NFL Week 4 Picks

Here are my Week 4 picks -

Harrington will want to prove they made the right choice -Falcons surprise Texans
Jets top Bills
Anderson and Browns keep it going against disappointing Ravens
Cowboys light up the Rams
Griese to save Bears? Hardly. Lions out score Bears.
Raiders take Dolphins
Packers beat Vikings and Farve gets another record
49ers improve against Seahawks
Bucs beat up on injured Delhome (or Carr) and the Panthers
Colts beat Broncos in what could be an exciting game
Steelers over Cardinals
Chargers return to form against Chiefs
Giants over Eagles
Patriots beat Bengals

Last week: 11-5 Overall: 32-14

Huckabee Video Bonanza!

I had planned on posting these, but thought it would be easier to just provide the link. The videos found there have Presidential canidate Mike Huckabee answering some frequently asked questions (Iraq, Hilary, Healthcare, Fair Tax, and Working with Congress). Click here to view them.

I heard a blurb from Huckabee regarding Hilary on the Sean Hannity show on my way home from the doctor that I loved. As reported by the Washington Post Huckabee said on Hilary, "If you can't get your lips off the backside of George Soros long enough to use those lips to say it's wrong to declare a sitting general ... guilty of treason, how would you ever expect to have the support of the very military you might have to send into deadly battle?" The man has a backbone too! I love it! Click here to read the article.

Just heard on the above mentioned show that Monday, Newt is going to look in and see if he has $30 million in pledges. If so he indicates that that is enough of a indication that he should run for President.

And on an even more important note, this is my 9th post for the month of September. Why is this important? Because it ties my previous high for posts in a month which was May 2006 (and some of those were quick filler posts). And I know I will have one more before Sunday. Very exciting times. And you should all feel special since I had to go to the doctor today and get 2 persriptions for my tension headaches that I developed from being overly busy! It just shows how much I enjoy keepin you all informed and slightly entertained. Speaking of drugs, I feel happy and think it may do me well to lay down!

Super Huckabee!

Two topics in one blog. I just read this article on CBS and found it pretty interesting. Huckabee showing up to all these events that the other candidates seem too lazy to do themselves says a lot about the former Governor. Read the article here.

I also wanted to share part of his email that I received:
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"Mitt Romney seems to think being "top tier" is about money. He recently made a comment suggesting that our campaign was going to need to raise $20,000,000 this quarter to be considered top tier. Well let me break the news to everyone, we aren't going to raise anywhere near that and frankly that suits us just fine.

Let me ask you though, do you think being a top tier candidate should be based on raising money a lot of money?

I know I don't. In fact if I weren't running, I would want the candidate I am supporting to say "Top Tier" should be about what you stand for and how the rest of the Republican Party feels about your positions.

Here are some of my top tier ideas:
1. I support and have always supported passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. My convictions regarding the sanctity of life have always been clear and consistent, without equivocation or wavering. I believe that Roe v. Wade should be over-turned.

2. I support the FairTax.

3. We have to know who is coming into our country, where they are going, and why they are here. We need a fence along our border with Mexico, electronic in some places, and more highly-trained border agents.

4. I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. Radical Islamic fascists have declared war on our country and our way of life. They have sworn to annihilate each of us who believe in a free society, all in the name of a perversion of religion and an impersonal god. We go to great extremes to save lives, they go to great extremes to take them. This war is not a conventional war, and these terrorists are not a conventional enemy. I will fight the war on terror with the intensity and single-mindedness that it deserves.

As I said, we aren't going to raise a bunch of money. What we want to raise is a bunch of support for our ideas. Ames, Iowa proved that we could be outspent and out raised and still turn folks out to the polls.
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To learn more on and support Mike Huckabee for President, visit his site (link found on my sidebar).

Secondly, tonight is one of my favorites nights of the year! It is when Smallville returns from summer hiatus!! This is one of those shows that seems to grow stronger ever year. The creators are hoping for one more season after this, but that depends on how well ratings are this year. Hopefully they will be just as good as previous years!

