Tuesday Reading

1 Chronicles 13-16.


Countdown day 6. Here's a little Jack Buck video about baseball from a 2005 ceremony.

The World Must Be Ending

I use the DVR for Gardening By The Yard, Jim Rome, Around The Horn and PTI.

This news disturbed me. I hope it's not true. I'm not a protest kind of guy, but I might send an e-mail expressing my dismay.

Monday Reading

1 Chronicles 9-12.


Rough tournament week last week. My brackets became a disaster. At least my championship pick of UNC holds one more week.

But on a better note, the countdown begins for the start of the baseball season. Seven days to go. Let's whet our appetite with a little Albert rockin' the ballpark. Here is a 2005 season flashback- the glory days of old.



I sure do miss the old Busch Stadium. Despite being a large structure, it had a certain intimacy that the new park lacks. I prefer the enclosed setting. And in this age of look alike parks, there was such a uniqueness and retro look to the old Busch that I'll never get over it being gone.

I Ran Out Of Room

I couldn't sync my iPod anymore, mostly because I kept storing my favorite old Issues, Etc. programs on it. I had no more space.

So I ended up deleting them so that I could keep importing the new ones. (I guess I could have deleted some of my music also, but I spent too much time and effort importing songs).

Then I got an idea, scary as that may sound. I know that one can embed to one's blog from the on-demand page. So I just decided to put my favorites here. As long as there is a blog and the Issues, Etc. page, I can listen without having to store them. Not as convenient as my iPod, but at least I know where to find them.

I tried creating another file in my iTunes to import these programs into, but I guess I didn't do it right. Once I deleted my podcasts, the created file was emptied also. If anyone knows where I went wrong, or how to do it correctly, please let me know.

But for now they'll be safe and secure right here. If you missed any of these, enjoy. They are great.

My own personal favorites are the Solas programs with Dr. Rod Rosenbladt from last September and the program on death and eternal life from August.

Scripture Alone 9-25-08




Faith Alone 9-23-08




Grace Alone 9-18-08




Christ Alone 9-16-08




Death and Eternal Life 8-27-08






Here are some of my other favorites:

Modes of Baptism 12-10-08




Infant Baptism 12-9-08




Baptism and Salvation 12-8-08




The Apostles' Creed: The Holy Spirit 9-29-08




The Apostles' Creed: God the Son (Part 2) 9-22-08




The Apostles' Creed: God the Son (Part 1) 9-15-08




The Apostles' Creed: God the Father 9-8-08




The Martyrdom of John the Baptist 8-29-08




The Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament 8-20-08




Mary the Mother of Jesus 8-15-08

Weekend Reading

1 Chronicles 1-8.

These genealogies are tough to read through. The KJV does nothing to make it better. I just plow through it and hope to pick up on something. I'm not complaining. In fact, I think the genealogies are an integral part of the Biblical truth. Who would make up 8 chapter's worth of begats? No one. These are real people and real events.

It's funny how the prayer of Jabez just comes out of nowhere and then disappears. Kind of like the prayer fad a few years ago.

Friday Reading

2 Kings 23-25.


Those were some dud games last night. In the only close one, I only got to see the final 2 minutes. Disappointing. Hopefully tonight's are better.

Thursday Reading

2 Kings 19-22.


Some great matchups tonight as the basketball tournament resumes.

Condi For President

I'm starting the draft Condoleezza Rice movement right here on this website. I'm proposing an all-Led Zeppelin platform, naturally.

Wednesday Reading

2 Kings 15-18.



It's 9 months until Christmas.


Merry Annunciation Day!

Tuesday Reading

2 Kings 11-14.

I think it fair to warn you once again- only this time there are only 9 months left to finish your shopping. I can e-mail you my list when its done, if that's more convenient for you.

Monday Reading

2 Kings 7-10.

We're getting shorter chapters again, not like in 1 Kings. Which is weird- isn't it the same book, just split?

I must say, I have "enjoyed" reading the KJV of 1&2 Kings. The manner of speech is just so much livelier. The NIV seems more matter of fact and, dare I say, dry.

You've Heard Me Talk About It!

You've read my post extolling its virtues. I've mentioned it in at least 3 others.

Now, get ready!

Here it is! SPACE ANGEL!!!

Frickin' Space Angel! I don't believe it!. It's on the internet! Found it on Google Video. IN COLOR!

Now I can die in peace. I got to see Space Angel again- the greatest "cartoon" of all time! Long live Synchro-Vox!


