The Boy with a Thorn in His Side

Josh Rouse iMix

2008-06-11T20:26:00.001-07:00

Random Thoughts (June 5th)

2008-06-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've got some stuff on my mind, but probably not enough for a wholly dedicated post. Please excuse my lack of content, and moderately rambling format. Here you go:

Who is your family?

We're dealing with some issues right now in my family as it relates this topic. While I'll choose not to get into details and specifics, I'll give you with this to mull upon: for those that are married - do you consider your "family" to be you, your spouse and children? For a little more info: some family members are dealing with some stressful, external issues right now in their marriage and both of them seem to be running back to their kin-folk - not always to each other for initial support and counsel....and I find it strange.

When you take your marriage vows, and look each other in the eyes, you become the others' point person. The family you were born into doesn't go away, or lose importance, it's just your new spouse becomes your primary concern/partner. IMHO, it has to be that way. You can't have your spousal decisions second guessed by a Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister or Grandma. At least that's what I think? Am I wrong?

Keane - late to the party.

I know that the band Keane has been around for some time, and that I'm late to the party with this statement: but I'd put the 6-song arch of Somewhere Only We Know, Bend and Break, Let it Slide (my personal favorite), Your Eyes Open, This is the Last Time and Crystal Ball against anyone other band's portfolio right now. Please check them out.

Sen. Hillary Clinton vs Barack Obama

When a golfer wins a tournament before everyone is finished, do the other golfers "have" to concede in order to complete the win, or is the tournament OVER? I've never been more perplexed than to watch the coverage of Hillary's non-concession. FYI, Barack has more votes, he doesn't need to hear from her.

What Should I Do with My Life?

As some of you may or may not know who frequent this blog, but I recently went through a job search and have a book for those who are in that situation that I recommend very, very highly: Po Bronson's: What Should I Do with My Life?

It is a fantastic look at ordinary people and the process they've used in their life to answer that question and whether they're completely content even now. It is powerful, moving and fantastic.

Final Thought:

Is it wrong that I offered my seven (7) year old son $100.00 to shave his head for his last soccer game into a real mohawk?

Christian

Waiting for the Great Leap Forward

2008-06-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

I was a big fan of Billy Bragg in college. Not so much now, but when I was in school, I had good friends that got me into his music.

My favorite Billy Bragg song, without question, is Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards. And while the meaning of the song is clearly evident when you listen, I'm applying it liberally to my life right now.

My job is going to require me to move to North Carolina. (The Great Leap Forward). I'm coming into the company at the Director level and if I want to either rise to VP or add more responsibilities, I need to be at HQ.

However, getting from the ATL to NC is going to be very difficult and my wife ripped the band-aid right off and within 30 days, we'd decided to move, hired real estate agents, spent over $30K fixing the house up and had the house on the market.

As much as we don't want to leave, and as strange as this sounds, this move would be a huge financial GAIN for us. We've got very strong equity in our house and are going to downsize our next home so we can have greater discretionary income at our disposal. So as difficult as it will be to leave our friends, family and church here, the sooner we get to NC the better off we will probably be.

I will continue to update as best I can and ask you to pray or send us your good wishes as we'll need them in full over the next 3-6 months.

"...If no one out there understands / Start your own revolution and cut out the middleman..."

Christian

Blurg.

2008-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

One of my wife's and my favorite shows is 30Rock. Tina Fey, who is fantastic, has a saying for whenever anything goes wrong and it is "blurg". Naturally, my wife and I have now adopted that phrase for ourselves. So what I'm about to share is a big ol' blurg.

I lost my job. Blurg.

But here's the thing, I never, ever really liked my job. As a matter of fact, a good friend of mine told me "it seemed like every time you told me about it you were trying to sell yourself in the process." It was risky, with a startup company. I was the first salesperson they hired and they through money at me that numbed me to some now, in retrospect, obvious issues (pay check problems, business ethics, business plans to achieve revenue).

The last few months have been challenging to say the least and it came to a head last week when we agreed to part ways. And my definition of "agreed" is they said "you've got to go" and I said "okay".

I think the scariest part for me, after looking at it for a few days is this: I would have never left if they didn't ask. As miserable as I was, and as frustrated as my day to day dealings were, I would have stayed for....well forever.

So the question is this, what does that say about me? Am I lethargic? Am I truly risk averse? Do I accept my job as just that - my job?

I don't know the answer to any of these right now, but thankfully have time to figure them out with some speed (but not rushing). As I've posted before, we are good with our money and can take a few months to make this next career choice count. I told a buddy that my career in IT Sales has become like a piece of chewing gum that has finally lost its last bit of flavor. I'm going to need to put a new piece of gum in my mouth, but that gum can be many different styles or flavors.

What I am sure of is this: I'm 36 years old, been married for 12 years with a 9 & 7 year old to take care of. They can take me making less money, they can take me being around a little less, but they can't take me spending 8-10-12 hours a day doing something that I don't enjoy. My family needs to know (and truthfully I do as well) that my time away from them every day has meaning, both to me and the people I work for and touch.

Please pray for God to guide me and filter the right opportunities to me, while not just allowing me to "sit around" and wait for jobs to magically appear.

Christian (aka Ron)

PS - I'll be around to write more than I had thought now as it is the one thing that keeps me sane and keeps my mind sharp. You decide if that is good or not............

Foundation Principles (Part 1)

2008-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

What you need to know about me to understand, tolerate, enjoy and read this blog:

1. I'm happily married - 12 1/2 years to a wonderful woman named Julie. She's the love of my life and (at least for the time being) I'm the love of hers.

*1995

*2007

2. I've got critters - 2 to be exact. A daughter called Pickle who will be 10 very soon and a son called Buddy Lee who is 7. They aren't old enough yet to realize how much I (as their Dad) don't know, but they're getting very, very close.

3. I've been fortunate to have no serious family issues in my life. My parents, still alive and going on their 41st year of marriage were kind, loving and brought me up in a household of love. My younger brother, besides my wife, is my best friend and we get along swimmingly.

4. I'm a Christian. I believe in God and his son Jesus. That said, I subscribe to both former President Gerald Ford's philosophy on the use of religion in our daily lives as well as what John Newton says in the movie Amazing Grace:

"I have always felt a closeness to God and have looked to a higher being for guidance and support," Ford explained, "but I didn't think it was appropriate to advertise my religious beliefs."

"I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior"

5. This house stands up for the Georgia Bulldogs - period. Sure my wife went to Alabama, but a simple majority vote puts it at 3 votes UGA - 1 vote Bama. It is the only object of discord between us.....so be it.

