Usually when I write these blogs, I play some sort of music in the background. It could range from Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins to Zepellin...to even the Eagles. It just depends on what kind of mood I am in. Tonight, I have two little girls playing Rock Band in the background. I'm pretty sure they just did "The Joker," by The Steve Miller Band. Emmamonster is on vocals and she keeps saying Morris instead of Maurice......I've also heard Blondie's "One way or another" sixteen times. My ears are bleeding.
I lost my wallet over Christmas. There is nothing more excruciating than going thru your own garbage looking for your wallet. I got up first thing this morning and called the DMV to order a new license....called my bank to cancel my cards, and was worried sick about the loss of both my UTC ID and my Social Security Card...oh, and the $120 that was inside it.....To ensure the safety of everyone around me, after the search was called off, I went to bed. It was 824pm
Bonnie smacked me on top of the head this morning to tell me that my Nana had my wallet and for me to drive my butt to Cleveland and get the loot. It was the happiest Ive ever been to see those ridiculous Fireworks stores as you enter Clevegas. My sweet Nana had it the whole time. Unfortunately, when I called her last night, she was unable to find it. 12 hours later and I was awash in goodness. So, who wants to buy an ID of a 34 year old man???? I don't think I have any underage folks out there, so I have an extra.
Ok...my kid is butchering Linkin Park now....ouch. "What I've Done" has never been so bad. The cool thing is that they are having a ball and that makes up for the tone deafness drowning out all sound in my home.
I got to hook up with an old...dear friend Christmas Eve. Everyone has that friend that you have known since you were crapping your diapers, right? Well, Justin is that guy. I have always looked up to him. He was the coolest cat I have ever met, and still is. I have never been around anyone that just.....bleeds personality. Growing up, he was always dating one hottie after another and is still the only person on earth that can make me spew beverage out my nose from laughing. We had a falling out years ago and officially kissed and hugged...no really, we kissed and hugged and made up. That made my Christmas worthwile.
I had two good cries this past week as well. Man, you feel so much better after snotting all over yourself. Those that know me can probably guess what made me boo hoo, but I think if everyone had a good cry now and again, they would probably be better off.
Oh...they are playing "Beat It" by MJ now.....I think Im going to stroke out at any point. Now, I understand why my parents barricaded themselves in their bedroom whenever I had friends over. Of course, instead of playing Rock Band, I was actually playing my record player, yes, I'm that old to have had a stereo with a record player. My mom actually whipped my butt for playing Poison's, "Talk Dirty to Me" in the 7th grade. "Down in the basement, lock the cellar door, and baby....talk dirty to me" What was her problem, she listened to Elvis.
Some quick notables......My cousin whipped me again in Fantasy Football..and I hate his guts. I'm going to burn his house down. Gas or Kerosene????
My sister has cut all her hair off for Locks for Love...I think that is pretty cool. Steph has always it seems to had long hair, so to cut it all off was definetely an act of selflessness.
I got both underwear...and more pajama pants from my Nana. I assume she thinks I throw out my panties after every use. I dunno, I have more undies than channels on my TV...so that is about 400. If anyone is an XXL and needs some boxers, let me know.
School starts back next Monday, and I am going to take 20 hours....yeah...that's right. I'm an idiot. My ego starts thinking that I'm Einstein and that I will breeze through it. The early betting is that I drop two classes within two weeks....but I'm going to hold out as long as I can. We shall see.
In closing, it was great to see old friends and family...both related and not related...(Shout out to my second mom) I can only hope that everyone had the opportunity to get caught up with loved ones. Right now, I am being summoned. I have waited all night to be able to make Don Henley look silly with my bangin version of "Hotel California." Clay has left the building. Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Zach Wamp and Xmas Shopping...
Bonnie and I ventured out into the bizarre and sometimes violent world of......Christmas shopping. First stop....Hamilton Place Mall.
220pm- Ok, this sucks. I have wasted $20 worth of gas driving around looking for a parking space and it's raining hard. It was so long ago when I dropped Bonnie off at the front entrance that she probably won't remember me when she sees me again. Some guy just cut me off and then waved at me, like I let him. I'm wondering how much bail would be for me to beat this guy senseless...Yay for Xmas!!!!
305pm- I don't know how much more I "time killing" I can do. I feel stupid. Bonnie is dealing with the herd's of women shopping in Dillard's. I can't go in there because it stinks. The combination of body odor and perfume is lethal....makes my gag reflex happen. uck
320pm- United States Congressman Zach Wamp just walked by me. I was about to say something to him (I'm a fan) but really didn't have anything prepared. What was strange about it was that either no one recognized or knew him, or just didn't care. This guy is basically the highest ranking elected official around here. Suddenly, the sad statistic comes to mind....only about 50% of our population vote.
350pm- We are out of here. It's raining even harder and traffic is lunacy. I feel like a fighter pilot. I pretend that I get to shoot sidewinder missiles and my machine guns everytime some car darts in front of me. So far, snoopy would be proud...I am the Red Baron.
355pm- Still in the Hamilton Place parking lot. Next stop, Books-A-Million...more like a thousand.
420- just spend 30 minutes in car for 1.1 mile. I wonder how long it would have taken us to have walked it instead. Nah, anyone dumb enough to walk around in this crap is just asking to be a hood ornament.
430- I love to give books for gifts. It's just my thing, I guess.. I like to pick a specific book for specific people. I try to match a person to a book....or if I know what they like, I might go with that theme. To me, books are collectibles. If you have bookcases and shelves and organized them like me, then you understand..if not, then you think Im a geek.
445- Man, there are a lot of books out about President elect Obama. I didn't know he'd done anything yet. Shouldn't a biography be written after someone does something...like be President. Think about all the folks that wrote stuff on "W" right after 9/11...whoops, there was more after that, huh?
500- Safely back home. We decided too skip several planned stops. It was getting too risky and Bonnie has a keen sense when I'm going to start cussing, so we bailed. If you want to see the true spirit of Christmas, go to a church or a party. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GO TO A MALL!!! Here endeth the lesson.
220pm- Ok, this sucks. I have wasted $20 worth of gas driving around looking for a parking space and it's raining hard. It was so long ago when I dropped Bonnie off at the front entrance that she probably won't remember me when she sees me again. Some guy just cut me off and then waved at me, like I let him. I'm wondering how much bail would be for me to beat this guy senseless...Yay for Xmas!!!!
305pm- I don't know how much more I "time killing" I can do. I feel stupid. Bonnie is dealing with the herd's of women shopping in Dillard's. I can't go in there because it stinks. The combination of body odor and perfume is lethal....makes my gag reflex happen. uck
320pm- United States Congressman Zach Wamp just walked by me. I was about to say something to him (I'm a fan) but really didn't have anything prepared. What was strange about it was that either no one recognized or knew him, or just didn't care. This guy is basically the highest ranking elected official around here. Suddenly, the sad statistic comes to mind....only about 50% of our population vote.
350pm- We are out of here. It's raining even harder and traffic is lunacy. I feel like a fighter pilot. I pretend that I get to shoot sidewinder missiles and my machine guns everytime some car darts in front of me. So far, snoopy would be proud...I am the Red Baron.
355pm- Still in the Hamilton Place parking lot. Next stop, Books-A-Million...more like a thousand.
420- just spend 30 minutes in car for 1.1 mile. I wonder how long it would have taken us to have walked it instead. Nah, anyone dumb enough to walk around in this crap is just asking to be a hood ornament.
430- I love to give books for gifts. It's just my thing, I guess.. I like to pick a specific book for specific people. I try to match a person to a book....or if I know what they like, I might go with that theme. To me, books are collectibles. If you have bookcases and shelves and organized them like me, then you understand..if not, then you think Im a geek.
445- Man, there are a lot of books out about President elect Obama. I didn't know he'd done anything yet. Shouldn't a biography be written after someone does something...like be President. Think about all the folks that wrote stuff on "W" right after 9/11...whoops, there was more after that, huh?
500- Safely back home. We decided too skip several planned stops. It was getting too risky and Bonnie has a keen sense when I'm going to start cussing, so we bailed. If you want to see the true spirit of Christmas, go to a church or a party. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GO TO A MALL!!! Here endeth the lesson.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
can't sleep....
Weird day.....had to have an epidural for the disc problem in my back. It was like going through a drive thru at McDonalds. The nurses were awesome. I got stuck 3 different times, including an IV and I was chatting it up the whole time and didn't feel a thing. This is a big deal because I'm a baby when it comes to needles and blood. I've nearly passed out a few times. Total wuss.
Anyhooo.....they flip me on my stomach, give me this wonderful drug call Fentinyl (sp) to sedate me....and yes, I did have a nice ride on the great space coaster if you catch my drift......I was high as a kite...sorry.
My doctor walks in like he's looking for a push cart at Walmart. He was like..."Uh, can we get this guy done, I want to go to Hooters for lunch." The good Dr. White takes a needle that looked like a sharpened baseball bat, and proceeded to stick it into my spine...right into the base of my back. Yeah, that sounds scary as hell, and that is why they got me high. I never felt a thing. Wow...modern medicine is sweet. Now if we could just see to it that EVERYONE gets the same treatment. Experiences like today remind me of how lucky it is to have someone else paying the freight for Dr. White and his team of supernurses.
In other news...it is only 8 days until Xmas. It seems my house will be full of both family and friends. Since Steph lives in Cali now, it's a big deal to get together. I took that for granted I think. Xmas Eve night, my posse is going to hook up with more family, which I can't wait. Im probably going to end up laughing til I puke.
Christmas is a weird time for me. Since my mom died, our birthday's (mom and son born on same day....pretty cool) and Christmas are the only times I seem to get emotional. Lots of triggers and fond memories can tear (as in ear) me up once that tree goes up. I miss my Mom.
Emma is all over me about "Rock Band" for Christmas.....I have found myself surrounded by strong women (Bonnie,Steph, Aunt Jane, Nana) and little Emma seems like she is headed that direction. I think she knows Im gonna spoil her a little bit...I think she's seen my hand. Not sure how to handle that one to be honest. Im a Daddy you know, I like to see her smile and then give me a hug.....what am I supposed to do? So, maybe my intentions are a little self-serving if I spoil her....sue me.
It's almost 3 am and Im wide awake. In the mental health world....what you have here is called "mania" for a bipolar person....or so I've heard. It's a really unique feeling. You feel tired, but not sleepy. You get this burst of energy..and it goes in every direction. For example, I will have done a full week of laundry, cleaned the den, written a blog, and paid some bills during this time. I usually hit the wall about 2pm, so the last part of the day, I'm ready to take a nap. So the insomnia is an issue, probably the biggest problem with my brand of bipolar. That all being said, it is best that I am alone when I feel this way. I become more sensitive...insecure...even a little paranoid sometimes. If you know me well and say to yourself "what is Clay's deal?" then I'm probably having one of these "spells"or whatever. In my teen's I think I would have a spell two or three times a day, which in hindsight was really bad. My twenties were a blur, so Im unsure, but frequent. Now, maybe once a week. The only good thing is that I can usually feel the anxiety and all that welling up and take a "chill pill" and adapt to what's going on around me. Some deep breaths and Im good. The point is that my temper is up and my tongue is quick, and Im a complete ass. So there, if you've read this and feel the same way, call Dr. I.P. Freeley for a free consultation.
Im going to a party Saturday night in Cleveland. I'm going to be mingling with folks I haven't seen since high school. Im a little nervous. I'm always thinking that I've been mean to someone I meet from back then. Insecurity is a real pain.
Well, that's it. I gotta go turn over some clothes...it's 3:02....my sister just sent me a text message. It's just midnight where she is....hmm.
