Verizon, Hurricanes, Overages, and a Changed Policy

Three years ago, I blogged about my post-Rita evacuation experience with our cell phone provider Verizon wireless. To summarize the event from 2005, my family evacuated due to the hurricane and found our cell phone bill was way over. Until that date we had never had one minute of overage in 4 years of Verizon billing. Their customer service rep very quickly let me know that Verizon cared about its customers and removed the overage minutes and consequent charges. Needless to say, I have remained very faithful to Verizon since then.

Go, Verizon, go!

Fast forward three years...today I have made several calls to Verizon dealing with exactly the same situation, except the hurricane's name was Ike not Katrina. The results have been very different. In fact, they would only reduce their charges 25%. One more phone call and they raised the amount to 50%...no statement from the rep about the hurricane, no statement that they care for their customers, nothing worthy of my prior loyalty. Don't get me wrong here. They run a business. I am a customer. I used the phone for a few hundred more minutes than my program allows. I don't deserve one penny back from Verizon. As a customer of more than 8 years with a cell phone provider, I had hoped for more. To say the least, I am highly disappointed. So in honor of customer freedom.

Bye, Verizon, Bye!

So what are Obama's stated positions?

Here is a great summary of several key issues facing our country. If you have not been able to actually get a bead on Obama's stances, some of which have changed recently such as what level of income will receive a tax break (down from 250k to 200k to maybe 150k), then this is a fairly accurate listing.

Enjoy our new President!

My recap will be forthcoming...

Let the games begin...finally!

To say I have been eagerly waiting for this NBA season is a wee-bit of an understatement. Having endured another miserable season by my Amazin' Braves, I have had very few reasons (if you consider a 13-9 Tennessee Vols victory over the perennial powerhouse called the Northern Illinois Huskies a reason) to even open the sports page since the Olympics ended. So at last my Atlanta Hawks are poised to stun the NBA elite for real. Yes, I say this at the dawn of every season with a great deal of sarcasm. Little has changed on the outside for the Hawks, so a small portion of sarcasm side, this year I do believe that the Hawks will fare much better than others say. They lost one of my favorite players in Josh Childress. Other than Ben Wallace's Detroit-Era hair, no other player's hair captured my heart like Childress'.

So the season is officially off the runway for the Hawks as they hand the Orlando Magic a rare opening day loss. My early assessment is simply foolishness, but I am pumped. Let me share the reasons.
1) Atlanta beat the Magic. They may not be the Celtics, but they are a genuine team.
2) This was a road win for the Hawks. Last year their Home-Road split was one of the worst in the NBA. So much of a problem that this year they said this was the most important goal for the team other than locking up Josh Smith for the long haul.
3) Dwight Howard played big time minutes. The Hawks were not an overly deep team last year. In fact, they had very little outside of Horford and Zaza in the paint. Big Men torched the Hawks regularly with Horford and Z playing limited minutes with foul troubles. Not so tonight. They actually put up 18 points and 17 boards compared with Howard's 22 & 15 in the same number of minutes. Oh yeah, and they won.
4) Atlanta's bench outscored the Magic's. With the departure of Childress I wondered how the Hawks would handle the extra minutes. For certain, no one wants Joe Johnson to put more time into the regular season games. I would love to see JJ play 2-3 fewer minutes a game in order to be more rested for the long season and playoffs. Well, the Magic were outscored 27-11 by the Hawks' bench. Good news indeed.
5) Marvin Williams did not play 1 second. Even without him, the Hawks kept up the pressure and asserted themselves early in the game. Marvin won't hurt the Hawks at all when he returns.
6) Atlanta beat the Magic. No one can play the "Well that was the pre-season" garbage on this game. It actually counted and the Hawks took it to the Magic.

In honor of the departure of really fine hair, I post Wallace and Childress.

Castro Out on Campaign Trail for Obama

The growing number of impressive, compassionate world leaders backing Barack Obama has just increased one more. Add Fidel Castro to the campaign team. His recent statement blaming evil racism for any potential loss for Obama in the November General Elections brought his endorsement squarely into focus. Not that I am shocked...Obama is definitely the furthest left (i.e., favoring socialism more heavily in dealing with any problem) of any candidate in my life time. He would probably agree with Castro on most core issues. Their methodology might be different, although it might be the same. Time alone will tell. Afterall, Obama and his minions have definitely played some very strong politics of control and intimidation this season. It has been one change I hoped Obama would not bring. Oh well, there will always be Hillary in '12.

Obama: The New Politics He Brings

Wow! Obama is a breath of fresh air in politics. Now add to his "Truth Troopers" (aka Storm Troopers of the coming regime) his expertise in protests, political social action (thanks to the tutelage of men and women like Bill Ayers) and we have a wonderful new form of politics. Definitely not your politics as usual...
Come on out and protest Sarah Palin today. That really invigorates me. Let her know how dumb and inexperienced she really is.

Come on, Barack. Sure, it is your constitutional right to protest anything, but this is one change our politics in America can do without. Stop inciting your folks via "get in their faces"...go out and disrupt their gatherings. Do these techniques work? You better believe it. Is this the new road and direction you plan on taking us? Winning at any cost?

You began as a breath of fresh air (in fact in 2004 that was the one thing I admired you for), now let's just say that this is added to a long and growing lists of questionable and somewhat scary signs of self-advancement and shadiness.

Gwen Ifill, you proved yourself! Sarah, I am sure Couric is shocked;)

When Gwen Ifill was announced as the moderator for the VP debate, her upcoming January 2009 book release entitled The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama presented an easy target for McCain/Palin supporters and anyone who enjoys impartiality in political coverage. Would America be subjected to another miserable excuse of journalism such as the heavily slanted editing performed on Palin's remarks during the Gibson and Couric interviews. Well the answer is in. I was wrong about Gwen Ifill. Other than her brief fawning over Biden and her enthusiastic congratulatory remarks to him following the debate, the debate viewer would never know her political leanings. I was impressed with her. Kudos!

Oh yeah, it was nice to actually get to hear a little of Palin's actual words in context (without having to search out a transcript to read them without editing). Yes, she was less knowledgeable than Biden in most areas. Who thinks otherwise? She did, however, reveal intelligence, poise, nerves of steel (I told my wife I cannot remember a debate where more was on the line for a VP than this one for Palin), and some humanity. If she dropped the ball in this debate, the Presidential race would be over for McCain. No pressure there:) While she didn't actually win the debate, it is fair to say that she "won" by exceeding expectations and holding her own in a few key areas. Both candidates seemed to reach and stretch fairly frequently to make their cases. The fact checking will be plentiful on this debate. Both candidates spoke in their own version of "common speak." Both candidates seemed to demonstrate their own tenacity and courage when they believed their position/record was correct. Much more engaging than the first Presidential debate.

Did this debate sway anyone toward Palin? I don't think that most people are open to changing at this point. After the Couric and Gibson stuff, Palin has been written off as a bimbo with no brains by most voters. For the Right, however, this debate was important to reenergize their ticket and rebuild confidence in a VP candidate who has been more scrutinized than either Presidential candidate.

Here is a link to an AP article from Princess Huffington's blog. I often visit the site just to get a deep inhalation of "reality." I especially like their Palin has an eyelash problem post. Very nice. In fact, I remember telling my wife that I would have to turn the station if she didn't fix it quick. Thankfully, Joe doesn't have to worry about his hair getting down into his eyes. It's good to be a man, Joe, no matter what they say about my receding hairline or yours.

Nancy Pelosi, the Black Caucus, Fannie, Freddie, and LIES

As if Nancy Pelosi hadn't done enough already, she failed to lead her own party to pass a massive bailout of the finance industry and then allows her own party to continue to blame Bush and the Republicans. How can someone who controls the House not even get her folks on board for something she has helped put together. Hmmmmm. Perhaps someone is more interested in the elections coming up than the economy? Call me crazy, but this Democrat blame game won't stick with anyone who has begun to look into the matter. While this video is cut and pasted, just like most any interview on TV these days, it still conveys a bit of the hypocrisy of Nancy's "We never saw this coming...little cat feet in the middle of the night" spiel. I think this video should be required watching (along with two or three more on this fiasco). By the way, I am not a big fan of any of these bailouts. No one did it for Tyco, Enron, etc. Why do it now?



Oh yeah, Obama Truth Troopers can ignore Pelosi's lies since this is not an official political ad...merely the Speaker of the House trying to do her best to mislead Americans regarding the origin of the economic problems.

Obama Truth Squad Report #1

Not that McCain has perfectly spoken his facts, figures, and his opponent's positions on all the issues, but I simply can't remember him urging his followers to "get in people's faces" and then call out the (cue "Star Wars" music) "Truth-troopers." So as a loyal truth-seeker, this will be my first Truth Squad Report for his Eminence Obama.
One of the more middle-school moments in the debate the other night came when McCain referenced the soldier whose bracelet he wears (and has worn) for some time. Obama swiftly interjected (cue "Saved by the Bell" theme song) "I have a bracelet too." as if to match McCain tit-for-tat. When Obama then looked foolish being unable to remember jack-squat about the soldier, I filed it away as something to look into. Of course, the Kissinger conflict and several other statements by both candidates need to be looked into, but today is my day to check Barry's middle school moment.
Here is the article I found today. It looks like the man who will most likely waltz into the Oval office in a few weeks, failed his own test for truthfulness--again. I certainly hope to hear a public apology to the family. That is the least a man of integrity and humility can do when defying the very desire of the family and using them for a political, middle-school moment.
If this is the change Obama brings to politics, then it seems more of the same old to me. Another big disappointment.

Now this is a scary sign of the future of free speech

Just when I thought I had seen everything this election cycle, I stumbled upon this video where Obama is pulling his best Draconian impression of Khrushchev. No one views political ads as anything other than what they truly are...spin, distortion, misinformation. While we no doubt live in an Opraphized country, we are all screwed if our political information is steered mainly by advertisements. So far this year both candidates have done a poor job of truthfully representing their opponent. It is ironic that the man who touts his "new form of politics" is using such a heavy-handed approach...but only for his own benefit. Does he not care about the blatant lies in his own campaign? Does he not want to deal with the plank in his own eye first?

While I appreciate Obama's desire for truth, I find his desire is only for partial truth, selective truth, the Obama-truth. As we saw last night in the debates, both men have not perfectly achieved truth-telling. But Obama, who shockingly seems willing to strong-arm his way toward Washington with his "truth squads," has become the hypocrite I hoped he would not be in this political season. While I oppose his views on 3 key areas, I have respected his approach to politics until now. Now? I am a wee-bit scared . Not even Bush pulled "truth squads" out.

Here is a very valid response to this power play by the Governor of Missouri:

Gov. Blunt Statement on Obama Campaign’s Abusive Use of Missouri Law Enforcement
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today issued the following statement on news reports that have exposed plans by U.S. Senator Barack Obama to use Missouri law enforcement to threaten and intimidate his critics.
“St. Louis County Circuit Attorney Bob McCulloch, St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer, and Obama and the leader of his Missouri campaign Senator Claire McCaskill have attached the stench of police state tactics to the Obama-Biden campaign.
“What Senator Obama and his helpers are doing is scandalous beyond words, the party that claims to be the party of Thomas Jefferson is abusing the justice system and offices of public trust to silence political criticism with threats of prosecution and criminal punishment.
“This abuse of the law for intimidation insults the most sacred principles and ideals of Jefferson. I can think of nothing more offensive to Jefferson’s thinking than using the power of the state to deprive Americans of their civil rights. The only conceivable purpose of Messrs. McCulloch, Obama and the others is to frighten people away from expressing themselves, to chill free and open debate, to suppress support and donations to conservative organizations targeted by this anti-civil rights, to strangle criticism of Mr. Obama, to suppress ads about his support of higher taxes, and to choke out criticism on television, radio, the Internet, blogs, e-mail and daily conversation about the election.
“Barack Obama needs to grow up. Leftist blogs and others in the press constantly say false things about me and my family. Usually, we ignore false and scurrilous accusations because the purveyors have no credibility. When necessary, we refute them. Enlisting Missouri law enforcement to intimidate people and kill free debate is reminiscent of the Sedition Acts - not a free society."

Needless to say, this power play by Obama is one Change America can do without. I truly don't trust what he would do if given REAL power with REAL political opposition.

Those Pesky Racist Democratic White Folk

Photographer: Karen D'Amico

Somehow this is served up as the great news story. Are we stunned that America still sees color? When race becomes more important than ability, skills, education, credentials, credit worthiness, etc. in so many areas of our society, stories like these will exist. I would love to have a "love see no color" society. This side of heaven I am not anticipating it. Afterall, we baptize racism from the left, demonize racism from the right, and never stare into the mirror ourselves. Our country not only makes race a huge issue, it makes gender one too.

Even the tears I tried to hold back during the DNC as Sen. Joe Biden's touching life story was so compellingly told via film and music reminded me that a lady could never try to be a public servant under the same circumstances without being labeled a bad mother. Amazing. I am perplexed that we celebrate the character of a man with no stay at home parent while demonizing a mom who has a willing spouse to run the home. Where I work and minister at least 30% of the wives have more education and potential earning power than their husbands. In fact, the trend of stay at home dads is undeniable. But in politics, where reason fades and biases arise, what are we to do?

