Vacation Observations

The family took a vacation recently.  Being a trained noticer, saw a few things that interested me along the way.  

Yes, we went to Disney again.  Took the four night cruise then went to Orlando for a couple days afterwards.  Thought I’d write a few of them down to get them out of my noggin.

  

• Had my first real parents-aren’t-hip faux pas during the trip.  My son and daughter were having a little back and forth about something.  My girl got a real good zinger on my boy.  I said, “Oooh, you got  burned.”  Apparently, the phrase these days is “you got served.”  Received a few hearty guffaws for that one.  Oh well, just the first of many I suspect;
• On the drive down, got behind a car that had an Auburn Tiger bumper sticker on one side.  The other side had a sticker which had a Rebel flag with “Fighting Terrorism Since 1861” written on it.  Have to admit was more than a little relieved to see my university was not on the car AND it had a Florida license plate on it instead of Alabama.  We lost the War of Northern Aggression.  Get over it already;
• Never really realize how much you use your smart phone to pass them time until you can’t get a signal.  Kept mine with me on the cruise for the camera.  Can’t tell you how many times I reached for it to look something up on the internet only to realize I didn’t have a signal out there.  We’re thinking about looking into the international plan with our provider for next year’s cruise;
• My son and I went to see a Braves spring training game.  We sat in the grass out in left field behind the Mets’ bullpen.  One pitcher out there was giving autographs.  My son stood in line with about 10 other people and got one.  When I asked him who it was, he didn’t know and didn’t care.  Looked the dude’s number up on the spring training roster and couldn’t find him there, either, which probably means he has no chance of making the big team.  Dawned on me how people want your autograph and don’t really care who you are as long as you are wearing one of those uniforms;
• Went to a pin trading event while we were at Disney.  Wife and kids had a real ball at it.  Didn’t trade for anything myself, but enjoyed the people watching.  Was a wide variety of people in attendance there.  Reminded me of the Cantina scene in Star Wars: A New Hope;
• While I was standing in the hour-long line for Soaring (we were there at 11:30 PM), it hit me how people can patiently stand in line for hours on end at Disney but they can’t stand to wait two minutes at Walmart.  Disney has trained us well… 

As always, we had a great time.  Have already booked a cruise for next year.  Gonna go the first week of June this time so the water will be a little warmer.  Can’t wait.

Y’all have a good one!

Random Mish-mash

Well, the holidays are over.  Hope everyone survived them OK.  We actually had a white Christmas at our house.  According to the news, the first one in about 100 years.  Was very pretty.

Got a few things to get out of the noggin.  So, if you’re interested, here we go:

• The family went to Disney over New Year’s weekend.  Celebrated the new year and the twins’ 10th birthday.  Have never seen that many people in one place.  They reached capacity at 11 am on December 31.  The good news was, with the exception of one ride, we didn’t have to wait more than an hour for any attraction.  The fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom that night was the best I’ve ever seen.  Period.  Only had one real complaint about the whole weekend.  Rented a locker on New Year’s Eve.  When you return the key, you get a $5 deposit back.  When I returned my key, that particular register was out of cash and they gave me credit on my debit card.  I paid cash so I expected cash back.  After all, they had been raking in lots o’ cash all day long so know they had it there somewhere.  Anyway, the crowds thinned out starting on January 1 so the rest of the weekend was even more enjoyable.  The wife and I agreed we were glad we experienced it, but we’re not so sure we would want to do it again;
• The new Congress starts this week.  Hope they accomplish some things that get our country back on track.  Have read the Pubs are going to spend the first few weeks doing things that look good but don’t have much meat to them such as repeal Obamacare.  Before you start to panic or celebrate, President Obama has the power to veto any repeals so it’s not very likely to happen since there are not enough Pubs to override a veto.  Would rather they immediately get to the meat, even though I’m still not sure what their plans are.  Will hope for the best on that.  Also read they are about to take a two week break.  Wish I could take two weeks off after starting a new job.  Oh well, guess those pesky things like unemployment will solve themselves eventually;
• Speaker of the House Boehner cut Congressional staff budgets by 5%.  Some people have commented how this is only a small drop in the deficit bucket.  Reckon it’s mostly symbolic, but guess you have to start somewhere.  Looks like they are going to raise the debt ceiling again, which indicates spending will continue to increase.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Wish I could raise my debt ceiling at will like that;
• Saw where the Pubs are going to read the Constitution out loud during an upcoming session.  Wonder if anybody will learn anything from it?  Frankly, will be surprised if many of the Congressmen hang around to hear it.  They have too much important stuff to do than hang around listening to someone read our most important document.  You know, things like planning junkets to exotic countries, attending lunches with special interest groups, working out at the gym.  Important stuff like that.  It is a good gesture, though.  If it helps one representative remember they are there to serve the people, it will be worth it;
• Got the big BCS Championship game between Auburn and Oregon coming up.  Auburn is in the SEC and I like Oregon so it doesn’t really matter who wins to me.  Ultimately, my loyalty to the SEC will probably win out, though.  Think it will be a great game.  While Oregon hasn’t faced a defense like Auburn’s, Auburn hasn’t faced an offense who thinks they are going too slow if the ball isn’t snapped before the play clock hits 20.  Oregon definitely hasn’t faced a player the caliber of Cam Newton, either.  Won’t be surprised with either team winning.  Only thing that will surprise me will be a blowout by either school;
• Heard the Ohio State fans were taunting the Arkansas fans with chants of “SEC!” after they barely beat the 4th or 5th best team in the SEC.  Congratulations, Big Ten fans, your conference went 1-3 against the SEC, including one of your co-champions losing by 42.  Can see where you would want to celebrate that accomplishment; 
• Feel bad for TCU.  They’re undefeated with no chance of even being considered for the national championship.  More times than not, the BCS Championship game has had the two best teams playing in it.  In years like this one and 2004, you are left wanting a little more closure.  The NCAA says they don’t want a playoff because it will keep the athletes out of class too much.  The current bowl system stretches into the middle of January now.  How much more class would they really be missing?  Hope they will at least go to a “plus one” system in the next couple years.  We shall see.

Well, that’s all I got for now.  Going to get back to posting weekly again now that the holidays are over.  As always, thanks for hanging with me.  Please feel free to leave a comment or two.

Happy New Year!

Giving Thanks

As you probably know, it’s Thanksgiving week in the US.  Just thought would list out a few things I’m thankful for this year.  Maybe some will make you think of yours. In no particular order:

• My wife and two children.  Because of my job, they have to put up with a lot of absences.  Yet, they still somehow manage to put up with me.  Tell people all the time it takes a special spouse to put up with someone with a job like mine.  My wife is definitely one of them.  Love all three more than they can ever imagine;
• My extended family.  Don’t get to see and talk to them as much as I would like, but we manage to keep up with each other in one form or another;
• God loves me (and you) even though I don’t love Him as much as He deserves;
• Live in a country where I’m free to worship God as I please.  Don’t have to worry about going to jail, getting executed, or whatever because I believe in God and choose to worship Him.  You can also not worship Him, if you choose, with no repercussions…from the government, anyway;
• My friends.  Known a few for nearly all my life.  Many it just seems that way (which is good).  Some only know through Twitter and Facebook.  Am thankful for each and every one of you.  My life wouldn’t be the same without you.  Hope to meet my online friends face-to-face someday;
• The internet.  Without it, wouldn’t be able to find all my old friends, make new friends, keep up with the latest news and sports, and the various ways we use it to pass away the day;
• Music and the ability to hear it.  Music does so many things in our lives can’t possibly list them all.  Tells stories, brings back memories, offers praises, and eases pain just to list a few.  A lot of the new stuff sounds the same to me, but still grateful for it;
• Anyone who reads my blogs.  Do this thing just to get the voices out of my head, but have to admit it feels good to know, every now and then, there’s a few people out there interested in what I ramble on about;
• Our government.  Yes, they don’t always do what makes sense and they catch a lot of grief (deservedly so), but, we couldn’t live in a relatively peaceful society without them.  While our government may not be perfect, there are certainly worse ones throughout the world;
• Veterans and their families.  Without veterans (and their support systems), we wouldn’t have the freedom to enjoy blessings we have.

Well, these are ten things I can think of just off the top of my head.  There’s many more but time doesn’t permit me to list them all.  Feels good to know I have so many blessings.  Am sure you have many more blessings than you realize, too.

Y’all have a good one!

Are You Serious?

