tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161117172024-03-07T22:34:07.703-05:00Random, ContempletiveNothing discernable to the eye of the spirit is more brilliant or obscure than man; nothing is more formidible, complex, mysterious, and infinite. There is a prospect greater than the sea, and it is the sky; there is a prospect greater than the sky, and it is the human soul.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-63954077799724793382011-09-09T11:28:00.003-04:002011-09-09T11:31:04.345-04:00Proof that the University of Michigan produces the best NFL talent. period.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Wk1dXu_l4L_Alkh4VoLcIdpYjpQkjacbyuOq0aVlB-vO7kU-65Qaj7V63p2lKTuEj-Kvye9wvB3RCJffVK2obAthcp-7XqTFs16JuKH8_B1FrH3-CKbo5Xh2OkdjVuZ2r5E/s1600/LaMarrWoodley-thumb-530x336-11319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Wk1dXu_l4L_Alkh4VoLcIdpYjpQkjacbyuOq0aVlB-vO7kU-65Qaj7V63p2lKTuEj-Kvye9wvB3RCJffVK2obAthcp-7XqTFs16JuKH8_B1FrH3-CKbo5Xh2OkdjVuZ2r5E/s320/LaMarrWoodley-thumb-530x336-11319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Take pride, Lloyd Carr: No draft class in college history has produced the type of contracts that Michigan's Class of 2007 has. <br />
This summer alone, former first-round pick <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10462/leon-hall">Leon Hall</a> signed a four-year, $39 million extension with the Bengals; former second-round pick <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10490/lamarr-woodley">LaMarr Woodley</a> signed a six-year, $61.5 million extension with the Steelers; former second-round pick <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10491/david-harris">David Harris</a> signed a four-year, $36 million extension with the Jets; former second-round pick <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10477/alan-branch">Alan Branch</a> signed a two-year, $9 million deal with the Seahawks; and former fifth-round pick <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10585/steve-breaston">Steve Breaston</a> signed a five-year, $20 million deal with the Chiefs. <br />
All together, Michigan's draft class of 2007 earned $165.5 million worth of contracts this summer.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-85709573727407670402011-01-15T17:28:00.003-05:002011-01-15T17:38:32.649-05:00my proposal to make the NFL and it's playoff system better <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx8TBPTePQYO5dkcBxBcmkXCZ2MrHFI-AsBteozad8b6TFghqigQFMtMl7nGS_ovguiCgtE_bvdprQKK-yCBZpgUqOoj_0nlE17ABO7M-QzqxUkRg3DKlGboiM4s4D1jNUVtm/s1600/nfl4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx8TBPTePQYO5dkcBxBcmkXCZ2MrHFI-AsBteozad8b6TFghqigQFMtMl7nGS_ovguiCgtE_bvdprQKK-yCBZpgUqOoj_0nlE17ABO7M-QzqxUkRg3DKlGboiM4s4D1jNUVtm/s320/nfl4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Not that I don't love the NFL or that I don't think the playoffs are great... I LOVE them. both. I love the races at the end of the season, knowing that some teams, in the last 2 or 3 games, MUST win to have a chance to get there... so at this point for them, every game is, in it's own sense, a playoff game for them... and they play like there's no tomorrow... this is what makes the game so great...<br />
<br />
and this is the aspect my proposal takes off from...<br />
<br />
There are 16 weeks in the NFL regular season. There are now reports that the league is looking to move to 18 regular season games. The players are not excited about this for several reasons, the most important being that there will be two more games of regular wear-and-tear on their bodies and also, their salaries remain the same.. but for two more games, witch diminishes each game check. My proposal eliminates all of this and also makes everything about the league and the playoff race even more exciting.<br />
<br />
The proposal:<br />
<br />
Make the regular season 14 games (15 weeks with one bye for each team, playing each divisional opponent once). Throughout the entire season, teams are playing for seedings and home-field advantage in the new playoff system. The first round of playoffs would start in week 16 (after 14 games for each team) with EVERY TEAM in the tournament. The first two rounds of the playoffs will be inter-divisional based on divisional seedings (1 vs. 4, 2 vs 3 and winner vs. winner in the second round). This will decide the division champions. Once the division champions are decided, these teams will be re-seeded based upon their regular season records and will determine the match-ups for the next two rounds of the playoffs. At the outset of each round, seedings will determine match-ups and home field, just like they do in the current playoff system with the Super Bowl being the final game: AFC champ vs. NCF champ.<br />
<br />
In this format, every team has a chance... if you're a team that gets hot at the right time you could shake up the entire picture. And the regular season is not all for naught... you play for your division, seedings and home-field in the playoffs. This would also appease those who want to make the regular season longer with a longer playoff system.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>boom.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-41936379646388123142011-01-06T09:56:00.002-05:002011-01-06T09:56:07.335-05:00So, you want to be the next Michigan football coach?<div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Perhaps there's a lesson to others in Michigan's woes: If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You want to be the coach to restore honor? Fine. But there's a long list of stringent requirements and preferences, so you might want to make sure you're qualified to be a Michigan man.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div id="tagCrumbs" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. The only color you hate worse than scarlet is gray.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. You promise to ask yourself at least once each day: What would Bo do?