What's inside the heart will always come out. I just finished reading "Enemies of the Heart" by Andy Stanley. It was a good book. It talked about the four enemies of the heart as he described: greed, anger, guilt and jealousy.
One of the things that struck me as I was reading the book was this: what's in the heart will always come out. It's not really what we say to people that defines who we really are, but sometimes it's what we don't say, and that will eventually come out.
Basically, we tend to put on a facade for other people. If our co-workers expect us to act a certain way, then we do. If people at church expect to act a certain way, then we do. Etc. etc. etc. I don't know that we are all who we really are except when we're at home, around our closest family...and really probably just your spouse. If you've never been married, then I'd say there's only one or two people that have ever really known just who you really are, and maybe none.
If someone drops something on their foot, and they say "s*** that hurt!"...and then they say, "I'm so sorry for using that language"; well, then they probably use that language, even if it's not in front of others - they still probably do in their head. Because what's in the heart will come out.
If someone you know is always nice to this one particular person, but then they go on a furious rage against them - whether it be in front of them or behind their back - they have probably been harboring ill feelings towards them for a while. What's in the heart just came out.
The point is: you can combat these feelings. There is always a reason for having something bad in your heart. The key is to get it out. Do I want what someone else has? Do I not feel like I am getting my way? Am I not giving it away because I don't want them to have it? Whatever it could be, the bad things need to go. It's a daily struggle trying to be the person who we ought to be striving to be: more like Jesus. Just have to ask God every day for the wisdom and patience, for the understanding to make ourselves better...and to get rid of the enemies of the heart, because they will come out.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
As a Fan, an 8-team Playoff Would Be Best
I've wanted a college football playoff for a long time. One of the main reasons is that I would like to see what some of these teams like TCU, Boise State and Utah could do in a scenario where they are really playing for something against another top team. And many years there is one or two teams on the outside looking in.
I also am in the crowd of not wanting to hurt the regular season. I know the LSU at Alabama 'Game of the Century' was eventually rendered meaningless, so it doesn't really matter what you do, there is no way to make every game matter. The thing I really care about is protecting the tradition of the regular season. Bragging rights in college football are important, and if you have a 16-team playoff the bragging rights between Auburn and Georgia fans won't mean as much. The fact is, when you know you have two or three mulligans a year, not every game is crucial...and it takes some of the luster off each game.
So, I've always been for a 4-team or 6-team playoff. But when I think about what I'd really like to see - as a fan - it's an 8-team playoff. Think about two weeks after the conference championship games having a Saturday full of playoff games. Wow. Usually that Saturday is made up of two or three worthless bowl games. As far as sports go, there isn't much going on that day. But slot a college football playoff game at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 and it just became one of, if not the best sports day of the year. Can you imagine it?
If it were up to me, I'd just say the top 4 conference champions (as long as they are ranked in the top 8) would get home field advantage in the 1st round. That way there is still an importance on winning your conference, and in turn, the regular season. Then I'd take the top 4 rated at-large teams to go on the road (use a formula like BCS or a selection committee, it doesn't matter). If there were only 3 conference champions in the top 8, then the highest rated at-large team would host a game as the 4 seed and you'd have 5 at-large teams.
Then I'd play the semifinals on New Year's Day, and I'd have cities bid to host those games. I wouldn't use the bowl games, what's the use? If Dallas or Atlanta or Detroit wants to host them so be it - highest bidder gets it. Then do the same thing for the national championship which is played 10 days - 2 weeks from then.
As far as all the bowl games, you'd still play them...why wouldn't you? People will still watch or not watch depending on their interest level for the teams involved. And I'd say the teams that lose in the 1st round should go on to play in bowl games (like they had never played in the playoffs).
If this sounds like too much (possibly playing 16 games), then I would suggest going back to 11 games. Then you'd be playing 15 games max, which is only one more than currently, and you'd have two byes during the regular season instead of one. And I've been saying this for a couple of years, but I think it would be cool if there were an optional 12th game vs. a FCS school in one of the two weeks leading up to Week 1 (or Labor Day Weekend). That game would count per se, just not towards bowl eligibility. It would act as a preseason game (that would count towards your record and stat book) and rake in some additional dough for the home team and FCS school. Plus, it would make sure Week 1 had better games and not have FCS opponents scattered through team's schedules throughout the year.