6. The greatest qualities a person can possess are common sense and good judgment. If you have both of those, you are ahead of the curve against the rest of the population.

7. I'm a Conservative Democrat - which means (for me) that I'm with the Dems on the role of Government in our lives (an agent for good not bad) but think free speech also includes the Bible. With that said - I don't just look to party lines when I cast my ballot. I've voted for Bush and Kerry. I've voted for Johnny Isakson and Max Cleland. Character and common sense will sway my vote more than the letter after their name (D) or (R).

8. The two greatest shows in television history are Arrested Development and The West Wing.

9. The fact that K-Fed is a star and Josh Rouse isn't is a sure sign that Armageddon is not too far off.

10. John Grisham has not written anything better than The Firm.

11. I learned more about Christianity from CS Lewis and Donald Miller than I did reading The Bible.

12. Chinese food is the one style of food that is never as good at your house as it is in a good restaurant. I can do steaks on the grill, BBQ in the smoker, pizza on a flat stone, fajitas on the stove and chicken in the fryer - BUT I can not make General TSU and Pot Stickers like they do at the House of Chan.

13. My network of friends is all divided into four categories: work, church, sports, politics. I can truly take anyone that I know and place them in a subset.

14. All my closest friends "pee standing up" - if you catch my drift. I see no need to muddy the water and become really close to someone of the opposite sex (other than the Mrs.). I don't avoid them like Billy Graham and enjoy knowing them, but I don't share a lot of time with them either.

15. My biggest core strength is my ability to have perspective in life. It is also my biggest weakness.

16. I am beginning to be absolutely consumed with English Premier League Soccer. It has all the passion of college football, with world class play and many, many rivalries (they are called Darby(s) - like the Merseyside Darby). Fox Sports Channel has become #2 to ESPN for watching in my home and I'm very, very close to becoming a full fledged supporter of Tottenham Hotspur.

More to follow as time goes by but I felt like you should know who you were dealing with.

CPR

A New Beginning

2008-01-25T10:33:00.001-08:00

To everyone out on the "interweb" - hello.

My name is Christian and this is my updated blog home. The title comes from one of my favorite Smiths songs, and the address is from the name that my good friend (Turtle) coined as a joke when we were at the NFL Retired Players Charity Golf Tournament. Johan Bucklebee has become the "nom de plume" for all our family as a joke. Examples:

* Wife: "Who are you meeting for lunch today?"
* Me: "Johan Bucklebee."
* Wife: "Whatever."

* Son: "Dad, who's the QB of the team the Falcons play today?"
* Me: "I believe it is Johan Bucklebee."
* Son: "Daaaad. Be Serious."

* Me: "Honey, who else is playing the trumpet with you at school?"
* Daughter: "Alana, Olivia and Johan Bucklebee."
* Me: "Wow, Johan plays the trumpet...I didn't know."

So with that said, I hope that you will enjoy this blog from time to time as I'm told that I've got a "annoyingly caustic wit" and an "amazing ability to remember items of little or no consequence". Certainly a recipe for an occasional chuckle or head-shake.

Take care- Christian

Random 10 - Friday

2008-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

I saw a great post on another site and I thought I'd do the same here. You take your iPod and shuffle songs and post the Top 10 that come out. The key is you can't change the songs to make yourself look cooler (e.g. replacing Winger with Beck). I could be in trouble as I've got a lot of my kids songs on my iPod so I'm fearing some Ally & AJ coming up.

So without further ado, I'm preparing to shuffle:

1. David J - I'll be Your Chauffeur
2. The Ocean Blue - Mercury
3. GNR - Mr. Brownstone
4. The Music Man - The Wells Fargo Wagon (remember, can't change)
5. Weezer - Jamie
6. The Cranberries - Free to Decide
7. Glen Campbell - Gentle on My Mind
8. R.E.M. - Laughing
9. Haircut 100 - Love Plus One
10. Fugazi - Waiting Room

Wow - that was fun. My thanks to Youtube where applicable.

The Importance of Emotion (UGA 42 - UF 30)

2007-10-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

All it took was 30 yards of penalties.

Mark Richt remembered that he was the head football coach, not the Pastor of the UGA First Baptist Football Church. His primary job responsibility is to win football games....and then be a molder of men (not the other way around).

All it took was 30 yards of penalties.

Let's be honest, he didn't ask them to intentionally spear Tim Tebow or late hit Percy Harvin (both ideas which completely wrong would have some football merit). He told his team to celebrate and have a good time (which they did - just ask Michael Flately..er Trinton Sturdivant) after their first touchdown in a game (and season) where nothing has gone as it should. As well, he told them to do it in the beginning of the game - at a time which could give Florida ample opportunity to let him know EXACTLY what they thought of the performance. You lose that game 45-7 and he (and UGA) becomes the punchline to a joke that might very well have ended with his being the new Head of Missions at Prince Avenue Baptist.

But it worked, it worked completely and it worked immediately. Urban Meyer, probably for the first time as a HC, looked out of sorts. He didn't know what to do, what to say. Mark Richt is a good, Christian man. He wouldn't condone that display. This is Georgia we're playing, they can't beat us, they can't stay with us. WE are the team that sends a message to our opponents. WE are the team that smacks the other team in the mouth early and often (see UT, Ohio State, LSU). WE own this (former) rivalry. WHO the hell do they think they are?

All it took was 30 yards of penalties.

So with one decision, one roll of the dice, he changed the tone of this game and possibly this series. I assure you that Coach Mark Richt has become Public Enemy #1 for the University of Florida. There will be no more pre-SEC Championship calls between Urban and Mark. There will be no more, "well Georgia is playing Oklahoma and we need to root for the conference to win" - they'll be giving money to the Sooner Booster Fund early and often.

All it took was 30 yards of penalties.

The bigger question is where does Georgia go from here? Do we look back in 1, 2, 3 years and say that this game changed the direction of the program...again? Do our players finally feel free to express themselves and play with emotion at all times? Does CMR go from being a Bobby Bowden disciple to a Jimmy Johnson one? I mean, you can't go back to the old robotic ways after something like this, can you?

And for the Florida fans, you should be disgusted. You should feel sick in your belly. And I don't just mean because you got called out on National TV by a team that lost by 20+ to UT, but because your defense is horrible. As for your offense, Tim Tebow & Percy Harvin are great football players, but after eight games of pounding, you might want to find some more options. What looks good in September doesn't feel as good in November.

And for all you other fans/media members, you have every right to call the action for what it was: extreme, desperate, and showboating. That said, spare me the righteous indignation of it being "classless". Classless to me is doing something to someone when they've got not ability or chance to defend themselves. Let's say you are up 30 in an opponents building and you run a trick play to get to 50 points (sound familiar Gators), or let's say you intentionally try to hurt an opposing player by twisting their leg (again sound familiar Gators). That's classless.

