Mason's Blog: Thoughts on the Passing Scene

Getaway Day

2007-07-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

Well well well, I return to the blog after a little bit of a hiatus. Seems as though the GMAT got me a little side tracked this week... But I will now resume regular blogging. Speaking of the GMAT, it went rather well, I scored in the 65th percentile. Which isn't great, but I only needed to get in the 50th to get into the MACC prgram at ACU. At least I know what the test is like now, if I want to take it again for business school down the road.

Otherwise its been a typical week here in DFW, working at the old office. The Rangers continue to play well, leaving us to wonder what might have been. MY prediction for the upcoming trade deadline: Lofton gets dealt, Sosa gets cut (hopefully), Otsuka, Gagne and Tex all stay put. I just don't think Daniels will see a deal that is a no-brainer come along for Teixiera.

I'm leaving for Abilene right after work, to pick up my brother and sister from camp tomorrow morning. Should be good fun. But I'm holding back the major announcement, and here it is:

Next week...
I will be joining for one night...
The Fort Worth Police Department. Thats right, I am signing up for a police ride-along next week with the FWPD. I can't wait. This is something I've always wanted to do, but have never followed through on it. Now that I have a couple of weeks to kill, I thought, why not? Hopefully I get to watch a drug bust or a standoff. Even a traffic stop would be fun, I think.

A man among boys spoke about the Iraq situation yesterday. Read it if you've got the time.

6 Days, 5 Hrs till training camp begins.
Until next time...

Gosh I can't wait for Madden:

Of Little Green Footballs and Huge Dogs

2007-07-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

Well another week is winding down, and I find myself in between projects at the office. Guess that means its time to blog. I'm heading out to Abilene on Saturday, to spend the day there. It should be fun. Last night, me and my brother and his friend went to Dallas and saw the much-hyped Kwik-E-Mart, created in honor of the Simpsons Movie. It was pretty cool, they really went all out on this one. I picked up some Buzz Cola and some Krusty-Os, and of course had myself a Squishie. They had life size Simpsons characters all over the store, and all the workers had on Apu shirts. It was extremely busy, fans kept pouring into the store the whole time we were there. Is it weird that I so easily give in to corporate marketing? I always seem to fall for whatever they offer, hook, line, and sinker.

Well its only July of 2007, and the presidential election coming up is already threatening to whip the American people to death. People think theirs too much coverage now... just wait until next summer. I just hope I don't get burned out on it all, because it really fascinated me. I read in U.S. news that this election is the first in over 30 years that doesn't involve an incumbent or his vice president running for the nomination. That's why this race is so interesting and crazy. I've been thinking about getting involved this year (IE joining a candidate's team), but I shall remain mum for now on who I will support. I just think this next year's election is vital for the future well being of our country.

I added a new website to the links on the left side, it has become a recent favorite of mine. The blog Little Green Footballs has become a daily stop for me as I continue to be interested in the battle against radical Islam worldwide. Check it out if you are into global terrorism issues and such.

Two books I am interested in at the moment:
Born Again, by Charles Colson
and The Cheater's Guide to Baseball, by Derek Zumsteg

This story fascinates me. Meet the Incredible Hulk of the dog world:

Bring the Heat

2007-07-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

I slacked yesterday and didn't post, apoliges to all of my loyal readers. Of which there are probably none. Well it looks like maybe the torrentail rains that have plagued DFW this summer are finally going away, and we can go back to what ususally consists of s summer here. I never thought I'd be ready for 100 degrees and sun, but I really am. The only thing that messes it all up is the fact that the air conditioning has gone out at the office where I work. That means box fans for everyone! Not good times, bad times.

But I refure to let it get me down. I take the GMAT next Tuesday, which is pretty exciting. Its basically a harder version of the SAT, but I am going to be studying a lot in the next week so I won't be too worried about it.
Fun FActs about the GMAT:
*It cost me 250 dollars (!!!) to take this test.
*Its completely computerized, so there's no going skipping questions or coming back to them.
*Its "computer adaptive", meaning if you answer a question right it gives you a ahrder one next, and vice versa.
*There's a writing section.
I bet thats more than you ever wanted to know about the GMAT.

Trivia fact: Today and the day before the MLB All-Star game are the only two days of the year when there are absolutely no games in the 4 major sports (football, baseball, basketball, hockey)

It's just like a Mini Mall:

"More than meets the eye"

2007-07-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back after a good weekend, in the office(that apparently has a malfunctioning air conditioning unit today. Not good times. Bad times). Casey was in town for the week, and we got to enjoy the greatness of Joe T Garcia's on Friday night.

I got to see the newest Michael Bay epic this weekend, Transformers. Gotta say, I was impressed. I usually don't enjoy Bay's work, including the overblown Pearl Harbor and Bad Boys films. But this one was pure fun from start to finish. Maybe the guiding hand of executive producer Steven Spielberg helped make this one so good. As a fan of the original TV show and toys from my childhood, I have no complaints. I liked how it seemed to know it had cheesy subject matter to start with, and then just ran with it. The film was filled with fun characters who were enthusiastic, but also knew they were in a summer blockbuster type movie. Also, the special effects were drop dead gorgeous. Good to hear the original voice of Optimus Prime as well, that was a nice shout out to the fans. I can always tell whether I like a movie or not by how many times I check the time, and on Transformers I never even thought about it. Highly recommended.

On Saturday I caught some of Live Earth, Al Gore's concert "for a climate in crisis". I just really admire all of the performers and celebrities who showed up to make a difference. Nothing helps save the environment more than celebs flying across the country in their private jets, to get up on stage and preach to us about not being wasteful. What a moving experience.
While I believe humans do indeed contribute to the harming of the earth, I do not believe we are on a "doomsday clock", headed for extinction in the next 10 years. I think ti is incredibly arrogant to believe that humans, in less than 150 years, can so drastically affect a planet that has been going pretty good for over 65000000 years. Do we really think we know anything about the earth? It will survive. The almost "religion" of global warming scares me. But enough about that for now.

At some point this week I want to make a trip to Dallas to visit the Kwik E-Mart, a 7-11 converted into the convenience store of Simpsons lore. There are 11 of these around the U.S., and I would regret not taking the chance to pick up some "Buzz Cola" or some "Krusty-Os" as a collectors item.

If you can, check out the trailer for the new J.J. Abrams movie that's attached to Transformers, codenamed "Cloverfield". It it very, very creepy. Search around on YouTube for it, as it keeps getting taken down by the studio.

Don't Fear the Change

2007-07-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

I decided to give the blog a makeover today. All you old-school blogging purists may not approve (is there such a thing?), but I think it looks pretty good. I'm even trying out the poll feature, starting with a DFW sports survey. Hopefully as readership gradually builds we can get some better questions up, like who will win Sing Song and things like that.

Well as I sit in the office today, I don't really have any political rants for you, only some random thoughts. Over the last few days, I have received for some reason about 5 of the same chain email, about Bill Gates deciding to give out his fortune to people who forward a certain email. Really? I thought we as a society were passed this. The government should track which people send out chain emails, and it should be marked on your drivers license. It would be like you have a disability. That way we can weed out the lesser of society. Pretty harsh, I know. But drastic times call for drastic measures.

I have been watching a lot of Rangers baseball lately, mostly because there's nothing else to do but also because there are things happening over there that intrigue me. It seems as though we will avoid 100 losses this year, and have been playing rather well lately.
But what intrigues me the most about this season, moreso than the 30-somethings having good years for us (Byrd, Wilkerson, Gagne, Otsuka, etc.) are the developments down in the farm system. Many of our positional prospects are beginning to get it together, and they are defintely a major improvement over where they were last season. Guys like K.C. Herren, John Whittleman, Chris Davis, and even John Mayberry(!) are having great years in Frisco and below. Eric Hurley is about to begin a run of dominance in AAA Oklahoma, and Kasey Kiker is pitching well in A Ball. These performances, along with our soldi draft this year, give me hope for the future and a feeling that this management team has a plan in place and we are moving forward with it. That's why I hated all of the calls for Jon Daniels' head after only a year and a half on the job. How can anyone make that judgement so quickly, especially in baseball, the sport where player development takes the longest? Besides, name me one baseball GM who hasn't made at least 2 questionable trades. In the effort to improve, mistakes will be made. The organization is committed to developing young talent, and making smart free agent aquisitions (Kenny Lofton, Gagne). Daniels knows this recent surge cannot change the fact that they are in no position to compete this year. If anything, this run without Teixiera proves to management that the team will survive if he is traded. I want to see Tom Hicks get his nerve back, and take some risks with this product. Something that concerns me that was brought up by Bob and Dan today on the Ticket, is the way Tom Hicks treats the fans like investors in a company. He is constantly talking about profitability and ticket pricing and making money, but the reality is that fans don't want to hear any of that. We care about wins and losses, not profit and return on investment.

That's all for today, enjoy seeing why NFL players are quite different than me and you:
(Adrian Wilson)

The Post- July 4th Work Beat Down

2007-07-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

Well, sitting in the office the day after July 4th really sucks... but its raining outside anyway so I guess its good to be making money. I had a great time out at the Huston lake house for the 4th, the weather ended up cooperating and we even got out on the water for a bit. Good friends, good food, and lots of fireworks made for a great weekend. A question for another time: Why the heck is America so obsessed with blowing things up? Every dock on the lake seemed to have its own set of pyrotechnic experts it seemed. Maybe its because the burn ban that seems to be in effect every summer was finally lifted, unleashing everyone's inner 12-year old. We put on a pretty good show ourselves, even though often the threat of getting blown up is more exciting than the actual fireworks themselves.

