You Poor Little Rich People

Most people work during the holidays. Some even work on Christmas and New Year's. While it may not be fun, these are the lives we choose for ourselves. If we do not show up we will most likely get fired for not doing our job. Most individuals who report during the holidays have really important jobs. Doctors, firemen, policemen, politicians. Wait, what? Politicians? But they are too good to have to work up until Christmas. I mean, c'mon! It's one of the two most holiest holidays according to Sen. Kyl a Republican from Arizona. Hey, Mr. Kyl did you know that the 300 million Americans that live here are not all Christian? Crazy, I know. Nevertheless, even if we were all Christian would it matter? NO. Here's why: One, you are an elected official who serves the people. Right now there is a large legislative agenda on the table including the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and you're worried about Christmas?? I love Christmas, but even I know when some things are a little more important than that. I'm sure your families will all be there before, during, and after Christmas.
Before you complain about working up until Christmas do me a favor. I want you to think about those individuals who will not be home for the holidays, most notably those soldiers who are still off fighting for our freedom. Some of those soldiers are no doubt waiting on the Senate to change a dumb policy that should never have existed in the first place. Also think about those who don't even have a home and may be spending Christmas on the streets. Or those kids who won't get any presents, or those who will be in a soup kitchen, or those who are in prison. Do you get the picture yet? NO ONE, and I do mean no one, will feel one bit sorry for your work schedule. Last time I checked the Senate is in session roughly half a year? Hmmm. Public officials should be working for their people, not enraging them, please stop being babies. While not all Senators have been complaining, there should be none! You know, a lot of people do not like politicians, this definitely does not help your cause.

A Problem with Professing

My last real semester of college is turning out to be one of the most frustrating of my career. It is influenced, no doubt, by the increasingly growing case of senioritis that has been developing since the first time I set foot on campus. But now, the end is in sight and it cannot come soon enough. However, with just under a month left, the finish line has never seemed further away. In many ways this is the most challenged I have felt on an academic level in some time. And ironically, it is not the academics that are tripping me up. We have all encountered problems we cannot solve, equations that will not balance, and papers that do not meet the desired word count. All of those can be figured out with just a little more effort, though. What do you do when you really believe you are not the issue?

If you have ever taken a college class with a real, elbow patch, same outfit every day professor, then you know how large their egos can be. AND more importantly, you realize that their training is in academia, NOT teaching. Just because you are an expert in an area does not mean that you can teach that to a room full of students and expect them to understand it. And what's worse is that they are too egotistical to even start listening to suggestions on how to improve the class. Professors may have it the easiest of all the people on campus and yet they tend to not want to work harder on the one thing they should be doing best: instructing. Lecture, lecture, lecture, lecture, lecture, lecture, lecture, and yes, more lecture. In a class of hundreds of students maybe this is the only way to present material, but maybe not. Surely in the many many years that these higher education institutions have been in existence there have been some suggestions on how to spruce up the learning process. But undoubtedly in those situations the professors would not want to take away from hearing their voice for less than the allotted 75 minutes.

I want to make a pledge to my future students who walk into my classroom. There will never be a time when my preferences or wants are more important than yours. It does not matter if I think something is interesting, YOU have to find it interesting as well. And if many of you do poorly on a test or assignment I will not be ignorant to the fact that maybe it was because you did not study hard enough, it is probably because I did a poor job of teaching you the material. I will also make it so that grades are not life or death for you and you can focus on improving in progressive steps rather than stressing about acing every single assignment in order to do well. It is a new age. Students care less, they need more effort from all instructors to engage them in the material. If you think that's not a fair deal then do not enter the profession.

December 17th will mark the end of my student career and then I begin the transition into my professional career. I have never been more ready to begin a new journey and to start changing the way students learn. Some may say I am an idealist and what I want to do in the classroom cannot be done due to time and curriculum constraints, but that is when I say to those nay-sayers, it can be done if you try hard enough. It will be challenging for sure, but if I know in my heart that I am doing my best to give my students the most effective lessons possible, then I will have done my job.

