Sept. 11, 2001
Never Forget
We have all heard the saying many times, "a picture is worth a thousand words"
As we go about our day today and tomorrow, perhaps watching the Titans and the Steelers play, or looking forward to the upcoming weekend, take a minute to remind yourself.
Sept. 11, 2001
Never Forget
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
APPLES REUNITE
Old Timers Game A Hit
We Still Got It
Nashville
In a tradition started by the New York Yankees back in the late 1950's, it has been learned that several Apples this past weekend came together for their own version of 'Old Timers Day'
In a gathering of some of the original Overton Apples, it was a who's - who from the past as the Apples came together to celebrate the past and to wish all success in the future.
The gathering, held at the summer home of former Team President John Beasley, was highlighted by the appearance of 3 former Apples who have taken their skills south and joined the Birmingham based Adams group of the Southern U.S. Coed Softball League.
Making their first appearance together in Nashville since joining Adams were original Apples, Mary Anderson, Terry Mattingly and bartender extraordinaire, Dennis Miller.
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you all again" said Beasley as he looked around the crowd that included among others, former players Tom Nance, AGFHOF Don Bernitt, LPGA Golf Professional Vickie Chanley, and team pilot David Smith.
Beasley, who retired from the Apples several years ago, has since been tending to new endeavours in the Bahamas and elsewhere. "It's hard to believe it's been this many years since I have seen or talked to any of you" continued Beasley as he thanked those in attendance for their past efforts which in part led to the building of the juggernaut that is today known worldwide as The Apples.
Although a limited amount of information about the event will be made public at this time, it can be reported that a hoot and a holler was heard from the back deck when an all expenses paid week in the Bahamas was raffled off and awarded to the normally quiet and reserved Don Bernitt.
"Screw Disney World, I'm going to the Bahamas" said Bernitt as his name was drawn from the hat and he was awarded the grand prize of the evening. "There's just one catch" said Beasley when announcing the trip, "You have to tell me when you are going so that I can be sure to keep my family as far away from the island as possible."
After the awards ceremony, Beasley did for a few minutes turn his attention to discussing future plans for the team which now appear to include a renewed commitment to make a run at the 2010 World Coed Softball Championship.
Where things go from here is any one's guess.. But one thing that can now be said for sure, it will not be long before we again hear that now famous cheer...........
How bout them Apples!
We Still Got It
Nashville
In a tradition started by the New York Yankees back in the late 1950's, it has been learned that several Apples this past weekend came together for their own version of 'Old Timers Day'
In a gathering of some of the original Overton Apples, it was a who's - who from the past as the Apples came together to celebrate the past and to wish all success in the future.
The gathering, held at the summer home of former Team President John Beasley, was highlighted by the appearance of 3 former Apples who have taken their skills south and joined the Birmingham based Adams group of the Southern U.S. Coed Softball League.
Making their first appearance together in Nashville since joining Adams were original Apples, Mary Anderson, Terry Mattingly and bartender extraordinaire, Dennis Miller.
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you all again" said Beasley as he looked around the crowd that included among others, former players Tom Nance, AGFHOF Don Bernitt, LPGA Golf Professional Vickie Chanley, and team pilot David Smith.
Beasley, who retired from the Apples several years ago, has since been tending to new endeavours in the Bahamas and elsewhere. "It's hard to believe it's been this many years since I have seen or talked to any of you" continued Beasley as he thanked those in attendance for their past efforts which in part led to the building of the juggernaut that is today known worldwide as The Apples.
Although a limited amount of information about the event will be made public at this time, it can be reported that a hoot and a holler was heard from the back deck when an all expenses paid week in the Bahamas was raffled off and awarded to the normally quiet and reserved Don Bernitt.
"Screw Disney World, I'm going to the Bahamas" said Bernitt as his name was drawn from the hat and he was awarded the grand prize of the evening. "There's just one catch" said Beasley when announcing the trip, "You have to tell me when you are going so that I can be sure to keep my family as far away from the island as possible."
After the awards ceremony, Beasley did for a few minutes turn his attention to discussing future plans for the team which now appear to include a renewed commitment to make a run at the 2010 World Coed Softball Championship.
Where things go from here is any one's guess.. But one thing that can now be said for sure, it will not be long before we again hear that now famous cheer...........
How bout them Apples!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
APPLES RELEASE CHINA PHOTOS
Good Times Comrade
Nashville,TN
Following a recent off season trip to The Peoples Republic Of China, the Apples learned yesterday that their official team photographer Matty Oliver, has been released by the Chinese Red Army following 2 weeks in detention. Oliver was held at an unknown location on the outskirts of Beijing while his photographs of the Apples goodwill tour were reviewed and in some instances censored.
