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.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Weekly Poll
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.
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.
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Composition Instructor's Life: In Haikus
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...
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...
Sunday, December 9, 2007
HymnSunday -- Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem
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.
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.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Pic o' the Week-o
We're going to Memphis this weekend to see this musical.
Should be fun.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
SPLOG Wednesday
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
POLL OF THE WEEK
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.
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.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
JOY TO THE WORLD
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.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Pic o' the Week-o of What I've been hearing
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
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
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
SPLOG Wednesday
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)
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)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Weekly Poll
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Pic o' the Week-o/Weekly Poll Question
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!
Monday, November 19, 2007
SPLOG Wednesday (Monday edition)
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.
* 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.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Random Ramblings...
* 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.
* 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.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #11
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.
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.
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?
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?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Top TV Icons
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.
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Question of the Week
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 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!
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!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Poem of the Week: "Annabel Lee"
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
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.
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