If I were to chose a phrase for the total game Saturday, I'd use "out of character". It was "out of character" for UGA to score 42 points in Jacksonville. It was "out of character" for the Georgia offensive line to protect Stafford so well. It was "out of character" for the defense to register six sacks. It was "out of character" for CMR to allow one back to have over 25 carries. It was "out of character" for the Defensive Coordinator to be "proactive" (creating mistakes) rather than "reactive" (wait for mistakes). It was so "out of character" for UGA that they may want to replicate that feeling again, and again, and again.

And all it took was 30 yards of penalties.

'Nuff Said

2007-10-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

JDR - Lisa Snowden

2007-10-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

JD - Brooke Burns

2007-10-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wilson Creek Talent Show (Opening Act)

2007-03-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

Photogs (June 2006 - Sep 2006)

2007-02-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

I thought a few pics/caps would be helpful in getting everyone up to date, while also getting me back in the swing - so without further adieu:

**June 2006 - Buddy Lee is in "ready fielding position" as he was taught by his coach (me).

**July 2006 - Who said girls can't play football?

**July 2006 - The family loves "the Orange Beach"

**Sep 2006 - Zidane's got nothing on him. I love this picture....

**Sep 2006 - Now that is a shit-ton of Rossetti's & Holland's

New Name - New Agenda

2007-02-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

I've done a really lousy job updating this blog over the past 6-9 months. I wish that I had a good reason for my apathy, but I don't. Let's just categorize it under the heading "malaise".

However, for those of us who've accepted Jesus, it is the season of Lent. And in Lent, you choose to give up something for 40 days - as sign of contrition to our Lord and Savior. Well, I've decided to give up apathy for 40 days and give a shit about things I want to do. This blog is one of them. (In case you were scratching your head on how someone can say they are a Christian and then use the word "shit" right after, well keep scratching as I'm an enigma, wrapped up in a riddle)

Now, I'm far from perfect, so I'll be using photos and quick stories as my main means of updating the content, but I really enjoy reading other people's blogs and learning that - despite our best efforts - we are all connected through our life experience.

So to start, I've changed the name of the blog from Dressed Up Like Nebraska (Josh Rouse song) to my favorite drink in the whole wide world; Diet Mountain Dew. That drink is so popular in this house it is what we leave Santa on Christmas Eve (wouldn't you know it is his favorite drink as well....)

Anyway, if you've stumbled here - thanks. If you came here on purpose, thanks even more.

Christian

Why is the OU/Oregon Call is Important?

2006-09-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

By now, most every sports fan has seen the call, replay and aftermath of the OU/Oregon game last weekend. If you haven't you are probably not a sports fan, or if you are, you are probably an Oregon fan. Of course, the backlash is now turning from the call to people complaining that OU is making too big a deal out of it.

I'm here to defend OU's response and tell to you that it is important that they "raise a stink" because the next time this situation happens it could be YOUR SCHOOL (insert here) and then it is a whole 'nother story altogether.

I've replayed the vision in my head several times since Saturday:

Dawgs take a 26-21 lead on Florida with 5 minutes to go. UF comes down and in 3+ minutes gets a 43 yard FG to cut the lead to 2. At this point, they've burned all their timeouts and can only hope for an OS kick to have any chance. Chris Hetland tees the ball up and makes a bad kick and it forces Reggie Nelson to clearly hit MoMass 9 yards downfield before he can make the recovery (which all the CBS replays show). There is a mad rush for the loose ball and - thankfully - we recover it. But wait, the refs blew an inadvertent whistle when the ball was closest to Andre Caldwell and rule it is UF's ball. That's ok you think, this play will be reviewed and it will be an easy overturn. So you wait, and wait, and wait and start thinking "they can't not see this" and then head official Steve Shaw comes out to the 40yrd line and announces "after further review, the play stands as called on the field - 1st Down Florida". The ending is inevitable after that as Chris Leak leads them on a 35 yard drive and Hetland kicks his second FG in 2 minutes and the Dawgs lose 27-26.

The outrage would be immediate, intense and indescribable. Think Jasper Sanks fumble * 100.

My point is this: let OU take the burden on of forcing serious changes on the replay system. Don't tell your OU buddies to "shut up" - tell them to send emails to the NCAA. Because if a call that obvious gets blown again - it could be your team on the receiving end......

Damn Good Dawg

2006-09-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

My Sweetie (Isn't she beautiful)

2006-06-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Lack of Postings

2006-05-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

To the 3 of you that read this blog - I apologize for the tardiness of the past few months in posting. And what is ironic is that I've had some major life changes (work etc.) so that is the exact thing to be sharing on a forum like this....

Anyway, I'll get some stuff up over the next few weeks and hope all is well out there-

Mentally Boneweary

2006-03-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

I'm tired.

I'm tired of being afraid.

I'm tired of being afraid to speak my mind.

I'm tired of being afraid to speak my mind and the consequences that might come.

I don't trust.

I don't trust God's plan.

I don't trust God's plan will match up with mine.

I don't trust God's plan will match up with mine and that I'll be pleased with the result.

Why?

Why not speak?

Why not speak honestly?

Why not speak honestly with everyone around me?

The truth.

The truth will set you free.

The truth will set you free and give you peace.

The truth will set you free and give you peace says the Bible.

Act.

Act as if you have faith.

Act as if you have faith and faith will be given to you.

Act as if you have faith and faith will be given to you says the Bible.

Pray.

Pray for me.

Pray for me to trust.

Pray for me to trust the little voice inside my head.

Can I have my cake and eat it too?

2006-03-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

The wisdom of aging:

I've come to realize - as I approach 35 years old - that life is a series of tradeoffs. Mini negotiations that take place on both a large and small scale.

When you decide that you want "something" (and right now that can be anything for sake of discussion) - you inherently "decide" against something else. And for some of you reading, this seems obvious - but I'd wager that we don't fully grasp the concept of this tenet.

Now, before I go any further, this is not building up to be a rant against choices that I've made in my life. I believe that there is a clear and distinct difference between a "tradeoff" and "settling" def: to accept in spite of incomplete satisfaction. I'm beyond joy at where my lot in life has taken me now and wouldn't trade any of my choices in the past. But, I did make distinct choices that have led me to this place in time.

Looking back, I realize that there were times when I resisted the tradeoff. I wanted choice A and choice B. But, if I straddle the line too long, I don't proceed where I'm supposed to on my path.

