Thursday, November 29, 2007
I LOVE this guy!
I would love every person in America, of every nationality or color, to read this column by Jason Whitlock. In it, Mr. Whitlock (an African American) mentions that the majority of African-American murder victims are killed by other African Americans, a phenomenon he refers to as "the Black KKK." He further mentions that, in the 50's and 60's, black Americans fought for the right to be educated on an equal footing with white Americans, naming the high school in Little Rock where the National Guard had to be brought in at that time so that 12 black teenagers could integrate that school. He said that now, at that same school (which is predominantly African American now), African-American teenagers gleefully throw away the opprotunity that their fathers fought so hard to gain. THEN he said that the hip-hop culture, which glorifies violence, thuggery, and ignorance, is advancing those causes at an alarming rate and perpetuating the very ills that hold his people down! I'm glad that all of this is coming from an African-American man; if I said it, I'd probably be villified and perhaps murdered myself. - Dan
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Kids aren't being raised the way we were!
Hello again, blogfans!
As you know, I am a teacher of Science at the 7th grade level. Part of our curriculum includes Space, the Solar System, the Earth, and the moon. As we study these topics, the origin of the Universe inevitably arises. Part of our study includes a review of the chapter in our textbook that covers the subject, Chapter 2. I give them an assignment titled "Chapter 2 Warm-up," whihc asks a variety of questions that are covered in the chapter. The final question asks them to read a selection in the book about the theory of creation of our solar system and then state what they believe.
Up until recently, kids usually included their religious thoughts when this subject came up, stating adamantly that God created it. Mind you, I'm not allowed to bring up such things and, unless I'm asked directly by a student for my opinion, I don't offer one. In the past, I didn't HAVE to offer an opinion - the kids asked me what I believe and I'd tell them point blank that I think God created everything. That was then; this is now.
NOW, after having graded 175 or so of these assignments, I think all of about two kids stated some sort of religious idea about the topic. NO ONE has asked me what I think, and I mean absolutely nobody. It makes me think what I've suspected for the last several years is true; kids, for the most part, are not being raised in religious surroundings as they once were and, as such, a very secular and pessimistic attitude has become prevalent in our youth. We wonder why there seems to be so much violence today and there doesn't seem to be the alarm about it that there once was, but we fail to see the plain evidence under our noses. We aren't raising our children with Christian ideals or morals any more, and they, and society as a whole, is suffering.
I don't mean to paint a bleak picture for our immediate future as a society, but it seems to me that the canvas is being filled by the actions of society whether I'm holding the brush or not. When WE get outraged and insist on change at the very grass roots of our society (because THAT is where the problem is), we will see the solution. I hope its not too late. - Dan
As you know, I am a teacher of Science at the 7th grade level. Part of our curriculum includes Space, the Solar System, the Earth, and the moon. As we study these topics, the origin of the Universe inevitably arises. Part of our study includes a review of the chapter in our textbook that covers the subject, Chapter 2. I give them an assignment titled "Chapter 2 Warm-up," whihc asks a variety of questions that are covered in the chapter. The final question asks them to read a selection in the book about the theory of creation of our solar system and then state what they believe.
Up until recently, kids usually included their religious thoughts when this subject came up, stating adamantly that God created it. Mind you, I'm not allowed to bring up such things and, unless I'm asked directly by a student for my opinion, I don't offer one. In the past, I didn't HAVE to offer an opinion - the kids asked me what I believe and I'd tell them point blank that I think God created everything. That was then; this is now.
NOW, after having graded 175 or so of these assignments, I think all of about two kids stated some sort of religious idea about the topic. NO ONE has asked me what I think, and I mean absolutely nobody. It makes me think what I've suspected for the last several years is true; kids, for the most part, are not being raised in religious surroundings as they once were and, as such, a very secular and pessimistic attitude has become prevalent in our youth. We wonder why there seems to be so much violence today and there doesn't seem to be the alarm about it that there once was, but we fail to see the plain evidence under our noses. We aren't raising our children with Christian ideals or morals any more, and they, and society as a whole, is suffering.
I don't mean to paint a bleak picture for our immediate future as a society, but it seems to me that the canvas is being filled by the actions of society whether I'm holding the brush or not. When WE get outraged and insist on change at the very grass roots of our society (because THAT is where the problem is), we will see the solution. I hope its not too late. - Dan
Saturday, November 24, 2007
microcultures
Hello again, blogfans!
For years, I've been amazed at how many little "microcultures" there are out there that "John Q" know little or nothing about. These little subdivisions of people often exist so far under the radar that they're practically unknown outside of their membership. Oh, I could talk about socially relevant things like white supremicist groups, paramilitary groups who're deathly afraid of the government in any or all of its manifestations, or even some of the little religious cults out there that practice all sorts of strange things, from snake-handling to polygamy. I COULD talk about any of those.....
But I think I'll talk about all of the little sub-cultures that show up on Friday night for a football game.
Think about it. There's no reason for anyone to show up at a football game unless two teams square off and play a game, but, for many, the game itself is the sidelight; they're there to see the band at halftime or in the stands during the game, or there to watch the cheerleaders, or the dance team, the color guard, or even the ROTC color guard during the national anthem. I know that everone wants to watch their son or daughter participate in whatever they're involved in, but its gone a bit beyond that.
When I played football, it was an activity that was confined mostly to coaches paid by the school district instructing young men in football and it was an activity that was done mostly during the season. Oh, we had an off-season football program and a Spring game just as they do now, but summers were voluntary and there was little or no activity outside of what was done by the coaching staff at the school. NOW they do 7 on 7 programs during the summer and summer "position" camps are almost mandatory for any athlete who truly wants to continue in football both in and beyond high school. The investment by private individuals MUST be incredible, both in terms of money, but also in time!
Band camp was pretty standard when I was in school, but no one took marching all that seriously. NOW they have camps for nothing but marching and all sorts of marching competitions for bands to participate in. Once again, a huge investment by individuals and their families!
No one, and I mean NO ONE, paid much attention to cheerleaders when I was in school. Oh, they drew the normal sexual attention that they draw now (except for the fact that being "Victoria's Secret" material doesn't seem to be a pre-requisite anymore; I've seen some very large cheerleaders on the sidelines around many of the football games I've witnessed lately and no one seems to mind too much one way or the other!), but there was no such thing as a cheerleading competition, and.... a CAMP for cheerleading? RIDICULOUS!!! Who would ever go to a camp to learn to shake a pom-pom and look gorgeous for the captain of the team? Yet, my how times have changed! Cheerleading is almost as big as band or anything else that's happening on the fringes on Fridays. Who'd have ever thunk it?
