The Bunkhouse

We're Moving

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

on over to 728bfoundation.blogspot.com

Taft will continue his book reviews and you'll see many new contributors writing for the 728b Foundation, a registered non-profit organization that serves the modern infrastructure needs in developing nations, specifically working with and for orphans.

Hope to see you there!

Unchristian

2010-02-23T08:39:00.008-06:00

This book was completed in 2007, it is written by David Kinniman. It's 246 pages in length.

The title of the book, Unchristian, can be a little misleading if you don’t read the subtitle. In short, this book is about how a specific generation (defined as mosaics: 16-29 yr olds) thinks about modern American Christianity and it’s followers.

I will admit, I am always skeptical of this type of research because even if you surveyed 1 Million people, you're still not hitting everyone. Also, if you did this type of research for a project in H.S. or college, you and I both know how data can be manipulated to prove a predetermined theory.

With that said, you have two options when it comes to this book:

1. You can view it as an honest attempt to understand how followers of Christ are portraying Christianity...

or

2. You can choose to be looking at this book as another way to say that you know everything and no one can tell you anything you don’t know.

It's your call.

In their research, they basically came up with 6 basic themes that popped up repeatedly with the people who were surveyed, concerning Christianity and it’s followers in America.

1. We are Hypocritical.

2. We are too focused on getting converts. They (potential-converts) feel like we view them as "targets" and not people.

3. We are Anti-Homosexual. We are bigots towards homosexual people and their lifestyles.

4. We are Sheltered.

5. Too Political

6. Judgemental

After reading this book, I was both saddened by how we have managed to look so little like Christ as a church “universal”, but also determined to to my part as a preacher to equip and empower followers of Christ with a biblical-worldview that will help them change the course of where the church has been going.

Any Christian in 2010 with their eyes halfway open is seeing that discipleship is essential if we as a church are going to succeed in effectively representing Christ. I recommend that any person who desires to have an effective ministry past the next 5 years pick up this book.

Before I go, here are some quotes that I picked up from the book:

•Mosaics and busters are the ultimate “conversation generations.” Then want to discuss debate. and question everything.

•…we cannot simply dismiss the criticism of hypocrisy by saying “Christians are not perfect; they are just sinners just like anyone else.”

•One-third of the people who qualify as born-again Christians embrace this idea (that “avoiding sin” is the main goal of being a Christian)

•We rationalize that outsiders don’t want to become Christ followers because they can’t cut it. The truth is that few outsiders say they avoid Christianity because the moral standards are too restrictive.

•Older born-agains need to look more carefully at what Jesus teaches, that spiritual maturity is demonstrated in a life as an outcome of the condition of a person’s heart and soul, that behaviors follow belief.

•…younger born-again Christians need to take an honest assessment of their lives and realize that they are increasingly poor witnesses of a life and mind transformed by their faith.

•We cannot hope to shed our hypocritical label if our lifestyles offer no proof of the “fruit” of Christ-likeness.

•Rather than being genuinely interested in people for their friendship, we often seem like spiritual headhunters

•…we heard no favorable comments about street witnessing, where Christians intercept unknown passers-by to share the Good News.

•We are learning that one of the primary reasons that ministry to teenagers fails to produce a lasting faith is because they are not being taught to think.

•We do not look like Jesus to outsiders because we do not love outsiders like Jesus does.

•It is unChristian to lose your sense that every one’s fallen nature affects all aspects of his or her life, including sexuality, and to forget God’s command to love people in order to point them to Christ.

•Another reason sheltered faith is unappealing is that young adults resist simplistic answers. Mosaics and Busters relish mystery, uncertainty, and ambiguity. They are not bothered by contradiction or incongruities.

•…our choices to live a sheltered life often leaves us unable or unwilling to help people who need Jesus.

•If we allow the actions and attitudes of outsiders to shock us, we become either isolationists or crusaders, and neither extreme will have much influence on outsiders.

•Keep in mind that politics only gets you,so far. You change people’s lives most deeply by transforming their hearts, by helping them embrace a passionate, thoughtful, personal connection to Jesus.

This book will challenge you and the the way you converse/interact.

Just sayin'.

Useless Fridays (Vol. 7)

2010-02-22T11:57:00.002-06:00

Forgotten God

2010-02-16T10:11:00.009-06:00

This book was published in 2009 and is 166 pages long. This is the same dude who wrote Crazy Love.

Francis Chan attempts to acquaint the reader with the Holy Spirit.

Confusing. Mysterious. Controversial. Rational. Emotional. All of these are words that can be applied to how Christians from different faith-traditions approach or describe the Holy Spirit.

In his new book, preacher, speaker and author Francis Chan wants to add another word: forgotten. For all the confessions, faith-statements, studies and claims, Chan asserts that in practice, the Holy Spirit is largely left out of the everyday lives and churches of Christ-followers in the United States –with disastrous consequences for our mission.

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit is his plea for Jesus’ people to embrace the adventure of living the real promise and power of the Holy Spirit.

This is not a thorough-going theology of the Holy Spirit, though one early chapter briefly surveys the basic Biblical teachings on the Holy Spirit from a balanced evangelical viewpoint. The observations, principles and assertions arise from solid Biblical grounding and authority. Chan is clearly not writing for theologians, but for the average Christ-follower and evangelical church member. The material is accessible and the tone conversational, which means that Forgotten God may prove to be very helpful for small groups or as the basis for discussion within a church family.

Across its seven chapters, Forgotten God weaves together three strands of thought as Chan interacts with common questions or issues about the Holy Spirit. First, there is Chan’s observation or diagnosis of life and ministry undertaken apart from the Spirit. He is clearly burdened by the fact that so many claim Christ, but can share little experience of His power nor give compelling evidence of the difference He makes to those who do not yet know Him. At times incredulous, but always kind, there is clearly a prophetic edge to these passages.

“I’m willing to bet there are millions of churchgoers across America who cannot confidently say they have experienced His presence or action in their lives over the past year. And many of them do not believe they can. The benchmark of success in church services has become more about attendance than the movement of the Holy Spirit. The “entertainment” model of church was largely adopted in the 1980’s and ‘90’s and while it alleviated some of our boredom for a couple of hours a week, it filled our churches with self-focused consumers rather than self-sacrificing servants attuned to the Holy Spirit….The light of the American church is flickering and nearly extinguished, having largely sold out to the kingdoms and values of this world….We are not all we were made to be when everything in our lives and churches can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God…shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?”

That expectation –of clearly and radically different churches and Christians– raises a conflict of the heart that needs resolution. The second strand of thought begins to move towards that resolution. Chan regularly pleads for believers to avoid becoming “stuck” in their previous understandings of, or traditions they have been taught about, the Holy Spirit. The life of the Spirit is a dynamic one, involving hearts tender to His whispers, flexible to His promptings and open to His possibilities. People on all sides of the evangelical spectrum may miss the Spirit’s moving or even grieve Him because of a mindset that blinds them to His present work. Some will miss because they expect too little; others because they expect too much.

“No matter what tradition you come from, you likely carry baggage and harbor stereotypes when it comes to the Holy Spirit….There are a lot of stereotypes (some of which are true) and a lot of abuses, and they don’t come from just one side of the issue.”

Chan does an excellent (even pastoral) job of gently pointing out areas where Christians can get stuck (ie, fear over what the Holy Spirit might do; wanting to see miracles) and gently leading them to consider the fullness of what the Bible teaches (ie, the Spirit is the Father’s good gift to His children; He also comes to shape character and display Jesus’ glory more fully).

The final strand of Forgotten God (and the most important) is the encouragement towards constant, practical living in the presence, and under the power and direction, of the Holy Spirit. Chan shows his hand early in the book:

“My hunch is that most of you reading this book have basic knowledge about the Holy Spirit, but when it comes to experiencing the Holy Spirit in your life, it’s a different story…the goal of this book is not to completely understand the Spirit or to go back to the apostolic age. The goal is to live faithfully today.” Towards the end, he confesses, “I want nothing more than to live in total surrender and abandonment to the Spirit every moment I have left on this earth….I don’t want my life to be explainable apart from the Spirit”

That is not an easy or simple goal—especially in a Christian world so saturated with busy, check-off /checklist spirituality. Chan is very helpful in demonstrating the practical and indispensable role of the Spirit in areas like becoming more like Jesus in character and action, dealing with sin, following God’s will in our everyday lives, and serving God in the world. One thing I really appreciated was his refusal to allow Spirit-filling and living to remain in an individual shrink-wrapped cocoon. Spirit-filling is intended to press us into the world—and sometimes that is not safe:

“The truth is that the Spirit of the living God is guaranteed to ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t normally want or choose to do. The Spirit will lead you into the way of the cross, as He led Jesus to the cross, and that is definitely not a safe or pretty or comfortable place to be. The Holy Spirit of God will mold you into the person you were made to be…”

There’s power in living by the Spirit. And of course, in the end, Christians who live by the Holy Spirit will form churches that are desperate for the Holy Spirit, live by the Holy Spirit and are themselves powerful– “ an unstoppable force spreading the fame of Jesus and advancing the border of His Kingdom.

With Forgotten God, Francis Chan has given us an important reminder. We need the Holy Spirit for every moment of life and ministry. He is not an option or an afterthought. He is a necessity, for He is our life.

This book rocks. Just sayin'.

Watch this! (if you want more)

Useless Fridays (Vol. 6)

2010-02-12T09:15:00.005-06:00

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years

2010-02-09T11:18:00.002-06:00

This work is by Donald Miller (again). It was finished in 2009 and is 250 pages long. If Miller writes it, I devour it.

Miller, the writer who struck gold with the likable ramble Blue Like Jazz, writes about the challenges inherent in getting unstuck creatively and spiritually.

After Jazz sold more than a million copies but his other books didn't follow suit, he had a classic case of writer's block.

Two movie producers contacted him about creating a film out of his life, but Miller's initial enthusiasm was dampened when they concluded that his real life needed doctoring lest it be too directionless for the screen.

Real stories, he learned, require characters who suffer and overcome. Miller sets out to change his own life—to be the kind of guy who seeks out his father, chases the girl and undertakes a quest. Along the way, he comes to understand God as a master storyteller who doesn't quite control where his characters are going. An unexpected bonus of this book is Miller's insights into the writing process. Readers who loved Blue Like Jazz will find here a somewhat more mature Miller, still funny on accident, but more concerned about making a difference in the world than in merely commenting on it.

I could not tear through this book fast enough. Miller really knows how to put words together in incredible ways. AND, in addition to being an organic, funny, inspiring memoir, it was also a story about story, and if you know me -- I love stories.

If you're someone who loves plot and character and conflict (all the things writers sometimes struggle with), you have got to get this book. Miller realizes his own story is lacking all the things that make great stories that we love to read and watch in the movies, so he sets off to make his story a STORY, letting the Master Storyteller scrawl across the pages of this life.

It was so inspiring, it made me want to evaluate my own life in relation to the elements of a story, and adjust things so that my life isn't just boring words on a page. Seriously, you have to go out and read this book. Now. Do it. I'll be here when you get back because I want to know what you thought.

Just sayin'.

Useless Fridays (Vol. 5)

2010-02-05T08:20:00.002-06:00

Have A Little Faith

2010-02-02T22:07:00.008-06:00

I loved this book. Period. That should be the end of my review. Eh, I will go on.

Mitch Albom finished this in 2009. It is 249 small pages. He also wrote For One More Day, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Tuesdays With Morrie, Fab Five and Bo.

He also covers sports in Detroit. If you turn on ESPN on Sunday mornings, he is a regular on a show called The Sports Reporters. He is a legit dude.

This is a wonderful book on faith. Those who were born into faith or have lost faith, or are still searching for faith, will all be occupied and confronted by this powerful and inspirational story of "finding faith" in relationships with others and with something superior than ourselves. The author discovers some of life's greatest ambiguity and unsolved problems with great sincerity, deepness and self expression.

Mitch Albom presents a wonderfully written story in this book, about a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds that include two men, two faiths, two communities that will inspire readers the world over.

Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request from an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown as he asks him to deliver his eulogy.

But Albom, feeling undeserving, insists on understanding the man better. This throws Albom back into a world of faith that he'd left years ago. In the meantime, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor, who was a reformed drug dealer and convict in the past, but now preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Albom observes how different men utilize faith likewise in fighting for survival. The older, suburban rabbi embraces faith as death approaches. The younger, inner-city pastor relies on faith to keep himself and his church afloat.

Albom and the two men of God discover issues such as how to continue when difficult things happen, what heaven is, intermarriage, forgiveness, doubting God and the importance of faith in trying times.

Later on, in the end, as the rabbi nears his death and a very vindictive winter threatens the pastor's unsteady church, Albom sadly accomplishes the rabbi's last request and writes the eulogy. He finally understands that both men had been teaching the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

This is a book about a life's purpose. It is about losing belief and finding it again. It is about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man's journey, but it is similar to everyone's story.

Phenomenal.

Your life will be better for reading this work.

Just sayin'.

Useless Fridays (Vol. 4)

2010-01-30T15:15:00.002-06:00

Ever felt like a complete waste on Fridays?

You sit down at your desk, check email for a little while (two hours), head to a quick lunch (with stops for coffee and dessert) and then get back to do some real work for the afternoon (Solitaire, WOW, online poker) and then face the weekend when it's time to go home?

If that describes you, then we CELEBRATE you and your dedication. Let's face it, you perform slave labor Monday through Thursday, Friday should be your day.

So, while you are doing mindless things and "pointless" hours are spent in your chair so that you can say you "didn't take Friday off"...here's some useless information to keep you hard at work. Enjoy.

*EDITORS NOTE: We were so useless on Friday, that we didn't even get this done. Thus, the Saturday publish date.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING

-A prestidigitator is another word for magician.

-A castrated rooster is called a capon.

-A conchologist studies mollusks and shells.

-A deltiologist collects postcards.

-A fingerprint is also known as a dactylogram.

-A funambulist is a tightrope walker.

-A horologist measures time.

-A klazomaniac is someone who feels like shouting.

-A librocubicularist is someone who reads in bed.

-A phrenologist feels and interprets skull features.

-A sultan's wife is called a sultana.

-An anthropophagite eats people.

-Killing a king is called regicide.

-Spat-out food is called chanking.

-The ball on top of a flagpole is called the truck.

-A fox's tail is called a brush.

-The two ends of a magnet are called poles.

-The word diastima refers to having a gap between your teeth.

-The word lethologica describes the state of not remembering the word you want to say.

-The word samba means to rub navels together.

-When your skin is full, the little hole that lets the water drain, instead of flowing over the side, is called a porcelator.

Useless.

Upcoming Projects

2010-01-29T13:41:00.009-06:00

Please be patient as we develop our website at 728b.org. That will be up and functioning soon. Detailed and updated information will be found there, as well as more convenient methods of giving to our cause.

Please note that 100 cents of every dollar donated for each specific project will go to transportation of supplies and volunteers, or to the purchase of supplies once our volunteers are on the ground.

Absolutely no administrative costs are embedded in the project budgets. We have a separate endowment to cover those costs.

We have four on-going endeavors we will organize and support with your help. All four identify specific needs in areas of the world that are currently not served or are under-served.

The name of each mission is a Hebrew word defining the overall goal:

Rapha Project (Healer) – Medical mission to Guatemala (April 2010)

Rapha Platoon Composition: 5-10 physicians, 10-15 nurses or P.A.s, 5 dentists and dental hygienists, 3-5 dieticians, 10 Spanish Translators, 5-10 work-minded volunteers

Mission: A continuing medical operation to the city of Chimaltenango, Guatemala centering around the church-run mission there.

Supplies: Up to 5000 pounds of medical, clothing, and educational supplies.

Goals:
-Meet the immediate and urgent general supply needs of the mission (74 children)
-Serve the emergent/urgent medical needs of the orphanage and surrounding township
-Build the foundations of a lasting outreach mission for the church in Chimaltenango

Positive Impact Estimate: 2,000 people in 6 days.

Morah Project (Teacher) – Building facilities and supplying a school associated with an orphanage in Belize City, Belize (Fall 2010)

Morah Platoon Composition: 15-20 Teachers, 15-20 Builders, 5 physicians or nurses, 5 work-minded volunteers

Supplies: All school-related materials and building supplies that can be carried from America, and cash to buy materials with which to build or upgrade school and orphanage structures

Mission:
-Meet the immediate clothing and minor medical needs of the orphanage and school
-Supply and build a school with the intent of establishing immediate and long-term solutions to a severe teacher deficit in a drastically under-served area
-Provide teacher-training for the volunteer teaching staff already on the ground in Belize City

Positive Impact Estimate: 300 children, 100 adults for the rest of their lives.

Chavah Project (Farm) – Installing sustainable and reproducible farming methods in poor-soil areas (Winter 2011)

Location: A to-be-determined area in Central America or Amazonian South America

Chavah Platoon: 15-20 agricultural engineers, 5-10 translators, 20-25 work-minded volunteers

Positive Impact Estimate: Feeding thousands and thousands of hungry and helpless people for years.

Zedekiah Project (Justice) – Pro Bono Publico legal representation working on various cases stateside involving child welfare (adoption, schooling, abuse)

Internationally, working to establish Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to micro-lend monies in order to jump-start local economies quickly, and establish self-sufficient sources of income for citizens of developing nations (April 2010)

Zedekiah Platoon: As many lawyers and academically qualified volunteers as possible to meet the demands of each case or NGO.

Positive Impact Estimate: Countless thousands to be served and influenced in an immeasurable domino effect that reaches around the globe for generations to come!

If you would like to find out how you can help or volunteer with any of these projects, please contact me: cameron@728b.org

You can also contact us or send donations to our mailing address:

The 728b Foundation
2479 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 106
Nashville, TN, 37217

If you wish to give to a specific project, please identify which project on the "notes" section of the check, and 100% of your donation will go to your project.

“Never doubt that a small group of dedicated and thoughtful people can change the world; because it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Twitterbook

2010-01-27T09:38:00.004-06:00

If you wish, you can follow us on twitter-- 728bfound

or on Facebook.

Wednesday Morning Laundry List

2010-01-27T09:36:00.001-06:00

It's a big week around here already! Starting a non-profit organization that will meet the needs of as many orphans as possible can have it's daunting and time-consuming list of tasks.

-Gather 500 pounds worth of clothes, shoes, medicine, and school supplies- CHECK

-Find a method to reliably deliver these supplies to orphanages in developing nations- CHECK

-Locate Physicians to volunteer their precious time to travel with said supplies to the area in need- CHECK

-Incorporate (which means coming up with a name that defines the mission)- CHECK

-Get Mailing Address & Checking Account- CHECK

-Apply for 501c3 Status- CHECK

-Work with UPS, FedEx, U.S. Postal Service, and multiple airlines to get the best shipping or flying rates possible- CHECK

-Establish a smart, mission-minded, responsible, and trustworthy Board of Directors- CHECK

-Funding the whole project- TBD

728b Foundation

2010-01-27T09:29:00.003-06:00

A close group of friends had an idea a few years ago: Start a non-profit that meets the fundamental needs of orphans wherever they may be.

Monday morning, that idea became a reality.

When you're doing something that is a calling, even the mundane and tedious details become a source of excitement and joy. Coming up with a name that suited us was not difficult, as it had been established long ago, but finding the right words to explain the meaning of the name has taken a little time.

We are the 728b Foundation. We send doctors and supplies to areas in the world where children, who do not have their basic needs met, can finally have them in a real and continuous fashion.

But, the question must be asked: Why 728b?

Because in any old hymnal, found on the backs of solid wood church pues all over America, there is a song titled "There is A God", and every member of our Foundation grew up in such a church. The common numerical reference to this song is 728b.

There is, beyond the azure blue
A God, concealed from human sight
He tinted skies with heav'nly hue
And framed the worlds with His great might

The words are simple, but at the heart of the song, awareness of our own existence is demanded; an authentic recognition that this physical world possess powers unseen that rule fundamental human truths (regardless of religion or culture) that unite us in a common human spirit, which are endowed by a creator.

A resolute duty permeates the praiseful hymn through the chorus.

There is a God (There is a God), He is alive (He is alive)
In Him we live (In Him we live) and we survive (and we survive)
From dust our God (From dust our God) created man (created man)
He is our God (He is our God), the great I Am (the great I Am)

It's one of the great marches of the Christian Church, but is so often mistaken for just another song we sing on Sundays when the song/praise leader is in a particularly chipper mood.

Should we take the charge of the song seriously, and recite our beloved hymn more as a mantra than a melody, a powerful call to action is found in the words.

We are His creation. He defines the world. He designed us and called us for the purpose of service. We are His hands and His feet during our time here. We are to serve Him through serving others.

The denominational tradition from which the hymn came is irrelevant. Its words hearken to us all who profess ourselves followers and disciples of Christ.

This organization is striving to be a model for that kind of genuine discipleship. In our minds and hearts, as they are united in common service, there is no doubt that we will begin to affect positive, sustainable, and lasting progress in this world, one small part at a time.

Although your connection with the 728b Foundation may be through a facebook group or visiting our blog, it provides abundant opportunities to serve those who need it most; the care for the most basic of human necessity through medicine, food, clothing, and education.

Come make a difference in the world with us.

Start with a small group of dedicated people, and never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world.....because it's the only thing that ever has.

