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Just some random thoughts of a cluttered mind before Thanksgiving


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CLAY COUNTY – Some random thoughts while clearing my cluttered desk and mind …
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful for so many things. First, I didn’t spend any money on season tickets for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s bad enough when you have to watch this team play with such lethargy and lack of discipline. It’s another when the owner bemoans the area for not supporting the team.
Remember a couple weeks ago when Shad Khan said this while his Jaguars were playing a “home game” in London:
“This has been like a 50-year objective in Jacksonville to do something downtown. We are as anxious as anyone to break this curse and get something going.”
When asked about playing more games across the pond, Khan said: “I think we definitely want to extend. It’s worked great for us and frankly, I can’t imagine not having it – the value that it has added for Jacksonville. Football, there is a limited demand for it. That’s why we’re playing the games here in London – that the community can’t support selling out eight games, so maybe there’s something else we can do there for the hot-dog vendors, the hotel rooms, all the stakeholders who make a living off the game.”
The Florida-Georgia game proves Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia can support football. Make that, good football. What we can’t support is a yearly dose pathetic effort and excuses.
At 4-6, it appears the Jaguars are on their way to another disappointing – and under-performing – season. If so, it will be the 11th time in 12 years the team didn’t have a winning record.
There are too many options for dispensable income to sit through three hours of bad football. If you build (a good team), they will come.
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I’m also thankful to be in my favorite seat on Thanksgiving Day, and it’s not at a football stadium or the Daytona International Speedway. It’s in my recliner in my living room.
I’ve been to Super Bowls, Olympic Games, NBA Finals, World Series and 41 Daytona 500s, but nothing compares to the view, or the atmosphere, of being home.
Live attendance at sporting events has declined in the past few years. The reasons are simple: it’s just easier to watch it at home on the big-screen television.
No parking headaches. No sunburn or frostbite. No $10 beers. And, most important, no dress code.
Gym shorts, T-shirt and a cold one, and I have the best seat in the house.
The only exception to that is the Masters. Television does a great job capturing the Augusta National’s beauty, but it doesn’t compare to the live experience. You don’t realize just how big the hills are on the course. Put it on your bucket list if you’ve never been there.
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As the holidays approach, our community continues to wrap its collective arms around our fellow residents who are less fortunate.
There will be numerous acts of kindness. Toys and food will be donated. Houses of worship will open their doors.
We’d like to help everyone promote a special Christmas event. Starting with the next week’s issue, we will have a page dedicated to local events. Send us your notices and photos, so we can all share the holiday spirit.
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With that, Happy Thanksgiving. And pass the mashed potatoes.