Top 100 Artists part II

This is numbers 80-61:

80: Faith Hill: Still making a name as one of the greatest female singers in country music. Carrie Underwood has nothing on her.

79: Gloria Estefan: The latin queen of music. I still love hearing many of her songs.

78: Alabama: Have to include my state’s namesake. They had several great songs that are the anthems ‘round these here parts.

77: Justin Timberlake: He is huge right now. After a few years we’ll see if he moves up the list (as I predict) or down the list as a short lived musician.

76: Amy Grant: Had an impact on Christian music. She was the first to be able to successfully crossover into the secular music scene.

75: Cher: Many might put her higher on the list. I am not that impressed, but had to at least include her.

74: Vanilla Ice/Marky Mark/MC Hammer: I know it is cheating to have 3 in one spot, but none could qualify on their own. These three were hits for about 1-2 years. The first two made sure everyone knew white people cannot rap. The other had his own pants.


73: Aerosmith: A great group. They put out several hits during their time at the top.

72: Randy Travis: A country favorite of mine, when I want to “dig up bones” or just listen to an artist that I can actually sing along with.

71: Green Day: Another group that is surprisingly still hanging around. I thought they’d be a one-and-done, but their longevity keeps them on the list.

70: Rod Stewart: Not one of my favorites. But he was very big during his time, and is still around producing music.

69: Jars of Clay: Another Christian group that is outstanding. Haven’t really gotten into the newer stuff, but their first 2-3 albums were great.

68: Bush: I love the Machine Head album (wish I could find it). They were a great group that seemed to vanish quickly.



67: ZZ Top: I am putting this group on here for my father-in-law. They are a good old school rock group.

66: Bryan Adams: A little sappy for me, but many women (including my wife) really enjoy his music. Wonder what he’d sound like if he quit smoking J

65: No Doubt: They have not been around as long as some that made the list, but they have already out-sold many that are here.

64: UB40: A great reggae group. Not that I am way into that style of music, but I do enjoy this group.

63: Tina Turner: We don’t need another hero is still a great song. She was great for many years, and her voice was so powerful you had to listen.


62: Billy Joel: A great artist. He has written many hits and is still good to listen to.

61: Jewel: One of the first of the female alternative artists. She has several great albums

An update on the Simpson world of sports.

The year in review:

As most of you know Jamey and I coach junior high and high school kids. The beginning of this year was a good one for me. I coached the 7th and 9th grade teams and helped with the varsity basketball at Madison Academy. The 7th grade team I had went 21-0 and won the conference championship. The 9th grade team finished 13-5 despite playing many teams that were quite a bit larger than us. The varsity team at MA won the state title last year.

This summer we made a change to work with Alabama Christian in Montgomery. Jamey and I were both going to work through re-building seasons. Jamey took a team that had won 1 game last year and had very little experience to a 3-8 season (in which they led several games, but could not close them out), while I was the defensive coordinator for a team that went 2-8 (despite leading in 4 other games). We are both excited to actually be able to coach together in the upcoming year as we are the track coaches at ACA.

Most of you know I am a huge Florida Gator fan. So I was very excited when they won the national championship in basketball this past year, and they look like they have a great shot to repeat. I am also an Arizona and Air Force fan. Both had decent seasons last year, and each looks to go deep in the tournament this season (I see Air Force as a sweet 16 team, that already has beat Texas Tech, Wake Forrest (by 40) and Stanford (also by 40)).

In college football I am hoping to see Florida continue to do well. Air Force did not get invited to a bowl game, but I hope Arizona will.

In professional sports I was glad to see Dwayne Wade and the Heat win the NBA title. And while I do not see them repeating, my favorite team the Orlando Magic have the best record in the East to this point. The Dolphins got off to a very slow start at 1-6 and are now starting to act like they care. At 5-6 I don’t see the playoffs in the future, but maybe an 8-8 season. In baseball the Marlins played very well for a team of kindergarteners and maybe with a little experience they can challenge in the NL next season.

Also, in flag football in case you may have missed it. The Vaughn Park team won the title at Faulkner this past season, despite being much older and out-of-shape than every team we played.


That’s my world of sports.