I read an interesting article today, an Op-Ed piece in the Wall Street Journal:

In it, DANIEL HENNINGER writes about how no matter what voters or politicans will be saying in the coming months, the elephant in the room on everyone's minds remains terrorism. The issue of our battle against terrorism will continue to be the number one issue even if no one wants to say it:

"That's right. It's not the economy this time, stupid. It's terrorism. No matter how low George Bush falls in the polls the next 18 months, "what to do about terrorism" is going to be the No. 1 voting issue in November 2008 because the Glasgow/JFK/Fort Dix/Heathrow/Madrid bombers are still going to be at play in November 2008.
This may well be the election decided by the Worry Wart Independents. But don't be surprised if a lot of them walk out of the voting booth that day and say with a straight face, "I voted to solve the health-care crisis." Right."

I think this is a really interesting topic, and one that will come into play a lot more in the coming months. I agree with what Glenn Beck has been preaching for months, that the American people don't really want to "Get out of Iraq." I belive its something more than that. We want to win. We are Americans, and we hate losing. I think the person that wins the presidency next Fall is the one who instills the confidence in the American people that we are going to win this fight, we have it in us and we have the right people in charge. It won't be the person with the best health care plan, or the best tax plan, or the best view on stem-cell research. It will simply be who can make us believe we are winners again.

Rocking some Amy Winehouse these days...

Happy Almost July 4th

2007-07-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

Well last night I attended the first WWE Raw event since the Benoit tragedy... pretty interesting stuff. It seemed like everyone (fans included) was ready to sweep the Benoit story under the rug and get on with business as usual. Which is, I think, the only thing you can do. I must say I still dont feel like things are back to normal, but it will only take time. It will also take good wrestling and good storylines, which are absent at the moment. Still fun to go to a live event though.

I'm heading out to Heath's lake house today to spend the 4th out there. Happy birthday to Heath, by the way. Should be happy good fun time, as long as it doesn't keep raining so much.

I wanted to say something about the attempted London terror attacks that were averted this week. Reports are coming out that many of those who have been planning these attacks were in fact doctors. I hope this helps lay to rest the stupid terrorism argument that "The only reason they feel the need to attack is because they live in poverty. If we fix poverty, we will fix terrorism." This is a strike against freedom and decomcracy, not against the oppresion of the poor. Radical Islam is at it again, and no one wants to lay the blame where it should lie. Gordon Brown, the new Prime Minister of the UK, has called for everyone to not call the terrorists "Muslims" or "Islamic". No one has done more than the UK over the past decade to appease Muslims, and to make them feel comfortable and assimilated into the culture. Take a look at what thats gotten everyone. A recent poll stated that 40 percent of Muslims in Britain would rather live under Sharia than British law. And once again, after these attempted attacks, the so called "moderate Muslims" have been silent when it comes to denouncing these attacks and the "radicals" who were involved. If we as a global, democratic society are to eradicate terrorism, it begins with facing the problem head on. Just some thoughts...

If you want to hear from someone much more literate than me on the subject of radical Islam and the threat we face, pick up America Alone, by Mark Steyn. Highly recommended.

Icky Thump is rocking my world at the moment:

Killing time in the Seventh Circle

2007-06-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

Well it looks like I have yet again taken up the task of blogging again. I have to do something to occupy my time trapped here in cubicle-ville at my dad's office. I have come to the realization that there is absolutely no way I can spend my life trapped in a 9-5 office, in my little 5 x 7 space. Id have a pistol in my mouth pretty quick.

Usually when I try to blog I get bogged down in trying to make different types of posts and features, but this time I hope to stick with it by making it more of a free flowing experience. So when I post from now on its going to be more of a whats-on the top of my head kind of deal.
This summer seems to be just dragging on more than any I have had in recent memory. Maybe its because I haven't had all my friends in town, ready to do something every night. And working every day makes it drag as well. I think i'm coming to the sad realization that true "summers" will be a thing of the past for me.

I went to Heath's house and caught the NBA draft. The NBA always bugs me because there always seems to be all sizzle and no steak when it comes to trade rumors. I have had zero interest in the Garnett/Kobe/Marion/Whoever rumors, mainly because 99% of the time nothing ever happens. Its all just talk. Wake me when something actually happens. The draft itself was interesting, some teams got some real help. I think a team to watch out for next year is Memphis, believe it or not. Conley running the show will be fun to watch, as they had a good talent base to start of Gasol, Gay, Warrick and Miller. Thats a running, gunning, fun team. If they can get value for Gasol, watch out. I enjoyed seeing the Mavs pick up Nick Fazekas, he's a solid player and is unfairly getting the Keith Van Horn rap already around these parts. He is more willing to bang inside, and should be able to step right in and help. He is at least a cheaper, better version of Austin Croshere. Also, we got great value in picking up Reshawn Terry in the second round. Watch out for him. Athletic as heck, if he can wrap his head around the pro game he could be a piece to watch.

Only 25 days till Cowboys training camp...then and only then will sports be worth watching again. The Rangers have done their best to fill the sports hole this summer, but everyone in DFW is simply twiddling their thumbs till its time to care about the beloved Boys again. I will be at training camp for a few days this year, who knows, I might even post some first hand analysis of some players on this here blog.

I leave you with a look at the next best thing to come out of Denton... Midlake

A Christmas message

2006-12-24T22:47:00.001-06:00

Monday, December 25, 2006 12:01 a.m. EST

This editorial was written in 1949 by the late Vermont Royster and has been published annually since.

When Saul of Tarsus set out on his journey to Damascus the whole of the known world lay in bondage. There was one state, and it was Rome. There was one master for it all, and he was Tiberius Caesar.

Everywhere there was civil order, for the arm of the Roman law was long. Everywhere there was stability, in government and in society, for the centurions saw that it was so.

But everywhere there was something else, too. There was oppression--for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar. There was the tax gatherer to take the grain from the fields and the flax from the spindle to feed the legions or to fill the hungry treasury from which divine Caesar gave largess to the people. There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. There were executioners to quiet those whom the Emperor proscribed. What was a man for but to serve Caesar?

There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?

Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.

And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new Kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. And he sent this gospel of the Kingdom of Man into the uttermost ends of the earth.

So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders.

But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light. The voice said, Haste ye. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you, for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.

Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness.

And so Paul, the apostle of the Son of Man, spoke to his brethren, the Galatians, the words he would have us remember afterward in each of the years of his Lord:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Time takes time you know...

2006-12-17T22:02:00.000-06:00

Random thoughts after a busy, work filled first weekend back:

I think I could simply just watch people all day. I love just watching how people act in different situations, like Christmas shppoing time. I think I love people too much to be a misanthrope.
I always knew I enjoyed the soundtrack to the movie Friday Night Lights, but now that I know the band that did it I am living in bliss. Explosions in the Sky has been a welcome addition to the Ipod and their songs like Your Hand in Mine are rapidly climbing up the Top 25 Most Played Playlist.
There's no way I am not going to see Rocky Balboa this Wednesday night. The hounds of hellcouldnt keep me away from saying goodbye to the Italian Stallion the right way. And mark my words, I want to have this down before it comes out: I predict Rocky Balboa to be a HUGe hit. Number one at the box office and maybe close to 100 Mil.
Its been two days away and I already miss my ACU bubble.
Good win for the Cowboys yesterday, it was nice to see us stiffen up when the Falcons caqme out with everything they have. Props to TO too, although the spitting incident is ridiculous I found out today that the past few weeks he has been playing with a torn tendon in his finger, an injury that normally would require season ending surgery. Just thought that should be thrown in along with the constant negative press.
I was pretty impressed with the creativity of U2's new music video for the song they stuck on their newest greatest hits album.#2 Tv Show you should be watching: South Park

Ill be the first to admit... I was ridiculously late jumping on the South PArk train, I always saw people going crazy for it and I decided I would try to be cool and be a contrarian who just didn't watch it. Boy was I an idiot. This semester South Park entered the pantheon for me... just a fantastic show I never tire of. I think my favorite part of South Park has to be that its a show that often actually has something important to say. It takes guts to take a stand the way this show does sometimes, as its easier to just make toliet humor with nothing behind it. And don't get me wrong, South Park has plenty of that. But the priceless moments are when SP digs a little deeper and gives us some arresting social commentary. And nothing is off limits, whether it be gay marriage, Wal-Mart, or even Mormons. So set the Tivo and start catching up on reruns. Right now.

Meeting up with an old friend

2006-12-15T21:39:00.000-06:00

Coming home for the holidays means diffferent things for everyone. For some, it means seeing friends, or getting away from the stress of school and the social circus.
For me, however, it means one thing.
An attempt to restart my blog.
A tradition possibly as old as Kwanzaa, mason's annual restart of the blog is the surest sign the holidays are here. So look for a few posts a week from here on out, at least until the end of the holidays. I'm gonna try and keep it going during school, but with Sing Song and a daunting 18 hour schedule ahead... there are no guarantees.

So whats this first post going to be about? Hmm, how about my magnificent obsession: The altar of television. I think I am going to start a 5 part series today... look for a new installment with every new post. I present to you 5 TV Shows Worth Your Time, and Why.

Today's choice
1. Friday Night Lights
Did you expect something different? If you have been around me for 30 minutes youve probably heard me ramble on about the greatness of this not quite true story of a small town Texas high school football team. I don't throw this around lightly, but this is quite simply my choice for the best show on tv. Really? you ask, but its not on HBO. Or Showtime. Or FX for heaven's sake. I know broadcast Tv has let us all down recently, but I swear if you give this show a chance your faith shall be rewarded. No other show on television wraps me up in its characters and makes me care about them so much.
One of the reasons I think I enjoy it so much is the dynamic of centering a show around high schoolers. Not often do we have prime time network dramas with the guts to center a show on teenagers who's biggest worry is who to take to the prom, but here it just works. The heartbreak of watching these kids act out what will probably end up being the best years of their lives turns out to be mesmerizing. And Kyle Chandler as the embattered coach turns in an Emmy worhty performance, as the coach we all wish we could have had.
I promise you, you will see yourself in the characters in this show. You will see those times you had undeserved expectations thrown on you. You will see the times you made a wrong decision and had to face the consequences at school. And then you'll see those times when we all had to grow up a little bit. NBC made the bold decision to order a full slate of episodes, even though the ratings have been less than stellar. I just hope the people reward them for this most wise decision.

