The Easter Season is upon us! It is a time of rejoice and happiness as Jesus has defeated sin and death from his resurrection from the cross.
Here is a insightful video into the portrayal of Jesus Christ in media through film.
Happy Easter!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
100th Post!
This is my official "100th Post!!!" Am I an official Blogger now? Probably not because most of the things I put on here are random or just senseless ramblings, but to anyone who may actually read this, I hope you enjoy it and find it joyful to read.
Didn't think the National Championship game would be such a blowout. The Tar Heels only needed the first 10 minutes of the game and then it was over. Everytime Sparty made a mini-run, the Heels answered with Ty Lawson knifing through the lane, or Wayne Ellington hitting a silky smooth jump shot, or Danny Green doing the intangible, or Tyler Hansborough doing his Beaker Roy thing by rebounding and finding some way to get the ball in the basket. The Carolina Blue was a fun team to watch as they pushed the ball upcourt at will and put it to the Spartans for the 2nd time that season. Hats off to Tom Izzo though for getting his team there-they will be a force to be reckoned with next year.
The STL Cardinals welcomed Chris Carpenter back to the rotation yesterday after throwing 7 innings of 1 hit baseball (no earned runs and retiring 14 straight hitters at one point.)
"It was Chris Carpenter of old," pitching coach Dave Duncan said....Normalcy for Carpenter transforms the Cardinals' rotation into a potential monster...Emphasized Carpenter: "I said it two days ago, and it's been like this ever since I came here: I take the ball whatever the situation and I take it as long as I can until they take it from me. I don't make that choice." For a team that has missed him for most of two years, the choice is a welcome one. "
"It was fun to get out there and pitch, compete in a real game and give my team a chance to win," Carpenter said to the media that surrounded his clubhouse stall. "This was the first time in a long time I felt as good as I do now."All of the sudden, the Cardinals are a threat in the National League Central... Before Thursday, it was all on paper, or caught in a delicate cloud of ifs and maybes. Until now, it was pure supposition that Carpenter really would be as good as ever after all these exasperating delays, even if he did look so good in spring training."
Now here is what I don't understand...why weren't the Cardinals contenders before the season started. Sports Ilustrated picked them 3rd behind the small bears and the brewcrew-who have NO pitching. The Cardinals were in contention until the last month WITHOUT Carpenter; adding him and if he can give the Birds on the Bat 30 starts that will only make the small bears want to go into hibernation. I am still hesitant to say he is back to old from, but it sure did look like it yesterday...Here's to hoping that it can continue!
Good Friday is today and a time of reflection on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ...this Holy Week I have been reflecting on how when we sin it makes the Cross that much heavier for Jesus. It is a great motivator to think that to carry my cross and to resist the temptation of sin, I can help lighten the load of the Cross on Jesus. Let us reflect on the Passion and all that Jesus went through on that horrid day of days to see in our lives where we can meet him at the Cross offering thanksgiving for His Sacrifice and where we can offer up our faults and shortcomings and ask to share in the Glory that is to come.
Didn't think the National Championship game would be such a blowout. The Tar Heels only needed the first 10 minutes of the game and then it was over. Everytime Sparty made a mini-run, the Heels answered with Ty Lawson knifing through the lane, or Wayne Ellington hitting a silky smooth jump shot, or Danny Green doing the intangible, or Tyler Hansborough doing his Beaker Roy thing by rebounding and finding some way to get the ball in the basket. The Carolina Blue was a fun team to watch as they pushed the ball upcourt at will and put it to the Spartans for the 2nd time that season. Hats off to Tom Izzo though for getting his team there-they will be a force to be reckoned with next year.
The STL Cardinals welcomed Chris Carpenter back to the rotation yesterday after throwing 7 innings of 1 hit baseball (no earned runs and retiring 14 straight hitters at one point.)
"It was Chris Carpenter of old," pitching coach Dave Duncan said....Normalcy for Carpenter transforms the Cardinals' rotation into a potential monster...Emphasized Carpenter: "I said it two days ago, and it's been like this ever since I came here: I take the ball whatever the situation and I take it as long as I can until they take it from me. I don't make that choice." For a team that has missed him for most of two years, the choice is a welcome one. "
"It was fun to get out there and pitch, compete in a real game and give my team a chance to win," Carpenter said to the media that surrounded his clubhouse stall. "This was the first time in a long time I felt as good as I do now."All of the sudden, the Cardinals are a threat in the National League Central... Before Thursday, it was all on paper, or caught in a delicate cloud of ifs and maybes. Until now, it was pure supposition that Carpenter really would be as good as ever after all these exasperating delays, even if he did look so good in spring training."