Watch Space Angel - Space Hijackers ( solar mirror ) 1 in Anime | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Weekend Reading

1 Kings 21-22 and 2 Kings 1-6.

I've come back down to Earth in my bracketeering after last night's games. My Midwest bracket's starting to look messy.

It's funny how I've paid more attention to my "real" bracket, and yet, just as I suspected I might, I'm actually doing a little better in my "better uniform" bracket.

I'm doing pretty good in both, though. I'm still in the 77th percentile in my real bracket which isn't too bad. But I'm in the 96th percentile in my uniform bracket! Hilarious!

Come fall, I might start making my NFL picks based on the "uniform method".

And It Didn't Hold

I had possibly my best day ever in bracket prognosticationing. I was 15-1.

And yet, in that one loss, I fell from number 1 to number 25,309th.

Not as bad as I thought. At least it isn't 75,000th place, although I'm sure I'm heading there today.

Friday Reading

1 Kings 17-20.

I'm not one of those people who advocates picking out their "favorite" Bible verse. But what is wrong with 1 Kings 14:10 (KJV)? No one ever uses that one as their favorite.

It'll Never Hold

Quick, go here and look at my bracket. I'm ranked number 1 on ESPN right now. I'm 8 for 8 in the tournament so far in my "real bracket." It looks cool to be ranked number 1 in the nation!

Look now, because with millions of brackets submitted, I'll lose 1 game and drop to 75,000th place.

Thursday Reading

1 Kings 13-16.

Here We Go

Here's my real bracket. I picked who I thought would win each game.


I also made another bracket in which I picked teams according to which uniforms I thought looked better.


Should be interesting to see which one I score higher on.

Wednesday Reading

1 Kings 9-12.

I've thought of posting a bracket this year. Just for fun. No wagering or anything going on here. I don't follow college basketball as closely as the NFL, however, I like prognosticationing. It gives me a rooting interest in games I otherwise wouldn't follow closely.

Anyone else game to join me? If so, we must do it quickly.

Why Not Green Coffee?

St. Patrick must have loved green. Why else would he be associated with this color?

If one follows conventions, today is a day to dress in green, drink green beer... or drink green milkshakes.

I remember the good old Shamrock shake at McDonald's. I was always happy to get one, but I never liked how they tasted.



To look at it, it looked like something Green Ghost would make. However, that taste was something else. I think it was just like plain vanilla. What a rip off. I don't know what a green milkshake is supposed to taste like, but it can't just be plain vanilla.



Well, they're back again this year. Should I risk it and get one? Rumor has it the taste may have changed since the original.

Tuesday Reading

1 Kings 5-8.

This book is the opposite of Samuel. These are long chapters.

I Guess I Won't Watch

I was hoping this was the year for PVU, but they were left out of the bracket yet again.




The NCAA is SO political.

Reading

2 Samuel 17-24 over the weekend and 1 Kings 1-4 today.

I didn't post this weekend because I overslept.

Friday Reading

2 Samuel 13-16.

Thursday Reading

2 Samuel 9-12.


I think I started something again on Tuesday with my post. The Penguin Dance was back again on today's PTI.

It's sweepin' the nation again!

Said Tony, on Twitter, after the show: "I did the penguin dance for you, my tweeple."

I admit it. I'm addicted to PTI Twitter. And it looks like Reali has his own twitter thing, too. I find this all very interesting, and the perfect way to fill the last remaining free moments I have right now.

Wednesday Reading

2 Samuel 5-8.

Watch PTI Today

We'll see who Tony sends out his Happy Time wishes to today.



"It's time to get happy, people. Happy 19th birthday to Angus G. Van Halen. Stop by his blog and wish him a good one. He is a good man. Hey, maybe we should do the penguin dance in his honor, huh?......to the side......now back to the front..."

Tuesday Reading

2 Samuel 1-4.

Monday Reading

1 Samuel 29-31.

The Chronicles Of Jupiter: Plan B And The Voyage Of The Misfits

Hat tip to Cards' Clubhouse and STL Today for the following pictures of spring training. Thanks, people.

Unfortunately, the details of these pics on those sites were pretty sketchy.

Therefore, you know what I had to do, don't you?

That's right. Although I missed out last year, this February I once again dispatched my team of crack reporters to Jupiter, FL, to find out the stories behind the photos.

I'm glad I did.

I am very happy to report the trip was a success. Let's learn what mayhem is occurring this spring.