I also am in the crowd of not wanting to hurt the regular season. I know the LSU at Alabama 'Game of the Century' was eventually rendered meaningless, so it doesn't really matter what you do, there is no way to make every game matter. The thing I really care about is protecting the tradition of the regular season. Bragging rights in college football are important, and if you have a 16-team playoff the bragging rights between Auburn and Georgia fans won't mean as much. The fact is, when you know you have two or three mulligans a year, not every game is crucial...and it takes some of the luster off each game.
So, I've always been for a 4-team or 6-team playoff. But when I think about what I'd really like to see - as a fan - it's an 8-team playoff. Think about two weeks after the conference championship games having a Saturday full of playoff games. Wow. Usually that Saturday is made up of two or three worthless bowl games. As far as sports go, there isn't much going on that day. But slot a college football playoff game at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 and it just became one of, if not the best sports day of the year. Can you imagine it?
If it were up to me, I'd just say the top 4 conference champions (as long as they are ranked in the top 8) would get home field advantage in the 1st round. That way there is still an importance on winning your conference, and in turn, the regular season. Then I'd take the top 4 rated at-large teams to go on the road (use a formula like BCS or a selection committee, it doesn't matter). If there were only 3 conference champions in the top 8, then the highest rated at-large team would host a game as the 4 seed and you'd have 5 at-large teams.
Then I'd play the semifinals on New Year's Day, and I'd have cities bid to host those games. I wouldn't use the bowl games, what's the use? If Dallas or Atlanta or Detroit wants to host them so be it - highest bidder gets it. Then do the same thing for the national championship which is played 10 days - 2 weeks from then.
As far as all the bowl games, you'd still play them...why wouldn't you? People will still watch or not watch depending on their interest level for the teams involved. And I'd say the teams that lose in the 1st round should go on to play in bowl games (like they had never played in the playoffs).
If this sounds like too much (possibly playing 16 games), then I would suggest going back to 11 games. Then you'd be playing 15 games max, which is only one more than currently, and you'd have two byes during the regular season instead of one. And I've been saying this for a couple of years, but I think it would be cool if there were an optional 12th game vs. a FCS school in one of the two weeks leading up to Week 1 (or Labor Day Weekend). That game would count per se, just not towards bowl eligibility. It would act as a preseason game (that would count towards your record and stat book) and rake in some additional dough for the home team and FCS school. Plus, it would make sure Week 1 had better games and not have FCS opponents scattered through team's schedules throughout the year.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Hamburgers
I think I've finally figured out a hamburger recipe that everyone likes. All I do is put salt, pepper, and Montreal in the ground chuck while mixing it.
Of course, Montreal already has salt and pepper in it, but is okay because it's the amount of salt and pepper that are added that gives it the taste. Don't go too light on it, but of course don't go too heavy. Put enough on the ground chuck so that you can see it all over the pink meat....but not so much that it's all black and white. It might help if I had measurements, but that's not how I cook.
Also of note, the more toppings your put on your burger the better. If you stick to mustard and mayonnaise, it won't be that great. If you put ketchup on your burger, you're asking for trouble. Onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato bacon, cheese...these are the traditional staples of a good burger. Also a good tip: put the onion and 3-4 dill pickle chips beneath the meat patty for excellent taste.
Of course, Montreal already has salt and pepper in it, but is okay because it's the amount of salt and pepper that are added that gives it the taste. Don't go too light on it, but of course don't go too heavy. Put enough on the ground chuck so that you can see it all over the pink meat....but not so much that it's all black and white. It might help if I had measurements, but that's not how I cook.
Also of note, the more toppings your put on your burger the better. If you stick to mustard and mayonnaise, it won't be that great. If you put ketchup on your burger, you're asking for trouble. Onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato bacon, cheese...these are the traditional staples of a good burger. Also a good tip: put the onion and 3-4 dill pickle chips beneath the meat patty for excellent taste.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Future of College Football Playoffs
The powers at be in college football have finally decided that some form of a 4-team playoff is the best way to determine a national champion. You can bet that this is a jealousy decision rather than a business one. That's because the SEC has won six straight national championships including last year's LSU vs. Alabama matchup which shut everyone else out. And the conference commissioners and college presidents don't think like businessmen, they are too foolish to see potential when it's right in front of them.
But, that jealousy has paved the way for them to see just how much they can make with a playoff. It doesn't really matter how they end up doing it....ESPN or whoever else buys it will be forking over a ton of money to cover it.