Music Top 100 Part 1

With movie day in history (after I have seen the video now 3 times), I thought I’d do a top 100 groups list. Since I am into Christian music, and have only been alive since 1980, my list will include some shockers I am sure. I will reveal in a 5 part series with 20 in each part. Comments are welcome to tell me who I left off and who should not be on the list.
My criteria is that the artist had to have left, or has the possibility to leave, an impact on at least their genre of music.

Here is 100-81:

100: P.O.D.: A group that is only on the list because they have the potential with a few more good albums of becoming a great group. They do have three now that are very solid albums.

99: Boys to Men: A great group. They put out several albums in the early-mid 90’s and were at the top for several years. I still enjoy listening to the harmonies they put together in their albums.

98: Frank Sinatra: Good ole’ blue eyes. A great singer that can still be listened to today.

97: John Denver: Good artist.

96: The Beastie Boys: Brass Monkey all the way. This group was great for the few years they were at the top. I still laugh to hear their music being played by the kids I coach and teach.

95: Kiss: Not one of my favorites, especially with what their name stands for, but they did have a big impact.

94: Babyface: I know he has flown under the radar, but he has great music. If you are in the mood for romance his music will help you out.

93: David Crowder: If this were my wife’s list he might be in the top 20. He is growing on me as an artist and I think he will continue to impact Christian music for many years to come.

92: Accapella: I am such a homer with this pick. But I love all the Accapella albums, especially the old ones.

91: Red Hot Chili Peppers: A group that has put out several hits in the last decade. They fly under the radar most of the time, but are a very strong group.

90: Willie Nelson: An icon to many in his industry.

89: Cake: A favorite of mine. They have only put out two good albums, but their music is very unique, even though Jamey hates it J

88: Creed: A group that has put out 2 great albums. Hopefully they can get back to their roots. If not…they will be off the list soon.

87: Dixie Chicks: I am not a fan of their politics, but do enjoy their music, obviously several million agree with me.

86: Van Halen: Had several good albums.

85: Lynyrd Skynyrd: He has put out some good music. Notably “Sweet Home” to some state.

84: Christina Aguilera: She is on the way up. Barring an unforeseen stop to her career she will continue to rise as one of the biggest voices of this generation.

83: New Kids on the Block: The first boy band to make it really big. They set the stage for all those who followed (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, etc…). Looking back now most people would be slightly embarrassed to have listened to them, but they were huge in the 80’s.

82: Kenny G: I know many of you may be cringing at this pick, but really who doesn’t know who this guy is. If you want to hear a great saxophone, you listen to this guy.

81: Guns ‘N Roses: A great 80’s band. They put out several great songs during their time at the top and influenced an awful hairdo for a long time.

Tough Girl

nu=3235>5<2>33;>WSNRCG=32323:6362478nu0mrj.jpg">Avery is a lot like her mother. She often is a mini-Jamey. She also acts like her mother, often copying everything she does and says. She is also a very independent tough girl, just like her mom. She had a fever last night (hopefully it is going down as I am typing this at school) and it was obvious she did not feel good, but she continued to try to play and be a happy baby.

Rationalization

I have now been in the blogging world for a few months. While looking at others blogs I have come to a realization. As Christians, it seems we try to rationalize what we would like to do. Don't get me wrong, ask Jamey or my mother, I am the king of this. Finding something that I'd like to do that I know deep down is not the right thing and finding ways to make it sound ok, or at the least not that bad.
I have read blogs on why it is ok to curse, why it is ok to be gay, why it is ok to even use marijuana (spelling ??). I have heard people make cases as to why all these things are ok. Am I off here, or are we looking at a case of rationalization? I here all the time that since I believe in the use of force (military, police) that I am rationalizing something that is wrong, but at the same time I am being told that cursing, homosexuality, and drugs are ok? Is it just me or did I just jump back to the '70s and all the hippies are attacking me? (that is meant as a joke).

Thankful

Top Ten things I am thankful for this morning.