I don't use that word 'mayhem' lightly either. Check this out:


Albert Pujols is about to deck Minnesota's Alexi Casilla. A-Rod looks worried, because he knows he's next.

But why, you ask? It took some deep digging, but we've uncovered the story.

It's really quite simple.

Tony La Russa's frustration at the lack of off-season activity from the front office has lead him to take matters into his own hands. We kept noticing him muttering something about "Plan B" under his breath. And what is Plan B?

La Russa's plan is for the Cardinals to take over Major League Baseball through the use of muscle and intimidation. He figures if he can't win squarely through on-the-field merits, then maybe he can win by making other teams fear for their lives when playing the Cardinals.

"They send one of our pitchers to the showers, we send one of theirs to the hospital. They put one of our players on the DL, we send one of theirs to the morgue. THAT'S the St. Louis way!" La Russa was overheard saying.

He's even considering massive "shock and awe" excursions into other teams camps.

Sitting in his "war room", here Tony goes over last minute preparations for the invasion of Port St. Lucie, spring training home of the Mets. Such weighty decisions as sending his 'boys' into harms way have proved difficult for our manager.

La Russa has even gone so far as to disguise his bullpen in order to infiltrate other teams camps. Here are two of his "Spies/Relievers" dressed up like Bruce Sutter, shortly before departing for some espionage at the Cubs' camp in Arizona.



Believe it or not, not every Cardinals player was on board with La Russa's plan.


Fortunately for Cardinals fans, the resistance was no match for Tony's taser, which he used liberally to bring everyone in line.


Tony is not without help in the personnel department, either. His good bud, Bill Parcells is back in camp and has been given the rank of General. No, he's not there to put together a chorus line like in 2007, but to organize for the Cardinals' eventual occupation of the state of Florida. Here are La Russa and Parcells strategizing a potential amphibious landing at St. Pete.



Due to the newfound aggressiveness of the team, the Cardinals have a new slogan this year. "Red Means Go" has been replaced by "Cracking Heads And Taking Names."

Our man Albert Pujols is definitely on board with the team's new philosophy. He and his bat may single-handedly take out the Yankees and Red Sox facilities this weekend.

A new slogan is not the only thing new for 2009. Here, Brian Barton and Skip Schumaker show off the new caps to be worn for Sunday afternoon home games.

They'll wear these when the weather warms up, but the new "Snuggie" uniforms for those cold night games have yet to be unveiled.

"I kinda like 'em", quipped Schumaker about the new hats. "They keep the sun out of your eyes, and they're a real good place to hide your wallet during games. The pockets on these pants are too small."

There are some other new looks to anticipate this season. For instance, Catcher Yadier Molina has gone "toothless".

Said Molina- "I got the idea from people who shave their heads when they lose a few hairs up top. It's the same principle at work. I had to get a couple of teeth pulled this winter, so I just figured 'why not go ahead and yank them all?' Looks more natural."

To which he then added-" And I feel so much younger, too. My gums are as smooth as a 4 month old's."

Well, our next players aren't quite that young, but there is some youth in camp this year. Check out these two:

Standing next to 12 year old 3B candidate Brett Wallace (seated) is the Cardinals top prospect, 8 year old CF Colby Rasmus. Rasmus' main complaint in camp this year? There were no cap sizes smaller than 6 1/2. Hopefully as the season progresses and he continues maturing, his young melon will fit better into that over-sized lid.

Now, I don't want to leave you with the impression St. Louis has a youth movement going. They have their share of old-timers, too.

No, this isn't Colby Rasmus again in the photo above on the left. But it is his uncle, Leif Garrett, who is also trying to catch on in the Redbirds' congested outfield.

And there's non-roster invitee Whip Willis, who turns 67 next month. He may be the Cardinals next closer if no one steps up during spring training.

Here he is knocking some rust out of his fossilized right shoulder. "It don't worry me to throw this hard at this age," said Willis. "Besides, my pacemaker's up by my LEFT shoulder."

Not everyone on the Cards' has such a positive outlook. That's Cards' pitching coach Dave Duncan in the background of our next picture. He's so depressed over the lack of upgrades in the rotation and the bullpen that he hasn't changed out of this black shirt and jeans ensemble since he left St. Louis last October.

"Why bother getting dressed?" a despondent Duncan chirped. "We're all going to die, anyway."

His mood spiraled even more into the tank when this next guy showed up trying to win the closer's spot:

"SHUT UP, BEAVIS...UHHHH....HUHUHUHUH...UHHH...HUUHHUHH!"

