Reason to love my wife

As if being beautiful were not enough, Jamey always finds ways to make me happy. Today for my birthday instead of eating a $1 mexican frozen meal, Jamey went to Popey's to pick me up lunch.

Completely not mine

These are two of the guys blogs that I love to check out talking about Al Gore.

The first is Justin's blog about Gore.

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research checks into his utility bills.

Here’s some highlights:

- U.S. average yearly household electricity consumption — 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year

- Al Gore’s yearly energy consumption — nearly 221,000 kWh

- Al Gore’s Natural Gas bill per month — an average of 1,080 dollars PER MONTH!

Yep, that’s right global warming alarmist, and former Vice President Al Gore uses 2 times the national yearly average kWh’s per month.

Great job by Justin.

The next is Jason Kearny's blog about Gore.

Al Gore couldn't get elected president, but now he has what even George W. Bush does not have: an Oscar. He won for the film An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary about global warming. In his acceptance speech, he called on all Americans to wake up and heed the call to change. Here is a portion of his acceptance speech: "People all over the world, we need to solve the climate crisis. It's not a political issue; it's a moral issue. We have everything we need to get started, with the possible exception of the will to act. That's a renewable resource -- let's renew it. " In the film, one of the ways he says the average person can help deal with global warming is to cut back on their household energy usage.Gore should have no problem finding a place to put his Oscar. He has plenty of room in his 10,000 square foot, 20 room mansion with eight bathrooms, in the exclusive Belle Meade neighborhood in Nashville.

For the complete version of Jason's blog use the link above.

Great job guys. Hope you don't mind me posting it here. This has been something that bothered me ever since it came out. I don't remember Gore doing much about this when he had power. In fact several of the years he points out as the worst in global warming were years he was the vice president.

a year closer to 30...

Today I "celebrate" my 27th birthday. In 3 years I'll be old...

UN or Peace Corps

I am not sure how I feel about the UN. Somedays they seem to be a great organization (although few and far between) and somedays they seem to be like a parent telling children to stop, but with no real punishment if they continue to do what they want to do.

Iran now is testing the UN to see if it will step up and enforce it's policies or continue to wait on the good ole' US to bail them out again. Try this link to see a little more about the situation. Iran is now testing and building up nuclear weapons.

The UN has always bothered me as they have no real threat to stop anything. And then they are able to sit back and critic those who actually go in and try to stop people from doing evil.

Top 10 Fast Food Places

I love to eat out. I love to eat unhealthy food (sorry Jason, Jon, Stacy, etc...). So here is my list of places to go when you are short on money.

These are my personal favorite places to eat that are fast food. I would put a place as "fast food" if...
1) I can eat there with Jamey for under $12
2) I can get out in under 30 minutes (most places in under 15)

Here are my favorites

10) Captain D's: I can only eat there once or twice a month, but when it is time I am craving it bad.

9) KFC: I love the boneless buffalo wings and strips from here. Great place to feed a family for not too much.

8) Quiznos: Favorite sandwich place to go. I love how they toast everything. They also have good clam chowder.

7) Checkers: I hate that Montgomery does not have one of these. Their seasoned fries are great as well as all their other food.

6) Wendys: I am a value orderer here and can get a lot of food for not too much. If you are healthy they even have salads and fruit and stuff...

5) Moe's: Not sure this is fast food. But it is a great place to eat. Jamey can get full of the kids burrito which is as big as the small adult one (and don't worry they know she is an adult ordering the meal so its not cheating).

4) Popeys: I have not eaten here in a long time. But I love their strips and red beans and rice.

3) Arby's: Quickly moving up the list. It has been the most frequented by me in the past few months. The 4 items for $5 is a great deal.

2) Burger King: I love the fries and Burgers here. I don't get to go that often, because Jamey got sick at one of these so she doesn't have as fond of memories as me.

1) Taco Bell: I love this place. I can order different every time and still be satisfied with my order.

Not quite on the list: McDonalds, Sonic, Chick-fil-a, Subway, What-a-burger

Not on the list: Hardees (too expensive), Subway, Long Johns Silver, Backyard Burger (too expensive), Tenda Chick (Montgomery special), Dairy Queen.

Somebody please explain...

What is this?? Britney Spears shaved and in rehab...Oh what a hard life.

Technical anyone??

This link shows the video if you have not already seen what happened during the Florida vs Vandy game Saturday. First let me congradulate Vandy on a great win for their program, and as a Florida fan I was glad to see us get humbled a little right before the SEC tournament. We need something to play for.

In case you didn't see the game Florida was getting beat by Vandy in the second half as Noah goes for the ball to inbound off a made basket. Coach Stallins of Vandy catches the ball and then plays a little keep away from Noah, who is grabbing at the ball to inbound and run a break. Stallins pretty clearly says "get your f*^*&& hands off the ball as he slaps Noah away twice". What surprised me was the two refs standing there go after Noah while not even giving a delay of game warning to Vandy. Why in the world was a technical not called???

