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unwarrantedopinions-blog1 · 5 years

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“NINE” by Blink-182

So for my first “official” blog post, I figured I’d write about something near and dear to my heart. My favorite band, Blink-182, released their new album “NINE” 09/20/2019. As soon as I heard it, it sparked some sort of energy and interest in me to blog a review. It started out as a journal, but with some encouragement and motivation from my friends, I was able to pen a full review and now, post it. So here it is, my complete review of the album “NINE” as I heard it for the first time, with additional information added with subsequent play throughs.

1. The First Time - 2:27

Upbeat, loud drums, distant yelling. Cherish your first times for any occasion. Memories about taking risks, taking chances. What are you going to remember when you’re old?: the memories you made taking risks or the times you played it safe? Take risks, try new things, experience life. Still wishing Tom DeLonge was back, but his replacement, Matt Skiba (also the frontman of rock band Alkaline Trio), is fitting in perfectly fine with Mark and Travis.

Final: 8/10.

2. Happy Days - 2:59

Sounds very reminiscent of “Stay Together For The Kids”. A song about being positive when you don’t know what positive even is, don’t know what’s going on, don’t know what your next step is. “I want to feel happy days”. Memories triggering sadness, not doing enough, feeling like you aren’t enough. Yet, at the same time, still being content in your life. Still pushing, still trying, still working to achieve your true happiness. It’s like you can acknowledge there is room for change, but you don’t know if you can yet. It’s a first step, though, and sometimes that’s all it takes for everything to fall into place.

Final: 9/10

3. Heaven - 3:17

First thought: existential crisis. Impulsive actions. Self destruction. From good to bad, not getting into Heaven based off of prior actions. Struggling to better, but falling short due to lack of effort. A feeling of being forgotten, left behind, not fitting in because of your choices. “We’re lost in our ways, nothing left to say” .. “we’re stuck in our ways, I’ve got so much to say”. Acknowledging the need to change, but not actually changing.

Final: 7/10

4. Darkside - 3:01

Observing a mysterious, unknown girl. I get an 80’s vibe from this song. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Following someone into the unknown for a new journey, to a new world, an unknown place. New experiences. Sounds kinda synthy at the bridge. The fading of the loud voices make it sound more like a yell.

Final: 7/10

5. Blame It On My Youth - 3:06

Airy sound, bass comes in, Mark’s angel voice. Growing up in the past vs growing up today. Apologizing for differences in their youth vs how they are in adulthood, but ultimately saying to blame it on how they were raised. We are in a completely different time now than what they were when they were growing up. “I don’t need an excuse”. What was socially accepted then ( ) vs now (maybe 2016 on), they are two completely different time frames and have two completely different socially acceptable norms.

Final: 7/10

6. Generational Divide - 0:49

Heavy drums. Work in progress adjusting to life before and life after? This is probably the most confusing bit in the whole album. The rating is more for sound than message since it was so short and I didn’t get much out of it.

Final: 8/10

7. Run Away - 2:28

Sounds very two albums ago. Childish rebellion, teen angst vibes. Possibly a song about blaming others for your actions but still getting left with the responsibility. Running away from your problems, but hoping someone holds you down to own up to them. Definite “Neighborhoods” vibes based off of the sound alone. Another great Blink album.

Final: 7/10

8. Black Rain - 2:46

Starts slow with Skiba vocals, then the pace picks up and it’s loud singing by Mark. Chorus comes back in and is slow, lighter than during Mark’s part. A song about struggling with loss. Mark’s voice seems far away when listening through a phone or TV speaker, different when you’re wearing headphones/earbuds/etc. “Tragedy erased my memory and now all I see is this black rain. Tragedy, you too my everything.” Sound is actually kinda shit in conjunction with their voices.

