There must be some of you out there who, like I, have become addicted to watching American Idol. It really is a showcase for some really good young singers. And, of course, a number of the contestants, win or lose, have gone on to become stars. As a case in point, I predicted that Kellie Pickler from season five would do great things in country music, and she recently won three awards at the CMA's.
As to this season, last night Christy Lee Cook was eliminated from the competition. I am again predicting that she has a future in country music. With her looks and singing ability she has got to be a winner. Good luck to her.
For those who remain, David Archuletta is more than likely going to win the whole thing. Randy, Paula and Simon have been very complimentary of his talent, but of course the fans who vote will make the final decision.
My favorite is Jason Castro. Jason has a good voice and an ability to play the guitar, piano and even the ukulele as he did in his version of "Over the Rainbow." But what about his looks -- those dreadlocks on a white boy -- when have you seen that? He is laid back and really gives the impression that he doesn't even know why he has made it this far.
What about Carley Smithson? That huge tatoo on her right arm is also strange. But she is star material as well.
Good things can also be said for the remaining contestants. Again I think it is a great opportunity for young people to make something of themselves. They should be role models for the millions of young people who watch American Idol, and God knows we need some good role models.
Even though I am sure many people think that American Idol is just another one of those reality shows that add nothing to society, but I beg to differ. Sure, those people who concocted the idea have made millions of dollars from their efforts, but I think they have made a tremendous contribution, particularly to teens thoughout the country.
Bravo to American Idol -- may it last longer than two more years as predicted by Simon.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Political Junkie Likes Democrat Race
The Democrat race for the presidential nomination has been exciting this year, whereas past races by both Democrats and Republicans have been a little dull.
We now have a great opportunity to go back to the way political conventions were held in my younger years. Rarely did anyone have the nomination wrapped up before the convention. It was always a fight on the convention floor and usually a number of votes had to be taken before a particular candidate received enough votes for the nomination. A lot of wheeling and dealing went on and many decisions were made in so-called "smoke-filled rooms."
Those were the good old days and exciting days at that. And the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver on August 25-28 could be a return to those days of yesteryear.
Senator Hillary Clinton said in a recent interview that she was prepared to take the nomination fight all the way to the convention floor as she and Senator Barack Obama will neither have reached the magic number of delegates to be nominated prior to the convention.
Senator Obama is leading Clinton by about 157 pledged delegates and there is apparently no way she can overcome this lead even though she wins the Pennsylvania primary and some of the remaining states like North Carolina and others. Of course you have the votes of the "super delegates" who are not pledged for either -- there will be a fight for those.
And then there is the big fight about seating the delegates from Florida and Michigan since those states' voters have been disenfranchised because the officials who set the primaries in those states defied the rules of the Democrat Party and moved the dates of the primaries. Both Clinton and Obama agreed to the actions of the party and did not campaign in those states. Now Hillary wants to change the rules and have those delegates seated.
Of course there are problems with Senator Clinton lying about being under enemy fire as she deplaned in Bosnia. Turns out that that was a fabrication to which she has now admitted. There are some other untruths that are surfacing for which she has not repented.
Senator Obama has had some difficulties in explaining his association with his pastor, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., who has made some very nasty statements about the United States. Then you have his endorsement by Louis Farrakhan.
There are other problems that both of these candidates have brought upon themselves, but Obama's campaign seems to be a better executed plan. President Bill Clinton has placed his foot in his mouth more than once thus hurting Hilliary with some voters.
But at this point I am hoping and praying that August in Denver is going to be hot, and I don't mean the weather. I yearn for one of those heated battles of days gone by -- that will be the epitome of political entertainment. I can look on with glee in that I really don't have a dog in that hunt.
We now have a great opportunity to go back to the way political conventions were held in my younger years. Rarely did anyone have the nomination wrapped up before the convention. It was always a fight on the convention floor and usually a number of votes had to be taken before a particular candidate received enough votes for the nomination. A lot of wheeling and dealing went on and many decisions were made in so-called "smoke-filled rooms."
Those were the good old days and exciting days at that. And the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver on August 25-28 could be a return to those days of yesteryear.
Senator Hillary Clinton said in a recent interview that she was prepared to take the nomination fight all the way to the convention floor as she and Senator Barack Obama will neither have reached the magic number of delegates to be nominated prior to the convention.
Senator Obama is leading Clinton by about 157 pledged delegates and there is apparently no way she can overcome this lead even though she wins the Pennsylvania primary and some of the remaining states like North Carolina and others. Of course you have the votes of the "super delegates" who are not pledged for either -- there will be a fight for those.
And then there is the big fight about seating the delegates from Florida and Michigan since those states' voters have been disenfranchised because the officials who set the primaries in those states defied the rules of the Democrat Party and moved the dates of the primaries. Both Clinton and Obama agreed to the actions of the party and did not campaign in those states. Now Hillary wants to change the rules and have those delegates seated.
Of course there are problems with Senator Clinton lying about being under enemy fire as she deplaned in Bosnia. Turns out that that was a fabrication to which she has now admitted. There are some other untruths that are surfacing for which she has not repented.
Senator Obama has had some difficulties in explaining his association with his pastor, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., who has made some very nasty statements about the United States. Then you have his endorsement by Louis Farrakhan.
There are other problems that both of these candidates have brought upon themselves, but Obama's campaign seems to be a better executed plan. President Bill Clinton has placed his foot in his mouth more than once thus hurting Hilliary with some voters.
But at this point I am hoping and praying that August in Denver is going to be hot, and I don't mean the weather. I yearn for one of those heated battles of days gone by -- that will be the epitome of political entertainment. I can look on with glee in that I really don't have a dog in that hunt.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Why Not Acupuncture
Sometimes when one has some sort of painful malady he or she will resort to most anything for a little relief. Now I am not advocating voodoo, witch doctors or the like, but acupuncture has been practiced by Chinese physicians for several thousand years. It must be safe -- haven't heard of anyone dying from the procedure. The one main problem is that these practitioners do not accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Anyway, I was in Winston-Salem last week during spring break, and Amanda made me an appointment with Sarah Girard L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM) -- that's what her card says, but I don't know what those letters mean.
