2001: A Space Odyssey

I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey this week.

It's part of my quest to watch AFI's top 100 movies of all time. (I need to post an update on my progression).

It was a difficult movie to watch. Trippy.

Due to the lack of dialogue and the slow pacing of the film I struggled to pay attention. The slow pacing of the film was actually the most frustrating part of the movie. In fact it took a few attempts to watch this movie.

Because of my struggle to pay attention I couldn't have told you what the heck that movie was about.

So I did some Googling and found this website.

Oh-h-h-h-h-h....now i get it.

Well I guess that's kinda a cool movie.

Have you seen it?

What did you think about it?

Metrosexual Worship Pastor

This is hilarious.

Inspired by Jon Acuff's blog post(click here) this blogger dressed up for her church's Trunk-or-Treat as a metrosexual worship pastor. Read more about her here.

Should You Get the New ___________________?

New fancy electronic toys are coming out every day it seems. How do we decide which ones we should purchase or not. This should help:

NFL Week 8 Picks

Houston @ Buffalo = Texans

Cleveland @ Chicago = Bears

Seattle @ Dallas = Seahawks

St. Louis @ Detroit = Rams

Minnesota @ Green Bay = Packers

San Francisco @ Indianapolis = Colts

Miami @ New York Jets = Jets

Denver @ Baltimore = Ravens

Jacksonville @ Tennessee = Titans

Oakland @ San Diego = Chargers

New York Giants @ Philadelphia = Giants

Carolina @ Arizona = Cardinals

Atlanta @ New Orleans = Saints

Video: Grocery Musical

I love these Improv Everywhere people.

Seriously I think I could get a group together and do something like this.

Anyone want to join me?

Maybe we can do a Remember the Alamo musical at the Alamo.

Or we could do a river dance at the River Walk.

I'm just spit balling some ideas...let's work on this together.

In the mean time enjoy this:

Video: Amazing TD pass

A behind the back touchdown pass. This is something we would have tried playing around in the backyard, but never in a game. I'm assuming this QB's team was already winning when he tried this, which makes you wonder if he was publicly scolded for this and privately praised.

Update: apparently it was a two point conversion.

NFL Picks Week 7 - Wrap Up.

I did much better than last week. 

 

Niners @ Texans = Houston

Colts @ Rams = Indianapolis

Chargers @ Chiefs = San Diego

Packers @ Browns = Green Bay

Patriots @ Buccaneers = New England

Vikings @ Steelers = Pittsburgh

Bills @ Panthers = Carolina

Jets @ Raiders = New York Jets

Saints @ Dolphins = Miami

Bears @ Bengals = Cincinnati

Falcons @ Cowboys = Dallas

Cardinals @ Giants = New York Giants

Eagles @ Redskins = Philadelphia

 

Last Week:  6-8

Season (as of last week):  60-30

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This Week: 10-3

Season: 70-33

 

McGwire: St. Louis Cardinals' New Hitting Coach

Mark McGwire is heading back to baseball. 

It’s been reported that McGwire will serve as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010. 

And I’m thrilled by this. 

Certainly Mark McGwire will always be known for being a power hitter, anyone who smacks 49 round trippers their rookie season would be, but McGwire was an astute student of hitting.  Read this SI article from 1992 (six years before his historic record chase) which describes McGwire’s rebounded success after a dismal ’91 season, and pay attention to the details of adjustments McGwire made to his hitting stance, the eye exercises and, yes, the weight gain.  Years before his historic ’98 season McGwire was dedicating himself in the weight room, to what was already a Herculean frame, but credited his success to his stance and reaction time. 

The blogging community is already up in arms about the kind of coaching McGwire will offer to the Cardinal players as being of a steroid nature.  

For years McGwire has been hounded for his refusal to participate as congress carried on their steroid witch hunt.  But I don’t blame him.  Yes McGwire never denied using steroids.  And yes, his silence virtually declared his guilt on some level.  But when McGwire said he was not there “to discuss the past”, he acknowledged that he was in a damned if he does damned if he doesn’t situation.  And it was absolutely true.  There was nothing McGwire could do to prevent the fallout of bad press and rumors and guilty-before-proven attitudes, and that’s unfortunate. 

