Feel Good Story to Close 2010

In an era of folks looking out for just themselves, and looking for the government to be the answer to all of life's problems, comes this wonderful story.  

This is a great example of the reminder of why we're all here.

Fishing with Ben

Enjoying some family time in SC.  In this installment, my nephew exercises the most important concept in being a good fisherman

Moby, Other Millionaire Socialists Want Others to Pay More Taxes

A group of millionaire Socialists under the banner of a recent organization of Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength is pushing for President Obama to "tax them" more.  

Unfortunately, their premise is abject horse excrement.  They don't really seek to have their taxes raised.  Hell, if they did, all they'd need to do is break out a check, write it for whatever amount would assuage them of their rich-lefty guilt, and mail it to the IRS where it will be gladly gobbled up by the existing tax infrastructure like a blip-sized Hungry Hungry Hippo.  But, for some reason, they don't do this.  Instead, they spend their time, energy, and yes, money working to make sure that OTHERS pay more in taxes.   

And the ultimate hypocrisy from these ultra-rich, under-taxed, "got more than we'd ever need" crowd?  They're asking for donations on their website.  Hey, Moby, what's say that if you really believe in this charade that you skip a couple of upcoming $500 vegan dinners in the next week and fund this thing your own damn self.    

Bleeping Socailists.  

It is Official

I'm a 'Sconnie

But I'm still a Johnnie

Feel Good Video of the Day

That first little old lady puts a lump in my throat every time

NFL Play of the Year

Dan Connolly, the 313 lb. guard for the Patriots, turned in the 2010's season highlight last night



The only way it could have been better is if he would have scored and we would have been subjected to a Big Man Dance Party. 

NFL Network - Big Man Dance Challenge - Team Competition (2005) 0:30 (USA)

A number of months back , I wrote about the best sports for fat guys.  Looks like returning kicks needs to be added to the list.

Let's Hope Tsuyoshi Nishioka isn't Japanese for Tommy Herr

The hot stove league is all abuzz about the Twins' recent acquisition of Tsuyoshi Nishioka.  The 26 year old infielder had and incredible last season, and looks to come into the Twin Cities to bolster the middle infield, which is good as Orlando Hudson just signed with the Padres. 

 A lot of Twins fans are giddy with this move, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 

• This kid has basically been injured his entire career.  He has yet to play an injury-free season, and based on past performance, he'll be nicked with us sooner or later.   
• Labeling him the next Ichiro before he's seen MLB pitch one is damn foolish.  Yes, the Japanese majors are competitive.  But this kid needs to get it done in a completely foreign, and a sometimes hostile environment, with the best in the world.   
• As evidenced by Gardy's Manager of the Year award, the Twins don't win on talent alone.  They can't.  They win because they do the little things right, and they have a problem-free clubhouse.  If this new acquisition has any prima donna in him, things could all go pot.   

Don't get me wrong, I like the move, and feel there is upside on this ala the Delmon Young deal.  However, I've been having these really bad visions of Tommy Herr when considering this deal, and sure hope we don't see a repeat like that.

The Faith of St. Joseph

I was really struck by today's Gospel in mass (Matthew 1 18:24). It reads thusly: 

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.

When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,

but before they lived together,

she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,

yet unwilling to expose her to shame,

decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit

that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

When Joseph awoke,

he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took his wife into his home.

What struck me is Joseph and his faith. Everyone else in the story of the nativity had a physical, tangible sign. The magi and the shepards had the star. Mary had the physical manifestation of the Lord inside of her. But Joseph got a dream and Mary's word. That's it. It had to take an incredible amount of faith to be on board with such a massive plan based on so very little. 

It makes me ashamed to think of how I'm asked for so little in comparison, and how I still come up short.