PERSONALLY SPEAKING

I would never fancy myself to be Larry King or anything, but in college I always enjoyed reading his columns in USA Today.
For the unfamiliar, King would not write about one particular theme or subject, rather he would give his thoughts about a variety of topics in short, succinct sentences.

I guess you could say it was like he opened up his brain that day and spilled out what was inside onto the page.
As someone who writes the occasional column, thinking of what to write about can be difficult.

Does anyone really want to hear again and again about the exciting life of a father with a beautiful wife and two wonderful boys?
Therefore, I have decided to give King’s style a shot.

Maybe, it can be called Marshall’s Musings or Bryan’s Take or something else appropriately corny.

• Eight is great, but Nine would be fine – I have confessed my unflappable love for the Big Blue countless times before. I get depressed at the thought of a loss and am certain we are doomed with each tip of the ball.

Suffice to say, I was overjoyed when the Cats took home the title. I got to see UK begin their journey with two victories in Louisville before they continued their quest for glory. Seeing them up-close (albeit from seats perfect for binoculars) it made it that more special.

Still, as the spoiled fan of the Big Blue Nation, my eyes turned toward next year about two days after the championship. Now, I am certain with the NBA draft defections, we will fall back to the Gillespie dark days and compete for the NIT title.

Deep down, I know that is ridiculous, but that is the madness of a stark-raving, blue-blooded fanatic.

• Film fanatic- There is nothing better, in my mind, than a film festival filled with entertaining, thought-provoking movies many will never get the chance to see.

I was able to spend an extended weekend with my best friend in Nashville attending an annual festival that even drew celebrities like Nicole Kidman.

I personally don’t care for hob-knobbing with celebrities (or would I even get close enough to see what color shirt they were wearing). I am much more excited to sit in a darkened theater and see cinematic magic.

It takes a special kind of person to want to watch five-plus movies a day and get up and do it all over again, but it is entirely worth it.
Films are my passion and festivals give me a much-needed fill of inspiration and creativeness.

• Let the people decide- The past several weeks, I have hopefully provided readers an insight into funding issues and potential solutions with fire and ambulance services within Grant County.
The issue is not cut and dry by any stretch of the imagination. The fiscal court has one method they would rather use to generate funding while the fire chiefs believe an emergency services taxing district would be the best answer.

Raising or adding a tax is always a sensitive topic that should never be taken lightly. However, I feel there is at least one common-sense response that should be taken.

The Grant County Fire Chiefs Association wants to put their proposed taxing district on the November ballot for voters to have their say. They are currently gathering signatures on a required petition to do so.

The fiscal court has the power to only require the chiefs to gain 100 signatures
instead of thousands.

Why not make it easier on a department that spends every day waiting to risk their lives to protect us and our property?
Requiring fewer signatures does not mean the court has to agree with the taxing district, but it would show a compromise with the fire departments and loyalty to the voters who put them in office.
Worst-case scenario: the taxing district is voted down and the court’s proposal moves ahead.

• Hockey hijinks- I have never been a big fan of hockey. Until they introduced the technology to highlight the puck for televised games, I felt like I was watching a tennis match on fast forward with no idea what was going on.

However, I must admit that the last few minutes of a tied game, especially in the playoffs, is as exciting as it comes.
But, my main beef with the sport has nothing to do with high sticks or offsides, but with fighting.

As a red-blooded American male, I can’t say that watching two players attempt to knock each other out does not provide some kind of enjoyment.

My question though is simple, why is it allowed in the game? In any other sport, fighting would be seen as a devastating indictment on athletics and the players would be looked down on with embarrassment.

In hockey, they are cheered and celebrated. A recent vicious elbow in a NBA game brought criticism that maybe assault charges should have been filed yet it’s business as usual on the ice.
What does that say to young fans?

• Mommy Dearest- Mother’s Day is only weeks away so this reminder should
give you no excuse for forgetting a present.

On a side note, Father’s Day is not far behind so start booking a fantastic trip to an exotic location for dear, old dad. Right, boys.
Anyway, since I know my mom reads  my columns (even if she does not read my articles), I thought I would take this time to publicly show my appreciation for all that she means to me.

I love you, Mom.
You and dad have made me a man that I am proud to be. I like to think I am a good parent because of all you taught me growing up. I know I don’t always show my gratitude, but I know you are always there for me and my family at the drop of a hat. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without you.

Thanks for being you and in advance, I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. You deserve it.
Besides, with a son like this, how could you not celebrate?

(Bryan Marshall is staff for the Grant County News. He can be reached at 824-3343 or bmarshall@grantky.com.)