Heroes

The other day while listening to my professor speak of one of his heroes, Kurt Vonnegut, it got me thinking about my heroes and what the word hero actually means. We all know about Superman and Spider-Man, but those are super heroes. Not the everyday heroes that can go overlooked. For many of us heroes come in the form of parents, grandparents, teachers, and it goes on. Normally, they are people who have been close to your life in some way, shape, or form. I believe that heroes must alter or affect our life in some way to be rightfully deemed a hero.

I think now, after 9/11, most people would undoubtedly say that firemen and service men like them, are heroes. A fair statement. I also believe that a hero is one who does not acknowledge or accept the fact that they are a hero. You would be hard pressed to find a fire fighter after 9/11 who agreed with the fact that they were a hero. They would most likely tell you that they were "just doing their job." There is also that sense that these individuals are not trying to be a hero. Listening to interviews, I have decided that people just want to help other people. They don't say, "I went into that burning building just so I could be called a hero and get a medal." I hope that I would be a person who would go in that burning building to help someone else just because they needed help.

So I ask you all to think about who your heroes are, why they are your heroes, and if you feel like you are living your life in a way that is heroic. I think if we all strive to be everyday heroes, people would be better off. The main thing is don't try too hard, listen to your instincts, understand what your conscience is telling you, and try to stay off the wrong side of the road. Finally, if you are ever in that unique situation in which you are the hero, take it like a hero, humbly, graciously, and respectfully.

This is the year!

It's September and that means only one thing, FOOTBALL!!! Tonight the Saints and Vikings open the NFL regular season. Old Man Brett is on his goodbye tour this year and Cajun Man Drew is on his repeat tour. Next year, a lockout is appearing more and more possible so we should all really try and enjoy this season lots and lots. As is the same with every fan of any sport and any team, the common mantra when starting a new season, this season is always the year when it's your team's turn to win it all. So while I'm saying there's always next year for the Cubs at this time, this is definitely the year for da Bears! But not really. For maybe the first time I am trying to realistic about this team's chances. While I think they'll do better than the 7-9 projection of Sports Illustrated, I think a playoff berth would be just fine, nothing more. I say this now, but we all know if they do indeed make the playoffs it's Super Bowl or Bust!

The defense added Dr. Peppers in the off-season and as long as the linebacking core can stay healthy, I like the defense to be improved from last season. The offense is the biggest question mark in possibly the entire NFL. Cutler has talent, lots of talent, but he just has no sense when it comes to making some throws. Pass it to the man in blue, man! The addition of Mike Martz will for sure make the team more pass happy, but if the QB can't get the ball to the receivers then that won't matter. SOOO we shall see. They open with the Lions and I am hoping that they win, a loss to Lions at the beginning of the year will just ruin all hope for a successful season.

I have this theory that making predictions will A: make me look dumb when the season ends, and B: only cause bad things to the teams I would have picked to be successful. So I will just throw a few things in without saying anything concrete. As always the Colts are going to be one of the premiere teams, they will be until Manning retires, I think the Jets are going to return a strong team as well. I like the Ravens to be a force on both sides of the ball with the addition of some big names at Wide Receiver and Joe Flacco's cannon. As for the NFC North, it is tough this year. The Vikes, Pack, and the Bears can all be quality teams and the Lions are even improved. Some have the Packers in the Super Bowl and crowning Rodgers as MVP, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Until Rodgers can do something in the playoffs, people in Green Bay will always know who the real MVP is. (Good call on that one by the way.)

I would just like to add a little bit on the College football season beginning as well. I love me some college football. After many years of undefeated season after undefeated season, Boise State is finally appearing to have gotten some respect in the polls. Pre-season they were ranked 3rd and after beating 10th ranked VA Tech, they are close to overtaking OSU at the number 2 spot. Go Broncos! If they do not get a title bid with an undefeated season this year I will lose all faith in college football. Also, TCU beat a ranked opponent and are now ranked 4th. How about a rematch of the Fiesta Bowl last year except this time it's for the National Championship? I can dream. I urge you all to find a big comfy couch, some snacks, a t.v. with little glare, some friends, and enjoy the season!

And on the Third Day...

