Enjoying Life

Today has been a good day. Although I am sick (can't breath without using my mouth), my team is 0-2, and Avery woke up at 5:45, today is still a good day. Why?

Because I am a Christian. I am able to talk about, worship, and pray to a God who has been through much worse.



Because I am a husband. I have a wife that loves me, takes care of me, and has fun with me. And enjoys much of the same things that I do (nice catch baby).

Because I am a father. I have a little girl that, as of this moment, loves me, plays with me, and kisses me. As noted in the picture she also helps me gameplan for football.

Because I am an American. I have the freedoms to worship my God, to live without fear.

Because I am a teacher. I get paid to influence kids everyday.


Because I am a coach. I do something I love and call it a "job".

So, even though I can't breath, am tired, still am slightly depressed about losing, today is a good day...

I Hate Losing

Ever since I was a little child I have been the most competitive person I know. I would play atari with my dad and if I lost I would cry all night in my room, and have to be coxed out to eat dinner. When I played sports I would not be able to be around others if we lost (this is at the age of 6).
Now a more mature me still can't stand to lose. I know it is a part of life, just not a fun one. Coaching at ACA has been a great experience for me. I love "my boys" and would do anything for them. They have improved a ton from the jamboree to now. We played our best game the other night in front of about 5000 people in our stadium and got beat. We didn't just get beat. We got beat in overtime. On fourth down. When we covered the reciever as well as possible the ball just got between two of our guys to their guy. I can't stand losing and it has taken me since friday to finally be able to forget (somewhat) the woulda-shoulda-coulda's of the game.
Most of you know Jamey and I are probably the most competitive couple. With a combined 0-7 record the Simpson's have had to mature a little in this respect. I still cannot stand losing, but in the middle of the game one of the officials was talking to the head coach and me about a local coach who recently passed away at a young age. He mentioned their were over 1000 at the funeral of boys he had mentored. And that helped me to see that I did not get into coaching to win games, but to win boys for Christ. So even though I hate to lose, I love coaching no matter the outcome.

Strongest Football Conference

This is to all those who love college football. I have always heard this conference is the best, or this one is because of this. I have moved enough and have enough favorite teams (FLA, AZ, Air Force) to give a somewhat unbiased opinion on the strongest conference in college football. I rank them on overall streangth, top teams, and year-in year-out streangth. With deepest sympathies to all the smaller conferences I will limit this to the BCS top 6.

Big East:

Easily to weakest of the bunch. Only WV keeps them above the lower level conferences. Louisville is a solid team recently and every now and then Syracuse is worth something (not lately though).
Too many weak teams drag them down to the bottom of the 6.

PAC 10:

In basketball I'll fight for them, not in football though. USC is head and shoulders above the rest. And I think USC still wouldv'e gone undefeated in the tougher conferences the last few years. After USC we saw what happened to Cal against a solid (not spectacular Tennessee team). Oregon looks to be tough. But Boise State beat the dog out of Oregon State last night and there are too many weak sisters here as well. Arizona and ASU will be improved and could make a bowl, but would not fare well in the tougher conferences. UCLA can't play a lick of defense. Stanford is another basketball school.
They fall to number 5 of 6.

Big 10:

I know this may have been blaspheme ten years ago. But now it is reality. The Big 10 is simply not that good. Ohio State I believe is a national title contender and that is why I have them above the Pac 10. Michigan is a constant underacheiver (but they do have the best uniforms in the land). MSU is off and on. Same with Purdue, Northwestern (who is more off than on) and Illinois. Iowa is a solid under the radar type team. Penn St. was good last year for the first time in a while, but is not looking too good this year. Wisconsin is good at running the ball, and that's about it.
They are 4 of 6.

Big 12:

They are this high for two reasons and two reasons alone: 1) Texas, 2) Oklahoma. The rest are mediocre at best. I feel you have to have them up here because every year either TX or OK will be in the title game it seems or close to it. Nebraska is turning it around and look to win the North this year. Texas A & M is normally good, until recently. But I feel they will bounce back this year or next. Texas Tech has one of the best offenses in the country (until they play Alabama). Kansas St. is normally pretty tough as well. The rest: Not so good.
3 of 6

SEC:

Most might disagree with this and I like to hear the reasons. The SEC is a very tough conference. Both sides have national contenders year in and year out. In the East you have FLA, TN, Georgia, and sometimes USC. In the west LSU, AU and Alabama most years. The problem lies in the rest of the teams. Vandy and Kentucky are whipping boys for the SEC and would be for most other conferences as well. Arkansas can sometimes do fairly well. MSU and Ole Miss are terrible.
2 of 6