Now here is what I don't understand...why weren't the Cardinals contenders before the season started. Sports Ilustrated picked them 3rd behind the small bears and the brewcrew-who have NO pitching. The Cardinals were in contention until the last month WITHOUT Carpenter; adding him and if he can give the Birds on the Bat 30 starts that will only make the small bears want to go into hibernation. I am still hesitant to say he is back to old from, but it sure did look like it yesterday...Here's to hoping that it can continue!
Good Friday is today and a time of reflection on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ...this Holy Week I have been reflecting on how when we sin it makes the Cross that much heavier for Jesus. It is a great motivator to think that to carry my cross and to resist the temptation of sin, I can help lighten the load of the Cross on Jesus. Let us reflect on the Passion and all that Jesus went through on that horrid day of days to see in our lives where we can meet him at the Cross offering thanksgiving for His Sacrifice and where we can offer up our faults and shortcomings and ask to share in the Glory that is to come.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Baseball 2009
"Starter or not, Freese is ready for opening-day jitters."Something's wrong with you if you don't get those," he said.Ask the reigning league MVP."I always say there are three times that I get nervous in my career," first baseman Albert Pujols said. "One, is my first at-bat of spring training. Two, is my first at-bat opening day. And third is my first at-bat of the playoffs. If you don't have any pressure and you don't feel like you have that pressure, you aren't ready for the game." "It's officially opening day (although the Braves did beat the Phillies last night) for Major League Baseball and here are my "expert" predictions.
AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Indians
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Rays
AL MVP: Grady Sizemore or Josh Hamilton
AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia
NL East: NY Mets
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Phillies
NL MVP: Albert Pujols (David Wright 2nd)
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy
World Series: Mets over the Rays
Listening to Mike and Mike this morning, I like Greeny picking the Cardinals to win the NL Central and Golic's pick for AL MVP and CY Young...
I know I drink the Cardinal Kool-Aid, but I still don't think enough people are giving them credit especially picking the Brewers to finish ahead of them-who do they have for pitching? If Carpenter stays healthy (I know that is a big if) and Wainwright gives them 30 starts-watch out small bears from the North Side.
NCAA National Championship Prediction: UNC 74 MSU 68
I would love to see MSU win though, I just think UNC will overmatch the Spartans. Tom Izzo is definitely top 3 coaches in the country.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sports Happenings
The Final Four is set: Michigan St. vs. UConn; Villanova vs. North Carolina
Michigan St and Villinova, definitely personify the team that gets hot during the tourney or is playing their basketball at that time. The Spartans should show people the strength of the Big 10 that they can take down the "better" conference schools. Villanova plays with grit and heart led by Scotty Reynolds who could take over a game when he wants to, but doesn't need to because Villanova is a good team. Also, with this being Michigan St.'s 5th Final Four and should cement Tom Izzo's place as one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the nation (Coach K, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, etc.). UCONN and UNC have done it very methodical and have won by their strengths-UNC pushing the ball led by Ty Lawson and UCONN being tough inside with the athletes out on the wings.
"By winning Sunday, the Spartans clinched a trip to the Final Four for Walton. Had they lost, he would have been the first player since Izzo took over the program in 1995 to spend his entire career in East Lansing and miss the Final Four." ""Now he can say that to every person." Walton said, "(He can) look them in the eyes and not have to say, 'There was one player I did not get (there).' He can say, 'I got every player to a Final Four that gave his all. If you come and work hard for me, do what you're supposed to do, we're going to get you to a Final Four.'" Walton, who didn't always understand why Izzo made practices so tough, offered his gratitude Sunday. "He probably wants more for me than I want for myself," Walton said. "I love him. I'm pretty sure he loves me the same.""
Championship game: Michigan St. vs. UNC in a rematch from UNC's pounding of Michigan St. at Ford Field in December
Prediction: Much the same except a much closer game with UNC getting it's second national championship in 5 years and capping off Tyler Hansborough's great college career.
This is official: Tiger Woods' knee is healthy and watch out after coming from 5 strokes behind to win the Bay Hill Invitational on Sunday. Woods birdied the 18th hole for the comeback victory.
Opening Day in MLB is less than a week away!
