David Ross takes over as manager of the Chicago Cubs this season continuing a recent trend in Major League Baseball to hire managers with no prior managerial experience. Ross is making the most of this off season by preparing for his new job. In truth, though, he has been preparing for this job for quite some time.
As this article points out, Ross has been meeting with other successful managers and coaches. As I read this article, two important lessons stood out:
David Ross is a man who knows what he doesn't know. A common trap among leaders is to believe that either have all the answers or need to have all the answers. Ross has clearly been spending time this off season taking inventory of what he knows and in what areas his knowledge is lacking. This healthy sense of self-awareness will pay off in the long run.
David Ross is a man who is willing to seek out help from others. Another common trap among leaders is an unwillingness to seek out advice from other leaders. But Ross exemplifies one of the healthy quality of leaders in that he is continually learning. As part of that process he is intentionally seeking out advice from other successful leaders. That reputation also leads to successful leaders seeking him out too and being more willing to share their knowledge with him.
As a Cubs fan, I am excited about the possibilities that this season and beyond hold for the team. But I am even more excited to see how David Ross develops as a leader not just for his team but as an example for other leaders as well.
Showing posts with label Chicago Cubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Cubs. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Friday, April 20, 2018
Weekend Links 4-20-18
A weekly roundup of interesting stuff from the Internet:
The old adage is that you never leave a baseball game early. Never. Last Saturday, the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves proved this adage to be true in one of the strangest innings of a baseball game ever. I was watching this game live and still cannot believe the way it turned out. I have never seen anything like it.
C.S. Lewis is known as one of the greatest Christian writers of all time. Many forget that he was once an avowed atheist. His experiences in the trenches during World War I changed his life forever.
Adventures in etymology: Why are bananas, nuts, and crackers the only foods that say "crazy"?
How a notorious art heist led to the discovery of six fake Mona Lisas.
English isn't logical and that's a good thing.
How Schoolhouse Rock became the "Jingle of a Generation". (hat tip Witnify)
Five ways to recover the lost art of note taking.
Five years ago, Brad Meltzer put out a plea on social media for a kidney donor to help save his beloved history teacher. He then rewarded the donor by making her a major character in his latest novel.
Could a move towards localism help heal our political divide? It's certainly a good place to start.
Myrtle Beach is known as a great place for a golf vacation. But it also happens to be the self-proclaimed mini-golf capital of the world.
The old adage is that you never leave a baseball game early. Never. Last Saturday, the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves proved this adage to be true in one of the strangest innings of a baseball game ever. I was watching this game live and still cannot believe the way it turned out. I have never seen anything like it.
C.S. Lewis is known as one of the greatest Christian writers of all time. Many forget that he was once an avowed atheist. His experiences in the trenches during World War I changed his life forever.
Adventures in etymology: Why are bananas, nuts, and crackers the only foods that say "crazy"?
How a notorious art heist led to the discovery of six fake Mona Lisas.
English isn't logical and that's a good thing.
How Schoolhouse Rock became the "Jingle of a Generation". (hat tip Witnify)
Five ways to recover the lost art of note taking.
Five years ago, Brad Meltzer put out a plea on social media for a kidney donor to help save his beloved history teacher. He then rewarded the donor by making her a major character in his latest novel.
Could a move towards localism help heal our political divide? It's certainly a good place to start.
Myrtle Beach is known as a great place for a golf vacation. But it also happens to be the self-proclaimed mini-golf capital of the world.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Weekend Links 12-29-17
A sampling of interesting things I found on the internet this week:
The title of this article is pretty provocative: The World Might Be Better Off Without College for Everyone. What's more interesting is it's written by someone who has spent the past forty years in education. (Hat tip: Acculturated)
Broadway's The Music Man celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year and is still one of the best musicals ever made.
As a Cubs fan, I am intrigued by this proposal: Kris Bryant as leadoff man.
There are reasons that Coke tastes better out of the fountain at McDonalds.
The curator of the U. S. Naval Academy Museum recently made a fascinating discovery: flags captured by the Navy during the 19th century.
As the calendar flips to 2018, many folks will make a New Year's resolution to read the Bible. Perhaps they will choose a plan that has them reading all of the Bible in a year. Here are three suggestions on how to read more of the Bible by intentionally reading less.
It's a safe bet that Casablanca couldn't be made today.
Last week, sportscaster Dick Enberg died at 82 years old. His passing brought to mind an episode of Later with Bob Costas where Enberg appeared with fellow sportscaster Al Michaels to discuss their careers in sportscasting. It's an amazing interview for several reasons. First, both Michaels and Enberg say that the best sport to broadcast is baseball. Second, they both say that part of what made them great broadcasters was that they both started in radio. Finally, they were each asked to name their favorite sports moment they broadcast and then the show cuts to clips of the actual calls. They gave me chills. Take a look.
The title of this article is pretty provocative: The World Might Be Better Off Without College for Everyone. What's more interesting is it's written by someone who has spent the past forty years in education. (Hat tip: Acculturated)
Broadway's The Music Man celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year and is still one of the best musicals ever made.
As a Cubs fan, I am intrigued by this proposal: Kris Bryant as leadoff man.
There are reasons that Coke tastes better out of the fountain at McDonalds.
The curator of the U. S. Naval Academy Museum recently made a fascinating discovery: flags captured by the Navy during the 19th century.
As the calendar flips to 2018, many folks will make a New Year's resolution to read the Bible. Perhaps they will choose a plan that has them reading all of the Bible in a year. Here are three suggestions on how to read more of the Bible by intentionally reading less.
It's a safe bet that Casablanca couldn't be made today.
Last week, sportscaster Dick Enberg died at 82 years old. His passing brought to mind an episode of Later with Bob Costas where Enberg appeared with fellow sportscaster Al Michaels to discuss their careers in sportscasting. It's an amazing interview for several reasons. First, both Michaels and Enberg say that the best sport to broadcast is baseball. Second, they both say that part of what made them great broadcasters was that they both started in radio. Finally, they were each asked to name their favorite sports moment they broadcast and then the show cuts to clips of the actual calls. They gave me chills. Take a look.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Joe Girardi Should Say No to the Yankees
When the Chicago Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum earlier this week, rumors immediately began to swirl that Joe Girardi should be hired to replace him. It makes sense: his contract with the Yankees runs out on October 31st. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Girardi's agent today. No doubt the Yankees would like to retain Girardi. He's a big reason why the Yankees were still in the wild card race until the last week of the season. But no matter how good the offer sounds Girardi's best bet would be to say no to a contract extension even if he doesn't take the Cubs' job. 2014 promises to be a tough season for the Yankees. Here are several reasons why:
1. The Yankees are looking to cut costs in 2014. After having the second highest payroll in 2013 at just over $228 million they have made a committment to be under the luxury tax threshold of $189 million in 2014. This is the reason why they will have an uphill battle trying to replace some key personnel (see below).
