But Mom, I Neeeeeed an iPhone!!!!!

It's true, we now live in a post iPhone world. The culture continues to morph. Not because technology just advanced one more step, but because of those you will likely see that the local mall on Sat night using that technology.

Let me explain is this not a knock on the iPhone. I love the iPhone, although I won't be getting one just yet. At this time I'm not willing to switch carriers or lay 500 on the table. I'll wait a couple of generations and let the early adopters work out the bugs. Regardless of your feelings towards the iPhone, I recommend checking out Apple's Video Guided Tour. You at least can get a sense of what all the fuss is about. I will say I'm a tried and true Mac user. Maybe I haven't reached cult status just yet, but if someone were to ask my opinion of which computer they should purchase I'd highly recommend a Mac with no hesitation.

I often feel that Apple doesn't get credit for it's innovations. The Newton was light years ahead of the Palm Pilot, most of the innovations Apple makes to their operating systems are not known about by non-Mac users until they show up in the new version of Windows. And the Lisa was years ahead of anything else out there. As we know now the technology the Lisa used was simply not cheap enough to put one on the desk of every consumer. No one ever calls the Hydrogen Car a failure just because the technology is too expensive to be widely adopted at the current time. This was obviously not the case for the iPod, for which the stars aligned and the timing was perfect.

In the end this post is not really about the iPhone itself or that Apple deserves credit for the forced advancement of the cell phone/hand held computer. It's just a small commentary on the culture where this device finds itself. And it is best said by my buddy Joe Tamanini, who posted this brilliant little diddy on his MySpace blog Friday....

"I might add, that the day I see a 14 year old kid reach into their pocket and pull out a $500 phone. I am going to get in my car, accelerate to 120 down the 710 freeway and launch my car into the Pacific, for there will be no hope left for the "I want what I want when I want it" generation. And I will not have any sort of hope for the world in which my children will grow up. The American dream is now about owning any and all material possessions no matter what the cost instead of setting a goal and finding a way to obtain it."

Can I get a witness from the congregation? Can I get a "Damn Straight?" Can I get a "Hell Yea?"

Entitlement is a nasty thing and we live in an entitlement culture. How may pre-teens are currently telling mom and dad that they "deserve" an iPhone.

We do live in a world were "My Super Sweet 16" is celebrated not only as entertainment, but as a Paris/Lindsey/Brittney inspired well deserved rite of passage.

So Joe, with that I will say that I feel your pain and, I hope you have curtain side airbags.

The Good Word - New Issue

Work keeps insisting that I work for my paycheck, thus it's been slow post week for MOTG.
Seriously though, I'll try to get some worthwhile posts up soon. Until then I thought I'd let D-Rad do the talking for me via a new issue of "The Good Word"

You can find the full issue at the link above, here are some highlights:

GT DAY AT TURNER FIELD
Enjoy a day at the Ted surrounded by Georgia Tech when the Braves take on the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, August 17th at 7:35pm! Come take part in the fun and excitement of GT Day at Turner Field. Watch performances by the Georgia Tech Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Buzz during pregame in the plaza area. Also get autographs from some of your favorite Georgia Tech Athletes. Stay around to watch fireworks after the game!
HALF PRICE TICKETS

FOOTBALL KICKOFF CELEBRATION
Come celebrate the beginning of a new and exciting football season for your Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets! Enjoy dinner and drinks, while bidding on Georgia Tech merchandise in a Silent Auction. Wes Durham, the voice of the Yellow Jackets, will be the Emcee for the evening. More details to come.
-August 25th, 2007
-6:30pm
-Georgia Tech Hotel Ballroom
-Tickets on sale now for $55
-For reservations call Starr Harris at 404-385-1081

The ACC and South Park

Sorry I haven't posted much lately, just been busy.
Found a little item that has been out there awhile, thought I'd share for those who haven't seen it. The ACC head coaches as South Park characters. (Click to enlarge)

Menu Changes

Make sure to check out the changes to the menu page.
Also don't forget to vote on our poll regarding the Music Player.

