TSO

Last night Erin and I went to a Trans-Siberian Concert at FedEx Forum. They rock. We are not exactly fans of Christmas music, but they jam out in a way that makes it entertaining. The string music goes great with the electric guitars. The string music was provided by the Memphis Orchestra. The concert was kind of broken up into two sections-the Christmas story and non-Christmas music. However, they ended with my favorite song of theirs, "Carol of the Bells".
We decided that long dark hair is necessary to be a guitarist in the band. They were some serious head bangers. We were very impressed with the band's musical talent.
Overall it was a great night, we found free parking, although it was kind of far away the temperature was perfect to walk in. Only negative of the night is that we had to take our camera back to the car after been checked at the front door.

SNOOZING THE DAY AWAY

Christmas break is a time when relaxing is possible for some of those in the education world. I am currently on Christmas break and I do not have any morning responsibilities. So that got me thinking, what constitutes sleeping in. One friend I talked to yesterday acted as if my time of awakening at 8:45ish was late. Later that day another friend said, 8:45 is sleeping in for you? That got me wondering. What is sleeping in?

HORNS

Driving around Memphis I hear lots of horn honking. Most of the horn honking that I hear is unnecessary; the honking is only for the purpose of showing displeasure of someone pulling out in front of you, etc. By honking for that reason the purpose of the horn is lost. Car companies did not install horns for drivers to show anger to another driver. Rather, horns should be used to let a car know that they are there so they shouldn't back up and things of that nature. But since horns will not stop being used in that way, I have a suggestion for car companies. Multiple horns. One horn could be one that communicates "come on out" as someone is waiting to pull out in traffic. Another horn could be "don't back up I am here". One horn could communicate "hey, I know you". This would save a lot of confusion and immediate defensiveness when a horn is blown.

W, X, Y, AND ZAMBIA

Erin and I are going to Zambia this summer. We are very excited. Sycamore View Church of Christ (the church we attend) supports mission work in Zambia and take a trip every summer. This mission trip we are going on will be of the medical sort, so I have been searching around Wikipedia on how to perform major surgery. I am sure there will be more bloggage about this event in the future. For those of you who are not familiar with the location of Zambia-which would include me if Sycamore View was not involved-there is a circle drawn around the country on the map above.

MY FIRST ADULT PARTY

That title is a real attention getter. But all I mean by that is a party in which people dance, drink alcohol (don't worry my friends, I did neither), and there is no charge to enter. This party also had live entertainment adding to it's party atmosphere. What makes this adult is that adults were there. Last time I was at something of this nature was in college at a frat party. So you may be wondering why I would attend something so unlike me. Good question. It was a thing for Erin's work. The live entertainment was good, although a little loud. A little loud? I am an old 24 year old. The entertainers were very interesting as you will notice in the picture.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR...

There are some subjects that I would like to take the time to blog about but:
a. I don't really have the time.
b. I am tired of writing stuff.
But I have just brainstormed some ideas, so keep your eyes open in mid-December.

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME

You have to be kidding me. Words that I noticed Tony Dungy mouthing numerous times last night. He was on camera saying it two or three times but I am sure it had to be at least ten. I figure he said one for each interception (6). Probably two for injuries (8). Maybe add one when he noticed that when the game ended he had 15 eligible players for offense and several were third string (9). Definitely one after "clutch" kicker Vinatieri missed a 29 yard field goal (10). Most coaches would probably insert some type of vulgar verb before kidding on this one. I think one came out when the Colts were originally awarded a first down with 1:47 left in the game only for it to be overturned by inches (11).
Back to Vinatieri. He is not the same kicker he was last year or years prior. First, his range is down dramatically. Evidently "field goal range" is somewhere around 25 yards out. The first extra point this season hit the crossbar and made it in. The ball is making some knuckle rotation off his foot, which probably has a lot to do with his inaccuracy. I don't think he has kicked a touchback all year. He used to appear as if he owned the field when he lined up for a field goal. Now he looks like he has never been there before and is not sure if he is really supposed to be kicking.
Peyton can have an off night. Especially since he put the team in position to win the game. Albeit, with some great defense. (Luckily they were up against Phillip Rivers rather than Juice Williams--Bob). They didn't give up much of anything, special teams was horrendous, though. Vinatieri gets no sympathy. He has one job to do. Kick the ball.
I still love Peyton, but Vinatieri... you have to be kidding me.

