2 Samuel 17-20.
Took some pre-spring inventory over the weekend. The daffodils, hyacinths, naked ladies, lillies and tulips have all broken ground. Seems early, no?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday Reading
2 Samuel 13-16.
There's still a lot of coughs and sneezes at church these days. Which always makes me shudder to shake the pastor's hand, or those of the greeters for the day for that matter.
Which is why I intend to advocate the fist bump at the next voter's meeting. It'll be a nice way to greet one another.
Of course, we won't blow it up. That's just not Lutheran.
There's still a lot of coughs and sneezes at church these days. Which always makes me shudder to shake the pastor's hand, or those of the greeters for the day for that matter.
Which is why I intend to advocate the fist bump at the next voter's meeting. It'll be a nice way to greet one another.
Of course, we won't blow it up. That's just not Lutheran.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday Reading
2 Samuel 9-12.
Opening Day is only 19 days away, and I'm less excited than I have been since the 1990s. But it's worse now, because those years there were no expectations. I had high hopes for this year's team.
Opening Day is only 19 days away, and I'm less excited than I have been since the 1990s. But it's worse now, because those years there were no expectations. I had high hopes for this year's team.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday Reading
2 Samuel 5-8.
May be time to plant lettuce and spinach seeds. Someone said their tulips have broke ground. It's starting to smell like spring outside.
May be time to plant lettuce and spinach seeds. Someone said their tulips have broke ground. It's starting to smell like spring outside.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday Reading
2 Samuel 1-4.
Everyone be sure to sneak into Angus G VanHalen's camp and wish him a happy 21st birthday! And ask him what's up with the name change to Page!
Everyone be sure to sneak into Angus G VanHalen's camp and wish him a happy 21st birthday! And ask him what's up with the name change to Page!
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Wednesday Reading
1 Samuel 29-31.
I was okay with the moratorium on carrying out the death penalty in Illinois. It's not the kind of thing you want to be making mistakes with. Executing innocent people, probably far more likely in a state as corrupt as this one, is a crime also.
However, I don't think abolishing it was a good idea. There are those cases where guilt is not in doubt and it could still be carried out. No longer is that even a possibility of happening. They should have just left things alone.
I was okay with the moratorium on carrying out the death penalty in Illinois. It's not the kind of thing you want to be making mistakes with. Executing innocent people, probably far more likely in a state as corrupt as this one, is a crime also.
However, I don't think abolishing it was a good idea. There are those cases where guilt is not in doubt and it could still be carried out. No longer is that even a possibility of happening. They should have just left things alone.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Tuesday Reading
1 Samuel 25-28.
Forty years ago I was in the 2nd grade. Which means if I was still in school, I'd be in 42nd grade today. But anyway, I still remember the playground buzz this day in anticipation of the "Fight of the Century" to take place that night. Two unbeaten fighters with clashing styles facing off.
I was a Smokin' Joe fan, and his victory this night forty years ago was a relief. I really never cared for Ali, and couldn't stomach the thought of Frazier, the heavyweight champ, losing to him.
Around 15 years ago, I read a Sports Illustrated article about the fight and the hype leading up to it. After reading it, I was so glad I had rooted for Joe. The way Ali and his camp treated Joe was disgraceful as I recall.
At any rate, the fight lived up to its billing, one of the few that does. Here's the 15th round, which produced the lovely sight and sound of Ali getting nailed and going down.
Forty years ago I was in the 2nd grade. Which means if I was still in school, I'd be in 42nd grade today. But anyway, I still remember the playground buzz this day in anticipation of the "Fight of the Century" to take place that night. Two unbeaten fighters with clashing styles facing off.
I was a Smokin' Joe fan, and his victory this night forty years ago was a relief. I really never cared for Ali, and couldn't stomach the thought of Frazier, the heavyweight champ, losing to him.
Around 15 years ago, I read a Sports Illustrated article about the fight and the hype leading up to it. After reading it, I was so glad I had rooted for Joe. The way Ali and his camp treated Joe was disgraceful as I recall.
At any rate, the fight lived up to its billing, one of the few that does. Here's the 15th round, which produced the lovely sight and sound of Ali getting nailed and going down.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Monday Reading
1 Samuel 21-24.
Not sure why, but I went to YouTube tonight and watched me some 1980s wrestling. And, for as much as I loved the Hulkster, there was nobody like the Macho Man Randy Savage, my all-time favorite.
