24

That was the best season of "24" ever made! I think next season they should do a spin-off called "48" where Jack and the whole crew just sleep the entire season.

ANYWAY ... I was really hoping that Jack would torture President Logan but at least Jack got the guy anyway.

I love Clhoe's line to Jack after he "hijacked" the helicopter before he tries to get a confession out of Logan, "I don’t want to put any added pressure on you, but if you don’t get confirmation in time, all of us will go to prison for treason." ... That's classic Clhoe!

According to Jack's Torture Report, his final count is 37 kills and 7 tortures. Not bad but I wish he would have gotten the President!!

So what in the world is in-store for next season? Are they going to pick-up right were they left off or will Jack be working for the Chinese government now? Is the Vice President under Logan (whatever his name was!) going to be President or maybe Audrey Raines father will be running the country now ... hmm ... just a thought!

GETTING FIT?

Is this the ultimate expression of irony or what's the deal here?!?!? I mean, come on, people!

"GOOD PUNCH"

As Nuke LaLoosh once said to Crash Davis in the movie Bull Durham, "Good Punch."

In case you missed the solid right hook of Cubs catcher Michael Barrett on the White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, please watch - here.

(This punch will probably be the highlight of the year for the hapless Cubs!)

JAIL TIME

I was reading through some of my morning news and came across this amazing/random/stunning fact:

1 in every 136 American residents were behind bars by last summer.

What in the world?!? Read more from MSNBC - here.

UNLEASHING THE EXCITMENT ...

If you have never driven one of these things (<----) then I highly recommend you find a way to do so.

Since this was my last weekend in South Bend til the middle of August I was interested in just relaxing and cleaning up around the place. Well, that sort of happened (at least on Saturday it did!)

Driving that four-wheeler on Sunday felt like the most thrill seeking thing I have done in a while. In fact it was mindly dangerous taking corners that were covered in stone only at 35 mph in the middle of the woods with no helment on. Some may just consider that stupid but hey, it was a whole lot of fun. I safe that because I didn't hurt myself. That would have been bad showing up in L.A. with my arm in a sling or something ... anyway ...

Then if driving around a four-wheeler like a mad man wasn't crazy enough, shooting a shot-gun for a few rounds was even better. Love those clay pigeons!

Man, nothing like letting off some steam ...

BLOG OF THE WEEK

I came across this blog recently and this guy has some thoughtful insight into a variety of things. Plus he reads some really interesting books and listens to some great music. Plus he has been to Colorado! Enjoy ...

Ethos

QUOTE THIS

I was just driving down Cleveland Road and this one business always has these "catchy" quotes on their sign out front. Usually, it's a quick thought provoking thing then onto other thoughts. However, today they had one that has got me thinking, so I wanted to share:

"Whoever Angers You, Conquers You"

SEEGER SESSIONS

Go buy this album.

Bruce Springsteen's 21st studio album is a compilation of 13 traditional folk songs all of which have a connection to folk icon Peter Seeger (thus the name of the album). This album will win multiple Grammy Awards.

You don't like folk, go buy it anyway. It's a great album to listen to whether your driving, at home, in the office or whatever. This album is amazing. I had my serious doubts about Bruce Springsteen singing folk songs but it sounds so good. It's just fun, entertaining, good music from song No. 1 to song No. 13.

I know that I am bias because I'm a huge Springsteen fan but this really is a great piece of work. It is unlike any of his other album and worth the purchase!

I GOT A FEVER ...

... FOR MORE COWBELL

TOO FAST!

A few weeks ago I was told about an accident involving a car and a motorcycle that was unlike anything I have heard before. This is what happens when a motorcycle is traveling at a speed of 200 mph and a car pulls out onto that same road with the motorcycle. The driver of both the car and motorcycle had no time to react.

Scary Accident

COUNTDOWN SAYS ...