ACC:

I know this is a surprise to some people. But the top teams are as good as the SEC: Miami, FSU, VTech, Clemson (this season), Georgia Tech. They also have a much more solid middle: Boston College, NC State, Virginia, North Carolina. They do have a bottom level: Duke, Wake Forrest. But the lower level is much more competitive than in any conference. With title teams at the top, a solid middle to push them, and only two write in wins I think the ACC is
1 of 6

Alright you SEC crazy's tell me why I am wrong.

Sorry Phins...

The Dolphins managed to do it again, get up on an opponent have the ball in their territory and lose. Oh well just 15 more I have to watch. At least I got the right score 28-17, just wrong teams. Credit to the Steelers, there is a reason they are super bowl champs.
On another note, Jamey's girls got off the hump, somewhat. I am sure she'll blog about this so I won't give too much detail. They did not win the match, but finally got a game won.
About Avery now. Her new favorite word is "no". This morning I was getting her ready for school (to come with me to see her mom, who is coaching in the morning), and I asked her about several different things she knows and she pointed and laughed. Then I asked if she wanted her diaper changed and she said "no,no,no" and clung to me with arms and legs not letting me put her on the table. The funniest is when people she doesn't want try to pick her up now. She puts her hand in their face and says "no,no". Not that we encourage this, but sometimes it is funny.

Miami Dolphins

Miami vs. Pittsburgh

Most of you know the Miami Dolphins are my favorite team in any pro or college sport. I have watched and cheered them through many-a 8-8 seasons. They break my heart every year, but I keep on cheering.
Now there is optimism in Miami about their beloved Dolphins. I am attempting to not get caught up in it, as I have so many times before. But it is hard, as the Phins have added Daunte Culpepper to the mix. They have rid themselves of Crazy Ricky and are now hooked on former Auburn Tiger Ronnie Brown. They still have Chris---I catch the hard ones and drop the easy ones---Chambers and Randy—I beat my wife…twice—McMichael. Their Offensive Line is improved. Their Defense should be sound. And yet I know somewhere down the line they’ll manage to lose to the Jets or Bills or someone’s peewee football team. I also know they’ll beat the Patriots at least once (please) and upend some other team that should beat them. My fearful prediction for the Dolphins: 10-6 wildcard team.
Onto the game, Miami typically starts the season well (except for last season 3-7 and the one before that 4-12) and does well in hyped games. With Big Ben out I think Miami will upend the Steelers 28-17 tonight and get my hopes rising before crushing them again for the 26th straight year.


Also would like to give a shout-out to the Marlins. A complete game no hitter thrown last night. First team ever to come from 20 games under .500 to above .500. They will not make the playoffs (schedule too tough and Padres have no one left on schedule), but way to go guys. A $15 million salary for the whole team. There are 20 players alone that make that much. Watch out, if they do slip into the playoffs as a wild card they are 2-0 in the world series...

Improving SLOWLY

As most of you know I coach football at ACA. As the defensive coordinater I take a lot of pride in my boys. We have become better already, but with 3 sophmores, 2 freshmen, and 5 juniors seeing much playing time on the defense it is a SLOW process. We opened with a jamboree against a top 10 school in 4A and acted like we didn't know how to play. Things started rough this week as we gave up two quick scores in the first 3 minutes. After that we held them to 7 points (on a busted play) and forced two turnovers and 5 three-and-outs (girls that means we did well). Hopefully we can play a whole game this week and come out 1-0 in our region. We'll see Friday...

Top Ten Video Games of all time

This is my list to the top ten video games I have ever played. I think it is safe to say that I have played many video games in my 26 years from Atari to Playstation 2. These are the games I feel were the best to come around on all the game systems.

10. Track and Field: Nintendo with the power pad. A classic that actually involved physical work with a video game. Great game.

9. Contra: A great game by nintendo. I played this game all the time and loved it. The awful graphics just make me love it more.

8. Super Techmo bowl: Great game for the old school players. Kept up with stats for you.

7. Madden (name the year): Any of the Madden games have to be up here. I would play and follow with stats for a year. Now there is Dynasty mode. Create yourself and play. Great games.

6. Golden Eye: This 007 game was a favorite of my college years. I loved playing in the four screens. The Proximity mines were the weapon of choice for me.