When asked to comment before boarding a flight back to America, a hungry and dehydrated Oliver was heard to mutter, " ma ma chi ma, ma...fisherman, fisherman."
It has been announced that a 2hr video of the Apples visit to China is now in final production and will be available soon by mail order only. Titled, "Just because we're Apples, that doesn't mean we're RED." The video is reported to press the boundaries of Sino - American relations and it is rumoured to already have been banned in 6 states and 3 foreign countries.
In preparation for the release of the video, several still photography shots have turned up recently on several websites which has today prompted the Apples to release the below photographs:
Nashville,TN
Following a recent off season trip to The Peoples Republic Of China, the Apples learned yesterday that their official team photographer Matty Oliver, has been released by the Chinese Red Army following 2 weeks in detention. Oliver was held at an unknown location on the outskirts of Beijing while his photographs of the Apples goodwill tour were reviewed and in some instances censored.
When asked to comment before boarding a flight back to America, a hungry and dehydrated Oliver was heard to mutter, " ma ma chi ma, ma...fisherman, fisherman."
It has been announced that a 2hr video of the Apples visit to China is now in final production and will be available soon by mail order only. Titled, "Just because we're Apples, that doesn't mean we're RED." The video is reported to press the boundaries of Sino - American relations and it is rumoured to already have been banned in 6 states and 3 foreign countries.
In preparation for the release of the video, several still photography shots have turned up recently on several websites which has today prompted the Apples to release the below photographs:
Monday, July 27, 2009
APPLES BACK ON AMERICAN SOIL
China Tour A Success
Peace Intact
Commiebastards
Nashville, TN
THIS IS A LONG READ..
"Incredible, simply incredible" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt when asked to describe the Apples just completed trip to China. "We've have all heard that you really don't know how great we have it here in America until you go away and see things from a different angle. I now know first hand how true those words are" said Bernitt as he battled the effects of his 31 hour travel day that started at the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai, China and ended when he pulled back into the Apples Nashville compound early Sunday morning.
"We had the gift of being able to see and hear so many incredible things that it is just about impossible to explain it all" said Bernitt as he drank his first truly cold drink in almost two weeks. "I take so much for granted" continued Bernitt as he explained that the water in China can not be consumed by westerners due to the high mineral content which of course bars one from using ice and therefore leads to lots of cool or warm soda, bottled water and beer. "I guess our idea and the Chi Coms idea of cold is different, because we never had a ice cold drink our entire trip" added Bernitt as he slammed his 3rd cold beer in his first hour back on American soil.
In an even greater then normal daze following the grueling trip home, Bernitt briefly explained a few highlights of the Apples goodwill tour which began with a 13 hour non stop flight from New York City to Beijing. "That was pretty cool, we actually headed due North out of JFK and flew over the top of the world, across the North Pole and south to Beijing." "I'm pretty sure I got a picture of Santa's workshop but I'll have to wait to get a look at the pictures to be sure" added Bernitt.
Upon arriving in China, the Apples were immediately confronted by the Chinese Red Army to ensure all paperwork and visa's were intact and current. Following admission into the country, Bernitt and fellow Apple Patty Pender, along with Bernitt's father Dan, and nephew Matty Oliver, headed to the heart of Beijing and within hours found themselves standing in the middle of the now infamous Tiananmen Square. "It was surreal" said Pender when asked what crossed her mind as she stood on the spot that is the history of the 1989 Tiananmmen Square Massacre. Pender also pointed out that the city of Beijing, with a population of near 17 million people, is now a very polluted city.."Just picture a grey cloudy day and then imagine the cloud hanging down to ground level" continued Pender as she described the irritating air quality of the city. Along with all else in Beijing, Pender confirmed that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people riding bikes. "Anywhere, anytime, there are throngs of people on bikes" said Pender.
After several days in Beijing, which included visits to the Olympic venues of the 'Birds Nest' and 'Water Cube' the Apples toured the 800 year old Forbidden City before venturing out for a 2 1/2 hike along the Great Wall of China. "The Wall is amazing" said Bernitt as he described the 3,000 mile structure that is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.. "It's very difficult to walk" said Pender as she explained that it is almost never flat and instead flows up and down as it follows the mountains of China. "To make it tougher" added Pender, "the steps up and down are not the steps we are accustomed to, instead they are half size steps which throw your stride off." Pender then pointed out that one hill tackled by the Apples included a stretch of 454 steps up before reaching a flat surface and a few minutes of relief.
From Beijing, the Apples caught a 2 hour domestic Air China flight south to the city of Xing for a visit to what is commonly know as 'The Terracotta Soldiers' The sight, discovered just 20 years ago, has come to be learned to have been the burial sight for an ancient Chinese Emperor.. In his burial tomb stands thousands of life size Terracotta Soldiers meant to protect him as he headed to the after world.. "Another amazing day and sight" Bernitt said as he recalled the visit to the long buried army.