Dance team? Color guard? Drill squad? More huge investments in time and money that NEVER got spent when I was in school. What's going on here?
Here's my take. Most of the people who're seriously involved in pushing these activities are people who were involved in those same activities when they were in school. In short, they're living their own fantasies out through their children. Uh....let your kids do what THEY want to do and be what THEY want to be and STOP living out your dreams through your kids! Secondly, watch your kids all you like, but have some class! If you're there to watch the halftime show, stay for the rest of the game out of respect for the football kids and their coaches. Have some respect for their investment of time and effort! Don't parade from the stands like cattle at feeding time as soon as the halftime show is over!
After all, if it wasn't for the game, no one else would have any reason to be there and whatever else is going on would draw only the parents of those with a vested interest. - Dan
For years, I've been amazed at how many little "microcultures" there are out there that "John Q" know little or nothing about. These little subdivisions of people often exist so far under the radar that they're practically unknown outside of their membership. Oh, I could talk about socially relevant things like white supremicist groups, paramilitary groups who're deathly afraid of the government in any or all of its manifestations, or even some of the little religious cults out there that practice all sorts of strange things, from snake-handling to polygamy. I COULD talk about any of those.....
But I think I'll talk about all of the little sub-cultures that show up on Friday night for a football game.
Think about it. There's no reason for anyone to show up at a football game unless two teams square off and play a game, but, for many, the game itself is the sidelight; they're there to see the band at halftime or in the stands during the game, or there to watch the cheerleaders, or the dance team, the color guard, or even the ROTC color guard during the national anthem. I know that everone wants to watch their son or daughter participate in whatever they're involved in, but its gone a bit beyond that.
When I played football, it was an activity that was confined mostly to coaches paid by the school district instructing young men in football and it was an activity that was done mostly during the season. Oh, we had an off-season football program and a Spring game just as they do now, but summers were voluntary and there was little or no activity outside of what was done by the coaching staff at the school. NOW they do 7 on 7 programs during the summer and summer "position" camps are almost mandatory for any athlete who truly wants to continue in football both in and beyond high school. The investment by private individuals MUST be incredible, both in terms of money, but also in time!
Band camp was pretty standard when I was in school, but no one took marching all that seriously. NOW they have camps for nothing but marching and all sorts of marching competitions for bands to participate in. Once again, a huge investment by individuals and their families!
No one, and I mean NO ONE, paid much attention to cheerleaders when I was in school. Oh, they drew the normal sexual attention that they draw now (except for the fact that being "Victoria's Secret" material doesn't seem to be a pre-requisite anymore; I've seen some very large cheerleaders on the sidelines around many of the football games I've witnessed lately and no one seems to mind too much one way or the other!), but there was no such thing as a cheerleading competition, and.... a CAMP for cheerleading? RIDICULOUS!!! Who would ever go to a camp to learn to shake a pom-pom and look gorgeous for the captain of the team? Yet, my how times have changed! Cheerleading is almost as big as band or anything else that's happening on the fringes on Fridays. Who'd have ever thunk it?
Dance team? Color guard? Drill squad? More huge investments in time and money that NEVER got spent when I was in school. What's going on here?
Here's my take. Most of the people who're seriously involved in pushing these activities are people who were involved in those same activities when they were in school. In short, they're living their own fantasies out through their children. Uh....let your kids do what THEY want to do and be what THEY want to be and STOP living out your dreams through your kids! Secondly, watch your kids all you like, but have some class! If you're there to watch the halftime show, stay for the rest of the game out of respect for the football kids and their coaches. Have some respect for their investment of time and effort! Don't parade from the stands like cattle at feeding time as soon as the halftime show is over!
After all, if it wasn't for the game, no one else would have any reason to be there and whatever else is going on would draw only the parents of those with a vested interest. - Dan
Monday, November 19, 2007
Much to be thankful for!
I know it sounds a little cheesey or whatever, but this is a time that has traditionally been reserved for giving thanks to God for the blessings he bestows upon us (like we needed an excuse! LOL!), so here are some of the things I'm most thankful for:
1. Eternal salvation through my acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Jesus died that I may live and He bore all of my sins on the cross at Calvary. Thank You, Jesus!
2. My darling bride, Kim! Kim is the sweetest, kindest, most patient, giving, and caring person I've ever met. She loves me despite all of my flaws (which are many) and treats me like a king (which I am not! LOL!). I love her with my whole heart, and I thank God for bringing us together!
3. My health. I'm nearly 50 - a time when a lot of guys start to break down physically (heart problems, joint problems, cancer here and/or there, etc.) I've enjoyed stellar health for most of my life (I used to review the annual physicals at my former job - I KNOW what sorts of problems most people deal with!), and I thank God for it!
4. A great job. Most of the guys I know are jealous of what I do for a living. I get to coach young men and teach in the classroom. Such being the case, I'm inside when it's raining or cold, and I'm outside when it's nice! I get to make a real difference to a lot of kids, and I relish the chance to do so! I thank God for putting me where I am and sustaining me through it even when times are a little tough!
5. Nice toys! I have a brand-new pick-up truck, a flatbed trailer, a 23.5' boat, and almost every tool known to man! It's taken me years to acquire them and I do what I can to take good care of them. I thank God for entrusting them to me and helping me obtain such nice things!
6. Did I mention my darling bride, Kim? I think I did. Anyway, I'll thank God for her again! She's awesome!
Happy Thanksgiving! - Dan
1. Eternal salvation through my acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Jesus died that I may live and He bore all of my sins on the cross at Calvary. Thank You, Jesus!
2. My darling bride, Kim! Kim is the sweetest, kindest, most patient, giving, and caring person I've ever met. She loves me despite all of my flaws (which are many) and treats me like a king (which I am not! LOL!). I love her with my whole heart, and I thank God for bringing us together!
3. My health. I'm nearly 50 - a time when a lot of guys start to break down physically (heart problems, joint problems, cancer here and/or there, etc.) I've enjoyed stellar health for most of my life (I used to review the annual physicals at my former job - I KNOW what sorts of problems most people deal with!), and I thank God for it!