We hope you'll join us in the journey.

Jesus Loves You This I Know

2010-01-26T09:08:00.003-06:00

This work was written by Craig Gross and Jason Harper in 2009 and is 196 pages long. It is by far the easiest read that I have reviewed this year.

Ross and Harper co-authored Jesus Loves You This I Know. Craig became "famous" in 2007 when his porn-debate with adult film star, Ron Jeremy, on the issue of pornography- came through Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Craig’s ministry and impact are fascinating. He has been on ABC Nightline and is known in the media culture for giving out the copies of the Bible that say on the front of them "Jesus Loves The Porn Star."

Craig & Jason’s new book is a collection of stories with lessons attached in each chapter. Craig and Jason take turns challenging readers to love unconditionally the way Jesus loves – a great concept in theory until they start naming names. Jesus loves the skeptic, the outcast, the glutton, the crook, the porn star. It’s easy to say God loves everyone. It’s even easy to say God loves a group of people. The challenge comes when real faces are attached to the category. Jesus loves Ron Jeremy. Jesus loves Gay Joe. Jesus loves the person who sexually abused you. Jesus loves the terrorists plotting the demise of your country… and Jesus loves you too.

Their main thrust is that many times we tell people that Jesus Loves Them and then don't listen to them at all.

Jason addresses this attitude in the 2nd chapter: Jesus loves the disconnected. Jason opens the chapter by recalling a conversation he had with a woman who challenged his relevance as a minister. After teaching a lesson one Sunday on being a light in the world, this woman vented to Jason that it is a lot harder to be a light in the work force when you don’t work at a church for a living. This led Jason to take on a job as a cable bill debt collector. There, he gained first hand experience dealing with people where they were. He learned to go above and beyond his job. On a routine bill collection, he ended up helping befriending a drunken father and over time, helped him sober up and reconnect with his estranged daughter.

Craig talked about his friendship with Ron Jeremy. Readers will be challenged by his words. There are not many who could rate higher than Ron as someone the church could disagree more with. Yet, Craig takes pride in the fact that he finds common ground in their friendship. Many thrash Craig for hanging out with Ron. However, Craig defends Ron’s humanity, not his sin.

In closing, my biggest struggle with this book is where to draw the line. At what point does a friendship with someone with such a different worldview become destructive to one’s own belief system?

Craig and Jason certainly have special calls on their lives that allow them to connect with those so different from them in a meaningful way. However, for the rest of us, porn shows and gay pride festivals are a stretch – and definitely uncomfortable.

This does not mean we should stop striving to be “all things to all men to win some.” After all, every place Jesus hung out made the religious elect very uncomfortable. I’d rather be stretched and flexible than become stiff and fragile. Thanks Craig and Jason for forcing me to take a hard look at my own hang-ups.

Your life will be better from reading this work.

Just sayin.'

Useless Fridays (Vol. 3)

2010-01-25T08:42:00.003-06:00

Ever felt like a complete waste on Fridays?

You sit down at your desk, check email for a little while (two hours), head to a quick lunch (with stops for coffee and dessert) and then get back to do some real work for the afternoon (Solitaire, WOW, online poker) and then face the weekend when it's time to go home?

If that describes you, then we CELEBRATE you and your dedication. Let's face it, you perform slave labor Monday through Thursday, Friday should be your day.

So, while you are doing mindless things and "pointless" hours are spent in your chair so that you can say you "didn't take Friday off"...here's some useless information to keep you hard at work. Enjoy.

*EDITORS NOTE: We were so useless on Friday, that we didn't even get this done. Thus, the Monday publish date.

THE SWEET SPOT

-M & M's stands for the last names of Forrest Mars Sr., the sweet maker, and his associate, Bruce Murrie. The candy was developed so soldiers could eat sweets without getting their fingers sticky.

-There are more brown M & M's in plain M & M's than in peanut M & M's.

-The top layer of a wedding cake, known as the groom's cake, is usually a fruit cake so it will last until the couple's first anniversary, when they will eat it.

-As much as fifty gallons of maple sap are used to make a single gallon of maple sugar.

-There are more doughnut shops per capita in Canada than in any other country.

-Pound cake is so called because the original recipe required one pound of butter.

-The only food that does not spoil is honey. It is used as a center for golf balls and in antifreeze mixtures.

-When honey is swallowed, it enters the blood stream within a period of twenty minutes.

-The most popular ice cream flavor is vanilla.

-Ice cream was originally made without sugar and eggs. Seaweed is one of the ingredients in some ice cream.

-Five jelly flavors that flopped: celery, coffee, cola, apple, and chocolate.

-Less than three percent of Nestle's sales are for chocolate.

-Eleanor Roosevelt ate three chocolate-covered garlic balls every day for most of her adult life.

-Eating chocolate was once considered a temptation of the devil.

Useless.

On The Future

2010-01-21T07:12:00.001-06:00

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."-Abraham Lincoln

The Bible Jesus Read

2010-01-19T11:26:00.005-06:00

Phillip Yancey wrote this beauty.

It was published in 1999 and is 219 pages long.

I have always known Yancey as the “grace guy” due to the fact that the very first book that I read of his was a piece put together on that topic. I had my suspicions that this book would be far more of the upper-division-bible-ish type read that I had to handle during my undergraduate and graduate days in college. I was fairly accurate in that assessment. One read made me realize that the books haven’t changed, I have. (My wife applauds loudly)

In The Bible Jesus Read, the main drive of the work is to attempt to show the great value of books such as Job, Deuteronomy, Ecclesiastes, the prophets, etc., books which are largely overlooked or misunderstood by modern Christians.

Yancey wants to stress the importance of each book by explaining that Jesus read this stuff and "scrolled" through it with his reads. Yancey also explains what he believes are the best mindsets to understand the purpose of the Psalms, Proverbs, and other previously mentioned books, so that we can better understand our God. The thing I love about him is that even though he is very educated and a talented writer, he is very humble and flees from the tempation that many authors succomb to, the desire to sound lofty.

For example, I thought his words about the Psalms were particularly helpful as he explained how the Psalms were not purposed for doctrines and decrees, but they reveal the joy, anguish, worry in human authors who were pursuing the heart of God.

It is important that we realize that Jesus used (what we call)the Old Testament as His Scripture, not the New, since it had not been written yet. It shows that a good understanding of the OT is essential to a full understanding of the new. I recommend this work by Yancey to any believer.

The Bible Jesus Read provided me with new insight and interest in books that I previously found complicated, boring, or confusing.

I give thanks to Yancey and his work for providing me with a new outlook on the Psalms, Job, and Ecclesiastes.

Your life will be better for reading this work.

Just sayin'.

On Friendship

2010-01-19T11:23:00.001-06:00

"A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue."- Russian Proverb

Everyone Deserves A Second Chance

2010-01-19T06:16:00.003-06:00

When it comes to college football I give very little credence to the hype, and when it comes to recruiting, I care even less about the stars next to a kid's name.

How many times has a kid with few stars come out of nowhere to become the next big thing in the game? Ben Roethlisberger, Mark Ingram, DeMarcus Ware.......

How many times has a highly-touted "savior of the program" been recruited with Super Star potential and they were never heard from again? Mitch Mustain, Ryan Perrilloux, Jonathan Crompton....

Two years ago it seemed like Cameron Newton would become just one more name on the "colossal bust" list when the 5-star (*****) recruit and heir apparent to Tim Tebow stole a laptop and was subsequently dismissed from the Gator program.

My how things can change! After winning a national championship at Blinn College, a JUCO in Texas, Newton was back on the recruiting block and ended his second search for a home on The Plains in Auburn.

For someone who doesn't get hot and bothered about recruits and stars, I'm pretty hot and bothered by his highlight video: The Arm of Brett Favre with the running apt of Vince Young (600 yds, 16 Rush TDs), and the smart decisions of Matt Ryan (60% completion%, 2800 yds, 22 TDs, 5 Int).

He deserves and second chance; I'm just glad he got it as an Auburn Tiger.

Useless Fridays (Vol. 2)

2010-01-17T10:11:00.007-06:00

Ever felt like a complete waste on Fridays?

You sit down at your desk, check email for a little while (two hours), head to a quick lunch (with stops for coffee and dessert) and then get back to do some real work for the afternoon (Solitaire, WOW, online poker) and then face the weekend when it's time to go home?

If that describes you, then we CELEBRATE you and your dedication. Let's face it, you perform slave labor Monday through Thursday, Friday should be your day.

So, while you are doing mindless things and "pointless" hours are spent in your chair so that you can say you "didn't take Friday off"...here's some useless information to keep you hard at work. Enjoy.

*EDITORS NOTE: We were so useless on Friday, that we didn't even get this done. Thus, the Sunday publish date.

NO, I SAID CONDIMENTS

-Salt is the only rock humans can eat. Only 5 percent of salt produced ends up on the dinner table. The rest is used for packing meat; building roads; feeding livestock; tanning leather; and manufacturing glass, soap, ash and washing compounds.

-Salt is one of the few spices that is all taste and no smell.

-Table salt is the only commodity that hasn't risen dramatically in price in the last one hundred and fifty years.

-Tabasco sauce is made by fermenting vinegar and hot peppers in a French oak barrel that has three inches of salt on top and is aged for three years until all the salt is diffused through the barrel.

-Worcestershire sauce is basically anchovy ketchup.

-The number 57 on a Heinz ketchup bottle represents the number of varieties of pickle the company once had.

Useless.

Crazy Love

2010-01-12T10:26:00.007-06:00

I picked up a 175 page read (I loved the length) that was written by Francis Chan in 2008.

Crazy Love was one of those books that I have heard a large amount of “hype” about. When I first picked up my copy, I had already heard some great reviews and glowing praise for this book. All the hype definitely played a part in my decision to borrow the book and read it. Aside from this initial praise for the book, I knew a little about Chan himself. I had heard some stellar stories about his leadership and some of the things that his church is involved in. So, right from the start I had high expectations for the content and what I would glean from Chan's writing.

The first few chapters deal primarily with the greatness of God. Chan doesn’t make any assumptions about what the basic reader knows of God. Right from the start, you go back to the beginning of it all - creation. Chan starts by painting several pictures for the reader of God's greatness seen in creation. From here, he spends a few chapters adding to this case that God is greater than anyone or anything ever.

Once this foundation is laid, Chan then starts the challenges. He spends the rest of the book challenging the reader to be more like Christ, to take God at His word and to live out what Christ calls us to live. While reading, there were moments I found myself rereading sentences just to make sure I was grasping what was being written. There were other sentences that grabbed my attention and caused me to stop and think. Sentences like, "Having faith often means doing what others see as crazy. Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers." and this quote from Tim Kizziar, "Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."

Crazy Love is a good book and it's definitely worth a read. Is it a book for you, though? I believe the best audience to read this book would be those Christians who are complacent with their faith. If you or someone you know is struggling, lukewarm or stagnant then this is a great book to read and let soak in.

God's love for you is crazy. His love for me is crazy. At the least, you will walk away from this book with that understanding. But my fear, and I think Chan's fear as well, is that you can walk away from that understanding and do absolutely nothing to change your life. Do not allow yourself that option, act on what you are challenged to change.

Your life will be better for reading this book.

Just sayin'.

Useless Fridays

2010-01-08T09:55:00.003-06:00

Ever felt like a complete waste on Fridays?

You sit down at your desk, check email for a little while (two hours), head to a quick lunch (with stops for coffee and dessert) and then get back to do some real work for the afternoon (Solitaire, WOW, online poker) and then face the weekend when it's time to go home?

If that describes you, then we CELEBRATE you and your dedication. Let's face it, you perform slave labor Monday through Thursday, Friday should be your day.

So, while you are doing mindless things and "pointless" hours are spent in your chair so that you can say you "didn't take Friday off"...here's some useless information to keep you hard at work. Enjoy.

IT'S THE FASHION

-Before the 1800's, there were no separately designed shoes for right and left feet.

-Any Russian man who wore a beard was required to pay a special tax during the time of Peter the Great.

-Children in the Chinook Indian tribe were strapped between boards from head to toe so they would have fashionably flat skulls.

-In 1778, women of Paris never went out in blustery weather without a lightning rod attached to their hats.

-In the marriage ceremony of the ancient Inca Indians of Peru, the couple was considered officially wed when they took off their sandals and handed them to each other.

-Olive oil was used for washing the body in the ancient Mediterranean world.

-Pirates thought having an earring would improve their eyesight.

-Welsh mercenary bowmen in the medieval period only wore one shoe at a time.

-Until the Middle Ages, the underwater divers near the Mediterranean coastline collected golden strands from the pen shell, which used the strands to hold itself in place. The strands were woven into a luxury textile and made into ladies' gloves so fine that a pair could be packed into an empty walnut shell.

-In Ethiopia, both males and females of the Surma tribes shave their heads as a mark of beauty.

Useless.

Searching For God Knows What

2010-01-05T08:30:00.007-06:00

The title of this post is also the name of a book that I am currently reading. Not being one who LOVES to read (though I do see the strong merit), I have "resolved" to read 52 books this year. That might seem like child's play to some of the Bunkhouse readers, but it is a large undertaking for this mere mortal.

My goal? Well, it's not just to thumb through pages blindly in 2010 and "say I conquered my reading list." Rather, I simply want to get to know God better. The books that I flip through are going to be reads that allow me to connect better with the Creator and challenge me to live and serve the way that I am supposed to.

Pet Peeve Alert: Take note Twilight Fans, Harry Potter Fans (that probably was redundant) and Bourne fans: I have seen people knock out a book in a few sittings that they were very passionate about. I have answered doors at church buildings where folks were knocking frantically to get in, only to inform me that they "left their book." Once they found their Breaking Dawn hardback copy, they bolted out the door (why was it at the church building in the first place?) and returned the next service to pick up their Bible that they left in "their pew"....obviously not missing it that much during the week.

I have also placed another challenge upon myself, and that is not to read any of these 52 books more than I read my Bible during a given week.

Enough of that rant.

This book, Searching For God Knows What, is a stellar read. It is 233 pages and was published in 2004, written by Donald Miller.

It's a fun read, pretty much continuing and sometimes rehashing Donald Miller's earlier name-making book Blue Like Jazz.

This "hip" book summarizes easily: The gospel is not a formula. It's a relationship. What God wants from us and promises to us cannot be defined in neat categories or lists of truths. The truth inherent in the gospel is necessarily embedded in the stories of the people who understand and experience the gospel (especially the first ones to do so).

Donald Miller is king of off-the-wall-yet-strangely-appropriate extended metaphors, and this book is packed with them.

The earth is an overfilled lifeboat with the inhabitants taking sides and waging wars of value assessment like people on Survivor trying not to get kicked off the island.

Original sin is like the fallout from Chernobyl.

Getting an outside perspective is like sitting down with an alien to watch an NBA game.

We're all in a big circus act trying to do something to win cheers from the crowd to prove our worth.

The moment when we we see that our religious system isn't enough anymore is like the moment when we see the department store Santa taking a leak in the men's restroom.

Great images. Great stories.

Miller does a fine job of conveying his messages without sounding like every other evangelical author on the book shelves. He takes many broad swipes at our Christian systems and theologies (which he lines up with, spiritually speaking), but he uses enough self-deprecation to get away with it.

Your life will be better for the read.

Just sayin'.

Skepticism, Cynicism, & Fear Replace Joy In Holiday Season

2009-11-19T07:02:00.008-06:00

I'm not the biggest Santa fan, but this whole article from Fox News seems to paint a pretty clear picture of societal norms that creep into even the most well-intentioned programs; and for fear of misuse the program ends.

Check It Out

A Season of Silence

2009-11-05T09:44:00.017-06:00

"The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it."- Mark Twain

The house was always full of noisy chatter. The women of the Hall Family were never short on three things: Coffee, education, and opinions...and they never hesitated to share any of them with others whenever possible.

Thanksgivings and Christmases in Canoe, Alabama were more like week-long seminars on every profession represented by the clan matriarchs. History, law, literature, politics, cooking, farming and Bible were taught to us "chilrin" at a very early age.

My cousins and I were little more than spectators in these conversations, but the practice of obtaining knowledge and sharing it with others was the skill we learned. The importance of the spoken and written word was fully and deeply impressed upon me, but little noticed to me at the time was the importance of the unspoken word being modeled under the same roof.

My Uncle Glynn grew up in East Texas, attended Texas A&M, and farmed his whole life. If something needed to be done, talking about it would yield the least amount of progress toward accomplishing it, which is why his verbal communications were kept rather short and to a point.

"Fence needs to be fixed" and poof, he was gone.

We wouldn't see him until several hours later when the fence had indeed been fixed. In contrast, if one of the Hall women would have been charged with the same task, there would have been the grandest and most elaborate plan to repair a fence ever conceived, but the entire herd of Black Angus cows would have been out roaming Highway 97 before the fence was mended.

Similarly my father modeled the same action-based approach to life as my Uncle.

My mother would say "I have a headache." The description of the headache would have been well-documented and the lament of a lack of Advil in the house would have been long-suffered, but the absence of Advil would have persisted for quite some time if Daddy had not already been to the pharmacy and brought back an assortment of anti-headache resources.

Now, I'm not saying the women in my family were helpless or inert, but the idea of communicating about the problem before fixing it was a familial imperative.

I tried to practice the best of both philosophies in my life: communicate a rational and reasonable approach to an issue clearly and concisely, then go about executing the plan as efficiently as possible; but I tended to "list toward" the talking portion more than the action....and that needed to change.

I'd like to tell you that it was the wisdom of that realization that motivated me to a more constant and involved action in faith, but instead it was the need-based, fear-induced exploration of almost losing my marriage, a cancer diagnosis, and seeing first-hand God's healing power over the human body and heart that moved me to actively seek Him at the age of 28.

In January of 2009 I began working with the youth at Woodmont Hills. As I watched the active faith of the teenagers and heard God's message through spirit-led ministers, I finally understood the concept of keeping my mouth shut and eyes open; I had entered a season of silence.

My posting today is not declaring the end of this season (it ain't over) but rather to begin relaying and sharing whatever limited thoughts and experiences I have that possess the possibility of carrying God's message of love and our covenant of service to others who wish to hear it.

I plan on blogging more frequently, but whatever is written will likely not have anything to do with my political or collegial football dispositions. Life is not merely made up of contrived symbols and ideologies that separate us from one another, but rather a shared human condition and the universal search for a meaning more than what we see from our own narrow perspective.

I don't plan on being thought-provoking, but if the thoughts WE share lead to action, then God be praised.

I'll go ahead and apologize if my writing is a little rusty for a while. I'll be working on it.

The picture posted above is an example of faith-in-action....being led by teenagers. It's a sight that ignited the hope of unrealized dreams I have for future generations. I hope you'll be part of it. I hope I'll be part of it.

Well said, Bob

2009-05-19T21:19:00.009-05:00

Just being honest, I've never really understood the Bob Dylan love-fest.

I must admit, I haven't taken a hard plunge into his music or lyrics. Even though the little bit that I have waded in has left me with a feeling of ... 'eh'...

Some people that I love and respect very much really are infatuated with him and what he represents, so I casually pay attention when his name is mentioned.

Recently, there was an article written about him and his place in this world.

I read this quote from him and my respect for him as a man instantly grew. He was offered the softball question about George W. Bush and he handled it beautifully. Most "celebrities" take pinata-like swipes at the former president. Here's what Dylan said:

“I read history books just like you do. None of those guys are immune to the laws of history. They’re going to go up or down, and they’re going to take their people with them. None of us really knew what was happening in the economy. It changed so quickly into a true nightmare of horror. In another day and age, heads would roll. That’s what would happen. The rot would be cut out. As far as blaming everything on the last president, think of it this way: The same folks who had held him in such high regard came to despise him. Isn’t it funny that they’re the very same people who once loved him? People are fickle. Their loyalty can turn at the drop of a hat.”

Shut up, Jeanine Garofalo!

2009-04-30T14:59:00.018-05:00

By Taft Ayers

"This is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up. That is nothing but a bunch of tea-bagging rednecks."- Jeanine Garofalo

You have probably heard the context of her comments on a broader level. Absurd.

For the record, I didn't attend a tea party, but I surely am not about to bash those who did.

Here's a response:

I have never really cared for this woman, but after hearing what she said about Tea Party protesters, I understand her acting isn't the only thing that makes me sick.

Jeanine, I live in Tennessee. Despite what you've already assumed, I'm not a racist or a redneck; I own shoes, enjoy air conditioning and indoor plumbing, have all my teeth, hold a college degree, and do not attend Klan meetings. I'm an American with "conservative" beliefs. Why must I be demonized?

I'm allegedly a "conservative" because I firmly oppose abortion. I also believe that we should have stronger border control. The fact that you consider anyone with opposing views to be "racist rednecks" who have neurological problems is proof that you don't have a leg to stand on in this argument. Therefore, you resort to name calling.

You are like a child on a playground who is mad because everyone doesn't want to join her make-believe fantasy trip to fairy land, so you start the name-calling and ridiculing.

My conservative views come from my religious beliefs. The very idea of you insulting people for their religious beliefs is a disgrace to the freedoms cherished by this country. You are Obama's S.S. (like Hitler's Schutzstaffel). If you knew any better, you would be ashamed of yourself.

