Traveling is a part of the sports information profession that I've always enjoyed. Because of our 25 sports at Mercyhurst, I've had little chance to do it this year (there's always some team playing at home). But the men's basketball team is in the GLIAC Tournament and I've been able to accompany the team to Findlay.
The game is likely to be one-sided because Findlay is so dominant. And even though I've been ill, it's been nice to get out of town with a team for once. Coach Manchel knows how to travel and he treats sports information well. He always stays in nice hotels and eats at nice restaurants. No offense to Bill and Jason of Shippensburg, but we were always stuck with two or three and sometimes four to a room. But tonight, I have my own suite to myself. For dinner, there was no McDonalds. We went to Outback. THAT'S the way to travel.
Tomorrow will be along day with breakfast at 11 (IHOP), game time at 3 and a 4 1/2 hour trip home after that. Once I get home, I'll have to bang out a couple stories (wrestling, women's water polo, baseball and men's basketball). But one good thing about coming home to Erie is that Trista will be waiting for in my apartment. And as nice as it is to get away, it's even better to come home to the person you love.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Live Show and a Look Alike
I love live music. Tonight I had the opportunity to see Casting Crowns, Leeland and a young talented song writer by the name of John Waller perform at Tullio Arena in Erie. First, let me just say how nice it is to be able to drive three miles and watch a national act in a 7,000 seat arena.
My sister Mariah and her boyfriend Ronny joined me at the show and it did not disappoint. I should qualify this statement by saying I've never been the biggest fan of Casting Crowns. They aren't exactly my cup of tea but boy can they write a big powerful Christian anthem.
Casting Crowns made an effort, though, to make it more than just a concert. They set up each song with scripture, a personal experience or a challenge to the crowd. Not only did they entertain but they challenged, uplifted and encouraged the audience but above all, they worshiped the Lord. There are few things more powerful than signing at the top of your lungs to God with several thousand of your brothers and sisters. Not only is it an outward expression of worship but it can also offer a chance to look inward and connect on a personal level with God. I must take my hat off to Casting Crowns for giving a call to action to each one of us in the building. Hopefully it will stick and make a difference.
Also, I'd like to give a big thumbs up to the band for being innovative and unique during its set. And an even bigger thumbs up to the video and light crew. The video and camera work was one of the most impressive I've seen at a live show.
One thing, though. I almost had to do a double take when the band took the stage. Mark Hall, the lead singer of Casting Crowns and Prince Street Church Youth Pastor Craig Mickey are long lost twins. Look for yourself.
Mark Hall or Craig Mickey?
Craig Mickey or Mark Hall?
My sister Mariah and her boyfriend Ronny joined me at the show and it did not disappoint. I should qualify this statement by saying I've never been the biggest fan of Casting Crowns. They aren't exactly my cup of tea but boy can they write a big powerful Christian anthem.
Casting Crowns made an effort, though, to make it more than just a concert. They set up each song with scripture, a personal experience or a challenge to the crowd. Not only did they entertain but they challenged, uplifted and encouraged the audience but above all, they worshiped the Lord. There are few things more powerful than signing at the top of your lungs to God with several thousand of your brothers and sisters. Not only is it an outward expression of worship but it can also offer a chance to look inward and connect on a personal level with God. I must take my hat off to Casting Crowns for giving a call to action to each one of us in the building. Hopefully it will stick and make a difference.
Also, I'd like to give a big thumbs up to the band for being innovative and unique during its set. And an even bigger thumbs up to the video and light crew. The video and camera work was one of the most impressive I've seen at a live show.
One thing, though. I almost had to do a double take when the band took the stage. Mark Hall, the lead singer of Casting Crowns and Prince Street Church Youth Pastor Craig Mickey are long lost twins. Look for yourself.
Mark Hall or Craig Mickey?
Craig Mickey or Mark Hall?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Rediscovery
Have you ever looked into an old CD rack, tape case or record collection and dusted off an old album you haven't listened to in years? I love doing that. I pulled out Grammatrain's debut album this evening and put it on my iPod. Isn't remarkable how we can not hear a song for a long period of time yet still remember every lyric? Listening to it also brought back memories from that period in my life.
I remembered playing guitar with Uncle Loren, Mike and Mike and our short-lived Forerunner project. I remembered going to youth rallies and trips in the Glory Van with the old youth group gang, most specifically Derek and Casey. I remembered seeing Grammatrain open for Third Day in a hot, stinky armory in Clarksburg, W.Va. I remembered see the band members put on Carmen masks (remember how popular and how schmaltzy Carmen was in the mid to late 90's?).
All these memories come rushing back just because of an old dusty CD. Music is great, isn't it?
I remembered playing guitar with Uncle Loren, Mike and Mike and our short-lived Forerunner project. I remembered going to youth rallies and trips in the Glory Van with the old youth group gang, most specifically Derek and Casey. I remembered seeing Grammatrain open for Third Day in a hot, stinky armory in Clarksburg, W.Va. I remembered see the band members put on Carmen masks (remember how popular and how schmaltzy Carmen was in the mid to late 90's?).
All these memories come rushing back just because of an old dusty CD. Music is great, isn't it?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Life Water
I mentioned yesterday about the substitute preacher at the church I went to. He was an elderly fellow and had retired from being a full-time pastor. Although the man that introduced him said that "retired pastor" can't happen. I agree. Regardless of whether we ever served as a pastor or teacher or anything else, we never retire from serving God. It also reminded me of my Grandpa Hulsey, who passed away a year ago. He was a pastor for many, many years and once an old colleague, who was in his 90's and was still speaking, told grandpa that he'd keep going as long as he was alive, and from my understanding that had a big impact on grandpa.
Anyway, this fellow, I don't remember his name, spoke about the woman at the well, and how water serves many purposes in our lives. It can be scary and chaotic, like storms on the ocean (which Jesus showed He had control over) and it can also be peaceful, pleasant, cleansing and necessary for life. When you start think about it, it's quite amazing how many times water plays a significant role in the Bible.
He had a couple interesting points. Jesus ask the woman at the well for a drink. Only twice in the Bible did He ask for a drink. Once was here, and once was on the cross.
He closed the message by saying that the woman had a cup but no water and Jesus had water but no cup. The two formed the perfect collaboration and we can do the same. Jesus is the living water and we just have to provide the vessel.
I thought that was clever.
Anyway, this fellow, I don't remember his name, spoke about the woman at the well, and how water serves many purposes in our lives. It can be scary and chaotic, like storms on the ocean (which Jesus showed He had control over) and it can also be peaceful, pleasant, cleansing and necessary for life. When you start think about it, it's quite amazing how many times water plays a significant role in the Bible.
He had a couple interesting points. Jesus ask the woman at the well for a drink. Only twice in the Bible did He ask for a drink. Once was here, and once was on the cross.
He closed the message by saying that the woman had a cup but no water and Jesus had water but no cup. The two formed the perfect collaboration and we can do the same. Jesus is the living water and we just have to provide the vessel.
I thought that was clever.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A Couple Things
A couple things about Sunday...
I watched The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. It was very good and the second good western I've seen this year. I prefer 3:10 to Yuma to this, though. Still, the acting is superb and young Casey Affleck is proving himself to be twice the actor of his brother. While the storyline does take some historical liberties, it doesn't stray too far from the truth of how Jesse James' demise took place. one thing is clear: James was a murderer and a thief but he was an American legend even in his own time. Ford thought he would be a hero but was instead shunned by a society that idolized James and was later murdered because of it. I guess that's why it's called the Wild, Wild West. Still, I recommend the movie for any one that's a fan of the genre. Be prepared for some blood and gun shot wounds.
On a lighter note, I checked out a new church today. They had a guest speaker and I'll talk about his message a bit tomorrow. Even though I've been around to many churches in the last several years, it always hits me when I hear the congregation during prayer requests. No matter where I go, there are people that are sick, people that need healing, people that are in mourning, people that are struggling in some way. It can be discouraging to think that every body of believers in every town in every nation has troubles to cope with. But at the same time it reinforces that my trust in the power of prayer. No matter what church it is, the people are praying for each other and have faith that the problems can be overcome with God's help. Jesus said that where "two or three come together in my name, I am there with them." I don't know how many churches I've been to since leaving Sardis, but I know I've prayed with more than "two or three." So never lose hope, because while it seems that problems and pain abound in the world, there is also prayer.
I watched The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. It was very good and the second good western I've seen this year. I prefer 3:10 to Yuma to this, though. Still, the acting is superb and young Casey Affleck is proving himself to be twice the actor of his brother. While the storyline does take some historical liberties, it doesn't stray too far from the truth of how Jesse James' demise took place. one thing is clear: James was a murderer and a thief but he was an American legend even in his own time. Ford thought he would be a hero but was instead shunned by a society that idolized James and was later murdered because of it. I guess that's why it's called the Wild, Wild West. Still, I recommend the movie for any one that's a fan of the genre. Be prepared for some blood and gun shot wounds.