Every now and then, you read a story that just makes you want to say, “Are you serious?”  Sometimes it’s cuz you can’t believe what you just read.  Sometimes it’s cuz you have to wonder why is this a story in the first place?  Well, have seen a few of those this week that I feel the need to comment on.  So, if you’re curious what makes me say, “Are you serious,” here we go:

• Bunch of folks were commenting on Twitter and Facebook about the dad-blamed Video Music Awards.  Ain’t exactly sure why, either.  First of all, they are on a channel called Music Television, which don’t even play music anymore, much less music videos.  Second of all, seems like there’s some sort of award show on every other week.  Feel like we are in award show overload.  To me, the only purpose for most of ‘em is for the artists to pat themselves on the back about what great artists they think they are.  Third, the artists feel like they have to get more and more extreme every year so people will pay attention to them.  (Reckon you probably heard about Lady Gaga’s meat dress or Cher’s plastic body whether you wanted to or not)  Guess mostly just can’t figure out why folks make such a big deal about the awards when MTV has nowhere near the influence on music and culture that it used to.  Hoping someone will explain it to me;
  
• From the “Only in Alabama” department, some lady tried to set a roller skating rink on fire and to blow up the house of a roller derby coach apparently cuz her roommate and the coach were having some sort of dispute.  There’s barely any legitimate reasons to do something like that, much less over some stupid game.  That’s just plain nuts.  Hate to think what she would try against any opposing teams if they won against the team.  Imagine it will eventually come out she’s got some sort of mental deficiency (duh).  At least I sort of hope so.  Hate to think someone would have such little regard for human life to do something like this without some sort of mental defect.  Unbelievable.  And, all of this cuz of roller derby.  Roller derby?  Are you kidding me? Now, if she’d been upset over an Alabama or Auburn game…Just kidding, but sadly more Alabamians would understand why she did it;
  
• If you’re gonna wear your britches around your knees while packing heat, try not to get busted for selling marijuana.  Dude in Minnesota was arrested for selling pot outside of a local restaurant.  During the process of the arrest, his baggy pants fell on the ground.  The female officer reached down to pull them up and felt a pistol in one of the pockets.  The suspect tried to claim it was an illegal search and seizure and pled it all the way up to the MN State Supreme Court.  The Court disagreed and now he’ll spend some extra time in the pokey cuz of his baggy britches.  Well, in all honesty, sure the officer would have found the pistol eventually and am sure the court probably took that into consideration.  But, still, sort of lends credence to the old saying, “Drugs will make you stupid.”  Just glad the court had some smarts about ‘em…for a change;
  
• From the “Your Government Dollars at Work” category, read an article about how some of the stimulus money has been spent.  Apparently $823,200 went to a scientist at UCLA so he could study the effects of washing genitals after sex in South Africa.  Supposed to be about AIDS prevention.  Now, I’m about as much of a “big picture” person as you’ll probably ever find, but am having a hard time trying to figure out: A. what AIDS prevention in South Africa has to do with anything in the US; and, B. how this is supposed to stimulate the US economy and create jobs.  Guess you can argue preventing AIDS in Africa might eventually help prevent AIDS in the US.  And reckon the money did create (sort of) jobs for the scientist and his assistants.  But, still, don’t make much sense on the surface when that money could have gone towards creating jobs for people who have no kind of job at all.  After all, that’s what the stimulus bill was supposed to be all about.  And politicians wonder why the citizens have little to no confidence in their abilities…;
  
• Am glad the preacher in Florida decided not to have the Koran burning after all.  The better angels of my nature would like to think they never really intended to go through with it all along.  Reckon we’ll never know, though.  Did see a poll on CNN.com this week asking if they had the right to burn it in the first place.  Can’t believe this is actually debatable.  Of course they have the right to burn it.  But, as I’ve said before, just cuz you have the right to do something don’t make it right to do that something.  But, what really struck me about this question was the attempt to grossly oversimplify the whole situation.  This whole story was about ignorance, censorship, intolerance, and attention-grabbing more than anything else.  That’s one of the downsides of our freedoms: the media is a big part of the problem in these matters.  The preacher became addicted to the attention and the media just kept fueling him on with it’s continuous coverage.  But, if the press ain’t free, we ain’t free so reckon we have to put up with the bad so we can have the good.  Still don’t make their question make any more sense to me, though;
  
• Every time I got in the car today, the folks on ESPN radio were talking about something Derek Jeter did that was just so egregious they couldn’t believe he did it.  Irritating thing was they never would say what he did.  So, when I got in, had to look it up.  Folks, here’s what he did that was so bad:  he faked getting hit by a pitch.  Holy cow!  Stop the presses!  A player tried to get an advantage in a game!  Oh, the humanity!!!!  Turns out the pitcher threw inside and hit the knob of the bat (Jeter admitted after the game he had not been hit).  The umpire asked him if he got hit and he started flopping his arm around like Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack.  The Yankees were trailing at the time and he was doing anything he could to get on base, which is his job.  The next dude happen to hit a home run.  Yankees still lost the game, though.  Now, no-way, no-how am I anything close to a Yankees fan, but have to applaud the man for what he did.  Even the opposing manager, who got thrown out of the game for arguing Jeter didn’t get hit by the pitch, said he didn’t think Jeter did anything wrong and would encourage his own players to do the same thing.  The real rub to the media is Jeter’s a real media golden boy and they now feel betrayed cuz he’s just a competitor trying to win at all costs just like everyone else in the world.  Well, I say, get over it!  It’s called taking advantage of baseball’s stupid decision not to use replay more.  Nobody would be complaining if he had leaned into the pitch to get hit.  They’d be praising him for “taking one for the team.”  Not much difference in my mind.  It’s debatable whether either one is ethical, and getting hit intentionally is agin the rules, too.  So, chill out, Baseball Media.  You’re making a big deal out of absolutely nothin’;
  
• Finally, in case you don’t know, marijuana for medicinal purposes is legal out in California.  Well, for those folks who want the effect from the HTC but don’t want to inhale, they now have marijuana-flavored ice cream.  Article I read says every pint is the equivalent of about eight joints.  Said it is literally flying off the shelves of the places that can legally sell it.  If you build a better mousetrap…  Now, never had a hankering for mary jane myself, but have seen and heard about the mythical “munchies” the stuff can cause.  Reckon having weed mixed in with your ice cream might solve that little dilemma.  As the great Briscoe Darling, Jr., used to say, “More power to ya…”   

Well, reckon that’s enough for now.  Appreciate ya making it to the end of the mumbo-jumbo that are my thoughts, if you want to call them that.  As always, all comments are welcome whether you’re fer me or agin me.

I’m out!

A Little Bit of Fun

Time for a blog, but ain’t feeling very political these days.  SueMac on the Run had the following questions on her blog the other day.  Thought I’d take a crack at them just for funsies. 

And, awaaayyyyy we go:

1.   You have $100 to spend on a fun present for yourself.  What are you going to buy?

Not really sure.  Probably let my wife and/or kids spend it on something they wanted.  It’s more fun watching them buy stuff than buy stuff myself.  But, if I had to spend it on myself, would probably give it to the sushi chef and tell him to keep surprising me until the money runs out.  Always wanted to do that.  Mmmmmmm.  Suuuuuuushiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2.    Accomplishment I'm most proud of...... 

The thing I’m most proud of in my life are my wife and kids, but wouldn’t really consider them accomplishments, so to speak.  More like blessings.  Think I would have to say the accomplishments I’m most proud of are every time I make someone laugh.  Very few things in life feel better than laughter.  We should all be proud of any time we can make someone laugh, whether it’s with us or at us.  OK, maybe more with us.

3.    What’s your favorite smell?

Hard to narrow it down to just one cuz have lots of favorite food smells ranging from my wife’s roast beef cooking in the crock pot to my grandmother’s apple pies.  But, if had to choose one thing to smell the rest of my life, would probably choose cedar trees.  Not the hard-core-knock-you-off-your-feet smell of a cedar chest.  Just the smell you get when you are standing next to a tree or two.  Love it!

4.    You’re dream car

A Jeep CJ-7, which for you youngsters out there, was the Jeep Wrangler before folks got excited about vehicle rollovers.  Have always wanted one.

5.    Favorite Season

Fall.  Just something about the leaves changing colors, the air getting cooler, football on Saturdays, and lots of other things that make this my favorite season.

6.    Favorite Way to Relax

Favorite way by myself:  Settin’ in the woods or on the water watching nature come by.  Hard to beat that getting-away-from-it-all feeling I get whenever I get the chance.  Hope to pass that feeling along to my children someday.  Favorite way with others: Vacationing with the family.  Don’t really matter where, either. 

7.    What was your favorite candy as a kid?

Anything with chocolate and caramel.  Always fondest of the Marathon bar.  Don’t think they even make those any more…

8.    It’s a cold winter day, you’re home alone.  Now what?

Put on a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt.  Wrap up in a blanket.  Find some sort of sports on TV.  Take a nap.  Might even skip step #3…

Well, those are my answers.  Feel free to share what yours would be.  Hope you’re enjoying the 80’s music.

Y’all have a good’n!

Does God Really…?