Now is it's seventh (!!!) season, Clark finds himself ever closer to stepping into those red boots. Likewise, Lex has officially been seduced by the darkness. The season looks to be a great one with the return of Green Arrow as well as another Justice League episode, the introduction of Supergirl (though it would seem they are hoping for a spin off from this), Brainiac's return, and Clark being on his own.

When the season ended, Lex's experiment went extremely wrong resulting in the creating of Bizzaro (one of my favorite villains). For those who don't know, this is an imperfect clone of Superman (though Smallville has it's own unique twist). Bizzaro basically beat the tar out of Clark before flying off. Lana was in a truck that blew up, Chloe and Lionel were knocked out in a building that was caving in, and Lex was arrested. The season premiere promises to be a good one as they generally have been. Catch Smallville on the CW Thursday nights at 8/7 c! And for more news, visit the Krypton Site!

NFL picks to come later!

"I Believe in Evolution"

No need to fear, I am not changing my beliefs. A video that will be posted further down made me think of a song by the old school Christian band Geoff Moore and the Distance: "I believe in evolution: the changing of the heart, renewing of the mind." Ahh the early 90's...so campy.

The last few weeks have been tough for me. Oh sure, I appear all happy and thrilled on here, but I have been struggling. Nothing horrible. There is just a lot going on all at once and I lost my focus a bit and started struggling with some things. Easiest way to sum it up: we are all called to step out of the boat and walk on water but, like Peter, we generally all take our eyes off Him and begin to sink. We are all involved in several conflicts while we're on this Earth. The spiritual conflict we face often becomes a struggle against ourselves. Long story short: I am trying to get my focus back where it belongs. Just need to liten to the Voice of Truth who "tells me a different story. The Voice of Truth says 'Do not be afriad.'"

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict."
- William Ellery Channing.

I have a new video on Mike Huckabee from a recent debate in New Hampshire. Being a Christian, he was naturally asked an unrelated political question. As always, Huckabee was poised and gave a fantastic answer that even made some of the other candidates raise their hand (in a praise like manner).

School is going okay. Had a test today I wasn't prepared for. The first day of class we were told that our tests would all be take home. Apparently the professor forgot these words. Luckily I B.S. well on tests. I am still digging my two computer courses. I can actually understand some HTML now. HTML is the language that all Internet is written in for those who may not know. When all is said and down I should have a web page to show for it. I was even able to read the HTML for this blog and make it not bold since my button wouldn't work. Fancy I know.

Jen was away this week so I rented "Remember Marshall". A movie about the Marshall 70's NCAA football team. Good movie that did well at presenting the history of this tradegy, but the lead actor could have been chosen better. Still worth the watch.

I had a good week NFL-wise in Week 2. The Niners are 2-0 for the first time since 1997 I believe despite a struggling offense. The Texans seem to be on the right track finally and Peyton and Company won a tough one against the team formerly known as the Oilers. There are some tough games this week so here are my picks:

Chargers finally win against Packers
Vikings top Chiefs (if their first string QB plays)
Patriots dominate Bills
Jets beat Dolphins
Lions shock struggling Eagles
Steelers beat Niners...unless the 49ers offense come alive
Rams put one in the win column against Buccaneers
Ravens smack Cardinals
Will the Texans go 3-0 versus Colts? I'd pick an upset here, but WR Andre Johnson is out so Colts have the advantage. Though, the Texans are the last team to beat Peyton.
Broncos run out of luck against Jaguars
Raiders beat confusing Browns
Seahawks take out Bengals
Panthers beat Falcons
Surprising Redskins keep Tom Coughlin's Giants winless
Dominating Cowboys defeat Bears
And in what should be an interesting Monday Night Game, the Titans beat the Saints at home.

Last Week 12-4 Overall 21-9

Added a few more songs up above. Put in some Neil Diamond (though I couldn't find my favorite "Cherry, Cherry") and Simon and Garfunkle cause I rock like that (don't you miss our lunch car rides with my choice of music Bryan?). I will take requests if anyone has a song they want on here. The one that should play first is one of my favorites. It's "Beautiful Savior" by Casting Corwns. In fact, my aforementioned struggles are put into perspective by a verse in that song: "I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer. I will sing of The Lamb that never fails...of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared, of death defeated and life without end!" Amazing how easily we can lose faith when everything is already taken care of...beautiful Savior indeed.