Not being one who has been to many concerts, I truly believe that not many would top the one that Third Day gave in Terre Haute on Friday night. I think it is amazing that a band so hugely popular in their genre would even stop in this city in between shows and do one here. They even said it was the smallest crowd they had played for in a long while, but that did not make them seem any less enthused about performing for all of us. I thought the smaller sized crowd and venue was absolutely ideal. There was not a bad seat in the house and the whole experience was much more intimate.

The set list they played was almost perfect. While they negated to sing one of my favorites, all of the songs they sang were great. I almost never feel that way about concerts, or CD's, or set lists. There are always at least a couple songs that are just not what you like, but Third Day somehow evaded that. The only bad thing about the concert is that it ended. Also, Mac Powell has such a great voice live. Singing live has become somewhat of a lost art with all that can be done with altering voices now. It was refreshing to hear a band with true talent that almost mirrors their sound in the studio.

They also brought along their friend Trevor Morgan. Now usually opening acts can be a little lame and you just want them to finish so the main act can come on stage, but Trevor was different. All of his songs were also enjoyable, and his rendition of the Psalm 23 was absolutely amazing. I urge everyone to look into him. I had the chance to talk to him a little bit after the show and while he is not uber famous, it was still exciting to talk with someone who is sharing his great talents and love for God with the world.

Even if you are not a fan of Christian music, Third Day is definitely a band that can be liked by anyone. They have a wide variety of songs, powerful messages, great vocals, and what's better is that they all seem like really genuinely nice people. I want to thank them for coming to the Haute and putting on such a great show, I will definitely look to be seeing you again in concert.

Judgment Day

There is an old saying that almost every one has heard, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Meaning that you cannot tell what something is like based solely on appearances. We have heard this before, but do we take it seriously? I know I have judged people too quickly sometimes or judged them wrongly and have felt bad about it later. It is common nature to judge too quickly and to make assumptions about situations or people before one even knows them. What we are missing is tolerance. Some may say we are missing acceptance, but one need not accept something as long as they are able to aptly tolerate it. There is a story about Jesus meeting a woman at Jacob's well that fits well with this practice.

Jesus sat down by Jacob's well in Sychar where he encountered a Samaritan woman getting water from the well. Knowing full well of her sins and the woman's standing in her town, Jesus spoke to her anyway. Maybe even bigger than that was the fact that he was a Jew and she a Samaritan. In the process of speaking to her, Jesus reveals to her that he is the Messiah and if she drinks his water, she will never be thirsty again. Jesus accepted this woman for who she was, he did not reject for who he thought her to be, and in this case knew her to be before their encounter.

I believe that people pass judgment because it is easy. It can be hard to make an effort to try understand all points of view, all ways of life, and all decisions, but if more people did that, there may not be so much hate in this world. There are always going to be disagreements because all humans are different. I think we were all made different by God so that we could practice these habits in life. We don't always have to be right, or understand everything that happens, but making that effort is what makes the difference.

Another major part of my life is teaching social studies. The main focus in social studies is practicing good democratic values such as: tolerance, valid arguments, open mindedness, and others that go along those same lines. Looking at our democracy today, I do not see those values being emitted by the ones who it should be coming from. It is no wonder that this world still has not found the solution. There is no leader big enough and strong enough to preach these values... but wait, there is. Some people are just not listening.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28

Why Would He Do That??

We live in a world that is occasionally marred by tragedies, both natural and not, that shift the way we life. The one that most would say comes to mind is 9/11 and also Hurricane Katrina. These events allow for people to reflect, count their blessings, and adapt to a new situation. After events as these, there are inevitably those who ask, "How could God let this happen?" I am reading a book currently called The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. He briefly brought up this situation in one of his chapters and I thought it was a good twist on the question.

I think what people should be asking instead is "Why did we let this happen?" Maybe God is showing us how messed up our world still is and we need to take further steps to improve it all the time. There are always warning signs before terrible tragedies and if we ignore them, and many times that is the case, then what else can He do? I'm reminded of the story about the many who was in his house and a great flood came.