5. Sonic: This game is mainly on here because it is Jamey's favorite game. It was a classic by Sega for many.

4. NBA Jam: A personal favorite of mine. I used to have all-out wars with friends on this game. Classic (Shaq and Penny on the Magic).

3. Halo: 1 and 2 are great. Can remember playing on the system at Harding. Now I lose bad to my little brother.

2. Pac-man: Know this shows my age but I love Pacman. Arcade's beware I can make that one quarter last half an hour on a good day.

1. Mario Bros/Duck Hunt: I know it "came with the game", but it is the most popular game out there. There was even a awful kid's sitcom that tried to come from the game. Almost everyone I know has played both these games. I knew all the warps and was able to beat the game without warping. And I hate that dog on Duck hunt.

Those just off: Mike Tyson's punch out, Double Dribble (Great close ups of the dunks), Mario Cart Racing, Tetris, All the new war ones out on Xbox are great also.


Let me know what I might have missed all you nerds that know you played these games.

"Christian Politics"

As I read several friends blogs, and links to other blogs, to other blogs. I become more and more disturbed about one thing. Our "politics" as Christians. It seems more and more we as well as the rest of the nation want to turn away from the actual history that America was founded as a christian nation. I was actually very surprised to hear this from many people that thought it was fact. When in reality that is as far off-base as one can go. Here are just a few small examples of the true history of the founding of our nation.

52 of 55 signers of our Declaration of Independence were deeply religious

Immediately after creating our government the Continental congress bought 20,000 bibles for the people of the nation (as a governmental purchase)

Quote from Patrick Henry: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."

George Washington in his farewell speach: "It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters".

In 1782 the U.S. Congress voted this resolution: "The congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in ALL SCHOOLS"

Of the first 108 universities founded in America. 106 were distinctly Christian.
The Harvard Student Handbook rule #1: the students must know Latin and Greek in order that they may STUDY THE SCRIPTURES

For over 100 years over 50% of Harvard Grads were ministers

There are many more examples that I could list. But I think the point has been made. Our nation was founded as a Christian nation. Unfortunately, now our nation is so depraved morally. What is even more sad is that many Christians were not even taught that it has not and should not be this way. This is where "Christian politics" come into play. I know and acknowlege that my allegiance is first to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To that end I feel that I need to be involved in decisions that are made in the place I live. A country that once was a deeply Christian nation. And despite as bad as it has become. Why do you think we are attacked by Muslim extremists? It is not because we are athletically or mentally superior or a threat. It is because we are still viewed as a Christian nation.

Although our nation is not where any of us would like it to be: ie. Gay marriage, abortion, etc... We must continue to be ACTIVE in our government. It is shocking for me to hear of others that will not vote, or do not care about the affairs of the nation in which we live. To many times as Christians we take a passive approach and become the "silent majority" on major issues. I hear people all the time talking about how America is going down hill, yet doing nothing.

Despite all the immorality in the U.S. we are in better shape than all of Europe, most of Asia and many other nations. To this end I feel we must be proud that we do have religious freedom, and must attempt to gain back the "Christian" part of America.

Growing up

I do not get sentimental much. Trust me you can ask my wife. But the other night we watched Cheaper By the Dozen II. Pretty good fun movie. One of the main story lines is about the youngest girl growing up. This for whatever reason got me a little sentimental about my little girl and how much she has already grown up. Tonight in church I watched for the first time how in class she can climb the little slide set they have and go down the slide all by herself. She did this several times and came running to me with a big smile as if to see if I was impressed. I will miss the days when she does not always run into my arms after every big acheivement...

Football preview

This is my football preview. It will feature college, pro and high school teams. Teams that I like and how I feel they will finish.

NFL: I am a huge Dolphin fan, but do not believe as some have suggested that they will make a run at the super bowl. I do feel they have a chance at a wild card given their division is not as strong as others in the AFC. My pick 10-6 and out in the first round.

Division Winners:

NFC

East: Giants: Tiki Barber. Manning with another year experience.
North: Chicago: Defense will lead the way.
South: Carolina: Too much talent.
West: Seattle: No one will put up a fight in West.

Wildcards: Cowboys, Tampa Bay

Just missing the cut: Saints, Falcons, Cardinals, Rams

Big disapointments: Redskins


AFC

East: Patriots: Tom Brady, 'nough said
North: Cincy: Carson looks ok.
South: Indy: Peyton Manning (seeing a theme here)
West: Denver: Running game always solid.