Ms Girard specializes in acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and gua sha. I'm sure I got the acupuncture and maybe the cupping -- moxibustion sounds like it may be a little bodily invasive, and who knows what gua sha is -- sounds like number 26 column A on the Chinese menu.
For those of you who are not familiar with acupuncture, Chi, the vital force or energy, circulates thoughout the body along fourteen major channels called "meridians." I think that the idea is to keep the Chi in balance in the workings of the bodily organs and systems which require prodigious amounts of energy.
I believe that Ms Girard found my liver and lungs to be a little out of balance, but when she got though sticking my body with a bunch of tiny stainless steel (hopefully sterile) needles my Chi got all ok. The Chi is stimulated when the needles are placed in the "acupoints." She left me for probably a half an hour looking like a pin cushion. Upon her return she removed all of the needles (at least she thought she did) and told me to rest until I felt like getting up. I got up, put on my shoes, go out the door to face a full length mirror, run my fingers though my hair and shazam there was one of those needles sticking right out of the top of my head. Ms Girard was a little embarassed at not completing her procedure. Let me not mislead you, Sarah was extremely nice, and I am sure she is good at what she does. I did feel a little relaxed, but the pain was still there -- what does one expect from one visit? She is trying to find me a practitioner in the Memphis area. I think I would be more comfortable if my next acupuncturist as least has a Chinese name.
I'm glad I did it just for the experience. I wonder if they teach acupuncture at the DeSoto campus of North West -- I need a new job.
Anyway, I was in Winston-Salem last week during spring break, and Amanda made me an appointment with Sarah Girard L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM) -- that's what her card says, but I don't know what those letters mean.
Ms Girard specializes in acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and gua sha. I'm sure I got the acupuncture and maybe the cupping -- moxibustion sounds like it may be a little bodily invasive, and who knows what gua sha is -- sounds like number 26 column A on the Chinese menu.
For those of you who are not familiar with acupuncture, Chi, the vital force or energy, circulates thoughout the body along fourteen major channels called "meridians." I think that the idea is to keep the Chi in balance in the workings of the bodily organs and systems which require prodigious amounts of energy.
I believe that Ms Girard found my liver and lungs to be a little out of balance, but when she got though sticking my body with a bunch of tiny stainless steel (hopefully sterile) needles my Chi got all ok. The Chi is stimulated when the needles are placed in the "acupoints." She left me for probably a half an hour looking like a pin cushion. Upon her return she removed all of the needles (at least she thought she did) and told me to rest until I felt like getting up. I got up, put on my shoes, go out the door to face a full length mirror, run my fingers though my hair and shazam there was one of those needles sticking right out of the top of my head. Ms Girard was a little embarassed at not completing her procedure. Let me not mislead you, Sarah was extremely nice, and I am sure she is good at what she does. I did feel a little relaxed, but the pain was still there -- what does one expect from one visit? She is trying to find me a practitioner in the Memphis area. I think I would be more comfortable if my next acupuncturist as least has a Chinese name.
I'm glad I did it just for the experience. I wonder if they teach acupuncture at the DeSoto campus of North West -- I need a new job.
CELTIC WOMAN
Well, I am back for a couple of posts, and then I will probably disappear once again for a while. The problem is that I have really been a little to busy, and to be perfectly honest, I have run out of material -- I must lead a dull life.
To the subject at hand.
My wonderful daughters and sons-in-law apparently were in a quandry as to what to get me last Christmas. They became aware that Celtic Woman was in concert at the FedEx Forum in February. They also were aware of how much I love these girls and their music.
I'm sure some of you are probably wondering who is this group called Celtic Woman? If you are you must not watch public television because many times when there is a fundraiser the station airs one of the Celtic Woman concerts. WTOK in Memphis loves to run the shows. Lots of pledges must come in when these girls appear.
There are usually four or five of the singers plus a girl who is an accomplished fiddler -- some would call her a violinist, but she in my book is a fiddler. Their music tends to be Irish or Celtic in nature, but they do sing some other old standards. And I might add that none of them are hard to look at either.
So Melinda and I motor down to the Forum, sit in our great seats and enjoy a wonderful concert I will not soon forget. It is about as close as I will get to Ireland -- hint, hint -- next Christmas.
Thanks so much to Amanda, Laurette, Rob and Travis -- you could not have pleased me more.
To the subject at hand.
My wonderful daughters and sons-in-law apparently were in a quandry as to what to get me last Christmas. They became aware that Celtic Woman was in concert at the FedEx Forum in February. They also were aware of how much I love these girls and their music.
I'm sure some of you are probably wondering who is this group called Celtic Woman? If you are you must not watch public television because many times when there is a fundraiser the station airs one of the Celtic Woman concerts. WTOK in Memphis loves to run the shows. Lots of pledges must come in when these girls appear.
There are usually four or five of the singers plus a girl who is an accomplished fiddler -- some would call her a violinist, but she in my book is a fiddler. Their music tends to be Irish or Celtic in nature, but they do sing some other old standards. And I might add that none of them are hard to look at either.
So Melinda and I motor down to the Forum, sit in our great seats and enjoy a wonderful concert I will not soon forget. It is about as close as I will get to Ireland -- hint, hint -- next Christmas.
Thanks so much to Amanda, Laurette, Rob and Travis -- you could not have pleased me more.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Auld Lang Syne
I've gotten a little carried away with this Auld Lang Syne. Since I made a typo on "rendition" on the previous post, I felt I needed to give you another rendition. Enjoy!
A Happy And Healthy New Year To All
I suppose this will be my last post until 2008 rolls around. Can you believe that in just three days we will start a brand new year? As usual it will take two or three weeks before I stop using 2007 on my checks.
Some of the family will be present in the Clark mansion for New Years Day. I expect to have Wallie, Manny, Travis and Mary Peyton as Rob will go back to Winston-Salem on Sunday. We will miss him and wish that he could be here to help us celebrate.