Before the flood comes, a man in a truck stops by at the house of another and asks him if he needs a ride to safety, the man replies, "No thank you, I am a praying man, a Christian and I believe God will protect and save me." Eventually the water rises and a boat comes by and asks the man if he would like to float to safety with them. The man replies, "No thank you, I am a praying man, a Christian and I believe God will protect and save me." The water floods his entire house and the man is on his roof when a helicopter comes by and asks him if he would like to be saved and flown to safety. The man replies with the same sentence as he gave the previous two rescuers. The man drowns and when he gets to Heaven he asks God, "I pray every day, live life as best I can to praise and believe in you, why didn't you save me?" God replies, "I sent you a truck, a boat, and a helicopter, what the heck were you waiting for?"

God knows about the tragedies that are going to strike us, and not being cruel, I believe He does His best to try and warn us about them before they get here. Whether we take heed of what He is trying to tell us will determine how severe the damage is. There are many issues facing the world right now and people know they exist but what is being done? Are these issues even being taken seriously? Global Warming is often scoffed at, but whether or not it is true, shouldn't we be trying to make our planet a healthier and cleaner place to live anyway? Let us not put all blame on God for tragedies. If there is something amiss the first person to look at when determining how to change something is yourself. There may be things that are definitely out of our control and some things we have no knowledge of, but what happens when we do have that knowledge could determine what happens next.

Urb it Up

For the past three years I have been completing an education that will end with me being a licensed teacher. I have learned that most things that happen in the classroom are not things you can learn by reading or studying, but only by doing. Teaching is my passion, it's my calling and I cannot imagine spending my life doing anything else. I have always believed that all teachers can make a difference and I would like to think that most do. However, my thoughts on myself and where I should end up have changed.

There are moments in life that cannot be explained, but you know that something changes inside you that makes you want to a person you have always strived for. I had one of these moments not long ago. Teachers do make a difference, but some make much more of a difference than others. I don't want to teach where every one wants to, but rather, teach where no body wants to. These are where the biggest differences can be made.

I never wanted to be that teacher. I never wanted to walk into an environment in which I would feel uncomfortable or possibly not safe, but someone has to do it. Good teachers are needed everywhere, not just in schools with money or in middle-class suburbia, but everywhere. Instead of complaining or pointing out what's wrong with the world, I figure it would be best to actually try and help some of those in need. Will I be able to change the world? Absolutely not. But hopefully I can change some lives for the better.

Teaching is not an easy job no matter where you are, and I know what I am asking for could really end up being a disaster, but on the flip side it could be an amazing success. Without risk, there is no gain. Without failure, there is no learning. I truly believe this is where I am meant to go, and if that is the case, I know I cannot fail. I will not fail.

PYT 2010: Life Changing

This past week I ventured up to Purdue for a little get together call the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Every three years, Presbyterians from across the country and world get together for a week. 5,000 Presbyterians in one auditorium is a pretty impressive sight. Being too old this year to be a participant, I was instead part of the roughly 50 member work crew. After spending a week with them, I feel I have made a group of life long friends. We all said our teary goodbyes yesterday, but it's not goodbye, it's see you later. I never imagined going into the week that I'd walk away with such a different mindset in so many areas of my life.

I am sad the week is over, but we're already discussing getting together for future mission trips and reunions. I have no doubt that this group can make in an impact in the world. The theme of the week was "For such a time as this." That quote comes from the story of Esther in which she is placed in the King's harem by God so that she could save the lives of many Jews, and had been placed there "for such a time as this." There's no better time than now, no better time to start living a life you were meant to be living.

I left this week with so much passion in my heart for God's word, and for understanding my calling in life. It's not an easy calling, but it's not supposed to be easy. Making a difference isn't easy. Loving and following God isn't always easy, but I have finally been awakened to do just that. I want to say thank you to all those who came into my life this past week, we were all placed here for such a time as this.

Oh BP....

Alright, it has been a while. I fail. My resolution did not pan out, but hey, life can get in the way sometimes. But now, I am currently unemployed, taking summer school, and reading the Pelican Brief so I think I have some more time to discuss what's on my mind.

