Is there more crime now-a-days then there was in the 50s? People always say pre-1960 was 'the good ole days'. Maybe people were nicer to one another, maybe there were less crimes. I think that is a big maybe, a real big one. In fact, I think we are safer now than we were in the good ole 1950s.
In today's time there is more television coverage so we see all the crimes that were committed each day. When people say, "I remember when I never had to lock my door" I think, 'well if all the robberies were brought to your attention back then maybe you would have locked your door'. I can leave my door unlocked everyday right now, how many times do you think someone comes to my door and tries to get in when I'm not there? Chances are it rarely ever happens, if ever. So I could leave my door unlocked and it would be fine just like it was fine so many years ago. But since we have 24 hour news and movies that all make us aware of how many creeps there are we stand on our guard to make sure we stay away from them. Way back when there was no news telling you about all the crimes and so it was fine to just let the kids run around the neighborhood until who knows when. The kids can still run around, we just want to know where they are because we are aware of what can happen with all th predators out there.
In the 1950s and prior there was mass corruption in the police force, politicians interacting with the mob, all sorts of behind the scenes crime. People were gay back then, there were rapes, murders, kidnapping and all the same things you hear about today. The difference is all of that is brought to light in no time flat today.
In the end I think we are safer and better off in our present time. Sure the morals and attitudes of America has changed and landed us in some socially bitter times but as far as our safety I think we are better off today. Law enforcement knows more, we know more, medical care is 100 times better today...there are a ton of reasons to belief the 'good ole days' were just the 'ignorance is bliss' days. So when it all seems bleak and like were all headed to hell in a handbasket, just remember that society has always been like it is. That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for a better existence, just that we don't have to be so down about the one we are in.
JB
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Baseball Playoffs
I am a huge Braves fan and I watch them all season long, every year. I probably catch between 100-120 games a year so it's safe to say I keep up with the team pretty consistently. The only time I don't watch is when I'm out of town or somewhere I can't watch it. I started watching the Braves in 1991, when I was 7 years old, and that was the year that began the 14 consecutive division titles. So even though the last 4 years they haven't made the playoffs, for 14 of the 18 years I've been watching they have. After watching the Braves go through this long, 6-month season, the thing I can't stand is to watch them die out in the first round, in 3 or 4 games. So, this has made me think of ways the playoffs could be better.
After watching a great team go through 162 games, and following that team, knowing they are going to make the playoffs for the last month of the season and being excited about it, the team has a bad pitching performance and one of the top hitters hits a dry spell and next thing you know they get swept in 3 games. My opinion: this is ridiculous!
There is no way after all of that long season that it should come down to such a short series. The least baseball could do is make it a 7-game series. But I want more, in fact, I want the Division Series, LCS, and World Series to be 9-game series. Why? Because in baseball the best team rarely wins and this would help to determine a more true champion. The first 3 games would be held at one team's park, then 4 games at the other, and then switch again for the final 2 games.
There's a saying in baseball that goes "you're only as good as your next day's starting pitcher", and that is true. So if you've got your ace on the hill in game 1 of the series and he doesn't have his good stuff, you're down 0-1. Then he may never get to pitch again for the rest of the series! A starting rotation needs to be turned over at least once in a playoff series, and you should have to beat someone's ace twice before you can sweep them. If you can do that then you deserve to move on quickly.
And the logistics of this are not a problem. I love the NBA Playoffs because there is a great game on every night, and yet the series last 2 weeks so I don't get hit every night with the same teams. When the Hawks are in the playoffs, I get a day or two between games...I like that, time to digest it. But the problem is when you get to the Finals, the most important series, it is boring and easy to lose interest because of the gap between games since there are no other series going on. So a 9-game series for all 3 rounds in baseball works great because you're making each series a week and a half long and the games are each day (with the exception of travel days). So you don't lose interest, and at least after having watched my team for 6 months, they'll get a week before they're ousted instead of 3 days.
As for the length of the playoffs, which would now go from about 27 days to about 35 days, you would want to still end everything in late October. To do this you would have to start the playoffs a week earlier, so just start the season a week earlier and begin the playoffs around September 25th.
Some people might say they should add more rounds and not expand the series. Well, baseball is a marathon and so you need to keep the playoff teams at a minimum because you don't want to let the "pretty good" teams in....they might win it all because like I said the best team rarely wins. If you wanted a true champion then you'd just play the regular season and whoever was on top of all of baseball would win. Of course, that doesn't spark interest and they need a playoff system to keep the fans interested and create excitement at the end of the season.
You don't hear many people calling for much change in the baseball playoffs, probably because it occurs during football season and people have lost interest in baseball by then. But as a fan of a team who is usually in contention, I would like to see a more drawn out playoffs, I think it would be better.
JB
After watching a great team go through 162 games, and following that team, knowing they are going to make the playoffs for the last month of the season and being excited about it, the team has a bad pitching performance and one of the top hitters hits a dry spell and next thing you know they get swept in 3 games. My opinion: this is ridiculous!
There is no way after all of that long season that it should come down to such a short series. The least baseball could do is make it a 7-game series. But I want more, in fact, I want the Division Series, LCS, and World Series to be 9-game series. Why? Because in baseball the best team rarely wins and this would help to determine a more true champion. The first 3 games would be held at one team's park, then 4 games at the other, and then switch again for the final 2 games.
There's a saying in baseball that goes "you're only as good as your next day's starting pitcher", and that is true. So if you've got your ace on the hill in game 1 of the series and he doesn't have his good stuff, you're down 0-1. Then he may never get to pitch again for the rest of the series! A starting rotation needs to be turned over at least once in a playoff series, and you should have to beat someone's ace twice before you can sweep them. If you can do that then you deserve to move on quickly.
And the logistics of this are not a problem. I love the NBA Playoffs because there is a great game on every night, and yet the series last 2 weeks so I don't get hit every night with the same teams. When the Hawks are in the playoffs, I get a day or two between games...I like that, time to digest it. But the problem is when you get to the Finals, the most important series, it is boring and easy to lose interest because of the gap between games since there are no other series going on. So a 9-game series for all 3 rounds in baseball works great because you're making each series a week and a half long and the games are each day (with the exception of travel days). So you don't lose interest, and at least after having watched my team for 6 months, they'll get a week before they're ousted instead of 3 days.
As for the length of the playoffs, which would now go from about 27 days to about 35 days, you would want to still end everything in late October. To do this you would have to start the playoffs a week earlier, so just start the season a week earlier and begin the playoffs around September 25th.
Some people might say they should add more rounds and not expand the series. Well, baseball is a marathon and so you need to keep the playoff teams at a minimum because you don't want to let the "pretty good" teams in....they might win it all because like I said the best team rarely wins. If you wanted a true champion then you'd just play the regular season and whoever was on top of all of baseball would win. Of course, that doesn't spark interest and they need a playoff system to keep the fans interested and create excitement at the end of the season.
You don't hear many people calling for much change in the baseball playoffs, probably because it occurs during football season and people have lost interest in baseball by then. But as a fan of a team who is usually in contention, I would like to see a more drawn out playoffs, I think it would be better.
JB
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Week Four
Week four was good because State beat a big time program for the first time in Dan Mullen's tenure and it's the first time Mississippi State has beaten Georgia since 1974 (9 straight losses). I know Georgia is down this year, and they were without A.J. Green, and they were on the road but they have had better years in recruiting every year by far for every year the players who were on the field Saturday night were recruited in. So UGA had better players at pretty much every position but State won so that is a big time win for MSU.
In all the games I think the weekend lived up to the billing with all the big games being close except for Florida/Kentucky. I'm glad Notre Dame got stomped, now can we shelve them for 2010? I was very surprised by Texas getting blown away by UCLA, that really takes some of the luster off the Red River Shootout next week. I actually picked the correct final score for the LSU/West Virginia game...first time this season. Overall, I went 5-2 in the SEC and 4-2 nationally, so that brings my total up to 29-7 for the SEC and 15-9 nationally. I don't really have much to say because I only saw a small portion of the games since I was in Starkville, and I haven't really seen much of the replays. Here's my SEC power poll:
1. Alabama, 4-0 (1-0) - They survived the passing blow that was their first 3 games and the first upper cut this week. They also proved they can come from behind in the 2nd half and on the road, which is huge going down the stretch with several more tough road games. They are going to be tough to knock out...next in the ring - Florida.
2. Florida, 4-0 (2-0) - The Gators are back at number two because Arkansas lost and their offense finally looked good. Just in time too because the Tide is next. It will be the second straight week my #1 faces #2.
3. Auburn, 4-0 (2-0) - Micheal Dyer crushed Marcus Lattimore 100 yards to 33 and Auburn pulled out a big time victory. Three straight very hard fought wins by Auburn and they get a much easier game vs. ULM this week. They are a very tough team with experience and I think they are only going to get better.
4. Arkansas, 3-1 (1-1) - They had Alabama down 20-7 in the 3rd quarter but just couldn't get it done. Ryan Mallett looked like he could be great in the 4th quarter against Georgia but he threw 2 late picks and another costly INT in the first half in this one. They gave Alabama a run for their money and they are a really good team.
5. LSU, 4-0 (2-0) - The Tigers just keep moving up the board because they keep winning but it still is ugly football. No offense whatsoever in every game this year. It's all special teams which may work next week vs. Tennessee but they better find something on offense if they want to win in the swamp.
6. South Carolina, 3-1 (1-1) - I thought the Gamecocks could take advantage of a worn down Auburn team but they couldn't get it done. I have to question why Spurrier took Garcia out of the game, I know that is what he does but this was a huge game on the road and you've got to rely on the experienced QB. They've got two weeks to get ready for Bama.
7. Mississippi State, 2-2 (1-2) - If you had said we can have one win in the early stretch of three tough SEC games or take my chances at the beginning of the season I probably would've taken the one victory. State bounced back from the LSU game nicely and got a huge win and they're on the path towards a bowl game.
8. Georgia, 1-3 (0-3) - This is a terrible record for UGA and I know all their fans want to jump off a cliff but I still think this a good team that can end up 8-4 or 7-5 and have positive momentum heading into next year. They've played tough for the last three games just have come up short. They need to find a way to regroup on the road next week at Colorado.
9. Kentucky, 3-1 (0-1) - I thought Kentucky would play much better at Florida, but that was to be combined with poor Florida play which didn't happen. They look a lot less dangerous to me now but I think they still have some fight. It will be interesting to see what happens at Ole Miss.
10. Tennessee, 2-2 (0-1) - After three games I thought UT had overachieved in 5 out of 6 halves this year and was poised for a nice win vs. UAB but they needed overtime and UAB's kicker to miss 5 field goals! It's bad in Knoxville and they are facing at LSU, at Georgia, vs. Alabama, and at South Carolina in the next 4 games...ouch.
11. Vanderbilt, 1-2 (1-1) - Vandy had the first week off in the SEC this year. It will take a lot for me to move Ole Miss ahead of them right now.
12. Ole Miss, 2-2 (0-1) - The Rebels actually won a game at home against a lesser team...1 out of 3 so far this year. But they still gave up 38 points, where is that defense?
I think this weekend separated the teams into 4 evenly divided tiers. The first 3 are the top of the league teams that have great athletes and experience. The second tier are 3 teams that want to take the next step but still have some hurdles they can't jump over. The next 3 teams are very talented but haven't been able to put it all together. And the final 3 are just not very good. Here my national Top 5:
1. Alabama, 4-0
in a very distant 2nd. Boise State, 3-0
3. Nebraska
4. TCU
5. Ohio State/Oregon
The Falcons won in New Orleans, that is a huge victory. How about the 49ers? I think Alex Smith can be cut now, and Mike Singletary can be fired. The most amazing thing to me is the Pittsburgh Steelers, down to their 4th quarterback and 3-0...and their 1st string is a two time Superbowl winner. I certainly thought Big Ben's suspension would kill their season but they are a great franchise, incredible.
The Braves couldn't pull off the 4-2 week so instead they pulled a 1-5. They played the Phillies tough and I'm ok with them getting swept because they were completely outmatched in every way and all the cards were stacked against them but they needed to pull out at least two victories in Washington. They've got to go 5-1 this week, if they don't and still make the playoffs they will have officially backed into it. But I'm not giving up, I'll be watching all week hoping they can make it for Bobby, and me, because they haven't made it since 2005 and I want to see them back in the playoffs. When they are in the dance that first weekend of it coupled with great college football games makes that Saturday probably the best sports days of the year.
JB
In all the games I think the weekend lived up to the billing with all the big games being close except for Florida/Kentucky. I'm glad Notre Dame got stomped, now can we shelve them for 2010? I was very surprised by Texas getting blown away by UCLA, that really takes some of the luster off the Red River Shootout next week. I actually picked the correct final score for the LSU/West Virginia game...first time this season. Overall, I went 5-2 in the SEC and 4-2 nationally, so that brings my total up to 29-7 for the SEC and 15-9 nationally. I don't really have much to say because I only saw a small portion of the games since I was in Starkville, and I haven't really seen much of the replays. Here's my SEC power poll:
1. Alabama, 4-0 (1-0) - They survived the passing blow that was their first 3 games and the first upper cut this week. They also proved they can come from behind in the 2nd half and on the road, which is huge going down the stretch with several more tough road games. They are going to be tough to knock out...next in the ring - Florida.
2. Florida, 4-0 (2-0) - The Gators are back at number two because Arkansas lost and their offense finally looked good. Just in time too because the Tide is next. It will be the second straight week my #1 faces #2.
3. Auburn, 4-0 (2-0) - Micheal Dyer crushed Marcus Lattimore 100 yards to 33 and Auburn pulled out a big time victory. Three straight very hard fought wins by Auburn and they get a much easier game vs. ULM this week. They are a very tough team with experience and I think they are only going to get better.
4. Arkansas, 3-1 (1-1) - They had Alabama down 20-7 in the 3rd quarter but just couldn't get it done. Ryan Mallett looked like he could be great in the 4th quarter against Georgia but he threw 2 late picks and another costly INT in the first half in this one. They gave Alabama a run for their money and they are a really good team.
5. LSU, 4-0 (2-0) - The Tigers just keep moving up the board because they keep winning but it still is ugly football. No offense whatsoever in every game this year. It's all special teams which may work next week vs. Tennessee but they better find something on offense if they want to win in the swamp.
6. South Carolina, 3-1 (1-1) - I thought the Gamecocks could take advantage of a worn down Auburn team but they couldn't get it done. I have to question why Spurrier took Garcia out of the game, I know that is what he does but this was a huge game on the road and you've got to rely on the experienced QB. They've got two weeks to get ready for Bama.
7. Mississippi State, 2-2 (1-2) - If you had said we can have one win in the early stretch of three tough SEC games or take my chances at the beginning of the season I probably would've taken the one victory. State bounced back from the LSU game nicely and got a huge win and they're on the path towards a bowl game.
8. Georgia, 1-3 (0-3) - This is a terrible record for UGA and I know all their fans want to jump off a cliff but I still think this a good team that can end up 8-4 or 7-5 and have positive momentum heading into next year. They've played tough for the last three games just have come up short. They need to find a way to regroup on the road next week at Colorado.
9. Kentucky, 3-1 (0-1) - I thought Kentucky would play much better at Florida, but that was to be combined with poor Florida play which didn't happen. They look a lot less dangerous to me now but I think they still have some fight. It will be interesting to see what happens at Ole Miss.
10. Tennessee, 2-2 (0-1) - After three games I thought UT had overachieved in 5 out of 6 halves this year and was poised for a nice win vs. UAB but they needed overtime and UAB's kicker to miss 5 field goals! It's bad in Knoxville and they are facing at LSU, at Georgia, vs. Alabama, and at South Carolina in the next 4 games...ouch.
11. Vanderbilt, 1-2 (1-1) - Vandy had the first week off in the SEC this year. It will take a lot for me to move Ole Miss ahead of them right now.
12. Ole Miss, 2-2 (0-1) - The Rebels actually won a game at home against a lesser team...1 out of 3 so far this year. But they still gave up 38 points, where is that defense?
I think this weekend separated the teams into 4 evenly divided tiers. The first 3 are the top of the league teams that have great athletes and experience. The second tier are 3 teams that want to take the next step but still have some hurdles they can't jump over. The next 3 teams are very talented but haven't been able to put it all together. And the final 3 are just not very good. Here my national Top 5:
1. Alabama, 4-0
in a very distant 2nd. Boise State, 3-0
3. Nebraska
4. TCU
5. Ohio State/Oregon
The Falcons won in New Orleans, that is a huge victory. How about the 49ers? I think Alex Smith can be cut now, and Mike Singletary can be fired. The most amazing thing to me is the Pittsburgh Steelers, down to their 4th quarterback and 3-0...and their 1st string is a two time Superbowl winner. I certainly thought Big Ben's suspension would kill their season but they are a great franchise, incredible.
The Braves couldn't pull off the 4-2 week so instead they pulled a 1-5. They played the Phillies tough and I'm ok with them getting swept because they were completely outmatched in every way and all the cards were stacked against them but they needed to pull out at least two victories in Washington. They've got to go 5-1 this week, if they don't and still make the playoffs they will have officially backed into it. But I'm not giving up, I'll be watching all week hoping they can make it for Bobby, and me, because they haven't made it since 2005 and I want to see them back in the playoffs. When they are in the dance that first weekend of it coupled with great college football games makes that Saturday probably the best sports days of the year.
JB
Monday, September 27, 2010
Government
There are two schools of thought on the government. One is that it is good and provides valuable services. The other is that it is a necessary evil that can't get out of its own way. I tend to agree with the last one there, I don't care for the government, especially the federal government.
Whatever operation the government is in charge of doesn't work as well as it would if it were held privately. That is a fact, there is no disputing it. The DMV, IRS, FBI, you name the federally funded government organization and we can walk through it and see plenty of slacking off and mediocre work. The Post Office, permit office, tag office, wherever you go and have to deal with the government the service is going to be slow and poor. That is because there is no incentive to work. They don't care if you come back because you have to, they are the only show in town. They don't need your business because you have to pay for them with you tax dollars anyway. Take anything in America, give it to the government and they will run it into the ground.