4. A great job. Most of the guys I know are jealous of what I do for a living. I get to coach young men and teach in the classroom. Such being the case, I'm inside when it's raining or cold, and I'm outside when it's nice! I get to make a real difference to a lot of kids, and I relish the chance to do so! I thank God for putting me where I am and sustaining me through it even when times are a little tough!
5. Nice toys! I have a brand-new pick-up truck, a flatbed trailer, a 23.5' boat, and almost every tool known to man! It's taken me years to acquire them and I do what I can to take good care of them. I thank God for entrusting them to me and helping me obtain such nice things!
6. Did I mention my darling bride, Kim? I think I did. Anyway, I'll thank God for her again! She's awesome!
Happy Thanksgiving! - Dan
Sunday, November 18, 2007
When did "Quarterback" become synonymous with "Fairy Queen?"
I'm watching the Browns/Ravens game (I watch the Browns every Sunday on "Sunday Ticket"), and the officials just called an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Browns for "Helmet to helmet contact." Uhhhh.....what? Have officials ever PLAYED football, or did they just pick it up playing Madden '03 or whatever? When I played, it was my GOAL to hit whoever I could in the mouth! Poor little tu-tu wearing quarterbacks! I thought, once upon a time, that they were football players, too. I guess that that's no longer the case. Now, they're ballerinas in football uniforms!
I remember Joe Kapp of the Vikings. He was basically a linebacker playing quaterback. Now THAT was how a quaterback should play! He'd deliver a hit, pop back up, and then take it to them again! Quaterbacks now are so unbelievably protected, I'm surprised they even come on the field wearing pads!
I'd like to see quarterbacks joining the rest of the team and playing football again. It was a lot more fun to watch when a quaterback got hit, jumped back up, and went at it again. Now, football's become soccer, at least as far as the quaterback position is concerned!
"Helmet to helmet" my eye!
I remember Joe Kapp of the Vikings. He was basically a linebacker playing quaterback. Now THAT was how a quaterback should play! He'd deliver a hit, pop back up, and then take it to them again! Quaterbacks now are so unbelievably protected, I'm surprised they even come on the field wearing pads!
I'd like to see quarterbacks joining the rest of the team and playing football again. It was a lot more fun to watch when a quaterback got hit, jumped back up, and went at it again. Now, football's become soccer, at least as far as the quaterback position is concerned!
"Helmet to helmet" my eye!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Rose Vs Bonds
Okay....I admit it. I read Fox Sports on the internet almost daily. I confess; I am a sports fan in general, and a Reds, Browns, and Rockets fan in particular. Since I've been a Reds fan for as long as I can remember (I'm 50, so it's got to be at least 45 years or so), I was more than a little intrigued when I read an article that compared what Barry did to what Pete did. Maybe intrigued isn't the right word.
Actually, I was flabergasted! The author attempted to say that what Pete did was worse for the game because it went to the integrity of the game itself. He said that there was evidence that Pete bet on his own team, even though Pete claims that he never bet on the Reds to lose (As the manager, he'd have been "taking a fall" in games if that was the case and THAT would have been reprehensible!), but Pete's integrity wasn't such that his word was reliable on that claim. Well, I say, do you have Pete's betting slips or not? It seems to me that if someone wanted to refudiate Pete's claim, the evidence is available to do just that.
I don't see anyone stepping forward!
Then there's the argument that betting on the Reds to win was just as bad, because on the days that he did not bet, it was the same thing to other people betting as betting on the Reds to lose. I'm sorry, but that's pretty weak. Did he place a bet every single day? Was there evidence that he bet on the Reds only when they played the Expos, or was he all over the map on that one? I'd have to say, it was bad that he bet on baseball games at all. It was worse that he bet on his own team. It was WORSE that he lied about it for so long! But I have a hard time saying that what Pete did was worse for the game than what Barry has done.
Let's face it. The McGuire/Sosa home run race of several years ago reinvigorated baseball. Before that, fans were staying home in droves, still upset about the cancellation of the World Series because of the player's union strike. The chase toward the new single-season record by Barry, and then the chase of Hank Aaron's career record, kept the excitement going. Frankly, I'm not nearly as upset about Pete Rose betting on Reds games as I am about Barry lying to me and everyone else about the most hallowed records in the game. "Hang an asterisk on him?" you say. So what? He still has the record and who knows how many of his home runs were steroid-induced? I'd have to say it like this; did the Reds benefit from Rose's indiscretion such that baseball was forever tarnished, or was baseball forever tarnished more because of what Barry did? I'd have to say that I have a hard time believing in baseball more now after "Barrygate" than I did after the Rose scandal came to light. That, my friends, is the yardstick that should be measured, NOT how comparitively loathesome Barry's act was compared to Pete's. Let's face it; BOTH of them did things that are absolutely dispicable in a baseball sense. One of them ruined the integrity of the game in my eyes, and it was NOT Pete. - Dan
Actually, I was flabergasted! The author attempted to say that what Pete did was worse for the game because it went to the integrity of the game itself. He said that there was evidence that Pete bet on his own team, even though Pete claims that he never bet on the Reds to lose (As the manager, he'd have been "taking a fall" in games if that was the case and THAT would have been reprehensible!), but Pete's integrity wasn't such that his word was reliable on that claim. Well, I say, do you have Pete's betting slips or not? It seems to me that if someone wanted to refudiate Pete's claim, the evidence is available to do just that.
I don't see anyone stepping forward!
Then there's the argument that betting on the Reds to win was just as bad, because on the days that he did not bet, it was the same thing to other people betting as betting on the Reds to lose. I'm sorry, but that's pretty weak. Did he place a bet every single day? Was there evidence that he bet on the Reds only when they played the Expos, or was he all over the map on that one? I'd have to say, it was bad that he bet on baseball games at all. It was worse that he bet on his own team. It was WORSE that he lied about it for so long! But I have a hard time saying that what Pete did was worse for the game than what Barry has done.