Final: 6/10

9. I Really Wish I Hated You - 3:11

This song hit hard, it’s very relatable. “Cuz I really don’t like myself without you, every song I sing is still about you. Save me from myself the way you used to, cuz I really don’t like myself without you. I really wish I hated you right now. Won’t you say something?” Being broken with someone you clearly love, not knowing what to do without them, unable to cope with them being gone. A longing for someone you wish you could have because you gave them your all, you tried your hardest, but love being too strong to stay. Stuck in the past, thinking, reminiscing. Hard to let go of someone you care about, even though you know they are better off without you. You start to feel like a burden and it doesn’t even get better. “I hate the way you’re better off” .. basically letting them go because you know it’s the less selfish thing to do if it means they’re happy. You can’t keep someone for your own benefit.

Final: 10/10

10. Pin the Grenade - 2:59

Another song about losing someone, life changing and going on without them. Not being able to let go, t hint to drag it out as long as possible. Not worth losing someone compared to being dead. “Just another night before I’m lost and all alone. If you’re gonna kill me, baby, please just do it slow” .. dragging out the torture of being killed to get more time with that person you love.

Final: 9/10

11. No Heart To Speak Of - 3:40

Remembering a life you had before, losing someone, being heartbroken over the memories you keep thinking about. There’s nothing left for you here. “Laying on the bedroom floor, hanging on the words you said before” .. “Dying on the bathroom floor, thinking of the life we had before”. When you’re so heartbroken, is it worth staying alive when you don’t have that person who made you whole? The sound overall is good, reminds me of “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard based off the sound alone. I love the range of Skiba’s voice, from soft and lull to loud and emotional, almost strained.

Final: 9.5/10

12. Ransom - 1:25

“Say the word and I’ll be there”. Sounds kinda trappy. Like SoundCloud trappy. Two opposites attracting, becoming one. A guy obsessed with a girl, uprooting his life to be with her across the country. Trapped. Ransom.

Final: 7/10

13. On Some Emo Sh** - 3:10

Missing someone so much that your current life is put on hold. You remember things so vividly that it interrupts your current life. Questioning why you exist without that person who made your existence seem painless, easy, worthwhile. Memories, flashbacks, stories, all about someone you still love. “These feelings pound in my chest, maybe I am better off dead.” Still leaving yourself 100% open for someone you love that takes advantage of your soft spot for them. Is it happiness you’re after? Or is it the fear of being alone? Is there a sliver of hope left that things will fall back together eventually or are you just torturing yourself holding onto that hope?

Final: 8/10

14. Hungover You - 2:59

Fuck this song, first of all. Second, I absolutely love it. Super relatable for someone, anyone, that has had their heart broken. Maybe even for people who have broken hearts. If you’ve broken a heart, does this open your eyes to the feelings you left your significant other with after you were gone? The overall sound, the breakdown on the chorus, and the way Hoppus and Skiba harmonize gives me chills. The only song that I found myself screaming along to while I was driving. Can’t get over someone, they disappeared from your life. “It was just one time, one time. Started turning into two times, a few times”. “It feels like last night, you come over. And now I wake up, and you’re nowhere.” Is this even real? Is this a drunk hallucination? How long has this person been gone that he can say he’s “still hungover you”? Shouts out to Travis Barker on the drums, this one is one of my favorites because of the work he puts in with the sound.

Final: 10/10

15. Remember to Forget Me - 3:30

Sounds like a song that represents giving someone your all, being broken into tiny pieces in the process, and then all those tiny pieces being scattered. Sounds like some soft dubs in the second verse. Not sure of how to exist on your own without your person. Lack of ability to be independent. Kind of sounds like you want someone to get rid of every thought, memory, trace of you when they forget you. Don’t even think about me in the future. Erase your memory.