The problem with you and your ilk is that you profess yourselves to be hate and prejudice free. "Tolerance and liberty for all!" But you seek to control the views of others - change everyone to be like Jeanine. You claim we must embrace and accept people for their differences. I suppose that's true, unless those difference are ones you don't happen to like.

We understand our role in this society: To abide by the law, love everyone, and pay our taxes. We are to do so silently and without any fuss. Because Hispanic youths marching out of schools in Southern California carrying Mexican flags while torching American flags and garbage cans is just "symbolic and peaceful speech". But millions of ethnically diverse men and women assembling without violence to voice opposition to high taxes.....that's just domestic terrorism.

I asked...

2009-04-28T11:42:00.004-05:00

It has been said that Christian people don't utilize the power of prayer enough.

Others have said that we are praying enough, we are just not praying as we should. Perhaps that is correct and if it is, the following illustrates just how God answers prayer.

God hears us, and God answers us according to His will. That does not necessarily mean that God will answer us the way we desire.

God knows what is best for us, and He will make provisions through His providence to help us mature in faith and accomplish tasks that He set before us.

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up."

I asked God to make the handicapped people of the world whole.
God said, "No. Their spirit is whole, their body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations. It isn't granted; it is learned."

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, "No. I will give you life so that you might enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.
God said, "Ah, finally you have the idea."

I think it is time for me to adjust my prayer life accordingly. You?

Keys to Even More Ridiculous Success: The NFL

2009-04-24T10:09:00.013-05:00

Soccer (Futbol) is the obsession in 194 of the Earth's 195 countries. In the United States we have a totally different way of savoring our sports which has led to the popularity of situation-based games.

Baseball dominates our history books as "America's Favorite Past Time." However, in the last fifteen to twenty years we've experienced a paradigm shift in our favorite professional sport from baseball to football. The reasons why this shift occured are very easy to list, but not in the least bit interesting. Instead, finding ways to bring about perfection in our nation's most popular sport are a better use or our time.

What we'll do this morning is identify the faux problems to ignore and the few real problems the National Football League has and give pragmatic examples of how to fix them. First, to the favorite topic of major sports media outlets...

FAUX PROBLEMS

1. Uninteresting Pre-Season- Many, many fans and sportscasters believe the 4 exhibition games are such a monstrous waste of time that there is an out-cry to limit the pre-season action to only two games and expand the regular season from 16 to 18 games.

There are 3 reasons this won't happen. First, coaches need that time to evaluate their team and best trim the roster from 85 to 55 players at the end of training camp. Solidifying real talent and depth for the grueling 17 week regular season schedule is absolutely necessary for a team's survival in the NFL.

Second, as mentioned, the NFL regular season becomes a war of attrition by week 12 or 13. Adding another two weeks to the schedule will inflate rosters, salaries, and injuries. None of which are good for teams, good for players' health, or good for the quality of post-season action fans want in January.

Third, because of those two reasons it matters not what the fans and media clamor for when the NFL Players' Union is against it. This idea is D.O.A. and, in reality, not something fans truly want if the ramifications of the action were easier to see.

2. No NFL in L.A.:This is only an issue in Los Angeles and the NFL Headquarters in New York. It's true, missing the nation's #2 media market is a painful financial blow to the league, but it could be easily fixed if Los Angeles would get serious about its football and one of the small market dumpster-fire organizations (Lions, Jaguars, Browns, Rams) want to sell.

Nation-wide, the fan population of football is still the largest, the most rabid, and it's still growing. L.A. or not, the NFL is popular. It's not like basketball, which takes a huge hit when the Lakers or Celtics aren't in the championship mix.

REAL PROBLEMS

Addressing the list of problems below will result in even greater fan interest and even greater revenue streams because of the better finished product the NFL will have.

1. Rookie Salaries: The Oakland Raiders paying JaMarcus Russell $35 million in guaranteed money is an embarrassment to the league, and is just one of dozens and dozens of examples of seemingly small details that have a much larger impact on the game than intended.

Inflated rookie salaries for teams with high draft picks (meaning very bad teams at the very top of the draft board) kills their ability to compete because the financial anchor of a top draft pick limits a team's ability to work other deals in free-agency and other potential draft picks. When the top pick becomes an NFL Bust, it sets the franchise back 3 or 4 years when dealing with the financial and personel ramifications.

Solution: A set rookie salary based on the player's field position and draft position. The NBA has something like this already in place, and is one of the only things the professional basketball league has done right.

This system would still pay rookies well, but would eliminate hold outs and make top draft spots coveted positions again instead of tremendous financial gambles/weights on bad teams.

2. Pensions for Former Players: Before 1985 the "player salary" to "league income" ratio was ridiculous. It gave rise to the only NFL player's strike and the modern era of salaries in football. The men who built the game (1945-1984) didn't receive much compensation at all ($25,000 tops), worked other jobs in the off-season, and didn't have the top-flight medical care for the injuries which has resulted in very decrepit old men. The game owes these men, who built the league, this base level of care and honor.

Solution: The NFL is a $120 billion business, it can reasonably afford to pay out medical care and pensions to its former greats for the next 25-30 years. After that, the program can be removed altogether. It is simply the right thing to do and can be easily paid for by taking small percentage of current players' salary to cover the $20 million a year these pensions would cost.

3. Full Time Refs: The NFL does a fantastic job of policing its officiating. However, it is a job coveted only by those who can afford it. An NFL ref receives $36,000 in salary and are listed as "part time employees" of the NFL. Allowing refs to work on their trade full-time would lead to better game officiating and an overall better product for the fans and players.

Solution: Dole out $130,000 a year in salary and benefits for refs to train year-round. The cost increase is once again nominal and could come out of general league funds.

4. Permanent Collective-Bargaining Agreement: The salary cap has created a lot of parody in the NFL and has made the NFL off-season much, much more interesting (and revenue enhancing) than its professional rivals in baseball and basketball.

Pitching salary caps to fans and team owners are not the problem. The NFL players' union is the real challenge. The last CBA was strong-armed into place by the owners last time by threatening a lock-out.

One of the worst things that could happen to the NFL is an un-capped system that further stratifies player salaries and makes the 32-team league into a four team show like baseball with the Yankees, Red Sox, Angeles, and Cubs. In football this would look like the Cowboys, Redskins, Raiders, and Giants being the only fan-bases being played to in the national media.

Solution: Get another CBA done any way possible.
-------------------------

After going over the list, the problems are relatively easy to fix for the best professional league in the world. I don't know if they will ever be addressed the way I suggested, but to see a league so near the cusp of perfect homeostasis keeps my attention focused on the intrigue of the NFL.

Enjoy the draft weekend!

New Traditions

2009-04-15T07:55:00.007-05:00

I'm the kind of guy who digs traditions. Whether that be turkey on Thanksgiving Day or fireworks on the fourth of July, these are traditions I can really get behind and enjoy. However, traditions enjoyed by the masses tend to become impersonal and over-commercialized....so nothing quite tops coming up with your own tradition.

Usually family traditions or personal traditions are born out of sheer happenstance, while others are behaviors that occur so often they simply warrant the label of "tradition." Here are a few of my own traditions that have begun in the last year or I have the full intention of starting within the next few months.

1. Ainsley Daddy Day- When Ainsley turns 3 next month, we're going to Cracker Barrel every Wednesday morning. It'll be a good time with just the two of us.

Once Abby gets old enough, I'll have a whole other morning shaped around taking her to breakfast at another restaurant.

2. Super Thursdays with JB- As Jared B. Gable is about to move to Little Rock within the week, this little tradition will sadly come to an abrupt end with the season finale of 30 Rock.

Typically we have long conversations before and after the show is over, but this has grown more rare recently because of Jared's approaching departure.

My youngest daughter's former middle namesake is after JB (Bentley), so the tradition does have a lasting effect.

3. Residency Sucks Day- This one has hatched out of unfortunate necessity, as Liz has been on-call almost every birthday and major holiday since beginning her residency three years ago. On Residency Sucks Day, we celebrate the event on the day before or day after the event is actually scheduled to take place.

It's the worst tradition we have and I look forward to the day we get rid of this one entirely.

4. Topless Saturdays- This is not at all what it sounds like.

This a tradition that started two Saturdays ago when Nathan McIntyre and I went driving around in the new Mustang Convertible for three hours.

Cigars, coffee, music, and a convertible make for amazing conversation. Liz and I rode around last Saturday; and I have every intention of being out and about every clear Saturday April 1-Oct 1 every year that I'm on this earth....it's going to be epic!

5. Tent Tuesdays- This is by far one of my favorite traditions, but it only happens during the football season.

Tuesdays are game days for our middle school team. So, it's a day where the girls go to "mother's (father's) day out" at church and I sit under the tent on the back porch game-planning all day.

More than just game-planning and football...I get SOOOOOO much done on those days. I'm looking forward to those starting back up again soon!

Here's hoping your traditions are family-strengthening and life-enhancing.

Have a great Wednesday!

Preemie -- An American Economic Parable

2009-03-16T14:18:00.002-05:00

By Alan Gable

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there lived and man and woman. The time came for them to start a family and they had a beautiful baby girl. Due to circumstances outside of the man and woman’s control, this baby was born 8 weeks before her term date. This baby now had a mountain to climb and she needed help from all those around her in order to grow into a vibrant and healthy young woman.

The child was admitted to the NICU and placed under the care of a newly appointed chief physician who had been highly acclaimed recently in the medical community. This doctor was handsome and carried himself in such a way as to inspire hope in the frightened parents. The man and woman put their confidence in the doctor but always reserved the right of final decision on the treatment of their child. They worried about their precious baby every minute of every day because she was the most important aspect of their lives.

The baby was premature and in fragile condition. Due to the nature of her condition, too much noise or light or stimulation of any kind could have devastating effects on her long term vibrancy. She desperately needed to grow and develop so the acclaimed doctor wrote orders for the NICU nurses feed the baby every 2 hours whether she was hungry or not. He also ordered consults with every specialty in the hospital from Respiratory Therapy to Psychiatry. For weeks, the baby’s tiny room was buzzing with traffic. Evaluations and recommendations came from every imaginable healthcare professional until the baby’s chart swelled into a large mass of notes and papers. Every time the man and woman came to visit their most precious, they were amazed by the sheer activity that surrounded their daughter.

For weeks this went on and the baby didn’t seem to be getting better. In fact, she was getting worse. The volume and timing of her feeds made her spit up and reflux with greater regularity. The endless stream of consults and evaluations from every different kind of therapist and doctor and nurse and random staff member seemed to cause her higher and higher levels of anxiety. The baby would routinely flex her arms and leg spreading them straight out because she was so stressed out from the constant over-stimulation. The man and woman began to panic and worried all the time. Were they doing enough? Did they need to make a change? The doctor’s reaction to their valid concerns was one of arrogance and hubris. He talked down to them because he was a highly acclaimed doctor and he obviously knew better than they. What could they do? They had already put all their hope in this doctor and their baby was only getting worse…

Top 100 Vocalists of All Time (20-1)

2009-01-28T09:23:00.007-06:00

Top 100 Vocalists (39-20)

2009-01-21T11:44:00.014-06:00

In response to the collective opinion that Rolling Stone's rankings of top vocalists was pretty lame, we here at the Bunkhouse decided to put together our own top 100 list.

How we did it: 12 people were asked to rank their 20 favorite/top vocalists of all time. The people selecting this list work in a wide range of professional fields: Historic home curating, English professors, youth ministers, family counselors, physicians, lawyers, accountants, stay at home dads, and football coaches.

The lists were compiled and rankings were averaged into this outstanding selection of top vocalists.

39-20: En Vogue

At this point on any countdown there will be stark differences between where you or I think any of these artists should be (whether too high or too low). As we approach the pinnacle of our list, you will see certain timeless names and those who have not been around too long. The next 19 artists on the countdown will serve as the single biggest portion that will "date" The Bunkhouse Top 100. As you get toward the very top, you'll see a timeless theme start to develop.

It is probably best to start pointing to a singular song which best showcases the vocals of each artist. See if you agree.

39. Tim McGraw- He pumps out a lot of hits, but found himself type-cast as pure country when he ventured into pop for only a few songs. His voice is good, but his groove lives "Down on The Farm."

Showcase Song: Red Ragtop

38. Alanis Morrissette- No matter what you think of her, she can flat wail! Her songs are unique, and her most recent albums reflect some deep thought.

Showcase Song: Uninvited

37. Alison Krauss- Timeless and crosses over to at least several genres.

Showcase Song: A Living Prayer

36. Karen Carpenter- The Carpenters- She either bores you to tears or brings out your inner pain. For me....snooze.

Showcase Song: Superstar

35. Garth Brooks- Was king of the country universe before the tonnage of Trisha Yearwood and Chris Gaines came crashing down on his head. Hit after hit after hit still tops his tarnished platinum crown.

Showcase Song: If Tomorrow Never Comes

34. Justin Timberlake- Holla atcha boyzzzz! The kid from the "Dirty South" sung and danced his way from the mop-top N'Sync days to viral phenom with Andy Samberg, and now touring with some of the biggest names in the biz.

His showcase song is one of the most ruthless and objectively awesome tunes ever written. See why.

Showcase Song: Cry Me A River or D*** In A Box

33. Amy Lee- Evanesence- If you disagree with her very high spot on the countdown, go listen to her sing for a minute, then come back and talk.

This is a chick who has to do her own back up vocals because her voice is so strong and unique. Like a flood light in the darkest night.

Showcase Song: My Immortal

32. George Strait- More sentimental and popular than a pure vocalist. He's good, but total genre made.

Showcase Song: Carrying Your Love With Me

31. Patsy Cline- The most famous and transcendent voice in the history of country music. LeAnn Rimes was a poor-man's Patsy, which is the only reason LR was popular for a while.

Showcase Song: Crazy

30. Christina Aguilera- Her image totally overshadows her voice, but as voices go she may have the best one on this part of the countdown. Crosses into almost every genre. Great Timber, Pitch, and Volume to her sound. Awesome.

Showcase Song: Beautiful

29. Sting- Has kept up a top tier game going on 4 decades now. His famous tantric moments have slowed down almost all of his songs in the last 12 years or so.

Showcase Song: Fields of Gold

28. Bing Crosby- His voice was the archetype for the term "Crooner". Smooth as silk.

Showcase Song: Dardanella

27. Ella Fitzgerald- She could sing a jingle for the phonebook and I'd listen to her. Classically timeless.

Showcase Song: Mack The Knife

26. Josh Groban- Pop meets Opera singer.

Showcase Song: Starry, Starry Night

25. Norah Jones- She doesn't try to be all about public appearances, she let's her music speak for itself...and it does.

Showcase Song: Come Away With Me

24. Michael Jackson- Here he is, folks. Out of hiding to once again to sit on the throne as the "King of Pop". Too many hits, too much musical greatness to ignore.

Showcase Song: Billie Jean

23. Mariah Carey- Maybe out-Queened some other Mothers of Soul on this countdown, but her rank has more to do with still being on tour than timelessness.

Showcase Song: Hero

22. Ben Harper- I think if this countdown had been done in 1999 instead of now, Lenny Kravitz would have been at this exact spot.

Showcase Song: Waiting On An Angel

21. John Foggerty- Creedence Clearwater Revival- Another defining singer in an age that first started to see the factionalization of American Music. Personified Rock in the 60's and 70's, but transitioned into country music recently, as he found little room in other genres for story-telling music.

Showcase Song: Who'll Stop The Rain

20. Ronnie Van Zant- Lynyrd Skynyrd- Versatile and smooth. Can be fun, can be soulful, and can blow the doors off any building.

Showcase Song: Tuesday's Gone
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We'll wrap up this music odyssey on Friday. It won't disappoint.

Being Christ's

2009-01-20T14:50:00.004-06:00

A man's identity (as well as a woman's) is based on who he is apart from what he does. Identity is a matter of character, not accomplishment, a matter of being and relating, not doing. This is apparent in the call of Jesus Christ to His disciples, as recorded in the Bible in Mark 3.14-15: "He appointed twelve-designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons." Notice that Jesus definitely called the apostles to do something: to preach the gospel and drive out demons.

But His first call was for them to be someone-His men. He wanted a mutually loving, nurturing, caring relationship with these men.

Christ's acceptance and approval of His disciples was always based on the being part of discipleship, not the doing part. The disciples enjoyed some successes in their mission. But they also experienced some failures, particularly during Christ's arrest, trial and crucifixion when "all the disciples deserted him and fled" (Matthew 26.56). Had the disciples based their identity on their performance, they would have reason to consider themselves failures.

But after His resurrection, Jesus didn't reprimand them for what they did or didn't do. Instead He met privately with them several times before His ascension to assure them that they were still His men. Then He gave them the Great Commission (Matthew 28.16-20), and the disciples successfully carried it out because they had a firm grasp on their identity in Christ.

Top 100 Vocalists (59-40)

2009-01-19T08:12:00.007-06:00

In response to the collective opinion that Rolling Stone's rankings of top vocalists was pretty lame, we here at the Bunkhouse decided to put together our own top 100 list.

How we did it: 12 people were asked to rank their 20 favorite/top vocalists of all time. The people selecting this list work in a wide range of professional fields: Historic home curating, English professors, youth ministers, family counselors, physicians, lawyers, accountants, stay at home dads, and football coaches.

The lists were compiled and rankings were averaged into this outstanding selection of top vocalists.

Vocalists #59-40--The Middle Relief

As with any list compiled by human beings, the opinions shown operate like carbon dating. It has been accurately pointed out that the first 40 artists on the countdown have an overall "late gen-X vibe," but is a pretty inclusive list. The next 40 artists are much the same, but this countdown is anything but predictable.

59. Robbie Williams- He's a lot bigger in Europe and Asia than America. He still tours constantly, and I think you'd be surprised at how many of his songs you know if you listen to them on itunes. He's definitely a "pop" genre guy though.

58. Don Everly- Everly Brothers- 26 "Billboard Top Forty" and 35 "Billboard Top One Hundred" songs speak for itself.

57. Ray Charles- As dynamic and soulful a voice as there has ever been.

56. Randy Owen- Alabama- They had 41 singles reach No.1 on the charts during their thirteen year hay-day. It can be said about his voice, "It was country enough to rock."

55. Jackie Wilson- A lasting impression was made on the world when his music moved and grooved the Statue of Liberty down Broadway in Ghostbusters II. What a range Jackie had though!

54. Gladys Knight- Before the critics start in, please name (without the aid of a web browser) 5 songs of hers that were not unoriginal covers of another artist. She had a great voice, but The Pips made her what she was.

53. Steven Tyler- Aerosmith- His voice was a lot more powerful when he was younger. Over the years and partying, he's stripped it to a shell of what it was. As a long as you don't have to hear this guy give an interview, he's probably right where he should be on the countdown.

52. Peter Gabriel- There is an original voice for you. "Your Eyes" + John Cusack= Pete's Hallmark.

51. Carrie Underwood- She's so good I forget she's from the same show as Reuben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson.

50. Prince- Some people just wrote-off the whole countdown because he's so low. I was disappointed he made it at all. He's an extreme vocalists with an extreme following. Total preference.

49. Reba McIntyre- Country sound, country acent, BIG TIME voice.

48. Don Henly- Eagles- Classic rock needed it's classic voice to define it....there he is.

47. John Mellencamp- Blue Collar sound, from blue collar back ground. Songs were as original as his voice when he came out. One of the few Bob Dylan-like artists that is actually listenable.

46. Brad Paisley- The country fans took over the countdown for a bit. He's talented. He's got range, depth, and can tackle different genres. He knows where his base is and he's smart enough not to deviate from that. But he could if he wanted.

45. Peter Cetera- Chicago- The big voice of the group that defined the 80's needs to be on this countdown. I think his womanish vocals kept him from being higher on the list.

44. Jack Black- Tenacious D- Though the songs he wrote/recorded are strange and off-color, his voice is anything but. He has better pitch, range, and control than most of the artists on the countdown, but he's more of an entertainer than vocalist. If he focused more on his music career than his acting, he'd be higher on the list....but he's going where the money is.

43. Eric Clapton- Better song writer and guitarist than singer....he's like a multi-talented talented Ray Charles.

42. Travis Tritt- One genre guy with some great songs. He picked his tunes perfectly for his sound.

41. Aretha Franklin- Can't argue with her success or personality...but here's some musical blasphemy for you...Church Choirs need singers too. That's what I feel like when I hear her voice....or watch any American Idol episode. It's a great, dime a dozen set of pipes.

40. Van Morrison- Timeless. Started in the 60's and still kickin' out good tunes
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We'll be back on Wednesday counting down 39-20.

Bunkhouse Top 100 Vocalist of All Time

2009-01-16T10:41:00.012-06:00

In response to the collective opinion that Rolling Stone's rankings of top vocalists was pretty lame, we here at the Bunkhouse decided to put together our own top 100 list.

How we did it: 12 people were asked to rank their 20 favorite/top vocalists of all time. The people selecting this list work in a wide range of professional fields: Historic home curating, English professors, youth ministers, family counselors, physicians, lawyers, accountants, stay at home dads, and football coaches.

The lists were compiled and rankings were averaged into this outstanding selection of top vocalists. I must say the absence of Bjork from our list makes the list better than RS by default.