Last night at nevaeH we were discussing the always popular topic of dating, difference between males/females, etc. Overall, it was a very good evening. I'm looking forward to this upcoming Sunday evening and picking up were we left off. All that left me to thinking ...

GOOD BOOKS ON DATING

1) "Boundaries in Dating" by Cloud/Townsend -- I know, I know that I have repeatedly recommended this book but for goodness sakes it really is THAT good!

2) "For Men Only" or "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn -- I have read entirely through the two books but from what I read and heard from the author you can't go wrong.

3) "Wild at Heart" or "Captivating" by John Eldredge -- Not really "dating" books but yet they un-pack some interesting thoughts.

4) "Love the Life You Live" by Neil Clark Warren -- He gave a talk on this book which intrigued me to browse through it. Both the talk and book are solid.

5) "Men are from Mars Women are from Venus" by John Gray - Yes, it's true. Men and women are different.

Really, I know very little on this topic but does anybody really know it all?!?

P.S. -- I'll post all the questions that came up at the group on the nevaeH blog by Thursday at the very latest for all those interested.

NEW RIDE

So I went to Pennsylvania to pick up my new ride this past weekend. It's a 2001 Honda CRV. It was bought used with just over 48,000 miles so it really is "new" for a Honda because this vehicle should last me at least 6-8 years.

I like it a lot. I'm still getting used to driving a car with more pep, so to speak, then my previous car. I'm extremely happy with it.

FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE

I had the fortune of attending my first Lancaster Barnstormers game on Friday evening with my brother and friend. About three years ago when it became official that my "hometown" was getting a baseball team I was pretty excited about it. Baseball is America's pastime for goodness sake so it's great having it where I grew up.

The 2006 season is the second year for the squad. And after an ultra-successful first season with great attendance, promotions, etc. I had high expectations for my first game. It did not disappoint. The game itself was very entertaining as the Barnstormers won the game 9-8 with a two-out three-run homerun in the bottom of the ninth but I look for "other stuff" around the ballpark.

The on-field game promotions were outstanding. Fairly creative too. The promotions MC was great with the microphone as well. The concession food was great and not to badly priced. The jumbo dogs were solid and the soft pretzel was very good. Plus the concessions staff was amazingly nice. (Certainly nicer that I was when I worked in baseball but that's another point - HA!)

The ticket price ($7.50) for a few rows behind the home dugout on the first base side was right on par. Oh, and parking was free! I hate paying to park and that was cool to have it for free! What stood out more than anything else was how clean the stadium was. I know that it is only its second season of use but it was VERY clean. It is a beautiful ballpark and the atmosphere was great all night.

Overall, the evening was a solid "A" effort ... I'll go back!

BLOG OF THE WEEK

Ok, I'm going to blow my own horn hear a little bit. I made a blog for my internship journey while I'm out in L.A. this summer serving at Mosaic. This will be my "journal" for the 10-weeks. I will do my best to update it on a regular basis with pictures and such. As far as I know we have computer access.

Mosaic Intern

I'll start really updating it soon. The journey begins in two weeks!

GOLFING!

So I went out an hit the links today for the first time this year. I shot a 67! Yep, you heard it right ... I only had 30 putts as well. I was pumped!

Not bad for a round of golf at a par 3 course - HA!! You know what though, shooting a +13 isn't really that bad for the first time round in the season no matter the course.

FORE!!

LAW SUIT HAPPY

I never understood why some people sue. It's beyond stupidity sometimes (well, actually often times)!

So I shouldn't be surprised when this happens (from ESPN.com):

A man who was denied a red nylon tote bag during a Mother's Day promotion at an Angels baseball game has filed a sex and age discrimination lawsuit against the team.

The class action claim filed by Michael Cohn, a Los Angeles psychologist, alleges that thousands of males and fans under age 18 are entitled to $4,000 in damages each because they were treated unequally at last May's promotion. Women over 18 received the gifts.