On a lighter note, I checked out a new church today. They had a guest speaker and I'll talk about his message a bit tomorrow. Even though I've been around to many churches in the last several years, it always hits me when I hear the congregation during prayer requests. No matter where I go, there are people that are sick, people that need healing, people that are in mourning, people that are struggling in some way. It can be discouraging to think that every body of believers in every town in every nation has troubles to cope with. But at the same time it reinforces that my trust in the power of prayer. No matter what church it is, the people are praying for each other and have faith that the problems can be overcome with God's help. Jesus said that where "two or three come together in my name, I am there with them." I don't know how many churches I've been to since leaving Sardis, but I know I've prayed with more than "two or three." So never lose hope, because while it seems that problems and pain abound in the world, there is also prayer.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Learning About George
It's been an SID Saturday. Long day, late night in the office, lots of game recaps and lots of time sitting in a chair. Even though I'm not expending that much physical energy, it really is draining.
But I've been able to come home and relax by reading the book I picked up at the MC library this week. It's title His Excellency and is a look at the personality of our first president, George Washington.
Ol' George has always been one of my favorite people if only because he turned down a chance to be king of America when it was offered to him after the revolution. But in just a few pages, I've already learned some interesting tidbits about him.
- He had no more than a grade school education and left the United States only once (visit to the Carribean with his brother). Yet Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and John Adams, all guys that were well read, well traveled and considered some of our the most brilliant Americans ever, considered Washington their superior.
- His first expedition was across the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Ohio Country, up the Ohio River and onto Presque Isle (in Erie where I live) to take a letter to a French outpost. He was only 21 then.
- He led the Virginia regulars during the French and Indian War when he was 24.
- He never actually chopped down his father's cherry tree. In fact, his father died when George was 11.
I'm looking forward to learning even more about George as I go along. Also, I've decided that my next read is going to be Undaunting Courage, which is about the Lewis & Clark expedition.
But I've been able to come home and relax by reading the book I picked up at the MC library this week. It's title His Excellency and is a look at the personality of our first president, George Washington.
Ol' George has always been one of my favorite people if only because he turned down a chance to be king of America when it was offered to him after the revolution. But in just a few pages, I've already learned some interesting tidbits about him.
- He had no more than a grade school education and left the United States only once (visit to the Carribean with his brother). Yet Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and John Adams, all guys that were well read, well traveled and considered some of our the most brilliant Americans ever, considered Washington their superior.
- His first expedition was across the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Ohio Country, up the Ohio River and onto Presque Isle (in Erie where I live) to take a letter to a French outpost. He was only 21 then.
- He led the Virginia regulars during the French and Indian War when he was 24.
- He never actually chopped down his father's cherry tree. In fact, his father died when George was 11.
I'm looking forward to learning even more about George as I go along. Also, I've decided that my next read is going to be Undaunting Courage, which is about the Lewis & Clark expedition.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Music that Made a Difference
XM Radio is a beautiful thing. In the span of a couple hours I heard two songs from two bands that hadn't crossed my mind in probably five years. Both bands--Grammatrain and Silverchair--were big influences on my musical preference during my formidable years.
It's odd how taste in music evolves over time. I remember being seven or eight years old and listening to Kriss Kross and MC Hammer. Alas, that brand of bubblegum hip hop was NOT too legit to quit...and I did just that. I slowly entered the top 40 rock listening to bands like Counting Crows and Hootie & the Blowflish. In fact, August and Everything After, by the Counting Crows was the first CD I ever bought with my own money. The first CD I ever remember in my house was Mariah Carey Unplugged.
Ah, those were days.
But that brings me to Silverchair. It was the summer before my eighth grade year and I bought Frogstomp on a whim. I was in my grandma's basement where my uncle had his old 45 and a CD player hooked up to some big speakers. I'll never forget hearing that distorted, thumping, bass line that opened "Israel's Son," the first song on the record. That's when my life changed. That's when I became a rocker.
Even though I'll always remain true to rock, my tastes have diversified as I've heard more bands. But every person has those albums that were monumental in their life. I'd like to share a few of the most influential albums of my life. Let's make this clear, though. These are not my favorite albums. These are not what I think are the best of my lifetime or the best EVER. You will see no Beatles, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson or Led Zeppelin, all of which lay some claim to one of the best albums. No, these are simply the albums that changed my life and without them, I would not be the person I am right now (whatever that's worth).
Silverchair, Frogstomp - Again, it was the single CD that made me interested in wonderful sound of a distorted Fender Strat.
Third Day, Conspiracy No. 5 - Before this album, I could hardly get into Christian music. It all seemed so unoriginal and contrived (most of it still is), but this CD hit at the right time in my life, satisfying my appetite for a dirty sound and my need for smart, thoughtful lyrics.
Third Day, Third Day - This was Third Day's first effort and really got me into going to concerts. "Consuming Fire" is still one of the top five songs ever.
Jars of Clay, Jars of Clay - If ever there was a perfect album, it is this one. It was the first CD that offered me a softer and more spiritual side to Christian rock. It's well known for "Flood" but "World's Apart," is the first song that nearly brought me to tears.
Phil Keaggy, 220 - It may be hard to believe, but I wasn't always a Keaggy fan. I went to a show or two with Uncle Loren and Mike, two guys I looked up to musically as a kid, but it wasn't until 220 that all of Keaggy's music started to appeal to me.
Phil Keaggy, Town to Town - This album predates my birth by two years, but it was his first non-instrumental album that I really wore out. It's no longer my favorite non-instrumental (that would be Love Broke Thru) but it was a door into a new world.
Bush, Sixteen Stone - Bush's lyrics still make zero sense (what the heck is "Glycerine"), but I owned this album before I had any Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden or Alice in Chains CD. See, When the grunge era really hit in 1992, I was only nine and had zero exposure to MTV. After Frogstomp, Bush opened my eyes to what I had missed.
Creed, My Own Prison - The dark ages of the 1990's came in 1997. Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, the Spice Girls, Jewel, Hanson and Puff Daddy ruled the air waves. The closet thing to rock was No Doubt or Sugary Ray (vomit). And then along came Creed (with pre-insane Scott Stapp) and the dark, haunting sound of "Torn" and "My Own Prison." It was a rebirth of hard rock, bringing the genre back to the forefront after a several year hiatus.
Pearl Jam, Ten - I challenged any one to find an album with a better start. Songs 1-6 are all hits. It was also the big grunge record of my youth.
Pantera, Official Live: 101 Proof - Look, Pantera's lyrical choices probably weren't the most savory but this live album was like a greatest hits CD it put on display Darrell Abbott's (better known as Dimebag) otherworldly guitar skills. Aside from Keaggy, he's the most influential guitar player of my life and might be the most copied guitar player in recent years. Every heavy metal band that screams a lot ripped off Pantera.
Smalltown Poets, Smalltown Poets - Unfortunately, they band broke up a couple years ago. But this CD was released in 1997 and it's still on regular rotation in my iPod. That's all I have to say.
Petra, On Fire - Petra was one of the first big rockin' Christian bands and Uncle Loren gave me this CD at some point around '91. It came out in 1988 and was their 11th CD, but hearing it at that age, when I thought all Christian music was played on a piano and sung out of a hymnal, was quite the shock. "This is Christian music?" I remember thinking. Compared to what's been out since 1988, On Fire is almost soft rock. The album cover was also pretty freakin' cool to an eight year old.
Michael W. Smith, i 2 (EYE) - This pick is less about the album and more about the song "Secret Ambition." It's hard to believe that the now crowned prince of schmaltz was not always a schmaltzer.
Geoff Moore and The Distance, Pure and Simple - Much like "Secret Ambition," this album was more about "Rescue Me." It had to be my favorite song around 1990-91. Loren was working at a radio station at the time and played this once and said during the lead-in that it was one of my favs. Maybe that sparked my interest in radio, with which I've had much success.
It's odd how taste in music evolves over time. I remember being seven or eight years old and listening to Kriss Kross and MC Hammer. Alas, that brand of bubblegum hip hop was NOT too legit to quit...and I did just that. I slowly entered the top 40 rock listening to bands like Counting Crows and Hootie & the Blowflish. In fact, August and Everything After, by the Counting Crows was the first CD I ever bought with my own money. The first CD I ever remember in my house was Mariah Carey Unplugged.
Ah, those were days.
But that brings me to Silverchair. It was the summer before my eighth grade year and I bought Frogstomp on a whim. I was in my grandma's basement where my uncle had his old 45 and a CD player hooked up to some big speakers. I'll never forget hearing that distorted, thumping, bass line that opened "Israel's Son," the first song on the record. That's when my life changed. That's when I became a rocker.
Even though I'll always remain true to rock, my tastes have diversified as I've heard more bands. But every person has those albums that were monumental in their life. I'd like to share a few of the most influential albums of my life. Let's make this clear, though. These are not my favorite albums. These are not what I think are the best of my lifetime or the best EVER. You will see no Beatles, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson or Led Zeppelin, all of which lay some claim to one of the best albums. No, these are simply the albums that changed my life and without them, I would not be the person I am right now (whatever that's worth).
Silverchair, Frogstomp - Again, it was the single CD that made me interested in wonderful sound of a distorted Fender Strat.