The only people that don't know we're headed towards a 16-team playoff are the people creating this 4-team playoff. Once they see all the money to be made, they will surely want to double it. And then double it again.
Most schools aren't like Texas, Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, etc. There are many many schools who find it difficult to maintain their athletic budget. Increasing the money flow via a playoff will be in high demand (it hasn't been because college presidents are tone deaf to profitable business decisions).
A bigger playoff will also be demanded by the fans even after the four team model is installed. The reason so many fans have been clamoring for a playoff ever since the BCS was introduced is because national TV, radio and internet. In 1975, the only thing you knew about west coast teams was what you read in the newspaper. But right now I could look up USC's roster, recruiting class, you tube videos with their coaches and players, watch them play on TV, etc. If I watch them all year and they go 10-2 but are #5, I am likely going to wonder how they would do in a playoff. There will be demand for more.
After the initial jubilation of a 4-team playoff rubs off, it will turn to 8, and then to 16. And that is where it really starts to benefit MSU and teams like us. By that I mean...well, you know what I mean. I don't think I'm going to make any enemies with this statement: Mississippi State stands a much better chance of winning a national championship if there were a 16-team playoff than a 4. Not that I even dream of winning a national championship - but at least there's a chance.
Personally, I think a 6-team playoff is the way to go. Have the top 2 conference champions get a bye and pick the other four from an at large pool and play it out. That would include a good number of legit teams and still maintain a high importance on conference championships, and in turn, the regular season.
But, that jealousy has paved the way for them to see just how much they can make with a playoff. It doesn't really matter how they end up doing it....ESPN or whoever else buys it will be forking over a ton of money to cover it.
The only people that don't know we're headed towards a 16-team playoff are the people creating this 4-team playoff. Once they see all the money to be made, they will surely want to double it. And then double it again.
Most schools aren't like Texas, Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, etc. There are many many schools who find it difficult to maintain their athletic budget. Increasing the money flow via a playoff will be in high demand (it hasn't been because college presidents are tone deaf to profitable business decisions).
A bigger playoff will also be demanded by the fans even after the four team model is installed. The reason so many fans have been clamoring for a playoff ever since the BCS was introduced is because national TV, radio and internet. In 1975, the only thing you knew about west coast teams was what you read in the newspaper. But right now I could look up USC's roster, recruiting class, you tube videos with their coaches and players, watch them play on TV, etc. If I watch them all year and they go 10-2 but are #5, I am likely going to wonder how they would do in a playoff. There will be demand for more.
After the initial jubilation of a 4-team playoff rubs off, it will turn to 8, and then to 16. And that is where it really starts to benefit MSU and teams like us. By that I mean...well, you know what I mean. I don't think I'm going to make any enemies with this statement: Mississippi State stands a much better chance of winning a national championship if there were a 16-team playoff than a 4. Not that I even dream of winning a national championship - but at least there's a chance.
Personally, I think a 6-team playoff is the way to go. Have the top 2 conference champions get a bye and pick the other four from an at large pool and play it out. That would include a good number of legit teams and still maintain a high importance on conference championships, and in turn, the regular season.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Petrino Really Screwed Arkansas
UPig should have known Petrino would screw them over. He left Louisville right after signing a long term deal, he left the Falcons the day after telling Arthur Blank he was in it for the long haul. And now he leaves Arkansas, a team on the midst of a championship, with John L. Smith.
The way I see it, ARK A.D. Jeff Long had two choices: 1. hire an interim coach to salvage the 2012 season, or 2. hire a long term, up and coming coach to salvage 2013 recruiting. Couldn't salvage both.
I don't think there was any way Arkansas could have hired a proven head coach in April, after spring practice has already taken place. That is why I say the long term choice would have been an up and coming coach, i.e. Garrick McGee. The chances of McGee coming in and equaling the success UPig was going to have WITH Petrino in 2012 was slim. Bobby Petrino is a really good football coach, he overachieves more than most based on the talent he has. So I think if a guy like McGee was hired, it would have been to maintain recruiting, and try to reach the SEC mountain-top another year.
