Song Suggestions

I LOVE LOVE LOVE MUSIC. I have played piano my entire life, and my family is so musically talented. My aunt plays piano, my father plays the guitar as good as Clapton and almost Stevie Ray Vaughan, my sisters all play piano and my cousin is a music promoter in Austin for famous rap artists. Besides my family and I being musically inclined, we love all types of music. I just listed our credentials in hopes you will give a few of these songs a good listen, if you have not already. Some of the songs are old and some are recent. I probably have more suggestions, but these are my go-to songs.

I listen to everything expect screaming rock. My favorite genres are classic rock n' roll and soul, especially from the Motown era. Also, if you love "Thrift Shop" like the rest of the world, you have to get Macklemore's entire album! There are other songs on the album that are better than "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us."

Workout or Pre-gaming:

• Wing$ - Macklemore
• Bad Girlfriend - Theory of a Deadman
• Doom and Gloom - The Rolling Stones
• Cockiness - Rihanna
• Gold on the ceiling - The Black Keys
• Got to Give It Up - Marvin Gaye
• Headsprung - LL Cool J
• Southern Hospitality - LUDA and Pharrell
• Get Big - Dorrough 
• Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder
• Mirrors - Justin Timberlake 
• Go Missin - Usher 
• You can do it - Ice Cube
• Let the groove get in - Justin Timberlake
• Tunnel Vision - Justin Timberlake 
• Save Me - MGK
• Sound of Madness - Shinedown
• The Phoenix - Fall Out Boy
• Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke feat. T.I/Pharrell
• Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
• Breath of Life - Florence and the Machine
• A little party never killed nobody - Fergie, Q-Tip, GoonRock (Gatsby soundtrack)
• Rick as F*** - Lil Wayne feat. 2 Chainz
• 100$ Bill - Jay Z (Gatsby Soundtrack)
• Bugatti - Future, Rick Ross
• Jimmy Lovine - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
• Get lucky - Daft Punk feat. Pharrell 

Chill:

• Just a fool - Christina Aguilera
• I need a dollar - Aloe Blacc
• Right to be Wrong - Joss Stone
• Stay - Sarah Bareilles
• Lie to me - Sarah Bareilles
• Comin Home - City Colour
• Try a Little Tenderness - Otis Redding 
• Timekeeper - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals 
• Low Road - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
• Back to Black - Andre 3000 feat Beyonce (Gatsby soundtrack)
• Together - The xx (Gatsby soundtrack)
• I am beautiful - Candice Glover 
• Love on top - Beyonce
• Pilot Jones - Frank Ocean
• Power Trip - J Cole feat. Miguel 
• Don'e Let Me Know - Katharine McPhee and Jeremy Jordan (Smash Soundtrack)
• That's life - (Smash Soundtrack)
• Good day for the blues - Storyville
• Who you are - Jessie J

The Dallas Cowboys aka The Replacements

I was watching The Replacements yesterday, and I thought to myself how compatible my Cowboys are to this movie. I know, very sad, but the movie is full of divas, rejects, and some talent that could be great. All in all the team is the laughing stock, and that is how I feel about the Cowboys. Oh and Keanu Reeves is an awful actor. I am sure you already knew this.

The differences for the Boys' this year will hopefully be depth and health. In the offseason we have picked up Travis Fredrick at running back, Joseph Randle, and receiver Terrance Williams. A running back that has always caught my eye, is Phillip Tanner, I hope he becomes the second back, because he has great vision.

Defensively, we are the same expect for the change up with Ware and defensive back B.W. Webb. I get the change with Ware to strengthen that 4-3, but why fix something that is not broke. Dez Bryant had a productive season last year, and Murray was a factor and should always be, if he remains healthy. I hope to see what Barry Church can do this season. That is one out of a few I have my eye on. I hope Sean Lee is ready to hit the ground running, because man did I miss that athlete last season, he is a huge play maker.