10. Nice smelling candles (I love the smell of a good candle)
9. John Grisham books: I just finished the innocent man (a non-fiction work) and am about to start on the broker. These are the only two that I have not read yet.
8. Hot shower (I think I took about 20 minutes this morning to wake up)
7. Thursday night TV: We are big into: Survivor (I smell a merge), CSI (all of them), and now Shark.
6. Friends we have that are coming over, and those that couldn't make it (we'll see you next time Jon and Stacy).
5. All my teams won last night: I know the Dolphins will probably lose today and make it not so good, but I pull for: Orlando (NBA) who is in first in the East, Air Force (6-1 with one loss to Duke), Florida (#1 in country) and Arizona (beat the mess out of some Birmingham team).
4. Christmas shopping. I know I may be crazy but I love to shop for Christmas presents for everyone.
3. FOOD: I can already smell the meal at 8:00 in the morning. (Stacy: I will miss your sweet potatoes, we'll have to visit Huntsville for some of those, and Jon we'll save some noodles for you).
2. Family in town today, and those we'll see on Christmas.
1. Wife and little girl

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Kramer

Anyone seen the latest on Kramer (or Michael Richards)? He was in a comedy club being heckled by a few black men and went into a racial tirade. Saying something to the effect of 50 years ago they'd be tied to a tree and then dropping the "n" bomb several times. He has since come out and apologized on Letterman. What do you think? That is an awful situation.

"if they only had a brain"

The BCS has got me singing the old wizard of OZ song. They want the bowl money at the expense of having a great playoff system. Let's look at what a 8 team playoff would look like.

I picked the top 5 teams from the BCS and put in the ACC winner (we'll say GTech and undefeated Boise State, and Texas (big 12). To do this I had to nock out the WV/Rutgers/Lousiville teams which could be substituted for Boise State (either way they would be beat in the first round by Ohio State). Florida could also be switched with Arkansas if they win the SEC.

1 vs 8
Ohio State takes on undefeated Boise State. While I think everyone would pick OSU here, I'd pay to watch the game. We'll say OSU wins.

2 vs 7
Michigan takes on Georgia Tech. This is another game that could be closer than people think featuring the games best wide recievers. We'll pick Michigan.

3 vs 6
USC vs. Texas makes for a nice little rematch does it not. While both teams are very different I think the game would be a good one here. We'll go with USC.

4 vs 5
Florida vs. Notre Dame. You think people would not pay big money to go watch this one. Florida will prove how over-rated the irish are.

Second Round

OSU vs. Florida. To many this would be like a championship game. To be fair we'll pick OSU, although I think Florida would give them all they want.

USC vs. Michigan. A nice little Rose Bowl match-up. I'd go with USC in a close one.

Championship

OSU vs. USC. This might be the real BCS game, but at least it would have been proved on the field and not just voted on. I'd take OSU to win big.

That's B(C)S

Today they revealed the new BCS standings. The day after Michigan gave up 42 points in a loss to Ohio State. The day after Michigan was down 11 points with 30 seconds to go in the "great epic" between two of the better teams in the NCAA. To me Ohio State dominated the game, and although they did not do a great job against Mike Hart, they are the superior team by far.
The rankings:
1. Ohio State (no problem here)
2. Michigan (are you kidding me?)
3. USC (another over-rated team)
4. Florida (another SEC team about to get messed over)
5. Notre Dame
6. Arkansas
7. West Virginia
8. Louisville


Now don't get me wrong Michigan is better than several of the other one-loss teams (they beat Notre Dame rather easily), but to put them over USC and Florida and even red-hot Arkansas is a mistake. Of course people that live in the rust belt (also known as the mid-west want a rematch) what else will they do?? Make some more cars!!


Here are the resume's for the other top teams and senarios that I would put them in.

Florida: If they beat FSU and Arkansas they should be number 2. They have the toughest schedule of any of the top 10 teams and are a blocked punt away from being undefeated. Yes, they do not win pretty (how about Michigans thrilling win over Vandy, or their close call two weeks ago). If we are stuck with an awful system, the team that plays the hardest schedule with the best record should be in the championship game.

USC: If Florida falters and they win-out they should go. They have not played a rough schedule (with the exception of Notre Dame, who Michigan handled and Arkansas, lucky they played them early). They should go over a one-loss Arkansas team because they won the head-to-head. They should go over Michigan because their resume will be very similar, except we have not already seen them get handled by Ohio State.