2. They may not be able to re-sign Robinson Cano. His demand for a 10-year, $305 million contract is not likely to be met. He's making $15 million this year and will likely get a raise with his next contract. But the Yankees aren't going to be a spending mood. If they can't re-sign him then they will have a big hole at second base to fill. But there are other personnel issues as well.
3. Derek Jeter may not be back in 2014. He was shut down for the year on September 11th after struggling with his rehab all season long. His age is also a factor - he'll be 40 next summer. It's not a certainty that he will be able to come back at all and even if he does he's not going to be up to full strength.
4. Then there's the issue of Alex Rodriguez. His appeal hearing got underway yesterday and it's not clear what the outcome will ultimately be. He's going to almost certainly be suspended. The question will only be how many games he will have to serve. Like Jeter, age is not on Rodriguez's side, either. He'll be 39 next summer. He's also battling hip issues too. Although he was somewhat effective when he came back earlier this year it's clear he's lost a step.
5. Mark Texiera has been out the entire year. If he manages to come back will he live up to the lofty expectations in his contract? He admitted in an interview before the season that he was overpaid.
6. The Yankees need pitching. With Andy Petite and Mariano Rivera's retirements this year, those are two huge holes in the pitching staff to be filled. Rivera's slot will be more difficult to fill since they don't have a reliable closer to step in.
7. The farm system isn't ready to help out. Yes, the Yankees have more talent than most folks give them credit. But the fact is that they don't have any players ready to immediately contribute to the major league club. With the payroll pressures that are already in place it's going to make it more difficult to restock the roster especially if one or more of their key players mentioned above
Given all of these factors, it may be wise for Girardi to think twice about accepting any contract extension offers. The next few years are likely to be difficult ones for the Yankees. Unless Girardi really wants to be presiding over an inevitable decline it might be a good time to quit while he's ahead of the game.
1. The Yankees are looking to cut costs in 2014. After having the second highest payroll in 2013 at just over $228 million they have made a committment to be under the luxury tax threshold of $189 million in 2014. This is the reason why they will have an uphill battle trying to replace some key personnel (see below).
2. They may not be able to re-sign Robinson Cano. His demand for a 10-year, $305 million contract is not likely to be met. He's making $15 million this year and will likely get a raise with his next contract. But the Yankees aren't going to be a spending mood. If they can't re-sign him then they will have a big hole at second base to fill. But there are other personnel issues as well.
3. Derek Jeter may not be back in 2014. He was shut down for the year on September 11th after struggling with his rehab all season long. His age is also a factor - he'll be 40 next summer. It's not a certainty that he will be able to come back at all and even if he does he's not going to be up to full strength.
4. Then there's the issue of Alex Rodriguez. His appeal hearing got underway yesterday and it's not clear what the outcome will ultimately be. He's going to almost certainly be suspended. The question will only be how many games he will have to serve. Like Jeter, age is not on Rodriguez's side, either. He'll be 39 next summer. He's also battling hip issues too. Although he was somewhat effective when he came back earlier this year it's clear he's lost a step.
5. Mark Texiera has been out the entire year. If he manages to come back will he live up to the lofty expectations in his contract? He admitted in an interview before the season that he was overpaid.
6. The Yankees need pitching. With Andy Petite and Mariano Rivera's retirements this year, those are two huge holes in the pitching staff to be filled. Rivera's slot will be more difficult to fill since they don't have a reliable closer to step in.
7. The farm system isn't ready to help out. Yes, the Yankees have more talent than most folks give them credit. But the fact is that they don't have any players ready to immediately contribute to the major league club. With the payroll pressures that are already in place it's going to make it more difficult to restock the roster especially if one or more of their key players mentioned above
Given all of these factors, it may be wise for Girardi to think twice about accepting any contract extension offers. The next few years are likely to be difficult ones for the Yankees. Unless Girardi really wants to be presiding over an inevitable decline it might be a good time to quit while he's ahead of the game.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Merlke's Boner - 105 Years Later
For those not familiar with baseball history, Merkle's Boner refers to the most infamous error ever committed not just in a baseball game but arguably in any major sporting event. Keith Olbermann took time on his TV show this week to mark the anniversary with a helpful lesson on what happened and why this muff took on a life of its own (hat tip Rob Neyer)
A couple of points Olbermann doesn't bring out that are worth considering:
There were only two umpires working this game. In fact, for most regular season games it would be normal to only have a home plate umpire. Despite all the controversy surrounding this incident, multiple umpires would not be used in regular season games on a normal basis until 1920.
Merkle's mistake was magnified in large part because the stakes were so high. In those days, you didn't have multiple layers of playoffs and a wild-card system that allowed the fourth and fifth worst teams in the league a shot at the championship at the end of the regular season. If you didn't finish first in the league you went home. Thus, the pressure was much greater on players then than it is today.
It's a little bit of a stretch, though, to say that this one play was somehow responsible for keeping the Cubs from winning another World Series. Johnny Evers was simply enforcing the rules of the day no matter how much they might not make sense to our modern sensibilities. The Cubs appeared in seven more World Series after 1908 so it's a little bit of a stretch to say that somehow this play and how the team handled it are somehow responsible for the last century-plus of failure.
Otherwise this is a terrific lesson in baseball history. It's also a tragic story of how one man suffered the wrath of fans for far too long. Mistakes happen every day. Sometimes the stakes are higher than others. But that doesn't mean we need to make the person responsible for the mistake a pariah.
A couple of points Olbermann doesn't bring out that are worth considering:
There were only two umpires working this game. In fact, for most regular season games it would be normal to only have a home plate umpire. Despite all the controversy surrounding this incident, multiple umpires would not be used in regular season games on a normal basis until 1920.
Merkle's mistake was magnified in large part because the stakes were so high. In those days, you didn't have multiple layers of playoffs and a wild-card system that allowed the fourth and fifth worst teams in the league a shot at the championship at the end of the regular season. If you didn't finish first in the league you went home. Thus, the pressure was much greater on players then than it is today.
It's a little bit of a stretch, though, to say that this one play was somehow responsible for keeping the Cubs from winning another World Series. Johnny Evers was simply enforcing the rules of the day no matter how much they might not make sense to our modern sensibilities. The Cubs appeared in seven more World Series after 1908 so it's a little bit of a stretch to say that somehow this play and how the team handled it are somehow responsible for the last century-plus of failure.
Otherwise this is a terrific lesson in baseball history. It's also a tragic story of how one man suffered the wrath of fans for far too long. Mistakes happen every day. Sometimes the stakes are higher than others. But that doesn't mean we need to make the person responsible for the mistake a pariah.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Who Will Be Baseball's Wild Card Teams?
Major League Baseball's Wild Card games are in their second year and the races in both leagues are much tighter than anyone could have anticipated even a couple of weeks ago. Sure, nobody really likes the game but having the opportunity to play one more game to advance into the playoffs is something a lot of guys would want to have the opportunity to do.
