In God We Trust, if the APR is Good.

If He lived in Indiana you may find the "In God We Trust" license plate on ol' JC's Holy Roller (probably a Toyota Pious). Unlike the numerous other license plate designs Indiana offers, if a person requests the "In God We Trust" plate, they do not have to pay the $15 administrative fee (to be fair, the "Lincoln's Boyhood Home" is also available). The ACLU filed a lawsuit, not to have the plates banned, but to simply have the state charge the normal $15 fee.

State Rep. Woody Burton, who sponsored the bill that created the plate, said there was no reason to impose a $15 fee because the plate costs no more than regular plates. Then why, Mr. Burton, charge for the other plates if they do not cost more? Burton also said '"[o]ver half a million people have bought these plates already, so somebody must like them."'Actually, "bought" is not quite right, Woody. They were given the plate with the normal registration renewal. That is what this lawsuit all about.

Assuming 75% of those who own the license plate would still have it if the state charged the $15 fee, this would mean nearly $7 million more revenue for the state. If 75% retention is unreasonable, then maybe they should change the license plate to read "In God We Trust, if the APR is Good." Now if we can just get those churches to start paying taxes, we may just dig out of this recession.

UofL - Courier-Journal Snip-its

I read these two statement in todays Courier-Journal and found them to be funny...especially taken out of context.

"I don't feel the expectation level of our fans has been unrealistic at all
[...] I would be the same way if I were a fan of Louisville
football."' -Steve Kragthorpe discussing UofL fans expectations (bold added for emphasis).

I always thought Kragthorpe seemed like a decent guy, now I know
why.

'"There's no need to point any fingers," Jurich said yesterday. "If you want to point any fingers, point them all at me. I hired Steve, and I hired that whole staff."' -Tom Jurich reacting to the criticism of Coach Kragthorpe.

Yep, point your fingers at me for hiring this bozo...my bad.

Vhat A Vonderful Veekend.

This weekend, being a Kentucky fan should qualify me for sainthood. One can almost substitute Vanderbilt for VMI in the post below. Maybe we just have trouble with teams that begin with the letter 'V'. Next, the North Carolina Tar Holes on Tuesday night at 9:00. That just means I have to stay up late to watch Kentucky lose (No, I'm not staying optimistic...but GO CATS!)

Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach, Diarrhea...

The new UK fight song is the Pepto jingle. Kentucky was completely unprepared for VMI in the season opener. I did not see any defense. I did not see any offensive sets. I did not see any blockouts. I didn't even get to see Ashley Judd!

Here is what I did see (other than several missed layups and horrible passing). I saw one ticked off Jody Meeks looking for some help. I saw the only help came in the form of two freshmen, Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins, and you can't have that.

Kentucky was buried by poor 3-point defense early and did not recover until half-way through the 2nd half. Then, when they took the lead, they didn't finish it off. They resorted once again to sloppy ball handling, poor defense and laziness on the boards.

I'm glad we're a football school. Go Cats!

Joe Scarborough and the F-Bomb

Sitting on the couch this morning eating my Cheerios, I watched MSNBC's "Morning Joe" with host Joe Scarborough. The panel was talking about Obama's Chief of Staff pick, Rahm Emanuel.As Scarborough discussed Emanuel's notorious no nonsense and often abrasive approach to dealing with people, he stated Emanuel can't just go around saying "F-You" to everyone he meets. Only Scarborough didn't say "F-You." He said THE word. The F_ _ _ word! The panel looked stunned, looking at each other with sheepish smiles. I think I may have even shot a Cheerio out my nose. Scarborough didn't realize he said it, meaning to just say "F." He didn't realize he said it until a few seconds later.

This incident lead me to this thought. How much more entertaining would the news be if they could cuss as much as they wanted? I realize they do it all the time off camera...there has been plenty of evidence. This would at least save Bill O'Reilly's staff a lot of headaches.

Daddy's gonna kill Joey...

A Boy and His Train

I came across this video on youtube and thought it was pretty funny. It does have a little cussing, so if you are offended don't watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5bkfSMc7zs

Straitpinkie.com

A few guys I work with have launched a new website...geared towards guys. It is straitpinkie.com
It is mostly local sports, pictures of good looking women and anything else they find funny or interesting. I also contribute by sending material to the main editor-in-chief or checking for errors, but that's about it. So if you need to kill some time check it out.

Kentucky vs. Ouachita Banana Baptist

Exhibition games are pointless to predict. However, seeing that my blog is pretty pointless, it will fit right in. I didn't expect Kentucky to put 111 points on the board against Missouri-St. Louis and I don't expect them to do it tonight. Wh at I'm looking for out of tonights game is what I looked for in the first. Ball movement. I was most impressed with the passing and court vision and look for that to continue tonight. If a team stands around against a Div.II, it won't get any better during the season.