Vocalists #79-60-- where the list goes to die.

When you have Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, and Paul Simon on the back end of the countdown, the big problem ahead is who and why other artists (most not as famous) ended up higher. The middle part of the countdown iS the soft underbelly, but if you look closely...you'll be able to see some real goodness at work with the selections.

79. Stevie Wonder- We all know Stevie, and love at least one of his songs. After a while, his voice is kind of white noise. He's a lot higher on other countdowns, but he was fortunate to make this list at all.

78. Chris Robinson- The Black Crowes- In the mold of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as a nice Southern Rock band, their lead singer delivers a smooth note in harsh tone....like a Tennessee Sour Mash.

77. Roger Daltry- The Who-He's the front man on Baba O'Riley, My Generation, etc. You know him....just maybe not his name.

76. Bill Withers- Same as #77. "Ain't No Sunshine" and a pretty outstanding, but not original version of "Lean on Me". You hear his stuff in almost any movie with romance or heart-break in it.

75. Jon Secada- He's got a good voice, but his known music is few and far between; not to mention it's been a while since anyone has heard anything new from him.

74. Scott Weiland- Stone Temple Pilots- His sound is unique. I'd wager most people would know who his voice from the first two or three notes of any song: Strong and painfully soulful.

73. Tori Amos- I'm glad we can throw the feministas a bone every now and then....not that most of them like bones...Tori Amos is awesome though. Pigeon-holed....but awesome.

72. James Hetfield- Metallica- Fathered in and popularized heavy metal music and vocals that is still the archetype.

71. Luciano Pavarotti- Eat that, music establishment! An Italian Opera singer just blew some sorry American Rock MOFOs off the countdown....or he may have eaten them.

If you think about it, he should be on every list if genre is not a factor.

70. Adam Duritz- Counting Crows- Awesome band, original sound. Adam is an interesting dude. Check it out.

69. Eddie Vedder- Pearl Jam- Again, a father of a kind of sound that is widely replicated, but never duplicated.

68. Dean Martin- Smoothness personified. The original lady's man. Only two "Rat Pack"ers on this count down. Weird.

67. Patty Griffin- The "Artistic Mother" of all kinds of major music stars today....Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Fiona Apple. She started a big folk/alternative country genre that is just really finding it's niche.

66. Axl Rose- Guns n' Roses- What would the countdown be without the man who brought us everything from "Welcome to The Jungle" to "November Rain"?

65. Jim Morrison- The Doors- Forerunner of tripped-out rock stars everywhere. His O.D. was the precursor to every "Celebrity Tragedy" we've seen. Good music, dark voice.

64. Michael Stipe- R.E.M.- There is something sadistic, yet insightful in his vocals. Can sing whatever rock genre song thrown at him, and helped link the rock movement to the metal movement in just one album.

63. Steven Page- Barenaked Ladies- Original music, original vocals, original lyrics. Funny guy, but his voice is serious. Can sound whiny at times, but has a huge range and is perfect for their brand of performance.

62. Billie Joe Armstrong- Green Day- His music comes off crazy, but it works, and his tone is better than you might think. See: "When September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."

61. Jimmy Buffett- Drunks and potheads alike can combine their super powers into being a "Parrothead" while having an excuse to be that way in public when the next Jimmy concert comes to town.

60. Dave Matthews- The Dave Matthews Band- His voice is a total matter of preference, but you won't find many more relevant or all-encompassing bands around. They grooved out their own niche in music that was branded as "Hillbillies on Acid" by one Rolling Stone writer.

In response, Dave wrote "Tripping Billies" and never stopped touring, making his group the "Kings of Live."

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That's our countdown to #60. The names only get bigger from here. Feel free to set us straight on a few selections.

Have a great Friday! We'll see you back here Monday Morning for 59-40.

Tebow's Status

2009-01-15T08:39:00.005-06:00

Go here to check out the status of Florida quarterback, Tim Tebow.

Love and the "Real Man"

2009-01-15T00:02:00.003-06:00

By Taft Ayers
Too many people say love is impossible to understand or define. Love is action. A real man will love a woman the way the Bible says to. The most militant feminist would not condemn a love like that.

I would never say that I am the definition of what a real man is, but I'm not ashamed to say I'm working toward it. I want to be the best man I can be, and before it's over I'm trying to come close. A real man will treat his wife right. He will be a servant rather than a master. He will do the right thing because it's the right thing. He will give a hundred percent no matter what he's called upon to do.

And how will a man know when he's a real man? When he seeks to serve. When he can sit down with his wife and honestly look to fulfill her needs before his own. He should ask, "What can I do for you?"

Society says a man should find a gorgeous wife who will take care of his needs, make him happy and serve him. She becomes a part of his orbit, makes him proud, and he gives her everything he thinks she wants. But she's miserable. She's in second place. He can't put her first because that goes against everything he feels and has been taught. Just like everything else God made perfect, the world has flipped this around. There's a counterfeit of the real thing being sold on the market, and it's called lust.

It's exciting. It looks good. It's even satisfying for a while. But it's not true love. It's backwards. It fulfills our desires first, even at the expense of the person we are supposed to love. There is a big difference, and we men need to learn and know it. Lust takes, for our benefit. Love gives, for the benefit of the one we love.

Bunkhouse Top 100 Vocalists of All Time

2009-01-12T09:29:00.016-06:00

In response to the collective opinion that Rolling Stone's rankings of top vocalists was pretty lame, we here at the Bunkhouse decided to put together our own top 100 list.

How we did it: 12 people were asked to rank their 20 favorite/top vocalists of all time. The people selecting this list work in a wide range of professional fields: Historic home curating, English professors, youth ministers, family counselors, physicians, lawyers, accountants, stay at home dads, and football coaches.

The lists were compiled and rankings were averaged into this outstanding selection of top vocalists. I must say the absence of Bjork from our list makes the list better than RS by default.

Vocalists # 100-80

100. Joey Ramone- The Ramones- His voice was more addictive than "good", but he gave us some great songs to which we can still bang our heads.

99. William Golden- The Oak Ridge Boys- He's definitely the most distinctive looking vocalist on the countdown with his long beard and hair.

98. Caleb Followell- Kings of Leon- He helped revolutionize the role of the lead singer with his unique pitch that blends into the music. It's a clear tenor that tells a story, but doesn't take over the sound.

97. Jason Moore- The Katies- Christian performer. Has a nice gravel/rasp in the Poison/White Snake category.

96. Julian Casablancas- The Strokes- His abilities and vocals cover a wide range of genres that has led to the success of his band, The Strokes. He's like a non-acidic Ozzy Osbourn.

95. Don McLean- Definitely a folk song genre guy that is surely reminiscent of a medieval minstrel.

94. Chris Martin- Coldplay- Soulful and whiny. That pretty well covers it.

93. Elton John- I think a lot of people would argue this is way too low for his caliber of vocals, but he's exactly where he should be considering his best songs are about Benny, Princess Di, and a crocodile.

92. Sarah McLachlan- Again, a low number for a powerful and easily recognizable voice, but she pretty well keeps her music in a niche that isn't widely appealing.

91. Bob Dylan- A great song-writer. His voice sucks. It sounds like a chainsaw being started through his nose......didn't yeeeeeewwww?

90. Paul Simon- If you'll be my bodyguard, I can be your long-lost pal. If I can call you Betty; Betty when you call me, you can call me Al.

Awesome. Though I remember (at 8 years old) being disappointed when I found out Chevy Chase was not the one who sang that. His better stuff was alongside a guy named Art.

89. George Jones- The Possum. He sounds as if he could be singing about when exactly she stopped loving him, or selling you some radials down at Bass Tire Shop.

88. John Lennon- Cue the critics. Died tragically. Best music was before the Beatles discovered drugs. His voice was mediocre. Song most loved by the masses is about communism.

Here's what I want you to imagine-- a world where John Lennon wasn't so self righteous.

87. David Gray- He's got a cultish following. He's a gifted musician with some pretty great songs. His sound is a matter of preference.

86. Rick Brantley- Again, soulful and sensuous category. Makes a lot of heart-break or baby-making songs. Seriously thought this dude was a chick first time I saw him. Good music though.

85. Kurt Cobain- Nirvana- His voice is like listening to something expensive break. There is a darkness to it that should bother almost everyone who listens.

I guess he gets props for all the influence his "grunge" has on many of today's artists.

84. John Popper- Blues Traveler- One of the most electrifying entertainers there is! Great song writer who has the unique use of the harmonica throughout his songs.

He lost like 250 pounds since their debut. His new stuff is still pretty sharp, but doesn't get any airtime. His vocals are perfect for their type of music.

83. Charlotte Church- Her songs suck....she has some pipes though.

82. David Phelps- Christian music singer who can really belt out his high tenor.

81. Jim Croce- He don't mess around with Slim, Jim, or Leroy. Easily the best folk singer since the beginning of recorded music.

80. Jimi Hendrix- The Experience- His voice helped define a generation. His music was original and commanding. I challenge you to listen his music and not get totally into it...start with Voodoo Child, end with All Along The Watchtower. You'll like how you feel afterward.

Things to come

2009-01-09T16:04:00.008-06:00

All too many times I spent so much energy working on pieces of writing I deemed worthy of discussing, but found it more of an empty exercise; devoid of any real meaning and value.

In retrospect, I find many of the subjects I've written about do not reflect the person that I am or the things I truly cherish in life. It may have reflected an overall attitude of anger or selfishness, but I no longer am filled with factiousness on Fridays or feel compelled to depict some kind of righteous indignation with the latest political headlines. I feel drawn to peace and all things that have to do with savoring the gift of life. The spread of laughter and happiness are the order of the day; and I am no longer filled with rage, but passion and compassion. Such is the grace of God and Christ Jesus.

What we are all given in this life is the power of influence. Our actions and words resonate throughout time in how others receive them.

The small things that a child learns from watching you. The things you glean from hearing a total stranger speak about their life. The awesome impact of witnessing a life come to a close in this world...leaving nothing lasting here except a faith that challenges us to live whatever we have here for others...which is living life to its fullest extent.

So, along with these talented men with their ability to write what is in their hearts, minds, and lives...we will give you our take on music, sports, raising children, political philosophy, and the faith that is that the core of everything we act upon and in which we are interested.

You can look forward to our own Bunkhouse Top 100 Vocalists, the off-season college football recruiting trail, what we learn from our daily lives as fathers and husbands, and anything else we feel moved to write. Whatever it is it will be authentic and good (maybe not interesting or grammatically correct, but good).

See you here bright and early Monday with the Bunkhouse's Top Vocalists (100-80).

Grace and peace

Rolling Stone Top 100 (Part 4)

2008-12-14T14:26:00.005-06:00

By Taft Ayers

The folks at Rolling Stone recently released their list of the 100 "greatest singers of all time." I am going to release them in four groups of 25 (not that you couldn't look them up on your own, but hey, this is fun!)

Feel free to argue with my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

Also, feel free to laud me for my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

**The list was made by an all-star cast of voters. Each voter was asked to list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era, in order of their importance. Those ballots were recorded and weighted according to methodology developed by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, which then tabulated and verified the results for Rolling Stone.**

24. Van Morrison- Fair enough. I'm cool with this #. Influenced Bono and Lamontagne.

23. David Bowie- I think this is ridiculous. He wouldn't make my top 100 at all.

22. Etta James- Good call. In my personal opinion, this is too low, but fair enough.

21. Johnny Cash- No shocker to see him here, however, Joaquin Phoenix sings better.

20. Smokey Robinson- Editor: Make sure we get a guy from Motown in the top 20-check.

19. Bob Marley- #9 on my list. He made reggae cool.

18. Freddie Mercury- He influenced George Michael (you know what I'm saying).

17. Tina Turner- This woman represents complete resilience and strength. Awesome.

16. Mick Jagger- Crappy Band Name+Crappy Magazine Name=Crappy Choice for #16 spot.

15. Robert Plant- His voice is interesting and twisted. Wouldn't make my top 20.

14. Al Green- His falsetto is pristine. Suave (and I don't say that about most men).

13. Roy Orbison- This guy is awesome. Completely emotional when he rocks it out.

12. Little Richard- Ugh, I can't believe this guy is top 20, or even close to top 10.

11. Paul McCartney- I shall say nothing, lest the Beatles fans find my home address.

10. James Brown- Dude, his voice is awesome, he's such a great......SHOUTER. Eh!

9. Stevie Wonder- Way to go! I love it when folks shine with the odds against them.

8. Otis Redding- He never sang for the money. It was obvious. Raw emotion.

7. Bob Dylan- This is a top SINGERS list, not song-writers. He shouldn't be #7.

6. Marvin Gaye- #15 on my list, but he could've been #6 on any other day. Stellar.

5. John Lennon- See #11. Copy-paste.

4. Sam Cooke- I am not disappointed at all with this #, especially with the others.

3. Elvis Presley- This makes so much sense. Absolutely a top 10 singer.

2. Ray Charles- See #9. Copy-paste.

1. Aretha Franklin- I wish I was alive when she was in her 30's.

"Rolling Stone Sucks" -Donald T. Ayers

Rolling Stone Top 100 (Part 3)

2008-12-13T10:16:00.005-06:00

By Taft Ayers

The folks at Rolling Stone recently released their list of the 100 "greatest singers of all time." I am going to release them in four groups of 25 (not that you couldn't look them up on your own, but hey, this is fun!)

Feel free to argue with my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

Also, feel free to laud me for my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

**The list was made by an all-star cast of voters. Each voter was asked to list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era, in order of their importance. Those ballots were recorded and weighted according to methodology developed by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, which then tabulated and verified the results for Rolling Stone.**

49. Donny Hathaway- A Complete Stud. Probably a great number for him, too.

48. Buddy Holly- Total geek. Awesome voice. It makes sense. He is Mr. 48.

47. Jim Morrison- So far, we are three for three. I am feeling strong about these.

46. Patsy Cline- Holy crap! Is Rolling Stone on to something? These are all awesome.

45. Kurt Cobain- He's got a distinct voice, however, if he's not dead... he does not make my top 50.

44. Bobby "Blue" Bland- He should be in the 90's, with his buddy B.B. King.

43. George Jones- GARBAGE! They stopped lovin' him...today. #2 on my list!

42. Joni Mitchell- "She did her thing, and did it well." Blah blah blah---ugh.

41. Chuck Berry- "If you gave rock and roll another name, it'd be Chuck Berry." -JL

40. Curtis Mayfield- Eh, whatever, he tires me. Number 40 is very generous. I get it.

39. Jeff Buckley- Unlike Cobain, his death cannot elevate him enough. Stellar voice.

38. Elton John- See my analysis of #52. Ditto. Ditto. Freakin'Ditto.

37. Neil Young- Quick, give one reason he should be on this list! Put the joint down.

36. Bruce Springsteen- If he wasn't on here, the editors at RS would meltdown. Blah.

35. Dusty Springfield- Okay with me, she rattles the windows with that sweet sound.

34. Whitney Houston- No reason, on any singing list, she's not top 20! Bodyguard4life

33. Steve Winwood- Dumb...and Greg Allman's number 70?

32. Bono- See my previous comments about Bobby Brown's girl and copy-paste here.

31. Howlin' Wolf- The ALL-Star list that made this top 100 felt he was the sexy pick.

30. Prince- Hey Kanye, he did the "fun voice" without using a machine. U too, T-Pain!

29. Nina Simone- Who?(I know who she is...but I wish I didn't)Let's pretend I don't.

28. Janis Joplin- Music's fun to listen to, but that doesn't make her a great singer.

27. Hank Williams- They knew if they left him off, they'd have a cold, cold heart.

26. Jackie Wilson- He can flat-out wail. . . He's James Brown without the shouting.

25. Michael Jackson- I'd rather not say too much here. I own his greatest hits. What?

"Singing "hallelujah" everywhere does not prove piety" -African Proverb

Rolling Stone Top 100 (Part 2)

2008-12-11T16:25:00.008-06:00

By Taft Ayers

The folks at Rolling Stone recently released their list of the 100 "greatest singers of all time." I am going to release them in four groups of 25 (not that you couldn't look them up on your own, but hey, this is fun!)

Feel free to argue with my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

Also, feel free to laud me for my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

**The list was made by an all-star cast of voters. Each voter was asked to list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era, in order of their importance. Those ballots were recorded and weighted according to methodology developed by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, which then tabulated and verified the results for Rolling Stone.**

74. James Taylor- Absurd. He belongs in the top 10. Rolling Stone struck out here.

73. Dolly Parton- What? She sounds like a kid with a microphone when she sings!

72. John Fogerty- I don't care what # he is, just glad he's on the list. CCR baby!

71. Toots Hibbert- One person made reggae cool...and his name wasn't "Toots"-sorry.

70. Gregg Allman- He's a super voice, belongs in top 50, especially with these folks.

69. Ronnie Spector- Not a legendary singer. I'd happily switch her with #93 spot.

68. Wilson Pickett- He screams, doesn't sing. Some say "belting"- 68's a generous #.

67. Jerry Lee Lewis- The only dude who can shake my nerves and rattle my brain. How gay did that sound?

66. Thom Yorke- He's different, however, different isn't always better- (i.e. Obama).

65. David Ruffin- Complete stud. Phenomenal. Top 25. When he sings, he pleas.

64. Axl Rose- He screams, doesn't sing. Some say "genius"- I agree. I'm a hypocrite.

63. Dion- This guy sucks. Period. Rolling Stone is a joke.

62. Lou Reed- Who?

61. Roger Daltrey- His voice breaks glass. My 4th grade music teacher's did too. Neither belong on this list.

60. Bjork- She's terrible. P.S.- she dresses exactly like my 4th grade music teacher.

59. Rod Stewart- I'm completely uncomfortable saying I'm glad he's on this list.

58. Christina Aguilera- Genie in a Bottle blows, but she has freakin' pipes, great #.

57. Eric Burdon- A British Invasion singer who should've stayed home. Bad call.

56. Mavis Staples- She makes sense on a list of great singers. #56 suits her well.

55. Paul Rodgers- Rolling Stone said possesses a "throaty roar"-What the crap?

54. Luther Vandross- #1 on the "Songs Black Men Use to Procreate" list! Me so funny.

53. Muddy Waters- He is complete AWESOMENESS. Yeah I said it. A Diamond-in-the-rough.

52. Brian Wilson- Sounds like a homo sometimes, but I contest-some singing greats do!

51. Gladys Knight- She's a textbook to learn from on "how-to-sing"- #51's an insult.

50. Bonnie Raitt- Her jam "I Can't Make You Love Me"-Solidifies her on this list.

"Singing is such an excellent thing, that I wish all people would sing"-Richard Byrd

Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Singers

2008-12-10T21:19:00.011-06:00

By Taft Ayers

The folks at Rolling Stone recently released their list of the 100 "greatest singers of all time." I am going to release them in four groups of 25 (not that you couldn't look them up on your own, but hey, this is fun!)

Feel free to argue with my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

Also, feel free to laud me for my opinions, that's what makes music so great.

**The list was made by an all-star cast of voters. Each voter was asked to list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era, in order of their importance. Those ballots were recorded and weighted according to methodology developed by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, which then tabulated and verified the results for Rolling Stone.**

100. Mary J Blige- She's pretty powerful, no doubt. In 50 years, she'll be top 50.

99. Steven Tyler- Holy freakin'crap, #99? Write this down: THAT'S WAY TOO LOW.

98. Stevie Nicks- Has inspired every woman with a guitar to be powerful..#98's good.

97. Joe Cocker- I can't think of him without thinking of Kevin Arnold,Wonder Years.

96. B.B. King- The list is for 100 greatest SINGERS, I'm okay with his ranking.

95. Patti LaBelle- Inspired Alicia Keys & Mary J Blige, WAY TOO LOW.

94. Karen Carpenter- RS threw her a bone here, she might make my top 200, maybe.

93. Annie Lennox- What a cool voice! Completely freaks me out, but I'm cool with it.

92. Morrissey- He completely blows. I know Thom Yorke would disagree, enough said.

91. Levon Helm- Brilliant man. Under-appreciated. 91 is an insult, but not a shocker.

90. The Everly Brothers- Kind of fruity to me, but I get why they are on the list.

89. Solomon Burke- Complete stud. Ben Harper says he's an influence;does it for me.

88. Willie Nelson- Without him on the list, my blue eyes would be crying in the rain.

87. Don Henley- I don't do the Eagles, but I can objectively say this is too low a rank.

86. Art Garfunkel- Go ahead and kill me, but his voice = blah, blah freaking blah.

85. Sam Moore- Shouldn't be on any top 100, except top 100 scratchiest vocals.

84. Darlene Love- The first person on the top 100 that I've never heard of.

83. Patti Smith- Michael Stipe said her voice was a "howling, mad beast" Agreed-100%

82. Tom Waits- I'd rip up my copy of the RS if he wasn't on the list, #82 is fine.

81. John Lee Hooker- "If they made a drug that was John Lee, I'd never be sober"-BR

80. Frankie Vallie- It's hip and cool to put him on the list; things we all wanna be.

79. Mariah Carey- I'm not in her fan club, however, #79 is an insult to her voice.

78. Sly Stone- His other name should be "Mr. Great Vocal Track" - belongs in top 50.

77. Merle Haggard- The signature low notes make him the Southern Soul Man..77's fine.

76. Steve Perry- 76 is a terrible insult. He is top 25 material for sure, hands down.

75. Iggy Pop- I can't listen to him sing without laughing. He's humorous to me.

Gas: What's The Dealie-Yo?

