Category: Current Affairs

20 Second Sermons

I’m proud to be representing African American coaches, to be the first African American to win this. This means an awful lot to our country.

But again, more than anything, I’ve said it before, Lovie Smith and I, not only the first two African Americans, but Christian coaches showing that you can win doing it the Lord’s way, and we’re more proud of that.

–Colts coach Tony Dungy following his victory in Super Bowl XLI

It was short and sweet, the best sermon that I had heard (or seen) all day.

Sometimes, 20 second sermons are the very best kind of all.… Read the rest

College Economics 101

img_0079.JPGWe’re off to Searcy, Arkansas today to give Number One Son, who turned 18 yesterday (Happy Birthday Number One–don’t forget to register for the draft!), one last chance to look over Harding University before making the decision about where he will spend the next four years of his life.

We’ve told him that this is his first Big Decision as a budding adult and that we’re for the most part butting out. Our strategy is that if he chooses one and then hates it, he can’t blame us–or so we think. He’s applying to Harding, the University of Alabama and Davidson College in North Carolina.… Read the rest

I’m Glad I’m Just An Optometrist

I don’t recall having written much, if anything, in this blog about Iraq. I tend to keep my peace on things about which I know little. But against my better judgment, I hereby break my silence.

These days it’s hard to find many insightful pieces about Iraq that aren’t leaden down with emotionalism and bile. However, I ran across one written by James Wiser, a librarian at Pepperdine University with whom I’ve recently had a playful verbal joust regarding Alabama’s hiring of Nick Saban.

On the heels of that comes a very scholarly and even-handed piece on Iraq and just-war doctrine written by former Navy officer Chris Dowd which appeared recently in Commonweal.… Read the rest

Tiggergate–The World Reacts

Well, that didn’t take long:

First the internet (thanks a million, Al), then blogs and now YouTube. How did the human race survive without them?

… Read the rest

Wanted: A Tigger With a ‘Tude

tigger.jpg

Have you seen this so-called “lovable” mascot? If so, please be aware that he is considered ornery and armed with a wicked left velvet paw. He is accused of having a little “bouncy, trouncy, pouncy, punchy” fun with an annoying dweeb. The only problem is that he didn’t “suckerpunch” him nearly hard enough.

If you do see him, call animal control immediately and head for the hills before you have your own “nightmarish” encounter with this Tigger with a ‘tude. Here is video of the “attack” (which reveals considerable horseplay taking place prior) and here is the video of CBS News’ morning anchor Hannah Storm (click “Tigger Trouble”) interviewing the traumatized teen, his father and, of course, their lawyer.… Read the rest

C’est la vie

Among the immutable facts of life this morning:

  • A new Bama head football coach will be greeted at the airport like a Messiah
  • Relatives will get together over the holidays and pass both the good cheer and the common cold from one person to another
  • No matter how much vacation you take from work, it’s never enough
  • A boss will overlook the 99 things you did right and focus on the one thing you did wrong
  • The new party in power will “usher in a new era” with overdone rhetoric and revelry

Please feel free to pitch in with a few immutable facts of your own.… Read the rest

De Plane, De Plane! No Really, I’m Not Kidding This Time

de-plane.jpg

(photo by Michael Palmer of TideSports.com)

Update 1/4: Hmmm. Pom poms instead of palm leaves…a Lear jet instead of an ass…

… Read the rest

Blogging the Wonder Years–Weighing In On Watergate, Chapter VI

gerald-ford.jpgWith the recent day of mourning in honor of President Gerald Ford, it seemed fitting to revive my dormant series, Blogging the Wonder Years.

What’s the connection? Well, as you may recall, in my personal journal that I kept for Ms. Fine’s 7th grade class at Burnt Chimney Elementary School in Wirtz, Virginia, I not only dealt with my “touchy-feely” emotional side, adolescent angst and roiling hormones, but I also responded to the issues and events of the day. Previous excerpts included reflections and rants on my personal emotional and psychological growth during my first 6 years of elementary school, guys with long hair, so-called friends who called me “shorty,” cussing and the 70’s music scene (highly recommended since that was my highest comment post ever).… Read the rest