When I was 17 years-old, blogs as we know them today didn’t exist. In fact, I think AOL was on version 3.0 or something. It’s amazing how things have changed. Case in point, Randall Cornett, an outstanding 17 year-old with an even more outstanding blog of his own. I’ll try to ignore the fact that I was headed to junior high school when he was born. But in all seriousness, if it wasn’t for his About Me page, you’d never know he was only 17. Honestly. I really didn’t realize he was only 17 until recently when he mentioned it. He’s in high school and speaks highly of his girlfriend Gabby.

I first subscribed to his rss feed a while back, I can’t really remember when. I found him via mybloglog, and I’m really happy I have.

Although there are a gajillion blogs out there, his is fun to read. He writes informative posts about all sorts of blog-related stuff but it’s not the same redundant blah-blah-blahs you get elsewhere. He adds enthusiasm and lightheartedness into each post. I reiterate, you’ll never know he’s only 17! I discovered website grader from this post and proceeded to spend hours grading every website I could think of. He also has a cool list of wordpress plugins. Honest to God, I was considering making a page like that of my own. Now, I’ll just look like a lame copycat.

Other important items of note about RandLife.com:

• He recently made the switch. By switch I mean, he is now a Do-Follower, and since I am also a recent convert of the Do-Follow Movement, I gotta support him.
• He has his own game. I wish I thought of that.
• He’s ONLY 17!

Since this is a review, there was only one negative item I can think of regarding his site – no New England Patriots coverage but that’s OK. I think I’ve got that one covered. Check out his site, RandLife.com. After all, isn’t it refreshing to see a young kid working on something positive and watching him fulfill his aspirations?

Still at work – Wednesdays suck.

Anyway, Youkilis has a blog! That’s wicked frickin awesome. I wonder if Schill gave him some pointers? I hope they don’t start blog-competing – Youk has way more comments on his latest post than Curt.

[via Adam]

I’m never leaving here tonight.

I am really sad about the untimely death of Marquise Hill. I spend so much of my time and energy on football and as dumb or trivial as you may think it is, that is where I focus my attention. Sometimes, I feel like I know these guys personally. Although the closest I had ever gotten to Marquise in physical proximity was probably within 50 feet at Training Camp in ‘05, he was part of my life in a huge way as all the players are. I feel like I just lost a friend. I’m sad not only because the Patriots just lost a defensive lineman – I’m sad because a generous 24 year-old was taken in the prime of his life.

Boston Herald – Body of Patriot Marquise Hill found in New Orleans lake
Boston Globe – Hill’s body recovered in lake
Patriots.com – Patriots Marquise Hill dead at 24

Marquise Hill was found dead. This is horrible news. My prayers are with his family.

Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill is missing in Louisiana after a jetski accident.

From Boston Globe’s Mike Reiss,

The 24-year-old Hill, a native of New Orleans, was operating a jetski on Lake Pontchartrain Sunday when he fell off into a strong current, according to Elias.

Elias said Hill and a young woman were both operating jetskis when they were thrown in different directions.

“I spoke with the girl and her mother this morning and they said he helped her stay calm. He ended up saving her life, keeping her calm until she could grab onto a buoy,”Elias said.

Let’s pray that he is found and is okay.

To all the troops, past and present, who have sacrificed their time, energy, and lives for my freedoms…

Thank you.