Here’s some spectacular news Wildcats! It’s been reported that 4-star linebacker Christopher Oats has signed up to be a Wildcat. Robert Mims, a Memphis native who’s a diehard fan of the Wildcats, believes this could be a turning point for Kentucky, paving the way for it to become a formidable football school.

Welcome Christopher Oats

Christopher or Chris Oats has been at the center of a recruiting tug-of-war for weeks, not only between two schools but at least twelve! The 4-star recruit is said to have received offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Georgia, Miami, West Virginia, and Oklahoma, among many others. This is according to Robert Mims. The Memphis Tigers could very well have been talks with Chris Oats as well, but it’s futile to speculate on that now. One of the top targets of recruiters, Chris Oats will officially suit up for the Wildcats. Robert Mims believes fans may only have to wait a very short while before they get to see the Cincinnati native in action.

“What makes this news even more amazing is that Ohio State is Chris Oats’ dream school! Can you believe that? Kentucky really played their cards well with this one,” said Robert Mims. “The Memphis Tigers can only dream about what the Wildcats have achieved — snatching a 4-star recruit from the rival’s hands at the last minute.”

While the Wildcats are still reeling from Xavier Peters’ turnaround to Florida State, Chris Oats can put all that in the past as he joins fellow 4-star linemen Marquan McCall and Darian Kinnard. Chris Oats graduated from Winton Woods where, coincidentally, senior safety Mike Edwards also attended.

The Newest Cat

“Christopher Oats stands 6’4, but his long, swift strides make him appear at least several inches taller,” says Robert Mims. “The Memphis Tigers’ Jackson Dillon comes to mind, but I dare say Chris Oats has quicker feet.”

Even when he was at Winton Woods, Chris Oats was already a standout, garnering the praise and admiration of his coach and fans alike. Born with elite athleticism, Chris Oats had 89 tackles, 33 assisted tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a blocked kick in the regular season for the Warriors. He was also named Division II state defensive player of the year in 2017.

The Warrior’s team captain, Chris Oats also carried the team to a historic regional victory over La Salle, which was the three-time defending champions for Division II that year. Unfortunately, the team came up short, losing to Akron Archbishop Hoban in the state finals.

“As one of the premier recruits this year, Chris Oats fits in perfectly with the Wildcats. I’m glad to hear he’s only had great things to say about the Wildcats’ football program,” says Robert Mims. “The Memphis Tigers and Kentucky Wildcats have some of the best programs, and it’s always a treat to see these young players grow and develop under their system.”

For more football news from Robert Mims of Memphis, follow this page.

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Ten best TV shows of all time (reaching back to childhood)

Criteria: TV shows that have made an impact on me.  These are tough because it is such a broad category including comedies, drama, or thrillers.  What defines a great TV is personal.  These are the criteria for Bob Mims CPA

1. Shows that bring you into it.
2. Shows that were game changers for TV
3. Shows you would not mind watching over and over on a deserted island

So with this said as the criteria recognizing the above, Bob Mims would offer the following best ten movies of all time

1. Seinfeld

This is the show that stands the test of time for comedies.  Bob Mims CPA even teaches Nonprofit accounting using “Kramerica Industries” as my case study.  You simply have to make Accounting as interesting as possible and one liners from this great show help.  A show about nothing was ‘must see’ TV and it is one of the best.

Favorite Episode: George finding Kramer’s golf ball as a marine biologist

2. Saturday Night Live

I realize that this show has had its ups and downs but every election cycle it has been so dependable for great fun and laughs.  Bob Mims not a CPA through Bob Mims CPA has had the perfect storm for watching this show.  I grew up with the beginning players of Murray and the original cast.  I went to college and did not watch it during some down years.  Picked it back up during the Dana Carvey era and certainly watched Will Ferrall who would definitely be in the top ten cast members (hey…there’s an idea).

Favorite skit: All of the presidential political debates

3. The Office

Without Seinfeld, there may not be an Office.  Steve Carrell made this show that breaks the fourth wall into an amazing series that can be watched over and over.  Endearing characters and the humor takes it up another notch.  One of my all time favorites

Favorite Episode: Jim and Pam get married

4. Breaking Bad

I don’t consider myself a huge Breaking Bad fan.  It is a bit dark and slow at some points.  However it makes the list if not for being one of the only shows to end their series by wrapping up everything perfectly.  It was the best three final episodes for any TV series that I have watched. Genius.