Final: 8/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

Well, I obviously fucking love Blink-182. I was always a little skeptical about Matt Skiba taking over for Tom DeLonge, but at the same time, I was never a fan of Angels and Airwaves (Tom’s other project), so I feel like it could be a reasonable compromise. Personally, the lack of vibe balance throws me off a little. You start out super happy, upbeat, encouraging, and then the whole album takes a turn into missing someone, losing someone, feeling completely lost without someone. And honestly? I fucking felt that shit. You can only be so positive when you feel like you’d be better off dead. The last, like, 12 months of my life have been absolutely chaotic and I’ve lost so many people from friends, fuck buddies, boyfriends, family members, wherever it is, I’ve probably lost it. I’ve made a lot of big life changes and shit so this album actually kind of hit me hard. Only two 10/10 songs, but a lot of 9s to back it up. The two 10/10s (“I Really Wish I Hated You” and “Hungover You”) made my “Top Songs To Scream Along To” playlist for when I’m driving and feel hyper, bummed, emo, etc.

I’m not entirely sure what I expected from NINE, but I don’t think that I was necessarily disappointed either. I like the sounds, I like the progress, all the guys are doing great together. They just did a tour with Neck Deep and Lil Wayne, including a few shows guest starring my favorite band All Time Low out in Ohio. It was a really fun album to review. I’ve listened to it all the way through a handful of times, writing over them between two instances and the rest just trying to listen without pressuring myself to make something out of it, but instead just to vibe and understand.

The big difference with this album is that it’s so serious. This Blink album is honestly so mature, there’s no dick jokes or short interludes about fucking someone’s mom. It’s super foreign territory for Blink to delve into, but I respect the change and enjoyed the album just the same without the jokes and silly antics. Another thing with this album is that I heard a lot of throwback sounds and I actually fucked with it heavy. Hearing an old song’s tune in a different way actually made the album kind of nostalgic. The beginning of “The First Time” has big time “Feeling This” (Blink-182 self title, 2003) vibes. On top of that, “Hungover You”, (yes, I’m obsessing over every aspect of this song), has BIIIIG “Snake Charmer” (Neighborhoods, 2011) sounds with the maraca/salt sounds. Almost every song on this album, if not for sure every album, has throwback sounds in a different pitch, frequency, order, etc. and I’m actually really digging it. The synthy sound from “Ransom“ is a dead ringer for the beginning of “Love Is Dangerous” (Neighborhoods, 2011), which is the last album that featured founding member Tom DeLonge. The sound itself isn’t spot on, but the concept of the sound is what is familiar. I don’t know if this was intentional, but regardless, it’s an interesting take on the new sound playing off the old sound.

So, what did you think of the album? Did you hear any other similarities between albums or notice any big differences between old Blink and seemingly new Blink? Comment down below what you think and suggest some new albums that would be worth a review! There you have it, an opinion nobody wanted, but y’all are getting it anyway.

#blink-182 #tom delonge #mark hoppus #matt skiba #travis barker #alkaline trio #blog post #music blog #follow #music #pop punk #punk rock #everything

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thethefitnessmojo-blog · 5 years

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12 Best Baby Strollers 2019 (Buyer's Guide)

The Best Baby Strollers are very important for parents to transport newborn baby easily, efficiently and safely. Baby love movement and fresh air. A baby stroller ride will help your fussy baby fall asleep. But you should always purchase a stroller that is safe and comfortable for your child. A newborn baby means a new set of wheels. No, not a car, we’re talking about a baby stroller. But there are many options out there, making your choice can be difficult. But no worries; we have tested more than 50 top-rated strollers and selected top 12 list of the best baby strollers for every need. You should purchase one that makes the most sense for your family and keeps your beloved baby comfortable and safe, even on bumpier terrain. Our recommendation for the best baby buggies for 2019 is UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller Checkout Best Baby Strollers