To try to explain this, here's a simple example when guys are first married:

All the comfort, stability and status that being married affords you...
..But, the ability to play golf and hang out with buddies at our convenience

All of us who've been married for over 10 years know, this dual life will never succeed in the long run. The Mrs. and I decided when we got married that we were "choosing" to place the needs of us as a couple ahead of any personal (and in this case recreational) choices that we wanted to make. That's the key - it was a choice - a selection of one (or more) options.

I could have chosen to not get married, stay single, and place the priorities of other activities ahead of building a relationship. However, any half-way decent analysis of what make marriages succeed teaches us that keeping your spouse in the forefront of your time on this Earth is the smartest way to long-term happiness.

So back to the above scenario (and to bring it back to me), were there times when I wanted to play golf on my time - absolutely. And on some occasions, did I put the needs of myself ahead of my wife - sure. But, what slowly emerged is this deep-seeded understanding that my life is merging with hers and that we don't just spend free time together because we have to, we do because we want to. That's why we chose to get married in the first place!

All right, let's look at another example: parenthood. It is incomprehensible for anyone who doesn't have children, to realize the trade offs (especially time and money) you make once you have them. And unfortunately, for some, it is a permanent choice that can never goes away (at least not if you are going to be a caring parent).

Let me again draw on my above scenario of golf. My father is no different than I - he loves to play golf. However, I could rarely remember him playing golf while I was growing up. When I told my Mom about this a few years ago (and I mentioned it something like this: "I can't believe that Dad likes to play golf so much now" and she smiled and said "your Father always loved to play, but he traveled so much while you guys (me and Phat) were growing up that he spent whatever time he had at home with you all". And there it is - the tradeoff. My Dad could have spent his free time at the Country Club or with his buddies and no one would have been the wiser......except for him (and my Mom). When they chose children, they chose a path that lead them to put children at the forefront of their decisions.

Being a parent takes time and discipline. There are very few "short cuts" that pay off later (with the exception of Baby Songs during dinner - an absolute must!!). I was so sad for a friend of mine who, when told he had to spend the weekend with his two boys while the wife was out of town, said: "I'm glad I talked the Nanny into working overtime so I could play in the Member/Guest at the Club this weekend". He didn't get it - and unfortunately probably never will - at least until it is too late.

All this said, do you sometimes regret decisions you make? Of course. But I always find it helpful to take my mind back to when I made the selection - and remember what drove me that specific way at the time. I had to have weighed both sides and said "I'll choose this way and what comes of it over that one".

In the end, I find it very helpful in my own life, to remember that long term dividends rarely pay off when you call it off quickly and that, given the right amount of time and perspective, you usually make the best choice.

Just living the dream....

Quiet on the Western Front

2006-02-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in getting some updated content. Work, kidney stone, family obligations...

Hopefully, I'll have some stuff out there soon.

It's amazing she still loves me

2006-02-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

a.k.a. - I know what love is....

It was almost the perfect storm of events here in the ole' family homestead last week as one illness and two minor passions collided head on.

First the illness: I woke up at 4:45AM on Monday, the 30th and thought someone was stabbing me in the lower back. I couldn't move and I couldn't make the pain go away. Once my wife realized I was serious (and I think it was after I was throwing due to the intense pain) - she whisked me away to the E.R.

Upon further review, I was diagnosed with having a kidney stone. I was given some mild narcotics (an oxymoron) and sent home with instructions to drink water "like it was going out of style" and hope it passes on its own. Subsequently, I went to a specialist on Wednesday who confirmed the diagnosis and told me "it could be awful" and "it could be not too bad". I'm beginning to regret my own career choice as I could have handed out that diagnosis and saved the co-pay.

So, I was laid up most of the week taking pain medications and working from my comfy chair in the living room (thank you wireless internet).

Add to this ailment the fact that I was getting calls from all my Georgia buddies leading up to National Signing Day (February 1st) and was talking as much about Reshad Jones and Knoshown Moreno as I was my own family.

Then finish off the pot with the fact that Fantasy Baseball (my favorite hobby - bar none) is cranking up and I'm beginning to read and prepare for the multiple drafts I enter in (a column to itself) and you can see the life I've carved out for myself (and her).

Back to the point, my wife, this entire week, has shown me nothing but love and compassion.

She went with me to the E.R. and made sure the Doctor and nurses gave me the attention I needed.
She has gotten me every meal or drink that I've needed/wanted since last Monday and has brought me anything I requested (the phone, a blanket, more pills etc.).
She has kept my kids at arms length (a huge task) as they prefer to rough-house with me and they needed to give me some space.
She never balked about the tv being glued to ESPNU as they talked about the recruiting rankings (Georgia #4).
She asked rudimentary, but caring questions about "so when does Fantasy Baseball start up?" & "are you excited" even though she knows exactly when it starts and that I am eagerly anticipating its start date.

BUT - most importantly - she showed me that "in sickness and in health" is not just a wedding vow but the foundation of a strong marriage. I love her more now than I did on Sunday the 29th (and I loved her a whole lot then).

Look, my kidney stones are minor in the scheme of things, and I know that there is more stuff to come in the future (for both of us) - but I couldn't imagine it on my own and I wouldn't dream of it without my J.D.R.

CPR-

10th Anniverary - Top of the Mark Hopkins (SF)

Wednesday Morning Ramblings (1/25)

2006-01-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

1/25/06

* My initial thoughts turn to the workers at Ford Motor Company who have spent their entire lives working on the line - the hopes of a good life - a better life - for their themselves and their families. And before I get too far, this is not a Ford is the Devil diatribe - they are running their business as they best see fit - but it is humbling to see the layoffs that are coming down the pike over the next few years. I can't even imagine what I'd be thinking if I was one of those hourly workers who will get up every day thinking "today could be the day". What do you do if you are the exposed: go to another plant, go back to school? I don't know but my thoughts are with all of them.....

* College Football Recruiting: I admit that I have a problem. (You remember that Seinfeld where Jerry catches Kramer eating the Kenny Rogers Roasters Chicken and tells him you have a problem and Kramer responds "I've got a big problem" - that's me with recruiting). And in talking to my friend Juice, I realized that one of the reasons is College Football Recruiting has NOTHING to do with wins and losses. It is all about framing, selling and marketing your program to others (H.S. Seniors, their parents, their coaches). You may be thinking "well don't the winning programs recruit the best" - over the long haul - probably. But look at the following examples of how schools recruit based on where they are in the hierarchy:

-BCS Program (less than 0-5 wins): these coaches are "building the dream", they attract kids who want to "establish their own legacy", they can offer "immediate playing time" at most positions. Most coaches in this position will say "anything within reason" to get the kids they want to come to their school and say they "care" more than those with better records.