Score prediction:

Ouachita Baptist - 58

Kentucky - 92

VS

Ghost Hunters

My favorite weekly show, Ghost Hunters, has been exceptionally exciting and productive this past season. As I have said before, I like the crew of investigators on the show because they try to find reasonable explanations for why a place may be "haunted." The two main guys, Jason & Grant, are Roto-Rooter plumbers during the day, so they always check loose pipes and the like to see if they may be causing those bumps in the night. They also measure the amount of electromagnetism coming from wires and electric devices within the building to see if that may cause people to feel a certain way or see certain things. I have always felt the show was credible and they were honest in their findings. Being the skeptic that I am, I appreciate this. However, this past season my skepticism about the legitimacy of the show and it's findings has grown. It seems the strange occurrences taking place during investigations are becoming more frequent and intense, leading me to feel this may be manufactured in some way. I hope these are real and unexplainable, but I will continue watching with a little more doubt. I have noticed several comments on youtube that other people are starting to doubt the realness of the events. Someone even commented they thought Jason (the founder of TAPS) looked really angry during the Live Halloween show, thinking they had taken the special effects too far. I wonder. (Note: I still enjoy the show and the "evidence" they capture is still pretty neat, even if it is made up).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqiv-8QIAs

So Close, Yet So Far

While attempting to type my blog address into my browser bar, I accidentally switched the "s" & "p" in "blogspot" and entered the site below.

http://www.buckleb.blogpsot.com/

Interesting.

Halloween Party

Beth and I went to a Halloween Party last night at the home of a co-worker. Here are some pictures of the frivolity.

Cats & cards

First, let me start by congratulating the UofL Cardinal football team on their performance in Syracuse this evening. I didn't think it was possible to lose to the Orangemen in football two seasons in a row. If only Georgetown Toyota's 2nd shift could have made a few more free throws, it would have been a perfect day.

"On paper looks very winnable, don't take that for granite! GO
CARDS!" (underline added for emphasis).
-quote in the Courier's fan forum.

Nice to see UofL fans don't deal in rocks...even though their 401k is probably worth as much. I also bet this guy gets French benefits.

Now on to more important collegiate athletics...

The University of Kentucky Wildcats became bowl eligible for the 3rd consecutive season with a win over their sister football program, Mississippi State. Thanks defense (wow, did I really just thank UK's defense? Holy crap!). I still have little confidence in the next three games against Georgia, Vanderbilt & Tennessee. Georgia was humiliated at home today by Florida, but that still doesn't make me feel any better. Not even about UK's loss to the Gators. Vandy and Tennessee look dismal, but Kentucky football is Kentucky football. I know better.

P.S. Kevin, I didn't see any of the Blue/White scrimmage, but like to see what you thought.

Wow...

This is just more evidence atheists are the only "minority" left you can openly discriminate against. It blows my mind how expert analysts on a major news network can get away with saying this crap. What if they said, "how anyone can associate with black people is beyond me. I just don't get it." Or if Donna Brazil said, "some people believe in the Great Pumpkin and some people, for whatever reason, don't. Even though there is plenty of evidence to support the existence of the Great Pumpkin..."

I'm so angry at this I can hardly type.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4zRnr2FOCc&feature=related

New Favorite Website

I'm sure some of you have already discovered this website, but it is a great place to catch up on the latest scientific news.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/

Review of "Religulous"

I hadn't planned on reviewing this movie, but my brother Mark put the pressure on me. So, here it is...

I have always found Bill Maher somewhat funny, holding many of the same ideas as me. But I have also always thought he's a bit of a jerk. The movie was no different. However, I did take guilty pleasure in him making fun of people to their face...but I wouldn't condone it except in rare circumstances. I wouldn't call the movie a documentary either. It is simply a series of interview clips with various whack jobs...usually in charge of small, backwoods congregations or religion themed amusements parks. The creation museum in northern Kentucky is also included. I enjoyed it for what it was...making fun of those that are easy to make fun of. I wish I could have seen him take on the Cobb County, GA or the Kansas school boards. That I would condone.

31 Cents & A Metal Domino

I also went to the park today during lunch (George Rogers) and only found 31 cents & a metal domino. I think this will yield more now that I've been over there and looked around a bit.

Nice Tackle Ref!

I saw this video of the LSU/South Carolina game on Youtube. My first thought was it's fake. I watched it over and over again trying to make myself believe the ref was just protecting himself. Nope. It was a tackle. I guess the refs hate Spurrier as much as everyone else.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWt1tGTHdkc&feature=bz303

Oh yeah...and referee Wilbur Hackett Jr (the ref in question) is a former Kentucky All-American linebacker.

Metal Detecting Research

I have been looking for locations outside of Louisville for metal detecting. I recently e-mailed a request to Holy Trinity Church in Fredericktown, north of Springfield. Beth was baptized there and I know the church is at least 40-50 years old, if not older (Peggy, if you know any more info, that would be awesome!). It is also just down the road from a picnic ground that includes a baseball field, volleyball court and small playground where the Jones Family reunion is usually held.

