The Collective Blog of Stephen and Erin

Announcement

2007-12-12T15:26:00.000-06:00

Erin has decided that she'll be going on a blog hiatus for an indefinite period of time.

Since it wouldn't make sense for me to keep a site whose title suggests both of us will be blogging here, I'm headed over to stephenmount.blogspot.com. Feel free to join me there if you'd like. I already have a post up about Oprah, so... yeah. (At some point, there will be site feeds on the sidebars, but they are down now, for some unknown reason. )

EDIT: THEY'RE FIXED

stephenanderin.blogspot.com is, as of now, defunct.

Weekly Poll

2007-12-11T13:48:00.001-06:00

In the history of polls, from the steveipedia, on to stephenanderin, I don't believe there's been this close and spread out of a vote. Elf and Wonderful Life tied for the lead with 2 votes a piece. The Grinch and Best Christmas Pageant Ever each got 2 mentions as write ins. The only movie that didn't get a vote was Miracle on 34th Street. Very interesting and inconclusive results.

On to this week's inquiry. My question to you: Should you tip when you eat at Sonic? On one hand, they bring your food to you. On the other hand, it's not a "sit down" restaurant and they don't refill your drinks. Let me know your thoughts, as always, in the comment section.

Happy voting.

A Composition Instructor's Life: In Haikus

2007-12-10T15:17:00.000-06:00

I.
White Christmas on stage,
Walking in Memphis at night,
Better than grading.

II.
Papers stacked up high,
My writing hand cramped and sore.
I long for the beach.

III.
My computer died.
Can I have an extension?
Not on your life, dude.

IV.
I spend precious time
Tracking down plagiarizers.
Cheaters never win.

V.
After four papers,
Students still can't format them.
Maybe they're all deaf.

To be continued...

HymnSunday -- Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem

2007-12-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel.

Pic o' the Week-o

2007-12-07T09:13:00.001-06:00

We're going to Memphis this weekend to see this musical.

Should be fun.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

SPLOG Wednesday

2007-12-05T10:09:00.000-06:00

The Orlando Magic continue to roll. They're now 16-4, 11-2 on the road. Dwight Howard is an MVP candidate. His per game line, 23.2 points, 15.1 boards, 3 blocks, while shooting 61.1% from the field. They definitely made the right choice in picking Howard over Okafor in the draft a few years back.

Tough time to be a Miami sports fan:
Dolphins 0-13 (last in the AFC East)
Heat 4-13 (last in the Southeast Division, Eastern Conference)
Hurricane football 5-7 (11th out of 12 in the ACC), no bowl game
Marlins 71-91 (last in the NL East), and just dealt the 2 faces of the franchise, Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis

There are six bowl games that I'm excited about this year, and the rest I don't really care about. Here are the six that intrigue me (all times Central):

AT&T Cotton Bowl @ Dallas, TX -- Missouri vs. Arkansas (1-Jan, 10:30am, FOX)
As I've said before, I'm a big fan of Chase Daniel and Darren McFadden, who will face each other in this game in possibly their last games as college athletes. The matchup should be a solid one. Mizzou really got shafted by not getting a BCS bowl, and the Razerbacks can be very tough on any given day.

Capital One Bowl @ Orlando, FL -- Florida vs. Michigan (1-Jan, 12:00pm, ABC)
Again, should be a great matchup. Florida's my team, so the reasons are obvious that I'd have interest in this one. It'll be fun to watch Tebow one last time before his Junior year. I've a feeling they're going to give the Heisman to McFadden this year. Next year, there will be no reason not to give it to Tebow.

Rose Bowl presented by Citi @ Pasadena, CA -- USC vs. Illinois (1-Jan, 3:30pm, ABC)
I'm thrilled with the season that Illinois has had... they're the only team to defeat the #1 team in the country (Ohio St.), so far. This will be a very tough test for them. The Trojans are fully healthy and are playing well. I imagine the Trojans will win, since it's basically a home game for them, but I'm looking forward to watching the Illini one last time.

Allstate Sugar Bowl @ New Orleans, LA -- Georgia vs. Hawaii (1-Jan, 7:30pm, FOX)
In a normal system, this could be the national championship game. The #4 team in the land (prior to #1 and #2 losing) and the undefeated team. I think it will be a better game than the real title game. Georgia should have been there even if they didn't win the SEC. Knowshon Moreno will win a Heisman in his junior year. He's an absolute beast. Hawaii will try to continue their perfect season. Should be a fun game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl @ Glendale, AZ -- Oklahoma vs. West Virginia (2-Jan, 7:00pm, FOX)
By my eyes, Oklahoma is the best team in the country and should have been facing Georgia in the title game. They dominated a very, very good Mizzou team. West Virginia really layed an egg against Pitt. Assuming full heath for both teams, this should be another game that's better than the title game.

Allstate BCS Championship Game @ New Orleans, LA -- Ohio State vs. LSU (7-Jan, 7:00pm, FOX)
I find this to be the least interesting of the games I have any interest in. I only have interest in it because it will determine the champ. I saw LSU play several times toward the end of the year, and I just don't think they are all that great. I'm not sure what Ohio State's strength of schedule was, but it was not very good (the very reason Hawaii is not being considered). I hope LSU wins, but I think there'll be 5 better games than this.

Prediction record: 14-6 last week, 49-31 overall
No predictions this week. It's more fun to pick college games than anything else, so I'll put a haitus on the predictions.

Also, depending on the influx of sports news, I may put the SPLOG on hiatus. College football took up a large portion of the SPLOG, and now that it's nearly over, I won't have as much to write about. Maybe an entry here and there.

POLL OF THE WEEK

2007-12-04T10:25:00.000-06:00

Hello boys and girls. It's that time of the week again where you help us out by letting us know your thoughts and opinions on various and sundry topics.

It appears, even though a majority of people have a majority of their shopping done, 40% have yet to begin their Christmas shopping. Procrastinators!

In keeping with the Christmas theme, my pondering this week leads me to question... What is your favorite Christmas movie. Undoubtedly there is one movie in particular that stands out in your mind. Maybe you watch it annually with your friends or family. Maybe it's one you have a certain feeling of nostalgia about. Whatever the case may be, here's a list of 7 movies that are typically ranked as some of the best Christmas movies out there. There's always the chance that I will leave yours off. Nothing personal, I assure you. I'll add the infamous "other" category, and you can comment to tell me how foolish I was to leave it off the list. In fact, how about this... everyone comment and tell why the movie you chose is your favorite. It'll be fun. I promise.

Here's a rundown of the options (all descriptions from IMDB):

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas - Repelled by the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas.
2. A Christmas Carol - An old miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature learns real compassion when 3 ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.
3. A Christmas Story - Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's.
4. Elf - After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life - An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would had been like if he never existed.
6. Miracle on 34th Street - When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
7. White Christmas - A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

JOY TO THE WORLD

2007-12-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Pic o' the Week-o of What I've been hearing

2007-11-30T13:43:00.000-06:00

A few CDs I've gotten recently that I'd recommend:

Emerson Drive - Countrified (4.5/5)

I didn't really have any country albums in my collection, so I went out in search for a country band. I stumbled across this band. I honestly think the lead singer has one of the best voices in country music. The songs have a positive message. They are upbeat and catchy, but not too twangy. If you're a country fan, or are willing to give country music a shot, give these gents a listen.

TOP TRACKS: A Good Man, Testify, Moments, Devil Went Down to Georgia (cover).

Josh Groban - Noel (4.75/5)

I didn't know he had a Christmas album out until recently (the album was released in October). I gave it a listen online, and it's a very good album, as you might expect. Groban does duets with Faith Hill and Brian McKnight. All in all, I'd say it's one of, if not the best Christmas album that I own. If you're a Groban fan, this CD is a must have.

TOP TRACKS - Little Drummer Boy, I'll Be Home for Christmas, The Christmas Song, The First Noel (with Faith Hill)

Relient K - Let it Snow, Baby... Let it Reindeer (4/5)

This album is comprised mostly of songs from a previous album (Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand). There are a few songs new to this album which are in typical fun, silly, light-hearted, Relient K fashion. If you enjoy punk rock, or Relient K, you may be interested in this album. There are a few Relient K originals, and some really good versions of well knowns, but it's definitely not your typical, classic Christmas album.

TOP TRACKS: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Merry Christmas, Here's to Many More, Good King Wenceslas

SPLOG Wednesday

2007-11-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

First of all, have you noticed the handy little scoreboard over there on the left sidebar? You can choose which sport to view and all kinds of cool stuff.

It's sad to hear about Sean Taylor's senseless murder. I just hope he turned his life around from previous indiscretions and knew the Lord prior to his passing.

About a NCAA football playoff, I used to be for trying to figure out how one could work. Maybe it's because of the craziness of this regular season, and the fact that I know someone will always be unhappy (e.g. if a non-conference winner gets in over a conference winner, the #9 team will be upset if it's an 8 team playoff, same with #17 if it's a 16 team playoff, some bowls will get shafted, etc). It seems like the best team generally wins or at least has the opportunity to play for the title. I don't see it as a broken system. A playoff wouldn't be a perfect solution, so I'm for leaving it as is at least for the time being.

BCS Standings
1. Missouri
2. West Virginia
3. Ohio State
4. Georgia
5. Kansas
6. Virginia Tech

Well this is no longer possible. However, I would be very pleased to have picked one of the two teams to play for the title after this crazy year. Personally, I'd love to see it end as it is now, with a Mizzou vs. WVU finale. I've really grown fond of Mizzou. However, with the way this season's gone, I wouldn't be surprised if both teams lose next week and idle Ohio State plays LSU (who'll jump over Georgia and Va Tech if the the Tigers beat Tennessee).

High on:
Chase Daniel - Will be a great pro QB.
Darren McFadden - Will be a great pro RB.
Colt Brennan & receiving corp - I'm finally on the rainbow colored bandwagon. Better late than never. Colt is a solid player and the receiving corp is quite possibly the best in the nation.