Anyhooo.....they flip me on my stomach, give me this wonderful drug call Fentinyl (sp) to sedate me....and yes, I did have a nice ride on the great space coaster if you catch my drift......I was high as a kite...sorry.
My doctor walks in like he's looking for a push cart at Walmart. He was like..."Uh, can we get this guy done, I want to go to Hooters for lunch." The good Dr. White takes a needle that looked like a sharpened baseball bat, and proceeded to stick it into my spine...right into the base of my back. Yeah, that sounds scary as hell, and that is why they got me high. I never felt a thing. Wow...modern medicine is sweet. Now if we could just see to it that EVERYONE gets the same treatment. Experiences like today remind me of how lucky it is to have someone else paying the freight for Dr. White and his team of supernurses.
In other news...it is only 8 days until Xmas. It seems my house will be full of both family and friends. Since Steph lives in Cali now, it's a big deal to get together. I took that for granted I think. Xmas Eve night, my posse is going to hook up with more family, which I can't wait. Im probably going to end up laughing til I puke.
Christmas is a weird time for me. Since my mom died, our birthday's (mom and son born on same day....pretty cool) and Christmas are the only times I seem to get emotional. Lots of triggers and fond memories can tear (as in ear) me up once that tree goes up. I miss my Mom.
Emma is all over me about "Rock Band" for Christmas.....I have found myself surrounded by strong women (Bonnie,Steph, Aunt Jane, Nana) and little Emma seems like she is headed that direction. I think she knows Im gonna spoil her a little bit...I think she's seen my hand. Not sure how to handle that one to be honest. Im a Daddy you know, I like to see her smile and then give me a hug.....what am I supposed to do? So, maybe my intentions are a little self-serving if I spoil her....sue me.
It's almost 3 am and Im wide awake. In the mental health world....what you have here is called "mania" for a bipolar person....or so I've heard. It's a really unique feeling. You feel tired, but not sleepy. You get this burst of energy..and it goes in every direction. For example, I will have done a full week of laundry, cleaned the den, written a blog, and paid some bills during this time. I usually hit the wall about 2pm, so the last part of the day, I'm ready to take a nap. So the insomnia is an issue, probably the biggest problem with my brand of bipolar. That all being said, it is best that I am alone when I feel this way. I become more sensitive...insecure...even a little paranoid sometimes. If you know me well and say to yourself "what is Clay's deal?" then I'm probably having one of these "spells"or whatever. In my teen's I think I would have a spell two or three times a day, which in hindsight was really bad. My twenties were a blur, so Im unsure, but frequent. Now, maybe once a week. The only good thing is that I can usually feel the anxiety and all that welling up and take a "chill pill" and adapt to what's going on around me. Some deep breaths and Im good. The point is that my temper is up and my tongue is quick, and Im a complete ass. So there, if you've read this and feel the same way, call Dr. I.P. Freeley for a free consultation.
Im going to a party Saturday night in Cleveland. I'm going to be mingling with folks I haven't seen since high school. Im a little nervous. I'm always thinking that I've been mean to someone I meet from back then. Insecurity is a real pain.
Well, that's it. I gotta go turn over some clothes...it's 3:02....my sister just sent me a text message. It's just midnight where she is....hmm.
Can I finally win????
You know the old line that says, "two things are sure in life, death and taxes?" I want to add to that. I can't beat my cousin David in anything. It's a streak that has lasted the better portion of 34 years. When I say anything, I have to clarify.
I've won plenty of driveway basketball games one on one. I played organized basketball and was a little bigger, so I can't put much stock in that. We only met on the tennis court once, and even though it was doubles, I still lost when it counted. I racked up my victories "when the camera's were off, you could say." By that rationale, I was better at practice.
He's also dominated me in anything that requires intelligence and cleverness, and that really pisses me off. See, if I was to be asked what my weaknesses were, I'd say that I was impatient, moody, and conceited about how smart I think I am. I'm sure those that are reading this are filling in the blanks with different words, some four lettered even.
I have a legit IQ and fancy myself pretty smart. My sister once coined me with the term "evil genius." What she means is that I know a lot, but most of the time I have used the talent GOD gave me to serve myself, even if it hurt others. David is every bit my equal as far as IQ point and his intelligence. He's a Civil Engineer..not too shabby. As a matter of fact, David is, I think a little bit smarter than me. He has patience and from a distance I think David lives life like playing Chess...and I mean "Rain Man" like Chess. He's a bright guy and I look up to him, but 34 years of beating me up is enough.
David and I find ourselves going against each other in the Championship Finals of Fantasy Football. Those that do not know or were unaware, I play fantasy football and I'm very competitive at it. ***I know ladies, it's extremely unattractive that guys play "pretend" football based on numbers and crap. That we actually act like owners of a team****
You gotta know David. He's the one in the room that you might overlook because he is quiet and unassuming. He's very smart, but humble. He'd rather be anonymous. I used to think that because he wasn't emotional and demonstrative like me, he was weaker or didn't care. That's not the case. He's just thinking, setting up the Queen...then the rook...then checkmate. I don't get along with him as much as I should. Sometimes, I get insecure and think that he's embarrassed of me, but I know that's not true. Even after the battles in the past and the ones to come, I love him, and I'm very proud of him as a person. He is a good man. yeah.....
Me and CousinDave.....He's kicked my butt at everything from Atari to Mario Brothers. When you have a first cousin and he's a electronics fan, you get to play a lot of XBOX or PlayStation. David used to whip me on a Commodore. for crying out loud. I'm not exaggerating. I have never beaten him at anything like this before. I mean even if I win, it only proves that I got lucky. See, you have to beat someone twice for it not to be a fluke, but I'd take it.
Well, we aren't playing each other for money, or a trophy....just for kicks. If I was him, I would probably be pretty confident. For some reason, I have had a curse put on me. My nemesis is also my family. I really want to win...just this one.
I've won plenty of driveway basketball games one on one. I played organized basketball and was a little bigger, so I can't put much stock in that. We only met on the tennis court once, and even though it was doubles, I still lost when it counted. I racked up my victories "when the camera's were off, you could say." By that rationale, I was better at practice.
He's also dominated me in anything that requires intelligence and cleverness, and that really pisses me off. See, if I was to be asked what my weaknesses were, I'd say that I was impatient, moody, and conceited about how smart I think I am. I'm sure those that are reading this are filling in the blanks with different words, some four lettered even.
I have a legit IQ and fancy myself pretty smart. My sister once coined me with the term "evil genius." What she means is that I know a lot, but most of the time I have used the talent GOD gave me to serve myself, even if it hurt others. David is every bit my equal as far as IQ point and his intelligence. He's a Civil Engineer..not too shabby. As a matter of fact, David is, I think a little bit smarter than me. He has patience and from a distance I think David lives life like playing Chess...and I mean "Rain Man" like Chess. He's a bright guy and I look up to him, but 34 years of beating me up is enough.
David and I find ourselves going against each other in the Championship Finals of Fantasy Football. Those that do not know or were unaware, I play fantasy football and I'm very competitive at it. ***I know ladies, it's extremely unattractive that guys play "pretend" football based on numbers and crap. That we actually act like owners of a team****
You gotta know David. He's the one in the room that you might overlook because he is quiet and unassuming. He's very smart, but humble. He'd rather be anonymous. I used to think that because he wasn't emotional and demonstrative like me, he was weaker or didn't care. That's not the case. He's just thinking, setting up the Queen...then the rook...then checkmate. I don't get along with him as much as I should. Sometimes, I get insecure and think that he's embarrassed of me, but I know that's not true. Even after the battles in the past and the ones to come, I love him, and I'm very proud of him as a person. He is a good man. yeah.....
Me and CousinDave.....He's kicked my butt at everything from Atari to Mario Brothers. When you have a first cousin and he's a electronics fan, you get to play a lot of XBOX or PlayStation. David used to whip me on a Commodore. for crying out loud. I'm not exaggerating. I have never beaten him at anything like this before. I mean even if I win, it only proves that I got lucky. See, you have to beat someone twice for it not to be a fluke, but I'd take it.
Well, we aren't playing each other for money, or a trophy....just for kicks. If I was him, I would probably be pretty confident. For some reason, I have had a curse put on me. My nemesis is also my family. I really want to win...just this one.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Movie Review- "Quantum of Solace"
Ok, let's be honest, there are a few guys out there...that I might have a slight man-crush on. Personally, if I was in the room with "James Bond," I probably would act quite silly. Bond has been played by..in order, Sean Connery (the coolest Bond) George Lazenby (in one movie, so let's move on) Roger Moore (Octopussy anyone?)Timothy Dalton(I won't even go there)(Pierce Brosnan(the smoothest one) and finaly Daniel Craig, who has been the dark and dangerous one.
Many of you have seen only a few of the many James Bond movies. Probably, most people would be able to quote the very funny "Austin Powers" flicks which were Bond spoofs, including Dr. Evil having a bald head and a hairless pet. Personally, I have not seen all 23 movies. "Goldfinger" is still my favorite, but I've probably seen 2/3's of them. Hey, there have been some really bad movies in the series, so it's not a given that a Bond flick is going to be good or not.
Well, the last two Bond flicks are totally different. Gone is the flash and dash of a typical Bond movie. Ya know, lots of shots of whoever Bond is without his shirt...lots of hot chicks that end up with Bond, and of course the gadgets. Who didn't want an Astin Martin with machine gun turrets and an oil slick...oh and the ejection passenger seat?
All that is gone. The once debonair James Bond is now raw and angry in "Quantum." Bond was in a chase with the following: boat, airplane, car, car, and finally on foot. The action starts right after the opening theme (by Jack White and Alicia Keys), and does not stop to take a breath until the closing credits come down. The story starts exactly at the same time as the previous movie, "Casino Royale" ends, so if you have not seen (and you should be ashamed if you haven't) "Casino Royale," then please scroll down now and read another one of my blogs.
The movie is about vengeance, and Bond wants some. He is trying to hunt down the persons responsible for the death of "Vesper" from "Casino," the problem is that his own government wants to shut him down. The moments that Judi Dench and Craig parry with each other is always amusing. "M" tells him basically she's tired of him killing everyone he sees, Bond shruggs it off and says "yes mum" or whatever. Hey, the guy has a License to Kill, so why bother debating or negotiating, just kill em.
It's a summer flick in the winter in my opinion. The special effects were really good and the plot was somewhat believeable and moved briskly. I was entertained. I'd see it again. A-
Many of you have seen only a few of the many James Bond movies. Probably, most people would be able to quote the very funny "Austin Powers" flicks which were Bond spoofs, including Dr. Evil having a bald head and a hairless pet. Personally, I have not seen all 23 movies. "Goldfinger" is still my favorite, but I've probably seen 2/3's of them. Hey, there have been some really bad movies in the series, so it's not a given that a Bond flick is going to be good or not.
Well, the last two Bond flicks are totally different. Gone is the flash and dash of a typical Bond movie. Ya know, lots of shots of whoever Bond is without his shirt...lots of hot chicks that end up with Bond, and of course the gadgets. Who didn't want an Astin Martin with machine gun turrets and an oil slick...oh and the ejection passenger seat?
All that is gone. The once debonair James Bond is now raw and angry in "Quantum." Bond was in a chase with the following: boat, airplane, car, car, and finally on foot. The action starts right after the opening theme (by Jack White and Alicia Keys), and does not stop to take a breath until the closing credits come down. The story starts exactly at the same time as the previous movie, "Casino Royale" ends, so if you have not seen (and you should be ashamed if you haven't) "Casino Royale," then please scroll down now and read another one of my blogs.