There are things that we need our government to handle. The police force, military, constructing roads, schools, and other necessary services are good for the public. Somehow we need to create incentive laden programs to get government workers to perform better. The benefit to working for the government is a decent wage, good benefits, and job security. I think the majority of people who go into these positions are lazy and scared of not making it so they fall back on the government security blanket of their job. That is ok, there's nothing wrong with having a secure job, but there needs to be more accountability so the government services mirror the private ones.
So I don't like government services. And so that also means I don't like increasing the government to handle more and more things and create more and more layers of bureaucracy and more taxes to pay. I, like most people, am not a fan of taxes. I prefer to shrink government and government spending and lower taxes. I want to push some of the services the government wants to provide to the private sector. Let's cut the cost of our taxes so we'll have more to spend and less government oversight watching what we spend it on.
I don't like the government creeping in on my business. This is the land of the free, and I don't need to be scared that if I make one wrong move Uncle Sam is going to be breathing down my neck. There's already enough corruption, we don't need to have bigger government and make it easier for that corruption to effect our daily lives. That is why it is so important to protect the 2nd amendment. Our founding fathers gave us the right to bear arms because they didn't want a government persecuting its citizens. We can create a militia and fight back against a corrupt government. Don't be naive and assume that will never happen, we already have a terrible and detached federal government right now. The Constitution of the United States starts out, "we the people". That means the people, the public, run this country. We certainly don't need to expand the government to where there's more people working for it than themselves.
I believe shrinking the federal government and lowering taxes is going to be the best step to take to get our economy back on track. More government programs just lead to more taxes and less jobs for the American people, not to mention the terrible service, mishandling of money, corruption, and greed that will take place if we allow the government to grow into an insurmountable force.
JB
Whatever operation the government is in charge of doesn't work as well as it would if it were held privately. That is a fact, there is no disputing it. The DMV, IRS, FBI, you name the federally funded government organization and we can walk through it and see plenty of slacking off and mediocre work. The Post Office, permit office, tag office, wherever you go and have to deal with the government the service is going to be slow and poor. That is because there is no incentive to work. They don't care if you come back because you have to, they are the only show in town. They don't need your business because you have to pay for them with you tax dollars anyway. Take anything in America, give it to the government and they will run it into the ground.
There are things that we need our government to handle. The police force, military, constructing roads, schools, and other necessary services are good for the public. Somehow we need to create incentive laden programs to get government workers to perform better. The benefit to working for the government is a decent wage, good benefits, and job security. I think the majority of people who go into these positions are lazy and scared of not making it so they fall back on the government security blanket of their job. That is ok, there's nothing wrong with having a secure job, but there needs to be more accountability so the government services mirror the private ones.
So I don't like government services. And so that also means I don't like increasing the government to handle more and more things and create more and more layers of bureaucracy and more taxes to pay. I, like most people, am not a fan of taxes. I prefer to shrink government and government spending and lower taxes. I want to push some of the services the government wants to provide to the private sector. Let's cut the cost of our taxes so we'll have more to spend and less government oversight watching what we spend it on.
I don't like the government creeping in on my business. This is the land of the free, and I don't need to be scared that if I make one wrong move Uncle Sam is going to be breathing down my neck. There's already enough corruption, we don't need to have bigger government and make it easier for that corruption to effect our daily lives. That is why it is so important to protect the 2nd amendment. Our founding fathers gave us the right to bear arms because they didn't want a government persecuting its citizens. We can create a militia and fight back against a corrupt government. Don't be naive and assume that will never happen, we already have a terrible and detached federal government right now. The Constitution of the United States starts out, "we the people". That means the people, the public, run this country. We certainly don't need to expand the government to where there's more people working for it than themselves.
I believe shrinking the federal government and lowering taxes is going to be the best step to take to get our economy back on track. More government programs just lead to more taxes and less jobs for the American people, not to mention the terrible service, mishandling of money, corruption, and greed that will take place if we allow the government to grow into an insurmountable force.
JB
Sunday, September 26, 2010
French Fries
You can call them french fries, freedom fries, french-fried potatoes, fries, chips, wedges or whatever but who doesn't like french fries? You can get them anywhere and they are a great compliment to your sandwich or burger. There are all kinds of fries, and I think there are various ways to eat them. So I'm going to give my list of the top places to get fries...and my choice of dipping sauce if any.
*If I say ketchup, I mean warm ketchup - the way it's served at a restaurant...cold ketchup is disgusting.
1. Zaxby's - I know their fries are just frozen from a bag that they fry but I love to eat them. The Zax sauce is awesome and they always use just the right about of seasoned salt. Just thinking about them makes me want to go there right now.
2. Chili's - I love Chili's fries. They are as solid as it gets, perfectly seasoned and they taste great with a variety of dipping sauces. I use ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, honey-chipolte, etc...whatever they serve the meal with.
3. Five Guys - The burgers are okay--I prefer flame broiled myself, but the fries are awesome. They are perfectly salted and go great with no condiments, they taste great all by themselves. They also have great fountain cherry coke which is nice to wash them down with.
4. Chick-Fil-A - They've got great waffle fries, which I'm a huge fan of. I used to insist on no dipping sauces at Chick-Fil-A, but then I tried Chick-Fil-A sauce and I was hooked....got to use some with each and every bite.
5. Checkers - They've got the seasoned fries that are delicious. They are always so hot and salty, good stuff. No need for a dip, they taste great by themselves.
6. Taco Mac - They've got some really good fries, they taste so good. And their ranch is the best. It doesn't really taste like regular ranch so if dipping stuff in ranch doesn't sound appealing you should give theirs a try anyway.
7. O'Charley's - Their fries are very similar to Taco Mac. I like the way they are seasoned and they have a great taste. Since O'Charley's has great honey mustard the combo is terrific.
8. Back Yard Burgers - To me their seasoned fries are a lesser version of Checkers. They are good but can be a little too potato-y and might need some ketchup.
9. Arby's - Arby's has two great fries, but the curly are better than the homestyle. I enjoyed dipping the homestyle in their honey mustard, the curly fries are good by themselves, with honey mustard, Arby's sauce, horsey sauce, or any or their sauces.
10. Wendy's - They have good fries, although many times they don't salt them enough. I don't like to use any dipping sauce with their fries. I have dipped them in a Frosty, which is okay but I'll just stick to no condiments with them for my meal.
11. McDonald's - I find Mickey D's to be absolutely disgusting, just thinking of eating there makes me want to puke...the smell is just terrible, BUT they have good fries. Their fries are always heavily salted and they are pretty tasty.
12. Krystal's - Basically Krystal's kicks out decent fries. Nothing to talk about, nothing to desire to eat, but it's not bad. They are good alone or with a dip. Very forgettable which can be a good or bad thing.
13. Captain D's - Their fries taste okay but they are so crusty, it's like an old booger. I guess they throw the fries in the same batter and fryer as the fish but why do so many seafood places have fries like this? I just dip them in the tartar sauce.
14. Hardee's - This is a classic example of not giving any thought to how your fries taste. It's not always all about the burger, put some effort into it. Eating these fries is basically just to make sure I'm full, ketchup is fine since they don't have any dipping sauces.
15. Burger King - The King's hamburger is way better than McDonald's, but their fries are not as good. How they can get away with such mediocre fries is beyond me, but if I'm eating them I prefer to have a dipping sauce...probably ketchup.
16. KFC - Basically KFC has potato wedges, they almost shouldn't be called fries but I'm including them. I enjoy a wedge every now and then but sometimes you take a bite out of one of theirs and it's all potato...thick and dry. Not that good but if their in front of me give me their ranch.
That's all I can really think of. I tried to keep it to chains, nothing too obscure.
JB
*If I say ketchup, I mean warm ketchup - the way it's served at a restaurant...cold ketchup is disgusting.
1. Zaxby's - I know their fries are just frozen from a bag that they fry but I love to eat them. The Zax sauce is awesome and they always use just the right about of seasoned salt. Just thinking about them makes me want to go there right now.
2. Chili's - I love Chili's fries. They are as solid as it gets, perfectly seasoned and they taste great with a variety of dipping sauces. I use ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, honey-chipolte, etc...whatever they serve the meal with.
3. Five Guys - The burgers are okay--I prefer flame broiled myself, but the fries are awesome. They are perfectly salted and go great with no condiments, they taste great all by themselves. They also have great fountain cherry coke which is nice to wash them down with.
4. Chick-Fil-A - They've got great waffle fries, which I'm a huge fan of. I used to insist on no dipping sauces at Chick-Fil-A, but then I tried Chick-Fil-A sauce and I was hooked....got to use some with each and every bite.
5. Checkers - They've got the seasoned fries that are delicious. They are always so hot and salty, good stuff. No need for a dip, they taste great by themselves.
6. Taco Mac - They've got some really good fries, they taste so good. And their ranch is the best. It doesn't really taste like regular ranch so if dipping stuff in ranch doesn't sound appealing you should give theirs a try anyway.
7. O'Charley's - Their fries are very similar to Taco Mac. I like the way they are seasoned and they have a great taste. Since O'Charley's has great honey mustard the combo is terrific.
8. Back Yard Burgers - To me their seasoned fries are a lesser version of Checkers. They are good but can be a little too potato-y and might need some ketchup.
9. Arby's - Arby's has two great fries, but the curly are better than the homestyle. I enjoyed dipping the homestyle in their honey mustard, the curly fries are good by themselves, with honey mustard, Arby's sauce, horsey sauce, or any or their sauces.
10. Wendy's - They have good fries, although many times they don't salt them enough. I don't like to use any dipping sauce with their fries. I have dipped them in a Frosty, which is okay but I'll just stick to no condiments with them for my meal.
11. McDonald's - I find Mickey D's to be absolutely disgusting, just thinking of eating there makes me want to puke...the smell is just terrible, BUT they have good fries. Their fries are always heavily salted and they are pretty tasty.
12. Krystal's - Basically Krystal's kicks out decent fries. Nothing to talk about, nothing to desire to eat, but it's not bad. They are good alone or with a dip. Very forgettable which can be a good or bad thing.
13. Captain D's - Their fries taste okay but they are so crusty, it's like an old booger. I guess they throw the fries in the same batter and fryer as the fish but why do so many seafood places have fries like this? I just dip them in the tartar sauce.
14. Hardee's - This is a classic example of not giving any thought to how your fries taste. It's not always all about the burger, put some effort into it. Eating these fries is basically just to make sure I'm full, ketchup is fine since they don't have any dipping sauces.
15. Burger King - The King's hamburger is way better than McDonald's, but their fries are not as good. How they can get away with such mediocre fries is beyond me, but if I'm eating them I prefer to have a dipping sauce...probably ketchup.
16. KFC - Basically KFC has potato wedges, they almost shouldn't be called fries but I'm including them. I enjoy a wedge every now and then but sometimes you take a bite out of one of theirs and it's all potato...thick and dry. Not that good but if their in front of me give me their ranch.
That's all I can really think of. I tried to keep it to chains, nothing too obscure.
JB
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Metal Buildings
Many people don't know that metal buildings account for 50% of all non-residential buildings in America. When people think of metal buildings they think of an ugly old hardware store, a shop in someone's back yard, or a country church. But those are only the metal buildings you recognize because of the metal panels, there are actually many buildings you go into many times but you may not realize they are metal buildings.
Metal buildings are also called pre-engineered steel buildings because they are designed and fabricated in a plant and then assembled at the job site. So they go up a lot faster than wood or masonry construction, and are obviously a lot stronger as well. Metal buildings can span long distances, reach tall heights, and be designed for any criteria needed based on wind, seismic, and snow loads, etc.
One of the great things about metal buildings is that you can put whatever exterior surface you want on them. It is true that the outside of a plain metal building isn't exciting to look at, but the great thing is you can use the look of masonry with the strength, design, and cost-effectiveness of a metal building.
The primary users of metal buildings are churches, warehouses, manufacturing, agricultural, schools and other government uses, and industrial parks. A growing trend related to metal buildings is using metal roofing on houses. This provides for a maintenance free roof for 30+ years.
Next time your in a store look up and check out whether it's a metal building or not, you may be surprised at the versatility and importance they have in the way America builds!
JB
Metal buildings are also called pre-engineered steel buildings because they are designed and fabricated in a plant and then assembled at the job site. So they go up a lot faster than wood or masonry construction, and are obviously a lot stronger as well. Metal buildings can span long distances, reach tall heights, and be designed for any criteria needed based on wind, seismic, and snow loads, etc.
One of the great things about metal buildings is that you can put whatever exterior surface you want on them. It is true that the outside of a plain metal building isn't exciting to look at, but the great thing is you can use the look of masonry with the strength, design, and cost-effectiveness of a metal building.
The primary users of metal buildings are churches, warehouses, manufacturing, agricultural, schools and other government uses, and industrial parks. A growing trend related to metal buildings is using metal roofing on houses. This provides for a maintenance free roof for 30+ years.
Next time your in a store look up and check out whether it's a metal building or not, you may be surprised at the versatility and importance they have in the way America builds!
JB
Friday, September 24, 2010
College Football - Week 4
Week 4, not week 2, is the first big time weekend in college football. Why? Because the only conference that really matters is getting kicked into 5th gear this weekend with huge games all over the place. This is make your mark Saturday and I think there will be a lot of separation between the perception of how these teams are viewed.
I am out of town right now so I don't know who won the Miami, Fl/Pittsburgh game. I hope it was entertaining and that I enjoyed watching it in Olive Branch. I will be heading down to Starkville, Mississippi tomorrow for the Mississippi State/Georgia game. It should be a great game between two teams that have mirrored each other for the first 3 games of the season. Think about the similarities: they both played at home in week one and blew out a much lesser opponent by 40+ points. Then they faced an inner-divsion rival in a bordering state in week 2, and they both lost with the winner of the game scoring 17 points. Then they both played a second conference game in week 3 and lost. Both teams are named the Bulldogs and each one has struggled with execution. Georgia's offense has performed better than State's, and State's defense has been better than UGA's. Georgia has played 3 games at noon, State has played 3 games at 7:00 P.M. EST. So there are all these similarities, so what can make up the difference? A.J. Green is going to be suspended for this game too...his final one, so that won't be it. Georgia has struggled against the run and State's offensive line has played well so far this year and the game is being played in Starkville. Plus I will be present so that could be enough for MSU to pull it off. The spread favors State by 1 1/2 points (I never thought we'd be favored against UGA) and I don't like us to cover, but just to win by a point....27-26.
Alabama vs. Arkansas is so huge I can't describe it. This game is pitting my #1 SEC team vs. #2 in the best conference in the land, what more do you need to know? And it's going to be in Fayettville, a tough place to play. Bama lost 7 of their top 8 defensive backs so this is a HUGE test for them against Ryan Mallett and the Hogs' top of the SEC receiving corps. That young secondary hasn't been tested like they will tomorrow. The Tide's offense looks like the most balanced, best offense in the nation right now, and that is amazing since they won the national title last year with the best defense. A lot of times people expect two high-powered offenses like this to score 30+ points in a great shootout but I don't follow that when it's a top 25 matchup. The defenses will come to play and have something to prove, and that is worth two less touchdowns for each team. I think Alabama will narrowly escape, and they'll need a huge defensive stop in the 4th quarter to do so, 24-21 Bama.
And now on the the 3rd huge game in the SEC, South Carolina at Auburn. This is a matchup of two top 15 team and it's not even the biggest game in the SEC this week! Auburn had a bruising overtime game with Clemson last week and South Carolina played Furman, so that is a decided edge to the Gamecocks. Garcia threw 2 interceptions against Furman that led to scores, one of them a pick six. He will need to bounce back and stay away from the turnovers if they are going to win on the road against a solid team like Auburn. South Carolina has not really had to face any adversity and come from behind so far and it could happen here, and be compounded being on the road in a hostile environment. Auburn's running game looks improved and it will be the best South Carolina has faced this year. Cam Newton is a force, but he will need big help from his offensive line in passing downs. I give the edge to South Carolina in this one because I think their defense will be too much for Auburn's line in the 2nd half, and their offense has the ability to keep Newton off the field. I picked Auburn to win this one in the preseason but after coming off back to back tough games I think Auburn is worn down and USC is fresh, 23-17 Gamecocks.
How about another big game in the SEC? Kentucky at Florida. Three weeks ago no one would have said Kentucky had a shot in the swamp but I think the way these two are headed in opposite directions it looks like there is a potential for the Wildcats to break their horrible 23 game losing streak to the Gators. Kentucky's offense has some great players and they seem to be clicking on all cylinders albeit against inferior competition. Florida has struggled on offense and done so twice at home so there really isn't much reason to think things will be much different against an improving Kentucky D. UK has a solid defensive secondary and I don't think they will allow hardly any movement from Florida's putrid down-field passing game. But still, you can't deny the power and strength of the Gators, especially at home. I really want to pick Kentucky in this game, and I think a lot of things are in their favor but I just can't. I do think they will cover the 14 point spread, but the Gators win 24-17.
LSU is rated #15, they are playing #22 West Virginia, so it's another big game! LSU showed the ability to prevent turnovers at home last week against Mississippi State and I think they will be able to do the same this week. They've got the athletes to compete with anyone in the country but their coaching is so bad the office is not going to win them any games. So they are going to win this year on the back of Patrick Peterson....defense and special teams, try not to turn the ball over on offense and grind a victory out. West Virginia had to come from behind to narrowly escape lowly Marshall in overtime in week two, and then they almost blew a huge lead last week hosting Maryland but held on, they are 3-0. But I don't think West Virginia has the tools to beat LSU, especially not on the road. LSU wins 20-14.