Wow I'll get off my soapbox now... gotta save it up, ill be writing alot now.
I'll leave you with my youtube clip of the day:

Blame Canada, Robin Williams style:

Jonesing for Baseball

2006-03-28T20:41:00.000-06:00

You would think that being in the midst of March Madness, I wouldn't have the need for any other sport in my life. It would seem as though with the NBA in full throttle and the tournament ratcheting up, I'd be perfectly content in my sport bubble. Not so. With the changing of the season out comes my true obsession... the greatest sport ever invented...
Baseball
And so the endless quest for a Texas Rangers World Series continues...Baseball gets me more excited about the start of its season than any other sport, by the end of Spring Training I am chomping at the bit to get the season started. And yes, as far as baseball goes I do consider myself a stat geek... a Moneyball guy thru and thru.
The Rangers are an interesting team this year, still pretty young but with an eclectic group of veterans thrown in that will either sink the ship or guide it into the playoffs. The pitching will be much improved, and I really like what I am seeing with new GM John Daniels. So far he does not seem to be intimidated or influnced by the baseball Naz... er... I mean Buck Showalter. HE is getting guys in here who get on base consistently, and get strikeouts. Two gold standards from the school of Moneyball.

Wresltemania 22 is this sunday... you can bet thats where I will be from 6-10 at night... enjoying the Super Bowl of fake sports.

The more and more I read deadspin.com, the more I am convinced I am on to something truly great. Ive gotten multiple friends hooked on it, I suggest you give it a shot of you havent already. Sports without the filter is a beautiful thing indeed.

Catch the Fever

2006-03-27T23:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post... don't know if anyone even reads this anyway. Well, lately, like all of America, I have been caught up in NCAA Tourney fever. I am officially in the George Mason bandwagon... its crowded on here but we are rolling along all the way to the Final Four. Its not possible for me to be enjoying their run any more than I am... and the thing is this team can't be overhyped because there was no hype to start with.
Here is a video from Deadspin with a video perfectly encapsulating the experience the George Mason fans had on Sunday.

Soul Force day has come and passed... and I gotta say... I am impressed with our school's performance, at least from my perpective. To be perfectly honest, I had my doubts as to whether we could pull it off knowing some of the people we have hear. But one student whom I talked with about this had an excellent point: Its very easy for us here in our bubble to judge people we dont agree with, but when we see these people face to face it becomes a whole different story. I will be the first to say that I love ACU to death, but one of the things that I wish I had in my college experience was a strong opposition to the political views I hold. When you have others who constantly oppose your views, your arguments grow stronger and more intelligent. But when you are in a place where everyone seems to agree with you, your views become more base and reactionary. In spite of all this, however... I'm really proud of everyone I saw today interacting with the Soul Force crew.

All that they told you to was get a little more for your little you

2006-03-06T14:37:00.000-06:00

Had a great weekend at the Skidmore lake house, very relaxing. Caught up on sleep and ate great food, perfect way for me to get ready to face the final week before spring break.
Today I ordered two books in the mail for my trip next week, and I'm really excited about them.
Sunday Money is a writer's travelogue of a year he spent following the NASCAR circuit, while To Hate Like This Is To Be Happy Forever is an account of the Duke/Carolina basketball rivalry that absolutelt consumes that state. Its also about how hating something so much (Duke) can be cleansing in a way. I look forward to writing aobut the great things I read in these books coming up.

Thought of the day: Enjoy the crap out of these lazy days in college where you don't do anything for an entire afternoon, and don;t feel bad about them. After college, they disappear. Dont spend them feeling like your wasting time... cause you only get to waste time for not very long.

Mine is yours and yours is mine, there is no divide

2006-03-02T15:50:00.000-06:00

Seems like a slow Thrusday, but theres plenty to write about.
Hilarious post today on Deadspin about terrifying mascots. Check it

Im hoping to get Baseball Prospectus in my hands before the weekend, so I can be a total shut in for like a week. Its the bible for baseball geeks, and I am gettin giddy just thinking about it.

Huge game for the Little Mavs tonight, maybe the game of the season. Kid of ridiculous to sya that about a game in March, but the way them and the Spurs are playing it sure looks that way. Maybe one or two games will separate them when the season is over.

What a night

2006-02-27T16:12:00.000-06:00

Well... the boys from overseas put on quite a performance last night. I attended the Coldplay concert at the AAC last night, and it was quite an experience.
I'll admit, I came into the show ready to proclaim Coldplay overrated, because I do believe that. I feel like a lot of their act is manufactured emotion, they can't really grab ahold of me like U2 can and make me believe everything they are saying. But wouldn't you know, I got swept up in their show last night and they had me hooked the entire way. Well done. Chris Martin has evidedntly been studying tapes of Bono and Mick Jagger, because he moves around on stage like a seasoned pro. He had the audience in the plam of his hand last night. Its pretty obvious that Coldplay wants nothing more than to be the next U2, and every song from their new cd it seems like was crafted for the big arena sound. And I suppose if you are picking a band to emulate, theres no one better than the boys from Dublin. I loved that they only were on for 90 minutes, as this meant the entire show was super tight and not a moment was wasted. The tempo was good, songs were perfectly spaced out, and they couldn't have ended it better. Here's the setlist, as far as I can remember. (Not in exactly the correct order)

Square One
Politik
Yellow
Speed of Sound
X & Y
God Put a SMile Upon Your Face
The Scientist
Trouble
White Shadows
Kingdom Come
Ring of Fire
Don't Panic
Talk
Encore:
Swallowed in the Sea
In My Place
Fix You

I am going to have pictures posted on here probably tomorrow. Gotta go study for a big test right now though.

Quick Hits

2006-02-25T17:21:00.000-06:00

Its a slow Saturday in DFW, and I couldn't be happier about it. I forgot how much I like being home with the fam for short stretches of time. Doing nothing on a friday is stangely exhilarating.

So, I really want to sneak a camera into the Coldplay concert. Allow me to revbeal the master plan I have concocted so far:
I will bring my camera, with old batteries in it. When security tells me that I can't have it inside, I will ask them if I can just give them the batteries and take the camera in. If they oblige, I will have snuck it in along with a spare set of batteries either hidden in my wallet, pants, or a girls purse. Lets see if this works. Worse comes to worse I will just take the camera back to the car.
Wish me luck.

Whaa... Whats that?!!!

2006-02-23T16:59:00.000-06:00

Thats...thats Mason Orr's music!!

After an incredibly long hiatus... the blog returns! (Hope everyone enjoys the JR reference above.)

Sooooo much has happened since I last wrote in this, which was back before school started again.
To make a long story short, school began, so did Sing Song, and once again Gamma Sigma Phi took home the gold. Its becomming a winter Abilene tradition right up there with terrible February weather.

Things are rolling along quite nicely in the Key City, classes arent too bad this year.
Sunday is the big day of the Coldplay concert, I am going to try and get a bunch of pictures and have them up on the blog, along with a full review. Get excited.

So what better way to kick off the blog than with attempting to descibe the force that has taken over mine and my friends lives over the past 2 months:

The wonderful world of professional wrestling.

One of the mainstays of my childhood entertainment schedule (out of the eyes of my parents, of course) was tuning into the WWF. Why, all of a sudden, have we become so enamored with it again? Partly it is the Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 PS2 game, to be sure. But my main theory is that pro wrestling is to guys as soap operas are to girls. Both are escapism entertainemnt, where for a few hours we get rrasported to a world of larger than life characters , where there is always a fine line between good and evil. We like this world where if someone has wronged you, you setttle it in the squared circle.
And please don't remind us that its fake... we are aware. But just because the outcome is predetermined doesnt mean the action is any less real. The outcome of every movie in theaters is predetermined. It may be alittle like watching car crashes, but watching these galdiators putting their bodies on the line can sometimes be awe inspiring. I dare you to watch one of the great matches from the WWF archives and not be impressed with the athletic and storytelling ability of those men.

As Andy Kaufmann puts it. "There ain't no drama like wrestling."

I remember that everyday I get a little bit closer to you

2006-01-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

So I had a day to think over the game yesterday, and I really don't want to back up on my statements, I still thinkit was the greatest football game I have ever seen personally.

Vince, if you have any sense in your head, you will come out this year. That is, as long as you don't want to head to the NFL Purgatory known as New Orleans/San Antonio/Los Angeles (?) Saints.
On BaD Radio today, they had the discussion as to whether Bush or VY would be your first pick if all things were equal and you had to begin a franchise. Its an interesting debate, and they eventually came to the conclusion that the safest pick might even be Leinart. It all depends on if you think VY can become the first truly succesful running quarterback in the NFL. Sure, there have been guys like Randall Cunningham, Kordell Stewart, Vick and McNabb, but after 4 years of taking hits it seems as though the running part of the equation is always left behind. Eventually someone is gonna be able to do it, someone is going to lead a team to the Super Bowl while running more than he passes. But is a team willing to gamble its future on it?