The usual fare will be on the dining table -- pork roast, blackeyed peas, sweet potatoes, cabbage and probably some other goodies I may decide to have. Traditionally, one should have hog jowl, but I'm not much into that part of the pig and will substitute the pork roast. Blackeyed peas are a must as they are said to bring good luck in the new year. Something green, some say, improves the finances, so I hope that the cabbage is green enough for that.
I usually fall asleep on New Years Eve before the old clock tolls midnight. But maybe this year I can at least watch the ball drop in Times Square in New York which, of course, is 11:00 our time. Does that count?
Who knows what 2008 will bring for any of us -- my guess is that it is a good thing that we don't know -- takes all of the fun out of living.
There is so much turmoil here and abroad that one can only hope and pray that somehow we can have peace on the planet. But that is probably asking too much -- it has never happened and unlikely to happen in this new year. We can continue to pray and maybe each one of us can make some kind of difference in the hearts of our brothers and sisters who walk this old Earth.
My wish for each of you is that the new year will bring to you the spiritual joy that you may be seeking and God will bless you and your loved ones.
I'm not much of a singer, and you are fortunate there is no sound to this post (I don't know how to do that), but I would like to leave you with this to sing in your own melodious tones:
Some of the family will be present in the Clark mansion for New Years Day. I expect to have Wallie, Manny, Travis and Mary Peyton as Rob will go back to Winston-Salem on Sunday. We will miss him and wish that he could be here to help us celebrate.
The usual fare will be on the dining table -- pork roast, blackeyed peas, sweet potatoes, cabbage and probably some other goodies I may decide to have. Traditionally, one should have hog jowl, but I'm not much into that part of the pig and will substitute the pork roast. Blackeyed peas are a must as they are said to bring good luck in the new year. Something green, some say, improves the finances, so I hope that the cabbage is green enough for that.
I usually fall asleep on New Years Eve before the old clock tolls midnight. But maybe this year I can at least watch the ball drop in Times Square in New York which, of course, is 11:00 our time. Does that count?
Who knows what 2008 will bring for any of us -- my guess is that it is a good thing that we don't know -- takes all of the fun out of living.
There is so much turmoil here and abroad that one can only hope and pray that somehow we can have peace on the planet. But that is probably asking too much -- it has never happened and unlikely to happen in this new year. We can continue to pray and maybe each one of us can make some kind of difference in the hearts of our brothers and sisters who walk this old Earth.
My wish for each of you is that the new year will bring to you the spiritual joy that you may be seeking and God will bless you and your loved ones.
I'm not much of a singer, and you are fortunate there is no sound to this post (I don't know how to do that), but I would like to leave you with this to sing in your own melodious tones:
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Sould auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To All
I have been remiss in my postings, but I have been rather busy. As I have said before, I hate it when a job stands in the way of things you had rather do.
Christmas is almost upon us now, and I really can't wait. It is a great time of the year, and one where we sometimes forget the spiritual significance among all of the packages, decorated trees and all of the other stuff that makes the season so much fun.
My tree looks great, if I do say so myself. Melinda does not do decorating, so if it were left up to her one would think that Scrooge lives at our house. But everything is all set for my little Mary Peyton Marble to come in like a storm on the 18th. I can see her toys and playthings all scattered throughout the house, but one overlooks these things for a precious granddaughter.
Laurette and Travis will join Amanda, Mary Peyton, Rob, Melinda and me at the Walters' house in Aberdeen on the 21st, and we will have our Christmas with all of the rest of the Walters clan on the 23rd. They will go their separate ways to celebrate Christmas day with others of their family members -- the Marbles to Jackson, Mississippi, and the Wolfes to Jackson, Tennessee. But the great thing is that they will all be back in Olive Branch for the big Liberty Bowl celebration in Memphis. I do hope that the Dawgs take a little bite out of the University of Central Florida.
I do wish for all of you a very, very Merry Christmas and happiness for the rest of the holiday season. I'm going to make a resolution for the new year that I will try to keep up with my blogging -- I know that there are absolutely thousands out there who have missed me -- one for sure. Merry Christmas Marty -- should I have put a comma there?
Christmas is almost upon us now, and I really can't wait. It is a great time of the year, and one where we sometimes forget the spiritual significance among all of the packages, decorated trees and all of the other stuff that makes the season so much fun.
My tree looks great, if I do say so myself. Melinda does not do decorating, so if it were left up to her one would think that Scrooge lives at our house. But everything is all set for my little Mary Peyton Marble to come in like a storm on the 18th. I can see her toys and playthings all scattered throughout the house, but one overlooks these things for a precious granddaughter.
Laurette and Travis will join Amanda, Mary Peyton, Rob, Melinda and me at the Walters' house in Aberdeen on the 21st, and we will have our Christmas with all of the rest of the Walters clan on the 23rd. They will go their separate ways to celebrate Christmas day with others of their family members -- the Marbles to Jackson, Mississippi, and the Wolfes to Jackson, Tennessee. But the great thing is that they will all be back in Olive Branch for the big Liberty Bowl celebration in Memphis. I do hope that the Dawgs take a little bite out of the University of Central Florida.
I do wish for all of you a very, very Merry Christmas and happiness for the rest of the holiday season. I'm going to make a resolution for the new year that I will try to keep up with my blogging -- I know that there are absolutely thousands out there who have missed me -- one for sure. Merry Christmas Marty -- should I have put a comma there?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving To All
Have not blogged much lately -- work is getting to where it interfers with the fun stuff.
I did want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you are all safe as you may be going to visit family and friends.
We will spend Thursday with Laurette's inlaws in Jackson, TN, and return to Olive Branch before leaving early Friday morning to motor to Starkvegas and the Egg Bowl.
I am a little nervous about this game. One never knows what will happen when these two teams get together, and the Dawgs have so much riding on it. Of course, this is Ole Miss' bowl game as the Rebels' record will keep them from making another football trip this year.