-BCS Program (6-9 wins): these coaches have "laid the foundation", they want to "take it to the next level", they have immediate playing time available - but only to the "special ones". Coaches in this position will keep to the "winning script" and will politely chide those coaches below them as "desperate" and those above as "soon to stumble".

-BCS Program (10 wins and above): these coaches talk about "fitting into our plan", they "know how to win" If you are luck enough to get an offer from them, it is because you are the "cream of the crop". Playing time is rare and redshirting is "probable" - but it will be all worth it once you are "lucky enough" to get on the field. All coaches below are jealous of their success and resort to "smoke and mirrors" to hide their deficiencies.

Do you see what I mean? College Football Recruiting is all about sales baby - to the point that even the well known recruiters are known as "closers".

Make fun of me if you want (and I'm sure you want to) - but I find the time between December and February to be riveting.

Wednesday Morning Ramblings (1/18)

2006-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

1.18.2006

As I've been reticent to actually post an entire entry - I've decided to "cop out" and take the Furman Bisher route and have little mini-entries. May help get the creative juices flowing:

* A Blueprint for a Chocolate City? Ray Nagin said on MLK day that he'd like to take New Orleans back to its roots and make it a "chocolate city". As a lover of sweets, I'm all for that move. As a matter of fact, he has a mentor/guide that he can go to if he needs any help: The Original Mayor of a Chocolate City!!

* Everyone is not out to get us. There was a great editorial in the Atlanta Journal Constitution yesterday by the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Auburn. As a Christian (and a conservative Democrat) I get amused how anytime someone from outside the fold makes a comment or decision affecting a Christian perspective - they are demonized and we're made to believe that the secular world is "out to get us". Rev. Evans commentary is on the uproar over the Book of Daniel on NBC - I recommend checking it out if you can....

* Best of TV. I had a running dialogue with Paul Westerdawg the other day regarding the West Wing and our favorite episodes. Like Paul, I didn't really like/appreciate the show until I got the DVD's and now I watch them regularly. I really think that it is one of the best shows ever on TV - it has everything: drama, suspense, intrigue, comedy - not to mention excellent acting and mostly excellent writing. So here are my twelve favorite episodes in order (episode synopsis thanks to Unofficial Continuity Guide):

1. In the Shadow of Two Gunman (Season 2 / Episode 1& 2)
2. Game On (Season 4 / Episode 5)
3. Process Stories (Season 4 / Episode 8)
4. The Supremes (Season 5 / Episode 17)
5. Two Cathedrals (Season 2 / Episode 22)
6. The Short List (Season 1 / Episode 9)
7. Let Bartlett be Bartlett (Season 1 / Episode 19)
8. Bartlett for America (Season 3 / Episode 9)
9. Hartsfield's Landing (Season 3 / Episode 14)
10. Life on Mars (Season 4 / Episode 21)
11. Shutdown (Season 5 / Episode 8)
12. 2162 Votes (Season 6 / Episode 22)

That's all for now - and in the words of Nick Bakay: Keep on " just living the dream".....

Happy New Year!!

2006-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Years Eve and wish the best to all for 2006!!

iPod Recently Played

2005-12-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

As this blog has really become access to my own personal "dimensia" - I thought I'd add the songs that I've been playing a lot lately on my iPod (www.itunes.com):

James Blunt - You're Beautiful
Weezer - Perfect Situation
Marjorie Fair - Waves
Josh Rouse - Laughter
Josh Rouse - Hey Porcupine
Death Cab for Cutie - 405
Roxy Music - More Than This
Jason Mraz - Clockwatching

All good songs that I recommend highly.....

A great day for all Bulldawgs!!

2005-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

SEC Championship - Keys to Victory

2005-12-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

I watch a lot of ESPN. I doubt that is a secret to anyone who knows me (or like my wife and kids lives with me) but I want to throw that out there.

The reason I share this is I like to watch ESPN Classic when they show the old-school highlight films of championship seasons past (NFL, MLB, NBA) and there was one on the other day about the Celts/Lakers of the mid-late 1980's. The film went on to describe how evenly matched the teams were and how one or two possessions each game usually determined victory or defeat.

I feel the same about the SEC Championship game this weekend.

Now, I'm not trying to compare Georgia and LSU with the teams mentioned above - that would be ridiculous - but am saying that I truly believe that one or two possessions/plays will determine the winner of the game.

If you look at each teams respective seasons, you see a tremendous of similarities: explosive but inconsistent offensives that have shown flashes of greatness, strong defenses that try to put pressure on while trying to keep everything else in front of them, good kicking games that the respective coaches are not afraid to use as leverage and experience playing "on the big stage".

So why do I like the Dawgs in this game:

1. CMR vs. CLM - as frustrated I get with our fearless leader at times - he seems far steadier than the man from Stillwater, OK.

2. 2003 SEC Championship revenge - the W in Athens last year negates the L in Baton Rouge. We still owe the Corn Dogs one.

3. DJ Shockley is the SEC Player of the Year (imho) and he's going to prove it on Saturday. Unlike the AU game, he will get the ball at the end of the game and lead the Dawgs to the win.

Player of the Game: DJ Shockley - the man
Surprise of the Game: Sean Bailey - 2 big plays
Defender of the Game: Paul Oliver - he's quickly becoming a force and we'll need him with their stable of WR's

FINAL: UGA - 27 / LSU - 21

Why I love the Dawgs!!

2005-12-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

"More than this..."

2005-11-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted this blog to be about more than UGA Football; but here we are almost two months in and it's Dawgs, Dawgs, Dawgs. For anyone who looks at this blog - and right now I think the number is 2 (thanks) - I will get more topical and current after the season is over.

Go Dawgs!!

A Picture Says 1000 Words

2005-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

North Avenue Trade School Prediction

2005-11-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

I've said all along a hate this game:

* Means nothing to UGA - lose and we still play for the SEC Championship next week - win and we play for the SEC Championship next week.

* Means everything to Georgia Tech. Lose this game and all the good vibes from Miami get washed away - win and they will proclaim the are "building the foundation" for the next 5 years.

* Also, UGA has a history under CMR of not being sharp in a game where we have some slack and as described above - we do.

HOWEVER

In the final analysis, we've still got too much talent for them and with Leonard Pope, Brandon Coutu and Quentin Moses going against a back up OT I like our chances. Final score: UGA 23 - GT 20.

They need to drug test these people

2005-11-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

And no - I'm not referring the Bush Cabinet.

And no - I'm not referring to the Georgia Tech Secondary...well maybe...