Let's face it. The McGuire/Sosa home run race of several years ago reinvigorated baseball. Before that, fans were staying home in droves, still upset about the cancellation of the World Series because of the player's union strike. The chase toward the new single-season record by Barry, and then the chase of Hank Aaron's career record, kept the excitement going. Frankly, I'm not nearly as upset about Pete Rose betting on Reds games as I am about Barry lying to me and everyone else about the most hallowed records in the game. "Hang an asterisk on him?" you say. So what? He still has the record and who knows how many of his home runs were steroid-induced? I'd have to say it like this; did the Reds benefit from Rose's indiscretion such that baseball was forever tarnished, or was baseball forever tarnished more because of what Barry did? I'd have to say that I have a hard time believing in baseball more now after "Barrygate" than I did after the Rose scandal came to light. That, my friends, is the yardstick that should be measured, NOT how comparitively loathesome Barry's act was compared to Pete's. Let's face it; BOTH of them did things that are absolutely dispicable in a baseball sense. One of them ruined the integrity of the game in my eyes, and it was NOT Pete. - Dan
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Okay....so what about "forgive and forget?"
If you read my last post re Ricky Williams, you may have said to yourself, "Dan, I thought you were a Christian? What about turning the other cheek? What about giving up your tunic if someone asks for your coat? What about two miles instead of one? What about love and forgiveness? Shouldn't we let Ricky have another chance?"
Uhhhhhhh.......I was the first on the "forgive Ricky" bandwagon the first time he did this. I even climbed back on that old damaged vehicle the SECOND time Ricky did this (silly me!). But I've run out of forgiveness for Ricky. Please note that those scripture lessons on forgiveness are NOT INFINITE!!! When the disciples asked Jesus about forgiveness, they wondered if they should forgive up to 7 times; Jesus replied "not 7, but seventy times 7." Well, on my calculator, that's 490 times, which is quite a lot I must admit, but it is not a blank check to just keep on taking abuse from someone who shows no alteration of character, no remorse, and no contrition. Ricky has a substance abuse problem. He's fallen off the wagon more than anyone since WC Fields, and he's been given chance after chance after chance. It's time for the NFL to practice a little "tough love" and cut Ricky loose.
I don't know who said it first, but I heard it first from "Scotty" on the original Star Trek series: "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!"
I hope the NFL doesn't have to learn the hard way that Ricky isn't worth the tarnished image that he's bringing to the sport. - Dan
Uhhhhhhh.......I was the first on the "forgive Ricky" bandwagon the first time he did this. I even climbed back on that old damaged vehicle the SECOND time Ricky did this (silly me!). But I've run out of forgiveness for Ricky. Please note that those scripture lessons on forgiveness are NOT INFINITE!!! When the disciples asked Jesus about forgiveness, they wondered if they should forgive up to 7 times; Jesus replied "not 7, but seventy times 7." Well, on my calculator, that's 490 times, which is quite a lot I must admit, but it is not a blank check to just keep on taking abuse from someone who shows no alteration of character, no remorse, and no contrition. Ricky has a substance abuse problem. He's fallen off the wagon more than anyone since WC Fields, and he's been given chance after chance after chance. It's time for the NFL to practice a little "tough love" and cut Ricky loose.
I don't know who said it first, but I heard it first from "Scotty" on the original Star Trek series: "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!"
I hope the NFL doesn't have to learn the hard way that Ricky isn't worth the tarnished image that he's bringing to the sport. - Dan
What's wrong with sports is what's wrong with society
Hello again, blogfans!
I just read that the NFL has reinstated the enigmatic Ricky Williams (here's the link to the article); that after his starring role in the new blockbuster hit "Harry Pothead and the Stoned Sorcerer." Yes, it's the same Ricky who's failed not one, not two, not even three or four, but FIVE drug tests, sending himself into the relative oblivion of the CFL and losing an incredible amount of cash in the meantime.
What's wrong with Ricky is the same thing that's wrong with society - if you can run with a football, dunk a basketball, hit a baseball 500 feet, mumble rhyming words in rhythm, ride a bike really fast, memorize words from a screenplay and pretend like you mean them, or do just about anything else that will be visible to the general public, you're pretty much excused from the moral compass and/or legal statutes that govern the rest of us. Frankly, I'm sick of it.
I set a standard for making my basketball team. I told them that they MUST be passing their classes for the 2nd 6-week's grading period if they were to be considered. I checked and double checked every day for two weeks to ensure that no one who was failing was being considered. Yesterday, when the final grades came out, two of the guys who had been passing everything showed up on the report with failing grades. The grades were supposed to be final as of noon Tuesday, so when I checked on Wednesday morning, THAT should have been the final report, so I posted the roster with both of these guys on it. Naturally, they were excited! Yet, when I checked once more yesterday evening, both of these guys were on it with failing grades in one class each, so I had to pull them aside and tell them that they did not make the team after all because they were not passing. One of them was devastated, but SOMEONE has to hold their feet to the fire! If someone starts making excuses for them NOW, where will it end? Frankly, I think I'm doing them a favor. Unless we want society to be one big "rules don't apply to me" club where chaos reigns supreme, someone has got to stand up for law and order and stick to their guns when a rule has been established.
If someone had done that for Ricky, maybe "Harry Pothead and the Chamber of Whores" would never have been made.
I just read that the NFL has reinstated the enigmatic Ricky Williams (here's the link to the article); that after his starring role in the new blockbuster hit "Harry Pothead and the Stoned Sorcerer." Yes, it's the same Ricky who's failed not one, not two, not even three or four, but FIVE drug tests, sending himself into the relative oblivion of the CFL and losing an incredible amount of cash in the meantime.
What's wrong with Ricky is the same thing that's wrong with society - if you can run with a football, dunk a basketball, hit a baseball 500 feet, mumble rhyming words in rhythm, ride a bike really fast, memorize words from a screenplay and pretend like you mean them, or do just about anything else that will be visible to the general public, you're pretty much excused from the moral compass and/or legal statutes that govern the rest of us. Frankly, I'm sick of it.
I set a standard for making my basketball team. I told them that they MUST be passing their classes for the 2nd 6-week's grading period if they were to be considered. I checked and double checked every day for two weeks to ensure that no one who was failing was being considered. Yesterday, when the final grades came out, two of the guys who had been passing everything showed up on the report with failing grades. The grades were supposed to be final as of noon Tuesday, so when I checked on Wednesday morning, THAT should have been the final report, so I posted the roster with both of these guys on it. Naturally, they were excited! Yet, when I checked once more yesterday evening, both of these guys were on it with failing grades in one class each, so I had to pull them aside and tell them that they did not make the team after all because they were not passing. One of them was devastated, but SOMEONE has to hold their feet to the fire! If someone starts making excuses for them NOW, where will it end? Frankly, I think I'm doing them a favor. Unless we want society to be one big "rules don't apply to me" club where chaos reigns supreme, someone has got to stand up for law and order and stick to their guns when a rule has been established.