The movie is about vengeance, and Bond wants some. He is trying to hunt down the persons responsible for the death of "Vesper" from "Casino," the problem is that his own government wants to shut him down. The moments that Judi Dench and Craig parry with each other is always amusing. "M" tells him basically she's tired of him killing everyone he sees, Bond shruggs it off and says "yes mum" or whatever. Hey, the guy has a License to Kill, so why bother debating or negotiating, just kill em.
It's a summer flick in the winter in my opinion. The special effects were really good and the plot was somewhat believeable and moved briskly. I was entertained. I'd see it again. A-
Some thoughts.....
My little Emmamonster will be here in two weeks for Christmas. That is something I'm really looking forward to. She told me on the phone today that she wants "Rock Band." It's my fault really, I got her started on "Guitar Hero," and she thinks she's Joan Jett. Anyway, I happen to fall into a pit of stupidity and mentioned what "Rock Band" was. I'm just that dumb, I guess.
For those that did not know, Bonnie and I got "lucky" and was able to go to the Alabama/Auburn game. My Tide shut them out 36-0, and I was levatating to my car. It's amazing how as a person, you can grab onto something as trivial as college football, but me completely compassionate about it. I know some Vol fans that read this and you know what I'm talking about. My neighbor told me that he got depressed halfway through UT's season and just stopped watching football altegother. Someone create Zoloft for the avid sports fan. We need it.
What can you say about Christmas? Halloween is my favorite holiday for some reason because Christmas is kinda scary. Lots of emotions well up..some good and warm, some sad and chilly. My sister will be here for Christmas, staying a night or two with us and we don't even have to look at each other to know what we are thinking, which is cool because we will have fun instead of being bummed out and talking about the past. Her and her hubby are going to get DESTROYED at Cranium..and any other challenge that uses your wit. I am the Man!
For those that USED to ready my movie reviews, I am sorry, but I have fallen behind. "Four Christmasses" and "Quantam of Solace" are a couple of flicks I've seen.
I am so bored! I haven't done much at the Times lately and school is out. There is nothing to do. I'm happy to hear that I will have several projects that Bonnie would like for me to do. Do any of us remember making funny of people that did a little too much decorating for Xmas? Well, I do. That being said, the decorations that I dread have made their way from the bowels of the basement and are looking at me....Oh, and we got the tree today. Nothing like driving down the road with a 7 foot Frazier Fir on your rooftop. I just love how the little needles are everywhere and I can't get this sap off my hand. merry christmas.
Oh, and my old 34 year old butt just made the Dean's List, and I think I could have done it blindfolded! Im just joking, essay questions suck.
I am certainly not looking forward to a little doctors office next week. I am getting an epidural. Yeah, the rest I do not fully understand, but the jist is that a large needle is going into or around a bulging disc I have. It is not a good sign when they tell you, "you will need someone to drive you home." WHAT??!!??! Im either going to be in such pain or my legs will be too numb for me to drive. You know, my back is feeling a lot better.
For those that did not know, Bonnie and I got "lucky" and was able to go to the Alabama/Auburn game. My Tide shut them out 36-0, and I was levatating to my car. It's amazing how as a person, you can grab onto something as trivial as college football, but me completely compassionate about it. I know some Vol fans that read this and you know what I'm talking about. My neighbor told me that he got depressed halfway through UT's season and just stopped watching football altegother. Someone create Zoloft for the avid sports fan. We need it.
What can you say about Christmas? Halloween is my favorite holiday for some reason because Christmas is kinda scary. Lots of emotions well up..some good and warm, some sad and chilly. My sister will be here for Christmas, staying a night or two with us and we don't even have to look at each other to know what we are thinking, which is cool because we will have fun instead of being bummed out and talking about the past. Her and her hubby are going to get DESTROYED at Cranium..and any other challenge that uses your wit. I am the Man!
For those that USED to ready my movie reviews, I am sorry, but I have fallen behind. "Four Christmasses" and "Quantam of Solace" are a couple of flicks I've seen.
I am so bored! I haven't done much at the Times lately and school is out. There is nothing to do. I'm happy to hear that I will have several projects that Bonnie would like for me to do. Do any of us remember making funny of people that did a little too much decorating for Xmas? Well, I do. That being said, the decorations that I dread have made their way from the bowels of the basement and are looking at me....Oh, and we got the tree today. Nothing like driving down the road with a 7 foot Frazier Fir on your rooftop. I just love how the little needles are everywhere and I can't get this sap off my hand. merry christmas.
Oh, and my old 34 year old butt just made the Dean's List, and I think I could have done it blindfolded! Im just joking, essay questions suck.
I am certainly not looking forward to a little doctors office next week. I am getting an epidural. Yeah, the rest I do not fully understand, but the jist is that a large needle is going into or around a bulging disc I have. It is not a good sign when they tell you, "you will need someone to drive you home." WHAT??!!??! Im either going to be in such pain or my legs will be too numb for me to drive. You know, my back is feeling a lot better.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Perspective....
I just got back from voluteering for Project Homeless. It's a very worthy cause that offers many homeless or poor in Chattanooga and opportunity to recieve a good meal, medical attention, and many types of services ranging from Goodwill to help with those that are Veterans, but most of the people I spoke with today were just down on their luck.
See, this is the first time I've really done anything more than drop change in the Salvation Army bucket in a long time. I was responsible for giving out bus passes. I have never rode the bus in and around Chattanooga, but after I gave out 235 bus passes I now understand how important they were. One person that I had a chance to meet was named Percy. Percy has been homeless or near homeless since 1984. I asked him why he was homeless, why couldn't he find work. Percy seemed like very capable and was articulate. What he told me chilled me to the bone and really made me think. Percy said, "Mr Clay, I can't read or write, and I have AIDS, who is going to hire me?" I was speechless. I had no answer for him. He went on to tell me that the used to be a drug user and that was how he contracted AIDS and that his parents took him out of school when he was 13 to work. I asked why he hadn't learned how to read and he told me that "letters look funny to me and I could never figure it out." I assume he was dyslexic (sp) Percy then whispered to me if he could have an extra bus pass. I ended up giving him three.
As I sat behind a table on my fleshy behind one poor soul after another came to me for their bus pass. The odd thing was that it seemed like every one of them had a smile on their face. What in the world did they have to smile about?? I finally figured it out. They were happy to be treated as as human beings. Some got haircuts and fresh clothing. Some got medical attention and dental work while they were there. Some even got job interviews from different companies like Krystal and McDonalds right there. Some just got a hot meal from catered my Macaroni Grill and Chili's. I was dumbstruck. Here I have been bitching and moaning about my exams coming up and these folks were thrilled to death to get a new toothbrush and a haircut.
I don't know whether for feel good about what I just did or feel even worse because I don't do more. I'm confused. I guess I feel a little bit of both. I was able to make a few people laugh and those bus passes were like hundred dollar bills, but I definetely should do more. I know first hand what it is like to an inch from homeless. I know what it is like to feel like I'm not a member of society. I was very lucky that my Aunt Jane, Uncle Percy, and Cousin Dave helped me out. That is not to mention the fact that my best friend in all the world stood behind me when I hit rock bottom. He got me to drop the shovel. I have to tell you friends, it took a lot of digging and a lot of apologies to finally pull out of the muck and mire, but it is possible.
The only advice that I could give Percy was to hang on and survive...that there would be opportunities for him somewhere down the line and to jump on it with both feet. The first thing I did was offer my services and teach him how to read. It's the best I could do. Percy kind of shrugged like it was a lost cause. I gave him my phone number. I hope he calls.
The website is Project.Homeless.com.
See, this is the first time I've really done anything more than drop change in the Salvation Army bucket in a long time. I was responsible for giving out bus passes. I have never rode the bus in and around Chattanooga, but after I gave out 235 bus passes I now understand how important they were. One person that I had a chance to meet was named Percy. Percy has been homeless or near homeless since 1984. I asked him why he was homeless, why couldn't he find work. Percy seemed like very capable and was articulate. What he told me chilled me to the bone and really made me think. Percy said, "Mr Clay, I can't read or write, and I have AIDS, who is going to hire me?" I was speechless. I had no answer for him. He went on to tell me that the used to be a drug user and that was how he contracted AIDS and that his parents took him out of school when he was 13 to work. I asked why he hadn't learned how to read and he told me that "letters look funny to me and I could never figure it out." I assume he was dyslexic (sp) Percy then whispered to me if he could have an extra bus pass. I ended up giving him three.
As I sat behind a table on my fleshy behind one poor soul after another came to me for their bus pass. The odd thing was that it seemed like every one of them had a smile on their face. What in the world did they have to smile about?? I finally figured it out. They were happy to be treated as as human beings. Some got haircuts and fresh clothing. Some got medical attention and dental work while they were there. Some even got job interviews from different companies like Krystal and McDonalds right there. Some just got a hot meal from catered my Macaroni Grill and Chili's. I was dumbstruck. Here I have been bitching and moaning about my exams coming up and these folks were thrilled to death to get a new toothbrush and a haircut.
I don't know whether for feel good about what I just did or feel even worse because I don't do more. I'm confused. I guess I feel a little bit of both. I was able to make a few people laugh and those bus passes were like hundred dollar bills, but I definetely should do more. I know first hand what it is like to an inch from homeless. I know what it is like to feel like I'm not a member of society. I was very lucky that my Aunt Jane, Uncle Percy, and Cousin Dave helped me out. That is not to mention the fact that my best friend in all the world stood behind me when I hit rock bottom. He got me to drop the shovel. I have to tell you friends, it took a lot of digging and a lot of apologies to finally pull out of the muck and mire, but it is possible.
The only advice that I could give Percy was to hang on and survive...that there would be opportunities for him somewhere down the line and to jump on it with both feet. The first thing I did was offer my services and teach him how to read. It's the best I could do. Percy kind of shrugged like it was a lost cause. I gave him my phone number. I hope he calls.
The website is Project.Homeless.com.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I think Im a member of a Cult...and other observations.
Being an Alabama fan means a little bit more to me than most other members of the 'Nation. A few examples if I could:
1- I own 9 different Alabama Hats
2- I own Bama glassware as well as a coozie
3- I have 14 shot glasses that represent either the state or the University
4- I cried before and after the National Anthem was played this past week again Auburn.
5- 3 Jerseys
6- I don't just talk to the TV during a game...I ask it questions.
7- I have taught my daughter to say "Roll Tide" upon request.
8- I am a member or 4 different sites dedicated to Alabama sports
9- Yes....I have car flags and magnets
10- Someday very soon, my love and I are headed to Tuscaloosa to complete our education.
**Does this sound like a normal person...or someone in a trance..or even a cult?** Either way, I don't care. We are 12-0 baby....whoo hoooo. Sick, just sick.
Taking a break from Finals right now. My brain aches. Ive revised one paper, rewritten another, and flat out created one more for extra credit. All told.....24 sheets of paper, and nearly 5,000 words. The worst part is I have today and tomorrow to cram for two other classes...and have one more paper to write. Ugh.
My 80 something year old Nana continues to amaze me. She decided at the last minute to whip up a Thanksgiving dinner for my brood, and then kept the Emmamonster overnight this past Saturday. I think the Fountain of Youth is her bathroom sink.
My lil sis will be here with her new hubby in a couple of weeks and I am already trying to come up with a cocktail that will impress her. Also, there will be a cranium rematch between her and Evan and me and Bonnie. As you might expect, my team won the first time.
If you like thriller type books, check out "Divine Justice," by Daniel Baldacci. I got it on AudioBook and it's pretty good.
I must comment on Phat Fulmer's demise and the RISE of Lane Kiffin. This fire/hire is going to be a disaster. I can see Saban, Spurrier, and Urban Meyer licking their chops to get a hold on this 33 year old who has never coached in college before...nevermind the SEC.