What makes things more complicated this year is that there are no clear favorites in either league with just ten days left in the regular season. In both leagues there are teams in the mix that at the beginning of the year wouldn't have been picked to have a chance to make the playoffs. In one league not only are the two wild card spots but one division title is in play while in the other there are six teams with a legitimate shot at the two wild card spots.
Let's start in the National League. As of right now, the St. Louis Cardinals hold a one game league over the Pittsburgh Pirates for the division title and a two game lead over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates have a one game lead over the Reds in the wild card standings and the Washington Nationals are the only other NL team with any chance at the wild card trailing the Reds by five games.
This is where it gets interesting: Thanks to some brilliant planning by the scheduling office, the Pirates and Reds get to face each other six times in the final ten days. I seriously doubt that whoever put together the schedule thought that the Pirates would be playoff contenders. Consequently, games at the end of the season that would have probably thought to have very little significance become incredibly important.
Also, thanks to the fact that the NL Central has been such a tight division down the stretch, it's conceivable that any one of the three teams (Cardinals, Pirates and Reds) could end up the division champ. Or we could end up with a tie for either the wild card or the division (or both) and then chaos would ensue.
Let's suppose for a moment, however, that on the final day of the season we will know both the Central Division champ and the NL Wild Cards. Which team has the best chance of making it to the playoffs? Here's the remaining schedule for the contenders:
Cardinals: 3 games @ Milwaukee, 3 vs. Washington, 3 vs. Chicago Cubs
Pirates: 3 games vs. Cincinnati, 3 at Chicago Cubs, 3 at Cincinnati
Reds: 3 games @ Pittsburgh, 3 vs. New York Mets, 3 vs. Pittsburgh
Nationals: 3 games vs. Miami, 3 @ St. Louis, 3 @ Arizona
The one team I'm not sure about in this list is the Nationals. I think they're a pretty good team but they have a lot of ground to make up (5 games with 9 to play). Of course, they benefit greatly from having Pittsburgh and Cincinnati facing each other 6 times. If it weren't for that little scheduling quirk I'm not sure they would have a chance. The only series they have remaining that would be of concern to me is the 3 games at St. Louis. By that point, they may be playing the role of spoiler rather than contender.
As for the other three teams, both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have the toughest road by virtue of the games against each other. The Pirates and Cardinals both must also face the Cubs who could do some real damage as spoilers in the final week. I would give the Reds a better shot at winning the division if they didn't have those six games against the Pirates.
Final prediction: NL Central Division Champ - Pirates, wild card - Reds and Cardinals
The American League has its own set of issues. As of right now, there are six teams that can be considered legitimate contenders for the two wild card spots. For the sake of simplicity, I am going to assume that Detroit and Oakland will win their respective divisions though there is a slim chance that one of the wild card contenders could slip into the division lead if everything plays out just right.
Here's how the wild card standings stack up right now:
Team Record Games Back
Texas 83-69 --
Tampa Bay 83-69 --
Cleveland 83-70 1/2
Baltimore 81-71 2
Kansas City 80-72 3
New York 80-73 3 1/2
Let's take a look at them in reverse order:
New York Yankees - games remaining: 3 vs. San Francisco, 3 vs. Tampa Bay, 3 @ Houston
The Yankees are getting older by the day. Every New York fan knows that time is running out for this team to win another championship. With Alex Rodriguez's suspension looming chances are good he's not playing next year. Derek Jeter is still battling ankle issues. Mariano Rivera is retiring. Today we find out that Andy Petite is calling it quits too. Manager Joe Girardi's contract runs out at the end of the year and there are rumors he may leave New York to manage the Chicago Cubs. There's also the fact that Girardi has been working miracles with this team to keep them in contention. Their offense at time has been pitiful and if it hadn't been for the mid-season acquisition of Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs they might not even be here.
But the question remains whether they can win the wild card. The big worry for me is the three games against Tampa Bay. That's the most difficult series facing them on their remaining schedule. The Yankees seem to be one loss away from a complete collapse for the past couple of months. There's no doubt they've been successful. But given the teams they would have to move past in the standings to get to the playoffs I don't see it happening.
Kansas City Royals - games remaining: 3 vs. Texas, 3 @ Seattle, 4 @ Chicago White Sox
The best and worst news for one of the two AL Cinderella teams (Cleveland is the other) is that their next 3 games are against Texas. (see my analysis of the Rangers below) The key for the Royals will be taking at least 2 out of the three games from Texas. If they can do that they have an easier path to one of the wild card slots.
Baltimore Orioles - games remaining: 4 at Tampa, 3 vs. Toronto, 3 vs. Boston
The AL Cinderella team of 2012 won the inaugural wild card game against Texas before losing the division series to New York in five games. The 2013 incarnation has not been as lucky as the 2012 version particularly in close games. To make matters worse, they have the toughest schedule of any of the remaining contenders. The key series for them will be the four games against Tampa. If they can take three of the four games. If not, then they will likely be out of the race. My predicition: they just miss making the playoffs.
Cleveland Indians - games remaining: 3 vs. Houston, 2 vs. Chicago White Sox, 4 at Minnesota
The Indians certainly represent this year's surprise team in the American League. They have the biggest advantage going into the home stretch: none of the three teams they will face have a winning record. At only 1/2 game behind the Rays and Rangers they are the team best positioned to make a move. My predicition: Cleveland wins one of the wild card spots by winning 6 of 9 games down the stretch.
Tampa Bay Rays - games remaining: 4 vs. Baltimore, 3 @ New York Yankees, 3 @ Toronto
Their remaining schedule might be a little cause for concern but the fact is that Tampa has become a consistent contender for one simple reason: their manager, Joe Maddon, is a genius. Some would say a mad genius. Maddon is somehow able to figure out how to maximize the use of every single player on his roster in a way that no other manager can. The key for Tampa will be how they do against Baltimore and New York. If they can win both of those series they will make the playoffs yet again. The fact that they also control their own destiny as they are tied with Texas in win/loss record helps a great deal. My prediction: Tampa wins the other wild card slot and will host the Indians in the Wild Card game.
Texas Rangers - games remaining: 3 @ Kansas City, 3 vs. Houston, 4 vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Rangers are coming off one of the worst two week stretches they have had this season: a seven game losing streak including being swept by both the Pirates and Indians before snapping the streak during a four game split with Tampa. The Rangers definitely don't have the same kind of offense they had in 2010 and 2011 during their back-to-back World Series appearances. It's bad enough that rumors of Ron Washington's dismissal at season's end if the Rangers miss the playoffs (though both Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels say that's not going to happen). If they can survive the series with the Royals then they stand a fair shot at making the playoffs. My predicition: the Rangers will just miss winning the wild card.