I'm referring to Georgia fans who think this game will be easy for the Dawgs this Saturday night against Yech. My friends, this game is going to be a war (and an evenly matched one at that).

Here - in no particular order - are my concerns:

1. Tech is due to beat us - let's go back to the 2000 UGA/UT game. One of the ugliest (but most satisfying) games I've ever watched. And the theme of that day was this: we were due to beat UT. We knew it - they knew it. I can't help myself; but I hearken back to that day alot as I look to this game. Each game since 2002 has gotten closer: 51-7, 34-17, 19-13 - and with each game Tech thinks they should win. That is a positive for them.

2. It is at Bobby Dodd Stadium - that is a positive for them.

3. Tech's defense is designed to put pressure on - while not sacrificing the big play. Their D's performance against the U on Saturday night was almost as impressive as Calvin Johnson (more on that in a minute). They sacked Kyle Wright like 6 or 7 times while still being able to play zone so they kept the big play in front of them. While we don't want to admit it or not - Reuben Houston's coming back was HUGE for them as he's a very good player.

4. Their offense has:

* Best WR in the ACC who will get at least 2-3 pass interference calls in the game (probably on 3rd downs)
* Very good stable of RB's (Daniels, Choice & Grant)
* A mobile, but streaky QB who would like nothing more than close out his Junior season at Tech with a W at home

You add these up (all expect Reggie Ball - and for him - 4 is the number after 3 and before 5) and it spells close game with small items being magnified.

2005 SEC East Champs!!

2005-11-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks Dawgs - now let's:

FINISH THE DRILL

SEC Eastern Division: X (11.19.2005)
Georgia State Championship: X (11.26.2005)
SEC Championship: X (12.3.2005)
BCS:

You can't spell s-u-c-k with UK

2005-11-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

Pity the Wildcats.

Remember them well.

For tomorrow at 12:30PM, Hades is going to rain down on them like a summer squall in Athens, GA as Georgia takes out a month's worth of frustrations and second guessing on the Blue Man group from Lexington, KY.

Let's take a look at what has transpired over the past few weeks:

1. CHANCE TO CLINCH THE SEC EAST - PART 1: UGA loses a tough one to Florida 14-10 without our starting QB (DJ Shockley), starting DT (Kedric Golston) and starting OLB (Brandon Miller). Adding insult to injury (and to the frustration of millions of Dawgs), CMR decides to ignore the % and run two QB sweeps on 3rd and longer than 10 yards - the last of which sets up our 4th and nowhere.

2. CHANCE TO CLINCH THE SEC EAST - PART 2: UGA gets a two-week break, gets all the above players back, and loses a heart-breaker to Auburn 31-30. Please go to http://georgiasports.blogspot.com/ if you want a fantastic breakdown of the game.

3. Now, there was not supposed to be a PART 3 to our tale, but unbelievably, Florida loses at USC and Georgia has their final chance to clinch the SEC EAST. We can not blow this or the past 4 years of momentum will go down faster than Enron stock.

That said - I see pain on the horizon for UK.

What needs to happen on Saturday:

* Defense needs to win this game - period. After the debacle that was the AU game, I want to see a better scheme and better execution from this unit. As mad as everyone was with Coach Martinez, I was more upset with the piss-poor job of tacking and lack of emotion last week. I'll take a 17-3 game if it means the defense comes to play.

* Throw the ball to Sean Bailey early and often. As mad as I am with his play at times, he's still the best overall option that we have (even more than MoMass given his experience) and we need him to break through the mental barrier.

* B-e-a-g-g-r-e-s-s-i-v-e - I like throwing the old Walton chant out there when I can. We need to go out with a plan to embarrass them. I don't care how - bring back the quotes from 2002 when they said they were going to tear down the goal posts after beating us up there - but we need to be motivated to anger.

My prediction:

UGA - 38
UK - 14 (a late garbage touchdown)

On to Atlanta...(and I'll go on record saying I'd like to play Auburn again)

A tribute to Josh Rouse (and the new name of my blog)

2005-11-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Not one to accept credit when credit is not due: I'm attaching the picture from Josh Rouse (www.joshrouse.com) that is the title of his single: Dressed up like Nebraska. I can't recommend him or this song more highly. Enjoy....

Sometimes a picture says everything:

2005-11-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Game Prediction:

UGA - 27
ABUURN - 25

How is playing in Florida a Home Game????

2005-10-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well, the World's Largest Cocktail Party is upon us and I can't remember a time when an undefeated team, playing for the SEC East Championship, has inspired less confidence than our very own Georgia Bulldogs. It's absolutely amazing how four straight weeks of football, losing your starting QB and DT and facing an opponent coming off a bye week can sap your morale and spirit. I have absolutely no feel for this game - none.

For UGA to win this game and clinch the Eastern division, the following keys must be observed:

1. More points than Florida (it is always my number one point).

2. Throw to set up the run: remember that Seinfield where Jerry and Elaine are fighting about her being a "Meryl Streep" in the bedroom and they finally decide that they must "have sex to save the friendship" - going contrary to the popular belief. I think it is the same for the Dawgs: they must throw to establish the run. And not just go routes, they must line up 3 or 4 wide and say to UF "Joe T is going to chuck the ball around - if you want to put 8 or 9 in the box - you better hope he's off target". Put some points up in our first few drives and we will open up the middle for BWL (Brown, Ware, Lumpkin). Go 1 for 7 passing and it will be a long, long day.

3. Q: What does a 6 yard out need to equal for Florida....A: 6 yards. When UGA's defense is playing their best - they stop all plays at their minimum yardage (like against UTK). When Riggs broke through the tackles, he got stopped by the linebackers. When Swain caught a 12 yard out - he got stopped for 12 yards. The past few weeks, the tacking and overall effort has been sloppy and erratic and the D has given up big plays that should have been medium plays. That can't happen this week.

4. Special teams must be special. We can win this battle and we have to.

5. JoeT3: more than a Damn Good Dawg. I've read every article about JoeT3 and he seems like a great guy: smart, athletic, a "team player" - I'm proud he's a Dawg. I'm just not sure I want him starting a QB. Now, he could prove me completely wrong and I would love nothing more than writing a "what crow tastes like" entry on Monday...but frankly I don't see it coming. There is a reason that CMR has made QB's a priority over the past few years (and I think we're going to see that reason Saturday).

Prediction: Heart: UGA 20 UF 17 / Head: UF 24 UGA 20

How much does Faith count in Politics?

2005-10-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's what "sticking in my craw" today:

I noticed yesterday that there was a piece on the Yahoo! News about George Bush specifically stating that one of the main reasons he picked Harriet Miers for Supreme Court because "he knew of her deep Faith". This highlighting of her Faith was in stark contrast to the nomination of John Roberts (Roman Catholic) who W specifically told others to" "judge him on his legal merits - not his Faith".