That pretty much does it for the great SEC games -- 5 of them! This could be the top weekend of the year in the SEC, we'll see how the season shakes out. Tennessee needs to win against UAB if they want to have a shot at a bowl this year, and I think they will get the job done in their 4th home game in a row to start the season. Ole Miss is facing Fresno State at home...interesting matchup. Fresno State is pretty good and Ole Miss sucks and has lost both of their home games this year. I picked Fresno before the year and there's no reason to change my pick.
Elsewhere around the country I'm falling asleep, big dud. Gameday is going to Boise, Idaho for Oregon State at Boise State. That's because they've spent the last two weekends in the SEC (3 including Chick-Fil-A kickoff classic). And I'll admit that is a pretty big game, for Boise at least. I picked them to go to the national title so I will stand behind them, and big. Georgia Tech is at home against surprise 3-0 North Carolina State, I'll take GT. Somehow Notre Dame has been able to make their way onto my picks every week, they lose to a good Stanford team at home. Oregon's first PAC 10 game is at Arizona State, and it's the best team they've faced so far...still Oregon should cover the 11 point spread. I'm searching and searching for a decent national game to predict to get to 6 games...can't find much... Texas over UCLA big. How about Arkansas State at Troy...good Sun Belt matchup, I'll go with Troy at home.
JB
I am out of town right now so I don't know who won the Miami, Fl/Pittsburgh game. I hope it was entertaining and that I enjoyed watching it in Olive Branch. I will be heading down to Starkville, Mississippi tomorrow for the Mississippi State/Georgia game. It should be a great game between two teams that have mirrored each other for the first 3 games of the season. Think about the similarities: they both played at home in week one and blew out a much lesser opponent by 40+ points. Then they faced an inner-divsion rival in a bordering state in week 2, and they both lost with the winner of the game scoring 17 points. Then they both played a second conference game in week 3 and lost. Both teams are named the Bulldogs and each one has struggled with execution. Georgia's offense has performed better than State's, and State's defense has been better than UGA's. Georgia has played 3 games at noon, State has played 3 games at 7:00 P.M. EST. So there are all these similarities, so what can make up the difference? A.J. Green is going to be suspended for this game too...his final one, so that won't be it. Georgia has struggled against the run and State's offensive line has played well so far this year and the game is being played in Starkville. Plus I will be present so that could be enough for MSU to pull it off. The spread favors State by 1 1/2 points (I never thought we'd be favored against UGA) and I don't like us to cover, but just to win by a point....27-26.
Alabama vs. Arkansas is so huge I can't describe it. This game is pitting my #1 SEC team vs. #2 in the best conference in the land, what more do you need to know? And it's going to be in Fayettville, a tough place to play. Bama lost 7 of their top 8 defensive backs so this is a HUGE test for them against Ryan Mallett and the Hogs' top of the SEC receiving corps. That young secondary hasn't been tested like they will tomorrow. The Tide's offense looks like the most balanced, best offense in the nation right now, and that is amazing since they won the national title last year with the best defense. A lot of times people expect two high-powered offenses like this to score 30+ points in a great shootout but I don't follow that when it's a top 25 matchup. The defenses will come to play and have something to prove, and that is worth two less touchdowns for each team. I think Alabama will narrowly escape, and they'll need a huge defensive stop in the 4th quarter to do so, 24-21 Bama.
And now on the the 3rd huge game in the SEC, South Carolina at Auburn. This is a matchup of two top 15 team and it's not even the biggest game in the SEC this week! Auburn had a bruising overtime game with Clemson last week and South Carolina played Furman, so that is a decided edge to the Gamecocks. Garcia threw 2 interceptions against Furman that led to scores, one of them a pick six. He will need to bounce back and stay away from the turnovers if they are going to win on the road against a solid team like Auburn. South Carolina has not really had to face any adversity and come from behind so far and it could happen here, and be compounded being on the road in a hostile environment. Auburn's running game looks improved and it will be the best South Carolina has faced this year. Cam Newton is a force, but he will need big help from his offensive line in passing downs. I give the edge to South Carolina in this one because I think their defense will be too much for Auburn's line in the 2nd half, and their offense has the ability to keep Newton off the field. I picked Auburn to win this one in the preseason but after coming off back to back tough games I think Auburn is worn down and USC is fresh, 23-17 Gamecocks.
How about another big game in the SEC? Kentucky at Florida. Three weeks ago no one would have said Kentucky had a shot in the swamp but I think the way these two are headed in opposite directions it looks like there is a potential for the Wildcats to break their horrible 23 game losing streak to the Gators. Kentucky's offense has some great players and they seem to be clicking on all cylinders albeit against inferior competition. Florida has struggled on offense and done so twice at home so there really isn't much reason to think things will be much different against an improving Kentucky D. UK has a solid defensive secondary and I don't think they will allow hardly any movement from Florida's putrid down-field passing game. But still, you can't deny the power and strength of the Gators, especially at home. I really want to pick Kentucky in this game, and I think a lot of things are in their favor but I just can't. I do think they will cover the 14 point spread, but the Gators win 24-17.
LSU is rated #15, they are playing #22 West Virginia, so it's another big game! LSU showed the ability to prevent turnovers at home last week against Mississippi State and I think they will be able to do the same this week. They've got the athletes to compete with anyone in the country but their coaching is so bad the office is not going to win them any games. So they are going to win this year on the back of Patrick Peterson....defense and special teams, try not to turn the ball over on offense and grind a victory out. West Virginia had to come from behind to narrowly escape lowly Marshall in overtime in week two, and then they almost blew a huge lead last week hosting Maryland but held on, they are 3-0. But I don't think West Virginia has the tools to beat LSU, especially not on the road. LSU wins 20-14.
That pretty much does it for the great SEC games -- 5 of them! This could be the top weekend of the year in the SEC, we'll see how the season shakes out. Tennessee needs to win against UAB if they want to have a shot at a bowl this year, and I think they will get the job done in their 4th home game in a row to start the season. Ole Miss is facing Fresno State at home...interesting matchup. Fresno State is pretty good and Ole Miss sucks and has lost both of their home games this year. I picked Fresno before the year and there's no reason to change my pick.
Elsewhere around the country I'm falling asleep, big dud. Gameday is going to Boise, Idaho for Oregon State at Boise State. That's because they've spent the last two weekends in the SEC (3 including Chick-Fil-A kickoff classic). And I'll admit that is a pretty big game, for Boise at least. I picked them to go to the national title so I will stand behind them, and big. Georgia Tech is at home against surprise 3-0 North Carolina State, I'll take GT. Somehow Notre Dame has been able to make their way onto my picks every week, they lose to a good Stanford team at home. Oregon's first PAC 10 game is at Arizona State, and it's the best team they've faced so far...still Oregon should cover the 11 point spread. I'm searching and searching for a decent national game to predict to get to 6 games...can't find much... Texas over UCLA big. How about Arkansas State at Troy...good Sun Belt matchup, I'll go with Troy at home.
JB
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Cheating in Sports
On September 15th Derek Jeter jumped back from a pitch acting like he was hit on the hand, the trainer even came out, and the replay showed it hit the bat and so it should have been ruled a live ball as it rolled to the pitcher's mound. On the same day, Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was on first base and Martin Prado hit a ball between 1st and 2nd base and it hit the spike on Heyward's cleat as he was running to 2nd base. Jason was honest about the play and when Bobby Cox came out to argue for a second opinion he told his coach there was no need because the ball did hit him. I liked it when Heyward did that even though it was an out for my favorite team. I think players should do the honorable thing and be honest, not trying to get away with something by tricking the referees.
Players have always tried to cheat in baseball, it's one of the sport's most famous attributes. In Nascar you hear the phrase "if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'". But in golf players call their own penalties...that is because they actually want to beat someone within the rules instead of trying to get away with something.
If the idea is to get away with it if you can then steroids in baseball should not be frowned upon because it was not against the rules during the steroid era in baseball (1995-2005). If they are going to commend a player for his "gamesmanship" in pretending he got hit by a pitch, that he tagged the runner, a catcher moving his glove back into the strikezone, etc. then why are those same folks demonizing players who cheated by way of steroids? Now it's against the rules, but it wasn't then, so really it wasn't even cheating. But using Vasoline to doctor up a pitch, stealing signs or scuffing balls, that seems to be looked at like, 'it's all good if you got away with it'.
When you played football in the yard when you were a kid you didn't commit pass interference because you knew it was the wrong thing to do. When you played basketball in the driveway you didn't foul when the guy has got an open lane to the hole because you knew he beat you there and going to the foul line in a pick-up game is stupid. But when it comes to organized sports, it seems like players want to get any edge they can and make the referee call it, and if he doesn't then that's just gamesmanship.
I don't like all the cheating and trying to get away with stuff on the field of play. I think that if you know your out, or that you step out of bounds, or whatever penalty you committed you should be honest and not try to trick the ref. In order to do this I think the ref should only intervene in a play when there is uncertainty. So if there is a dispute on whether or not the fielder tagged the runner then he will make the call, but if the runner knows he is out then he should just walk back to the dugout.
JB
Players have always tried to cheat in baseball, it's one of the sport's most famous attributes. In Nascar you hear the phrase "if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'". But in golf players call their own penalties...that is because they actually want to beat someone within the rules instead of trying to get away with something.
If the idea is to get away with it if you can then steroids in baseball should not be frowned upon because it was not against the rules during the steroid era in baseball (1995-2005). If they are going to commend a player for his "gamesmanship" in pretending he got hit by a pitch, that he tagged the runner, a catcher moving his glove back into the strikezone, etc. then why are those same folks demonizing players who cheated by way of steroids? Now it's against the rules, but it wasn't then, so really it wasn't even cheating. But using Vasoline to doctor up a pitch, stealing signs or scuffing balls, that seems to be looked at like, 'it's all good if you got away with it'.
When you played football in the yard when you were a kid you didn't commit pass interference because you knew it was the wrong thing to do. When you played basketball in the driveway you didn't foul when the guy has got an open lane to the hole because you knew he beat you there and going to the foul line in a pick-up game is stupid. But when it comes to organized sports, it seems like players want to get any edge they can and make the referee call it, and if he doesn't then that's just gamesmanship.
I don't like all the cheating and trying to get away with stuff on the field of play. I think that if you know your out, or that you step out of bounds, or whatever penalty you committed you should be honest and not try to trick the ref. In order to do this I think the ref should only intervene in a play when there is uncertainty. So if there is a dispute on whether or not the fielder tagged the runner then he will make the call, but if the runner knows he is out then he should just walk back to the dugout.
JB
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Underrated
Here are a few things or people I think are underrated:
Taylor Hicks - I have Taylor Hicks' first album and I love to listen to it. It's a mix of soft rock, funk, R&B, soul, and jazz. It's all over the place but the common theme is music that makes you want to tap your feet and start dancing. Now I'm not into dancing at all, but I'd have to say if I was going to hire someone to play at my private party...I'd hire Taylor Hicks.
Longhorn's - This is a great restaurant. You go in and the cowboy hats, colors, spurs, and pictures on the wall of the American West give it a great atmosphere. Their steak selection isn't the cream of the crop but it's pretty good and they've got some great add-ons such as crab, shrimp, etc. Great meal if you want something nice but don't want to pay a lot.
Craig Bolerjack - I've already stated in my best and worst announcers that I think he is great at what he does. He's got a great voice and is solid to listen to during a game. I wish he was the #1 guy at CBS for the SEC game of the week.
Eric Church - Some of Eric Church's songs have made their way onto the radio but I've found some of his best are the album cuts. He fuses country themes with great guitar solos and creates a great sound. He's very country but even the rock fan would like his stuff.
Electric grill starters - It is hard to find electric grill starters unless you hunt them down at Home Depot or Lowe's. Lighter fluid is an awful way to start your grill and the cylinder that you put coals in and light using newspaper is hard to start and you risk getting the paper in the fire. With the electric starter you don't effect the taste of your food or risk getting foreign elements in your fire, and it's easy to start.
Tennis - Tennis is a great sport and there are a lot of great players right now. Unfortunately it doesn't get much attention and so I think people don't even know when a grand slam is going on. For anyone who has ever played tennis you can really get an appreciation for just how amazing the shots they can make are.
Indoor smoking bans - I never really realized how much I enjoy going to a place without people smoking until I go back to a place that allows smoking. When I was in college I would wake up on Saturday and my room would smell like cigarette smoke just from the clothes I had the night before, which were now in the dirty clothes basket. They passed a law in Starkville that you couldn't smoke in public places anymore towards the end of my college time and it was tremendous to feel clean later that night or the next morning, free from the horrible smoke smell.
My Boys - They only do about 10 episodes a season and the seasons are a year and a half apart but it's a funny show. And it's a show that both men and women can watch so that is always good.
Matt Diaz - Diaz has been a platoon left fielder for the Braves the last 5 years and he's one of my favorite players. He always hustles and he's a very good hitter, especially against lefties. He has a lifetime .301 batting average and every year he's gets unbelievably hot for about two weeks. Bobby doesn't take him out of the lineup during that time because he goes about 20 for 40 before he cools off. And on Monday night he was in left field when a Phillies fan ran out onto the field, the security guard fell down so Matt walked over and tripped the guy, it was awesome.
JB
Taylor Hicks - I have Taylor Hicks' first album and I love to listen to it. It's a mix of soft rock, funk, R&B, soul, and jazz. It's all over the place but the common theme is music that makes you want to tap your feet and start dancing. Now I'm not into dancing at all, but I'd have to say if I was going to hire someone to play at my private party...I'd hire Taylor Hicks.
Longhorn's - This is a great restaurant. You go in and the cowboy hats, colors, spurs, and pictures on the wall of the American West give it a great atmosphere. Their steak selection isn't the cream of the crop but it's pretty good and they've got some great add-ons such as crab, shrimp, etc. Great meal if you want something nice but don't want to pay a lot.
Craig Bolerjack - I've already stated in my best and worst announcers that I think he is great at what he does. He's got a great voice and is solid to listen to during a game. I wish he was the #1 guy at CBS for the SEC game of the week.
Eric Church - Some of Eric Church's songs have made their way onto the radio but I've found some of his best are the album cuts. He fuses country themes with great guitar solos and creates a great sound. He's very country but even the rock fan would like his stuff.
Electric grill starters - It is hard to find electric grill starters unless you hunt them down at Home Depot or Lowe's. Lighter fluid is an awful way to start your grill and the cylinder that you put coals in and light using newspaper is hard to start and you risk getting the paper in the fire. With the electric starter you don't effect the taste of your food or risk getting foreign elements in your fire, and it's easy to start.
Tennis - Tennis is a great sport and there are a lot of great players right now. Unfortunately it doesn't get much attention and so I think people don't even know when a grand slam is going on. For anyone who has ever played tennis you can really get an appreciation for just how amazing the shots they can make are.
Indoor smoking bans - I never really realized how much I enjoy going to a place without people smoking until I go back to a place that allows smoking. When I was in college I would wake up on Saturday and my room would smell like cigarette smoke just from the clothes I had the night before, which were now in the dirty clothes basket. They passed a law in Starkville that you couldn't smoke in public places anymore towards the end of my college time and it was tremendous to feel clean later that night or the next morning, free from the horrible smoke smell.
My Boys - They only do about 10 episodes a season and the seasons are a year and a half apart but it's a funny show. And it's a show that both men and women can watch so that is always good.
Matt Diaz - Diaz has been a platoon left fielder for the Braves the last 5 years and he's one of my favorite players. He always hustles and he's a very good hitter, especially against lefties. He has a lifetime .301 batting average and every year he's gets unbelievably hot for about two weeks. Bobby doesn't take him out of the lineup during that time because he goes about 20 for 40 before he cools off. And on Monday night he was in left field when a Phillies fan ran out onto the field, the security guard fell down so Matt walked over and tripped the guy, it was awesome.
JB
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Overrated
Here are a few things or people I think are overrated:
U2 - How does U2 sell out so many concerts around the world? Their songs are average at best.
Concerts - I've already written an entire post on this, and if you haven't read it you should.
Notre Dame - ESPN and everyone else who talks about college football over the airwaves always has to mention Notre Dame...even if they haven't been relevant in 15 years. They've made it to three BCS bowls, only because they've had weak schedules and their name, then they've been demolished by Oregon State, Ohio State, and LSU. Other than that they have been pretty average at best since Lou Holtz was the coach. They were great in the and 40s. They had a good run in the 60s and 70s, and some good years in the 80s and 90s but they have been no where near that level in years.
"Rock N Roll All Night" - How many times will they play this horrible song?
Dwayne Wade - I know Lebron's came to Miami to join Wade, but that is only because Cleveland sucks and Miami has South Beach. Sure Wade won a title, with Shaq, Gary Payton, and Alanzo Mourning. By himself he managed a 5 seed in the East two years in a row. In those two years Lebron had the #1 seed as he did it by himself as well.
The Godfather - I own this movie and I think it's a good one, but it really isn't the great movie everyone stands by...it just isn't.
Heisman Trophy - It's a nice award but do we really have to talk about it all year long. In all the other sports the MVP award is mentioned in passing through the year, in college football discussion it's tabled for 20 minute segments each week. And to hammer my point home, giving so much time to Reggie Bush giving his Heisman back is stupid....it's just an award, not his child.
Academy Awards - I'm not sure why people like to watch celebrities dressed up for a party as they get out of their limousines but that is another argument. The best picture at the Academy Awards has been reduced to who makes the best liberal political statement and has good acting.
Facebook/Twitter - Every commercial I see or any organization out there has facebook and twitter pages. That's kind of annoying but what's really stupid is when people update their facebook status while something's going on. For example, they say "what a great touchdown!" while they are at the game, and 2 minutes after it happened. So once the touchdown happened they reached for their phone and thought, I should update my facebook status?