Wildcards: Miami, Pittsburg

Just missing the cut: KC, Jacksonville, San Diego (too much tallent in AFC West)

Big disapointment: Oakland (Again)

NFC Championship: Carolina vs. NY. Giants

AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Indy

Super Bowl: Patriots beat NY. Giants



College Preview

My favorite teams: Florida, FSU, Miami, Air Force, Arizona.
Of the above the Florida schools should fare well (although no real contenders for the BCS). Air Force will be above .500 and Arizona I think will creep above .500 under the "other Stoops".

Top 10

1. Ohio State: Too much Troy Smith (alot like Vince Young)
2. West Virginia: I believe in this under-the-radar team
3. Auburn: As much as I'll be rooting against them
4. LSU: Too much talent. Playing the "no respect card"
5. Notre Dame: Great offense. Bad defense. Rough schedule.
6. Oklahoma: If had QB would be my #2
7. Georgia: Too much talent. Under-the-radar. Due to beat FLA this year.
8. Cal: Should finally beat USC.
9. Florida: Next year will be their year.
10. FSU: Always loaded on defense. If they could just score a little...

Just outside: USC, Texas, Michigan, VTech, Miami, Louisville

Conference winners:

SEC: Auburn
Florida can win the East, but with Auburn or LSU out of the west look out.
Surprising team: Arkansas

Pac 10: Cal
USC will be there, but too much inexperience
Surprising team: Arizona

Big 12: OK
Texas is still good, just not vince good
Surprising Team: Colorado wins the north

ACC: FSU
VT and Miami will be around, just not enough
Surprising Team: Clemson

Big 10: OSU
Michigan could be very dangerous this year as well
Surprising Team: MSU



High school

Madison Academy: I am predicting a 12-2 season with the Mustangs getting to the semis. The defense returns 9 of 11 starters and should carry the team. Enough will be done on offense with the running backs to win games. Not pretty, but effective.

ACA: With the younger players the sky is the limit. Their DC is one of the brightest young minds in the game...

Let me know what you think.
Put in your favorite teams and lets hear how you think they'll do.

Top Ten places I'd like to go/have gone

This list will cover the top places I'd like to visit. I have been to a few, but most of these are places I'd like to go. The next list is the places I have been to that I enjoyed. Jamey and I love to travel and hope to be able to continue as we get older.

10. Italy: I'd love to go back to Rome/Florence/Pompeii and add in Milan/Venice and others to my list.

9. England/Scottland: Would enjoy seeing the coast and the terrain.

8. Australia: This is mostly for Jamey (it is one place she has always wanted to go). I'd like to see the coast and go to the Great Barrier Reef.

7. Israel: I'd love to walk the area where Jesus walked and see the things he has. I enjoy biblical history and would love to go back to the areas I read about.

6. Egypt: Would love to see the Nile, Pyramids, Sphinx.

5. Japan/China: Yes I realize these are different areas, but I figure I'd have to hit both in one trip. I'd love to see the huge cities in both places. I would also like to see the Great Wall.

4. South America: Anywhere that is not a war zone. Particularly Brazil.

3. Denver: I'd love to see my family more.

2. U.S. West: Kind of a cheat. But I'd love to do a road trip to hit: Yosimite, Mt. Rushmore, Glacier Park, Vancover, Seatle, San Fransisco, Las Vegas, 4 corners, Grand Canyon. (Yes it would be a long trip)

1. Alaskan Cruise: Jamey and I enjoy cruises and would love to do a 7 day cruise and also get to see Alaska for a few days afterward.



10. Guyana: Went there on a mission trip and enjoyed it.

9. Searcy: We loved living in this middle of nowhere place several years.

8. Chattanooga (spelling): We had a great weekend. Those in Huntsville, it is a good 3 day weekend place.

7. Football field: Doesn't matter where.

6. Huntsville: Another great place to live.

5. Gatlinburg: We had a great time on our honeymoon. I love the Christmas shops (even though it was June)

4. Florence: I enjoyed the city (even though we only had a day there)

3. Rome/Paris: We had a blast on this trip. History and love, can't do that much better.

2. Cruise to Carribean: We loved it. Went to several places, Cozumel, Cancun, Roatan. My favorite place: the ship.

1. My home: I love being at home with Jamey and Avery. (Even Curtis sometimes)

Hopefully Montgomery will be on the list soon...