Top 12 Best Baby Strollers 2019 Reviews

1. UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller - Overall Best Baby Stroller

The UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller is an awesome baby stroller. It's a good looking stroller and performs even better. This best stroller offers easy to open design that allows parents to get going with just as little fuss as possible. This 15 lb. stroller will last and last for babies from 3 months up to 55-pound preschoolers. This stroller has an adjustable footrest and plush padded seat that provide ultimate comfort for your newborn baby. With SPF50+ protection, the adjustable full canopy creates a sun-safe, shady space to relax and rest your baby while you run errands. You will get a parent cup holder and a storage basket so that you can easily grab a snack and drink when you are on the road. This UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller comes with a shoulder strap to carry. And the stands is unaided when folded and that will free up your hands to wrangle your little monster or for extra cuddles. This baby stroller is a perfect choice as it is very comfortable and safe, even on bumpier terrain. Key Features and warranty information: For children 3months up to 55lbs. Lightweight aluminum frame, 1-step brake, For added stability comes with lockable front wheels 5-point harness, 3 recline positions 1-handed, It offers adjustable footrest and actuated recline This stroller is easy to fold Features easy to carry shoulder strap It stands when folded with hand-level folding triggers Made of stain and water-resistant fabric removable seat pad You will get removable spf 50 plus easy-open sun canopy Check Price 2. SUMMER INFANT 3D FLIP CONVENIENCE STROLLER

The Summer Infant 3D Flip stroller is a lightweight umbrella stroller. Now you can get this cool baby stroller with a reversible seat and many other great features. The reversible seat of this baby stroller allows the child to see him when he is younger and rejoices when he gets older. The Summer Infant 3D Flip Convenience Prams can accommodate versatile road applications. It is a good cross between a durable stroller and a convenience stroller. This Summer infant buggy offers a lightweight design with lots of features. To put your baby right where you want, the baby seat can face backward or forward easily. Key Features and warranty information: At only 12 pounds, 3DFlip requires minimal effort, whether you push, lift or hold Perform six different positions with one hand Even in such a lightbox, safety is not sacrificed. Touch the locks on the rear wheels with your foot to fix them Age: from 3 months to 55 pounds Check Price 3. Uppababy Vista: Most Versatile Stroller

The UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller is perfectly designed to adapt as your family grows. This top-rated buggies comes with boasting new luxurious fabrics and full-grain leather. This versatile premium UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller can transport up to 3 children while strolling like a single. You've probably seen enough UPPABabys in your neighborhood to ask if there's a parent fan club dedicated to this brand of buggies. Well, the love story makes a lot of sense: UPPABaby Vista combines multiple configurations and easily adapts to the growing needs of different family sizes, combining quality and versatility that few can match. Key Features and warranty information: Second child? Third? It's no problem to accommodate up to three people with an extra seat and Piggyback Ride-Along Board The intuitive one-step folding system and independent frame save a simple task The Cradle accessory is a safe solution for sleeping while traveling. So you can release the package and play for Grandma's first outing to her grandmother's house. Age: from birth (with cot) to 50 pounds (with a seat for small children) Check Price 4. BOB Revolution Pro - Best all-terrain Stroller:

Who says paternity ends the outdoor adventure? With air-filled tires, hand-operated rear-wheel brakes and an adjustable suspension system for the deceleration control. BOB Revolution PRO guarantees a smooth ride on any terrain. This best jogger is for everyday use! You will get all the latest innovative features in BOB Revolution Pro Stroller. This best baby stroller 2019 includes hand-activated rear drum brakes. This buggy is perfect for any sporting experience. Whether you want this top-rated baby stroller for fitness, easy strolling or fast and far hard-core running, BOB Revolution PRO will literally stroll you away! This best baby buggies is good for newborn babies and BOB recommends that the babies should be at least 8 months old before jogging or running. Key Features and warranty information: A parent's buckle strap keeps the buggies safe when moving, and an adjustable padded handlebar has nine positions for parents of all sizes Very large, the Parasol SPF 50 is a perfect parasol Once the workout is over, it's easy to stow away thanks to a simple two-pass frame Age: 8 weeks (with seat) and up to 75 pounds Check Price 8. Baby Jogger City Select LUX Baby Pram - Gigantic Stroller If your main experience with Baby Jogger products is the City Mini, the new City Select LUX will surprise you. This best baby stroller is gigantic. The frame is thick and sturdy, the wheels are huge and it has plenty of storage space. Although it lacks the Quick Fold function of the City Mini, but it can still fold well, so it can easily stand by while storing. For parents who only need a stroller for a child, the City Select LUX can be too much. It weighs 30.4 pounds and has a very wide wheelbase, which makes it difficult to use on busy sidewalks or in narrow shops.

