The Black Cat

Michael Jordan had many nicknames but my favorite was the Black Cat.  Not many even knew he had the name.  I didn't until he released the Retro 3 (ironic) Jordan's bearing the names "Pure $" and "Black Cat" on the back of the shoe.  His Airness was born today in Brooklyn, New York 1963.  His Mother moved him at an early age to Wilmington, NC where he attended Laney High School.  Michael would later be accepted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play basketball.  Now before the purists go crazy as to why Dale Earnhardt is with MJ on our blog, one must first realize the importance of North Carolina.  Growing up with a strong Southern heritage has a plethora of benefits, and one of the greatest attributes to being Southern is CHARM.  Other than Michael, do you know who else had a TON of charm???  

Dale Earnhardt Sr. who is forever the man, and we're forever a fan.  Dale was born and raised in a mill-town called Kannapolis, NC about 30 miles from my hometown of Lincolnton.  And living in New York City you don't meet many Earnhardt fans, but when you do it's awfully special.  

Dale Jr. is getting some Air Jordan's signed at Lowe's Motor Speedway. 
Dale Earnhardt lost his life February 18th, one day after Michael Jordan's birthday in 2001.  That year was memorable for many reasons.  It was the year the Sept 11th attacks occurred and 3 months later I graduated from WCU. But before all that happened Dale Earnhardt died in turn 4 of the Daytona 500.  In hind-sight considering the race took place so early in the year, it sort of set a precedent for things to come.  I thought; what could be worse than Dale Sr dying in turn 4 at Daytona?  7 months later we all found out.  It's very difficult to believe it's been a decade since all of this happened......A WHOLE DECADE AGO

Dale was sneaky, he was like a snake in the grass.  But it was a snake that you wanted to pick up and hold, and put around your neck and show to all your friends. 

 Michael embodies the epitome of charm.  Which I feel is a direct bi-product of his Southern upbringing.  His charisma is unparalleled to any other athlete I have ever seen perform live or on television.  His determination to succeed is an unrelinquishing element to his magnetism.  

Michael was like a ballerina in the manner in which he flew through the coliseum.  Grace, grit, and glamour are not uncommon adjectives when hearing Michael described......or Dale. 

Happy Birthday Michael and we will forever miss you Dale.

Happy Birthday to you too Paris!!!!

until next time,

~ Country Boy

(No photos were shot by CB~CB)