Jake Locker - Analysts go out of their way to talk about Washington and how Jake Locker is going to be the #1 overall pick in next year's NFL draft. Why? I don't see it. He has never led Washington to a winning season, this past weekend in a game vs. Nebraska - at home - he completed 20% of his passes. He's a senior, I think he should be able to do better than that. Add on top of it that he's so highly touted, I just don't get it.
JB
U2 - How does U2 sell out so many concerts around the world? Their songs are average at best.
Concerts - I've already written an entire post on this, and if you haven't read it you should.
Notre Dame - ESPN and everyone else who talks about college football over the airwaves always has to mention Notre Dame...even if they haven't been relevant in 15 years. They've made it to three BCS bowls, only because they've had weak schedules and their name, then they've been demolished by Oregon State, Ohio State, and LSU. Other than that they have been pretty average at best since Lou Holtz was the coach. They were great in the and 40s. They had a good run in the 60s and 70s, and some good years in the 80s and 90s but they have been no where near that level in years.
"Rock N Roll All Night" - How many times will they play this horrible song?
Dwayne Wade - I know Lebron's came to Miami to join Wade, but that is only because Cleveland sucks and Miami has South Beach. Sure Wade won a title, with Shaq, Gary Payton, and Alanzo Mourning. By himself he managed a 5 seed in the East two years in a row. In those two years Lebron had the #1 seed as he did it by himself as well.
The Godfather - I own this movie and I think it's a good one, but it really isn't the great movie everyone stands by...it just isn't.
Heisman Trophy - It's a nice award but do we really have to talk about it all year long. In all the other sports the MVP award is mentioned in passing through the year, in college football discussion it's tabled for 20 minute segments each week. And to hammer my point home, giving so much time to Reggie Bush giving his Heisman back is stupid....it's just an award, not his child.
Academy Awards - I'm not sure why people like to watch celebrities dressed up for a party as they get out of their limousines but that is another argument. The best picture at the Academy Awards has been reduced to who makes the best liberal political statement and has good acting.
Facebook/Twitter - Every commercial I see or any organization out there has facebook and twitter pages. That's kind of annoying but what's really stupid is when people update their facebook status while something's going on. For example, they say "what a great touchdown!" while they are at the game, and 2 minutes after it happened. So once the touchdown happened they reached for their phone and thought, I should update my facebook status?
Jake Locker - Analysts go out of their way to talk about Washington and how Jake Locker is going to be the #1 overall pick in next year's NFL draft. Why? I don't see it. He has never led Washington to a winning season, this past weekend in a game vs. Nebraska - at home - he completed 20% of his passes. He's a senior, I think he should be able to do better than that. Add on top of it that he's so highly touted, I just don't get it.
JB
Monday, September 20, 2010
Week Three
Week Three was disappointing for me. The Ole Miss loss to Vanderbilt was nice, but that State loss to LSU was a tough pill to swallow....not because we lost, just because of the way it happened, the turnovers and lack of offensive execution. Hopefully the Dawgs can turn it around next week when they come home to face Georgia.
Other than my disappointment, one of the things I will remember of this week, and it may become a recurring trend, but I must have seen 15 helmets pop off throughout the Saturday slate of games. Something needs to be done about that, it hasn't been this bad in past years. I think it must have something to do with the new helmet designs, maybe it is sweat on bald heads or the padding inside the helmets. I don't know what it is but if it's not corrected someone is going to get seriously hurt. I know the play is dead when the helmet comes off but still a defensive player who's crashing in may not see it come off before he lands what could be a fatal blow.
There weren't any major upsets this weekend. You could call Arizona beating Iowa an upset but they were at home. Arizona could be a team on the rise, they look good. Clemson looks like the best team in the ACC, they came to play SEC football against Auburn and barely lost. Nebraska has a great defense, and after Saturday's performance they have a great offense too...they look like a huge force this year. Oregon also looks really great, like Masoli was a detriment to their offense last year...they've outscored their opponents 190-13 in the first 3 games. I was impressed with the PAC 10 playing tough non-conference games this week (other than Oregon). They played 3 Big 10 schools - 2 on the road, an ACC team, Big 12, a good WAC team, and two good C-USA teams. I didn't do so hot with my picks this week, 5-3 in the SEC and 3-3 nationally. So for the year I'm 24-5 in the SEC and 11-7 nationally. Week 3 SEC Power Rankings:
1. Alabama, 3-0 (0-0) - I don't think there should be any doubt in anyone's mind they are a solid #1 in the SEC and the country. They are dominate, maybe more dominate than people expected...but their first REAL test comes this coming week.
2. Arkansas, 3-0 (1-0) - Ryan Mallett and the Hogs took the next step this week beating Georgia. I wasn't sure they could do it but when it came to the end of the game they made a play and got the win. This is what they couldn't do last year and they are legit in my book. Huge, absolutely HUGE game this week hosting Bama.
3. Florida, 3-0 (1-0) - It's been 3 weeks and still no rhythm and flow from their offense. I have no reason to believe that will change anytime soon and it's getting a little late in the game with the SEC schedule having started. They got the win at Tennessee but they are very shaking at this position.
4. Auburn, 3-0 (1-0) - I still believe Auburn is the real deal even though they let an ACC team take them to overtime at home. Clemson looked good, and Auburn is fortunate to come away with a win. There was a lot of hard-hitting in that game and it will be interesting to see how that effects them in a big game vs. South Carolina next.
5. South Carolina, 3-0 (1-0) - I could easily make a case that the Gamecocks deserve to be at #2 or 3 on this list right now, but I'm going to wait for them to prove it on the road. That test comes this coming week at Auburn.
6. LSU, 3-0 (2-0) - The Tigers finally put together a mistake-free game vs. Mississippi State. Their offense didn't look much better but they got the win taking advantage of turnovers and great special teams. They still leave a lot to be desired, and they will need to improve for win in the meat of their SEC schedule.
7. Kentucky, 3-0 (0-0) - As promised I moved Kentucky up with their win. They look solid on offense this year with dynamic play-makers all over the place. They haven't been tested yet but next week's trip to Florida will do that. They are a scary team to play right now.
8. Georgia, 1-2 (0-2) - UGA is a victim to a tough early SEC schedule with a young team. I was impressed by their ability to pull it together in the 4th quarter vs. Arkansas and tie it before losing in the final minute. They have a lot of talent but they aren't making as many plays as they usually do. I think their youth has a lot to do with it, which make the game next week at Mississippi State very interesting.
9. Mississippi State, 1-2 (0-2) - Unfortunately I've had to drop State the last two weeks because of loses, but I still think they are a good team. They have a lot of talent but just aren't executing. Like I said this Georgia at Miss. State game is intriguing because it's two teams in the same boat with the same record facing one another.
10. Tennessee, 1-2 (0-1) - They hung with Florida and made a couple big plays but that may have more to do with the Gators struggles than Tennessee playing well. I think they have some ability and they need to get a win against UAB next week.
11. Vanderbilt, 1-2 (1-1) - Well Vandy got the job done at Ole Miss and has already proven my prediction of going 0-8 wrong. I really like the job Robbie Caldwell is doing with that team, they are playing hard and not making the huge mistake which is what Vandy has to do.
12. Ole Miss, 1-2 (0-1) - I said they had to play their way out of the cellar and they couldn't do it at home against Vandy. There must have been 10,000 empty seats in Oxford on Saturday, a poor sign for this team. It's amazing they have fallen from #4 in the nation to last in the SEC and a poor football team in just one year's time.
So every team in the SEC is either 3-0 or 1-2. We'll see how it shakes out from here, and things are going to get revved up a few notched next week with several big games. There has been a lot of talk about how Virginia Tech losing to James Madison hurts Boise State, and there has been a rather large backlash against Boise. So I wanted to defend my placing them at #2 in the nation. I think they should be ranked #2 because last season they ended the season rated as the #2 team. They were undefeated last year and won a BCS bowl game. That normally wouldn't be enough but since they return 21 of 22 starters I think they've got quite a solid nucleus and since they went on the road this year and beat a team that is 'bigger and stronger' than they are, and the game had huge hype so Va Tech was prepared, they still get my #2. If they struggle with a WAC team for just a little bit then they will probably fall, but not until then. Here's my Top 5, same as last week.
1. Alabama, 3-0
2. Boise State, 2-0
3. Nebraska, 3-0
4. TCU, 3-0
5. Ohio State, 3-0
Last week I said the Braves needed to go 12-6 the rest of the way out to get to the postseason and after sweeping the Mets this weekend they are on pace to do that, having gone 4-2. Nate McClouth has been a surprise in September hitting .350, since he was horrible all year long and spent a month in the minors I'm surprised he got a chance this late in the year. But that shows you why Bobby Cox is a great manager, he never gives up on a player and so Nate has a chance to be a big contributor down the stretch.
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0. The Cowboys and the Vikings are 0-2. Pittsburgh is using their 3rd string QB, and he just got hurt and their 2-0. It just goes to show you that in football you just never know, even in the NFL. From year to year you don't know what is going to happen. I'm glad the Falcons took care of business this week vs. the Cardinals with a blowout win, 41-7.
JB
Other than my disappointment, one of the things I will remember of this week, and it may become a recurring trend, but I must have seen 15 helmets pop off throughout the Saturday slate of games. Something needs to be done about that, it hasn't been this bad in past years. I think it must have something to do with the new helmet designs, maybe it is sweat on bald heads or the padding inside the helmets. I don't know what it is but if it's not corrected someone is going to get seriously hurt. I know the play is dead when the helmet comes off but still a defensive player who's crashing in may not see it come off before he lands what could be a fatal blow.
There weren't any major upsets this weekend. You could call Arizona beating Iowa an upset but they were at home. Arizona could be a team on the rise, they look good. Clemson looks like the best team in the ACC, they came to play SEC football against Auburn and barely lost. Nebraska has a great defense, and after Saturday's performance they have a great offense too...they look like a huge force this year. Oregon also looks really great, like Masoli was a detriment to their offense last year...they've outscored their opponents 190-13 in the first 3 games. I was impressed with the PAC 10 playing tough non-conference games this week (other than Oregon). They played 3 Big 10 schools - 2 on the road, an ACC team, Big 12, a good WAC team, and two good C-USA teams. I didn't do so hot with my picks this week, 5-3 in the SEC and 3-3 nationally. So for the year I'm 24-5 in the SEC and 11-7 nationally. Week 3 SEC Power Rankings:
1. Alabama, 3-0 (0-0) - I don't think there should be any doubt in anyone's mind they are a solid #1 in the SEC and the country. They are dominate, maybe more dominate than people expected...but their first REAL test comes this coming week.
2. Arkansas, 3-0 (1-0) - Ryan Mallett and the Hogs took the next step this week beating Georgia. I wasn't sure they could do it but when it came to the end of the game they made a play and got the win. This is what they couldn't do last year and they are legit in my book. Huge, absolutely HUGE game this week hosting Bama.
3. Florida, 3-0 (1-0) - It's been 3 weeks and still no rhythm and flow from their offense. I have no reason to believe that will change anytime soon and it's getting a little late in the game with the SEC schedule having started. They got the win at Tennessee but they are very shaking at this position.
4. Auburn, 3-0 (1-0) - I still believe Auburn is the real deal even though they let an ACC team take them to overtime at home. Clemson looked good, and Auburn is fortunate to come away with a win. There was a lot of hard-hitting in that game and it will be interesting to see how that effects them in a big game vs. South Carolina next.
5. South Carolina, 3-0 (1-0) - I could easily make a case that the Gamecocks deserve to be at #2 or 3 on this list right now, but I'm going to wait for them to prove it on the road. That test comes this coming week at Auburn.
6. LSU, 3-0 (2-0) - The Tigers finally put together a mistake-free game vs. Mississippi State. Their offense didn't look much better but they got the win taking advantage of turnovers and great special teams. They still leave a lot to be desired, and they will need to improve for win in the meat of their SEC schedule.
7. Kentucky, 3-0 (0-0) - As promised I moved Kentucky up with their win. They look solid on offense this year with dynamic play-makers all over the place. They haven't been tested yet but next week's trip to Florida will do that. They are a scary team to play right now.
8. Georgia, 1-2 (0-2) - UGA is a victim to a tough early SEC schedule with a young team. I was impressed by their ability to pull it together in the 4th quarter vs. Arkansas and tie it before losing in the final minute. They have a lot of talent but they aren't making as many plays as they usually do. I think their youth has a lot to do with it, which make the game next week at Mississippi State very interesting.
9. Mississippi State, 1-2 (0-2) - Unfortunately I've had to drop State the last two weeks because of loses, but I still think they are a good team. They have a lot of talent but just aren't executing. Like I said this Georgia at Miss. State game is intriguing because it's two teams in the same boat with the same record facing one another.
10. Tennessee, 1-2 (0-1) - They hung with Florida and made a couple big plays but that may have more to do with the Gators struggles than Tennessee playing well. I think they have some ability and they need to get a win against UAB next week.
11. Vanderbilt, 1-2 (1-1) - Well Vandy got the job done at Ole Miss and has already proven my prediction of going 0-8 wrong. I really like the job Robbie Caldwell is doing with that team, they are playing hard and not making the huge mistake which is what Vandy has to do.
12. Ole Miss, 1-2 (0-1) - I said they had to play their way out of the cellar and they couldn't do it at home against Vandy. There must have been 10,000 empty seats in Oxford on Saturday, a poor sign for this team. It's amazing they have fallen from #4 in the nation to last in the SEC and a poor football team in just one year's time.
So every team in the SEC is either 3-0 or 1-2. We'll see how it shakes out from here, and things are going to get revved up a few notched next week with several big games. There has been a lot of talk about how Virginia Tech losing to James Madison hurts Boise State, and there has been a rather large backlash against Boise. So I wanted to defend my placing them at #2 in the nation. I think they should be ranked #2 because last season they ended the season rated as the #2 team. They were undefeated last year and won a BCS bowl game. That normally wouldn't be enough but since they return 21 of 22 starters I think they've got quite a solid nucleus and since they went on the road this year and beat a team that is 'bigger and stronger' than they are, and the game had huge hype so Va Tech was prepared, they still get my #2. If they struggle with a WAC team for just a little bit then they will probably fall, but not until then. Here's my Top 5, same as last week.
1. Alabama, 3-0
2. Boise State, 2-0
3. Nebraska, 3-0
4. TCU, 3-0
5. Ohio State, 3-0
Last week I said the Braves needed to go 12-6 the rest of the way out to get to the postseason and after sweeping the Mets this weekend they are on pace to do that, having gone 4-2. Nate McClouth has been a surprise in September hitting .350, since he was horrible all year long and spent a month in the minors I'm surprised he got a chance this late in the year. But that shows you why Bobby Cox is a great manager, he never gives up on a player and so Nate has a chance to be a big contributor down the stretch.
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0. The Cowboys and the Vikings are 0-2. Pittsburgh is using their 3rd string QB, and he just got hurt and their 2-0. It just goes to show you that in football you just never know, even in the NFL. From year to year you don't know what is going to happen. I'm glad the Falcons took care of business this week vs. the Cardinals with a blowout win, 41-7.
JB
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Separation in America
The American political landscape is seen to be 30% liberal, 30% conservative, and 40% moderate right or left who may switch their votes from party to party or vote a mixed ticket. The 30% of liberals and conservatives have become so polarized in the last few years that the middle 40% isn't sure where to go, and they often don't want to be involved anymore. The right is suspicious of the left, the left suspicious of the right, and the center is suspicious of both of them.
Is cable news to blame for this extreme polarization? Or has it always been there, we just see it now because of so many media outlets? President Obama ran for president saying he could unite both parties and reach across the aisle, but he has not been able to do that. Instead, conservatives feel further away from him and are back to mudslinging because of the disdain for his policies. What we have now is a separation of people in America who doesn't understand each other and are afraid of each other. There is nothing wrong with being in one of those 30% categories, what is wrong is when one side ignores the other because they don't want to hear it instead of digging deeper and understanding why they think that way.
Take the idea of separation of church and state. Glenn Beck held a rally on August 28th to encourage people to get back to some fundamental aspects that our country was founded upon...God, hope, and charity. Most people from the left see this as the religious right wanting a theocracy. Beck says he wants people to correct their individual lives, focusing on God, responsibility, caring for others, and if we all do that we don't need the government to take care of us. So really, what he is saying has nothing to do with incorporating the church into the government. The left are scared of these people, believing that if they take over our government everyone will have a gun, we'll pray at every meeting, there will be no religious freedom, abortion will be abolished, no gay marriage, there will be domestic oil drilling and no care for the environment. The right are scared of the left believing they will install socialism, gay marriage will be legal, government run healthcare, no fire arms, and the American dream will be taken away.
Now the left will still disagree with Beck on his principles even if they agree that he is not trying to create a theocracy. But what the major difference, and what people have to decide for themselves is: is it the government's place to care for people or the church's? Obviously, people who don't believe in God will say that it is the government's place, but they are in the small minority in America. I personally believe that we should give through the church to help those in need and not doing it through our taxes and the government.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are asking all the billionaires in America to donate half their wealth to charity. So far, they've been able to secure about 4%. You would think that someone who has $20 billion would be willing to let go of half that, isn't $10 billion enough? But those billionaires see half their money taken away in taxes and they see that as charity. They've earned the money, now the government can distribute it among those in need. Many people of much lesser wealth, everyday middle class citizens see it the same way.
When you pay taxes, you're money is going through layers of bureaucracy. All those layers have salaries that have to be paid, and there are cost above cost that are associated with getting that money to the final source. That is wasted money, bigger government, and you know the government isn't handling things as efficiently as it should be done...there's no incentive. Why not give your money to a charity and through the church so you know where it's going and more of the money you give goes to those who need it. Matthew 22:21 says "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's". Pay the taxes levied against you, and also give back a portion of the money God as entrusted you with.