</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. You must be able to correctly spell Bennie Oosterbaan.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4. You believe whoever dots the "i" in Script Ohio should go on the TSA terrorist watch list.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5. You know all the words to "Victors" and can satisfactorily explain why the last line of a song about winning the Big Ten goes, "the champions of the West." You also won't mind when the band plays it 68 times on any given Saturday.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6. If you consider Legends and Leaders to be goofy titles for the new Big Ten divisions, you'll keep it to yourself.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">7. You consider the three most pressing problems facing the nation to be the economy, the war and the seven-game losing streak to Ohio State. You're just not sure of the order.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">8. It doesn't matter where you coached last, so long as you two don't end up in court.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">9. You have never bought any memorabilia from <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Athletes/NCAA/Terrelle+Pryor" style="color: #00529b; text-decoration: none;" title="More news, photos about Terrelle Pryor">Terrelle Pryor</a>.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">10. You agree that the only place Michigan is supposed to give up 52 points in a game in January is at the basketball arena.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">11. You voted for former Wolverine <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Politicians,+Government+Officials,+Strategists/Executive/Gerald+Ford" style="color: #00529b; text-decoration: none;" title="More news, photos about Gerald Ford">Gerald Ford</a> for president.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">12. You wouldn't be caught dead coaching in a vest.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">13. If you commit any violations, they will be for overtime parking.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">14. You know at least three good Michigan State jokes.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">15. You are willing to agree to the following contract clause: You can be terminated for moral turpitude, felony conviction or if Michigan ever loses to Toledo again.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">16. You can't understand why the 100-24 combined score of the past three losses to Ohio State has not been declared a disaster area by the governor.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">17. You have always been under the impression that the Seven Wonders of the World included the Big House.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">18. You won't mind that half your fan base wishes you were <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Sports+Coaches,+Team+Owners,+Execs,+Officials/NCAA/Jim+Harbaugh" style="color: #00529b; text-decoration: none;" title="More news, photos about Jim Harbaugh">Jim Harbaugh</a>.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">19. Your game plan will not be based on the premise that if your offense scores 40, you might have a chance to win.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">20.. When you were a kid, you thought your dream date was either <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Raquel+Welch" style="color: #00529b; text-decoration: none;" title="More news, photos about Raquel Welch">Raquel Welch</a> or Ann Arbor.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">21. You can explain in terms easily understood by the layman why the devil reincarnate is among us and goes by the alias <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Sports+Coaches,+Team+Owners,+Execs,+Officials/NCAA/Jim+Tressel" style="color: #00529b; text-decoration: none;" title="More news, photos about Jim Tressel">Jim Tressel</a>.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">22. You think Olentangy is a silly name for a river.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">23. When you need a good stiff drink at home, you pour it into a Little Brown Jug.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">24. All you want is a program your helmets can be proud of.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">25. You will fill your staff only with coaches old enough to remember the last time Michigan beat Ohio State.</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="inside-copy" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetical, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>*(courtesy of USA Today)</i></div></div>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-73451129499786990792010-07-30T16:04:00.000-04:002010-07-30T16:04:36.864-04:00what's so amazing about grace?it's waking up every morning, knowing that the air you're about to breathe is a gift from God.<br />
it's taking one step at a time, understanding that God's path for me is anointed and ordained.<br />
it's seeing four walls around me and a roof over my head and suddenly realizing my perspective of life is not like those less-fortunate.<br />
it's going to work and realizing that I am one of the lucky ones able to provide for my family.<br />
it's having food in front of me three times a day, but understanding that it's only my Savior that sustains me.<br />
it's looking into the eyes of my beautiful wife knowing I never should have done this well!<br />
it's seeing my friends who have been infected with this grace line up one after the other, ready to serve for the greater good of God's kingdom.<br />
it's being completely humbled by looking my sin straight in the face, knowing that what I deserve is eternity in Hell.<br />
it's understanding that the beauty God put in nature and on this earth is only a glimpse of what He is truly capable of.<br />