Next up for the Apple delegation was a treat to behold. As special guest of the Penn State Astronomy Department, and in conjunction of Peking University, the Apples traveled to the mountain tops of Anji, China where they had the awesome experience of witnessing a Total Solar Eclipse. "Again, words can not describe it" said Bernitt as he attempted to relay what it is to see this rare celestial event. "The eclipse was an 4 hour spectacular that I will never forget" continued Bernitt. " For the first two hours we of course wore specific protective eye glasses that allowed us to follow the shadow of the moon as it blocked the sun. When the eclipse went 'Total' we then witnessed with our naked eyes the awesome sight of seeing only a white outer ring of the sun in what is known as the Corona. It was stunning." Bernitt then told of the HD Video that he took of this moment and how he and others are heard repeating the same word time after time.. WOW! WOW! WOW! is all that is heard and can only be described as an involuntary reaction to a sight never before seen by the Apples. "Seeing that was worth the price of admission by itself, much less having the chances to see the rest of China as well" concluded Bernitt.
After leaving Anji, the Apples headed off for a few days in the bustling city of Shanghai. A city with over 20 million people, Shanghai was night and day different then the capital of Beijing. Said Pender, "it is a very western like city, very modern and very stylish in the dress of the people as opposed to the dull and drab garb that was Beijing. To describe Shanghai as huge is an under statement. To make a point, Nashville, TN may have 6 or 8 buildings that are over 30 stories tall, in Shanghai, there are 4,000, yes 4,000 buildings over 30 stories tall.. The skyline is very modern as future pictures on this blog will show.
Along their tour of China, the Apples took the advice of future Apple Sue Krawczyk as they made a point to eat anything put in front of them and not to shy away from a dish because of what it was. To this end, the Apples were treated to dishes of Octopus, Jellyfish, Pig Knuckles, Chicken Feet and Duck Brains just to name a few. "When in China" quipped Matty Oliver as he sucked the brains out of fresh catch of shrimp.
On the media and photograph front, Bernitt let it be known that although he has returned to America to begin training for the 2009 fall season, Apple Patty Pender as well as Dan Bernitt and Matty Oliver have remained in China and will not be back for another week. "I left all photography equipment behind and will look forward to sharing pictures and video in a few weeks" said Bernitt.
In the meantime, Bernitt made a point to say that his "big picture" of China is as follows:
In America, perhaps 80% of us are middle class and 10% are very rich and 10% are very poor.. "Do not be fooled" said Bernitt, "In China 80% of the 1.5 Billion people are very poor and live in poverty." "They have no passion, no purpose and no future." "It is not a pretty thing to see and I don't want to hear that 'they don't know any better'. "It's a damn shame, and each and everyone of us should be oh so thankful to have what we have." "I have no doubt", said Bernitt, "we are the most fortunate people alive, and yes, America is the greatest country on earth."
How bout them Apples...
***Limited First View Pictures Below***
***More To Follow In Coming Days***
Peace Intact
Commiebastards
Nashville, TN
THIS IS A LONG READ..
"Incredible, simply incredible" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt when asked to describe the Apples just completed trip to China. "We've have all heard that you really don't know how great we have it here in America until you go away and see things from a different angle. I now know first hand how true those words are" said Bernitt as he battled the effects of his 31 hour travel day that started at the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai, China and ended when he pulled back into the Apples Nashville compound early Sunday morning.
"We had the gift of being able to see and hear so many incredible things that it is just about impossible to explain it all" said Bernitt as he drank his first truly cold drink in almost two weeks. "I take so much for granted" continued Bernitt as he explained that the water in China can not be consumed by westerners due to the high mineral content which of course bars one from using ice and therefore leads to lots of cool or warm soda, bottled water and beer. "I guess our idea and the Chi Coms idea of cold is different, because we never had a ice cold drink our entire trip" added Bernitt as he slammed his 3rd cold beer in his first hour back on American soil.
In an even greater then normal daze following the grueling trip home, Bernitt briefly explained a few highlights of the Apples goodwill tour which began with a 13 hour non stop flight from New York City to Beijing. "That was pretty cool, we actually headed due North out of JFK and flew over the top of the world, across the North Pole and south to Beijing." "I'm pretty sure I got a picture of Santa's workshop but I'll have to wait to get a look at the pictures to be sure" added Bernitt.