2008-12-09T07:48:00.015-06:00

$4.05

That's what I paid for a gallon of gasoline for about 4 months this year (not to mention the $4.99 it hit during the panic-made, absurdly timed "Nashville Gas Shortage").

$1.47

That's what it is today. So, this might beg the question of oil and gas companies: WTF?

Well, it's actually really simple. It's not just supply and demand, but supply, demand, and how it is manipulated by oil companies with the help of the "petroleum state" cartels (i.e- Saudi Arabia, Syria, etc).

First, let's dispel this rumor: "Barack Obama has brought down the prices!"

Well, no, not so much. There is nothing at all endowing the commander-in-chief with an influence over oil prices or markets whatsoever in article II of the U.S. Constitution....The President-Elect has even less power. So, "The Audacity of Hope" does not lower oil prices by decree or influence from his transition headquarters in Chicago. The most recent, and wildly extreme fluctuation in gas prices has more to do with the checks and balances of a free market economy in a global market place.

The petro states created OPEC 43 years ago so they could manipulate and control the price of oil throughout the world, but their behavior and lack of scruples surrounding their commodity have created a monster that is likened most closely to narcotic cartels. No better was that exemplified than this past year.

Starting in late January of 2008, the opportunity existed for OPEC nations to make record and ridiculously gionormous profits when the demand (consumption and future anticipated consumption) for oil was high, coupled with reduced refinery capacities world-wide (for various reasons)...all they needed to do was slow their harvesting or production of oil to bring about a real dwindling supply against booming demand, spiking the price of oil through the roof.

In April this year oil was $120 a barrel. By May: A record $147 per barrel. This was the lit match to the fuse of the global markets already faltering underneath bad lending or banking principles. The dramatic increase in oil prices exploded prices on everything (food, clothes, even computers) as transportation costs soared, which meant companies had millions of dollars less to pay medical coverage or even salaries of their employees. Stocks dwindled, lay-offs and wage freezes ensued, and BANG! Too many bubbles bursting at once...recession.

However, when the ripple effect reaches so far, so fast the response to the crisis is certain to decrease the demand for the guilty commodity (oil in this case) drastically.

Whole nations rolled out energy independence plans, while huge companies have committed their resources to inventing and innovating their way to alternative energy resources, power sources, non-oil vehicles, and all things that make crude oil obsolete. Just like that (snap) the demand for oil fell...not just in a psychological way, but in a very tangible way. More people car pool, more water and wind-harnessing equipment has been purchased by energy companies, automakers rolled out higher fuel efficiency vehicles, and even mass transit vehicles (trucks, trains) have non-oil engines coming available in the next few years.

All this makes for a world less dependent on oil. $43 a barrel is what oil is trading at this morning, and oil futures predict a steady bottom to form around $40 a barrel (even as OPEC slashes production).

The lowering of demand could also be explained this simply "shrinking economies equal shrinking demand on the lifeblood that runs them." It may not be just that simple this time.

Have a great Tuesday!

BCS Power Politics

2008-12-06T09:31:00.008-06:00

After determining the national championship contenders for the past 10 years, the BCS computers were recently put to work on other major contests. The results are in, and today the BCS declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.

"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--
our computers deemed them worthy of the #1 ranking."

Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single, equally-weighted event."

German Chancellor Adolph Hiter said "Ja, we lost to the US; but we defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in
Norway were incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional forces.

The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented "France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1 ranking they only fell to #2." Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the Philippines. Hirohito declined comment when questioned about his #3 ranking.

For Us or Against Us?

2008-12-02T09:08:00.008-06:00

By Cameron Clark and Taft Ayers

How will your life be defined when it's all over?

Your benevolent work? Your kind heart? Your boat-load of friends? Your convictions?

Will people remember you for what you stood against, or what you stood for?

Which of the previously mentioned things outweigh the other? Have you spent the majority of your life in opposition or promotion?

There is a large difference between the two philosophies. They promote two polar qualities of life.

It isn't just a simple syllogism.

You see, being FOR something doesn't automatically make you AGAINST its opposite...not all of the time.

It is understood that Matthew 12.30, Luke 11.23, Mark 3.23-29 and Mark 9.40 all denote the idea that we are either with Christ or not. FOR HIM OR AGAINST HIM.

The sad truth is that way too many people spend their time being "against things."

It ruins our daily life. Let's spend our time focusing on what we are "for"...

For instance (and don't lose focus here)...I know many college football fanatics who spend their time throwing mud at other programs...how miserable would it be to be a college football fan and not revel in my teams success? Does one's allegiance to that program mean that they have to demonize the fanhood of other teams?

How will we approach this world?

Does our mantle of Christ demand that we are against the secular rights of others?

Let's spend our days promoting the cause of Christ.

Our world will change when we realize the edification and glory that are products of convincing other's to live for Him without demolishing and banishing them by letting them know that we "morally outweigh them."

Riverboat Gambling

2008-11-27T17:27:00.005-06:00

All Times Central

Friday November 28th, 2008

Mississippi State at Ole Miss (-18)- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse Picks: Rebels 27-21

Why? Ole Miss is playing a physical and confident brand of football right now. The Bulldogs are just showing up. The Rebels were beaten soundly in this one a year ago, so look for Coach Nutt to work his magic in getting the Oxford crowd to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl after a 3-9 season in 2007.

LSU (-4.5) at Arkansas- 1:40 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse Picks: Tigers 38-24

Why? LSU will probably bounce back enough to beat the Razorbacks with ball control offense and pressure-heavy defense. Even in "The Rock" LSU will keep it at arm's length.

Saturday November 29th, 2008

#22 Georgia Tech at #11 Georgia (-8)- 11:00 AM on CBS
Bunkhouse Picks: Bulldogs 41-17

Why? The Rambling Wreck secondary isn't very good, and has shown to be just that when up against solid pass offenses. They'll have to put 8 and 9 in the box to respect Knowshon Moreno, so look for Stafford to have a big day.

South Carolina at Clemson (-1)- 11:00 AM on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Gamecocks 34-24

Why? Clemson is in utter disarray, only looking forward to naming a new coach this off-season. Carolina has quietly had a nice season and is looking to finally kick Clemson in this rivalry game with efficient passing and controlling the clock while keeping the Tiger running attack shut down with their stingy defense.

Auburn at #1 Alabama (-14.5)- 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Bama 34-14

Why? Yeah, it's a rivalry game; Bama's the top ranked team in the nation; and they have a nationally important game next Saturday in Atlanta...but, Auburn has had a six game win streak that Nick Saban was hired to end. There is a reason why Bama is #1, and look for them to show it.

The jitters and a sky-high Auburn team may come out and punch them early, but Bama wins this one big over a team without an identity.

#4 Florida (-16.5) at #20 Florida State- 2:30 PM on ABC
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 28-24

Why? DO NOT underestimate the last show-down for Bobby Bowden...especially at home. Florida is playing very well right now, but it's going to be physical and intense in Tallahassee all day. Florida will gut it out behind their physical offense late in the game, but I don't see this one being a three score blowout.

Kentucky at Tennessee (-4)- 5:30 on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Volunteers 24-10

Why? Last game for Phil Fulmer. Even the fans who wanted his head (and got it) want to see him sent out on a decently solid note. It'll be a good atmosphere in Neyland all night. Tennessee wins with the running game and defense.

Vanderbilt at Wake Forest (-4)- 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Demon Deacons 35-14

Why? Vandy has lost 5 of their last 6 games and are not at all impressive on the road. Meanwhile, Wake is way too efficient on offense to let the Commodore defense keep them in the ball game. It may be over early in Winston-Salem, but Bobby J. will still be coaching in his first post-season event ever in over-cast Nashville for the Music City Bowl.

Have a great football weekend full of left-overs and Family!

This Just In

2008-11-26T09:35:00.003-06:00

Michael Crabtree and Tim Tebow have won this very objective, totally accurate sampling of 2008 Heisman Trophy favorites.

Michael Crabtree

30%

Colt McCoy

20%

Sam Bradford

0%

Tim Tebow

30%

Chase Daniels

10%

Heath Schuler

10%

John Parker WIlson

0%

Mark Mangino

0%

Graham Harrell

0%

On Journalism

2008-11-24T10:55:00.001-06:00

"Most rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read."- Frank Zappa

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-11-24T09:17:00.005-06:00

Here on a rainy Monday my musical adventure was, as usual, spastic. Here's what I found out during my search:

I can't stand Billboard Top 5 music. I don't find it very listenable, interesting, or entertaining on any level. I'm not angry or upset about that, and I certainly don't want to sound like it....just disappointed. I remember when highly rated music equaled good music.

Also, Mariah Carey had about 5 songs in the top 20 of 2005. Weird come back year for her.

I had to dig back into some archives to find my top 5 for Thanksgiving Week.

5. Boulevard of Broken Dreams- Green Day- Good depth, good melody. It's a typical, but not so typical Green Day song.

4. Roll With Me- Montgomery Gentry- I just like this song. It's a story set to a tune. Always dig that.

3. Let It Go- Tim McGraw- This message is a timely one for me.

2. Whiskey Lullaby- Brad Paisley- A beautiful song, and a truly powerful message. If you haven't heard this one, check it out right now.

1. The Promise- Tracy Chapman- This is our song...my wife and I.

The More Things Change....

2008-11-21T10:30:00.001-06:00

Interesting history lesson: the past does affect the present.

This map proves it.

Have a great Friday!

The Results Are In

2008-11-19T09:13:00.004-06:00

The people have spoken!

Last week's poll of "which bear is best" has finished, and Klondike Bar is the winner. However, everyone who voted should know they were wrong...

The correct answer: Fozzie Bear

Polar Bear

3 (27%)

Black Bear

1 (9%)

Grizzley Bear

2 (18%)

Panda Bear

1 (9%)

Klondike Bar

4 (36%)

Riverboat Gambling

2008-11-15T09:46:00.005-06:00

Saturday November 15, 2008

All Times Central

#10 Georgia (-10) at Auburn- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Bulldogs 38-10

Why? Georgia has owned Auburn the last 2 seasons, and the offensive woes won't allow Auburn to get close in this one as the Tiger defense gave up after the Vanderbilt game.

Louisiana-Monroe at Ole Miss (-22.5)- 1:00
Bunkhouse picks: Rebels 27-10

Why? Houston Nutt has his players prepped for a "trap game"...with good reason. The Rebel offense will keep LA-Mon at arms length, while the Rebel defense camps out in the Warhawk backfield all day.

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida (-21)- 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 31-24

Why? The Ole Ball Coach always has something for Florida when he plays them, especially in Gainesville. He'll have trouble getting it done against and physical and determined Gator team this afternoon.

Mississippi State at #1 Alabama (-21.5)- 6:45 PM on ESPN
Bunkhouse picks: Crimson Tide 28-7

Why? Saban coached teams don't commit a lot of penalties or turnovers...if it's against State's bottom-shelf talent, it won't be close for long.

Troy at #20 LSU (-16.5) - 7:00
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 41-17

Why? Troy usually puts up points, while LSU's offense is looking for answers in game 10....which is not good. Troy just doesn't have near enough to keep it close at the end.

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-3.5) - 7:00 on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Wildcats 23-14

Why? Kentucky is playing some good football, while Vanderbilt hasn't won a game in a month. The offense is the difference...Kentucky has one, Vandy doesn't. The Commodore defense will keep it close enough, but won't be able to deliver over 60 minutes.

"Ah, Roger!"

2008-11-14T08:19:00.001-06:00

Because we were talking about Will Ferrell the other day.

"A Wagon Without Springs..."

2008-11-11T12:43:00.005-06:00

By Taft Ayers

Henry Ward Beecher said: "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.”

I am a firm believer that three things about humor are solid truths:

1. We must laugh often
2. We must laugh at ourselves
3. Humorous people are blessings

All of this I say in order to present you with another profound truth.

Are you ready?

Hold on....

...I gave you a very wise saying from Beecher earlier, here's another: "There are two types of people in this world. Those that think Will Ferrell's funny and those that don't."-Taft Ayers

He is the funniest actor/human that I know of.

I become pretty judgmental when someone tells me... "Will Ferell? Eh...he just doesn't do it for me."

I would like to open the flood gates.

WHICH WILL FERRELL CHARACTER IS THE MOST HUMOROUS OF ALL TIME?

(Yes, you can include the Saturday Night Live Skits..after all, he did resuscitate the show for a few years)

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-11-10T16:22:00.002-06:00

These songs really speak for themselves. I'll let you do the listening. I am ill-equipped to put these songs into fitting words.

5. These Arms of Mine- Otis Redding

4. Chelsea Bridge- Duke Ellington

3. You Are The Best Thing- Ray LaMontagne

2. I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding

1. Let It Be Me- Ray LaMontagne

She Let It Be Me

2008-11-10T09:56:00.005-06:00

A day at Heber Springs my junior year of college changed the course of my life.

There's not any way to accurately and completely explain the next 7 years of our life together...as friends, as boyfriend-girlfriend, fiancees, husband-wife, daddy-mama, lovers, and partners in our ministry.

I can just take you through the moments, some significant, some seemingly insignificant that have made my life so much better and happy because of this bright blue-eyed woman. Here are just a few:

-The Big Ragoo and laser tag.

-A freezing cold fountain.

-Talks down at B Rock.

-Letters at graduation.

-A trip to Dallas.

-Meeting at the bookstore.

-"Why not now?"

-Mexico.

-Picking out Belle.

-Candles and Egg Nog.

-Picking up Scout.

-Making a familiar house a home.

-The long drought.

-Craziness....literally.

-Dancing on the back porch.

-The blue-eyed little girl arrives.

-Dr. Elizabeth Ann Null Clark

-The move to KC.

-A cruise that saved a marriage.

-Losing a baby.

-Sitting on the floor singing with our daughter.

-Holding hands realizing we made it through the hard times.

-The birth of another blue-eyed girl.

-A move to Nashville.

-Coaching.

-A cancer diagnosis.

-The hard questions.

-Dancing in the hallway.

-Holding hands realizing everything's gonna be alright.

It's been hard at times, but we're still here....together. And as I sit here with our little girls (one singing, one smiling) I am moved to tears that Liz, the best person I know, let it be me who was with her through it all. The good and the bad.

Eternity is not long enough to be with her.

I love you, Liz.

Riverboat Gambling

2008-11-08T10:25:00.003-06:00

Saturday November 8th, 2008

All Time Central

#13 Georgia (-12.5) at Kentucky - 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Bulldogs 38-13

Arkansas at South Carolina (-13) - 12:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Gamecocks 34-21

Wyoming at Tennessee (-27) - 12:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Volunteers 44-7

UT-Martin at Auburn (-27) - 1:30 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 38-14

#1 Alabama (-3.5) at #16 LSU - 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Bama 27-14

#5 Florida (-24) at Vanderbilt - 7:00 PM on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 55-7

We Can't Handle The Truth

2008-11-07T13:24:00.001-06:00

By Alan Gable

Throughout Tuesday evening, I received several text messages from a good conservative friend who was just short of wrathful about the democratic outcome. I think his reaction has been a fairly accurate depiction of the way most conservative minded citizens are feeling. Anger has always been a catalyst for historical action. Conservatives have to find a way to channel their anger into productive schemes to change the hearts and minds of voters. The saying goes that this is how a free people go about revolution; without guns and violence and bloodshed. Free people compete in the arena of ideas. All conservatives are able to take comfort in the unavoidable realization that the truth is on their side.

Throughout history, men presented with adversity have always had a decision to make; compromise convictions by moving to the center (easy road) or stand firm in them and wait for the masses to realize the truth of their positions.

Charles De Gaulle was a French military hero. His love for his country and freedom caused him to speak out against a weak constitutional plan in the mid 1940s. Slick politicians with cunning words sold the French people on a meritless Fourth Republic. The people couldn’t handle the truth. Instead of compromise, De Gaulle retired from politics and waited for the truth to be revealed. In 1958, the weak constitutional republic collapsed, De Gaulle was vindicated and the French people still benefit from the strength his positions brought. Positions that included a new, strong constitution.

Winston Churchill was a British military man. In the early 1930s, he was the lone voice in Great Britain opposing the re-arming of Germany under Adolph Hitler. For years, Sir Winston preached about the dangers of German strength and foresaw a time when diplomacy would no longer be sufficient to curb the German advance. He was right but the British people saw any mention of war as alarmist. Hitler’s strength grew unchecked until the truth of Churchill’s notions was made unavoidably clear when the Germans began to fortify positions on the Rhine (a clear breach of the Treaty of Versailles). By the time the truth came out, the problem required the blood of British and eventually American troops.

Ronald Reagan opposed Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. Reagan’s message was simple; limited government, low taxes, and a strong defense were necessary. He spoke of the growing Soviet threat and the evils of that power. Americans were not ready for this message. In fact, they swung far to the left in Jimmy Carter in a complete rejection of Reagan’s ideals. Thankfully, the American people did not take long to realize this mistake and brought Ronald Reagan out of waiting in California to Washington. Never did he compromise his convictions for political gain. He just had to wait for the masses to catch up.

Conservatism is playing a similar waiting game. Her basic tenets are built on truth and her fundamentals are, indeed, sound. Now is not the time for compromise. Now is the time to convince Americans of the innate truth of conservative principles. Moral order, limited government, peace through strength, sovereignty of property rights…..

There is no need for wrath. Mr. Obama and his seemingly unopposed policies just might aid in the revelation of what we know to be true.

Geo-Politics is Hard!

2008-11-05T10:57:00.002-06:00

I was noticing this morning on my facebook account that an alarming number of my friends have decided the frigid unfriendliness of Canada looks quite inviting to them now that a progressive president has been elected in the United States.

Remember Three Things:

1. We'll miss you.

2. Take a parka, it's cold.

3. Canada makes California look like a Jerry Falwell-sponsored Tent Revival.

That's just a heads up those who wrote things like "I'm now officially moving to Canada" or "Let's make a run to Canada with our 401k still intact."

So, while you're up there don't forget to write and we'll send you money for a box of Cubans from time to time.

It won't be so bad....just don't eat the yellow snow.

**here's a map to help you find your frozen greener pastures**

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-11-04T15:54:00.008-06:00

By Taft Ayers

Did you go to worship on Sunday?

At this point, you might be screaming at your computer screen...."Taft, who do you think you are to judge me?"

Many thoughts run through your head:

1. I WAS SICK
2. FAMILY WAS IN TOWN
3. I GAVE UP ON "CHURCH" A LONG TIME AGO
4. SUNDAYS ARE MY ONLY DAY OFF
5. MY SATURDAY NIGHTS AREN'T CONDUCIVE TO SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
6. I AM TOO TIRED
7. I AM WAY TO EMBARRASSED TO GO
8. THE PEOPLE I HANG WITH WOULDN'T DARKEN THE DOOR AND NEITHER DO I

However you feel about the subject, the fella in the picture should bring hope to your everyday life.

No, not the little guy. The little fella's name is Pierce. He goes to church camp with several churches and we know him from that. The fella on the right.

That's Colt McCoy. He has a great shot at winning the Heisman. Also, an outside shot at the National Title.

The reason this pictures is so significant is that he was humiliated in front of thousands on Saturday night when his team (he's the QB for the Texas Longhorns) lost to Texas Tech and they were dethroned from their #1 ranking on National TV.

Colt woke his tail up and went to worship the next day. This picture was taken at a local Church of Christ in Austin, TX. When Pierce's mother sent the message, she said that "Colt kept apologizing for his busted lip, saying 'things got a little rough last night' and that he was very polite."

That earns my RESPECT.

A college kid.

Probably cried a river Saturday night.

Many teammates were probably hungover Sunday morning.

I'm not setting him up as an icon, but I am saying, pay the kid his respect. His secular struggles didn't deter him from his spiritual responsibilities.

I don't think you become a holy person by walking through the doors of a church building or by checking an attendance card. When I walk in to a nice restaurant it doesn't make me a connoisseur of fine food. However, what I do know is that people who strive to be holy make it a point to walk through those doors.

Think on these things.

Due to my natural love affair for Tim Tebow, this was hard to write, but very necessary.

Riverboat Gambling

2008-11-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

Saturday November 1st, 2008

All Times Central

Auburn at Ole Miss (-7)- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports:
Porch Picks: Rebels 27-13

#18 Tulsa (-7) at Arkansas- 1:00 PM
Porch Picks: Razorbacks 38-34

Kentucky at Mississippi State (-2.5)- 1:30 PM
Porch Picks: Wildcats 21-17

Arkansas State at #2 Alabama (-23.5)- 2:00 PM
Porch Picks: Bama 45-14

#8 Florida (-6.5) at #6 Georgia - 2:30 PM on CBS
Porch Picks: Gators 52-28

Tennessee at South Carolina (-6) - 6:00 PM on ESPN2
Porch Picks: Gamecocks 24-14

Tulane at #19 LSU (-27.5) - 7:00 PM
Porch Picks: Tigers 48-7

Ensoulment

2008-10-30T08:12:00.010-05:00

By Taft Ayers

Ensoulment: refers to the creation of a soul within, or the placing of a soul into, a human being.