Down on:
Andre' Woodson - Kept KY in it versus TN, but also lost it for them. He doesn't seem to have the "it" factor, the internal clock that Daniel has.
LSU - I knew they'd lose at some point. They were possible the most overrated team in the 2nd half of the season.
Hawaii - They are better than I thought, HOWEVER, I am not on the bandwagon that if they go undefeated and win their bowl game, they should be the nat'l champs, as I've heard some say.

Predictions (7-3 last week, 35-25 overall)
Since it is the last week of college football before the bowl games, I'll pick every college game this week, as well as 2 pro games to make it an even 20 picks. Since it's twice as many games, I'll leave out the commentary.

NCAAF
(1) Louisville over Rutgers (2-0)
(2) Fresno St. over New Mexico St. (3-0)
(3) Central Michigan over Miami (OH) (4-0)
(4) Navy over Army (5-0)
(5) UCF over Tulsa (6-0)
(6) Virginia Tech over Boston College (7-0)
(7) Troy over Florida Atlantic (7-1)
(8) LSU over Tennessee (8-1)
(9) Nevada over Louisiana Tech (9-1)
(10) USC over UCLA (10-1)
(11) Oregon St. over Oregon (11-1)
(12) BYU over San Diego St. (12-1)
(13) North Texas over Florida International (12-2)
(14) California over Stanford (12-3)
(15) West Virginia over Pittsburgh (12-4)
(16) Missouri over Oklahoma (12-5)
(17) Arizona St. over Arizona (13-5)
(18) Hawaii over Washington (14-5)
NFL
(19) Dallas over Green Bay (1-0)
(20) Miami over NY Jets (14-6)

Weekly Poll

2007-11-27T14:52:00.000-06:00

Greetings, loyal readers! Stephen and I took a little hiatus last week in order to spend time with each other and my family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a great time in Memphis with my parents (our new picture was taken in front of the Christmas tree / fireplace at their house), and I think we both kind of hated having to get back into the daily grind, but then, who didn't feel that way? I'm in the middle of grading a bunch of papers, and it's going ever-so-slowly and will more than likely result in little blogging from me for a while. Only 8 days of school left, though!

It appears that our readers would want to fly, if given a superpower. Flying is the option I selected, as I think it would be both enjoyable and convenient (unless the weather was bad). :)

For this week's poll, we're wondering how much of your Christmas shopping you've done. Are you completely finished? Do you have a few more gifts to buy, or have you not even started? Leave us a comment here and let us know who is the hardest person to buy for on your list. Happy voting!

Pic o' the Week-o/Weekly Poll Question

2007-11-20T09:33:00.000-06:00

It will be a short blogging week, so I'll amalgamate posts. Eerie the similar poses of Mr. Heisman and Mr. Tebow, eh?

Speaking of superheroes (segue), this week I'm wondering what superpower you would most like to have. I'll just make some up and put an "other" category since there are countless possible superpowers.

Happy Tryptophan Day!

SPLOG Wednesday (Monday edition)

2007-11-19T09:54:00.000-06:00

This being Thanksgiving week, I won't be putting up a Wednesday blog, so I'll just do it today instead.

* This is looking like more and more of a possibility as the weeks go by. I'm pulling for it.
*If Tebow doesn't win the Heisman after his record setting year (first player with 20+ TDs throwing AND 20+ TDs running), the Heisman will be a joke. Granted he is a Sophomore and not in the running for the national title, he's still had an amazing year and is most deserving of the award.
* Orlando continues to pile up the wins, as they knocked off the previously undefeated Celtics. Stan Van Gundy for coach of the year.
* The Rams are falling further back in the chase for the top pick. They are tied in record with the Jets, Raiders, and 49ers with 2 wins, and the Dolphins are still winless. Oh well, they still should be able to attain a solid player with a top 5 pick.
* Lloyd Carr retired as coach of the Michigan football team. I wouldn't be surprised to see Les Miles from LSU take the opening. It would be funny if Mike Shula took the reigns at LSU. That would be one big rivalry every year with Alabama.

Predictions (8-2 last week, 28-22 overall)
NFL - Thanksgiving games
(1) Green Bay over Detroit - 10-1 for the Packers after this one. Who'd've thunk it?
(2) Dallas over NY Jets - The Jets has a surprising victory over the Steelers last week. They'll get rolled by the Cowboys this week.
(3) Indianapolis over Atlanta - Indy is struggling, but they shouldn't have much problem posting a win against the Falcons.
NCAAF
(4) Boise St. over Hawaii - The Fighting Rainbows should have gone down last week. They will go down this week.
(5) Kentucky over Tennessee - Will propel Georgia into the SEC title game vs. LSU for the right to lose against LSU.
(6) West Virginia over UConn - WV, on their way to the title game, rolls over UConn.
(7) Oklahoma St. over Oklahoma - The Sooners' QB and RB iffy, OSU takes the battle for bragging rights in the state of Oklahoma.
(8) UCLA over Oregon - No Dixon = no W.
(9) Florida over Florida St. - The Gators win this rivalry game, get ready to return to championship contender next season with "Heisman" Tebow, Percy Harvin, and Emmanuel Moody leading the offense.
(10) Missouri over Kansas - The 2nd of 2 undefeateds go down. A Mizzou win against Kansas, and loss to Oklahoma will propel WV into the title game.

Random Ramblings...

2007-11-16T12:24:00.000-06:00

* The Magic are rolling along. They could be a top 3-4 seed in the East. Dwight Howard is a monster. The best news about him? He'll turn 22 December 8th.

* Oregon lost their Heisman hopeful (Tebow's biggest competition) and their shot for a title. If LSU can win out, they'll probably be playing one of the Big 12 schools (my money's on Oklahoma).

* I saw Memphis play last night. They weren't as dominating as I thought they'd be. As I've mentioned ad nauseum, I love Derrick Rose. My concerns about Memphis as a team: they're not a great 3 point shooting team, not a great free throw shooting team, and they don't have a great inside scoring threat. It may be UCLA's year.

* I don't want to hear any more about steroids, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, O.J. Simpson, Kobe Bryant trade scenarios, the possibility of the Patriots going undefeated, or how Tony Romo is the next Brett Favre.

* Is anyone else watching The Next Great American Band?

* Next winner of American Idol? David Cook. Write it down.

* We're going to Memphis this weekend to see the Grizzlies play the Hornets. It'll be my first time at the FedEx Forum. Should be a fun game to watch. It will be nice to get out of town for a couple of days.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Pic o' the Week-o -- Bailey, up close and personal

2007-11-16T10:01:00.001-06:00

Thursday Thirteen #11

2007-11-15T14:19:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things I'm Thankful For

In honor of Thanksgiving next week, and because I need to think positively, I'm going to list some of the blessings in my life.

I'm thankful for...

1. My sweet husband who loves me and cares for me and makes me lunch and even dinner, too.
2. My parents who have always supported and loved me and gave me the most beautiful wedding I could have hoped for.

3. My brother whom I respect so much and is so different from me.

4. My job that I love (most of the time) even though I'm grossly underpaid. :)
5. My sweet, crazy dog Bailey, who is always glad to see me when I get home.
6. Friends who keep in touch, even though it's hard and we're all so busy.
7. A place to call home.
8. A car to drive.
9. Having enough money that we can eat out sometimes when we want to.
10. Living in a country full of more opportunity and blessing than other people across the globe will ever experience.
11. My in-laws, who have welcomed me into their family with open arms.
12. Having two degrees that no one can ever take away from me.
13. The love and salvation and mercy and wrath and holiness and justice and sovereignty and omniscience and faithfulness of God. Without Him, I would be nothing.

What are you thankful for?

Top TV Icons

2007-11-14T11:37:00.000-06:00

TV Land put out a list of the 50 Greatest TV Icons and Legends. Here's the top 10:

10. Dick Clark
9. Homer Simpson
8. Jerry Seinfeld
7. Mary Tyler Moore
6. Carol Burnett
5. Walter Cronkite
4. Bill Cosby
3. Oprah Winfrey
2. Lucille Ball
1. Johnny Carson

Who'd be on your list?

I'd have to have Andy Griffith and Dick Van Dyke in my top 10 for sure. I have a hard time disputing Johnny as #1.

SPLOG Wednesday

2007-11-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Offseason Baseball
There's a decent chance the Cards are going to part ways with Scott Rolen, as there is a rift between he and Tony La Russa. The Birds could have a whole new left side of the infield next season.

NCAAF
First, I want to say how happy I am that Illinois beat Ohio State last week. That was the game of the year for me. Even though I didn't pick it here, I did pick it in my Yahoo! Pick'em League. The Illini should be even better next year.

New BCS (toughest remaining game)
1 LSU (In the SEC Championship, probably against Georgia)
2 Oregon (@ UCLA on 11/24)
3 Kansas (They play Mizzou on 11/24, if they win, they'll likely play Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship)
4 Oklahoma (Kansas or Mizzou in the Big 12 Championship)
5 Missouri (They play Kansas on 11/24, if they win, they'll likely play Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship)
6 West Virginia (@ Cincinnati 11/17)

Other teams of note
12 Florida
19 Illinois
20 Tennessee

My Take
LSU goes down to Georgia in the SEC title game. The name to "know"? Knowshon Moreno. Heisman caliber in a couple years.
Oregon wins out.
Mizzou beats Kansas.
Oklahoma beats Mizzou.
WVU wins out.
Oregon and Oklahoma in the National Championship.