A Twitter friend posted some interesting questions and comments about God the other day.  They got me to thinking of some responses.  Since I needed more than 140 characters to respond, thought I’d post my response here.  I’ve been working on a blog along these same lines for a couple of weeks, anyway, so this gives me just another reason to go ahead with it.  I’m not trying to convert anybody with these ramblings.  Just putting my thoughts out there.  It’s up to you to decide what you choose to take from ‘em.  So, here I go:

• I don't believe in the Christian God [but] I've seen enough "miracles" and heard strange stories to think that I can't deny the possibility of supernatural – To paraphrase the great mind Yoda, there either Is or Is not.  There either is a God who has dominion over everything or there isn’t.  There is no Christian God, Jewish God, Muslim God, Hindu God, or any other specific brand of God.  There can be only one God.  I choose to believe there is a God cuz I’ve seen and heard lots of things that have convinced me He is here, but I will get into that a little later;

• Why do Christians automatically expect their God giving them just blessings? - Hear this question a lot, especially in the context of sports when the winner thanks God for helping them win.  Don’t think Christians (and followers of other religions) think God only blesses them and their kind.  After all, why would God care who wins the Super Bowl?  Think people are just misunderstanding the response.  To me, the response is thanking God for giving them the talent to succeed in that particular situation, which is not to say the other team has not been given the same gifts or that He has willed for the Saints to beat the Colts.  Instead, these folks realize they’ve been given a gift above others.  After all, lots of folks can play football in the backyard, but most of them don’t have the talent to make it in the NFL (or to play in the FIFA World Cup for my overseas friends).  “Religious” people realize where this talent comes from.  God gives this to them at birth, long before they’ve made the choice whether to follow God or not.  It’s not just limited to Christians, either.  Jews thank Yahweh.  Muslims thank Allah.  Christians just get more press about it cuz there are more in the high-profile sports for whatever reason.  The fact you are a Christian does not necessarily grant you more blessings than others…on Earth.  We’ve all seen successful people who aren’t “religious.”  The greatest blessing for believers will be after they pass from this lifetime and live eternally in the Kingdom of God.  Bottom line is: Christians (and others) realize where their blessings come from and like to give thanks where thanks are due.

• God is guiding me everywhere right on time, but millions die in floods, diseases and natural and other disasters?  Don’t think God controls my every movement or anything like that.  Do I think He watches out over me?  Yes, but, like any other child, I don’t always listen to Him so I do things He’s not necessarily happy about.  But, just for the sake of argument, let’s say He does guide me everywhere.  That still will not shield me from disasters.  The world ceased being a perfect place once Adam and Eve made the decision to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.  Therefore, bad things are going to happen.  Could God stop them if He chose?  Yes, and I believe sometimes He does, especially if He has a higher purpose for you being here.  Now, that don’t mean only the bad die young.  Heard a preacher say once there is no explanation why good people die before we think they should.  Unfortunately in life, there are things we are just not meant to understand nor be given an answer to;

• Why do I believe?  (This is my question, not hers)  There are many reasons why I believe.  One is because I do.  My heart of hearts tells me there is a Higher Being out there Who looks out over us and was gracious enough to let us be born.  Christianity is the only religion which worships a savior with an empty grave.  This is because Jesus conquered death by rising three days after he was killed on the cross.  With all the early Christians went through to keep it going, hard to believe it would still be around if God did not exist and Jesus didn’t rise from the grave.  Another is there are just too many things which had happen at the right time in the right place for us to be here for me to believe they happened by luck or coincidence.  But, if you are a real pragmatist, here is something to think about:  No one disputes the Bible is thousands of years old.  Many believe it is inspired by what God told the writers.  If you read Genesis 1, it says God created the heavens and earth.  Then He created life in the oceans before creating life on the land and in the air.  It also says He created the animals before He created man.  Science believes this is the same order life as we know it was created in.  The Bible told us about this thousands of years ago, long before scientists existed much less proved this to be true.  And, for the record, have always believed Who created us and why is much more important that the actual how.

So, these are my thoughts on the matter.  Like I said earlier, not trying to convert anyone.  My purpose is to give you some things to think about.  It’s up to you to decide whether you believe them to be true or not.  If God cannot make you believe, what chance do I have?  If you decide not to believe them, I will still love and respect you as a friend, and I hope you will feel the same about me.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you!

Synapses Gapses

Certainly been some interesting things in the news here lately.  Floods, bombs, and lots o’ oil just to name a few.  Would it surprise you to find out have some thoughts on them?  Didn’t think so.  By the way, tonight’s music has nothing to do with the content.  Just what I felt like playing.  If you’re ready, here we go:

• Up to 95 followers on Twitter now.  Hoping to be up to 100 sometime soon.  Got my first celebrity tweetback last night.  Sent Kelsey Grammer a tweet about how much the Mrs and I love Frasier.  He tweeted back “Thank you.”  Have noticed he’s pretty good about responding to people, but wasn’t expecting a reply from him myself.  Yes, short and sweet but still purty cool to me.  Am glad made the decision to join Twitter.  Have “met” interesting people from all around the world.  Been a lot of fun and informative all at the same time.  Several friends speak different languages about half the time.  (@GadgetClo – Spanish; @ingek73 – Dutch, I think)  Really enjoy them when they speak English.  Someday will have to learn how to read their languages cuz sure whatever they are saying in it is interesting, too.  If you follow me on Twitter, thanks for the follow!;
• Speaking of different languages, one of the things which has intrigued me the most about Twitter is seeing how different American English is from British English.  There’s been several times I’ve had to either ask what something meant or looked it up on Google or Bing.  For instance, yesterday was some sort of holiday so lots of folks were off work.  Several people were talking about going to car boot sales.  My first thought was a lot of people sure need tires over there.  Turned out they are similar to flea markets and/or garage sales over here in the States.  In Britain, a car boot is the trunk so a car boot sale is someone selling stuff out of the trunk of their car.  Have seen several people use the term “knackered,” too.  Think it means “tired,” but I’m not completely sure about that.  Thus endeth the lesson.  Amazing how we use the same words but speak such a different language all at the same time;
• Been watching the big oil slick out in the Gulf, especially since used to live that way.  Before all this is over, there will be plenty of lawsuits.  Heard the sharks, er, lawyers are already circling around all along the coast.  Within a couple of days, there were already about 10 suits seeking class-action status.  Only in America.  Saw a quote where the BP chairman said there will be lots of fraudulent claims filed since this is America.  Sad statement cuz it’s true.  Seems like BP is trying to do the right thing.  Have seen some folks complaining about how slow our gov’t has been to react to it.  Not really sure what they could have done differently at this point.  But sure we’ll find out soon enough.  Hope it gets contained quickly;
• Got a big election coming up in Britain on Thursday.  Will be interested to see who wins and how it ultimately affects the US.  Not really sure who I should be rooting for.  My Twitter friends from over there have made compelling cases for two of the candidates.  About the only thing they seem to agree on (I think) is none of them really want Gordon Brown to win. Most of them watched all three debates.  Sad to say, didn’t watch a single one of ours in the last election and can’t remember the last time I did watch one.  Keep hearing something about a hung parliament, but have to admit not really sure what that means.  Think it’s where no party has a clear majority.  As I understand British politics, that will make it difficult to choose the next prime minister.  Could get real interesting to see what happens with one of our strongest (if not THE strongest) allies.   If you’re from Britain, make sure you vote.  As someone told me once, if you don’t vote, you got no right to complain.  Just don’t be like rural Alabamians (and several other Southern states) who vote early and often;
• Gonna be interesting to see who all is involved in the Time Square bomb plot.  Somehow doubt this dude acted alone.  Keep hearing about what a hero the police officer is who recognized what was going on, and rightfully so.  Don’t hear much about the vendor who told him about it, though.  Seems like he should be getting some credit, too.  Anyway, dude almost got away with it(why do I hear “And I would have, too, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids” in my head).  Another 5 minutes and he would have been gone forever.  Now folks are arguing whether it’s the gov’t’s or the airline’s fault he almost got away.  Seems to me like TSA should have known he was on the no-fly list before the airline did and not let his sorry butt through security.  Someone in Customs was supposed to be checking his papers before he got on the plane, weren’t they?  See another long investigation coming on this, too.  How much you wanna bet we don’t find any fault with ourselves?;
• Did you hear about the Philadelphia Phillies fan who got tasered at the game the other night?  Some 17 year-old kid decided it would be a good idea to jump onto the field and run around.  Even asked his dad if it would be OK before he did it.  Supposedly daddy didn’t say yes but didn’t say no, either.  Anywho, while he was running on the field, a police officer pulled out a taser and shot him with it.  Now people are giving the officer a hard time about it.  To me, the idiaht deserved everything he got.  Should have gone up in the stands and got daddy, too, for not at least trying to stop him.  Maybe this will stop others from running out there looking for attention.  Puts a lot of people at risk when dopes run out on the field like that.  Will say it again: idiaht;
• Been watching America: The Story of Us on the History Channel.  Overall, think it’s been pretty good even though they are glossing over a lot of things.  Have noticed a slight liberal twist to most of it.  Bout the only conservative who’s been on there is Newt Gingrich, so far, anyway.  Still, been some interesting things on the show.  Seem to be going out of their way sometimes to talk about the contributions of some folks in our early history you don’t normally hear about.  Has been good to see how much African-Americans contributed to the cause during the American Revolution.  Thought they went a little too far when they talked about Baron Von Stueben having to leave the Prussian army over rumors he was gay.  Not really sure what that had to do with anything other than just to throw it in there.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that.  But, recommend tuning in to it.  Gonna talk about the Civil War this week;
• Know I’ve been pimping the Stanley Cup playoffs in my last couple of blogs, but I’m gonna pimp them some more.  Have been some awesome games this year.  Some of the goalies have been nothing short of spectacular.  Been some real hard hits, too.  There’s nothing in sports like Stanley Cup playoff hockey in my opinion.  You should really check it out.  Who knows, you might love it!!!