Then there is the distraction of the "Pillowgate" affair. Have you been reading about this? What a strange thing to happen and apparently happen twice over the season -- once in Montgomery, Alabama, and once in Tupelo. There is a picture of the marquee at the Holiday Inn Express (see Kyle Veasey's blog in Clarion-Ledger) in Starkville that reads, "Secured Clocks and Pillows." Hope that doesn't make the Rebels mad as they drive into town -- they seem to play better when they are mad.
Well, anyway it should be a good game and we can all wish for a solid MSU victory and secure a bowl bid for the Dawgs. I would like the Liberty Bowl since I live in the Memphis area. We will see.
Hope to see some of you there -- if not have a joyous holiday.
Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
I did want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you are all safe as you may be going to visit family and friends.
We will spend Thursday with Laurette's inlaws in Jackson, TN, and return to Olive Branch before leaving early Friday morning to motor to Starkvegas and the Egg Bowl.
I am a little nervous about this game. One never knows what will happen when these two teams get together, and the Dawgs have so much riding on it. Of course, this is Ole Miss' bowl game as the Rebels' record will keep them from making another football trip this year.
Then there is the distraction of the "Pillowgate" affair. Have you been reading about this? What a strange thing to happen and apparently happen twice over the season -- once in Montgomery, Alabama, and once in Tupelo. There is a picture of the marquee at the Holiday Inn Express (see Kyle Veasey's blog in Clarion-Ledger) in Starkville that reads, "Secured Clocks and Pillows." Hope that doesn't make the Rebels mad as they drive into town -- they seem to play better when they are mad.
Well, anyway it should be a good game and we can all wish for a solid MSU victory and secure a bowl bid for the Dawgs. I would like the Liberty Bowl since I live in the Memphis area. We will see.
Hope to see some of you there -- if not have a joyous holiday.
Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
I'm Back
It's been a while since I have posted anything, but after my trip to Starkville this past weekend, I thought it was time to say something -- GO DAWGS!!
A glorious weekend unless you were wearing some Crimson Tide color (whatever color that is since it ranges from red to maroon).
The greatest and most expensive coach in college football brings a herd of elephants to Starkvegas to play the lowly Dawgs. Have you ever seen an elephant with its tail between its legs? That is the visual you need to think of as a whole bunch of elephants go back to Tuscaloosa and other points in Alabama. It was a sight to see.
If you have not thought about it, we are the best team in Alabama because of wins over Alabama, Auburn and UAB. We are also the defacto Iron Bowl champ because we beat both of the participants.
I just can't help but think that our beloved Dawgs are on the verge of being a really good team -- at least they play hard. We've got a good chance against Arkansas and Ole Miss. Let's hope the Bulldogs can keep up their intensity.
The Razorbacks and Rebels stand a good chance of getting Croomed (a new verb in all of our vocabularies).
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A glorious weekend unless you were wearing some Crimson Tide color (whatever color that is since it ranges from red to maroon).
The greatest and most expensive coach in college football brings a herd of elephants to Starkvegas to play the lowly Dawgs. Have you ever seen an elephant with its tail between its legs? That is the visual you need to think of as a whole bunch of elephants go back to Tuscaloosa and other points in Alabama. It was a sight to see.
If you have not thought about it, we are the best team in Alabama because of wins over Alabama, Auburn and UAB. We are also the defacto Iron Bowl champ because we beat both of the participants.
I just can't help but think that our beloved Dawgs are on the verge of being a really good team -- at least they play hard. We've got a good chance against Arkansas and Ole Miss. Let's hope the Bulldogs can keep up their intensity.
The Razorbacks and Rebels stand a good chance of getting Croomed (a new verb in all of our vocabularies).
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Trinity Vs Millsap
For those of you college football fans who have not seen this, this is worth taking a look. Can you believe all of these laterals took place without a penalty -- holding or something?
Maybe Coach O should take add this to the Ole Miss playbook.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Senator Clinton Takes Swipe At Mississippi
Hillary Clinton, the current front-runner in the Democrat Party race for the presidency, apparently inserted her foot in her mouth in a recent newspaper interview while campaigning in Iowa.
She chastised both Iowa and Mississippi for never having elected a woman governor, senator or member of congress. Nothing especially wrong with that statement, but she went on to say, "I think Iowa poses a special burden or special obstacle to me because when you look at the numbers, how can Iowa be ranked with Mississippi?" Just what do you mean by that, Mrs. Clinton?
The Democrat candidate added, "That's not what I see. That's not the quality. That's not communitarianism. That's not the openness I see in Iowa." Say what?
Deemed "the smartest woman in the world" by some of her devout followers, I'm not even sure that she knows what she said. Read the quotes again and see if you can figure it out. I would challenge her to give a definition of communitarianism. It is defined: advocate of collective way of living: member or supporter of a collectivist or cooperative community or system. I'll let you decide what she is advocating if she truly understands. Sounds like a little of that "it takes a village" crap is creaping back into her thought processes.
Mississippi Republican Congressman Chip Pickering labeled the remarks, "inappropriate, inaccurate and unnecessary." "She was responding to a weakness of hers by trying to use a stereotype of Mississippi in contrast of what she thinks of Iowa," he added.
Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring said the comments were "calculated on her part to try and use Mississippi as some sort of ploy to get votes in Iowa."
It is certainly smart politics to go to one state and criticize another. I suppose she thinks that we are unable to read, as well.
Even though she apologized by phone on Tuesday to Senator Trent Lott, her remarks still stand as an indication of her political philosophies and feelings toward Mississippi and Mississippians. My question is, "Who really gives a rat's butt?" One might also remind American voters how the state of Arkansas progressed by leaps and bounds under hers and Bill's leadership. They really jumped to the front of the line in almost all categories when compared with other states.
Political experts and others who have one ounce of political savvy know that Senator Clinton knows she stands a snowball's chance in hell of carrying the Magnolia State in 2008. Mississippians haven't voted for a Democrat presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter carried the state in 1976 -- and history shows that was a gigantic mistake.
