Sun Bowl -- El Paso, TX

I've been watching the 76th annual Brut Sun Bowl this afternoon pitting Oklahoma vs. Stanford.  It has been a great game so far, but one of the things that has caught my attention the most, besides the play of Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma) and Toby Gehart (Stanford), is the aerial views of the Sun Bowl Stadium.  It has been built into a natural "bowl" and almost looks like it is built right inside one of the mountains there.  Pretty awesome view! See for yourself.

ESPN 30 for 30

ESPN began a great documentary series back in October entitled 30 for 30, to celebrate ESPN's 30th anniversary.  They had some of the best filmmakers in the country put together 30 film documentaries to chronicle the last 30 years of sports.  They aren't necessarily the 30 biggest stories, but 30 stories by people who are passionate about the subject and affected by it.  And 30 stories that may need to be remembered and retold for the importance they played, especially to this generation who may be unaware of them.  

I just got done watching Billy Corben's 30 for 30 doc. entitled "The U" about the University of Miami's football team from 1983-1991.  That doc. was very, very well done.  I think it really reflect how Miami's football team was on and off the field, the good and the bad.  I loved seeing Bernie Kosar in it. I do wish they would have spent a few minutes talking about the graduations rates (which in the one newspaper clip they showed was 73%).  It seemed like the film address more of the negative parts of the program, and rightly so, but even in the midst of controversy and often cockiness, I think it would have been good to show that many of these players were actually graduating from college.  

 

The Blind Side

I went to see The Blind Side a few days ago.  It met my expectations going into it and I found myself at the end of the movie ready to sit there and watch it over again.  The movie is based on the life of Michael Oher (now of the Baltimore Ravens) and the family, the Tuohys, that took in the homeless teen, and helped him to succeed.  The movie really showed the love and compassion the Tuohys showed Michael in opening up their home to him and making him part of their family.  At the end of the movie it was touching to see the actual pictures and footage from Michael's and the Tuohys's lives together, from high school, to the University of Mississippi, to the NFL Draft.  A very well done movie and an awesome job done by Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy.  I'd highly recommend seeing it.

Price is Right Games

The other evening some friends and I were out at the local coffee establishment, during which time our conversation veered toward the Price is Right.  We shared our thoughts on some favorite games and laughed at some of the funnier and in some cases shows of stupidity (you can see both evident in this clip) we remembered from the show.  The discussion got me thinking about my favorite games from the show.  I thought I would share those.  By favorite, I mean a game I would hope to view when I turned on the TV to watch the show and a game that I would be excited to play if I ever was on the show.  So without further to do, here is my top 10 favorite games along with some tidbits with each.  Feel free to chime in with your own thoughts and favorites.

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10.  Clock Game
        
This one is on the list because I think it would be the easiest game to win.  All you have to do is be quick and make big enough jumps between the numbers one guesses so you can find the correct price quickly.  

9. Range Game

When the range finder comes out the audience knows it will get a kick out of Bob saying to the contestant to be careful to stop it when they want to because once it stops it can't be started for "37 hours."   Classic!

8. One Away

I would have to say this has to be one of the more thrilling and nerve-racking games you can play.  I'd be on edge as I asked "gentlemen do I have _____  numbers right?"  Each time I'd ask I'd have to hold my breathe and feel my gut clenching in hopes of hearing that horn as I'd inch closer to winning a car.  

7. 3 Strikes

Another nailbiter for a game.  It would be a lot of fun though to be pulling those chips out of the bags in hopes of pulling the price of the car before 3 strikes come your way.

6. Dice Game

Who doesn't like big, felt dice?  As a kid the extremely large dice was always a kick and is a great supplement to the awesome prize to be one of an automobile.  

5. Punch Board

I would like to be able to just punch the punch board even if I wasn't actually playing the game.  Just would like to feel what it feels like.  One of the more memorable games and one of the first to come to mind say if you asked the question about Price is Right games in a Family Feud kind of way.

4.  Hole-in-One...or Two

Another awesome game.  Bob is quite the putter.  I don't think he'd ever miss with two shots and rarely with one.  And I am glad the legacy of "Hole-in-One...or Two" lives on during halftime of Turkey Bowl.  Here's to you Bob Barker... Here Here

3. Master Key

Not sure why I love this game so much, but I always have.  I'd always looked forward to seeing this game, although it didn't seem to get as much air time as I would have liked.  

2.  Cliff Hangers

Yodaladi, yodaladiwho ...Amazing!  See Cliff Hangers in a show and don't tell me the theme song doesn't get in your head.  Watching that little climber ascend his way to the top of the mountain is a definte highlight of any show.  Hopefully the contestants are good enough that the little guy does not plunge off the cliff. 

1.  Plinko

Everyone loves Plinko it seems.  Contestants can win a good chunk of money.  There's colorful Plinko chips and a huge Plinko board, along with the audience screaming at the contestant as to where to place the plinko chip to drop (like they can really be of help in the randomness of where the plinko chip bounces).  What's not to like.  Plinko always causes a lot of excitement in the audience because there's always a chance the chip bounces in the right direction landing in the center spot for big money.  Causes a lot of excitement for the viewers at home too.