THE NAME IS POTTER...HARRY POTTER

Harry Potter=Me. Ginny Weasley= Erin. Tonks=Rachel Steele

Fall Fest 2007. I also made an appearance as Jerry Seinfeld. Jerry performed stand-up comedy and was a soup judge.

THE CONVIENENT TRUTH: YOU CAN GO GREEN

I have not seen Al Gore's work that earned him a Noble Peace Prize. I do know that many of the earth's resources can be preserved by the simple rule-reduce, reuse, recycle.
Erin and I have began our journey to "go green". Some simple things can be done like turning off your lights when you are not using them. Pay attention to the heat and air conditioning used. For those of you who live in Memphis, there are recycle opportunities. I know of spots by Wild Oats and a center near Cooper-Young in Midtown. There are great ways to learn how to go green. A website I recommend is www.treehugger.com

Help the environment. Peace.

I WON'T STOP BELIEVING

I promise I will not turn my blog into strictly YouTube videos. But I could not pass up posting this video. This video is further proof that people outside Cubs Nation will never understand what being a Cubs fan is all about.

THE IMPRESSION ABOUT NOTHING

Starring: Frank Caliendo, Frank Caliendo, Frank Caliendo, and Frank Caliendo

GO CUBS GO

The Cubs finished the year with 85 wins. I predicted they would win 85. You may be waiting for a postseason prediction. You aren't going to get one. All I will say is that although I am not superstitious, I do believe in the Law of Averages, and the Cubs are due. Unfortunately I also see some merit in Murphy's Law.

The title of this blog is in reference to a song that is played at Wrigley after every home game victory. There is a pretty cool story behind the song, but that is a different blog for a different day.

IS THERE ROOM ON THE WAGON?

I am wondering what the rules of bandwagoning are. I never really grew up watching college football. It has not been much of an interest of mine until the past two or three years. Even now I am just more than a casual fan.
The University of Kentucky has a good football team this year. This is much unlike years past-which is probably why I have never kept up with them. They have sort of emerged out of nowhere this year unless you live in Lexington, in that case you knew they were going to take down UofL for months. The 'Cats are 4-0 and have moved up in the top 25.
I figure everyone has a reason to be a fan of the team you root for, it could be proximity, or a favorite player. I have some good reasons to be allowed on the UK football bandwagon. First, I am from Kentucky. I root for the UK basketball team. My brother attends UK. I figure those are good enough reasons to start following the team. Until they start losing again.

VERY un-SUPERSTITIOUS

I have come to the conclusion that I have no control over the outcome of Chicago Cubs baseball games. For that matter, I have very little control over many things by wearing the same socks, wearing a lucky shirt, etc. I used to be quasi-superstitious, but no more. It is difficult for a Cubs fan not to be superstitious for one reason.; the Cubs lose a lot. It has nothing to do with a goat curse or anything like that. They just get outplayed. In fact, in some systemic way believing in superstitions may actually cause lower performance. If you are unable to perform a superstition then you may feel like your chances of success are lower. By thinking this you may actually perform worse, blaming it of course, on the superstition.
I am not just applying this to sports. I have no problem walking under ladders (except for the whole danger aspect). If I break a mirror, so what?
So, unfortunately, no matter what I do -save preventing Moises Alou from catching a fly ball-I cannot change the outcome of a Cubs baseball game.

HOLY KNIT

My wife likes to knit. She has made some really cool stuff for me. The latest present is the black man bag that is on my right. In honor of her dedication to knitting gifts for me, I decided to model all the gifts, at the same time.
Starting at the top is my first gift and her first project, the navy and yellow scarf. Also around my neck is the gray tie she made for me over the winter. As you can see I am holding up the chess board she put together over a year ago, it came with the man bag on my left that contains smaller bags to hold pieces. The sweater I am adorning was given to me over the winter (seems logical).
The socks were a Valentine's Day present and the house shoes were a Christmas present. Now I need knit pants to complete my collection. My wife is awesome.