So I've been trying to come up with something clever with the initials BP, because well, they are on my list. The biggest oil spill in history just keeps getting bigger. Seriously? Now I realize that it is probably pretty tough to stop a gushing leak of oil, but while you are continuously failing to stop the leak, wildlife and ecosystems are dying. Yesterday I read that it will take until August to completely stop the leak. August?! That's two months away! How many more animals are going to have to die before it is fixed? And what about water industries that are suffering? Get it together people.

I will forever boycott BP gas stations for as long as I live. Our environment is already being destroyed enough as it is, but this should have been prevented. I acknowledge that mistakes happen and oil is a dangerous thing sometimes, but plans should be made for these situations. And if they had plans to begin with, then better plans. BP should be utterly embarrassed and really shape up after this oil spill is resolved. But the damages from the spill will take years to recover from. This is all the more reason to start lessening the dependence on oil.

Too Many Cooks

Most days at work I do little to actually contribute to the food that is served to the patrons; usually I just serve the food. But on Thursday I got to do a little more which some people would hate, but I did not. And while it may seem weird, I loved chopping Kiwi and peeling hard boiled eggs. And while I was doing this, I could not believe the incompetence standing right next to me. The way he brutally peeled and sliced the kiwi would make any self-respecting cook cringe. I could hardly look as that excellent kiwi was destroyed. And it pained me even more when I had to mix my well sliced and placed kiwi in the same container as his mess. So then we started to peel eggs and I thought maybe, just maybe it will go better for him this time. I mean, it's peeling eggs. But no. Not at all. The eggs met their maker as well. I did not understand the cruelty that he handled them with. He had no touch at all. None. Every time I took even a little chunk off egg off of it, it really discouraged me. I mean maybe the people will not take that egg because it is ugly. The guy to my right obviously was cold to that opinion.

This just got me thinking about what I might have done if I was not going into teaching. I love cooking and I have always wanted to be a chef. But a good chef. Not one of those that makes things that make you think, "What in the world is that?" Those chefs are considered excellent and I just do not understand. It looks pretty, but small portions and food you have probably never heard of just don't cut it. For me, making dinner at home is much better than going out to any restaurant. Once in a while is nice, but I'd rather cook myself thanks. I'm also very picky about who cooks for me. I need that trust that what you make will actually be good. It's hard for me to give that trust because food is just that important to me. It sounds weird, but I am weird, so get over it. I am a perfectionist with a lot of things and food is one of those. Luckily the two women that I love the most in this world have excellent talent this side of the dinning room. Cooking relaxes me. It also gives me a sense of great pride when I successfully conquer a dish. So please, next time you are in the kitchen, show some love towards your food. That food sacrificed its life for you. Even if you don't eat meat, those plants were once living. Don't make their life a waste.

Hello, Good-Bayh

This past week Senator Evan Bayh announced that he would not be seeking a third term in the Senate. In his announcement, Bayh noted that the Senate was just not the place for him anymore and he was tired of all the partisanship. I think he will get a collective "Amen" from the general public on that one. I think what should be noted is what this may mean for Indiana. While they are losing a strong Senator, they may be gaining a Governor. Oh God please. Bayh also said that he enjoyed the executive side of politics better. Hmmm. Prelude to a campaign perhaps? While the nation is definitely is poor shape, have you seen Indiana lately? My word. Mitch has taken the wheel and driven us right into the ground.

I could go on and on about Mitch, but I will not. What's done is done and what will happen probably won't be stopped until he's gone. While I am most likely leaving this great state soon, i will still hope for it to be strong and prosper under good leadership. Bayh once proved he could be a great Governor and I hope he wants to prove it again. I look for Bennet and Bayh to be squaring off against for the Governor's seat when that time comes. Please don't make the same mistake a third time. Instead make the better choice a third time. So for now Mr. Bayh, goodbye.

Canad-Oh!