Honorable Mentions:
10 Chances, Safe Crackers, Path Finder, Card Game




 

Ye Olde GlenOak Choral Dept. Christmas Concert

I went to GlenOak High School's annual Christmas Concert to watch my little brother perform.  It really is a highlight of the holdiay season for me.  Mr. Kiefer and Ms. Meese do a great job with all the choirs and this year was no different.  It's fun to come back and hear so many of the songs we sung as members of the various choirs.  Brings back a lot of good memories.  At the end of the concert it has been a tradition to bring back choir alumni to join Chorale in singing the Hallelujah Chorus.  As I made my way up to the stage, I was not suprised to see the familar face of Barry DeBois.  If there was one person I would place money on to be up on that stage it would be him.  Good times.  Good times.

 

Reading by the Fireplace

Just got done reading by the fireplace. It has to be one of my favorite places to read at this time of year. There is nothing like reading by the firelight as it warms me up. With the darkened room filled with only the light of the fire and that of the Christmas tree reminding me of the joyous season upon us, as Chapter 6's Christmas Album (check it out here) plays in the background. The near-quiet stillness brings a smile to my face and seems to drown out any worries. No need to worry here. No need to be consumed by the busyness of the season. No, at the fireplace I can just soak in my surroundings, the little things that make it special, that make today a day to be thankful for.



Speaking of reading, currently I'm going through Jim Dent's Resurrection: The Miracle Season that Saved Notre Dame. It is about the 1964 Notre Dame football season and how coach Ara Parseghian came in and restored ND to its championship form after many losing seasons. It kind of brings a little hope to a Notre Dame fan hoping the next coach they hire can do the same thing Ara did.


In the on deck circle (will be reading in the near future)

• Dug down Deep by Josh Harris

• Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

• The Art of Manliness by Brett and Kate McKay

Peter Gammons

Peter Gammons is leaving ESPN. He has been a wonderful writer, analyst, and ambassador for the game of baseball while working at ESPN. I'm glad I got a chance to see and listen to him in person last year at ESPN the Weekend (as seen above with Karl Ravich).


And who can forget The Peter Gammons Theme Song...

Articles to Pass On

Here are some articles I have read recently that I think are worth passing on. Take some time and check them out.




Suzanne Hadley Gosselin has an excellent post looking at your job vs. your passion. I think she does a good job pointing out that our passion "flows from many sources." And that you don't have to fall into the trap of thinking job = passion. Here is a link to the article she references in the post as well


CJ Mahaney writes a more sobering look at the Tiger Woods saga


Since it's almost Christmas, here is Joe Posnanski's run down of his top 10 Christmas Songs

Inspiration

Pastor Chuck showed this video at church today. We are doing a series
on the beatitudes, and this week were looking at Matthew 5:9, "Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," and how as
peacemakers we can be used by the Lord to bring the "Message of
Reconciliation," to the people around us. The story of Jake Olson really
shows how the Lord will use our weaknesses to be a light and inspiration.

The Art of Manliness

I took some time to check out this website, The Art of Manliness, after hearing an interview by the founders, Brett and Kate McCay, on the Boundless Show. I found it a very interesting and engaging site. There's a nice breathe of humor & fun mixed with practical, sensible, and timeless advice, style, and thought. I know I will enjoy the next days, weeks, and months I spend perusing the site, reading its articles, and trying to add some of it to my own life. Like the McCays noted, its good to be able to read about things that are truly about being a man, a husband, a father, and not just about sex and six-pack abs. Kudos to the Art of Manliness. I'm looking forward to reading more and sharing it with friends.

Leprechaun in Mobile, Alabama

A hilarious video... All I can say is... YEAH

Grateful

Thank God I can rest in You
You're perfect, my life I invest in You
Your mercy endures
Your Grace is sufficient
You're holy and pure You gave me vision and some say they wanna touch the sky
but I rather touch the God who can justify
the ocean, the mountains, the clouds amaze me
I can't believe I know the God that made these
sometimes I can be that guy who takes for granted the breathe I breath inside
yes, I'm fearfully and wonderfully made
these are gifts that you've given even to the depraved
and if your boy wasn't saved you would still deserve praise,
you're the God of ages
I'm glad I can open your pages
see with amazement all your wonderful ways

~ Grateful by Lecrae (ft. JR)




Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Turkey Bowl VIII

With Thanksgiving close upon us, that means one thing. It's Turkey Bowl Time! With that said one of Turkey Bowl's own, Josh "Smoovey" Robinson, was kind enough to grace us with a few words about it. Enjoy!
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By Josh Robinson, Palestra contributing writer

This Saturday, November 28, at 1PM is the 8^th edition of the Turkey Bowl, the annual post-Thanksgiving Ultimate Frisbee tournament held in Canton, Ohio.