Top Ten Again

Found this while looking for ideas about top ten's and thought I'd share it. Those of you who know me well know that I am a republican to the core (those on Jason's blog know it almost too well). This list is obviously sarcastic, I do not mean to offend any democrats, just ones who voted for Kerry in the last election (just kidding...well not really). I cannot take credit for the blog but did find it funny. Here you go.

Top Ten Reasons it's Cool to be A Republican
by: LittleOrangeFox


10. You control the weather (and can make hurricanes skip white people entirely.)

9. You can warm the entire globe single-handedly.

8. Your car is the reason the environment is bad. Go you!

7. You started all the wars yourself. Even the ones before you were born.

6. You get cool nicknames like NeoCon.

5. Dennis Miller likes you now.

4. Hillary doesn't.

3. All the elections get fixed in your favor.

2. You get to carry a gun.

And the number one reason it is cool to be a Republican

1. You can destroy entire buildings, make gigantic planes vanish into thin air along with the passengers and blame it on that guy in a turban - while at the same time really annoying Canadians who are on to you.

Top Ten Most Hated Athletes

This is another list for me. Top Ten most hated athletes. My criteria is the athlete must play a major sport and have been hated by most fans not just some (for example I'm sure Michael Jordan is not too popular in Salt Lake City).

10. A-Rod: I actually like him, but to be booed AT HOME in almost every game is something new. If he didn't make $250 million I might feel a little sad for the guy.

9. J.J. Redick: Hasn't even played a game yet but already people are against him. Just my luck that my favorite team (Orlando Magic) spent a first round pick on him.

8. Jeff Gordon: I really don't care but have heard enough people that hate the rainbow warrior that he made the list.

7. Terrell Owens: Hated by two cities now (SF and PHILLY). Soon to add Dallas to the list. Plays well when not chewing out his QB or Coach.

6. Vince Carter: Quit on his team and demanded to be traded and got away with it. Doesn't hurt that he has been a major disapointment in the playoffs.

5. Latrell Sprewell: The man choked his coach. He also invented the worst hairstyle to catch on since the afro.

4. Randy Moss: Been hated by most fans of the NFL for a long time, not likely to change...since he plays for the most hated NFL team (Oakland) now.

3. Kobe Bryant: The man got away with a crime (other than how selfish he plays on the court). He also single-handed ruined the Lakers.

2. Ray Lewis: I personally hate this guy. He is someone who probably got away with murder (literally) and plays for one of the most hated coaches as well in Baltimore.

1. Barry Bonds: This guy was hated before he "grew" a mere 40 pounds of muscle at the age of 40.

Tell me who you think should be on here.

A blog about nothing

This blog will cover nothing... If you are still reading you must watch Seinfeld regularly. I figure if a show can make millions over nothing why not try a blog that actually has no real topic or direction.

Here are a few random thoughts:
1) Why do I like lists so much (I feel like such a nerd)
2) Who decided that kissing was a greeting (have you really thought about kissing. Putting your nasty mouth on someone else and leaving saliva on them)
3) Who invented the wheel? Languages? Why are there other races? (OK sorry to get so deep)

Mascots that I would like to have if I owned a team: Knights, Bulldogs, Eagles or Cobras. Ones that would not be so good: Bison, Camels, Calculators, Muleriders (that is a real one), Wonderboys (also real), Inch Worms, Bunnies.

Great quotes of the 8th grade for the week:
"Why did God create the world in 7 days?" Like I am going to know that
"Why do evolutionist think we came from Animals" They are idots
"Why do we have black and white people and when did they get that color" ????

I am sure to have some more quotes for you next time and maybe a topic. Till then

Top 10 Worst Jelly Belly's

Tonight I'd like to post on one of my favorite candies. The "Jelly Belly" is a great variety in a packet snack. What I love about Jelly Belly's is to be able to look at what I am eating and taste all the different flavors. For any who do not know what Jelly Belly's are, they are an updated version of Jelly Beans. Tonight I tried the buttered popcorn flavor and decided to come up with (with the help of Jamey, Jason and Sunny) a top ten worst flavors.
This list is the top ten worst flavors of Jelly Belly's that never made it to the shelves, Here they are:

10. Vienna Sausage flavor

9. Taco flavor

8. A-1 Sauce

7. Crisco flavored

6. Beef Jerky

5. Egg Roll

4. Cottage Cheese

3. Ranch/Any other salad dressing flavored

2. Shrimp

1. Bacon Flavored

Also, Jason Bybee and I are the most dominate spades players this side of the Mississippi. Up next top ten worst mascots. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Last list for a little

This may be my last post for a few days/weeks. I will be starting back to school Monday and with teaching and coaching my workdays should run from 7-7 (that is if there is no Varsity or JV game, in which case it would be from 7AM-11PM). So I will attempt to update as often as possible. I figured a good way to finish up would be a top 10 sitcom list.
Criteria: I have to have seen it. I have to have thought it was funny (even if looking back at it, it is not as funny as I once thought). It has to have run for several years.