Third Day, Conspiracy No. 5 - Before this album, I could hardly get into Christian music. It all seemed so unoriginal and contrived (most of it still is), but this CD hit at the right time in my life, satisfying my appetite for a dirty sound and my need for smart, thoughtful lyrics.
Third Day, Third Day - This was Third Day's first effort and really got me into going to concerts. "Consuming Fire" is still one of the top five songs ever.
Jars of Clay, Jars of Clay - If ever there was a perfect album, it is this one. It was the first CD that offered me a softer and more spiritual side to Christian rock. It's well known for "Flood" but "World's Apart," is the first song that nearly brought me to tears.
Phil Keaggy, 220 - It may be hard to believe, but I wasn't always a Keaggy fan. I went to a show or two with Uncle Loren and Mike, two guys I looked up to musically as a kid, but it wasn't until 220 that all of Keaggy's music started to appeal to me.
Phil Keaggy, Town to Town - This album predates my birth by two years, but it was his first non-instrumental album that I really wore out. It's no longer my favorite non-instrumental (that would be Love Broke Thru) but it was a door into a new world.
Bush, Sixteen Stone - Bush's lyrics still make zero sense (what the heck is "Glycerine"), but I owned this album before I had any Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden or Alice in Chains CD. See, When the grunge era really hit in 1992, I was only nine and had zero exposure to MTV. After Frogstomp, Bush opened my eyes to what I had missed.
Creed, My Own Prison - The dark ages of the 1990's came in 1997. Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, the Spice Girls, Jewel, Hanson and Puff Daddy ruled the air waves. The closet thing to rock was No Doubt or Sugary Ray (vomit). And then along came Creed (with pre-insane Scott Stapp) and the dark, haunting sound of "Torn" and "My Own Prison." It was a rebirth of hard rock, bringing the genre back to the forefront after a several year hiatus.
Pearl Jam, Ten - I challenged any one to find an album with a better start. Songs 1-6 are all hits. It was also the big grunge record of my youth.
Pantera, Official Live: 101 Proof - Look, Pantera's lyrical choices probably weren't the most savory but this live album was like a greatest hits CD it put on display Darrell Abbott's (better known as Dimebag) otherworldly guitar skills. Aside from Keaggy, he's the most influential guitar player of my life and might be the most copied guitar player in recent years. Every heavy metal band that screams a lot ripped off Pantera.
Smalltown Poets, Smalltown Poets - Unfortunately, they band broke up a couple years ago. But this CD was released in 1997 and it's still on regular rotation in my iPod. That's all I have to say.
Petra, On Fire - Petra was one of the first big rockin' Christian bands and Uncle Loren gave me this CD at some point around '91. It came out in 1988 and was their 11th CD, but hearing it at that age, when I thought all Christian music was played on a piano and sung out of a hymnal, was quite the shock. "This is Christian music?" I remember thinking. Compared to what's been out since 1988, On Fire is almost soft rock. The album cover was also pretty freakin' cool to an eight year old.
Michael W. Smith, i 2 (EYE) - This pick is less about the album and more about the song "Secret Ambition." It's hard to believe that the now crowned prince of schmaltz was not always a schmaltzer.
Geoff Moore and The Distance, Pure and Simple - Much like "Secret Ambition," this album was more about "Rescue Me." It had to be my favorite song around 1990-91. Loren was working at a radio station at the time and played this once and said during the lead-in that it was one of my favs. Maybe that sparked my interest in radio, with which I've had much success.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Ghost from Ohio
Remember Sunday when I said I wasn't a NASCAR fan but I watched the Daytona 500 simply to see if fellow Ohioan Sam Hornish, Jr., would do well? I've never been into boxing either, but I saw a ghost, and now I'm all eyes and ears.
"The Ghost" is what the boxing promoters are calling the Youngstown, Ohio native Kelly Pavlik (I'm assuming because he's pasty white). That's right. He's from Ohio and he's the Middleweight Champion of the World.
I first found out about Pavlik in a beautifully written article in Sports Illustrated. Pavlik, apparently is a good ol' hometown boy. He lives in Youngstown, trains in Youngstown and has the same trainer that he started with when he was a kid.
He's 25 years old and I've unfortunately missed out on most of his perfect 33-0 record with 29 knockouts to start his career. Last weekend, he successfully defended his title in a rematch against Jermain Taylor. In 2007 alone, he won three fights, all by knockout, including taking the title from Taylor. Folks were saying it was "The Year of the Ghost."
Anyone that is proud of their Ohio hometown like Pavlik, is all right with me. This is a kid that won his middleweight championship wearing silver trunks with the classic Ohio State football stripes down the side and a Block O and buckeye leaf on one leg. Talk about a man after my own heart.
If you can't love Pavlik for that, love him for the way he fights. Like I said, I was never a huge boxing fan, but he's fun to watch. He takes shot, shakes it off and then comes back at his opponent and hits him harder than he got hit. He's got explosive punching power which is evident with his 29 knockouts.
His boxing style seemingly stems from his upbringing. He was raised in the steel valley (much like me) and Youngstown suffered huge hits from mills and plants being shut down. It's one of those blue collar towns where folks work hard with their hands and sweat for earn their dough. He's got that kind of grit. There's no quit or back down in him. Pavlik seems to be living the boxing cliche. You know, Rocky Balboa.
Take a couple minutes and visit his web site which has clips from his three fights before Pavlik/Taylor II. It's worth a watch. Here's a clip from his title victory. After watching Pavlik, maybe you too will believe in "the ghost."
"The Ghost" is what the boxing promoters are calling the Youngstown, Ohio native Kelly Pavlik (I'm assuming because he's pasty white). That's right. He's from Ohio and he's the Middleweight Champion of the World.
I first found out about Pavlik in a beautifully written article in Sports Illustrated. Pavlik, apparently is a good ol' hometown boy. He lives in Youngstown, trains in Youngstown and has the same trainer that he started with when he was a kid.
He's 25 years old and I've unfortunately missed out on most of his perfect 33-0 record with 29 knockouts to start his career. Last weekend, he successfully defended his title in a rematch against Jermain Taylor. In 2007 alone, he won three fights, all by knockout, including taking the title from Taylor. Folks were saying it was "The Year of the Ghost."
Anyone that is proud of their Ohio hometown like Pavlik, is all right with me. This is a kid that won his middleweight championship wearing silver trunks with the classic Ohio State football stripes down the side and a Block O and buckeye leaf on one leg. Talk about a man after my own heart.
If you can't love Pavlik for that, love him for the way he fights. Like I said, I was never a huge boxing fan, but he's fun to watch. He takes shot, shakes it off and then comes back at his opponent and hits him harder than he got hit. He's got explosive punching power which is evident with his 29 knockouts.
His boxing style seemingly stems from his upbringing. He was raised in the steel valley (much like me) and Youngstown suffered huge hits from mills and plants being shut down. It's one of those blue collar towns where folks work hard with their hands and sweat for earn their dough. He's got that kind of grit. There's no quit or back down in him. Pavlik seems to be living the boxing cliche. You know, Rocky Balboa.
Take a couple minutes and visit his web site which has clips from his three fights before Pavlik/Taylor II. It's worth a watch. Here's a clip from his title victory. After watching Pavlik, maybe you too will believe in "the ghost."
Monday, February 18, 2008
New Read?
I'm looking for some new books to read. I've always been interested in history, especially the WWII era. Most of you reading the blog know what I enjoy. Any suggestions?
A Different Kind of Blog
If you didn't already know, I'm also blogging on a site with two of my friends. It's called The Buckeye Bunch. Never fear, you non-Ohio State fans. It's not all about the Buckeyes. We simply titled it that because we are all tried and true Bucknuts.
Actually, outside of football season, there is very little Buckeye blogs. We touch on other sports, current events, movies, concerts, humorous stories and Bible talk. The Hot Corner has provided me with a more personal platform, but I'm more apt to post my thoughts on the Cincinnati Reds bullpen or my feelings on the upcoming presidential race on the Buckeye Bunch.
It reminds me of when I was a sports writer. Nowadays, I'm stuck writing mindless press releases and game recaps using the old journalist template of the upside down pyramid. At my job, I have very few opportunities to write a stirring feature or a scathing column. I prefer sitting down with a coach or a player and picking their brain and coming up with a story over covering a game any day. The Buckeye Bunch is that outlet. So feel free to check it out: www.thebuckeyebunch.com.
Actually, outside of football season, there is very little Buckeye blogs. We touch on other sports, current events, movies, concerts, humorous stories and Bible talk. The Hot Corner has provided me with a more personal platform, but I'm more apt to post my thoughts on the Cincinnati Reds bullpen or my feelings on the upcoming presidential race on the Buckeye Bunch.
