Good afternoon.

Wow. This is the first time I have sat down at my desk since 9 am. Yet I have only left the building once. I know I keep saying it, but things are really ramping up around here. It is easy to tell when things are on the horizon because the staff really kicks it into another gear. Part of it, though, is that I have switched to doing almost all of my work with the campaigns and communications teams. If you know anything about those two types of groups, life is always in high gear.

Anyway, it feels like I have been here for about three days. Started getting up at five this week. The sleeping hours are disintegrating.

Enough of this business stuff though. It's GAMEDAY. More on that in a minute.

A couple of days ago I did a post about the Virginia gubernatorial race. If you look at the comments, Adam gave me some flak. Since then we've been having a rather spirited conversation about the role of rural whites, especially in states like Virginia and in poor rural areas, in the political process. I would love to post it, at least my half, if anyone is interested. We are talking about the largest block of welfare, poor rural whites, and one of the smallest blocks of white voters. Just an interesting conversation. Adam sounds much more down-to-earth than I do with my political speak.

Also, from a political/sports perspective: Curt Schilling's name has been rumored along said the Senate seat vacated by the passing of Ted Kennedy. Schilling was one of the first pro athletes to really embrace blogging so it is only fitting that his site, 38 Pitches, has his detailed thoughts. He would likely run as a Republican.

Alright, back to sports. I'm going to make this short. One of the reasons I've been so busy is that, probably against my better judgement (or my sleep schedule), I have started a sports blog. Now cut me a little slack. It literally began as an idea on this blog, where I first mentioned it and materialized the next day. Took some networking/getting in touch with some good friends who know a thing or two about sports, but we've got some good content up there right now and are working tirelessly to make it your number one place for sports coverage. ESPN, what's that?

Check out JBJ Sports. These days you can't just have a blog, you've got to have the whole nine, so we're on Twitter as well. And lastly, should you have questions or concerns or an interest to contribute, send us an email at jbjsports206@gmail.com. Seriously, we're doing big things.

End of shameless plug.

Hope all is well. And don't worry, this blog will not be neglected. On the contrary. I'm starting a blog empire. If you google (which is a verb, by the way) "Benton Strong sports blog" we are the top response.

"What are we doing tonight?" "The same thing we do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world." - Pinky and the Brain/Allison Hutching and Nicole Travis

Don't forget. It's gameday. Go Purple. Be Gold.