So which is it? Are we selecting people for government work due to their personal achievements or their personal beliefs?

And, if you frame the question, you can elicit a positive response either way:

"Is a politician's Faith an important part of your selection of him or her?" I think that many people would say: yes it is important.

HOWEVER - you pose the question like this:

"Would you eliminate a politician that you like and trust because you find out he or she is not a practicing Christian?" And I think that most people would say - no.

So, how does my theory apply to my example above (Harriet Miers): she's not qualified for the Supreme Court - period. She's not a world class legal mind (like John Roberts) - period. If her best quality is her Faith - not her legal acumen - then she should not be a Supreme Court Justice.

I'd also throw this out there: Clinton (because he was getting "personal service" under the desk) had to go because he was immoral - Tom Delay (accused not once but twice for improper gifts and illegal contact) is "just a good man whose made a bad decision". Why the difference - it's their Faith stupid!

I guess I'd ask that there is one standard: I want politicians who do right by their constituents and use their Faith as a guide not an excuse.

Yawn...another W in Knoxville...

2005-10-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

First off - let me say I'm kidding. It is never, I repeat never a small feat to beat UT in Knoxville. As someone who sat through an absolute drubbing by them in 1993 (where I made the famous statement: "Terrell Davis - that guy sucks") - I can remember thinking that we may never win another game here - ever.

So, please forgive my sarcasm above - UGA played a great game and now controls their own destiny in the SEC East.

To review my points from last week:

1. We did score more points - 27 to 14 - check.

2. The DEF played unbelievably and tackled well - check.

3. Passing game - 204 yards - check.

4. Special Teams - let's see Kelso was awesome and they gave up the PR that changed the game - check.

5. Yellow and orange = win. 12 penalties to 4 - check.

6. Poise: DJ throws a potentially game changing pick and then on the first play after hits Kenneth Harris for 30 yards - check.

It was a great day to be a Bulldog.

What does God tell you to do?

2005-10-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

I guess I've been going about this whole "prayer" thing in the wrong way. I thought that you were supposed to follow the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.

ACTS Method: Give God glory for God's sake (not yours), confess all sins (which He knows already), give Him thanks for His presence in your life and for what you've been blessed with (spiritually or materially) and then seek His guidance for you and others in your life.

Now, I don't always follow that method (and sometimes throw the "microwave prayer" out there); but it is the method that rings truest and makes the most sense for interacting with the Creator.

It seems that W (President George W. Bush) has been "microwaving" prayers to the Almighty that revolve around who the United States should eliminate and take over.

Of course he's claiming it isn't true, but this story begs two questions: 1) Do you believe him - and more specifically - would you be at all surprised if it is true? 2)Where is the line between seeking God's guidance on important matters and saying "God told me to do this"?

As an experiment on #2, I'm going to try the following with the Mrs.: "Honey, God told me that we must have Chinese food tonight and then I must be alone to watch football all weekend" I mean, how can she argue with that?

Naturally, this is an exaggeration, and I wouldn't even begin to compare the decisions that W makes to my life. However, when a person who has supreme power and control here on Earth (like W) plays the "God told me" card - does it undermine the basis for making that pronunciation to begin with? "God told me to liberate Afghanistan....but all my advisors said NO WAY" "God says bring peace to the Middle East....but 2000 years of conflict and a lack of support don't matter"

As a Christian, I have no good answer for this, but, I have a lot of concern/questions.....I guess I should ask God.

A: In my rear view mirror driving away

2005-10-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Q: What's the best way to see Knoxville?

Well, it's time for the Dawgs to "man up" and play the #8 ranked Volunteers this Saturday (3:30PM on CBS). As Garth says to the Channel 4 News Team when they learn of Ling Wan's impending child birth "this is a big one".

I was talking to my friend Juice and we agreed that the following were keys to Saturday's game:

1. Score more points than them (I love how most people forget about this one).

2. Tackle, tackle, tackle on defense. Coach Willie Martinez (CWM) stated on the Mark Richt show last week that this has been the best stretch of tackling by our defense since he's been here. I went back and watched the tivo'd games and concur. This MUST continue this weekend. Gerald Riggs gets a 6 yards around the corner - not 16. Jason Swain catches a 7 yard out - not 7 yard out plus 15 extra after the miss. You get the picture - we do this and UT will not dictate the tempo offensively.

3. Throw, throw, throw on offense. Sean Bailey, MoMass, Bryan McClendon, Kenneth Harris - it's time for one of you to "be the man". Here's my rationale: DJ will be able to escape and find time to throw, the RB's will make some yards for themselves on the ground, Pope & Milner will make plays - the only variable is the WR corps. If we can get a big play early from them - I think everything else will open up. Case study: last week's Bama drubbing of UF. Prothro and Keith Brown both score on long passes and UF must lookout for them the rest of the game (opening up Darby to go over 100).

4. Kelso and Coutu have to be better than Colquitt and Wilhoit. Why do I see a missed FG haunting one team Saturday? Or how about a shanked punt that gives the opposing offense life and good field position?

5. The only color I hate more than orange this Saturday is yellow. Seriously, the flags have to stop this weekend or we're in for a long, long day. Can you see Thomas Brown breaking off a 35 yard run from our 40 to their 25 and then that awful yellow icon comes up under the score...and you know it's coming back. We lose 45 yards and they gain all the momentum. It's like Mugatu (Will Ferrell) says to Derek Zoolander when he shows the same look over and over: "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills". I watch us get more stupid holding calls that have nothing to do with the play's success and feel like I'm having deja vu all over again. If CMR really cared about eliminating the flags, it would happen. Let's hope the caring starts this week.

6. As Kramer says to the Miss World candidate on Seinfeld: "..poise counts..". And I mean poise - whether we're winning or losing. This is a UT team that knows it can win down by as many as 21 points and will not let up at all. I almost feel like I'd be more nervous up 10 going into the 4th quarter than I would be down that same amount (although I'd be happy to try it out). When we're losing - CMR is more apt to take chances and force the tempo. We don't have the killer instinct to crush the will of the opponent (look at Florida, GT & Wisconsin last year and Purdue the year before that) - it's like the scenario I see most playing out on Saturday is us taking like a 21-10 lead into the 3rd quarter - holding on to dear life - hoping that UT doesn't score twice because we know (at that place we don't talk about at parties) that we're not scoring again unless UT makes a mistake.