Certainly not be shocked at bias of any kind...whether it is anti-partial African American bias, anti-working mom bias, or anti-religious bias. We are merely reflecting the values we have continued to legislate from and live out.

Tragic? Yes.

Shocking? No.

News? Not hardly.

My dedication!

Not choosing sides, but offering a bit of info on Sarah Palin

Here is an important article examining most of the statements I have recently heard in the press on the GOP VP nominee, Sarah Palin. I post it for the awareness and hopefully usefulness in discerning the truth during this critical election cycle. Note: If I find links debunking the Obama-Reverend Wright, Obama-William Ayers, or Obama-Tony Rezco-Auchi connections, I will post these as well. So far, those look to be legit concerns.
UPDATE Oct. 5, 2008: FactCheck has posted some more updates to the Sarah Palin slime fest from the Obama network.

Love Fest, Islam Style

This is a must see video for all people of the world. How is that for a bold statement? It is in five parts...

Excuse the brevity...

This sucks for the Hawks! No time to delve into my opinion on this (life is way too hectic to ever spend time on this blog anymore) but I am on the record for not being happy with the Hawks or with Childress. I will miss his hair and skills.
May he eat his fill of olives and feta cheese across the sea.
Farewell greedy man;) You will be missed.

So what happens when you discover the other side of the Global Warming debate?

For Miklós Zágoni he found out that the scientific community in America doesn't really allow much of a voice. It is either Anthropegenic Global Warming (i.e., man-made global warming) or Nothing at all. Here is his story of his journey from Kyoto Spokesman to scientific opposer of the entire notion. Science is only science when it agrees with this man.

Anthropogenic Climate Change, Take Two

While most people have embraced the FACT of anthropogenic global warming, there are still a growing number of scientific converts away from the hysteria. The Heartland Institute’s conference on Climate Change has just recently published their well-researched findings. The evidence is definitely available, it is just a bit frightening to place your entire career in jeopardy to break with the "real, objective" scientists and the Pope of our Environment (Al Gore).

Two Sad Farewells for the Falcons: Dunn and Crumpler

In the age of Bonds, Canseco, Clemens, Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Michael Vick, and dozens of others, Warrick Dunn shines like the North Star on a cold winter night. He has been one of the most solid players in any professional sport. With the Falcons signing of Michael Turner this week, I knew the Warrick Dunn era wouldn't last long. So tonight I mourn the departure of Dunn from my beloved Falcons. What makes me so fond of Dunn? Simply his hard-nosed work ethic and multi-dimensional skills (leading him to join the 10,000 yard club last season) coupled with a heart of gold (he has always overcome tragedy and invested his own capital to insure other people are better off...just check out one facet of his philanthropy). His presence makes any team better. His life has made many people's lives better. It's a shame that 2007 was such a dysfunctional year for the birds...definitely not the season Dunn deserves to go out in. May Petrino spend a few extra centuries in purgatory for his hand in the mess. May Michael Vick spend 100 years cleaning out cages at the humane society and watching Lassie reruns for his pathetic excuse for a hobby.

Oh yeah, I really like Alge Crumpler too. He is departing as well. He has been a consistent bright spot for the Falcons since his arrival. May he become Vince Young's go-to man in the middle. His ability to catch whatever touches his hands make Vick almost appear to have some skills at passing.

Dunn and Crumpler, you will be missed. May 2008 be GREAT YEARS for you both!!!

Déjà vu 2008...Hampton's Comeback Continues

Not that the Hampton trade has really worked that well for Atlanta, but it has gone better than the 1986 NBA Draft did for the Boston Celtics. Again, that isn't saying much at all. So when I read that Mike Hampton is "on track" for a comeback, I find myself just a wee-bit skeptical and jaded. What a rough stretch the Atlanta years have been for the incredibly wealthy (i.e., ridiculously over-paid) Mike Hampton. Multiple injuries (both major and minor) have characterized his time with the Braves. Maybe the Braves will actually get some value from Hampton this year. I would laugh if they did simply because of my numerous Hampton-bashing comments over the last 3-4 years.
Man, I truly hope that Hampton does produce this year. The Braves don't need him to, but it sure would give the NL East a good dose of justice this season.
Go Hampton;) Go Braves!!!!

The wait is over for Shelden Williams, but will it be enough for the Josh Smith and the Hawks?

Shelden gets his answer. Will Josh Smith be as excited as Joe Johnson? Just days after trying to understand his lack of playing time this season, Shelden Williams no longer needs to wonder why he has been riding the pine for Atlanta. Simply put, Atlanta has had an undisputed infatuation with 6'9" players over the last 6 drafts. The results have been dismal for the Hawks (i.e, missing out on some of the finest PGs and Centers in recent years)...a glut of players with no true position players and the resulting record. Perhaps the management is waking up to reality.

While in Bibby the Hawks do acquire the floor leadership they have so desperately needed the last several years, his salary will pose serious issues for the Hawks with Josh Smith approaching free agency. Let's keep our fingers crossed that BK has this well thought out. I actually don't mind this trade too much (even though I am no Bibby lover) on the 2007-2008 horizon. In fact I am excited to see how this team plays once the pieces mesh. It should give the Hawks a solid veteran PG to help mentor AC with the transition to the NBA and make them a definite contender in the East playoff picture. JJ undoubtedly is excited to have another threat on the court to ease his double-team woes. I would assume, however, that Law will take the reigns in a season or two from Bibby (unless they continue to stunt his development behind Bibby for more years), so that the salary can be freed to re-sign Josh Smith.

If this trade means Smith walks, then consider this a black day for the Hawks again. If, and I truly hope that BK has thought this through, the core of this team stays intact, then the Hawks will be one solid Center away from being a true force to reckon with.

Go Hawks!!!

Falcons new GM begins the inevitable shake up...

It hasn't taken Thomas Dimitroff very long to begin making his leadership felt. In an announcement made today, the Falcons have released the beloved Alge Crumpler and six other birds, including the injury-prone Byron Leftwich. While I hate to see Crumpler go, the Falcons have nothing (i.e., only 4 wins last season) to lose. Since Dimitroff's arrival, I have been eagerly awaiting his moves. At last we will begin to see how he reshapes my beloved Falcons. My prayers are with him:)
Go Falcons!!! And best of wishes to the stud TE Alge Crumpler.

Jump Starting the Election Cycle?

O.K. I must admit that there are NO candidates I am overly excited about right now. Basically I think they will all serve their own self-interests (i.e., special interest groups and dirty deals). Last election cycle I was not too enthused, but this time around it is a really bleak outlook IMO. I have never been one for apathy. Just ask any former student of mine or athlete. So in effort to get a fresh perspective on the candidates I have begun taking some of the 8 billion available online Presidential Compatibility tests to see what I might be missing. The results below speak fairly loudly about how confused/ambivalent I am across the board.
67% Mitt Romney
67% Tom Tancredo
63% John McCain
61% Hillary Clinton
60% John Edwards
59% Barack Obama
59% Bill Richardson
59% Fred Thompson
55% Chris Dodd
55% Mike Huckabee
49% Joe Biden
47% Rudy Giuliani
44% Ron Paul
40% Mike Gravel
32% Dennis Kucinich

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

Falcons new GM plans to follow New England model in Atlanta

Well, anything after this year sounds good to me. What about you, Mr. Vick and Mr. "Coward" Petrino? I have to think that this is a smart hire for Blank. The Falcons' owner is a quality man who hasn't shied away from spending money in efforts to create a winner of my perennial draft-day divas. Hopefully Dimitroff will help Blank's money be spent more strategically. As always, GO FALCONS!!!!!

A Nice Gift this New Years...thanks, Vols!

This is a nice beginning to 2008 after a disappointing showing in the SEC championship game. Now with the departure of the brains behind the Vols offense (among several other coaches), we will see what the rest of the year holds.

Happy New Year after a 6-month hiatus!

Well, here is a photo of the prime reason I don't really post much anymore. I don't really consider it a bad thing that I don't post much, but wanted to set the story straight.  And for the record 4 kids is exponentially harder than 3 IMHO. So all those peeps (and you know who you are) touting the "Once you move from 'man-to-man coverage to the  zone' it is all the same." have no perspective on my kids. They are a handful (albeit a wonderfully beautiful one) for sure. We are blessed, but stressed. Perhaps having 2 kids 21 months apart is a bit of the challenge. Regardless we are embracing this chapter of life.

Here is a little quote from one of my favorite authors (Douglas Coupland) that seems very apropos in the tension I have felt the last two years with trying to carve out time to blog:

In a faraway land called pre-2000, what Earthlings now call blogging was called "keeping a diary". It's hard work to do well. I tried doing it in the early 1990s but had to stop because I no longer had a life--instead I had this thing that generated anecdotes to go into my diary. The diary took over and I had to stop.

May your 2008 bring you one step closer to grasping the love of God in Christ Jesus. That would make 2008 a blessed year indeed.

Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Questions

After another perfectly enjoyable (or perhaps predictably poor) season by the Atlanta Hawks which showed glimpses of hope amidst the deluge of losses, the "Big Day" arrives tomorrow. Yes, another NBA draft, another promise of franchise revival, another...
So a few questions for the Hawks owenership:

Will you actually evaluate the players in the draft in a similar way as the other NBA teams or will you continue your tradition of "overreaching for the hidden gem" in the draft and ignoring basic team needs?

Will you draft another 6'9" swingman to go with the half-dozen others? Thank God you divested yourselves of Al Harrington to get the number of 6'9" players down a bit.

Will you trade your pick(s) for a big name star as reported here?

Will you ever have a true point guard that is worth a ^$%%? Sorry Speedy, but frailty and PG can't coexist in this league.

Will you continue to screw your draft as you have annually (with the rare exception of the Josh Smith pick in 2004) for the last 7+ years of futility?

Will you assemble a team that can make the playoffs in the weak East? While fans appreciated the desire to get out of the first round of the playoffs in the 90s, dismantling the team with no intelligent plan has lead to ZERO post-season appearances for the Hawks.

I am sure there are far more pressing issues facing my life and those of most Americans today, but these questions seem to bubble up to the surface every summer around the NBA Draft.

Go Hawks!

28 and counting...

While my 40th birthday did come and go not too long ago, I did not celebrate it as my 12th 28 year-old birthday party. So this post is about Atlanta's streak of scoreless innings. It now stands at 28!!! As a lifelong Atlanta fan, this really, really wreaks. I can't remember a stretch like this. Of course, I do remember the 70's and 80's, but the 90's spoiled me.

Forget who we are playing (some of the best teams in MLB). All anyone needs to realize is that we have been shut out 28 innings! That is horrible by any standards. All I can say is there is no way this will continue, but then again, I said that about Druw more than a month ago when he got his average up to a whopping .221. Hmmmm.

I am not enjoying this version of the Braves nearly as much as I thought I would at the beginning of the season. Come on, boys!
Go Braves!!!!

The Painful Month of June so Far: 8-12

8-12...Not really the stuff championships are made of, but considering last June it is almost a step up. Moving beyond the obviously horrific stretch the Braves are on, Atlanta made a trade with the Detroit Tigers today. They swapped lefty Macay McBride for lefty Wilfredo Ledezma. After reading the article, I only scratch my head and ask why. Some quick observations and questions:

I think Atlanta needs another lefty in the bullpen, but swapping one lefty for another fails to accomplish anything.

Ledezma is having a worse year than McBride, but even his "best year" (i.e., 2006) is highly average at best. Again, what does this trade accomplish for Atlanta.

Detroit was going to put Ledezma on waivers anyway, so Atlanta might have had a slight chance of grabbing him without giving up anything.

Macay loves Atlanta and, although he has struggled some, is just as much of a strike out pitcher as Ledezma.

Macay is younger than Wilfredo and has more upside.

Macay is a stud against leftys, while Ledezma is equally ineffective against either side. Check out their split stats to see for yourself...Macay vs. Ledezma.

I haven't really looked at the financials of the trade, but it can't be the reason.

My conclusion, Schuerholz claims that they needed a "hard-throwing lefty in the bullpen" since Gonzalez went down to injury. If that is true, then he just got the wrong man. I think he is wrong. What Atlanta needs is another quality starter (preferably a lefty), Andruw Jones to get his a#$ in gear, Chipper to stay healthy and productive, McCann to shave, some form of consistent offense, and ___________________ (insert one of a dozen other needs). Unless Schuerholz is getting Atlanta positioned to make a trade for another pitcher or player with more impact, then this trade makes no sense.

Although it hurts to cheer for a team this erratic (I have never ceased to cheer for the Braves since the mid-70s), Go Braves!!!!

UPDATE: Macay is on the books for 400K this year (the second year of his contract), while Wilfredo is on for 415K (the third year of his contract).