It reminds me of when I was a sports writer. Nowadays, I'm stuck writing mindless press releases and game recaps using the old journalist template of the upside down pyramid. At my job, I have very few opportunities to write a stirring feature or a scathing column. I prefer sitting down with a coach or a player and picking their brain and coming up with a story over covering a game any day. The Buckeye Bunch is that outlet. So feel free to check it out: www.thebuckeyebunch.com.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday Sports
February is usually a pretty stinky month for sports. But Sunday was a fun day for sports on television. I've been a big critic of NASCAR for a long time, writing columns poking fun at it and its fans. On Sunday, however, I did happen to watch a good deal of the Great American Race. Mostly because I was bored, had nothing else to do and nothing else was on in the afternoon. But during the lineups, I heard Sam Hornish, Jr., say he was from Defiance, Ohio. I'd heard of Hornish from his Indy 500 win and success in the IRL but he wasn't someone I knew anything about other than just that. But if you are from Ohio (and don't play football at Michigan) I've got your back. So I pulled for my fellow Ohioan to do well and stayed tuned in just to see if the rookie could win. He finished 15th.
The NBA All Star Game came on at 8:30. I know a lot of people can't stand it, but I've always enjoyed watching the wide open, high scoring style. There's something to be said for watching the 24 best players in the NBA showing off their skills. People really don't appreciate how good these guys are. They dunk with ease, shoot 3-pointers from 28 feet with seemingly no effort. I don't care if there is no defense being played. It's still tough to score 140 points in 40 minutes. It was also special to have Doc Rivers and the Celtics coaches on the bench and see Paul Pierce and Ray Allen playing with Kevin Garnett rooting them on from the bench. Ray made a push for the MVP with a great fourth quarter and even if he was injured and it was an exhibition, you could see Garnett's passion as he pumped his fist and fired up the bench. It's that kind of energy that's made the Celtics the best team in the NBA through 50 games.
I love seeing athletic ability on display, and let me tell you, it was incredible what Gerald Green and Dwight Howard did Saturday in the dunk contest. Despite being a big fan of the competition, it had grown stale with the exception of a few dunkers in recent years. But Green's "Birthday Cake" dunk, in which he lit a candle on a cupcake on top of the rim, then blew out the candle while dunking the ball was insane. He also pulled off a bare-footed jam, which showed great creativity. Dwight Howard, though, took it to an entirely new level. His "Superman" dunk was fun, but his tap off the back board dunk was one of the most impressive things I've ever seen. By the way, in any other year, Rudy Gay and Jamario Moon would have been winners.
Many will say that the Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins duels in the late 80's were the best competitions, but those were always a bit overrated if you ask me. The 2008 contest, though, is without a doubt the best contest ever. If you have seen it yet, go to Youtube and search for 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Competition.
I suppose the one thing that all of my TV watching had in common (other than me being bored) was all the fanfare that was involved with each event. There were musical acts, and pyrotechnics and famous musicians performing the anthems (the all star game anthem was excellent, by the way). Not only is the amount of money spent on pregame activities unfathomable, it's also impressive to think of the planning and coordination that is involved. And from someone that does a lot of game management, I can tell you just how difficult it is.
The NBA All Star Game came on at 8:30. I know a lot of people can't stand it, but I've always enjoyed watching the wide open, high scoring style. There's something to be said for watching the 24 best players in the NBA showing off their skills. People really don't appreciate how good these guys are. They dunk with ease, shoot 3-pointers from 28 feet with seemingly no effort. I don't care if there is no defense being played. It's still tough to score 140 points in 40 minutes. It was also special to have Doc Rivers and the Celtics coaches on the bench and see Paul Pierce and Ray Allen playing with Kevin Garnett rooting them on from the bench. Ray made a push for the MVP with a great fourth quarter and even if he was injured and it was an exhibition, you could see Garnett's passion as he pumped his fist and fired up the bench. It's that kind of energy that's made the Celtics the best team in the NBA through 50 games.
I love seeing athletic ability on display, and let me tell you, it was incredible what Gerald Green and Dwight Howard did Saturday in the dunk contest. Despite being a big fan of the competition, it had grown stale with the exception of a few dunkers in recent years. But Green's "Birthday Cake" dunk, in which he lit a candle on a cupcake on top of the rim, then blew out the candle while dunking the ball was insane. He also pulled off a bare-footed jam, which showed great creativity. Dwight Howard, though, took it to an entirely new level. His "Superman" dunk was fun, but his tap off the back board dunk was one of the most impressive things I've ever seen. By the way, in any other year, Rudy Gay and Jamario Moon would have been winners.
Many will say that the Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins duels in the late 80's were the best competitions, but those were always a bit overrated if you ask me. The 2008 contest, though, is without a doubt the best contest ever. If you have seen it yet, go to Youtube and search for 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Competition.
I suppose the one thing that all of my TV watching had in common (other than me being bored) was all the fanfare that was involved with each event. There were musical acts, and pyrotechnics and famous musicians performing the anthems (the all star game anthem was excellent, by the way). Not only is the amount of money spent on pregame activities unfathomable, it's also impressive to think of the planning and coordination that is involved. And from someone that does a lot of game management, I can tell you just how difficult it is.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
It's been a long run of inactivity here at the Hot Corner, but Thursday-Saturday are my busiest days of the week. For some reason a certain college that I may or may not work for schedules every game for every sport from Thursday-Saturday and leaves every other day open. So much for moderation.
But this week, our teams were on the road, so I decided to give Trista the Valentine's present she had asked for. See, I get the double whammy. Her b-day is on the 13th. Back-to-back. At least it's not easy to forget. Well, a few weeks ago I asked what she wanted and she simply said, a card with something nice written in it delivered in person. That might not sound like much, but when you work on the weekends and live three hours away, it's not so simple.
But Thursday I checked out of work early, drove to Morgantown just in time to walk into the hospital and hand deliver a Valentine's Day card. Needless to say she was quite surprised. The smile and hug was all the thanks I could ask for. It was also fortunate that I was in town. Friday, she came down with a high fever and nasty cough and they sent her home from work before I could head back to Erie. I decided the proper thing to do would be work from the laptop in Morgantown and tend to illness.
I've always been the type of person that wants to fix every problem, but when someone is sick, you can't worry about fixing the problem. The only thing, and most important thing (I learned this from my mom and grandma) is just be there and be a comforter. Go to the store and pick up medicine and little food items that will make them feel better. Clean up around the house so they don't have to. Do the little mundane tasks like laundry so they won't have it on their mind. Just do anything you can so all they have to worry about is resting and relaxing. I actually enjoyed being the housekeeper and nurse for a day. But believe me, I have no future in the health care business. I majored in journalism for a reason.
On a side note, I'll be blogging about the NBA Slam Dunk competition tomorrow. I was blown away by this year's participants.
But this week, our teams were on the road, so I decided to give Trista the Valentine's present she had asked for. See, I get the double whammy. Her b-day is on the 13th. Back-to-back. At least it's not easy to forget. Well, a few weeks ago I asked what she wanted and she simply said, a card with something nice written in it delivered in person. That might not sound like much, but when you work on the weekends and live three hours away, it's not so simple.
But Thursday I checked out of work early, drove to Morgantown just in time to walk into the hospital and hand deliver a Valentine's Day card. Needless to say she was quite surprised. The smile and hug was all the thanks I could ask for. It was also fortunate that I was in town. Friday, she came down with a high fever and nasty cough and they sent her home from work before I could head back to Erie. I decided the proper thing to do would be work from the laptop in Morgantown and tend to illness.
I've always been the type of person that wants to fix every problem, but when someone is sick, you can't worry about fixing the problem. The only thing, and most important thing (I learned this from my mom and grandma) is just be there and be a comforter. Go to the store and pick up medicine and little food items that will make them feel better. Clean up around the house so they don't have to. Do the little mundane tasks like laundry so they won't have it on their mind. Just do anything you can so all they have to worry about is resting and relaxing. I actually enjoyed being the housekeeper and nurse for a day. But believe me, I have no future in the health care business. I majored in journalism for a reason.
On a side note, I'll be blogging about the NBA Slam Dunk competition tomorrow. I was blown away by this year's participants.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ice on the Outside...and the Inside
The last couple of days I've been reading through Titus. It doesn't take very long to do (like 10 minutes) but it's the kind of book that gives me a chance to look at every verse and understand what is being said. Perception is often dictated by where I am in life and what I took from Titus was two words: Good works.
However you want to say it, doing good deeds, being fruitful, it doesn't matter. Paul is exceedingly clear in Titus that those who believe in God should do good works. Now, we know that works do not save us (God's mercy does, Titus 3:5), but it says flat out that if we love God we will be zealous for good works.
I'm the first to admit that I don't do nearly enough good works. I seem to find something on which to blame my failures. I don't see someone in need, and so on. Big, fat excuses. Maybe the reason I can't see any needs that need met is because I'm not really trying to look...
I walked out of The MAC Tuesday night and it had been snowing/raining,. You know, the kind that piles up and forms a glacier on your car. Well, I started the car, cranked the defroster and started chipping away. I pounded, scraped, dug, and banged on the windows with my ice scraper and I got no where. It wasn't until the defroster kicked in and melted that frosty exterior that I was able to make some head way.
It might sound strange, but I'm a lot like my car. Preventing me from doing good works is a wall of ice--a barrier that I can see through, but can't work through. I can chip all I want on the outside but all I'm going to do is burn myself out and get no where. Change and progress has to start from within and the way to melt the ice is with fire in the heart.