Hope you’re having a great week!  Let’s hope they figure out a way to round up all that oil before it destroys too much coastland.

Peace out!

More Musical Memories

Music is such a wonderful thing.  It helps us feel good, wallow in our sorrows, feel better, think about stuff, and a wide variety of other things.  Music can even take you back to specific moments in time.  Thought I’d share more of my musical memories with you.  Maybe they’ll trigger some of yours, too.  Will list them by song title and the artist most famous for performing them:

• Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash) – Ah, the “Down, Down” song.  That’s what my kids called it when they were around 3 years old.  We’d get in the truck and they’d want to hear the “Down, Down” song.  They pretty much liked all of Mr. Cash’s songs, but usually asked for this one in particular.  Could tell they were going to have a real appreciation for music;
• Sir Duke and Over the Rainbow (Stevie Wonder/Judy Garland) – Marching band, freshman year of high school.  Enjoyed my four years in the band, but will always think of this one as the best.  Had some real characters that year, and we were pretty good if I have to say so myself.  Can still see a fellow trombone player flipping over backwards cuz he was trying to play real loud during one performance.  Good times…;
• Piano Man (Billy Joel) – Saw him in concert during his Nylon Curtain tour.  My bud Jimmy and I were sitting about halfway up in the balcony at the back of the arena.  Jimmy said he was amazed cuz Billy was making the harmonica sounds with just his mouth.  Pointed out he was actually using the harmonica he’d put around his neck.  The lady sitting next to me let us borrow her binoculars to confirm it.  Purty funny.  And, yes, we were completely sober.  Really miss talking to Jimmy.  He’s still alive.  Just don’t get to talk to him;
• Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd) – You may remember listed this last time.  But, have another memory associated with this song, too.  One morning when Mr. Mayhall was late…again…was listening to this with Ronnie, Jud and Sean in Ronnie’s car.  When the little piano plink representing the pin prick played (wow, look at that alliteration), Jud reached up and flicked Ronnie on the ear.  I know, an odd thing to remember, but it’s in there;
• Bridge over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel) – Was listening to this song on the radio and had to get out before it ended.  Drove me so crazy not being able to hear the ending had to go buy it on tape.  True story;
• Wild, Wild West (Kool Mo Dee) – This song may shock some of you.  But, used to listen to it when I would go out onto the Wesley Foundation balcony to watch the nightlife on the Tuscaloosa strip.  Saw some purty wild things…Also listened to Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, and several other bands while out there;
• Riders on the Storm ( The Doors) – Was listening to my walkman radio while writing a paper one night in college.  This song came on and swear could feel raindrops falling on the back of my neck.  Pretty eerie feeling which was cool all at the same time.  And, yes, again, was completely sober;
• Photograph (Def Leppard) – First real heavy metal song I ever liked and among the earliest music videos can remember seeing on MTV when we first got it.  Still remember the air band competition from high school.  The dudes that did this song won the whole thing and deservedly so;
• Cult of Personality (Living Colour) – Saw them on Saturday Night Live.  Still see Corey Glover slinging his braids around during the guitar solo every time I hear it on my iPod.  Awesome song wrapped around a pretty good history lesson.  Almost bought tickets to the Stones concert just to see these guys open for them;
• Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – Way back when I was in school, they used to play this before every Bama home game.  May still do.  I don’t know.  Anyway, the entire student section would keep the beat with our shakers.  An awesome sight for this Tide fan;
• Jump (Van Halen) – Chicago Cubs baseball back in the 80’s.  Every time I hear it still expect Harry Caray to come on and say,”Hello again, everybody!  It’s a great day for baseball!” when the music fades away;
• I Melt with You (Modern English) – Can see that couple dancing in the video every time I hear that song.  Still haven’t been able to figure out if the blonde guitarist in the white shirt was male or female;
• Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana) – Have always liked the song even though have never understood the lyrics.  Can hardly figure out what Kurt Cobain is singing but they still don’t make much sense when I read them.  Finally figured out a couple of weeks ago they’re not supposed to make sense cuz the teenage mind quickly jumps from thought to thought, at least it did when I was one.  That’s what I think, anyway.  Only took me 20 years to come up with that theory.  I’m such a gueenius…

Well, hope this list triggered some memories in you, even if you thought of some different songs.  Will probably be a part three sometime.  The hard part will be picking the soundtrack for this blog.  Too much to choose from…

Y’all have a good one.

A Little Mish-Mash

You’re not just reading the blog of any half-brained nitwit.  You’re reading the blog of a half-brained nitwit who was quoted in Cory McCartney’s NASCAR article on SI.com this week.  Who says having a little redneck in your blood don’t pay off every now and then?  Anywho…

Got some thoughts on a few topics this week.  So, here we go:

• My son called me today and the first words out of his mouth were, “I luuuuv youuuuu!” just like his momma does from time to time.  Knew right away they either wanted to buy something or had already bought something.  After much hemming and hawing, he finally fessed up they’d bought another cat.  Black cat by the name of Zoe.  Makes three cats in less than a year.  Could have been worse.  Figured they would have bought one already.  Wonder what took ‘em so long?;
• May have seen a friend of mine posted a comment ‘bout me taking up for both President Obama and Sen. Chuck Schumer in my last post.  What can I say?  Even a broke clock is right twice a day.  Well, the ones that actually have a face, anyway.  Besides, wouldn’t be right for me to criticize folks for not seeing both sides have some good points if I didn’t acknowledge when someone is right myself.  Or should that be left?;
• Reckon you’ve heard about all the volcanic ash over in Europe.  Somethin’ else!  Travel plans getting ruined all over the world. Even President Obama had to cancel his trip to the Polish president’s funeral cuz of it.  Someone tweeted it’s a good time to be filming shows set in the Middle Ages cuz won’t have to worry about airplane contrails being in the background.  Now, that’s the power of positive thinking.  Anyway, read this volcano is considered a small one.  Hate to see what will happen when a big one finally goes off;
• This is a great time of year to be a sports fan.  Baseball’s going strong, the NFL draft is coming up, the NBA playoffs are starting up, and, best of all, the Stanley Cup playoffs have started.  Been watching them this week.  Forgot just how exciting playoff hockey really is.  You should drop by VS tv one night and check it out.  If you are lucky enough to catch an overtime game, you might just be hooked for life.  And, if it’s a game 7 in overtime, you definitely will be;
• Read today that Peter Angelos, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles, refuses to hire Cal Ripken, Jr, an Oriole legend to say the least, to help out with the ball club.  Says he doesn’t want to ruin Ripken’s legacy if it doesn’t work out.  Also allegedly said he doesn’t want Ripken to get the credit if they finally start winning.  That’s a shame.  Just goes to show Mr. Angelos is not about the team winning.  He’s all about himself winning.  Very sad.  Think Ripken is one of the classiest players who ever played the game.  Never wanted him to break Gehrig’s record.  But, when I saw how classy he was in finally breaking it, became one of his biggest fans.  He was the reason I came back to baseball after the strike.  Still get goosebumps every time I think about him taking that victory lap.  Even saw him at Epcot in 1996 but wouldn’t go talk to him cuz he’s so classy didn’t want to bother him while he was with his family.  Sure hope Angelos changes his mind.  Imagine a lot of Orioles fans do, too;
• Get to listen to Pandora when I work on Saturdays.  It is TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!  Have three stations:  Guns ‘N’ Roses, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana.  Used to have Metallica but some of the songs were too hard even for me.  In case you’re not familiar with Pandora, you choose a band you like then it programs songs for that channel based on songs in the same general category.  Although, have heard the Beatles on both Pink Floyd and Nirvana and Led Zepplin on all three.  Pretty amazing if you ask me.  The station plays that band about every third song or so, sometimes even sooner.  Highly recommend you check it out if you haven’t already.  You may ask why not just listen to your iPod?  Well, you got me there except you may hear songs on Pandora not on your iPod.  Still purty cool.  Don’t cost a dime, either;
• A lot of folks I follow on Twitter are European.  Mostly British and Irish but some others thrown in there, too.  Pretty interesting to follow their conversations.  Been a lot of talk about the volcano ash this week, naturally.  But, it gets really interesting whenever there’s a football game being played.  (That would be soccer to those of us on this side of The Pond.)  Seems like they all are watching it.  Same thing when Britain’s Got Talent is on.  (You know, that’s the show Susan Boyle got famous on).  Have been some interesting political discussions, too. Sometimes I have to ask for clarification on a few topics and they are always nice enough to provide the extra explanation this dumb American needs to follow along.  It really is a small world after all;
• Gotta couple new blog links to the left.  One by Girl Gone Healthy (follow each other on Twitter) and the other by Forevafit.  Ms. Forevafit just started following my blog today.  Not sure how she got here, but welcome!  Checked out her blog.  It’s still in the developing stages but looks pretty neat!  Ms. Healthy’s does, too.  Both are related to fitness.  Know you will probably enjoy both just as much as I will;
• Special shout out to my friend Sue Mac!  She has several blogs over to the left, too.  She ran a 15k race this weekend that bills itself as the toughest run in the South.  Has two hills in it that must be killerz cuz everyone she talked to about it told her to walk up the hills, even the dude who signed her up.  You know those jokers have to be bad!!!  Well, she managed to finish in under two hours.  Pretty good considering she just started training for it last week.  Congrats, Sue Mac!  And, no, I’m not gonna run in it next year…probably;