While Noah and Donovan are saying the right things you have to wonder if this will fire up Florida should they play Vandy in the SEC tournament a little later on...

Top Rivalries

I am a few days late in this post as Jason has already posted on this subject. Here are my top 10 rivalries in sports.

Top 10 rivalries

1) OSU vs. Michigan: Big game every year. This year of course had even more importance. Two states that hate each other...at least for one week every year.

2) NYY vs Boston: I am not a big baseball fan, but in just the past few years I have been on the edge of my seat for these thrillers in the post season. To actually call another organization "the evil empire" takes this to a new level.

3) Colts vs. Patriots: This game has determined the superbowl winner four of the past 6 seasons. It has shown the growth of Manning and the ratings are great every year.

4) UNC vs. Duke: The best baskeball rivals in the country. There are no other games that compare to these two going at each other at least two times a season. Normally at least one is in the top ten.

5) Auburn vs. Alabama: The state of Alabama's biggest day each year. I am new to this, but have seen first hand how going 0-4 against Auburn will get you fired quickly.

6) Fla vs. FSU: This is the new Miami vs. FSU rivalry. Great game and if you live in Florida you must pick one.

7) Phins vs. Jets: My favorite NFL game (I know I am a homer), but I hate seeing Dolphins stadium half filled with drunk yankees. GO BACK HOME!!! Who can forget the fake spike by Marino, or the 30-7 comeback by the Jets on Monday night.

8) Cowboys vs. Redskins: More tradition than most NFL games have. Great rivalry.

9) OU vs. Texas: This one is for Jon. This is his and the state of Texas' game of the year. Have been some good ones in the not so distant past.

10)Texas vs. Texas A&M: Texas has two spots in my list. This game is huge for all Texans.

I know I am dominated by football here, but hey it is hard to say there is a true rivalry with men in long shorts, or that take a break every half-inning.

Older great ones: Ali vs. Fraiser, Army vs. Navy, KC vs. Denver, Bears vs. Packers,
NYK vs. Chicago (NBA), LA vs. Boston (NBA), FSU vs Miami, Det vs Chicago (NBA)

Jobs

I though today I'd post on the different occupations that one could choose. I am working on 4 lists: Best Jobs, Worst Jobs, Most underappreciated jobs, Most Important Jobs. Here is what I have so far.

Best Jobs (or easiest). The criteria for this one is jobs that are relatively easy. Every job has difficult parts these are jobs that seem like they would be fun and not as difficult.

-Pro Athlete: I would put Baseball and Basketball at the top. They get paid even if injured or over-rated. Their salaries are much higher than other pro sports. This would be a great job to have.

-Professional Student: I know this isn't technically a job, but many my age and older are still in college.

-Musician: Not very phisically demanding (unless you are in a boy band) and getting paid to sing or play seems good.

-Actor/Actress: I'd even take the money the extras get paid in this job.

-Reality show/gameshow host: I'd love to be able to just make fun of people for my living.

-Sports/Entertainment writer: You don't even have to be good enough to do the profession, just write and tell how others are or are not getting the job done. And...free tickets.

-High ranking CEO: Only if you are high enough to let others do the work for you.

I'll list the other groups in other posts.

Bottom 10 Presidents

This is my look at the 10 worst presidents in our history. A couple of things to remember:
1) I did not include the sitting President: I personally would not include him anyway, but even if I was not in favor it is too early to make a judgement on an acting president.
2) This is my opinion: There may be (probably is) man on this list you disagree with, that is okay in the "comments" section feel free to tell me why.

Here we go:

10) George Bush (first): While he may have had some success in the Gulf War, he will be forever remembered for his "No New Taxes" speech that did not come true. Getting taken to the woodshed in this re-election by Clinton did not help either.

9) Clinton: I know many will be upset, but I am going strictly on morals, and the fact that he is only the second man ever to be impeached.

8) Carter: Peanut farmer from Georgia was not a great president. Not getting hostages released from Iran for over a year hurt his legacy, as they were only freed right before Reagan was coming in.

7) Pierce: Kansas-Nebraska Act really got him in hot water (as it should). Not even re-nominated by party in the next election.

6) Harrison: Dies after 1-month after giving longest Inauguration Speech ever in frigid temperatures. Who knows what would have happened if he would have lived.

5)Tyler: Former Vice President who is never elected to presidency struggled. Impeachment attempt on his office really hurts his legacy.

4) Harding: The “partying president”, actually gambled away part of white house China one time, Many friends given high positions that took government money. I cleaned up this statement by him "My *Goodness, this is a *heck of a job!" Harding said. "I have no trouble with my enemies, but my *darn friends, my *Dad-gummed friends... they're the ones that keep me walking the floor nights!" A man whose corrupt friends ruined his presidency.

3) Grant: Corrupt friends also hurt this former General. Smoked 20 cigars a day as well (that is just a sidenote, not why he made the list).

2) Nixon: Watergate. Enough said.

1) Johnson: Not elected to his post and not re-elected. Takes over for one of best presidents in a bad situation and makes it worse. The Radical republicans do not like how he is easy on the South and he barely escapes being thrown out of office by one vote.