So Ms Clinton, take your best shots at Mississippi and while you are at it, see if you can insult the citizens of other states as well -- that is smart politics.
She chastised both Iowa and Mississippi for never having elected a woman governor, senator or member of congress. Nothing especially wrong with that statement, but she went on to say, "I think Iowa poses a special burden or special obstacle to me because when you look at the numbers, how can Iowa be ranked with Mississippi?" Just what do you mean by that, Mrs. Clinton?
The Democrat candidate added, "That's not what I see. That's not the quality. That's not communitarianism. That's not the openness I see in Iowa." Say what?
Deemed "the smartest woman in the world" by some of her devout followers, I'm not even sure that she knows what she said. Read the quotes again and see if you can figure it out. I would challenge her to give a definition of communitarianism. It is defined: advocate of collective way of living: member or supporter of a collectivist or cooperative community or system. I'll let you decide what she is advocating if she truly understands. Sounds like a little of that "it takes a village" crap is creaping back into her thought processes.
Mississippi Republican Congressman Chip Pickering labeled the remarks, "inappropriate, inaccurate and unnecessary." "She was responding to a weakness of hers by trying to use a stereotype of Mississippi in contrast of what she thinks of Iowa," he added.
Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring said the comments were "calculated on her part to try and use Mississippi as some sort of ploy to get votes in Iowa."
It is certainly smart politics to go to one state and criticize another. I suppose she thinks that we are unable to read, as well.
Even though she apologized by phone on Tuesday to Senator Trent Lott, her remarks still stand as an indication of her political philosophies and feelings toward Mississippi and Mississippians. My question is, "Who really gives a rat's butt?" One might also remind American voters how the state of Arkansas progressed by leaps and bounds under hers and Bill's leadership. They really jumped to the front of the line in almost all categories when compared with other states.
Political experts and others who have one ounce of political savvy know that Senator Clinton knows she stands a snowball's chance in hell of carrying the Magnolia State in 2008. Mississippians haven't voted for a Democrat presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter carried the state in 1976 -- and history shows that was a gigantic mistake.
So Ms Clinton, take your best shots at Mississippi and while you are at it, see if you can insult the citizens of other states as well -- that is smart politics.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Hoops On The Horizon
Roundball fans need to get set for another exciting season to begin soon, and there is plenty of basketball action scheduled for the Hump.
Clemson, Miami and Missouri are some rare, if ever, visitors to the Dawg House along with Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee from the SEC East Division. The usual round robin of home and away with the SEC West rounds out the 2008 campaign.
It all starts with tipoff on Saturday, November 3rd, against the Patriots from the University of the Cumberlands from Williamsburg, KY (the basketball equivalent of Gardner-Webb). But let us not get cocky and overlook any team this year. The old cliche of playing them one at a time should be drilled into this squad from the get go. As an aside, the Patriots' colors are also maroon and white.
Basketball media days begin today (Wednesday) in Birmingham with the Dawg's time before the writers from 9 to 11 tomorrow. In attendance for the Bulldogs will be coaches Rick Stansbury and Sharon Fanning. They will bring with them Jamont Gordon, Charles Rhodes, Marneshia Richard and Imesia Jackson.
A tacky aside -- if some of you ladies are expecting twins, you might want to consider Marneshia and Imesia as possible names to honor the Lady Dawg players -- or maybe not.
The Boy Dawgs are coming off a season as SEC West Division Champions and a run to the NIT semifinals. Actually only Arkansas should stand in the way of an SEC West repeat in 2008.
Returning from the 2007 campaign are Charles Rhodes, Jamont Gordon, Jarvis Varnado, Ben Hansbrough and Barry Stewart. Redshirt Phil Turner and transfer Brian Johnson have been through one year of practice with the Bulldogs and should contribute off the bench.
Freshmen Kodi Augustus, Ravern Johnson and Riley Benock can all shoot from downtown Starkville. Elgin Bailey (name remind you of a great BB player?) is big and impressive.
SportProjections.com preseason ranking picks the Dawgs at #20 and says, "This is a strong team that should return everybody. They look to be the best of the SEC West." Don't know when this was written, but we know that everybody didn't return -- some opted to leave and some were opted to leave.
Rivals.com named Jamont Gordon as the top point guard in the country and lists Charles Rhodes as the 13th best power foward. Good kudos guys but don't read your press clippings.
Joel Welser of collegehoops.net calls Stansbury's squad, "A deep and very talented team." He goes on to say "anything but another trip (to NCAA Tourney) in 2008 will be disappointing." You got that right. Welser adds that Gordon, Steward and Hansbrough are the "who to watch" guys.
But we all know that all of this stuff in print is not worth a tinker's dam -- performance is what counts -- you got to have a heap more W's than L's.
Continuing on with the cliches, the Dawgs have a long road to hoe, but barring any kind of misfortune, they should make all of us Dawg fans proud and make the ole Hump rock.
Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!
Clemson, Miami and Missouri are some rare, if ever, visitors to the Dawg House along with Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee from the SEC East Division. The usual round robin of home and away with the SEC West rounds out the 2008 campaign.
It all starts with tipoff on Saturday, November 3rd, against the Patriots from the University of the Cumberlands from Williamsburg, KY (the basketball equivalent of Gardner-Webb). But let us not get cocky and overlook any team this year. The old cliche of playing them one at a time should be drilled into this squad from the get go. As an aside, the Patriots' colors are also maroon and white.
Basketball media days begin today (Wednesday) in Birmingham with the Dawg's time before the writers from 9 to 11 tomorrow. In attendance for the Bulldogs will be coaches Rick Stansbury and Sharon Fanning. They will bring with them Jamont Gordon, Charles Rhodes, Marneshia Richard and Imesia Jackson.
A tacky aside -- if some of you ladies are expecting twins, you might want to consider Marneshia and Imesia as possible names to honor the Lady Dawg players -- or maybe not.