What makes things more complicated this year is that there are no clear favorites in either league with just ten days left in the regular season. In both leagues there are teams in the mix that at the beginning of the year wouldn't have been picked to have a chance to make the playoffs. In one league not only are the two wild card spots but one division title is in play while in the other there are six teams with a legitimate shot at the two wild card spots.
Let's start in the National League. As of right now, the St. Louis Cardinals hold a one game league over the Pittsburgh Pirates for the division title and a two game lead over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates have a one game lead over the Reds in the wild card standings and the Washington Nationals are the only other NL team with any chance at the wild card trailing the Reds by five games.
This is where it gets interesting: Thanks to some brilliant planning by the scheduling office, the Pirates and Reds get to face each other six times in the final ten days. I seriously doubt that whoever put together the schedule thought that the Pirates would be playoff contenders. Consequently, games at the end of the season that would have probably thought to have very little significance become incredibly important.
Also, thanks to the fact that the NL Central has been such a tight division down the stretch, it's conceivable that any one of the three teams (Cardinals, Pirates and Reds) could end up the division champ. Or we could end up with a tie for either the wild card or the division (or both) and then chaos would ensue.
Let's suppose for a moment, however, that on the final day of the season we will know both the Central Division champ and the NL Wild Cards. Which team has the best chance of making it to the playoffs? Here's the remaining schedule for the contenders:
Cardinals: 3 games @ Milwaukee, 3 vs. Washington, 3 vs. Chicago Cubs
Pirates: 3 games vs. Cincinnati, 3 at Chicago Cubs, 3 at Cincinnati
Reds: 3 games @ Pittsburgh, 3 vs. New York Mets, 3 vs. Pittsburgh
Nationals: 3 games vs. Miami, 3 @ St. Louis, 3 @ Arizona
The one team I'm not sure about in this list is the Nationals. I think they're a pretty good team but they have a lot of ground to make up (5 games with 9 to play). Of course, they benefit greatly from having Pittsburgh and Cincinnati facing each other 6 times. If it weren't for that little scheduling quirk I'm not sure they would have a chance. The only series they have remaining that would be of concern to me is the 3 games at St. Louis. By that point, they may be playing the role of spoiler rather than contender.
As for the other three teams, both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have the toughest road by virtue of the games against each other. The Pirates and Cardinals both must also face the Cubs who could do some real damage as spoilers in the final week. I would give the Reds a better shot at winning the division if they didn't have those six games against the Pirates.
Final prediction: NL Central Division Champ - Pirates, wild card - Reds and Cardinals
The American League has its own set of issues. As of right now, there are six teams that can be considered legitimate contenders for the two wild card spots. For the sake of simplicity, I am going to assume that Detroit and Oakland will win their respective divisions though there is a slim chance that one of the wild card contenders could slip into the division lead if everything plays out just right.
Here's how the wild card standings stack up right now:
Team Record Games Back
Texas 83-69 --
Tampa Bay 83-69 --
Cleveland 83-70 1/2
Baltimore 81-71 2
Kansas City 80-72 3
New York 80-73 3 1/2
Let's take a look at them in reverse order:
New York Yankees - games remaining: 3 vs. San Francisco, 3 vs. Tampa Bay, 3 @ Houston
The Yankees are getting older by the day. Every New York fan knows that time is running out for this team to win another championship. With Alex Rodriguez's suspension looming chances are good he's not playing next year. Derek Jeter is still battling ankle issues. Mariano Rivera is retiring. Today we find out that Andy Petite is calling it quits too. Manager Joe Girardi's contract runs out at the end of the year and there are rumors he may leave New York to manage the Chicago Cubs. There's also the fact that Girardi has been working miracles with this team to keep them in contention. Their offense at time has been pitiful and if it hadn't been for the mid-season acquisition of Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs they might not even be here.
But the question remains whether they can win the wild card. The big worry for me is the three games against Tampa Bay. That's the most difficult series facing them on their remaining schedule. The Yankees seem to be one loss away from a complete collapse for the past couple of months. There's no doubt they've been successful. But given the teams they would have to move past in the standings to get to the playoffs I don't see it happening.
Kansas City Royals - games remaining: 3 vs. Texas, 3 @ Seattle, 4 @ Chicago White Sox
The best and worst news for one of the two AL Cinderella teams (Cleveland is the other) is that their next 3 games are against Texas. (see my analysis of the Rangers below) The key for the Royals will be taking at least 2 out of the three games from Texas. If they can do that they have an easier path to one of the wild card slots.
Baltimore Orioles - games remaining: 4 at Tampa, 3 vs. Toronto, 3 vs. Boston
The AL Cinderella team of 2012 won the inaugural wild card game against Texas before losing the division series to New York in five games. The 2013 incarnation has not been as lucky as the 2012 version particularly in close games. To make matters worse, they have the toughest schedule of any of the remaining contenders. The key series for them will be the four games against Tampa. If they can take three of the four games. If not, then they will likely be out of the race. My predicition: they just miss making the playoffs.
Cleveland Indians - games remaining: 3 vs. Houston, 2 vs. Chicago White Sox, 4 at Minnesota
The Indians certainly represent this year's surprise team in the American League. They have the biggest advantage going into the home stretch: none of the three teams they will face have a winning record. At only 1/2 game behind the Rays and Rangers they are the team best positioned to make a move. My predicition: Cleveland wins one of the wild card spots by winning 6 of 9 games down the stretch.
Tampa Bay Rays - games remaining: 4 vs. Baltimore, 3 @ New York Yankees, 3 @ Toronto
Their remaining schedule might be a little cause for concern but the fact is that Tampa has become a consistent contender for one simple reason: their manager, Joe Maddon, is a genius. Some would say a mad genius. Maddon is somehow able to figure out how to maximize the use of every single player on his roster in a way that no other manager can. The key for Tampa will be how they do against Baltimore and New York. If they can win both of those series they will make the playoffs yet again. The fact that they also control their own destiny as they are tied with Texas in win/loss record helps a great deal. My prediction: Tampa wins the other wild card slot and will host the Indians in the Wild Card game.
Texas Rangers - games remaining: 3 @ Kansas City, 3 vs. Houston, 4 vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Rangers are coming off one of the worst two week stretches they have had this season: a seven game losing streak including being swept by both the Pirates and Indians before snapping the streak during a four game split with Tampa. The Rangers definitely don't have the same kind of offense they had in 2010 and 2011 during their back-to-back World Series appearances. It's bad enough that rumors of Ron Washington's dismissal at season's end if the Rangers miss the playoffs (though both Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels say that's not going to happen). If they can survive the series with the Royals then they stand a fair shot at making the playoffs. My predicition: the Rangers will just miss winning the wild card.
Friday, September 06, 2013
Daily Links 9-6-13
Some reflections on hard work, Ronald Reagan's near-death encounter with a chimpanzee, theological labels, a double no-hittter, and more in today's links.