It's a difficult thing to change from the outside in. As my ice scraping proved, there's a lot of elbow grease involved and it can be nearly impossible. But if I work on my heart, the ice melts away and good works for God come easily.
Paul writes in Titus 1:16 about those who profess to know God but deny him in works. I do not want to be that guy. The best way to work on my heart is to let God have His way. The quintessential Third Day song, "Consuming Fire," hits the proverbial nail on the head...
"And yes our God, He is a consuming fire
And the flames burn down deep in my soul
Yes our God He is a consuming fire
He reaches inside and He melts down this
cold heart of stone"
However you want to say it, doing good deeds, being fruitful, it doesn't matter. Paul is exceedingly clear in Titus that those who believe in God should do good works. Now, we know that works do not save us (God's mercy does, Titus 3:5), but it says flat out that if we love God we will be zealous for good works.
I'm the first to admit that I don't do nearly enough good works. I seem to find something on which to blame my failures. I don't see someone in need, and so on. Big, fat excuses. Maybe the reason I can't see any needs that need met is because I'm not really trying to look...
I walked out of The MAC Tuesday night and it had been snowing/raining,. You know, the kind that piles up and forms a glacier on your car. Well, I started the car, cranked the defroster and started chipping away. I pounded, scraped, dug, and banged on the windows with my ice scraper and I got no where. It wasn't until the defroster kicked in and melted that frosty exterior that I was able to make some head way.
It might sound strange, but I'm a lot like my car. Preventing me from doing good works is a wall of ice--a barrier that I can see through, but can't work through. I can chip all I want on the outside but all I'm going to do is burn myself out and get no where. Change and progress has to start from within and the way to melt the ice is with fire in the heart.
It's a difficult thing to change from the outside in. As my ice scraping proved, there's a lot of elbow grease involved and it can be nearly impossible. But if I work on my heart, the ice melts away and good works for God come easily.
Paul writes in Titus 1:16 about those who profess to know God but deny him in works. I do not want to be that guy. The best way to work on my heart is to let God have His way. The quintessential Third Day song, "Consuming Fire," hits the proverbial nail on the head...
"And yes our God, He is a consuming fire
And the flames burn down deep in my soul
Yes our God He is a consuming fire
He reaches inside and He melts down this
cold heart of stone"
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sheesh, it's been a while since I blogged. I blame my family and friends.
Friday, my good friends Jason and Bill made their way from Shippensburg to Erie with the Red Raider men's and women's basketball teams. We checked out one of Bill's favorite sports, ice hockey, went out to eat, which was always one of our favorite pastimes in my Ship days, and then watched another one of Bill's favorite sports...soccer...at my place. It was good to rehash memories from the not-so-long-ago and share stories from this year. The folks in Shippensburg treated me great during my time there and I'll always think of it as a second home.
Saturday, my parents and grandparents came to town to take in the Laker basketball game. It's the first time my grandparents have had a chance to visit Erie, see my apartment and my work environment. While grandpa's prowling and refusal (or inability) to sleep kept me and everyone else awake Saturday night, it was enjoyable to have them around. The only thing that was missing was a big home cooked meal or a freshly baked pie that grandma seems to always have for me whenever I go home. Naturally, I can't eat either at this point, so it worked out fine.
Speaking of the stomach, it continues to be bothersome. There's good days and not so much bad, but frustrating days. It looked as if I was finally going to get to travel with the men's basketball team this week, but I really wouldn't feel comfortable having to eat fast food for four days as athletic teams in Division II are prone to do. Instead, I'll stay close to my home base and continue pounding the steady diet of white bread, bagels and potatoes. Delicious!
Yeah, my family and friends kept me from blogging, but that's a trade I'll gladly make.
Friday, my good friends Jason and Bill made their way from Shippensburg to Erie with the Red Raider men's and women's basketball teams. We checked out one of Bill's favorite sports, ice hockey, went out to eat, which was always one of our favorite pastimes in my Ship days, and then watched another one of Bill's favorite sports...soccer...at my place. It was good to rehash memories from the not-so-long-ago and share stories from this year. The folks in Shippensburg treated me great during my time there and I'll always think of it as a second home.
Saturday, my parents and grandparents came to town to take in the Laker basketball game. It's the first time my grandparents have had a chance to visit Erie, see my apartment and my work environment. While grandpa's prowling and refusal (or inability) to sleep kept me and everyone else awake Saturday night, it was enjoyable to have them around. The only thing that was missing was a big home cooked meal or a freshly baked pie that grandma seems to always have for me whenever I go home. Naturally, I can't eat either at this point, so it worked out fine.
Speaking of the stomach, it continues to be bothersome. There's good days and not so much bad, but frustrating days. It looked as if I was finally going to get to travel with the men's basketball team this week, but I really wouldn't feel comfortable having to eat fast food for four days as athletic teams in Division II are prone to do. Instead, I'll stay close to my home base and continue pounding the steady diet of white bread, bagels and potatoes. Delicious!
Yeah, my family and friends kept me from blogging, but that's a trade I'll gladly make.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Hey, hey, hey, hey...What is Going on Here?
Thanks to channel 143 on my time warner cable (I think it's called TheN), I've been reliving the days of my youth every night from 11-12. This station, which runs crap from all but one hour of the day, is now air your favorite show and mine, Saved by the Bell.
For years before and after school and sometimes as many as six episodes a day between TBS and WGN (in reruns) and Saturdays on NBC when it was running new episodes, Saved by the Bell gave us six lovable characters, a host of stereotypes that involved geeks, dweebs, nerds, dumb jocks, dumb blonds and the like. It was then and still is, a whole lot of cheese. The writing is low brow and for the most part uncreative but there was something about it that sucks us all in.
Rarely do you have an opportunity to be 12 years old all over again, but this show about high schoolers (although most of the characters were in their 20's) in a fictional town called Palisades allows me to do just that. There is literally no thinking involved while watching and it's so sublimely ridiculous with the mini-gymnasium that fits all of 20 people for basketball games and wrestling meets, Screech's talking robot Kevin, Slater's curly mullet and acid wash jeans, Zack and Kelly's unforgettable romance and the memorable extras and guest stars that prompted such episodes as a girl trying out for the wrestling team, a movie star shooting a say no to drugs commercial at Bayside and the school's hot new nurse.
Few people on earth no as much useless trivia about Saved by the Bell as I do. Just try me. But instead of boasting of my knowledge of the pointless, let me offer up my favorite Saved by the Bell moments.
Best Episode: Beauty and the Screech - Kelly has to pass science to go to the George Michael concert and Zack has Screech help her out. But the plan backfires on Zack when the unlikely pair fall for each other momentarily and hilarity ensues.
Best Moment: This is a tie between Zack taking Kelly to the "prom" by setting up a picnic outside the gymnasium and Screech winning Miss Bayside.
Best Line: Mr. Belding attempts to keep Screech and Kelly from eloping and says "Screen you can't elope!" to which Screech replies. "Who are you calling a cantaloupe you melon head?!"
Best Character: Zack Morris is undoubtedly the character that makes the show go 'round. Without him, Saved by the Bell isn't saved by the bell...it's, well, Saved by the Bell "The New Class." Nothing was as cool as his real time "timeout."
Most Touching Moment: After Mr. Belding's cooler, younger brother Rod ditches the senior class before the big class trip, Mr. Belding steps in and doesn't let the class down. Zack tells the principal that he's "the better Belding." One of the only times we see the two arch rivals in a warm and fuzzy moment.
Most Touching Moment Runner-Up: The gang has a funeral for A.C.'s pet chameleon, Artie. Also, Second Runner-Up is Screech coming to Lisa's aid and doing "the sprang" at the big dance contest.
Favorite Teacher: This is a close one between Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Dewey. Dewey was the original and Tuttle came on strong with several performances late in the run. Tuttle starred in the Driver's Ed episode and had the great line, "pushy, pushy, move your tushy." Mr. Dewey, though, wins this toss up for his dry sense of humor and quick wit.
Best Guest Character: Eliot Stingwell (Valley's principal) from the "Save That Tiger" episode.
Favorite Extra: In the early years there was this blond surfer kid that skateboarded between classes. To my knowledge his only speaking line was while presenting the "Surf-and-Fold" portable surf board in the infamous Buddy Bands episode. Also, Alan Fairbanks--the fat kid that wanted served cake at the prom--was a good side character.
Favorite Parent: Screech's mom was too over-the-top, Jessie's dad only appeared late in the series, Slater's dad was actually pretty good, but Zack's dad (there were two) wasn't much of a factor. His mom was funny in her one episode. Kelly's dad was a total jerk, accepting the money she would have used to go to the prom (what kind of father does that), so taking the prize for best parent goes Lisa's mom, the doctor. The two really could have been mother and daughter and she gets bonus credit for fixing Zack's knee.