If someone had done that for Ricky, maybe "Harry Pothead and the Chamber of Whores" would never have been made.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Evil Empire Wins AGAIN!!! :(
Hello, blogfans!
Well, the drooling, terrible towel-waving Neanderthals of Pittsburg have something to be excited about. Their team, the Steelers (do they still make steel there? I thought all of the steel business went to the Far East a long time ago?) beat my team, the Browns, once again.
At least it was a game this time. We were ahead 21-9 at halftime and went ahead 28-24 at the first of the fourth quarter, but Rothslisberger (means "my mother loves squash" in Lithuanian) drove them down for a late TD and forced us to drive 50 or so yards to tie in regulation (no one kicks field goals of longer than 40 yards or so in that place. I'm not sure why, but I think it was built on the site of an Indian graveyard or perhaps the remnants of US Steel). Of course, our field goal try to tie came up short, so the evil empire won again!
You have to hand it to Pittsburg. Over the years, they've been one of the class organizations in football. They draft well; they're well-coached. They keep players who make a difference and let players go who are past their prime. They've basically been a model for how to run a professional football franchise. My hat's off to them.
Their fans, however, are another story. What a smarmy bunch THEY are! No class whatsoever! They wave their little yellow towels and pretend like they've got a say. It's easy to be a Steelers fan. They've been iminently successful over the years. It's sort of like being a fan of the 49er's in the 80's. "Oh, you're a 49er's fan? Welcome to the bandwagon! Where were you when we played at Keisar Field and no one even knew when game time was? Thanks for showing up! If you're still here when the trophies start to tarnish, THEN I'll know you're a fan!"
Some of the Steelers fans are okay. They hung around from the days that there were two places that no NFL player wanted to go - Green Bay, and Pittsburg. Green Bay because, well....it's GREEN BAY! Pittsburg because....they hadn't won so much as a coin toss since God was in diapers, let alone a football game! Anyway, those guys are okay. I can comiserate with the long suffering fan who finally finds peace when their team rises above and learns how to win. Thus has been the fate of my beloved Browns. Imagine the idnignation of having your team whisked off to Baltimore in the middle of the night! Imagine the surreal scene of having your team rise from the dead, only to be totally inept for the first 5 or 6 years of reemergence. We're having a better year this year, and, if the schedule we face from here on out is any indication, we should make the playoffs this year. The sad part is....sooner or later, we have to beat that team from Pittsburg to be considered legitimate. I thought it was coming today, but I was wrong. Maybe, if we continue to improve, we'll get that job done in the playoffs.
I sure hope so! - Dan
Well, the drooling, terrible towel-waving Neanderthals of Pittsburg have something to be excited about. Their team, the Steelers (do they still make steel there? I thought all of the steel business went to the Far East a long time ago?) beat my team, the Browns, once again.
At least it was a game this time. We were ahead 21-9 at halftime and went ahead 28-24 at the first of the fourth quarter, but Rothslisberger (means "my mother loves squash" in Lithuanian) drove them down for a late TD and forced us to drive 50 or so yards to tie in regulation (no one kicks field goals of longer than 40 yards or so in that place. I'm not sure why, but I think it was built on the site of an Indian graveyard or perhaps the remnants of US Steel). Of course, our field goal try to tie came up short, so the evil empire won again!
You have to hand it to Pittsburg. Over the years, they've been one of the class organizations in football. They draft well; they're well-coached. They keep players who make a difference and let players go who are past their prime. They've basically been a model for how to run a professional football franchise. My hat's off to them.
Their fans, however, are another story. What a smarmy bunch THEY are! No class whatsoever! They wave their little yellow towels and pretend like they've got a say. It's easy to be a Steelers fan. They've been iminently successful over the years. It's sort of like being a fan of the 49er's in the 80's. "Oh, you're a 49er's fan? Welcome to the bandwagon! Where were you when we played at Keisar Field and no one even knew when game time was? Thanks for showing up! If you're still here when the trophies start to tarnish, THEN I'll know you're a fan!"
Some of the Steelers fans are okay. They hung around from the days that there were two places that no NFL player wanted to go - Green Bay, and Pittsburg. Green Bay because, well....it's GREEN BAY! Pittsburg because....they hadn't won so much as a coin toss since God was in diapers, let alone a football game! Anyway, those guys are okay. I can comiserate with the long suffering fan who finally finds peace when their team rises above and learns how to win. Thus has been the fate of my beloved Browns. Imagine the idnignation of having your team whisked off to Baltimore in the middle of the night! Imagine the surreal scene of having your team rise from the dead, only to be totally inept for the first 5 or 6 years of reemergence. We're having a better year this year, and, if the schedule we face from here on out is any indication, we should make the playoffs this year. The sad part is....sooner or later, we have to beat that team from Pittsburg to be considered legitimate. I thought it was coming today, but I was wrong. Maybe, if we continue to improve, we'll get that job done in the playoffs.
I sure hope so! - Dan
Friday, November 09, 2007
Coaching basketball
I know a lot of people think that coaching basketball is just a matter of rolling out a ball and watching kids play during practices, and then showing up and standing on the sidelines for games. Allow me to dispel that notion.
Right now, I am checking grade reports to find out who is going to pass the 2nd 6 weeks and who's going to fail. An ineligible player will not make the team, so I have to double-check and make sure no one slips through. Earlier, I had to send out an e-mail to set up workers for the games. I have to find someone to run the clock, keep the official book, and take tickets for every home game. I have to evaluate the talent that we have, invite players for both the A and the B team, and then set up the teams according to district guidelines. I have to have a practice plan published for each practice and, once the teams are established, I have to double-check ages to ensure that they are not too old to play in the 7th-grade, publish a roster for each team, and send it out to every other school in the district with player birthdays and student ID numbers. Teaching basketball to guys who've never played real basketball before is fun, but tiring. Many of them THINK they know how to play, but they really have no conception. Those are the ones who are more difficult to teach because it's much tougher to unteach a previously ingrained concept and install a new one than it is to merely write on a blank slate.