Playoff Picks:
Redskins
Panthers
Patriots
Bengals

Clearing out the thoughts in my head before ski trip:

I'd be sooo wary of drafting Lendale White, after learning that he likes to un-stress by hanging out with Snoop Dogg. Ouch.
I heard George Lucas was on the sidelines for some USC games this year. Can't imagine a more awkward conversation than him and just about any USC player. Especially Frostee Rucker.
Pitchers and catchers can't report soon enough.
My favorite CD right now: Separation Sunday, by The Hold Steady. A pretty love it or hate it band, complete with a lead singer (Craig Finn) who doesn't really sing as much as he growls and snarls. He's lucky he has an amazing band backing him up. But probably the most Catholic record I've ever heard. Its a concept album about a girl with a Catholic upbringing who gets caught up in drugs and terrible "friends". Listen to how she eventually finds redemption and God again, and I think you'll listen to one of the best, most moving albums of the year.
I'm about to start The Education of a Coach, by David Halberstam. It goes inside the mind of the greatest coach in football right now, Bill Bellicheck. Very timely.

Might not post again before I leave for ski trip, have a great week.

We can be heroes, just for one day

2006-01-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I'm really not a person for knee-jerk reactions, honestly. I like to keep things in the context of history.
But that game last night was the single greatest football game I have ever seen.
And Vince Young's performance was the single greatest athletic display of dominance by a player I have ever seen.
On my deathbed, I think I will still hold up this game as the best I have ever seen.
Never before have the stakes been higher, the teams better, the hype bigger, and the game greater. 4 quarters of incredible plays and constant swings of momentum. For about 4 hours last night, I was completely captivated by the amazing performances I saw. I was shaking during that last drive by Texas. Literally.
What was amazing to me was the fact that I told everyone in the room I was watching the game with that if Texas could get one stop, Vicne was going to lead them to victory. With him, there's no doubt in your mind that he's going to get it done. I've never felt that way about an athlete before, just an utter confidence that no matter what, he would find a way to win. I grew up watching Jordan in his prime, and while I appreciated his greatness, I always found myself rooting for the underdog he was facing in the NBA Finals. So Vince is the first player I've watched like that who I've rooted for. And you kind of get drunk on the experience, wanting to see them continue to amaze you.

Note to NFL teams in the draft next year: pass on Vince Young at your own risk.

The night was made even sweeter by the fact that I had all my best friends there with me, watching it at my house. It was crazy because I have never been with a group of friends so captivated by a game before. Most of the time, when we all get together to watch a game its mroe of a social event for about half the people there. But last night, every single person was completely engrossed in the game. A zen-like experience. I hope everyone cherishes getting to watch that game, its not often we experiece true greatness.

By the way, I loved seeing ESPN U's programming schedule for today (Hat tip to Bob Sturm's blog):

2005 Heisman Trophy Presentation presented by Capital One New York, NY, USA 6:00 am to 7:00 am

College FootballUSC vs Oregon Eugene, OR, USA 7:00 am to 10:00 am

College FootballUSC vs Arizona State Tempe, AZ, USA 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

College FootballUCLA vs USC Los Angeles, CA, USA 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Rose Bowl presented by CitiCollege FootballTexas vs USC Pasadena, CA, USA 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

I wonder who they were planning on winning that game. Hook em'. Gong show.

2006-01-04T15:18:00.000-06:00

Fun fact: last night on ESPN, the team of college football experts decided that the 2005 USC team would stop Nazi Germany's assault on Poland. They said it might be a close game, but USC's offense would prevail.

You can probably guess form that statement above that I will be rooting for Texas. Actually my number one reason for this is to shove it in the face of Skip Bayless. Read his most recent column and you will understand. But honestly I think all the media loving USC has been getting has to ge in their heads. But it all comes down to Vince. As he goes, as do the Horns.

42-35, Texas.

Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea

2005-12-30T10:44:00.000-06:00

Well today is an especially sad day, one of the true greats of modern cinema has passed from this world. Patrick Cranshaw of Fort Worth, Texas died yesterday, sending shockwaves through the Hollywood community. You might know Mr. Cranshaw by a different name: Blue. Thats right, Blue from Old School is no longer with us. I will be forever indebtted to his contributions to cinema. You're my boy, blue.
"I see Blue... he looks glorious!" - Frank the Tank

I promised New Years resolutions, but I think I'm going to put those off until next week.

If you wonder why Mike Leach is fast becoming my favorite coach in college football, here's why.

While I was on the subject of media yesterday, I thought I'd list a few of my favorite announcers in sports:

Marv Albert and Steve Kerr (TNT basketball)- both very knowledgeable, but they don't beat you over the head with theur "insider" knowledge. And nobody gets excited better than Marv. Yesssssss!
Kevin Harlan (TNT basketball, CBS football)- while I feel his basketball partner Doug Collins really drags him down, nobody makes a bad game sound better than Harlan. I love listneing to him get worked up over everything.
Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts (ABC college football)- Jackson sounds like your wise old grandfather, you can hear the experiences and great moments he's seen in his voice. He always sounds like he's on top of it, even when he messes up a name or two. Fouts is a professional too, never over-talking.
Its tough to pick a favorite baseball announcer, only because the only national voices I get to hear are the awful Tim McCarver and Joe Buck. Guess I'd go with the local radio guys, Eric Nadel and Victor Rojas on the Rangers broadcast.
Ralph Strangis and Razor Reaugh (Dallas Stars hockey)- Even if I'm not really into a Stars game, I'll listen just for the chemistry between these two. Razor is seriously one of the funniest men in sports, and if you dont believe me check this out.

Thats it, have a safe and happy New Year. Kiss someone at midnight.

I'm like a whilrling dervish...

2005-12-29T16:04:00.000-06:00

Wow... I just realized that last post was really angry and bitter. I don't really know what got into me. I'll still watch ESPN, only because I don't have another option. Coming tomorrow: New Years Resolutions.

The Sports Satan

2005-12-29T11:30:00.001-06:00

Wasn't sure what to write about today, until I was inspired by Mr. Scott.
So over the past few weeks I have undergone a revalation of sorts. The scales have fallen from my eyes.
I have found myself beginning to really detest the juggernaut that is the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. Better known as ESPN. I hate the fact that ESPN has decided to make themselves the story, instead of being the medium. ESPN has decided that sports aren't entertainment enough for people, so they have to be force fed Sportsntainment. Its now all about ESPN, and what how it can promote itself further. So instead of a college basketball game, we get Dick Butkus coaching a high school football team reality show. Instead of insightful analysis, we get Tilt and Codebreakers. And we get mock press conferences, The Hot Seat, Dream Job, and freaking Chris Berman instead of great anlaysts such as Jaworksie, Gammons, Buster Olney, and Bob Ley. Stop making the story, just report it. (Terrel Owens, for example)
And I hate Stuart Scott.
And i hate how every team or player that comes along somehow HAS to be one of greatest/worst in history. Every thing has to be sensationalized into something way more meaningful than it should be.
I feel partly responsible for my next complaint. I love PTI, its one of my favorite shows. But because PTI was such a sucess, it opened the floodgates for all thew horrible copies. Becase Kornheiser and Wilbon are so good, we now get pompous windbags Woody Page and Jay Marriotti on TV. These guys are reporter, or they used to be. But now they think they are celebrities, and get to build up this fake image of a TV personality.
And by the way, ESPN, stop saying USC is on the verge of 3 straight. LSU won your precious BCS trophy 2 years ago. And please don't say anything about Auburn last year, these issues might tarnish your precious Rose Bowl on ABC (guess who owns ESPN!). Keep hyping up a game THAT WILL MAKE YOU MONEY IF IT DOES WELL, instead of giving us real analysis and news.
Screw ESPN, join the revolution with me. It starts with making Deadspin.com a raging sucess, because they print the stories ESPN won't touch.
Or I guess we can all go buy ESPN The Phone!...

Christmas recap

2005-12-28T10:57:00.000-06:00

Christmas has passed once again, and now I'm back at work. Overall, I give Christmas this year a narrow thumbs-up. Before Chritsmas day, I was in an unexplainable holiday depression. For whatever reason, I had the holdiay blues, and nothing could get my Christmas spirit back. But I had such a good Christmas day with my family that I was back to my good old self in no time. I was like Scrooge on Christmas day. I really enjoyed having Chruch Christmas morning, that was cool.
It was a good haul this year, a quick rundown of the gift pack I recieved for playing in the Orr Family Christmas Bowl this year:

45$ worth of itunes cash, of which I have already spent like half
clothing, always nice
Bets Buy/Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
How to Be Good, by Nick Hornby
The Education of a Coach, by David Halberstam
The ESPN College Football Encyclopedia
A digital camera
and my bed liner for my truck is also counting as a present

Anyways, I'm really excited about all the books I got, especially the one about Bellichick.

I saw the Ringer last night, no classic by any means, but see it just for the retarded guys, they completely steal the show and definitely make the movie seem more classy.

Well I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and if you need to know where THE party will be for New Years, just ask me.

Christmas Eve fun

2005-12-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

Well I plan on watching a bunch of Christmas movies today, thought maybe I'd post the list.

The Ref- cult Christmas classic, about a guy who takes a bickering family hostage on Christmas Eve
Christmas Vacation
A Muppett Christmas Carrol
It's A Wonderful Life
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Christmas Story

And I'll levae you with a guess the quote game, what movie is this from? (Hint: not from any of the movies above.)

"It's Christmas Eve. It's-it's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we-we-we smile a little easier, we-w-w-we-we-we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be. "

Merry Christmas everyone, be safe and think of Jesus.