Mark-if I get permission, would you like to go? You can research first if you want. I am still trying to find older maps of that area, but they are hard to come by. I went to Washington Counties library page, but didn't have a lot of luck. I think I'll try the Main Library branch downtown during lunch one day and see if I can dig up any records or info from that area.

There are several places in the Springfield area I want to look at. It would be nice to get away from the city...as long as these spots offer some nice findings.

Holy Tomatoes!

I now have another pet peeve that rivals The Bible and other similar texts being placed in the non-fiction section of bookstores. Kroger's self checkout scanners have tomatoes listed under vegetables instead of fruit.

The Kentucky Wildcats Should Thank Me

When the Boston Red Sox were within a few outs of the end of the season the other night, down 7-0 in the 7th inning, I quit watching. I knew a possibility existed Boston may come back, but it was highly unlikely, they'd still be down 3 games to 2, and...who wants to watch the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series anyway. Fast forward to tonight...
While listening to the Kentucky-Arkansas game tonight on my headphones, I was once again proud of the defense and felt sorry for them. The offense couldn't break fishing tackle or pass so much as a fart. With 6 minutes to go in the game and Arkansas taking possession, the score was 20-7 hogs. I turned off my radio and thought "maybe they can win if I don't listen." Well hells bells, what do you know! When I predicted a semi-offensive breakout in my last post, 4 minutes of perfectly executed football at the end of the game was not what I had in mind. It sure is nice having a team that can still win when it looks hopeless instead of hopeless team that couldn't win while their own fans celebrate on the field and hang from the
goal posts. Good job Cats and thanks to the (according to Kevin) 45 fans who stuck it out and Commonwealth. I guess Bobby Petrino is headed up I-75 looking for his next dream job with the Bengals.

Cats/Hogs

Every game Kentucky has played this year, I felt they had a good chance of winning. I expected them to win against certain teams. Others I felt we could play close and win if the offense came together. Well, they have played close, but the offense hasn't been there. Today, as the Wildcats wallow with the Razorbacks, I am predicting a semi-breakout offensive performance from Kentucky. Even without Lyons, Kentucky will move the ball much better than they have all year. This doesn't mean they will score 50, but I expect a score in the 30's today.

Kentucky 34

Arkansas 16

If this prediction does not pan out, I will immediately delete it from the blog.

That Was Time Well Spent

I spent the first couple hours of my day sitting in the court house because of a subpoena I received regarding an incident at work over the summer. I was named in the district court case as a witness by an on-duty police officer at the stadium. However, I had no recollection of the event other than hearing it on the walkie-talkie I carry. Even then I'm a little sketchy if I actually remember it happening. Finally, after being down there for a while, I was told my testimony was not needed.
I hope I don't have to go back to the court house anytime soon, but it was interesting to see the different types of people milling about. I saw plenty of familiar faces; Police who have worked at the ballpark, lawyers from TV and lawyers I knew from my time at Hurstbourne. Sitting on the "waffle ass making" bench on the 3rd floor, I caught bits of conversations between lawyers and their clients as they strolled past. I saw grungy teenagers trying to adjust to wearing a suit and a few thugs who didn't even attempt to look like upstanding citizens. Some of the attorneys looked like they slept in there suits as they shuffled past, crumpled legal paper jutting out from under both arms. The hustle and bustle reminded me of the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter books...if it was in the ghetto.

Lunch Hour Escape

I finally went metal detecting today for about a half-hour during lunch. I was dropping off renewal information to some of my accounts in Prospect and decided to stop at Hays Kennedy Park, just off River Road, on the way back in. This is my first time out in months and I hadn't realized how hard and dry the ground has become. The digging was tough & dusty, but the soil easily fell apart in my hand making retrieval easier. I rounded up .40 cents in my half-hour. One quarter (1980), a dime and 5 pennies. Not bad for being a little rusty. I'm hoping I can get out more after work and at lunch this week.
I have also tried conducting some research on the internet, but it is tough going. I think the research is fun if you find something interesting, but so far I'm only finding unhelpful maps and photos. I'll keep trying.

Ryder Cup Friday Pairings

Because my Ryder Cup pairing predictions worked out so well for the Friday morning matches *cough*, allow me to make more predictions for the outcome of tomorrow morning's foursome matches. I will be at Valhalla following the action with Pop all day, so I will be unable to post the afternoon pairings prediction. Without further hubbub, here it is bub...