it's watching my son being born, seeing how perfect he is in every way, knowing that I have done absolutely nothing to deserve to be a part of this miracle.<br />
it's looking in his baby eyes every day that reminds me that if God's grace is for me, then it is for everyone. I don't deserve any blessing I have ever received on this earth, but I will let it be known that it is only by His grace I am blessed at all.<br />
I love you Jesus.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-69047634741474692902010-07-28T18:14:00.000-04:002010-07-28T18:14:44.355-04:00wait 'til next year boys.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div style="font-size: 12px;">Last week, the <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/page/DET/detroittigers" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Tigers</a> were a flawed team that still had a chance in a forgiving division.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">This week, they're just a flawed team.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">Their lineup, minus <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7946/magglioordonez" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Magglio Ordonez</a>, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/18701/carlosguillen" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Carlos Guillen</a> and <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/128898/brandoninge" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Brandon Inge</a>, isn't close to being good enough. Their rotation, beyond ace<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/530362/justinverlander" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Justin Verlander</a>, isn't close to being consistent enough. Their bullpen, after losing <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/29332/bobbyseay" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Bobby Seay</a> and <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/541106/zachminer" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Zach Miner</a> this spring and <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/580535/joelzumaya" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Joel Zumaya</a> at midseason, isn't close to being deep enough and experienced enough to make up for the other problems.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="font-size: 12px;">Yes, it's true, the Tigers are still just three games out of first place. But it's also true that Matt Garza's Monday night no-hitter tells you a lot more about where the Tigers are right now than the standings do.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">And that's why, after being one of the more active teams in the weeks leading up to this Saturday's non-waiver deadline, the Tigers could end up being one of the quieter teams at the deadline itself. That's why, if the Tigers make a move at all -- and sources said they're still looking hard -- it will almost definitely be made with at least one eye on 2011.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">That's why, despite being a team that always likes to go for it right now, the Tigers of this July should be a team that's all about next year.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">The rest of this year could be painful to watch, but the payoff in 2011 could make up for it. The Tigers already figured to be one of teams with the most money to spend this winter, and now that Ordonez's $15 million vesting option won't kick in, they'll have even more.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">With <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/288897/miguelcabrera" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Miguel Cabrera</a> in the middle of their lineup, Verlander atop their rotation, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/284649/josevalverde" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">Jose Valverde</a> at the end of the bullpen and perhaps $60 million to fill out the roster, the Tigers could turn themselves into a division favorite -- or more than that -- by next spring.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">The players they don't trade away this week could be the ones who help them win next year. Or, they could be the trading chips needed next July, when the right move really could help.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">Remember, the Tigers were always focused on 2011 and beyond, because so many bad contracts come off their books after 2010. They went into this year thinking that they'd have a chance if everything fell just right, but that they'd also have set themselves up to be a potential powerhouse team next year.</div><ad></ad><div style="font-size: 12px;">So for three months, enough went right that the Tigers stayed in the race. For three months, they looked good enough to think that maybe a July trade could make the difference -- this year.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">The Tigers looked at starting pitchers like Dan Haren. They looked at relievers like Scott Downs. They looked at hitters like Adam Dunn and Mike Lowell.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">They were everywhere, and they seemed to be in (at least to some extent) on everyone.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">And that was fine, as long as not much more went wrong.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">Well, you know what, more did go wrong. Ordonez broke his leg, and Guillen was hurt, too. A lineup that was already weak now looks like Cabrera and a bunch of kids and fringe players.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">Would the Tigers have won, even with a healthy Ordonez, and even with a helpful trade at the deadline?</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">We'll never know, but it's pretty clear that they won't win now, and that general manager Dave Dombrowski couldn't make enough moves to fill all the holes, even if he wanted to.