I can’t believe how far this event has come since its humble beginnings the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2002, when a group of about 20 close friends from GlenOak High School got together to celebrate Thanksgiving and our breaks from college together over the game of Ultimate Frisbee. This year, we could see as many as 60 people come and try to stake their claim of the championship, which is accompanied by colorful medals and a flashy MVP trophy.

Seeing how far the event has come has made me reflect on where I have been and where I am going. I say that because I find comfort in knowing that the Turkey Bowl will always be here, because there is no place like home for the holidays, and because lasting friendships make life worth living.

Back in 2002, people at University would often ask me why I was so close to my friends from Canton. Well, why shouldn’t I have been? We had formed a close bond over coffee shops, sporting activities, common interests, and dreams of a big future. It only seemed natural for us to want to share our sense of community through an event like Turkey Bowl, so we did and have been ever since then.

Each of us have taken divergent paths since the origination of Turkey Bowl; some of us continue our education, others have taken up long term residence back in our hometown, and myself, I have been all over the place, but find myself back in Canton full-time after an 8 year hiatus, interrupted by college and a career overseas. No matter what, all of us come back to Turkey Bowl to give thanks for our friendships, what life has offered us, and to share in what lies ahead. This is the lasting impact of this event in my mind, and I hope to continue to share that with younger generations here in Canton.

I haven’t been able to play in the Turkey Bowl since 2005 and I welcome my chance to grace the field once again. The death of a family member and time living over 9,000 miles away has led me to be away from the event for what seems like an eternity, even when deep down I didn’t want to be. However, I am fortunate enough to feel like I haven’t missed a thing thanks to the deep bonds Turkey Bowl has helped me to form with my friends. So, I’ll say thanks to them for allowing me to be a part of Turkey Bowl while not physically present, and even being so considerate to recognize that I care about and wanted to take part in the event even when I couldn’t.

What lies ahead? Well, it’s hard to say. Each of us will continue to grow, learn more, and likely move on to bigger and better things. Even with all that uncertainty, I know that the Turkey Bowl will be here for us to celebrate all we have and all that life will bring us. And in the future, when turkey bowl is just a simple part of Canton lore, I will still be able to look back, think of the good times and memories I had with my friends and be thankful.

See you on the pitch!

Cheers, josh

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More Turkey Bowl goodness to come...

Ascot Day!!

It was "Ascot Day" on Pardon the Interruption. Kornheiser and Wilbon, and even guest, Charles Barkley, were sporting ascots today. Classy Classy. Nothing like 3 members of the bald brotherhood rocking some ascots. Tony and Mike do a great job on PTI keeping every show entertaining. Great job again guys!



In his NFL picks column this past week, Bill Simmons writes about an experience he had at the local Starbucks. His experience seemed very similar to many experiences I have had at Starbucks. And if you are a Starbucks aficionado I'm sure you can relate. (Scroll down to his pick of the Jaguars and Jets game, about half way down and you can read his Starbucks escapade.) It is truly classic.




Steve Watters asked a thought-provoking question about who we are suppose to be comparing ourselves too. I think he echoes many peoples sentiments about feelings both of accomplishment and frustration in where they are at in life and how they truly should be viewing their life.




Record of attended Cleveland Cavaliers games: 1-0

"Chalupa Times" met at these games: 1 for 1

Go Away to College

Go away to college. Go away to school. I think for the majority of people that would be a good thing to do. Before I continue, I know people will try to give me a litany of examples of why not to go away, so here are two good, legitimate reasons not to go.

First up, money. As a person who is now paying back his student loans, I can understand not wanting to take on debt and would even recommend taking out as little debt as needed to go to school. If that means staying at home for school, you have to be responsible and do what you got to do. For some it would be impossible to afford to go away to school and the act of taking out thousands upon thousands of dollars in loans just so they could go away from home would seem to be reckless. In those cases, it is about taking the opportunities available to you at the college you are attending and making the most of them. Truly, that is the case for where ever you go. And I think it would be smart to head the advice of Mark Cuban when he says, "The cheaper you can live, the greater your options. Remember that."

Secondly, the local church. In Stop Dating the Church (see pages 69-70), Josh Harris makes the argument, which I tend to agree with, that one should "take into consideration the spiritual implications of going away from the thriving church experience" you are a part of currently. He doesn't dismiss going away for school, but to carefully choose schools in areas that will provide a strong local church (do some due diligence beforehand) as well as being intentional in getting involved one they are there. I can't say when I picked a college I thought about if a strong local church was there. But I did go into it with the intention of getting involved with a church and Christian group on campus. Making the effort to get involved soon made quite a difference. God will provide a strong local church body to get involved with; we just need to take the time to do so. I saw him do that for me both with living in Cleveland and Dayton. Enough about the local church. I love it and encourage you to get involved with a biblically solid one, but that's enough for its own article. Heck, people write books about the local church.