It is probably not a good option for city dwellers unless you can live it in the car, in the garage or on the ground floor. However, it has some very nice details. The ride of this buggy is extremely gentle and the handbrake means you can reduce the speed of the car as you drive down the hills as you would with a bicycle. But where the City Select LUX really stands out is when you add a second seat. We'll address that more precisely when we dare doppelgänger, but admit the possibility of adding a second cot, a car seat or a child seat in addition to the main bed in almost every configuration you can imagine. This flexibility is rare, and if you plan to have a second child and do not want to buy another stroller in a year or two, the Select LUX has it covered. Key Features and Warranty Information: As mentioned earlier, the Baby Jogger City Select LUX is designed for children up to 45 lbs (per seat) and supports Graco, Britax, Maxi Cos, Peg Perego, Baby Jogger and Chicco seats. Cybex, Nuna, and BOB with adapters (all sold separately). It comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 1-year warranty on the other parts and no warranty on the wheels. Check Price 11. Summer Infant 3Dlite Baby Prams - Very Affordable Price

Here comes the Summer Infant 3Dlite baby buggy that we love (For Low Price). It is the best travel system strollers 2019. The Summer Infant 3Dlite is one of the most popular buggies due to its very affordable price, which is reduced to around $ 60 on sale. It is also the best selling stroller in Amazon.com. It's an "umbrella" or lightweight pushchair so it folds to a very compact size, but does not support car seats or provide plenty of storage space. However, there is enough here that this could be your only pram if your needs are limited to an occasional walk or excursion to the zoo. However, there are some things to keep in mind: It is not so easy to maneuver because the wheels are small and have obstacles; We also discovered that bending was complicated and needed two hands most of the time. And although it does come together very well, folding is quite lengthy, which can make storage difficult in certain situations. For less than $ 100, however, it's difficult to argue with the value here. Even if you need something bigger for everyday use, this would be an excellent, cost-effective backup for holidays or short breaks. Key Features and warranty information: The Liteti Convenience summer stroller does not support car seats. It is designed for children up to 50 pounds This best baby buggy comes with a one-year limited warranty. Check Price

12. Gb Pockit Stroller

Frequent fliers will flock to the touted "world's smallest folding stroller." It is really tiny at only 9.5 pounds and a collapsed size of 1.8" x 7" x 13.8". This best stroller of 2019 is suited for children six months and up. This Gb Pockit Stroller can handle kids up to 55 pounds. That means this buggy can hold a lot in a small package. It can easily fit into overhead compartments as it is a small pram. The stroller is designed with a small compartment for storage to hold spare diapers and a 5 point safety harness for a secure fit. You can clean it with a damp sponge or cloth, using dish soap or mild soap and water, and always wipe dry with a towel or cloth. Never use bleach or other harsh cleaners on the stroller. Key Features and warranty information: Worlds most compact folding stroller Its weight is only 9.5 pounds It is small but strong Built using durable and high-quality materials It can hold a baby 6 months up to 55 pounds. In its convenient storage basket, you can also load 11 pounds of gear. It is perfect for families with a passion for day trips or overseas travel. It stows away easily in any plane or in a car or train overhead bin. It has adjustable and secure harness system. It is equipped with a secure safety belt and protective comfort pads Lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame Easy, one-hand steering and pushing, sliding back panel with adjustable torso length, Lockable front swivel wheels, overhead canopy, It also features padded handlebars and rear wheel parking brake Check Price

Do you need a baby buggy?

Most parents always use a pram or strollers: to run, shop or walk the streets, shopping centers, and urban centers. A buggy ride can also help a child with difficulty falling asleep (they like fresh air and exercise). Surely you will want to have a stroller in your register. You can choose the one that makes the most sense for your family. For additional safety and comfort, you can use best infant's head and body support.