Tim "Heisman" Tebow season stats
Comp. 176
Att. 255
Comp. % 67.8
Passing TDs 23
INTs 5
Yds passing 2532
Yds rushing 718
Rush TDs 19

Predictions (5-5 last week, 20-20 overall)
NCAAF
(1) Clemson over Boston College
*These teams are playing for the lead in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. BC has dropped 2 straight and Clemson is on a roll. BC continues their downward trend.
(2) West Virginia over Cincinnati
*This is a big game for WV. First of all, however remotely, they're still in the run for the BCS Championship, so winning is necessary. Secondly, a win over Cincinnati this week, and a win over UConn next week, and they'll win the Big East. WV has the motivation and the talent. If only they hadn't lost to South Florida, they'd be undefeated and likely playing in the title game.
(3) Nevada over Hawaii
*Hawaii will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. Colt Brennan got a concussion last week, so it's iffy as to how with it he'll be. He has one fewer day to recover, since this is a Friday night game. Nevada scored 67 against Boise St. in a loss, so they can put up the points. They also run the ball, so they are a better balanced team than Hawaii. The Wolfpack win in a shootout.
(4) Ohio State over Michigan
*One of the biggest rivalry games in college football. I wouldn't have picked Michigan to beat Wisconsin last week had I known the health of Henne and Hart. The Buckeyes will look to get back in the W column this week.
NFL
(5) St. Louis over San Francisco
*I am a Rams fan. I'll admit, at this point in the season, with no playoff hopes, I was hoping they'd lose all their remaining games to get the top pick in the draft. With their injuries and underperforming so far, they've looked horrible. That being said, the 49ers turned in the worst team performance I'd seen all year. They may be making a play for worst team in the league. The Rams start a winning streak.
(6) Houston over New Orleans
*I just can't figure out the Saints. Big win over Jacksonville 2 weeks ago, then a loss to the Rams last week, raising them from the ranks of the winless. Houston's coming off a bye, will probably get Andre Johnson back. They'll top the Saints.
(7) Cleveland over Baltimore
*The Ravens are horrible offensively. The Browns are great offensively, and adequate defensively, and take care of business, in this game of big division rivals.
(8) Seattle over Chicago
*Two mediocre NFC teams, who people thought would be contenders. Both teams have their problems, but the Bears have more than the Seahawks.
(9) Jacksonville over San Diego
*What a bipolar team, those Chargers. They give up a record breaking single game rushing total 2 weeks ago, then beat the Colts last week, albeit in ugly fashion. Jacksonville controls the clock, and plays solid D, and knocks off the Chargers.
(10) NY Giants over Detroit
*I had the G-men beating the Cowboys last week. Didn't quite come to fruition. I do think the Giants are the third best team in the NFC (behind the Cowboys and Packers) and will knock off a solid Lions team.

Question of the Week

2007-11-13T08:43:00.000-06:00

Looks like Ron Paul is the choice for Prez among readers who voted. Fred Thompson is next, followed by Huckabee.

This week's question will not be a poll, but will require comments. It's a question that's been around for quite a while, in one variation or another...

You're about to be banished to a deserted island, but are granted the ability to take 3 items with you. Which 3 things do you take?

You can post anonymously if you wish, but I'd be interested to hear as many people's responses as possible. I'm definitely going to have to think about this for a little bit before I respond.

Comment away!

Poem of the Week: "Annabel Lee"

2007-11-12T09:35:00.000-06:00

I was in eighth grade the first time I read this poem, and I remember reading it over and over again because my little eighth grade soul, a lover of all things romantic and tragic, was fascinated by the language and story inside this poem. I memorized the poem and recited it in eleventh grade when we had to pick an American poem to recite. It's so odd to me that some of my most vivid memories are not about things I did as a child, but things I read.

Annabel Lee
by Edgar Allan Poe

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea,
But we loved with a love that was more than love,
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the wingèd seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsmen came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me;
Yes! that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we,
Of many far wiser than we;
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee:

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,
In her sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

HymnSunday - Holy, Holy, Holy (Acapella)

2007-11-11T08:15:00.000-06:00

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:3

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity

New Adventure

2007-11-09T14:38:00.001-06:00

I've started a message board. I put a link to it on the right sidebar above the Recent Comments. On the board, you can post topics for discussion or polls about anything you'd like to talk about. If you'd like to put a link to your blog and what's going on there, feel free to do that as well. Once on the forum page, just click on "New Thread" or "New Poll" located in the blue bar, and post away. You don't even have to register! I hope this works out to be a fun and engaging environment for open discussion. As always, your involvement is most welcome. We'll still be posting blogs here, so it's not a change in location; just an extension of this blog. We thought it would be fun to take it on a test run and see how it works.

Join us at THE DISCUSSION ZONE.

Pic o' the Week-o -- Young me

2007-11-09T06:44:00.001-06:00

Acts 6:15b (in reference to the Biblical Stephen), "...looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

Thursday Thirteen #10

2007-11-08T08:02:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about Erin
Thirteen Favorite Bible Verses

All of these Scriptures have been influential in my walk with Christ in one way or another.
Click on the verse to read it.

1. Isaiah 61:10
2. Philippians 2:5-11
3. Romans 11:33-36
4. Isaish 41:10
5. Psalm 139:7-18

6. John 15:5-17
7. Galations 2:20

8. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

9. Zephaniah 3:17

10. Isaiah 6:1-8

11. Philippians 4:12-13
12. Psalm 145 (I love it too much to just pick part of it!)
13. John 3:30

May the reading of God's Word bless you as it blesses me.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Sandee (Comedy +)
2. Amy
3. Susan Helene Gottfried
4. Lori
5. MissMeliss

6. ellen b
7. SJ Reidhead (The Pink Flamingo)
8. Sue

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

SPLOG Wednesday

2007-11-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

NCAAB
The Memphis Tigers' basketball team have a couple of wins on the year already, and Derrick Rose has lead them. As I stated previously, Memphis is my pick to win it all, and Rose is my pick not only for freshman of the year, but also for college basketball player of the year.

NFL
If the NFL season ended right now, the playoff teams would be:
NFC
1. Dallas
2. Green Bay
3. Tampa Bay
4. Seattle
5. NY Giants
6. Detroit

AFC
1. New England
2. Indianapolis
3. Pittsburgh
4. Kansas City
5. Tennessee
6. Cleveland

High on:
Steve Hutchinson - blocking for Peterson's record breaking day.
Green Bay - tied for best record in NFC.
Randy Moss - his sticky fingers won the game for the Pats.

Low on:
San Diego - a team that was supposed to contend in the AFC can't give up that kind of rushing, and lose to a mediocre Vikings team.
Denver - the win against the Steelers is the only brightspot of the year.
San Francisco - were supposed to compete in the west... they look like doormats.

NCAAF
BCS top 10 (remaining schedule)
1. Ohio St. (vs. IL, @ Mich)
2. LSU (vs. La. Tech, @ Ole' Miss, vs. Ark)
3. Oregon (@ Ari, @ UCLA, vs. Ore St)
4. Kansas (@ Ok St, vs. Iowa St, vs. Mizzou)
5. Oklahoma (vs. Baylor, @ TX Tech, vs. Ok St)
6. Missouri (vs. TX A&M, @ Kan St, @ Kan)
7. West Virginia (vs. Lou, @ Cincy, vs. UConn, vs. Pitt)
8. Boston College (@ Maryland, @ Clem, vs. Miami)
9. Arizona St. (@ UCLA, vs. USC, vs. Arizona)
10. Georgia (vs. Auburn, vs. KY, @ Ga Tech)

Predictions
I did better last week with my picks. 6-4, 15-15 overall. Here are this week's picks:
NCAAF
(1)Michigan over Wisconsin
*Michigan continues to roll despite their inauspicious start. The Badgers played 1 good half against the Buckeyes last week, but got blown out in the 2nd half. The Wolverines continue to roll.
(2)Arkansas over Tennessee
*McFadden is stating his case for the Heisman after his performance last week. I say he continues this week with his partner Felix. They run over the Vols.
(3)Florida over South Carolina
*The Gamecocks are tumbling, but Spurrier will be ready to face his former team. SC cannot stop the run, which means they'll have a doozy of a time against Tebow and Harvin.
(4)Georgia over Auburn
*The Bulldogs are first in the SEC East, and will widen their margin with the Vols' loss, combined with their win over the Tigers.
(5)Cincinnati over UConn
*I desperately wanted to pick Illinois over Ohio St. here, but the common sense in me wouldn't allow it. This game is pretty close to a toss up for me, but I'll go with Cincy over UConn, who should have a slightly worse record than they do.
NFL
(6)Pittsburgh over Cleveland
*The Browns are pretty impressive on offense, and are in line for a playoff berth. The Steelers are playing for the 2 seed (and first round bye), so they'll be motivated to stave off the up-and-coming Browns.
(7)Green Bay over Minnesota
*The Packers will do everything possible to stop Peterson, and will. Favre and company continue to lead (along with Dallas) the NFC.
(8)Tennessee over Jacksonville
*Tennessee can stop the run, and that's about all that Jacksonville does. The Titans give the Jags another loss, and leave them out of the playoff chase.
(9)Indianapolis over San Diego
*The Colts won't lose 2 straight, as the Chargers continue their descent down the ranks in the AFC. Who knows how many yards Addai will get?
(10)NY Giants over Dallas
Upset of the week. The Giants defense is really good. Eli is improving. The offense is balanced. The G-Men pull off the upset over their division foes.

Poll of the week

2007-11-06T08:22:00.000-06:00

People like Christmas best, according to our last poll. Thanksgiving and Easter tied for 2nd.

Given the fact that the next presidential election is 1 year away 2 days ago, I felt it appropriate to get the opinion of you, the reader. Who do you feel is the best candidate for the gig? I've listed the top 6 republicans and top 6 democrats based on recent polls.

I've mentioned before, but I'll say again, the votes are all anonymous. We have no way of knowing who voted for what.

Results this time next week.

Vote away.

P.S. Here's a website to take a look at the candidates stands on the issues, if you'd like to check it out.

Poem of the Week

2007-11-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted a poem, and even though I'm probably the only one who enjoys them, I'm posting another one. :) The poem is by one of my favorite poets, James Wright, whom I "discovered" while taking a poetry class in college (I mentioned him in a post on my old blog). I have his collected works and have read all of his poems, and his words thrill me every time I read them.

A Blessing

Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,
Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.
And the eyes of those two Indian ponies
Darken with kindness.
They have come gladly out of the willows
To welcome my friend and me.
We step over the barbed wire into the pasture
Where they have been grazing all day, alone.
They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness
That we have come.
They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.
There is no loneliness like theirs.
At home once more,
They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.
I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,
For she has walked over to me
And nuzzled my left hand.
She is black and white,
Her mane falls wild on her forehead,
And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear
That is delicate as the skin over a girl's wrist.
Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom.