Congress summoned together these athletes (McGwire, Canseco, Sosa, Palmeiro  and Schilling) under the guise of addressing the presence of steroids in sports, specifically baseball, and the effect it was having on Americas youth.  Then it became a series of “Did you take steroids? Did you see anyone take steroids? Did you take steroids? Did you see anyone take steroids? Could you serve as an ambassador to young players on the effects of steroids? Did you take steroids?...”

I think our congress and national pastime missed out on a huge figure who could have effectively served as an ambassador to young players on the harm of steroids because they were too busy trying to crucify the man.  I do think the Cardinals, thanks to Tony La Russa, have found a jewel of hitting coach.   

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Eliminating the Bottom 5%

via the strange map blog.

What if we redrew the world map to reflect the elimination of the bottom 5% of global GNP contributors.

Video: Not the Gospel

I saw this on Justin McRoberts website and thought it was incredible. Thought I needed to share it with you.

I remember as a child rubbing the belly of the little Buddhas that were located in BX (base exchange) we would shop at on Guam. I'd made my wishes and dream about how amazing Christmas was going to be that year! There is something incredibly wrong about asking Buddha to improve Christmas. But I was young, naive and not yet a believer.

However, as foolish as I was there are many adult confessors of Christ who treat Jesus as if he were their personal genie in a bottle. Say a prayer, send in an offering, and watch him grant your every wish.

John Piper's view on The Prosperity Gospel from Jared Duba on Vimeo.

What could you loss and still love Jesus?

I really want to answer "everything" to that question.

E-mailing Heroes

I got an e-mail reply from one of my favorite authors. I wasn't really expecting it so I thought I should definitely share it. And why not here on the ol' blog.

A.J. Jacobs

He wrote couple of great books.

He has a new book coming out.

Here is the e-mail conversation.

ME:

"A.J.

Can I can you A.J.? Or Mr. Jacobs, because that has a nice ring to it too.

I just wanted to quickly communiate how much I enjoy your books and other writings.

Thank you.

No need need to respond. Enjoy those "three loveable but time-consuming kids".

Happy Sabbath!

Trevor Harrison"

AJ:

"Thanks so much Trevor! You make me commit the sin of pride.

AJ "

I might just e-mail some other favorite celebrity heroes.

Who would you e-mail?

Have you ever got a reply for some kinda hero/celebrity?

NFL Week 7 Picks

Niners @ Texans = Houston

Colts @ Rams = Indianapolis

Chargers @ Chiefs = San Diego

Packers @ Browns = Green Bay

Patriots @ Buccaneers = New England

Vikings @ Steelers = Pittsburgh

Bills @ Panthers = Carolina

Jets @ Raiders = New York Jets

Saints @ Dolphins = Miami

Bears @ Bengals = Cincinnati

Falcons @ Cowboys = Dallas

Cardinals @ Giants = New York Giants

Eagles @ Redskins = Philadelphia

 

Let’s hear your picks!

 

Last Week:  6-8

Season (as of last week):  60-30

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This Week:

Season:

 

NFL Picks Week 6: Wrap Up

I forgot to post this early in the week. 

But as you can clearly see, here is why I don’t gamble.

 

Wrong Predictions

Correct Predictions

 

Texans @ Cincinnati = Bengals

Detroit @ Green Bay = Packers

Baltimore @ Minnesota = Ravens

New York Giants @ New Orleans = Giants

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh = Steelers

Carolina @ Tampa Bay = Buccaneers

Kansas City @ Washington = Redskins

St. Louis @ Jacksonville = Jaguars

Philadelphia @ Oakland = Eagles

Arizona @ Seattle = Cardinals

Tennessee @ New England = Patriots

Buffalo @ New York Jets = Jets

Chicago @ Atlanta = Bears

Denver @ San Diego = Broncos

 

Last Week:  7 - 7

Season (as of last week):  54 - 22

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This Week: 6 - 8

Season: 60-30

 

ReImagine Perspective

Why reinvent the wheel? From one angle it's just a rectangle.