As I sit and hold my newborn son, I have a fire that burns within me. It has nothing to do with the election.

It has to do with some of my Christian friends who make argumentation for when a life possesses a soul.

The central focus is over the argument of "when does life begin?" In the past, my argument has been about as deep as the line from Horton Hears a Who, "A person's a person, no matter how small."

It's time for a little more than that.

When does a soul occur? When does the actual human life begin?

The shaping of a potential and accountable being takes place when?

These are some inquiries that have to be addressed if the issue of aborting babies and alleged "murder" is going to be dealt with in a proper format.

Some folks will argue as to whether or not man possesses an imago Dei, but for this post today, we will operate under the presumption that man is spiritual being.

We will dive deeper to find out when exactly he becomes one. It is a man's soul that will make our being different from the rest of creation a reality.

Henry wrote:
From the beginning, man in the Bible is depicted not as an evolved animal but as a uniquely endowed creature specifically distinguished from the lower animal world and specifically related to God by the divinely bestowed image.

**Dr. R.R. Gardiner, a minister in the United Free Church of Scotland:

My own view is that while the fetus is to be cherished increasingly as it develops, we should regard its first breath as the moment when God gives it not only life, but the offer of life. Now this is not an example of the Christian retreating in the face of scientific attack. This surely is the original biblical teaching that God took a full-formed man and breathed life into his nostrils the breath of life, and thus man became a living creature-Adam.

Here we go:

Dr. Gardiner's argument does not hold any water. Was Adam ever a fetus? No. Those individuals that hold to the theory "at first breath" really picked up some momentum (in their estimation) in the cases of Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton.

There are those who will maintain that the soul is present at first breath, and that it is not at conception.

I do not believe that people can claim that with any certainty at all.

The egg that is fertilized, from the moment of conception, may be properly characterized as a human being due to the fact that it contains 46 chromosomes...

..This would, in turn, make it totally different than all creatures that are made up of a different component. Humans are differentiated by the fact that they have an immortal soul, and therefore, the fertilized egg has the guarantee of ensoulment.A new and unique life is present from the time of conception. For the individuals that say ensoulment takes place and time other than conception, they must evaluate passages such as the 139th Psalm, verse 13-16. Reference is made to when he was in his mother's womb. The pronouns "me, my and I" are used throughout the passage in reference to his pre-natal state. The wording, "I was made in secret" and "curiously wrought in the lowest places of the earth" must refer to the development in the womb.

These pronouns will show that he was referring to himself. The 51st Psalm and verse 5 will also show that he considered himself a human being from the moment of his conception. A human being, completely made, WITH A SOUL!

Life is distinguished within the womb. The text here clearly shows the significance of the unborn baby- "thou hast covered me in my mother's womb." The Psalmist gives credibility here to the idea that it is God who makes man from the very start. In Job 10:18, we see that he truly thinks about the sanctity of life.

Despite the efforts of many scholarly folks, I find a very simple, common-sense approach. We study the law of the excluded middle in our universities and marvel at the idea among the bright minds. Something either IS or IS NOT.

Something is either Living or Non-Living. If it is not alive, then it will do absolutely nothing. It will not be capable of growing or dying.

On the other hand, if it is living, then it will be capable of growing and dying.

The egg is fertilized. The embryo and the fetus are either living or non-living.

People will cause a fuss over aborting a living baby, but what makes it alive?

The fact of the matter is that killing a body is killing a soul. One cannot do one without the other.

The idea that a soul is present at conception is also found within the New Testament. In Luke 1.41 and also verse 44, the Bible states that the "babe leaped in her womb." The word for babe used in these verses is brephos and it is used for an "unborn fetus." This is also used in Luke 18.15 and Acts 7.19 for young or newborn children. In Luke 2.12 and vers 16, it is used to describe the newborn Christ.

***According to O'Connell:

The word "brephos" can refer to a young child as an unborn fetus or as a new born infant. In either case, a human being must be under consideration because the same word is used to describe both.

A fetus is a human being, and therefore it must contain a soul.

In the 139th Psalm, and Luke 1, the Word makes no distinction between a fetus of one week or twenty.

One must come to the conclusion that a fetus is a human being from the very instant of conception.

Those that agree with this statement must also concur that the killing of an innocent child would be wrong at any point due to the concept of ensoulment.

*Edwin J Henry "Medical Ethics"
**RR Gardiner "Abortion: The Dilemma"
***David O'Connell "Biblical Ethics"

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-10-27T12:13:00.001-05:00

Monster 80's ballad Monday!

5. Every Rose Has Its Thorn- Poison- Sway to the music. You'll love it! All white people do.

4. Knockin' on Heaven's Door- Guns n' Roses- Axel takes you on a ride to the Pearly Gates, although I think it was an over-sell for a guy with a perm.

3. Love Song- Tesla- A beautiful minstrel show of a song.

2. To Be With You- Mr. Big- I didn't know this song was that old....it's a good one though.

1. Wind of Change- Scorpions- The biggest of the big hair bands gets the biggest hit on the biggest list of the year. That's Big Time!

Have a great Monday!

FWD:

2008-10-21T12:39:00.009-05:00

By Taft Ayers

FWD....those are three letters that appear often in emails to me on the subject line. I usually hit the delete button. Lately anything with FWD on the front end usually means that someone needs to show me what a "jerk" John McCain is or scare me because Obama "hangs" with terrorists. Every now and then, one of my friends wants to FWD me a genius email about the Florida Gators and their bi-polar offense.

Delete. Delete. Delete.

Then I received an email last week that said "TOP 8 MORONS OF THE YEAR." I had to open it, I had to make sure that I wasn't on the list. It was enjoyable... Here you go:

1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?

AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.?

2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:

Police in Oakland , CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, 'Please come out and give yourself up.'

3. WHAT WAS PLAN B??

An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.

4. THE GETAWAY!

A man walked into a Topeka , Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

5. DID I SAY THAT???

Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat
the words: 'Give me all your money or I'll shoot', the man shouted, 'That's not what I said!'

6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING???

A man spoke frantically into the phone: 'My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart'. 'Is this her first child?' the doctor asked. 'No!' the man shouted, 'This is her husband!'

7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED!

In Modesto , CA , Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (hellooooooo)!

8. THE GRAND FINALE!!!

Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, CA, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 foot boat, going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power they applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted into a nearby marina, thinking someone there may be able to tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition The engine ran fine, the out-drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard.Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!

Riverboat Gambling (week 7)

2008-10-11T07:58:00.002-05:00

Saturday October 11th, 2008

All Times Central

This is one of those weeks why one should never bet, because the games are tough to call, and the lines are even bigger traps.

South Carolina (-2.5) at Kentucky - 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Porch picks: Gamecocks 27-17

Why? Kentucky's offense is pretty offensive, while the Gamecocks have been gradually getting better in every facet. A big win for Carolina last week translates into confidence and another victory this week.

#13 Vanderbilt (-2.5) at Mississippi State - 1:30 PM
Porch picks: Commodores 24-9

Why? Bobby Johnson has this team focused and ready to play, still hungry for more against a truly disappointing and inept State crew. Even though Vandy's offense isn't prolific, it's enough to win.

Tennessee at #10 Georgia (-12.5) - 2:30 PM on CBS
Porch picks: 42-10

Why? The Volunteers are just awful and have a head coach under siege. This does not bode well for them between the hedges, as the new QB gets broken...broken in against the Dawgs.

Arkansas at #20 Auburn (-17) - 4:00 PM
Porch picks: Tigers 17-13

Why? I know Arkansas is very bad, but Auburn's embarrassing treatment of Tony Franklin combined with a wholly untalented, undisciplined, gawd-awful offense gives the Razorbacks a really good chance to win.

#4 LSU at #11 Florida(-6.5) - 7:00 PM on CBS
Porch picks: Gators 31-21

Why? Duel QB systems just don't work well against battle tested teams with proven leaders at the same position. It's a big deal. The Gators will get this one done in the swamp tonight against "The Hat"---really, that's what we're calling that douche bag, Les Miles now? really?---

You go green, I'll be fine...

2008-10-07T09:38:00.005-05:00

By Taft Ayers

I have been bombarded lately with folks who want to save the planet.

Last week, I had a young man come in to my office and talk about all of the waste that our church contributes to and how we could be more economy-environment-efficiency rating friendly. After listening to him and then uttering, "okay, Al Gore, you may go now...", a harsh reality hit me. As he left my office, he said, "Taft, you're a good guy...don't kill the planet!"

Kill the planet?

We need to be more-so worried about the real GLOBAL WARMING. I'm talking about when this earth is set on fire and we are all judged for the life that we lived by THE CREATOR. That's SOMETHING that is worth my concern. Let's be ALARMED about that. I hope the planet doesn't get all jacked up, however, I'm not even promised to have tomorrow in the first place (Matthew 6.34).

There is a generation out there who really cares alot about "saving the earth." It is led by the Almost-President, Leonardo Di-whatvever and tons of hippies ( I say that last word with love!).

I have made a decision. I need to do my part to fight this hysteria that is being pushed about "global climate change." You see, sane folks used to call it "weather." Of course, this all happened when I was growing up and when Mr. Gore was a "conservative Democrat."

Don't get me wrong. I like, maybe even love, the planet that I live on....

....But this “we’re killing the planet” hysteria is a bit over the top. I’ve got news for some people - the planet will be fine. (I owe that line to George Carlin of all people.) We can’t kill the planet.

Excuse me while I go hop in my SUV to drive 1/2 a mile for lunch.

Riverboat Gambling (week 6)

2008-10-04T17:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday October 4th, 2008

All Times Central

#12 Florida (-27) at Arkansas- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Porch picks: Gators 34-10

Why? Tebow is pretty hacked about last week's loss, but he may try too hard this week, and the spread is just a little large for a bounce-back loss. Gators roll, just not covering the spread.

South Carolina and Ole Miss (-2)- 1:00 PM
Porch picks: Gamecocks 24-17

Why? Houston Nutt is Mr. Letdown and the Rebs don't realize how fortunate they were a week ago to get the Gators on a bad week. Hotty Toddy returns the favor this Saturday with lackluster offense.

Kentucky at #2 Alabama (-15.5)- 2:30 PM on CBS
Porch picks: Crimson Tide 20-7

Why? The Wildcats are pretty well un-tested in their first 4 games. This will be a good game to see if Bama is "for real" if they can avoid the let-down after handling Goergia in Athens last weekend.

#13 Auburn (-4) at #19 Vanderbilt- 5:00 PM on ESPN
Porch picks: Commodores 21-13

Why? The Commodores have done well flying under the radar, but winning in the spotlight is something the Commodores have yet to prove they can do....ever. With College Gameday in Nashville to hype the game, don't be surprised if 'Dores stumble early but get it done before the end with Auburn's pathetically inept offense.

Northern Illinois at Tennessee (17)- 6:00 PM
Porch picks: Volunteers 23-20

Why? Northern Illinois has been giving people all they want, while Rocky Top is engulfed in turmoil, especially after declaring an "open quarterback battle" earlier this week. Vols squeak it out late.....LATE.

On Worry

2008-09-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

"Don't worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright."- Bob Marley

Riverboat Gambling (week 5)

2008-09-25T12:27:00.002-05:00

Saturday September 27, 2008

Mississippi at #4 Florida (-23) - 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 35-14

Why? Ole Miss usually gives Florida all it wants, but the Rebs just don't have the speed or depth to play all 4 quarters toe to toe with Urban Meyer's group.

Arkansas at #7 Texas (-27.5) - 2:30 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Longhorns 55-17

Why? Arkansas is easily the worst team in the SEC in the last half decade. They have no chance on the road against the Longhorns who will expose even more weaknesses than Bama did a week ago.

Tennessee at #15 Auburn (-6.5) - 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 28-17

Why? On The Plains against a team with some real character and coaching issues. Some Auburn fans are already calling for an end to the Spread Offense era on The Plains. It comes through this week.

Western Kentucky at Kentucky (-20.5) - 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Wildcats 40-14

Why? Kentucky has been efficient on offense and solid on defense. Just too much for the Hilltoppers.

UAB at South Carolina (-25) - 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Gamecocks 27-20

Why? UAB has some skills of they don't turn the ball over. They can keep this one close, and no one should bet on Carolina covering large spreads in 2008.

Mississippi State at #5 LSU (-24) - 6:30 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 48-7

Why? The Wooldawg offense is just pathetic. LSU has no mercy in Death Valley and helps Sly Croom and company fall to 1-4 on the season which formerly had high hopes.

#8 Alabama at #3 Georgia (-7) - 6:45 PM on ESPN
Bunkhouse picks: Crimson Tide 24-22

Why? Georgia is turnover and penalty prone, while "Saban Ball" grinds it out in the trenches will with mostly turnover and penalty-free offense. The Bulldogs have also bought a little too much of their own hype. While Knoshown Moreno is the real deal, it won't be enough....even with the "Black Out" between the hedges.

Have a great Thursday!

On Historians

2008-09-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

"To give an accurate description of what has never occurred is not merely the proper occupation of the historian, but the inalienable privilege of any man of parts and culture."- Oscar Wilde

Riverboat Gambling (week 4)

2008-09-18T07:36:00.003-05:00

Saturday September 20, 2008

All Times Central

Mississippi State at Georgia Tech (-8)- 11:00 AM
Bunkhouse picks: Georgia Tech 27-13

Why? Mississippi State's offense is prone to misfire for weeks at a time. In fact, they haven't been "on track" all season. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech's offense will do enough alongside their opportunistic defense to pull one out in Atlanta.

#9 Alabama (-9.5) at Arkansas- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Alabama 28-10

Why? Arkansas' offense will move the ball, while Alabama's 15 true freshmen will have an interesting SEC opener on the road. It will take some time to get better, but Bama pulls it out in Fayetteville.

#4 Florida (-7.5) at Tennessee- 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Florida 41-17

Why?: Tennessee just doesn't have anything for the tough and speedy Gators. The Vols have too many holes to fill with old fashioned Tennessee Grit before Florida rolls in.

Vanderbilt at Mississippi (-7)- 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Vanderbilt 27-23

Why? This game will have some yards, but not the points. Penalties and turnovers will see to that. Vandy has some real confidence that will allow them to hold on to this one late, even with some good passing production from Jevan Sneed at the Rebels.

Wofford at South Carolina (no line)- 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: South Carolina 45-13

Why? It's a Division I team vs. a Division II team.

#6 LSU (-3) at #10 Auburn- 6:30 PM on ESPN
Bunkhouse picks: LSU 21-17

Why? This game is always a physical and close game. The spread offense is not helping Auburn's toughness or discipline (penalties and turnovers). Auburn may move the ball some, but the tough LSU ground game grinds it out on The Plains.

#3 Georgia (-7) at Arizona State- 7:00 PM on ABC
Bunkhouse picks: Georgia 31-14

Why? Georgia's ground attack will have the Sun Devils off-balance the whole game. Meanwhile, the Dawg defense will cause enough problems and turnovers to keep this contest at arm's length all the way through.

Other Games of Interest: #18 Wake Forest at #24 Florida State

Have a great Thursday!

On Living

2008-09-16T07:27:00.001-05:00

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."- Abraham Lincoln

Riverboat Gambling

2008-09-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

Week 3 of the college football season is fast approaching. We've said before that we don't advise anyone to put their hard-earned money down on a sporting event, so we're doing this for fun.

Vegas seems really unsure of their favorites this week, so the lines are pretty close for some games that would, at first glance, look like a blowout. Let's try our hand at it in the SEC and a few games outside the conference.

All Times Central

UAB at Tennessee (-34)- 11:30 am-
Bunkhouse picks: Tennessee 38-17

Why?: Tennessee is at home, but needs a lot of work after their lackluster performance at UCLA week 1, and the bye week didn't help to get adjusted to game speed.

#2 Georgia (-10) at South Carolina- 2:30 pm on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Georgia 45-17

Why?: SC's defense is very bad while the offense is unsteady and turnover prone. Georgia will likely stick a fork in them early as it's the Dawg's first good testing all season. This game is typically close, so Vegas is worried about giving a big line to Georgia on the road.

Arkansas at #8 Texas (-23)- postponed to Sept. 27th
Bunkhouse picks: "Hit me again, Ike! And put some stank on it!"

Why?: Bobby Petrino for not having to play Texas this week.

#9 Auburn (-8) at Mississippi State- 6:00 pm on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Auburn 35-7

Why?: There is some redemption to be had for last year's loss to the Bulldogs. The Tiger offense is efficient but capable of too many turnovers. The Bulldogs are just awful on both sides of the ball though.

Western Kentucky at #11 Alabama (-33)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse picks: Alabama 31-0

Why?: Alabama is an unknown quantity right now. Saban has them in the right direction, but the consistency they need to be great is just not there yet.

Middle Tennessee at Kentucky (-18.5)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse picks: Kentucky 28-10

Why?: Kentucky is good enough to beat MTSU, but he haven't seen them in action against a tough team yet.

Samford at Ole Miss (no line)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse picks: Mississippi 55-14

Why?: The Rebels have something good going with Jevan Sneed. Poor Samford can't keep up.

Rice at Vanderbilt (-9.5)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse picks: Vanderbilt 31-20

Why?: Rice has enough of an offense to give the commodores trouble. This game will prove a lot about Vandy's ability to win games they are supposed to win consistently.

#5 Ohio State at #1 USC (-7.5)- 7:00 pm on ABC
Bunkhouse picks: I don't care enough to speculate.

Why?: It's a media-made "game of the century" that effects absolutely nothing about which I care; and even if it is a good game it won't possibly live up to the summer and week long hype.

Have a great football weekend!

Riverboat Gambling

2008-09-04T08:03:00.006-05:00

It's Back!!! As we did a year ago here on The Porch, it's time for our weekly rundown of the upcoming games in the SEC, the odds, and the unprofessional opinion of The Bunkhouse.

Last week The Bunkhouse went 3-2 in his picks.

Thursday Sept. 4

-#24 South Carolina at Vanderbilt (+7.5)- 7:30 pm on ESPN
Bunkhouse Picks: SC 24-14

Saturday Sept. 6

-Southern Miss at #9 Auburn (-17.5)- 11:30 am
Bunkhouse picks: Auburn 31-17

-Central Michigan at #2 Georgia (-23)- 2:30 pm
Bunkhouse Picks: Georgia 55-14

-Ole Miss at #20 Wake Forest (-7.5)- 2:30 pm on ABC
Bunkhouse Picks: Wake Forest 34-31

-Norfolk State at Kentucky (no line)- 5:00 pm
Bunkhouse Picks: Kentucky 44-10

-Tulane at #13 Alabama (-27)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse Picks: Alabama 48-3

-Southeastern Louisiana at Mississippi State (no line)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse Picks: MSU 20-13

-Arkansas at Louisiana-Monroe (+14.5)- 6:00 pm
Bunkhouse Picks: Arkansas 31-27

-Miami at #5 Florida (-18.5)- 7:00 pm on ESPN
Bunkhouse Picks: Florida 52-20

-Troy at #7 LSU- Postponed to Nov. 15th
Bunkhouse Picks: Hurricane Gustav

Campaign '08

2008-08-12T10:40:00.003-05:00

By Taft Ayers

I must begin this article by stating that I am the closest thing to a "single-issue voter" that you will find. I care about conservative judges and that is about the extent of my political interest.

For so many years, I would hear folks say, "if you don't vote, then don't complain." I applied that logic for a couple of elections simply saying, "I don't complain, so I won't vote."

One day it happened. I complained. Therefore, I need to vote. I do not have a rocking chair on the American Front Porch and I don't tune in to FOX News or CNN, instead I spend my time perusing ESPN and Sportscenter.

I felt it only fair to give that disclaimer before I write the following. Feel free to rip me to shreds. I'll call it a learning experience:

I heard about Obama's new brilliant idea-a $1000 check for every American, paid for by oil companies. One of my buddies recently said, "Exxon just turned a 12 million dollar quarterly profit- which is good for the economy, good for anyone who has a retirement plan, mutual fund, or any other investment-Exxon's probably in there."

You do the math: 300 million people times $1000 = 300 Billion dollars. Assume Exxon makes 12 million profit each quarter, and is responsible for 1/6 of the "We-love-communism-profit-is-bad-tax."

That gives Exxon a 50 Billion dollar tax bill to be subtracted from their 48 billion estimated yearly profit (estimate based on one quarter of earnings). So now America's most profitable company will start seeing bleeding red ink. Who does this help? And where will gas prices go to keep Exxon profitable once profits are penalized?

Politicians do not pay their own car note, or purchase their own gas. Makes it easy to protect the Caribou, huh?

Diary of a Dad-To-Be

2008-08-05T09:01:00.006-05:00

By Taft Ayers

As many of you know, our first child is due, Lord willing, on October 27th. We have been labeled high-risk (the Dr. actually called it "partially" but I am not sure what that means). For 6.5 months, my wife has been instructed to "lay low."

The Dr. has recently loosened up a bit, due to "great numbers" (I use so many quotation marks due to the fact that I don't know what the majority of this stuff means). So, now that she can drive the streets of Memphis and we can breath air outside of our house, what does this mean? Are we heading down to Tunica and blowing our savings? Eating large meals at Outback? Shopping at the Wolfchase Galleria? Not a chance.