Favorite episode: Last three shows

5. Wise Guy

Ken Wahl was the hero in this undercover series on CBS.  At the time, my roomates had the phone answering machine play a separate message saying “we are not answering the phone and shame on you for calling on Wednesday between 8 and 9PM.  It is time to watch Wise Guy”.  The cool part of the show is you did not know how many episodes each story or arc would take, so you were kept guessing.

Favorite arc: The one with Kevin Spacey as the bad guy

6. Survivor

Had to put one reality show on here and this just beats Amazing Race.  This show is pretty intriguing and continues to be great TV through Mark Burnett’s brilliant editing.  It hits the mark because I used to make an “island” for dinner and watch with my kids each Thursday night during their growing up years.  My oldest conspired to vote off my youngest every week.

Favorite season:  Any season where they bring back prior survivors

7. Hill Street Blues

This was a cop show with a continuing story and I remember watching it with mom and dad, which makes it special.  Lots of characters and character development.

8. House of Cards

I should just be able to say Kevin Spacey and be done.  This show is the original binge watch show that began a new trend for TV and really put Netflix on the map.  Very clever (although criticized) to put all of the episodes on at one time.

9. Mad Men

This was a great series and I am shamelessly putting this on here for a specifically reason.  Don’t get me wrong; it belongs here because the Ad show and acting is fantastic.  My wife and I binge watched it in our style (one show per night all summer).  Towards the end, my wife asked me how I thought it may end and I said (without knowing at all), “I bet John Hamm is the guy who does the Coke commercial so popular when I was growing up”.  Nailed it. I rarely guess correctly, but she and I could not believe the prophecy when we watched.

10. 24

This show has all of the criteria being met.  Great actor.  Innovative with the real time scenario.  Cliffhangers and thrillers with twists and turns.  And this show is the genesis of a set of a bunch of other great shows like Homeland, Justified, and everything on AMC.  Thanks Jack Bauer.

 

 

Ten best places to swim laps in the world

Criteria: I’ve traveled most of the USA and some of the world, so the title of this should officially be the ten best places to swim laps all of all of the places that Bob Mims CPA from Memphis has ever swum”.  That’s a long title, so obviously my criteria is one in which I have personally swum laps in this location

Other basic criteria and info

1. I usually swim about 2000 yards in a workout
2. Swimming with a swimp3 is a must for taking out the boredom of lap swimming
3. The view and location have as much to do with the quality of the swim

So with this said as the criteria recognizing the above, Bob Mims would offer the following best ten lap swimming places in the world

1. Pebble beach

A no brainer.  Every turn of the head to catch your breath and you are looking at the pacific ocean along with Pebble Beach Golf course.  The pool is a 25M pool and open to guests staying on the resort or Spanish Bay. The Jacuzzi here is not to be missed as it is just a mere feet from the edge of the cliff overlooking the pacific

2. The Peninsula Hotel – Chicago

Nice hotel…check.  Pool on top floor…check.  Windows overlooking Michigan Avenue…Check.  This three lane rarely used pool is perfect for a business trip to Chicago before eating at Gibson’s.  Bob Mims also recommends the yoga class afterwards

 

 

3. Lakeside Swim Club in Louisville

This pool is insane.  Located in Louisville, KY pretty near the University of Louisville, some genius decided to repurpose a rock quarry into a huge neighborhood pool.  You have to know someone to give you a pass or live near to get a membership.  You may be asking “Hey Bob Mims, isn’t this a lake?”  Nope.  It’s a pool and they bubble part of it and heat it for year round swimming.

 

4. Rosemary Beach, FL

Simple heated lap pool in one of the best places in the world to vacation.  Set away from the beach crowds, this pool is the best of the four pools on site and ironically was designed by a local (the other three were designed by top world renowned architects).  A 25 yard pool that can be a bit warm for laps, but it has an indoor/outdoor feel that makes it wonderful

 

 

5. Westin Cayman

Come on.  You are in the Cayman Islands, so if a pool is long enough, it makes the list.  This one is long enough IF you are able to swim freestyle under the low hanging bridge in the middle.  It’s also shaded.  Besides…if you don’t like that, the ocean is just steps away and has a 200 yard lane rope that you can swim back and forth in the calm Gulf of Mexico.