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">It could be that the Ordonez injury helps the Tigers long-term. It could be what keeps them from dealing for a rental player who may or may not have helped, while at the same time giving them more money to spend for when they'll have a much better chance of winning.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="font-size: 12px;">The Tigers like Ordonez, and they may well try to re-sign him. But it won't be for anything close to $15 million, because 37-year-old outfielders who hit 12 home runs in 84 games (as Ordonez has this year) command less than half that in today's market.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">In any case, that decision will come later. The decision to be made this week is much simpler.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">If the Tigers can make a move that helps them in 2011, go ahead and do it. If they can't, forget it.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">And if it means there are more nights in the coming weeks where the Tigers look as bad as they did against Garza on Monday, so be it.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">There's a real chance that the coming years will make up for it.</div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 12px;">-article by Danny Knobbler - CBS sports</div><br />
</span>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-86139710252485167072010-06-19T16:11:00.000-04:002010-06-19T16:11:27.737-04:00History Says Matt Stafford To Calvin Johnson Will Explode This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMEVBs8K5VBIRP3VELGsp3KI9lCoUK_WeecXKGXV8J9cV2Qc1EV-Rsfi_iNePkv397ll-o9ILdHk9P9PwulCyZEl0DpGQqYBXcbLXJCTMn6GI4h7soaezoB-O0Jb-a_zq0Lnp/s1600/89600693_crop_340x234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMEVBs8K5VBIRP3VELGsp3KI9lCoUK_WeecXKGXV8J9cV2Qc1EV-Rsfi_iNePkv397ll-o9ILdHk9P9PwulCyZEl0DpGQqYBXcbLXJCTMn6GI4h7soaezoB-O0Jb-a_zq0Lnp/s320/89600693_crop_340x234.jpg" /></a></div>See that smile?<br />
<br />
Maybe he knows what we should all know.<br />
<br />
While doing some research on my last article—where I compared how the Detroit Lions added players in their first two years of Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles, and Drew Bledsoe with the New England Patriots among other teams—I stumbled across something that might be exciting to see unfold.<br />
<br />
While Dallas and Indy both rebuilt around a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback with Troy Aikman and Manning, both teams had a young wide receiver on the team already with Michael Irvin and Marvin Harrison, respectively.<br />
<br />
In both cases, when they paired up with the QB, they formed a Hall of Fame duo, but neither WR had distinguished themselves before they had an entire offseason to work with the quarterback.<br />
<br />
Let's look at the Dallas situation first.<br />
<br />
Irvin was drafted the year before Aikman and head coach Jimmy Johnson came on board, and had a decent rookie season with 32 receptions for 654 yards and five TDs, while starting 10 games.<br />
<br />
He was headed toward another decent season in his second year and Aikman's rookie season, when he was injured after six games and out for the season. His stats were six games, 26 receptions, 378 yards, and two TDs.<br />
<br />
That's a pace of around 70 receptions, 1,000 yards, and five TDs. Another decent year but nothing really special.<br />
<br />
In that offseason, Irvin was still recovering from injuries and didn't get the chance to work with Aikman in his first full offseason.<br />
<br />
In his third and Aikman's second season Irvin ended up with only seven starts and 20 receptions. Kind of a lost season for the duo, maybe the "white house" wasn't the best rehab location for "the playmaker."<br />
<br />
After that season things changed dramatically. Irvin and Aikman had an offseason to work together and it showed the next season when they teamed up for 93 receptions, 1,523 yards, eight TDs, and Pro Bowl berths for both.<br />
<br />
More importantly, it was a return to the playoffs for Dallas where they beat the Chicago Bears only to be crushed by the Lions.<br />
<br />
Crushed by the Lions in the playoffs.<br />
<br />
That wasn't a mistake typing it twice, I just liked the way it sounded. Of course, they had a QB and we didn't so things changed a little after that game, but it sure was nice when it happened.<br />
<br />
Know what? I don't think you guys will mind so I'm going to say it again.<br />
<br />
The Cowboys were destroyed by the Lions with Eric Kramer at QB, and the threat of Barry Sanders behind him, 38-6.<br />
<br />
Man that felt good.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to our feature.<br />
<br />
Irvin and Aikman never looked back, that 93-reception and 1,523-yard season parlayed into five consecutive Pro Bowls and a Hall of Fame career for Irvin.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, three championships in four years, too.<br />
<br />
With the Colts, Marvin Harrison was a two-year veteran with a couple of decent years when they drafted Manning.<br />
<br />
With an average of 69 receptions and 851 yards in those two years he was an established NFL wide receiver, but he wasn't making any travel plans to Hawaii at the end of the year.<br />
<br />
In Manning's rookie season, Harrison came up with 59 receptions for 775 yards and seven TDs.<br />
<br />
Of course, he missed four games with injury.<br />
<br />
Is this stuff starting to sound familiar?<br />
<br />
Young WRs who were good, but not great before the QB got there.<br />
<br />
Both WRs injured during the QB's rookie season?<br />
<br />
Are we ringing any bells yet?<br />
<br />
So what did Harrison and Manning team up for after they had a full offseason to work together?<br />
<br />
How about 115 receptions, 1,663 yards, and 12 TDs.<br />
<br />
That was the first of eight consecutive Pro Bowls for Harrison, and what should be a future bust in Canton, Ohio.<br />
<br />
Are we seeing a connection here?<br />
<br />