Most Absurd Moment: I could list any number of these moments including Hot Sundae, The Buddy Bands commercial, the big ATV race at the beach and so on. But my vote goes for the wrestling match between Slater and Valley's Marvin Nedick. The mat takes place totally impromptu in the smallest gym imaginable and on mats that reminded me of the gray gym class mats at Sardis Elementary. And of course, Slater suplexes Marvin in WWE style to get the pin.
Best Zack and Kelly Moment: My favorite moment doesn't even involved the real Kelly, but a cardboard cut out. It's when Zack first reveals his love for Kelly, hits the remote and the Kelly poster comes down from the ceiling. Priceless. Another might be when Zack plays the sacred "A-12" on jukebox at The Max, which prompts Kelly to smack him in the face.
So those are some of the hundreds of memories that the gang provided for me. And thanks to TheN, the memories come to life every weeknight from 11-12.
For years before and after school and sometimes as many as six episodes a day between TBS and WGN (in reruns) and Saturdays on NBC when it was running new episodes, Saved by the Bell gave us six lovable characters, a host of stereotypes that involved geeks, dweebs, nerds, dumb jocks, dumb blonds and the like. It was then and still is, a whole lot of cheese. The writing is low brow and for the most part uncreative but there was something about it that sucks us all in.
Rarely do you have an opportunity to be 12 years old all over again, but this show about high schoolers (although most of the characters were in their 20's) in a fictional town called Palisades allows me to do just that. There is literally no thinking involved while watching and it's so sublimely ridiculous with the mini-gymnasium that fits all of 20 people for basketball games and wrestling meets, Screech's talking robot Kevin, Slater's curly mullet and acid wash jeans, Zack and Kelly's unforgettable romance and the memorable extras and guest stars that prompted such episodes as a girl trying out for the wrestling team, a movie star shooting a say no to drugs commercial at Bayside and the school's hot new nurse.
Few people on earth no as much useless trivia about Saved by the Bell as I do. Just try me. But instead of boasting of my knowledge of the pointless, let me offer up my favorite Saved by the Bell moments.
Best Episode: Beauty and the Screech - Kelly has to pass science to go to the George Michael concert and Zack has Screech help her out. But the plan backfires on Zack when the unlikely pair fall for each other momentarily and hilarity ensues.
Best Moment: This is a tie between Zack taking Kelly to the "prom" by setting up a picnic outside the gymnasium and Screech winning Miss Bayside.
Best Line: Mr. Belding attempts to keep Screech and Kelly from eloping and says "Screen you can't elope!" to which Screech replies. "Who are you calling a cantaloupe you melon head?!"
Best Character: Zack Morris is undoubtedly the character that makes the show go 'round. Without him, Saved by the Bell isn't saved by the bell...it's, well, Saved by the Bell "The New Class." Nothing was as cool as his real time "timeout."
Most Touching Moment: After Mr. Belding's cooler, younger brother Rod ditches the senior class before the big class trip, Mr. Belding steps in and doesn't let the class down. Zack tells the principal that he's "the better Belding." One of the only times we see the two arch rivals in a warm and fuzzy moment.
Most Touching Moment Runner-Up: The gang has a funeral for A.C.'s pet chameleon, Artie. Also, Second Runner-Up is Screech coming to Lisa's aid and doing "the sprang" at the big dance contest.
Favorite Teacher: This is a close one between Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Dewey. Dewey was the original and Tuttle came on strong with several performances late in the run. Tuttle starred in the Driver's Ed episode and had the great line, "pushy, pushy, move your tushy." Mr. Dewey, though, wins this toss up for his dry sense of humor and quick wit.
Best Guest Character: Eliot Stingwell (Valley's principal) from the "Save That Tiger" episode.
Favorite Extra: In the early years there was this blond surfer kid that skateboarded between classes. To my knowledge his only speaking line was while presenting the "Surf-and-Fold" portable surf board in the infamous Buddy Bands episode. Also, Alan Fairbanks--the fat kid that wanted served cake at the prom--was a good side character.
Favorite Parent: Screech's mom was too over-the-top, Jessie's dad only appeared late in the series, Slater's dad was actually pretty good, but Zack's dad (there were two) wasn't much of a factor. His mom was funny in her one episode. Kelly's dad was a total jerk, accepting the money she would have used to go to the prom (what kind of father does that), so taking the prize for best parent goes Lisa's mom, the doctor. The two really could have been mother and daughter and she gets bonus credit for fixing Zack's knee.
Most Absurd Moment: I could list any number of these moments including Hot Sundae, The Buddy Bands commercial, the big ATV race at the beach and so on. But my vote goes for the wrestling match between Slater and Valley's Marvin Nedick. The mat takes place totally impromptu in the smallest gym imaginable and on mats that reminded me of the gray gym class mats at Sardis Elementary. And of course, Slater suplexes Marvin in WWE style to get the pin.
Best Zack and Kelly Moment: My favorite moment doesn't even involved the real Kelly, but a cardboard cut out. It's when Zack first reveals his love for Kelly, hits the remote and the Kelly poster comes down from the ceiling. Priceless. Another might be when Zack plays the sacred "A-12" on jukebox at The Max, which prompts Kelly to smack him in the face.
So those are some of the hundreds of memories that the gang provided for me. And thanks to TheN, the memories come to life every weeknight from 11-12.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Coming out Like Gold
It seems as if everyone goes through some down time or even a level of depression at some point. I'm no doctor and I've been an incredibly positive person for the biggest part of my life so it's not only difficult for me to understand what that person is feeling, it's difficult for me to give advice.
I suppose it's not really smart on my part to come up with answers to questions on my own. So instead, I turn to the ultimate doctor and the ultimate guidebook: God and the Bible.
At first thought, I struggled to come up with examples of dealing with depression in the Bible. But some of the Bible's greatest figures dealt with it. Abraham wanted a son. Jonah was so depressed that he begged God to end his life. Job suffered more than any, losing his riches, his home and his family. Elijah struggled with the death of all the prophets. Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet as he prophesied to Israel and no one ever listened. Even King David, a man after God's own heart had trying times and wrote about them in many of the Psalms.
This shows me that no person, no matter how great or small, faithful or unfaithful, can avoid falling into a rut and having trouble getting out. Looking at these names, though, it seems that each man came through the trying times because they trusted in God and because God had something big in store for them. Just think about the way God used these individuals to perform miracles and spread the word to nations. Trust is without a doubt rewarded.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Several blogs back I wrote about waiting on the Lord. This applies here too. Isaiah told us as much; “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
There are times when God places us in difficult situations. Why? I'm not totally sure. Maybe its a test. Maybe He's sending a message. Maybe its to help us grow. Maybe its to help us overcome other issues. Regardless, God never gives us more than we can't handle. He knows our limits. And above all, no matter what the trial, if we trust in the Lord, we will grow stronger through it. Just like an athlete training. We won't get stronger without hard work. Paul even tells us to rejoice in times like this. It's an opportunity to focus not on ourselves but to turn our focus toward Him.
Sometimes I've looked at it as God pulling us closer. It's the troublesome times when we realize we can't stand on our own two feet and have to lean on Him. Through every hill there is a valley and God will guide us through and we'll be better for it when we get to the top again.
"But God knows the way that I take, and when He tested me. I will come out like gold (Job 23:10)."
One of my favorite parts of the Bible is when Elijah went to the mountain and there was a mighty wind, an earthquake and a fire but God wasn't in those. He came in a still, small voice. The mightiest presence came in the most subtle way. Sometimes when there are troubles we are consumed by those troubles. When it comes to this, maybe we can focus on looking and listening for God, instead of looking at the trouble.
I suppose it's not really smart on my part to come up with answers to questions on my own. So instead, I turn to the ultimate doctor and the ultimate guidebook: God and the Bible.
At first thought, I struggled to come up with examples of dealing with depression in the Bible. But some of the Bible's greatest figures dealt with it. Abraham wanted a son. Jonah was so depressed that he begged God to end his life. Job suffered more than any, losing his riches, his home and his family. Elijah struggled with the death of all the prophets. Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet as he prophesied to Israel and no one ever listened. Even King David, a man after God's own heart had trying times and wrote about them in many of the Psalms.
This shows me that no person, no matter how great or small, faithful or unfaithful, can avoid falling into a rut and having trouble getting out. Looking at these names, though, it seems that each man came through the trying times because they trusted in God and because God had something big in store for them. Just think about the way God used these individuals to perform miracles and spread the word to nations. Trust is without a doubt rewarded.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Several blogs back I wrote about waiting on the Lord. This applies here too. Isaiah told us as much; “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
There are times when God places us in difficult situations. Why? I'm not totally sure. Maybe its a test. Maybe He's sending a message. Maybe its to help us grow. Maybe its to help us overcome other issues. Regardless, God never gives us more than we can't handle. He knows our limits. And above all, no matter what the trial, if we trust in the Lord, we will grow stronger through it. Just like an athlete training. We won't get stronger without hard work. Paul even tells us to rejoice in times like this. It's an opportunity to focus not on ourselves but to turn our focus toward Him.
Sometimes I've looked at it as God pulling us closer. It's the troublesome times when we realize we can't stand on our own two feet and have to lean on Him. Through every hill there is a valley and God will guide us through and we'll be better for it when we get to the top again.