Now, you don't have to go far, far away to college. Not across the country. Not to a different coast or three states away, but far enough where you aren't doing the same things you had been doing. Hanging out with the the same people (now I am not saying not to have or keep friends from home. Quite the opposite. I have some very good friends just like that. You need them.) and not doing anything with your life. Far enough that you aren't running into your parents at the grocery store and probably more importantly for your parents, not running to their house to do laundry and grab scraps from the dining room table. And yes, I can attest to waiting to do laundry if I knew I would be making a return trip home from college (so I can't kill someone too much for doing that, haha). The colleges I visited were all between one hour to two and half hours away from home. Seemed like a good distance. Close enough that I could get home if needed and didn't need to spend long hours or lots of money to do so. Yet, far enough that I was able to have the beginnings of more independence and personal growth.

Now why should you go away to college? Here are a few reasons I have seen from my life, my friends' lives, and been attested to be writers I read. I have heard from many people that stayed local for school that they wished they went away. Reasons why they wanted to stay close to home varied but included being close to family (not a bad reason), fear of the unknown, wanting to just stay comfortable, and laziness. But most of them agreed that they wished they would have gone else where, or at least took the time to look at schools that were further away. Bill Simmons even points out in his new book, The Book of Basketball (see pages 157-158), about "what ifs" in his life, such as "what if he went south or west to college." He went to college at Holy Cross in Worchester, MA and is from the Boston area. He echoes the sentiments of many of my friends, about at least to some degree regretting not going away for college. Now I might not agree with all the reasons he gives for why you should go away to college, but I agree with the overall sentiment.

Another reason is that going away to school gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and have new experiences. Often people that are going to school at home just commute to school and don't take advantage of a college community there; the many opportunities to learn, to travel, to lead that a school offers. College is a great time of life because of the freedom you have. You have a lot of free time on your hands, especially with breaks. (Man, I would love to have 4 weeks off at Christmas again. Maybe I should just move to New Zealand...right Josh?) But it seems for the majority of people that just commute to a school near home, that is all they do, JUST COMMUTE. They don't really have any college friends; they don't have a reason to be on campus besides a few hours of class, and only seem to see college as a small portion of their day and life.

A lot of people seem to want to get a way from where they grew up (not necessarily a good thing), but I think college is a great time to do it. I think it helps so that you are not trying to go across the country or globe trying to find yourself later on. I think when you don't take opportunities when you are young to go away to school, to travel, to experience different parts of the state/country/world, to take some risks, that you can feel stifled later on in life and may try to jump at things that you really should have no part of. I also think going away to school makes you appreciate where you came from more, and may cause you to be drawn back to your local roots. You can take your experiences and apply them at a more local level.

I grew by leaps and bounds, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, while away at college. Part of that is just the natural maturation process, but I think being away from home really helps to accentuate one's maturity and you really start to develop yourself more as a person. You take on more responsibilities. You make your faith your own, because you have to. You decide to find a church, get involved with it, and invest in relationships there. While you are away are there going to be times you wish you were just back home? Absolutely. I know I felt that way sometimes. But it is good to know that you aren't along in being away from home and that you can rely on the Lord to walk right beside you, spurring you on. I am glad I went away to college and can not imagine not doing so. It was a great time. A life changing time.

Horned Frogs vs. Utes

Big game tonight for the the 4th ranked Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University. They play host to No. 16 Utah. If the Frogs want to stay in the hunt for the BCS title they need to take care of business tonight. College Gameday was broadcasting live this morning and as you can see by the picture above, the crowd went crazy when Lee Corso dawned the headgear of TCU. The Horned Frog is an interesting mascot and it was great to see Corso placing it on his head, along with flashing the Horned Frog hand sign (making a loose fist with your hand and using your index and middle fingers to create the horns for the frog). Awesome!

Buble?!?! and Banny

I decided to take a break from writing and find myself contemplating purchasing Michael Buble's new album. Yes, crazy I know, especially after I have given grief to some people for listening to him, like my friend Lauren (thanks for being a faithful reader), who enjoy him a lot. As I have been hearing his music more lately, it seems to be catching my ear. I find myself relating to his music and enjoy his take of the swing/crooner variety. Hey and even Kansas City Royals pitcher, Brian "Banny" Bannister enjoys listening to him. So we shall see how this turns out.

Wisdom from Tripp

"Your life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-deliquent kids. It is bigger than beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and fashionable clothes. In reality, you are part of something immense, something that begun before you were born and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his kingdom, and progressively shaping them into his likeness--and he wants you to be a part of it."

~ Paul David Tripp... as quoted in Stop Dating the Church by Josh Harris

Glorious

To quote a new found friend in CJ...Glorious! Night of Desperation was awesome! I love looking at this picture of the body of Christ praying together, worshiping together, and walking alongside one another. Amen

Day to Night to Day

Praise you in the morning
when light turns to day
Praise you in the evening
when light gives way
May your power come now
may your mercy flow
May you light shine
so, so bright and mighty
Like the morning star
No denying it
No denying it
May you be praised from morning
to the night
to the breaking of day.