Let me first say that I love the Winter Olympics outside of the extensive coverage of cross-country skiing and my lack of love for figure skating. Everything else is absolutely grand. The high-risk, high-drama of the sports simply get me riled up. There have however, been quite a few foibles this year. Before the games even began a luge participant from Georgia died on the track. The track has been known for its high speeds and the danger it ensues, but nothing was done about it until it was too late. Next, the flame apparatuses did not work properly at the opening ceremonies and gave way to a few nice minutes of awkwardness. Last night the speed skating rink was a mess and they had to repave the ice because it wasn't freezing properly or something. So I was stuck with the long program of pairs skating. Vomit. Also, the weather has been horrendous. Now I cannot obviously fault Canada for the weather, but that's where it is happening so I will anyway. Sorry buddies.

All in all, it is still a great spectacle. The snow and ice make everything so cool! Pun. If you haven't already caught Olympic fever then I suggest you do so before it is too late. Go USA!

Revamping the Tired Halftime Show

Okay, so the Colts and Saints played some football last night and while it may not be everyone's choice, the Saints ended up winning. Good for the city of New Orleans, but that'll be enough winning for now. And I can sympathize with Colts fans because their team beat my Bears four years ago so I can sympathize but I am not sympathetic. Anyway, aside from the football, there was a point in the game where I thought I may succumb to the sandman's lure. You may say, "what? It's the Super Bowl! How can this be?" Well I'll tell you. The Who, a band who I love to listen to, performed a pretty lame halftime show. I mean, when you're so old that you can't even reach you own song's original notes, then it is just not worth it. The Who are the lastest group to fall into the category of "we were really popular about 40, yes 40, years ago." Thanks a lot Janet Jackson's right breast. Now we are damned for eternity to listen to old men sing their diddies. I need a little more than some lasers and the words "Who are you?" displayed on the circular stage. Roger Daltrey just stood in one place the whole time like he just stepped in some wet cement. I want some movement, maybe some nice choreographed numbers. How about they let Hugh Jackman do the halftime show? I mean his performance at the Oscars was definitely better than anything that's been showcased on the football field lately. Or get Neil Patrick Harris to do it. Maybe even have a Broadway group perform a number or two. This will be much more entertaining and get them some exposure. Who says it has to be a band even? Why not have a dance troupe or a comedian do something? Previous performances featured marching bands, which I would not suggest, but it does suggest that there is something different out there. People should be excited about who is at halftime. I mean Janet Jackson flashed people, but you remember it don't you? No one will remember The Who. When you say who performed, it'll just be the beginning of an Abbott and Costello routine. I just think the producers, White Cherry (interesting), should start thinking outside the box. Bring in someone popular! But please no Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, or Miley Cirus. That's just not good for anyone.

Ungrateful Souls

Professional athletes are some of the most well-known characters in the world. Names like Manning, Jordan, Palmer, and Jeter are familiar to almost anyone, not only sports fans. Other than their extraordinary talents, these athletes get paid millions of dollars to play a game. Often times they use this money to live lives of luxury and class, as well as giving back to their communities and helping those in need. Some, like Chad Ochocinco, spend 6 months and undisclosed amounts of cash to build their dream vehicle. Most of us can only dream about what a life like that would be and often can envy what they have and what we do not have or scof at how wasteful and thankless these figures appear to be sometimes. What strikes me most though, is how incredibly reckless and dangerous these members of society can be. A little less then a month ago, an NBA star by the name of Gilbert Arenas pulled out a gun in his team's locker room, as a joke apparently, and is now facing a felony charge for not having a license. He has since pleaded guilty and entered a plea bargain, but will most likely not be sentenced for another two months. These kinds of stories infuriate most when it comes to professional athletes. I guess we should all be used to this kind of behavior by now, but I just expected these citizens to hold themselves to a higher standard. Once great talents are now known for activities out of the sports arena rather than in. Men such as Vick, Burress, Harrison, Jayson Williams, and now Arenas have tainted their careers and names by being either convicted or related to criminal acts. Everyone on that list except Vick has been involved in some story involving gun violence. While Harrison has not be charged or convicted, he is still being investigated. It makes no sense to me why these superstars feel the need to carry guns with them where they travel. If you feel like you are in danger then maybe you should go to someone who can help you, rather then buying something that can get you thrown in prison. And further, don't put yourself in a situation that would result in you having to use a firearm. They have all the advantages in the world and still resort back to these activities. I know it is hare to break habits or be torn away from your roots, but there are times when you can say, "hey, i'm in a better place now and would rather not screw it up." Usually people who have these issues pull themselves out of that situation rather than being on top and then digressing backwards. My point is that these athletes have an obligation to take some responsibility for their lives and maybe create a new view of professional athletes. There are many out there who do keep their nose clean and contribute much of their time and money to help others, but eventually they get overshadowed by the ones who do something stupid. Also, this rule just doesn't apply to those who break the law, but for those who set a poor example to those kids who look up to them as role-models. People like Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Barry Bonds, and others have been in the news for things not necessarily illegal, but not what those people in that position should do. I doubt that these issues will ever stop, but it would be so nice if that were the case. Children deserve to have heroes and dreams that aren't wrecked by infidelity scandals and dog fighting charges. So please, shape up.