We let go of cornerback Dustin Harris, and signed free-agent Malik James. James had a season-ending injury with his stint at Langston University. We added another injury prone player. For the Cowboys defensive, I don’t think that was the smartest move. We did sign a defensive lineman, Anthony Hargrove. Moving to the 4-3 should be great for Dallas with Monte Kiffin being the mastermind. However, if Ware, Spencer, Hatcher or Ratliff get hurt….we are in for a hardship.

I wish we would have let go of Ratliff and Free. Ratliff is a great player, but was out all last season, and he can be a factor, however, he is getting old in age. Free on the other hand, false starts ALL THE TIME. You could make a drinking game out of Free’s penalties. Seriously. I am so happy we got rid of Jenkins and Jones. Thank goodness.

I wish we would have let go of Miles Austin. If you know me, you know that I adore Austin whether it is his dedication or those glorious eyes. I think he has great talent, runs his routes 100 percent and is a good influence to that team. However, his hamstring injury is annoying, and we should trade him for what he is worth now. In saying that, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes off this season. Another athlete I am looking forward to is Dwayne Harris. He gave us a taste last season with him coming through in clutch moments while Austin was nursing numerous injuries. I hope to see him be the second or third reciever for Dallas, because we all know Dez has the first spot.  

On to the QB, Tony Romo received a $108 million contract extension last month. Now, I don’t carry the flag for his fan club, but I believe in Romo with a GOOD OFFENSIVE LINE. The o-line is still a concern. Now, was Romo worth that contract….I don’t think so. What worries me about the quarterback situation is, we don’t have a decent backup, and don’t tell me Orton is a good backup. I wish we would have picked up Barkley, who might be a steal in this last draft. I really think we could have developed him or even Klein. Klein just worked out with the Texans, but did not make the cut. I just want a decent backup QB, so when things go south or Romo has an injury, we aren’t sitting there thinking….”uh oh" - to say it nicely.

I would love to dive into the draft, but it sickness me. I hope Gavin Escobar learns behind Witten, but Phillips is also going to be a great tight end for Dallas. I did like the Travis Frederick pick to compete with Phil Costa. Costa needs to step his game up. All end all, I just wish Jerry would have drafted me to make his picks, but that is wishful thinking. That is all I am going to say about the draft.

This season, I just hope we compete, and not compete in a way that almost gets us there or we barely make it. I mean I want to see a blowout by this team. I want to see a dominating win. I am sick of these close games, when our team is stacked in some areas. And I am sick of hearing how our team is “full of talent.” It doesn’t mean anything if we are not in the playoffs, at least. I don’t want to be “The Replacements,” for yet another season. I want to go to the games, and enjoy our season tickets instead of riding home with my father and us complaining about the same things, Dallas has yet to fix for years. Can it just be football season already? And no, not flag football, that topic is up next on The Breakdown.

First 48 hours at KTTZ-TV

On the first day, some awesome coworkers welcomed me. The people here are really laid back, but are very good at what they do. They are nice and supportive, and help answer my millions of questions. I got to visit with my friend and now coworker, Brandi Blake, who walked up the stairs to see me after getting into a horrible car wreck weeks ago. I really missed seeing her and working with her. 

I have a HUGE office, and yes I think it is huge, because I never had one at Ramar and this office has all the works. I have a TV, three desks, my own personalized desktop computer, a phone, three monitors and two Mac computers for producing. I have two chairs that sit in front of my desk that adds to the professionalism of this office. My ceiling is so high; it makes the office look even better with two large windows over looking the campus.

I work on the second floor with about four other people making it really calm and easy to focus on producing packages. I have gotten to listen in on Star Treck and Iron Man conversations, which brings a smile to my face knowing I am in an office where people actually communicate and spend time together. It is the little things that have gotten me so excited for this opportunity, like having a lunch hour. You don’t typically get a designated hour for lunch in broadcast.

                                                              (Yes, it needs some TLC.)

On Wednesday, I got to shoot an interview with Chancellor Kent Hance and run into an old friend of mine, Gio, who hired me for this job. Even though I have interviewed people like Wes Welker, Drew Pearson and other big name athletes, I was really nervous with the Chancellor. I honestly think it was because my new boss was there watching me, and I did not want to disappoint Gio.