Arkansas: Need to win-out (LSU will give them fits and I don't think they match up well with Florida) and hope for Notre Dame to beat USC. If that happens I say you put them ahead of Michigan and Notre Dame.

Michigan: Obviously I am not very high on a rematch. But...If Florida loses to Arkansas, and Arkansas loses to LSU (very possible) AND Notre Dame beats USC (also possible) Michigan should go over a Notre Dame team they have already beat.

So those are my senarios, what do you think? What about other bowl games? Here are a few of my picks.

Sugar: Florida (who gets left in the cold) vs. West Virginia (if they beat Rutgers)
Rose: Michigan vs. Auburn (There's your rematch)
Orange: ACC winner vs. Notre Dame
Fiesta: Texas vs. Boise State

I see Arkansas getting the Capital Bowl, Tennesse in the next SEC game and LSU in the leftover bowl.

Top Ten Christmas

Top Ten Things I’d Like For Christmas

I am stealing this idea from another blogger. I love Christmas, and need to listen to the music. Yes I listen to Christmas music and am proud of it. Since you know how much I love lists, here goes…

This list is a dream list for me. If I could pick out ten things, no matter the cost or actual chance of them happening, here they are.

10. As good a time as possible in Colorado/Texas over the break: I am sure this will happen. Our parents bought us the tickets to come and see the families. I would like snow in Colorado and maybe a little in Texas as well.

9. A Gator Hat. Jamey got me the best Gator hat last X-mas and I managed to lose it in the move. Fitted hats are the best. In case anyone wants to know I where a size 7 ¼.

8. Subscription to Dolphin Digest: This is a must for any die-hard fan. It has articles throughout the year that no one except Dolphin fans will appreciate. I had this one time when I was little and loved reading about my team over and over. Now… if only they could win some games this year.

7. A Dolphin Christmas/New Years win. I want the Phins to be in position at 7-7 this late in the season and beat the Jets on X-mas (taking them out of the playoffs and putting us in position to grab a bid late). Then proceed to beat the 15-0 Colts to keep Miami’s ’72 team as the only undefeated team in history and securing our birth to the playoffs. While I’m at it, why don’t we just win the rest of the games to go to the super bowl.

6. NFL Sunday Ticket: I’d love to be able to watch the games I want to see on Sunday. This week I got to watch a thrilling Falcons vs. Browns game, while last week it was the Titans getting crushed by someone.


5. Sirius radio: Or whatever radio gets all the NFL games. This is my back-up to NFL Ticket, and it would be good to have all the stations for music for my dancing machine of a daughter. She has moves I have never even seen…

4. Music: I love my Christian music. And this year there are many great artists out there. Hopefully I’ll get my annual Wow CD from Jamey. I think I would actually like a Christina Aguilara CD (I can’t believe I just said that). And there are many other Christian artists I’d love to hear more from.

3. TIVO: I have heard great things about this. But I probably watch too much TV as it is. It would be nice to be able to record shows without having to use all the old VHS to keep everything on.

2. Tickets to watch the Gators win the National Title game. I know they have to beat a few teams first and hope USC loses, but I’d love to get to watch live as they “Tebow” their way over OSU or Michigan and prove all the critics wrong about Meyer’s offense.

1. My wife and daughter’s happiness. I hope both of them have a great X-mas.

I am sure there are more things I could list (A new car/house, etc…) but this is just a list I thought would be fun to make.

We are the champions

OLD MEN WIN TITLE


In a surprising blowout the old men managed to go undefeated last night. Playing Faulkner's best club team the old men used a suffocating defense to secure the win early and then had fun running the score up late in their victory over Kappa.
Led by Albert Cager's 3 TD's and Andy Bowen's 2 TD's the old men were only threatened once, at 13-6, before they pulled away to a 33-6 win last night in the championship.