The young QB had that time to build a relationship with the WR and things just explode.<br />
<br />
Think this was just two examples?<br />
<br />
Check out Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry, if you want a little history lesson. Even Joe Montana and Dwight Clark, though Clark doesn't deserve to be in this discussion of great WRs.<br />
<br />
Though the roles were reversed with David Carr and Andre Johnson, it wasn't until they had that offseason together that things clicked.<br />
<br />
It's not just WRs though, Bledsoe and the tight end Ben Coates did the same thing—decent in the QB's rookie year, but give them an offseason to work together and things just click.<br />
<br />
With the Eagles, tight end Chad Lewis went from 20 total receptions in his first two years to 69 receptions and a Pro Bowl berth in McNabb's second year.<br />
<br />
By the way, both Dallas and Indianapolis had tight ends step up in the second year for them, too. Jay Novacek went from a previous career-high of 39 receptions to 59 in Aikman's second year, while Ken Dilger and Marcus Pollard picked it up nicely for Manning.<br />
<br />
Another coincidence was both the Colts and Cowboys added a first-round pick running back in year two of the Aikman and Manning eras—hmmm.<br />
<br />
But this was suppose to be about how top QB and WR duos have formed, and it's pretty obvious that they need a good offseason's work first.<br />
<br />
Neither team made a significant change at the other WR spot to free up their guy. It was simply building that chemistry that did the trick.<br />
<br />
Some people are starting to question Calvin Johnson a bit, just how good he is after all. But they were asking the same questions about Irvin and Harrison at one time, and things turned out pretty good for them.<br />
<br />
I got a feeling that Johnson will be just fine for the Lions and history says that starts this year.<br />
<br />
-Blue in GreerWagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-62537997527897847522010-03-13T12:12:00.000-05:002010-03-13T12:12:29.138-05:00my personal wet burrito recipeI made these from scratch last night and they really turned out good!<br />
<br />
take boneless chicken breasts and cut them into small cubes. meanwhile, in a frying pan on medium heat put in vegetable oil, diced onions, crushed red pepper (eliminate this if you don't like it spicy!), about a tablespoon of mild jalapeno tabasco sauce (this is more flavorful than hot, i promise) and basil. when this gets to a simmer, put in the chicken cubes and add salt and pepper. when they are cooked through, put a lid on the pan and cook on low for 30 minutes, stir occasionally.<br />
<br />
i added black beans (drained) for the last 10 minutes as well to this mix.<br />
use a strainer to get the chicken, onions and beans separated from the juice. save the juice.<br />
<br />
okay, for the red sauce.. simple.... two cans of red enchilada sauce + I mixed in about half of the juice from the chicken mixture and stirred it in. this really adds some good flavor!<br />
<br />
inside the burritos i put the chicken/black bean/onions in, then i added cooked white rice and mex-mix shredded cheese. i placed the burritos in a 9x13 (with some non-stick spray), drenched them with the sauce, and put more shredded cheese on top of the sauce. 30 minutes at 400.<br />
once out, i added a bit more shredded cheese and chopped scallions on the top.<br />
my sides were refried beans, spanish rice, sour cream, chopped lettuce and diced tomato!<br />
<br />
i know this is really different from any other wet burrito recipe, but i just went with my gut and it turned out really good!! it takes some time to do all of it but it was so worth it!!! <br />
let me know if you try it...Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-34096369270279667222010-02-01T16:51:00.002-05:002010-02-01T16:51:55.620-05:00some good thoughts I've heard recently...When life hits those really dark, painful moments is when CHRIST will bring stability. God can't love you anymore because he loves you fully. God can't be any closer because he's already drawn near. God has not walked away from you, even if you've walked away from Him... He continually pursues you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You're not alone. FAITH is believing during these dark, painful moments. Jesus IS here, Jesus DOES know, Jesus DOES care Jesus WILL help. To believe all of that does not take away the pain, the suffering, the trials... but what it does do is take away the loneliness, the hopelessness, and the fear. In these situations, not only do you need Jesus, you need people around you who love Jesus that they can love you and encourage you and speak truthfully to you... People who will weep when you weep, rejoice when you rejoice as God does with you... God said in Genesis "it is not good to be alone." The new covenant says we're reconciled to God through Jesus so we're not alone.. we're also reconciled to His people... We're Christians AND the church... this offers love, support, encouragement and hope... we carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6)...Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-70604612448597687702009-10-02T16:12:00.000-04:002009-10-02T16:12:09.651-04:00welcome OctoberI love this month. <br />
<br />
Football: in full swing<br />
Hockey: Just getting started<br />
Basball: playoffs baby<br />
Trees: changing colors<br />
Jackets: I get to wear them<br />
<br />
... another consolation is that my birthday is on the 5th... not quite as exciting as that used to be... I'll be 30 this year. <br />
<br />
Reading that last sentence is just weird. I can't believe I'm that old already. I guess I always thought that I'd perpetually be in my 20's with little responsibility and virtually no accountability... those were the days.. <br />
<br />
Now I'm married with several responsibilities... but the funny thing is, I'd never go back. I am blessed beyond what I had ever imagined.<br />
<br />