Now I just spent four paragraphs on one topic, separation of church and state. And really, I just got into the charity aspect of it and nothing else. I could expound upon that topic and write a thesis, as you could for any of the issues we face. If you are in the middle then I urge you not to discount either side of the aisle because you think they are just a bunch of nutcases. There are reasons people believe certain things and it is important in dive deeper into the issue at hand to gain a proper understanding. Find out what makes the most sense to you and have a solid opinion, give the issue the research and thought it deserves and become an informed voter.
JB
Is cable news to blame for this extreme polarization? Or has it always been there, we just see it now because of so many media outlets? President Obama ran for president saying he could unite both parties and reach across the aisle, but he has not been able to do that. Instead, conservatives feel further away from him and are back to mudslinging because of the disdain for his policies. What we have now is a separation of people in America who doesn't understand each other and are afraid of each other. There is nothing wrong with being in one of those 30% categories, what is wrong is when one side ignores the other because they don't want to hear it instead of digging deeper and understanding why they think that way.
Take the idea of separation of church and state. Glenn Beck held a rally on August 28th to encourage people to get back to some fundamental aspects that our country was founded upon...God, hope, and charity. Most people from the left see this as the religious right wanting a theocracy. Beck says he wants people to correct their individual lives, focusing on God, responsibility, caring for others, and if we all do that we don't need the government to take care of us. So really, what he is saying has nothing to do with incorporating the church into the government. The left are scared of these people, believing that if they take over our government everyone will have a gun, we'll pray at every meeting, there will be no religious freedom, abortion will be abolished, no gay marriage, there will be domestic oil drilling and no care for the environment. The right are scared of the left believing they will install socialism, gay marriage will be legal, government run healthcare, no fire arms, and the American dream will be taken away.
Now the left will still disagree with Beck on his principles even if they agree that he is not trying to create a theocracy. But what the major difference, and what people have to decide for themselves is: is it the government's place to care for people or the church's? Obviously, people who don't believe in God will say that it is the government's place, but they are in the small minority in America. I personally believe that we should give through the church to help those in need and not doing it through our taxes and the government.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are asking all the billionaires in America to donate half their wealth to charity. So far, they've been able to secure about 4%. You would think that someone who has $20 billion would be willing to let go of half that, isn't $10 billion enough? But those billionaires see half their money taken away in taxes and they see that as charity. They've earned the money, now the government can distribute it among those in need. Many people of much lesser wealth, everyday middle class citizens see it the same way.
When you pay taxes, you're money is going through layers of bureaucracy. All those layers have salaries that have to be paid, and there are cost above cost that are associated with getting that money to the final source. That is wasted money, bigger government, and you know the government isn't handling things as efficiently as it should be done...there's no incentive. Why not give your money to a charity and through the church so you know where it's going and more of the money you give goes to those who need it. Matthew 22:21 says "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's". Pay the taxes levied against you, and also give back a portion of the money God as entrusted you with.
Now I just spent four paragraphs on one topic, separation of church and state. And really, I just got into the charity aspect of it and nothing else. I could expound upon that topic and write a thesis, as you could for any of the issues we face. If you are in the middle then I urge you not to discount either side of the aisle because you think they are just a bunch of nutcases. There are reasons people believe certain things and it is important in dive deeper into the issue at hand to gain a proper understanding. Find out what makes the most sense to you and have a solid opinion, give the issue the research and thought it deserves and become an informed voter.
JB
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Recent Meals
Here are some recent meals that I've had, that were new, and have increased my enjoyment of food:
Cajun roast beef sandwich - Roast beef often gets overlooked when people are selecting their lunch meats, but it is a great choice. Boar's head has some Cajun roast beef you can buy by the pound that taste great. I took a hoagie roll and put the Cajun roast beef on it and a slice of cheese (folded and broken into 2 triangles) - I like to use a spicy cheese like pepperjack, jalapeno cheddar...but you could go with white American or provolone would be good too. Then the key is to heat the sandwich up...for about 40 seconds in the microwave. Then I put mayonnaise, mustard, Texas Pete, a couple diced jalapenos and maybe some lettuce depending on my mood. This is a great sandwich. I give this one a 9 out of 10, it's awesome.
Blackened fish sandwich - We used talapia for the first sandwich, and catfish the second time. Melted some butter, dipped the fish in it and then covered it in a mix of spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, tony's and pepper) and then put it on a black skillet (medium heat) for 4 minutes on each side. Then I made some homemade tartar sauce (mayo, diced jalapenos, little horseredish, and little garlic powder), put it on a kaiser roll and it was delicious. 8.5 out of 10 on this one.
Shrimp & Grits - My wife made this one so I'm not sure how it all went together but it was grits of course topped with sausage, shrimp, and rice. We put some pepperjack cheese in the grits for some kick...it was quite a taste sensation. And we also used jalapeno cornbread which was really good too. 8 out of 10 for this one.
Fish tacos - I was really excited to make fish tacos because I love to eat them at the Mexican restaurant or other places that serve them. I fried the fish and then put them in a soft tortilla. I mixed a cold slaw (from a bag) with spicy ranch and some chopped onions and put them over the fish. Very tasty. Overall I rate this meal as a 8.5 out of 10,
Crab cakes - I took about 1/3 of a pound of crab meat, about 3/4 of a roll of Ritz type crackers and crumpled them up, a large spoonful of mayonnaise, some green onion, a little bit of mustard and lemon juice, a little garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper and put it all together and shaped it like I would a hamburger patty. Then dip it in a beat egg and cover it with flour and place it in a skillet with vegetable oil in it over medium heat and fry it for 4 minutes on each side. Then I made a sauce using sour cream, garlic powder, onion salt, Tony's, and chives. You can dip it in the sauce of put the sauce on a kaiser roll and make a sandwich. They were delicious. 9 out of 10 for this one.
BBQ Nachos - I was unsure about this when Stacey wanted to make them but I'm a fan now. Instead of taco meat we used pulled pork and it was delicious. It had a different taste than regular nachos, and the BBQ sauce was very good in combination with my jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and all the other things that make nachos great. 8 out of 10.
JB
Cajun roast beef sandwich - Roast beef often gets overlooked when people are selecting their lunch meats, but it is a great choice. Boar's head has some Cajun roast beef you can buy by the pound that taste great. I took a hoagie roll and put the Cajun roast beef on it and a slice of cheese (folded and broken into 2 triangles) - I like to use a spicy cheese like pepperjack, jalapeno cheddar...but you could go with white American or provolone would be good too. Then the key is to heat the sandwich up...for about 40 seconds in the microwave. Then I put mayonnaise, mustard, Texas Pete, a couple diced jalapenos and maybe some lettuce depending on my mood. This is a great sandwich. I give this one a 9 out of 10, it's awesome.
Blackened fish sandwich - We used talapia for the first sandwich, and catfish the second time. Melted some butter, dipped the fish in it and then covered it in a mix of spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, tony's and pepper) and then put it on a black skillet (medium heat) for 4 minutes on each side. Then I made some homemade tartar sauce (mayo, diced jalapenos, little horseredish, and little garlic powder), put it on a kaiser roll and it was delicious. 8.5 out of 10 on this one.
Shrimp & Grits - My wife made this one so I'm not sure how it all went together but it was grits of course topped with sausage, shrimp, and rice. We put some pepperjack cheese in the grits for some kick...it was quite a taste sensation. And we also used jalapeno cornbread which was really good too. 8 out of 10 for this one.
Fish tacos - I was really excited to make fish tacos because I love to eat them at the Mexican restaurant or other places that serve them. I fried the fish and then put them in a soft tortilla. I mixed a cold slaw (from a bag) with spicy ranch and some chopped onions and put them over the fish. Very tasty. Overall I rate this meal as a 8.5 out of 10,
Crab cakes - I took about 1/3 of a pound of crab meat, about 3/4 of a roll of Ritz type crackers and crumpled them up, a large spoonful of mayonnaise, some green onion, a little bit of mustard and lemon juice, a little garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper and put it all together and shaped it like I would a hamburger patty. Then dip it in a beat egg and cover it with flour and place it in a skillet with vegetable oil in it over medium heat and fry it for 4 minutes on each side. Then I made a sauce using sour cream, garlic powder, onion salt, Tony's, and chives. You can dip it in the sauce of put the sauce on a kaiser roll and make a sandwich. They were delicious. 9 out of 10 for this one.
BBQ Nachos - I was unsure about this when Stacey wanted to make them but I'm a fan now. Instead of taco meat we used pulled pork and it was delicious. It had a different taste than regular nachos, and the BBQ sauce was very good in combination with my jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and all the other things that make nachos great. 8 out of 10.
JB
Friday, September 17, 2010
College Football - Week 3
Tennessee vs. Florida used to be such a great matchup, but Florida St./Florida was great too, then Urban Meyer came to Gainesville and changed all that. I don't know when Tennessee is going to be relevant again, they are in major rebuilding mode and Derek Dooley has his hands full. I like Derek Dooley, and I think he's the right coach for Tennessee right now. But there's one thing that I'm not sure about, and that's the reminder of Coach Croom I get when I hear him talk. When I hear phrases like "we don't have any depth", "2/3 of our team has never played a down", "we just want to run a simple play without penalties" it takes me back to 2004 when Slyvester Croom was talking about what he inherited at Mississippi State. It may be true but that's not what your players need to hear. For 5 years MSU players had a coach that didn't really believe in them, and so they didn't believe in themselves. Croom said State could be great, but it would take a long time...I feel like Dooley is echoing those same thoughts to the Vol's fans. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think Tennessee going to do much for a while if that is their attitude. And I'm going to have to go with Florida this week going to Knoxville. Rainey may not be playing but I don't think it makes a difference. It could be close the way Florida is playing but I don't see UT winning.
Saturday starts off solid again with Georgia playing at noon for the 3rd straight week, this time against Arkansas. Still no A.J. Green for the dawgs and that is huge, but Aaron Murrey should be a little more settled in being at home and having already gone through his first SEC game I think he will do well. Their offensive line hasn't been the force everyone expected, but Arkansas' defense is average so I don't think it will be an issue here. Vegas likes UGA by 2 points and I'm going to stick with my preseason pick in this game and go with the them. Arkansas hasn't shown me much so far this year, and maybe that is because of the competition or maybe it's looking ahead to the conference schedule. The Hogs have a huge game next week against Alabama, and with this game being on the road their focus might not be entirely on Georgia. Still, UGA's defense leaves a good bit to be desired and Ryan Mallett will have his typical 300 yards and 3 TD passes, but it won't be enough. Georgia 31 Arkansas 28. Vanderbilt at Ole Miss should be a 4-quarter game, and I expect it to come down to the last play, but I think Ole Miss will pull it out at home since they have better players and depth.
Alabama at Duke? Why are the tide playing in a 30,000 seat stadium? I don't know but I'm taking #1, big. South Carolina takes a break this week, they win big, and Kentucky continues their tour of cupcakes and they will go to 3-0. Auburn is hosting Clemson and College Gameday (which I'm not sure why for this game). It is an interesting game since Auburn is Clemson without a lake, but that's about it. Kyle Parker is a pretty good quarterback and I think Clemson's a pretty good team. They are the only team from the ACC that is supposed to be good this year that hasn't embarrassed their conference. They haven't been tested so far this year but they have 13 returning starters, and although they lost the dynamic C.J. Spiller they return a highly-touted offensive line. It should be a close game for 3 quarters but I look for Auburn to pull away in the 4th and cover the spread (-7).
The last game is Mississippi State at LSU. LSU has been playing horrible on offense, Jordan Jefferson is the biggest waste of talent in the SEC. I think we might see Jarett Lee at some point in the game, which may not be bad for the Tigers. State is going to have to get its young players to get past the huge hurdle of playing in front of 90,000 people in the most hostile environment in the country if they want to compete. But Les Miles is such as terrible coach I think he will leave State in the game throughout even though LSU's talent is superior, and he will find a way to use their strengths in the secondary against themselves. Vandy played LSU close for 3 1/2 quarters until LSU just wore them down, but I don't think they can do the same with the Bulldogs. Last year State had a chance to win but were held up at the goal-line and two years ago it was an unusually close game in Baton Rouge. I think State takes that confidence down there and upsets LSU in their own stadium, at night, 17-16 (the same score as the last time MSU won--1999).
Elsewhere around the country it's kind of a big thud in terms of big games. But there are a few intriguing matchups. Before the season I said a possible stumbling block for Nebraska was going to Washington in week 3; I still think they could be upset but it's unlikely if Taylor Martinez continues to play well, I'll take the Cornhuskers. In July I would've thought the GA Tech/North Carolina game would be a big one but it is much less now, I expect the Tar Heels to win being a home. This is such a lean weekend nationally I'm going to predict the Notre Dame/Michigan State game--Michigan State. Big test for Tuberville in Lubbock against Texas, I think the game will be very close but I'm going with Texas. Iowa vs. Arizona is the only Top 25 matchup of the weekend and I think it will be a good game. Iowa has a really good team, they are just outside my top 5 and I think their experience will serve them well in the 4th quarter to win the game. Houston is traveling to Los Angeles to play a UCLA team that has lost its first two games. Case Kennum's status is in jeopardy since he suffered a concussion, so this could be a tough game if he's not playing or isn't all there. I picked Houston to lose one game this year and it wasn't this one, Houston wins 31-24.
It doesn't look like a big Saturday, certainly nothing like what last week looked like. I could almost just not change the channel through the day as I watch UGA/Arkansas, Florida/Tennessee, and LSU/Mississippi State. But last week ended up being a little overrated and this week could be underrated. Who knows, there may be a ton of upsets tomorrow. We are still within that first 3-week window when teams are trying to find their identity and so it should still be very interesting. One thing I know is that I love college football and there are only 14 Saturdays full of it and this is going to be one of them so I better enjoy it while I've got it. Go dawgs!
JB
Saturday starts off solid again with Georgia playing at noon for the 3rd straight week, this time against Arkansas. Still no A.J. Green for the dawgs and that is huge, but Aaron Murrey should be a little more settled in being at home and having already gone through his first SEC game I think he will do well. Their offensive line hasn't been the force everyone expected, but Arkansas' defense is average so I don't think it will be an issue here. Vegas likes UGA by 2 points and I'm going to stick with my preseason pick in this game and go with the them. Arkansas hasn't shown me much so far this year, and maybe that is because of the competition or maybe it's looking ahead to the conference schedule. The Hogs have a huge game next week against Alabama, and with this game being on the road their focus might not be entirely on Georgia. Still, UGA's defense leaves a good bit to be desired and Ryan Mallett will have his typical 300 yards and 3 TD passes, but it won't be enough. Georgia 31 Arkansas 28. Vanderbilt at Ole Miss should be a 4-quarter game, and I expect it to come down to the last play, but I think Ole Miss will pull it out at home since they have better players and depth.
Alabama at Duke? Why are the tide playing in a 30,000 seat stadium? I don't know but I'm taking #1, big. South Carolina takes a break this week, they win big, and Kentucky continues their tour of cupcakes and they will go to 3-0. Auburn is hosting Clemson and College Gameday (which I'm not sure why for this game). It is an interesting game since Auburn is Clemson without a lake, but that's about it. Kyle Parker is a pretty good quarterback and I think Clemson's a pretty good team. They are the only team from the ACC that is supposed to be good this year that hasn't embarrassed their conference. They haven't been tested so far this year but they have 13 returning starters, and although they lost the dynamic C.J. Spiller they return a highly-touted offensive line. It should be a close game for 3 quarters but I look for Auburn to pull away in the 4th and cover the spread (-7).
The last game is Mississippi State at LSU. LSU has been playing horrible on offense, Jordan Jefferson is the biggest waste of talent in the SEC. I think we might see Jarett Lee at some point in the game, which may not be bad for the Tigers. State is going to have to get its young players to get past the huge hurdle of playing in front of 90,000 people in the most hostile environment in the country if they want to compete. But Les Miles is such as terrible coach I think he will leave State in the game throughout even though LSU's talent is superior, and he will find a way to use their strengths in the secondary against themselves. Vandy played LSU close for 3 1/2 quarters until LSU just wore them down, but I don't think they can do the same with the Bulldogs. Last year State had a chance to win but were held up at the goal-line and two years ago it was an unusually close game in Baton Rouge. I think State takes that confidence down there and upsets LSU in their own stadium, at night, 17-16 (the same score as the last time MSU won--1999).
Elsewhere around the country it's kind of a big thud in terms of big games. But there are a few intriguing matchups. Before the season I said a possible stumbling block for Nebraska was going to Washington in week 3; I still think they could be upset but it's unlikely if Taylor Martinez continues to play well, I'll take the Cornhuskers. In July I would've thought the GA Tech/North Carolina game would be a big one but it is much less now, I expect the Tar Heels to win being a home. This is such a lean weekend nationally I'm going to predict the Notre Dame/Michigan State game--Michigan State. Big test for Tuberville in Lubbock against Texas, I think the game will be very close but I'm going with Texas. Iowa vs. Arizona is the only Top 25 matchup of the weekend and I think it will be a good game. Iowa has a really good team, they are just outside my top 5 and I think their experience will serve them well in the 4th quarter to win the game. Houston is traveling to Los Angeles to play a UCLA team that has lost its first two games. Case Kennum's status is in jeopardy since he suffered a concussion, so this could be a tough game if he's not playing or isn't all there. I picked Houston to lose one game this year and it wasn't this one, Houston wins 31-24.
It doesn't look like a big Saturday, certainly nothing like what last week looked like. I could almost just not change the channel through the day as I watch UGA/Arkansas, Florida/Tennessee, and LSU/Mississippi State. But last week ended up being a little overrated and this week could be underrated. Who knows, there may be a ton of upsets tomorrow. We are still within that first 3-week window when teams are trying to find their identity and so it should still be very interesting. One thing I know is that I love college football and there are only 14 Saturdays full of it and this is going to be one of them so I better enjoy it while I've got it. Go dawgs!