6. Ocean Reef Club

Same principle as number 5.  Ocean view and 25 yard length.  The powers that be asked Bob Mims CPA to teach a National course here and I had the good fortune of spending each lunch swimming laps in this perfect pool.  To top it off, I was awarded National Instructor of the year honors that same year.  It likely had more to do with the venue than the instruction.

7. Spanish Bay

The pool is pretty normal but swims fast and has a nice workout facility next to it with a great Jacuzzi.  Who am I kidding?  This is the best place to swim laps because afterwards you are going to get to play Spanish bay golf course.

8. Orlando Gaylord Hotel

This one makes the list for it being one of the longest pools that I know.  The length of the pool exceeds 50 Meters and is glorious for just putting on some tunes and swimming some distance.  There is an adjacent kids water park and pool, but this one if for adults.  Bob Mims CPA takes advantage of this pool before standing in line at Universal or Magic Kingdom.

9. Intercontinental pool – Chicago

The original Tarzan trained for the Olympics in this Greek looking 25 yard pool, so this makes it good enough for Bob Mims part time novice swimmer full time CPA.  I’m surprised how empty this pool is with its gallery, but it must have been something in its time.  Stay here and swim here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhfP5LauEyU

10. Bellagio – Las Vegas

You can’t lose money while you are swimming laps, and this is the place to swim them but I’d arrive early to beat the crowd and the heat.  Additional note.  Bob Mims finished swimming laps and was just resting on the side of the pool.  I saw a little girl struggling so she borrowed my goggles and I gave her some tips on swimming.  That little girl’s mom was sitting near me and I later discovered it was Whitney Houston

 

There you have it.  Be sure to share your thoughts.

Five Habits that Make a Great Basketball Coach

Bob Mims, a CPA, has taught two vastly different things—accounting and basketball—for much of his professional life. When he’s not busy conducting training sessions for nonprofits and other organizations, he keeps himself occupied by coaching his sons’ AAU basketball team or daughters’ school teams. Many of his former players have gone on to earn athletic scholarships at NCAA and NAIA schools. For Robert Mims CPA, a successful coach has to adopt five simple habits that will not just influence the way he teaches the game, but also the way he lives his life off the court.

Because Bob Mims is a CPA, he is all about succeeding with integrity. As a coach, he tries to live up to certain qualities that he hopes will be passed on to his players. Here are some of the habits that Robert Mims CPA aspires for in his coaching career.

Sportsmanship. Basketball is a great way to develop a sense of fairness and positivity. The best coaches, says Bob Mims CPA, try to reinforce basic courtesy and respect, whether it is between players, and between teams and their opponents. As such, he expects his team to always play hard without resorting to cheap shots. He also tells his players not to argue with referees or trash-talk the opposing teams.

Continuous learning. Just like the practice of accounting keeps adapting to the latest trends in technology, Robert Mims CPA believes that basketball coaches should also learn new ways to play and teach the game. There are some drills, for example, that are better suited to more experienced players. Coaches should also prepare for new offensive and defensive styles that are changing the way the game is played. In the 1990s, the Bulls’ triangle offense was all the rage; nowadays, everyone in professional teams, including centers, must be ready to take three-point shots.

Efficient practice sessions. Bob Mims CPA thinks that good training sessions lead to better games. Because of this, he sets up practice time to make sure that every second is spent productively. He prefers teaching half-court games using three players per team to give everyone a chance to shoot, dribble, and pass. If he sees someone whose shooting needs improvement, he pulls that player aside and makes him work on his form and confidence.

Simple strategies.

Today’s game, says Robert Mims CPA, can be too complicated. However, he believes that there are certain strategies that can be taught and implemented very quickly in game situations, such as the dribble-drive offense, which takes advantage of his players’ outside shooting and slashing abilities. He has also explored the Suns’ “seven seconds or less” style of play. As much as possible, however, he wants everyone on the floor to touch the ball before making a shot.

Developing strong bonds. A coach’s job does not end when his team exits the gym. In fact, for Bob Mims CPA, a coach’s duties include fostering strong bonds between the team and the coach and among his players. He makes it a point to take his AAU team out for pizza and milkshakes after a game, regardless of the result. Because of this, his players are still close friends even after their AAU careers are over.