NFL Picks Week 6

Texans @ Cincinnati = Bengals

Detroit @ Green Bay = Packers

Baltimore @ Minnesota = Ravens

New York Giants @ New Orleans = Giants

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh = Steelers

Carolina @ Tampa Bay = Buccaneers

Kansas City @ Washington = Redskins

St. Louis @ Jacksonville = Jaguars

Philadelphia @ Oakland = Eagles

Arizona @ Seattle = Cardinals

Tennessee @ New England = Patriots

Buffalo @ New York Jets = Jets

Chicago @ Atlanta = Bears

Denver @ San Diego = Broncos

Tomorrow Night

NFL Week 5 Picks: Wrap Up

What we learned this week:

-          I am horrible at picking games, 7 of 14, ridiculous!

-          The Broncos are for real.  So are the Bengals.

-          The Manning boys are very good.  What?  We already knew that?  Oh okay…never mind.

-          Culpepper wasn’t going to let Kolb steal his job.

-          Tennessee is preparing for next year. 

-          I still can’t decide which team is the worst this year.  St. Louis, Tampa Bay or Oakland.  They are embarrassing.  I think some college teams could beat them.

 

Steelers @ Lions = Pittsburgh

Vikings @ Rams = Minnesota

Raiders @ Giants = New York

Cowboys @ Chiefs = Dallas

Redskins @ Panthers = Washington

Browns @ Bills = Buffalo

Buccaneers @ Eagles = Philadelphia

Bengals @ Ravens = Baltimore

Falcons @ 49ers = San Francisco

Texans @ Cardinals = Houston

Patriots @ Broncos = New England

Jaguars @ Seahawks = Seattle

Colts @ Titans = Indianapolis

Jets @ Dolphins = New York

 

Last Week:  11 - 3

Season (as of last week):  47-15

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This Week: 7 - 7

Season: 54 - 22

 

TV - HIMYM - It Was The Best Night Ever Dot Com

I love how on How I Met Your Mother every time a website is mentioned the producers of the show go out of there way to actually make the website for real; be it a "slap bet" countdown or a site to purchase the Bro Code book.

Tonight they gave us itwasthebestnightever.com.

Video: Did You Know 4.0

If you're still still trying to program your VCR's clock you just don't get it.

Seeking Simplicity

Kem Meyer posted this image in a recent blog post.
I love her quote:

"Simple is smart and it's hard work. Complicated is ignorant and it's lazy. Just sayin'."

What needs to be simplified in your church or organization? And are you willing to put in the hard work to make it happen?

Michael Jackson's This Is It

RePost: No Such Tales Are Told

The post below was at David and Sarah Dark's blog. Too good of a quote not to share.
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America is the wealthiest nation on Earth, but its people are mainly poor, and poor Americans are urged to hate themselves.... It is in fact a crime for anAmerican to be poor, even though America is a nation of poor. Every other nation has folk traditions of men who were poor but extremely wise and virtuous, and therefore more estimable than anyone with power and gold. No such tales are told by American poor. They mock themselves and glorify their betters.

- Kurt Vonnegut

NFL Week 5 Picks

Steelers @ Lions = Pittsburgh
Vikings @ Rams = Minnesota
Raiders @ Giants = New York
Cowboys @ Chiefs = Dallas
Redskins @ Panthers = Washington
Browns @ Bills = Buffalo
Buccaneers @ Eagles = Philadelphia
Bengals @ Ravens = Baltimore
Falcans @ 49ers = San Francisco
Texans @ Cardinals = Houston
Patriots @ Broncos = New England
Jaguars @ Seahawks = Seattle
Colts @ Titans = Indianapolis
Jets @ Dolphins = New York

Article: Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

Yahoo posted a brief list recently of 19 things your child’s teacher won’t tell you.

Reader’s Digest as a similar list. Both are worth the quick read.

Here are a five to give you an idea:

• The truth is simple: Your kid will lie to get out of trouble.
• Encourage your child to keep reading. That’s key to success in the classroom at any age.
• We spend money out of our own pockets to buy things our students need, such as school supplies and even shoes.
• We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.
• Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy.