Wildcard Weekend

32 teams started the football season with the goal of reaching the Super Bowl in sunny Miami, but now only 12 have that goal for this season. Wildcard weekend kicks off tomorrow with a double header beginning with the Jets and Bengals and the nightcap includes the Eagles and Cowboys. And no it's not deja vu, both of these match-ups happened last week. Followed by the Cards and Pack and the Ravens and Patriots playing Sunday. Even though the Jets trounced the Bengals last week, the Bengals are simply the better team. While the Jets have an amazing defense, their offense can be suspect with rookie Mark Sanchez at the helm. Besides, I'd be looking to embarass the team that embarrassed me just the week before. I think the game will be close, but the Bengals playing at home and having more experience at the most important position will take the victory.

I also like the Eagles to beat the Cowboys. I just think the 'Boys are meant to win in the playoffs anytime soon. They are like the dysfunctional marriage of the NFL. The rich dad gives everybody what they want, but is not really the one to enforce the rules to make everyone appreciate what they have. So when they get to the playoffs, it is like they feel they are entitled to win and thus don't end up working for the victory. Philly wins.

I'm not sure any pick has pained me more, but the Patriots will beat the Ravens. While the offense suffers greatly with Wes Welker out, the Ravens do not have the fire power to climb that hill. Ed Reed may end up with a pick six or two, but the offense is inconsistent. Ray Rice is a strong running back, but he can't be run every down. Meanwhile Brady and Moss have connected for four touchdowns and it's not even a game. The Pats win, but that's the only one they get.

The last game of the weekend will hopefully bring me the most joy. Another match-up from the previous week with the Cards and the Pack. Since I am a Bears fan I most definitely have a anti-Green Bay bias, but that's not the only reason I'm picking them. One the Packers showed their hand last week while the Cards showed very little. It is true that Arizona has some injury issues, but their offense has many different weapons and something they didn't have last year... a run game. The Packers aren't bad, but they aren't great. And number 12 is no number 4.

A Resolution More Resolute

Every new year is almost a new beginning to most. It is a time to reflect back on the year past and correct those mistakes which you met along the way. It is also a time to figure out what to change and what to keep the same. There be years which do not need a lot changed and others when all you want is to be somebody different. We set out on our quest for change by declaring a new year's resolution. A fresh new beginning and a fresh new goal. Or maybe it's the same goal you set last year and you re-new it like old wedding vows. The most common one I hear is to lose weight, eat better, go on a diet, work out, get in shape, you get the idea. Most resolutions are to fix what is on the outside and not what's on the inside. More often than not this is the part of people that needs fixing most. My theory is that people want you to be so concerned with what you see on the outside so that others will ignore or forgive anything faulty past skin deep.

This year I think I went through about seven different things that could be my resolution. In the end I didn't think that any of them would be sustained for an entire year. It's not really a good way to think when making a goal, but sometimes it's better to be honest and set a reasonable goal than to not reach one at all. So here it is. Hopefully I will be able to post at least once a week about those things that are on my mind. I'm not sure I've ever fulfilled a resolution to the fullest, but I figure now is the perfect to start. I've notoriously lost interest in new projects and books that take more than a week to read, but this year hopefully I will begin to mend that flaw by writing here at least 52 times in the new year. If not, then I can just begin again next year...