This stuff to this day has me laughing out loud. I miss this guy and the "golden age" of wrestling.
Here are 3 great "interviews" of Macho done by the equally funny Mean Gene Okerlund.
Just goes to show you how far a degree from Southern Illinois can take you! Go Dawgs!
Not sure why, but I went to YouTube tonight and watched me some 1980s wrestling. And, for as much as I loved the Hulkster, there was nobody like the Macho Man Randy Savage, my all-time favorite.
This stuff to this day has me laughing out loud. I miss this guy and the "golden age" of wrestling.
Here are 3 great "interviews" of Macho done by the equally funny Mean Gene Okerlund.
Just goes to show you how far a degree from Southern Illinois can take you! Go Dawgs!
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Sunday Reading
1 Samuel 17-20.
Lots of lessons in this weekend's reading. Once again we see man's plans failing, in wanting, and in choosing, a king. We see God intervening and choosing who He wants, who no man would ever choose, an insignificant shepherd boy. "Watching" what happens when the Spirit of God comes upon David, His choice, is awesome.
And of course, there's His intervention in what appears to human eyes to be an impossible, no-win situation against the giant warrior. Only God could deliver in this situation.
Lots of lessons in this weekend's reading. Once again we see man's plans failing, in wanting, and in choosing, a king. We see God intervening and choosing who He wants, who no man would ever choose, an insignificant shepherd boy. "Watching" what happens when the Spirit of God comes upon David, His choice, is awesome.
And of course, there's His intervention in what appears to human eyes to be an impossible, no-win situation against the giant warrior. Only God could deliver in this situation.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Saturday Reading
1 Samuel 13-16.
I think the two championship weekends of college basketball are just as interesting as the tournament itself that follows. Teams with everything to play for make for great games.
I don't understand why others can't see that all teams participating in conference tournaments are, in essence, in "THE tournament". They all participate in one way or another, making expansion of the "official" tournament unnecessary. That's what makes these other tournaments exciting.
I think the two championship weekends of college basketball are just as interesting as the tournament itself that follows. Teams with everything to play for make for great games.
I don't understand why others can't see that all teams participating in conference tournaments are, in essence, in "THE tournament". They all participate in one way or another, making expansion of the "official" tournament unnecessary. That's what makes these other tournaments exciting.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Thursday Reading
1 Samuel 5-8.
I love Mexican Coca Cola from glass bottles. It's like drinking old time coke.
I love Mexican Coca Cola from glass bottles. It's like drinking old time coke.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Wednesday Reading
1 Samuel 1-4.
It's hard to believe we're already in Samuel. This starts my favorite stretch of the OT, from 1 Samuel to Job. Very interesting stuff.
It's hard to believe we're already in Samuel. This starts my favorite stretch of the OT, from 1 Samuel to Job. Very interesting stuff.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Tuesday Reading
Ruth.
Snakebit Cardinals.
Now that Carpenter is hurt, we might as well get ready for the injury downfalls of Holliday, Berkman, Rasmus, Freese, and Yadi.
Which will just leave Pujols.
And then he'll have a monster year, price himself completely out of the Cardinals neighborhood and right into the Cubs infield next year.
The way things are going right now, this scenario just could play out.
Snakebit Cardinals.
Now that Carpenter is hurt, we might as well get ready for the injury downfalls of Holliday, Berkman, Rasmus, Freese, and Yadi.
Which will just leave Pujols.
And then he'll have a monster year, price himself completely out of the Cardinals neighborhood and right into the Cubs infield next year.
The way things are going right now, this scenario just could play out.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday Reading
Judges 19-21.
Want proof we're already in spring, besides spring training?
Saw some Naked Ladies in my yard!
Want proof we're already in spring, besides spring training?
Saw some Naked Ladies in my yard!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday Reading
Judges 15-18.
You can only reach one conclusion in these chapters...Samson was a mite bit nuts.
You can only reach one conclusion in these chapters...Samson was a mite bit nuts.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday Reading
Judges 7-10.
I have never been a Star Wars fan. I saw the first 2 movies and haven't seen any since then.