Well, that’s all I got for now.  Appreciate you hanging in here with me.  Y’all have a great weekend.  Looks like I will be out buying some new running shoes myself.  Wore the tread off of the old ones doin’ all my runnin’!!!  Woo-hoo!!!

Y’all keep ‘em straight out there!     

The Empty Tomb

This is the holiest week of the year for Christians. This week excites me more as a Christian than even Christmas. Why? Easter is the day that separates Christianity from every other religion in the world. This day celebrates our Savior has an empty tomb!

Almost 2000 years ago, there were a lot of sad people on this day. They had seen someone they saw as The Messiah perish on a cross. Not just perish, but suffer a cruel and painful death. Life as they saw it was over. Little did they know how right they were!

Jesus chose to die as a sacrifice for all the sins of the world. Three days later He was alive! There are many reasons He arose from the grave. The most important is so He can walk beside those that let Him into their lives. He died so that we may live.

My family and I choose for Jesus to be a part of our lives. Does that mean our lives have been easy since that decision? Nope. Not even close. But, what it does mean is Jesus walks with us every day. He is there to comfort us and give us direction in our journey through this life. When we choose to listen, life seems a little easier. We know we will have strength and encouragement to get through the bad times. We also have someone else to help us celebrate the good things. Ultimately, we know we will have life after we leave this world. All these reasons give us the peace and happiness most people seek for their lives.

And, it's all because of an empty tomb.

If this post seems familiar to you, that's cuz it's the same one from last year.  Just couldn't think of a better way to say it this year.

Have a happy Easter!

48 Ways to Have a Great Day Every Day

Some of you may recall I once posted a newsletter from Dr. Alan Zimmerman on ways to reduce stress in your life (see here).  Well, gotta another one want to share about different ways to have a great day every day.  They are all very short.  It's from his October 27, 2009, newsletter.  Gonna add some editorial comment on a few of them, but most stand pretty much on their own.

Dr. Zimmerman's TUESDAY TIP:

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Michelangelo Buonarroti, Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor


What Dr. Zimmerman Has To Say About This:

Michelangelo is right.  You shouldn't settle for an "okay" life when an "exceptional" life is possible.  You shouldn't settle for "getting through another day" when every day could be a "great" one. 

And over the years, I've discovered that a "great" day has a lot more to do with how I approach it than what actually happens to me.  A "great" day is a matter of choice and not a matter of luck.

That being the case, I've put together a list of ways you can have a great day every day.  It's a compilation of my thoughts and experiences ... interspersed with the wisdom of others.  Print out the list and look at once in a while ... because the more points you follow, the better your days will be.


                    DR. ZIMMERMAN'S 48 WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT DAY ... EVERY DAY

**Get PHYSICAL.

1.  Take a few deep breaths throughout the day.  It not only calms you but re-invigorates you.

2.  Get busy living. Don't sit around waiting for life to happen.  And don't sit around wallowing in the grief of yesterday.  Life is too short for long pity parties.

3.  And if you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, just remember ... for fast-acting relief, try slowing down. (works better than any chemical you can put in your body)
 

**Put some RECREATIONAL fun in your day. 

4.  Look for the humor in everyday situations.  For example, if you show me a man that has both feet firmly planted on the ground, I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.

5.  Look for the craziness in everyday platitudes.  As they say, "Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime."  But in reality, sometimes you teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day long.  (not that there's anything wrong with that from time to time)

6.  Don't watch life from the sidelines.  Get involved and make the most of it ... starting now.

7.  Grow up without growing old.

8.  Always remember, no one is in charge of your happiness except you. (extra double AMENS for this one!!!)


**Keep your EMOTIONAL life in check.

9.  Lighten up.  Most of the things you worry about aren't going to happen anyway. (One of my favorite quotes is "Lighten up, Frances" from Stripes)

10. Don't go through life; grow through life.

11. Dismiss discouragement.  Every great achievement was once impossible.  (Just think of the advances made in our lifetimes you would have never dreamed possible such iPods, laptops, etc)

12. Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

13. Practice patience.  Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.  (Perseverance, too)

14. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

15. Be thankful for your problems. If you threw all your problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, you'd grab yours back.


**Nurture your SOCIAL connections.

16. Enthusiasm is contagious. Start an epidemic.

17. Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.

18. Multiply your happiness by dividing it.

19. Tell the truth; then you won't have to worry about remembering anything.

20. Remember, there's always someone who cares about you.  In fact, if you think nobody cares if you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of car payments.
   
21. Don't miss a good chance to shut up.  Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.  (Like the old saying goes, there's a reason God gave us two ears and only one mouth)

22. Beware of gossip.  Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in again.

23. If you want to G-E-T, you have to A-S-K.

24. Guard your tongue.  You cannot unsay a cruel word.

25. Choose your friends carefully.  When you wallow with pigs, you're going to get dirty.  (As the Bible says in Proverbs, bad company ruins good character)

26. Strive to make people feel good.  After all, people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
   
27. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

28. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

29. Even if you have pains, you don't have to be one.

30. Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.

31. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.


**Approach your OCCUPATION with wisdom.

31. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

32. Don't corner anyone meaner than you.

33. The harder you work, the luckier you get.  (Imagine that) 


**Use your MENTAL capacity to think good thoughts and make good choices.

34. Remember ... life isn't fair.  Some days you're the bug, and some days you're the windshield. Deal with it.
   
35. When you're pursuing what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

36. Never dismiss the value of a mistake. Make the mistakes of yesterday your lesson for today.

37. Be thankful for every experience.  After all, good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of those experiences come from bad judgment. (Lots of good stories, too)

37. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

38. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

39. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

40. Use common sense.  Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

41. Keep on learning ... by reading and observing.  Forget about learning the hard way.  As Will Rogers said, "There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves."  (Only took me 5 times to figure out that fence hurts)

42. Keep your ego in check.  And if you ever get to thinking you're a super-important, hot-shot kind of person, try ordering somebody else's dog around.


**Tap into your SPIRITUAL side.

43. Don't count the days; make the days count.

44. Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.

45. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

46. Don't go through life with a catcher's mitt on each hand ... with a "gimme, gimme, gimme" attitude.  True happiness comes from throwing some things back into life.
   
47. Don't forget ... every path has a few puddles.

48. Do what is right whether or not you feel like it.  The time is always right to do what is right.

49.  No matter what happens, the sun will always rise tomorrow.

50.  Always remember God loves you...and the rest of us are trying. 


So there's my list.  Feel free to edit it as you like.  Make up your own list.  Write down your truths.  And when the economy seems bleak, when your business is struggling, when your relationships are under fire, or you seem to be living under a cloud, pull out the list and read it again.  Remind yourself you CAN have a good day ... EVERY DAY ... if you just apply a few of these truths.


Action:

Add two more "ways to have a good day every day" ... to the list above.  Make it an even 50.


Dr. Alan Zimmerman

As you can see, already added my additional two.  Am interested in what yours may be.  Please feel free to let me know by either leaving a comment or sending me an e-mail at ScotPS23@yahoo.com.  