Coaching in our district is a little strange. 7th-grade rules are mind-boggling! We used to have to run nothing but man to man defense, but we were given a reprieve last year when they decided that it would be okay for us to press whenever we wanted, run any defense we like, and teach real basketball to our 7th graders. However, we STILL have silly substitution rules! We have to have 1st and second quarter teams set up, with dedicated subs for each team. We split the 3rd quarter; the first quarter team starts and the second quarter team plays the second half of the quarter. FINALLY, in the fourth quarter, we can play whoever we like! We do have the stipulation, however, that any player suited up MUST play. I'd rather just play basketball and worry about an 8 or nine man rotation, but I know it's supposedly for the benefit of the kids. 8th-grade teams play just regular basketball; I don't see why it's different from one level to another, but I guess I never will!
In any case, coaching 7th graders is a whole lot more than just "rolling out a ball!" I hope anyone who reads here will try to catch a game or two this season. The kids love it when there's a big crowd and there's nothing, and I mean NOTHING, more entertaining than watching a 7th grade B team trying to make a layup! It's great fun! - Dan
Right now, I am checking grade reports to find out who is going to pass the 2nd 6 weeks and who's going to fail. An ineligible player will not make the team, so I have to double-check and make sure no one slips through. Earlier, I had to send out an e-mail to set up workers for the games. I have to find someone to run the clock, keep the official book, and take tickets for every home game. I have to evaluate the talent that we have, invite players for both the A and the B team, and then set up the teams according to district guidelines. I have to have a practice plan published for each practice and, once the teams are established, I have to double-check ages to ensure that they are not too old to play in the 7th-grade, publish a roster for each team, and send it out to every other school in the district with player birthdays and student ID numbers. Teaching basketball to guys who've never played real basketball before is fun, but tiring. Many of them THINK they know how to play, but they really have no conception. Those are the ones who are more difficult to teach because it's much tougher to unteach a previously ingrained concept and install a new one than it is to merely write on a blank slate.
Coaching in our district is a little strange. 7th-grade rules are mind-boggling! We used to have to run nothing but man to man defense, but we were given a reprieve last year when they decided that it would be okay for us to press whenever we wanted, run any defense we like, and teach real basketball to our 7th graders. However, we STILL have silly substitution rules! We have to have 1st and second quarter teams set up, with dedicated subs for each team. We split the 3rd quarter; the first quarter team starts and the second quarter team plays the second half of the quarter. FINALLY, in the fourth quarter, we can play whoever we like! We do have the stipulation, however, that any player suited up MUST play. I'd rather just play basketball and worry about an 8 or nine man rotation, but I know it's supposedly for the benefit of the kids. 8th-grade teams play just regular basketball; I don't see why it's different from one level to another, but I guess I never will!
In any case, coaching 7th graders is a whole lot more than just "rolling out a ball!" I hope anyone who reads here will try to catch a game or two this season. The kids love it when there's a big crowd and there's nothing, and I mean NOTHING, more entertaining than watching a 7th grade B team trying to make a layup! It's great fun! - Dan
Life update
Well, we're coming to the close of a very busy week. We had football games on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The Monday game started at 6:30 (well....it was SUPPOSED to start at 6:30; it didn't actually get underway until 6:45 or so), so I didn't get home until nearly 10:00 pm. The other two started at 4:30 on unlighted fields, so we played 8 minute quarters with a running clock and no halftime in order to beat sundown (whew! Just did make it!). The Monday game, 8th-grade A team, was a thing of beauty. The boys played like they really wanted it and wound up winning 14 - 0. We got torched on Tuesday (poor 7th-grade A; they're great kids, but there's just no talent there and very little desire to actually play football!). On Wednesday, our 8th-grade B team went out with a "W," winning 21-6. All year I've been telling my defense that if they scored a defensive touchdown, they wouldn't have to run any more "super-loops" (the really long warm-up lap they run before stretching). Well, they finally got a defensive touchdown on Wednesday (I blitzed my middle linebacker; he caused a fumble, then picked it up and ran it in for the score!). Typical deal! The last game of the season! Anyway, we started basketball tryouts after school yesterday with the 7th-graders after school. There's one really big guy who would help us a lot, but I'm afraid he's not going to pass his classes so that's he's eligible to play. A couple of other guys stood out as well, but I'm afraid there's not enough talent there to make us a good basketball team. Perhaps someone else will show up on Monday; I sure hope so. This evening, 8th graders have their open tryout. Thus the end of the athletic week!
We had to close out the gradebook this week for 6-week grades AND give them their end of 6 weeks test (Curriculum-Based Assessment, or "CBA"). They answer on a scantron AND on the hard copy. I grade that copy as they complete the test - pretty good this time! The lowest class average was a 69; the highest an 86! MUCH BETTER than last time! Woo-Hoo!
Well, it's duty time! GTG! - Dan
We had to close out the gradebook this week for 6-week grades AND give them their end of 6 weeks test (Curriculum-Based Assessment, or "CBA"). They answer on a scantron AND on the hard copy. I grade that copy as they complete the test - pretty good this time! The lowest class average was a 69; the highest an 86! MUCH BETTER than last time! Woo-Hoo!
Well, it's duty time! GTG! - Dan
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
I'd like to bring your attention...
...to a recent post by MDB on her blog. In it, she criticizes certain CoC leadership of their Pharisee-like behavior and outright condemnation of Christian brothers and sisters because they have committed the heinous sin of divorce. I hope the elders are reading their scriptures carefully. Mine say:
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)
2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' 8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. 15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. 16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. 23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. 27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! 33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matthew 23:2-33)
21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21,22) [I hope y'all perfect elders have never addressed another in anger! Pretty stiff penalty!]
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27,28) [I hope y'all perfect elders have never looked at a woman lustfully. If so, you're guilty of the same thing you accuse the divorced of doing!]
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48) [A couple of interesting paradigms, there, don't you think?]
If you greet only your brothers, are you not doing as the pagans? What happened to 'love your enemies?' That last one is a KILLER!!! We're commanded to 'be perfect.' How, without the cleansing blood of Jesus, can we ever hope to achieve THAT? I'd say, you can't. That's why we should not judge others, but accept them, love them, help them, and pray for them. That's what followers of Christ are commanded to do and that is what ELDERS should lead their flock to do.
Some CoC leadership (not all, mind you) would benefit from a deeper study of the Word and STOP playing cafeteria with scripture! I'll pray that any who read this will accept it with the love with which it was intended. After all, (James 5:19) " if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." - Dan
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)
2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' 8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. 15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. 16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. 23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. 27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! 33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matthew 23:2-33)
21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21,22) [I hope y'all perfect elders have never addressed another in anger! Pretty stiff penalty!]