Upon arriving in China, the Apples were immediately confronted by the Chinese Red Army to ensure all paperwork and visa's were intact and current. Following admission into the country, Bernitt and fellow Apple Patty Pender, along with Bernitt's father Dan, and nephew Matty Oliver, headed to the heart of Beijing and within hours found themselves standing in the middle of the now infamous Tiananmen Square. "It was surreal" said Pender when asked what crossed her mind as she stood on the spot that is the history of the 1989 Tiananmmen Square Massacre. Pender also pointed out that the city of Beijing, with a population of near 17 million people, is now a very polluted city.."Just picture a grey cloudy day and then imagine the cloud hanging down to ground level" continued Pender as she described the irritating air quality of the city. Along with all else in Beijing, Pender confirmed that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people riding bikes. "Anywhere, anytime, there are throngs of people on bikes" said Pender.
After several days in Beijing, which included visits to the Olympic venues of the 'Birds Nest' and 'Water Cube' the Apples toured the 800 year old Forbidden City before venturing out for a 2 1/2 hike along the Great Wall of China. "The Wall is amazing" said Bernitt as he described the 3,000 mile structure that is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.. "It's very difficult to walk" said Pender as she explained that it is almost never flat and instead flows up and down as it follows the mountains of China. "To make it tougher" added Pender, "the steps up and down are not the steps we are accustomed to, instead they are half size steps which throw your stride off." Pender then pointed out that one hill tackled by the Apples included a stretch of 454 steps up before reaching a flat surface and a few minutes of relief.
From Beijing, the Apples caught a 2 hour domestic Air China flight south to the city of Xing for a visit to what is commonly know as 'The Terracotta Soldiers' The sight, discovered just 20 years ago, has come to be learned to have been the burial sight for an ancient Chinese Emperor.. In his burial tomb stands thousands of life size Terracotta Soldiers meant to protect him as he headed to the after world.. "Another amazing day and sight" Bernitt said as he recalled the visit to the long buried army.
Next up for the Apple delegation was a treat to behold. As special guest of the Penn State Astronomy Department, and in conjunction of Peking University, the Apples traveled to the mountain tops of Anji, China where they had the awesome experience of witnessing a Total Solar Eclipse. "Again, words can not describe it" said Bernitt as he attempted to relay what it is to see this rare celestial event. "The eclipse was an 4 hour spectacular that I will never forget" continued Bernitt. " For the first two hours we of course wore specific protective eye glasses that allowed us to follow the shadow of the moon as it blocked the sun. When the eclipse went 'Total' we then witnessed with our naked eyes the awesome sight of seeing only a white outer ring of the sun in what is known as the Corona. It was stunning." Bernitt then told of the HD Video that he took of this moment and how he and others are heard repeating the same word time after time.. WOW! WOW! WOW! is all that is heard and can only be described as an involuntary reaction to a sight never before seen by the Apples. "Seeing that was worth the price of admission by itself, much less having the chances to see the rest of China as well" concluded Bernitt.
After leaving Anji, the Apples headed off for a few days in the bustling city of Shanghai. A city with over 20 million people, Shanghai was night and day different then the capital of Beijing. Said Pender, "it is a very western like city, very modern and very stylish in the dress of the people as opposed to the dull and drab garb that was Beijing. To describe Shanghai as huge is an under statement. To make a point, Nashville, TN may have 6 or 8 buildings that are over 30 stories tall, in Shanghai, there are 4,000, yes 4,000 buildings over 30 stories tall.. The skyline is very modern as future pictures on this blog will show.
Along their tour of China, the Apples took the advice of future Apple Sue Krawczyk as they made a point to eat anything put in front of them and not to shy away from a dish because of what it was. To this end, the Apples were treated to dishes of Octopus, Jellyfish, Pig Knuckles, Chicken Feet and Duck Brains just to name a few. "When in China" quipped Matty Oliver as he sucked the brains out of fresh catch of shrimp.
On the media and photograph front, Bernitt let it be known that although he has returned to America to begin training for the 2009 fall season, Apple Patty Pender as well as Dan Bernitt and Matty Oliver have remained in China and will not be back for another week. "I left all photography equipment behind and will look forward to sharing pictures and video in a few weeks" said Bernitt.
In the meantime, Bernitt made a point to say that his "big picture" of China is as follows:
In America, perhaps 80% of us are middle class and 10% are very rich and 10% are very poor.. "Do not be fooled" said Bernitt, "In China 80% of the 1.5 Billion people are very poor and live in poverty." "They have no passion, no purpose and no future." "It is not a pretty thing to see and I don't want to hear that 'they don't know any better'. "It's a damn shame, and each and everyone of us should be oh so thankful to have what we have." "I have no doubt", said Bernitt, "we are the most fortunate people alive, and yes, America is the greatest country on earth."
How bout them Apples...
***Limited First View Pictures Below***
***More To Follow In Coming Days***
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