I love this month and I love my life!Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-15642990068848391542009-07-25T09:29:00.002-04:002009-07-25T09:37:33.086-04:00perfect...I am far from it. I keep learning that more and more every day. Despite this fact, I'm beginning to love mornings. Not because I am a morning person (there is little hope for me there), but because I can wake up and be fully drenched in God's mercies... I love it. <br /><br />There is something about being still. I think David and the other authors of the Psalms hit it right on the head when you see a little caption that looks like this: <span style="font-style:italic;">Selah</span><br /><br />I never really understood what this truly meant until I intentionally practiced sitting and doing nothing, but reflect and let God speak into my heart. There is nothing that recharges me more than this. My soul is at peace... even when my surroundings are in turmoil, I still have the morning to look forward to.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-72574296710979158942009-07-13T10:05:00.003-04:002009-07-13T10:12:14.627-04:00my poor, neglected blogEver since the insurgence of 'facebook' I have rarely posted here... I think most of my once-loyal followers have long since retired from checking this here blog... <br />I'm sorry random, contemplative.. it's not you, it's me.<br />You have always been here waiting for me like a faithful, golden retriever... (sigh)<br /><br />perhaps I'll blog again.<br />perhaps the millions of followers will once again, someday, see our relationship blossom.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niu3jMG0Btg">goodbye my LOOOOOOOOOOVVVVEE!!!!</a>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-12680263738193259462009-06-20T10:43:00.005-04:002009-06-20T11:45:58.843-04:00movie critic's corner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwJrNMFVlC0nvq10-RvMCpNgjC3FQU9EMxWNDN_1hEZievXS8aEfBBiJ8CIbIDiowQPS3byHoQD3axTxNOSn7pnc2d-Ch5eqfqgg2P0tcFBHKecpGIt3nyaVIwOrhSvcfn77s/s1600-h/taken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwJrNMFVlC0nvq10-RvMCpNgjC3FQU9EMxWNDN_1hEZievXS8aEfBBiJ8CIbIDiowQPS3byHoQD3axTxNOSn7pnc2d-Ch5eqfqgg2P0tcFBHKecpGIt3nyaVIwOrhSvcfn77s/s400/taken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349420677343411938" /></a><br /><br />A few nights ago my wife and I rented the movie 'Taken'. I was really looking forward to viewing this film seeing that I am a HUGE fan of 'revenge' movies. <br /><br />For those of you who are not familiar with this film, let me lay out the basic plot: Liam Neeson (the father figure), reluctantly allows his 17 year-old daughter to travel around Europe with her 19 year-old female friend. Neeson plays a former government operative who has seen too much in his time to feel easy about his daughter's summer plans. Upon her arrival to Paris, such said daughter and friend are kidnapped by unseen assailants, who are involved with trafficking, which puts into motion a well-equipped, knowledgeable yet vengeful father who then takes justice into his own hands.<br /><br />Now the basic plot of this film had a sense of 'realism' to it. I say this because kidnappings REALLY happen... Human trafficking REALLY happens... and heroic acts to stop these tragedies REALLY happen... With this being said, my expectations were leaning toward a 'realistic' story line. That expectation was sadly unfulfilled due to the 'fantasy' elements that were thrown into the film. <br /><br />Let me expand on my point by pointing out two very similar, yet different movies... Similar because they are both 'revenge' movies, but different due to 'realism' vs. 'fantasy'.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaZgXvWSdeuMW4Cit6wM6fOcq_bWe6UxVMBs1BfG6hgis7X4tjKiTkTmCwerZj_ixfqmj8qnrqZG5It0zkLo27YJpXzgtghaLHyVSNFTidVvL80kcKeOgGonkXwglCHfMPKTO/s1600-h/man-on-fire.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaZgXvWSdeuMW4Cit6wM6fOcq_bWe6UxVMBs1BfG6hgis7X4tjKiTkTmCwerZj_ixfqmj8qnrqZG5It0zkLo27YJpXzgtghaLHyVSNFTidVvL80kcKeOgGonkXwglCHfMPKTO/s200/man-on-fire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349427061908531506" /></a><br /><br />Movie #1: "Man On Fire" - This movie leans towards 'realism' based on these factors: It was shot in Mexico City, a real place. The film also let you feel, very clearly, that it was taking place in present day. The story line (like 'Taken') includes a former agent (Denzel Washington) who's past and mental scars are unclear, a kidnapping, parents feeling real pain, corrupt law enforcement and a seemingly impossible mission. Washington's character bleeds, hurts, fails, emits emotion from all ends of the 'emotion spectrum'... he is not invincible and ultimately, he does NOT complete ALL aspects of what he sets out to do, but gets done what he needs to get done... by any means possible. Even at his own demise. It made me feel like this story line could actually happen.<br /><br />Real. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKFKyQ8HkL9HHZiluf7QF-WfvOtbhfbLZbQB2_fh1i-eZIhyphenhyphenh0sJybuIactT_sBYMlrvfdrGruyr_smWDm5md-c9bUpVYaZM-vL9pLVo30hZkvY8Ek-gobKWH9uHwRAqpWvfF/s1600-h/paybackposter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKFKyQ8HkL9HHZiluf7QF-WfvOtbhfbLZbQB2_fh1i-eZIhyphenhyphenh0sJybuIactT_sBYMlrvfdrGruyr_smWDm5md-c9bUpVYaZM-vL9pLVo30hZkvY8Ek-gobKWH9uHwRAqpWvfF/s200/paybackposter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349429042194792882" /></a><br /><br /><br />Movie #2: "Payback" - This movie leans towards 'fantasy'. Like the previous two films mentioned above, the main character (Mel Gibson) is motivated by 'something' to get 'what's his'. The films 'Taken' and 'Man On Fire' use human motivation which triggers a more emotional pull on the audience. 'Payback' uses a large sum of money as motivation. Also, the city that the film takes place in is ambiguous, Gibson's character cheats death multiple times and the audience can't relate to the characters because they are written in to stereotypes (ie: mobsters, hookers, assassins, etc.) <br /><br />Fantasy.