BIRTHDAY, CUBS, SCHOOL

Today, yours truly turns 24. I got a cool present from my wife. She knit, felted, and sewed a man purse for me(picture to come soon).

Cubs are in first place again.

Today is the first day of school. My birthday has been on the first day of school, or around it my entire life. When I was a kid it was quite a struggle for me to look forward to my birthday because that was when school started. I am over it.

Happy Birthday to me.

MIKE AND MIKE?

This is bordering ridiculous. Mike and Mike in the morning is starting to become false advertisement. A tell-tale sign is when my wife asks where Mike (Golic who has been out for I am not sure how long) is. I reply, "vacation maybe?" She replies, "Are you sure he isn't dead?"

The good ol' days of Mike and Mike was before HD in the Sportscenter studio. Before they were hosting Spelling Bees. I remember a time when they were consistently both on the show at the same time and were on the air more than the Sage Steele Sportscenter update.

Bring back Mike and Mike the way it used to be.

HEARTBREAK IN CINCI

This weekend in Cincinattai I caught a game between the Reds and San Diego Padres. Former Cub great and one of my favorite pitchers plays for the Padres. Greg Maddux (Pictured above). We were at the game early so we went to the outfield seats to wait for some possible batting practice homers. Incidentally, my cousin grabbed one that landed in the seat Erin had been sitting in before she left moments before to go to the bathroom. But before that, Maddux was taking infield and shagging balls. I was really excited to see him and I was bragging about his work ethic and the non-existent ego of such a legendary pitcher. I may have been off a tad.

I stood directly behind where he was in the outfield; I was starstruck. A ball came to the wall directly below where I was standing. I was feet away. I was toungetied, I had nothing to say. A kid beside me asked "Mr.Maddux can I have a ball?" Maddux's reply (which is what broke my heart) was "nope". Nope? That's all he had for a 9-10ish year old boy who called him Mr. Maddux. Granted, visiting players are not supposed to throw balls in the stands like home players often do during batting practice, as none of the other players did that day. He could have handled it without being rude, though.

On a positive note, Mike Cameron's son was in uniform (he is roughly 12) and he was showing off some leather in centerfield during BP. Seriously. He had at least three web-gems. I should have taken a picture of him, I wouldn't be suprised to see him in "the show" someday.

E-GRAMMAR

I do not claim to have perfect written or spoken grammar. At least I try. In the generation of e-mail, instant messaging and facebook I have noticed that grammar is on the decline. R U cng wht im talkin bout?

So, I have an idea. Since instant messaging has done much to increase the words typed per minute among my generation, I think that communicating on the computer can be a great form of learning grammar. What if every comment or post was blocked without the use of proper grammar? So, instead of "whatcha doin 2nite?" the post would read "What are you doing tonight?" Is that too much to ask?

NEwayz, ttyl.

SMOKIN'

I got a problem with smokers. They get a pass on at least two major frowned upon actions. Slacking off at work and littering. In high school I worked in the mall and those who smoked got smoke breaks. Non-smokers, meanwhile, continued to work. Annoying as that is, what is worse is the break on litter. Most people refrain from throwing trash on the sidewalk and out there windows while driving, smokers can throw out their cigarette butts. If I finished my candy bar and threw down my wrapper I would get dirty looks and rightfully so, however, smokers can throw down their cig and stomp it out and get away with it. Somehow this double standard needs to be stopped.

100th POST

I feel like I should make the 100th post something special. After all I have hit the century mark steroid free. I achieved my post on the first try, I didn't leave the fans hanging at every at bat or pitching outing. So, I would like to thank my fans and if there was a commissioner of blogging I am sure he would stand and applaud my achievement.

FIRST PLACE

I try not to write too much about the Cubs, but I couldn't resist. Could it last?

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US (PART DEUX)

Through the years:


Us nearly on our 2nd anniversary in Maine.


