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Reevaluating the value of hard work:
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Reevaluating the value of hard work:
For more than a generation, we have encouraged our children to aspire to careers that would enable them to work with their minds and not their hands. So, it should come as no surprise that we have an estimated three million job vacancies in the skilled labor force today that are going unfilled because many people erroneously consider these positions to be beneath their potential or otherwise undesirable.
We are now dealing with a problem of our own making. In our attempt to spare our children from the drudgery of physical labor, we have become a society that no longer respects or celebrates hard work. We have become a nation of consumers rather than producers and we are beginning to experience the unintended consequences of this transition in more painful ways. But just as the national narrative seems to be hopelessly unswayable, an unlikely voice of reason has emerged in guest appearances on the national talk show circuit.
Mike Rowe, who is best known as the host of the Discovery Channel's popular show Dirty Jobs, has decided to lend his fame and notoriety to a larger cause. He is encouraging a broader conversation about our nation's relationship with skilled labor. He feels it is important to "make a case for the trades," and I applaud him for bringing recognition to this issue through his many appearances.
Hat tip: Mike Rowe
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Ronald Reagan once famously acted with a chimpanzee. An unfortunate incident with the chimp nearly cost him his life.
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The organ was playing. The choir was in the loft. Church members were seated and still. My Bible was in hand and I was prepared to take the platform. In moments the worship service would begin. It was at this instant an elderly gentleman introduced himself to me by stating, “I am so glad you are here to preach for us today. I have looked forward to meeting you. Before you preach, though, I have one question for you. Are you a Calvinist?”
That question is not an uncommon one, but it’s a question that might be more difficult to answer than first thought. To this gentleman, I reflexively replied, “To be honest, sir, I have no idea what you mean by that question.” He smiled and responded, “I have no have idea what I meant by the question either.”
We both chuckled, then I retorted, “I’ll be happy to discuss this as much as you’d like after the service, but know that I believe in preaching the gospel to all people and that anyone who repents of their sins and embraces Christ as Lord and Savior can be saved.” Reassured, he smiled and said “that is all I wanted to hear.”
That conversation, like so many others, reminded me of the challenge of theological labels. This seems especially so when discussing the often controversial topic of Calvinism.
******************************
A challenge to read books outside of your comfort zone:
We who live in this peculiar world of the “Young-restless-reformed/gospel-centered/whozamafaceit” have a nasty habit: we tend to be pretty insular in our reading.
While there’s much to like (even love) about writers from this particular group—we are right to appreciate writing that makes the gospel great, to be sure. But there’s a danger, too: if you’re not careful you can wind up only reading and listening to people you agree with.
Your arguments become second- (even third-) hand. Your discernment dulls. You risk becoming, well, kinda boring (and not in a good way).
*******************************
How well do you know your grammar? You can put it to the test by trying out this quiz: You Can't Write Proper English Under Pressure. And it is harder than you might think. (hat tip Neatorama)
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Going to the hospital can be unnerving for just about anyone but especially for kids. One Connecticut children's hospital came up with a unique solution: a pirate themed CT scanner room.
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Only once in baseball history has there ever been a double no-hitter for nine innings. Of course, the Cubs were on the losing end of this unique game.
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Some great advice to young writers: get lost.
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Some great advice to young writers: get lost.
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Last weekend Matt and I had a young, engaged couple from our church over. It was so encouraging to talk to them about our faith. Although they are barely in their twenties, Greg and Mim are very mature in their thoughts about God.
As the men were showing off their corn hole skills (maybe this is just a WV game??) in an intense match against our children, Mim and I were talking on the deck about the recent loss of her baby niece. As Mim was processing her thoughts from her experience over the last couple of dramatic weeks, she recalled something very wise her father told her. She said something to the fact that God doesn’t give us hypothetical grace, he gives us grace for today.
Hat tip: Blogging Theologically
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Back to Blogging
It's been a long time since I've posted her regularly. Hopefully I will be able to get back on track. A few random thoughts that have been rolling around my brain......
******
This election cycle is shaping up to be the second straight presidential election in a row where I am seriously considering not voting. Much will depend on who Mitt Romney chooses as a running mate. John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin made me feel comfortable enough to cast a vote for him even though I still had serious reservations about him.
*****
Speaking of politics, it seems to me that politicians are more and more concerned with maintaining power than abiding by principles. This has always been true to a degree but seems to be more prevalent these days than ever before. Part of the reason I don't follow politics as closely as I used to as I find myself increasingly frustrated by members of both parties. The country seems poised for a major reformation in its politics but only if principled leaders will stand up and be counted upon to be agents of change.
*****
Most of my free time of late (what little there has been) has been devoted to baseball. Although my team, the Chicago Cubs, are having a typically frustrating season I still enjoy the sport. In fact, I became a fan of the game before I became devoted to my team. More on that in an upcoming post over at Eephus League. That's where I have been doing what little blogging that I have been involved in lately.
*****
Not long ago I ran across an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal suggesting that Wrigley Field be torn down. The author is, of course, wrong for a lot of reasons. One of his assertions is that the Cubs were a better team before moving to Wrigley than afterwards. That's true, however, he failed to look at the club's won-loss record at Wrigley. Through the 2011 season, the Cubs had a +435 win differential at the park. So clearly it's not the home park that's the problem.
*****
From the Useful Links Department: the Random P. G. Wodehouse Quote Generator.
*****
It was a really big deal at the time: it turns out Dan Quayle was right. And you read about it in the Washington Post of all places. Dan Quayle might not have been the brightest or most effective politician but at least he was willing to stand up and speak about what he believed.
*****
Quote to ponder: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived." - George S. Patton
*****
Finally, I have held out as long as I possibly can but have given in and decided to join Twitter. I don't really plan on tweeting much (we'll see how that goes) but I've already found it's a great way to quickly check news sources that I like to follow. Feel free to follow me (for what it's worth).
******
This election cycle is shaping up to be the second straight presidential election in a row where I am seriously considering not voting. Much will depend on who Mitt Romney chooses as a running mate. John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin made me feel comfortable enough to cast a vote for him even though I still had serious reservations about him.
*****
Speaking of politics, it seems to me that politicians are more and more concerned with maintaining power than abiding by principles. This has always been true to a degree but seems to be more prevalent these days than ever before. Part of the reason I don't follow politics as closely as I used to as I find myself increasingly frustrated by members of both parties. The country seems poised for a major reformation in its politics but only if principled leaders will stand up and be counted upon to be agents of change.
*****
Most of my free time of late (what little there has been) has been devoted to baseball. Although my team, the Chicago Cubs, are having a typically frustrating season I still enjoy the sport. In fact, I became a fan of the game before I became devoted to my team. More on that in an upcoming post over at Eephus League. That's where I have been doing what little blogging that I have been involved in lately.
*****
Not long ago I ran across an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal suggesting that Wrigley Field be torn down. The author is, of course, wrong for a lot of reasons. One of his assertions is that the Cubs were a better team before moving to Wrigley than afterwards. That's true, however, he failed to look at the club's won-loss record at Wrigley. Through the 2011 season, the Cubs had a +435 win differential at the park. So clearly it's not the home park that's the problem.