<br /><br />Now back to 'Taken'. The plot elements were 'real-life' and emotionally tugging much like 'Man On Fire', but Neeson's character was all fantasy. He didn't bleed, didn't feel pain, cheated death... all the fantastic qualities you would find in 'Payback'. <br /><br />Saying all this leaves me to conclude that I wish the director would have chosen one or the other. Fantasy or Realism. Not both. The two elements didn't get along too well in my opinion.<br /><br />I give this film a 6 out of 10. A great story line with mediocre acting at best. Rent it. Don't buy it.<br /><br />the end.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-90465393968519161292009-06-04T11:03:00.001-04:002009-06-04T11:06:05.171-04:00Jericho Road Church LAUNCH!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1QQ56-0ygGIn5_4WyL5r7KEzD1_Ol9eGnTZCVDyeh8S1V8TaapNgbH8dQ-_4vgLS4Db_d9ymYziDAY4j_TmJJJN3ptSomQr3CzyjOD5usDWLrnAtNwa3Wu6xUYx38_QOr-fW/s1600-h/jroadtree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1QQ56-0ygGIn5_4WyL5r7KEzD1_Ol9eGnTZCVDyeh8S1V8TaapNgbH8dQ-_4vgLS4Db_d9ymYziDAY4j_TmJJJN3ptSomQr3CzyjOD5usDWLrnAtNwa3Wu6xUYx38_QOr-fW/s400/jroadtree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343488725559811554" /></a><br />This Sunday night we are launching our church services! it's at 2411 Hall Rd (Cancun Connection) right next to Love INC<br /> -Take Apple Ave. east, Left on Sheridan, right on Hall, second building on the right.<br /><br />Join us for a great time at 5:30 PM!!!Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-84844533368692089132009-05-07T17:16:00.003-04:002009-05-07T17:19:42.614-04:00I have a new neice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T4lDhFy8cVOyTWVgWIoXVJccZDluR3ShsNoaqhuVJme1_ouQb9LCiUq2pIKqXvhL66QkEE-EI23s5GfAj5ziSr0ApWAYXAmSWuvdW12nex4VHnO2SIVImiF7iHv7MB_0VxEr/s1600-h/baby+Adelyn+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T4lDhFy8cVOyTWVgWIoXVJccZDluR3ShsNoaqhuVJme1_ouQb9LCiUq2pIKqXvhL66QkEE-EI23s5GfAj5ziSr0ApWAYXAmSWuvdW12nex4VHnO2SIVImiF7iHv7MB_0VxEr/s400/baby+Adelyn+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333194740083942674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwFzVlQ0gnIJwHHSBMcypNb9jE5UOc2ryo0GKHnKxRmG9HwWWUsVD5en8rCMYnGZ92iYY7UqLEZv8Af-hg04QcmLhbr0nn82aks0MDR3lb-Ey88WOQ8P6E6ZoxnXZE4cev_zx/s1600-h/baby+Adelyn+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwFzVlQ0gnIJwHHSBMcypNb9jE5UOc2ryo0GKHnKxRmG9HwWWUsVD5en8rCMYnGZ92iYY7UqLEZv8Af-hg04QcmLhbr0nn82aks0MDR3lb-Ey88WOQ8P6E6ZoxnXZE4cev_zx/s400/baby+Adelyn+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333194469968229170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8kDT5Gh8egVMuQ-Th6x5cTYuNpoDEwLzPgYWm4CcMmSJ__9uHyYyF3xYq6A9OuzqY9fXq-pUIy8rjU1vlNFRr6ugAVv6dKVTrJ8l4JLDPKb2OO6iGGeyIVWRwBzyG-KXNTc-/s1600-h/baby+Adelyn+030.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8kDT5Gh8egVMuQ-Th6x5cTYuNpoDEwLzPgYWm4CcMmSJ__9uHyYyF3xYq6A9OuzqY9fXq-pUIy8rjU1vlNFRr6ugAVv6dKVTrJ8l4JLDPKb2OO6iGGeyIVWRwBzyG-KXNTc-/s400/baby+Adelyn+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333194320535117442" /></a>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-8332024533941353232009-05-06T07:28:00.001-04:002009-05-06T07:29:41.196-04:00jake comes to work with me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5Y08gHp7ivE2dH9Jf_-HxRIauCgrPM66zg3-osTd0fpxy2TU0MdK5UcamVLqCcNdjtBANTno1bIWnBbbmQbPPZGmmhMqFSt3x_n8Uc8N9r2l7iOdzM43aD8vuFdA509ymp0Q/s1600-h/0427091303.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5Y08gHp7ivE2dH9Jf_-HxRIauCgrPM66zg3-osTd0fpxy2TU0MdK5UcamVLqCcNdjtBANTno1bIWnBbbmQbPPZGmmhMqFSt3x_n8Uc8N9r2l7iOdzM43aD8vuFdA509ymp0Q/s400/0427091303.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332671599560083234" /></a><br />I think he gets more done than I do there... he's definately busy!Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-63541020017671322372009-04-20T19:12:00.003-04:002009-04-20T19:42:04.017-04:00Happy (Late) Easter!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGjIayPMoQ887Vv9-uOlVpGeLJ-zbQZCemEpHskXgW5P1lW7UKHsRXVZ2i4RJaAP5ZoSR8NF9L2sKgICqCZLLN8ruttFWar2G9YZpGxCGuIHpgIqntXn2P_PJkh7L4gjPlfh1/s1600-h/DSC00643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGjIayPMoQ887Vv9-uOlVpGeLJ-zbQZCemEpHskXgW5P1lW7UKHsRXVZ2i4RJaAP5ZoSR8NF9L2sKgICqCZLLN8ruttFWar2G9YZpGxCGuIHpgIqntXn2P_PJkh7L4gjPlfh1/s400/DSC00643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326915843982792834" /></a>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-24769657746907940092009-03-17T22:23:00.005-04:002009-03-17T22:40:29.105-04:00Acts 2:42-47We are planting a church! Our Bible study has been meeting for about ten weeks.. we have seen God move and act in awesome ways during this time and look forward to see how He will continue to use us. This community longs to be what Acts 2 states. More people have been coming each week and it has been convincingly clear to us that God is calling us to this unbelievable privilege! <br /><br />Feel free to come see what God is doing... We meet on Saturday nights for now (until we lauch, hopefully in the fall) at 6pm at 1683 E. Oakdale, 49444 (otherwise known as Wagenmaker Greenhouses). If nothing else pray for God's wisdom for our leadership team! And if you have any sweet church name ideas, now is the time to give your input.<br /><br />(:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VWrT7jvsjGhgiPqoaKexQqZ4rJG-J4x3ssF9Z_S1jhNXh013GUWy2Zfue4bS7DJMA6VHhmHRJEGbBde92qBURxTJdaPbAb495a-Yhp9BYxvP7dOsmmv5N9AhOH4hSAyMxhRn/s1600-h/bible+study+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VWrT7jvsjGhgiPqoaKexQqZ4rJG-J4x3ssF9Z_S1jhNXh013GUWy2Zfue4bS7DJMA6VHhmHRJEGbBde92qBURxTJdaPbAb495a-Yhp9BYxvP7dOsmmv5N9AhOH4hSAyMxhRn/s400/bible+study+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314348614468713426" /></a><br /><br />"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-5685164648256763852009-02-08T19:50:00.003-05:002009-02-08T20:41:46.882-05:00#271Dave Matthews has written a few songs with numbers as titles... I think the numbers represent the sequential order of which they were written... thus post 271.