First anniversary trip to Hot Springs.














Newlyweds on their honeymoon in Michigan (this was a day trip to Canada).









I love you wife.

SPORTS CAN BE GOOD OFF THE FIELD

There is more about this to learn I am sure, but it sounds awesome. It makes me want to go to Redbirds games.

I AM STARTING TO UNDERSTAND

In the 90s as I was getting old enough to register sports information for trivia and meaningless discussions, my Dad seemed to be starting to grow weary of professional sports, specifically baseball. I only say that because I think I know where he is coming from. My good ol' days were what he found wrong about sports. I never knew a time when athletes weren't paid out the ying yang like he does, but I do remember a time when sports were more than a soap opera for men.

Face it fellow sports fans we get wrapped up in a reality show soap opera. The rumor mill and indictments are just as much a part of "sports" as pennant races and Super Bowls. ESPN saves more airtime for arguments about off the field issues than sports highlights. Who's "Now"? Who cares? I don't care how cool Derek Jeter is for dating some actress, I want to watch athletic competition. Since when did ESPN executives decide that people tuned in to ESPN for things other than sports? MLS has even gotten in on the act bringing over a glamorous soccer star for off-field attention.

But, if ESPN is going to have shows dedicated solely to football year-round they need something to talk about, unfortunately for sports fans it is legal scandal. The NFL is really messing up by having so much off-season coverage. The reason their sport is the most popular right now is because there is limited supply-fewer games. With all the coverage they are going to take the excitement of the weekly games away. They are also starting to rival the NBA in thug appeal, but still can't hang in mobster appeal.

So, what I am starting to understand is how pro sports can make you long for the good ol' days.

ONE STANDS OUT

Can you guess which apartment is ours?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WIFE

July 10th 2007.

The picture says it all.

IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING...

Watch this video:




The motivation for the Phillies helping with the tarp is either for the fans or for the sake of enjoying playing the game. They were winning and it was through six innings, meaning the game would have been official. I thought it was really cool how the visiting team helped out with the home team's grounds crew in the hard wind and rain. I guess this shows professional ball players are not always completely self-absorbed. By the way, where were the Rockies players?

RACE CAR DRIVERS

On Friday Erin and I had the opportunity to drive go-cart race cars on a track in Collierville. A man that Erin works with at the Renaisance Group owns race cars and participates in real races. He was kind enough to let a few brave souls on the race track. The cars get up to 70ish MPH. Needless to say, I did not go that fast. It was fun and not as intimidating as it looked when I got out on the track. Here are a few pictures that chronicle our adventure:




Erin is about to hit the track.










That is Erin passing on the outside.












Saddle up. Kevin, the owner is the one on the left.













This is me flying down the home stretch.

GMAIL

I have had a MacBook for several months now. I have found it to be by far the most user friendly computer I have ever used. Except for one aspect, the mail. I have tried numerous times to have my email to be forwarded there; always to no avail. Last night however, I did it. I cracked the code. Not suprisingly, my hotmail address will not work. Probably due to it's affiliation with Microsoft. Gmail however, works like a charm. Therefore, my new email address is:

justinplewis@gmail.com

I SENSE TROUBLE

Sense of direction has never been something I tout as being a strong suit. Last night was an example of how it can be a problem. After a time of worship at the Church of Christ at Whitestation I became very frustrated due to my lack of sense of direction. The church is undergoing construction on one of the parking areas. So, not only is the building under construction in one wing, it has that lot completely sealed off. Almost. The only way back there is through double doors leading from the building.

Because I had no real idea of where I was in the building, it took me 5-10 minutes to find the room in which the worship took place. This being the case, I had no clue as to the quickest way to get back to my bike at the conclusion of the service. This takes me back to the part about only one way to the sealed off construction zone. I walked straight out the double doors that led not to my bike, instead to the sealed off lot. There is no escape. I realize this pretty soon after the doors shut behind me. They are now locked.