Match1: Mickelson/Kim def. Harrington/Karlsson 2&1
Match 2: Casey/Stenson def. Leonard/Mahan 3/2
Match 3: Cink/Campbell - Rose/Poulter Halve
Match 4: Perry/Furyk def. Westwood/Garcia 4&3

After morning matches:
U.S. 2-1/2
Europe 1-1/2

The biggest match of the morning is the last match. Big names, hometown boy and the anchor match. The dynamic duo of Westwood & Garcia will hang around the front nine, but Perry & Furyk will make a run on the back to assure the U.S a one point lead going into the afternoon four-ball matches. Count it!

More Death & Destruction

As Wolf Blitzer said,"anyone who stays will possibly face certain death!" Huh? The worst part about the mess is the maintenance crew just finished power washing the seating bowl. Now it's covered in warning track/field dirt and sno-cone syrup. Anyway, here is more of the mess.

Satellite Dish Gone

WIND STORM '08 ~ GUSTS OF DEATH!

As I write this, I realize none of my readers have any power. I am writing this at work as our apartment is also cut off from the civilized world. My boss is on vacation in Florida, so I have been busy dealing with the aftermath of "Wind Storm '08" as I am sure the local media is calling it by now. Anyway, here are some pictures from around Slugger Field.

Captain Tabler's Ryder Cup Team Pairings

As Valhalla Golf Club makes its final preparations to butter up the golf world and befuddle the Euros, Captain Tabler has been consumed with crunching the statistics, analyzing the archival videos and conferring with the co-captains. With just over a week until the Ryder Cup Matches, I have sent my pairings to Paul Azinger at his request (word must have gotten out about my level of golf acumen). Mastering golfer chemistry is crucial for success and the most important job a captain must tackle. With that in mind, there is no doubt I am the right man for the job. The pairings, Cap'n Zinger, should be as follows.

Phil Mickelson
Hunter Mahan
Kenny Perry
Stewart Cink
Steve Stricker
Anthony Kim
Justin Leonard
Jim Furyk
Chad Campbell
Boo Weekley
Ben Curtis
J.B. Holmes

Understanding that a couple of players will sit out each day (except Sunday), these are the pairings that should be adhered to when possible. Take Note and kick those fuzzy foreigners back across the Atlantic "Cupless."

Did I Make This Up or Have I Heard it Before?

While shaving this morning, still half asleep, my mind incoherently jumped from thought to thought as if still dreaming. This is usually the case as I get ready for work. As I moved the electric razor in small circles over my face, I started thinking about the DNC & RNC conventions. Then a joke popped into my head and I would like to claim it as my own...I'm just not certain I haven't heard it before. I thought, " what is the difference between a RNC liberal hippie protester and a right-wing religious zealot? One throws rocks and the other casts stones." Very pleased with myself, I had to work at remembering it so I could jot it down on this blog. Now, after the morning fog has burned from my brain, I need to ask...has anyone else heard that joke before? If not, then bravo to me.

Ryder Cup Picks Announced-Do I get Half Credit?

My Ryder Cup picks didn't pan at as well as I had hoped. I guess Paulie doesn't read my blog. I was right about Steve Stricker & J.B. Holmes, but those were the easy picks. The other two cuppers are Hunter Mahan and Chad Campbell. I definitely feel the European squad is the favorite, but it's nice to see an American team with new players that have played well within the last few months. The two extra captains picks should help out. This won't be a blow out...

Europe - 15-1/2

United States - 12-1/2

Quote from ESPN article

In reference to Kentucky declining to play in the Monday Night Football time
slot:

"Turns out the Wildcats did their in-state rival a rare favor. The
Cardinals would have been better off playing at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday, so no one
would have watched them play." -ESPN

A Good Win Against a Not So Good Team

Obviously I am very pleased with the outcome of today's game. I am happy with the defensive effort, but a little disappointed with the offensive line. Hartline did nothing to impress me, but he did not do anything very negative either(except for the unforced safety). I think if he gets a little more time from the line, allowing the running game to open up, he'll be fine. If he can learn from his mistakes while still getting a win, he should be in good shape.

Now, about UofL. They look like a mid-level Big East football squad. I know Kentucky's defense is much improved, but common. Kevin made the comment today about the last team to be held to that few points by Kentucky besides Indiana & Vandy? L' Yes...UofL football has arrived...right back where it started.

Charlie Brown Christmas - Performed by the Cast of Scrubs

I found this on youtube. For any of you Scrubs fans, you'll like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Of_mna-Rs

Oh, Captain My Captain's Picks

Listed below are the eight players who have made the 2008 United States Ryder Cup team.

Phil Mickelson

Stewart Cink

Kenny Perry

Jim Furyk

Anthony Kim

Justin Leonard

Ben Curtis

Boo Weekley

I have been pondering the remaining four spots for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and what Paul Azinger should consider. Having caddied and played Valhalla a handful of times, not to mention watching two PGA Championships, I feel I can offer a somewhat educated guess to what 'Zinger' is looking for. The U.S. team needs some guys who have Ryder Cup experience. However, the past decade has been almost all bad experiences. New blood is needed along with players who will get excited and show emotion. Also, a combination of precision and big bombers would be key.