But the young Angus loves Star Wars. So I post the following in his honor, found on YouTube.
It's the great Bill Murray as lounge singer "Nick Winters" singing the theme from Star Wars. I still laugh at this after more than 30 years.
I have never been a Star Wars fan. I saw the first 2 movies and haven't seen any since then.
But the young Angus loves Star Wars. So I post the following in his honor, found on YouTube.
It's the great Bill Murray as lounge singer "Nick Winters" singing the theme from Star Wars. I still laugh at this after more than 30 years.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday Reading
Judges 3-6.
In case you haven't noticed, I finally got around to updating the sidebar. I hope it's up to date. Glad to see Aardvark Alley, Ask The Pastor and Cyberbrethren are back. I've also updated my music playlist.
All I need now is an emergency link for suicidal Cardinals fans who are distraught about this season's prospects.
In case you haven't noticed, I finally got around to updating the sidebar. I hope it's up to date. Glad to see Aardvark Alley, Ask The Pastor and Cyberbrethren are back. I've also updated my music playlist.
All I need now is an emergency link for suicidal Cardinals fans who are distraught about this season's prospects.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday Reading
Joshua 23-24. Judges 1-2.
This past week has been disastrous. No Pujols contract. Edmonds retires. Wainwright is now done for the year.
I'm no longer looking forward to this season. Looks like it's all going wrong.
This past week has been disastrous. No Pujols contract. Edmonds retires. Wainwright is now done for the year.
I'm no longer looking forward to this season. Looks like it's all going wrong.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday Reading
Joshua 19-22.
"Good morning" evolved to "G' morning" and finally just "morning" as a greeting. I think most people now just say "morning" to each other. I noticed this at church on Sunday. It's like we are going around telling each other the time of day.
But why stop there? I'm ready for "morning" to be shortened to just "mor" as a greeting.
Or even better, we can drop the "mor" and just say the end, "ning", to one another. I like that better. I think I'll say "ning" this Sunday and see if it catches on.
Although, if we go with "mor", we can shorten that eventually to just the "mmm" sound at the beginning.
Which is in effect just a grunt. Which I think is what we should be doing anyway. Just grunting at one another in the morning.
That's all I usually feel like doing anyway.
"Good morning" evolved to "G' morning" and finally just "morning" as a greeting. I think most people now just say "morning" to each other. I noticed this at church on Sunday. It's like we are going around telling each other the time of day.
But why stop there? I'm ready for "morning" to be shortened to just "mor" as a greeting.
Or even better, we can drop the "mor" and just say the end, "ning", to one another. I like that better. I think I'll say "ning" this Sunday and see if it catches on.
Although, if we go with "mor", we can shorten that eventually to just the "mmm" sound at the beginning.
Which is in effect just a grunt. Which I think is what we should be doing anyway. Just grunting at one another in the morning.
That's all I usually feel like doing anyway.
Monday, February 21, 2011
How I Did
I've been dreading this post.
But it's been put off for too long.
Back in September, I went through the entire NFL schedule and tried to "Carnac" my way through it. I derived a record of every team, then tried to determine playoff winners and ultimately, the Super Bowl winner.
Before you either laugh out loud or have me committed for those picks, let me explain two important points about the season.
One, I thought the absence of Ben Roethlisberger the first 4 games of the season would put the Steelers in a huge hole from which they would not recover. Little did I know they would play just as well without him. They didn't miss a beat. What does that say?
Two, I thought the 49ers were for real. I had read quite a bit before the season and listened to a lot of pundits. That really cost me, not only in my pick of the 49ers, but also for my picks the first few weeks of the season. As you'll recall, I really got off to a slow start with a very mediocre record, before I finally figured out for myself what was going on, including that the 49ers were not good.
So show a little mercy.
Let's review. My picks before the season started are listed first, in parentheses, followed by the actual record, followed by order of finish. Records or places I actually picked right are in bold (yes, there are a few).
NFC EAST
Philadelphia (9-7). 10-6, 1.
Dallas (9-7). 6-10, 3.
Giants (9-7). 10-6, 2.
Washington (7-9). 6-10, 4.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay (9-7). 10-6, 2.
Minnesota (8-8). 6-10, 4.