The Boy Dawgs are coming off a season as SEC West Division Champions and a run to the NIT semifinals. Actually only Arkansas should stand in the way of an SEC West repeat in 2008.
Returning from the 2007 campaign are Charles Rhodes, Jamont Gordon, Jarvis Varnado, Ben Hansbrough and Barry Stewart. Redshirt Phil Turner and transfer Brian Johnson have been through one year of practice with the Bulldogs and should contribute off the bench.
Freshmen Kodi Augustus, Ravern Johnson and Riley Benock can all shoot from downtown Starkville. Elgin Bailey (name remind you of a great BB player?) is big and impressive.
SportProjections.com preseason ranking picks the Dawgs at #20 and says, "This is a strong team that should return everybody. They look to be the best of the SEC West." Don't know when this was written, but we know that everybody didn't return -- some opted to leave and some were opted to leave.
Rivals.com named Jamont Gordon as the top point guard in the country and lists Charles Rhodes as the 13th best power foward. Good kudos guys but don't read your press clippings.
Joel Welser of collegehoops.net calls Stansbury's squad, "A deep and very talented team." He goes on to say "anything but another trip (to NCAA Tourney) in 2008 will be disappointing." You got that right. Welser adds that Gordon, Steward and Hansbrough are the "who to watch" guys.
But we all know that all of this stuff in print is not worth a tinker's dam -- performance is what counts -- you got to have a heap more W's than L's.
Continuing on with the cliches, the Dawgs have a long road to hoe, but barring any kind of misfortune, they should make all of us Dawg fans proud and make the ole Hump rock.
Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!
A Few Notes On The World Series
My prediction, for what it is worth, is the Sox in six. I have mixed emotions about the Series because of one particular player for Boston, even though, being a Yankee fan, I have an intense dislike for the Red Sox.
A sports columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram put it this way, "I have no doubt Boston will win the Series, but I have my doubts."
Home field is definitely an advantage for Boston, and who knows how the long layoff will effect the Rockies -- remains to be seen.
A great story written by Rick Cleveland in this morning's Clarion Ledger is recommended reading to baseball fans in general and particularly those of State and Ole Miss.
Cleveland sets up a senario of a matchup between former Mississippi State Bulldog great Jonathan Papelbon coming to the mound in relief to face pinch hitter Seth Adams, former Rebel. The game is on the line.
Rick goes on to dub Papelbon as the best relief pitcher in baseball and describes the actual senario happening in the 2003 Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover. Jonathan came in in relief to face pinch hitter Smith. Papelbon went right after Smith, not wasting any pitches and got two straight strikes. Smith fouled off the 3rd pitch and hit a looping single on the 4th to tie the game. State did go on to with the game in extra innings on Thomas Berkley's homer in the 12th. Papelbon retired Smith the other two times he faced him in their college careers, both on ground-ball outs.
The matchup would be worth watching and would bring a lot of Mississippi interest to the Series.
I have no doubt Boston will win, but I have my doubts.
A sports columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram put it this way, "I have no doubt Boston will win the Series, but I have my doubts."
Home field is definitely an advantage for Boston, and who knows how the long layoff will effect the Rockies -- remains to be seen.
A great story written by Rick Cleveland in this morning's Clarion Ledger is recommended reading to baseball fans in general and particularly those of State and Ole Miss.
Cleveland sets up a senario of a matchup between former Mississippi State Bulldog great Jonathan Papelbon coming to the mound in relief to face pinch hitter Seth Adams, former Rebel. The game is on the line.
Rick goes on to dub Papelbon as the best relief pitcher in baseball and describes the actual senario happening in the 2003 Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover. Jonathan came in in relief to face pinch hitter Smith. Papelbon went right after Smith, not wasting any pitches and got two straight strikes. Smith fouled off the 3rd pitch and hit a looping single on the 4th to tie the game. State did go on to with the game in extra innings on Thomas Berkley's homer in the 12th. Papelbon retired Smith the other two times he faced him in their college careers, both on ground-ball outs.
The matchup would be worth watching and would bring a lot of Mississippi interest to the Series.
I have no doubt Boston will win, but I have my doubts.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Wear Your Broccoli?
As one of the purposes of this blog is to inform the hundreds or even thousands who read it, this post is for those who worship the sun and must have that perfect tan. Up to now because of the scare of skin cancer caused by those ultraviolet rays of the big hot yellow ball, tanees have been prone to pile on sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF rating sometimes approaching their IQ's. Take that statement however you choose. Some don't use any sunblock and have no IQ's.
Yo momma probably told you over and over to eat your broccoli, but here comes along a study by a team of Johns Hopkins' scientists who say it is better to rub on the dark green veggie than to eat it. Specifically, the researchers say that the damaging effects of UV rays can best be reduced by the wearing of a topical solution containing an extract from broccoli sprouts.
Apparently what happens chemically is that the SPF creams only attempt to block the UV radiation whereas the broccoli solution works within the skin cells boosting the protective enzymes that defend the skin against many aspects of the sun's rays. The protectiveness of the green stuff also outlasts sunblockers, and in some cases was effective days after application.
Six human (what else would they use?) subjects participated in the broccoli research, and the results proved to be more successful than sunscreens but varied on different individuals. The researchers deemed those variances were due to genetic differences, dietary habits, etc. It all boils down to more study is required.
But in the meantime in planning for the next tanning season keep this in mind (why wait for the scientists to get it all figured out?) -- you will need some broccoli, a blender and some liquid of your choice. Swirl it around until it is spreadable and not likely to cake on the skin. Apply liberally to the exposed parts of the body, and you are set to go. Remember that this goo can last for days.
After your thorough application, you may be mistaken for Kermit, the Hulk or the Jolly Green Giant, but just laugh at your detractors, because you know you are protected. It may not be a bad idea to ingest some of the broccoli as well -- you will be protected from the inside out and outside in. Keep some in your cooler for snacks as you lie under those burning rays.
For those of you who have no inclination of going the broccoli route, I feel you need some directions as to dosage of the SPF numbered lotion you have selected. This is calculated by using a formula for body surface area and then subtracting the area that is uncovered. Make sense?