My dad is a career loser. I mean if his life was parallel to a football team...he'd be Vanderbilt....without this season. Emma calls him twice over Thanksgiving and he can't put down his beer to call his only granddaughter. I know I can't stand the ass, but to ignore the most precious thing to ever grace his crappy life. Jeeez.
The Emmamonster has a new crush. She did have a little one on Brian Smith...aka...Weatherboy, but a new man has graced her little life....my friggin cousin David. You have got to be kidding me. Im not worried about them being cousins at this point..She is 8 you know, but anybody but CousinDave.
Fantasy Football alert....I finished in the playoffs for the 6 consecutive season and can advance to the finals with a win the next two weeks.
Bonnie has me not eating meat. I must be losing it completely. I do have to admit to the fact that the little fake burgers and chicken patties taste pretty much the same. Also, I have lost 6 pounds, so who knew.
Well, that's it for know. I know I have been slack in getting these put up, but duty calls. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ill be putting more up very soon. Roll Tide.
1- I own 9 different Alabama Hats
2- I own Bama glassware as well as a coozie
3- I have 14 shot glasses that represent either the state or the University
4- I cried before and after the National Anthem was played this past week again Auburn.
5- 3 Jerseys
6- I don't just talk to the TV during a game...I ask it questions.
7- I have taught my daughter to say "Roll Tide" upon request.
8- I am a member or 4 different sites dedicated to Alabama sports
9- Yes....I have car flags and magnets
10- Someday very soon, my love and I are headed to Tuscaloosa to complete our education.
**Does this sound like a normal person...or someone in a trance..or even a cult?** Either way, I don't care. We are 12-0 baby....whoo hoooo. Sick, just sick.
Taking a break from Finals right now. My brain aches. Ive revised one paper, rewritten another, and flat out created one more for extra credit. All told.....24 sheets of paper, and nearly 5,000 words. The worst part is I have today and tomorrow to cram for two other classes...and have one more paper to write. Ugh.
My 80 something year old Nana continues to amaze me. She decided at the last minute to whip up a Thanksgiving dinner for my brood, and then kept the Emmamonster overnight this past Saturday. I think the Fountain of Youth is her bathroom sink.
My lil sis will be here with her new hubby in a couple of weeks and I am already trying to come up with a cocktail that will impress her. Also, there will be a cranium rematch between her and Evan and me and Bonnie. As you might expect, my team won the first time.
If you like thriller type books, check out "Divine Justice," by Daniel Baldacci. I got it on AudioBook and it's pretty good.
I must comment on Phat Fulmer's demise and the RISE of Lane Kiffin. This fire/hire is going to be a disaster. I can see Saban, Spurrier, and Urban Meyer licking their chops to get a hold on this 33 year old who has never coached in college before...nevermind the SEC.
My dad is a career loser. I mean if his life was parallel to a football team...he'd be Vanderbilt....without this season. Emma calls him twice over Thanksgiving and he can't put down his beer to call his only granddaughter. I know I can't stand the ass, but to ignore the most precious thing to ever grace his crappy life. Jeeez.
The Emmamonster has a new crush. She did have a little one on Brian Smith...aka...Weatherboy, but a new man has graced her little life....my friggin cousin David. You have got to be kidding me. Im not worried about them being cousins at this point..She is 8 you know, but anybody but CousinDave.
Fantasy Football alert....I finished in the playoffs for the 6 consecutive season and can advance to the finals with a win the next two weeks.
Bonnie has me not eating meat. I must be losing it completely. I do have to admit to the fact that the little fake burgers and chicken patties taste pretty much the same. Also, I have lost 6 pounds, so who knew.
Well, that's it for know. I know I have been slack in getting these put up, but duty calls. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ill be putting more up very soon. Roll Tide.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Who needs a High School Reunion?
With the help of my lovely bride to be, Bonnie, I have gotten on Facebook. I have to tell you that I'm addicted.
It's been 16 years or so since I have spoken to some of the people that I have become "friends" with on Facebook, but being able to catch up a little bit and see pictures of some of my old friends families has been a lot of fun.
I would never in a million years go to a high school reunion because I would be uncomfortable talking to people. I'm not the same person I was in high school and of course Im very conscious of my incredible fatness. It's kinda nice to be able to walk around the mall in Cleveland or whatever and not be recognized because I look like Jabba the Hut.
Facebook has been awesome because the people that I did like are on there and there is a casual sense about it. I mean, who knew that Jennifer Biller is having another baby and lives in Guatemala with her husband. She is doing God's work and what could be more rewarding than that.
One of my closest buddies Eric Ratcliff has a couple of kids now and lives in Cleveland. We haven't spoken much in a decade, but I think our families may hook up over the holidays to catch up.
Leslie Leach Davis teaches 4th graders and has a daughter the same age as my little Emmamonster. How perfect is that?
My point is that I am so happy to hear from these folks and find out how well they are doing. It's a really nice feeling to hear good news. I hope that Im able to chat with some other friends as I go along.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. God bless.
Clay
It's been 16 years or so since I have spoken to some of the people that I have become "friends" with on Facebook, but being able to catch up a little bit and see pictures of some of my old friends families has been a lot of fun.
I would never in a million years go to a high school reunion because I would be uncomfortable talking to people. I'm not the same person I was in high school and of course Im very conscious of my incredible fatness. It's kinda nice to be able to walk around the mall in Cleveland or whatever and not be recognized because I look like Jabba the Hut.
Facebook has been awesome because the people that I did like are on there and there is a casual sense about it. I mean, who knew that Jennifer Biller is having another baby and lives in Guatemala with her husband. She is doing God's work and what could be more rewarding than that.
One of my closest buddies Eric Ratcliff has a couple of kids now and lives in Cleveland. We haven't spoken much in a decade, but I think our families may hook up over the holidays to catch up.
Leslie Leach Davis teaches 4th graders and has a daughter the same age as my little Emmamonster. How perfect is that?
My point is that I am so happy to hear from these folks and find out how well they are doing. It's a really nice feeling to hear good news. I hope that Im able to chat with some other friends as I go along.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. God bless.
Clay
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Legalizing Gaming and Gambling in Tennessee.
This is a paper that I had to write and I thought it was topical and maybe some of you with lots of free time my like to read. As always, I encourage your feedback.
"Why gambling should be legalized"
by Clay Chavis
I used to like putting an occasional bet on a football game during football season. I like to bet on stuff and I always have. Whether it be a simple bet as a child on who could skip a rock across a pond the furthest or betting $100 on the Super Bowl each year. I think gambling should be legalized. I don’t think that I was hurting anyone. In my opinion that makes it harmless, or a victimless crime. I like the action of it. See, I used to make wagers on football games every fall and winter, both college and professional, but I only bet $10 or maybe $20 per game. I didn't have much money to spend so I only bet on games that were on TV or was the “big” game of the week. This allowed me to be interested in a game I normally would not shown any interest. Obviously, I was not going to get rich shelling out that much coin, but like I said, I did it for the excitement of it. I mean, if I could have afforded the $10, then who is getting hurt. That is why I think gambling is not a crime. I think it is a vice, or maybe a bad habit, but not a crime. **For the record, I have not bet on football in 3 years....and as noble as I sound, it's been for lack of resources that have lead to my gambling abstinence**
Whether you realize it or not, but legalized gambling abounds. Let’s see, it is late in the afternoon and you are waiting in line to pay for gas at a local station. It is taking forever. The line just will not move. You ask yourself, “What is taking so long?” Of course then you realize a man is at the head of the line buying lottery tickets. He is putting down money on the chance of winning more money by purchasing these lottery tickets. I have not looked it up in Webster’s Dictionary, but this sounds a lot like gambling to me. Have you ever entered a “March Madness Basketball Pool” for maybe $5? Technically, that is gambling, and you are breaking the law. How about poker night over at a friend’s house? Again, you are gambling and it’s against the law. Of course, with these examples, you have not added a steel door to your home with four deadbolts or your not scared that the police is going to kick the door in at your friend's house while you are chip leader on poker night.
According to the Tennessee Code and local laws, gambling is illegal, but between the double standard of running a statewide lottery to raise money for government programs, and the small time element of gambling, you won’t read anything in the local papers or hear on the news about a crime involving
gambling. With the priority going to violent offenders and then white collars criminals that defraud others, it does not seem to me that the police is remotely interested in chasing down card games. I think the police have their priorities straight on this matter by the way. Go after the criminals that matter, not a bunch of married guys betting five dollars at a time.
According to the magazine “The Futurist,” an article was written in regards to legalizing gambling in January of 2007. The article stated that “A growing number of states are legalizing gambling to improve their economies and increase government revenues. However, gambling can cause social problems such as reduced productivity, gambling addiction, and crime like petty theft and fraud. Many local, regional, and state governments have been strapped for cash and feel themselves caught between diminishing support from the federal government and growing unwillingness of citizens to pay for higher taxes. “ The Futurist also stated that the stigma of gambling was more of a problem than the actual act itself. “Many people don’t understand that the legalization of gambling would have several economic benefits. Jobs would be created and the tax money from these casino’s would allow lawmakers to find a new way to stimulate the economy besides tax breaks or even raising taxes.” “The problem is that gambling is given the same social stigma as prostitution or even drug abuse.”
While gambling in many areas was once prohibited, it now is seen by many legislators as a welcome new industry.”Who better to ask about gambling than a real life bookmaker, or bookie if you will? His name is Bob and he lives a pretty normal life. I’ve personally known Bob for 7 years and he used to be my golfing buddy, so from just being around him socially I have seen him take bets in person. He doesn’t fit the “bookie” stereotype at all. Bob is a little guy. He lives in your typical middle class neighborhood and is married with two older sons. The only thing colorful about him is his language, which can be harsh. Oh, and the fact he has a funny Boston accent. My outlaw, lawbreaking, bookie friend has worked full time with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for nearly 20 years and only takes bets during football season.
According to Bob, “football season is king.” “I have between 25 -30 bettors that are regulars. I don’t allow anyone to bet more than $200 a game and I cut off those that can’t pay. It’s pretty simple for me, if you bet and win, then you want to get your money on payday (Tuesday) regardless of how bad I did. Nobody feels bad for when I have a bad week. Well, I expect those that owe me money to pay me just as promptly. Of course, bettors bet more than they should sometimes have dug themselves into hole and can’t pay me all my money on time. I don’t mess with threats and all that drama. I just cut them off until they have paid off their balance. It’s easy for me to erase a $300 debt. All it means is that that guy is not going to pay on time and be a hassle, so why bother with them. My regulars are great about making payments and I know some of them very well. Hell, I have at least five of my regulars over at my house for football and BBQ every Sunday. It’s really casual and not what you see in the movies.”
Bob would not tell me exactly how much money is bet or how much money he makes, but he says that it usually covers half his yearly salary. He also shared with me that his clientele ranged from doctors and attorney and everything in between.
In order to get a view about gambling that was not all ice cream and roses, I decided to conduct another interview. Dr. Roger Thompson is a professor here at UTC and was the head of the Criminal Justice Department for 12 years. He has also worked with local law enforcement in educating new police officers on the law and interacting with our local community. Dr. Thompson has had several opportunities to work out in the field with police, so he has seen how the local police conduct themselves in certain situations. I asked him a series of questions and he spoke freely on several subjects pertaining to the legalization of gaming and gambling.