10. Family Matters: Urkel. The name brings the face of this sitcom. At it's prime was a very popular clean sitcom.

9. Family Ties: Michael J. Fox in a sitcom. Before he was 40 and still looked 16.

8. Full House: Looking back this is sooooo not funny. But at the time was a great show.

7. Saved By the Bell: Another one that I don't always like to admit I watched, but was great in the 80's and early 90's. Hurt itself by trying "the college years".

6. Cosby Show: Classic show. These are sometimes still funny to watch the re-runs.

5. Everybody Loves Raymond: These are still hillarious even if I've seen the show 200 times. The characters are all great.

4. Friends: Was the top show for several years. Great actors.

3. Cheers: A classic.

2. MASH: Another that could have been number one.

1. Seinfeld: Still funny to watch, even though it is quickly getting dated. Look at the clothes they where. A show about nothing sparked many spinoff types.

Those with a chance: The Office, King of Queens, Tell me some more

Sports Movies/Servant Hearts

Before I get into my top Sports Movies I'd like to share something I saw today at Alabama Christian. While driving home I saw our maintanance men working on our shrubs and cleaning gutters, etc... Of course I thought nothing about it until I drove by... As I passed them I realized who the "maintanance men" were. The President of ACA, Principle of ACA, and Assistant Priniciple of ACA all covered in sweat and dirt. This made me realize I had made the right decision to come to this school. Places I have been in the past would not have had this happen to say the least. I was very impressed and feel I am under the right type of servant leaders.

Ok, now on to two of my favorite topics, sports and movies. Here is my top 20.
Criteria: Movie must be mainly centered around sport. I don't count cheerleading or sports like Tennis, etc (sports that are stupid). Also, no racecar movies (these may be concidered a sport by some, not me) or Karate weird type sports (sorry Karate Kid fans).

20. Miracle: Great Story. Have to have at least one hockey in the top 20 incase some Canadian reads my blog. Also I enjoy clean movies based on a true story.

19. Happy Gilmore: Love Adam Sandler. One of the few who can make me want to watch golf.

18. The Rookie: Great movie. Another clean one based on a true story. Could've been higher if he hadn't made the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I'd have changed it and put him on the Cardinals or someone.

17. The Waterboy: Adam Sandler again. A personal favorite with many great lines. "Mamamama said" this is a great movie. Also love when Lawrence Taylor says "Don't do drugs" the week before he gets busted.

16. Heaven Can Wait: Great older movie. For those who have not seen it. The main charater is the starting QB for the Rams. He is "taken" from life to early by his angel. Later on he is placed in a millionares body for awhile. Comedy that is worth renting some night. Women will even watch it with you for the smaller love story that develops.

15. White Men Can't Jump: Classic. Great actors, great plot, great dialogue.

14. Varsity Blues: Had to put it up there for the football scenes. Not a big fan of the rest of the stuff, but it had great action scenes.

13. Major Leagues Series: The first was one of the funniest movies every. Baseball fans will love it for the action, I love it for the comedy.

12. The Program: Movie that show the corruption in college sports. We don't know much about that down here around Auburn (Oops).

11. Radio: Great clean movie based on a true story.

10. Bull Duram: Classic.

9. A League of their own: Wasn't sure about putting this one up here. Not a big softball (even though they are playing baseball) fan. But the cast makes the movie. Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna.

8. Field of Dreams: Great movie. Another that the whole family can enjoy.

7. The Longest Yard: Both the original and remake were great. If you have not seen the original with "The Burt" watch it.

6. Raging Bull: Robert De Niro is great as a boxer in this classic.

5. The Natural: Great Baseball classic. The last scene with the homerun is great. Only problem is that Robert Redford was already too old for this part.

4. Rudy: Could move up later. Great clean family movie.

3. Rocky Series: Rocky IV is my all-time favorite movie (the one vs. the Russian). The others are classics. This will move down on the list if the rumored Rocky VI comes out.