Provided one assumes an average female adult build of 5'4" in height, and weight of 125 pounds with a waist of 24", the rule of thumb is the application of 25 grams evenly to the uncovered body parts. This assumption is based on the idea that the swimsuit is of a rather modest cut, but, of course, the skimpier suits call for an increase in the amount of lotion. If your swimwear has bloomers, you will need a lot less of the sunblocker. Then too, you must adjust if your measurements differ from any or all of the averages above. This has gotten way to complicated.
Just stay covered up and buy yourself some of that stuff that turns your skin sort of an orange color, and you won't have to wait 'til summer.
Yo momma probably told you over and over to eat your broccoli, but here comes along a study by a team of Johns Hopkins' scientists who say it is better to rub on the dark green veggie than to eat it. Specifically, the researchers say that the damaging effects of UV rays can best be reduced by the wearing of a topical solution containing an extract from broccoli sprouts.
Apparently what happens chemically is that the SPF creams only attempt to block the UV radiation whereas the broccoli solution works within the skin cells boosting the protective enzymes that defend the skin against many aspects of the sun's rays. The protectiveness of the green stuff also outlasts sunblockers, and in some cases was effective days after application.
Six human (what else would they use?) subjects participated in the broccoli research, and the results proved to be more successful than sunscreens but varied on different individuals. The researchers deemed those variances were due to genetic differences, dietary habits, etc. It all boils down to more study is required.
But in the meantime in planning for the next tanning season keep this in mind (why wait for the scientists to get it all figured out?) -- you will need some broccoli, a blender and some liquid of your choice. Swirl it around until it is spreadable and not likely to cake on the skin. Apply liberally to the exposed parts of the body, and you are set to go. Remember that this goo can last for days.
After your thorough application, you may be mistaken for Kermit, the Hulk or the Jolly Green Giant, but just laugh at your detractors, because you know you are protected. It may not be a bad idea to ingest some of the broccoli as well -- you will be protected from the inside out and outside in. Keep some in your cooler for snacks as you lie under those burning rays.
For those of you who have no inclination of going the broccoli route, I feel you need some directions as to dosage of the SPF numbered lotion you have selected. This is calculated by using a formula for body surface area and then subtracting the area that is uncovered. Make sense?
Provided one assumes an average female adult build of 5'4" in height, and weight of 125 pounds with a waist of 24", the rule of thumb is the application of 25 grams evenly to the uncovered body parts. This assumption is based on the idea that the swimsuit is of a rather modest cut, but, of course, the skimpier suits call for an increase in the amount of lotion. If your swimwear has bloomers, you will need a lot less of the sunblocker. Then too, you must adjust if your measurements differ from any or all of the averages above. This has gotten way to complicated.
Just stay covered up and buy yourself some of that stuff that turns your skin sort of an orange color, and you won't have to wait 'til summer.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Oops!
Sorry! On the preceeding post I should have written "Wintley" Phipps -- it's tough getting old.
Amazing Grace History/
For those of you who have never seen this video, I would like to post it here for your enjoyment.
Winton Phipps is a fantastic singer, and you who are pianists know what he is talking about with the black notes.
Enjoy!
Friday, October 19, 2007
John Stossel To Grill Big Al Gore
If you are looking for something to watch on TV tonight (Friday) tune to ABC's 20/20 at 7:00 Central.
I have seen some promos on the show, and co-host John Stossel says that he is going to ask some tough questions of Al Gore on the inconsistencies and downright falsehoods found in An Inconvenient Truth and other of his global warming theories.
This thing is getting out of hand in that Gore is now stating that the debate is over, and all scientists agree with him. This is an outright lie. Many scientists disagree, but they are afraid to come forward because this thing has become so political they are afraid of losing grants and maybe even their university jobs.
Stossel, who is the science correspondent for ABC News, says that statements made by Gore and his cronies about the polar bears dieing off because of melting ice caps is absolutely untrue, and, in fact, the population is actually increasing. He points out other claims that are either untrue or Gore fails to tell the whole story, only using the facts that support his contentions.
No one denies that the earth is getting warmer, but is cyclical or is man the sole contributor? As I pointed out in a blog back in June, Neptune is also getting warmer -- has man caused that -- I doubt it.
As you have probably gathered, I do not appreciate Al Gore or the horse he rode in on -- he is a fake who is garnering a fortune at the expense of others.
There, I have gotten on my soapbox again, but I detest hypocracy and lying and those who are guilty of the same.
I have seen some promos on the show, and co-host John Stossel says that he is going to ask some tough questions of Al Gore on the inconsistencies and downright falsehoods found in An Inconvenient Truth and other of his global warming theories.
This thing is getting out of hand in that Gore is now stating that the debate is over, and all scientists agree with him. This is an outright lie. Many scientists disagree, but they are afraid to come forward because this thing has become so political they are afraid of losing grants and maybe even their university jobs.
Stossel, who is the science correspondent for ABC News, says that statements made by Gore and his cronies about the polar bears dieing off because of melting ice caps is absolutely untrue, and, in fact, the population is actually increasing. He points out other claims that are either untrue or Gore fails to tell the whole story, only using the facts that support his contentions.
No one denies that the earth is getting warmer, but is cyclical or is man the sole contributor? As I pointed out in a blog back in June, Neptune is also getting warmer -- has man caused that -- I doubt it.
As you have probably gathered, I do not appreciate Al Gore or the horse he rode in on -- he is a fake who is garnering a fortune at the expense of others.
There, I have gotten on my soapbox again, but I detest hypocracy and lying and those who are guilty of the same.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Eaux Must Geaux!
Just saw this on an Ole Miss person's post on a blog. I couldn't pass up passing it on to all my Dawg friends.
Eaux must Geaux -- apparently a reference to his coonass heritage. We need to see some bumper stickers. Come on Rebel fans.
Remember those "O" stickers that were like President Bush's "W" stickers -- where have those gone -- don't see them anymore.