,
“Gambling can affect family members and friends if the spending gets to be too much. A violent crime does not necessarily have to occur for gambling to be destructive. I don’t think that gambling itself is the culprit when life savings are dashed by betting. I think that like anything else in life, a person has to be responsible and understand what is at stake. If someone decides to put their mortgage money down on football game, then that person is not being smart and gambling just happens to be the outlet they choose to self-destruct. That being said, authorities don’t put a ton of effort in order to stop those that choose to gamble in some fashion. I think it’s because it’s a quote victimless crime. I disagree with that term, but police are concentrating on making us safer from violent offenders and those that try to defraud us. It would be asinine for cops to get organized to take down a bunch of friends playing in a card tournament. Many would feel that the police should be concentrating on bigger fish to fry. I would agree with that myself. Obviously, if someone was to make threats or draw attention to themselves by becoming violent, then the police would move quickly. As for the money, the only way it would really become relevant would be if there was such a substantial amount that organized crime from out of the state were to get involved. Everyone has seen gangster movies, but that kind of thing just doesn’t really happen. I’ve never heard of a bookie being taken down unless extortion or violence was involved. "
I wanted to go beyond the enforcement of the law and how police handled “small-time” gambling and ask him about the apparent double standard that exists with the lottery, casino boats, and other ways to gamble. I started with a question as to whether the Tennessee lottery set a bad example and was hypocritical.
In addition to the current climate in regards to policing gambling, I wanted to get Dr. Thompson’s view of whether Chattanooga would benefit from some sort of legalization of gaming. I mentioned how gambling boats in rural areas with high poverty levels like Biloxi or Tunica, MS seemed to have flourished and have brought in tons of revenue to those local areas. Tunica, for example started out with just two “casino boats,” in 1993, but now Tunica and surrounding areas have nearly 28 casinos generating millions of dollars and those monies have led directly to the urbanization of a once small town like Tunica, which is approximately 45 miles south of Memphis, TN.
According to Dr. Thompson, “Legal Gaming would be a great idea for Tennessee. Look how the lottery is working hand in hand with the Hope Scholarship for college students. However, legal gambling would be a tough sell in this area because of the moral dilemma it would bring. This is a very conservative community and I don’t think it would go over very well. Gambling has a stigma that people have a hard time overlooking even if some of the proceeds were taxed and financed other programs like the Hope. To a majority of men and women in this part of Tennessee, gambling is morally corrupt and would lead to a rise in crime and poverty. This is not to mention that gambling in many ways has the stigma of being tied together with organized crime, and the influences that come with it. Too many people in this area are stuck on ethics and not able to see the financial benefit gambling would bring and the jobs that would be created.”
In closing, I think that eventually some sort of gaming will become legal in Tennessee, whether it be a river boat on the banks below Market Street Bridge, or areas designated for gaming. The folks that run our state need to think outside the box when it comes to legalizing gambling. The economy is struggling there is no question that there is a demand. If it’s ok for a man to blow his paycheck on lottery tickets, then it should be ok for him to pull a lever and hear bells and whistles. Obviously the side effect is crime and addiction, but alcohol sales are booming right now, and booze leads to more domestic violence and other violent crimes than any other contributing factor. You know that it might be fun to play some blackjack or try my luck at the Texas Hold Em table. I think that I should have the right gamble by going “all in” instead of scratching off lottery tickets. In the end, it’s just the same.
"Why gambling should be legalized"
by Clay Chavis
I used to like putting an occasional bet on a football game during football season. I like to bet on stuff and I always have. Whether it be a simple bet as a child on who could skip a rock across a pond the furthest or betting $100 on the Super Bowl each year. I think gambling should be legalized. I don’t think that I was hurting anyone. In my opinion that makes it harmless, or a victimless crime. I like the action of it. See, I used to make wagers on football games every fall and winter, both college and professional, but I only bet $10 or maybe $20 per game. I didn't have much money to spend so I only bet on games that were on TV or was the “big” game of the week. This allowed me to be interested in a game I normally would not shown any interest. Obviously, I was not going to get rich shelling out that much coin, but like I said, I did it for the excitement of it. I mean, if I could have afforded the $10, then who is getting hurt. That is why I think gambling is not a crime. I think it is a vice, or maybe a bad habit, but not a crime. **For the record, I have not bet on football in 3 years....and as noble as I sound, it's been for lack of resources that have lead to my gambling abstinence**
Whether you realize it or not, but legalized gambling abounds. Let’s see, it is late in the afternoon and you are waiting in line to pay for gas at a local station. It is taking forever. The line just will not move. You ask yourself, “What is taking so long?” Of course then you realize a man is at the head of the line buying lottery tickets. He is putting down money on the chance of winning more money by purchasing these lottery tickets. I have not looked it up in Webster’s Dictionary, but this sounds a lot like gambling to me. Have you ever entered a “March Madness Basketball Pool” for maybe $5? Technically, that is gambling, and you are breaking the law. How about poker night over at a friend’s house? Again, you are gambling and it’s against the law. Of course, with these examples, you have not added a steel door to your home with four deadbolts or your not scared that the police is going to kick the door in at your friend's house while you are chip leader on poker night.
According to the Tennessee Code and local laws, gambling is illegal, but between the double standard of running a statewide lottery to raise money for government programs, and the small time element of gambling, you won’t read anything in the local papers or hear on the news about a crime involving
gambling. With the priority going to violent offenders and then white collars criminals that defraud others, it does not seem to me that the police is remotely interested in chasing down card games. I think the police have their priorities straight on this matter by the way. Go after the criminals that matter, not a bunch of married guys betting five dollars at a time.
According to the magazine “The Futurist,” an article was written in regards to legalizing gambling in January of 2007. The article stated that “A growing number of states are legalizing gambling to improve their economies and increase government revenues. However, gambling can cause social problems such as reduced productivity, gambling addiction, and crime like petty theft and fraud. Many local, regional, and state governments have been strapped for cash and feel themselves caught between diminishing support from the federal government and growing unwillingness of citizens to pay for higher taxes. “ The Futurist also stated that the stigma of gambling was more of a problem than the actual act itself. “Many people don’t understand that the legalization of gambling would have several economic benefits. Jobs would be created and the tax money from these casino’s would allow lawmakers to find a new way to stimulate the economy besides tax breaks or even raising taxes.” “The problem is that gambling is given the same social stigma as prostitution or even drug abuse.”
While gambling in many areas was once prohibited, it now is seen by many legislators as a welcome new industry.”Who better to ask about gambling than a real life bookmaker, or bookie if you will? His name is Bob and he lives a pretty normal life. I’ve personally known Bob for 7 years and he used to be my golfing buddy, so from just being around him socially I have seen him take bets in person. He doesn’t fit the “bookie” stereotype at all. Bob is a little guy. He lives in your typical middle class neighborhood and is married with two older sons. The only thing colorful about him is his language, which can be harsh. Oh, and the fact he has a funny Boston accent. My outlaw, lawbreaking, bookie friend has worked full time with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for nearly 20 years and only takes bets during football season.
According to Bob, “football season is king.” “I have between 25 -30 bettors that are regulars. I don’t allow anyone to bet more than $200 a game and I cut off those that can’t pay. It’s pretty simple for me, if you bet and win, then you want to get your money on payday (Tuesday) regardless of how bad I did. Nobody feels bad for when I have a bad week. Well, I expect those that owe me money to pay me just as promptly. Of course, bettors bet more than they should sometimes have dug themselves into hole and can’t pay me all my money on time. I don’t mess with threats and all that drama. I just cut them off until they have paid off their balance. It’s easy for me to erase a $300 debt. All it means is that that guy is not going to pay on time and be a hassle, so why bother with them. My regulars are great about making payments and I know some of them very well. Hell, I have at least five of my regulars over at my house for football and BBQ every Sunday. It’s really casual and not what you see in the movies.”
Bob would not tell me exactly how much money is bet or how much money he makes, but he says that it usually covers half his yearly salary. He also shared with me that his clientele ranged from doctors and attorney and everything in between.
In order to get a view about gambling that was not all ice cream and roses, I decided to conduct another interview. Dr. Roger Thompson is a professor here at UTC and was the head of the Criminal Justice Department for 12 years. He has also worked with local law enforcement in educating new police officers on the law and interacting with our local community. Dr. Thompson has had several opportunities to work out in the field with police, so he has seen how the local police conduct themselves in certain situations. I asked him a series of questions and he spoke freely on several subjects pertaining to the legalization of gaming and gambling.
,
“Gambling can affect family members and friends if the spending gets to be too much. A violent crime does not necessarily have to occur for gambling to be destructive. I don’t think that gambling itself is the culprit when life savings are dashed by betting. I think that like anything else in life, a person has to be responsible and understand what is at stake. If someone decides to put their mortgage money down on football game, then that person is not being smart and gambling just happens to be the outlet they choose to self-destruct. That being said, authorities don’t put a ton of effort in order to stop those that choose to gamble in some fashion. I think it’s because it’s a quote victimless crime. I disagree with that term, but police are concentrating on making us safer from violent offenders and those that try to defraud us. It would be asinine for cops to get organized to take down a bunch of friends playing in a card tournament. Many would feel that the police should be concentrating on bigger fish to fry. I would agree with that myself. Obviously, if someone was to make threats or draw attention to themselves by becoming violent, then the police would move quickly. As for the money, the only way it would really become relevant would be if there was such a substantial amount that organized crime from out of the state were to get involved. Everyone has seen gangster movies, but that kind of thing just doesn’t really happen. I’ve never heard of a bookie being taken down unless extortion or violence was involved. "
I wanted to go beyond the enforcement of the law and how police handled “small-time” gambling and ask him about the apparent double standard that exists with the lottery, casino boats, and other ways to gamble. I started with a question as to whether the Tennessee lottery set a bad example and was hypocritical.
In addition to the current climate in regards to policing gambling, I wanted to get Dr. Thompson’s view of whether Chattanooga would benefit from some sort of legalization of gaming. I mentioned how gambling boats in rural areas with high poverty levels like Biloxi or Tunica, MS seemed to have flourished and have brought in tons of revenue to those local areas. Tunica, for example started out with just two “casino boats,” in 1993, but now Tunica and surrounding areas have nearly 28 casinos generating millions of dollars and those monies have led directly to the urbanization of a once small town like Tunica, which is approximately 45 miles south of Memphis, TN.
According to Dr. Thompson, “Legal Gaming would be a great idea for Tennessee. Look how the lottery is working hand in hand with the Hope Scholarship for college students. However, legal gambling would be a tough sell in this area because of the moral dilemma it would bring. This is a very conservative community and I don’t think it would go over very well. Gambling has a stigma that people have a hard time overlooking even if some of the proceeds were taxed and financed other programs like the Hope. To a majority of men and women in this part of Tennessee, gambling is morally corrupt and would lead to a rise in crime and poverty. This is not to mention that gambling in many ways has the stigma of being tied together with organized crime, and the influences that come with it. Too many people in this area are stuck on ethics and not able to see the financial benefit gambling would bring and the jobs that would be created.”
In closing, I think that eventually some sort of gaming will become legal in Tennessee, whether it be a river boat on the banks below Market Street Bridge, or areas designated for gaming. The folks that run our state need to think outside the box when it comes to legalizing gambling. The economy is struggling there is no question that there is a demand. If it’s ok for a man to blow his paycheck on lottery tickets, then it should be ok for him to pull a lever and hear bells and whistles. Obviously the side effect is crime and addiction, but alcohol sales are booming right now, and booze leads to more domestic violence and other violent crimes than any other contributing factor. You know that it might be fun to play some blackjack or try my luck at the Texas Hold Em table. I think that I should have the right gamble by going “all in” instead of scratching off lottery tickets. In the end, it’s just the same.
Monday, November 17, 2008
What is your legacy?