Well that's my thoughts.

What a joke

I am not a fan of the Dixie Chicks. I actually really enjoyed their first album.
I am sure everyone knows most of the story about them mouthing off about GWB. I am not a fan of airing dirty laundry in foreign countries. Roxy has already beat me to the punch, but I cannot (actually I can which is sad) that they would be rewarded for doing this. Their last album is not very good musically, the sole reason they won was that the mainstream now likes to bash President Bush.

**Sidebar: Scott has a great blog on how we as Christians should not bash anyone.

Now, if they had won with an outstanding album I could live with it. I generally don't care much for any major artists personal life (although many fortunately keep it to themselves), but they won with a rant called "Not ready to make nice".

Another reason not to watch the Grammy's...

On a side not Anna Nicole Smith died this past weekend. The real story is: Why in the world is this big news?

Top 10 Presidents and Bottom 10

This is my next list inspired by this and this link, I have compiled my top 10 and bottom 10 presidents.

Top 10

10. Kennedy: Possibly the most charasmatic of all the presidents. The Cuban Missile Crisis was handled under him. Also involved with the Space Race. His assassination was one of the worst tragedies of American History.

9. Monroe: His Monroe Doctrine will forever be studied in high schools around the country. Adding huge parts of the country (Louisiana Purchase, Acquiring Florida) also made him a great president.

8. Wilson: Might be the most intelligent of any presidents. Started the League of Nations as well. Great leader.

7. Reagan: His "Reaganomics" approach to the economy was a big success. A former actor, he was able to use his charisma to a big advantage. Getting the Berlin Wall torn down also was a big success.

6. Jackson: Old Hickory was a great leader. One of the first true "dark horse" candidates to win. He also vetoed a popular plan for a national bank.

5. Theodore Roosevelt: Huge man, huge personality. Great fit for the time and place. Enviromentalists love him.

4. George Washington: The first will always be special. He started many of the traditions for the presidents that will follow. Perhaps the most important is that he left peacefully and set a trend of leaving that type of power.

3. Jefferson: Put here more for what he did before he was elected.

2. FDR: Served 4 terms as president, and would have kept going if he had lived. His fireside chats were a first and big success in America. Only thing against him...he married a cousin.

1. Abraham Lincoln: I know this is the easy pick, but really a lesser man might not have stood as firm as Lincoln. He also leaves behind a body of work in his speeches that will not be met again. There are many great stories about his character as well.


Bottom 10 to follow...

For rich or poor...

Often times Jamey and I joke about how she "married me for the money". We see others who have very nice homes/cars and at times have almost a feeling of jealousy. Which is sad, because we both knew making a commitment to a one-income family would be tough, but we feel worth the price as Jamey is with Avery every minute of the day.
I was searching through some blogs and came to Mark Elrod's blog and read about a link he had to see where you stand in relation to the rest of the world. Here is the list. How do you feel now?

Workin' at the Carwash and the rest of the weekend

This weekend was a busy one for the Simpson's. First on Friday night we went to "game night" at the Mills. After throughly dominating the game "25 Words or less", I did not do so well with Catchphrase (which in my opinion requires absolutely no skill).

Next came the Carwash on Saturday. We had set a goal of $1000 for the day. I thought that would be a bit optimistic. So my goal was $500 or more. After several hundred cars on a balmy 40 degree day, we made $1400. We will now hopefully not have to do another fundraiser for this season. I also have a nice sunburn from this experience. That night we had Chris and Dawn over and Griffin.

Sunday was nice as we watched the Colts beat the Bears in a predictable victory. I actually was pulling for the Bears, but did not mind seeing the Colts get a deserved Super Bowl ring.

Go Gators

This past weekend Jamey and I were able to attend a Florida (#1 in the nation) basketball game with our friends Dawn and Chris. We had a great time as you can see from the pictures. Florida made its statement with a lead from wire-to-wire against a surprisingly solid Auburn team. That makes Jamey 3-3 in games we have gone to where our team has won. So if any of you want to insure a win you can give us a call.

Dumb Quotes part II

Last post got me to thinking of all the dumb things famous people say. Here are just a few. My favorite (or all-time low) has to be Mariah Carey showing how dumb she really is.

"You know the one thing that's wrong with this country? Everyone gets a chance to have their fair say."
- Bill Clinton, former U.S. President

"Two grand slams in a week - man, that's seven or eight ribbies right there."
- Bill Madlock, Baseball broadcaster

"You guys line up alphabetically by height."
- Bill Peterson, Florida State football coach
"Whenever I watch TV and I see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I would love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff."
- Mariah Carey, Pop

"I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
- Shaquille O'Neal, basketball player, on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece

"You know the one thing that's hink lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness."
- Alicia Silverstone, Actress

"How to store your baby walker: First, remove baby."
- Anonymous Manufacturer

"It is wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago"
- Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice-President

"If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." -Brooke Shields

"The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
-Joe Theisman, quarterback and sports analyst