<br /><br />I'm no Dave. So call my title to this post unoriginal. I've decided that there is nothing much original anymore... especially in music. Let me at this time quote the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barenaked_Ladies">Barenaked Ladies</a>: "It's all been done"<br /><br />I'm convinced that the only thing that's original anymore is video games. I was playing Madden '09 on xbox 360 last night and could not concentrate on actually controlling the game play because I was so enamored by the graphics. I saw a commercial for the gears of war video game and thought I was watching real footage for a second... then I saw some robots or aliens or something and realized it was otherwise. <br /><br />I watched the movie <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809909025/info">The Rocke</a>r the other night. Horrible. Completely supports my claim here... <br /><br />I really don't know where I'm going with all this... I think I just wanted to rant... I was in the mood.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-18165856057666422512009-01-20T13:40:00.002-05:002009-01-20T13:46:36.999-05:00hooray for a new post.Hey all... sorry these are so few and far between these days.... it's rare I find time to have internet, and when I do it's usually occupied by catching up on email, facebook and myspace messages so this gets neglected...<br /><br />so many things have been happening in my life... too many to mention right now, but a few highlights to point out..<br /><br />* I'm quitting my job at the buckle and will be working in the greenhouses this fall again... this will be good knowing that I'll have my evenings free to spend with my family.<br /><br />* As my wife mentioned in her blog, a vagabond named <a href="http://www.justinthornton.blogspot.com">Justin</a> is living in our basement right now... he has been a blessing and huge encouragement... we've had many good dialogues and I look forward to see what God is going to do in his life.<br /><br />* God is continuing to work in my heart with the situation of my brother-in-law Jerry. What the enemy means for evil, God uses for His glory... and I am learning more what that means every day.<br /><br />Don't give up on my blog ye faithful readers... I'll be back in full-force before you know it!Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-91475424343081688632008-12-24T20:29:00.001-05:002008-12-24T20:30:31.794-05:00deck the halls.It's been more than five weeks... sorry.... merry christmas to all...<br /><br />I hope to have internet someday again friends...Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-10294981151692317332008-11-16T13:17:00.000-05:002008-11-16T13:18:10.959-05:00per carl's request...enjoy.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bhcA4Ry65FU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bhcA4Ry65FU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-38999119408003188522008-11-02T18:17:00.001-05:002008-11-02T18:19:23.032-05:00double bummerBummer 1: I have no internet<br />Bummer 2: I am selling my computer, so my posts may be fewer and farther between for this season of my life...<br /><br />sorry blog world.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-26199293788489493172008-10-10T11:11:00.001-04:002008-10-10T11:12:25.101-04:00it's been a while....and it may be even longer... <br />I don't have internet at my house so posts are few and far between.... <br /><br />sorry blog world.<br /><br />perhaps someday I can be more faithful.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-77894331727715091472008-09-07T17:58:00.002-04:002008-09-07T18:00:28.551-04:00update:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUM90Ebjk7VytrKkqegiUrp1MxWo0L5LSQzTPMHCwU96GcyO7-zCtIN-nFh2SFNpeO3uVelqM9O7Bvn2NAiK1Jv0TsAfaG_39-lk940U-oWMgeNVMoLdeqK2KYxk2G7Y9Er_A/s1600-h/Photo+87.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUM90Ebjk7VytrKkqegiUrp1MxWo0L5LSQzTPMHCwU96GcyO7-zCtIN-nFh2SFNpeO3uVelqM9O7Bvn2NAiK1Jv0TsAfaG_39-lk940U-oWMgeNVMoLdeqK2KYxk2G7Y9Er_A/s400/Photo+87.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243402456734098242" /></a><br />I found my ring... I'm not taking my eyes off it.<br /><br />and football is back... I'm loving that.. and the fact that somehow my 15 dollar a month basic cable package includes ESPN and ESPN2.... score.Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16111717.post-47972348523439373432008-09-02T11:46:00.004-04:002008-09-02T11:53:35.544-04:00life is good.so a couple of stories for you from the last 9 days or so...<br />my wedding day: <br />about 11:30 am I start having back pains... I was golfing so I thought I threw out my back on my approach on the 9th hole. After 45 minutes or so of the pain growing greater and becoming increasingly uncomfortable, I notice my lower, right abdomen in great discomfort and pain as well... thinking my appendix will surely rupture at any second, I summon two friends (who were helping set up for the reception) to bring me to the nearest emergency room.... long story short: I had a kidney stone, passed it, made it to the chapel 45 minutes prior to wedding time, got hitched, the rest is history... good times, good story for the long haul..<br /><br />fast-forward to last night:<br />I'm up at my dad's playing in the water with Andrew and David... we we're wrestling around and one of them accidentally pulls my wedding ring off in about 5 foot of mucky water... so... it's gone... if anyone knows a scuba-diver or has an under-water metal detector, please get a hold of me... I'm pretty bummed about it.<br /><br />but besides that, married life has been pretty amazing... my wife packs me a lunch everyday for work, scratches my back, waters the flowers, etc. etc... <br /><br />not everyone is this lucky...<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed this segment of story time with uncle eric...Wagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01768243283682928506noreply@blogger.com4