Tonight it begins...A Microseason in June

In a previous post I posited several questions regarding the next several games of inter-league play for the Braves. Earlier I sounded off on Chipper "Sure to miss 30+ games a season" Jones' take on the whole microcosm of the Braves season. So tonight, it all begins. Not in HOT-lanta, but in a rather chilly 89 degree Minnesota Metrodome (for a quite informative read on the history of the Metrodome check out the always fine Ballparks of Baseball).

The road to October begins today. Two young right-handed guns will duel from the mound, while two struggling teams try to right their seasons in the first game of the series. For Atlanta there is the hope of Chipper's return. For the Twins, catcher Mike Redmond hopes that their win against Washington on Sunday was "the one that got us going."

For me, I see this series as a must win. Cleveland, Boston, and Detroit will be a much harder challenge for the erratic Braves. To make October a reality, Atlanta is going to have to beat the teams they should and surprise a few more. So far this season, they have handled the strong clubs with style, but have yet to really take advantage of the Natspos and their kind. While the Minnesota Twins is no Natspos, they are the weakest team Atlanta faces in the next two weeks.

For the sake of Dan Kolb, Ryan Langerhans, and Pete Orr, let's start this Microseason right.

Go Braves!!!!

Atlanta Braves: Coming out of slump?

For any Atlanta Braves' fan, the last month has been a great exercise in patience and angst. With injuries and general poor play leading the way, Atlanta has plodded to an 11 -17 record. To add some salt to the wound, their schedule has not been the toughest (although playing the mut$, Bosox, Brewers, and company is quite a streak). Truly I have felt my stomach churn lately with the memory of June 2006 not too far out of my memory banks. I just look at their next 12 games and pray.

While there are no guarantees in any sport, it is almost certain that Atlanta will have to play some serious baseball to catch the mut$. It is also fairly guaranteed that the next 12 games (i.e., vs. the Twins, Indians, Bosox, and Tigers) will be a brutal test for Atlanta. If they can win through those series without full health, they will have established themselves as a team that will not fade. They will have made a true statement about the heart and soul of this club.

Tonight's game against the Cubs showed just a little glimpse of the heart that carried the team in the early season to comeback victory after comeback victory. To date, this team has 11 come from behind victories. The most in the majors! That is a far cry from last year's opposite stat of blown saves.

Will Chipper come back anytime soon? Will Andruw get out of the funk? Will KJ return to the on-base machine of the early season? Will Renty's injury today be merely a nuisance? Will Willie Hayes (i.e., one of the best stories on this team so far) continue to be a much needed spark for the team? Will Smoltzie's shoulder hold up? Will Huddy v2006 return in full and create a one pitcher rotation? Will Soriano's elbow hold? Will Wick mania continue to sling down ding-dongs and Pabst Blue Ribbons? I have no idea, but it is great questions like these which keep me up at night.

Go Braves!

Kobe Bryant: A Cry for Help?

So here is a response to Kobe Bryant's latest antics that speaks for itself.

Dedication to the Atlanta Braves...

Following another dismal display of youth, slumpiness, injury-depeleted rosterness, and overall #@$#%, I dedicate the following video to the Atlanta Braves...

Trouble in Hot-lanta for another Lefty

First, Atlanta has been stung by the continual injury bug with LHP Mike Hampton. Now Atlanta must deal with a fairly devasting blow...losing LHP Mike Gonzalez for the season. The off-season acquisition of Soriano and Gonzalez, coupled with the re-signing of Wickman gave Atlanta arguably a top-3 bullpen--the opposite of last year's dismal bullpen. Sure, there have been question marks over both Gonzalez and Soriano regarding health, but there are no guarantees in this sport.

What does this mean for Atlanta?

no hard throwing lefty to shut down the heart of any club in the late innings.

more innings for Wickman and Soriano to handle (i.e., more strain and stress on both of their decently fragile arms)

one injury away from playoff oblivion

On another note, if someone finds Andruw Jones could they please tell him the Braves are looking for him. They seem to need him more now than ever.

Davies and Thor help strike down the mut$ (Mets)

While I predicted a rough first two games in Atlanta, tonight I must post a very humble "I was wrong!" I truly am a happy man tonight after Atlanta shut down the muts and devoured their pitching. While I hated to see Adam LaRoche depart Atlanta in the off-season, Scott Thorman is slowly making his case to play everyday.
The highlights of the game:

Kyle Davies humiliating Aaron Sele by taking him yard on a 3-1 offering!!! Oh, almost forgot that it was a THREE-RUN homer! Ouch:)

Kyle Davies keeping the muts off-balance for 8 innings...yielding only 1 run.

Thor (aka, Scott Thorman) launching a rocket off Sosa.

Atlanta getting to help give a little love back to Jorge Sosa. I would have hated losing to him like all the other teams have this year.

Having a brief glimmer of hope that Andruw Jones is coming out of his funk with an RBI single...forget the DP ball later in the game.

Anyway, while I still don't like the pitching match-ups for the series, Atlanta is in a great position to at least take 2 games. Especially if their offense continues to roll.

Go Bravos!!!

Showdown in the Deep South: Atlanta Looks to Close the Gap on Mets

With the magic of their early season clutch hitting behind them, Atlanta has slowly been coming back to earth. As one of the hottest teams in the first month of the season, the Braves are now one of the coldest. The evidence: losing 6 of the last 8 games (including the dismal 3-loss series against the Natspos). The culprit(s): a fragile, unstable starting rotation that is far too reliant upon Smoltz and Huddy; an offense unable to rely upon Andruw Jones; the brittle health of Chipper Jones; the return to earth of Kelly Johnson, and perhaps a bit of a mind funk.

So take the Braves' cool down and insert a red hot Mets team for a highly meaningful series in the month of May. You have to love baseball when a series in May means so much...a chance for Atlanta to reassert themselves in the division they once held a vise grip upon. What are the Braves' chances? Well, I am not too confident considering the cooled down offense of Atlanta and throwing Kyle Davies and Chuck James in games 1 and 2 respectively. We will see if Andruw Jones is right, however, about his recently pathetic imitation of his 2005 season . According to Jones, a return to Atlanta will ease his woes at the plate that have led to his drop in the batting order. All I know is that Atlanta better score runs. Lots of them. At least the first two games should see the Mets put up 7+ runs a game. Here is one Braves fan hoping for a 2-1 series win. Atlanta has played some great ball so far. Last years' June Swoon killed them. Let's pray that this year knows no swoon.

Go Braves!!!

Atlanta Continues to Embrace the Injury Bug: John Smoltz Version

As if dropping a game to the Natspos is not frustrating enough, having John Smoltz dislocate his pinky finger on his throwing hand makes for a perfect evening. Just how did the injury occur? Well thanks to "the player who must not be named"'s botched squeeze bunt, Smoltz found himself in the position of chasing down the runner coming home. When the tag was applied, Smoltz somehow dislocated his pinky. Not exactly what one would expect, but another challenge for the Braves to overcome. Thanks again, "player whose name must not be named."

UPDATE: Smoltz seems fine. He made his last start and was quite dominant. Just ask Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz who were held hitless and combined for 2 strikeouts.

Chipper Jones rips Interleague Inequities

While I agree with Chipper Jones' recent assessment of the existing Interleague scheduling (i.e., that the Braves and Mets have ridiculously hard schedules compared to most other teams), I do not think he should ever make these comments in the context of an interview or anywhere other teammates might hear them. Leave such comments in the home. As the leader of Atlanta, his job is to help inspire and lead the club (Note: an increasingly young club) into a competitive mindset that accepts the responsibility for winning and losing. Nothing more or less is needed or beneficial. Thanks to Larry's mouth, he has brought a negative, victim-oriented message into the clubhouse. Perhaps he is merely parroting what he has heard the younger players speaking. Even then, he should be the one speaking about the possibilities such a schedule gives to the Braves. Atlanta has an unprecedented chance to beat the best teams in the Major Leagues on 12-consecutive days. No other team (save the Mets) can really make such a claim. If they succeed, then they will have a mental edge come playoff time. If they fail, then Larry will merely say, "See I told you so."

Do I think the Braves get a raw deal in the interleague scheduling? Yes. Do I think the existing interleague schedule is fair? Absolutely not. Do I think the interleague games should be used to determine the wildcard team? No way. But that is not the issue here. Does Chipper really believe speaking up like this will change anything? The issue here is shaping a mindset that accepts nothing less than the best on and off the field. Chipper should know better. Cox should demand better. The Braves should be better. And if McCann or one of the other "Baby Braves" steps up to the plate and tells Larry that he is wrong, then perhaps the Braves will be better when the All-Star break rolls around. If not, we might be looking at a long month of excuses and mishaps reminiscent of last years' horrific excuse of a season.

As a brief side note, I certainly hope that today's debacle is not a harbinger of the Braves' effort in June. If it is, then it really doesn't matter which team the Braves face via interleague play...they will get destroyed.

Brief side-note #2: I have previously written a post praising Chipper Jones for his commitment to the Braves. So this isn't coming from an "I Hate Chipper" man.

Hitting al-Qaida's weak spot

Here is a recent article dealing with the sectarian battle in Iraq along with the ideology behind it. I think it is worth the read at this time in the current war.

Call Your Mom on Skype for Free This Mother's Day

Well, thanks to Skype you can now make a free call to "Momma" this Mother's Day. Assuming you don't have unlimited Weekend minutes on your cell phone, this could be a very nice help. Note that you will be limited to 200 minutes per computer and that certain premium numbers are excluded. If your mom is like mine and has a simple landline or cell phone all should be well though.

Of course, in a previous post I noted that Skype functions in some questionable ways. Still, for the monetarily challenged this is a nice gesture.

Ryan Langerhans: On the Road Again

While in an earlier post I was so frustrated (i.e., boiling blood, pounding headache, thoughts of evil acts, etc.) by the insanity of Bobby Cox to continue to play the "player whose name must not be named," today brings a double blessing of joy. So much so, that I will be able to officially use the "player whose name must not be named"'s name...Ryan Langerhans. Apparently he needed not just one change of scenery (i.e., the Oakland A's) for his slump to be broken, but actually a second change of scenery (i.e., Washington Nationals) within the same week.

How has Langerhans performed so far on this whirlwind tour of America? Outstanding. He has now added an additional 0-4 in two games for the A's to go along with his almost perfect 3-44 start with the Braves. While I don't understand what happened to Langerhans this season, let him figure it out somewhere else. The Braves cannot afford to have a corner outfielder generating sub-.200 OBP with a sub-.300 OPS. Forgive my expression, but that sucks! True, Langerhans has contributed in the past, but something needed to happen after 20 of the most pathetic games I have ever been a witness to. That something is get rid of him. My hat tip to Bobby "Loyal to a Fault" Cox...the best manager in MLB.

Bono gets too close to the edge...

No, this post is not about the almost lifelong friendship of Paul Hewson and Dave Evans. It is, however, about Hewson.

In a recently republished article on one of my favorite band's even more famous leader/spokesman/business genius/bigger than life icons, Bono's business ventures are examined in light of the message he loudly and boldly proclaims around the world. While normally an article like this would bother me, I think it is entirely within the bounds for such a self-appointed, high-profile crusader. Enjoy the read whether you agree with the author or not. Afterall, the question of consistency, integrity, and sincerity strikes at the heart of everyone of us. How would I stand up to such scrutiny? How consistent am I with my professed beliefs?

May we all strive for clarity and alignment...clarity in vision and purpose and alignment of all elements of our lives with the very same vision and purpose.

NBA Names Marcus Camby Defensive Player of the Year

Congratulations are in order for the ex-Minuteman according to the AP wire. While last year Marcus Camby was more deserving than anyone else (sorry, Ben), this year he solidified a career turnaround from the injury-riddled seasons of 1998-2003. During that span, Camby missed more than 180 games due to injury. Yes, he entered the NBA with great potential. Yes, his first two seasons at Toronto showed the flashes of greatness that gave birth to his number 2 overall draft selection in 1996. But once he arrived in New York with the Knicks, all the magic seemed to fade away. Injuries quickly sidelined Camby from participating in what most likely would have been his most dominant years in the paint (Shaq-withstanding). I even remember laughing at the idea of drafting "Gumby" onto a fantasy team in 2001. He was a sure bet to miss 20-30 games. Now who's laughing. Certainly not George Karl and the Nuggets. They are smiling big.

Welcome back, Marcus. The last three seasons at Denver have allowed you to return to a dominant player who mixes tenacious defense with solid offense. You make your team better. You erase mistakes from the perimeter. You have begun to fulfill the promise most saw in you coming into the NBA. Congratulations, you ARE the Defensive Player of the Year without doubt.

As one small side note to the whole Defensive Player of the Year award, how in the world could Josh Smith not even be listed. He averaged more blocks (2.9/gm) than anyone other than Camby (3.3/gm.), while averaging a smooth 1.5 steals a game. No one else came close, except the deserving Camby (1.2/gm.). So where's the love for Smith? Hopefully he will get his attitude in check, remain with the Hawks, and show that this year was no fluke. If he does, I would wager on a possible rise in prominence. Not just as a poor man's Shawn "The Matrix" Marion in fantasy basketball (Compare Marion's 17.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 bpg with Smith's 16.4 ppg, 8.6 rbg, 3.3 apg, 1.4 spg, 2.9 bpg), but as a well-rounded player who will only get better.