Chicago (6-10). 11-5, 1.
Detroit (4-12). 6-10, 3.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta (13-3). 13-3, 1.
New Orleans (10-6). 11-5, 2.
Tampa Bay (5-11). 10-6, 3.
Carolina (1-15). 2-14, 4.
NFC WEST
San Francisco (12-4). 6-10, 3.
Arizona (12-4). 5-11, 4.
Seatle (3-13). 7-9, 1.
St. Louis (2-14). 7-9, 2.
AFC EAST
New England (13-3). 14-2, 1.
Jets (11-5). 11-5, 2.
Miami (9-7). 7-9, 3.
Buffalo (4-12). 4-12, 4.
AFC CENTRAL
Baltimore (12-4). 12-4, 2.
Cincinnati (9-7). 4-12, 4.
Pittsburgh (8-8). 12-4, 1.
Cleveland (4-12). 5-11, 3.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis (13-3). 10-6, 1.
Houston (11-5). 6-10, 3.
Tennessee (9-7). 6-10, 4.
Jacksonville (2-14). 8-8, 2.
AFC WEST
San Diego (11-5). 9-7, 2.
Denver (8-8). 4-12, 4.
Oakland (7-9). 8-8, 3.
Kansas City (6-10). 10-6, 1.
Surprisingly, as one can see, I did accurately pick either the team's record or order of finish for 13 of the 32 NFL teams. That's 41%.
My best work was the AFC East, getting the order of finish right, getting 2 out of 4 records right, and was only 3 wins off the records of the other two teams combined.
I also got the order of finish correct in the NFC South.
My worst work was in the NFC West. I got nothing right and was 22 wins off of the records of the 4 teams, an average of a whopping 5.5 wins per team. Ouch.
I only predicted 4 out of 32 records correctly. That's a little worse than what I expected. I was within 1 win on another 8. I don't think that's too bad, to predict within 1 win 12 out of 32 teams.
But boy did I screw up some. The worst was Arizona, being 7 wins off, while I was 6 wins off of San Fran and Jacksonville.
I'm most embarrassed about the Steelers and 49ers, but a close 3rd are the Bears and Bengals. It was a surprising year.
I also misfired on the Seahawks, Rams, and Texans.
But I'm pretty happy about getting right Philadelphia winning the NFC East.
And I did get 8 of the 12 playoffs teams correct.
It's a mixed bag, I know.
This would be even funner if someone else would play next year.
Besides the ESPN guys, that is.
But it's been put off for too long.
Back in September, I went through the entire NFL schedule and tried to "Carnac" my way through it. I derived a record of every team, then tried to determine playoff winners and ultimately, the Super Bowl winner.
Before you either laugh out loud or have me committed for those picks, let me explain two important points about the season.
One, I thought the absence of Ben Roethlisberger the first 4 games of the season would put the Steelers in a huge hole from which they would not recover. Little did I know they would play just as well without him. They didn't miss a beat. What does that say?
Two, I thought the 49ers were for real. I had read quite a bit before the season and listened to a lot of pundits. That really cost me, not only in my pick of the 49ers, but also for my picks the first few weeks of the season. As you'll recall, I really got off to a slow start with a very mediocre record, before I finally figured out for myself what was going on, including that the 49ers were not good.
So show a little mercy.
Let's review. My picks before the season started are listed first, in parentheses, followed by the actual record, followed by order of finish. Records or places I actually picked right are in bold (yes, there are a few).
NFC EAST
Philadelphia (9-7). 10-6, 1.
Dallas (9-7). 6-10, 3.
Giants (9-7). 10-6, 2.
Washington (7-9). 6-10, 4.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay (9-7). 10-6, 2.
Minnesota (8-8). 6-10, 4.
Chicago (6-10). 11-5, 1.
Detroit (4-12). 6-10, 3.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta (13-3). 13-3, 1.
New Orleans (10-6). 11-5, 2.
Tampa Bay (5-11). 10-6, 3.
Carolina (1-15). 2-14, 4.
NFC WEST
San Francisco (12-4). 6-10, 3.
Arizona (12-4). 5-11, 4.
Seatle (3-13). 7-9, 1.
St. Louis (2-14). 7-9, 2.