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Z or signing up for his newsletter, you can go to his website using this link.  He's given me lots of things to think about over the years.  You might enjoy him, too.

As always, thanks for reading.  Feel free to pass this along to your family and friends.  (Now, that's a funny expression just screaming for its own blog.)  And, don't forget about my friends' blogs over on the left side.  Been some good ones lately.


I'm out!

Disney Vacation

Well, just spent a week visiting with The Mouse.  Went on the cruise then headed over to Orlando for a couple of days of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  As usual, had some random observations rattle around in me noggin.  So, will share ‘em with you so I can clear ‘em out of me head.

If you’re ready, here we go:

• What is it about Disney that inspires people to plop down $30 on crazy hats which you won’t wear the next day much less after you get home?  You know the ones I’m talking about.  The sorcerers hats, the ears, etc.  We were guilty of it, too.  Bought a bunch of stuff for the Pirates in the Caribbean party on the boat which will probably never be worn again.  Unbelievable; 
• Disney is all about customer service.  They will do anything they can to make a guest happy as long as it’s within reason.  About the only time they willingly disappoint guests is when the characters leave with people still in line to see ‘em.  There’s just no way around that, though;
• That being said, they’re all about customer service cuz they’re all about the Benjamins.  Happy guests open their wallets way more often than unhappy ones.  They nickel and dime you until you’ve spent way more than you realized/wanted.  Nothing wrong with keeping your business afloat, but wish they would let me keep some of my money for when I get back home;
• Quote of the week from my daughter:  “You mean they charge to get into Disney?!”  as we were pondering a last  minute trip to the Magic Kingdom.  Ah, the innocence of childhood;
• Quote of the week from my son: “Why do people congest the roads” as we were sitting still on the interstate for the umpteenth time for no apparent reason while trying to get home Saturday.  Wish I had an answer for him.  Just can’t understand how traffic can stop on a road with no stoplights or stop signs when there are no wrecks;
• There are some Bama fans that work at Disney.  When I took pictures of Mickey and Minnie on Castaway Cay, both gave me the thumbs up for the Bama cover on my iPhone.  Figured they did that for everyone regardless of the school.  Well, when I took my son’s picture with Capt. Hook, he did the same thing and gave a hand cheer when I said, “Roll Tide.”  My son said, “War Eagle” (yes, he cheers for the other side, sigh) and Hook gave him a thumbs down.  Would guess that’s not standard procedure;
• The smiles on your family’s faces make it worth all the money  spent and time spent standing in lines.  Memories truly are priceless.

A cast member asked us if we were having a good time.  Told ‘im we wouldn’t be talking with him to book our cruise for next year if we weren’t.  Although we had a great time, it’s always  nice to get back home and sleep in your own bed…even though it rained, hailed and snowed the day we got back with a little bit of sunshine thrown in, too. 

Thanks for letting me reminisce a little.  Hope it made you think of some of your own great vacation memories.

Until next time…

 





 

Quick Hits

Got some quick hits that’ve been kicking around in my gray matter.  Maybe you can help me with some answers or comments, if needed.  Thanks.

OK.  Here we go:

• How do people know to call when you’re about to start something you’ve been trying to talk yourself into for 30 minutes?
• Been thinking about getting into Twitter.  Any thoughts or suggestions?;
• Hadn’t seen it so don’t know, but, imagine Hurt Locker is an anti-war film.  Anyone really surprised it won the Oscar from the liberal Hollywood crowd?;
• Why does NASCAR think it’s smart to head to the West Coast, where the stands are half-full at best, after its biggest race of the year?
• Skype is awesome;
• Ever notice most fitness TV commercials are geared towards women?;
• Now that TNA is moving t0 Monday nights, maybe pro wrestling/sports entertainment will be worth watching again…maybe;
• Brett Hart, the Excellence of Execution.  The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be;
• Glad the weather’s getting better.  Hope it will inspire me to start exercising more;
• Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains is one of the best seasons ever;
• Anyone else not watching American Idol this year and not missing it?;
• The hardest part of getting a new laptop is getting used to the keyboard;
• It’s true a Southern man don’t need Neil Young around anyhow;
• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series is purty good even for adults;
• Is Chumley really that dumb and Rick really that smart on Pawn Stars?;
• Have been able to catch with some folks haven’t thought about in years on Facebook.  Very nice.

Feel a little better now.  Thanks for your curiosity.  Please feel free to leave an answer and/or comment or two, or send me an e-mail at ScotPS23@yahoo.com.  If there’s a question gnawing at you, please leave it, too.

Probably won’t be updating the blog over the next couple of weeks.   Gotta take a break every now and then.  But, fear not, both fans out there, I will definitely be back.  Will still check for comments, though.  Please feel free to peruse my archives over on the left while I'm gone.

Y’all have a good one!  Be back soon!

More Stuff

Hope everyone’s had a great week.  Mine’s been pretty good.  Even though the week started with more snow in the Deep South, gonna be an awesome weekend weather-wise here.  Sunny and 60’s.   Can’t wait.

Gotta few things to comment on and wanted to throw them out there while they’re still fresh in me noggin.  So, if you’re willing to proceed, here we go:

• A North Carolina congressmen has submitted a proposal to replace Ulysses S Grant on the $50 bill with Ronald Reagan.  Now, I’m about as big a Reagan fan as you will find, however, not so sure about this one.  In the grand scheme of things, Grant did more for our country by winning the Civil War as a soldier than Reagan did during his presidency.  Think all the current folks on our money should stay put.  If they want to honor Reagan with his mug on some money, they should probably come up with another coin like a $0.20 piece.  That would help cover those $0.99 plus tax things you always have to find extra change for.  Just a thought;
• Saw where Scott Matheson was nominated by President Obama to be a federal judge.  So what, you may be asking.  Well, turns out he’s the brother of Jim Matheson, a Dem congressman from Utah, who also happens to be undecided on his healthcare reform vote.  Imagine that.  Now, Obama claims that has nothing to do with his selection, and from what I’ve read, Scott seems qualified for the position.  But, it still looks a little fishy no matter how you slice it.  Just goes to show the more things change, the more they stay the same;
• President Obama had a press conference the other day with a bunch of doctors standing behind him wearing white coats.  Why do doctors have to wear these things when they are out in public?  You see them all the time making public appearances wearing their white coats or surgical scrubs like they just left a waiting room full of patients or someone on the operating table.  Guess they think it lends an air of credibility or something.  Think it makes them look like they are trying to distract you from the dribble coming out of their mouths myself;
• Joined a blog promotion website called SeededBuzz.com.  The concept is you read other blogs and then provide a link to their blog on yours when you use theirs as inspiration on yours.  Sounds more complicated than it really is.  So, if you’re a blogger, suggest you check it out to see if it might be for you.  Ain’t a charge to be a basic member, but, naturally, you can upgrade for a small fee if you like.  They encourage you to remain a free member, though.  Say all this to let you know I will provide comments on other blogs from time to time now.  Will also provide a link to the blog so you can read it for yourself if you like;
• Read about a law being introduced out in California to outlaw cursing for a week on An Authors Journey (link here).  The politician who proposed it says cursing leads to all kind of social mayhem so it should be illegal for a week.  Should be noted there is no penalty if you break the law if and when it is passed.  This brings several thoughts to mind.  One, why worry about this $@^# when California has an economic crisis worse than the US?  Someone else agrees with this question in limerick form here  Two, at what point in language history did these words become bad to say?  If you think about it, why is “manure” or “anus” any better to say than their more colorful alternatives?  Even some innocuous words such as "hole" can be seen as offensive, I guess.  Have watched shows before where the speaker has said “ass” and the second half of the word is bleeped out.  To me, would think they would bleep the former rather than the latter.  Anyway, just seems like a politician wanting to tell his constituents he’s getting legislation passed when it comes time for re-election.  Better hope no one asks him what it is;
• US Common Sense (link here) has a commentary about Starbucks refusing to kowtow to the anti-handgun movement.  Seems California (and 42 other states) has a law which states you can openly carry handguns anywhere you want.  The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence went to several businesses asking them to prevent people from coming into their places if they were openly packing heat.  Several capitulated but Starbucks refused saying they always follow the local laws and regulations.   I say good for Starbucks!  It irritates me when people want to push their beliefs by trying to hold corporations hostage.  Went out and bought a venti non-fat latte this morning just to show my support.  Now, will say I’m not a big fan of handguns myself; however, I will fight to the death your right to own one (legally) if you so choose.  But, that is a topic for a whole ‘nother blog;
• Gonna have an interesting trial coming up here shortly.  Anthony Galea, a sports medicine doctor in Canada, is being tried for attempting to have HGH smuggled from the US into Canada.  He’s treated some big-name stars including Alex Rodriguez and Tigger Woods.  Of course, they deny taking HGH and say they were taking part in some sort of blood-cleansing type therapy the doc is famous for.  Could get real interesting, though.  Not usually a conspiracy theorist, but have always thought it was a little odd that Tigger blew out his knee the year the PGA started testing for performance-enhancing drugs.  Not that I think it gave him an unfair advantage if he did take PED’s.  His mental toughness is what separates him from everyone else.  Probably didn't take them.  Still…;
• Did you see where McDonald’s has struck up a sponsorship deal with…brace yourself…Weight Watchers?  Yup.  Happened in New Zealand.  McD’s will be able to use the WW seal of approval for several of their meals including chicken nuggets and filet-o-fish sandwiches.  Needless to say, not all health advocates are crazy about it seeing as how McD’s is always the poster child for unhealthy eating.  Never would have thought it would happen myself, but more power to them if that’s what both parties want to do.  It’s their name and money 0n the line.  Will be interesting to see if it makes its way to this side of the pond;
• Could be an interesting weekend in Alabama.  The bingo parlors have opened back up.  The state authorities have said they’re gonna raid them.  The county authorities have said they gonna stop ‘em at the door.  And our politicians wonder why people, including our own citizens, make fun of Alabama;
• March is one of the best months of the year for sports fans.  The NCAA basketball tournament (a.k.a – March Madness) will be starting soon.  Baseball spring training has started.  Basketball and hockey are wrapping up their seasons to start the playoffs.  Will be lots of stuff for sports folks to yak about.  Should be a fun month.