Hey Coach

I went to work out at the gym today and ran into a couple of kids I've previously coached in basketball. When the one kid, Nick (coincidentally they are both named Nick), saw me, he yells out, "Hey coach," and comes over to me with a big smile on his face. He was happy to see me and after we exchanged greetings via a fist bump, he went to run alongside me. This kid is full of a lot of joy and energy. I liked him immediately. A popular kid in school, someone that is not afraid to talk to you and say what's on his mind, yet I still think there's a bit of insecurity behind it all. I think we were probably all like that in 7th grade. While he was running beside me, he was talking to some girl half the time on the phone and told her he was running with his coach. She asked him why he called me coach and not Aaron, even though I'm not coaching him anymore. He was like "because he's my coach." I'm glad he understands how he should show respect to authority, be it a parent, teacher, or coach. It is cool to see the impact you can have on a kid. It really makes the time and effort you spend coaching and teaching worth it. Even when it seems like the kids aren't getting the message, you see later on that they really are paying attention to what you are saying even if you don't see it in that moment. It really means a lot when I am out somewhere at the gym, a restaurant, a game, and run into players I've coached and they are glad to see me. It makes that "Hey coach" mean so much more.

MLB Playoff Predictions

Major League Baseball's playoffs started this afternoon, so I thought I would make my predictions as to what teams I think will advance.

ALDS
Angels over Red Sox
Yankees over Twins

NLDS:
Cardinals over Dodgers
Phillies over Rockies


ALCS:
Yankees over Angels

NLDS:
Cardinals over Phillies


World Series:
Yankees over Cardinals in 6

Picture Perfect Tackle

I remember watching the 1995 Notre Dame vs. Army game. Notre Dame corner, Ivory Covington stuck Army's Tight End right at the goal line to preserve the victory. Covington was giving up 70+ pounds on the play but made a picture perfect tackle. The best tackle I have seen!

Joyful Noise by Flame ft. LeCrae and John Reilly

An amazing video and song. Praise God!

Collision Movie

On October 27 the documentary, Collision: Is Christianity Good for the World comes out. It pits Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson. By all accounts it looks to be a very well done film with two men of great intellect, wit, and speech. I'm looking forward to checking this out.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan... the rivalry continues

"Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one's conquests."

~ Louisa May Alcott

Brothers in Arms

I just got done playing basketball over at First Friends and we have a devotional after the game. I have to give props to the guy leading it, Jonathan, for just being obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in what to say. He talked about our struggles and at the end asked guys to open up to share what we were truly struggling with. Usually in a situation like this with a group of guys you get a vague/generalized response about what they are struggling with, if anything at all. But not this time. Guys truly were be open and honest, and really had some strong issues to deal with from a break up with a fiancee, to struggling with pornography, to being involved with two women and fathering children with them. Some very tough issues guys were dealing with and in many cases probably issues they were trying to deal with alone. It was great to be able to be the body of Christ to our Brothers and lift them up in prayer. I pray that they would remember That there is no condemnation in Christ. And they must no longer walk as Gentiles do in the darkness, but in the truth, light, and life of Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria

Thoughts on Joy and Lying

I should be joyful. Not an option. Not a part of a personality profile. Not in a category of emotion. It is commanded in scripture. If I'm not joyful, it is an indication that in that moment I'm not trusting that God is working all things for the good of those who love him. Our least joyful moments are when we are relying on ourselves.



Some articles and posts on lying, our attitudes towards it, and the alike, spurred on by a TIME magazine article on Robert Feldman's research.

Some thoughts from Heather Koerner on the article

Ditto for Tom Neven

Errol Morris' tw0-part NY Times article on lying. Part One and Part Two.

Chuck Swindoll and Attitude

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted ability, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home."

~ Chuck Swindoll


We had our semi-annual review today at work and our president started off the meeting with the above quote. I think it was very applicable to our workplace as well as to our daily lives.

Tweet Tweet

I started a twitter page today. You can find it here. Nothing up at the moment. I am not sure I have that much to say, but I think it will be a good way to share links to articles, books, videos, etc... that I think are worth passing on, as well as share some short thoughts that come to mind. Many thoughts come to mind when watching a game, hanging out at Starbucks, or taking a road trip. Twitter will allow me to share my thoughts on the fly with you all...well at least the 3 people that I know read this blog. Plus after reading this post on Packiam's blog, it seems like it could be a useful tool. If not even that, I think it'll be entertaining.

Until Next Year...

Sunday ended the Hall of Fame festivities for 2009. It is interesting to see so many people from across the country flock to Canton and be part of a first-rate festival and celebration. The community does a great job in representing Canton and shows great hospitality to the many new patrons that greet them at the beginning of August each year. I am always appreciative of being able to return to the HOF and help out with the preparations for and production of the enshrinement. This year was no different. I got acquainted with new friends and got to enjoy reminiscing with old ones. I got a chance to eat breakfast and mingle with Hall of Famers. I even got to chase down a cheerleader bus to deliver them pizzas. But what I think I will remember most about this years HOF enshrinement was being on the sidelines for the game watching my friend, Dustin, suit up for the Buffalo Bills. It wasn't that many years ago that we were teammates at GlenOak playing at Fawcett Stadium. Now, I was able to see him living a dream of playing in the NFL, just a few feet away from me, right here in Canton. How awesome is that!