Here's hoping for an even more productive 2007-2008 for Josh Smith!

Braves Dilemma: Insanity? or Does Bobby Cox know something we all don't?

For Braves fans, the 2006 season could not end soon enough. For me, however, the 2007 season could not begin soon enough. After watching a MLB leading number of blown saves (which most likely cost John Smoltz a Cy Young), Atlanta set about to remedy their achilles heal during the off season. While not every trade and acquisition has gone as expected due to injuries (e.g., the perpetually wounded Hampton and Gonzalez, as well as the chemically addicted Ayabar), the bullpen has proven to be worth all of the investment. Throw a career-rebounding start of the season for Tim Hudson, Smoltz being Smoltz, and the Braves find themselves in a back-and-forth battle with the mets at the top of the National League East.

In spite of their stellar 13-7 start (i.e., .650 winning percentage), one must question what in the world Bobby Cox is doing. While I consider him the best manager of this era, I am very concerned about his faith in the player whose name must not be spoken. After a woeful 2 for 36 beginning to 2007, the player now has accumulated the distinction of having more strikeouts (15) than hits, runs, RBIs, stolen bases, caught stealing, walks, ears, noses, mouths, and eyeballs combined! There are not many MLB players who can say the same thing. In fact, outside of the worst hitting pitcher on some club somewhere, no one else can make that claim. If not for an absolutely foolish intentional walk by Florida the other night (which qualifies as the dumbest managerial decision of the season so far), the "player whose name must not be named" would almost be walkless, too. How many rallies has he destroyed? How many runners left on base? How many games lost already?

The definition of "Insanity" I have always loved comes from Ben Franklin. He defines "insanity" as "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Perhaps Bobby Cox is moving into the insanity realm with the "player whose name must not be named." Cox has always been known for his loyalty and faith in his players. I don't fault him for that. I am simply concerned for Atlanta's season right now. Every game will matter this year. We are a little injury away from oblivion (whether it is to Smoltz, Huddy, Wickman, etc.). Being sure that we are putting as many Ws up as we can now will help make a 15-day disabled trip for one of our cores hurlers more manageable.

So what do you think...is Cox insane or does he know something about_____________ that none of us do? I sure hope for the latter.

Deja Vu: Florida Gators Face Ohio State Buckeyes for National Title

Once the Blue Devils and the Vols were ousted from March Madness, I was left with only one desire: to see a very heated finals...a payback opportunity for the Buckeyes and a repeat opportunity for the Gators. While I don't have the time to research the last time (if there ever has been another time) the same schools went head-to-head in the same calendar year for a NCAA National Championship in Football and Basketball, I think it is a GREAT thing. I will be rooting for the SEC in the match-up, just as in the BCS game this year. Even though I am not a Gator fan, I cannot stand the Big 10. Consistently very good, but always uber-hyped.

I think this game really will come down to the perimeter play of the teams and the foul trouble for Oden. If Florida is hot and Oden is plagued by fouls (as has been the case in their most recent games), then the Gators should make a fairly historic mark with the dual National Championships in Football and Basketball.

By the way, who thinks Donovan is going to stay put at Florida?

Al Gore: Hypocrite or Just One Very Devout Green Man?

I stumbled across quite an interesting blog called the Anchoress. The humble author posts quite a collection of various takes on Academy Al's green lifestyle. Warning: the post is quite lengthy and will take a while, but it should be read in full.

I have previously posted a very small piece touching on some of my take on global warming, so I will not get into it here. As far as the Kyoto Treaty, we can have a lovely debate on that as well. On a personal note, I have a family of five who average less than 1,000kwh a month living in one of the most intensive cities for usage.

Inconsideration, Anger, and Grace

Today was quite a day. My current ministry position gives me the joy of doing the two things I most deeply enjoy other than running and being with my family--teaching and meeting one-on-one with men. Thursdays provide an extra dose of pleasure since I usually teach a men's study at 6:00a.m. and then meet with men at 8:00 and 11:00a.m. before I am compelled to dive into emails and begin preparing for Sunday's lesson.

Today all went wonderfully well by any standard I could use until my 11:00a.m. lunch meeting. Actually lunch was scheduled for 11:15a.m., but I digress. The man I was meeting had previously cancelled very last minute (i.e., I had already arrived at the restaurant) due to "something important just came up." I flexed, extended grace to my brother in Christ, and rescheduled for today. So this is where the day took an interesting turn for me, which I have yet to fully process. I arrived my typical 10 minutes early carrying a book, just in case I had to wait. I visited with the owner/chef who is a long-time friend and began to look at my watch. It was 11:25a.m. He was not there yet.

I pull out Foster's Celebration of Discipline and commence reading the chapter on Prayer. I finish the chapter and look at my watch again. The big hand had just crossed the 7 and was moving rapidly toward the 8. I decide to call. (Note: before placing my call to the man, I made the assumption that he had forgotten. That is what I was expecting to hear.) I reach him on the phone and once again I hear:

"Something very important has come up. I am being pulled into a school issue till 12:30. I am sorry but I need to cancel. I am really sorry."

My thought process went something like this:
1) Canceling is typically done before the set time of an event and should be initiated by the person actually canceling.
2) I would never stand someone up once, let alone twice, without certain amazingly insurmountable circumstances (i.e., Katrina, Catastrophic Climate Change, getting a shot on American Idol, an aneurism),
3) Don't rush to judgement, you are a lover of men and a lover of God. Let grace flow.
4) If this guy continues to do this kind of stuff to other people, he will destroy any opportunity to minister to them.
5) There are several people I could have had lunch with today.
6) I am going to meet with him today, no matter what.
7) Cuss words.
While I listed these with sequential numbers, they all occurred within 1.8 seconds of his words. There really is no way of knowing which came first.

I told him I would wait for him at the restaurant and read my book. "See you at 12:40," I said flatly. No "You're forgiven." Just the simple time. I called my wife to see if she could join me for a quick lunch, but she was at the doctors. My cell phone range again. It was the man again. So I hung up with my wife and answered it.

"Uhm, it is looking more like 1:00 or so now. So why don't you go back to your office. I will grace you with a lunch. My treat."

"Does your boss know that you had a previous commitment that is a reschedule of an earlier meeting?"

"We don't really work that way."

"Do you think it reflects well upon your business that you treat people this way?"

"Listen, we really don't work that way. If you were not a Christian, I would be able to be there, but..."

I laughed out loud. I boiled inside. Why would one Christian simply disrespect a brother like that? Did he not know that my lunches are one of the most valuable ministry times I have too? Meeting with men who are fighting for their marriages against long odds. Men who are beginning to admit their own addictions are destroying their life (and their family's life). Meeting with men who are just beginning to look into who Christ is. When I read Paul, he seems to set a higher standard for relationships within the body of Christ than outside. So why such inconsideration?

Yes, we finally got together around 2:00p.m. today. I let him know that the whole lunch fiasco really didn't sit well with me. He offered no apologies, simply a quick reference to the grace of Christ.

I have forgiven my brother now. It really isn't worth destroying a relationship over, but it has raised the question in my mind of why do Christians treat each other with such simple disregard. Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17 is so clear to me. I struggle to live up to that passage, yet I can truly say I try. When I don't and am confronted with such, I make amends where true amends can be made.

On this day, my brother in Christ saw no need for confession, no need for amends, no need for respect, other than a quick mention of grace in the same style I would hastily push a reset button on my old ColecoVision when I wasn't playing as well as I knew I could on a video game.

So do you think Christians typically treat their relationships more shoddily with each other than with non-Christians? If you answer "Yes," why do you think that is?

Harry Westmoreland: A Great Evangelical Dies Unnoticed in the Village

This past weekend brought a very deep blow to the plight of millions of people worldwide. Harry Westmoreland, the visionary pioneer in clean water well drilling in struggling Third World regions around the world, died at the too young age of 65. For the last 17 years, Westmoreland had devoted his time, talent, money, and efforts to live out the love of Christ in the most tangible way he could find--digging wells and sharing the gospel. The ministry rebirthed in 1990 from his vision is called Living Water International.

While the emerging movement has rightfully found the need of providing for the real needs of people (something that has been the heartbeat of many evangelicals for years), their hype and media-savvy campaigns have somehow overlooked the heart-beat of this great evangelical and his ministry. A quick glance through blogosphere barely registers a blip for Living Water. A similar search for the "Blood: Water Mission" leads to hundreds of links. No problem there. The concern is with the mischaracterization of the evangelical church.

I personally thank God for both Living Water and Blood: Water. One is definitely hyped and connected--the cool choice no doubt. The other has quietly gone about paving the way for all ministries to follow in the arena of eradicating the water problem that more than a billion people face each day. Already Living Water has drilled over 4,000 wells in Africa and other Third World countries (at least in 48 countries). Westmoreland's patented portable drilling rigs have made this possible. It makes me wonder what other Christian engineers are out there withholding their creative talents that could be used to solve real-world problems. It also makes me wonder of what would happen if these two efforts (and their subsequent supporters) collaborated together in these areas. They might already be doing so, I just don't know.

This post began as a memorial and a salute (after not finding one on any other blogs) to a great man of the Christian faith (from Sugar Creek Baptist in Houston, Texas) who isn't very trendy, fashionable, or cool. I apologize for allowing it to morph into some strange hybrid of editorial and memorial. I guess my hope is that those who are in the emergent movement would not only speak and promote Blood: Water Mission, but also Living Water International. We need every one available in this push right now. Let's use the financially responsible vehicle to carry on with the vision of both of these ministries. Not separately, but in tandem.

Share clean water.

Share Christ.

Pippen to Return or The Day a Season Changed?

While relaxing in my office for a moment, I decided to check in on the NBA news since Joe Johnson is included in this weekend's All-Star festivities. The first news I saw made me flashback to the first time I tried eating two Alka-Seltzer and chasing them down with some Sprite. What could possibly have brought such a fun experience into my evening? Simply the return of Scottie Pippen to the NBA. Not known for leaving the NBA on a real high point in his career (see his career stats for a reminder of the Portland debacle), Pippen could prove to be a valuable addition for the second half. How valuable? We will see. I could see Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Cleveland (not known as a hot weather mecca) being interested in Scottie.

According to Pippen, he is in prime condition and ready to play around 20 minutes a night for a contender. He says that his motive is not money. Of course, anytime I hear that I cringe just a bit. So what does he bring? At the very least, the championship experience and attitude several teams could use. At the most, great vision, passing, and defense. He was never known as a man that could carry a team, but if MJ is on your team what else is there to do but play your role? You can't fault the man for that.

Welcome back, Scottie, and may the bidding begin.

A Simple Plea to AOL regarding Singingfish.com

In a previous post, I basically vented and lamented the demise of the very best media search engine (SingingFish) that I used regularly to listen to and discover lots of new artists. Too frequently I am expected to make a decision on an album or single based on 30-second samples. While the "we'll give you a little taste so you know what you are getting" mentality might be fine for purchasing frozen yogurt or ice cream (since flavor is typically a consistent thing within such edible delights), it is painfully inadequate in the arena of musical purchases. I have already been burned both on e-music and on iTunes by getting excited by a 30 sec. clip only to find the entire song uneven. Singingfish became my reliable sonic companion for finding complete songs to check out before I buy.

So this post is merely a plea to AOL to humble themselves and relaunch a media search engine of superior quality to their current sorry excuse. Call it whatever name they wish (e.g., www.AOLDoesntSuck.com), just don't bury the engine forever. So this is my simple plea. Pretty please.

By the way, if anyone else uses another search site that they like, feel free to let me know.

Joe Johnson: All-Star Curveball to my Routine

Being a Hawks fan holds certain advantages most people will never understand:

1) One of my favorite advantages is being freed up in April and May to focus solely on baseball. Granted having a lottery pick in the draft is tempting to follow, but after 6 or so disappointing picks in the last decade a sense of learned helplessness has set in.

2) The second advantage is purely an economic advantage. By living in Hawkdom I have successfully saved thousands of dollars by setting high standards on official team merchandise. My standard is simply one of honesty. I refuse to buy any Atlanta Hawks gear until they come out with the "Hawks Suck" line of clothing. At the point that the NBA issues the painfully accurate clothing line, I will probably need to get a second mortgage so I can gleefully mix and match hats, tanks, shorts, headbands, wristbands, polo shirts, nose rings, and Josh Childress faux-fro wigs.

3) Another advantage in my lifelong love of the Hawks is not having to watch the All-Star game very often. This year poses a definite threat to my detached snobbery (or is it just angry, bitter jealousy) come All-Star week. The simple reason is that the Messiah of Atlanta basketball, Joe Johnson, has been selected by Stern to replace the "ailing" (or perhaps hung-over) Jason Kidd. I actually think Johnson deserves the spot on the All-Star team. He is putting together a very respectable season while double-teamed nightly. With his leadership and the continued emergence of a talented young core (especially Josh Smith), the Hawks are on the brink of a 30+win season. That would be their highest win total since the 2002-03 season.

Regardless, I love my Hawks and will always love them--even if they make me watch the All-Star game this year.