What on earth does Michael Cohn want with a red nlyon tote bag? Did he take the time to poll all the other men along with all the fans under 18 that were at the game with him?

See it's fans like this idiot that drove me out of baseball. Well, not really but seriously dude what's the deal?!?! Dumb people are stupid!

UNSTOPPABLE FORCE

Two words: Apostolic Ethos.

If you don't agree with creating an environment, community or culture that is centered around what the apostles were teaching and instructing in advancing God's message then this book isn't for you.

Ok, I know that what Erwin McManus writes really (and I mean really) resonates with me but this stuff just seems common sense. The ideas, thoughts and instructions he presents in this book seem elementary. Like why isn't being done by everyone?

There were numerous things that were really awesome in this book. Just to highlight a few that you may or may not agree with:

"Creativity is the natural result of spiritually." Not everyone can paint, sing or dance but everyone is created creative.

"The biting truth is that this country is not rejecting spirituality but Christianity."

"It is never enough to live on yesterday's faith. We are always required to move into a fresh faith." So are you moving forward or looking back?

ALL

At significant times and places in the book of Acts, the only way to describe what was happening was through the word all. Go back through your bible and notice how many times the word all appears. Acts says that all 3,000 were baptized who heard Peter's message. It says that all believers met together constantly and shared everything. It says that all the believers were of one heart, one mind and they felt that what they had was not there own. ALL! The movement of Christ is for ALL not the elite.

The church should be nothing less than a movement that respresents what Jesus Christ was nailed on the cross for. Erwin's love for the church is pretty evident through the book.

7-1-4

Anyday now Barry Bonds is going to swing at a pitch and the ball will land for a home run and everything that I love about the game of baseball will feel some what tainted.

I am certainly more disappointed then most baseball fans because the next home run Bonds hit will tie him with one my favorite players, Babe Ruth. Bonds doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the Babe, let alone pass him for second place on the all-time home run list. In the 1920's the game of baseball was in utter chaos and Ruth bursts onto the scene and helped make the game great.

Bonds is a cheater and he makes the game that I love so much less than what it should be. I can't watch him play and think of him as anything else than a cheater. I love when people work hard for what they have attained and achieve a certain blue collar level of accomplishment. Bonds is anything but blue color.

He could have been a great player without pumping himself full of steroids but Bonds let his ego get in the way. The Giants slugger might be able to hit massive 500-foot homers but it just all feels fake because he didn't earn it in my opinion. Bonds is in denial too. If he actually came out and admitted steroid use, it wouldn't make it all better but at least you would have a shred of authenticity.

Bonds has never been and will never be as good a player as the Babe. He may pass him on the home run list but you can be an "*" next to that number.

ICE BREAKERS

Just for the record, I do work during the day and get things done. However, I believe in taking a break every now and again. This is the of the most addicting games I have found on the interent. It's great. It works best with faster connections.

Ice Breakers

I got through six walls of ice so far. It's tougher than you think!

MORE PLEASE?!?

Talk about your new twist on going to a buffet style restaurant.

This family in Des Moines, Iowa was kicked out a $5.95 all you can eat Chinese restaurant for get this - wasting food. The owner of the restaurant said the family has been wasting food and they were essentially not interested in serving them any longer. And this wasn't the first time the family had been wasting food. The restaurant has watch the family do this before during previous visits .... Random!

Family Kicked Out of Restaurant

FIVE YEARS AGO

I will never forget May 5, 2001. It was the day I had to enter the "real world" and graduated with my bachelor's Degree in Journalism for Radford University. Yep, that's me acting like a crazy man after hearing my name being called to the crowd.

The way that Radford did graduation was great. The entire graduating class followed behind a group of 30 or so bagpipe players down the center aisle as all kind of people were snapping pictures. For like a brief moment you felt like a rock star. That three minute walk almost makes going another four years worth while (well, maybe not)!

