Monday, January 31, 2011

Monday Reading

Numbers 3-6.

If you didn't see this coming...you probably didn't think it was going to snow this winter, either.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Reading

Leviticus 27. Numbers 1-2.

This is a really good CD. I highly recommend it.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Saturday Reading

Leviticus 23-26.

Of course, whenever I read chapter 23, I always remember this.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Reading

Leviticus 19-22.

Loved today's reading. Of course chapter 21 has my favorite Bible verse in the KJV, verses 18-20. The ESV for these verses is okay, but not as great as the KJV in this instance.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Thursday Reading

Leviticus 15-18.


More signs of things to come. These pictures are from last summer. These are Asiatic lillies. They've bloomed in both early and late July in the past. Blooms last only about a week. It has a subtle scent, surprising given the size of the flowers.










Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Wednesday Reading

Leviticus 11-14.

If it's been a long winter where you are, here's a reminder of what's coming soon.






These are my Naked Ladies, who will be back again in about 6 months. These are photos from last summer.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tuesday Reading

Leviticus 7-10.

I'm afraid I'd be dead the first day I was in camp, trying to keep all those laws straight. And the fact I'm no Levite.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Monday Reading

Leviticus 3-6.

I'm hooked on Bejeweled Blitz.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

It's All Good

Well, the defense certainly did their job. Now, that offense...was offensive. But I did like what Hanie did. He looked much better than Cutler.

I hate to say it, but the Packers were the better team...at least today! It was close. At least they went down swinging with a chance to tie it, instead of with a whimper.

Considering what I expected out of the Bears when the season began, it was a good year.

Sunday Reading

Exodus 39-40 and Leviticus 1-2.

I think I've said before, one of the funniest things I've ever read in my life is Exodus 32:22-24. I couldn't leave Exodus without making mention of it.

NFL Confererence Championship Picks

I find it hilarious that teams can play 16 games with practically the same schedule, one can win more games than the other, and a minority of people think the team with the better record can win today's game.

I realize they are facing Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman all rolled into one Super-QB. A quarterback who has yet to throw an interception, yet to be sacked...heck, I doubt he has ever thrown an incompletion.

And those 10 Super Bowls he has won make it seem all but impossible for the Bears to have a chance today.

Yes, that is what the Bears are up against.

May God have mercy on them.

Oh, yeah, I guess there is another game today. One that features an unlikable team against a team with an unlikable QB. And, unless he's changed, a despicable person.

Can't root for either team.

That's why it's so important for the Bears to win today. If not, I have no one left to root for.

Chicago. (I must be crazy, huh?)
Pittsburgh.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I Didn't Say It....I'm Only Repeating It!

"Most womens' cars are a mess"- Ray Magliozzi.

That was one of the messages on Click and Clack today.

I must agree with this observation. And I guess he should know, considering his vocation.

Now, Tom didn't want any part of that statement. But I don't think it's because he didn't believe it. He just didn't want to be sucked into a potential whirlwind of protest.

But I have no such qualms.

And the statement's application has nothing to do with how good of a housekeeper a woman is. Or how well kempt she is. Or how fashionable.

It's just that, chances are, her vehicle's interior is in some state of disarray.

Of course it isn't 100% true. I'm sure there are some very neat cars kept by women in this world.

But by in large, I think women treat their cars like they do their purses. It's kind of a dumping ground for things. A closet, if you will.

They leave stuff in them for long periods of time. There are gum wrappers and food remnants likely to be found.

Maybe it's a product of hauling children around.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a neat freak when it comes to my own car. But I bet it's cleaner than most women's cars.

Anyway, maybe we're wrong. But I thought what they said was a bold and interesting observation.

Here's the link if you'd like to listen- it's only a 3-4 minute conversation.

Anyone care to discuss?

Saturday Reading

Exodus 35-38.

The first Super Bowl I remember well is Super Bowl IV, when I was 5. Over the last 41 years, the Bears have only played in two of those games, winning one. They first made the playoffs in the Super Bowl era when I was 14 years old, so I suffered through a lot of bad football as a child.