Sold! Braves are officially off the block.

While I have truly hated the last 10 years (especially the last 6) of Time Warner ownership of the Atlanta Braves due to a lack of commitment to winning (and the subsequent persistent "walking away" of the core of their team), I cannot say that the news of the new ownership by Liberty Media excites me either. I wish MLB would take the same stand against corporate ownership that some of the other professional sports have. My hope was that Arthur Blank (owner of the Atlanta Falcons) would put together an offer that would satisfy Time Warner and MLB. I will never know what Blank's ownership would have meant to the most successful team over the last decade and a half. One is left with speculations and dreams of glory, nothing more. [sigh]

So 2007-2008 should prove to be an interesting year for the Braves. My hope is that the Time Warner Liberty Media exchange of the Braves was for some reason other than a mere tax benefit. Time will tell, just as it will on the Ramirez for Soriano trade, the LaRoche/Romak for Gonzalez/Lillibridge trade, and the signings of a dozen or so journeymen.

Overall, I actually feel fairly good about the season coming up. Atlanta's defense will continue to be one of the worst in the NL, but their bullpen, which cost them the division last year, has been rectified (at least on paper). Their offense should be a slightly above average offense and their rotation should be middle of the pack as well. The great "If"s of health always linger over every team, so my feeling has nothing to do with their health. I am just glad that we are closing in on another season of baseball filled with the requisite cheers and complaints.

Go Braves!!!!

SingingFish: Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth

If you are not familiar already with the best media search site on the web (www.singishfish.com), you will never get to be. Tonight I went to search for a few songs from Derek Webb to see what his newest offering sounded like. Following my trusty bookmark to singingfish brought a horrible result...I was redirected to AOL. &^%&^^*&!@##$^%&^*!!! Apparently, AOL bought singingfish in 2003 and just recently decided that they needed to put their stamp of ownership (i.e., screwing it up totally) upon their new acquisition. "New" being a highly relative term of course.

Regardless, tonight I am in mourning with intermittent bouts of rage and fury. All because a simple to use, highly customizable media search engine is 6 feet under thanks to the freakshow called AOL.

Sorry for the venting session...Just make this reason #1,097,672 as to why I pray AOL suffers some catastrophic financial calamity.

Jill Paquette...Listen to her

I really don't post much here anymore, but when I heard this girl recently I decided to see if she had any thing on YouTube. If you haven't heard her before, she has an amazing voice. Her songs are fine too. I think the only album I have found is an Eponymous release from 2003 on Reunion Records. Oh yeah, she is another Canadian songstress. Seems there are a lot of great ones.

Share your impressions...I hope you enjoy!

What's Your Theological World View

Another quiz, another easy post:) While this quiz didn't "peg" me entirely, the results were interesting nonetheless. Take the quiz and let me know what you scored.

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists. Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 89% Neo orthodox 68% Reformed Evangelical 57% Fundamentalist 57% Roman Catholic 50% Charismatic/Pentecostal 46% Emergent/Postmodern 46% Classical Liberal 29% Modern Liberal 7% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

Geek=Me...not!

Well, almost a year has passed since I departed the blogosphere due to the demands of three children, a very full-time ministry, and the realization that the 86,400 seconds I am gifted by God each day might be better spent other ways. Of course, if I had more meaningful posts, I would justify blogging as some form of investment into the lives of others:) But that has never been the case. Regardless, I will make at least one post in 2007. Thanks to a former roommate from grad school, I have been given yet another easy post.

You paid attention during 97% of high school!

 

85-100% You must be an autodidact, because American high schools don't get scores that high! Good show, old chap!

Do you deserve your high school diploma?
Create a Quiz

I am not quite sure how J Frank and I scored identically on the quiz. Perhaps we are long lost twins, but I will not insult him with such accusations. Enjoy the quiz and may 2007 be a joy for you.

How Liberal/Conservative Are You?

Thanks to my friend Rob for providing me with a quick and easy blog post. Otherwise this thing would go unupdated another few weeks. Click and take this 20 questions quiz on How Liberal/Conservative Are You?

My results are below, but are skewed by the nature of some pretty nasty/unnatural bifurcations meant to polarize those who see life as more than simple Black and White. So without more positioning of the outcome on the grid of ethics and politics, look below and then take it yourself. Let me know how it goes.
Blessings.

Your Political Profile

Overall: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

Giving, Generosity, and God

Over at one of my favorite blogs, Margaret Feinberg raises the questions of what motivates us to give and why do we think God calls us to giving. While my responses to these two interrelated questions perhaps reveal more about me than the heart of God, I offer them for critique, feedback, and conversation on a very pressing issue in a culture of consumerism/materialism.

So without further delay here are my meditations on giving, generosity, and God...

giving anything is a statement of values and priorities in life (do i value people or stuff more?)

giving often is a vehicle to extend my faith and trust in God's provision

giving is a reminder of the source of all good gifts (both to myself and the community)

giving is a spiritual discipline for me that has been a fuel for ministry expansion, as well as personal/family growth

giving is a physical meditation upon my own finiteness and God's infinite abundance

giving to meet a real physical need (whether I know the person or not, whether I am seen as the source or not) brings a genuine joy and praise to God into my heart

giving is often a response to a deep prompting of the Spirit, to withhold is, therefore, to quench the Spirit of Christ in the life of my family and community

giving is easy when I know the need is real and the people are hurting

giving is easy when I know the people in need are doing all they can to make it

giving flows from the reality that the breath deep within my lungs and the blood oozing through the tiniest capillaries in my "pinky" toes are gifts in and of themselves from the God who not only Creates, but also Sustains

giving resonates perfectly with the heartbeat of God who gives us Life via giving us His Life

giving is one of the only means of fighting materialism, which grows like kudzu within my own life

giving...

So why do you give and why does God command it?

Can we really ever please Islam?

In another sick, twisted Islamic reaction, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala and her pets have had to get Police protection from the Islamic faithful simply because of the name of her dog...Mustafa. As if the cartoon freakshow wasn't enough evidence, we are heading toward a dark day the more we kowtow to such ridiculous religious garbage. It is one thing to be offended by something like a cartoon, but what has happened reminds me of the elementary school playground coupled with lethal pyrotechnics.

It makes you wonder what would happen if I actually applied for one of the NEA's great grants for art and created my follow-up series to Piss Christ... perhaps a trilogy of new art beginning with a "Piss Muhammad," then a "Piss Ghandi," and then a "Piss MLK." Perhaps I could then do a self-portrait called "Piss ER." Of course this is all to make a point (NOTE: In our hyper sensitive, PC culture I need to say this to clarify.). It really isn't my desire, nor is it worth my urine and time to create it. It is just beyond my comprehension how so many people can in our day react the way they do to a cartoon, dog's name, or whatever will offend them next.

Maybe it is just because Christianity has been beaten down and mocked for so long, that we have become numb to the offensiveness. Maybe it is because we are not as faithful to Christianity as they are to Islam, and we should get out and destroy all the infidels. Or maybe it is because we are aware that Christ himself was beaten, mocked, tortured, and crucified while innocent. Maybe it is because we are called to love our enemies. Maybe it is because we do not wrestle with flesh and blood anymore. Maybe it is because the wrath of God has been poured out on Christ already. Maybe it is because of the TRUTH of Christianity in a world bent on destruction.

In baseball you are told to keep your eye on the ball. If you don't, you will never become a great hitter. I know this because I was horrific at the plate (call it ADD/ADHD Gone Wild). May the True Church of Christ not take their eye off of the ball (i.e., the ministry of reconciliation, the Gospel message, being God's community on earth) again. Between politics and materialism, the Bride of Christ is always being tempted to look away from the ball. Now more than ever, we must regain our focus for the Glory of God.

We may never please Islam, but the real question is will we please Christ? I sure pray so.

(Thanks, Budgie for the heads up!)

Late, Never, and on time...

Baby Kate arrived finally Wednesday night. Luke and Emma loved hangin' with Kate, aka Special K, yesterday.

While the last two weeks we have spent waiting, at times impatiently, for the arrival of Kate, we have also been reminded over and over of the need to be thankful for each day and celebrate life at every turn. As you can see in the photos here, Kate has indeed arrived. Ironically she was identical to her "Big Sissy" in height and weight...both nearly 22 in. and both over 9 lbs! We have no idea of the likelihood of having the same weight down to the tenth of an ounce, but it certainly amazed us:-)

So far all is well. As I type this out, we are waiting for our dismissal from the hospital. We appreciate all the prayers and support we have been blessed with over the last several days. Life is never meant to be lived alone. Praise God that he fashioned his community to celebrate its highs and rally together during its lows as the Body of Christ lives out its mission of loving God and loving others.

Soli Deo Gloria

False Alarm, Tragedy, and a Funny Parody

Well, this week started off with quite a stir for the family. Following church in the evening, Stace and I put the kids down for sleep and then decided to torture ourselves with a relatively horrific movie night (thanks to Chris O'Donnell and Vertical Limit for the worst movie we have endured in ages).

About halfway through the movie Stace was experiencing contractions more frequently and intensely. After we called the doctor, she urged us to come on in to the hospital. Third deliveries can come very quickly she explained. By this time it was almost 11:00 p.m. and we had to call some friends to come and stay with the children. By the time they arrived the contractions we already slowing down in frequency and soon after they were more than 30 minutes apart. I had gone from laughing about Vertical Limit to rushing around packing and generally freaking out (you'd think that by the third child it would all be simple, but we have had less time to devote to this pregnancy's preparation) to a disappointed midnight realization that we would have to wait longer to meet our precious daughter. All week I have been mocked for carrying around my backpack complete with extra clothes, games to distract Stace with, video gear, cameras, etc. "At any moment" I kept saying in reply to the comments...So today is Friday and still no baby. So we wait on God's perfect timing for our baby.

In the interim, we have had one friend lose their baby in the 20th week of their pregnancy, another having to be induced early with minor complications, and yet another whose son has not left NICU with a flawed heart valve, constricted pulmonary arteries, and fluid-filled lungs. It has been a reminder of how fragile life is no matter how we want to secure it with technology and science. We hurt for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death right now. May God be their source of comfort, hope, and strength. May we be His hands and feet.

One bright spot this week has been the discovery of a friend's (Tim Bednar's) most recent entry into the "Contagious Festival" on Princess Huffington's site. It is a parody of an "Amazon" page called MegaChurch: The Game. You must go and read ALL of the page. It is quite painfully funny. You know the kind of funny that hurts because in some areas of the universe it rings more true than we want to admit. In a week of anxiety and sadness, I really did need Tim's humor. Thanks, bro.

Yes, I am alive...

As several people have let me know via phone calls, emails, and a comment here or there, I have been rather absent from Life's Rich Tapestry these days. Just to fill in everyone, as of the new year I have shifted ministry positions from being the Director of Operations for JoePix and BlueSky Ministries to becoming the Minister to Married Young Adults and Men at HFBC. It is a long story...a God story for sure. I wish I could sit at Starbucks and tell friends old and new the whole story. For some of you I have been able to do that:-) I really couldn't be any more excited and challenged by the ministry God has called me to, however it leaves little or no time for blogging. Add to that sad excuse for an "excuse" the fact that we will be having our third child within the next 2-1/2 weeks and voila--no blog entries on the horizon.

So what will the future of Life's Rich Tapestry be?

If I have my way, it will be relaunched within the next three months as a group blog focusing on issues facing the family and men within the context of today's culture. I am just beginning to prayerfully put together the team. My prayer is that this blog will become a helpful resource for families dealing with the same hyper-speed lifestyle afflicting life in most large cities in America today.

In the interim, I really will not be posting too much on the blog. Feel free to come back once a week and see if I have posted something, or better yet, click one of the RSS feed links to the right then whenever I post on the blog, you will be alerted. I am still frequenting several blogs to stay up on the latest and greatest in life...

My suggestions for reading in the interim include the following blogs:

The Resurgence

The Sounding

Cerulean Sanctum

Margaret Feinberg

Lileks

Thinklings

My suggestions for listening in the interim include the following artists:

Glen Phillips - Winter Pays for Summer

Krista Vossler - Spoken/Forgotten EP

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Hearts of Oaks

The Perishers - Let There be Morning

Keane - Hopes and Fears

Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die?

While I never got around to favorite albums of the year, some of the above I rate as some of the best music you will hear.

Soli Deo Gloria,
ER

Federal Excise Tax on Phone Bills: A Tax You Should Resist?

In a welcome article from Smart Money, Donald Luskin points out the illegality of the continuing IRS excise tax on phone calls (personal, cellular, and business). It is worth your time to read this article. I am going to ask for a bit of the tax relief this year.

The Nature of Sports

The BCS, you either love it or you...

Wait a minute. I don't know anyone who "loves" the BCS. In fact, one thing is always a guarantee with the current BCS system, there will be debates and arguments over who is the best team in football. Almost every sports fan I know desires to decide a champion face-to-face, on the field, and in plain view of an eager public. That was the promise of the BCS, yet its short history has proven that the theory does not translate very well into the real world of sports. Let's let the players settle it, like in Division I-AA football and every other NCAA sport. I don't know anyone who argues against that.