The Day is Here

Today kicked off the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend. It is such a great time being able to be part of the induction ceremonies. Lots of time, work, sweat, frustrations go into all the preparation for it, but I think in the end most would agree its an unforgettable experience. I am glad I have been able to be apart of it going on 9 years. The big day is tomorrow and it will be exciting to see all the Hall of Famers that came back and hear all the speeches of the new class. I can't wait!

Got Paper

I was at my friends' wedding this weekend which was a great time. It's always great to see to people come together with a commitment to the Lord and each other. We all had a fun time busting a move or two on the dance floor and it was cool that my friend Mike, who was the groom, played some LeCrae at the reception. Musically going from the normal hip-hop/dancing songs, such as the Cupid Shuffle (who doesn't like that) played at weddings to Got Paper by Lecrae, you really can't tell the difference. There's the same beats, the same flow, the same level of mixing in the songs. But when you listen to the lyrics you get the truth and life that LeCrae is saying in his song. It's good to know and actually witness people have just as much fun dancing and moving to the beats and lyrics of a christian artist.


You got money; You got paper
So what? Who cares?
You got money; You got paper
I got Jesus, baby!

Hook from Got Paper ~ LeCrae

Everlife Acoustic

Some very talented girls...

Solid Rock

I will stand on the Solid Rock
I believe if I feel it or not
Word of God come and fill my thoughts
I am yours
Take control

~ "Solid Rock" chorus - New Life Worship


Those lyrics ring true. It is great to know that our faith does not have to sway with the ups and downs of emotions. It is built upon the steadfastness of Jesus Christ.

And the story continues

Today at church the Syria team shared about their trip they just returned from this past week. It brought back great memories for me and was awesome to hear about the ministry work Pastor Samara and the church are doing in that country. I was very touched myself to see my brother, Ryan, and other youth from the church go to Syria. The stories that were shared about the kids at the camp were all so precious. Ones that will stick with them, ones that they can look back on for encouragement, and ones that will propel them forward in their lives and walk with the Lord. I felt in a way that I helped to pave the path there for them in going before them to Syria myself. I know that it was a life-changing experience for them. It is cool that they were able to have some of the same experiences I had from standing on the 2000 year old street called Straight, to the wonderful hospitality of the Syrians, to the amazement of seeing God work in their lives and use them to be an encouragement and light to others halfway around the globe.

Stan the Man

One more post in reference to St. Louis. Stan "The Man" Musial. I think often when baseball fans are asked who the greatest outfielders have been in professional baseball, the names that quickly come to mind are Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, and Joe Dimaggio, and to a lesser extent Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente. But Stan Musial's name is not always among those, and it should be. Maybe it was because he did not play on the east coast. During his career St. Louis was one of the western most cities with a team. Now, one can make a statistical argument for all these players I am sure, but I am not going to do that now. Just to note though, Stan Musial was/is at the top of pretty much every hitting statistical category. See his stats here and here. I just wanted to give Stan Musial his due as Joe Posnanski did in the Kansas City Star article and on his blog. Both great reads.


“Here stands baseball's perfect warrior. Here stands baseball's perfect knight.”

~ Ford Frick (former NL president) on Musial

All Star Memories

The 80th MLB All-Star Game takes place later tonight and got me thinking about my own memories of previous all-star games. Two came to mind.


The first one was Sandy Alomar Jr. in the 1997 all-star game. He hit what would be the eventual game deciding home run and received game MVP honors.


The second one was of Tim Hardaway in an early 90's NBA all-star game (I forget the exact one). I remember him driving into the lane, doing a double clutch between-the-legs dribble, and then finishing with a layup. I remember thinking how smooth and fluid the move was and can remember trying to replicate it out in the driveway.

Meet me in St. Louis

St. Louis is hosting the MLB all-star game this year. There's so much baseball history in St. Louis. From the Gashouse Gang to Stan "The Man" Musial to Bob Gibson to Ozzie Smith to Albert Pujols with 10 World Series Championships along the way. St. Louis has great fans, a great baseball atmosphere, and makes for a wonderful place for an all-star game.


Speaking of St. Louis... Here is Louis Armstrong performing St. Louis Blues.

Today's Time

Time goes by, to and fro
I want to grasp it, bottle it, keep it.
Save it up for a rainy day.
A day I think I can get more use of it,
A day when it feels of more worth.
Yet all that is known is Today.
That is all we are given,
All that we are promised.
So throw those worries of tomorrow to the wind,
Release the type grasp of our hand,
on time that we can't hold anyway.
Instead, live in that joy today,
that sense of free
Do great today,
because tomorrow may never be.

Wisdom from Cuban

"The cheaper you can live, the greater your options. Remember that."
~ Mark Cuban


Here is an interesting article from Mark Cubans blog. He makes some good points I think in it, but just to give a warning there is some swearing in it. It's worth a read though.

70 Years Ago

It was 70 years ago today that Lou Gehrig gave his famous "Luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech.

Fourth of July

A few pictures of the United States of America's flag from a DC trip.