HymnSunday - Great is Thy Faithfulness

2007-11-04T08:24:00.000-06:00

“His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Thursday Thirteen #9

2007-10-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Erin
13 Quotes from The Office

1. “I am a great interviewee. Why? Because I have something no one else has. My brain. Which I use to my advantage, when advantageous.” Andy Bernard

2. “That’s what she said.” Michael Scott

3. “Once I’m officially regional manager, my first order of business will be to demote Jim Halpert. So I will need a new number two. My ideal choice? Jack Bauer. But he is unavailable. Fictional. And overqualified.” Dwight Schrute

4. "Yes. It is true. I, Michael Scott, am signing up with an online dating service. Thousands of people have done it, and I am going to do it. I need a username, and... I have a great one. [types something] 'Little Kid Lover'. That way people will know exactly where my priorities are at." Michael Scott

5. “I swore to myself if I ever got to walk around the room as manager, people would laugh as they saw me coming, and they'd applaud as I walked away.” Michael Scott

6. “Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh I don't know... I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, don't sue me... that's the opposite of the point I'm trying to make.” Michael Scott

7. “In general, they do not give me much responsibility. But they do let me shred the company documents. And that is really all I need.” Kevin Malone

8. “So Ryan got promoted to corporate, where he is a little fish in a big pond. Whereas back here in Scranton I am still top dog in a fairly large pond. So who is the real boss? The dog or a fish?” Michael Scott

9. “I love inside jokes. I'd like to be a part of one some day.” Michael Scott

10. “You'll notice I didn't have anybody being Arab. I thought that would be too explosive...no pun intended. But I just thought, 'too soon' for Arabs. Maybe next year. The ball's in their court.” Michael Scott (after role-playing exercise in “Diversity Day” episode)

11. Okay, just so I understand it, in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell, and you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.” Jim Halpert (to Dwight)

12. “A lot of people think that magic camp is just for kids, and that's why so many other people in my class were kids. Self-fulfilling prophesy. It's umm, really for anybody with a dream, and a belief in magic, and a little extra time after school.” Michael Scott

13. “Yes I have acted before. I was in a production of "Oklahoma!" in the 7th grade. I played the part of Mutey the Mailman. They had too many kids so they made up roles like that. I was good.” Dwight Schrute

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Nicholas
2. Amy
3. Nap Warden
4. Penelope Anne
5. Nicole
6. Sharon

Wednesday SPLOG

2007-10-31T07:50:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the Red Sox for winning the Series this year. Only 19 more championships to go to catch the Yanks, and 3 more to go to catch the Cards.

A-Rod opted out of his contract with the Yanks and will be moving on to another team. I'm thinking he lands with the Angels. They have money to spend, a hole at 3rd, and have wanted a big bat to pair alongside Vlad for a while. They should make the playoffs... and lose in the 1st round.

Continuing the Yankee theme, there was a changing of Joes at manager, from Torre to Girardi. It will be interesting to see what they do next year, with some young kids coming up, and no A-Rod disruption. I'm thinking they'll have one of the best years they've had for some time.

The NBA season got underway last night. My Finals pick? Spurs over Nets.

I had a rough week picking games last week. My buddy Mikey was spot on with those west coast games involving Oregon and Arizona State. I was looking for some upsets, and ended up getting burned. There were a couple of close games and a couple of overtime games that did me in. 3-7 last week, 9-11 overall. Let's hope for better results this go-round.

NCAAF
(1)Arkansas over South Carolina - Should be a tight SEC matchup. SC is coming off a couple of losses. The Razorbacks are at home, and McFadden should run roughshod over the Gamecocks.
(2)Florida over Vandy - I anticipate this to be a very close game as Vandy has played Florida very closely the past couple of years. I think the Gators can stave off the attack of the Commodores and Tebow, hopefully healthier than last week, will continue his Heisman quest.
(3)Oregon over Arizona St. - 2 top 10 teams going at it. The Devils' QB is ailing, and the Ducks' QB is aiming for a Heisman. Dixon carries the Ducks to victory, with hopes of a national title dancing in his head.
(4)Rutgers over UConn - Slight upset here. UConn's luck finally runs out as the Knights top the Huskies.
(5)Alabama over LSU - Think Saban'll be geared to go against his former team? Throw in the bye week they had to prepare and the fact that they'll be playing in front of a crimson crowd, the Tide roll over the Tigers.
NFL
(6)Kansas City over Green Bay - KC's coming off a bye week and playing at home. GB's coming off a short week and an emotional victory. The surprising Chiefs take one from the Pack.
(7)New Orleans over Jacksonville - The Saints have won 3 straight and appear to be among the NFC contenders once again. The Jags are without their starting QB. The Saints march.
(8)Oakland over Houston - Each team is winless in their last 3 games. Houston has some injury concerns. Raiders get the W.
(9)Detroit over Denver - In case no one's noticed, the Lions are 5-2. Denver is coming off short rest and the Lions are solid. Kitna leads the Lions to victory.
(10)New England over Indianapolis - And then there's only the regular season game of the year. I could rant about this game for a while, but I'll keep it short and sweet. I like the Colts better, but I think the Pats will win. This is the one game I hope I get wrong.

Weekly Poll

2007-10-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

It seems that the last poll ended in a tie, with Diet Coke and Cherry Coke both receiving four votes. Since Cherry Coke is my favorite, I'm declaring it the winner. Just kidding! We'll just call it a tie, I suppose.

As you may have noticed from the countdown, there are 56 days until Christmas! Thoughts of Christmas got me thinking about holidays in general, so I thought it appropriate to make this week's poll about favorite holidays.

Which holiday is you favorite? Cast your vote, then comment here, telling us why you love that particular holiday.

HymnSunday - 10/28/07

2007-10-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

What we've been watching

2007-10-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

WATCHING
MOVIES
3:10 to Yuma: Erin and I saw this movie a few weeks ago and both agreed that it is our favorite movie of the year. Good chemistry between Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, a well-told story that will give you a jolt at the end.

TV
Aliens in America: This TV show is definitely the funniest of the new shows, and my personal favorite new show of the year. It has a Wonder Years feel to it, with the narration of a high school student who is struggling to fit in. The Alien part (if you didn't know) refers to a foreign exchange student (Raja from Pakistan) who is the narrator's tag-along.

Pushing Daisies: This was the most highly touted show going into the new Fall season. Personally, after giving it several episodes, I don't love it. It is definitely unique and quirky, but I find it a bit over-narrated and I don't feel a real attachment to the lead character, Ned. I was willing to give it a shot, but I'm about to give it the axe. The only other new show I watch regularly other than Aliens, is Chuck, and my interest in that show is beginning to wane as well.

Next Great American Band: This will fill my American Idol fix until AI returns in January. It is basically a battle of the bands, different styles, to see who gets the crown. I find it reasonably enjoyable for its niche of show. My pick to win: a country/rock band called Sixwire.

Have a groovy weekend.

Substitute Thursday Thirteener

2007-10-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Erin is busy grading papers and doing teacher-type duties, so I'm going to fill in and do a Thursday Thirteen. I'm not going to put up the cool graphic or anything, but here's my list of 13 favorite candy bars:

1) 100 Grand
2) Baby Ruth
3) Butterfinger
4) Carmello
5) Heath
6) Hershey's Cookies 'n Cream
7) Hershey's Extra Dark
8) Hershey's Symphony with Almonds and Toffee
9) Kit Kat
10) Milky Way
11) Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
12) Snickers
13) Twix (Caramel)

What're yours?

SPLOG Wednesday

2007-10-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

The World Series is about to begin, the Rox vs. the Sox. I doubt I'll watch a great deal of it, but I'll tune in to hear the scores every once and again. As for my pick, my heart is with the Rockies, but my head is with the Red Sox. I'm a National League guy, and I have a general distaste for nor'eastern sports teams. I suppose I'll reluctantly pick the Sox in six since they've been there, and the Rox have had 8 days to cool off.

At first, I was slightly disappointed that Tony La Russa (aka TLR) returned to manage the Cardinals. Now that I've had a couple days to process it, I'm actually ok with it. It's nice to have a manager and team display this kind of loyalty. TLR is the Cardinals' all time winningest manager. He's been the manager for more than a third of my lifetime, and I welcome him back with open arms. Next step for the Cards, CHRIS ANTONETTI FOR GM. He'd be a perfect fit.

The Dolphins are trying to steal the #1 pick away from my Rams. Miami's starting QB is out for the year with a "concussion", and now their starting RB has a "torn ACL" and is done for the year. Maybe if the Rams work a little harder (or maybe less hard, as the case may be), they can attain the #1 pick, and stave off those pesky Dolphins.

On last week's predictions, I ended up 6-4 (3-2 in each college and the NFL). I'll take that. The plan is to make 10 picks every week between the college games and the pro games until college is over, then I'll figure something else out. But here's the thing, you aren't getting any fluff picks from the SPLOG. These picks will be the Lexus of picks, the créme de la créme. On to this week's picks:

NCAAF
California over Arizona St.
*Looking to get back on the winning track, and disrupt Az. St.'s thusfar perfect season.
Penn State over Ohio State
*#1 goes down at one of the toughest venues for opponents to play to an in-conference rival.
USC over Oregon
*The once highly touted USC still has title hopes. They just have to contain Heisman hopeful Dixon.
Connecticut over South Florida
*No more #2 ranking for USF. No more perfect season. No more magic.
Florida over Georgia
*I know aren't supposed to play connect the dots in College Football, but Tennessee stomped the Bulldogs, and Florida stomped TN.
South Carolina over Tennessee
*Spurrier looks to recover from his bad loss to Vandy. TN gets walked over again.
NFL
Denver over Green Bay
*GB is solid, but Denver's a tough place to play, as I said last week.
Buffalo over NY Jets
*Jets are reeling. Buffalo's due for a couple of wins after those close losses.
Chicago over Detroit
*Bears out to prove they're still among the NFC elite.
Philadelphia over Minnesota
*Battle of the 2-4s. The Iggles can outgun the Vikes. Who is Tavaris Jackson, anyway?