JB
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Conspiracy Theories
The other day I met with another contractor who specializes in remodeling homes. He told me that because of the economy he is taking distressed properties in "the bad part of town", renovating them and then renting them out. Because of what he is doing, he is in contact and having conversations with black people everyday, and he told me that every single one of them believes that George W. Bush was behind the 9/11 attacks. So they believe that the President of the United States of America orchestrated terrorist attacks on his own people!
Glenn Beck has come up with lists of progressive leaders who he believes are working with certain organizations to take over America and transform the way we live socially and politically.
Oliver Stone's "JFK" was dedicated to the conspiracy theory that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone, and that the government knew more about the President's murder then they were letting on...that Lyndon Johnson stood aside while the military-industrial complex schemed to get rid of Kennedy.
Some people don't believe humans landed on the moon, that it was all a big hoax put together on a set in Hollywood.
I don't think conspiracy theories are bad. If you aren't suspicious that things aren't way they seem, there is a good chance you could be fooled. It is important to have multiple views on everything, we need to obtain all the information we can before we form an opinion or belief.
Theory is a great tool humans have. We can think, reason and form ideas to create theories. Without theories there is no scientific method. You must have a theory (hypothesis) before you set out to create something or test an idea. There are all kinds of theories and none of them are bad unless we fall victim to calling them fact.
Evolution is a theory. Creation is a theory. Bigger government, more taxes and government spending to create jobs will provide as successful economy is a theory. Smaller government, less taxes, and the 'trickle down effect' to provide a strong economy is a theory. Global warming is a theory. Taking troops out of Iraq will be better for America and Iraq is a theory.
I don't have a problem with people believing in conspiracy theories. I don't have a problem with people advocating their theory. What I do have a problem with is the people who hear those theories and then accept them as fact and they let that information become apart of their belief system without ever hearing the other side, doing research, and making an informed opinion. I'm not suggesting that you spend hours researching what you heard after Glenn Beck or Michael Moore speak, but if you're willing to accept what they say, and it's going to be apart of your thought process then continue on and seek out whether or not it really is the truth...something worth believing.
One of the biggest problems in American society is taking things written or said on TV at face value. People across the country watch the evening news and accept what they hear as fact. They haven't taken into consideration that the anchor, the producer, and the network airing the broadcast all have their own beliefs and as hard as they try (if they try) they will have some bias in their reporting. Objectivity is no longer apart of the news, and it is affecting those who don't have strong opinions. The impressionable people in America and around the world fall prey to good speakers with unproven theories. If you think for yourself, you've done the research, you know what all the options are, and you still disagree with me then I can respect you...but I can't if you are willing to follow blindly behind someone else's agenda.
JB
Glenn Beck has come up with lists of progressive leaders who he believes are working with certain organizations to take over America and transform the way we live socially and politically.
Oliver Stone's "JFK" was dedicated to the conspiracy theory that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone, and that the government knew more about the President's murder then they were letting on...that Lyndon Johnson stood aside while the military-industrial complex schemed to get rid of Kennedy.
Some people don't believe humans landed on the moon, that it was all a big hoax put together on a set in Hollywood.
I don't think conspiracy theories are bad. If you aren't suspicious that things aren't way they seem, there is a good chance you could be fooled. It is important to have multiple views on everything, we need to obtain all the information we can before we form an opinion or belief.
Theory is a great tool humans have. We can think, reason and form ideas to create theories. Without theories there is no scientific method. You must have a theory (hypothesis) before you set out to create something or test an idea. There are all kinds of theories and none of them are bad unless we fall victim to calling them fact.
Evolution is a theory. Creation is a theory. Bigger government, more taxes and government spending to create jobs will provide as successful economy is a theory. Smaller government, less taxes, and the 'trickle down effect' to provide a strong economy is a theory. Global warming is a theory. Taking troops out of Iraq will be better for America and Iraq is a theory.
I don't have a problem with people believing in conspiracy theories. I don't have a problem with people advocating their theory. What I do have a problem with is the people who hear those theories and then accept them as fact and they let that information become apart of their belief system without ever hearing the other side, doing research, and making an informed opinion. I'm not suggesting that you spend hours researching what you heard after Glenn Beck or Michael Moore speak, but if you're willing to accept what they say, and it's going to be apart of your thought process then continue on and seek out whether or not it really is the truth...something worth believing.
One of the biggest problems in American society is taking things written or said on TV at face value. People across the country watch the evening news and accept what they hear as fact. They haven't taken into consideration that the anchor, the producer, and the network airing the broadcast all have their own beliefs and as hard as they try (if they try) they will have some bias in their reporting. Objectivity is no longer apart of the news, and it is affecting those who don't have strong opinions. The impressionable people in America and around the world fall prey to good speakers with unproven theories. If you think for yourself, you've done the research, you know what all the options are, and you still disagree with me then I can respect you...but I can't if you are willing to follow blindly behind someone else's agenda.
JB
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Be a Man
I am a male, but that doesn't make me a man. There are also females, but that doesn't make them a woman. One of the things that has been skewed in our society is gender roles. I don't know what really makes a woman, although I have a good idea...but what I do know is about being a man.
I can't understand why anyone who calls himself a man would back down from a challenge. I'm not saying a food-eating challenge or a board game challenge, I'm talking about swallowing your fears a little bit and proving your manhood. Responding to others who says you can't do something, climbing that wall even though you don't want to look down, stepping up to take the heat when no one knows what to do including you, and sticking your neck out on the line for those you're trying to protect.
My wife can do most all of the things I can do, with the exception of those things that require a little extra strength or height. But that doesn't mean she should do those things when I should be doing them. I'm certainly not going to let my wife drive me around in the car. When I see a guy being driven around by his woman it makes me sick, how can you force the responsibility and hassle of driving on her, do your job and be the leader. My wife isn't going to mow the grass, take out the trash, use the hammer, or kill the bugs...I'm dirty, I smell, I will be the one to have the sweat on my forehead and the cuts on my hand rather my woman. What kind of person are you if you allow her to do these things when you're able to do them?
I've been to many a family gathering or and group gathering where people are preparing to eat a meal together. It makes me cringe if I have to hear a lady say the blessing because her husband wouldn't step up to the plate and say it. If it's your house, be a man and say the blessing. I've never seen a couple where the wife wanted to say it when she had a perfectly capable husband who should be the leader and say it. Not only are you not acting like a man, but it even says in the Bible that the man should be the spiritual leader, and part of that is saying the blessing in a group. I have no problem with a woman saying it, but as a man, I feel that it is my duty.
If you can't change a tire then there is no way you should be able to call yourself a man. I don't know how any woman worth her salt would be involved with some guy who cannot change a tire. Now I know there are guys out there who can't do this, and without a doubt they drive a car. How can you feel like a man in a car? Get a truck or an SUV, have some blood in your veins and some grit in your mouth.
Nobody has to prove their manhood to me or anybody else, but you should want to prove it to yourself. Step up to the plate and don't be a wuss. Show your woman you're actually worth having around, and your not just something she could get out of her gay friend. Be a man. And if you're one of those guys who says, "you can call me a wuss all you want" or that this stuff doesn't matter then your exactly who I'm talking about, a nancy boy.
JB
I can't understand why anyone who calls himself a man would back down from a challenge. I'm not saying a food-eating challenge or a board game challenge, I'm talking about swallowing your fears a little bit and proving your manhood. Responding to others who says you can't do something, climbing that wall even though you don't want to look down, stepping up to take the heat when no one knows what to do including you, and sticking your neck out on the line for those you're trying to protect.
My wife can do most all of the things I can do, with the exception of those things that require a little extra strength or height. But that doesn't mean she should do those things when I should be doing them. I'm certainly not going to let my wife drive me around in the car. When I see a guy being driven around by his woman it makes me sick, how can you force the responsibility and hassle of driving on her, do your job and be the leader. My wife isn't going to mow the grass, take out the trash, use the hammer, or kill the bugs...I'm dirty, I smell, I will be the one to have the sweat on my forehead and the cuts on my hand rather my woman. What kind of person are you if you allow her to do these things when you're able to do them?
I've been to many a family gathering or and group gathering where people are preparing to eat a meal together. It makes me cringe if I have to hear a lady say the blessing because her husband wouldn't step up to the plate and say it. If it's your house, be a man and say the blessing. I've never seen a couple where the wife wanted to say it when she had a perfectly capable husband who should be the leader and say it. Not only are you not acting like a man, but it even says in the Bible that the man should be the spiritual leader, and part of that is saying the blessing in a group. I have no problem with a woman saying it, but as a man, I feel that it is my duty.
If you can't change a tire then there is no way you should be able to call yourself a man. I don't know how any woman worth her salt would be involved with some guy who cannot change a tire. Now I know there are guys out there who can't do this, and without a doubt they drive a car. How can you feel like a man in a car? Get a truck or an SUV, have some blood in your veins and some grit in your mouth.
Nobody has to prove their manhood to me or anybody else, but you should want to prove it to yourself. Step up to the plate and don't be a wuss. Show your woman you're actually worth having around, and your not just something she could get out of her gay friend. Be a man. And if you're one of those guys who says, "you can call me a wuss all you want" or that this stuff doesn't matter then your exactly who I'm talking about, a nancy boy.
JB
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Immigration
Immigration is a hot topic these days. We all know about Arizona's controversial new policies, and Florida is talking about passing similar legislation. While this may seem like it only applies to immigrants, it doesn't...it is very important for all Americans to understand what is at play with illegal immigration.
Millions of people come to America every year legally...they assimilate into American society and accept our way of life. These people are important to our culture and we should always welcome those who come here and obey our laws. Most of the problems that we have involving immigration comes from Mexico. I work with Mexicans a lot, they are hard-working and they've come to America for the opportunity to work. I respect them and I know that if I was born in Mexico and looking for work I would want to cross the border and get to America. I can respect their willingness to work and support their families and I know that the only difference between me and them is the geographical location in which I was born.
Many Mexicans save up some money while in Mexico and pay a mercenary to get them across the border...I have heard this from the mouth of Mexicans. Then they find work, usually in construction, and send money back to their families in Mexico while living on as little as possible in the states. If they can get enough money they will bring their wives to America...or a family may just send a pregnant woman to America so her child will be born in America. Once these women get to America and enter the emergency room to have their child it is illegal to refuse them service, and their child is now an American. The hospitals do not do this for free, they charge the government, who charges taxpayers, who are you and me...not illegal aliens.
Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes. For one, they are illegal so filing with the IRS would get them in trouble. Most of them are paid in cash so they don't have withholding, and even if they did they make so little they would not have to pay taxes. So they get to take advantage of all the things Americans do, and they don't have to pay for it like Americans do. Well, I'm all for looking after the needy and understanding that there are those less fortunate than I am, but it seems like they are getting a pretty good deal. Maybe they are living with 8 other people in a one bedroom apartment but it's a lot better than Mexico. The problem is, they have become a giant leech on the neck of America's economy, and we don't need them here anymore. While I have sympathy for the illegal Mexican immigrant, I cannot support American tax dollars going to keep them on our soil, healthy and happy.
Part of the reason Arizona passed it's law is because they have drug runners coming through their state and it is endangering the lives of their citizens, not to mention it is illegal activity. Mexico's drug problems and kidnapping problems do not have to become our problems. So by making sure these immigrants are legal, Arizona is cracking down on crime and shoring up the budget. It is unfortunate the Mexicans in Arizona legally will end up being subjected to random checks but they will have to accept that this is a problem that has to be dealt with or they need to move to another state.
For the opponents of the immigration laws, for those who believe we should have open borders and we should act as providers for the Mexican people may I offer you something to think about. Politicians who are willing to find any way they can to get re-elected want illegal Mexicans here. Under the guise of creating a workforce that is willing to do what Americans don't want to do they are creating a mass of voters. Those Mexicans who are allowed to stay, that are a vacuum on our health care and economy for years will eventually become citizens if we pass this kind of legislation...and once they do who will they vote for? So by not enforcing border control and allowing for Mexicans to flood into America we are creating a group of voters that will allow democrats to take over the government, an undefeatable party who will have well over 50% of the population every election year.
If we let illegal immigrants stay in America, have driver's licenses and receive healthcare where does it end? How many are we going to let in? Right now, there is 10% unemployment in America. Are those people not able to do the jobs Mexicans are doing now? I believe they are, we don't need help from Mexico...we need Mexico to help itself and take care of its people.
JB
Millions of people come to America every year legally...they assimilate into American society and accept our way of life. These people are important to our culture and we should always welcome those who come here and obey our laws. Most of the problems that we have involving immigration comes from Mexico. I work with Mexicans a lot, they are hard-working and they've come to America for the opportunity to work. I respect them and I know that if I was born in Mexico and looking for work I would want to cross the border and get to America. I can respect their willingness to work and support their families and I know that the only difference between me and them is the geographical location in which I was born.
Many Mexicans save up some money while in Mexico and pay a mercenary to get them across the border...I have heard this from the mouth of Mexicans. Then they find work, usually in construction, and send money back to their families in Mexico while living on as little as possible in the states. If they can get enough money they will bring their wives to America...or a family may just send a pregnant woman to America so her child will be born in America. Once these women get to America and enter the emergency room to have their child it is illegal to refuse them service, and their child is now an American. The hospitals do not do this for free, they charge the government, who charges taxpayers, who are you and me...not illegal aliens.
Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes. For one, they are illegal so filing with the IRS would get them in trouble. Most of them are paid in cash so they don't have withholding, and even if they did they make so little they would not have to pay taxes. So they get to take advantage of all the things Americans do, and they don't have to pay for it like Americans do. Well, I'm all for looking after the needy and understanding that there are those less fortunate than I am, but it seems like they are getting a pretty good deal. Maybe they are living with 8 other people in a one bedroom apartment but it's a lot better than Mexico. The problem is, they have become a giant leech on the neck of America's economy, and we don't need them here anymore. While I have sympathy for the illegal Mexican immigrant, I cannot support American tax dollars going to keep them on our soil, healthy and happy.
Part of the reason Arizona passed it's law is because they have drug runners coming through their state and it is endangering the lives of their citizens, not to mention it is illegal activity. Mexico's drug problems and kidnapping problems do not have to become our problems. So by making sure these immigrants are legal, Arizona is cracking down on crime and shoring up the budget. It is unfortunate the Mexicans in Arizona legally will end up being subjected to random checks but they will have to accept that this is a problem that has to be dealt with or they need to move to another state.
For the opponents of the immigration laws, for those who believe we should have open borders and we should act as providers for the Mexican people may I offer you something to think about. Politicians who are willing to find any way they can to get re-elected want illegal Mexicans here. Under the guise of creating a workforce that is willing to do what Americans don't want to do they are creating a mass of voters. Those Mexicans who are allowed to stay, that are a vacuum on our health care and economy for years will eventually become citizens if we pass this kind of legislation...and once they do who will they vote for? So by not enforcing border control and allowing for Mexicans to flood into America we are creating a group of voters that will allow democrats to take over the government, an undefeatable party who will have well over 50% of the population every election year.
If we let illegal immigrants stay in America, have driver's licenses and receive healthcare where does it end? How many are we going to let in? Right now, there is 10% unemployment in America. Are those people not able to do the jobs Mexicans are doing now? I believe they are, we don't need help from Mexico...we need Mexico to help itself and take care of its people.
JB
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week Two
Mike Leech, the former Texas Tech coach has a radio show with Jack Arute on rivals radio now. I was listening to it the other day and he was talking about how you never really know who your team is or how good they are until after 3 games. I think a lot of what he has to say, it makes sense to me, so I took that information and put it in my vault. And after this weekend's college games I thought of his comments as I was watching things unfold.
It was a wacky weekend in terms of teams struggling with lesser teams they should handle easily. Arkansas didn't look very good in the first half, LSU fumbled a ton and looked poor again, Florida looked terrible again in the first 2 1/2 quarters. On the other hand Tennessee looked great in the first half against Oregon, but then got blown out in the 2nd half. But I always think about the real reason BCS schools beat up on non-BCS schools is depth. The first string of a Sun-Belt team can hang in there for a half, but then with all the substitutions an SEC team is able to do the depth wears on them and it ends up a blowout. Still, a lot of these teams I'm unsure about, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple weeks.
The shiny point I'll take away from this weekend is that Marcus Lattimore is a beast and I feel much better about my South Carolina pick to win the East. Also, the ACC looks awful...they went 4-5 on the weekend, and that's 2-4 vs. Division I-A and 2-1 against I-AA, that is pathetic. Virginia Tech losing to James Madison makes Boise State's big win look bad, we'll see how it plays out down the road. JaCorey Harris also is not who I thought he was, looking mediocre at best against Ohio State. Mississippi State had a great chance to get a big victory against Auburn on Thursday night but they couldn't capitalize on plenty of opportunities. The offense looks like a mirage since Memphis got shredded by East Carolina, but we'll see what happens against LSU coming up next. That was the only SEC game I missed, I went 8-1 and I was 4-2 on the national games. So my overall SEC record is 19-2 and nationally it's 8-4. Here's my Week 2 Power Rankings:
1. Alabama - They looked like a defending national champion and #1 team should against Penn State. They were the better team and they showed it, even without Mark Ingram they are impressive...they should do the same thing this coming week at Duke.
2. Arkansas - The Hogs struggled a little bit with ULM in the first half, their defense gave Mallett some problems, but he pulled it together in the second half to end up throwing for 400 yards. Their first real test is coming up next at Georgia.
3. Florida - They didn't look any better on offense in the first half. They also benefited from a USF fumble in the red zone and a pick 6. They are going to have to pull it together going to Tennessee this week.
4. Auburn - Cam Newton is officially a beast. He's a more hard-nosed version of Terrelle Pryor, not as fast but he can run the ball better inside the tackles. They pulled out a tough game at Mississippi State, they've got an interesting matchup this week at home against Clemson.