I walk all the way around the corner on both sides to find no way out. The room in which the service was held is not close enough to draw anyone's attention. I am in trouble. All because I lack a sense of direction. Granted, there are worse places to be trapped in Memphis than a closed church parking lot, but I was very frustrated. My options were limited. Be proud and find a way out. Or phone a friend for them to come open the door. Uncharacteristically, I threw out the option of calling on Rusty for assistance. I was determined on finding a way out. So I found the only spot in the fence row in which I could crawl under, and did just that. I might add that I barely fit under the fence. That was a little bit anticlimactic I guess. But I showed them, I climbed right under their fence, got on my bike and rode home.


Happy Birthday Dad

RIDIN' IN THE DARK

June 16th/17th Erin, Seth (Erin's brother), and I rode our bikes in the Sutherland Midnight Classic Bike Tour. The proceeds benefit Meritan (formerly Senior Services). It was a 17 mile tour beginning at Midnight, obviously. We started at the main Memphis branch library and rode mostly in the Midtown area of Memphis. It took us about an hour and a half to finish it. We only stopped once, it was because I choked on a bug. It was gross, I had to get some water from a gas station. There was a good crowd of people who participated. There was a large age range, and I think there was a range in the seriousness of the riders as well. Thankfully, spandex was more scarce than I expected. I felt safe during most of the race. The best aesthetic part of the ride was seeing the beautiful homes. I plan on doing it next year, you should too. Oh yeah, thanks to the Whaleys for letting us borrow the helmets.


Erin and me at the race. As you may notice, we are representing Erin's place of employment, the Renaissance Group.










Pre-race. Seth, Erin and me.

MEMORIAL DAY

I realize I am about two weeks late, but better late than never. We had a great Memorial Day. Probably the best in recent memory. The Whaley's had us over to their new pad and we went swimming and enjoyed each others company before eating an evening meal. My attempt at grilling burgers in the HOOD with the Woods' earlier in the afternoon was interesting. Be that as it may, we had a good time. Here is a group picture to prove it.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

I have seen the throwing of bases, covering the plate with dirt, face to face arguing. Rosin bag grenades are new to me.

NEW LIVING ROOM

We got our hands on another bookcase, so we (Erin) decided to change up our small space. Although, there is little to do, some was done. Erin amazes me with her space organization.









Erin preparing to work her magic.







The new "library".

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

I just finished "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. In the forward of the 1946 printing he says:

"The greatest triumphs of propaganda have been accomplished not by doing something, but by refraining from doing. Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth."

For me to try and add to this would only take away from the wisdom, so I will leave it as is. If you have any thoughts, feel free to share.

PRAYER SHAW, SWEATER AND AN EMPTY LIFE

Here is the first "prayer shaw" that Erin knit for a ministry at Sycamore View.





This is Erin's second sweater. She made it a while ago, I have been slow updating the knitting process. I really like this one, with the buttons it looks like it came from the mall.


In a somewhat related story-Erin has a calender of knitting (big shock); within this calender was a quote that said, "Men who do not knit lead empty lives". So, I decided I was going to have Erin teach me how to knit. The lesson lasted about five minutes before I realized knitting is not for me. At least I now know what causes that empty feeling inside me.

VACATION DESTINATION

In mid-July Erin and I will be vacationing to Boston and Portland, Maine. While we are in Boston I hope to get tickets to the BoSox game and visit Harvard since I plan to go there for for my PhD work. One of those statements is not true. I will let you figure it out. I am looking forward to the relaxing atmosphere Maine will provide and the tradition that will be evident in Boston. Many people probably think we are weird for going on vacations to the northeast. That's OK, we are not the beach bum/Disney World type. More power to you if that is what you like. It just is not for us. I hope you (readers) are able to have a vacation that fits you this summer. If you would like to share your plans, please do.