On our first night out, we went to Pre-Birth Parental Education Class, something that the fine folks at Germantown Methodist Hospital suggested. Last night, August the 4th, I was a student from 7:00pm-9:00pm. These classes always have seemed like something that I see on TV or in the movies I have watched. Most of the parents that I know personally haven't gone to these classes.

I went. Actually I should say "we went." The two of us, or should I say, the 2.75 of us?!?!? Most places that I am nervous about going, or skeptical about, are bearable due to the fact that I always have a pretty girl on my arm. Last night, being with my bride at this Parental Class, I was eager, nervous and wondering "how in the world am I here?" It was surreal. I thought I would be the father who didn't know anything (you'll laugh at my lack of knowledge later in the article), would be the most incompetent (luckily, there was no competition) and would get laughed out of the class (fortunately, they kept their laughter internal). My fears where lessened when we first got there and it was time to sign in. I was filling out a form for registration right next to another fella.

He read the sheet out loud as he filled it out. Woman's Name. Doctor. Due Date. Then he got to the blank that said "Birth Coach." He said (across the room), "hey, Honey, who's your birth coach?" Face red, she replied, "um, Sweetie, that would be you!" He looked at me, whispering, "Holy crap, that's a lot of responsibility." I knew then this was going to be a blast.

There are 10 couples in the class. We will be meeting together, Lord willing, for the next 7 weeks or so on Monday nights. This will make for some very interesting blog titles for me on Tuesdays.

Here are 5 things that I learned. The 5th, I will write the most about. WARNING: Some of this may sound crude or too graphic. My apologies on the front end.

For 28 years, if you asked me if 10 centimeters was a long distance, I'd say "heck no!" After last night, and a piece of paper with a circle on it that was 10cm in diameter, I can say, "that's freakin' huge."

When someone refers to a baby as being "effaced" it doesn't mean that his FACE is peaking out and he is looking at you with the "here I come" or "peek-a-boo" expression on his face.

A "C-SECTION" doesn't mean that they cut a "C" shaped incision in the woman's stomach and open up the flap of skin to remove the baby like a swinging door.

When the men are asked by the instructor, "ok fellas, your turn to talk, what's the most discomforting thing about pregnancy FOR YOU?" It's a terrible idea to say "she keeps me awake in the bed when she can't get comfortable." A guy across the room said it and I thought I was going to get decked by the ladies at my table just because I shared the same gender with him!

Finally, it's always important to make your wife realize how beautiful she is. I have always been of the belief that if your wife doesn't FEEL PRETTY, then YOU, the HUSBAND, aren't doing your job. Last night, I was able to see that. One man forgot that he wasn't in high school anymore. I guess being back in a classroom reminded him of his desire to make others laugh. At her expense, he mentioned how upset he was that his wife was too tired to lay laminate floor with with him in the kitchen (no one laughed). Then, all of the husbands were asked to mention ways that they felt and points of anxiety they might experience when it comes to fatherhood. This guy wrote, ON A BOARD FOR EVERYONE TO SEE, "things would be fine, if she'd stop being a pain in my a.." He looked around the room, for signs of confirmation and laughter. It was the same look that a teenage boy gives around the locker room after he has picked on the defenseless kid who hates taking his shirt off around the other fellas. It frustrated me beyond belief. She (the wife) held her head down and when we left, all of the women were so excited and enthusiasitic. After all, they had just finished their first class of this nature, learned so much about parenthood and counted it a great memory! Not the wife of this man, she had been robbed of this joy. Humiliated. She looked like she felt "un-pretty."

HUSBANDS: WIVES WEREN'T PLACED HERE ON THIS EARTH FOR HUSBANDS TO TALK DOWN TO OR TO BE THE BUTT OF OUR JOKES.

WIVES: THANKS FOR LOVING US, EVEN WHEN WE SUCK.

Let Brett Play

2008-07-29T16:26:00.004-05:00

By Taft Ayers

The NFL always needs a story. Every off-season, there seems to be a fun soap opera to keep us interested. Last year's Michael Vick saga has been replaced by this summer's love affair/sloppy divorce with Brett Lorenzo Favre, the NFL and the Green Bay Packers.

Jeffri Chadiha recently wrote on ESPN.com and joined in the circus. I absolutely hated the article. Therefore, I write. I will put everything he said in italics. I will bold my thoughts.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been taking the right approach all offseason. He has given the media vanilla quotes about the ongoing drama between Brett Favre and Packers management.

Imgaine that, Aaron Rodgers did somehing that was described as 'vanilla.' That will be a mild description of his upcoming starting role witht the Packers. You heard it here first.

He has stressed that he's focused on playing football instead of wondering about Favre's fate. In the process, Rodgers has shown his teammates he also knows a thing or two about handling the scrutiny that comes with being a starting NFL quarterback.

Scrutiny? Rodgers doesn't know the first thing about scrutiny. The pretty boy from Cali got drafted by the wrong team and now is the "new, pretty girlfriend" that the Packers entire organization is hiding behind.

As much as Favre's saga has dominated the headlines -- and it was once again the hot topic as the Packers opened training camp Monday -- it's easy to overlook the way Rodgers has carried himself. Yes, it's hard to believe Rodgers hasn't paid any attention to this constant controversy, but it's not difficult to believe he sees the value in tuning it all out. Simply put, the guy has a job to do. The more time he spends dwelling on what the team will do with Favre, the less chance he has of performing up to his potential. he important thing to remember here. Whatever happens to Favre once he officially comes out of retirement, there is one fact that will not change in Green Bay: Rodgers is going to be the Packers' starting quarterback. Reports that Favre might show up at training camp later this week won't bother Rodgers.

I would bet my last dollar on the fact that Aaron Rodgers checks out all of the blogs, reads every newspaper and everyday that he drives down Lambeau drive, he checks his rear-view mirror for #4.

"I really feel like this is something that is between Brett and the organization," Rodgers said when asked about Favre's possible arrival. "I'm just trying to focus on my preparation and the way that I practice. I can't worry about the things I can't control."

So True, Mr. Rodgers, and you also can't control the fact that you were born without a spine.

Of course, we've heard those comments from Rodgers so often the past few weeks that it's starting to feel as though he has no other response to offer on the subject. But let's also remember that Rodgers has every reason to feel confident about his job security. Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy have been in his corner since Favre's retirement in March, and they're committed to staying there.

Thompson + McCarthy = the mistreatment of a legend and passing on receivers like Randy Moss.

When a reporter asked Thompson about the decision to stick with Rodgers despite the fact that Favre wants to play again, Thompson bluntly said, "We believe this is the path we should be on."

Thompson hasn't been on a pathway to success in years, except last season, and you know who drove him down that pathway? F-A-V-R-E

And why shouldn't the Packers think that? They're coming off a 13-3 season, and they're handing the ball to a player who spent three years as Favre's understudy. You'd think Rodgers learned plenty while holding a clipboard, and it's apparent that he also has earned his teammates' respect. Several Packers talked about how well Rodgers interacts with his fellow players, primarily because he has made a point of getting to know them during his time in Green Bay.

It's easy to interact well when you are an underclassman. Rodger's is nothing but a 3-yr. Freshman. He hasn't made the grades to pass on to the next level. For instance, all 9th graders do everything they can to get along with the 12th graders.

Those relationships will come in handy for Rodgers this season. So will his ability to deftly maneuver through the constant media scrutiny he's sure to face. Even as a swarm of reporters hovered around his locker after Monday's practice, Rodgers swaggered into the mass of microphones and television cameras with the confidence of a man who'd just won his first playoff game.

Careful Rodgers, don't swagger too much, last time you did that, you broke your foot. Ask Brett about a broken foot and how to deal...oh wait...nevermind.

"He's handled all of this like a pro," said Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. "He hasn't let this be a strain on him at all. His whole attitude is that he's going to get this done, and that says a lot about his mental state. People can say what they want, but it's only a distraction if you let it become one."

Hey Greg Jennings, Brett Favre MADE YOU.

That raises another point to be made here: Rodgers knew it wouldn't be easy replacing Favre, regardless of when it happened. In this case, there are just more unpredictable factors involved in the process. What can't be overlooked, however, is whether Rodgers deserved the chance to play. The guy was a first-round pick, for god's sake. The Packers eventually had to determine whether he was their quarterback of the future.

The fact that the Packers drafted him in the first round says nothing. They've only made one solid first-round pick in the last decade (AJ Hawk).

That's why I don't understand why so many skeptics are predicting the Packers' demise now that it's becoming clear that Favre won't be a part of this team. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had to wait for two years behind Drew Brees in San Diego and look how that turned out. The Chargers have made two straight playoff appearances; Rivers has played in the Pro Bowl; and nobody is second-guessing the choice today. Now that doesn't mean Rodgers will have similar success. It's just that there's nothing to suggest he can't be the leader that Thompson and McCarthy expect him to become.

Phillip Rivers is an arrogant jerk who folds. Are we seriously making this argument, Jeff?

Remember, this isn't a team lacking in weapons. The Packers have dynamic receivers, a sturdy offensive line and an aggressive defense, and they should have a content Ryan Grant back in camp once they resolve contract negotiations with the holdout running back. That's a pretty good way for a young quarterback to open his career as a starter.
Rodgers knows this, and so does Packers management.

Aaron Rodgers, your mighty Packers can go to war with weapons, but the SECRET WEAPON is Mississippi born, All-American, Brett Lorenzo Favre. I must keep repeating the middle name due to the fact that it's so outstanding. Enjoy September, it'll be your only regular season month of hope.

So don't be surprised if Rodgers continues to look confident and unaffected by all the talk about Favre. As Rodgers said, the Packers "will believe in whoever is under center. And I've earned a lot of respect from running the scout team and working hard over the last three years."

I'd have a false sense of confidence, too, if I rocked that nasty soul patch.

In other words, Rodgers knows he's ready for this long-awaited opportunity. Now that it's finally here, he's not going to ruin it by thinking about the last guy who held the job.

Aaron Rodgers, welcome to the NFL, you'll go 4-12.

Wednesday or Thursdayish Top 10

2008-07-24T12:10:00.008-05:00

Cam's Favorite Movie Characters of All-Time. I'll try to put some of them in order, but toward the top, my rankings could change from day to day. Some of the quotes are of the book variety if they didn't make it into the movie.

I chose these characters because they made me laugh, envious, or were just plain interesting or entertaining.

10. Carl Spackler (Caddyshack)- "He's a cinderalla boy, out of nowhere..." One of the funniest characters per line ever written.

Best Line: "So I jump ship in Hong Kong...."

9. Egon Spangler (Ghostbusters)- Great dry humor. He grounded the whole theme of Ghostbusters in something other than slapstick.

Best Line: "There is definitely a very slim chance we might survive."

8. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)- Who doesn't want to be the Captain of The Black Pearl? I didn't understand the 3rd one though. Just weird.

Best Line: "Why should I sail with any of you? Four of you have tried to kill me in the past.(looks at Elizabeth) One of you succeeded."

7. Doc Brown (Back to The Future)- I want to go Back to the Future. I wanted the cool DeLorean and all. I'm still waiting for my hoverboard.

Best line: In response to Marty repeatedly saying 'this is heavy!'

"What is it with that word? Is there something wrong with the gravitational pull of the earth in 1985?"

6. Vito Corleone (The Godfather)- Just a Sicilian boy who made his own way in America by being honest, yet ruthless. There's surely a few real life Vito's out there.

Best line: "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

5. Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)- He was the epitome of "cool" in the 80's.

Best line: "I don't believe in 'isms'. In my opinion, 'isms' don't lead to anything good."

4. Tyler Durden (Fight Club)- A very interesting character. I wonder how many of us have an alter-ego like that locked away inside of us.

Best line: "The things you own end up owning you."

3. Peter Pan (All the different Pan movies except "Hook")- He can fly, fight Pirates, and never grows up. Pretty cool.

Best line: He wasn't terribly clever. He doesn't have any good lines.

2. Voldemort (Harry Potter)- The outward expression of an attention hungry orphan, looking for some kind of self-importance which he found in the "Dark Arts". He discovered hurting and tormenting others to be a source of pleasure very early in life and never stopped.

Best line: "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it." You'll see it in the next movie.

1. Edmond Dantes (Count of Monte Cristo)- True love, betrayal, imprisonment without hope....therefore, hate and revenge drove him on to survive. And he executes his revenge so cleverly and perfectly.

Best lines: On the outset of his revenge- "And now, farewell to kindness, humanity and gratitude. I have substituted myself for Providence in rewarding the good; may the God of vengeance now yield me His place to punish the wicked."

To his son after his revenge was nearly complete- "Tell the angel who will watch over your life to pray now and then for a man who, like Satan, believed himself for an instant to be equal to God, but who realized in all humility that supreme power and wisdom are in the hands of God alone."

Robin Williams on Men

2008-07-23T07:25:00.006-05:00

-

“See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time.”

-

D.C. Ignores Heller

2008-07-22T11:43:00.002-05:00

AP-- Washington D.C.- It shouldn’t have come as any surprise that the District of Columbia decided that it can and will continue to all but completely disarm its law-abiding citizens -- not even when it’s less than three weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled otherwise.

After all, this is the same D.C. that was home to the most restrictive firearms laws in the country -- until the Court struck them down. The same D.C. that banned its law-abiding citizens from posses sing any handgun. The same D.C. that forced its law-abiding citizens to keep the few firearms they could possess both unloaded and disassembled or locked at all times. In other words, the same D.C. that has disarmed its law-abiding citizens for decades despite achieving the title of “murder capital of the United States” and other dangerously dubious distinctions.

Nevertheless, it’s disheartening -- actually downright disgusting -- that the Mayor, the City Council and the Attorney General of our nation’s capital would flagrantly flout a constitutional decision from the highest court in the land -- not to mention bragging about it to the media. But that’s exactly what happened earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the D.C. City Council unanimously enacted new firearms restrictions on an emergency basis in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, No. 07-290.

Less than three weeks before, the High Court had been perfectly clear that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to “keep and bear Arms” -- declaring two D.C. gun restrictions unconstitutional along the way. In summarizing that ruling, Lyle Denniston -- respected as the “dean of the Supreme Court press corps” -- explained that the justices “struck down a 1976 [D.C.] law so far as it barred possession of handguns in the home for self-defense,” and also “nullified a separate requirement that any gun kept in the home be unloaded and disassembled or have a trigger lock on.”

So how did D.C. change its firearms restrictions to fix their unconstitutionality? Well, they didn’t change much at all.

Sure, the new restrictions don’t contain a per se handgun ban, but they might as well. That’s because most handguns are still banned under the “revised” D.C. law. As the lead attorney who won the landmark Supreme Court ruling commented to the Washington Post: “The semiautomatic ban is clearly unconstitutional. The overwhelming majority of handguns people use in the United States are semiautomatic.”

Indeed, D.C.’s insistence on restricting semiautomatic weapons seems to highlight just how little D.C. lawmakers know and understand about guns, a point also illustrated on the Post’s editorial page. The Post lauded D.C. for continuing such a ban because “an individual’s right to … a firearm for self-defense does not extend to ownership of a gun capable of firing multiple rounds in seconds.” Unfortunately for the Post and others who believe modern semiautomatics are faster and easier to shoot than, say, traditional revolvers, the truth is that both types of guns only fire one shot per trigger pull. But we digress.

Beyond continuing the ban on most handguns, D.C.’s new restrictions make it nearly impossible to get the few handguns that are not banned. As the Post explained in a news story: “Though residents can begin applying for handgun permits this week, city officials have said the entire process could take weeks or months.” And what a process it is, involving “a written exam, proof of residency and good vision,” the Post noted. “Successful applicants must pay a registration fee and agree to fingerprinting and a criminal background check before obtaining a weapon.” Additionally, gun owners must allow D.C. to do ballistics testing on their weapons.

Then there’s the problem of actually purchasing a firearm after jumping all those hurdles. With its well-known hostility toward gun ownership, D.C. isn’t going to make it easy for anyone to sell guns in the District, and gun shops outside the District will face regulations in selling to D.C. residents.

But all of this pales in comparison to the defiance D.C. showed with respect to its requirement that all firearms remain both unloaded and disassembled or locked at all times. The Supreme Court specifically struck down the provision, but that didn’t stop D.C. from leaving it all but intact. The new law continues to require that “[e]ach registrant shall keep any firearm … unloaded and either disassembled or secured by a trigger lock,” just adding a meaningless exception. The exception allows the firearm to be loaded and operational only “while it is being used against a reasonably perceived threat of immediate harm to a person within the registrant’s home.”

D.C.’s Acting Attorney General Peter Nickles explained just how narrow and meaningless this exception really is. As the Post reported, “Nickles said residents could neither keep their guns loaded in anticipation of a problem nor search for an intruder on their property. The porch is off-limits, he said, as well as the yard and any outbuildings.” In other words, law-abiding D.C. citizens might be able to possess a gun, but they can only unlock and load it after they are actually confronting a criminal who won’t be abiding by that same law. So much for having a constitutionally secured right to self-defense.

Don’t get us wrong. We understood D.C. wouldn’t change its ways and protect Second Amendment rights after the Supreme Court had spoken. But the fact that D.C. officials are proud of their continued constitutional insubordination is both deeply troubling and patently offensive. Indeed, virtually every D.C. official involved who could talk to a reporter or get in front of a television camera or radio microphone was ready, willing and able to declare that D.C. would continue the legal fight they had already lost.

D.C. Council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) is a good example. “[B]ecause we really haven’t changed the storage rule from the prior unconstitutional law and because of other features, I do agree that this is a lawsuit waiting to happen,” she told the Post. But, typifying the D.C. party line of dissing the three-week-old Supreme Court decision, “we’ll be ready,” she concluded. Perhaps sometime soon the courts will tell D.C. lawmakers that they need to be concerned with upholding the Constitution rather than disobeying it.

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-07-21T08:35:00.006-05:00

I like waking up early in the morning. It's the most peaceful time of the day. I have really fallen in love with my sunrise ritual at our new house.

The sun comes up over the woods in our backyard, spreading an orange-ish sun-kissed light over our deck. Around 5:45 I go out to meet the sun rise with Abby, my Bible, the morning newspaper, and a cup of coffee. The coolness of the early morning is something to be savored, especially in the hotness of late summer.

I am at my leisure to read through some scriptures, reflect, pray, and just be. How blessed we are to have a place like this. To be in a town with friends and family. To have the opportunities coaching, doctoring, and finally growing our roots as a family. The latter is truly sweet as we have been wondering in the northern wilderness these last two years. The kind of peace and excitement I feel upon waking up is a truly spiritual experience.

On this Monday morning, I thought I'd check out the music already on my ipod and give you my top 5 favorite songs of the moments....or "what I've been listening to lately."

They are of no particular genre, artist, tempo, or even order. Just the ones I like the most right now.

5. Ants Marching- Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds- from the Live and Luther College album. One of my favorite live tunes of all-time. Fun and upbeat song. As for the live versions....no two versions are the same.

Best Line: "We look at each other, wondering what the other is thinking. But we never say a thing, and these crimes between us grow deeper."

4. Tangerine- Led Zeppelin- Classic tune. It doesn't say much, just a cool song from what used to be THE BAND.

Best line: "living in reflections from a dream. I was her love, she was my queen. And now a thousand years between."

3. Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd- Anyone who has ever missed someone....soothing for the soul.

Best line: "Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?...Cold comfort for change?"

2. American Girls- Counting Crows- The "kings of European live" get their pick of the American groupies after this show when they play this song. They'd be cooler in America if they didn't spend so much time overseas.

Best Line: "American girls are peaches and cream, coming to bed so eatable."

1. Running on Faith- Eric Clapton- This is a phenomenal song! Bluesy and yet full of hope.

Best line: "Lately I've been running on faith. What else can a poor boy do? But my world will be right when love comes over you." It's the intro line, but like most classic blues tunes, the opener is the one that smacks you in the face.

It Matters

2008-07-15T09:21:00.006-05:00

By Taft Ayers

I recently read a quote by Mary Crowley. It prompted the wheels in my head to crank up a little bit. It read:

"One person with a commitment is worth more than a hundred who only have an interest."

While reflecting on these words, it struck me that these words have multiple meanings that take up residence on several different emotional avenues.

For instance, think how this applies to our closest relationships. There are so many people in our social circles that have a 'mere interest' in the things that we do. They ask us (usually in passing, sometimes breaking stride) questions like "how's life?" or "how you been doing?"

At the moment, I can think of hundreds of people who seem to portray a general interest in my life, my ministry, my family, etc. The challenging, and humbling aspect of our relationships is that if I were to be "removed" from this earth, their lives wouldn't drastically change at all. Don't get me wrong, they are nice, God-loving people, but their level of engagement in my daily life would best be described as "interested."

There are others, however, that we can call the "committed." Sometimes, we tend to take these people for granted. They may seem to be TOO DEDICATED to our lives sometimes and we just need space from their care. It is when we take a deeper look at it that we will notice these people are strongly impacted by our presence.

In the average life, it is fair to say that there are fewer of these folks. In all reality, that should strengthen their importance with us/to us/for us. The people that are truly committed to us can change our lives. Reflection is good for the soul.