In my community group thru church we have several teachers. And our church is champion this mission; “We want to be the presence of Christ in every neighborhood, school and apartment in the city of San Antonio.” This list gives me a few insights in how to serve these teachers and interact with these schools.

But it also got me thinking about something else I was thinking about this morning. Has anyone ever told you, “I think everyone should work in a fast food restaurant” or “I think everyone at one point in their life should work in retail?” Really? Do I really have to quit my job and work at McDonald’s to learn these essential nuggets of insight (haha…see what I did there)? Or rather, couldn’t we just learn to communicate what it is we are learning?

So…

What would I want to tell people about my profession (or hobby or whatever it is you do) but don’t? I’m going to have to think on this for a day or two.

What about you? What would you want me to tell me from your perspective?

NFL Week 4 Picks - Wrap Up

I was trying a different format for my picks and reviews this week. I hope it was helpful.

I’d love to hear any of your NFL thoughts. Please feel free to comment.

I love to talk sports, however, I’m aware that not everyone (anyone?) who reads this blog cares what my thoughts on the NFL are. Which is completely understandable.

Detroit @ Chicago = Chicago

I’m not surprised by the Chicago win. Just surprised by the 48 points they threw up. Cutler is turning out to be a great fit for this team.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland = Cincinnati

Why do I care nothing about either of these teams? Cincinnati is 3-1, but I don’t think they’ll be a playoff team. Sure I follow the soap opera that is the Cleveland QB debate. But really I don’t care about either of these teams. And I doubt many in Ohio do either, they’re content with their OSU Buckeyes.

Dallas @ Denver = Denver

Dallas. I told you. Romo is not an elite QB, he never was, and despite occasional games with big passing numbers this will never be the guy who returns the Cowboys to their former glory. Every Dallas fan owes and apology to Jessica Simpson and Terrell Owens, because the days of making up excuses for Romo’s bad play has got to come to an end. However, as a Dallas-hater, I will say that I don’t mind their current downturn in the least.

Denver. 4-0. Really? Sure their schedule has been light, but this team has a great defense, only giving up 26 (7, 6, 3 & 10) points in four games. But with the next four games against New England, San Diego, Baltimore and Pittsburgh undefeated could quickly become .500 ball. Although I think they’ll have a shot a squeaking out a win in one of those games.

Seattle @ Indianapolis = Indianapolis

Manning is rolling. Seriously, this guy on bad weeks doesn’t look that bad. Sure Seattle isn’t a great team, maybe not even a good team after some of their injuries, but this game was over by halftime.

New York Giants @ Kansas City = New York Giants

Manning is rolling. Wait…er…I know I just said that, but that’s right. The Manning boys are really good. I would take note that KC did put up 16 point. And Eli getting injured could be a major blow to this team.

Buffalo @ Miami = Buffalo

Buffalo is just not getting things going. I’d look for Dick Jauron’s tenure to end soon.

Baltimore @ New England = Baltimore

You hate to see a game being discussed for its questionable penalties than it’s great play, but that’s exactly what’s happening with this game. Two roughing-the-passer calls lead to TD drives. The Tom Brady rule strikes again. I think these two teams will get another shot at each other in the playoffs.

New York Jets @ New Orleans = New Orleans

Brees’ second game in a row without a TD pass has to be of some concern, but the Saints keep on marching. Sanchez showed some real rookie flaws in this game. I think he’ll definitely learn from them. But he will have another two or three games like this one this season.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh

Even though San Diego kept fighting back into this game, you never really thought the Steelers were going to lose. Because if you don’t play defense you don’t win. And San Diego could not stop Pittsburgh’s offense. Mendenhall looked good in this game for Pittsburgh. 29 touches for 165 yards and 2 TDs. That’s stepping up.

St. Louis @ San Francisco = San Francisco

San Fran is developing into another Baltimore type team. A dominating defense with a offense that turns out some solid play. St. Louis is an awful team that’s biggest concern right now is drafting McCoy or Bradford as the number one overall pick in next year’s draft.

Tampa Bay @ Washington = Washington

Two bad teams = who cares.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville = Tennessee

Wow! Tennessee needs to start looking towards next year because this season is over. And with the season being over they may want to consider re-starting Vince Young. He is the future of the franchise.