The OM started with the ball and drove down the field quickly before an interception ended the drive at the 5 yard line. The defense quickly forced a 3-and-out and the OM started the next drive at the 50. Fueled by catches by Jerry and Russ to get the ball down to the 30, Andy Bowen scored one of his two rushing touchdowns by making several people miss. After another shutdown on defense, the OM scored quickly as Simpson found Cager for a 40 yard score.
After the half Kappa responded with a nice TD drive to make it 13-6. That is a close as they would get. The old men then ran a long drive down the field, including a reverse by Jeff May to get the ball down to the 5 yard line. From their Simpson found Bowen for a short pass that would push the lead to 20-6.
After another stop by the defense, with a sack on 3rd down by Jeff Hubbard. The OM quickly went down field. The big pass was Simpson to Medaris for 35 yards. On fourth and goal Simpson found Cager between two defenders to make it 27-6.
The last score was late in the game as Cager found Medaris for a 60 yard TD to complete the mercy rule.


Too bad that it is over.

"American" Christianity

Those of you who know me, or read my blog occasionally, know that I love the country I live in. I am very proud to live in a country that gives me the freedoms that America does. However, in class yesterday morning I heard the term American Christianity. We were discussing Paul. It got me to thinking.

The quote was used in class that when Americans pray we pray that our burdens be taken off our back. Or at least lessened so that we can continue. Where most of the rest of the world prays that their back be stronger to handle the burden. It made me think.

Often we hear people in churches, especially churches of Christ, complaining of the service where in other areas I would seriously doubt those being persecuted are questioning the song choice or the fact that they could not find a good seat on Sunday.

There are many other examples I could go on about, but hopefully everyone gets the point. I know I will try to think about this the next time I want to gripe about the church or some problem in my life.

Flag Football Pics

Here are a few pictures of Tuesday's victory.
nu=3235>5<2>33;>WSNRCG=32323:5969;29nu0mrj.jpg"> THE HUDDLE






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By far the best looking football player I've ever seen.





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Get'em





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Surveying the field






nu=3235>5<2>33;>WSNRCG=32323:5973<43nu0mrj.jpg">
The Champs

Elections

What does everyone think of the Dems gaining control in the Senate and the House? Will we have bi-partisanship going on? Or will it be more of "we don't really have a plan, but whatever Bush comes up with we'll just bash" from the democrats?
I actually am very interested in what we will do in Iraq now. Will we attempt to finish what has been started? Or will we pull out now and leave them to fend for themselves?
What other bills will get started? Gay marriage as a nation? What does everyone think???

Ladies' Night

Last night the old men took on another Faulkner club. This time though, we brought our secret weapon...the women. Three girls decided to get in on the action of flag football (Jamey, Brandie, and Jessica). The girls all did themselves proud, and I'm sure they were flattered to be flirted with by 18-21 year old college boys.
The recount:
The old people won the game 33-31. We started off rough with an INT returned to our 15 and quickly were down 6-0. The next possession went much smoother when after several passes, Simpson (Kenny) found Cager for the first score and with a converted XP, the old folks led 7-6. The young boys quickly answered to make it 13-7. On the next possession fueled by long receptions by Jerry and Jessica, the old men cashed in on fourth and goal with Simpson finding Medaris in the back of the end zone on a great catch. The XP made it 14-13.
The young guys again made a nice drive (converting several fourth downs and overcoming a sack by Jessica) to push the score to 19-14. Again the old folks returned the favor. This time on a pass to Russ Lasiter in the back of the end zone. The score stayed 20-19 after Simpson's pass fell incomplete for the XP. The young folks quickly responded to make it 25-19.
On the next drive fueled by several grabs by Jessica and a run by Jamey to take the ball to the five. Simpson's play fake to Brandie pulled the defense up and allowed him to find Medaris in the back of the end zone all alone. The XP made it 27-25. The old folks then held the young boys on the next drive led by the pass rush of the women and Cager's INT. The old people pushed the lead to 33-25 when Simpson found Jeff May in the back of the end zone on 4th and goal. The young bucks would score again, but could not convert the last extra point and the old people stormed...well hobbled, onto the field in celebration.
Pictures to follow.

Did you vote today?