Why every guy needs a wife

Found this floating around. Sometimes you just need a good chuckle on a Friday.

Wreck News

The story has caught fire.

In my opinion this is the most telling piece of information from The Hive:

"This 77 year old car has led the team onto the field for every home game since 1961 (running on its own power each time) in addition to numerous local and out of town appearances every year. The only damage to the car over the years seems to be from vandalism, not accidents. This car has a phenomenal track record over 46 years."

That's almost 300 home games folks.

So here are some links.
AJC - Help rolls in to rescue Tech's wrecked Wreck
Wreck's History
The Wreck Club
JacketsOnline.com
Fox 5 News - Video

Jeff over at Ramblin Racket has a great post today. Check it out, especially the nice "On A Lighter Note" section. Funny Stuff.

Even though many of us hoped it wouldn't happen, we knew pictures would get out eventually. I don't think it's a big deal. Accidents happen. To quote JacketDansWife from The Hive,

"I really think Tech fans freaking out about the possible release of photos made this a much bigger deal than it ever should have been."

Probably correct in regards to the pictures. I think it's a nice testimony to the Tech Nation of the call to arms to get the old girl repaired.

But I do have to say a special thanks to my birth place of Macon for helping get the pics out on the net. "You stay classy Macon."

Also, the Fox 5 report mentions that there are 3 Ramblin' Wreck vehicles (2 spares if you will.) Well, that's not really the case and slightly misleading. There is only one true Wreck which is owed, cared for and managed by the Ramblin' Wreck Club (aka the students.) It's this wreck which leads the team on to the field.

Super Tecmo Bowl - Where have you gone?

I'm not much of a gamer, although a season of NCAA football for the XBox or Playstation can be somewhat addictive. Here is a link to a game trailer for the upcoming Tech vs. Notre Dame game pulled from The Hive. Provided by the new 2008 version of NCAA Football for the XBox 360. Looks great, except for the ND opening drive touchdown. Let's just call it fiction.

Ga Tech vs. Notre Dame - Game Trailer


Amazing how far we have come since Pong. Here's some historical perspective.

Pong - Atari arcade game - 1972


Football - Atari 2600 - circa 1982


Super Tecmo Bowl - Nintendo, Late 1980's- Early 1990's?


Madden Football - Sega Genesis - Mid 1990's


NCAA Football - Playstation 1 - 2001



NCAA Football - EA Sports - XBox 360 & Playstation 3 - 2008
Click here to see a high rez version of Boddy Dodd Stadium

News

Tailgater's Alley Opens New Store
One of our favorite loacations for Tech merchandise has just opened a new store at The Avenue in Snellville. You can still shop at their Duluth location at Discover Mills as well as outside Bobby Dodd Stadium on game day. Thanks to Chris and Delane for all their support and helping us find good quality Tech merchandise.

RamblinWreck.com Partners with TeamFanShop
Over 500 items are now available at the official online store of the Yellow Jackets, in every color gold imaginable.

Munson Done?
I don't like to waste my time talking about anything relating to UGA but somethings I can't ignore. If Larry is done then the Tech Nation wishes him well and good luck in the future. It is sad to see someone's health take away something they obviously love to do and he's been doing it for 40 years. He hasn't made a final decision yet, but we hope he feels better regardless.

Lady Jackets Visit White House
Our national championship Lady Jackets tennis team pay a visit to the White House. Please no comments about the open toe shoes again.

Thad & Javaris Gone
I think the NBA really needs to change this rule and follow the lead of the NFL. But we all wish them well.

Georgia State Football?
Yep, Georgia State University is looking into a football program with the help of former Falcons coach Dan Reeves. This could be fun. I've always thought it would be sweet if they let GSU students play football at Tech since they didn't have a football program. They could hit the field in 3 years.