I Can't Think of a Title!

I saw this in the September 2 Sunday Edition of the Boston Globe. I have noticed that most comic strips are now overtly politcal - making fun of republicans and even Christians. So you can imagine my surprise when I read "Get Fuzzy" by Darby Conley.

School is off to a fast start. I still haven't managed to get into the swing of things though. It will be a long semester, but at the same time should go by quickly. I am really looking forward to my video editing course. Besides being a cake walk, it also sounds like a lot of fun. We'll have to make a music video, newscast, put together a scene from Desperate Housewives and I can't remember the other thing. The worst part of this semester will be the late nights. Being at school till 10 and getting up at 5am is no fun. Yes, I know hwen Jacob is born I won't sleep anyway, but that and this are different. Will I be tired in both? Yes. But there is that certian mental exhuastion that comes from getting stuff done for school and work and prepering for baby and church and maintaining a marriage. All will be well though.

I have added a playlist to my blog. Not quite sure how well it will work, but hopefully it will be a nice addition. If you see one you want to hear, just select it. You can also turn it off using the controls. Songs I enjoy are on it (obviously) and I will add to it as we ride along in this journey called life. Ooooh! I should add some Journey on there too!

So the big story this week was all about those pesky New England Patriots. They were caught cheating at their season opener. I wish you guys could hear the fans out here talk about it. Apparently, since everyone cheats, its not a big deal. I stopped a guy cold in his tracks when I responded with, "so if your girlfriend cheats on you it's not a biggie because almost everyone does it?" There are a few people here who are not happy about it. My favorite agruments have been "the Patriots are a talented team, they don't need to cheat" and "Our coach is a genius, we don't need to cheat". Then why did they/he? The biggest reach are the ones (yes, plural) saying that the caoch did it on purpose in order to motivate the team because he is a genius. Riiiight. At least the NFL punished the team. I was pulling for a suspension on the coach. I never understand fining rich people. It's like going to McDonals and buying a few items for them. It will cost them draft picks too though.

It is at this point that I need to clarify something. A few posts back I stated that I "hate" the Patriots. I try and never use that word, but apparently I did and I apologize. I do not like the Pats though. I greatly respect their player talent and no doubt they are a good team that will make a run for the Super Bowl, but I am not a fan. I will even talk about them and watch a game here and there (like their big game versus the Chargers tonight). I just find some of their players and def. their coach arrogant. They are therefore far from my favorite team. Sorry that there was confusion.

Speaking of the NFL, here are my picks as well as a video from Peyton's stint on SNL. I emailed it to a few of you back when it came out, but it's funny enough for a second view.



NFL Picks (Week 2)

Bengals over Browns
Colts over Titans
49ers over Rams (I hope)
Packers over Giants
Steelers over Bills
Saints over Bucs
Texans over Panthers (my trendy pic of the week)
Jaguars over Falcons
Lions over Vikings
Cowboys over Miami
Seahawks over Cardinals
Bears over Chiefs
Broncos over Raiders
Ravens over Jets
Patriots over Chargers (this should be a great game)
Redskins over Eagles.

Last Week: 9-5

More on Huckabee

Wanting to do all I can to support Mike Huckabee for President, I try to post what I can about him to help inform others. Being at work and school all day can make staying up-to-date difficult however. I found this blog that keeps close tabs on the former pastor turned govenor.
Please visit Massachusetts for Huckabee for additional Huckabee news. I will post this under "Other Blogs" on my sidebar which also include's his homepage link.

I am also including two new videos in which Huckabee discusses health care after the debate.





Do not simply blow off this candiate because he is not a "big name". He will soon be as well known as the others and is a much better choice.

2 Post Topics

I had two things I wanted to post today, but they are such total opposites that instead of writing one giant blog, I will just do two separate, so be sure to see the one underneath this post too!

Since earlier this year, I have talked about former Governor Mike Huckabee. He started off as one of the lesser known candidates, but has quickly gained steam and support. Though I didn't see it last night (I don't have FOX News), I saw this clip on the local morning news and thought he stood his ground and answered a question regarding Iraq well against Congressman Paul...who seems to be at the wrong debate. The first clip is of that exchange, and the second is a quick post debate interview.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Ahhh, one of my favorite times of the year! The NFL season will officially be underway tonight as the Colts take on the Saints. The following ad was in the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated and I wanted to share it.