Oakland @ Houston = Houston

Oakland had just two field goals. They are a bad, bad, bad team. Is JaMarcus Russell trying to having a worse NFL career than Ryan Leaf? I didn’t think it was possible, but it may be.

Green Bay @ Minnesota = Minnesota

Favre looked good last night against his former team. I have two questions: Does the Green Bay organization allow Favre to retire as a Packer? And with Favre throwing 3 TDs is he the face of this team over Adrian Peterson, and will that become an issue during the season? Winning cures everything. So when Brett has his 3 pick game (and Brett will have a 3 pick game) resulting in a loss what happens to the makeup of this team?

Still undefeated teams: New Orleans, Denver, Indianapolis, Minnesota and New York Giants

As of this week I’m thinking the last undefeated team will be the winner of the Giants/Saints game in two weeks on Oct. 18. A game I currently think NO will win, as they have a bye week next week, and because it’s in New Orleans.

Still winless teams: Cleveland, Tennessee, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and St. Louis, and Carolina

I think the last team to finally put up a win should be St. Louis. I’ve said it before, but St. Louis is a worse team than last year’s 0-16 Lions. I wouldn’t be surprised in the St. Louis goes 0-16 this season.

Last Week 12 - 4

Season (as of last week) 36-12

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This Week 11-3

Season 47-15

2009 NFL - Week 4 Picks

Detroit @ Chicago = Chicago

Detroit did finally win a game, and they’ll win another this season.  Just not against Chicago in Chicago.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland = Cincinnati

Cleveland is mess.  And Cincinnati is putting things together.  Are the Bengals a playoff team…eh…I’m not sure…but they should win this game.

Dallas @ Denver = Denver

Dare I say that they dismal Denver Broncos that had such a horrific offseason and preseason might just 4-0.  Yes.  For 2 reasons.  (1) this game is in Denver and (2) the bipolar play of Romo is due for a down day (week 1 = Romo was okay, week 2 = Romo was awful, week 3 = Romo was okay).

Seattle @ Indianapolis = Indianapolis

This is a tough pick.  But the Colts are at home and Manning just finds ways to win. 

New York Giants @ Kansas City = New York Giants

I don’t know if I can honestly pick Kansas City to win any games this year.

Buffalo @ Miami = Buffalo

Buffalo has had some moments this season where they look to be stepping up into that next level of play.  And despite Miami playing at home, and all their celebrity ownership, their wildcat offense has been playing more like a kitten.

Baltimore @ New England = Baltimore

Tough, tough, tough pick.  New England is at home.  This are two upper level teams.  But I’ve been saying Baltimore is the best team in the NFL for a reason.  This game demonstrates that.

New York Jets @ New Orleans = New Orleans

Another tough pick.  Two 3-0 teams.  Brees needs to bounce back from last week’s subpar performance, but this is a tough NY Jets defense.  However they are at home and Sanchez has to have at least one awful game during his rookie season.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh

At Pittsburgh = the reason I’m picking Pittsburgh.  But having lost two in a row Pittsburgh will be playing as if this was the playoff game.  Because honestly their playoffs may be on the line.  But look for P. Rivers to air it out and make this a close game.

St. Louis @ San Francisco = San Francisco

Does Kansas City play St. Louis this year.  Because that might be a game KC wins.  Because St. Louis is just as bad last year, and despite their better record they were actually worse than the Lions last year.

Tampa Bay @ Washington = Washington

Tampa Bay is starting Josh Johnson this week.  Both teams are bad.  Both teams coaches are not impressive.  But Washington has enough talent on their squad that they should win.  But I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville = Tennessee

Tennessee is 0-3 but don’t count them out.  This team will compete for a playoff spot and the road begins here in week 4. 

Oakland @ Houston = Houston

Does JaMarcus Russell even want to play?  Houston does.

Green Bay @ Minnesota = Minnesota

This should be a fun game.  I imagine these two teams split their two match-ups this season, but since Minnesota is at home I’m giving this one.  Favre has been stealing the spotlight and the plays from Adrian Peterson.  Despite Favre’s pray and a pass last week against San Francisco I’m curious how long the locker room holds up.