Don't you just love it when there is turmoil in Hoddy Toddy heaven?
Geaux Dawgs!!!
Eaux must Geaux -- apparently a reference to his coonass heritage. We need to see some bumper stickers. Come on Rebel fans.
Remember those "O" stickers that were like President Bush's "W" stickers -- where have those gone -- don't see them anymore.
Don't you just love it when there is turmoil in Hoddy Toddy heaven?
Geaux Dawgs!!!
Rock And Roll Giant To Get His Day
Ellas Otha Bates (78) aka Ellas O. B. McDaniel and better known in the music world as Bo Diddley will return to his hometown of McComb, Mississippi, on November 2-3 to be honored with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
The Dawgs have an open date that weekend, so there is no excuse for the likes of Travis Wolfe, who is prone to attend any music festival, not to attend the event. What could be more fun than a weekend in McComb? You could even have a bite to eat at the famed Dinner Bell Restaurant featuring a roundtable help yourself variety of country cooking favorites.
Back to Diddley -- he took the name from the "diddley bow", a one-stringed African instrument. In his performances he primarily used a rectangular-bodied Gretsch. Along with the Gretsch, nicknamed "The Twang Machine", Diddley used similar-shaped guitars made for him by other manufactures.
Bo Diddley played a rhumba-like beat which has been described as similar to the "hambone." For those of you who have never seen one do the hambone, you have missed out on a real treat. It brings back memories of my younger years.
"I've Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle", a song by Gene Autry, was the source of what is known as the "Bo Diddley beat." Diddley developed the beat while trying to play the Autry hit.
For you music buffs, the Bo Diddley beat can be counted out as a two-bar phrase:
One and two and three and four and one and two and three and four and -- the bolded counts are the clave rhythm. His sound cannot be properly created without tuning the guitar: 1st string E 329.6; 2nd string B 246.9; 3rd string G sharp 207.6; 4th string E 164.8; 5th string A 110.0; and 6th string E 82.4. Wow!
Those of you who might think that I understand what I have written in the above paragraph are utterly and completely wrong -- I do not have the foggiest idea what all of that means. It is all courtesy of Wikipedia, and if you need more information, you can read the 8 pages for yourself.
Like his music or not, his beat shows up in the songs of Elvis Presley, U2, The Smiths, Johnnie Otis, George Michael, The Strangeloves and BowWowWow, Guns N' Roses, David Bowie and the Stooges to name a few (courtesy of Wikipedia). Don't ask me who all of these people are -- I have heard some of the music by these artists, and I do vaguely remember the likes of "Willie and the Hand Jive" (Otis), "His Latest Flame" (Presley), "How Soon Is Now" (The Smiths) and "Faith" (George Michael), but probably Elvis is the only one I could pick out of a crowd.
So let's all meet in McComb and tailgate to the music of Bo Diddley.
As an aside -- a young man from Meridian, Mississippi, attended, along with his father, a Bo Diddley concert and later begged his dad to help him build a two-sided amp just like the one he had seen that Diddley built for himself. And as they say, the rest is history and Peavey Electronics was born. Hartley Peavey, a 1965 graduate of Mississippi State University, is known in the music business as a real genius and a man ahead of his time in developing and producing musical instruments. Go State! We Dawg folks even honored him in 2004 by granting him an honorary doctorate in creating and performing arts. Go Dawgs!
The Dawgs have an open date that weekend, so there is no excuse for the likes of Travis Wolfe, who is prone to attend any music festival, not to attend the event. What could be more fun than a weekend in McComb? You could even have a bite to eat at the famed Dinner Bell Restaurant featuring a roundtable help yourself variety of country cooking favorites.
Back to Diddley -- he took the name from the "diddley bow", a one-stringed African instrument. In his performances he primarily used a rectangular-bodied Gretsch. Along with the Gretsch, nicknamed "The Twang Machine", Diddley used similar-shaped guitars made for him by other manufactures.
Bo Diddley played a rhumba-like beat which has been described as similar to the "hambone." For those of you who have never seen one do the hambone, you have missed out on a real treat. It brings back memories of my younger years.
"I've Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle", a song by Gene Autry, was the source of what is known as the "Bo Diddley beat." Diddley developed the beat while trying to play the Autry hit.
For you music buffs, the Bo Diddley beat can be counted out as a two-bar phrase:
One and two and three and four and one and two and three and four and -- the bolded counts are the clave rhythm. His sound cannot be properly created without tuning the guitar: 1st string E 329.6; 2nd string B 246.9; 3rd string G sharp 207.6; 4th string E 164.8; 5th string A 110.0; and 6th string E 82.4. Wow!
Those of you who might think that I understand what I have written in the above paragraph are utterly and completely wrong -- I do not have the foggiest idea what all of that means. It is all courtesy of Wikipedia, and if you need more information, you can read the 8 pages for yourself.
Like his music or not, his beat shows up in the songs of Elvis Presley, U2, The Smiths, Johnnie Otis, George Michael, The Strangeloves and BowWowWow, Guns N' Roses, David Bowie and the Stooges to name a few (courtesy of Wikipedia). Don't ask me who all of these people are -- I have heard some of the music by these artists, and I do vaguely remember the likes of "Willie and the Hand Jive" (Otis), "His Latest Flame" (Presley), "How Soon Is Now" (The Smiths) and "Faith" (George Michael), but probably Elvis is the only one I could pick out of a crowd.
So let's all meet in McComb and tailgate to the music of Bo Diddley.
As an aside -- a young man from Meridian, Mississippi, attended, along with his father, a Bo Diddley concert and later begged his dad to help him build a two-sided amp just like the one he had seen that Diddley built for himself. And as they say, the rest is history and Peavey Electronics was born. Hartley Peavey, a 1965 graduate of Mississippi State University, is known in the music business as a real genius and a man ahead of his time in developing and producing musical instruments. Go State! We Dawg folks even honored him in 2004 by granting him an honorary doctorate in creating and performing arts. Go Dawgs!
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