They didn't appear in the NFC championship until I was 21 and a senior in college. They lost that game, but the following year rolled through the rest of the NFL like "Grant through Richmond."


"Or sh*t through a goose, more precisely."

They next appeared in the NFC championship three years later, but lost.

They never made it back again until four years ago, eighteen years later, winning that game.

If the pattern holds true, they'll lose tomorrow.

Only four other times have the Bears played for a chance to go to the Super Bowl, so this has been a big week for me. It has happened less than once a decade on average.

Thanks for indulging me.

Just be prepared for another two weeks of this football stuff if they win tomorrow.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Friday Reading

Exodus 31-34.

Jaws picked the Bears yesterday on PTI. He's the only one I've heard do this so far. Everyone else has the Packers. Haven't seen Wilbon's pick yet, but I suspect he'll go for the Bears, also.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thursday Reading

Exodus 27-30.

Things are getting a little wild now between Bears and Packers fans. Lots of trash talk going on.

I didn't realize there were so many Packers fans at my place of work. It's pretty evenly matched. I'd like to take a giant Bears banner of flag to work tomorrow and fly it in all the Packers fans work spaces.

Too bad I don't have one.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wednesday Reading

Exodus 23-26.

I like the LSB explanations of all the laws, particularly about boiling a goat in its mothers milk. I always wondered why that law is so important to spell out. Thanks again, LSB.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tuesday Reading

Exodus 19-22.

A lot of Packers fans are making themselves heard. There are quite a few around my neck of the woods, although the Bears fans definitely outnumber them.

This weekend's game is the equivalent of the Cards and Cubs playing for the pennant. It will likely never happen again in my lifetime, so whoever wins this weekend will seemingly have the upper hand forever.

It is for this reason some are calling this game bigger than the actual Super Bowl. I believe it.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Monday Reading

Exodus 15-18.

Nice football weekend. This has set up better than I could have ever imagined for the Bears, even though they have to play Green Bay, the team I've feared the most coming in. Any of the 4 teams left could win the Super Bowl. Should be interesting.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sunday Reading

Exodus 11-14.

Been thinking about the plagues and which one, besides the last one, would be the "worst"? I would have to go with the flies, especially if they were the "biting" kind. I hate those things.

Then again, having frogs everywhere wouldn't thrill me either, especially since there is apparently a smell factor.

Being pelted by hail would be no picnic either.

The darkness thing would be scary but not physically harmful. Except there must be some physical meaning of a darkness one can feel. One of the LSB footnotes questioned whether this meant it was a sandstorm, but I would think the text would have said so if it was, since all the other plagues were quite clear about what they were.

Let's face it. No one would want to experience any of these things, and we'll just leave it at that.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

NFL Divisional Playoff Picks

Pittsburgh.
Green Bay.
New England.
Chicago.

As usual, you don't exactly want me picking your team in the playoffs, if you've reviewed my track record in previous years. There are two toss-up games this weekend, and two where one team is a significant favorite (New England and Chicago).

I can't think of a single reason to root for the Jets, other than the fact New England is the obvious favorite to win the Super Bowl, and with them out the Bears might have a better shot. They are unlikable, really.

The Pittsburgh-Baltimore game should be a slug-fest. Toss a coin on this game and Green Bay-Atlanta.

I still fear the Packers may be the Bears undoing.

Saturday Reading

Exodus 7-10.

Been keeping the TV off much more, and haven't missed a thing.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Friday Reading

Exodus 3-6.

I've heard it said things become habit if you can do them for two weeks or more. I've been back blogging regularly now for 2 weeks, and have been enjoying it. I think I'll keep it up.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thursday Reading

Genesis 49-50 and Exodus 1-2.

I rarely go to movies anymore. Not much looks interesting, although I'd like to see The King's Speech.

I still enjoy watching the old movies on TCM. I think I'm satisfied just watching these, and renting the occasional new movie. There's not much else worth spending money on, is there?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Time Flies

Tonight is the 40th anniversary of the first broadcast of All In The Family. I was only 7 at the time, and as I recall there was a warning at the start of the first episodes.