PRIVILEGE OF LEARNING

I guess I will be ready to finish school when the time draws near. I guess I will be more excited when I can tell someone how close I am to finishing my degree. Right now I am not. I choose to recognize what I have right now as special. It is a privilege. There are few people who get the opportunity to be exposed to the depth of knowledge presented before me. I do not want to wish away my time here so I can hurry up and be done with it. I did that too much in my undergraduate experience. I took it for granted and did not fully expose myself to the once in a lifetime opportunities to expand my world. I realize that graduating is important to celebrate as an accomplishment, but I am not going to spend my whole time here looking forward to finishing. I am going to spend my time here soaking up all the chances to learn that I can. So please do not tell me how ready you are to graduate. Tell me something that you learned recently. Tell me how your world is being expanded and how God is shaping you. If you are getting none of these, why are you here after all? A piece of paper? I realize the importance of getting a degree to get into the "real world" to make a difference. The requirement of the degree is there for a purpose. All I am saying is to take advantage of the privilege set before you to learn.

FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES

Three of our downstairs neighbors are going to be moving soon.

The Shrock's are currently directly below us and soon they going even further down where everything is bigger- Waco, Texas. Chris, if you are reading this I expect a signed copy of your first book (with a dictionary and thesaurus). Chris and Danielle have been some of our closest friends here and we have done a lot of things together. I even visited Tulsa with them. I haven't told them yet but the other day I dropped a gallon of milk and the majority of it ran down into a pitcher they had outside, and some in their plant (whoops). Chris was the second person I met on campus on my visit.

The first person I met on my visit was Jason Whaley. The Whaley's are great people and are just moving off campus for a bit until they move to a really low place-Australia. Jason and I share a love for soccer, it is his fault that I injured my knee the second time because he coerced me into playing. OK it is not really his fault, but it has got to be someone's fault other than my own. One of the most memorable moments with the Whaley's was our picnic lunch, that was a good time. And how could I forget Jason and I entertaining the Coming Together crowd.

James and Andrea Wood have been on campus a shorter time and they are way across the courtyard so we do not share as many on campus stories. Although, it is worthy to note that James and I agreed on something Wednesday night. They are moving up and to our left across the country where they will be planting churches and coffee beans.

I am going to miss my friends below us. Harding community has been great so far. Nicole, I hope you are not crying.

ERIN THE KNITRESS

If you know Erin then you will find this hilarious. She has been reading a book that takes a humorous view of knitting. It is titled "At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much". As Erin was riding the stationary bike this morning she actually read this-"You know you knit too much when you seek out forms of exercise that you can do while knitting, such as riding a stationary bike". This is the exact reason Erin rides the stationary bike rather than running. She is currently working on a project that is not conducive to the stationary bike, hence the reading of the book. Traveling to hear knitting authors, reading knitting books, and fitting descriptions in knitting books. I am married to a hard core knitter.

I AM NOT IMPRESSED

I have been thinking lately about busyness. I think that the way people most try to show their importance is to tell someone how busy they are. I always hear the answer "staying busy" to questions about what is new with them. Sometimes people just come out and say "I am so busy" as a way of trying to impress other people. If you are planning on impressing me please do not tell me how busy you are. Instead, tell me how well you manage your time so you can spend time with your family, serve God, and rest your body properly. Tell me how you make sacrifices to cut things out of your life. That would impress me. Some people are busier than others. There are people with many more responsibilities than me. I am still not impressed by the fact that someone is busy, so please do not tell me that and expect me to be impressed. Prioritizing things in your life is much more impressive to me. Maybe this is easy for me to say since I currently do not have as many responsibilities as other people. Maybe I am just lazy. It could be that I am on to something. What if everyone slowed down and prioritized, cut things out of life that do not have to be there (have to would need to be taken for what it really means)? I wonder what that would be like. It would probably impress me more than hearing about being too busy.

AFRO MAN

It took a long time to pick out this 'fro.

TECHNOLOGY TAKE-OVER

Today as I usually do, I watched Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN 2. Along with sports they often have pop culture and non-sports related content just for fun. This morning they had an on-going discussion about how technology has phased out some things the prior generation was used to. Some examples were VHS and Audio tape players. They went a step further and were brainstorming what would be replaced next. A few of the topics were CD players (I would say discman CD players are already gone in the way of the iPod), maps, and even paper money.

Some things I have noticed that are quasi-fading out are land-line telephones (which we do not have) and cashiers at grocery stores. I think the conversation started with the discussion of the "Blackberry PDA". I am not sure what all this can do, but I know it can email, instant message, obviously serve as a phone, and today I learned the more advanced ones can even be set up to pick up cable or satellite television.