Yesterday, I got to cover the Raider Rojos chapter celebrating the accomplishments of Hispanic graduates from Texas Tech University at the Merket Alumni Center. I was in charge of shooting, interviewing, editing and producing this package. I was a little nervous, but excited because it is about the college I am so passionate about. It is also nice knowing, that my manager trusted me to get the job done within 48 hours of being here.

                                   (So far, I added a lamp, and a photo of my grandfather.)

This is why I love broadcast, it is like a game to get the best stories, to impress, to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and to represent your company to the best of your ability.  All the while, you have to be quick, accurate, compelling and creative. People, IT IS NOT JUST DOING YOUR HAIR TO LOOK PRETTY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. True story. 

My Time in the Valley is up and I'm onto the next Opportunity

Since being home, I have written for KBIM on all local sports while being able to cover my alma mater, coached young adults in track and field, added some photography sessions to my portfolio, and have become a factor for my family business. I finished the track season with Dexter High School at State and am back in Lubbock permanently for now. 

It's nice to here from your athletes, "Hey coach, we googled your name and you are famous." This brought a smile to my face, because they had seen some broadcast videos and commercials I had done in the past. It's also great to get a reminder that you are appreciated. One of my athletes surprised me with a hug and a "thank you" after the state track meet, after I thought she really did not like me as a coach. 

At State, we became State Champs in the medley relay and 1600 meter relay for the boys, and the girls finished sixth in the medley relay and also the 1600 meter relay. Nayely Anderson took home fifth in the long jump, and the boys four by 100 meter relay took home third and the boys four by 200 meter relay finished sixth after getting the baton knocked out of our hands by Lordsburg in the next lane. When a baton drops at State, that sound will forever haunt you. It stinks, but we still got on the podium. 

Being able to be home and surrounded by loved ones, I have learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned not to take things personal, be a better influence for younger adults, and hold myself accountable. I thought I was doing all these things in Lubbock previously, but I was honestly going through the motions.

I talked previously in another post about acting like a victim and not taking responsibility. However, there are things that happen to people and justified or not, you must rise to the occasion. Being more active in sports again, I realized how those little pep talks and the confidence I received helped me for this next chapter.

I love broadcast, and will get another shot at it with KTTZ-TV in Lubbock. It is the PBS affiliate with Texas Tech. I have been blessed to go through five months of my “revamping” period, and I am ready for this chance. I can’t wait to hit the ground running. I get to report on all topics including sports and be surrounded by some great people! I received my first assignment today, and I will cover it on Thursday. 

I will miss being around my family, however, I am going back with a strong faith and trust in God, respect, my mother and I finally having a strong relationship, my sister being a sophomore at Tech and having the chance to make a name for myself at another station. I was blessed to be able to coach my youngest sister, Madison, in track and be more involved in her life. I could not ask for more, and I thank God for putting me in this position for five months. 

Before I left last week, my sister and I said goodbye to our horse Flash and others call him Rabbit. He was 17 years old, but had arthritis and a hurt leg. It was sad to watch him go down so quickly, but thankfully we had the vet come out and give him a shot and buried him. I had never put down a horse, even my first horse , Black Beauty, was put down by my father. It was humane, and he didn't go through any pain. Flash was a great horse, gentle and patient. 

I got to mend fences with old friends, and built some great friendships with people in this Valley. I can say growing up in a small town is challenging, but so rewarding. When I came back, I was welcomed with open arms after promising myself I would never go back home and someday I hope to open a business there. I hope this next time I make the people back home proud and start the Bogle name in another industry other than agriculture.

I thank you all for the support especially from this valley and friends I had not talked to in years. I would not have grown as much as I did, without any of your help. I appreciate ya'll following my blog posts throughout this period, and I hope my experiences could help! I am so excited to be back in Texas at my house, going to great grocery stores haha (that's when you know you're old), and being around old friends. Please, wish me luck with this new job! Thank you for all your prayers!

My New York Adventure – “Obama wants change, we want twenties.”