*****
From the Useful Links Department: the Random P. G. Wodehouse Quote Generator.
*****
It was a really big deal at the time: it turns out Dan Quayle was right. And you read about it in the Washington Post of all places. Dan Quayle might not have been the brightest or most effective politician but at least he was willing to stand up and speak about what he believed.
*****
Quote to ponder: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived." - George S. Patton
*****
Finally, I have held out as long as I possibly can but have given in and decided to join Twitter. I don't really plan on tweeting much (we'll see how that goes) but I've already found it's a great way to quickly check news sources that I like to follow. Feel free to follow me (for what it's worth).
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Albert Pujols A Cub? Is That Even Possible?
Michael Wilbon makes a compelling case for the possibility that Albert Pujols could, in fact, be in a Cub uniform next season.
I think it's a safe bet that since the Cardinals didn't sign him in the offseason that they are not likely going to be able to afford to offer him the $30-35 million a year over 7 or 8 years it's going to take to keep him in Cardinal uniform.
"Wait 'Til Next Year" could be a hopeful refrain after all.
I think it's a safe bet that since the Cardinals didn't sign him in the offseason that they are not likely going to be able to afford to offer him the $30-35 million a year over 7 or 8 years it's going to take to keep him in Cardinal uniform.
"Wait 'Til Next Year" could be a hopeful refrain after all.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
So Long, Lou
Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has announced he will retire at the end of the season:
After managing 23 seasons, winning one World Series and three Manager of the Year Awards, Lou Piniella has decided to retire after finishing the season with the Cubs.
Piniella, who turns 67 on Aug. 28, issued a statement on Tuesday, saying he wanted to enter a new phase in his life.
"I couldn't be more appreciative of the Cubs organization for providing me the opportunity to manage this ballclub," Piniella said in his statement. "I've had four wonderful years here that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
"I've grown to love the city and the fans, but at my age, it will be time to enter a new phase in my life," he said. "It will enable me to spend more valuable time with my family -- my wife, my kids and my grandchildren. God has blessed me to have been able to work this many years in the game that I love."
Pinella's contract was due to expire at the end of the season and there had been extensive speculation swirling around the Cubs whether he would stay on after this year. No doubt the team's lack of success this year had to be a factor.
Two questions: First, who will be his successor? Ryne Sandberg is the sentimental favorite but if Joe Torre decides not to re-sign with the Dodgers at the end of the season he could be the top candidate. Second, will Lou Pinella be elected to the Hall of Fame? I think the answer is yes, eventually, he will get in but with Bobby Cox retiring this year and Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa both shoe-ins for the Hall as soon as they retire he may be waiting a little while for the call from Cooperstown.
Thanks for the memories, Lou. It's been a great ride.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Yes, the Cubs Can Win It All
Sure, they didn't get off to a great start tonight in the NLDS against the Dodgers, but the Cubs can still win it all. Here are five reasons why it can happen.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Cubs Win!
The Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central Division title today which is their second consecutive title.
Now on to the playoffs to try to break the 100 year championship drought.
Now on to the playoffs to try to break the 100 year championship drought.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Now, That's What I Call A Comeback
After spending 11 days resting a rumored injured arm, Chicago Cubs ace pitcher came back and threw a no-hitter against the Astros last night. Zambrano reportedly said after the game "I guess I'm back".
I guess so. Just in time, too.
UPDATE: Well, not to be outdone, fellow Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly took his own no-hit bid into the 7th inning today against the Astros.
Looks like that unexpected layoff due to Hurricane Ike has helped the Cubs.
By the way, the last time there were back-to-back no-hitters was in 1968. Gaylord Perry of the San Francisco Giants no-hit the St. Louis Cardinals on September 17, 1968. Ray Washburn of the Cardinals returned the favor the next day by no-hitting the Giants.
The last time teammates accomplished the consecutive no-hitter feat? You have to go all the way back to 1917 When Ernie Koob and Bob Groom hurled consecutive no-hitters for the St. Louis Browns against the Chicago White Sox on May 5 and May 6, 1917 respectively.
Here's a complete list of no-hitters in Major League Baseball history.
I guess so. Just in time, too.
UPDATE: Well, not to be outdone, fellow Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly took his own no-hit bid into the 7th inning today against the Astros.
Looks like that unexpected layoff due to Hurricane Ike has helped the Cubs.
By the way, the last time there were back-to-back no-hitters was in 1968. Gaylord Perry of the San Francisco Giants no-hit the St. Louis Cardinals on September 17, 1968. Ray Washburn of the Cardinals returned the favor the next day by no-hitting the Giants.
The last time teammates accomplished the consecutive no-hitter feat? You have to go all the way back to 1917 When Ernie Koob and Bob Groom hurled consecutive no-hitters for the St. Louis Browns against the Chicago White Sox on May 5 and May 6, 1917 respectively.
Here's a complete list of no-hitters in Major League Baseball history.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Quick Takes - 8-15-08
Been on the road this week and haven't had much time to blog but here are a couple of quick thoughts for the weekend:
Billboard seen during my travels: "Stop Talking. Start Drilling." Pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?
Making a deal with the devil? I don't see how this helps Obama. Oh well, at least all those reporters at the convention will have something to write about. By the way, I don't buy all the talk about the Democrats being a united party. Don't believe me? Pay attention to that roll call and see if I'm right.
Sure, the left wants to blame President Bush for everything. But now the Russians are joining in on the fun. Unbelievable.
Doing my daily glance at the baseball standings I noticed something interesting: the Chicago Cubs have the highest run differential in the majors scoring 155 more runs that their opponents as of this writing. They currently lead the NL Central by four games. The next closest team? The Boston Red Sox at 118. They trail their division by 3 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay but lead the AL Wild Card by 2 1/2.
Memo to the New York Times: do your math homework. This is just further proof (as if we needed it) that the old "mainstream" media aren't to be trusted any longer.
Finally, one of my favorite shows returns to the airwaves. Chuck is back on September 29. Here's a season two preview to get you ready:
Billboard seen during my travels: "Stop Talking. Start Drilling." Pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?
Making a deal with the devil? I don't see how this helps Obama. Oh well, at least all those reporters at the convention will have something to write about. By the way, I don't buy all the talk about the Democrats being a united party. Don't believe me? Pay attention to that roll call and see if I'm right.
Sure, the left wants to blame President Bush for everything. But now the Russians are joining in on the fun. Unbelievable.
Doing my daily glance at the baseball standings I noticed something interesting: the Chicago Cubs have the highest run differential in the majors scoring 155 more runs that their opponents as of this writing. They currently lead the NL Central by four games. The next closest team? The Boston Red Sox at 118. They trail their division by 3 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay but lead the AL Wild Card by 2 1/2.