"But God knows the way that I take, and when He tested me. I will come out like gold (Job 23:10)."
One of my favorite parts of the Bible is when Elijah went to the mountain and there was a mighty wind, an earthquake and a fire but God wasn't in those. He came in a still, small voice. The mightiest presence came in the most subtle way. Sometimes when there are troubles we are consumed by those troubles. When it comes to this, maybe we can focus on looking and listening for God, instead of looking at the trouble.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Changing the Understanding
Think about worship for a second. What immediately comes to mind? Is it singing? Is it music? Is it prayer? For the longest time, and I suppose its because the churches I have grown up in, it seemed that worship was singing. But this weekend, I was listening to the podcast of Ravi Zacharias as I often do. In two messages, Ravi made me realize that worship isn't a singular activity. It's so much more and so much more important that I could possibly realize.
In the following few paragraphs is not my created idea or opinion, but it's what I feel is a summation of Ravi's message. And believe me when I say this, that when I generalize with "we," I really mean "me." I'm more guilty of this than any one.
As good messages do, it starts with scripture. Check out the book of Malachi. I find that looking at Israel as a nation and their downfalls and shortcomings can be directly applied to the life of today's Christian, as well.
Malachi's prophecy came at the end of a 1,000 year period of revelation stretching from the Exodus to end of the Old Testament, and he was the last prophetic voice before John the Baptist. During this time nothing extraordinary was going on, and maybe people were wondering where God was. But amazingly, God is named in the first person in 53 of the first 55 verses.
In chapter one, God tells Israel, "I have loved you...Yes you say, in what way have You loved us." God's message continues by telling them He has no pleasure in them and will not accept an offering from them. Why? Because the offerings were the lame, the blind, the sick, the unacceptable. In short, Israel's sacrifices had become the leftovers--leftovers because the whole act had become wearisome to the people. God had become boring to them or even an afterthought.
God continued to say that they called Him father and Master but gave Him no reverence. It was all lip service. The emotion was gone.
This brings us to the first point. There can be no worship without emotion. If it's simply going through the motions, it's not worship. It seems to me that worship somewhere along the line switched from verb to a noun. There's praise and worship music. There's worship service. Worship leaders. But what can't be forgotten is that worship is an action. Think of Biblical references to "worship." It's always paired with something like "bowed down and worshiped."
Malachi isn't the only place where God sees a drifting from true worship. In the book of Hosea, God tells Hosea to marry Gomer, who became a prostitute. Could you imagine members of his congregation hearing about this? People would say, Hosea, how can a holy man like you have ever been married to a woman like that? Hosea would no doubt respond, "How can a holy God love a people like us?"
Israel went from God's true love to a harlot and eventually worse. By the time of Malachi's prophecy, Israel was no longer just unfaithful. They had turned their backs totally, saying "How have you loved us?"
All semblance of emotion toward God had left from the people and therefore, they could longer worship God. Yet as important as emotion is, it alone does not create worship. It was only one reason for Israel's straying.
Worship is also reverence, as I mentioned earlier. It's also sacrifice. I don't mean burning animals on an alter. I mean sacrifice of ourselves. This is where this message really hits close to home for me. Is God getting my leftovers? My left over time, energy, resources, talents (all of which He has generously given me)? God doesn't want--and doesn't deserve--what's left of what we give to the world.
Worship pulls everything together. It brings emotion, reverence, sacrifice and finally purity of heart together. This brings me to the final and most important piece to the worship puzzle.
Remember that God does not live in buildings. Worship is not an hour set aside or a service on a certain day of the week. We do not go to the temple to worship God, we take the temples with us. Worship is a moment by moment occurrence. Understanding worship--and living worshipfully--is what will truly keep us from giving into temptation. Ravi says it perfectly. "Worship is a co-extension of life."
In the following few paragraphs is not my created idea or opinion, but it's what I feel is a summation of Ravi's message. And believe me when I say this, that when I generalize with "we," I really mean "me." I'm more guilty of this than any one.
As good messages do, it starts with scripture. Check out the book of Malachi. I find that looking at Israel as a nation and their downfalls and shortcomings can be directly applied to the life of today's Christian, as well.
Malachi's prophecy came at the end of a 1,000 year period of revelation stretching from the Exodus to end of the Old Testament, and he was the last prophetic voice before John the Baptist. During this time nothing extraordinary was going on, and maybe people were wondering where God was. But amazingly, God is named in the first person in 53 of the first 55 verses.
In chapter one, God tells Israel, "I have loved you...Yes you say, in what way have You loved us." God's message continues by telling them He has no pleasure in them and will not accept an offering from them. Why? Because the offerings were the lame, the blind, the sick, the unacceptable. In short, Israel's sacrifices had become the leftovers--leftovers because the whole act had become wearisome to the people. God had become boring to them or even an afterthought.
God continued to say that they called Him father and Master but gave Him no reverence. It was all lip service. The emotion was gone.
This brings us to the first point. There can be no worship without emotion. If it's simply going through the motions, it's not worship. It seems to me that worship somewhere along the line switched from verb to a noun. There's praise and worship music. There's worship service. Worship leaders. But what can't be forgotten is that worship is an action. Think of Biblical references to "worship." It's always paired with something like "bowed down and worshiped."
Malachi isn't the only place where God sees a drifting from true worship. In the book of Hosea, God tells Hosea to marry Gomer, who became a prostitute. Could you imagine members of his congregation hearing about this? People would say, Hosea, how can a holy man like you have ever been married to a woman like that? Hosea would no doubt respond, "How can a holy God love a people like us?"
Israel went from God's true love to a harlot and eventually worse. By the time of Malachi's prophecy, Israel was no longer just unfaithful. They had turned their backs totally, saying "How have you loved us?"
All semblance of emotion toward God had left from the people and therefore, they could longer worship God. Yet as important as emotion is, it alone does not create worship. It was only one reason for Israel's straying.
Worship is also reverence, as I mentioned earlier. It's also sacrifice. I don't mean burning animals on an alter. I mean sacrifice of ourselves. This is where this message really hits close to home for me. Is God getting my leftovers? My left over time, energy, resources, talents (all of which He has generously given me)? God doesn't want--and doesn't deserve--what's left of what we give to the world.
Worship pulls everything together. It brings emotion, reverence, sacrifice and finally purity of heart together. This brings me to the final and most important piece to the worship puzzle.
Remember that God does not live in buildings. Worship is not an hour set aside or a service on a certain day of the week. We do not go to the temple to worship God, we take the temples with us. Worship is a moment by moment occurrence. Understanding worship--and living worshipfully--is what will truly keep us from giving into temptation. Ravi says it perfectly. "Worship is a co-extension of life."
Sunday, February 3, 2008
A Super Sunday Without the Super Bowl
Ah, Super Bowl Sunday. Seemingly a national holiday. One that no man would miss for anything. Well...except maybe for a musical.
What? You say? Shirking Man's Day for a not-so-manly musical? Yes, actually. I did that today. But before you start questioning my heterosexual credentials, know that I was at the Lion King the musical at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. No better? OK, it was my fiance's Christmas present. SHEESH. Give a guy with a previously unblemished record of manliness a break.
Yes, way back in November I purchased these tickets hardly knowing then that Super Bowl Sunday was on Feb. 3. She really wanted them and I was glad to buy the tickets. Fortunately for me, the Bengals were NOT playing in the game for the 19th-straight season and it was between the NFL's Evil Empire and a team from the city that I just can't root for.
While Eli Manning and the Giant's defense was orchestrating one of the great upsets in sports history and fans were forced to suffer through a lame-o halftime show, I was treated to a spectacle for the eyes and ears. There's nothing wussy about the theater. OK, maybe something. But to me, watching the Lion King was more macho than the media that was certainly slobbering all over pretty boy Tom Brady during the pregame.
When asked to pick a winner for this game, I refused, saying that I'd rather the stadium spontaneously combust. I walked out of the theater after a well-deserved standing ovation, got into my car and turned on the radio just in time to hear Tom Brady's go-ahead TD pass. I listened to the rest of the game in the car, as well. So basically, I heard everything of importance and missed hours upon hours of hoopla. It was almost like Tivo.
It's rather surprising that someone that has spent his entire life in sports, delving in sports, obsessed with sports, would miss football's greatest day. But maybe what's even more surprising is that I'm considering making this tradition. Miss three quarters of a game between two teams that I care nothing about and enjoy myself doing something else.
After all, the Bengals aren't getting there anytime soon.
By the way. It's officially baseball season. Go Reds.
What? You say? Shirking Man's Day for a not-so-manly musical? Yes, actually. I did that today. But before you start questioning my heterosexual credentials, know that I was at the Lion King the musical at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. No better? OK, it was my fiance's Christmas present. SHEESH. Give a guy with a previously unblemished record of manliness a break.
Yes, way back in November I purchased these tickets hardly knowing then that Super Bowl Sunday was on Feb. 3. She really wanted them and I was glad to buy the tickets. Fortunately for me, the Bengals were NOT playing in the game for the 19th-straight season and it was between the NFL's Evil Empire and a team from the city that I just can't root for.