I've created a system for ranking my Heisman candidates, which I've dubbed the SSS (Stephen Scoring System). It takes into account Total TDs, Total Yards, Comp. %, Comp./400 ATT, Yards/400 ATT, TD/400 ATT, INT/400 ATT, opponent win%. Part of the thinking behind it is:
*Some teams throw a lot more than others, so making the stats per 400 tells what each candidate would do if they threw the same amount.
*Some schools have a significantly weaker schedule than others, so that should be taken into consideration.
*I've plugged in total yards and TDs to include throwing and rushing stats to show an all around depiction of their impact on the game.
*The reason for only QBs... I honestly believe the top 6 candidates are QBs. Hart and McFadden are next on my list and they're not having Heisman-caliber years, in my opinion.

I'm sure it's a far from perfect gage on ranking players, but here're the scores that I've given each player. The lower the number the better the score, you know, like golf:
1. Tim Tebow, FL, 2177
2. Graham Harrell, TT, +165
3. Andre' Woodson, KY, +484
4. Dennis Dixon, OR, +583
5. Colt Brennan, HI, +1615
6. Matt Ryan, BC, +2023

Weekly Poll

2007-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Great response on this week's poll question. Giraffe and the infamous "other" animal (sounds like something straight from the TV show Lost) each have 4 votes. I can only gather that 2 of the "other" votes were for the white tiger, 2 are a mystery, ergo, making Toys-R-Us very proud, the giraffe (one of the few animals we did not see at the zoo when we went) wins the hotly contested match-up of most popular zoo animal.

This week's poll. Soda. The delicious sugary, carbonationy, caffeiney beverage we all love to drink by the liter. I'm wondering, fair reader, which is your favorite kind of soda? To narrow it down, I'm limiting it to Coke products that you could typically find at a soda fountain in a restaurant, so Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Sprite, Mr. Pibb, Mellow Yellow. I could name a couple more, but I'll limit it to 6.

You know what time it is? It's votin' time!

Happy Birthday!

2007-10-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

9496 days ago, a child was born in Memphis, TN. That child would be named Erin Nicole Hetzel.

Fast forward slightly more than a quarter of a century, you will now find her with a new last name and a ring on her finger, you will find her an English professor at a university, and you will find her an intelligent, good, Godly woman who will someday make a great mother.

I use this day, Erin, on your 26th birthday, to give my appreciation to you as a wife and as a person. I love you and am so happy you married me. I can't wait to spend many more birthdays with you celebrating your life.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Phil. 1:3

Now, a little diddy from a couple of my friends...

Zoo Time and Pre-Birthday Fun

2007-10-21T18:48:00.001-05:00

Since we did not have a Pic O' the Week-O on Friday as we were busy having fun, I thought I'd post some pictures from our day at the zoo.

I don't know if you can see the little guy or not, but there's a baby burrowing underneath his mommy. The mommy could even carry the baby around with him hanging onto her belly.

The meerkats were very entertaining. I've never seen Meerkat Manor, but I'm tempted to check it out now.

Aww, so cute. I'm not sure which panda this is (there are 2 at the zoo).

We got to see the sea lion show, and it was so much fun! The male, Malibu, is in the foreground, and Chloe and Callie are in the back. Malibu definitely had the shortest attention span, as he often just jumped off the rock and went for a swim while the girls stood alert.

All in all, it was a very nice visit, despite there being about 3 million small children there on field trips. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and the zoo has been improved so much since I was little. It used to be quite horrific, but whoever manages the zoo has really taken strides to provide a quality zoo experience.

After our trip to the zoo on Friday, Stephen and I made our way to Borders in the East Memphis/Germantown area. This may not sound like anything special, but ever since I moved back to Jackson, I've been depressed about the lack of quality bookstores here. All we have is Books A Million, and I can't even adequately express my dislike of that cement warehouse. I was spoiled in Knoxville by having a Borders, a Barnes and Noble, and TWO fabulous used bookstores, so living in Jackson is living in book poverty. The Borders in Memphis is really lovely, and I aquired two new books, Ann Patchett's Run, her newest novel, and George MacDonald's Phantastes, which I've been wanting to read ever since I read The Light Princess in children's lit. last semester. I've started reading Run, and it's fantastic so far.

On Saturday my mom and I went shopping for my birthday, and I found some really great clothes and had a good time just being with my mom. The great thing about my birthday is that there are always all kinds of fall sales going on, so everything I got, with the exception of one shirt, was at least 40% off. I love a good bargain. That night my grandparents, my brother and sister-in-law all came to my parent's house for dinner, and my mom made carrot cake from scratch, my absolute favorite.

Today Stephen surprised me with part 1 of my birthday present, beautiful red roses:

I can't wait until tomorrow!

Thursday Thirteen #8

2007-10-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Erin
13 Events of 1981, my year of birth

My birthday is on Monday, so I thought I'd commemorate it by exploring important
happenings in 1981.

1. Ronald Regan was inaugurated as the 40th President on Jan. 20
2. That very same day, the Iran Hostage Crisis ended.
3. On March 30, President Regan is shot by John Hinckley.
4. Apparently it's the year for assassination attempts, as Pope John Paul II was shot in
St. Peter's Square.
5. The highest grossing film of 1981 is Raiders of the Lost Ark (love that movie!).
6. Chariots of Fire won the Academy Award for Best Picture (I've never seen that movie).
7. Sandra Day O'Connor becomes the first female Supreme Court Justice.
8. On July 29, Prince Charles married Diana.
9. On August 1, MTV Network debuted. They might have actually played some music videos
then...
10. On September 12, Smurfs premiered.
11. Toni Morrison's Tar Baby was published.
12. On October 22, I entered the world. It was a good day.
13. The number one song on the day of my birth was, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross. (To find out what your song is, click here.)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Sassy
2. No Nonsense Girl
3. Lynn
4. Ellen B
5. Nicholas
6. The Gal Herself
7. L^2
8. Mama Pajama
9. Amy
10. Mitchypoo

SPLOG WEDNESDAY

2007-10-17T11:05:00.001-05:00

The votes are coming in great on the zoo question. Keep 'em coming.

Slight change to the blogging schedule; on Wednesdays, I'll be writing a SPLOG, a sports blog, if you will. We'll bump reading/watching/hearing, or whatever it's called, to Fridays to platoon with Pic o' the Week-o... whichever Erin and I feel inspired to do. Or maybe there'll even be a double header. You'll just have to check in to find out. (How do you like that for a teaser?)

A splog warning: you'll get an overdose of St. Louis Cardinal, Florida Gator, and Orlando Magic news here, mixed in with the big headlines and my predictions. With that out of the way, let's get the first splog underway.

Headlines
The Rockies simply cannot lose no matter how hard they try. September 28th, they lost 4-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks. That was the last time that they've tasted defeat. Since, they have won 10 consecutive games, 21 out of their last 22. In other words, they are 21-1 in their last 22 games, a 95.5% winning percentage. It's simply unheard of. They'll have an 8 day layoff before they face their AL opponent in the World Series. It's looking like that opponent will be the Indians. I picked Cleveland in the pre-season to win the whole kit and caboodle. The Rockies would be a great story, good Christian Manager Clint Hurdle, and the win streak. I generally root for NL teams, so I'll be happy whichever team unseats the Cardinals as World Champions.

Speaking of the Cardinals, (segue), they are still looking for a GM, and thus waiting to decide the fate of Manager Tony La Russa. Here's the solution plain and simple, : sign Chris Antonetti from Cleveland as the GM. Hire Terry Pendleton, former Cardinal player, and current hitting coach for the Braves, as manager. With his Atlanta ties, he can bring in Leo Mazzone as pitching coach. Bring back some of the old Redbirds to put on staff to increase morale among nostalgic fans like myself. Voila. Was that so hard?

My NCAA football prediction looks to be in peril. LSU lost last week to the upstart Kentucky Wildcats. They only dropped a few spots, however, and if they win out, should be able to get back into contention for the championship. It's been a wild and crazy year in college football with so many top teams losing. Looks like all the one loss teams who previously thought their seasons were over are back in contention. Maybe even one of the 2 loss teams. Who knows?

The New England Patriots are dominant. Barring injuries to key players, it looks like their focused to have an incredible year. Tom Brady is on an unbelievable pace. I'd obviously take them to win the Super Bowl if I had to pick now. I don't think they'll go undefeated. I'll say 1 loss, last day of the year when everyone sits, or possibly when they play at Indy. My Super Bowl pick, the San Diego Super Chargers, are getting better every week. They just acquired Chris Chambers from the Dolphins. He's a very solid receiver, which should help take some pressure off LT, and give Phillip Rivers a receiving threat other than Gates and Jackson. They've won a couple in a row and play in a weak division, so hopefully they peak at the right time.

Predictions
Cleveland will finish off the Red Sox. They'll have a nice rest before the World Series, where they'll beat the Rockies. The 8 day layoff hurts the Rocks' momentum. That takes nothing away from their marvelous run; one that I have never seen in my lifetime.

5 NFL Games
1. Detroit over Tampa Bay
*Lack of running game hurts the Bucs. Kitna and Co. will air it out enough to pull it out.
2. Houston over Tennessee
*André Johnson comes back this week. This team is really very solid.
3. Kansas City over Oakland
*Possible return of Priest Holmes brings emotion to the Chiefs. KC is better than I thought they'd be, even with a struggling LJ.
4. Denver over Pittsburgh
*Very hard to win in Denver. Shanahan figures out a way to win.
5. Jacksonville over Indianapolis
*Big upset in Florida. They'll run the daylights out of the ball and upset Peyton and his herd of Colts.