My grandma plays "God Bless America" often on the piano when we visit her or when she comes down to visit us. Now, I think sometimes she plays it to needle at my little brother who for some reason doesn't like it too much. Maybe he just doesn't like my grandma's playing and singing. Either way it is a good reminder of the freedoms and blessing we do have in this country, and the sacrifices our troops have made and are making right now.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above.
From the mountains, to the praries,
to the oceans, white with foam,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home
God Bless America
From the mountains, to the prairies,
to the oceans, white with foam,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.

Articles worth a read

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick writes an informative article about what has gone wrong with the Indians, who many thought would win the AL central division this year.

Charita Goshay writes in the Rep about dealing with failure and why kids need to understand how to deal with losing.

Gwyneth Paltrow talks about her love for Spain and living a less hectic life by turning off the blackberry.



Record of attended Indians games: 1-6

2009 MLB Games attended: 8 to date

Bobbleheads received this year: 4 to date (0 last game)

Junior Worlds and More

I got a chance to go to the opening ceremonies and the USA vs. France game for the IFAF's Junior World Championship of American Football. It was exciting to see 8 teams from around the world come to Canton to play in such an event. Olympic spirit was in the air as the teams were announced prior to the last game of the evening. You could tell that each team took pride in representing their country. Ronnie Harris, a Canton-native and 1968 Olympic Gold Medal winner in boxing, ran the torch for the event around the field and lit the main torch to signal the beginning of the tournament. I am glad to see Canton be able to hold such an event and hope that it has an impact on the players/coaches involved as well as the community.



I saw an interview of U.S. Soccer's Jozy Altidore on Pardon the Interruption. I was very impressed by his interview, the way he was able to convey himself, and answer some questions that may have tried to lead him to a particular answer. He is only a 19 year old kid, but I was impressed with his maturity on camera, and makes even a non-soccer fan like me want to follow how he is doing on the world's stage.





Record of attended Indians games: 1-5

2009 MLB Games attended: 7 to date

Bobbleheads received this year: 4 to date (0 last game)

Something more to Sleep

"Don't just fall asleep but seize the moment to weaken pride and cultivate humility by acknowledging that you are not self-sufficient, you are not the Creator. Sleep is a daily reminder that we are completely dependent upon God."

~ C.J. Mahaney



I was reading an article about sleep, that quoted the above in it. I've always thought sleep was important, especially getting a consistent amount of it at consistent times, and even as a way we as humans are not equals to God. But I don't think I ever quite viewed the moments before sleep as times to bring about humility and break down pride in my life, and to set my mind on God's all-sufficientness and my lack thereof. It is quite a good point to be made as I make my way to bed. Good Night.

Wimbledon and Poppy

With Wimbledon commencing this week, it brings back good memories of my grandpa, fondly known to my brothers and I as Poppy. Poppy really enjoyed Tennis and I can remember watching it and playing it with him. I remember watching players like Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, Steffi Graff, Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles and the alike compete. Poppy would tell us about the players both past and present and what he liked about each of their respective games. I remember going out to the courts at the high school where he lived and hitting the balls around with him. I was always happy to be able to share the enjoyment of tennis with him. I remember after he passed away, we came across some old newspaper clippings at my grandparent's house about Poppy organizing and running tennis tournaments for the city back in the forties and fifties. It was cool to see that and how his enjoyment of tennis spanned so many years, playing it even into his late 80's. I know he would have loved to go to Wimbledon and seen tennis played at its highest level. I would really like to make that trip across the pond someday to see it for myself and for my grandpa.

Give Thanks

While I was out for dinner with my family and some friends tonight, we were given some kind words by our waitress. She was glad to see a family still praying together before meals and told us as much. It was refreshing to have her say that and I was glad she was encouraged by it. So often I think we forget how small, seemingly insignificant actions can truly have an effect on a person. I don't know her story, but I am glad the Lord was able to use the act of giving thanks to Him to bring a bit of joy to her and a smile to her face in that moment.

Steadfast Man

Psalm 26

(1) Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
(2) Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and mind.
(3) For your steadfast love is before my eyes
and I walk in your faithfulness.
(4) I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
(5) I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
(6) I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O LORD,
(7) proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
(8) O LORD, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
(9) Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
(10) in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.
(11) But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
(12) My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

That is a great example of what a steadfast man is:

• Walks in integrity
  
• Trusts the Lord without wavering--no matter what life brings his way
• Eyes are locked on Jesus and his steadfast love
• Does not hang with the wicked, evildoers, hypocrites, men of falsehood
  
• Proclaims thanksgiving aloud & tells of God's wondrous deeds
• Loves the presence of God "habitation of your house"
• Washes hands in innocence -- can come before the throne of Grace b/c of Jesus' shed blood
• Blesses the Lord

Notes from the Bullpen

I got a ball while at the Indians game on Saturday. The Indians bullpen tossed it up after Kerry Wood stopped warming up. Unfortunately, he was not needed that game as the Cardinals defeated the Tribe 3-1. It's the 2nd ball I've gotten at a game. The first being back on August 13, 1991 at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium when the Indians played the Red Sox. It's always a big thrill for a fan to receive a ball and helps lighten the defeat.