2. Hoosiers: Could have been number one. Great movie for the family.

1. Remember the Titans: I know it is a newer movie, but man what a classic already. Great Actors and the worlds best sport. Has great action shots and teaches several lessons. And clean enough to show any audience.


Honorable Mentions: Eight Men Out, Summer Catch, The Last Boyscout, Out Cold, Jerry Maguire, 61, All the right Moves, Friday Night Lights, Any Given Sunday, Everybody's All American, Tin Cup, Bagger Vance, Brian's Song, North Dallas Forty, Sandlot, Might Ducks, Mystery Alaska, For Love of the Game, Chariots of Fire, Bad News Bears

Worsts: He got Game, Love and Basketball, The sixth man, Basketball Diaries, Blue Chips (Notice these are all basketball movies)

Till next time

Avery's New Tricks (proud of myself)/ Top Ten War Movies

New Tricks

Go Gators

Some of our friends had a dog called Riley. The dog was very good at doing all types of tricks. She could sit, speak, roll, lay and jump. Unfortunately, to get to one trick she would have to go through all 4 of the others. To get her to roll, she would sit and speak and follow it with a jump....

Avery is now learning several new words and tricks. She can point to her eyes, nose, and mouth. She can say hello, bye-bye, Avery (new this week), baby, mama, and daddy. To get her to do some of her pointing tricks though she goes through them all. She cannont simply point at her eyes, soon to follow will be the nose and mouth.

Jamey used to teach the 4 year olds at Mayfair. In class she would teach one of our favorite little girls who used to always say "I'm so proud of myself" after finishing puzzles, ect.... Avery now has a shape-sorter (probably the kind you had growing up with the star, square, circle, ect...). As she was learning to put the shapes in we would always clap for her. Now she puts the shapes in and claps for herself (without us even being in the room).

Now I have just finished watching "Saints and Soldiers" a good movie (I'd give it 4 stars). That led me to thinking of a new top ten. Sorry ladies this is a top ten war movies list. The criteria is movies that are entirely based on a war (no "Forrest Gump" that have a war in them, but are not based on war). I have to have seen the movie as well.

10. Enemy at the Gates: Very good movie. Based on to assassins with a good cast.

9. Tears of the Sun: Bruce Willis in one of his best movies. Worth going to rent.

8. Gettysburg: Great Civil War movie for anyone who doesn't study the Civil War and those of us who really enjoy studying it. It draws you in and tells of one of the most important battles in our nations history.

7. Gladiator: Russell Crowe gives a great performance. Worth watching to see the special effects, it feels as if you are in the coliseum.

6. Crimson Tide: Another with Denzel, but this time with Gene Hackman. Great drama in this fictional movie.

5. Glory: Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman give great performances. Everyone needs to see this movie at least one time. Also great with historical accuracy.

4. We were soldiers: Mel Gibson with several other great younger actors. Great movie for wives as well as half the movie is from their perspective. Based on real events in Vietnam.

3. Patriot: Mel Gibson again. Based on the Revolutionary war. Great story that is loosely based on facts. Another movie the wives will enjoy as well.

2. Braveheart: Mel Gibson's best movie. This is definitely a man's movie based in Scotland as they gained independence from England. Great war scenes.

1. Saving Private Ryan: The cast alone would make it great: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Paul Giamatti, but the action scenes were intense and realistic. The characters pulled you in. If you want a true experience watch this with surround sound.

Honorable mention: Black Hawk Down, Behind Enemy Lines, Gods and Generals,

Movies I have not seen that I have heard are good: Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Band of Brothers series, Troy, Thin Red Line, ect...

Movies I have seen that I purposely left off: Pearl Harbor, Alexander the Great (heard he was portrayed as gay), Three Kings


Let me know what you think.

Avery's temper/ Another top ten list

Not a big fan of boys kissing my little girl.