5 NCAAF Games
1. Tennessee over Alabama
*Vols playing fairly well of late, 'Bama is barely winning games they should be dominating.
2. Florida over Kentucky
*The Wildcats have to be worn out and beat up after the 3OT win vs. LSU. Florida's coming off a bye and 2 losses, so they'll be motivated.
3. Missouri over Texas Tech
*Bigtime shootout, but Mizzou's just a better team. The team that gets a stop wins.
4. Cal over UCLA
*Cal is better, but is coming off a hard loss, and in-conference games are always close. Cal rebounds.
5. Michigan over Illinois
*Being from Illinois, I'd love to pick my boys, but I just can't. Hart is back for the Wolverines, and Henne is more seasoned than Juice at QB. Maybe next year.

Weekly Poll

2007-10-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

Very interesting poll results from last week. I continue to be enlightened by this information you're giving me. The results, 11/11 people have a blog only, 9/11 people are on Facebook, 4/11 people have a MySpace. I could have guessed that the blog onlys would lead the pack, but I figured more people would be on MySpace than the poll indicated. I wonder if that particular vehicle is more geared toward younger social networkers? Any thoughts?

This weekend, Erin and I are going to the zoo, not to be admitted into the zoo, but to view the beautiful array of God's creatures. We are going as part of my birthday present to Erin (the actual date is Monday the 22nd, so everyone wish her a happy birthday).

I use that preface to segue into the weekly poll. I know that whenever you go to the zoo, you look forward to seeing one particular animal. I'm picking 9 animals that are pretty common to zoos, plus an "other" category. If your favorite isn't included, pick the "other" option and comment as to what I failed to include.

Tune in this time next week to find which was voted the most popular zoo animal.

Poem of the Week: Sonnet XXXVIII

2007-10-14T21:58:00.000-05:00

I love reading Sonnets of the Portuguese. Robert and Elizabeth had such passion for one another. When I first read this poem many years ago, the romantic in me sighed at the thought of my first kiss being a kiss upon my hand. :)

XXXVIII

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
The fingers of this hand wherewith I write;
And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
Slow to world-greetings, quick with its Oh, list,
When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown,
With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
The third upon my lips was folded down
In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
I have been proud and said, My love, my own.

HymnSunday - I Am Resolved

2007-10-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

“Christ hath made us free.” Galatians 5:1

Music: James H. Fillmore, Sr., 1896. Fillmore originally wrote the song for use at the convention of Christian Endeavor in San Francisco. Fourteen trains of people sang the song on the way from Ohio to the convention. Afterward, Fillmore asked Hartsough, a writer on the staff of Fillmore’s music publishing house, to write new words so the song could be of more widespread use.

***

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

Refrain

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

Refrain

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.

Refrain

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

Refrain

I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

Refrain

Pic o' the Week-o

2007-10-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

Apparently not everyone in the world is on board with Mr. Peace Prize himself, Algore, and his Inconvenient Truth. This isn't as much a "Pic" so much as it a list of errors in the King of Global Warming's junkumentary, saved as a picture file. It's ties in perfectly with Erin post from earlier.

2007-10-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize? I want one, too!

Thursday Thirteen #7

2007-10-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about ErinThirteen of My Favorite Comedies (in no particular order)

1. Elf
2. The Princess Bride
3. Airplane
4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
5. Big
6. Groundhog Day
7. Napoleon Dynamite
8. Legally Blonde
9. Office Space
10. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
11. The Money Pit
12. Monsters Inc.
13. Finding Nemo

Runners-up: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Back to the Future,
and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

What are your favorites?

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Poll of the Week

2007-10-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

There is a virtual cornucopia of options on the web for social communication and blogging. Blogs only include, but are not limited to, Blogger, Wordpress, Xanga, LiveJournal, etc. Other sites which may have a blogging feature but also include aspects of social networking include Facebook and MySpace. Even within blogs only, different sites provide different features and levels of user friendliness.

So this is my inquiry, fair reader, which of these particular sites are you involved in the most? The poll is set up for you to select multiple options if that best suits you. In the comment section, I'd like to know why you chose the venue of blogging/social networking that you chose. What about it do you like? What about the others do you dislike? If you use multiple sites, which one of them occupies the majority of your time?

The poll is open... now!

P.S. There are 8 straw users as opposed to 3 non-straw users. I'm fine with being in the minority.

You Are On Our Side

2007-10-08T17:23:00.001-05:00

I interrupt this week's scheduled poem of the week to bring you a song by Bethany Dillon. Bethany is rather young, but she has extraordinary insight which finds its way into her songs. I love her because she doesn't write the typical Christian pop songs but writes songs that are challenging and soul-stirring, songs that often speak of a Christianity that is not easy but is absolutely vital. Her newest album is called Waking Up, and I'm posting the lyrics to the album's last song, "You Are On Our Side." (I haven't found an audio version yet, but if I do I'll post it as well.)

The orphan clings to Your hand
Singing the song of how he was found
The widow rejoices
For her oppressors are silenced now

You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

The runaway falls at Your feet
You are what he has searched for
The rich man is broken
When he stands beneath a sky full of stars

You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

Thursday Thirteen #6

2007-10-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Erin Thirteen Things I'd Rather Do Instead of Grade Papers

1. Watch TV with Hubby. (Has anybody watched Chuck? It's my favorite new show.)
2. Cuddle with Hubby.
3. Eat meals with Hubby.
4. Pretty much anything with Hubby.
5. Admire the stargazer lilies Hubby got me for our four month anniversary.
6. Update my facebook profile.
7. Read feeds on Google Reader.
8. Play online Sudoku.
9. Catch up on spoilers.
10. Manage my Project Playlist.
11. Watch the shows I've recorded with DVR (The Ellen DeGeneres Show is a great relaxer.)
12. Play Monkey Kick Off. (My personal best is 4508. Can you beat me?)
13. Post my Thursday Thirteen (of course!).

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Amy
2. The Gal Herself
3. Lori
4. Journeywoman
5. Thomma Lyn
6. Susan Helene Gottfried
7. Nap Warden
8. Damozel
9. Secret Agent Mama
10. Robin
11. Nicholas

Also feel free to vote in this week's poll, located on the left sidebar!

Poll of the Week

2007-10-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

Erin wrote a tribute to straws a while back. We are on opposing sides of this issue. She loves straws, I only use one when necessary, e.g. when in the car, otherwise, no way, José. I want to know, I need to know, I must know... What is your drinking preference, straw or no straw?

Why do you prefer to use/not use a straw? What about it makes it preferable or not? Comment.

One week to vote, as always.

Vote your conscience.

P.S. People would rather be eaten by ravenous lions than burnt alive. Good choice, I say.

Pinch Blogger

2007-10-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

Erin is allowing me to post a sports blog today in lieu of her poem blog. So here's a little something to tide you over until next week, a poem from the book Moxie Day and Family by Robert Pottle.

Grammar Lesson

Oh teacher, I fear that I misunderstood
whether I should use well, or if I should use good.
If roses had noses then how would they smell?
Would they smell good or would they smell well?

An Autumnal Fall

In a collapse of epic proportions, the New York Mets gave the NL East to the Phillies. Early Christmas gift, maybe. The Mets gave up a 7 game lead in 17 games, a span of games in which they went 5-12. Early prediction, Tony La Russa... next coach of the New York Mets. The playoff matchups: Yankees/Indians, Red Sox/Angels, Cubs/Diamondbacks, Phillies/Rockies or Padres. The Rockies deserve a lot of praise for going 13-1 in their final 14 games to give themselves a chance. A team that hot could potentially run right through the playoffs.

Now, don't confuse the following statement for bragging, but take a look at the prediction I made March 28th, Indians over Phillies in the World Series. Granted, I only picked about 2 teams per league correctly, but I'm sticking with my preseason picks. The round by round picks sure to be wrong... Indians over Yanks, Sox over Angels, Indians over Sox in the AL; D-Backs over Cubs, Phillies over the Pockies/Radres, Phillies over D-Backs in the NL, and Indians over Phillies in the Series.

NFL = Nobody (can) Figure (it out) League
And when I say nobody, I'm talking about myself. My Super Bowl teams (San Diego and New Orleans) have a combined record of 1-6, and my surprise team of the year (the St. Louis Rams) are well on their way to the top pick in the draft (Glenn Dorsey?). At least in the NFL, it's better to be horrible than mediocre (because of the draft), so here's to hoping for a 2-14 year from the Rams. Here's my first quarter of the season Super Bowl re-pick: Patriots and Cowboys. I'm nothing if not a bandwagon jumper. I love what the Packers and Lions are doing in the NFC, but Dallas is the best all around team in that conference. The Patriots just look completely dominant and consistent, scoring 38 points in each of their first 3 games.

Tigers and Bears, Oh my!
It was a week chock full of upsets. #3 Oklahoma, #4 Florida, #5 West Virginia, #7 Texas, #10 Rutgers, #11 Oregon, and #13 Clemson all fell from the ranks of the unbeaten. I didn't expect Florida to be as good as they were, so I'm not all that upset about them losing (watch out next year). I was disappointed by West Virginia's loss since I had them in the championship game with LSU. I have no idea who to put in their spot. It might very well be the team with the best record in the state of Florida. Not Miami, UF, or FSU, but the Bulls of South Florida. If they can go undefeated the rest of the way (big if), and the rest of the top 10 teams have at least 1 loss, which is probable, they make a strong case. Tough games among the top 10:

1. LSU: Florida, Kentucky
2. USC: Arizona, Oregon, Cal, Arizona St., UCLA
3. Cal: UCLA, Arizona St., USC, Washington
4. Ohio St.: Michigan St., Penn St., Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan
5. Wisconsin: Illinois, Penn St., Ohio St., Michigan
6. South Florida: Rutgers, Cincinnati
7. BC: Virginia Tech, FSU, Clemson
8. Kentucky: South Carolina, LSU, Florida, Georgia
9. Florida: LSU, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina
10. Oklahoma: Texas, Missouri

Ok, let's play it out. LSU wins both of their tough games giving Florida 2 losses, and knocking them out of contention. Kentucky receives their first loss, but will lose to LSU again in the SEC championship game. Two losses and goodbye to KY. I'll say USC loses to Cal and UCLA thus knocking them out. Ohio St. loses to Wisconsin and Wisconsin loses to Illinois this weekend, S. Florida will win out, BC loses one to FSU, and Oklahoma should win out. That leaves the current top 10 undefeateds at LSU, Cal, and S. Florida. Give Cal the edge to go against LSU in the BCS Title game. How confident do I feel with that pick? About a 2 on a 1-10 scale. What's your pick?

