The Price of Sex: Women Speak

Visit this site HERE:

"Since the collapse of communism in 1989 millions of former Soviet bloc residents have migrated abroad looking for opportunities. These waves of migration breathed life into one of the oldest yet darkest criminal enterprises - the trafficking of human beings into sexual slavery.

"Hundreds of thousands of Eastern European women have been sold into prostitution. Photojournalist Mimi Chakarova, a Bulgarian who immigrated to the United States in 1990, has documented their journeys from villages in Moldova and Albania to the streets of Turkey and nightclubs in Dubai - where prostitution is the equation of supply, demand and desperation."

Photos: "Ian Fisher: American Soldier"

You should take a few minutes to check out this photo essay of young Ian Fisher's journey with the Armed Forces. It begins with his piqued interest in joining the Army to the return from his first tour in Iraq. Below I provided a few photos, but it would be best for you to go to the website and see the essay in it's entirety.

The Office Kid

Finally! Now I too can take advantage of the time off that comes from taking care of one's children. For the low price of $19.95 I can finally use up all my sick leave.

Purchase your's here: The Office Kid.

I'm Looking Forward to:

Movie: The Blind Side

On Monday I went to an advance screening of The Blind Side, the new Sandra Bullock movie. As a movie it has some flaws, but as a story it is incredible. I think the movie flaws root from the fact that the story is based on a true story and writers held closely to the truth of the story. While some creative licenses were taken more could have been taken in some scenes and less in others. But whatever. Here's the trailer:

I remember seeing Michael Oher's story during the 2009 NFL draft. This story is incredibly challenging. It makes me ask myself how far am I willing to go to love someone else? I wanna be about this kind of redemption work.

NFL Week 9 Picks - Wrap Up

Redskins @ Falcons = Atlanta

Chiefs @ Jaguars = Jacksonville

Packers @ Buccaneers = Green Bay

Texans @ Colts = Indianapolis

Dolphins @ Patriots = New England

Ravens @ Bengals = Baltimore

Cardinals @ Bears = Bears

Panthers @ Saints = Saints

Lions @ Seahawks = Seahawks

Titans @ 49ers = 49ers

Chargers @ Giants = Giants

Cowboys @ Eagles = Eagles

Steelers @ Broncos = Steelers

 

Last Week: 8-5

Season: 78-38

---------------------------------------------

This Week: 7-6

Season: 85-44

 

So far this season, no that we are at the half way mark, this are some of my observations and questions:

-       I am not that great at picking winning teams.  I think I’m just over 60%; I’ll let someone else do the math.  I’m going to shoot for 80% here in the second half of the season.

-       No one else likes to share their weekly picks here with me; but that does not deter me in the least from continuing to post my weekly picks.

-       Despite their really strong opening to the season, my original hopes for the 49ers of an 8-8 season is still the bench mark by which I’ll judge the team this year.  I don’t know if they’ll win their division and make the playoffs, but since the Cardinal won the division with a 9-7 record and even went to the Super Bowl you never know.

-       Already looking forward this upcoming draft. There are 5 teams at 1-7 (Browns, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Rams & Lions) and 3 teams at 2-6 (Redskins, Titans and Raiders); and I’ll throw the Dolphins, Jaguars, Seahawks, Bills and Panthers into the “who drafts Tebow, McCoy, and Bradford” discussions.  We can dismiss the Lions from the discussion since they draft Stafford last year.  The Bucs, after this weekend’s big win, seem to be satisfied with last season’s draft choice of Josh Freeman.  The Chiefs already spent a lot of money on Cassel.  We don’t know if the Dolphins are really committed to their wildcat scheme.  And will the Raiders really invest in JaMarcus Russell.  So teams in need of Tebow, McCoy and Bradford are the Browns, Rams, Redskins.  Oh.  And don’t forget about Michael Vick.

-       Some of the playoff picture is already starting to come clear.  Most likely we’ll see these teams post season: Colts, Patriots, Bengals, Steelers from the AFC and Vikings, Saints, Cardinals (?) should win their NFC divisions. 

-       I’m guessing Steelers repeat as Superbowl champs over the Saints.

Video: SNL Digital Short Firelight

Here's the funny Twilight parody from last night's SNL.

What I really think is funny about it is that it's a "how to" for acting like Kristen Stewart. Taylor Swift gets the constant biting of the lip and touching of the hair. If I was a drinker I'd make a drinking game for when I ever watched one of her movies.

