Friday, December 31, 2010

The South and Winter - a Great Combination


I’m writing this blog entry while seated in the back yard of my sister’s home in Charleston, SC.  The temperature is in the 60’s, there is not a cloud in the sky, and just a scant amount of wind.   

There absolutely is something to be said about being south of the Mason Dixon when the calendar hits the winter months.  When I was younger I used to relish the extreme change of seasons in the north.  But with old age comes less and less tolerance for the snow, ice, and chill that comes with the northern latitudes in the winter months.  

 I never used to envision myself as a potential snow bird, but sitting here, listening to the iPod in my shirt sleeves and considering the need for sunscreen, I think I have had an official change of heart.   
God bless the South.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

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.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fishing with Ben

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Moby, Other Millionaire Socialists Want Others to Pay More Taxes

Sept. 20, 2010 - New York, New York, U.S. - MOBY arriving at the premiere of ''Wall Street: Money Never Stops'' at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City on 09-20-2010.  2010..K65957HMc. © Red Carpet Pictures

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.  

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Feel Good Video of the Day

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

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.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

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

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 15:  Tsuyoshi Nishioka #7 of Team Japan rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Team Korea in the ninth inning during the Round 2, Pool 2 Game of the World Baseball Classic at Angel Stadium on March 15, 2006 in Anaheim, California. Korea defeated Japan 2-1.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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.
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