Im getting older now and have not really grasped what to do about it. The few things I can control is how I treat myself and others, but there is no turning back the clock. I'm 34. Im so out of shape, it's hard to keep from huffing a puffing from walking around UTC's campus sometimes. So the first thing Im going to do is lose some weight and eat better. What good is a college degree...then a law degree, if right after the bar exam I croak.
I am envious of many people unlike me that have built there lives around helping others and sacrificing for the common good. I know several people, some that are friends, that do this and I can tell that they are happy and have a clear conscience. Me, well.....I've pretty much done the exact opposite of what would be percieved as right over the years. Pride, ego, and never being wrong have cost me a bunch, but I realized that I have a saving grace. An ace in the hole if you will.
My legacy will be my daughter. Emma Chavis is going to be one of those people that gives instead of taking. She shares with others. She has a kind heart that cannot be measured. I believe that genetically she will have all the intellect she will ever need to be successful. I believe from observing that she has athletic skill that easily surpassed what I was able to do at 8, and I was a pretty darn good athlete back in the day.
Emma is going to be beautiful as well. She has the blue eyes of an angel and someday she is going to be model like tall....maybe 6 feet even. That beauty will be something that she will never outwardly show because I see in her that she will be humble.
Emma reminds me of my sister a little bit at 8. She is never in trouble, gets good grades and is obedient to adults. She understands where that line is, and never goes past it. Stephanie was the same way. I did not have to walk up behind Steph as a little girl because she always did the right thing. Emma is very much the same way.
My ex-wife Debbie and Bonnie deserve a lot of credit for keeping Emma rolling down a straight line. There is no question that Emma is loved and cared for by so many. Relatives and friends from places like Hawaii, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina love her dearly.
So, sometimes when I get to thinking about the past...or stupid crap I wish I could take back, I stop and pause and remember that I have a little angel that thinks I'm super cool and will always make me look good, and that takes a lot. Emma has greatness before her and all I need to do is stay out of the way, spoil her rotten, and love her with everything I got.
My legacy will be my daugther and how she handles adolescence and then adulthood. I feel like I am going to be a very proud father, and that is a feeling that is just incredible.
I am envious of many people unlike me that have built there lives around helping others and sacrificing for the common good. I know several people, some that are friends, that do this and I can tell that they are happy and have a clear conscience. Me, well.....I've pretty much done the exact opposite of what would be percieved as right over the years. Pride, ego, and never being wrong have cost me a bunch, but I realized that I have a saving grace. An ace in the hole if you will.
My legacy will be my daughter. Emma Chavis is going to be one of those people that gives instead of taking. She shares with others. She has a kind heart that cannot be measured. I believe that genetically she will have all the intellect she will ever need to be successful. I believe from observing that she has athletic skill that easily surpassed what I was able to do at 8, and I was a pretty darn good athlete back in the day.
Emma is going to be beautiful as well. She has the blue eyes of an angel and someday she is going to be model like tall....maybe 6 feet even. That beauty will be something that she will never outwardly show because I see in her that she will be humble.
Emma reminds me of my sister a little bit at 8. She is never in trouble, gets good grades and is obedient to adults. She understands where that line is, and never goes past it. Stephanie was the same way. I did not have to walk up behind Steph as a little girl because she always did the right thing. Emma is very much the same way.
My ex-wife Debbie and Bonnie deserve a lot of credit for keeping Emma rolling down a straight line. There is no question that Emma is loved and cared for by so many. Relatives and friends from places like Hawaii, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina love her dearly.
So, sometimes when I get to thinking about the past...or stupid crap I wish I could take back, I stop and pause and remember that I have a little angel that thinks I'm super cool and will always make me look good, and that takes a lot. Emma has greatness before her and all I need to do is stay out of the way, spoil her rotten, and love her with everything I got.
My legacy will be my daugther and how she handles adolescence and then adulthood. I feel like I am going to be a very proud father, and that is a feeling that is just incredible.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Top 5 and some picks.....
Last week was pretty neat. Anybody catch that LSU-Bama game that went to overtime....FRIGGGGGGGINNNNNNNNN AWWWWWEEEESOOOOOMMMMMMMME!
Yeah...Alabama wins four more games and I will be dancing up and down British Road in my panties.
In other news....
I think the BCS is going to screw this up somehow. I just don't see Bama or Texas Tech winning out. Yeah, Im a Bama fan, but beating Auburn and then Florida....and then Oklahoma, USC, Texas, Texas Tech, or whomever is probably going to be a bit much. We are going to have 5 or 6 teams with 1 loss, and every team will have reason to be upset if they are not placed in the Championship Game.
That being said...I do think that if Bama gets past Miss State and Auburn and Florida wins out, then the SEC Championship Game will be a "semifinal" game. The winner obviously goes to Miami to play a one loss team. And yeah, Im calling it. Texas Tech will lose, so they won't be there. How about a Alabama vs. USC Championship Game......yeah that would sell some tickets!!!!
Anywhooooo.....I almost picked the score of the Bama-LSU game....so maybe Im getting better at this. (19-13)
**There aren't really any games to pick...Id just be padding my stats****
Ok, I think South Carolina will push Florida and wouldn't be surprised if they won.
1-Alabama
2-Texas Tech
3- Florida
4- Texas
5-Oklahoma
**On a personal note, Bama is going to give Miss. State a &^*&*% beatdown for the ages..**
Yeah...Alabama wins four more games and I will be dancing up and down British Road in my panties.
In other news....
I think the BCS is going to screw this up somehow. I just don't see Bama or Texas Tech winning out. Yeah, Im a Bama fan, but beating Auburn and then Florida....and then Oklahoma, USC, Texas, Texas Tech, or whomever is probably going to be a bit much. We are going to have 5 or 6 teams with 1 loss, and every team will have reason to be upset if they are not placed in the Championship Game.
That being said...I do think that if Bama gets past Miss State and Auburn and Florida wins out, then the SEC Championship Game will be a "semifinal" game. The winner obviously goes to Miami to play a one loss team. And yeah, Im calling it. Texas Tech will lose, so they won't be there. How about a Alabama vs. USC Championship Game......yeah that would sell some tickets!!!!
Anywhooooo.....I almost picked the score of the Bama-LSU game....so maybe Im getting better at this. (19-13)
**There aren't really any games to pick...Id just be padding my stats****
Ok, I think South Carolina will push Florida and wouldn't be surprised if they won.
1-Alabama
2-Texas Tech
3- Florida
4- Texas
5-Oklahoma
**On a personal note, Bama is going to give Miss. State a &^*&*% beatdown for the ages..**
What's next..
Now that the dust has cleared and Obama will be our new President on Jan 20, 2009, what can we discern from it all?
Someone very smart once said..."What is past, is prologue" In other words, those that repeat history are doomed to repeat it. But....just last Tuesday, over 51 million registered voters/citizens voted for the guy that shouted "CHANGE" from sea to shining shore. It seems every President-Elect has a gimmick...or a little bit of gamesmanship...to which helps them get elected. For Example:
Does Bill Clinton get elected if he HAD inhaled and didn't play the saxophone on Arsenio Hall?
Would George Bush Sr have gotten reelected if not for the words "No New Taxes"
Would Gore have gotten elected if he......well, I guess he did get elected...I dunno
You get my point. Well, President-Elect Obama has promised us change. This man has promised all of us that things in Washington will change? I wonder, what will he do and how will it happen.
See, I dunno if Obama knows it or not, but a word like change....to say someone in Iraq......or perhaps Yemen....or even Japan......that's a word for Revolution. See, we already did the Revolution thing.....it was years ago, but I'm pretty sure it happened.
Obama won't be able to change his socks without the rest of the governtment's approval, and although, it is mighty close, the democrats don't quite have the numbers to open the floodgates on spending and ending the War in Iraq. Personally, I think Obama was the right choice.....considering who was available, but my question has always been, Can he govern? Can he unite the parties? Can he lead? Only time will tell, but to lead, govern, or unite....he will need to understand that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." There are Congressman and Senators on both sides of the aisle.....wanting and waiting to play Judas.
The first 100 days is the most important for a new President. After that, it becomes about approval ratings and polling. Obama must show his cards early and forcefully...or sadly, he will become ineffective quickly. If I was him....I'd start in Iraq...then the budget. If a year goes by from now...and we are still in a recession and have ANY combat personel in Iraq, then I think Obama's presidency will have failed before it started.
Someone very smart once said..."What is past, is prologue" In other words, those that repeat history are doomed to repeat it. But....just last Tuesday, over 51 million registered voters/citizens voted for the guy that shouted "CHANGE" from sea to shining shore. It seems every President-Elect has a gimmick...or a little bit of gamesmanship...to which helps them get elected. For Example:
Does Bill Clinton get elected if he HAD inhaled and didn't play the saxophone on Arsenio Hall?
Would George Bush Sr have gotten reelected if not for the words "No New Taxes"
Would Gore have gotten elected if he......well, I guess he did get elected...I dunno
You get my point. Well, President-Elect Obama has promised us change. This man has promised all of us that things in Washington will change? I wonder, what will he do and how will it happen.
See, I dunno if Obama knows it or not, but a word like change....to say someone in Iraq......or perhaps Yemen....or even Japan......that's a word for Revolution. See, we already did the Revolution thing.....it was years ago, but I'm pretty sure it happened.
Obama won't be able to change his socks without the rest of the governtment's approval, and although, it is mighty close, the democrats don't quite have the numbers to open the floodgates on spending and ending the War in Iraq. Personally, I think Obama was the right choice.....considering who was available, but my question has always been, Can he govern? Can he unite the parties? Can he lead? Only time will tell, but to lead, govern, or unite....he will need to understand that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." There are Congressman and Senators on both sides of the aisle.....wanting and waiting to play Judas.
The first 100 days is the most important for a new President. After that, it becomes about approval ratings and polling. Obama must show his cards early and forcefully...or sadly, he will become ineffective quickly. If I was him....I'd start in Iraq...then the budget. If a year goes by from now...and we are still in a recession and have ANY combat personel in Iraq, then I think Obama's presidency will have failed before it started.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bad Movie Theatre Behavior...
As anyone knows, I love to go see movies. I have seen many a film by myself or with others. I love going to the movie theatre because for a couple of hours I can be alone and not be bothered. I would say I go see a movie or two a week.
I don't have a green thumb, so I don't do much yard work. I'm caught up with my classes, and if I don't have to work, I check out a flick. When Bonnie and I have "date night," it usually includes a cheap dinner and a movie. Last night, we went to the dollar theatre (actually $3 theatre now) to watch a movie called "Ghost Town." It was a pretty good flick. Im sure many of you have never heard of it, but it starred Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni. It was a RomCom and that was fine.
Gervais is the guy that created the original "The Office," in England and now produces the current US version starring Steve Carell that is on NBC Thursday nights. He also did a little show on HBO called "Extras," which is a little known gem that will split your sides, especially if you like British Humor. Anyway, I will be reviewing it and "RocknRolla" (another English made movie) here soon, but I want to rant about stupid people in theatres.
I have only one rule. When the previews start, shut up!!! I know many people think that it's ok to regurgitate about their lives or whatever right up to the opening credits, but the previews are part of the movie for me. For example, the next Bond movie preview came on and of course Im stoked to see it. Two idiots behind me are chatting away at the size of the popcorn they got. "Hey dumbass, you asked for the large, what did you expect?" "Hey, have you ever been to a movie before?"
Bad movie behavior should be punishable by law. I think that our new President should do something about it. I'm "Joe the Movie Guy" and I want stricter rules. If you are one of those morons that keep getting lost in the plot "hey...what did that guy say?" or "hey....isn't she the girl from that other movie?" then the movie seat should act like a ejector seat in an F-16. Whoosh....right thru the roof you go.