The four players listed below are the players I would make as my captain's picks. I took into consideration the current team members, past Ryder Cup performance and chemistry. Let's see how close I get...
Steve Stricker -Has become one of the steadiest players on
the PGA Tour since his comeback. He has a solid iron game and seems like the kind of guy the Ryder Cup may mean more to than any major.

Bubba Watson -he is one of the most emotional guys on tour, seems just the right amount of "I'll kick'ur ass country boy'" and can bomb a golf ball as far as anyone on tour.

J.B. Holmes -Similar to Watson, but a little more subdued. However, he's a homer and the fans will love him. Plus, I imagine J.B. has played Valhalla quite a few times.

Scott Verplank - a veteran of the Ryder Cup and usually a steady player. He has been playing much better lately and seems to be peaking. Even though his point total is not the highest, he's surging and has positive experiences at the Ryder Cup.

The New Community Blog is now open!

I have e-mailed the following link and login information to a few of the guys who go on the trip. Hopefully they pass it around and everyone starts making posts. All they have to do is use the Username and password I sent and post away!

http://www.lagoonlegendmemorial.blogspot.com/

Golf Trip Blog

I have been toying with the idea of creating a golf trip blog and I think I'll do it. I have tried doing other blogs before, but could never devote enought time to keeping it current. The golf trip blog would be different. The plan is to give everyone associated with the trip access to the blog so they may enter their own posts. It could be used for trash talking, funny stories or posting pictures throughout the year. It would be our own little blog message board. I'm not sure if it would work or if anyone would use it, but I think it's a neato-squito idea. And if it doesn't work, I can blame it on others.

Playoff Goatee

Before the team clinched the playoff spot, a few guys in the office wanted to grow playoff beards, that is no shaving until we win the championship or lose in the playoffs. Beards were overruled by the higher ups in the front office, but allowed the goatee. The last day to shave was Thursday. I can't say I'm a big fan of having facial hair, but how often does a person get the chance to grow a playoff "beard." I will need to grow it until at least September 5th. If the team wins, it may go as long as September 15th. I will be shaving as soon as our last game ends...I may keep the electric shaver in my desk. Hey, if I like it, it may become a Ryder Cup beard...I could paint it red, white and blue!

Atheist Prejudice

I often post bits on this blog because of a reaction to a post of Mark or Kevin's. After reading Kevin's creationist bit, I have decided to tell of an incident that happened to me (indirectly) at work a few weeks back (Note: I have discussed the use of the national anthem before sporting events in the past with brother Kevin, but that is a different subject for another time.)

I received a call from one of my workers wanting security in his section. After walking to the location, he informed me five guys did not stand up during the national anthem. They did not stand because they told him they were atheists (I don't know why atheism has anything to do with not standing for the national anthem...the pledge I can understand due to the reference of"under God," but that is beside the point). Anyway, the worker told a nearby vendor not to sell the beer to the guys because they did not stand for the national anthem. The vendor agreed.

I told the workers I can understand if they are ticked off, but we cannot refuse service or single people out if they are not creating a disturbance. They have every right to remain seated no matter how much others may find it offensive. To make a longer story short, the worker had asked for an officer in case "those god hating atheists come back to spew their anti-christ bullshit."Avoiding interjecting my opinion and viewpoint, I felt I handled the situation rather well.
First, it always tickles my funny bone when people call atheists god haters. Second, I guess atheists are truly the last "minority" in the country that it is ok to discriminate against openly. Recently in the news we have seen (D)Rep. Monique Davis of Illinois openly deny the rights of atheists. George H.W. Bush was once quoted as saying he doesn't know if atheists should be recognized as citizens because this is "one nation under God" (though this story may not be entirely true). I have seen numerous news reports of families of atheists run out of town because of nervous school boards and PTA's (though these are usually small suburban towns).

Why is an unsupported belief in a supernatural diety commonly accepted, even encouraged, but demanding evidence and reason to figure out why things are the way they are seemed as evil? I guess I'll never understand...

Sticking with Mark's Insect Theme

Last week, Beth and I ate at the Cracker Barrel on Blankenbaker Road and noticed this caterpillar outside in the flower bed chomping away on some tasty leaves. All I had was my cell phone camera and the image is pretty blurry. I say he was about 7-8 inches long and a good 2 inches around. He was by far the biggest caterpillar I have ever scene. One of the workers told us it had been there for a couple of weeks, eating everything in sight. I think it is an Imperial Moth caterpillar, but not certain. It was the closest ID I could find in the short amount of time I researched it.

Congratulations to Aunt Julie!

Congratulations Aunt Julie!!! In case anyone has not heard or received her e-mail, Aunt Julie got her first Hole-In-One yesterday. Welcome to The Club!