College is four years that I will never forget. If I had to make my college decision all over again I would choose Radford each time. I probably should have studied a lot harder but none the less I still graduated. If I would have put the same effort into studying as I did into the athletics program, I would have easily attained a perfect GPA!

I think of all the opportunities that had while at Radford. From going to the NCAA tournament with the basketball and volleyball teams, covering Virginia Tech football for two years, being a G.M. of a Minor League Baseball team, meeting some of my amazing friends and, oh yeah, classes weren't too bad! I love going back to visit. It will always be one of my favorite places in the country.

Proud to be a Radford graduate!

BLOG OF THE WEEK

There was no one bigger than MC Hammer when I was in Junior High. I remember debating the merits of "You Can't Touch This" with another individual during a bus ride after school on my way home. Even as a 6th grader, I never shy away from a good debate - HA! Enjoy ...

MC Hammer

Seriously though, this guy could dance! I remember jamming (and I use that word very loosely)out to "Pray" during one of our Wednesday evening Middle School church gatherings!

PERSONALITY TEST

I think I have taken every personality test possible. They all come back with the same response. I am just odd (shocker I know)!

But this my favorite personality test of all-time. I found it off my friend's Tracy's site. Good Luck!!

Draw a Pig

DA VINCI CODE

I am one of those 40 million (and counting) readers of the Da Vinci Code. The greatest fiction novel I have ever come across.

Anyway ... Certainly I am pumped for the movie and I am hoping to have some interesting discussion that follow. My church has tackled the subject to a certain extent but I came across this really interesting website with certain bible verses that could help answer questions that people might raise from the book or movie.

Da Vinci Code Truth

UNITED 93

From start to finish if there is ever a movie that will bring out some emotion in you, it is this one.

I was mad from the time I saw the four terrorist hit the screen.

I was sad to watch those passengers call their friends and family one final time.

I was proud as an American to watch those passengers over take those terrorist.

I was angry because I knew the ending.

What that day shows and what this movie so vividly reminded me was that you can not control how or when you die but you can control how you live.

NIKE

Last night I bought my first pair of sneakers in about 18 months. I always buy Nike. The last time I didn't wear Nike I was in 7th grade and I wore the "Magic" Johnson Converse (man, those wear great shoes)!

Anyway ... I say all this because I was heard the urban legend that the person who designed the Nike Swoosh gets $.05 for every Swoosh produced. That turned out to be a false legend. It turns out that the Swoosh was invented in 1972 by University of Portland student, Caroline Davidson who sold the design to Phil Knight for $35.00! Knight was teaching the class that Davidson was in.

And so the business genius that is Nike and Phil Knight began.

History of the Nike Swoosh

JEREMIAH'S COMPLAINT

So, check out this passage from Jeremiah 20:7-9 which titled "Jeremiah's Complaint" (from the NIV):

7 O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.
8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long.
9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

What an amazing passage of scripture. All Jeremiah wants to do is complain about the "stuff" going on in his life and be angry. Yet God will not let him because when Jeremiah gets angry and mad, God brings him insult and reproach. But when he tries to remain silent, so God won't do anything to him, he can not hold it in because God's love is so powerful.

So I wonder how many times in my life I have complained about something that was basically meaningless instead of focusing on love and grace or mercy?

God's love is certainly inside of me everyday but am I pushing it back down or letting it explode out? It just isn't worth being bitter ... Just thought I would share.

IT'S ON!

The first of 19 games with the hated Red Sox begin tonight! There is not a better rivalry in sports today. There's something a little more "special" when these two teams get together.

As a die-hard Yankees fan I will never forget how excited it was to win the 2003 ALCS over the Red Sox in extra innings when Aaron Boone blasted that homerun in the bottom of the 11th of Game 7. I also won't forget how bitter I was when the Yankees blew a 3-0 series lead in the 2004 ALCS to the Red Sox.

Since 2002 the two teams have played 90 games which each team winning 45. Kind of a close series if you ask me. This rivalry makes sports so exciting!