When do you need a stroller?

Although it varies depending on the model, most baby buggy (except the frame type of stroller) can hold children as long as they weigh around 50 pounds. This means that you will have a lot of fun with your shopping cart from the first day until pre-school age. if you want to find out the prices and other information about these baby strollers you can check out the links below.

What to look for before buying the best baby stroller?

Okay, let's start with some crucial aspects that you should pay attention to when choosing the best baby strollers 2019 for your baby. Certification: Safety sign. Check if the model you like has a sticker that indicates that it is certified by the Association of manufacturers of products for young people (JPMA). You can also visit the JPMA website to check which stroller brands are certified. It usually means that the most important features (such as the stability and brakes of the buggies, the locking mechanism or the absence of sharp edges) were carefully tested. Wheels: Baby strollers with large and full of air wheels, are best for long walks and bumpy terrain. And smaller wheels may be better for city use and run errands. The swiveling front wheels of a pram provide better maneuverability, the locked wheels make the stroller more stable. Amortization: thanks to a good amortization and suspension system, your child is not exposed to blows. This is crucial because babies have a very delicate backbone and do not have control of the neck and head during the first months. The frame of the stroller: If the frame of a pram is heavy, the whole pram will be bulky, therefore, we are looking for a fairly light frame in a best baby stroller. Of course, it has to be strong and durable at the same time. Brakes: You must lock both wheels at the same time. When the wheels are blocked, the stroller must be immobile. Canopy: must bend easily and silently, and have good ventilation for hot days. It should be large enough to protect your child from the sun and the wind and give it some room to grow. Adjustable handlebar: It makes pushing the baby buggy more comfortable for parents of different heights. Reversible Seat The reversible seat gives you the ability to change the direction your child is heading. Which is a very useful feature, because parents often prefer when their baby faces them, but a curious child prefers to walk looking at the world and observe the environment. Storage basket under the seat: very useful not only for moms! Remember: hanging heavy bags on the handlebar can decrease the stability of the stroller and increase the risk of rollover. Therefore, the spacious basket is essential. Removable cover: you'll want a quick-release and removable cover and cloth that's easy to clean, without shrinking or discoloring. It is really great to have the possibility to remove the filling from the seat and throw it into the washing machine. Ok, so you have some basic features that you should consider, no matter what type of stroller you plan to buy if it's your first or third car and it does not matter if it's for newborns, small children or twins.

How to buy the best stroller?

There is an impressive amount of baby buggy on the market. Prepare your purchase by asking these important questions. What is my budget? Are the accessories (such as a weather screen, a tablet, an adapter) additional purchases? What kind of terrain and environment (city or ports) is used for this stroller? How often should I turn and carry the pram? What is the size of the basket? If you know these answers, you can refine the list of the best strollers. Once you're in business, you should carefully test all the models you like.

Here are some important factors to consider.

Does this match my baby or do I have to buy a crib or an adapter for my place? There is a five-point harness that is easy to adjust and adjust Where is the brake and is it intuitive for me? How easy it is to push, pull and balance the stroller with a baby It can easily accommodate different health workers who will also use the stroller

Conclusion

With so many excellent options for the stroller, choosing the best baby stroller 2019 can be a little overwhelming. Take your time and do not stress yourself. Think about how you will use your cart most of the time (where do you go, what activities are you going to do?) And then find a game. Try your best baby buggy to find out what it feels like and help you refine your decision. Buy From Amazon Related Post: Top 10 Best Infant Head Support For Car Seat 2019 Best Baby Swings 2019 Top 10 Best Baby Cribs 2019 Read the full article

#BabyStrollers #babystrollers2019 #TopRatedBabyStrollers

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devonhols · 7 years

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From a boyhood blanket to draft-day bubbly, Cowboys’ Taco Charlton was destined for Dallas

This Story is About…

Left: Taco Charlton gets a bath as a baby (photo courtesy Charlton family); right: Charlton is interviewed by Cowboys announcer Brad Sham (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Taco Charlton is unfazed by reactions or quips his name inspires. The Cowboys’ newest first-round draft pick has heard ’em all. His 15-year-old sister, Sydney, gets the worst of it now, dubbed ‘Baby Burrito’ or the like.