I thought I would share my picks for the week. Not sure why, just felt like it. Will I be wrong? Possibly, but that is why I don't do it for a living. Actually a number of years back, Jennifer and I started picking for fun. It was actually a great way for her to become interested in the game and learn about it so husbands take note. It then spilled over to the law firm I worked at. It morphed from a simple "pick the winner" game to a battle of supremacy. Bonus choices were made for preseason which led to predictions for divisional winners the following year. For anyone who must know (because I am secure enough to say it), Jenn has a slight edge over me, winning the last few (all) years. Last year I lost by one game though so I feel pretty confident.

Colts over Saints
Broncos over Bills
Steelers over Browns
Eagles over Packers
Rams over Panthers
Falcons over Vikings
Jets over Patriots (I am wrong on this one, I just don't like the Pats)
Redskins over Dolphins
Titans over Jaguars
Chargers over Bears
Seahawks over Bucs
Cowboys over Giants
Ravens over Bengals
49ers over Cardinals

Enjoy the games!

Figures...

Came across this story. I bolded (if that is a word) the more interesting parts.
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AP: NOTTINGHAM, Md. — Elwood "Bunky" Bartlett says a New Age book store made it possible for him to become an overnight multimillionaire.

He and his wife, Denise, were on their way to the shop where he occasionally teaches Wicca and Reiki (RAY'kee) healing when they stopped at a liquor store and bought two $5 Mega Millions tickets for Friday night's estimated $330 million jackpot. On Sunday, he said one ticket was a winner.

"If it wasn't for this place I wouldn't have won the lottery," Bartlett said Sunday at Mystickal Voyage, the New Age shop.

"There's no reason to believe it's not legitimate, but it has to go through security," said Maryland State Lottery Director Buddy Roogow, who said he has spoken with Bartlett.

Bartlett, an accountant from Dundalk, said he made a bargain with the multiple gods associated with his Wiccan beliefs: "You let me win the lottery and I'll teach." Both tickets he purchased had numbers chosen randomly from the computer.

Bartlett had not decided if he will accept his winnings as an annuity or choose the lump sum cash option. The jackpot could get larger once ticket sales are tallied, Roogow said, but the lump sum payment would be at least $48.7 million, or about $32 million after taxes.

According to preliminary calculations, each ticket would be worth about $82 million if the prize were taken in 26 annual payments.

Bartlett said the money won't change him, although he plans to invest in Mystickal Voyage. "I'm going to live my life like I have been," he said.

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I am sure the "multiple gods" (or demons) are thrilled. What is truly sad is that because of this, he will continue in his beliefs because he will think they are validated. Praying to demons can have results. Just keep this difference in mind. What God does for a person is the best possible thing (good or bad). He has a set plan for each of us that is to help us. Demons and Satan have one goal in mind, get your focus off the true God. They may promise you things, but he is the Father of Lies and could care less about your best interest. Not trying to be preachy, just felt like I needed to say it.

The Mom We All Wished For

ONTARIO, Calif. — An 8-month-old boy has died after his mother told police she accidentally cleaned his nose with a cotton swab used earlier to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

Samuel Reta of Ontario was declared dead Friday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner's office.

Reta had been in a coma since police responding to a child-not-breathing emergency call early Thursday found him in full cardiac arrest. The baby also has a fractured skull, broken arm and pneumonia, police said.

Elizabeth Reta, 27, was arrested Thursday and booked for investigation of felony child abuse.

Her boyfriend Juan Antonio Sanchez Jr., who surrendered to police later that night, was also arrested on suspicion of abusing the child, officials said.

It was not immediately known if Reta and Sanchez faced additional charges now that they boy had died, police Sgt. Joseph Giallo said Monday.

Reta had told police she gave the baby a bath, and then used the cotton swab to clean his nose because it was itching, police said. She said she didn't know the swab had been used to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

It wasn't clear when the baby suffered the broken bones. Police said some of the injuries may be the result of Sanchez's attempt to rouse the baby from his seizure.