Now I know where I get it...

One More Hell Week to Go

The light is at the end of the tunnel...I just hope it's not an oncoming train. The Dave Matthews concert is this coming Friday. The coming week will be spent getting everything brought in , situated and set-up. I'm not sure how many hours I will put in this week, but I have the feeling each day leading up to the concert will be longer than previous. The Monday after the concert we begin an 8 game home stand, the second to last home stand of the year. I know Beth and I are happy it's soon coming to a close.

I have not been metal detecting in a long while and I really have the itch to go. No doubt Mark has a huge lead on me in the amount of loot he has found. I hope we can get out somewhere together soon for a hunt...maybe at dad's poker buddy Chuck's property across the river in Indiana.

I haven't played much golf either, but the last time out I shot a 69 at Iroquois while playing with Uncle Mark & Matt. Maybe I should just let the legend grow and not play until the golf trip. It seems I'm playing better now that I play less frequently. The trip appears to be headed back to Crossville, TN, a place we visited a few years ago, instead of Panama City. I think almost everyone is happy with this decision even though Pop is still pushing for Eastern Kentucky. I guess my next project needs to be the golf trip media guide. I usually start this several months in advance, but feel confident I can get one done in plenty of time. It gets tougher every year, so I guess I better start now.

Kevin's Greg Norman Comment

I thought the same thing when I heard Paul Azinger say that "golf had been unkind to Greg Norman." Come on Captain! If golf has been unkind to Norman, then it must want me dead.

The British Open -Greg Norman Kreacher Feature

For anyone who has seen the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I present the following picture comparison.

The State Motto Poetry Challenge

O.K...here are the guidelines I followed for this challenge. I used state mottos from all 50 states. The motto kept its integrity. I also did not add any other words other than what is in the motto itself. Here it is...

Wutsamotto U?

If you seek a pleasant peninsula,

look about you, I have found it!

While I breathe, I hope the life

of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

Forward it grows as it goes,

ever upward, by and by,

let it be perpetual.

Mountaineers are always free!

Strength from the soil God enriches.

He who transplanted sustains nothing without
providence...

state sovereignty, national union,

wisdom, justice and moderation.

Liberty and independence.

Agriculture and commerce,

gold and silver...

I direct the crossroads of America!

Our liberties we prize

and our rights we will maintain

to be rather than to seem.

The welfare of the people is the highest law.

Labor conquers all things...

virtue, liberty and independence.

Friendship, union, justice and confidence.

Industry, freedom and unity.

Hope.

Under God, the people rule by valor and arms.

We dare defend our rights, equal rights, by the
sword.

We seek peace only under liberty,

liberty and prosperity,

equality before the law.

She flys with her own wings

to the stars through adversity-

manly deeds, womanly words-

north to the future.

The star of the North.

United we stand, divided we fall,

all for our country.

In God we trust all things are possible

Live free or die with God,

Thus always to tyrants!

Response to Kevin's State Motto Post

First, I will let you know I have been working diligently on the State Motto Poetry Challenge and will have it up sometime this week. Second, I saw a motto for Florida I liked:

Florida: America's Wang!

"Contact" & Work

I have just started reading Carl Sagan's Contact and have been told the book is much better than the movie (as usual), but my biggest fear is the ending. The ending of the movie was horrible, but I am confident Sagan's will be much better. I have read some of his non-fiction (Cosmos & Billions & Billions) and have been impressed. However, I am more impressed with his fictional writing thus far.

I get the feeling the younger Ellie Arroway character (as well as the adult) sees and questions the world in a very similar way I do now. The questions she thinks of are weird to others, but are perfectly rational questions no one seems to want to bother with. Anyway, it looks promising.

I hope I get the chance to read some in the coming weeks. We are finalizing details at work in time for the All-Star Game and all the surrounding events. It will be a long week starting Wednesday. We then begin an 8-game home stand the day after the ASG. A couple of days after the home stand , we begin set-up for the Dave Matthews concert. Two days after the concert, we start another 8-game home stand. The good news is, the season is almost done at that point.

Another Question for Kevin's List

If Ernie Els, Retief Goosen or Tim Clarke become U.S. Citizens (and they may be), or any other South African, are they considered African-Americans?

Unfortunate Headline

Not to make light of this man's death, but I saw this headline on ESPN.com this morning.

NHRA's Kalitta dies in Funny Car crash

Richard Dawkins, Atheism & Politics

I have become a big fan of Richard Dawkins, James Randi, Sam Harris & Daniel Dennett, collectively known as "The Four Horsemen." Here is a clip of Dawkins discussing the view of theism, atheism & politics.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=saFIIgM2_co

I Knew It Would Be A Bad Day...

I knew it would be a bad day today when I dropped my car keys in my juice cup.