HymnSunday - Old Rugged Cross

2007-09-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Philippians 2:8 (NIV) And being found in appearance as a man, the humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

Words & Music: George Bennard, 1913

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Pic 'o the Week-o - Say Cheese!

2007-09-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

Have a great weekend.

New Fall Shows

2007-09-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

Chuck
Humor, action, government secrets, placed in an everyday setting. Chuck has a little bit of everything, and it works. The characters are likable. The plot, though a bit far-fetched (but c'mon, it's TV), is intriguing. This was as fun, exciting, entertaining, humorous a new show as I've seen in quite some time. This has the potential to be the best new show of the year, in my book.
- 2 thumbs up from Stephen

I liked Chuck because its action sequences reminded me of Alias in its glory days and also because the title character possesses a charm and likeability reminiscent of Adam Brody's turn as Dave on Gilmore Girls or Jim Halpert on The Office. Stephen's right in saying that Chuck has a bit of everything, and while sometimes that can make for a show with little cohesiveness, it works for this one. I'm looking forward to seeing how the season develops, and I hope the next episodes are as good as, or surpass, the first one.
-2 thumbs up from Erin

Back to You
There were some humorous moments of the show. It will be well-acted with Kelsey Grammer (Frazier), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond), and Fred Williard. The concept and setting of it taking place on a news show setting is unique. I'm not sure how much drama they're going to try to include, but it seemed to be about half and half in the premiere. It appears to be back story driven, and I'm not sure I'm interested in that. I'm still undecided on if I'll be watching regularly. I'll give the 2nd episode a try and then decide.
- 1 thumb up from Stephen

Aside from the seemingly requisite side character who inserts raunchy oneliners into the dialogue, I didn't mind Back to You. I have to disagree about the setting being unique; Mary Tyler Moore also took place on a news set, as have other shows, but I do think that having Kelsey Grammer play an anchor who is returning to his first station after falling from his elite status is interesting. Heaton and Grammer have good rapport together, but I feel like the show is going to head in a rather predictable direction. While entertaining, the show probably won't be on my "must-see" list.
-1 thumb up from Erin

Journeyman
This just didn't work for me. It seemed choppy and confusing. I didn't relate to or sympathize with the main character. I'm a fan of time travel movies, books, shows, and I was hoping for something more along the lines of Quantum Leap. In the end, I just didn't care enough about the plot or any of characters to consider watching this again in the future.
- 0 thumbs up from Stephen

I think Journeyman is trying to revamp Quantum Leap, but I don't think it works so well. The plot had me a bit intrigued, but I was left with too many questions by the show's end, and I don't think I have the patience to endure one more show that thrives on raising questions in the minds of the viewers while rarely answering them (see LOST and Heroes and, for a brief time, The Nine). Having just taught a time-themed composition class last semester, I was curious to see how time would be dealt with in this show, but it often was hard to determine exactly what time the main character was in. Good in theory but poor in execution, Journeyman will likely not keep my interest.
-.5 thumbs up from Erin

Poll of the Week - Furnace or Lions?

2007-09-24T15:31:00.001-05:00

In a reasonably close and spread out result, Bourne Ultimatum takes the best (among the highest grossing) movie thus far this year. That was my choice as well. I think it was definitely the best of the trilogy. It was a fun, action packed summer movie. I don't know that it will rank among the all time greats, but it was definitely with the price of admission.

This week's poll question:

There were two situations in the book of Daniel in which God saved His people from a dire circumstance: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace and Daniel from the lions’ den. They each have a sense of impending doom, but they each carry with them a different stigma. If, for you, the proverbial writing was on the wall, which do you pick… the toasty furnace or the pride of hungry lions?

Here’s the outcome that Erin and I chose, in her words from a previous post:

“I decided I'd rather be burned than watch myself be chewed to death, but Stephen said he'd rather risk the lions because there's a slight chance that he could fight them off, whereas you can't really escape a fiery furnace unless you have an angel protecting you.”

Results this time next week. Don't forget to post your reasoning in the comment section below.

Happy voting!

HymnSunday (on Monday)

2007-09-24T13:36:00.001-05:00

I didn't get around to posting a hymn yesterday, so here's your (sun)daily dose.

**Spoiler Alert**

Read Erin's post below to figure out this week's poll question. Also, in this week's "What We've Been Seeing", look for reviews of new some Fall shows. Now, to your regularly scheduled hymn (a day late), already in progress. Really read and think about the words. They are truly something we should all want. The song has been rattling around in my head, and I'm sure there's a reason for it.

***

“We also are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we shall live with Him.” 2 Corinthians 13:4

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Random Thoughts

2007-09-24T12:13:00.001-05:00

If a frozen dinner calls itself "creamy rigatoni with chicken and broccoli," said dinner should include more than two measly stalks of broccoli.

I've heard the "I couldn't get out of bed" excuse for tardiness before, but for an 11 am class? Isn't that a bit much?

Why is it that during the "meet and greet" portion of the church service all I think about is how many germs are spreading throughout the congregation?

I wish Hubby and I had more refined palates. If we did, we'd have more dinner options to choose from when planning our weekly menu. We got a subscription to Everyday Food as a wedding present, but I've hardly used it at all because it involves cooking with foods besides beef and pasta. (By the way, planning a weekly menu is a great idea if you don't want to spend time every day figuring out what to eat for dinner. It also cuts down on spontaneous trips to fast food restaurants. However, if you don't check the menu each morning to see if anything needs to be thawed, you might end up going out to eat anyway, so don't be a ditz like me. Look at the menu!)

I really regret cutting my hair a few weeks ago. I feel sad every time I look at it. Getting a bad haircut has made me realize how completely vain I am, and I'd like to change that but am not sure how to do so. Any suggestions?

I don't remember how the topic came up, but Hubby and I were discussing whether it would be ~~better~~ preferable to be burned in a furnace or eaten by lions (oh wait, we were talking about the Book of Daniel), and we both came to different conclusions. I decided I'd rather be burned than watch myself be chewed to death, but Stephen said he'd rather risk the lions because there's a slight chance that he could fight them off, whereas you can't really escape a fiery furnace unless you have an angel protecting you. Interesting how his first instinct was to think which option would give him the best chance of survival, and mine was to think about which would be the less agonizing death. Which one would you choose? On another note, why is the adjective form of fire fiery and not firey? I guess the former looks better than the latter.

It's the second day of fall, and the temperature is currently 81 degrees and humid. Yippie.

Pic 'o the Week-o - Bailey

2007-09-21T12:32:00.000-05:00

This is my dog, Bailey, when she was but a pup.

Thursday Thirteen #5

2007-09-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Erin

Thirteen Words that Describe Me

1. Effervescent
2. Giggly
3. Insecure
4. Trustworthy
5. Reliable
6. Introverted
7. Encouraging
8. Critical
9. Hopeful
10. Loving
11. Affectionate
12. Complex
13. Sensitive

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Pen
2. Bare Naked Politics (Damozel)
3. Amy
4. Sparky Duck
5. DoubleDeckerBusGuy
6. Robin
7. Nicholas

What words describe you?

In the Books and On the Screen

2007-09-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

To be honest, I haven't been reading much beyond Reader's Digest. I figured that once I started school that would happen, and it has. I am plodding my way, ever so slowly, through Becoming Jane Austen: A Life. I realized when I saw previews for the movie that I knew very little about one of my favorite authors, so I wanted to educate myself. I attempted the reading of another, much lengthier bio, but it was so detailed that I could not make it through. I have been much more satisfied reading this book, which appears to have much of the same information in a more concise format. I've only read through the fourth chapter, so when I'm finished I'll give a more thorough review. What are you reading?

Last night Stephen and I watched the season premiere of Beauty and the Geek, which was absolutely delightful. This season there's a not-so-well-hidden twist: one pair of beauty and geek is reversed (the guy is the beauty and the girl is the geek). The newest batch of beauties and geeks promises to be fodder for good entertainment television, and I look forward to seeing how the pairs fare. Once I watch the premiere again I'll update this post with some of my favorite lines.

Tonight we're looking forward to the premiere of Back to You, which hopefully will be funny without being too raunchy. What new shows are you looking forward to? What returning favorites are you excited about (The Office, anyone?)?

P.S. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll, if you haven't already done so!

Sports Stuff

2007-09-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a little while since I've tossed up a sports blog, so I thought I'd take my chance to do that now.

NFL
Notes:
*The Browns scored 51 points in 1 game. Unbelievable. I would have guessed that they score that much in about 8 games.
*One of my Super Bowl picks, the Chargers, are 1-1, which isn't all that shocking in and of itself, but I am very surprised that they got creamed by the Patriots.
*My other playoff team, the Saints, are 0-2 and look awful. Ugh, bad year for my preseason predictions so far.
*The Lions and the Packers are ahead of the Bears in the NFC North.

3 Teams Better Than I Thought:
1. Washington Redskins - Defense looks solid. Could be a Wild Card team in the NFC.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers - Should win the AFC North.
3. Carolina Panthers - Carolina was a team that I picked to win the NFC for several years running. When they made the Super Bowl, I became attached to them. After some frustrating years and injuries, it looks like they're back among the NFC contenders.

3 Teams Worse Than I Thought:
1. Philadelphia Eagles - McNabb isn't good, they have a mediocre receiving corp, and their defense is aging.
2. New Orleans Saints - Defense has been bad. So has the offense.
3. St. Louis Rams - Injuries and suspensions and 0 interceptions.

Power Rankings
My Top 10
1. New England Patriots
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Denver Broncos
5. Dallas Cowboys
6. San Diego Chargers
7. Houston Texans
8. Green Bay Packers
9. Chicago Bears
10. Baltimore Ravens

MLB
Cards are toast. RIP 2007 Redbirds. Get a new manager.