 

Ten best concerts Bob Mims CPA has attended
Criteria: WE are a music family. Enjoying live concerts is a great way to fellowship with friends and family and enjoy gifted artists in great venues. This list does not mean these are my favorite bands (although some of them are), but lists out the best concert experiences.
Other basic criteria and info
1. Meeting the artist is a plus
2. Comfortable or unique venue
3. Performance
So with this said as the criteria recognizing the above, Bob Mims would offer the following best concert experiences
1. Kirk Franklin – Memphis, TN on a Good Friday after a Memphis Grizzlies game
Number one. Kirk Franklin is a multi grammy winner and incredible gospel performer. He readily admits he is not a singer but he crafts and performs songs with a stage of talented singers and musicians. On this night, I tricked my parents into coming and we landed front row seats. On one song, Kirk pulls kids from the audience to come dance on stage and Bob Mims CPA knows what you are thinking…that Kirk danced with one of my four kids. Nope. After pulling three kids out, he comes straight for my mom and my mom dances with Kirk to the chants of 10,000 saying “Go Mama, Go Mama, Go Mama”. To top it off, I have it on video to keep for all time.
Favorite song: Imagine Me

2. U2-Nashville, TN at Vanderbilt Stadium
I really don’t know anyone that would not put U2 on their list, unless they have not seen them. Bob Mims CPA has seen them twice but the Nashville experience was an unexpected awesome one. My wife got me field tickets and we decided to not be with the crowd electing to stand next to the sound stage in the back. Really neat spot and I’m taking pictures and finally after standing a while stretch out my arms and accidentally touch someone on the shoulder who is in the spot of the fenced off sound stage. I turn to apologize and its Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Micheal W Smith, Carrie Underwood and Mr. Hockey Carrie Underwood. Standing next to some artists at a concert having them just be fans rather than perform was surreal.
Favorite song: Where the streets have no name

3. Switchfoot – Graceland – Memphis TN

The California band of surfers are always one of the best live performers Bob Mims has seen. On this special occasion, my wife contacted them to see if they wanted a tour of Graceland. They said that would be great but did not have transportation. Enter Bob Mims CPA. I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with the band touring the House of Elvis and then see them perform that night in Memphis.

Favorite song: 24

4. Need to Breathe – Levitt Shell – Memphis TN
May be the best live band right now. The festival in Memphis at the Levitt (where Elvis played his first paid concert) was the ideal outdoor backdrop to watch this great band.

Favorite song “Keep your eyes open”

5. Earth Wind and Fire – Memphis
Philip Bailey is one of the best five singers in the world. Put him with about 20 other talented musicians and you have one of the best and most enduring bands of all time that is still out there touring. This concert was 30 years ago and right in their prime when they played “Touch the world” with a Memphis gospel choir.
Favorite song “Reasons”

 

6. Temptations – Oxford, MS
When Bob Mims not yet a CPA was a college freshman, I was asked to go to Memphis to escort a band down for a concert at Tad Smith. That band was the Temptations. I was pretty nervous, but they were so down to earth that we ended up listening to the Cardinal baseball playoff game on the way down for their concert. One of the great and fun concerts of all time.

7. David Crowder Band
Talent describes David Crowder. He actually re-designed a Guitar Hero guitar in Memphis to play chords for one of the bands songs that was perfectly synced to the song. At the end of that song, my oldest son turned to me and said “I want that for Christmas!”

Favorite song “Oh how He loves me”

8. Gospel performance in the Orpheum Memphis
A buddy and I went to the Orpheum to attend a gospel concert where on one song there were about 35 Grammy awards singing the same song. One of the great performers who plays himself, with Kirk Franklin, and with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill is Isaac Carree. He played as well and this concert was one of the best worship experiences Bob Mims has attended. Fred Hammond and all of his friends were there.

Favorite song: Clean this house

9. Caedmon’s Call: St Louis at Six Flags
Singers and song writers…this band should not have retired. They put out about 10 albums (yes Albums), and they are all great acoustic renditions of their work. What I enjoyed about them and this concert is that they did not stick to their playlist. They winged it and it worked.
Favorite song: Walk with me

10. Cameo and the OJay’s – Jackson MS
I think most folks are like Bob Mims CPA. If they took the time to put out a top ten concerts, they almost have to say their first concert is in the top ten. I was still in early high school, but Cameo was playing “Shake your pants” and “Alligator Woman”, so we all decided to head to see them. It was a great memory and I look forward to any comments or hearing your favorite concerts too.

Honorable mentions
James Taylor
Amy Grant
Yolanda Adams
Justin Timberlake
Lionel Richie
Garth Brooks
Alabama