Yes, that's Jason Motte, who ironically has a twin brother named "Butt-head."

Former catcher Mike Matheny attempted a comeback with the team this year.

However, due to an abject failure at laying off high hard ones, LaRussa has moved him to what was called "the front lines". He hasn't been seen for a couple of days.

At long last, the Cardinals are set to unveil their secret weapon this year. The invisible bat. This thing is reportedly 9 feet long and 8 feet wide at the end, making it virtually impossible not to smash the ball over the Arch whenever a home run is needed. Yet no one can complain about the bat's legality because no one has seen it. Here is Bryan Anderson giving it a try.

The Cardinals think this secret weapon may ultimately be what gets them back to the World Series this year.

Yeah. Like any team that goes around doing stuff like this is going to win the Pennant:

As usual, it looks like it is going to turn out to be a wacky year in Cardinals' baseball. At least from my vantage point. Thanks guys, for this incredible report.



(Disclaimer- this post was for entertainment purposes only. If you're too dumb to know this isn't exactly real, please exit this site immediately).

Weekend Reading

1 Samuel 21-28.


I learned yesterday that PTI now has a Twitter page? I don't know what that means, but why would Tony participate? Isn't he in bed after "Idol" goes off?

I'm also sure it won't be long before we hear a "Uranus" joke.

Friday Reading

1 Samuel 17-20.




Some of you all have doubted spring has really started. However, I have more proof I was right.

Know what I saw yesterday driving to work? That's right. The surest sign spring has come.

The bikers have come back. How they know when winter is over I'll never understand. Must be embedded in their genetic code.

Thursday Reading

1 Samuel 13-16.

Wednesday Reading

1 Samuel 9-12.

Happy Square Root Day!

As I was writing the date today, I suddenly realized it was square root day. 3-3-09.

We haven't had one since 2-2-04.

Although I was alive on 8-8-64, I don't remember it. The first one I remember is 9-9-81. And I remember it being announced on ABC World News Tonight, back when they had the three anchor format.

It was either Max Robinson, Peter Jennings or Frank Reynolds that announced we wouldn't have another one until the 21st century. I kind of think it was Max.

Anyway, I remember thinking how far off that seemed. Time sure flies.

Hopefully we'll all still be around for the next one on 4-4-16. Mark your calendars now, and make sure to return that day for my big Scottius Maximus Square Root Day Festival, right here on Blogger.

Yoo Hoo, I've Solved Our Problems

Mr. President...OH! OH! OH! OHOH! OH!

Over here, Mr. Obama, over here!

Crisis solved. Everyone can go home now.

Funny thing is, I wrote this 3 years ago and forgot all about it. Thank God for the archives.

Tuesday Reading

1 Samuel 5-8.

The chapters seem much shorter in this book than in the others. I haven't really studied it to confirm it or not, just seems like it.

Monday Reading

1 Samuel 1-4.

Goals Update

The start of a new month is a good time to check my progress on my goals for 2009.

I'm quite ahead of schedule for my reading. At my current rate I'll finish the Bible around the end of October.

I remain slightly behind on my posting. My goal is 450 posts for 2009. This works out to 37.5 per month. I had 34 in January and 31 in February. I should have had 75 but only had 65. Not bad, considering February was a short month and I've been busy.

I'm catching up on my exercise goals for the year. As of the end of February, I stood at 3,915 push ups and 4,100 squats. I should have been at 4,166 for both. At my current rate, barring injury or illness, I should be back on schedule by the end of March.

And, of course, I've yet to get outside to work on landscaping. However, today I'm starting seed indoors. So I got that going for me...which is nice! Right, Carl?


"Hey, as the Lama told me- Gunga galunga...gunga -- gunga galunga"

I should catch up, D.V.

Stand By For News!

All I can say is, "Aaaaaaaack".



It's hard for a 90 year old's death to be classified as a tragedy, but this comes close. Our world is truly unraveling.

I haven't heard him on the radio for about 3 years, but used to make it a daily lunch ritual. More recently, I would occasionally listen to internet broadcasts.

I loved how he wove his sponsors ads right into the midst of the chaos of the news stories.

Or how he announced the pages of his reports.

Or gave the rest of the story.

Or put in plugs for the "Bose acoustic wave machine". I've always wanted one of those.

Of course, Mr. Harvey has inspired or been a part of at least 4 posts on this blog alone.

It would have been interesting to hear him report on this new administration.

In that voice, of course. That distinctive delivery and unforgettable voice.

Good Day!