Lies or Ignorance

Here is another example of straight lies or ignorance (you be the judge) from the "Creation Science Association of Mid-America." The title of the group should say enough. What exactly is scientific about creationism?

Anyway, here is the new depressing newsletter from this organization.

http://www.csama.org/csanews/nws200807.pdf.


I'll post my reaction when I get a little more time.

2008 U.S Open - This Expert's Picks

U.S. Open expert here. I will predict the Top 5 finishers for the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. I will tell you why my picks are as solid as a Ben Hogan knock down and why not only will I be dancing, but be within gimmee range. Even my brother Kevin couldn't pull this off. First, an expert like myself must develop the proper criteria, a rubric, for selecting the golfers feeling the heart palpitations on Sunday and those doing the "Samsonite Slide" Friday afternoon. I will also tell you why other criteria, though seemingly important, did not make my list for this tournament. Since every major is different, here is my list of criteria for the 2008 U.S. Open

1. Record at Torrey Pines - This is self explanatory. If a guy likes the course, you have to go with him, U.S. Open setup or not.



2. % of Fairways Hit - This is always key in The Open. Keep it out of the rough and you have a chance.



3. Putts per Green - This is important in every major, but must be factored in with fairways hit. Chipping and one putting every green for bogey won't cut it.



4. G.I.R the Last 3 Starts - I like to see who is hitting the irons well coming into the U.S. Open. This shows relevant confidence and an ability to work the ball, necessary to hit shots to tough U.S. Open hole locations. Those sick sadistic USGA-ians!



5. Scrambling - You won't hit many greens in an Open, even at a more forgiving Torrey Pines. You better be able to get up and down.

Some of the criteria I don't rely on and why:

1. Scoring Avg. - The U.S. Open means one thing...numbers in the black. " The best golfers can shoot an 85 in the U.S. Open." Every little mistake is amplified under these conditions. You must throw it out.



2. Driving Distance - Torrey Pines might be playing almost 8,000 yards, but you'll be hacking out each shot with a pitching wedge if you can't keep it in San Diego.


3. Money List - I don't care if you won $800,000 after shooting 22-under at the FBR Open. This ain't the FBR Open (buckle down J.B!)

Given this criteria, I will now present you with the order of finish in the 2008 U.S. Open. These golfers may be tied with one another or tied with other golfers I do not mention, but they will be there!

1. Phil Mickelson - It is his year to win this major at this course.

2. Tiger Woods - Bad knee or not, he loves this course. Maybe just a little too much rust to pull out the victory.

3. Justin Rose - This limey will again make a run at another major, but it won't quite happen... yet.

4. Stewart Cink - This steady player always performs well in The Open, but once again he'll come up short.

5. Geoff Ogilvy - This course suits his game and he has the experience of winning it.

DARK HORSE - Robert Allenby(if his irons are on...watch out.)

****Tune in tomorrow when I post my jackpot sheet***

Brian Likes His Evolution Spicy (A Response to "Kung Pao Evolution" by Kevin)

"The second law of thermodynamics is an expression of the universal law of increasing entropy, stating that the entropy of an isolated system which is not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium." - A loose definition from the "scholarly" Wikipedia.

Some creationists state evolution cannot exist due to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. This is my favorite argument. They argue things should devolve over time in our closed system...so god must be the giver and designer of life. The key to the 2nd Law is the "isolated system" tidbit. Remember the huge, glowing orb that heats and lights the Earth? Yeah...it's called the Sun.

Also, I have a quibble with people who believe the Universe is not in chaos. Sure, some portions have some order. In a place as vast as the Universe, given enough time & due to natural laws...some order is bound to occur. They seem to forget the fact just about everything seems to be expanding at an increasing rate, stars are exploding, galaxies are colliding with on another and black holes are swallowing star systems like I down a bag of M&M's.

Let's narrow the focus, however, and just think about Earth. Our planet is periodically bombarded (on a geological time scale) by large objects from space. Tons and tons of new debris falls to the Earth every year. Our planet is blasted by X-rays & Gamma rays...even Stevie Ray, Ray Charles and Charlotte Rhea. And this is just a small example of what goes on on this "pale blue dot."

Yep...this is one orderly closed system he "created."

2nd Grader Commits to Kentucky

Heard this at work the other day...pretty funny.

http://wkdzsports.typepad.com/sportsbytes/2008/05/second-grader-c.html

"That's My Dad's Shootin' Car" - West Virginia voter

West Virginia's primary is tomorrow. An article on the Financial Times website yesterday about the state's voters proved Barack Obama to be correct. I have not decided on my vote as of yet, but this may help lead me in a certain direction.

West Virginia is seen as a major challenge, if not an impossiblity, for Obama to win on Tuesday because it has few African-Americans & few college-educated whites. "The state has the lowest college graduation rate in the U.S., the second lowest median household income, and one of the highest proportions of white residents, at 96 percent." After interviewing several democratic voters in the small town of Williamson, none of them said they would vote for Obama.