AFC EAST
New England (13-3). 14-2, 1.
Jets (11-5). 11-5, 2.
Miami (9-7). 7-9, 3.
Buffalo (4-12). 4-12, 4.
AFC CENTRAL
Baltimore (12-4). 12-4, 2.
Cincinnati (9-7). 4-12, 4.
Pittsburgh (8-8). 12-4, 1.
Cleveland (4-12). 5-11, 3.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis (13-3). 10-6, 1.
Houston (11-5). 6-10, 3.
Tennessee (9-7). 6-10, 4.
Jacksonville (2-14). 8-8, 2.
AFC WEST
San Diego (11-5). 9-7, 2.
Denver (8-8). 4-12, 4.
Oakland (7-9). 8-8, 3.
Kansas City (6-10). 10-6, 1.
Surprisingly, as one can see, I did accurately pick either the team's record or order of finish for 13 of the 32 NFL teams. That's 41%.
My best work was the AFC East, getting the order of finish right, getting 2 out of 4 records right, and was only 3 wins off the records of the other two teams combined.
I also got the order of finish correct in the NFC South.
My worst work was in the NFC West. I got nothing right and was 22 wins off of the records of the 4 teams, an average of a whopping 5.5 wins per team. Ouch.
I only predicted 4 out of 32 records correctly. That's a little worse than what I expected. I was within 1 win on another 8. I don't think that's too bad, to predict within 1 win 12 out of 32 teams.
But boy did I screw up some. The worst was Arizona, being 7 wins off, while I was 6 wins off of San Fran and Jacksonville.
I'm most embarrassed about the Steelers and 49ers, but a close 3rd are the Bears and Bengals. It was a surprising year.
I also misfired on the Seahawks, Rams, and Texans.
But I'm pretty happy about getting right Philadelphia winning the NFC East.
And I did get 8 of the 12 playoffs teams correct.
It's a mixed bag, I know.
This would be even funner if someone else would play next year.
Besides the ESPN guys, that is.
Monday Reading
Joshua 15-18.
Found out the other day there's a new Zelda game coming out this year for the Wii! Better get as much done as possible between now and then.
Found out the other day there's a new Zelda game coming out this year for the Wii! Better get as much done as possible between now and then.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday Reading
Joshua 11-14.
Daytona 500 today. I'm glad to see Michael Waltrip is starting 7th this year. I'll be rooting for him again. Maybe that cat can win another one.
I do think someone other than Jimmie Johnson needs to win the championship this year. That's getting old. I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win another championship.
Daytona 500 today. I'm glad to see Michael Waltrip is starting 7th this year. I'll be rooting for him again. Maybe that cat can win another one.
I do think someone other than Jimmie Johnson needs to win the championship this year. That's getting old. I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win another championship.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday Reading
Joshua 3-6.
February 18th. This is one of the all-time worst days of the year. I hope you don't like this day.
First there was this. I still remember vividly where I was sitting and what I was doing when I heard the announcer on the radio.
Now this.
And although it happened yesterday, I found out about this today.
February 18th. This is one of the all-time worst days of the year. I hope you don't like this day.
First there was this. I still remember vividly where I was sitting and what I was doing when I heard the announcer on the radio.
Now this.
And although it happened yesterday, I found out about this today.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday Reading
Deuteronomy 33-34. Joshua 1-2.
I need a place to escape. The news is 24 hours of Pujols and I don't want to hear about it. But all this coverage has confirmed one thing I suspected- the Cardinals GM and owner are in over their heads.
I need a place to escape. The news is 24 hours of Pujols and I don't want to hear about it. But all this coverage has confirmed one thing I suspected- the Cardinals GM and owner are in over their heads.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday Reading
Deuteronomy 25-28.
Believe it or not, 46 days into the new year, I have already posted more this year than I did in all of 2010.
Believe it or not, 46 days into the new year, I have already posted more this year than I did in all of 2010.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday Reading
Deuteronomy 21-24.
Tomorrow's a big day for Stan The Man. I hope the White House does a better job than the Cardinals did in "honoring" him at the All Star Game 2 years ago.
Tomorrow's a big day for Stan The Man. I hope the White House does a better job than the Cardinals did in "honoring" him at the All Star Game 2 years ago.
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