Michigan St and Villinova, definitely personify the team that gets hot during the tourney or is playing their basketball at that time. The Spartans should show people the strength of the Big 10 that they can take down the "better" conference schools. Villanova plays with grit and heart led by Scotty Reynolds who could take over a game when he wants to, but doesn't need to because Villanova is a good team. Also, with this being Michigan St.'s 5th Final Four and should cement Tom Izzo's place as one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the nation (Coach K, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, etc.). UCONN and UNC have done it very methodical and have won by their strengths-UNC pushing the ball led by Ty Lawson and UCONN being tough inside with the athletes out on the wings.
"By winning Sunday, the Spartans clinched a trip to the Final Four for Walton. Had they lost, he would have been the first player since Izzo took over the program in 1995 to spend his entire career in East Lansing and miss the Final Four." ""Now he can say that to every person." Walton said, "(He can) look them in the eyes and not have to say, 'There was one player I did not get (there).' He can say, 'I got every player to a Final Four that gave his all. If you come and work hard for me, do what you're supposed to do, we're going to get you to a Final Four.'" Walton, who didn't always understand why Izzo made practices so tough, offered his gratitude Sunday. "He probably wants more for me than I want for myself," Walton said. "I love him. I'm pretty sure he loves me the same.""
Championship game: Michigan St. vs. UNC in a rematch from UNC's pounding of Michigan St. at Ford Field in December
Prediction: Much the same except a much closer game with UNC getting it's second national championship in 5 years and capping off Tyler Hansborough's great college career.
This is official: Tiger Woods' knee is healthy and watch out after coming from 5 strokes behind to win the Bay Hill Invitational on Sunday. Woods birdied the 18th hole for the comeback victory.
Opening Day in MLB is less than a week away!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Go Illini!
Nice little article on Jeff Jordan in the Post-Dispatch this morning...
"The 6-foot-1 guard arrived at Illinois two years ago as the country's most celebrated walk-on. He was more a conversation piece than an expected contributor. He now has the potential to be a factor in his biggest game.
Jordan played significant minutes off the bench in place of Chester Frazier at the Big Ten tournament and despite nominal statistics was considered a bright spot. With Frazier out of tonight's game, that role will be magnified.
"He was very positive in both games and gave us a great energy boost and defensive lift,'' coach Bruce Weber said. "He pushed the ball against Michigan and was in the game for most of our key run.''"
I can't wait for the Illini to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tonight in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I have not seen one "college basketball expert" pick Illinois to win. I know this is that vaunted 5-12 seed pairing, but come on. I know WKentucky beat Louisvill, but that was EARLY in the season. Illinois pounded Missouri (early too I know), but Missouri is better than Western Kentucky and Illinois also beat Purdue TWICE, and won several Big 10 games on the road. I know they don't have Chester Frazier, who is the definition of a Fighting Illini, but give these guys some credit. Mike Davis was second team All Big 10 and one of the most improved players in the COUNTRY, Trent Meachem is a leader and a 3-point specialist. I think Coach Weber will have these Illini ready for tonight.
Prediction: Illinoi 68-Western Kentucky 56
"The 6-foot-1 guard arrived at Illinois two years ago as the country's most celebrated walk-on. He was more a conversation piece than an expected contributor. He now has the potential to be a factor in his biggest game.
Jordan played significant minutes off the bench in place of Chester Frazier at the Big Ten tournament and despite nominal statistics was considered a bright spot. With Frazier out of tonight's game, that role will be magnified.
"He was very positive in both games and gave us a great energy boost and defensive lift,'' coach Bruce Weber said. "He pushed the ball against Michigan and was in the game for most of our key run.''"
I can't wait for the Illini to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tonight in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I have not seen one "college basketball expert" pick Illinois to win. I know this is that vaunted 5-12 seed pairing, but come on. I know WKentucky beat Louisvill, but that was EARLY in the season. Illinois pounded Missouri (early too I know), but Missouri is better than Western Kentucky and Illinois also beat Purdue TWICE, and won several Big 10 games on the road. I know they don't have Chester Frazier, who is the definition of a Fighting Illini, but give these guys some credit. Mike Davis was second team All Big 10 and one of the most improved players in the COUNTRY, Trent Meachem is a leader and a 3-point specialist. I think Coach Weber will have these Illini ready for tonight.
Prediction: Illinoi 68-Western Kentucky 56
Monday, March 2, 2009
"The Man in the Arena" Theodore Roosevelt
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
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