New York was quite the experience, especially with four wonderful friends and my sister. We landed Friday afternoon and headed straight for the hotel to get spiffy for the NFL draft. Our hotel room was two stories tall, and thanks to hotels.com it was marvelous and in the heart of Times Square. 

Now, I might have been selfish, because I love football and just wanted to be there to experience the horrific draft picks I knew Jerry Jones would pick, but also to see some big name football players. The center was a decent pick and the rest were horrid. I would dive into the draft, but it is just so disappointing for my Dallas Cowboys. However, I did get to yell “Wreck’em” to Geno Smith when he walked in front of me. That was pure greatness. I loved reporting on that game from the field and watching Tech dominate WVU! Tony Casillas, Deion Sanders, Merril Hodge and Trent Dilfer to name a few were there.

Also, me being an amateur, I thought Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City made walking in high heels all day look easy…. I was sadly mistaken. After walking just two miles to and from Radio City Music Hall, I had three inch cuts and two blisters on both feet, because I wanted to look fabulous not feel fabulous. Dumb move.

 After the draft we went to Times Square, and if you are claustrophobic like myself, it is not the best situation to put yourself in. However, it was so beautiful to see it all lit up and a diversity of people walking the streets of Times Square. Beyonce was doing her thing on a massive billboard. I want her legs, swag and pretty much her lifestyle! I will keep her political participation out of it, because I don’t agree with it.

Saturday morning arrived pretty early seeing we did not go to sleep until four, but the city NEVER SLEEPS! That is true. We headed to Central Park, which was absolutely breathtaking in a busy city to have so much of Mother Nature in the heart of the big apple. Now, if you are a fan of Gossip Girl like I am (yes, it is my guilty pleasure, don’t judge) the idea of the streets being fabulous, is not so much so. It was interesting trying to navigate a sidewalk without running into people and staying with your group. We deserved a trophy.

 We went on the ferry to go see the Statue of Liberty, and it was breathtaking. It reminded me of what this country stands for - land of the free and home of the brave. The opportunities this country provides, and how we need to respect this nation. USA is so powerful, because of the people that come here and are born here to create success and live freely.

 After the ferry, we ran into some street dancers/gymnasts outside the building. It is really awesome how creative people are in New York in order to make a living. My favorite quote from this group was, “Obama wants change, we want twenties.” haha

 The rest of the day we spent in Brooklyn, contrary to believe it is really eccentric and full of culture. We figured out the subway system with some mistakes of course, but they are not as disgusting as some might think. However, they are not as nice as Washington D.C. That night we went to Lavo where there was a DJ the entire time. Loving music, I had so much fun with friends at an extremely nice restaurant.

 The next day, I tried dropping off some applications, but it was difficult with security after the bombings so we went to Ground Zero at 10:00 when it opened. It was an experience. It is eerie knowing you are standing on the ground where around 3,000 people died. You don’t really understand the feeling you get standing there. The two large pools they built and dedicated to the victims were peaceful and are used for a time of reflection. It was my favorite place to visit in NYC. The Freedom Tower that is being built next to the memorial is almost finished and it is stunning.

The rest of the day we spent in Williamsburg where my friends got tattoos at Three Kings, which is a well-known celebrity establishment. The tattoo artist was from Manchester and goodness he was awesome. I could have listened to him talk for hours. However, at that time my feet were literally bleeding so I was not in the best mood. So, after I changed into tennis shoes and went out shopping. The Tiffany and Co. store is several stories high and was a reminder of how I could not afford much in NYC. Haha It was awesome though. Later, we had fun in Times Square and enjoyed the rest of our last night in the big city.

 We went to The Today Show the following morning and then flew out. I did see the back of Robert Downy Jr.’s head at Good Morning America. That was cool seeing he is one of my favorite actors and loves fedoras as much as I do.

All and all, it was a magnificent trip I spent with the people I love. We also got to see our friends Bryce Breedyk and Bobbi Cobos who live in NYC. I would not change it. But the greatest of all, was the phone call I got Monday while flying back. That is for another blog post. Stay tuned! Here is a clue.