The Wreck Wrecked - Truly

Looks like The Wreck has been involved in an accident while in tow to a wedding. Most importantly no one was seriously hurt. The Wreck driver and his little brother only sustained minor cut and bruises but The Wreck is in need of some repair. From the Hive:


"The gist of the accident is that a wheel or axle failed on the trailer and pulled the expedition off the road at 70mph like a giant sail. There was no warning, no fish-tailing, the truck just snapped at 90 degrees and went off the road. We hit the ditch with the expedition perpendicular to the road.

The trailer swung around, torqued the ball hitch out of the expedition, and tipped over. The truck and trailer ended up pointing against the flow of traffic. The Wreck snapped its straps and fell onto its side. The expedition and trailer are totaled. We picked the Wreck up from the tow truck place on Saturday and it's in my garage right now. The Wreck is in need of serious body work"

The student run Reck Club is looking for donations and the obviously hard to find parts to help repair The Wreck.

If you'd like to contribute you can send money via PayPal to this address wreckalumni@gmail.com. They're only looking to raise around $1,000 and any amount will help. It's interesting, I think most of us would assume the Institute takes care of The Wreck but as tradition would have it ... From AOL

"In one of the long line of traditions surrounding the Wreck, neither the Georgia Institute of Technology nor the Georgia Tech Athletic Association provide any funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the Wreck, it is a completely student run and funded project with most of the proceeds coming from outside events and appearances (such as the wedding the car was headed to when this wreck occurred)."

When I heard about the accident I was hoping it didn't hit the news wires or fill up message boards but news travels fast these days. I wasn't even going to post about it until I knew the word was out and it was too late.

Now, there are those out there (UGA Fans) who would love to get pictures of this event. So if you have them, please keep them to yourself. Some are even offering a bounty for pictures. Of course Tech fans would never be so tacky as to offer cash money for copies of Uga's Frontline or Advantix prescription.

"There ain't no bugs on me, there ain't no bugs on me. There may be bugs on some of you mugs, but there ain't no bugs on me.

Links:
The Hive
AOL Story

Hot Dogs! Yes!

Just getting ready for tailgating!

Updates

Looks like some of you who were lucky enough to be put on the Jim Williams Christmas party invite list (aka the Davis Family & Friends GameDay Experience invite list) have finally decided to read the invitation and stop by the Mash On The Gas site. Just a few updates.

Billy & Vodice Davis have claimed the Slaw / Stew combo from the menu.
Danny & Barbara have landed the utensils, plates & bowls and paper towel hat-trick. They have also chosen to bring Diet Green Tea and Mexican Dip and Chips. I've updated the menu page to reflect these changes. I'm sure it will continue to morph.

Also, those of you who are new readers of the MOTG Blog and have plans to attend this years GameDay Experience make sure you go back and read the first blog entry.

Remember that this site is interactive, at the bottom of each blog there is a comments link where you can let us know what you think. Express yourself.

Finally, don't forget to register for updates. Enter your name and e-mail address in the Update Section on the top right hand corner. You will then receive an e-mail alerting you of new blog entries.

Bye Bye Buckhead, we hate to see you go.

Well, it truly is the end of a era. When I moved to Atlanta in 97 (Wow, that was 10 whole years ago) the Buckhead Village was the place to be for a young single hipster like myself. On Friday and Saturday nights the streets of the village crawled with 20's and 30 something guys and gals looking to forget the work week, have a good time and maybe pick up a few digits in the process. Some were dressed to the nines in the latest club wear, some (like me) were best off in a pair of jeans and ball cap. Either way, there was something to be had for most. Walking in the door at 5 am wasn't unusual and that's just for those of us who came home.

Then things changed. On the morning of January 31, 2000 (My Birthday), just hours after the conclusion of Super Bowl XXXIV in the Dome. The now infamous Ray Lewis incident happened. Near Cobalt Lounge two people were left dead from stab wounds. It didn't stop there. A double homicide outside the Chaos nightclub brought the total to nine slayings in three years, all occurred around closing time.