But Long went with the salvage 2012 route, hiring John L. Smith, who was the Arkansas special teams coach in 2011 under Petrino. Obviously, Smith already knows the players. He has been a head coach before. But he's no Petrino. There's a possibility that if UPig was going to be 11-1 they end up 10-2 or 9-3 this coming year. But Smith is older, he doesn't have a great track record, he is the interim coach. All summer, when most of the 2013 commits are made, he will be recruiting as the interim coach. That isn't good. Even if he is awarded the job in December, that isn't enough time to put together a great class...they will just be hoping to survive signing day.
I'm not sure what else Jeff Long could have done for Arkansas. He was put in a really bad position here, and he chose to go for broke in 2012. I'm not sure it will work. For one, all the assistants everyone keeps talking about keeping in tact, are all new. New O.C., new D.C., new position coaches. Secondly, Arkansas was winning because of Petrino's game preparation, his coaching, not the amazing talent he assembled. Yes, ARK is talented, but they are behind LSU, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn and maybe Florida in that department. John L. Smith is not Petrino, and 8-4 will be a success in my eyes for the Hogs.
But who could Long have hired at this point in the year? Is Arkansas really that great of a job? Petrino's name is what gave the position its prestige. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward. All I know right now is Bobby P really screwed the Razorbacks.
The way I see it, ARK A.D. Jeff Long had two choices: 1. hire an interim coach to salvage the 2012 season, or 2. hire a long term, up and coming coach to salvage 2013 recruiting. Couldn't salvage both.
I don't think there was any way Arkansas could have hired a proven head coach in April, after spring practice has already taken place. That is why I say the long term choice would have been an up and coming coach, i.e. Garrick McGee. The chances of McGee coming in and equaling the success UPig was going to have WITH Petrino in 2012 was slim. Bobby Petrino is a really good football coach, he overachieves more than most based on the talent he has. So I think if a guy like McGee was hired, it would have been to maintain recruiting, and try to reach the SEC mountain-top another year.
But Long went with the salvage 2012 route, hiring John L. Smith, who was the Arkansas special teams coach in 2011 under Petrino. Obviously, Smith already knows the players. He has been a head coach before. But he's no Petrino. There's a possibility that if UPig was going to be 11-1 they end up 10-2 or 9-3 this coming year. But Smith is older, he doesn't have a great track record, he is the interim coach. All summer, when most of the 2013 commits are made, he will be recruiting as the interim coach. That isn't good. Even if he is awarded the job in December, that isn't enough time to put together a great class...they will just be hoping to survive signing day.
I'm not sure what else Jeff Long could have done for Arkansas. He was put in a really bad position here, and he chose to go for broke in 2012. I'm not sure it will work. For one, all the assistants everyone keeps talking about keeping in tact, are all new. New O.C., new D.C., new position coaches. Secondly, Arkansas was winning because of Petrino's game preparation, his coaching, not the amazing talent he assembled. Yes, ARK is talented, but they are behind LSU, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn and maybe Florida in that department. John L. Smith is not Petrino, and 8-4 will be a success in my eyes for the Hogs.
But who could Long have hired at this point in the year? Is Arkansas really that great of a job? Petrino's name is what gave the position its prestige. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward. All I know right now is Bobby P really screwed the Razorbacks.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Brian McCann
Brian McCann is a great catcher for the Atlanta Braves. He started his career mid-way through the 2005 season when he was only 21 years old. In his first full season in the big leagues he went to the All-Star game and he's been back to it every year since - six straight times.
The other night, at the Braves home opener, the team let Chipper Jones lead the team out on the field when all of the players were to be introduced to the fans. Chipper has long been the leader of the Braves, but for the last few years he has faded a little bit and Brian McCann has become the best player. It says a lot about the humility of McCann to still let Chipper be in the forefront. He was probably the ring-leader in wanting Chip to lead the team out.
McCann is a really good guy. He and his wife are really big into charities around Atlanta. Guys like him and the way the Braves operate make me happy to be a Braves fan. They always do things the right way. Looking forward to watching another year of ball.
JB
The other night, at the Braves home opener, the team let Chipper Jones lead the team out on the field when all of the players were to be introduced to the fans. Chipper has long been the leader of the Braves, but for the last few years he has faded a little bit and Brian McCann has become the best player. It says a lot about the humility of McCann to still let Chipper be in the forefront. He was probably the ring-leader in wanting Chip to lead the team out.
McCann is a really good guy. He and his wife are really big into charities around Atlanta. Guys like him and the way the Braves operate make me happy to be a Braves fan. They always do things the right way. Looking forward to watching another year of ball.
JB
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)