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27,28) [I hope y'all perfect elders have never looked at a woman lustfully. If so, you're guilty of the same thing you accuse the divorced of doing!]
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48) [A couple of interesting paradigms, there, don't you think?]
If you greet only your brothers, are you not doing as the pagans? What happened to 'love your enemies?' That last one is a KILLER!!! We're commanded to 'be perfect.' How, without the cleansing blood of Jesus, can we ever hope to achieve THAT? I'd say, you can't. That's why we should not judge others, but accept them, love them, help them, and pray for them. That's what followers of Christ are commanded to do and that is what ELDERS should lead their flock to do.
Some CoC leadership (not all, mind you) would benefit from a deeper study of the Word and STOP playing cafeteria with scripture! I'll pray that any who read this will accept it with the love with which it was intended. After all, (James 5:19) " if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." - Dan
Sunday, November 04, 2007
A word about MDB
Dear Friends,
Although readers may be getting used to my writing about various topics, I seldom take things "home" and talk about my personal life. I'd like to spend a moment or two tonight, however, talking about my darling bride (MDB).
My darling bride and I met via the internet earlier this year. I had been divorced for two years and was in a relationship that was going nowhere fast, so I thought, "What can it hurt?" and I tried the personals service on Yahoo. Actually, I didn't know it was the Yahoo service. I signed up through a Christian web service that I've received e-mail from for several years, so I thought it was their service. No matter. I'd been on the service for about a week or two when I realized that I was never going to get anywhere without a photo on the site, so I took a gift card I'd received for Christmas and bought a scanner/printer at Best Buy and then scanned in a school picture from last year. Not too long after that, I started to get some "hits." One of the more interesting ones was from MDB, whose title line was "must love to laugh." She sent me an "icebreaker," so I thought I'd respond. Things were a little guarded at first, which I really appreciated because I wasn't real sure how far to go with this deal; I mean, is it really possible to meet someone NICE this way? I wasn't sure, but I knew that unless I stepped over the edge, I'd never find out, either. Anyway, we spent a week or two just feeling each other out via e-mail and then agreed to meet; on February 15. We met at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble. I bought the coffee and we spent 3 hours talking. It seemed like three minutes! Frankly, I felt as though I'd known her all of my life! Anyway, when it was over, I walked her to her car, but there was no kiss goodbye, or even a handshake! I didn't want to appear too forward, so I didn't say anything, but we got things going on e-mail again real quick and decided to meet again for a movie and dinner. Even though we didn't even hold hands during the movie, we DID kiss goodnight when the date concluded and I thought my feet were going to blow right off of my legs! Woo-Hoo! Anyway, things went pretty quickly after that and we both knew that we were meant for one another by God himself! We were married on June 7th.
MDB's name is Kim. Kim is absolutely the sweetest, kindest, most tolerant, most compassionate person I've ever known. She's absolutely gorgeous, both physically and spiritually. Kim is a tireless worker and seldom just sits still, which I really appreciate since that's the way I am. She loves to get out and do things, but she's just as comfortable around the house taking care of what needs to be done. The best part about her is the fact that she's got really poor eyesight - she thinks I'm good-looking! LOL! Not only that, but she's a poor judge of character - she thinks I'm flawless! LOLx2!!! Seriously, we're a match that is perfect! I love her unconditionally and she loves me the same way! God Himself brought us together and we will praise Him every day for it and love and cherish one another forever!
Father God,
Thank You for bringing Kim into my life! She's the angel I've been dreaming of for as long as I can remember! I don't ask for much in the way of personal stuff, God, but I do ask this; watch over my darling Kim! Keep her in the palm of Your hand; guide her, protect her, lead her, walk beside her. Keep her safe and in good health. Lord God, You said that we could, in faith, ask a mountain to be removed to the sea and it would happen if we would just believe. You said that You would never give us a stone if we asked for bread, or a snake if we asked for fish. Father, I know that You love us and only want what's best for us. I ask You now, in the name of Jesus, to grant my request; keep my darling Kim in the palm of Your hand, keep her in safety, and bless her with every desire of her heart. Praise God for Kim! She's the angel from my dreams! In Jesus' name, amen!
I love you, Kim! - Dan
Although readers may be getting used to my writing about various topics, I seldom take things "home" and talk about my personal life. I'd like to spend a moment or two tonight, however, talking about my darling bride (MDB).
My darling bride and I met via the internet earlier this year. I had been divorced for two years and was in a relationship that was going nowhere fast, so I thought, "What can it hurt?" and I tried the personals service on Yahoo. Actually, I didn't know it was the Yahoo service. I signed up through a Christian web service that I've received e-mail from for several years, so I thought it was their service. No matter. I'd been on the service for about a week or two when I realized that I was never going to get anywhere without a photo on the site, so I took a gift card I'd received for Christmas and bought a scanner/printer at Best Buy and then scanned in a school picture from last year. Not too long after that, I started to get some "hits." One of the more interesting ones was from MDB, whose title line was "must love to laugh." She sent me an "icebreaker," so I thought I'd respond. Things were a little guarded at first, which I really appreciated because I wasn't real sure how far to go with this deal; I mean, is it really possible to meet someone NICE this way? I wasn't sure, but I knew that unless I stepped over the edge, I'd never find out, either. Anyway, we spent a week or two just feeling each other out via e-mail and then agreed to meet; on February 15. We met at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble. I bought the coffee and we spent 3 hours talking. It seemed like three minutes! Frankly, I felt as though I'd known her all of my life! Anyway, when it was over, I walked her to her car, but there was no kiss goodbye, or even a handshake! I didn't want to appear too forward, so I didn't say anything, but we got things going on e-mail again real quick and decided to meet again for a movie and dinner. Even though we didn't even hold hands during the movie, we DID kiss goodnight when the date concluded and I thought my feet were going to blow right off of my legs! Woo-Hoo! Anyway, things went pretty quickly after that and we both knew that we were meant for one another by God himself! We were married on June 7th.