Memo to the New York Times: do your math homework. This is just further proof (as if we needed it) that the old "mainstream" media aren't to be trusted any longer.
Finally, one of my favorite shows returns to the airwaves. Chuck is back on September 29. Here's a season two preview to get you ready:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lessons of a Cubs Fan
It's been a long drought for Chicago Cubs fans. In fact, it's been exactly 100 years since their last World Series Championship in 1908. It's hard to imagine that their last championship came a time when the Cubs were considered one of the best teams in the major leagues.
Since then, the Cubs have occasionally made the playoffs and teased their fans with thoughts of another championship only to ultimately disappoint their faithful in the end. But 2008 has been an atypical season for the Cubs so far. They have one of the best records in the majors and are leading their division as play resumes this week following the All-Star break. Suddenly the idea of a World Series Championship in 2008 doesn't seem too far-fetched.
But Cubs fans know not to get their hopes up too soon. They've been down this road too many times before. Their faithful (and I admit, I have been one of them for the past twenty years) know that things could still go horribly wrong before the year is out. Often, their fans are referred to as longsuffering because of the many years they've waited for a championship team. As the Bible shows us, there is much more to longsuffering that simply waiting patiently for our hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
The most vivid picture that Scripture gives us of longsuffering is the life of Job. The Bible tells us that Job was a righteous man and that Satan sought to test him. God allowed Job to endure trials beyond what many of us could possibly imagine. All the while he remained strong in his faith in God despite what his circumstances and his s0-called friends told him.
The apostle Paul refers to longsuffering as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Unfortunately, many modern translations substitute patience for longsuffering. The dictionary defines patience as "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay". To me, this speaks more to how we wait in line at the drive-thru at McDonald's rather than enduring trials. Patiently waiting for something or someone holds with it a promise that the thing wished for will be provided at some point in the future.
By contrast, the dictionary defines longsuffering as "long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation". Longsuffering is the ability to endure trials and tribulations with no definite end in sight. Paul again helps us understand biblical longsuffering when speaks of the "thorn in his flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) which many speculate to be some type of ailment that plagued him throughout his life. God's purpose in not removing Paul's burden was twofold: to keep him humble and to rely on God for everything he needed.
God uses our trials to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:2-4). He wants us to not only patiently endure them but to develop the spirtiual discipline of longsuffering. It is not merely being patient but waiting upon the Lord to provide even when it doesn't look like He will. It also means humbling ourselves and allowing Him to complete His perfect work in us.
Since then, the Cubs have occasionally made the playoffs and teased their fans with thoughts of another championship only to ultimately disappoint their faithful in the end. But 2008 has been an atypical season for the Cubs so far. They have one of the best records in the majors and are leading their division as play resumes this week following the All-Star break. Suddenly the idea of a World Series Championship in 2008 doesn't seem too far-fetched.
But Cubs fans know not to get their hopes up too soon. They've been down this road too many times before. Their faithful (and I admit, I have been one of them for the past twenty years) know that things could still go horribly wrong before the year is out. Often, their fans are referred to as longsuffering because of the many years they've waited for a championship team. As the Bible shows us, there is much more to longsuffering that simply waiting patiently for our hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
The most vivid picture that Scripture gives us of longsuffering is the life of Job. The Bible tells us that Job was a righteous man and that Satan sought to test him. God allowed Job to endure trials beyond what many of us could possibly imagine. All the while he remained strong in his faith in God despite what his circumstances and his s0-called friends told him.
The apostle Paul refers to longsuffering as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Unfortunately, many modern translations substitute patience for longsuffering. The dictionary defines patience as "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay". To me, this speaks more to how we wait in line at the drive-thru at McDonald's rather than enduring trials. Patiently waiting for something or someone holds with it a promise that the thing wished for will be provided at some point in the future.
By contrast, the dictionary defines longsuffering as "long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation". Longsuffering is the ability to endure trials and tribulations with no definite end in sight. Paul again helps us understand biblical longsuffering when speaks of the "thorn in his flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) which many speculate to be some type of ailment that plagued him throughout his life. God's purpose in not removing Paul's burden was twofold: to keep him humble and to rely on God for everything he needed.
God uses our trials to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:2-4). He wants us to not only patiently endure them but to develop the spirtiual discipline of longsuffering. It is not merely being patient but waiting upon the Lord to provide even when it doesn't look like He will. It also means humbling ourselves and allowing Him to complete His perfect work in us.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living.
~ Alvin Dark, Chicago Cubs third baseman, 1958-59
~ Alvin Dark, Chicago Cubs third baseman, 1958-59
Monday, April 07, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
"Whoever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?"
Chicago Cubs first baseman/manager Frank Chance on the eve of the replay of the Merkle game against the New York Giants that would decide the 1908 National League pennant. The Cubs defeated the Giants 4-2 and then went on to easily defeat the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Ironically, this would be the last time that Chance's observation could be made about a Cubs team. They haven't won a World Series title since 1908.
Chicago Cubs first baseman/manager Frank Chance on the eve of the replay of the Merkle game against the New York Giants that would decide the 1908 National League pennant. The Cubs defeated the Giants 4-2 and then went on to easily defeat the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Ironically, this would be the last time that Chance's observation could be made about a Cubs team. They haven't won a World Series title since 1908.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
99 Years and Counting...
Monday marks Opening Day for the Chicago Cubs 100th season since their last World Series championship. To mark the occasion, ESPN recaps 99 years of Cubs' futility.
Maybe this is the year. Maybe.
Maybe this is the year. Maybe.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Quick Takes - 3-7-08
It's Friday and time for another roundup of random links for your weekend enjoyment. Thanks again this week to my lovely wife who did most of the research.
This is a club I could easily join. It's the No Cussing Club.
Be careful what you aim at. A golfer is charged with killing a hawk. As a side note, this reminds me of the time I was playing golf near Chicago and one of my playing partners nailed a Canadian goose in the back with his shot (not on purpose). It just goes to show that there is no telling what obstacles you may encounter on the course.
A second career in golf? Golf ball diving.
Fire the youth pastor. So says pastor and author Voddie Baucham on Family Life Today. Instead, fathers take the lead for discipling their children. (Hat tip: Stones Cry Out)
Say it ain't so. The new owner of the Chicago Cubs is considering selling naming rights to Wrigley Field. Some things are better left alone and this is one of them.
An "A" for effort. A Minnesota bar tries (and fails) to get around a local smoking ban.
Book of the week (part 1). The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression by Amity Shlaes reveals that FDR's policies did more to worsen the economic crisis of the 1930s than to improve it. It also shows that FDR's policies and beliefs were not all that most of us had been taught through sanitized history classes in school.
Job loyalty personified. A Lexington, VA man retires after nearly 35 years working for Kroger. It says something about his contentment in his job to do the same thing for so long.