In 2003, we were treated with a split national title. In 2004, the BCS delivered to us 2 undefeated team from major conferences (and if you count Utah it would be 3 undefeated teams) with no opportunity to resolve the issue. Why wasn't there a split title last year? Or as Tommy Tuberville said following Auburn's legitimate claim of a share of the title (as USC's hype gave them the year before): "Let's have the BCS+1 if we end up with undefeated teams."

Well, as the planets began to align this season, the BCS did deliver just what we have all wanted for the last several decades: the two best teams in the country playing each other on the same field in plain view of the eager public. Who cares where the game is played or even what the game is called. Let's just enjoy No. 1 versus No. 2.

And we all did!

The game is over now and yet the results (at least for some) are similar. In the comments section of a post defending the mumblings of Leinart following Texas' victory over the Trojans, the entire notion of a game being played to decide a National Champion is discarded as meaningless. One quote in particular to focus on is:

by the way, in a single elimination game (like football) you all know for sure the best team does not always win. That is why every other sport has a series. The best team wins a series, not a game. I can point on many such times in football, as can you guys.

Earlier, my friend declares
In tennis, when you lose a point due to your own poor play (and not due to the play of your opponent), it is called an unforced error. As great as Vince Young played, he would not have beaten the Trojans if they had not beaten themselves

Ah, yes. The unforced error of college football. Unforced by whom or what? Is pressure a force? Expectations? Noise?

In other words, we all know who the best team is before a game is played. You can size up teams statistically and know who the better team is. Forget what happens on the field. Afterall, unforced errors can ruin our assessments of the best team.

Seeing this kind of banter following a game that pits number 1 against number 2 is sad indeed. One game isn't enough. We need a series now. How many games in the series will make it a legitimate series? 2 out of 3? 3 out of 5? 4 out of 7? Or 6 out of 10? The more the better I am sure. Or perhaps to preserve our own analysis of the best team we can avoid it altogether by having a computer simulated season on one of several video games. Winner takes all.

In the real world of sports, everyone who loses has an excuse and everyone who wins has a reason. For those who have submitted themselves to the discipline of competitive athletics, winning and losing are fractionally different in performance and exponentially different in results and feelings. Statements denying the victor of a game make me wonder if people have ever learned to compete in athletics or the world itself. We all can point to momentary lapses in key moments that significantly alter the outcome. The history of sports can be chronicled through the lens of stumbles, miscues, and mistakes, but in the end we must give some measure of credit to the team/athlete that truly executed the best in the situation.

This season in football the nature of sports was revealed...there are winners and there are losers. As painful as it may be, that is the reality. We are not talking about people's intrinsic values, we are talking about athletic performances. No one needs to hang their head in shame. No one needs to deny the reality. No one needs to find the reason why. Unless, of course, you've never been there yourself.

Reality Check for Leinart: Rose Bowl Style

Before I go to bed, I have to mention the absolutely delusional mumblings of a former Heisman winner and one of the finest quarterbacks in the NCAA. Following Texas' beating of the vaunted Trojans, Leinart made some pompous muttering about "We're still the best team. We just didn't play good." Or something like that.

UPDATE: This just in...here is the quote according to the story linked below. I still think this might be a bit off, but nevertheless here are the words reported from Leinart: "I still think we're a better football team. They just made the plays in the end."

Reality Check time for Leinart.

Matt, you didn't lose the game. You got beat. If it wasn't obvious to you, your team has not faced the speed of Texas on defense all year. Matt, Bush never could even get around a corner until near the end of the game. That should tell you something. It is easy to sprint up and down the field against most any team in the PAC-10 with the 5-prong beast of the USC offense. It is not so easy against a Top-Tier defense. And just in case you didn't notice, there was only one player on the field that could actually carry a team on his shoulders, and he was wearing a Longhorn uniform. You played a great game, Matt. You lost. It's okay. Embrace the reality that one of the "Greatest Teams in NCAA History" got beat by a bunch of Texas Longhorns.

And one more thing, you and Bush are probably hoping that Vince doesn't enter the draft after tonight's game.

Vince's Vindication: MVP and the National Championship

National Champions!

MVP!

Undisputed!

Exclamation Point...or Exclamation Points.

There was no 55-19 drumming that the third best team (Oklahoma) in the NCAA received last year. There was no controversy about who the real National Championship team is, unlike the last two seasons. There was scarcely a sighting of the "greatest player" on the field with his Heisman in tow. There was, however, an absolutely fantastic National Title game for the ages that lived up to the hype of a number 1 versus number 2. The lead changes became like a tennis match as drive answered drive and score answered score. Until the clock ran out, the outcome was uncertain.

What should have killed Texas (careless turnovers, missed XP, missed field goal, etc.) only slowed them up temporarily and kept USC in the game. The Texas Longhorns used an unusual combination of sloppy play, poor kicking, speedy defense, and Vince Young to do what several teams almost did this season...defeat the most media-hyped team in several seasons. Granted USC has been one of the Top 2 programs over the last three seasons. They have earned most of their reputation, but the rest has come from the USC-mystique which is like crack for sports reporters.

Tonight's game had so many story lines and subplots going on, but the one I was most interested in (other than the ultimate outcome) was the play of Bush (the Heisman Winner) and Vince Young (the Best Player in the NCAA). Tonight finally gave a chance for Vince to get a little national media attention (which is essential to any Heisman run) that any great player at USC is insured. Of course, Bush is an unbelievable player (he is in the Top 3 in rushing, Top 30 in receiving for running backs, Top 75 in punt returns, and Top 75 in kickoff returns). He just isn't the best in the NCAA. The state of Texas has known this fact for a long time. Tonight the country got to see it with their own eyes. The game was a little vindication for Vince as Bush was relegated to an afterthought on most plays. In fact, for Vince, I am sure he wouldn't trade his Rose Bowl Offensive MVP and the National Title for the glory of the Heisman. Let Bush keep it. Afterall, Bush is a great player.

A New Kind of New Year's Resolution

While I don't know the writer of this list of New Year's Resolutions I could not stop myself from linking to it on the blog. I have been slowly absorbing as much of the Emerging MovemenConversation as I can this year. In some ways I feel like I have become Jack Torrance in The Shining as he staggers for hours in the garden maze outside of the Overlook Hotel as the snow begins to fall. Prayerfully my end will not be the same as Mr. Torrance's, but...:-)
Enjoy the Resolutions from above and let me know your thoughts about them.

NOTE: If you know nothing about the Emerging Church, the list will make no sense whatsoever.

Atlanta Falcon's End Disappointing Season in Humiliation

I should have learned over the last 30+ years never to expect too much from my Falcons. There is a long history of losing and a pristene chain of uninterrupted seasons with no back-to-back winning seasons. In fact, following each strong season of football (there have been only 3 or 4 depending on how desperate you are as a fan), fans have been treated to misery. This season promised something different though--a returning group of stud starters on both sides of the ball, a growing energy among fans, a solid coaching staff, a good draft, and a healthy Michael Vick.

The season began in a wonderful direction with a strong victory over the defending NFC champions, Philadelphia Eagles. The season ended yesterday in a painfully embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers which was the proverbial towel throw from Vick and Co. Why can't men who are paid so much to play sack up for 16 games. Forget that "they had nothing to play for." They have "character" to play for, pride, dignity, FANS, and millions in contracts and endorsements. It just burns me to watch any team (especially mine) throw in the towel.

What happened this season? All suggestions are welcome. Here's hoping that the draft goes great for the Birds. I can't believe that I am saying that again. I really thought I wouldn't have to say anything about the draft for the next several seasons. Oh well, I guess it goes with the territory of being a Falcon Fan. Viva la birds:)

Happy New Year!!!!

No time to write a post, just a greeting and a prayer for joy in 2006!

My lists for the year and other snippets will come in a few days. What can I say except I am late getting ready for company coming over for a little fun tonight!

Blessings,
ER

Blind Spots in Educating Our Children?

I started blogging a few months back. Partially as therapy. Partially as experiment. Well, I still am not sure what will come of all of this, but I will continue as I am able (with a new baby arriving in about a month and a new ministry beginning in 1 week). So far, there have been two areas blogging has helped me in:
1) clarifying my thoughts and humbly owning them.
2) discovering my blindspots on different issues and ideas.
In a recent exchange over politics with a longterm friend from school days, I read a post from his blog entitled a funny thing happened on the way to the Southern Baptist Convention. Please read his post before continuing here.

As I read his post, the phrase "'We are Too Scared of the World to Be Missional Within Public Schools' resolution (or, the retreat resolution)" leapt out at me. While I haven't formally blogged on many spiritual themes yet (I am still working on formulating my thoughts on several topics right now), I am historically frustrated with the Church's tendancy to withdraw from engagement (not military/political conquest) of culture as salt and light. So I did what I always do, I read the offending resolution. You can read it in its entirety here at the SBC official site. For those too lazy to follow the link, here is the text.

Resolution No. 1
ON EDUCATING CHILDREN

WHEREAS, Children have been entrusted to parents by the Lord and represent our nation’s future and our spiritual legacy; and

WHEREAS, God has given parents the responsibility for the upbringing and education of our children (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6-7); and

WHEREAS, Many negative influences are attempting to transform the moral foundation of the culture by reshaping the core values of our children, undermining historical truth, and promoting promiscuity, violence, and other immoral behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Children are vulnerable to marketing and entertainment campaigns that redefine truth, morality, and family relationships; and

WHEREAS, Homosexual activists and their allies are devoting substantial resources and using political power to promote the acceptance among schoolchildren of homosexuality as a morally legitimate lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, Educational institutions are often an effective gateway to children’s hearts and minds; and

WHEREAS, Parents have access to textbooks, curricula, special programs, teachers, and other school personnel, giving them tremendous power to effect change in schools; and

WHEREAS, All citizens have the right and responsibility to participate in local, state, and national elections and to use their influence to effect change; and

WHEREAS, Involved parents are the ultimate influence in the lives of their children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, June 21-22, 2005, urge parents and churches to research and monitor the entertainment and educational influences on children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge parents and churches to exercise their rights to investigate diligently the curricula, textbooks, and programs in our community schools and to demand discontinuation of offensive material and programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge our churches to assist and support parents as they investigate community schools and as they train and disciple their own children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend godly teachers and students who feel called by God to take a stand for Christ in secular schools as a light shining in the darkness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That as citizen Christians we commit to hold accountable schools, institutions, and industries for their moral influence on our children; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we urge Christian parents to fully embrace their responsibility to make prayerful and informed decisions regarding where and how they educate their children, whether they choose public, private, or home schooling, to ensure their physical, moral, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with a goal of raising godly men and women who are thoroughly equipped to live as fully devoted followers of Christ.

Fortunately that wasn't too wordy. On second thought...

So is this proposal a "bad" thing? Is it a "good" thing? Is it biblical? Is it faithful to the mission of the Church? Whatever you believe, place your reasoning here for others to read and learn from. I will share my thoughts in a future post. I am just curious if I have a blind spot in this area of my life.

Thanks and Peace.

Warning: Subtle NASCAR Brainwashing Technique Discovered Christmas Morning

This Christmas brought some great moments for our family. With the kids turning 3 and 5, they were much more animated and our time was always interactive (unlike the first few months when it was more care-taking). Sure we miss some of the newborn "moments" that are sweeter than anything imaginable, but we really wouldn't trade today's discoveries and adventures for the sweetness of yesterday. At least not yet:-) We will let you know when "Baby Kate" arrives in a little more than a month. I am sure it will be crazy at the homestead.

With all the warmth and joy of this Christmas, however, we did uncover a very sinister plot to steal the hearts and minds of our precious kids. We had purchased/won/paid-way-too-much-for a "lot" of dress-up clothes for both Emma and Luke on e-bay. We really didn't pay attention to the boxes the clothes arrived in. When they arrived we whisked the boxes quickly into "mama"'s closet and finally wrapped them on Christmas Eve. When Luke (who incidentally has for some strange reason become a huge Spiderman fan lately) unwrapped his box of "costumes" (including cowboy, army soldier, pirate, Batman, fire fighter, and transgender...uhm, no not the last one), he didn't really get past the box. He just sat and basked in the joy of the NASCAR Brainwashing ploy. Look for yourself at the label.

Fireball Raceway: Insane Speeds and Explosive Crashes!"

What other evidence do you really need? The Lukenator was so disappointed with his costumes. How can cloth and plastic compete with "Insane Speeds and Explosive Crashes!"? I still don't know if Luke has even tried on most of his costumes. He has, however, started scrawling various numbers (which shockingly correspond to different NASCAR drivers) all over his arms and legs:-( He no longer is interested in basketball or baseball. [deep sad sigh] He just stands around mumbling something about watching fiery crashes and seeing product logos whirl around faster then one can even follow. I don't want to remember Christmas 2005 as the year of NASCAR, but I am beginning to wonder.

And do we really need another NASCAR fan?

Any suggestions on de-programming would be appreciated.