That’s all the news that is the news…to me…for now, anyway.  Thanks as always for trudging through it.  Hope you enjoyed it or at least have a few more things to think about, if you need more.  Please be sure to check the links on the left, too.  Some good stuff over there.

Have a great weekend!

Random Synapse Gaps

Every time me thinks the news just can’t get any stranger,  it does.  Reckon that’s what I get for thinking.   So if you want to read  commentary on some recent news, please continue.

• If you are into smoking left-handed cigarettes, Statewide Insurance Services has decided to add coverage for medicinal marijuana to their health insurance policies.  They said it’s already legal in 14 states and they figure won’t be too long before the rest follow suit.  Would it surprise you to find out they are based in California?  Anyway, if you’re into that kind of thing and want some coverage, all you need is to live in a state where it’s legal, find a doc to give you a prescription, and buy their insurance.  Now, that’s what I call thinking outside the box;
• It’s come out the former mayor of Birmingham won 555 times at the local electronic bingo establishments over the last 3 years.  Total winnings:  around $1.5 million.  Although he says he doesn’t remember winning like that, claimed the winnings on his taxes so it must be true.  Some days he won close to $100,000.  Several workers have said they were told by management to take him to the “lucky” machines.  Imagine that.  Don’t have anything against gambling myself. But, does go to show what kind of character the gambling moguls can have.  In case you’re wondering why he’s the former mayor, he was recently convicted of taking bribes from several other folks and is about to be sentenced to the pokey.  Surprised?;
• See where Tigger went home from rehab a little over a week after his statement.  Wonder why he couldn’t have waited another week or two?  Maybe he really was trying to stick it to the sponsor who dropped him during their tournament.  Or, maybe he just wanted to be able to get away for a while from the media hubbub he knew would come after he talked.  Who knows?  The real question to me:  is he sleeping in his bed or on the couch?;
• Nancy Pelosi said the other day the politicians should vote for healthcare reform, even if it jeopardizes their political career, cuz it’s what the people want.  As a friend of mine said, if it’s what the people want, why would a vote for reform put their careers in jeopardy?  Sometimes people really should think before they open their yap in public;
• Read where the Chilean earthquake caused the earth’s axis to shift slightly.  Something about the rocks moving  which caused the earth’s weight to shift.  Anyway, it will result in shorter days.  Have lost about 1.26 microseconds according to a NASA scientist.  Not something I would necessarily think about with an earthquake.  The article said the fact it happened is not that unusual but the length of time is.  In comparison, the quake that triggered the tsunami in 2004 only altered the time by .06 microseconds (whatever that is).  On a side note, have found it interesting the world is not coming to Chile’s aid like it did Haiti.  Reckon it’s cuz of the lower death tolls.  Still a sad event, though;
• Guy Morriss, the head football coach at Texas A&M-Commerce, was bragging about teaching his players how to steal.  Seems the student newspaper had a headline about several players getting busted for selling drugs so he told his players to go out and get every copy they could find.  Problem was, the first paper was free then it’s $0.25 for every copy after that.  Since they were taking them stacks at a time without paying the quarters, the paper accused them of stealing.  Coach said there was nothing wrong with telling his players to take the papers.  How much you want to bet there will be another headline soon which reads, “Morriss Gone!”?
• Just how fickle is the American public?  Jay Leno, who couldn’t draw flies to his prime time show, handily won the ratings war when he returned to his old time slot Monday.  Go figure.  Can’t imagine his show is any different.  Maybe it’s cuz the head musician got canned when they moved back.  Who knew?;
• See where Sully Sullivan has decided to hang up his wings.  Might as well, he’s been making so many public appearances (and rightly so) after he landed that plane, probably doesn’t have enough time for his real job.  Congrats on making it to retirement, Sully!  Hope you have a long and fulfilling flight into the sunset.

Well, that’s all I got for now.  Thanks as always for hanging on to the end.  Y’all have a good one!
Until next time…

Just Some Stuff

Well, been some interesting things in the news over the last week or so.  Would you be shocked to find out had an opinion or two on them?  Figured as much.  So, if you’re willing, here we go:

• Have had a chance to mull over Tigger’s statement.  Think there was something in it for everyone.  If you are wanting to forgive him, he said all the right things.  If you ain’t ready, yet, there’s been lots of debate about if this was the real Tigger or just another incarnation of an image he wants us to believe.  Not really sure myself and not real sure I care.  Did think it’s interesting Elin wasn’t up there with him.  Not sure what to read into that.  All I really know is am tired of hearing people talk about it.  Know what I mean?;
• Have seen some hubbub about Scott Brown voting with the Dems on the job bill.  You’d think he was the only Republican to do it, but the reality is 4 others also voted with the Dems.  According to one article I read, a lot of folks on the right actually supported the bill.  They just didn’t like the way Harry Reid was somehow forcing it on them.  Since they knew it would pass anyway, they could vote no in protest.  As for Mr. Brown, I’m glad (at least on this vote) to see he is his own person.  Somebody has to break ranks.  That’s the only way we’ll be rid of some of the gridlock in Washington;
• Watched a little of the healthcare summit.  What a joke.  Read where the Dems spoke for about twice as long as the Pubs, although Obama claimed his time shouldn’t count since he’s the prez.  First of all, seems like the Pubs were being told they were going too long more than the Dems during the short time I watched.  Second of all, why the heck would anyone be timing either side in the first place?!  Seems like someone who was just looking for an axe to grind going into it.  Doubt this show accomplished very much for either side.   Sad to say, know it didn’t hold my interest very long.  Just seemed like a bunch of politicians wanting a little press time.  The Dems will probably use it as an excuse to proceed without the Pubs now, too;
• Eli Manning has agreed to give up $500,000 owed to him by a hospital for PR work.  Seems the hospital is already deeply in debt so he’s agreed to forgo the rest of the money owed him.  He’s even going to continue working for them.  Some folks are griping that he should give the $500 G’s he’d already received from them.  Just goes to show you can’t make everybody happy.  From what I can tell, the hospital was OK with it, so why should anyone else get upset by it?  Anyway, it’s a class move by him, especially since he has said he will keep working for them;
• Well, there’s already been a lawsuit filed in relation to the dude flying his plane into the IRS building.  Now, I’m not necessarily saying a lawsuit isn’t in order.  But, filing one within a week of the incident seems a little premature to me.  Guess that’s the American way now.  When something happens to you, don’t try to work things out on your own, feed the lawyers so they can drag things out forever and then end up getting more than you do.  Like lawsuits, there’s a time and place for lawyers, but seems a little early to get them involved in this case;
• Read a story last year where the mayor of Moscow said he was going to prevent snow from falling there this winter.  Supposedly had some scientific way to make it go around Moscow.  Saw another story this week where it’s snowed there this year just like it always does.  When are we going to learn that we are not God, nor do we play Him on TV?;
• ESPN has suspended Tony Kornhiser from his TV show for two weeks because of remarks he made on his radio show about a female co-worker.  He apparently didn’t like the outfit she was wearing one day and made some comments about it.  He later called her to apologize and then apologized on the air the next day.  Have heard TK make many comments like these before without any repercussions from his employer.  What makes these different is they have a no-tolerance rule for public criticism of fellow ESPN employees, even in non-ESPN outlets like his radio show.  So, it’s not what he said so much as who he said them about.  Guess it’s OK to bash folks as long as they don’t work for ESPN with you.  Somehow, that just don’t seem right to me and just another reason I rarely watch that channel, listen to their radio shows, or surf their site anymore;
• Very sad about the trainer at Sea World.  We went to the dinner with the whales on our trip last year.  Had the same whale during our dinner.  The trainers will constantly remind you that these are wild animals and can be unpredictable.  Sad way to be reminded of this.  Bout the only positive in this whole situation is the trainer went out doing what she loved, which ain’t much in the grand scheme of things.  Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends;
• See where the Russian male figure skater has his knickers in a wad cuz he came in second during the Olympics.  Been complaining to anyone who will listen that the judges cheated him out of the gold.  That’s why I don’t like to watch those “sports” where the winner is chosen by subjective judging.  Never really know if things are on the up-n-up or not.  That being said, he’s just being a sore loser.  Get over it already;
• PARTY ON!!!  Hockey has a saying “GAME ON!” which means it’s time to play.  Apparently the Canadian women’s team likes the first one, too.  After they won the gold, they returned to the ice with beer and cigars to celebrate.  Some folks didn’t like it and complained.  Now the IOC is going to conduct an investigation although not really sure what they are going to investigate.  Maybe where they kept the brewskies and stogies during the game?  Who knows?  Maybe they should spend their resources investigating the men’s skating judges instead of worrying about some folks having a little fun. Geez, Louise.