So all alone I keep the wolves at bay

2005-12-23T11:41:00.000-06:00

Topic for today: Politics
Normally, I don't make my political views very well known. It's not something I like to proclaim from the rooftops. However, when asked I will reveal that I am a solid right winger on most all points. My views these days, are pretty different than in my younger years. I used to be a right wing attack dog, loudly procliaming my Republican views to anyone who would listen. But over the last couple of years I have grown increasingly disenchanted with the lack of thinking on both sides of the aisle. To me, politics these days consist of people basically joining a "team", like they would support a hometown sports team. And after you join your "team", you then defend every single policy of that party. Nobody looks at the individual issues anymore, its simply, "Well, what is my party's stance on it? Thats what I believe." And all we end up doing is trying to get our team to win. I don't pretend to know how to fix the issues I bring up, I just wanted to share my opinion on them. All I can say is keep your eyes and ears open to other ideas, always.

It's been more than a year since I first got it, yet Green Day's American Idiot still probably gets more play than any other cd I own. Every time I listen I find a new song I enjoy. Its easier for me to separate art from politics than for alot of other people, I think.
I've heard that once again Spielberg is taking the easy way out in his new movie, Munich by refusing to take sides. One of the most disappointing developments in film over the past decade has been Spielberg's increasing insistence on making movies that don't offend anyone and have everyone leaving the theater happy. His self from 20 years ago would be angry at his work these days.
Stars are playing Canine tonight, I will be in the building.

"You are what you love, not what loves you."- Adaptation

2005-12-22T09:41:00.000-06:00

Link of the day: The Mighty MJD has a list up of all the free swag the players get at bowl games this year. Way to go, Alamo bowl
Honestly, I think Johnny Damon's best years are behind him. Yankes will be looking for a new center fielder in the middle of the 2007 season or so.
I'm filing a protest with the league, but for now I will do whatever it is you want, Heath, to get ahold of those tickets.
So are people supposed to be serious with the new Facebook friend connection feature? I have the feeling it will end up being a big joke.
Know that I'm getting paid to sit here and write in this blog.

So... I've been trying to think of some standard features that I can create that will become traditions of this blog. So far all I have is What I'm Watching, and the very occasional Overrated/Underrated. But today I bring you a brand new, semi-weekly feature. Mason's DVD Shelf. I wanted to have something kind of similar to Oprah's Book Club, you know, but I felt that no one would give a crap if i suggested a random movie every once in awhile that no one cared about. But by choosing movies from my own personal DVD collection, I hope that someone, someday will be inspired by one of these posts to borrow said movie from my room. Ask anyone who knows me, movies are my passion. Books and music and TV are oh so good, but my love will always be cinema. So I kick off the DVD Shelf with what I think is one of the most criminally underrated movies of all time. Probably in my all-time top 5 favorite movies.

Mason's DVD Shelf #1:
Adaptation (2002) Starring: Nicholas Cage, Chris Cooper, Meryl Streep
Never before has a movie better tried to capture the creative process of writing better than Adaptation. But there's more to it than that. Quite simply, this may be the most creative movie of all time. I don't want to give too much away, but in order to fully appreciate this movie you need backstory.
After writing the amazing Being John Malkovich, Charlie Kaufman was hired to adapt the book The Orchid Thief to the big screen. Written by a journalist for the New Yorker, Susan Orlean, the Orchid Thief was about her following a man in the Florida Everglades who would go to any length to get precious orchids out of the protected wildlife preserves.
The only problem was, this book was impossible to adapt. Charlie simply couldn't do it. He panicked, thinking he would never work in Hollywood again after they found out he couldn't adapt it. But the script that he eventually turned in would be a work of pure genius. The script he gave the executive was about a man named Charlie Kaufman, who was hired to adapt The Orchid Thief. Only problem is, he doesn't know how. In the script Charlie has a twin brother named Donald, also a screenwriter.
So Charlie wrote a story about Charlie trying to write a story. To give any more away would be criminal. Its a comedy, but also pretty moving. So if anyone feels the desire to watch Adaptation, just ask me. You will not be disappointed. Trust me.

"Charlie Kaufman writes the way he lives... With Great Difficulty. His Twin Brother Donald Lives the way he writes... with foolish abandon. Susan writes about life... But can't live it. John's life is a book... Waiting to be adapted. One story... Four Lives... A million ways it can end."

Hump Day

2005-12-21T09:35:00.000-06:00

Quick hits on a Wednesday:

Kobe is freaking uneblieveable... he could have put up 90 last night if he really wanted to.
Had a good time at Clark's party last night, particularly enjoyed our little game of Do, Date, or Dump.
This year kind of feels like one of those years where I don't quite all the way get into the Christmas spirit. Its cliche, but the commercialism kinda gets to me. Maybe after I watch Charlie Brown Christmas I will be all fixed.
I'm going to start reading some Nick Hornby novels, I've heard they are funny and insightful, so I'm gonna give some fiction a shot.

And finally, the main point of my post today:

I've noticed a startling trend happening in my life the past few months. Its a recurring situation that usually happens like this: I see someone at church or from my high school days that I haven't seen in many months or maybe years, and we begin talking and catching up. But the thing is, as he/she is telling me about where theyve been for the past year or who they've been with, or what they've done, I already know these details because of the socially acceptable stalking methods of our time, Facebook, Xanga and Webshots. And so in our conversation I have to pretend that I don't know anything about their life in the last year, but I really do, but I don't want them to know that I know. Really just an awkward situation all the way around. I hate Facebook. But its too late to turn back. The Evil Empire has ensnared us all.

"We're sending you back...to the future!"

2005-12-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

So, I'm working over the break. It's really boring. Right now I am looking over huge reports looking for specific dates and highlighting them. I want to take my eyes out with a staple remover.
But while I sit here and do nothing, it gives me time to simply think. Just think. I really like doing that, and I know it sounds weird, but just reflecting on life and stuff can be strangely satisfying.
Well what I have been thinking about lately, quite simply, is the future. I have almost gotten hooked ont he new CBS show How I Met Your Mother, which I talked about below. That, and I sent an email to myself that I will recieve in two years, just kind of talking about everything going on right now.
And so in thinking about the future, I asked myself these questions. Do I really want to know what my life will be like in 10 years? If I did, wouldn't I just be bound for disappointment? Do the little things we do now really add up to something in the future?
I think the future intrigues people so much because everyone wants to be able to justify the things they are having to go through right now. We want to know that the struggles we deal with in life will eventually lead us to a better place.
On HIMYM last night, (and yes, I know it is a cheesy sitcom, deal with it) the main character, the dad in the future who is telling his kids the story, has a rough New Years Eve. Tnings didn't go his way with the girl he was after. But he says "Don't feel sorry for me, it was all important, all of it was leading somewhere. And all of a suddden it was 2006, and 2006 was a really big one."
Thats the attitude I want to have when things don't go my way. Its all leading somewhere, its all shaping things for later. None of the things we do are meaningless, they are all little pieces of this giant puzzle that can't be seen. Even lazy, pointless afternoons in college are building towards something big. Through all kinds of expereices we learn what kind of people we are, and what people we will want to be with later on. And I'm kind of gald I can't see it yet. I want to be suprised, awed, and overjoyed when I see where I am in 20 years.
So never think that it doesn't matter, because it will, even if you never know it.

Hope that was deep and reflective enough for you. Soon you will be returned to your collection of useless pop culture, and semi-funny personal anecdotes.

What I'm Watching

2005-12-19T18:03:00.000-06:00

Time to debut a new feature on this blog. Its going to be called What I'm Watching, and its a just gonna be a non regular look at the things I'm really enjoying on TV right now. I love TV, so its close to the heart.
What I'm Watching:

Lost

Had to get it out of the way, its everybody's favorite show right now. I'm having fun with it, it definitely is the X-Files for a new age group. I can only hope they don't string the show out over too many years, if it only takes 3 seasons to solve everyting, then so be it. The X-Files was ruined because they tried to stretch it out too long.

Arrested Development

Theres not a funnier show on Tv, plain and simple. Genius writing and a great cast make AD one of the sadder TV deaths I've had to deal with. Soon it probably will be gone, and I will cry inside for it.

How I Met Your Mother
Not many people know about this show, but I really think if any show has the potential to be the next friends, this one's it. The story is that kids in 2030 find a video from their dad, telling them about how he met their mother. The show is all flashbacks, telling about a love lorn guy who decideds its time he found true love. Neil Patrick Harris is the best part about it, completely throwing away his Doogie Howser persona in favor of a wild party animal. Lots of laughs, along with a heart? Yes please.

My Name is Earl
Definitely the guilitest pleasure of the season, MNIE is the most white trash show I have every seen on TV. But o how it is glorious white trash. Jason Lee has never been better, and its hard to fault a show where there are laughs and a message.

I know that was all kind of brief, but I really want to go play Madden right now.

Slow day at work

2005-12-19T11:37:00.000-06:00

Well, Im actually getting paid to sit here and write in this blog, I'm at work. Bet theyd love to know thats what I'm doing right now. Oh well. Coolest new website I've found, that everyone should participate in:
www.futureme.org

Its a website where you can send an email to yourself in the fututre, kind of like a time capsule. Its awesome. I wrote about my plans and my life, and I really hope to just be completely suprised when I get it in 2 years. I want to know then what I was feeling now. Should be cool.
Anyways, back to work. I will write more i promise.

Sorry

2005-12-01T16:17:00.000-06:00

Well... i feel bad, I haven't updated this thing in awhile. I'm gonna try, really. Ive had a busy last couple of weeks. Anyways, in lieu of any meaningful post, I'm going to reprint my favoirte Christmas sotry of all time, besides the Jesus one.