But in the mean time just watch this clip:

Video: Why I Don't Play Women's Soccer

No one has ever asked me why I don't play women's soccer, but if they did here is why I would say I don't:

Oh yeah...and because I'm not a chick.

NFL Week 9 Picks

Redskins @ Falcons = Atlanta

Chiefs @ Jaguars = Jacksonville

Packers @ Buccaneers = Green Bay

Texans @ Colts = Indianapolis

Dolphins @ Patriots = New England

Ravens @ Bengals = Baltimore

Cardinals @ Bears = Bears

Panthers @ Saints = Saints

Lions @ Seahawks = Seahawks

Titans @ 49ers = 49ers

Chargers @ Giants = Giants

Cowboys @ Eagles = Eagles

Steelers @ Broncos = Steelers

Post your picks!

Video: Dog Save Dog

As my bible college preaching professor would say, "That'll preach."

Guess Where I'm Moving

Carolina in My Mind – James Taylor Music Code

View Larger Map

Congratulations

Congratulations.

It was a long season.

After a rocky start you righted the ship and had the best record in baseball.

You fought through a tough post season.

You are the Champions of the world!

27 and counting.

(But next year...beware the Rangers!)

NFL Week 8 Picks: Wrap Up

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

 

Last Week:  10-3

Season (as of last week):  70-33

--------------------------------------------

This Week: 8-5

Season: 78-38

 

Thoughts from Week 8

-          Who will be the last undefeated team?  New Orleans Saints or Indianapolis Colts?  The Colts have the Titans, Patriots, Ravens and Titans next.  The Saints have the Panthers, Rams, Bucs, and Patriots.  Looking that that four game forecast I think you have to saw that the Saints will be the last undefeated team.  However I won’t dare say that Saints are going 16-0.

-          The Cleveland Browns are horrible.  And I can’t figure out why they so quickly gave up on Brady Quinn in favor of Derek Anderson, because Anderson is just plain awful.  Quinn’s quarterback rating is almost double that of Anderson’s. 

-          My Niners may have lost this weekend against the Colts, but I was really impressed with their play.  And they almost won.  I’m also feeling good about Alex Smith’s return to the starting lineup as QB.  And Crabtree in his second game was the leading receiver for SF’s WRs.

-          They are winning so I’m sure we won’t hear anything.  But I am still convinced that Brett Favre’s passing game is taking precedent over Adrian Peterson’s running game is going to be a problem at some point of Minnesota.

-          With the Rams’ victory over the Lions, the Buccaneers are the sole winless team.  Since the Bucs draft Josh Freeman last season, and their constant QB questions I’m curious if they would draft a QB with the #1 pick.  This draft may have the most QB talent since 2004 (Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger).  And would the Florida based Bucs consider Tim Tebow?

 

Video: Transformer Costume

I saw a lot of Transformers this past Saturday night, but I didn't see any like this:

Also I watched Transformers 2: The Rise of the Fallen Saturday evening. Why? Why do I do this to myself. Clearly I knew what I was in for but I still made the poor choice. Why?

Lights, Camera, Action: Update

I thought it was time to give an update on the quest to watch all of AFI's Top 100 movies. I think the last time I had it was around April.

Remember there was two different list, one in 1997 and one in 2007. I'm working on both of them.

I am more than half way there. And I expect to see 5 or 6 this week.