College Football
Consensus top 5:
1. USC
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. Oklahoma
5. West Virginia

I'm a little worried about my WVU pick. They've looked suspect this year, but have managed to get out of those games unscathed. LSU looks dominant. Even if I could change, I'd stick with that pick. I'm very happy to see my Gators in the top 3 after their dominating performance against Tennessee. My co-worker Paul has made a t-shirt in recognition of the Vols' struggles. If you're a Vol hater or just a frustrated fan, I'd definitely consider getting one of these clever tees.

Weekly Poll

2007-09-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

In a photo finish, Autumn beat out Winter by 1 vote to win the poll. My vote went with Winter: best sports and holidays. Add to that the cold weather which I love, and Winter was an easy choice. I do admit that Autumn is the most visually appealing month, but it seems like the leaves only maintain their beautiful hues for a couple of weeks before they turn brown and hit the ground.

This week's poll question...

According to www.boxofficemojo.com, 8 films that came out this year have grossed over $200MM. My question to you is, of the 8 highest grossing movies that came out this year, which was your favorite?

Same routine, vote over there (<===) and if you are so inclined, leave your comments about anything film-related, why this was your favorite, which films this year were disappointing, what your favorite was if it wasn't among the 8, etc.

Results next Tuesday.

Happy voting.

Poem of the Week

2007-09-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

If you read my Musings, you might remember my tributes to straws and Post-its. My inspiration for those pieces of writing comes from the following poem written by Pablo Neruda. His 100 Love Sonnets is a favorite of mine, but this poem comes from another collection of his, Odes to Common Things. Note how he takes an everyday item and elevates its status to one of extraordinary importance.

* * * * *

Ode to a pair of socks

Maru Mori brought me
a pair
of socks
that she knit with her
shepherd's hands.
Two socks as soft
as rabbit fur.
I thrust my feet
inside them
as if they were
two
little boxes
knit
from threads
of sunset
and sheepskin.

My feet were
two woolen
fish
in those outrageous socks,
two gangly,
navy-blue sharks
impaled
on a golden thread,
two giant blackbirds,
two cannons:
thus
were my feet
honored
by
those
heavenly
socks.
They were
so beautiful
I found my feet
unlovable
for the very first time,
like two crusty old
firemen, firemen
unworthy
of that embroidered
fire,
those incandescent
socks.

Nevertheless
I fought
the sharp temptation
to put them away
the way schoolboys
put
fireflies in a bottle,
the way scholars
hoard
holy writ.
I fought
the mad urge
to lock them
in a golden
cage
and feed them birdseed
and morsels of pink melon
every day.
Like jungle
explorers
who deliver a young deer
of the rarest species
to the roasting spit
then wolf it down
in shame,
I stretched
my feet forward
and pulled on
those
gorgeous
socks,
and over them
my shoes.

So this is
the moral of my ode:
beauty is beauty
twice over
and good things are doubly
good
when you're talking about a pair of wool
socks
in the dead of winter.

* * * * *

What ordinary, everyday item would you write a tribute for?

HymnSunday - I'd Rather Have Jesus

2007-09-16T08:25:00.000-05:00

Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”

Lyrics by Rhea F. Miller
Music by George Beverly Shea 1966

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name:

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs -
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead:

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway!
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

Pic o' the Week-o - The Seasons

2007-09-14T06:37:00.000-05:00

As we stand about a week from the changing of seasons from Summer to Autumn (and in light of this week's poll question), here is a visual display representative of the four seasons, and what makes each one unique.

EDIT: IT'S A TIGHT VOTE WITH AUTUMN AND WINTER TIED 5 TO 5. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY. THIS IS GOING TO BE A NAILBITER...

Thursday Thirteen #4

2007-09-12T21:42:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things about Erin

1. I have loved dolphins and all things related to dolphins since I was in the fourth grade and my teacher read my class Island of the Blue Dolphins (which, incidentally, doesn't have much to do with dolphins).

2. I realized my life's dream of swimming with dolphins the summer after I graduated college. My family went on a cruise to Jamaica, and I got to swim with a sweet dolphin named Hannah. She kissed me on the cheek, which means we're best friends for life.

3. Some kids got in trouble for talking in class, but I got in trouble for reading books by holding them under my desk.

4. I also got in trouble for reading books by flashlight in my bed, long after I was supposed to have gone to sleep.

5. The first time I babysat, I put the baby's diaper on backwards. I didn't even realize it until the parents gently pointed it out. And I took a babysitting course and everything!

6. I used to arrange my clothes by color (ROYGBIV), but now I arrange them by type (shirts without collar, shirts with collar, jeans, dress pants, skirts).

7. My paternal grandmother is from El Salvador. Whenever I see her she tries to get me to talk in Spanish, but I'm nowhere near fluent, sadly enough.

8. I'm left-handed.

9. I love driving on the interstate with the windows down and the music up.

10. My biggest pet peeve is when people use the word "alot." This word does not exist! Tell all of your friends!

11. I love daisies. They come in a fabulous array of colors and can last for weeks. Tulips are also lovely, but they have very short lives.

12. I really would love to go sky-diving, but I don't know if I'll ever get up enough nerve to do so.

13. Gilmore Girls is my all-time favorite show, and I was truly heartbroken when it got canceled.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Daniel
2. Lynn
3. Damozel
4. Nap Warden
5. Natalie
6. Denise Patrick
7. The Gal Herself
8. Ginny
9. Nicole
10. Robin
11. Thomma Lyn
12. Christine
13. L^2
14. Joely Sue Burkhart
15. Elisa
16. Samulli
17. Frigga

What I've Been Reading and Hearing

2007-09-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

What I've Been Reading:

I must first begin with the oddest new story I've read today: Skip work, make babies. Yes, you read that correctly. Russia's population is decreasing by the hundreds of thousands because the death rate outnumbers the birth rate, so the governor of one province devised a way to reverse this trend: offer prizes. Today, couples have been given the day off to procreate, and if a baby is born 9 months from today (on Russia's National Day), then the couple will receive prizes for the home, like a microwave or a TV or a refrigerator. Apparently, this year on June 12 3 times as many babies were born than in the previous year. The most disturbing sentence in the article? "The scheme is working. People want the prizes," he [Governor Sergei Morozov] said. People want the prizes?? Let's hope they want the babies, too! All I can hope is that this will simply encourage people who already desire children to attempt to have one, rather than sway those who simply want a way to obtain a free television.

I've also been reading a collection of poems by Billy Collins, Sailing Alone Around the Room. It's a compilation of poems from some of his earlier works, as well as a selection of newer poems. The poem "Forgetfulness" is in that volume. I really enjoy Collins' poems because they have a unique kind of whimsy to them, a tongue-in-cheek attitude, and sometimes they're just plain funny. I highly recommend his poems to anyone looking for some poems to read. (There need to be more people looking for poems to read, in my opinion.)

What I've Been Hearing:

I've gotten several new albums recently, and the one getting the most airtime in my car is Caedmon's Call's newest release, Overdressed. I was pleasantly surprised with this album, as I felt that their last two were a bit lackluster, but this one hearkens back to the sound that launched the group onto the Christian music scene. My favorites on the record: "Expectations," "Share the Blame," "Hold the Light," "10,000 Angels" (which I think is only on the special edition that I received for pre-ordering), and "Two Weeks in Africa," but there's something to love about all of the songs on the album. Definitely check them out.

What have you been hearing, watching, or reading?

Season Poll

2007-09-11T07:12:00.000-05:00

This week's poll... which is your favorite season?

The following will provide you with some vital information to assist in your decision. Make sure to vote over there on the left of your screen, and post a comment giving the reasoning for your vote. You have until this time next week to vote for your season.

Happy voting.

WINTER
Number of Days (appx.): 89
Date Range: Dec. 21-22 through Mar. 20-21
Sports and Sporting Events: NFL (Super Bowl), NBA, NCAA basketball, NCAA football (bowl games)
Holidays: Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day
Characteristics: shortest days, lowest temps

SPRING
Number of Days (appx.): 92
Date Range: Mar. 20-21 through June 21-22
Sports and Sporting Events: NBA (Finals), MLB, NCAA hoops (March Madness)
Holidays: Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day
Characteristics: increased daylight hours, trees and flowers are in bloom

SUMMER
Number of Days (appx.): 93
Date Range: June 21-22 through Sep. 21-22
Sports and Sporting Events: NFL, MLB, NCAA football
Holidays: Independence Day, Labor Day
Characteristics: hottest weather, longest days

AUTUMN
Number of Days (appx.): 90
Date Range: Sep. 21-22 thru Dec. 21-22
Sports and Sporting Events: NFL, NBA, MLB (World Series), NCAA hoops, NCAA football
Holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving
Characteristics: leaves change color, days get shorter and colder, precip. increases

Poem of the Week

2007-09-10T06:56:00.000-05:00

Forgetfulness

by Billy Collins

~

The name of the author is the first to go,

followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read, never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

Long ago you kissed the names of the nine Muses good-bye
and watched the quadratic equation pack its bag,
and even now as you memorize the order of the planets,

something else is slipping away, a state flower perhaps,
the address of an uncle, the capital of Paraguay.

Whatever it is you are struggling to remember
it is not poised on the tip of your tongue,
not even lurking in some obscure corner of your spleen.

It has floated away down a dark mythological river
whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall,
well on your own way to oblivion where you will join those
who have even forgotten how to swim and how to ride a bicycle.

No wonder you rise in the middle of the night
to look up the date of a famous battle in a book on war.
No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart.

~

If what we have learned is only represented by what we remember, then I know very little.

Here's an interesting animated version of this poem. (There seem to be quite a few animated versions of Billy Collins' poems.)

Bonus: The "mythological river" Collins refers to is the river Lethe, which in Greek means "forgetfulness."

Do you have a favorite poem?

HymnSunday - Be Thou My Vision

2007-09-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

“When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.” Numbers 12:6

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Two Minds, One Blog

2007-09-07T08:42:00.002-05:00

Glad to see you've joined us at the new spot. Don't forget to change your bookmarks and live feeds to reflect our move. We hope you enjoy this new blogging experiment.