Twas the Fight Before Christmas, by Rick Reilly:

You can take all your Tiny Tims and your Grinches and your Miracles on Whatever Street and stuff them in your stocking. The best Christmas story is about a boxer.
It starts the day in 1918 when a doctor tells a slender heavyweight named Billy Miske that his bum kidneys give him five years to live, if he's lucky. Turns out he's dying of Bright's disease. This comes as rotten news to Billy, who's only 24 years old and not half bad in the ring. He's good enough to fight guys like future light heavyweight champ Harry Greb twice to 10-round draws, which is sort of like tying with a twister. Still, the doc says if Billy's smart, he'll find a comfortable couch and retire right now.
Problem is, almost nobody but Billy knows he's up to his ears in debt, being $100,000 in the hole because the car distributorship he operates in St. Paul doesn't distribute near enough cars. Billy's weakness as a salesman is that he's too trusting. He keeps counting on his friends to pay up, and mostly they don't. So Billy keeps the kidney news to himself and decides to continue fighting and paying what he owes. In fact, Billy fights 30 more times after the doc's death sentence, including bust-ups with guys like Tommy Gibbons, who was knocked out only one time in his career, and three dances with Jack Dempsey, once for the title in 1920.
Dempsey hits people only slightly harder than a bus, and in that title bout he belts Billy once so flush in the heart that Billy goes down for a nine count. In those nine seconds a purple welt the size of a baseball pops up on Billy's chest, scaring Dempsey half to death. But then Billy himself pops up, wanting more. Dempsey knocks him clean out less than a minute later, this time with an anvil to the jaw, as Dempsey is trying to get the fight over before one of them faints, maybe Dempsey. "I was afraid I'd killed him," Dempsey says afterward, but Billy's kidneys are doing a good job of that all by themselves.
By the fall of 1923, Billy is dying fast. He looks like a broomstick on a diet. He's too weak to work out, much less prizefight. The only thing thinner than Billy's arms is his wallet. He hasn't had a bout since January, which is trouble, because Christmas is coming up hard.
Well, Billy isn't about to face his wife, Marie, and their three young kids, Billy Jr., Douglas and Donna, tapped out for his last Christmas, so he goes to his longtime manager, Jack Reddy, and asks him for one last fight. Reddy says no chance. "I don't like to say this," Reddy tells him, "but if you went in the ring now, in your condition, you might get killed."
"What's the difference?" Billy answers. "It's better than waiting for it in a rocking chair."
Reddy chews on that for a while and comes up with a proposition: "Do one thing for me. Go to the gym, start working out, and let's see if you can get into some kind of condition. Then we'll talk."
Billy says no can do. He says there's no way he can work out. He says he's got one last fight in him, and maybe not even that. A softie, Reddy arranges a Nov. 7 bout in Omaha against a brawler named Bill Brennan, who went 12 rounds with Dempsey and is still meaner than 10 miles in brand-new shoes.
True to his word, Billy doesn't get any nearer the gym than his aspirin bottle. He stays in hiding, slurping bowls of chicken soup and boiled fish, and rarely making it out of bed. But he turns up in Omaha on the appointed night, survives four rounds with Brennan and cashes a check for $2,400.
That check buys the best Christmas the Miskes ever have. The kids come flying downstairs in the morning to a Christmas tree, a toy train, a baby-grand piano and presents stacked higher than they can reach. They eat like Rockefellers and sing like angels and laugh all day. Do you know, the only smile bigger in Minneapolis that day than the ones on the faces of those three Miske kids is on Billy's mug.
The next morning Billy calls Reddy and whispers, "Come and get me, Jack. I'm dying." Reddy rushes Billy to St. Mary's Hospital, but the doctors can't do a thing. On New Year's Day 1924, Billy, 29, dies of kidney failure.
That's it, really. Except that if you ever pass through Omaha and run into an old-timer, ask him about the prizefight that day, the one that gave Billy Miske the finish he wanted, the one he won in four rounds, over Bill Brennan, by a knockout.

Everybody's Working for the Weekend

2005-11-17T17:11:00.000-06:00

Quick hits on a slow Thursday:

Siggie waterball game tonight at 6... I can't wait to see Jenny Hutcheson, Lauryn Lewis and Erin Grey waging war with no regard for human life. I feel bad for those at colleges other than ACU, for they do not get to experience the glory of waterball. If I decide to donate a large sum of money to ACU after I graduate, I want to make sure it goes towards the construction of a waterball stadium.

I am getting a bed liner in my truck today, which is pretty much exciting for no one but me.
My new favorite book: The Areas of My Expertise, by John Hodgman. It is basically the most made up, hilarious parody of an almanac that I have ever seen. Read it for beauties like : the 7oo best Hobo names, 9 Presidents That Actually Had Hooks for Hands, and Tips for Winning a Fight
Sydney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks like the real deal.

Lost was a throwaway episode for me last night, up until the final 10 minutes. I hate the idea of watching a new group basically start over. Lets get back to Jack, Sawyer, and the hatch next week boys.

So right now I'm reading The Question of God, by Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. Basically it is an analysis of the opposing views of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. I know Justin already wrote about it in his blog, but I thought I'd share my thoughts on a particular chapter right quick. Right now I'm on the chapter concerning whether there is a moral compass inside every man, and that it is proof of God's existence. What really spoke to me this chapter was what C.S. Lewis said about our culture. "So we tend to accept uncivil behavior 'cowardice, lying, envy, unchastity' - more readily than many earlier cultures. We are told to 'get things out in the open' ...on the ground that these 'things' are very natural and we need not be ashamed."

I thought about this for awhile, and I think it's very true today. The world is constantly telling us to embrace our feelings, and to be honest with ourselves. We are told that we should just accept who we are. I think that while it's true we should not pretend to be something we are not, when we accept that what we are is sufficient is when we get into trouble. Anyways, that just some thoughts that crossed my mind today. Have a blessed day.

Wow!

2005-11-15T13:06:00.000-06:00

Are you kidding me?

How the heck did they Cowboys win that one?
All they did was get dominated the entire game, and then in the last 4 minutes of the game decided to snatch victory formt he jaws of defeat. I ahve to hand it to the overrated Roy Williams, that was a great play. Way to come up big when it counts. Thats the kind of win that can hopefully propell a team to bigger and better things. Tied for first in the NFC East? Thank you, New York Giants. Decemeber 5th will be the biggest game fo the year for Cowboys fans. Get ready.
Notes:

Parcells is the wierdest looking human I think I've ever seen
Every time we ran the ball on first down for no gain a little part of my soul died
We really missed Anthony Henry
I detroyed my marketing test this morning
I have to take my truck to Baird today, the stupid check engine light came on last week
First Campus Life Board Meeting today, we'll see how that goes

Have a blessed day, I might post later if you're lucky.

The week begins...

2005-11-14T13:40:00.000-06:00

Another monday...

I have a huge test in marketing tomorrow, and studying all day today is just going to put me in a wonderful mood. I did get a book in the mail today though, (Thank you, Justin Scott) The Question of God: CS Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life.
Tonight is the first meeting for Sophmore Sing Song, whcih should be amazing. Get out those dance moves and pretty singing voices boys.

Prediction for tonight's game: Everyone and their dog is predicting an Eagles win tonight, based on them bieng at home and the fact that they are an absolutely desperate team right now. Well a good betting strategy sometimes is to seek out the popular opinion and go the opposite way... so lets go with the 'boys. (Did you really expect anything else?)

UPDATE: Just learned that Bill Parcells' brother Don is being buried this morning in New Jersey, and if the team can't rally aorund him and win, they've got nothing.

Cowboys 27, Eagles 20

Guide us, Drew...

Old Blue Tights

2005-11-14T01:15:00.000-06:00

A random note about a movie nobody cares about yet:

Well I was bored, and I am just in a posting mood. So I figured I’d take the chance to show off some of the pictures from the new website for Superman Returns.

I get the feeling that not many people know this movie is even on the radar screen. But before anyone knows it, (June 30th, 2006 to be exact) the Man of Steel will once again return to the big screen.

People may be doubtful as to whether a new generation can pull off this new movie, but let me assure you that the project will be in the right hands. Bryan Singer, the director of The Usual Suspects and the X-Men films, is in charge. I’ve been watching his video blogs over on bluetights.net, and it is clear the man has an amazing vision for this new film. I truly believe it will be the superhero film on which all others are judged. So… what does everyone think about the relative newcomer, Brandon Routh? I’m willing to give him a chance. He doesn’t quite look big enough, but maybe I just need to see him actually moving before I say that. Anyways, here are some pictures to enjoy.

On July 30th, you will once again believe a man can fly.

Lazy SundaY

2005-11-13T18:36:00.000-06:00

So...
Pretty good weekend, thought I'd give a quick recap as I'm sitting here pretedning to study for a Marketing Test on Tuesday. Friday night we had the 2nd Annual Mabee 1st North Invitational Golf Tournament, although ths year the format was changed. This year, the girls were playing and the guys caddied for them. The girls golfing was interesting to say the least. My golfer finished out fo the running, but you know, it was a good time nonethless. The winner, Jenny Hutcheson, git to pick where we ate dinner and had her's paid for. And then after that we went to Cold Stone and the girls used free coupons to get us ice cream, it being Sadie Hawkins week and all.

The Caddies after a tough day on the links:

Saturday morning I got to be this man:

We worked on the Habitat for Humanity House from 830-12, and it was pretty much the Siege Class and Justin Scott and Ryan Hise. Great times. I didn't get a meagphone though.

Also:

Saw 2: skip it, unless you like rooting for the killer to kill everyone in the movie because you hate them so much.
I think I found an underground softball league...pretty cool I must say. Still felt seedy for some reason though.
A Sunday with no Cowboys is no Sunday at all
Am I kind of gay if I think Pride and Prejudice looks really good?
Walk the Line can't get here fast enough
Can't recomment Brad Paisley's Time Well Wasted enough. Best country cd I've heard in years. No joke. Thank you myTunes...