After that it was never the same. Several things happened. For some reason cruising Peachtree became the new norm throughout the village area, traffic was hell, crime went up and those young singles stayed away. In an effort to put a stop to the increase in violence a group called the Buckhead Coalition fought and won a controversial battle to move up the city’s bar closing time. No longer could you stay out till 4 a.m. Those in favor argued that such a measure would curb violence. Opponents believed it would drive people away and hurt the city’s hospitality industry since few U.S. markets have such late closings. This added to Atlanta’s appeal as a party destination. In the end the time change, as well as a surveillance camera program, worked. Crime in the area dropped off but by that time it was too late. Many bars had either moved or closed and patrons had already found a new hot spot to frequent. Since then it's been a waste land of boarded up windows and "For Lease" signs in what use to be Atlanta's playground.


What's next? Well real estate developer Ben Carter is throwing $850 million into a project that would turn the Village to the Rodeo Drive of the south. A Prada style shopping and restaurant district in which only the Irish icon Fado will remain to kindle memories of days gone.



So, raise your glasses. Bye Bye to the Buckhead we knew, we hate to see you go.

Here is a list of bars and restaurants who have either closed their doors or have moved on to other areas of town. The Village is dead, long live the village.
A moment of silence please.

Mike 'n' Angelos
Jellyrolls
Uranus
Bar
Rose and Crown
Tin Roof Cantina
Cobalt
Frequency
Lu Lu's Bait Shack
Three Dollar Cafe
Euphoria
Carnivale
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
The Lodge
CJ's Landing
Tongue & Groove
Swingers
Park Bench
Fluid
Buckhead Saloon
Have A Nice Day Cafe
Fuel
Celeberity Rock
Mako's
Rio Bravo
Joe's Crab Shack
World Bar
Paradox
The Steamhouse
And more I can't rem

If you like to join in the send off before the place is bulldozed in August then check out the Buckhead Block Party. Info below per Creative Loafing.

JUNE 15 FRIDAY

Pretty soon the Buckhead strip that was a haven for so many Hotlanta club kids will be demolished to make way for high-end retail stores and super-classy apartment complexes. What better way to celebrate its legacy than to remember Buckhead's '90s heyday when it was the ATL hotspot for booty shaking? Sports Radio 790 The Zone hosts a BYE-BYE BUCKHEAD BLOCK PARTY featuring performances from the Freddy Jones Band, the Gin Blossoms and a bunch of tribute bands. Through June 16. $10-$15. Fri., 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 1-11 p.m. Bolling Way and Buckhead Avenue.

Mr. Wizard - Gone But Not Forgotten

Sad news today. A legend has passed on and things will just never be the same.
Don Herbert, who most of us older than 25 grew up watching on television as "Mr. Wizard," has died of bone cancer at the age of 89. Slightly more than one month shy of his 90th birthday. Don helped introduce many generations to the joys of science, myself included. For all the nonsensical programming that Nickelodeon carried, at least they had Mr. Wizard.

Mr. Wizard helped spawn other science based educational programs for a new generation such as Bill Nyne the Science Guy and Beakman's World. But there is no replacing the original.

If you have kids that are interested in science Don's site is a wonderful resource for encouraging their curiosity. Plus his TV show lives on in DVD.

News link

Remembering BeeWin

In one of the saddest stories to come along in sometime, the Tech Community has lost one of their own in a tragic accident. Brian Wynne whom many of us know as BeeWin lost his life in the shores off Fernandina Beach, Florida on May 25th. Brian and his 7 year old son, Will, got caught in a rip current. Brian was playing with Will in the waves when the boy got caught in the current. The two held onto a flotation device, but as rescuers approached, Brain pushed his son with the float towards them in a last effort to free the boy from the current giving his life in the process.

