in the world (I think I am the only person who's Facebook page is set to public and blogs about intimate details of my life), I will get defensive when someone in authority doesn't need to know something, but is assuming it is there business.

But what does this have to do with you? I find most people are pretty "afraid" of their neighborhood association. Even when I twittered the other day about it, a friend of mine replied, "uhoh. Sounds like you aren't friends with the HOA. Don't make them too mad, they have crazy power!"

But that is the problem. They don't. Assuming you are following all the rules (which I was), they do not have "crazy power," especially when if it is an invasion of privacy.

So I am including the letter* I sent as an example of how to deal with a homeowners association that has extended beyond it's power. I know many of you have purchased or are thinking of purchasing your first home. Hopefully this helps.

And here is to one day having 20-acres to myself and (hopefully) CJ and Andrea as a neighbor.

Allen's youngest daughter - Little G - is going to college this week. So this past weekend we did a show where we took callers from college only (or recently graduated) and asked for 10 words or less on their advice for new college students.

Being 4 years out of college - and born almost within a day when Allen went to college - I of course had to share mine.



1.) Figure out what kind of student you are and be it
We all learn differently and we all are heading different places. If you are going to Law or Med School, grades are really important, so you better keep them up. If you are going into Business, grades aren't quite as important versus real world work experience / internships. Some people learn by reading: they should read all the assignments. Some people learn by writing: they should write all their papers. Some people learn from other people: they should go to all the classes.

I only studied for a handful of tests in college (mainly Greek). I failed most of them. I didn't read many of the assignments. I aced just about every paper I wrote. And I graduated with a low GPA (3.23 overall and 2.8 in my major). But I walked away as the top student of my major (not by GPA standards, but as awarded by the professors), and a great education. I learned a lot because I figured out what I needed to do and ignored the rest.

2.) Live it to the fullest and don't just worry about academia
As I blogged about two year ago, 4 years goes buy unbelievably fast. And unlike a lot of things in life, you never get the opportunity to do college again. Don't forget to have a blast. Go to football games and tailgate, take weekend trips with friends, run out for burgers and milkshakes and donuts at 2 am, play intramurals.

3.) If possible, build great relationships with the professor (not shared on the air)
I know going to large universities this might not be possible, but if it is, do it. These relationships are unbelievably valuable, both in giving insight into your life, and giving you a confidence that you can make it in the real world. If you can relate to your professors, you will be able to relate to your colleagues.

On top of that, professors are great for networking. I still get calls from Dick offering me jobs.

Well that's it. Enjoy the four years Little G.


Ohh and one more suggestion for just the guys out there

4.) Get some balls and treat women right
I could not get over in college how many of the guys just never asked anyone out. You will never have the opportunity to interact with that many single, attractive, like-minded women ever again. Don't waste that because of insecurity, and when you do get in a relationship: be a respectable man and treat her how she deserves.

There is no other way around it that the job market sucks right now. No matter what field you are in. No matter how talented you are. It is just awful.

For me personally it started about a year ago when a good friend was laid off pretty suddenly. Since then my brother has been laid off twice, a good friend is having a really tough time finding a job after law school and had to move back in with her parents, and a family member was laid off for the second time in five years. Not to mention the countless friends I talk with who are really depressed in their jobs, but know they are stuck. And whole other group of people who actually kind of like their job, but know they are "probably next to go" if another round of layoffs are coming.

This blog typically leans to focus on the 20-something and single - which has it's advantages in this situation - but also has some serious disadvantages. I remember when my first friend got laid off, knowing she didn't really have any pressure to provide for a family, but thinking how hard it must be for her to go home to an empty house and an empty bed and face this "alone."

But I think the key in this tough economic times is to make sure no matter what, you aren't facing this alone.

What to do if you have been laid off / can't find work

1. Remember that we are in a historically poor market, and it isn't a reflection of you
2. Keep in mind how little time a year is in the grand scheme of things and don't get discouraged by what feels like no growth
3. Lean on those that love you. TRUST ME. I am as prideful as they come. The thought of moving back in with parents, or asking for help; makes me cringe just thinking about it (and I actually like my parents). But it is ok. Those of us that love you, want to help
4. Remember, you are not a failure by any means

What do do if you know some one who has been laid off / can't find work

1. Help in any way you can. I have offered financial assistance to my brother, a place to stay for a friend free of charge (including food), and financially "counseled" another friend including a detailed budget, cash flow analysis, help with health insurance, etc...
2. Reiterated over and over that this is not their fault and that you are proud of them
3. Help with networking. Let's face it. This world is who you know and there is nothing to be ashamed of getting your foot in the door because of a connection
4. Don't neglect them. I am an AWFUL person at keeping up with people on the phone. But after my brother got laid off, I was on the phone all the time. Not badgering him with have you found a job. But just to see how he was doing, what he was up to, if he needed anything, etc...
5. Adjust your lifestyle. Don't suggest let's go to a movie or the theatre or out to eat all the time. They will either feel a.) pressured to join with money they don't have or b.) feel depressed because they missed out. Instead have people over, rent movies, cook out, etc...

One last thing to think about is to offer an escape. I think this might seem strange to some, but sometimes people just need to get out of their environment (especially if depression is setting in). It doesn't have to be elaborate. If they are just going to watch TV / sit by a pool / make dinner / go bike riding, etc... they can do that with you. A cheap (read: provided) week away with a friend can be incredibly helpful. Plus, they can still send out resumes, make phone calls, etc... from your place.

