1. #ChampsReturn

A new season has begun for the Durham Bulls. The reigning Triple-A National Champions returned to action at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Thursday to a large crowd and a beautiful evening. The festivities got off to a great start when the team unveiled a banner commemorating its second National Championship. There were also plenty of new food vendors, activities to try out and fun to be had by all! The Bulls continue are in town until April 11. Check out DurhamBulls.com for all the info!

2. Joe Biden Coming to the Bull City

Joe Biden is coming to Durham! The 47th Vice President of the United States will be at the Durham Performing Arts Center on June 6 as a part of his American Promise Tour, which was formed in conjunction with the release of his new memoir Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship and Purpose. I’ve always respected Mr. Biden and I look forward to attending this event! Stay tuned to my socials and the blog for details on my experience.

3. 35 Years

It’s crazy to think, but this historic moment happened 35 years ago this week…

Although I was not alive – heck, even thought of – when this incredible moment happened, videos like this take me back to this time. My mom has told me stories before of she and the rest of my family watching the game in Raleigh, running outside, and screaming to the top of their lungs in sheer jubilation at N.C. State’s last second victory over Houston for the 1983 National Championship. Who knew I’d end up becoming an alumnus of this institution?!? This Derreck Whittenburg-to-Lorenzo Charles dunk, and the pandemonium that ensued, will forever live in March Madness history. I get chills every time I watch this video.

4. Idol Thoughts

American Idol is well underway on ABC. The hit talent competition series returned – thankfully – after FOX canned it. The judges have narrowed the field down to the Top 24 and there will be another round of competition before the field is cut to 14 for America to vote. North Carolina’s own, Shannon O’Hara, is one of the 24 still vying for the Idol crown. She’s, obviously, one of my favorites and I think she has what it takes to win it all. I love the fact that she puts so much raw emotion in what she sings. On the guys’ side, my standout favorite is Cade Foehner. The rocker from Shelbyville, Texas auditioned for Season 11 of The Voice but did not turn a chair, according to Idol Chatter & Voice Views. How he didn’t is beyond me and I’m so glad he’s gracing the Idol stage now. This dude can truly belt it in an effortless way and is the best rocker voice since Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert, in my opinion. A sleeper in this year’s competition, for me, is Michael J. Woodard. He gave a ridiculously good performance of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret during Hollywood Week and it just made my list of all-time favorite Idol performances.

5. The Masters

Also underway this week is The Masters. The annual golf championship – and first major of the year – is set to provide yet another outstanding week of golf. Of course, I’m rooting for main guys Phill Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, both of whom have played well so far. I’m stoked to see how the tournament will turn out this weekend and who the new Masters champion will be.

Thanks for Reading