My mom was the worlds worst at movie theatres, and I think that is where I get if from. She couldn't follow a muppet movie and I think she asked questions and bothered me just to be funny. She knew how much it bothered me, so she amused herself. She would do this with rentals as well.
Maybe, it was a familiar thing. My Papaw would just flat out start snoring during a movie. As soon as it got dark.....gone. I remember seeing a Clint Eastwood flick way back and I could'nt keep him awake. It was so embarassing. From what I gather, my grandmother told me he would conk out at church regularly too.
Also, if you are eating popcorn. Try not to pretend to be a holstein cow chewing cud. Jeez....close your mouth. If you cannot open the candy bag in a quiet fashion, then guess what, you're an idiot and should give your candy to me. You don't deserve it.
Finally, if you are that person that forgot to turn off their cell, you should recieve a lifetime ban. What is really frustrating is that some people will open them up and start talking. I guess the thought is....well, now that I have it, why don't I see what's up with the fellas. These are the people that I throw Sweet Tarts or Sprees at...hoping to cause a concussion.
So, next time you are at the theatre..be quiet when the previews come on...and stay that way. Chew with your mouth closed and turn your cell phone off.....or you might be ducking and airial (sp) assault of assorted candies from my row.
Chow..Clay
I don't have a green thumb, so I don't do much yard work. I'm caught up with my classes, and if I don't have to work, I check out a flick. When Bonnie and I have "date night," it usually includes a cheap dinner and a movie. Last night, we went to the dollar theatre (actually $3 theatre now) to watch a movie called "Ghost Town." It was a pretty good flick. Im sure many of you have never heard of it, but it starred Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni. It was a RomCom and that was fine.
Gervais is the guy that created the original "The Office," in England and now produces the current US version starring Steve Carell that is on NBC Thursday nights. He also did a little show on HBO called "Extras," which is a little known gem that will split your sides, especially if you like British Humor. Anyway, I will be reviewing it and "RocknRolla" (another English made movie) here soon, but I want to rant about stupid people in theatres.
I have only one rule. When the previews start, shut up!!! I know many people think that it's ok to regurgitate about their lives or whatever right up to the opening credits, but the previews are part of the movie for me. For example, the next Bond movie preview came on and of course Im stoked to see it. Two idiots behind me are chatting away at the size of the popcorn they got. "Hey dumbass, you asked for the large, what did you expect?" "Hey, have you ever been to a movie before?"
Bad movie behavior should be punishable by law. I think that our new President should do something about it. I'm "Joe the Movie Guy" and I want stricter rules. If you are one of those morons that keep getting lost in the plot "hey...what did that guy say?" or "hey....isn't she the girl from that other movie?" then the movie seat should act like a ejector seat in an F-16. Whoosh....right thru the roof you go.
My mom was the worlds worst at movie theatres, and I think that is where I get if from. She couldn't follow a muppet movie and I think she asked questions and bothered me just to be funny. She knew how much it bothered me, so she amused herself. She would do this with rentals as well.
Maybe, it was a familiar thing. My Papaw would just flat out start snoring during a movie. As soon as it got dark.....gone. I remember seeing a Clint Eastwood flick way back and I could'nt keep him awake. It was so embarassing. From what I gather, my grandmother told me he would conk out at church regularly too.
Also, if you are eating popcorn. Try not to pretend to be a holstein cow chewing cud. Jeez....close your mouth. If you cannot open the candy bag in a quiet fashion, then guess what, you're an idiot and should give your candy to me. You don't deserve it.
Finally, if you are that person that forgot to turn off their cell, you should recieve a lifetime ban. What is really frustrating is that some people will open them up and start talking. I guess the thought is....well, now that I have it, why don't I see what's up with the fellas. These are the people that I throw Sweet Tarts or Sprees at...hoping to cause a concussion.
So, next time you are at the theatre..be quiet when the previews come on...and stay that way. Chew with your mouth closed and turn your cell phone off.....or you might be ducking and airial (sp) assault of assorted candies from my row.
Chow..Clay
Friday, November 7, 2008
Top 5 (Nov. 7 Edition)
Wow, what a week for college football. Texas Tech beating Texas on the last play of the game. Florida putting a stompdown on the Dawgs. Did anyone catch the multiple overtime classic between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The remote was humming.
However, my Crimson Tide played their homecoming opponent. The next day Bama was #1. That's frigging cool.
All that being said, the biggest news was the firing/resigning of Phil Fulmer. Fulmer won 150 games in 17 seasons (8.8 wins per season) and was shown the door last week. I don't care much for the guy for many reasons and Im glad he's gone. Like I've said before, Fulmer cleaned Alabama's clock 11 out of 16 seasons, so Im not sad he will be somewhere else. My question to UT fans would be.....can you find a guy that can win 9 games a year to replace him. Wait, that would make it even. The next UT coach needs to win an average of 10 wins a game to overcome Fulmer.
I guess the next big question will be who will be the next to get the ax. Tuberville is probably safe, and if he beats Bama for the 7th straight time, then he will get a raise.
Now that the BCS is out. Im going to have a Top5 instead of listing everybody.
1- Alabama (only trailed this year for 1:53, clearly dominate)
2- Penn State (Penn State has looked awesome all year)
3.- Texas Tech (Im still not sold on them. As an SEC fan, I just don't think they play D)
4- Florida (Only one big stumbling block between them and Atlanta....Vanderbilt...ha)
5- USC (Between them and Texas.....USC has been hanging up 60 regularly, so there)
Won 3-5 last week to PUUUUUUUSH my record to 18-13.
Only one game to pick this week....
Alabama 23
LSU 21
Take care, have a good weekend.
However, my Crimson Tide played their homecoming opponent. The next day Bama was #1. That's frigging cool.
All that being said, the biggest news was the firing/resigning of Phil Fulmer. Fulmer won 150 games in 17 seasons (8.8 wins per season) and was shown the door last week. I don't care much for the guy for many reasons and Im glad he's gone. Like I've said before, Fulmer cleaned Alabama's clock 11 out of 16 seasons, so Im not sad he will be somewhere else. My question to UT fans would be.....can you find a guy that can win 9 games a year to replace him. Wait, that would make it even. The next UT coach needs to win an average of 10 wins a game to overcome Fulmer.
I guess the next big question will be who will be the next to get the ax. Tuberville is probably safe, and if he beats Bama for the 7th straight time, then he will get a raise.
Now that the BCS is out. Im going to have a Top5 instead of listing everybody.
1- Alabama (only trailed this year for 1:53, clearly dominate)
2- Penn State (Penn State has looked awesome all year)
3.- Texas Tech (Im still not sold on them. As an SEC fan, I just don't think they play D)
4- Florida (Only one big stumbling block between them and Atlanta....Vanderbilt...ha)
5- USC (Between them and Texas.....USC has been hanging up 60 regularly, so there)
Won 3-5 last week to PUUUUUUUSH my record to 18-13.
Only one game to pick this week....
Alabama 23
LSU 21
Take care, have a good weekend.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Movie Review (Zach and Miri make a Porno)
Don't be fooled by the title. This is a straight up romantic comedy. Of course, there are some serious adult moments....and some gross out stuff too, but it was sweet.
Kevin Smith directed this and I like his movies. He pushes the envelope of good taste just about every time out, but his stuff is never boring and moves along really well. Oh, and you can count on a few laugh out loud moments. I think I nearly peed myself during Zach and Miri 5 or 6 times.
If you are unfamiliar with Kevin Smith's work. He directed Clerks and its sequel. Mallrats and Chasing Amy......oh and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. His stuff is pretty juvenile, but Im pretty sure Animal House was thought to be the same way back in the seventies.
Zach (always funny Seth Rogan) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are broke and decide to make a porno for money. Yes, this is a stupid idea that I doubt would ever work, but they decide that they can pay their rent and keep the utilities on if just a small percentage pay for their smut.
The entire cast is very good. Traci Lords (former porn star) Katie Morgan (current porn star) and the usual guys that are in Smith's movies are all excellent. One funny scene follows another as Zach and Miri cast the film and come up with an idea. They decide to come up with a theme from another movie and create a funny, but relevant title. Many are thrown around, and some are very funny, but hey finally decide on "Star Whores." You can only imagine the porn names derived from this. Use your imagination.
Well, their first attempt fails, but they decide to try again at Zach's work as a set. Zach works at a kind of "Starbucks" coffee shop and he has a key. I found it ironic that a porn was being shot in and around a place that we know and relate to. Im not sure if Ill be able to order another drink without asking for a Cockachino.
Well, as the big moment gets closer for Zach and Miri to have sex on film, both of them are ambivalent about it. The whole movie they insist they are roommates and the porno is "just business," but they definetely have feelings for another. Can you imagine the anxiety of having sex on film with someone you have known since 1st grade? Im not going to give it away, but after all the boobs and sex jokes, the movie ends up being all puppy dogs and ice cream.
I found the formula for this romantic comedy refreshing. It was so much better than crap like Made of Honor or P.S. I Love You. Those movies are so predictable and you can see the jokes coming at you like a locomotive. Who would have thought a movie centered around making a porn would make a great chick flick. A-
Kevin Smith directed this and I like his movies. He pushes the envelope of good taste just about every time out, but his stuff is never boring and moves along really well. Oh, and you can count on a few laugh out loud moments. I think I nearly peed myself during Zach and Miri 5 or 6 times.
If you are unfamiliar with Kevin Smith's work. He directed Clerks and its sequel. Mallrats and Chasing Amy......oh and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. His stuff is pretty juvenile, but Im pretty sure Animal House was thought to be the same way back in the seventies.
Zach (always funny Seth Rogan) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are broke and decide to make a porno for money. Yes, this is a stupid idea that I doubt would ever work, but they decide that they can pay their rent and keep the utilities on if just a small percentage pay for their smut.
The entire cast is very good. Traci Lords (former porn star) Katie Morgan (current porn star) and the usual guys that are in Smith's movies are all excellent. One funny scene follows another as Zach and Miri cast the film and come up with an idea. They decide to come up with a theme from another movie and create a funny, but relevant title. Many are thrown around, and some are very funny, but hey finally decide on "Star Whores." You can only imagine the porn names derived from this. Use your imagination.
Well, their first attempt fails, but they decide to try again at Zach's work as a set. Zach works at a kind of "Starbucks" coffee shop and he has a key. I found it ironic that a porn was being shot in and around a place that we know and relate to. Im not sure if Ill be able to order another drink without asking for a Cockachino.
Well, as the big moment gets closer for Zach and Miri to have sex on film, both of them are ambivalent about it. The whole movie they insist they are roommates and the porno is "just business," but they definetely have feelings for another. Can you imagine the anxiety of having sex on film with someone you have known since 1st grade? Im not going to give it away, but after all the boobs and sex jokes, the movie ends up being all puppy dogs and ice cream.
I found the formula for this romantic comedy refreshing. It was so much better than crap like Made of Honor or P.S. I Love You. Those movies are so predictable and you can see the jokes coming at you like a locomotive. Who would have thought a movie centered around making a porn would make a great chick flick. A-
Some thoughts....
Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. He will easily pass the 270 electoral college votes needed and I predict that he will win the popular vote by a 52%-48% margin. Im not saying it's right or wrong, but that is the way it will play out.
Does anyone on this planet know what R.S.V.P means? If you get a party invite with these initials on it, look it up. It's common courtesy. Sheesh.
Congrats to my Nana. She made yet another birthday with flying colors. I won't give away her age, but she is closer to ninety than seventy. The lady looks good and I fully expect her to hit the big 100 maybe. What a tough broad.