5. South Carolina - The Gamecocks are up there with Alabama as the two teams that have looks the best for the first two weeks of the season. Marcus Lattimore is the real deal, Garcia is playing well, and their defense might be the best in the SEC.
6. LSU - LSU did not look impressive again this week. They struggled to move the ball for 3 1/2 quarters until Vandy's D just gave out and they were able to break off some big runs. I moved them up 2 spots this week but only because UGA and MSU lost.
7. Georgia - They didn't look bad against South Carolina, but they were soundly defeated. Aaron Murrey looks about like he should, it will be interesting to see what he can do at home this week against another good team...although not as good of a defense.
8. Mississippi State - The offense didn't look as good as it did in week one but it could just be a bump in the road. The defense looks great right now and I think they are the 3rd best D in the SEC.
9. Kentucky - I could move them up a little since they are 2-0 but they still haven't really been tested. Louisville is a Big East school but that is a team they are better than and Western Kentucky is no good. They are playing yet another weakling this week in Akron, and if they win that I promise to move them up at least one spot.
10. Tennessee - The Vols looked really good in the first half against Oregon, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but it was a mirage because they got smoked in the 2nd half. I think they are better than I anticipated but they still aren't too great. They are overachieving and Florida is underachieving so it will be interesting to see what happens this week when they host the Gators.
11. Vanderbilt - Even though Vandy is 0-2 they have played pretty well in their first two games at home. They hung with two bowl teams, but they just don't have the depth to pull these games out. And they've got a chance to stay out of the cellar again next week going to Ole Miss.
12. Ole Miss - I was tempted to put the Rebs up at #11 since they got a victory but they still didn't look too impressive against Tulane, and after that horrible loss in week one they are going to have to play their way out this week hosting Vandy.
My National Top 5:
1. Alabama
2. Boise State
3. Nebraska
4. TCU
5. Ohio State
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer had a great semifinal match in the U.S. Open, it's too bad it was in the middle of a ton of great college football games. They need to move the U.S. Open to mid-August so it can have the stage it deserves. After the rainout yesterday it sets up for which should be a great final today since Djokavic got much needed rest to face Nadal.
There's 18 games left in the baseball season, it's coming down to the wire for the Braves and Phillies. Unfortunately, the Braves have lost the lead they held all summer but they've still got 6 games left with the Phillies. I figure if they can go 7-2 at home and 5-4 on the road to finish the season out they will be in the playoffs whether it be the division winner or the wild card.
JB
It was a wacky weekend in terms of teams struggling with lesser teams they should handle easily. Arkansas didn't look very good in the first half, LSU fumbled a ton and looked poor again, Florida looked terrible again in the first 2 1/2 quarters. On the other hand Tennessee looked great in the first half against Oregon, but then got blown out in the 2nd half. But I always think about the real reason BCS schools beat up on non-BCS schools is depth. The first string of a Sun-Belt team can hang in there for a half, but then with all the substitutions an SEC team is able to do the depth wears on them and it ends up a blowout. Still, a lot of these teams I'm unsure about, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple weeks.
The shiny point I'll take away from this weekend is that Marcus Lattimore is a beast and I feel much better about my South Carolina pick to win the East. Also, the ACC looks awful...they went 4-5 on the weekend, and that's 2-4 vs. Division I-A and 2-1 against I-AA, that is pathetic. Virginia Tech losing to James Madison makes Boise State's big win look bad, we'll see how it plays out down the road. JaCorey Harris also is not who I thought he was, looking mediocre at best against Ohio State. Mississippi State had a great chance to get a big victory against Auburn on Thursday night but they couldn't capitalize on plenty of opportunities. The offense looks like a mirage since Memphis got shredded by East Carolina, but we'll see what happens against LSU coming up next. That was the only SEC game I missed, I went 8-1 and I was 4-2 on the national games. So my overall SEC record is 19-2 and nationally it's 8-4. Here's my Week 2 Power Rankings:
1. Alabama - They looked like a defending national champion and #1 team should against Penn State. They were the better team and they showed it, even without Mark Ingram they are impressive...they should do the same thing this coming week at Duke.
2. Arkansas - The Hogs struggled a little bit with ULM in the first half, their defense gave Mallett some problems, but he pulled it together in the second half to end up throwing for 400 yards. Their first real test is coming up next at Georgia.
3. Florida - They didn't look any better on offense in the first half. They also benefited from a USF fumble in the red zone and a pick 6. They are going to have to pull it together going to Tennessee this week.
4. Auburn - Cam Newton is officially a beast. He's a more hard-nosed version of Terrelle Pryor, not as fast but he can run the ball better inside the tackles. They pulled out a tough game at Mississippi State, they've got an interesting matchup this week at home against Clemson.
5. South Carolina - The Gamecocks are up there with Alabama as the two teams that have looks the best for the first two weeks of the season. Marcus Lattimore is the real deal, Garcia is playing well, and their defense might be the best in the SEC.
6. LSU - LSU did not look impressive again this week. They struggled to move the ball for 3 1/2 quarters until Vandy's D just gave out and they were able to break off some big runs. I moved them up 2 spots this week but only because UGA and MSU lost.
7. Georgia - They didn't look bad against South Carolina, but they were soundly defeated. Aaron Murrey looks about like he should, it will be interesting to see what he can do at home this week against another good team...although not as good of a defense.
8. Mississippi State - The offense didn't look as good as it did in week one but it could just be a bump in the road. The defense looks great right now and I think they are the 3rd best D in the SEC.
9. Kentucky - I could move them up a little since they are 2-0 but they still haven't really been tested. Louisville is a Big East school but that is a team they are better than and Western Kentucky is no good. They are playing yet another weakling this week in Akron, and if they win that I promise to move them up at least one spot.
10. Tennessee - The Vols looked really good in the first half against Oregon, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but it was a mirage because they got smoked in the 2nd half. I think they are better than I anticipated but they still aren't too great. They are overachieving and Florida is underachieving so it will be interesting to see what happens this week when they host the Gators.
11. Vanderbilt - Even though Vandy is 0-2 they have played pretty well in their first two games at home. They hung with two bowl teams, but they just don't have the depth to pull these games out. And they've got a chance to stay out of the cellar again next week going to Ole Miss.
12. Ole Miss - I was tempted to put the Rebs up at #11 since they got a victory but they still didn't look too impressive against Tulane, and after that horrible loss in week one they are going to have to play their way out this week hosting Vandy.
My National Top 5:
1. Alabama
2. Boise State
3. Nebraska
4. TCU
5. Ohio State
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer had a great semifinal match in the U.S. Open, it's too bad it was in the middle of a ton of great college football games. They need to move the U.S. Open to mid-August so it can have the stage it deserves. After the rainout yesterday it sets up for which should be a great final today since Djokavic got much needed rest to face Nadal.
There's 18 games left in the baseball season, it's coming down to the wire for the Braves and Phillies. Unfortunately, the Braves have lost the lead they held all summer but they've still got 6 games left with the Phillies. I figure if they can go 7-2 at home and 5-4 on the road to finish the season out they will be in the playoffs whether it be the division winner or the wild card.
JB
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Top 10 Quarterbacks
Everyone always likes to debate who the best quarterback the NFL is. Then people say, who is the greatest quarterback of all time? Well since today kicks off the NFL season (with the exception of Thursday night's game), what better time than now? Of course I've only been watching for about 20 years so I didn't see the great quarterbacks from the 50s, 60s, & 70s. But I do know they didn't pass as much, and were not involved in nearly as difficult of a game as players are today. With that said, here is my Top 10.
10. Troy Aikman - Aikman is known for leading the Dallas Cowboys to 3 Superbowl victories in the 1990s. He never won an MVP award, but he was a Superbowl MVP. Aikman's career was cut short due to concussions after 12 seasons, but he made the Cowboys a winner throughout his career.
9. Roger Staubach - Like Troy Aikman, Staubach had a relatively short career for the Cowboys (his shortened by military service). And like Aikman he never won an MVP, but did win a Superbowl MVP. He also won 2 Superbowls and went to 5 of them.
8. Terry Bradshaw - Bradshaw is one of the most successful quarterbacks in history having won 4 Superbowls with the Steelers in the 1970s. He won the MVP award in 1978. Bradshaw was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for many years during the 70s.
7. Tom Brady - Before the 2007 season, Brady was already considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game because he had won 3 Superbowls. During his '07 season he set a record by throwing for 50 touchdown passes, lead his team to an undefeated regular season and won the MVP award. Although he lost the Superbowl, he proved to be a prolific passer and cement his name among the all-time greats. Some may say I'm not giving him enough credit, but I think they overshoot his greatness because he is playing now...he is Troy Aikman with one all-time great year; obviously he can continue to move up the list.
6. Dan Marino - He is one of the greatest passers in NFL history. Marino was at the top of his game for 15 years and kept the Miami Dolphins competitive throughout, however, he never won a Superbowl, having only played in one. He won the 1984 MVP.
5. Johnny Unitas - Widely considered the greatest ever, he won one Superbowl and two NFL championships. He also won 3 MVP awards and went to 10 Pro Bowls. He might deserve to be higher, but I'm just basing this on awards, rings, and longevity....I've only seen him in highlights.
4. John Elway - Elway is long considered to be one of the best ever because of his great athletic skills. He was an accomplished passer, runner, and a winner. He made it to the Superbowl 5 times, losing the first three but winning back to back in his final two years. He won the MVP award in 1987.
3. Joe Montana - He won 4 Superbowls in the 1980s with the 49ers. The 49ers were among the best teams in the NFL under his leadership all the way into the 1990s until he lost his job due to injury before the 1991 season. He still managed to come back with the Chiefs and lead them to the AFC Championship his first year, and a playoff appearance in his 2nd season before retirement. He won 2 MVP awards.
2. Brett Favre - Favre is the ageless one. No other quarterback has shown his durability other than Payton Manning, and he has yet to be matched in production into his late 30s. His "prime" has lasted his entire career. He is the toughest quarterback to ever play the game. He throws a ton of interceptions but he also makes a lot of plays with his gunslinger mentality. He has only had one losing record in 19 years and has been to 2 Superbowls, winning one. He's won 3 MVP awards.
1. Peyton Manning - Manning took a mediocre franchise and made them one of the best teams year in and year out. He has not missed a game in his entire career and he's won a record 4 MVP awards. He is on pace to break every major passing record in history. Manning as been to 2 Superbowls, winning one of them. I think he will continue to be great for several more years and everyone will rank him as the top QB in history.
QB's that just missed it:
Steve Young
Bob Griese
Kurt Warner
My top 15 current NFL QB's are like this:
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Tom Brady
4. Brett Favre
5. Philip Rivers
6. Ben Rothlisberger
7. Carson Palmer
8. Donavon McNabb
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Eli Manning
11. Matt Ryan
12. Joe Flacco
13. Jay Cutler
14. Tony Romo
15. Matt Schaab
Here's who I'm picking for Week 1:
Atlanta over Pittsburgh
NY Giants over Carolina
New England over Cincinnati
Denver over Jacksonville
Tennessee over Oakland
Miami over Buffalo
Cleveland over Tampa Bay
Houston over Indianapolis
Chicago over Detroit
Arizona over St. Louis
Philadelphia over Green Bay
San Francisco over Seattle
Washington over Dallas
Baltimore over NY Jets
San Diego over Kansas City
JB
10. Troy Aikman - Aikman is known for leading the Dallas Cowboys to 3 Superbowl victories in the 1990s. He never won an MVP award, but he was a Superbowl MVP. Aikman's career was cut short due to concussions after 12 seasons, but he made the Cowboys a winner throughout his career.
9. Roger Staubach - Like Troy Aikman, Staubach had a relatively short career for the Cowboys (his shortened by military service). And like Aikman he never won an MVP, but did win a Superbowl MVP. He also won 2 Superbowls and went to 5 of them.
8. Terry Bradshaw - Bradshaw is one of the most successful quarterbacks in history having won 4 Superbowls with the Steelers in the 1970s. He won the MVP award in 1978. Bradshaw was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for many years during the 70s.
7. Tom Brady - Before the 2007 season, Brady was already considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game because he had won 3 Superbowls. During his '07 season he set a record by throwing for 50 touchdown passes, lead his team to an undefeated regular season and won the MVP award. Although he lost the Superbowl, he proved to be a prolific passer and cement his name among the all-time greats. Some may say I'm not giving him enough credit, but I think they overshoot his greatness because he is playing now...he is Troy Aikman with one all-time great year; obviously he can continue to move up the list.
6. Dan Marino - He is one of the greatest passers in NFL history. Marino was at the top of his game for 15 years and kept the Miami Dolphins competitive throughout, however, he never won a Superbowl, having only played in one. He won the 1984 MVP.
5. Johnny Unitas - Widely considered the greatest ever, he won one Superbowl and two NFL championships. He also won 3 MVP awards and went to 10 Pro Bowls. He might deserve to be higher, but I'm just basing this on awards, rings, and longevity....I've only seen him in highlights.
4. John Elway - Elway is long considered to be one of the best ever because of his great athletic skills. He was an accomplished passer, runner, and a winner. He made it to the Superbowl 5 times, losing the first three but winning back to back in his final two years. He won the MVP award in 1987.
3. Joe Montana - He won 4 Superbowls in the 1980s with the 49ers. The 49ers were among the best teams in the NFL under his leadership all the way into the 1990s until he lost his job due to injury before the 1991 season. He still managed to come back with the Chiefs and lead them to the AFC Championship his first year, and a playoff appearance in his 2nd season before retirement. He won 2 MVP awards.
2. Brett Favre - Favre is the ageless one. No other quarterback has shown his durability other than Payton Manning, and he has yet to be matched in production into his late 30s. His "prime" has lasted his entire career. He is the toughest quarterback to ever play the game. He throws a ton of interceptions but he also makes a lot of plays with his gunslinger mentality. He has only had one losing record in 19 years and has been to 2 Superbowls, winning one. He's won 3 MVP awards.
1. Peyton Manning - Manning took a mediocre franchise and made them one of the best teams year in and year out. He has not missed a game in his entire career and he's won a record 4 MVP awards. He is on pace to break every major passing record in history. Manning as been to 2 Superbowls, winning one of them. I think he will continue to be great for several more years and everyone will rank him as the top QB in history.
QB's that just missed it:
Steve Young
Bob Griese
Kurt Warner
My top 15 current NFL QB's are like this:
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Tom Brady
4. Brett Favre
5. Philip Rivers
6. Ben Rothlisberger
7. Carson Palmer
8. Donavon McNabb
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Eli Manning
11. Matt Ryan
12. Joe Flacco
13. Jay Cutler
14. Tony Romo
15. Matt Schaab
Here's who I'm picking for Week 1:
Atlanta over Pittsburgh
NY Giants over Carolina
New England over Cincinnati
Denver over Jacksonville
Tennessee over Oakland
Miami over Buffalo
Cleveland over Tampa Bay
Houston over Indianapolis
Chicago over Detroit
Arizona over St. Louis
Philadelphia over Green Bay
San Francisco over Seattle
Washington over Dallas
Baltimore over NY Jets
San Diego over Kansas City
JB
Saturday, September 11, 2010
One Foot in the Grave, One on the Field
Last weekend I was unable to watch the Mississippi State game on TV because we did not have ESPNU where I was, so I listened on the radio. I don't mind the radio, I like to close my eyes and imagine the play as the announcer calls it...the problem last week was the announcer, Jack Cristil couldn't get anything right and the game was really hard to follow. Jack is over 80 years old, he's been doing State games for over 50 years and he's a legend, but why is he still there when he can barely see the field? It is ridiculous for people to continue doing their jobs for years and years after they reach retirement age, especially when they are in the public eye.
When 59-year-old Bobby Johnson retired from Vanderbilt in July he said he didn't have any intention of being one of those coaches with one foot in the grave and one on the field. I thought that was a great line, and that was my feeling while I was listening to Jack Cristil last Saturday. On at least half the plays he would incorrectly call out a player's name, or misinterpret what happened on the field, or be unsure what to say because he couldn't see it...and Jim Ellis had to step in and politely correct him. Poor Jim has been waiting his turn to be the play-by-play man at State for years but he has to wait on Jack to die first. And right now he's having to side-step and correct Jack's terrible play call. It's pathetic, and I think Mississippi State should fire him, because he is no longer any good. You don't have to keep a legend just because they don't want to retire, especially not an announcer you can't understand.
It took Bobby Bowden forever to finally retire, but at least he was audible even if he was basically just a figurehead. He may have been forced out, but that was probably the right move because you can't keep going with an old man at the helm and uncertainty looming with regards to recruits, coaching staff, etc. for future years. I know Bobby is upset about it, but say there's a company out there who has a salesman who was #1 for 20 years and made the owner a lot of money, and then for the next 10 years they lost their touch, got lazy and tired and let the territory dry up...well is that owner just going to let that salesman cruise on doing mediocre work until he retires just because he had some great years before? I don't think so, he's going to get canned because that owner knows there are sales to be made in that territory and he's going to get someone in there who can do well. The best example of this is Joe Paterno. Penn State has over 100,000 fans at each home game and they are in a talent-rich state but they can't break through to the level they should be at because 84-year-old Paterno can't let go. I know he has held a winning tradition, won national championships, and looked after a great program, but I can't understand him and I know his players can't either. He can barely walk, there's no way he has a connection with his players. He is the shining example of 'one foot in the grave'.
Arlen Specter is an 80-year-old senator from Pennsylvania. Is there any real reason why someone that old should hold public office? I know their seniority is important, but what we don't need is great grandpa passing laws when he can't feed himself. Strom Thurmond was 100 years old before he gave his office up! That is absurd, there should be an age limit of 75 for people to run for office...once you pass that age your mind begins to go and you shouldn't hold such responsibility.