Oxymoron of the Week: American Express

What do you do while being on hold for several minutes waiting on customer service from a person in India? Simple, you blog about your frustration.

I just opened my December American Express statement and was stunned at the amount. It was several hundred (closer to a thousand dollars) more than I anticipated. The reason? 40 different charges from FedEx for mailing 1 lb. letters to German hotels. I don't dislike Germany at all. The problem is that I don't know anyone in Germany, nor do I frequently send 1 lb. letters overseas to strangers working in the hotel industry. So as I placed a call to my trusty American Express service center, I was expecting the standard excellent customer service I have come to trust from American Express...articulate service reps, knowledgeable service reps, polite service reps.

Now to my current ordeal going into its 35th painful minute, I called to dispute ALL the charges from FedEx to the German hotels. A simple enough endeavor...Not. Instead of getting an articulate, knowledgeable American, I was put through to India. Nothing against India (afterall isn't that where Hadji was from in Johnny Quest). While the lady knew English, she did not know American English. She did not even find it worrisome that there were over 30 charges on the same day to different hotels in Germany which I did not make. I finally asked her if she was located in the States and she said she was in India. I told her (with no disrespect) that I would prefer to speak with a stateside service rep for issues dealing with my account. She obliged ten minutes later.

So why this post?

1) I find it oxymoronic that my card still bears the name "American" since clearly it is no longer that.
2) I find it oxymoronic that my card still bears the name "Express" since clearly it is no longer that either.

A sad day for my travel card of choice. A sad day for America.

Now where is my local Walmart so I can get a cheap movie to take my mind off all of this stuff!

UPDATE: This took 1 hour even!!!

WMD's in Iraq: A Retrospective

Here is a video clip I received this morning. I usually do not view them, but when it comes from Nettie, it is bound to be enjoyable and provocative. Well without further delay, watch and remember the WMD's in Iraq.

Thanks, Nettie. I have read bits and pieces and even remember hearing some of these, but when put all together it is quite amazing indeed.

Satan in Jail?

What a wondrous re-entry back into the news world! Forget any post-holiday blues. This story from Florida will ease the doldrums. Naked and claiming to be Satan leads to a number of charges against Roy Lee Henson:

aggravated assault on a officer

resisting arrest with violence

exposure of sexual organs

disorderly conduct
but one is conspicuously missing--impersonating a damned angel.

hmmm.

Christmas Eve

Our first "Candle Light" service with the kids all there. We would love to have the whole family together, but one side would never go for it, the other can't afford to make the trip. Regardless it was absolutely great! We even sang LR's favorite song "Hark the Herald Angels." We then were able to give a benevolence offering. Everything was on the mark.

Merry Christmas 2005!!!!

Atlanta Braves: Beast of the East?

Well, I can't really complain over the last 14 or so seasons. Going into the last few seasons, several people (including myself) have predicted the demise of the Braves "streak" of division championships. The 2006 season should be no different, however just try to convince Bill Shanks that the Mets or the Phils are not the team to beat next season.

I catch flack annually for predicting demise for my beloved Braves. Well bring it on again. Atlanta should not win the division in 2006. Why? No lead-off threat, no base path speed, no sure bat at either of the outfield corners (I know what Francouer did at first, but his finish was dismal. It cost him the ROY!), no closer, no set-up man, brittle rotation, and perhaps the number one reason...no more "Camp Leo."

Put me down on the Braves shouldn't win bandwagon again. I love being wrong and I give Bobby Cox and Leo Mazzone the credit for proving me wrong over the last 3-4 seasons. This year Mazzone has moved on. I just can't see the Braves being able to pull it off again.

Feel free to tell me where I am wrong on this.

Nickel Creek Covers Britney Spears' Toxic

I know what you are thinking, but you must download and listen to their version. Come back here and tell me your thoughts!!!

Thanks as always for the finest in musical discoveries via the Music Cherry!

Merry Christmas.

A Critic's View: Nickel Creek

In a previous post I have shared my opinion of the "blue grass" group Nickel Creek. Today I enjoyed reading a review of last Saturday's concert at the Wiltern. This is a quick read and I think fairly on the mark.

A few of the best observations in the review are:

But to call Nickel Creek a bluegrass band does it a disservice. The group employed a sort of jam-band philosophy, taking extended instrumental swings in most of the material but coloring many of the pieces with odd rhythmic shifts more characteristic of jazz or even classical idioms.

the songs often explored the mysterious aspects of the human condition.

A good deal of the material, from the opening "When in Rome" to the picturesque "The Lighthouse's Tale," infused intelligent vocabulary while raising ethereal questions or recounting difficult circumstances, including loneliness and suicide. But while those topics shadowed the proceedings, they hardly dampened them.

By casting a wide net across musical styles with a youthful curiosity about the world, Nickel Creek has developed its own unique place, and it's a place that's genuinely worth finding.

I often find myself at odds with musical critics, since I am not always on the critical cutting edge of musicdom. Today, however, I can rest knowing that at least there is some shred of decency in my musical collection.

American Kids Getting More Unfit

Well, the recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms what most of us "observationally" know to be true--there is a wave of lethargy and sedentary living among several young people today. For me it is just another reminder that it is o.k. to turn off the television, XBOX 360, or whatever else helps glue our kids to the couch. Forget the reactions from in-laws and out-laws. For the health and future of our kids, let's get active more.

St. Nicholas: A Model of Generosity, Charity, and Strength

With all my whining about the War on Christmas and the ills of rampant consumerism, I figured I should offer something positive as well. History provides so many lessons for all of us. The stories and history around St. Nicholas are truly inspiring and challenging to me. Spend 30 minutes soaking in the history and stories surrounding St. Nicholas before you run out to the malls. You will be blessed.

I have been.

For those who want the cheap and easy overview, here is a brief comparison/contrast compiled by J. Rosenthal & C. Myers between Santa and St. Nicholas:

Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn't bad; St. Nicholas is just better, but in the battle between Good and Great there really is no comparison.

This Christmas what (or better yet, Who) will your traditions point to?

May the eternal Word come in the flesh of a baby be the point of all we do.

Soli Deo Gloria

Duh: Media Bias Is Real, Finds UCLA Political Scientist

Stating the obvious is a real charming habit...Of course water will be on the road when the rain falls (see photo to the right). Of course when 90+% of reporters are Democrats, liberal bias will be in the news, too.

No big stretches here.

Not that I am shocked at the overall results by the most recent study done by a prof at UCLA dealing with Media Bias, I am simply surprised that the study took place at a major university. The independent study's results focused on the last 10 years of news coverage and found that the vast majority of media outlets are left-leaning (i.e., liberal). While the reasons for the bias is not explored in the study, another recent study focusing on Journalism and Law schools reveals the extreme left bias of the schools educating the "news makers" of our day.

The study did have a few surprises based off of the stereotypes that exist. A few noteworthy ones are:

The Drudge Report is left-leaning.

Fox News is barely right leaning.

The Wall Street Journal is the most left-leaning of all news outlets studied.

Only Fox News' "Special Report With Brit Hume" and The Washington Times scored right of the average U.S. voter.

The fourth most centrist outlet was "Special Report With Brit Hume" on Fox News.

National Public Radio, often cited by conservatives as an egregious example of a liberal news outlet. But according to the UCLA-University of Missouri study, it ranked eighth most liberal of the 20 that the study examined.

Read the studies yourself (both of the ones linked above). They confirm my honest observations and lend credibility to my news gathering habits which lean (by default) to the left. There really isn't too much out there other than some of the barely (i.e., tinsy-weensy) right leaning FOX to balance out the heavy dosing of left-leaning stuff taken in daily by all of us.

Interesting.

Atlanta Hawks: Holiday Surprise

Well let's say Christmas has come early for Atlanta Hawks fans (all 13 of us). What is the gift? Repeat after me:
Four out of Five! Including victories over the Spurs, LeBron, the Knicks, and Carmello. Nice little package!
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you to.

Another Perspective on Making the Switch from PC to Mac

As I wrote about last month, millions of people are beginning to make the shift from PC to Mac for different reasons. I made the shift reluctantly. I still have 4 PCs around the home, but spend about 5% of my time on them. My one Mac (a 15" G4 Powerbook) is my number one choice for all things computing. Every now and then, there is a website that doesn't want to work with Macs simply because Mr. Gates' OS's popularity. But those days are rapidly coming to a close, even with the "coming of Vista"

I came across another person's perspective on making the shift. If you are in the market for a new computer, do yourself a favor and actually look at the Macs. You will not lose all of your contacts, emails, etc. There are free programs that allow you to move them from Outlook to Mac. If you want me to post links here, leave a comment and I will do so. I just have to dust off and fire up my PC where I have all of those bookmared sites:-)

Goliath Wins: Ruiz loses heavyweight title to Russian Valuev

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am always interested in bouts where there is such a discrepancy in physicality (is that even a word?). I remember the professional boxing debut of Ed "Too Tall" Jones. He towered over his opponent. It was a hysterical bout!

In similar David and Goliath fashion, Ruiz and Valuev intrigued me. While I had hoped that this fight would spare us from controversy (i.e., it would end in a knock out), boxing (especially the last decade) seems to thrive on controversy. Apparently, the "Beast from the East"'s victory in Germany over Ruiz was not as clear-cut as two of the judges scored it. If you read some of the pre-fight interviews with Ruiz, he acknowledged that the decisions made by the judges might not be right, but that he would submit to them. I appreciate his approach to the sport: Box and don't worry about the rest.

Apparently, it didn't go the way Ruiz wanted, but I haven't heard him crying over it yet.

More to come.

Atlanta Hawks: Don't Change a Thing, Not Even Your Underwear

I could not help but laugh out loud as I kept checking the progress of tonight's match-up of two marquee Eastern conference teams, the Atlanta Hawks and the New York knick. The teams have both had woeful seasons so far, but of late, the Hawks have been showing some signs of trying to take flight. They are only one game removed from a TWO GAME WINNING STREAK (I apologize for the all caps phrasing and promise to contain my emotions for the remainder of the post) over the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The knick are in the midst of a horrible slump--the kind of slump that makes Larry Brown regret ever considering the possibility of what might have tentatively been possible as the GM for the Cavs (is that vague enough?).

Anyway, tonight's game ended up showcasing the most efficient offensive game of the season by any team in the NBA. Yes, the Hawks (who are averaging barely over 90 points a game) are showing signs of waking up offensively. In the last 8 games they have scored 94 points or more, and in five of those games they have eclipsed the century mark. Tonight they scored an amazingly efficient 122 points against a very mediocre defense (Note: Atlanta's defense is one of the worst in the NBA). How efficient was Atlanta offensively? For the night, they shot a scorching 75% (12-16) from 3-point land, a stunning 63.2% from the field (43-68), and a passable 75% from the charity stripe (24-32).

Two quotes that say it all about the game:

"Neither team played much defense," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson.
[interuption on]Coach Woodson, that might be the understatement of the season so far. Defense was quite absent, even though Josh Smith swatted 8 shots away.[/interuption off]

"We have to keep this winning attitude, knowing what's got us these three wins," Johnson said. "We have to keep working hard, keep preparing and keep trusting in one another."
[interruption on] Uhm, Mr. Johnson, yes, by all means keep that "winning attitude," but more importantly don't allow Mr. Harrington or yourself to change anything, not even your underwear. You two boys combined for an eye-popping 12 of 13 from beyond the arc. Somehow I think that might have a little to do with your winning ways.[/interruption off]

Regardless, congrats to the Hawks, apologies to Larry Brown, and I hope the Hawks can continue to give themselves a chance to win games.

Never Enough: The 200GB iPod Nano

Imagine coupling Apples' sleekly designed Nano with massive storage that is still small enough to take with you. If you can imagine it, then someone can engineer it. And that is exactly what has been done. To see how to do this yourself, visit iPod Nano 200gb Instructions. While researching this amazing aftermarket-conversion that can be done at home, I kept singing The Cure's song Never Enough. Ah, the joys of discontent, consumption, greed.

Devious Distortions are the Norm for MSM

While it seems all news outlets these days create their own news via headline selection and article placement, the latest headline on Bush's recent speech is absolutely outrageous and indefensible by even the most naive reader. I guess that is why you are reading it here. Thanks to Little Green Footballs I have located the insane headline along with Bush's actual speech.

Compare the two:

A) The World News Headline via AFP reads: Bush defends Iraq war, says he will attack another nation if necessary

B) The text from the speech that seems to be the only link possibly used by the media outlet says: September the 11th also changed the way I viewed threats like Saddam Hussein. We saw the destruction terrorists could cause with airplanes loaded with jet fuel -- and we imagined the destruction they could cause with even more powerful weapons. At the time, the leaders of both political parties recognized this new reality: We cannot allow the world's most dangerous men to get their hands on the world's most dangerous weapons. In an age of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, if we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long.

Out of a speech that could have had several headlines, "he will attack another nation" is the distortion and "lens" placed upon it for all to be wishfully shaped by. We wonder why America's image is so poor abroad. It is years of this kind of coverage. Even CNN's International coverage is almost lockstep with Al Jazeera.