As cliché as it sounds: it's tough out there. And we are all in this together. The more we lean on one another to help, the better off we are all going to be.

After blogging self-righteously about how much better I am than Barney Frank and Mark Souder on Sunday, I have decided to continue the self-righteous attitude and advise Henry Louis Gates and Barack Obama on what they can learn from me.

While driving back from Key West I got pulled over on I-75 just outside of Unadilla, GA.

I will say I was very disappointed in my actions that day, not because of my driving, but because I argued with the police officer.

My attorney (aka Dad) always told me, you never argue with a police officer on the road. Not only is the police officer "king out there," frankly, he is usually just doing his job and if he is wrong, take it up in court.

Most of the 20+ times I have been pulled over I have always followed this. But this time I did not.

With traffic flying by, I unfortunately argued with Lt. Colvin. And after the anger subsided a week later, I realized my error and felt deeply bad about it. So I found his email address and shot him the following email.

Lt. Colvin -

You might not remember me, but you pulled me over while driving up I-75 two Saturdays (5/23) ago in a Blue minivan allegedly going 85 in a 70. You are the only police officer in over 20 that I have been pulled over by in my life that I argued with him on the road. Typically all I do is turn on the interior lights (if dark), stick my hands out the window, honestly admit my speed when asked, and accept (and pay) the fine. For arguing with you on the road, I sincerely apologize.

I Google searched your name and came up with a page at catchingcriminals.com and I wanted to write and say thank you very much for your service in Iraq as explosives specialist. That is very brave work and am grateful for your service to this country. And even though I was one of the "criminals" you were protecting others from in this particular case, I very much thank you for your continued service to this country in law enforcement.

Take care out there!

Andy Borgmann

My situation with Lt. Colvin has some relatability to the Obama/Gates/Crowley affair.

What Gates Should Learn
I freely admit as a white male I do not know what it is like to be racially profiled. To my white brethren out there, if we think there isn't a "racial profiling" issue in this country, we are sincerely naive. That being said, in this particular case Gates over reacted.

I'll cut him some slack because he just got back from China and he was in his own home, but as Colin Powell said on Larry King, even if you think you are being racially profiled, you don't argue with an officer trying to assess the situation.

I have an anti-authority streak in me that can rival just about anyone. So I get Gates' inclination to argue. But that is not the time.

What Obama Should Learn
But the real disappointment in this whole thing is Barack Obama. Not because he wanted to find a teaching moment for the country, but because he did so out of ignorance of the situation and then didn't know how to apologize afterward.

Obama and I share a lot more than just a birthday. We share the arrogant belief that we are smarter than most and we have a tendency to stick our foot in our mouth. But what Obama fails to grasp is that if you are going to be like us, you better get damn good at apologizing.

In a true apology, you don't make excuses and you don't passive-aggressively try and make your point again - both things that Obama did in his "apology." I didn't use my apology letter to Lt. Colvin to reiterate my "perceived innocence." No. I apologized and thanked him for his service.

The Beer Summit
The most interesting thing about the whole story with Lt. Colvin and I is, about a month after I wrote him the email, I got a Facebook friend invite from him. So we are now "friends" and had a "beer summit of our own," and we didn't even need the pressure of the media to do it.

This past Friday I went to an Atlanta Braves game with the infamous AllenHuntShow.com commenter LC. If you don't know who LC is, you need to be reading the blog more often. He's pretty much second only to Erik (warning: NSFW) in his "nemesising" (on a side note Erik was invited as well, but couldn't make it last minute).

We all know that I love Erik since I have blogged about that. But I too, legitimately love having LC around. He's a staunch atheist/agnostic, and doesn't agree with much of what Allen or I have to say. But he is more than welcome here and I have very much loved the friendship that has developed because of the show.

More on that in a second.

I was reading Fort Wayne Observed the other day and came across a blog post on Barney Frank calling out Mark Souder for his anti-drug stance. The interview of Barney by Esquire included the following statements:

ESQUIRE: ...who's against it?

BARNEY FRANK: Well, Mark Souder from Indiana, who's very much a proponent of the drug war.

ESQUIRE: When you talk to Souder about it, what does he say?

BARNEY FRANK: You don't waste your time on people with whom you completely disagree.

In full disclosure, 1.) Mark Souder went to my church in Fort Wayne, IN and 2.) I can't wait for the day to beat Mark in an election for Indiana's 3rd Congressional District (I'll save why for a blog on another day).

But I digress.

Now the irony is that for the first time ever, I think I actually agree with Barney Frank if you read the entire interview. But what Barney and Mark equally don't understand is that using the excuse "you don't waste your time on people who you completley disagree [with]" is what is wrong with American politics, and frankly, what is wrong with American culture altogether.

Not only this past week did I go to a baseball game with LC, but my Porn Producer buddy Mike South sent Allen and I an interview with Scott Janke. Highlighting another relationship where I have serious disagreement on certain topics, but one where we have kept the lines of communication open because of mutual respect and a higher pursuit of truth. Just like LC. Just like Erik.

Surrounding your life with people who you only agree with leaves one with an incredibly myopic view of the world that is worse than just ignorant, it is damaging. Especially in leadership positions.

I would highly encourage Mark and Barney to follow the example of LC and I: go to a Nationals game, have a beer, and treat each other like human beings.

Who knows what kind of country this could be if our politicians - and each other - lived that way on a regular basis.