Selection and Final Points: UGA 24-UT 23. In the final analysis, I see the game playing out as I describe above: we get up 17 to 10 and then struggle to put them away. It is only because of DJ & Pope that we score again to win. But (and like Hambone - it's a big but), we'll be 5-0 (3-0 in conference) with two winnable games ahead of us (Vandy & Arkansas) and hopefully be 7-0 heading to Jacksonville...GO DAWGS!!

On the record

2005-09-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

In the words of Ron Burgundy: "I want to throw something out there - you can take it - or you can throw it right back to me":

Red Sox vs. Yankees - 3 games in Fenway: Red Sox take 2 of 3 and go to playoff on Monday.

Indians vs. White Sox - 3 games at US Cellular Field: Indians take 2 of 3 and go to playoff Tuesday.

Yankees win playoff Monday in NYC and Red Sox beat Indians at Jacobs Field to take Wild Card.

There - now it's out there......"come get a taste"

"MVP...Big Papi"

2005-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

I've often thought that athletes waste the "heroic capital" that they acquire during their peak runs/moments.

On one side look at Mike Eruzione from the 1980 Olympic Hockey team - he knew that it would never get any better than it did then and all he would do is fail expectations set for him (rightly or wrongly). He never played another period of hockey and has had a very successful career in leadership/motivational speaking. The truth (as a fan) is we didn't want him to do anything else hockey related either. Every time we see Mike Eruzione we want to think about him "calling his boys" up to the podium when they received their gold medals not some vision of him getting booed out of Joe Louis Arena when he misses a potential game-winning penalty shot against the Maple Leafs. He knew when he was "at his peak".

On the other side look at Jerry Rice - arguably the greatest football player that ever lived. Had he retired in 2000 with the 49ers or even 2002 with the Raiders, your lasting memory would have been greatness/excellence. But you look at him "hanging on" to roster spaces with Oakland & Seattle and then you hear that he couldn't even make the 4-deep this fall with Denver and you wince (like hearing Jason Alexander is trying the sitcom thing again). It isn't that we forget about the past accomplishments, but that those accomplishments are dulled - sometimes a little - sometimes more by this extended legacy.

My point is has there ever been a greater 2-year run for a batter than Big Papi right now? You are left in bewildered awe when he doesn't come through in the clutch. Last night against the Blue Jays - in a game that the Sox HAD to win - he hit the game tying HR in the 8th and then the game winning hit in the 9th. And greater than those feats is this: everyone expected him to do it. He met great expectations greatly. I've never seen someone like Mr. Ortiz before - someone who does what is needed - when it is needed and does it all with a smile on his face. Heaven forbid that the Sox win the World Series again...

I think - if he was shrewd - David Ortiz would retire at the end of the year, open up a taco/margarita stand in front of Fenway and enjoy the "heroic capital" he's accumulated over the past few years. I'd envision him signing autographs, taking pictures with everyone and smiling - much like Andy Dufresne on the roof of the prison in Shawshank - knowing that he'd earned the admiration and basking in the sun.

Mike Brown - We hardly knew yee

2005-09-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

I was dismayed at Mike Brown's testimony before congress yesterday - and not as much for the content as the delivery. Has one person ever galvanized both sides of the aisle faster than he did yesterday? (It was almost comical watching everyone pile on to him once they saw he was handling it about as poorly as Pat Robertson did with his "assassination request of Hugo Chavez")

The facts are this: everyone is to blame for the Katrina response and I think it is fair to say that the local & state government have as many issues as FEMA. BUT - you can not go into congress and start your response off with "...I didn't know that they state & local governments of Louisiana were dysfunctional..." and then apologize. No one hears the substance.

Here's an example: Alabama fans and Georgia fans. In October of 2002 - Georgia played Alabama in Tuscaloosa (a 27-25 victory for the Dawgs - oops - did that slip in) and on the drive home I was listening to the call-in shows and every Alabama fan (to a man) called into say the following: "I love Alabama and am proud of the team, but here's what we did wrong....." The comments that came after seemed constructive and with forethought. When the Dawgs lost last year to Tennessee, I listened to the call in shows and they all started (to a man) like this: "The playcalling stinks, the coaches were unprepared, etc.....oh yea and Go Dawgs" These comments were lost in a sea of negativity.

It's the same with yesterday. If Mike Brown had started with some humility and then relayed the events as he saw them (which I don't think were that far from the truth) - wouldn't it have been received in a much better light???

It's Time

2005-09-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

As you can see from one small glance at this blog - I've not been good about updating this or utilizing this forum to get pictures and ideas out there. (Of course I mentioned that I'd be bad about this in the beginning - although I don't think that absolves me). However, I just read the Sports Guy's new book about the Red Sox and it has inspired me to "get off my donkey". If you don't know: Bill Simmons is the Sports Guy and his column is on espn.com - I can't recommend it highly enough. His book is a collection of his columns/essays - and it is through these outlets that he has developed a cult following and - thus - created his book.

Now, I'm not saying that I'll write a book - and I'm certainly not saying that I'm half as talented as Bill Simmons - but am saying that I enjoy having opinions and I love sharing them with other people (and then having learned discourse about the subject at hand). My biggest pet peeve right now is that no one wants to hear from someone that has different views from them. This feeling runs through sports teams, to politics and even religion. I've never seen the benefit of hanging out with people exactly like me (apart from their boyish good looks) - I want to hear from people on each side of an issue - I want to be influenced by a strong argument that begins opposite of mine - I want passion in combination with respect. I hope that I do this with what I write and post.

Now, the fact is that I will probably focus on sports - and more specifically the team I love the best: the University of Georgia; but I hope to also discuss things like politics, religion and current events. I hope you will enjoy......

2005-09-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

10th Anniversary - At the top of the Mark Hopkins

2005-09-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

A good looking crew on the first day of school

2004-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the most recent family picture - 8/04

UGA - AU Prediction

2004-11-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

UGA - 27 / War Chickens - 21

Very simple matchup: we eliminate YAC (Yards after Contact) and we win. The O will put up points- my fear is that we will not be able to put up enough to overcome a D that has looked tired the past few weeks. Big key is how many tackles does Thomas Davis have to make: 8 and below - we will win - 9 and above - we lose.

C.P.R.

An Adventure in Foolishness

2004-11-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I've decided to start a family "blog". After viewing so many family and friends' very own personal pages - it was time to take the plunge. As soon as I get the Mrs. on board, we will be "cooking with gas" so to speak as she will be more able to update than I will....

There probably won't be much activity over the next few weeks as I get my handle on the setup - but after Thanksgiving - watch out!!

C.P.R.

2004-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Let's hope Georgia can get a re-do in 2004!!

2004-11-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

A good day for all those from Leominster, MA