I'm not sure because I was either not allowed to watch it at first, or it was on too late, or nobody else wanted to watch. I can't remember.

But that didn't last long, as its popularity quickly
soared.

There's a lot that's been said about this sitcom. But one thing is undeniable- it's one of the funniest shows in TV history.

And, in my opinion, the episode "Archie In The Cellar" is the single funniest episode in TV history. The whole episode is available on YouTube, of course.

It therefore makes sense that it contains, near its end, what I believe to be the single funniest moment in TV history as well. Since I first saw it, I've thought that, and haven't changed my mind in over 30 years.

From 1973, here's the last 6 minutes of that episode. The preceding scenes, found on YouTube and available for watching, which set up the premise of this scene, are hilarious as well.

Archie gets locked in his cellar, finds a bottle of Vodka, imbibes, gets drunk and believes he will die down there.

Enjoy!


Wednesday Reading

Genesis 45-48.

This just in- the Cardinals are "hopeful" to sign Pujols.

REALLY?

The tension is palpable. It's becoming a daily Pujols-watch. Unfortunately, this story is what passes for news.

Wake me when something happens.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Tuesday Reading

Genesis 41 to 44.

The NFL Playoffs could not have played out better for the Bears. I'm not guaranteeing victory, but of all the teams left, the Bears definitely have the best draw this weekend. It's starting to get exciting!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Monday Reading

Genesis 37-40.

Tonight's game is interesting. I like Auburn's uniforms much better than Oregon's. So I guess I'll pull for Auburn.

But I'd like to see the SEC lose just once in one of these title games. So, I guess I'll go with rooting for Oregon.

But I've always liked Auburn. I love "War Eagle". I think I'll just go with the Tigers.

But I don't like all this Cam Newton stuff. Maybe I should root for the Ducks.

Let's face it. I don't care who wins, and thinking on it is making me tired. I think I'll just go to bed.


Sunday, January 09, 2011

Sunday Reading

Genesis 33-36.

I'm off into my usual playoff funk. 0-2 yesterday. I'd be happy to be at .500 during the post-season- which means I could just flip a coin for the rest of the games and do just as well.

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Saturday Reading

Genesis 29-32.

Interesting group of people, these were.

Wild Card Weekend Picks

Baltimore.
New Orleans.
Indianapolis.
Philadelphia.

Here's an interesting post about memorable wild card games of the past. I don't remember all of them.

Friday, January 07, 2011

Friday Reading

Genesis 25-28.

Cardinals Caravans are out next weekend. Here's where they'll be and who'll be there. Haven't been since '05 or '06, can't remember. I guess I could check the archives! Maybe the weather will be nice, and a spontaneous baseball game will break out.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Thursday Reading

Genesis 21-24.

Not a lot of surprises so far with the ESV. It's good to read things multiple times, though. I never picked up, or just previously glossed over, the significance of Abimelech and his wives afflictions at the end of Genesis 20. The Lutheran Study Bible pointed this out. Thanks LSB!

I also paid more attention to the salvation of Lot. He also found favor with God, through no merit of his own, certainly. Truth be told, he was kind of a goofball. But God saved him anyway. Kind of like the rest of us.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Wednesday Reading

Genesis 17-20.

Congratulations to Ohio State for beating an SEC team for the Big 10. Of course, it took playing 5 players who should not have played, but that's okay as long as victory is secured.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Tuesday Reading

Genesis 13-16.

Growing up, we had All*Star Baseball. Later on we got Strat-O-Matic. The latter is the superior game, more enjoyable when you are older because it is more "complex", using dice instead of a spinner. It intrigued me, then, to learn of the 50th anniversary of Strat-O-Matic.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Monday Reading

Genesis 9-12.

The Bears didn't "let" the Packers in the playoffs like I thought they might. At least they made them earn it. I still hope it doesn't come back to bite them later.

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Sunday Reading

Genesis 5-8.

I forgot one of my other goals this year in yesterday's post. I'm going to try to play more video games.

And how about that Big 10? What a disgrace of a conference!