More than he bargained for. A tourist's Australian Outback vacation included a close encounter with a crocodile.
Dying is against the law. And the mayor has promised "severe punishment" for those who disobey. I wonder what that means?
Book of the week (part 2). Personal Faith, Public Policy by Harry R. Jackson, Jr. and Tony Perkins confronts the issue of applying a biblical worldview to our current public policy crises. This looks like a book whose time has come.
Tackling political humor. Comic book legend Stan Lee's newest venture.
Still going strong at 100. Age hasn't slowed this woman down. Good for her.
World War I Veteran honored. Frank Buckles is the last known U. S. military veteran from World War I. Yesterday, he was honored with a visit with President Bush at the White House. Buckles is 107 years young.
Dumb Criminals of the week. Two guys in cowboy gear stole doughnuts from a local bakery and when the sheriff's deputies showed up to arrest them they tried to bribe the officers with the stolen goods!
Have a great weekend.
This is a club I could easily join. It's the No Cussing Club.
Be careful what you aim at. A golfer is charged with killing a hawk. As a side note, this reminds me of the time I was playing golf near Chicago and one of my playing partners nailed a Canadian goose in the back with his shot (not on purpose). It just goes to show that there is no telling what obstacles you may encounter on the course.
A second career in golf? Golf ball diving.
Fire the youth pastor. So says pastor and author Voddie Baucham on Family Life Today. Instead, fathers take the lead for discipling their children. (Hat tip: Stones Cry Out)
Say it ain't so. The new owner of the Chicago Cubs is considering selling naming rights to Wrigley Field. Some things are better left alone and this is one of them.
An "A" for effort. A Minnesota bar tries (and fails) to get around a local smoking ban.
Book of the week (part 1). The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression by Amity Shlaes reveals that FDR's policies did more to worsen the economic crisis of the 1930s than to improve it. It also shows that FDR's policies and beliefs were not all that most of us had been taught through sanitized history classes in school.
Job loyalty personified. A Lexington, VA man retires after nearly 35 years working for Kroger. It says something about his contentment in his job to do the same thing for so long.
More than he bargained for. A tourist's Australian Outback vacation included a close encounter with a crocodile.
Dying is against the law. And the mayor has promised "severe punishment" for those who disobey. I wonder what that means?
Book of the week (part 2). Personal Faith, Public Policy by Harry R. Jackson, Jr. and Tony Perkins confronts the issue of applying a biblical worldview to our current public policy crises. This looks like a book whose time has come.
Tackling political humor. Comic book legend Stan Lee's newest venture.
Still going strong at 100. Age hasn't slowed this woman down. Good for her.
World War I Veteran honored. Frank Buckles is the last known U. S. military veteran from World War I. Yesterday, he was honored with a visit with President Bush at the White House. Buckles is 107 years young.
Dumb Criminals of the week. Two guys in cowboy gear stole doughnuts from a local bakery and when the sheriff's deputies showed up to arrest them they tried to bribe the officers with the stolen goods!
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Quick Takes - 2-29-08
Random links of interest for your weekend enjoyment (with a huge tip o' the hat to my lovely bride for her exhaustive research):
People who work alone are more productive? A new study suggests this is the case. From my personal perspective, I've worked from home for over four years now and find I am much more productive than I ever was working in an office. (hat tip: Evangelical Outpost)
Honoring Champions President Bush welcomed the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox to the White House on Wednesday. They also spent time at Walter Reed Army Hospital visiting with wounded soldiers (scroll down for pictures). But the highlight for manager Terry Francona and slugger David Ortiz was riding on motorcycles in the motorcade.
Flushing money down the toilet. Atlanta spends $300,000 on toilets for homeless people.
Doctors said abort the baby, parents defy them and he's born healthy. This story begs the question how many babies that are aborted based on a doctor's recommendation would otherwise be born healthy.
All the news that's fit to recycle. The New York Times tries to stir up more trouble for Senator John McCain by regurgitating old inquiries about his birthplace.
Movie Trailer of the week. Here's a peek at The Final Season. This looks like it could be great.
Portrait of a hero (Part 1). A Marine loses his leg in Iraq but rather than letting that slow him down returns to active combat.
Portrait of a hero (Part 2). An Amry Sergeant, home after two tours of duty in Iraq, bought a scratch-off lottery ticket on a whim at a convenience store. Little did he know he would win $1 million. Now he's getting set to return to Iraq for his third tour of duty.
I can relate to #4. Been there, done that. (hat tip: Betsy's Page)
Anyone can have a badyear century. The Chicago Cubs get ready to start year 100 since their last World Series championship.
The troop surge in Iraq is working. Just ask Angelina Jolie.
Maybe she should have bought the dogs a different chew toy. It's just a thought.
Have a great weekend.
People who work alone are more productive? A new study suggests this is the case. From my personal perspective, I've worked from home for over four years now and find I am much more productive than I ever was working in an office. (hat tip: Evangelical Outpost)
Honoring Champions President Bush welcomed the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox to the White House on Wednesday. They also spent time at Walter Reed Army Hospital visiting with wounded soldiers (scroll down for pictures). But the highlight for manager Terry Francona and slugger David Ortiz was riding on motorcycles in the motorcade.
Flushing money down the toilet. Atlanta spends $300,000 on toilets for homeless people.
Doctors said abort the baby, parents defy them and he's born healthy. This story begs the question how many babies that are aborted based on a doctor's recommendation would otherwise be born healthy.
All the news that's fit to recycle. The New York Times tries to stir up more trouble for Senator John McCain by regurgitating old inquiries about his birthplace.
Movie Trailer of the week. Here's a peek at The Final Season. This looks like it could be great.
Portrait of a hero (Part 1). A Marine loses his leg in Iraq but rather than letting that slow him down returns to active combat.
Portrait of a hero (Part 2). An Amry Sergeant, home after two tours of duty in Iraq, bought a scratch-off lottery ticket on a whim at a convenience store. Little did he know he would win $1 million. Now he's getting set to return to Iraq for his third tour of duty.
Does higher turnout among Democrats in the primaries mean a landslide in November? Not necessarily.
Grandma said so. Several news outlets made the regrettable decision yesterday to disclose that Prince Harry has been fighting on the front lines with the British Army in Afghanistan. But the best part of the story is that Queen Elizabeth (his grandmother) told him he was going to be deployed.Dave Barry on getting a colonoscopy:
OK. You turned 50. You know you're supposed to get a colonoscopy. But you
haven't. Here are your reasons:
1. You've been busy.
2. You don't have a history of cancer in your family.
3. You haven't noticed any problems.
4. You don't want a doctor to stick a tube 17,000 feet up your butt.
I can relate to #4. Been there, done that. (hat tip: Betsy's Page)
Anyone can have a bad
The troop surge in Iraq is working. Just ask Angelina Jolie.
Maybe she should have bought the dogs a different chew toy. It's just a thought.
Have a great weekend.
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