“I heard that Obama is a Muslim and his wife’s an atheist,” said Mr
Simpson [not to beconfused with Homer Simpson, who joined the NRA in 1998], drawing on a cigarette outside the fire station in Williamson, a
coalmining town of 3,400 people surrounded by lush wooded
hillsides.'

Several weeks ago while campaigning in Pennsylvania, Barack Obama made a comment about "bitter" small town people who "cling to guns or religion." Looking at Williamson, "[w]ith a gun shop on its main street and churches dotted throughout the town," Williamson is that kind of community referenced by Obama.

'"If he is the nominee, the Democrats have no chance of winning West
Virginia,” said Missy Endicott, a 40- year-old school administrator. “He doesn’t
understand ordinary Americans.”'

Aaaah, my dear Missy...I think he understands ordinary Americans very well.

quotes from :W Virginia keeps distance from Obama
By Andrew Ward
Published: May 11
2008 20:13

How Do You Spell Relief? Not I-s-r-i-n-g-h-a-u-s-e-n.

Just a quick post. The St. Louis Cardinals have been on a small winning streak despite giving up plenty of runs in the 8th & 9th innings the last few games. It finally caught up to them tonight. Izzy gave up 4 in the 8th to lose 4-3. This bullpen will not get us very far. Please hurry back Carpenter & Mulder...we need your stitched-upped, gnarled arms!

Where Art Thou, Dr. Zeus?

Was there ever a "Twilight Zone" episode where everyone, except the unsuspecting businessman in the fedora, seemed to regress, or de-evolve (devolve?) and before he knew it neanderthals were roaming the streets devouring stray dogs, looting butcher shops & doing Geico commercials? I feel like that guy(minus the snazzy fedora). Recently several states have started looking to pass "academic freedom" legislation that would encourage, or force, teachers in public schools to raise doubts about Darwin's theories & evolutionary biology as it pertains to human origins. Never mind there is no credible scientific evidence to the contrary(I am well aware Darwinian evolution is pretty much gone the way of the Dodo. Darwin wouldn't recognize modern evolutionary biology. He was simply the "father" of the theory of natural selection. Evolutionary Biology grew from this foundation, however most creationists miss this point). Will we start teaching alternative geographical "theories"? You never know...the whole damn earth just may be flat! How about alternative Mathematical theories? "2 + 2 = 4 is all well and good, but I feel I would be slapping God in the face if I didn't say it equals 7."

Most recent surveys across the United States show the majority of people don't believe in evolution (which tells me they do not understand it) and a god created us very much the way we are now. This includes people who are not really that religious. Is this the education system letting us down or the unfortunate, disgusting & powerful influence of theistic willful ignorance taught in the home? My guess is the latter. Whatever the problem, it scares the hell out of me. I think I'll go back to my cave before the dark swallows me, wonder where the sun went and throw feces at the wall until I feel better.

A Rain Delay, 17 Innings & A Cold

Thankfully our home stand is over and I now have 4 days off to recover. Not only was our 5 game stretch at home cold, it was also longer than any other 5 game stretch I've ever worked. Saturdays game went 13 innings...which we lost. Sundays game was longer than normal, but we also has a booster club luncheon afterward. Monday's game was the killer. We new rain was coming, we just didn't know how much. The rain delayed the start of the game by only 40 minutes. After the rain, however, the temperature dropped into the low 40's with 20-30 mph winds. We then proceeded to play 17 innings of baseball until our first baseman was forced to pitch and gave up 2 runs breaking a 2-2 tie. I got home a little before 2 am. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I swallowed a pin cushion, dizzy and worn out (to many people that would have meant a good night). I suffered through our 11:05 am Education Day game today knowing I could go home and rest soon after. I now have 4 days to rest and hopefully feel better before Derby Day.

More Cincy Trip...

The Mysterious Blood Gutter

After gathering my keys and stuffing my wallet in my back right pants pocket, I hoisted my back pack over my shoulder and stepped out the door for another day of work. I turned from locking the door, it's black paint chipping exposing the gray metal underneath, and strode toward the top of the steps. Before taking the first step, I looked down to find an extremely large pool of blood on the second step from the top. My first thought was blood, but it was only in the one spot. I didn't see a trail of smaller drops leading to our neighboring apartment or further down the steps. I then second guessed myself and thought someone had spilled a red drink or dessert. After closer inspection, I knew it was blood. I stepped over the pool and went down a few steps. I turned around and looked up at the gutter. There was a red streak on the outer edge of the gutter directly above the pool. The blood was no longer dripping, but it appeared extremely fresh. It was very red and had not yet taken on the brownish rust color. I figure it must have been a raccoon, possum or squirrel that had cut itself, maybe on the gutter. I'll keep you updated if I see any animals with fresh stitches.