I know that not everyone wants to retire. And I shouldn't say much because one day I might not want to be pushed to the back in favor of a younger generation. But what I do know is that when people get old they don't have a sharp body and mind. I'm not saying they aren't smart anymore, they are smarter and wiser, they just don't need to try and perform with a younger and stronger crowd. The 80 year old coaches and politicians and other public and private people need to step back into an advisory role. Help the younger people make decisions and perform, just don't do the performing.
JB
When 59-year-old Bobby Johnson retired from Vanderbilt in July he said he didn't have any intention of being one of those coaches with one foot in the grave and one on the field. I thought that was a great line, and that was my feeling while I was listening to Jack Cristil last Saturday. On at least half the plays he would incorrectly call out a player's name, or misinterpret what happened on the field, or be unsure what to say because he couldn't see it...and Jim Ellis had to step in and politely correct him. Poor Jim has been waiting his turn to be the play-by-play man at State for years but he has to wait on Jack to die first. And right now he's having to side-step and correct Jack's terrible play call. It's pathetic, and I think Mississippi State should fire him, because he is no longer any good. You don't have to keep a legend just because they don't want to retire, especially not an announcer you can't understand.
It took Bobby Bowden forever to finally retire, but at least he was audible even if he was basically just a figurehead. He may have been forced out, but that was probably the right move because you can't keep going with an old man at the helm and uncertainty looming with regards to recruits, coaching staff, etc. for future years. I know Bobby is upset about it, but say there's a company out there who has a salesman who was #1 for 20 years and made the owner a lot of money, and then for the next 10 years they lost their touch, got lazy and tired and let the territory dry up...well is that owner just going to let that salesman cruise on doing mediocre work until he retires just because he had some great years before? I don't think so, he's going to get canned because that owner knows there are sales to be made in that territory and he's going to get someone in there who can do well. The best example of this is Joe Paterno. Penn State has over 100,000 fans at each home game and they are in a talent-rich state but they can't break through to the level they should be at because 84-year-old Paterno can't let go. I know he has held a winning tradition, won national championships, and looked after a great program, but I can't understand him and I know his players can't either. He can barely walk, there's no way he has a connection with his players. He is the shining example of 'one foot in the grave'.
Arlen Specter is an 80-year-old senator from Pennsylvania. Is there any real reason why someone that old should hold public office? I know their seniority is important, but what we don't need is great grandpa passing laws when he can't feed himself. Strom Thurmond was 100 years old before he gave his office up! That is absurd, there should be an age limit of 75 for people to run for office...once you pass that age your mind begins to go and you shouldn't hold such responsibility.
I know that not everyone wants to retire. And I shouldn't say much because one day I might not want to be pushed to the back in favor of a younger generation. But what I do know is that when people get old they don't have a sharp body and mind. I'm not saying they aren't smart anymore, they are smarter and wiser, they just don't need to try and perform with a younger and stronger crowd. The 80 year old coaches and politicians and other public and private people need to step back into an advisory role. Help the younger people make decisions and perform, just don't do the performing.
JB
Friday, September 10, 2010
College Football - Week 2
The season is getting thrown into high gear this weekend with some big games.
The weekend starts out tonight with an interesting game between Houston & UTEP. UTEP beat Houston last year when they were ranked #12 in the country. The game is in Houston this year so I don't think they let history repeat itself. Marshall vs. West Virginia is somewhat interesting because it's a rivalry, but I'd be surprised if WVU doesn't win by double digits.
Saturday starts off really nicely with South Florida at Florida and Georgia at South Carolina. It will be interesting to see the Skip Holtz version of USF, but the real interest will be how Florida's offense performs after that atrocious start last week. I'm going to pick Florida but they don't cover at -15. The South Carolina/Georgia contest is a HUGE game. I've picked South Carolina to win the East and it starts tomorrow at home against the Dawgs. How will Aaron Murrey respond in his first SEC road game? South Carolina has the edge in experience at QB and on the defense. With USC's tough D it should be really hard for Murrey to get a rhythm on the road, and not having A.J. Green is huge because USC won't have to double team him and that's one more defender for Murrey to deal with in the secondary. I think Murrey struggles in the red zone and Spurrier plays it close to the vest in a typical USC/UGA game, 20-16 Gamecocks.
Coming into the season I thought Tennessee would be terrible, and they may very well be but that 50-0 victory over UT-Martin has me scratching my head. I'm very interested to see them play Oregon...but I think Oregon does win and probably covers at -13. Arkansas & Kentucky should role over their cupcakes. Ole Miss' flop last week leads them into Week 2 going to New Orleans to play Tulane who nearly flopped themselves only beating Southeastern Louisiana by 6 points. I would be extremely surprised if Ole Miss lost this one after what just happened, but I don't know if they're 21 points better than the Green Wave. LSU beats Vandy, it could be close, or it could be a blowout...who knows when Les Miles is involved; but Vandy certainly has a chance in this game. I don't see Penn State at Alabama being very close at all. This is the first chance for a team to expose Bama's defense with only 2 returning starters but I don't think Penn State has enough in their wheelhouse to do much, 31-13 Alabama.
Iowa State at Iowa could get interesting but I look for the Hawkeyes to take care of business at home. Florida State at Oklahoma looks like a great matchup, especially with the Sooners struggling last week to get past Utah State. This game could be really high scoring with Christian Ponder and Landry Jones throwing it around...I'm very tempted to pick Florida State but I'm going to stay with Oklahoma at home in a very close one. I probably should boycott picking Michigan at Notre Dame because they don't deserve the pub they get but I will pick it -- Notre Dame, push on the spread. Miami at Ohio State is the big game of the day and I'm not sure what to expect. Both teams are loaded with talent and I think it's a clash of top 10 caliber teams, both of which has struggled with constituency the last couple of years. The spread is -9 for Ohio State and I'm going to have to take that if I'm Miami...I definitely think they will cover. And since I do I'm going to reach out on a limb, go against my preseason pick and say Miami beats Ohio State in Columbus, 30-28.
I'll be watching all these games from my living room, and it certainly looks like an entertaining day tomorrow. After watching (1) South Carolina/Georgia and (2) USF/Florida, (1) Miami, FL/Ohio State and (2) Florida State/Oklahoma are on at 3:30. Then the night games are (1) Penn State/Alabama and (2) Oregon/Tennesee, although the LSU/Vanderbilt game might be the best game going on tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.
JB
The weekend starts out tonight with an interesting game between Houston & UTEP. UTEP beat Houston last year when they were ranked #12 in the country. The game is in Houston this year so I don't think they let history repeat itself. Marshall vs. West Virginia is somewhat interesting because it's a rivalry, but I'd be surprised if WVU doesn't win by double digits.
Saturday starts off really nicely with South Florida at Florida and Georgia at South Carolina. It will be interesting to see the Skip Holtz version of USF, but the real interest will be how Florida's offense performs after that atrocious start last week. I'm going to pick Florida but they don't cover at -15. The South Carolina/Georgia contest is a HUGE game. I've picked South Carolina to win the East and it starts tomorrow at home against the Dawgs. How will Aaron Murrey respond in his first SEC road game? South Carolina has the edge in experience at QB and on the defense. With USC's tough D it should be really hard for Murrey to get a rhythm on the road, and not having A.J. Green is huge because USC won't have to double team him and that's one more defender for Murrey to deal with in the secondary. I think Murrey struggles in the red zone and Spurrier plays it close to the vest in a typical USC/UGA game, 20-16 Gamecocks.
Coming into the season I thought Tennessee would be terrible, and they may very well be but that 50-0 victory over UT-Martin has me scratching my head. I'm very interested to see them play Oregon...but I think Oregon does win and probably covers at -13. Arkansas & Kentucky should role over their cupcakes. Ole Miss' flop last week leads them into Week 2 going to New Orleans to play Tulane who nearly flopped themselves only beating Southeastern Louisiana by 6 points. I would be extremely surprised if Ole Miss lost this one after what just happened, but I don't know if they're 21 points better than the Green Wave. LSU beats Vandy, it could be close, or it could be a blowout...who knows when Les Miles is involved; but Vandy certainly has a chance in this game. I don't see Penn State at Alabama being very close at all. This is the first chance for a team to expose Bama's defense with only 2 returning starters but I don't think Penn State has enough in their wheelhouse to do much, 31-13 Alabama.
Iowa State at Iowa could get interesting but I look for the Hawkeyes to take care of business at home. Florida State at Oklahoma looks like a great matchup, especially with the Sooners struggling last week to get past Utah State. This game could be really high scoring with Christian Ponder and Landry Jones throwing it around...I'm very tempted to pick Florida State but I'm going to stay with Oklahoma at home in a very close one. I probably should boycott picking Michigan at Notre Dame because they don't deserve the pub they get but I will pick it -- Notre Dame, push on the spread. Miami at Ohio State is the big game of the day and I'm not sure what to expect. Both teams are loaded with talent and I think it's a clash of top 10 caliber teams, both of which has struggled with constituency the last couple of years. The spread is -9 for Ohio State and I'm going to have to take that if I'm Miami...I definitely think they will cover. And since I do I'm going to reach out on a limb, go against my preseason pick and say Miami beats Ohio State in Columbus, 30-28.
I'll be watching all these games from my living room, and it certainly looks like an entertaining day tomorrow. After watching (1) South Carolina/Georgia and (2) USF/Florida, (1) Miami, FL/Ohio State and (2) Florida State/Oklahoma are on at 3:30. Then the night games are (1) Penn State/Alabama and (2) Oregon/Tennesee, although the LSU/Vanderbilt game might be the best game going on tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.
JB
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Married
When I was 22 years old I decided it was a good idea for me to get married. Then when I was 23 years old I got married. I was pretty young, but I think it was good decision. I missed out on being a single bachelor, which by all accounts is pretty fun. In fact, I was only out of college for six weeks before I got married. I've thought many times over that I can't imagine not being married, I would hate it. Then again I'm sure the single man says the opposite thing. There are pros and cons to both, and there are some things the guys who told me I was foolish to get married forgot to mention.
Maybe there is two types of social lives, the first are people who want to be going and doing something all the time. The second is the group who likes to stay home and is content with just relaxing. When you're married you can do both, if your in the first group you've always got someone to hang out with you. If your in the second group then you don't have to be alone and you don't have to worry about meeting people or progressing through life socially because you've found what most are looking for.
I don't have to prepare every meal I eat. In fact, I don't hardly prepare any of the meals I eat. My wife likes to make a good meal for us to eat so aside from grilling or making the occasional breakfast, she lets me watch TV while my meal is being prepared!
I am a slob. I don't realize until my wife goes out of town for a few days, I don't clean up after myself, there's food on the counter, I can't find my shoes, I spilled coke on the floor and didn't clean it up for an hour and it's 5 times harder to get up. When she's there I at least make half an effort, if I was single I might be a rolling in my own filth all the time.
I personally can't stand being alone. I just don't like to be by myself for more than an hour. At least have a dog there so I don't have to be alone. But since I'm married my wife is there all the time, so I don't have to be alone. I've always got company and it's not bad company because she is my best friend.
I'm lazy and I don't get excited about any household chores. When you've got a roommate, it's hard to get them to pitch in if you want something done. Having a spouse is better because I hang some stuff, mow the grass, take out the trash, kill some insects, put up the dishes and she'll do her chores and so one of us doesn't have to do them all. I admit, I still don't do that much, my wife is great...but my point is taken.
There's some pressure involved when you're not just looking out for #1, but there's a great feeling involved when you can do your duties as a man and your wife is happy about it.
The most important thing about being married is having a spouse that shares your faith. You can be with someone that helps you out with all the things I've mentioned but none of that will help you grow and become a better person. There are a lot of ups and downs when you're sharing a life with someone...but when you have someone to encourage you and will step out on faith with you, it is a great thing. I think that is the most important thing you can have in a marriage, it is what holds it together and makes it stronger.
Another great thing about being married for me is having someone with me to root for Mississippi State, even though we are not in the Magnolia State anymore we can still pull for the Bulldogs together, especially tonight! Go Dawgs! Cream Auburn!
JB
Maybe there is two types of social lives, the first are people who want to be going and doing something all the time. The second is the group who likes to stay home and is content with just relaxing. When you're married you can do both, if your in the first group you've always got someone to hang out with you. If your in the second group then you don't have to be alone and you don't have to worry about meeting people or progressing through life socially because you've found what most are looking for.
I don't have to prepare every meal I eat. In fact, I don't hardly prepare any of the meals I eat. My wife likes to make a good meal for us to eat so aside from grilling or making the occasional breakfast, she lets me watch TV while my meal is being prepared!
I am a slob. I don't realize until my wife goes out of town for a few days, I don't clean up after myself, there's food on the counter, I can't find my shoes, I spilled coke on the floor and didn't clean it up for an hour and it's 5 times harder to get up. When she's there I at least make half an effort, if I was single I might be a rolling in my own filth all the time.
I personally can't stand being alone. I just don't like to be by myself for more than an hour. At least have a dog there so I don't have to be alone. But since I'm married my wife is there all the time, so I don't have to be alone. I've always got company and it's not bad company because she is my best friend.
I'm lazy and I don't get excited about any household chores. When you've got a roommate, it's hard to get them to pitch in if you want something done. Having a spouse is better because I hang some stuff, mow the grass, take out the trash, kill some insects, put up the dishes and she'll do her chores and so one of us doesn't have to do them all. I admit, I still don't do that much, my wife is great...but my point is taken.
There's some pressure involved when you're not just looking out for #1, but there's a great feeling involved when you can do your duties as a man and your wife is happy about it.
The most important thing about being married is having a spouse that shares your faith. You can be with someone that helps you out with all the things I've mentioned but none of that will help you grow and become a better person. There are a lot of ups and downs when you're sharing a life with someone...but when you have someone to encourage you and will step out on faith with you, it is a great thing. I think that is the most important thing you can have in a marriage, it is what holds it together and makes it stronger.
Another great thing about being married for me is having someone with me to root for Mississippi State, even though we are not in the Magnolia State anymore we can still pull for the Bulldogs together, especially tonight! Go Dawgs! Cream Auburn!
JB
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
State's Rights
One of the strongly discussed topics this election year is state's rights. The main reason this is an issue is because many people feel like the federal government has too much control, and is making laws for the entire country that should be handled by local governments. I agree, state's rights are important and they there should be more emphasis on making laws at the state level.
Think about the geography of Europe. There are many countries that are as big as only one state in America! Some of the bigger countries like Spain and France only encompass a few American states in landmass. Think about how different their cultures are. Italians are distinctly different than the British or the Germans. It is the same in America, southerners are different from those in New England who are different from those in the midwest, the west coast, etc. We all have different opinions and ways of life, and generally we think most alike the people around us. So if people in Tennessee don't see an issue the same way as the folks in Colorado do, then should they be able to make their own laws rather than having the federal government blanket all the states with the same law?
When the United States of America was founded over 200 years ago the idea of 'united states' was a loose affiliation with open borders that could unite for militaristic defense. Somehow over the years we have twisted the ideas and the model our founding fathers laid out for us, and we now put tremendous importance on the federal government. America needs to regroup itself and go back to making laws at the state level instead of the federal level.
Take the issue of abortion. In 1973 the supreme court decided that it was unlawful for the practice to be illegal...this was a federal decision. I'm just throwing these numbers out to use as an example, but say that Oregon is 65% pro-choice and Texas is 35% pro-choice. So there are more people in Texas that are against abortion but they have to allow for it to be legal. It shouldn't be this way, Oregon should be able to make it legal and Texas should be able to make it illegal. The same goes for gay marriage, gun control, healthcare, capital punishment, education, cap and trade, or any law that has to do with the well-being of the people.
Our federal government should not be involved in our everyday activities, that is what our local government is for. The feds need to be making laws for tariffs, military budget, foreign affairs, allocating funds, statutory laws that need to be implemented as part of being an American citizen, or any other law that involves the welfare of the entire country and is much less focused on the individual.
State's rights are very important. America is a vast land with many different kinds of people who have different views and ideas for how things should be run. There's no reason for everyone to fall because we're all tied to the same boat with the federal government, when we could have passed laws locally with our own interest in mind. What's the point of state lines if we're going to let the federal government handle everything.
JB
Think about the geography of Europe. There are many countries that are as big as only one state in America! Some of the bigger countries like Spain and France only encompass a few American states in landmass. Think about how different their cultures are. Italians are distinctly different than the British or the Germans. It is the same in America, southerners are different from those in New England who are different from those in the midwest, the west coast, etc. We all have different opinions and ways of life, and generally we think most alike the people around us. So if people in Tennessee don't see an issue the same way as the folks in Colorado do, then should they be able to make their own laws rather than having the federal government blanket all the states with the same law?
When the United States of America was founded over 200 years ago the idea of 'united states' was a loose affiliation with open borders that could unite for militaristic defense. Somehow over the years we have twisted the ideas and the model our founding fathers laid out for us, and we now put tremendous importance on the federal government. America needs to regroup itself and go back to making laws at the state level instead of the federal level.
Take the issue of abortion. In 1973 the supreme court decided that it was unlawful for the practice to be illegal...this was a federal decision. I'm just throwing these numbers out to use as an example, but say that Oregon is 65% pro-choice and Texas is 35% pro-choice. So there are more people in Texas that are against abortion but they have to allow for it to be legal. It shouldn't be this way, Oregon should be able to make it legal and Texas should be able to make it illegal. The same goes for gay marriage, gun control, healthcare, capital punishment, education, cap and trade, or any law that has to do with the well-being of the people.
Our federal government should not be involved in our everyday activities, that is what our local government is for. The feds need to be making laws for tariffs, military budget, foreign affairs, allocating funds, statutory laws that need to be implemented as part of being an American citizen, or any other law that involves the welfare of the entire country and is much less focused on the individual.
State's rights are very important. America is a vast land with many different kinds of people who have different views and ideas for how things should be run. There's no reason for everyone to fall because we're all tied to the same boat with the federal government, when we could have passed laws locally with our own interest in mind. What's the point of state lines if we're going to let the federal government handle everything.
JB
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