MDB's name is Kim. Kim is absolutely the sweetest, kindest, most tolerant, most compassionate person I've ever known. She's absolutely gorgeous, both physically and spiritually. Kim is a tireless worker and seldom just sits still, which I really appreciate since that's the way I am. She loves to get out and do things, but she's just as comfortable around the house taking care of what needs to be done. The best part about her is the fact that she's got really poor eyesight - she thinks I'm good-looking! LOL! Not only that, but she's a poor judge of character - she thinks I'm flawless! LOLx2!!! Seriously, we're a match that is perfect! I love her unconditionally and she loves me the same way! God Himself brought us together and we will praise Him every day for it and love and cherish one another forever!
Father God,
Thank You for bringing Kim into my life! She's the angel I've been dreaming of for as long as I can remember! I don't ask for much in the way of personal stuff, God, but I do ask this; watch over my darling Kim! Keep her in the palm of Your hand; guide her, protect her, lead her, walk beside her. Keep her safe and in good health. Lord God, You said that we could, in faith, ask a mountain to be removed to the sea and it would happen if we would just believe. You said that You would never give us a stone if we asked for bread, or a snake if we asked for fish. Father, I know that You love us and only want what's best for us. I ask You now, in the name of Jesus, to grant my request; keep my darling Kim in the palm of Your hand, keep her in safety, and bless her with every desire of her heart. Praise God for Kim! She's the angel from my dreams! In Jesus' name, amen!
I love you, Kim! - Dan
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Life is strange
Well, it's time to go on to a more serious topic. Life. Life is strange; not because it's without its joys, but because it includes sorrows from the oddest of places.
My step-daughter has it made. She's 23 and hasn't been out of the house for a total of two months her entire life (as far as I know - I may be guessing a little low, but it's not terribly low; I know that!). She recently got a job. Even though it's an 8-hour-a-day gig, she comes in "exhausted" and unable to do anything around the house except talk on the phone or play on the computer. Funny....MY chores don't go away when I'M exhausted; I guess I'm special! She and my darling bride (MDB), whom I love dearly, do not get along very well. She's civil to me, but when she gets alone with MDB, she's rude, making ugly comments, correcting her at every opportunity, and just generally showing a lack of respect; this despite the fact that she's been taken care of in every way (food, shelter, clothing, medical, etc.) WAY after the time most parents give their kids the boot and INSIST that they take care of themselves! I heard a saying one time; it goes something like this - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." At least, I think that's the way I remember it. Meanwhile, MDB is stressed to the max about it, even to the point of worrying that it may come between us (NOT going to happen!!!).
In fairness, step-daughter is mildly handicapped with cerebral palsy and is unable to operate a motor vehicle. Otherwise, she's of average or above intelligence and capable in every way. Her handicap makes it necessary for whoever she depends upon to provide her with transportation to wherever she needs to go, including work, the store, the doctor, or wherever.
Here's my take - One doesn't need to be a fully functional member of society to be nice, especially to someone who's taken care of you since the day you were born. Most 23 year-olds are out on their own, either starting a family or working hard toward the eventuality, NOT living at home making life miserable for mom. Step-daughter has an opportunity to move into an assisted living situation FOR FREE for several years, a half-way sort of thing, where she could be taught valuable skills for making the transition to independence. However, since she got the job, she's thinking she doesn't need the help anymore (I guess). Oh...you can drive now? Oh...you're able to pay for your own housing, food, clothing, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, etc., just because you got a $1200/month job all of a sudden? I think you'd better put pencil to paper and figure a few things out before you throw away a valuable opportunity - that's what I think! Oh...and has anyone figured out how the trip to PA (she wants to move to Pennsylvania to be close to her dad) is going to be financed? MDB bought the tickets last time; I don't think we can afford to do it again. And what about moving expenses? Priced a U-Haul for 1500 miles lately? Who's going to help you load/unload it?
I think that thought is way underrated. It's something we should engage in every time we make an important decision. Just as underrated, perhaps moreso, is prayer. Maybe we should seek God's guidance before we make a really dumb mistake. But then, that's just my opinion and, who am I? Just the guy who married the most wonderful woman on the planet, you know, the one who's ruining your life.
Dan
My step-daughter has it made. She's 23 and hasn't been out of the house for a total of two months her entire life (as far as I know - I may be guessing a little low, but it's not terribly low; I know that!). She recently got a job. Even though it's an 8-hour-a-day gig, she comes in "exhausted" and unable to do anything around the house except talk on the phone or play on the computer. Funny....MY chores don't go away when I'M exhausted; I guess I'm special! She and my darling bride (MDB), whom I love dearly, do not get along very well. She's civil to me, but when she gets alone with MDB, she's rude, making ugly comments, correcting her at every opportunity, and just generally showing a lack of respect; this despite the fact that she's been taken care of in every way (food, shelter, clothing, medical, etc.) WAY after the time most parents give their kids the boot and INSIST that they take care of themselves! I heard a saying one time; it goes something like this - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." At least, I think that's the way I remember it. Meanwhile, MDB is stressed to the max about it, even to the point of worrying that it may come between us (NOT going to happen!!!).
In fairness, step-daughter is mildly handicapped with cerebral palsy and is unable to operate a motor vehicle. Otherwise, she's of average or above intelligence and capable in every way. Her handicap makes it necessary for whoever she depends upon to provide her with transportation to wherever she needs to go, including work, the store, the doctor, or wherever.
Here's my take - One doesn't need to be a fully functional member of society to be nice, especially to someone who's taken care of you since the day you were born. Most 23 year-olds are out on their own, either starting a family or working hard toward the eventuality, NOT living at home making life miserable for mom. Step-daughter has an opportunity to move into an assisted living situation FOR FREE for several years, a half-way sort of thing, where she could be taught valuable skills for making the transition to independence. However, since she got the job, she's thinking she doesn't need the help anymore (I guess). Oh...you can drive now? Oh...you're able to pay for your own housing, food, clothing, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, etc., just because you got a $1200/month job all of a sudden? I think you'd better put pencil to paper and figure a few things out before you throw away a valuable opportunity - that's what I think! Oh...and has anyone figured out how the trip to PA (she wants to move to Pennsylvania to be close to her dad) is going to be financed? MDB bought the tickets last time; I don't think we can afford to do it again. And what about moving expenses? Priced a U-Haul for 1500 miles lately? Who's going to help you load/unload it?
I think that thought is way underrated. It's something we should engage in every time we make an important decision. Just as underrated, perhaps moreso, is prayer. Maybe we should seek God's guidance before we make a really dumb mistake. But then, that's just my opinion and, who am I? Just the guy who married the most wonderful woman on the planet, you know, the one who's ruining your life.
Dan
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