"I enjoy it, I welcome it," Charlton said. "You probably won’t meet a lot of Tacos."

Charlton gamely posed in his bow tie with a platter of hard-shell tacos during his introduction last month at The Star in Frisco. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop immediately tweeted an offer of free tacos for life on draft night. Taco Bueno issued a giddy statement lauding the Cowboys’ decision to select the 6-6, 277-pound defensive end with the No. 28 pick, bringing him to Tex-Mex-infatuated Texas.

"I’m going to be a taco connoisseur," said Charlton, an Ohio native. "I ended up in the perfect place with my name."

When it comes to living up to football expectations, he will find a tougher crowd. The Michigan product’s new team and fan base are eager to finally deploy a difference-making pass rusher who could be the final piece needed to end more than 20 years of playoff futility.

Charlton is embracing it all, from marketing opportunities tied to the nickname his grandmother gave him before he was born to the steep demands of his new job. As he begins rookie minicamp Friday with Dallas’ other draftees, he believes a once unpredictable path to the NFL set up perfectly for him to play for the Cowboys.

"I am just excited to be in the position that I am," he said last week from a corner of the sectional couch in his parents’ home just outside of Columbus, Ohio. "God put me in a position to be successful. I think I’m going to be happy in Dallas."

Learning not to cry at football

Vidauntae, Charlton’s "real" name that absolutely nobody calls him, was chosen in honor of his grandmother on his mother’s side. Her name is Veddiann. She also blessed him with "Taco" when he was in the womb because he was trying to get out early, a la the "Run to the Border" commercials Taco Bell was airing at the time. He was born two months premature, only four pounds.

"He grew really fast," his mom, Tamara, said. "He came out little, but he kept growing. I was in the hospital for three months with him."

Tamara was just a teenager when she had Charlton. She would marry his father, Norm, when their son was four.

Charlton’s parents own Inspirational Design Group, a barbershop and beauty salon in the same East Columbus neighborhood they’re originally from. It’s located in a strip mall with an African food restaurant, a couple of other barbershops and a car wash on the corner.

Charlton is proud of his upbringing. He grew up living in his grandmother’s house nearby in his early years, playing amongst his uncles and aunts, who remain more like his brothers and sisters.

He remembers his mom doing hair in his grandmother’s kitchen, trying to support him. It wasn’t easy to be a young mom, and her experiences have driven him.

"She had me at 16," Charlton said. "People said ‘She’s not ready,’ or ‘Why are you having a baby?’ She took care of me and didn’t care what the doubters said. … She’s been through a lot in her life. … Just to be able to give her back a small bit of what she’s been able to give me is something I’ve wanted to do."

Charlton trusts only his father to cut his hair. It became a routine in college – after games, they’d go out to eat and then to Charlton’s condo, where dad would bring out the clippers that he always made sure to pack.

Norm was raised a devout Cowboys fan in Ohio, so he tried to do the same with his son. The faded blue Cowboys comforter that used to decorate Charlton’s bed is still folded neatly in the corner of the family room. But Charlton embraced basketball first. It was in the family, and he has an uncle who plays professionally overseas.

When his parents first took him out for football at 5, he was already 85 pounds, so he had to play with older kids. He cried, and quit.

At 7, the family had moved from Columbus to Pickerington, a community of leafy subdivisions, where all of Charlton’s friends played football. So he tried again, but it was touch and go.

Norm took Taco into the yard for some drills.

"I was a little rough with him, and he pushed me so hard, and a little tear came down his eye," Norm said. "But I was like, ‘He’s ready.’"

Charlton continued to play football and basketball, winning a state basketball title in high school.

"If Taco was in the paint, nobody else was," recalled Jay Sharrett, Charlton’s football coach at Pickerington Central, of Charlton’s impressive size.