Dang it Facebook

2005-11-09T17:15:00.000-06:00

Thank you, facebook, for completely wrecking my life yet again. I had just about gotten over my addiction to the evil website known as the facebook, when it deciedes to go ahead and add picture galleries, and they are all connected! Kill me now. I will now go back to checking people's photo galleries like a voyeur, while my life wastes away.

A quick story

2005-11-09T12:51:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite stories, and I think it relates directly to the Terrel Owens situation. Its also a story that I think about sometimes in life.

Once there was a man, wandering alone in the desert. One day he came upon a wounded snake that was near death. He took the snake, cared for it, and nursed it back to health. Soon the two were inseperable, friends crossing what seemed like an eternity together. Then one day, the snake suddenly bit the man, ulneashing his deadly venom. As the man lay dying he asked the snake "Why would you do that, after all the things I did for you?!"
The snake looked at him and replied, "You knew I was a snake when you found me."

A New Day Has Come

2005-11-07T22:32:00.000-06:00

So... the blog is back yet again. But this time, I really hope i can keep it going. I should be studying for a test right now but I'm not. I really just wanted to get on here and get some things written down on paper, so to speak. This way I feel like I am being held more accountable. I;ve decided I'm tired of being skinny. And after watching GSP lose to Galaxy in the championship football game tonight, I decided that I am somewhat wasting my God given height, by now at least trying to put some mass on. So here goes nothing, time to get dedicated. My theme will be this Vince Lombardi quote:

"Mental toughness is many things. It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength. Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love. "

Overrated / Underrrated

2005-08-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

So today I came up with the idea of posting about once a week a couple of things in the same category that I find to be overrated/ underrated. It can be movies, books, cars, anything pretty much. Because the public needs to know when it comes to what the best of the best.
Today's topic is:
Birds

Overrated:

Flamingos
I find the flamingo to be a particularly overrated creature, if God didnt decided to make the flamingo pink we would be cursing them just like we curse the seagulls. I mean all they do is stand around, practically a sitting duck for predators, in their pinkness. And I dont think they can even fly great distances, just kinda flop along in the air for a few feet. What a waste.

Underrated:

Ducks
This is a creature we take for granted, I think. The duck is such a cool brid. A duck can swin quckly, fly great distances, and walk adequately on land. How cool is that? I don't know who came up with the term "sitting duck", but it seems to me they can escape from predators with ease. Ducks are awesome. There is nowhere the duck is out of place, adaptable to many environments. And theyre the best cause they gave us the movie The Mighty Ducks

Finally, an update

2005-08-03T22:56:00.000-05:00

I really want to learn how to put pictures in here, i think that would be cool. Maybe sometime later, its hard enough keeping this updated.

So, lots of new and exciting stuff happening in my life these days. Today I went to Abilene and picked up my NEW TRUCK and did a few other things. Im so excited about my truck, its a brand new red silverado. It was fun to go back to Abilene for awhile, I havent been back since I came home for the summer. I saw the new dorm being built, and stopped by to see Jeffrey too. It looks like the new dorm still needs a whole lot of work, but we'll just see. They still have like 3 weeks to finish it. I snuck into Edwards, the dorm I'll be staying at this year. It is actually really big, witha study room, a walk in closet and our own bathroom.

Don't know if I've mentioned this, but right now I'm reading Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, just kinda for fun. I never read it in high school, and from what I hear its just one of the books people need to read, to kinda be cultured in American literature. Its about a 17 year old kid, who just really doesnt seem to have any direction in his life, he gets kicked out of his fourth private school as the book opens. Holden Caulfeld doesnt want to adapt to what is considered acceptable in soceity, and for this he is punished. All it seems he wants to do often is to just talk to someone, show them who he is. Btu because hes not a responsible student or a popular kid he never finds acceptance. Its a really sad, depressing book, but I'm glad I'm reading it.

I guess all we are looking for in life is someone who will listen to us, someone who wants to hear what we have to say.

Only about a week till its time to return to Abilene...

My boy

2005-07-29T12:37:00.000-05:00

One of my favoirte people in all of DFW Sports has finally decided to get with the program and create his own blog.

Razor Reaugh!!!!!!!!

http://blog.dallasstars.com/

If you like hockey you wont be disappointed. Ive got nothing else to add today, just packing up and getting ready t go to Tulsa. Have a good weekend.

2005-07-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

So...
I'm sitting here listening to the soundtrack for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Good stuff indeed. Danny Elfman is one of my favorite composers. Anyways, this week is pretty slow, just working some and getting ready for the family reunion this weekend. For some reason its in Tulsa, OK. What a hotbed. It will be fun though, it always is.
This website accuratley sums up the 2005 Rangers season for me:
http://texasrangers2005.ytmnd.com/

But thats not even the funiest link I've seen in the past few days. This takes the cake:
http://www.big-boys.com/articles/tomkills.html

Wow.

Good time

2005-07-24T02:37:00.000-05:00

Man I found out its really fun to sit and mess with your blog, adding all different kinds of features and links. Waaaay too time consuming. Anyways, today all I did was go work at the water park, thank goodness there won't be too much of that in the future. Well I just figured out that there's only 20 more days until its time to go back to Abilene! Wow, that can;t come soo enough. Never thought I'd here myself say that though.

As for the project I spoke of starting...well here it is:
People always tell me that I know waaaay too much trivia, especially in the areas of movie and tv shows. I mean, thats pretty much all I'm good fro these days. I'm like a cheap party trick. Anyways, I decided that since I waste sp much of my life learning useless trivia that won't ever help me in life, I'm gonna spend a little time reading things that really matter. So the first book in Mason's Books That Matter Series is Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. I want to read all of the classic literature that I didn't get to read in high school. Gettin cultured, one book at a time. So far so good, but we'll see how it goes in college when Option A is reading The Count of Monte Cristo and Option B is staying up all night playing NCAA 06.
Well, I have to go to early servide in the morning, so I'm going to sleep.

Sad Day

2005-07-24T02:34:00.000-05:00

The Rangers are finished, just like last year.
And the year before that.
And the year before that.

Theres only one thing that can be used to describe the team this year:
http://texasrangers2005.ytmnd.com/

Anyways, tonight I went to a devo at church since I didnt get to go to college class because of work. It was really good, but it lasted a long time. A good 2 1/2 hours almost. Afterwards me and Jana and Randy went to Chase's to swim for awhile. But it really wasnt swimming, it was just sitting around talking in the pool. Pretty uneventful.

Its gonna be a pretty slow work week for me, and then its the infamous Annual Orr Family Reunion, to be held this year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What a hotbed.

Word

2005-07-22T02:53:00.000-05:00

Boy the title for my blog really sucks doesnt it? They dont come more generic than that.
So I went to the Rangers game tonight, and I'll let the great Bob Sturm from the Ticket tell you what I think about the Rangers:
"Lose 2 of 3 to the Yankees , lose 3 of 4 to Oakland, and drive home safely. Your season as a contender is OVER…"

Time to build for next year boys...

If I have time tomorrow I want to write about my new undertaking, hopefully this project will continue on through the next year of college. Sorry this is so short, but its late due to the fact that I was at Chase's watching him give a speech for his summer speech class and I also watched his starring role as Pharoh in the DVD of Summer Spectacular.
Later.

Blog is back, back again

2005-07-19T03:38:00.000-05:00

Goodness its been a long time. Every time I try to start this up again, I get too bogged down or just bored by it. That, and nobody reads it anyway. Don't worry, in a few weeks I'll probably quit this one too. Anyways, I'm posting this one on facebook so maybe a lot more people will see it this time. So look for some posts when I'm not working, which is hardly ever. Well tonight I wentto the Rangers gaem and saw them win a beauty, 2-1. They don't make em like that anymore. Well its bedtime, I'm gonna post tomorrow (I hope).

Busy weekend

2005-01-24T03:19:00.000-06:00

So another crazy acu weekend comes to an end. It was one where we actually decided to stay in Abilene, and boy I'm glad I did. Friday night we watched Shark Tale at Cullen Auditorium, which made that movie automatically a contender for worst movie of 2004 right alongside The Day After Tomorrow. Gonna give the edge to TDAT though. But after that, we went to the greatness that is Oplin, Texas. It's a tiny town about 25 minutes outside of ABilene, and about the only thing in the town is a community center that is basically a gym. And on Friday nights the gym turns into a country music dancehall, and it is the most fun I have had in an long time. There wasa live band cranking out the classics, and I had to learn the 2- step. Im no dancer, but it was such a great atmosphere and everyone got really into it.
On Saturday we went to Rosa's, and then eventually found ourselves at the House of Yaweh, one of the most watched cults in America. Its right outside of Clyde, and it always seems to really creep everyone out everytime we go. We drive by and look at the guards, its always a good time. Well thats about it, i want to write more but I am really tired so i'll try to write tomorrow. God bless.

Sing Song and other stuff

2005-01-19T15:10:00.000-06:00

So today is Wednesday, and it feels like yet another week is flying by. Every noght for the past week and up until late February we will be having Sing Song preactice every night from 9-11. This is pretty draining, but I'm really glad to be a part of it. Its a honor really, when you look back and see all the tradition associated with it, going bakc way past even my parents when they were here.
Intramural basketball satrted Tuesday, and its off to a great start. Team Thundercats dismantled Frats 2 by the score of 62-5. It was a massacre, but we will definetely be playing beter teams that that in ther future. I feel good about our team, its just a matter of guys playing together and getting comfortable with each other's actions on the court. We look a little jumbled on offense, but I'm confident we can bring it together. Our inside is solid, with me, Chase and Garret holding down the middle.
Thats about all, i'll try to post again tomorrow. Have a great week.