Well, that’s the news for this week.  Thank you for your time.

This is Scot, and I am outta here!

See you next week.

100 Things About Me - Part Two (aka 51-100)

OK.  Now that you've had time to absorb the first half, gonna pick up where I left off.  If you liked the first 50, hope you enjoy these, too.  If you didn't, well, maybe you'll like these better.  Automatic numbering system won't let me start at 51, so you'll just have to use your imagination.  Ready?  All right, here we go:

1. Although I watch more baseball and football than anything else, if I had my druthers about attending a live game, would choose hockey 6 days a week and twice on Sunday. Much more exciting game, especially in person. Too much standing around in football and baseball at live games. Just wish it translated better onto TV. That being said...;
2. Really enjoy going to baseball games, too. It's natural pace allows you to sit and enjoy the company around you. Have had some real in-depth conversations at baseball games;
3. Prefer to watch football on TV.  There's lots of things you can only see with instant replay.  Can also go to the bathroom or get a snack without walking 100 yards only to wait in line for 10-15 minutes and miss part of the game; 
4. Hope to get to a NASCAR race someday.   Just want to feel the rumble of the engines;
5. My favorite classic TV shows include Frasier, M*A*S*H, St. Elsewhere, Northern Exposure and the king of all the classics, The Andy Griffith Show;
6. My all-time favorite episode of any TV show is the one where Wayne Fiscus gets shot on St. Elsewhere. He travels from Purgatory to Heaven and to Hell several times each to learn things about himself and his beliefs. Really makes me think, too. Awesome show;
7. Barney Fife buying a motorcycle is a close second.  The scene where he drives off leaving Andy sitting in the sidecar makes me laugh every time;
8. Enjoy the winter Olympics much more than the summer ones. Think it's cuz can picture myself doing more of the winter sports. Would love to compete in the ski jump competition. Not really sure why since I'm not big on heights. But, it seems like the most fun;
9. Think Thomas Jefferson, a wise and great American, and Benjamin Franklin are two of the smartest people this country will ever produce. People will be talking about them long after most of today's so-called geniuses;
10. One of my guilty pleasures includes pro wrestling. More of an old-school fan from back in the days of Ric Flair and the Road Warriors in their prime. Follow it today through a newsletter, but don't go out of my way to watch it, anymore. Too many meatheads and not enough personalities and actual wrestling talent today. Yes, I know it's scripted, but so was that movie you watched the other day. Didn't stop you from enjoying it, did it?;
11. Between January 1 and Dec 31, 2009, lost around 40 pounds,  Used C25K and Lose It! apps on my iPhone.  The Lose It! app was most eye opening cuz didn't realize how many calories had been consuming in a day and had not been burning as many as I thought.  Also lost about 4 inches off my waist;
12. Tend to be on the quiet side. You know, "It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt." Probably live that a little too much although some of you probably think just the opposite;
13. Am I the only person who doesn't know what a "flash mob" is?;
14. Wonder why folks can't just accept the probability that Plato made up Atlantis?;
15. Think it would be neat to take a trip to either the Arctic or Antarctica;
16. Happy that my kids enjoy reading. Hope they keep it up;
17. Probably one of the few people who enjoyed watching golf more before Tigger came along. Don't get me wrong, he's one of the best golfers of all time. However, like to see more of the field when he's playing. Also, if he's not in contention, don't need to see every one of his shots that day;
    
18. Still think Jack in his prime would have beat Tigger on a regular basis. Just think Jack had the mental toughness not to be intimidated by him.  Hard to make a fair comparison, though, cuz courses and equipment are so much better these days;
19. Am looking forward to the day when I can tell my potential in-laws stories about things my kids did when they were younger;
20. Love all kinds of music.  And, no, that is not just country and western.  About the only kind I don't like is ska.  At least that's what I think it's called.  It's ultra-heavy metal on steroids.  Anyway, many people would probably be surprised at the variety on my iPod;
21. Never know when I might throw out a quote from a movie and/or TV show;
22. When people ask about injuries from running, my answer is always along the lines of I don't run fast enough to get 'em;
23. "One of the saddest days of my life was the day I realized I could beat my father at most things." Homer Simpson. Very true.  Think Homer Simpson is a tad bit smarter than most people give him credit for;
24. Curling is one the few things enjoy watching even though got no idea what is going on;
25. Have never really figured out why Ashton Kutcher is so popular;
26. The Kardashians, either, for that matter;
27. Really miss my kids watching the Wiggles.  Think they were purty good before Greg left.  Hadn't seen the new guy to know if they still are or not;
28. Know healthcare reform is needed.  However, until Congress presents a bill that also applies to them, not really interested in anything else they may put out there;
29. One of the best feelings in the world is taking my shoes off;
30. Another one is praying with someone who just accepted Christ as their savior;
31. Seems to me like the easiest way to share Christ with folks is to talk about what He has done for my life.  Can't figure out why that's seemed so hard to do more times than I care to admit;
32. Am immensely proud of our veterans and am forevermore indebted to each and every one of them.  If you are a vet, thanks to you and your families for the sacrifices you have made to ensure my freedoms.  Just can't say that enough.  And, if you are the family member of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice, a special prayer is lifted for you because a thank you is just not enough;
33. Would love to spend a couple weeks on either the Northwestern or Time Bandit crab fishing.  Probably couldn't make it much longer than that and not even sure could make it that long;
34. Can't really think of a job would rather do permanently than the one I got now, so it must be my dream job;
35. Guess if I had to choose something else, would probably pick political/social commentator/columnist.  With some of the hacks out there, hard to believe it takes four years to get a degree in journalism.  Guess that could be said about a lot of professions, though;
36. Believe it's difficult to convince a child something is right if all you can say is "just because" or "they say" when they ask why;
37. My favorite color is dark green (that's hunter for all you aficionados) followed closely by dark purple (eggplant) and many styles of camouflage; 
38. One of my favorite Far Sides is a kid, trying to walk into a school for the gifted, pushing on a door with a big sign which says "Pull."  Think about that every time it happens to me; 
39. When my boss once told me I needed to start dressing "more like a leader," went out and bought a camouflage wallet just so I could do what he advised but still counteract that in my mind.  Such a rebel...;
40. Have adjusted to drinking Coke Zero, unsweet tea, and various other diet drinks much better than expected; 
41. Hope to go whale-watching someday. Want to go elk hunting, too;
42. The first time felt middle-aged was the day had to buy reading glasses.  Only need them when wearing my contacts, but still...;
43. Never forget a favor...Well, try not to, anyway;
44. Got my first new personal laptop this week.  Purty neat.  Usually just get a hand-me-down whenever someone else gets a new one;
45. Believe there's no such thing as useless knowledge.  Never know when something you've learned will come in handy;
46. Have discovered math word problems aren't as hard as I thought when I was in school.  In fact, have figured out just about everything involving math in real life is a word problem.  Wish I'd known that then.  Might have been easier for me; 
47. Have also realized lots of things learned in school apply to every day life more than I thought they would at the time;
48. Was never really patient until I started dating.  Then really had no choice;
49. Favorite outfit is jeans, t-shirt, and hiking boots;
50. Now that I'm a parent, realize even more just how hard it had to be for God to sacrifice His son for us.  Truly one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive.

Well, that's it.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  Takes a lot of thinking to come up with 100 things about yourself.  Didn't think I'd struggle with it like I did.  Might should have used Gomer's bucket to help me out.  He said you can do lots of thinking under there.

Y'all keep 'em straight out there!