So my question is: What is the next thing to be phased out due to our super fast advancing technology?

CUBS (MURPHY'S) LAW

136 Million dollar injury, two promising pitchers, a bad home fan, and an error. What is next?

SNOW BALLS, TWO STRIKES

Another two games struck from the scoreboard in Cleveland. Nothing says baseball like snow accumulation.

THE REAL BILLY

This morning it has been announced that the next basketball coach at the University of Kentucky will be Billy Gillispie. Although, I don't know much other than what I researched this morning, he sounds like a class act.

He will look good in blue, that may help his bachelor status.

IF I RULED THE SPORTS WORLD

This is such a great thought. I wish I could write one of my papers on this subject, I could go on and on about this. Since there is a limited amount of space one can write a blog without losing readers, I will try and keep this short. Here is a list of things that I would change about sports in no particular order.

*I would train basketball referees on all levels to call intentional fouls when they are intentional. Grabbing someone at the end of the game when your team is down three is an intentional foul. The intent of the play is to foul to stop the clock. Hence the intentional foul.

*Left-handed power hitters (e.g. Bonds, Giambi) would learn how to bunt. When the third baseman is playing shortstop there is no reason not to push a bunt down the line. I guess you can tell I am a NL/Billy Beane guy.

*The mid-range jumper would be developed and a "mid-range jumper specialist" would exist. Kind of like the three-point specialist but at a way higher percentage, like 75%.

*NBA players would either play tougher defense or go to a 3 on 3 game in which frequent dunks are expected at a high rate.

*Soccer would be more appreciated. More of the elite athletes in the US would choose to play soccer and the US would compete with national teams in Europe.

*Tickets for all sporting events would be cheaper and free for kids under 10.

*LeBron James would have played four years for Kentucky. That would have been great as a UK fan.

*No guaranteed contracts. That one is for you Bob.

*And the obvious...the Cubs win the World Series.

NEW JOB

Just a quick post to inform the readers tomorrow is Erin's first day at her new place of employment. She will be doing design at The Renaissance Group. We are excited because she will be bringing home six digits. Not really. We are really excited because she gets to work a Monday-Friday week in a good work enviroment. I think this will improve home life and that is good.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

As you have probably noticed, the name of this blog is "Misplaced in Memphis". I guess that would indicate that I am not "from" Memphis. Well, I think there are a couple different ways I could answer where I am from, Erin and I have had this discussion a number of times. The discussion originated when we were in New York state. We stopped in a local ice cream store and the owner asked us where we were from. He had the tradition of placing a pin on a map for out-of-town customers. We had been in Memphis about six months. Where are we from? Are we from where we were born and raised? Are we from where we are living currently? What a paradoxical question. In this instance I think it is safe to say we are from Memphis.

A fellow church member who does not know if I am a member or not (I was in a different service than usual) asks me where I am from upon introduction. Could he be wondering if I am an in town guest or someone passing through? Am I from here in town? Do I preface it with "Well I am originally from Paducah, Kentucky but I live in Memphis now"? If I say, "I am from Memphis" am I making it sound like I am born and raised Memphite?



Someone please help me with this difficult question.

BYE BYE HAIR

Before-Wild Flowing Locks


During


This is me pondering whether or not to go with the mullet look...


After

The Fallout


It is Finished


Credit my wife for the handywork, the sheep shears worked perfectly

Left-Handed Man

Who needs Batman or Superman when we have biblical superheros like Ehud? Erin was doing her daily bible reading in Judges last night and we started talking about Ehud and the graphic story he stars in. Ehud's nemisis was Eglon King of Moab who was a fat man according to the text. I am picturing a Jabba the Hut type enemy. So Ehud used his Jedi-type skills to get Eglon to meet with him privately. Then Ehud used his sword on Eglon, he pushed it right into his belly with his left-hand, Eglon's belly was so big Ehud lost his weapon inside him. I think the next part is the comic relief of the story. Since Ehud locked the doors of the room he met the King in the followers of the fallen King could not get in. I find it hilarious that their first line of logic is to assume he is "relieving himself" (NIV). It was not until they "waited to the point of embarassment" when they went to check on him. I wish they recorded what the point of embarassment is. Ehud then went and took down ten thousand Moabites, his rallying cry being the LORD has taken down Moab. I can envision a "Lord of the Rings" moment here, but the cool thing is-this really happened!