While Eli Manning and the Giant's defense was orchestrating one of the great upsets in sports history and fans were forced to suffer through a lame-o halftime show, I was treated to a spectacle for the eyes and ears. There's nothing wussy about the theater. OK, maybe something. But to me, watching the Lion King was more macho than the media that was certainly slobbering all over pretty boy Tom Brady during the pregame.
When asked to pick a winner for this game, I refused, saying that I'd rather the stadium spontaneously combust. I walked out of the theater after a well-deserved standing ovation, got into my car and turned on the radio just in time to hear Tom Brady's go-ahead TD pass. I listened to the rest of the game in the car, as well. So basically, I heard everything of importance and missed hours upon hours of hoopla. It was almost like Tivo.
It's rather surprising that someone that has spent his entire life in sports, delving in sports, obsessed with sports, would miss football's greatest day. But maybe what's even more surprising is that I'm considering making this tradition. Miss three quarters of a game between two teams that I care nothing about and enjoy myself doing something else.
After all, the Bengals aren't getting there anytime soon.
By the way. It's officially baseball season. Go Reds.
Friday, February 1, 2008
A New Diet
These last few weeks have been tough on me. Only because I love food and all different kinds. With my stomach problems I've been pretty much limited to white bread, potatoes and other bland things of the sort. This will likely go on for at least another week. In the mean time, I'm finding all sorts of new ways to eat white bread.
This has also been a weird experience for me because for the first time I feel old. Growing up I never had any health issues except for the occasional bout of flu that lasted no more than a few days. Now it's one thing after another and it's a month or more. It's like I'm no longer invincible like I was a few years ago. It also made me realize I need to take better care of myself when I'm not ill. It's like an athlete in the offseason; he still has to work out and eat right and train. Hopefully when I get back to near 100 percent I'll be able to start doing that.
On a side note, I watched Casino Royale tonight. You know, the newer James Bond flick. I'm a little behind on it but all I heard was how it was a great comeback for Bond. While Craig is superior to Pierce Brosnan and is probably the best Bond since Sean Connery and the character is far more believable as a ruthless hitman, it still suffers from the attempt to make Bond a cool guy rather than develop a good story. I like to dislike bad guys in movies, and little was done to make me dislike the bad guy. There were a lot of bad guys too. Too many. And I don't even know who the REAL bad guy was supposed to be. It really makes me wonder why Bond movies continue to be written. A far better movie that I recently watched was 3:10 to Yuma. It's worth a watch.
This has also been a weird experience for me because for the first time I feel old. Growing up I never had any health issues except for the occasional bout of flu that lasted no more than a few days. Now it's one thing after another and it's a month or more. It's like I'm no longer invincible like I was a few years ago. It also made me realize I need to take better care of myself when I'm not ill. It's like an athlete in the offseason; he still has to work out and eat right and train. Hopefully when I get back to near 100 percent I'll be able to start doing that.
On a side note, I watched Casino Royale tonight. You know, the newer James Bond flick. I'm a little behind on it but all I heard was how it was a great comeback for Bond. While Craig is superior to Pierce Brosnan and is probably the best Bond since Sean Connery and the character is far more believable as a ruthless hitman, it still suffers from the attempt to make Bond a cool guy rather than develop a good story. I like to dislike bad guys in movies, and little was done to make me dislike the bad guy. There were a lot of bad guys too. Too many. And I don't even know who the REAL bad guy was supposed to be. It really makes me wonder why Bond movies continue to be written. A far better movie that I recently watched was 3:10 to Yuma. It's worth a watch.
Grrrrr...
Paul Daugherty, columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer and personality for WLW, has continued his personal crusade to run Chad Johnson out of town. It seems that Paul is bent on picking out Cincinnati’s biggest sporting celebrities and picking on them like a big bully. Remember, he did it to Adam Dunn a couple years ago to the point that Dunn refused to talk to him. Now, the punching bag is Chad Johnson.
You can tell me that Chad is a cancer. You can tell me that Chad is a diversion. But you can’t tell me that Chad is 1.) Overrated and 2.) not important to the Bengals’ success. Here’s Paul’s Column.
Read it, then e-mail him and tell him he’s an idiot. His argument isn’t valid…on any level. Here’s the e-mail that I sent him.
“Really, Paul? Wide receivers don’t matter? Ask Tom Brady how much better Randy Moss and Wes Welker have made the Patriots. They went from losing in the AFC title game to the greatest team in NFL history. There was not one other roster move of significance. Just Moss and Welker.
As for the Giants having a chance because of their great pass rush, didn’t that great pass rush give up 38 points in a LOSS in week 17? Those 38 points scored by Moss and Welker…two wide receivers…who both caught over 100 yards worth of passes. Yeah, Paul. Wide receivers don’t matter at all.
You mention taking emotion out of the equation when discussing trading Chad Johnson. I suggest you take some of your own advice. It’s quite clear from reading your blogs and listening to your show you have an issue with him. Tip your cap to the guy that has led the league in receiving four of the last five years, something no one else has ever done. You mentioned Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott. Look at the numbers. Neither ever came close to what Chad has done. And by the way, Pickens went to two pro bowls, Darnay to zero and he only had one year of more than 1,000 yards receiving. Don’t make them out to be Tom Brady’s equals.
I remember a few weeks back you saying that Chad Johnson is using the media. Weren’t you the one that approached him about writing a book and then made some money off of it? Who’s using who?”
Obviously, I could have gone on and on and mentioned loads of stats to why Chad Johnson, if anything, is underrated. Say you trade Chad Johnson. What can you get in return? A first round pick? Doubtful. A second rounder and a third or fourth? Probably. You never get value in return acquiring picks for a player. Ask the Raiders how that fourth rounder they got for Moss is looking right about now.
The Bengals offense struggled at times this year even with Chad Johnson. Take him out of the equation and T.J. is no longer as effective. Chris Henry no longer gets the one-on-one coverage with safeties. Chad makes a difference. A huge freakin’ difference.
Is it important that team’s have great defensive and offensive lines? Absolutely! I can’t argue with that. But to say that trading Chad can fix the problem of the Bengals’ lack of pass rush is absurd. It won’t fix anything. It would make the team worse.
Daugherty is obviously on a personal crusade to run Chad out of town. Apparently his book titled, I Can’t Be Stopped, didn’t make the money he had hoped and is now seeking revenge. Ugh. I wish Paul would get run out of town. And as he left, I’d happily say, “Hey Paul, don’t let No. 85 hit ya on the way out.”
You can tell me that Chad is a cancer. You can tell me that Chad is a diversion. But you can’t tell me that Chad is 1.) Overrated and 2.) not important to the Bengals’ success. Here’s Paul’s Column.
Read it, then e-mail him and tell him he’s an idiot. His argument isn’t valid…on any level. Here’s the e-mail that I sent him.
“Really, Paul? Wide receivers don’t matter? Ask Tom Brady how much better Randy Moss and Wes Welker have made the Patriots. They went from losing in the AFC title game to the greatest team in NFL history. There was not one other roster move of significance. Just Moss and Welker.
As for the Giants having a chance because of their great pass rush, didn’t that great pass rush give up 38 points in a LOSS in week 17? Those 38 points scored by Moss and Welker…two wide receivers…who both caught over 100 yards worth of passes. Yeah, Paul. Wide receivers don’t matter at all.
You mention taking emotion out of the equation when discussing trading Chad Johnson. I suggest you take some of your own advice. It’s quite clear from reading your blogs and listening to your show you have an issue with him. Tip your cap to the guy that has led the league in receiving four of the last five years, something no one else has ever done. You mentioned Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott. Look at the numbers. Neither ever came close to what Chad has done. And by the way, Pickens went to two pro bowls, Darnay to zero and he only had one year of more than 1,000 yards receiving. Don’t make them out to be Tom Brady’s equals.
I remember a few weeks back you saying that Chad Johnson is using the media. Weren’t you the one that approached him about writing a book and then made some money off of it? Who’s using who?”
Obviously, I could have gone on and on and mentioned loads of stats to why Chad Johnson, if anything, is underrated. Say you trade Chad Johnson. What can you get in return? A first round pick? Doubtful. A second rounder and a third or fourth? Probably. You never get value in return acquiring picks for a player. Ask the Raiders how that fourth rounder they got for Moss is looking right about now.
The Bengals offense struggled at times this year even with Chad Johnson. Take him out of the equation and T.J. is no longer as effective. Chris Henry no longer gets the one-on-one coverage with safeties. Chad makes a difference. A huge freakin’ difference.
Is it important that team’s have great defensive and offensive lines? Absolutely! I can’t argue with that. But to say that trading Chad can fix the problem of the Bengals’ lack of pass rush is absurd. It won’t fix anything. It would make the team worse.
Daugherty is obviously on a personal crusade to run Chad out of town. Apparently his book titled, I Can’t Be Stopped, didn’t make the money he had hoped and is now seeking revenge. Ugh. I wish Paul would get run out of town. And as he left, I’d happily say, “Hey Paul, don’t let No. 85 hit ya on the way out.”
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