Where it all begins...again

2005-01-18T02:15:00.000-06:00

And so the rarely read, seldom published blog makes its triumphant return. Today I have just returned from Sing Song practice, and i am sitting in my room watching my favorite movie of 2004, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Its not for everyone, but if you have an open mind its the best love story of the year by far. Anyways, this weekend I went with about 30 people for a fun filled weekend to Borerne, Texas, right outside of San Antonio. It was a good time for all, filled with games, the Riverwalk, and a sweet Pat Green concert at Gruene Hall. That was by far the highlight of the trip, seeing him at such a legendary place. Its really interesting how the relationships within our little group constantly eveolve, you could write a book about all the stuff that goes on between couples and so forth.
Well it was a soild playoff football weekend, and once again the Pats showed that they are indeed what should be called a dynasty. There are 2 kinds of champions: those who are just happy to win one, and those who want to go down as one of the greatest teams ever. The Pats are squarely in the second group, and their leagcy will only continue to grow.

Because I want to, here's my top 10 movies if the year, cause it IS awards season.
1. The Aviator
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. Finding Neverland
4. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
5. The Passion
6. Collateral
7.Friday Night Lights
8. The Terminal
9. Kill Bill Volume 2
10. Saw

And my # 1 least favorite movie of the year?? Of course:
The Day After Tomorrow

so busy...

2004-11-08T01:50:00.000-06:00

Wow, i never imagined it would be so hard to keep this thing updated all the time. Theres always something going on, and its hard just to sit and write. But i am comitted to keeping this going, so im not going to stop anytime soon.
It seems like i am always just writing about my weekend on here, but thats where all the fun is, right? This weekend we went to DFW yet again, this time to watch the Dallas Christian/Fort Worth Christian game in Dallas. That night we stayed at Clarck Packer's house, it was a lot of fun. I feel like the little group we hang out with bonds really well. Saturday morning I went to a 3 on 3 tournament at Norht Texas with Lance. We were 1-2, so it was fun but it definetly could have been better. Saturday night we hung otu at the Atchley's and then crashed at Jeff Edwards' house.
On a side note, i think byt he end of the year i will have eaten over 100 party burritos from Taco Bueno. Well it's laundry time, so I will try to write again tomorrow.

2004-10-24T03:03:00.000-05:00

Not much has changed since i last posted on here, except we had homecoming here at acu. It was a very tiring weekend, ill just say that. And, i only hope you were lucky enough to see our parade float, which was a truck bed filled with hose water and bubbles and six guys in it. Needless to say, it was a little chilly. But it was in incredible amount of fun. I am excited about going home this weekend, to go see the Little Mavs and to hang out with people bakc home. I also plan on doing early voting, straight ticket Republican of course. I'm actually going to try and post a few more times this week, cause I feel like doing so. Much love, everyone. Hope everyone is watching the World Series, its history in the making.

Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring
Banana phone
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring
Banana phone
I've got this feeling
so appealing
for us to get together and sing - SING!
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ringBanana phone
Ding dong ding dong ding dong ding
Donana phone
It grows in bunches
I've got my hunches
Its the bestbeats the rest
cellular modular
interactivodular

what a place

2004-10-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

Been awhile since i've posted on here, its tough becuase I've been so busy lately. Well this weekend I went to the Dallas Christian retreat, it was on Friday. Basically we just hung out with these seventh-graders and taught them a few lessons that weren't very difficult at all. It was a lot fo fun. Afterwards, all of us went out to eat. So then we had the rest of the weekend to ourselves. We decided to stay at Heath's house n Southlake, and it was an incredibly fun weekend. Me, Jesse, Blake, Gilly, Ryan, Brooke and Julianne all stayed at heath's house. Lets just say there wasn;t a whole lot of sleeping going on. Friday night we went to Hangman's, the haunted house in downtown Fort Worth. Even though its really not that scary, it's stilla ton of fun. Saturday we went to the fair, which has become an annual tradition for me i guess.
I just want to say that I am so incredibly glad I am going to ACU. I cannot belive how many good friendships I have already developed here, everyone bonds so incredibly well. I love just hanging out with all of the people here, we are all so different yet we get along so well. This week we are all helping to build the freshmen float for the homecoming parade, so that will be a lot of fun. I encourage anyone who is thinking of transferring to consider ACU. I know it sounds hokey, but it will change your life in so many awesome ways.
Well I am gonna go get ready for class, and later tonight we have a flag football game. Ill try to post again in a few days. Peace and God bless

stuff

2004-10-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Finally got a chance to write in here, I had to pull myself away from Tiger Woods 2005, which is like video game crack. Im really excited, because this weekend I am going back to the Metroplex to help at the Dallas Christian retreat, I will be working with a bunch of seventh graders on Friday. On Saturday, a bunch of people are going to the State Fair. I love the fair, I try to go every year.
On another topic, I realized the other night how lucky I am in some ways to be living in a dorm like this. Two nights ago we all watched as somebody had their head completely shaved for $15 dollars. And its so cool here because living in this dorm I have added like 15 new friends in the span of a few weeks. Friends who I really like, and who I think will be friends for the next few years. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think living arrangements at public universities offer the same kind of fellowship. Iv'e come to appreciate curfew because everyone is here at night, getting to know each other. Well I am gonna go to my business lab, have a good week everyone. At some point I want to post my take on the upcoming election and stuff.

Homeward bound

2004-10-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

I'm going home for the weekend, it's been a crazy week so I'm sure I will have lots to write about coming up. Everyone be safe this weeknd and have fun.

Been awhile

2004-10-07T03:25:00.000-05:00

Ok so its been awhile since i've updated this, so I have lots to say.
First, a quick sports point: I hate the Yankees, clear and simple. They are the Evil Empire. Either you hate the Yankees, or you have no soul. But I absolutely love Derek Jeter. He is probably my favorite non-Ranger in the entire league. Nobody gives their all, and comes up in the clutch plays like him. He is a gamer. If I had to start a team from scratch, he's the one guy I would pick first.

Ok well, on to other stuff. I am going home this weekend, back to the Hills. I am looking forward to seeing my family again, cause I really miss them. I think on Friday I am going to try and go to the Birdville football game, and also go see Friday Night Lights. Saturday I am going to watch Texas/OU and hopefully go to the Mavericks Blue/White scrimmage at TCU. Should be a great, sports filled weekend.
So lately I have been giving a lot of thought to my future career. What will I be? It's kinda scary because you don't want to end up doing something you ahte, and that sucks because you have to make a comittment with your major and stuff. Often I think about doing something like teaching and coaching, something that would give me lots of free time and I would have fun doing it. But something tells me God wants me to do something truly great and ambitious. Thats why I want to go to Law School. I really want the challenge, and it suits my personality. I don't really know why I am writing about all of this, if only becasue maybe it will let yall into a little bit of my life. Well I hope everyone has a great week, and stays safe. I'll write again in a few days.

This weekend

2004-10-04T00:43:00.000-05:00

So this weekend like 30 of us went to Heath's lake house on Eagle Mountain Lake. It was one for the most fun weekends I have ever had. It was so great to meet and hang out with so many awesome people. I feel so blessed to go to the school I do, and to be with the people there. It was cool because all 30 or so of us got along so incredibly well. And it's always fun introducing people to the greatness that is Fort Worth. I really miss F-Dub when I am in Abilene, because it has the entertainment options of a big city, yet also a small-town feel to it.

On a completely different note, I learned today that a former Birdville student and a person many of my friends loved died in a car accident. From what I knew of him, James Harris was a really good guy, and it sucks when something like this happens. But this tragedy really got me thinking as well. Sometimes you hear about people who choose not to believe in God because of all the hurt and the pain in the world, and how a soul could possibly inflict such suffering on people. But my view is that a person's belief in God should only be strengthens by the pain of the world. If there was no God, why on Earth would any of us put up with the sicknesses that plague the world? What would be the point of it all? God puts these things in our lives to make us realize how much we need him, and how much he wants us to be close to him. Through tragedy we should help strengthen one another's beliefs, and help people realize that even though it may seem like he is nowhere in sight, God is always there.

Just a thought

2004-09-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, well i had a few minutes before bible so i wanted to write a little bit about something cool. Last night, the rangers were officially eliminated from the playoff race. Some people may not care, but for me its the end of what was the best summer I've ever had as a sports fan. This team was probably my favorite sports team from one season of all time. I love the cowboys and the mavericks, but the ranegrs will always be my team. I think its becasue baseball players, and especially this year's rangers, seem like everyday, ordinary guys. I think I can relate to them more than hulking 300 pound lineman or seven foot centers. Watching the game today, I have seen multiple fans holding up sings simply saying, "Thank You". That makes me so proud to live where I do, and to support this team. I have never been more attached to a team, living and dying with every game. The only season I can relate it to is the breakout year the Mavs had, when they knocked off the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.
So I guess what I want to say is, thanks Rangers, for making me believe.
I'll leave you with the best baseball quote ever:
"Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come. "

getting started

2004-09-30T13:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, so i want this expirement to be a number of things. First of all, i want it to be a chance for me to keep up with all the people i know who have gone to different schools or are still back home. i think it will be cool to let them know what im up to. Second, i want it to be a place where i can sound off about a variety of things, because i am very opinionated. Politics, sports, whatever comes to mind. Tomorrow I am going to Heath's lake house at Eagle Mountain. Theres gonna be a ton of people going, and it will be a barrel of fun. Yet it will be interesting, because I have no idea who will be there. Well it is now lunchtime, so I'm out.

The Beginning...

2004-09-29T03:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm really not sure if anyone will read this, but I think it will be cool to write down al the stuff that I'm experiencing right now. For those that don't know, I'm at abilene Christian University, enjoying life as a freshman. I know everyone does these, so I though I would at least use a different website than everyone else, so its not quite so cliche. Well its real late so I am done, I will try to post on this at least 2 or 3 times a week. That's the goal at least.