BeeWin was born in Atlanta in 1967, was a 1985 graduate of Druid Hills High School and a 1989 graduate of Georgia Tech. A devoted family man, he is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberly, and son, William.

I never had the pleasure of meeting BeeWin, but I think the outpouring of emotion from the Tech Nation shows that he was obviously a great father, friend and member of the Tech family.

Here are several links for more details:
Story from the AJC
Fox 5 News Interview with Kimberly & Will
11 Alive Story - Rescuer Recalls Dad's Final Words

Be sure to check out the Remembering BeeWin Blog

Marketing - Finally

Well, I guess I could start with telling you what you already know, Paris is going back to the pokey.

Or, I could talk about something worthwhile. Marketing!

Ok, maybe a good marketing discussion doesn't put the cream in your Twinkie the same way seeing Paris hauled off to jail does, so I'll just hit the highlights.

So far I believe most of us would be willing to say we've been impressed with the Radakovich Administration. I know I have. He seems to listen to your suggestions, responds to e-mail and takes marketing seriously. Everything from The Good Word newsletter to Throwback Thursday has been a success in my eyes. Now it looks like we'll be taking things a step further.

Apparently Tech is targeting young professionals and transplants with ESPN television advertising during SportsCenter, special ticket packages and video screens at Turner Field during Braves games. Which will also feature a Ga Tech fan night later in the summer.

Also, announced today ISP Sports and Tama Broadcasting Inc. strike a four-year deal to have all Tech football and basketball games as well as coaches shows air in Savannah. Hopefully one day you can drive from Valdosta to Dalton and not miss one call from Wes.

Being deep in the heart of Atlanta it is imperative that we reach out to the nontraditional, transplanted college football and basketball fan. Since may are not from Georgia and usually bring their home town loyality with them. Atlantians also have many other places to take their entertainment dollar. Thrashers, Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Clubs, Concerts, Plays, Restaurants, etc. Tech also has a small alumni base which is scattered across the nation. These are all good reasons the remind locals to come on over and cheer on the team in their backyard.

Links:
Tech seeks wider, younger audience
Tech Football and Men's Basketball To Air in Savannah

Just Some News

Ga Tech Womens Tennis Win's National Championship
With a 4-2 victory over UCLA the Georgia Tech Women's Tennis team brought Ga Tech the 2007 National Championship. The icing is the match was held in Athens.
Here's all the details



4 Game Times Announced
So far 4 game times have been announced with all being televised.

• Sept 1st - Notre Dame - 3:30pm - NBC (in South Bend)
• Sept 8th - Samford - 1:30pm - ESPNU (at Bobby Dodd)
• Sept 15th - Boston College - 8:00pm - ESPN2 (at Bobby Dodd)
• Nov 1st - Virginia Tech - 7:00pm - ESPN (Thursday Night at Bobby Dodd)

Now lets just hope for a late afternoon kick off for the Clemson game!



Calvin Drops a Pass!
The GT Sports Blog is reporting that Calvin Johnson actually dropped a pass during practice with the Detroit Lions. It seems official now that the sky has fallen, the cows have all come home, and hell just dropped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Here is the story from the Detroit Free Press

JERICHO SAVED!

Well, since there isn't any football news that I can lend an interesting perspective on I figured I'll just talk about something near and dear to my heart. JERICHO has been saved, well, at least temporarily.

CBS is bringing back the post-apocalyptic drama Jericho for a 7 episode, mid-season run after a tireless online fan campaign convinced executives to reconsider. (The campaign included petitions, letter writing campaigns to CBS programming executives and my personal favorite, fans sending nuts to CBS headquarters; more than 20 tons were received.)

CBS Entertainment Chief Nina Tassler posted an open letter to fans on the Jericho message boards announcing the news and reminding them more viewers would have to be converted for the show to live on.

I urge everyone, if you haven't given Jericho a chance, now would be a good time. Thanks to technology you can watch all the episodes from this past season on the web here: JERICHO WEB SITE