On the football field, Charlton wore No. 33, a tribute to his favorite NBA player, Allen Iverson, who wore No. 3. Charlton is also a loyal LeBron James fan.

But when he received his first college scholarship offer in football as a sophomore from Cincinnati, Charlton decided his future was football and started taking the sport more seriously. He helped keep the Tigers’ streak of conference championships alive. It’s at 11 and counting.

"I grew to love the game," Charlton said. "I started to be more of a student."

Wreaking havoc for the Team Up North

Charlton ended up a Michigan Man despite growing up in Ohio State’s home base.

He attended OSU games and the Buckeyes coaching staff at the time knew of him, but it was the Wolverines who wanted him.

It was hard on some members of the family and some of Norm’s clients to cheer for the hated "Team Up North." But for Charlton, it worked out more than OK. His parents are particularly pleased with the degree Charlton earned in general studies. He took out any feelings of being passed over by playing with a little extra oomph in "The Game."

As a senior, Charlton had 2.5 sacks against the Buckeyes, despite an ankle injury. He finished with another strong game in the Orange Bowl against Florida State. Charlton came on at the end of his career, finishing with 19 sacks and 28 tackles for loss including 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss as a senior.

He was shuffled along the defensive line and played in varying schemes under different coaching staffs.

Charlton started his career playing behind Frank Clark, a second-round pick in 2015 who plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

Charlton arrived at Michigan with those long arms Dallas loves – they measured 34 ¼ inches at the NFL combine – and strong legs. But Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison said Charlton gained needed upper-body strength in college. Charlton bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times at the combine.

The critiques of Charlton are out there: Is he fast enough? Why did it take until his senior season to really emerge? Can he be a dominant pass rusher?

The Cowboys believe defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli can tap into Charlton’s talent. So does Mattison, who used to pick Marinelli’s brain as a younger coach.

"That’s one of the first things I told Taco when I congratulated him," Mattison said, "how fortunate is his to be under the tutelage of Rod Marinelli."

Charlton is aware that Dallas’ defense is looking for an immediate upgrade. Lack of a pass rush has cursed Dallas in the playoffs. Charlton is the first defensive lineman taken by the Cowboys in the first round since Anthony Spencer in 2007. Owner Jerry Jones talked of finding a "War Daddy" pass rusher, though he hesitated to give Charlton that tag during the draft.

"That’s what I want to bring," Charlton said. "I look around and think I’m capable. It’s not going to be easy. …My mindset is go be a double-digit sack guy every year. … I’m only going to get better. If I can beat [Cowboys left tackle] Tyron Smith in practice I can beat anybody. I’ll be ready."

Ring the phone, Cowboys

This is how things were supposed to happen, the family believes. They point to the first night of the draft, April 27.

The Charltons and family and friends gathered in their kitchen and family room. They hadn’t received an invite to the draft in Philadelphia, so the full-scale draft/college graduation party for Charlton wouldn’t happen until the next week.

They set out the hats of all 32 NFL teams, but Charlton noticed one team missing: the Cowboys.

A mad search ensued, and Charlton grabbed a Dallas cap he’d been given on his pre-draft visit to Frisco.

Hours later, deep in the first round, the wait continued. More than 20 players had been drafted. Tamara typed a prayer into her phone: "Ring phone Cowboys."

"We have a strong relationship with Christ," Tamara said. "Scripture says ‘Write your vision plain.’"

It was 11:10 p.m. Eastern time. Five minutes later, Jerry Jones called. Charlton pulled on the one hat that had been missing earlier.

Then – the clincher. There were calls for champagne to celebrate. The bottle sat waiting, placed alone on a table. The family swears, without being touched by anyone, the cork popped and the bubbly erupted.

The post From a boyhood blanket to draft-day bubbly, Cowboys’ Taco Charlton was destined for Dallas appeared first on DEVONHOLS.

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thethefitnessmojo-blog · 5 years

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