Handknit by Erin Lewis

Erin finishing up her newest children's sweater. No, it is not for us. The finished product. Isn't it cute?

Erin's new personalized tags to identify her work.

Update: Rape/Murder Case

The jurors of the John Couey case voted 10-2 last week for the execution of John Couey for first degree murder and rape of an eight year old girl. Couey will be executed by the electric chair or lethal injection by the Florida Department of Corrections.

SUPER Kitchen Makeover

It sure is nice having an interior designer for a wife.....


Our "ultramodern" kitchen before the makeover Our "super duper ultramodern" kitchen after the makeover

OK I confess the kitchen on the bottom is not really ours. It is a kitchen that Erin designed for one of her client's at Da Depot. But, someday having an interior designer for a wife will pay off....

A Knit Tie

To the left you can observe me gracefully adorning a hand-knit time. You may assume that my wife made this. It may surprise you that...you are right. I am running out of clever things to say about my wife and her knitting.

The Day I Decided It is Necessary

Wednesday March 7, 2007

This is the day that I decided that some people need to be killed for things they have done. For several years I have been idealistic and opposed the death penalty. My mindset was influenced by pacifism and not realistic. I have known for a long time that sin has consequences. I have known that some sins have harder consequences than others. I never attributed the death penalty as a consequence to sin. I do now. You may be asking what in the world has caused such a change. If not, I am going to tell you anyway. A 48 year-old pervert kidnapped, sexually abused, and buried alive a nine year old girl. As I was waiting in the doctor's office I saw the verdict being read to the low-life. He showed no remorse, no emotion at all as the charges were being read. I was finding out about the case as the court proceeding was going on. I felt angry, then sick at my stomach, then angry, and so on. Oh, I may have failed to mention that this guy was on "probation" for prior sexual offenses. The probation system in Florida is another story. I am not sure why this case has moved me like it has; the thought of the poor girl being buried alive really gets to me. For more on the story click here.

Interestingly, I read a book only three months ago that told the true story of a man who was on death row wrongly accused of a murder. He eventually was released. Justice prevailed. I hope justice prevails in this case. John Couey deserves to die.

If you disagree with me, if you are not in favor of the death penalty, imagine your child, husband, wife, mother being sexually abused and buried alive. Gruesome thought isn't it? Does that person deserve death?

The Madness is Approaching

March has to be one of my favorite months. The changing of cold to mild. The anticipation of spring break. Most importantly it is time for a three week invasion of college basketball. This is what months of games has lead to. No more talk about who has the resume, the RPI, strength of schedule. After selection Sunday all will be resolved. The "bubble" teams will have either burst into the NIT or slid into the tournament with hopes of a miracle run. Speaking of miracle runs, that is how some colleges gain the attention of America (George Mason). And yes, all of America is aware of what is going on in the tournament. Especially with improbably teams going far like George Mason's final four run last year. The more likely reason that all of America knows what is going on is tournament pools. The brackets are incredibly easy to fill out, someone with no sports knowledge can fill one out in a few minutes. Whether there is a prize or not most people find it fun to see if they can predict upsets, the final four, etc.

I have noticed something strange about the tournament. It seems like the end of the tournament is usually not as exciting the beginning. The beginning has games during the day, multiple games at the same time, and potential upsets. It seems like unless your team is in the final four, it is more fun to watch games earlier in the brackets. I think this could be linked to filling out brackets. Longer the tournament progresses, the fewer games to look out for on your bracket.

So as I march into the madness, I plan on being the typical sports fan. Watching all the games I can, filling out multiple brackets for multiple pools (all money-free of course). I can hear that familiar CBS music now.....