Have you gone to vote today? I have not. It is not because I do not feel it is important, I just did not have any time to go vote (and I don't think I am registered in Montgomery yet). I did want to talk about the fact that we get to vote and how great that is. Too often I feel we as citizens do not take advantage of the opportunity (like I am doing now). What are the main issues in your state? Fortunately, Alabama will not have to vote on prop 1 (gay marriage, which I would hope would be defeated if it made it on as a bill).

Flag Football: Round 1

Well the old men did themselves proud Saturday by beating two clubs at Falkner.

In the first game we beat the second best club at Falkner 21-19. We scored on the first possession on a run by Simpson on fourth and goal. The club (Lambda) battled back to tie the score at 7 later in the half. With 31 seconds to go in the half Simpson found Cager for a 31 yard catch and run to put the old guys up. Goins extra point grab pushed it to 14-7 at half. Lambda scored in the second half to make it 14-13, but could not put in the extra point. The Old men then pushed the lead to 21-13 on a nice drive with two catches by Jerry to take us down to the red zone. Simpson then found Jeff for the score. The tenatious Lambda's made it 21-19 on the next play as the QB broke up the middle on an 80 yard run. The extra point was no-good and the old men ran out the clock on the next possession.

The second game was a laugher. The old men scored on the first four possessions to make it 28-0 and finish the game off with a reverse by Bowen for 60 yards to mercy rule the Sigmas. Simpson finished with 3 TD's passing and Bowen finished with 3 TD's. Cager also had several big catches and 1 INT to effectively seal the game.

We now have a scrimage Tuesday night at 7PM with the ladies playing with us. We will take on the Sigmas as they look for revenge against us. More pictures and stories to come...


BTW: In case anyone is looking for a fantasy stud, I had 5 TD passing and 1 rushing in two games :)

David vs. Goliath

I think one of the favorite stories in the bible is the story of David and Goliath. Anyone who has ever felt themselves as an underdog can relate to David. I love this analogy on several levels, the obvious underdog level and the much deeper level of the faith in God.
Tonight we play Montgomery Academy or as they like to be called "The Academy". They are 9-0 and have scored over 33 points in the last 8 games (so you can imagine how great my nights have been as I cannot sleep). Do we have a chance? Did David?

Thought ya'll might like this

Non-violent vs. Anti-American

After discussing with several men on various blogs I have continued to try to find out the pacifist (non-violent) view-point. What I have seen are two/three very different views and I'll attempt to mention each as I understand it. While I respect many of these people views (especially those in category 2 and 3), I disagree to a point with many of them. Here are the three types I have seen. Let me know what you think.

Category 1:

This group I would almost classify as the "anti" group. They tend to talk bad about Christians that are "fundamentalists", the country they live in, and really anyone that would fall into either of those two categories. I have a hard time understanding this group. It seems as though they want to enjoy the freedoms they enjoy, but want to criticize everyone that would disagree with their point of view.

Here is a quote that I thought fit this group

"The majority of pacifists either belong to obscure religious sects or are simply humanitarians who object to taking life and prefer not to follow their thoughts beyond that point. But there is a minority of intellectual pacifists, whose real though unacknowledged motive appears to be hatred of western democracy and admiration for totalitarianism. Pacifist propaganda usually boils down to saying that one side is as bad as the other, but if one looks closely at the writing of the younger intellectual pacifists, one finds that they do not by any means express impartial disapproval but are directed almost entirely against Britain and the United States[.]"

–Orwell’s Notes on Nationalism, May 1945

While not many of the people that I would consider friends fall into this category, I too often lump them all together...


Category 2

These are the pacifists that are much more like the amish. Although they obviously feel their choice in lifestyle is the correct one (often they point to the example of Christ) they do not condemn others that might disagree with them. This group seems to be the more prevalent group among the more educated left-wing group.
While I disagree with this group, they do make some valid points, but too often stop at theology without talking about practical solutions.

I would say this group is the "humanitarians who object to taking life and prefer not to follow their thoughts beyond that point" group.

Category 3

These people believe in defending your family, the rights of others, etc... But they do talk about exhausting all options of non-violence first. While I would say I am somewhat behind that, many here still fall short of practical solutions to events of the world today. This group does believe in having a police force, and a military, although many would not serve in either (or they would serve in a non-violent role).