As I mentioned before, I know conservative outlets can do the same things. The problem is, however, that there are very few conservative outlets for the media. Take out talk radio and you are looking at too little competition for the liberal slant on lots of the news we gather (and there is none outside of the U.S. that I am aware of). It is the reason I try to read known conservative pundits to get a balanced view. Anyway, there is nothing I can do about the well-established liberal bias in the media elite. It is a product of the education system they are trained by (that is worthy of its own post). Until that is changed there will be little difference in the reporting of the news.

John Ruiz vs. Nikolai "Beast of the East" Valuev: Boxing's David and Goliath

While I can claim that boxing has not held my attention since the Mike Tyson freakshow, Sugar Ray Leonard, and the Roberto Duran-Carlos Palomino Fist Fests of the 80's, I actually would love to see this bout between Ruiz and Valuev. Ruiz is the "shrimp" on the left of the photo (standing a diminuitive 6 feet 2 inches and weighing a mere 224 pounds) and happens to be the champ. Nikolai is the "Beast of the East" and stands more than 7 feet tall and a Shaq-daddyesque 324 pounds.

From the sound of Ruiz, he is definitely looking forward to the fight. Here's hoping the American can do something similar to Nikolai that Rocky did to Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren) in Rocky IV. This whole bout reminds me of why I ran cross-country and opted for wrestling. If size matters, then count me out of the sport. Somehow if Ruiz is a "shrimp," I would be a "sea monkey" or worse yet plankton in the world of boxing (Yes, I realize those little sea monkeys are really brine shrimp, but they are tiny and fragile. Besides it was too hard to find pictures of plankton.).

"Atlanta Hawks' Winning Streak" and Other Oxymorons

While I have been generous with my criticisms of the Atlanta Hawks so far this season (the evidence for the previous statement is found in my posts Atlanta Hawks Remain Perfect and Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors: Clash of the Dwarfs), I have been slow to praise them. Tonight they have earned a bit of praise from a lifelong fan.

After pounding the defending NBA champs the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, I thought about posting something positive in honor of the Hawks' ability to increase their win total by 50% with just one win. However, once I realized San Antonio was playing the second night of a back-to-back set of games, I decided that it was more of a fatigue-victory than a Hawks victory. Granted, when you have only won two games out of your first 18 games, counting any victory as "real" or "meaningful" is a very fair and rational action. I, however, am too cynical for reason anymore...almost like some of the extreme Left-wing, Bush haters that are unable to see any positives in the man or in America. "It is ALL Bush's fault afterall!"

Tonight's convincing victory over a very talented Cleveland Cavaliers team has earned the Hawks at least a little love from this sore loser in Houston.

Just how many "Firsts" did a road victory over the Cavs bring Atlanta? Ah, let me begin to list a few...

Back-to-back victories!!!

A winning streak!

A winning percentage of exactly 20%!!!

19 points for Tyrone Lue!!!
I could go on for hours, but I know that celebrating too much on a weeknight can detrimentally effect my output at work. So in honor of the Hawks' unbelievable two-game winning streak, let me say, "Wow, you guys really can play some ball."

Next up: Philly at Philly...this might not be very pretty.

The Ocean Blue Unveils Christmas Song on MySpace.com

If you are a fan of The Ocean Blue (one of my all-time favorites), then you need to visit their MySpace page and listen to the songs on the site. The rendition of O Holy Night is simply lovely.

Iran and Israel: A Lethal Intersection

While I keep hoping things will get rational and improve in the Middle East, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues to stand by his inflammatory remarks from the last few months. One of his cute little remarks revolves around the destruction of Israel, the denial of the holocaust, and the rigging of the 2005 NL MVP race for Pujols. While I have to agree with the baseball wisdom of Iran's president, I disagree with him on the first two statements.

In reaction to such insane ramblings from a man in such a high political office in Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon calls for the preparation of a military action by March if the international community is unable to thwart Iran's death wish. The Iranian death wish has come at a time when strides are being made in Iraq. Perhaps this is the latest plot by Islamo-facists...cause a major Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran, force the US to chose a side, and spin it to make the Iraq War a "Religious War" for ALL ISLAM to be involved with. I do pray that the international community will actually do what needs to be done. If they continue to stand like middle school girls staring at the bathroom mirror between classes to be sure they look just like Britney or [insert the name of the most recent made-to-order over-sexed pop princess], then Israel may have little options in response.

Here's hoping and praying that peace will have a chance...if the UN will do the right thing...in the Middle East.

BBC Shocker: Optimism in Iraq

In the most recent BBC polls and articles, I was shocked (i.e., had to pick myself up from the 1970's pile carpeting in my study) to read that optimism is rising in Iraq among the Iraqi people. No, it is not all rosy in Iraq and it varies by regions, but the overall trend in Iraq is growing optimism regarding the future of a democratic Iraq. According to all I have heard in the American press, all that is happening in Iraq involves explosives, suicidal Iraqi patriots defending their open, free society from the evil American empire that is hell-bent on a colonial outbase in the Middle East for further advancement of the Evil Empire. Everything is spiraling out of control and there is no hope, except for America to leave as soon as possible.

A small paragraph tucked away in the middle of the article is worth mentioning here. It says:

The findings are more in line with the kind of arguments currently being deployed by US President George W Bush, he says.

Of course, my friends that have been in Iraq, are currently in Iraq, and that will be going to Iraq (you are in my prayers as always, Barry), usually have a different story to tell me. As I mentioned in my comments on a post regarding the 2,000th death for U.S. forces in Iraq the military personnel are asking us to reserve judgement on the process and understand that very real progress is being made in Iraq.

The process is far from over in Iraq, no doubt. But there have been and are signs of potential brightness in the future for Iraq. The obstacles to progress are great for everyone involved, but the obstacles are not insurmountable IMO. Here is hoping that we continue to stay the course and allow democracy a chance in Iraq.

The War on Christmas: Christ, Consumption, and Consumerism

While I have already sounded off about the "War on Christmas" (and you should read that post if you have not done so), I was thankful to return home from church today and be greeted with a message from the Pope on materialism at Christmas time. You know me, I have an inside track with all of the great leaders of the world...even the Pope:0

According to the Pope, materialism threatens to alter Christmas' real meaning. I will really step out on a limb here and say that it has already done so culturally and that is the very reason the words "Merry Christmas" are used by advertisers. Call me cynical, crazy, creepy, cranky, or cantankerous. I am not Scrooge. I just think the Church can begin to reclaim the Holy Day for a Holy God.

Do I think the Pope got it all right? No way. Should this be a time of quite private reflection? Not necessarily. Should all Christian symbols of Christmas (e.g., the nativity) be drawn back from the world and secluded inside our little homes? No, Christ came into the world. It is o.k. to celebrate in the world as well. The problem comes when the Church's celebration is no different from the Cultures. The problem comes when we think a nativity set is Christmas itself.

So what is Christmas?

How does Christ incarnate today?

What is the real nativity for the Church?

Ann Coulter Experiences the Left's Censorship at University of Connecticut

Whether you like her or not, the treatment Ann Coulter received while speaking at the University of Connecticut was definitely a form of censorship at an educational institution. Granted, she was free to speak, but the Left is so good at their "practical censorship" perfected through many years of practice. The "open-minded" Left wingers who disagreed with Coulter chose to use the choice rhetoric of "You suck!" among other insults to cut her speech short. It always makes me laugh (or cry).

The least tolerant professors I had in college were the most Liberal professors. The angriest people I know are also the most liberal. While some of them may not believe in any form of God, they certainly take a holier-than-thou stance against anyone who differs in opinion. Now don't take it all out of context because there are angry conservatives and the ever unpredictable Pat Robertson and Co. I just haven't been around them yet. It is simply ironic that on a college campus where free speech is "talked about" if it is dealing with such topics as racism, religious bigotry, America as a terrorist state, or the evils of White America, it is getting more common to become hateful, angry, and immature toward the conservatives who speak on campuses.

So I guess a handful of liberal students at UConn have nothing more to learn from those they disagree with. That is a sad day in education to me. I frequent Michael Moore's website and read his rants. I do the same with several opinionated Left-wingers. Why? Because I know that there is something to learn from the exchange. When I was in college, I was the same way. So were my friends. In retrospect I miss the feel of a real place of education. I am sure most of the students at UConn do to. Unless, of course, they have never known it.

Todd Pratt a Brave!

Finally a move I am glad about. Reports on Braves Central state that Todd Pratt is now a Brave. Since Pena cannot throw out a school child running to second, I am excited to have Pratt as our backup to McCann. Pratt has a good bat at Catcher and while old (not as old as me) is still worth the investment by Atlanta.

Thanks, JS.

Now if Tejada would have only been available yesterday...hmmmmm.

Braves Trade Future for Mediocre Renteria

Well what I feared for the Braves has come to be a reality. According to Yahoo.com Atlanta traded Marte to Boston in exchange for the ever-aging Renteria. I personally think this was an unnecessary acquisition since Renteria is not a great glove anymore and not a leadoff bat. I just don't really see the need of giving up Marte NOW for the Braves. I defer to the wisdom of JS again, but they must know something about Marte that I don't. I had even thought of a 2007 Braves team with Chipper at 1st, Marte at 3rd, and Betemit at SS.

It really doesn't matter now. Atlanta has just let go of a future great player for an entirely average aging player with a large contract (even with Boston paying some of the bill). Not an exciting time for Braves' fans.

Addition by Subtraction: Kolb Traded Back to Brewers

I have previously sounded off on Dan Kolb and his season-wrecking, salary-wasting excuse of a year for Atlanta. I am all for this trade. In fact, JS could have traded for my Grandmother and I would be excited. Just send him somewhere else. He can even be an All-Star again for all I care. I just can't stand to see him in a Braves uniform. He disgraced the uniform and the team last year. Kolb, have a great time in Milwaukee. You will not be missed.

Bye, Bye Estrada. Hello, Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal

What is Atlanta's first response to the drunken financial stupor called the NY Mets? Apparently it is to trade Estrada to Arizona for two arms for the bullpen. According to the AJC, Atlanta will receive Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal. Neither have distinguished themselves to this point in their careers. I have learned to trust JS, so I will close my mouth. On the surface though, it just seems like a good idea, but neither of these guys excite me. I don't think they will be the answer to what ails the Braves bullpen. I am sure JS has something else brewing. Here's hoping it doesn't involve Marte.

By the way, I still can't believe that Millwood and Estrada were swapped a few years back. So in effect Millwood has become Cormier and Villarreal. Hmmmm. I know the economics were driving the trade, but still it hurts to see Estrada have a relatively lackluster 2005 for Atlanta. With McCann's emergence in late 2005, Estrada was more expendable. Let's hope McCann stays healthy...

Gunshots on an American Airways flight to Miami

Another reminder of our times. The article is short with little details other than someone is hurt. The plane is on the ground. We will definitely hear about this tonight on the news.

UPDATE: Reports indicate that an Air Marshall shot a passenger claiming to have a bomb. More coming...

Do You Know Your States? A Fun Test

I received an email from my mom with a taunt of 96% on this test. So of course I jumped in and swiftly got spanked by "Momma." Here is the test of American Geography that takes 5-7 minutes depending on neural efficiency. My score was only 88% due to a few early errors in learning how to use the interface.
Good luck and have fun.

A Blog worth reading

One blog I have found very helpful throughout the debate over Iraq has been Same Ole' Different Day written by a soldier in Iraq. There are several soldiers' blogs, but this one has been timely and straightforward time and again. Check it out and stay in touch.

Furcal Flies For the $$$$$

Unfortunately, according to the LA Times:
"Free agent Rafael Furcal has agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Dodgers that would make him one of the highest paid shortstops ever, a source close to the negotiations said Saturday. The deal would guarantee Furcal, 28, nearly $40 million.

"He is expected to take a physical Sunday and a news conference could be held in Dallas on Monday, the first day of baseball's winter meetings.

"Furcal, who has played his entire six-year career with the Atlanta Braves, is a fleet switch-hitter with excellent range and a strong arm. He has a .284 lifetime batting average and last season had 46 stolen bases, 31 doubles, 11 triples and 12 home runs. He has averaged 107 runs scored the last four seasons.

"Furcal chose the Dodgers over the Braves and the Chicago Cubs, who offered slightly less than $50 million over five years. The Braves wouldn't go higher than $36 million over four years.

"The $13-million average annual value of the deal is significantly more than the $40-million, four-year deal the Boston Red Sox gave shortstop Edgar Renteria a year ago. Shortstop Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees makes nearly $20 million a year and Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles makes $11 million a year."

Well, I hate to see Furcal go. He and Giles we are great 1-2. Perhaps the Braves can make a run at Carl Crawford (TB) or Juan "I can only slap and run" Pierre from the Marlins. He would be a great threat on the bases for a lead-off. Moving him to a corner OF position would give Atlanta a lethal defensive OF. The move of Betemit into the starting SS slot would negate the power drop with Pierre taking over for last years platoon in LF. Just thoughts with no idea about salary structure for Pierre (He made 3.6 million last year).

Braves fans...what are your thoughts...other than I wish Furcal was more like Chipper Jones or Brian Giles.