1997

1. Citizen Kane

2. Casablanca

3. The Godfather

4. Gone with the Wind

5. Lawrence of Arabia

6. The Wizard of Oz

7. The Graduate

8. On the Waterfront

9. Schindler's List

10. Singin' in the Rain

11. It's a Wonderful Life

12. Sunset Boulevard

13. The Bridge on the River Kwai

14. Some Like it Hot

15. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

16. All About Eve

17. The African Queen

18. Psycho

19. Chinatown

20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

21. The Grapes of Wrath

22. 2001: A Space Odyssey

23. The Maltese Falcon

24. Raging Bull

25. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

26. Dr. Strangelove

27. Bonnie and Clyde

28. Apocalypse Now

29. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

30. The Treasure of Sierra Madre

31. Annie Hall

32. The Godfather Part II

33. High Noon

34. To Kill A Mockingbird

35. It Happened One Night

36. Midnight Cowboy

37. The Best Years of Our Lives

38. Double Indemnity

39. Doctor Zhivago

40. North by Northwest

41. West Side Story

42. Rear Window

43. King Kong

44. The Birth of a Nation

45. A Streetcar Named Desire

46. A Clockwork Orange

47. Taxi Driver

48. Jaws

49. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

50. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

51. The Philadelphia Story

52. From Here to Eternity

53. Amadeus

54. All Quiet on the Western Front

55. The Sound of Music

56. MASH

57. The Third Man

58. Fantasia

59. Rebel Without a Cause

60. Raiders of the Lost Ark

61. Vertigo

62. Tootsie

63. Stagecoach

64. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

65. The Silence of the Lambs

66. Network

67. The Manchurian Candidate

68. An American in Paris

69. Shane

70. The French Connection

71. Forrest Gump

72. Ben-Hur

73. Wuthering Heights

74. The Gold Rush

75. Dances with Wolves

76. City Lights

77. American Graffiti

78. Rocky

79. The Deer Hunter

80. The Wild Bunch

81. Modern Times

82. Giant

83. Platoon

84. Fargo

85. Duck Soup

86. Mutiny on the Bounty

87. Frankenstein

88. Easy Rider

89. Patton

90. The Jazz Singer

91. My Fair Lady

92. A Place in the Sun

93. The Apartment

94. Goodfellas

95. Pulp Fiction

96. The Searchers

97. Bringing Up Baby

98. Unforgiven

99. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

100. Yankee Doodle Dandy

2007

1. Citizen Kane

2. The Godfather

3. Casablanca

4. Raging Bull

5. Singin' in the Rain

6. Gone with the Wind

7. Lawrence of Arabia

8. Schindler's List

9. Vertigo

10. The Wizard of Oz

11. City Lights

12. The Searchers

13. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

14. Psycho

15. 2001: A Space Odyssey

16. Sunset Boulevard

17. The Graduate

18. The General

19. On the Waterfront

20. It's a Wonderful Life

21. Chinatown

22. Some Like it Hot

23. The Grapes of Wrath

24. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial

25. To Kill a Mockingbird

26. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

27. High Noon

28. All About Eve

29. Double Indemnity

30. Apocalypse Now

31. The Maltese Falcon

32. The Godfather Part II

33. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

35. Annie Hall

36. The Bridge on the River Kwai

37. The Best Years of Our Lives

38. The Treasure of Sierra Madre

39. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

40. The Sound of Music

41. King Kong

42. Bonnie and Clyde

43. Midnight Cowboy

44. The Philadelphia Story

45. Shane

46. It Happened One Night

47. A Streetcar Named Desire

48. Rear Window

49. Intolerance

50. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

51. West Side Story

52. Taxi Driver

53. The Deer Hunter

54. MASH

55. North by Northwest

56. Jaws

57. Rocky

58. The Gold Rush

59. Nashville

60. Duck Soup

61. Sullivan's Travels

62. American Graffiti

63. Cabaret

64. Network

65. The African Queen

66. Raiders of the Lost Ark

67. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

68. Unforgiven

69. Tootsie

70. A Clockwork Orange

71. Saving Private Ryan

72. The Shawshank Redemption

73. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

74. The Silence of the Lambs

75. In the Heat of the Night

76. Forrest Gump

77. A President's Men

78. Modern Times

79. The Wild Bunch

80. The Apartment

81. Spartacus

82. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

83. Titanic

84. Easy Rider

85. A Night at the Opera

86. Platoon

87. 12 Angry Men

88. Bringing Up Baby

89. The Sixth Sense

90. Swing Time

91. Sophie's Choice

92. GoodFellas

93. The French Connection

94. Pulp Fiction

95. The Last Picture Show

96. Do the Right Thing

97. Blade Runner

98. Yankee Doodle Dandy

99. Toy Story

100. Ben-Hur

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

--------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------

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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

 

"what's your function"

In English class, way back in high school, I was taught never to begin a sentence with a conjunction.  But why is that wrong (you see what I did there)?  I have read so many books, occasionally some by “great” authors, and they have broken this high school English rule.  I figure if it was okay for a ten year old Paul McCartney then it’s okay with me.

Actually I don’t think I really knew what a conjunction was until a few years back.  I didn’t grow up watching School House Rock, and never had Conjunction Junction burned into my psyche.  Honestly until about a minute ago I thought Conjunction Junction was on The Electric Company, a show I only occasional saw.

I certainly didn’t learn what a conjunction was in high school.  Which is not to say that it wasn’t taught to me at some point.  Most likely it was, but my memory of my high school education is hazy, much like many of my memories from that time in my life.  While I never have done drugs I imagine being on drugs is similar to my high school experience.   

I know that the words and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet are conjunctions, but are there any other.  I think there needs to be a new conjunction word.  When was the last time a conjunction word came into being?