"I have to laugh", as Carl Spackler might put it. Put TCU and Boise in the automatic BCS berth group, and remove the entire Big 10. Ohio St. must be shuddering to think of their fate Tuesday night against Arkansas, yet another SEC team. Should be ugly early.

NFL Picks Week 17

Sixteen games today!

Hard to believe we're here at the end of the season. After a very slow start, I've finally caught on the last 1/2 of the season to what is going on.

I even had the best record last week at 12-4. For the year, I've managed to come up to 147-93. Last year at this time I was 160-80.

Amazingly, I caught both Keyshawn and Schlereth last week. I'm within 1 game of Mort, 2 games of Hoge and Chris Carter and 3 games of Golic. ESPN Experts and Sunday Countdown picks are here and here.

I'm going to go more conservative this week. I don't know how, but both of my upset picks came through last week.

I'm very happy the Bears have clinched the #2 seed. I would be worried heading into this week if they hadn't. I still think the Packers are the most dangerous team in NFC heading into the playoffs.

As far as the Rams, I'm in the minority on this one. I'm going with Seattle in the showdown game. I'll be rooting for the Rams, but Seattle is a great home team and the Rams are just too young. I hope I'm wrong, but I think they're still a year away from being a playoff team.

Atlanta.
Pittsburgh.
Detroit.
Kansas City.
New England.
New Orleans.
Jets.
Baltimore.
Jacksonville.
Giants.
Philadelphia.
San Francisco.
Green Bay.
Indianapolis.
Denver.
Seattle.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Saturday Reading

Genesis 1-4.

Yes, I'm reading cover to cover again. I find it works for me.

Even if you don't have ESV, please read along with me this year. I know it will be good for you and me, and it might make for some good discussions and comments, too.

Happy New Year!

I've been looking forward to the New Year.

For the past few weeks, I've been getting in the mood to revive my blog, as I've kind of taken the last year off. I only posted 54 times last year.

But I'm not as ambitious as I was a couple of years ago, when I fell quite short of my goal of 450 posts. However, I know I can do better than last year.

I'm going to stop short of setting a goal, as I do not know how long my mood will last.

One of the problems last year was lack of motivation. There were times last year I could have posted something and just didn't.

There was also the interest factor. Even though I had some ideas to post, I just was not interested in doing it.

I sense that in others also, as the number of posts on blogs I follow also seem to have diminished.

The only way I know of to make more time for this blog is to eliminate other things. I've spent far too much time this past year following news and politics. What a waste of my time.

My memory is another hindrance. Sometimes I'll get an idea for a post, and wonder if I've done it before. After 1738 posts and 6 years, it's no wonder.

So in laziness, I don't bother looking back. Another post is lost.

I haven't read as much this past year, so I am setting reading goals again. I'm going to try to get through the Bible again this year, so might as well start today.

The difference this year is that I've got a new Lutheran Study Bible, which is ESV. I've never read ESV. I've read the Bible in NIV, NKJV and most recently KJV. I've also read the New Testament in RSV.

I think I liked the KJV the best. Initially the style was different enough from modern English that it was a bit slower to comprehend, but after awhile my mind must have gotten used to it because it eventually read naturally.

I also loved the directness and colorful language! Leviticus 21:18-20 KJV will forever be my favorite Bible verses!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this translation.

Maybe someday I'll learn Greek. I'm running out of translations to read.

I don't plan on increasing my exercise goals. I've kept my goals at 25,000 push-ups and squats the past 2 years, and don't plan on increasing those.

I have added more body weight exercises, however. I've added chin-ups and pull-ups. I just don't have a goal yet.

I've also changed from doing exclusively Hindu push ups a few years ago. The 25,000 will be a mixture of different types, traditional, Hindu, dive-bomber, triangle, and this year I hope to add one-armed and hand-stand at some point.

I'd also like to take more pictures, plant more shrubs and trees, and learn more dishes to cook, as I only know a handful.

In addition to working, it sounds like I'll be busy.

Of course, all this depends on the good health of me and others. Something I've continued to be blessed with.

So, all of this is dependent on God's will.

I'll end as appropriately as I can.

Deo Volente- God Willing.