Record of attended Indians games: 1-3

2009 MLB Games attended: 5 to date

Bobbleheads received this year: 4 to date (2 last game)

Don't Procrastinate

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.

~ William Penn

Most Valuable Puppets

Nike has come out with a series of "Most Valuable Puppets" Commercials with LeBron and Kobe. They are quite funny. Here's the most recent one. It's great!

Philadelphia Goodness

You can't visit Philadelphia without getting a cheese steak. And there's no better place to get it then Pat's King of Steaks. So, so good! I recommending get it "wit" whiz.



While out in Philly for Billy and Jill's wedding (haha, Bill and Jill, I'm sure that will get old after a while) we also stopped by the Franklin Fountain, which is a classic candy/soda shop. Just a wonderful little place east of Independence Hall. I tried a Cherry Bomb aka a cherry soda with a scoop of chocolate ice cream plopped in. Delicious!!

Seats and Tray Tables in their Upright Positions

Catching a flight to Philly in the early AM. I will probably be disappointed when I hear the pilot speak those words. Tray tables...upright position?!?! How am I suppose to lay my head down and continue to sleep.

I want to like hockey

After visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame on my trip and watching some of the NHL Playoffs, I have developed the feeling that I want to follow hockey...I want to like hockey...I want to be a fan. I have had these thoughts before, but they seem to fade away pretty quickly. As a sports fan I would think the sport of hockey would be something I would easily get into, but for a variety of reasons I have not. Here are three of those reasons.

I don't live in an area where hockey matters. When you think of sports as they relate to Ohio in general, and Northeast Ohio specifically, you usually think of football. High school football with rivalries like Massillon vs. McKinley, college football with Ohio State, and professional football with the Cleveland Browns. Football is the sport that everyone seems to follow and want to talk about. And now with LeBron James and the Cavaliers garnering so much attention locally and nationally, there seems to leave little room for a sport like hockey to claim any attention. You don't see hockey on TV, read about it in the papers, hear it discussed on the radio, or talk about it at the office. When its rarely mentioned its hard to follow.

I think if I lived in an area where hockey matters I would follow it and most likely be a fan. I can think of when we lived in Kalamazoo, MI and went to lots of Kalamazoo Wings games (who at the time were a minor league affilate of the Minnesota Northstars) I always enjoyed going to the games and think I would have continued to care about hockey and follow the Minnestoa Northstars if we did not move. I still have an affinity for the Northstars (although since then they have moved to Dallas and are just the Stars), but would not consider myself a fan. As well, my friend Tim, who I roomed with in grad school, was a big hockey fan. He was from North Dakota where hockey is a big deal, especially with two of the powerhouse college programs in North Dakota and North Dakota State. I remember watching a lot of the '06 Winter Olympics hockey games with him, and could definitely have seen myself really becoming a fan of hockey if I had been the one that lived in North Dakota and went to NDSU like he did.

Secondly, there is no NHL team in Cleveland. Even while living outside Ohio, if there would have been a Cleveland NHL team, I would assume my dad would have been a fan (like with the Browns, Cavs, and Indians) and in turn would have raised me to be one too. I remember when I was around 5 years old, my dad would teach my brother and I all the names of the Indians players and what positions they played. Having my own bond with the team at an early age grew my desire to root for the Indians, and I would think becoming a fan of a Cleveland hockey team would have worked out the same way. Now there is a team in Ohio, the Columbus BlueJackets that I could root for. Two things seem to hinder me a bit with becoming a true fan of them. First, there is not much history with the team. They entered the NHL in 2000. I want to cheer for a team with history. I really enjoy history a lot and think it makes teams like the BlackHawks, Canadians, etc... special because there seems to be something more to root for when a team has been around and has had its victories and defeats. Secondly, I think it is harder to become a fan of a team the old you get. When you are a kid, you begin to root for the team your dad roots for or the team all the kids at school wear the shirts and jersey of. Kids are more impressionable and the team and players seem larger than life. It's easy to just cheer and have fun even if your team is not particularly good. As you get older though, I think a lot of that luster and spirit wears off and its hard just to start rooting for a team cold-turkey. Now, maybe we should just try to be more like kids again, but I think it is tougher none the less.

Thirdly, the NHL is not on TV much. After the lock out in 2004 and the subsequent loss of their TV deal with ESPN, very few hockey games are on TV. Across the board this has caused a lot of probelms for the NHL because it just isn't out there in the public view like the other three major sports are, along with the likes of Nascar, and even tennis, golf, and mixed martial arts. And although it has a contract with the Verses station now, its nowhere near the exposure the NHL needs.

I want to like hockey, I really do. The game is a great mix of power and grace, physical play coupled with finesse. Maybe with the '10 Olympics soon approaching and with the memories of Toronto on my mind, I may just buckle down and follow hockey more and more. Now I just need to find a team to root for...somebody bring the Whalers back to Hartford.