Make a top 10 list. Surely there are that many people who have invested a commitment in your life. I will start. Feel free to share. Heck, we may not know any of them, however, it will do you some good to write them and look at them.

I only pray that I can have as much of a COMMITMENT to Jesus, rather than a mere INTEREST as these people have had in my life, a simple mortal boy from Middle Tennessee.

MY TEN (After number 1, there's no real order)

1. Meleia Wilson Ayers (Wife, Best Friend, Spiritual Adviser)
2. Stan Butt Jr. (Minister, Chapel Hill church of Christ)
3. Paul Tucker (RIP, Nashville TN)
4. Don Knight (Grandfather, He got his PHD on the farm in Gallatin)
5. Nancy Clark (She invested in one of her son's punk friends who didn't deserve her time)
6. Brenna Ayers (Gave 17 years of her life to a relatively good cause)
7. Tom Holland (Father-Son-Retreat, 1989, enough said)
8. Valerie Wilson (Hasn't quit on me since I was 14)
9. Evelyn Turl (Locked some wisdom in my brain and threw away the key)
10. Lisa McPherson (A living example of Proverbs 31)

Who are yours?

The House, The Fam, and The 4th

2008-07-15T07:35:00.016-05:00

Here are some pictures on the progress of the house, the girls, and Americapalooza.

Hope you enjoy your Tuesday!

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-07-14T09:20:00.004-05:00

It's a look back at a transitional and tumultuous Junior year of college. The "most memorable", not necessarily "favorite" songs of 2000-2001.

1. Absolutely (Story of a Girl)- Nine Days- Every guy who had a crush on the "ungettable" girl loved this song. Not me, of course, but the....well, they know who they are.

2. My Love is Your Love- Whitney Houston- Just a good song. It's seems like it was on everywhere, whether it be the regular version or the techno triple time tempo version in some Little Rock restaurant. pppppllllllbbbbtttt. I forgot about it until today.

3. Country Grammar- Nelly- Steve Mezzapelle sold me this album in Hastings one afternoon. He said I wouldn't be disappointed. As a Junior in college.....I wasn't.

4. E.I.- Nelly- See #3, and I still don't understand what this song is talking about.

5. I'm Like A Bird- Nelly Furtado- See #2, but I liked this song a lot more. I think Ms. Furtado was the Profaddin Suite's "woman of the year".

Those are my semi-interesting and totally disturbing songs that bring me back to yesteryear...2000-2001. Here's hoping you find some songs that make you equally nostalgic and uncomfortable as well!

Have a great Monday!

Reformatting

2008-07-11T12:14:00.003-05:00

This blog has struggled to find an identity since it's inception. I tried to keep up with my daily routines (music choices, top 10, and factious fridays) but I fell wayward on my commitment to it with the busyness of the last few months.

I will try to get back to the original format, while Taft will continue to take Tuesdays when he is available, although he is VERY, VERY busy during the summers with his chosen vocation.

So, look for the constant Mon-Fri posting we had initially, and I'll be posting more family pictures, stories, etc. each week.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Bunkhouse Staff

Headlines: In The Year 2029

2008-07-08T12:41:00.007-05:00

I just had this forwarded to me. I enjoyed it immensely. I hope you do as well.

New York Times Front Page Stories-- July 8, 2029

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.

White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens north-western United States' crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica.No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Average weight of Americans drops to still-hefty100 lbs. Police Seeking Fatties for Interrogation.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.

Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States.

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR while gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.

A drop in the bucket

2008-07-02T19:59:00.005-05:00

By Taft Ayers

How do you make a difference?

I am currently in Honduras and I will be back at my home (for a minute) on the 10th, Lord willing. At this moment, I am sitting at a small desk, on the second floor of an old building outside of Tegucigalpa.

I am waiting to go to the jail. We have been there in the past to visit people and to be the hands and feet of our commission in Matthew 25.This time is different. I am going to the jail to attempt and persuade the government to release two of our friends who are missionaries and are in prison.

Why?

Because they are a married couple who live here and want to make a difference. Some folks here don't like how pro-active they are for the sake of Christ. I don't mean that they are being obtrusive and getting thrown in jail for it (even though it seemed to work in the book of Acts, but I digress). This couple bought some land to serve as a benevolent center and the officials here are complaining over the authenticity of the paperwork.

It humbles me. I know that God is good. I trust and pray that they will be released. As I sit here and the rain comes down on this old roof (which is holding up, praise be!) I am forced to wrestle with my thoughts.

How are we impacting people? How are we making a REAL difference? Would getting thrown in jail stop us? I hope when I get home to live in a manner where if the government tried to outlaw faith and stop our cause by arresting faithful Christians, there would be enough evidence to convict me.

Monday (or Tuesday) Morning Music Choices

2008-07-01T05:42:00.004-05:00

By Cameron Clark

Well, the house is almost finished, all we have left to do is some painting and accent purchases. It's a great feeling to be home. Very early this morning I went for a run around the new neighborhood. It's peaceful. The air in Tennessee has a different smell to it and a different feeling in my lungs. I don't think it's the pollen or the carbon monoxide that often blankets cities, but the feeling of home.

Speaking of home, we are hosting a shindig here at the house running Thursday-Sunday Night. We'll have red meat, drinks, carb-heavy side dishes and all the laughter and cigars you can handle. Give me a shout if you'd like to attend.

To the business end of the post, this little section has made it's way onto the American Front Porch and our weekly Porchcast. So, keep an ear out for that if you're so inclined. This week, I went perusing the "Top Singles of the..." 70's, 80's, and 90's. Here's five I picked out.

5. War- Edwin Starr- Popularized again by the movie Rush Hour, it ranks in the Top 10 on almost any break-down of 70's music.

4. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown- Jim Croce- Whenever Jim Boy gets on the guitar, he's like a semi-modern Homer spinning his yarns on a contemporary Titan like Leroy or Slim. I love his music.

3. 867-5309/Jenny- Tommy Tutone- The ultimate writing on the bathroom wall, "for a good time call..." I guarantee Jenny isn't the last chick to regret giving Tommy her number. What a schmuck. Still a good song though.

2. The Joker- The Steve Miller Band- He's a joker, a smoker, and a midnight toker. He also really loves your peaches, wants to shake your tree? Is that an innuendo or does he really like fruit? It's puzzled me for years.

1. Footloose- Kenny Loggins- The King of 80's movie soundtracks is high atop at least one chart again! Why? Because when I get frustrated or angry, I get in my VW Bug with a cigarette and an open container, find an abandoned warehouse, and dance my little heart out with no one else but the cameras around.

That's what I found on iTunes this morning. Speaking of, check out this week's Porchcast when we rundown the 2008 Florida Gators, Our Cigar of The Week: The Padron 1926 80th Anniversary Series, The Word of The Day, and much, much more. Hope to see you then!

Have a great Tuesday!

The Porch Cast

2008-06-25T15:44:00.004-05:00

Many of you may know that I am editor/contributor of the "An American Front Porch" blog. My brother Nathan started it as his sounding board for the various and sundry topics that draw his interest. A came on board as a contributor to the site a year and a half ago, and boy has it grown since. We've had our share of growing pains, but the staff is in order, and it is something Nathan and I enjoy immensely; so much so that we decided a few months ago to bring that enjoyment to the pod-waves.

Tonight we are recording our third podcast, which we lovingly call "The PorchCast". We discuss a wide range of subjects including cigars, college football, movies, music, and whatever else comes to us during the show. However, we do not discuss politics because, honestly, we need a break from it and the subject (on any and every level) is far too divisive for our taste.

You can subscribe to us on iTunes, or listen to the show here on The Bunkhouse weekly or The Porch. We're still a little rough around the edges being new at this and all, but we'd love for you to stop by for a while and pontificate life with us.

Hope to see y'all soon on The Porch, and enjoy PorchCast #2 if you feel so inclined. It runs a little long, but the shows from now on will be 60 minutes or less and politic-free!

Click to Play

In this episode, Nate & Cam tackle free speech's last stand in The Western World, the 2008 Tennessee Volunteers Football preview, and the fledgling CRA (Cigar Rights of America). They also review the Oliva Serie V Double Toro cigar.

Notes From A Traveling Preacher

2008-06-24T08:28:00.006-05:00

By Taft Ayers

I returned home after a long stint of preaching in different cities across the southeast (mostly). I was away and my wife was at home taking care of our first child (who is set to arrive, Lord willing, in October) and herself.

There were many phone calls home, but those really didn't do the trick. I preached in 7 churches over the past two weeks. Why? Because I am still learning the art of saying "no" and not "spreading myself too thin."

Returning home was nice. Beyond nice, it was therapeutic. I leave on Thursday to go to a third world country and do some more preaching. It will be here way too soon. While I was gone (and not honoring my verbal commitment to write for my dear friend, Cammo) there were many things that happened that were blog-worthy with the Christians that I encountered.

I will share some of them with you, to prompt your thinking (and laughter). I won't tell the names or the cities, because, let's be honest, it could have been one of your relatives! Enjoy.

I was preaching in a very rural congregation. It was the type of place that you see in the movies. I was only there for two days, but they had me preach 6 times (you try to figure that one out). I felt like a preacher from 1956 who knocked on doors, got in the pulpit, and then knocked some more. It was an old-school gospel meeting. Needless to say, in the 2 days that I was there, many of the blue-haired sisters in Christ took in all of the information about me that they could. They asked me many questions and told me that they had only been to Memphis once. I attempted to tell them where the congregation that I work for is located. When describing our geographic location, it usually goes like this, "get off I-4o at exit 20, travel down Houston Levee. There are some gated communities on the left, once you cross over 64 and then past Macon Road you will find our building on the left." One certain lady re-told this at a luncheon. She told her son (who was 55), "the next time you are heading to Memphis, go see Taft. Get off 40, and once you see the gay community pop up, you're almost there." She left her hearing aid at home that day, really hated my pink and blue tie, or she just has a ROCKING sense of humor. Either way, I was in stitches.

Another stint found me in a more urban church. They were very hospitable, but I must admit, they didn't do pot-lucks nearly as well as the previously mentioned church. We had one dinner at the building before I parted ways with them. There was a 4 year old boy with his mother and she was engaging me in a conversation about our son that is on the way. Before we parted ways, she hit me with a very proper, "you will be in our prayers." I thanked her and then her son informed me that he would start praying "right away." It really touched my heart. I also found myself almost in tears when he closed his eyes, had a concentrated look on his face, and began to shift from one foot to the other." I whispered to her (where I didn't think he heard me), "Ma'am, this is sweet. He's praying on the spot." His eyes opened, he looked at me with his baby blues and said, "No. Brother Taft, I haven't prayed yet, I just pooted." Completely hysterical.

I found myself in south Georgia (30 miles from Tallahassee) helping with a church that is almost extinct. In this small town, EVERYTHING is racially divided. I met with the men at the church and told them my plans to reach out to the community. They had a map out of areas that I shouldn't "bother with" because they were too dangerous. Translation: A BUNCH OF NON-WHITES DON'T LIVE THERE. I got in the church van, took out the seats and went to that area that the "sweet white church men" (whose only defense was 'we were just raised this way') hadn't highlighted on my map and filled it with 4 families from the ghetto. I came back to the building and informed a lady that bible class would be extra full. By the end of my stint with this church we had moved their numbers for the meeting from 25 on the first night to 108 on the final. 67 non-whites. Please pray for this church. God really used me as a tool to bring them together. I hope that the ignorant mentalities that all of our fellow men possess will move past the hatred and separation and spiritually set the congregation, and town, on fire.

God is good all of the time. Long live the bunkhouse.

Monday (sometimes Tuesday) Morning Music Choices

2008-06-24T07:02:00.004-05:00

by Cameron Clark
I got up this morning when my youngest daughter Abygail started crying at 5:40. I got her a bottle and headed out to my back porch where we were greeted by cool weather, singing birds, and the sun coming up.

In the 5 years Liz and I have been married, we've never owned our own home. It is amazing, sublime, and nearly euphoric to wake up in a home all your own. One you've earned. One in which you will raise your family. IN.CRED.IB.LE.

Something for which to be very thankful! I'll post some pictures when we get all settled. In the mean time, here's your weekly dose of music mania.

1. Midnight Train to Georgia- Gladdys Knight and The Pips- I love The Pips-- their harmonies, their dancing, and their cheap-hack pimp suits-- I love it all. This version from American Idol is even better.

2. Wildwood Flower- June Carter Cash- Reese Witherspoon and her version are a big step up in looks and sound from the original....but it's June. A nice melody and good folksy sound.

3. Fishin' in The Dark- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band- Simply a classic.

4. Like A Prayer- Madonna- I had a request to add this to the list. Plus, who's not nostalgic for 1989?

5. Faith- George Michael- I bought the whole "best of" album, and not ashamed to say because of Eli Stone.

Here's to a great Tuesday!

Gratitude

2008-06-19T10:43:00.004-05:00

I've been reading a biography of Henry Knox for the last few days. He was one of Gen. Washington's revolutionary generals and pretty much ran the artillery for the entirety of the war. To me, he's a fascinating guy. His dad abandoned his Boston family when Henry was 9 so his Mom put him to work in a book store to help with the family expenses. Henry worked hard, studied the military books in the bookstore and taught himself French. At 26, my age, he was a brigadier general opposing the World's most accomplished military force and Washington's most trusted staffer. At a time when the war was nearly lost for the new American force, Henry took some of his men and made a 600 mile round trip in the snow to Fort Ticonderoga to get the much needed heavy artillery. With those guns, he lead the assault to take back Boston and for the first time gave Americans a reason to think that they might actually be able to win. The liberation of Boston boosted enlistments for Washington and gave the Continental Congress the nationwide support needed for independence. Knox's trip to get the Ticonderoga guns is perhaps the most important single incident in the early history of our nation.

Is it coincidence that Henry's father abandoned his family which formed in Knox a need to prove himself in order to rebuild his family name? Is it just happenstance that he was forced to go to work in a bookstore surrounded by volumes of military tactics and training? I see in his story a great deal of providence and I'm thankful to the Great Planner for guiding our steps.

Radio Silence

2008-06-11T20:53:00.003-05:00

I know both of you who frequent this site will be quite disappointed, but we will be in a period of "radio silence" until next Tuesday most likely.

As our family moves across the country, please keep us in your prayers this coming week.

Monday Morning Music Choices

2008-06-09T09:17:00.002-05:00

T-Minus 5 Days and counting......

The old home is filled with boxes and the excitement is mounting. My brother, Jared Gable, is making the trip up on Friday so we can take turns driving the big-ace truck across the country. It will be long, but at least it will be fun.

These are the songs I found on itunes this morning. If you have any suggestions for next week, leave 'em under the comments.

1. I'm Yours- Jason Mraz- Just a good tune. Lots of fun and upbeat.

2. Pretty Girl From Cedar Lane- The Avett Brothers- I like this band. They have a bluegrass/alternative sound, tight harmonies and an unusual take on most situations. This particular song is dismissing an old lover, and it's got an awesome flow.

3. Icky Thump- The White Stripes- Fast and furious beat, makes you want to put your foot down a little more if you're driving.

4. Stay- Lisa Loeb and 9 Stories- It took me a while to like this song because it was SOOOOO over-played on the radio stations when it first came out. It's nice to re-discover an old song.

5. Easy- The Commodores- Easy like Sunday Mornin', baby. Can't beat it.

What are some of your favorite songs of the moment?

Have an awesome Monday!!!

Semi-Weekly Wednesday Top 10

2008-06-04T12:09:00.008-05:00

By Cameron Clark

In the middle of this move, I have found myself thinking about what I can do to relax once we get there. It's like we've been running on full throttle for some time now, and I just don't know how to throttle back down. I'm trying to come up with a Top 10 Things ways to relax once we move, but all I can seem to think of are the top to things I need to do. Therefore, I am going to leave this top 10 list up to you, the reader.

Please don't be shy, I know many of you peruse the site and don't leave comments, but I'm sure you can come up with some way to relax, or at least what you do to relax. Once they've been put in the comments or email me: tuesdayco@hotmail.com, I'll post them here 1-10.

1. Listening to Music and Smoking a pipe, or some other piece of fine tobacco
2. Take a long drive and incorporate #1
3. Drinking large quantities of alcohol
4. Cooking
5. Reading
6. Eat Like Crap
7. "F*&^ yourself"- Anonymous. Nice. 'Eloquence' is thy name. Probably one of the "intellectuals" from Tennessee Free.
8. Spend lots of money on stuff I want
9. Listen to Bob Marley and smoke marijuana
10. "Cheeseburgers and Bourbon"

Have a great Wednesday!

The Unbridgeable Divide

2008-06-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

By Cameron Clark

Anyone paying any attention at all to the modern American political landscape knows there is a great and growing divide between two sides. Both sides believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they hold the intellectual and moral high ground. No better is this evidenced than at Glen Dean's blog, Tennessee Free.

Glen set out with a noble intention: to create a forum for people of all political leanings and thought to come together for an open and honest debate on any issue. It has been successful in driving up blog traffic and "airing the grievances", but no one is really "listening" to one another. No one's mind is being changed. It's like one big Festivus session. The days of Calhoun and Clay are long gone, my friends.

I have been guilty of zealously defending an idea or person by accosting another's intelligence, and that is simply uncalled for and absurd. I am embarrassed that I ever did such things. Therefore, I'm bringing the engines back to neutral and simply refusing to engage people who bring all too much of the same partisan minutia and emotion to the table. I am starting to be of the mind that liberals and conservatives ought not talk to each other about politics. It goes nowhere fast and ends up turning very personal.

NFL level politics are done in legislative board rooms at Capital Plaza. The major party decisions are made in a Chief-of-staff's office, then the plan is executed by all involved in the legislative or executive process. Deals aren't hashed out in chat rooms or blogs. Those professional men and women compromise because it's politically advantageous to do so, not because the voters (or the bloggers) asked for it.

I love reading Glen's thoughts and like to see him, and others, tenaciously defend their principles, but for me, I am looking over the unbridgeable divide between the factions. The parties that claim, "You are for us, or against us!" Leaving those in center of the political spectrum in the middle of the cross-fire. We are "communist hippies" to one side and "fascist pigs" to the other, and no candidate who represents our views will be viable come November. What are we to do? Certainly we will not give up or cast aside our vote with the other politically apathetic hoards.

A wise person said, "Decisions are made by those who show up." I just wonder where the candidate is for whom we CAN show up. Ron Paul is a distant memory. Who will next pick up the torch? I'm anxious to see.

In the mean time, go check out Glen's site, but be sure to bring the ocular "earmuffs" if the kiddies are around.

Have a great Monday!

The Cycles

2008-06-02T13:02:00.004-05:00

Life is one giant cycle of repeating patterns. At times we have everything going for us, at times we are just plain busy, and other times things don't go so well. Right now, me and my house are just plan busy. I have more respect for your time than to share the mundane details of the busyness or driveling a few words of discontent on a website.

The one thing I have kept on top of during this transition time is my weight loss. I'm down to 217 pounds (-9 lbs. in 3 weeks) and am starting to have a solid core (abs, back, pecks) again. All I've really done are leg lifts, isometric crunches and push ups while I watch what I eat. I feel pretty good about that.

On another note, here's a blog I find encouraging. It's the stories of the live of Mrs. Martha Rogers, and old high school friend. She lays it all out there; the joys, the struggles, the hopes, and the love.

12 days and that's all she wrote for us and the territories!

Have a great Monday!

Negroes Combining, Gaining Power

2008-05-27T09:51:00.006-05:00

This article came straight from SportsPickle.com and posted here by Taft Ayers

"Fears expressed by white voters in West Virginia and Kentucky recently about black people gaining greater power in the country have been seemingly realized in a recent television clips that clearly show strong, motivated black men combining together as super-black-men, hell-bent on a joint goal of singular supremacy.

“There can only be one,” said Cliff Garrity, a West Virginia voter. “Like I don’t know what that’s implying. I’m not stupid. They’re saying there can only be one dominant race. Well, not on my watch. And like any of them could beat Jerry West anyway, even if they are combining their strengths. He was the best ever. He was from West Virginia, you know.”

Utilizing some sort of ungodly technology, most likely developed in their ancient savage ancestry, black basketball players are melding into single beings, issuing demands and declaring their desires.

“I don’t know where they learned how to do that, but I’ll never understand their ways or agree with them, what with their loud music and their baggy pants and their combining together into an entirely new entity,” said Joleyn McDougle of Lexington, Kent.

McDougle’s husband, Jim Ray, says he wishes he could get his hands on one of them body joiners.

“I could have me some fun with that,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to combine the butt of my prize sheep, Shirley, with the face of my cousin Earl. Party up front and party in the back, know what I mean?”

Earl McDougle, Jim Ray’s cousin, admitted he does find these combo-negroes incredibly well-spoken.

“They talk so well,” said Earl. “And a lot of them seem very clean-cut. It’s surprising, to say the least.”

But it’s not necessarily a positive surprise.
“Yeah, they talk too well,” says Jim Ray. “They sound all uppity. Which is pretty ridiculous for a black guy with two faces. At least I think they’re two faces. I can never really tell them apart.”

If you don't understand this aritcle, watch an NBA playoff game, these commercials run all through them.