I love my little girl. She is sweet and cute and fun to be around. I am able though to admit she has a little spunk in her. This will be good when all your sons are trying to put the moves on her, but right now it is something we're working with. Avery can now give some of the meanest looks. She is generally very pleasant and happy until something is taken from her. We have begun to spank her for throwing fits (don't call us in).
Anyway, the other night I was watching Avery while Jamey was out. We have a cord in the living room that Avery knows she is not to touch (she can do what she wants with everything else in the room). Every now and then she is playing and accidentally comes to it and pulls. We say no and move her and if she goes back she gets spanked. This happened the other night (nothing too bad yet).... Later on in the evening Avery was pulling something out of a book (also a non-rare occurrence) as I took the book away Avery started her normal fit and again got spanked (don't think I just beat my little girl, this is not as often as it sounds). I put her down and she proceeded to sprint to the cord and stare at me as she pulled it as hard as she could from the wall. After I spanked her I realized what she had done. She had become mad and ran to "get me back" the only way she knew how.
Again, Avery has been an almost perfect child to this point so do not think she is a temper tantrum monster. But she can throw one with the best of them already. I love females...

Now a top ten list sent to me from my mother who knows I love lists (call me Stacy Stacy).
This is the top ten worst URL's.

Attn: EntrepeneursEveryone knows that if you are going to operate a business in today’s world you need a domain name. It is advisable to look at the domain name selected as other see it and not just as you think it looks. Failure to do this may result in situations such as the following (legitimate) companies who deal in everyday humdrum products and services but clearly didn’t give their domain names enough consideration:

1. A site called ‘Who Represents‘ where you can find the name of the agent that represents a celebrity. Their domain name… wait for it… iswww.whorepresents.com

2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views atwww.expertsexchange.com

3. Deleted. Funny but not what I wanted on my family friendly blog

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder atwww.therapistfinder.com

5. Then of course, there’s the Italian Power Generator company…www.powergenitalia.com

6. And now, we have the Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:www.molestationnursery.com

7. If you’re looking for computer software, there’s alwayswww.ipanywhere.com

8. Deleted. Same reason as number 3.

9. Then, of course, there’s these brainless art designers, and their whacky website:www.speedofart.com

10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe? Try their brochure website atwww.gotahoe.com

Hope you enjoyed,
Kenny

Top Ten Actors

This is it. The final of the top ten actors. My criteria was for movies I'd seen. If the actor was well rounded and able to carry a movie on his own.

Top Ten Actors

1. Tom Hanks : Look at his list of movies: Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Philadelphia, Cast Away, You've got mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Big. He has been in almost every possible role and has excelled in all of them. I will go watch a movie if he is in it.

2. Mel Gibson: Has become better with age. Lethal Weapons, Patriot, What Women Want, Braveheart, Mad Max, Maverick, Payback, Ransom, Signs, We were soldiers, and many others. Action and serious movies. It doesn't hurt that he also directed The Passion of the Christ.

3. Jimmy Stewart: Classic actor. Mr. Smith goes to Washington, It's a wonderful life, The man who knew too much, Vertigo, and many others. He was the actor of his time.

4. Bruce Willis: One of my favorites who also has gotten better with age. Die Hards, Armageddon, 5th Element, The whole 9 yards, Last Boyscout, The Kid, 6th Sense, Tears of the sun, and many others.

5. Al Pacino. Although I feel he is a supporting actor. He is a great actor. In many movies where he star opposite someone, he is the superior actor.

6. Tom Cruise: I am not a fan of the man but look at the list. MI's, Top Gun, Cocktail, Minority Report, Far and Away, A few good men, Jerry Maquire, Rain Man and many other great movies. He will carry a movie on his own.

7. Brad Pitt: Newer actor compared to the list, but has put out classics in many areas: Fight Club, Seven, A river runs through it, Mr and Mrs. Jones, and many others. He will take on many movies others would not.

8. Harrison Ford: Has to be on the list for the many decades of good movies. Starwars, Indiana Jones, Fugitive, Air Force One, K-19 Widowmaker, Patriot Games, and many others.

9. John Travolta: Has succeeded in many different types of rules. Grease, The Generals Daughter, Face Off, Basic, Broken Arrow, Ladder 49, Look who's talking, Phenomenon, Pulp Fiction.

10. Denzel Washington: A personal favorite of mine. Training day, Philadelphia, Bone Collector, Crimson Tide, Fallen, Glory, John Q, Man on Fire, Manchurian Candidate, Pelican Brief, Out of Time, Preachers Wife, and my favorite Remember the Titans. He also had many more great movies.

Honorable Mention:
Val Kilmer
Nicholas Cage
Matthew McCaughey
Marlon Brando
Charlton Heston
Dennis Quaid
Jeff Daniels
Martin Sheen

Hope youv'e enjoyed the top 10 actors. There will be more to come. Thinking about top sports movies, war movies. Throw some out that you liked.