My dog Willie is about to become an orphan. He keeps eating Bonnie's shoes....and brother that is a quick way to find your butt on the street. I don't even touch her shoes. Im kidding of course, but Willie is going to get that little snip snip this week.
Alabama is ranked #1 during the regular season since 1980. For some perspective, John Lennon was still alive. Gas was $1.12. A loaf of bread was 58 cents. RTR
Im really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are travelling to Meridian, MS this year. Last time was my first time meeting Bonnie's family and it was a little bizarre. Im excited to kick back and catch up on some reading and enjoy the Smith family dynamic.
Gas will continue to drop. I suspect it will bottom out at about $1.90 at some point before the new year. Funny, the economy is in crisis, and NOW gas starts to drop.
Road construction sucks.
Just had Emma for 3 days for her birthday. She had a ball and I was happy to entertain, but my heart has been heavy ever since she left. When she is at my house, there is a different kind of energy. There's a lot of laughter and smiling going on. I got her first report card for second grade and again the teacher says she is a pleasure. Her grades were at grade level or above. Way to go Debbie. I can take a little credit, but my ex is setting the example. Emma is a wonderful child. The fact she shares my DNA is jawdropping.
Turkey or Ham?
Have a good week...Clay
Does anyone on this planet know what R.S.V.P means? If you get a party invite with these initials on it, look it up. It's common courtesy. Sheesh.
Congrats to my Nana. She made yet another birthday with flying colors. I won't give away her age, but she is closer to ninety than seventy. The lady looks good and I fully expect her to hit the big 100 maybe. What a tough broad.
My dog Willie is about to become an orphan. He keeps eating Bonnie's shoes....and brother that is a quick way to find your butt on the street. I don't even touch her shoes. Im kidding of course, but Willie is going to get that little snip snip this week.
Alabama is ranked #1 during the regular season since 1980. For some perspective, John Lennon was still alive. Gas was $1.12. A loaf of bread was 58 cents. RTR
Im really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are travelling to Meridian, MS this year. Last time was my first time meeting Bonnie's family and it was a little bizarre. Im excited to kick back and catch up on some reading and enjoy the Smith family dynamic.
Gas will continue to drop. I suspect it will bottom out at about $1.90 at some point before the new year. Funny, the economy is in crisis, and NOW gas starts to drop.
Road construction sucks.
Just had Emma for 3 days for her birthday. She had a ball and I was happy to entertain, but my heart has been heavy ever since she left. When she is at my house, there is a different kind of energy. There's a lot of laughter and smiling going on. I got her first report card for second grade and again the teacher says she is a pleasure. Her grades were at grade level or above. Way to go Debbie. I can take a little credit, but my ex is setting the example. Emma is a wonderful child. The fact she shares my DNA is jawdropping.
Turkey or Ham?
Have a good week...Clay
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Movie Review "W"
First, let's be clear on a couple things. Number one is that I lean to the Republican side and I figured going to see this was going to be tantamount to seeing a Micheal Moore documentary. All the previews portrayed our 43rd President as some sort of doofus that could not put a couple of sentences together without saying something stupid.
Im not going to argue the merits of "dubya's" merits as our commander in chief. I am just going to review the movie. The tricky thing about this movie is trying to determine what's fact and fiction. The director, Oliver Stone is an incredible talent, but he has a way of bending things in his movies to suit his political tastes.
For example, if you saw "JFK" or "Nixon," you would understand quite clearly that Stone believed that Kennedy's assassination was a conspiracy and that Richard Nixon was a profane, egotistical man hellbent on crushing all comers. I could argue on each point if I wanted to, but most people don't know enough facts about either situation, so the rule of "it was on TV, it must be true" comes in.
Oliver Stone is one of my favorite directors. Platoon is so powerful....Wall Street was slick and smart. JFK is such a smart movie with so much to digest, it takes three or four viewings for it all to sink in. Natural Born Killers is one of the best examples of satire that has ever been put on screen. Born on the Fourth of July will make your heart heavy for days. Now, Stone set his sights on George Walker Bush. **By the way, it's no coincidence this movie came out just about a month before the election**
"W" was a surprise. This movie was a pretty fair view of how "dubya" was brought up and the ups and downs he had before he got into politics. Stone takes time to illustrate that "dubya" fought alcoholism in his 20's and 30's and shows respect when he later became a born again Christian as well. Josh Brolin does a fantastic job. I really think he should get some love come Oscar time. He really nails the mannerism's and the Texas accent really well. The rest of the cast is just window dressing really.
The movie slips back and forth from "dubya's" struggle up the political ladder. His porous relationship with his father, and the love story with Laura, who is played by Elizabeth Banks. I think Banks is pretty good in everything, so their scenes seem natural. While the story of how this man became President is interesting to a point, it drags too long whenever George Sr. comes into the picture.
The details in this movie is what makes it worthwhile to see. As the history of "dubya" is being told, the audience is also privy to what was happening behind the scenes shortly before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. I must admit, I thought we just decided to go in there and kick the crap out of them and that was it, but the Bush administration really believed the "WMD's" existed in Iraq and that they were working with Al Qaida. The truth is that for all the hype the CIA and the rest of the US Intelligence Agencies (Homeland Security, NSA, FBI) get, the fact is that they had bad information. Add bad information to a an administration nervous about 9/11 occurring all over again...and taddah.....we invade Iraq....the rest is history.
If you are interested in seeing "W" get blasted for two hours, you will be disappointed. If you expect a ton of funny moments, you will be again, disappointed. However, if you want to see how a government...and perhaps an entire nation got led down a path due to one screw up after another, then go for it.
There is one scene in particular that really got me. Dick Cheney (played by Richard Dreyfuss) is pointing at a map of the Middle East and although none of "W's" advisors (Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell) have the gall to say it out loud, Cheney illustrates that by controlling Iraq....and setting up shop in the Middle East, this would make the United States stronger and more powerful than ever before. Why, because we have the oil. After Cheney says the obvious, Bush replies that attacking Iraq is about freedom and democracy, not oil. My question is.....Was Bush that naive to think that? We may never know. B+
Im not going to argue the merits of "dubya's" merits as our commander in chief. I am just going to review the movie. The tricky thing about this movie is trying to determine what's fact and fiction. The director, Oliver Stone is an incredible talent, but he has a way of bending things in his movies to suit his political tastes.
For example, if you saw "JFK" or "Nixon," you would understand quite clearly that Stone believed that Kennedy's assassination was a conspiracy and that Richard Nixon was a profane, egotistical man hellbent on crushing all comers. I could argue on each point if I wanted to, but most people don't know enough facts about either situation, so the rule of "it was on TV, it must be true" comes in.
Oliver Stone is one of my favorite directors. Platoon is so powerful....Wall Street was slick and smart. JFK is such a smart movie with so much to digest, it takes three or four viewings for it all to sink in. Natural Born Killers is one of the best examples of satire that has ever been put on screen. Born on the Fourth of July will make your heart heavy for days. Now, Stone set his sights on George Walker Bush. **By the way, it's no coincidence this movie came out just about a month before the election**
"W" was a surprise. This movie was a pretty fair view of how "dubya" was brought up and the ups and downs he had before he got into politics. Stone takes time to illustrate that "dubya" fought alcoholism in his 20's and 30's and shows respect when he later became a born again Christian as well. Josh Brolin does a fantastic job. I really think he should get some love come Oscar time. He really nails the mannerism's and the Texas accent really well. The rest of the cast is just window dressing really.
The movie slips back and forth from "dubya's" struggle up the political ladder. His porous relationship with his father, and the love story with Laura, who is played by Elizabeth Banks. I think Banks is pretty good in everything, so their scenes seem natural. While the story of how this man became President is interesting to a point, it drags too long whenever George Sr. comes into the picture.
The details in this movie is what makes it worthwhile to see. As the history of "dubya" is being told, the audience is also privy to what was happening behind the scenes shortly before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. I must admit, I thought we just decided to go in there and kick the crap out of them and that was it, but the Bush administration really believed the "WMD's" existed in Iraq and that they were working with Al Qaida. The truth is that for all the hype the CIA and the rest of the US Intelligence Agencies (Homeland Security, NSA, FBI) get, the fact is that they had bad information. Add bad information to a an administration nervous about 9/11 occurring all over again...and taddah.....we invade Iraq....the rest is history.
If you are interested in seeing "W" get blasted for two hours, you will be disappointed. If you expect a ton of funny moments, you will be again, disappointed. However, if you want to see how a government...and perhaps an entire nation got led down a path due to one screw up after another, then go for it.
There is one scene in particular that really got me. Dick Cheney (played by Richard Dreyfuss) is pointing at a map of the Middle East and although none of "W's" advisors (Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell) have the gall to say it out loud, Cheney illustrates that by controlling Iraq....and setting up shop in the Middle East, this would make the United States stronger and more powerful than ever before. Why, because we have the oil. After Cheney says the obvious, Bush replies that attacking Iraq is about freedom and democracy, not oil. My question is.....Was Bush that naive to think that? We may never know. B+
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Top 25 (October 29th Edition)
Alabama 29 UT 9........that's two in a row...or 3 out of 4 now for the Tide against UT. I watched the game intently of course and I never thought UT had a chance. I feel sorry for UT's defense...they play hard, but UT went 9 possesions and had 7 of them three and outs. That defense defended the castle as long as they could, then it all tumbled in.
It's been since 1994, but Alabama has the better program now. They have the better coach. There is better talent at Alabama now. Alabama has better facilities, but now they have the momentum. What a great run for UT. 11 out of 16 against the SEC's alltime best. But, of course, they are going to fire the coach that led them to that mark. As a Bama fan...all I can say to Phillip Fulmer is BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. He's kicked our ass long enough. Ill take my chances with the next guy.
My record is now up to 15-11....(58%) **My goal was to end the season at 60%**
Each game has it's own little theme.....a bowl game sorta..
The SEC EAST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Florida 34
Georgia 30
The WHOSE MORE OVERRATED GAME
Texas 45
Texas Tech 34
The LOSER GOES TO SHREVEPORT GAME
Ole Miss 21
Auburn 19
The "WILL FULMER RESIGN AFTERWARDS GAME"
South Carolina 20
UT 14
The "DID ARKANSAS RUN OFF THE WRONG GUY GAME"
Tulsa 42
Arkansas 30
Now, the Top 25
1- Texas
2- Alabama
3- Penn State
4- Florida
5- Oklahoma
6- Georgia
7- USC
8- Texas Tech
9- Oklahoma State
10- North Carolina
11- Minnesota
12- Florida State
13- Boise State
14- Pitt
15- Notre Dame
16- West Virginia
17- Cal
18- Missouri
19- LSU
20- Ohio State
21- Tulsa
22- South Florida
23- Wake Forest
24- Georgia Tech
25- Iowa
Have a good Halloween. Clay
It's been since 1994, but Alabama has the better program now. They have the better coach. There is better talent at Alabama now. Alabama has better facilities, but now they have the momentum. What a great run for UT. 11 out of 16 against the SEC's alltime best. But, of course, they are going to fire the coach that led them to that mark. As a Bama fan...all I can say to Phillip Fulmer is BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. He's kicked our ass long enough. Ill take my chances with the next guy.
My record is now up to 15-11....(58%) **My goal was to end the season at 60%**
Each game has it's own little theme.....a bowl game sorta..
The SEC EAST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Florida 34
Georgia 30
The WHOSE MORE OVERRATED GAME
Texas 45
Texas Tech 34
The LOSER GOES TO SHREVEPORT GAME
Ole Miss 21
Auburn 19
The "WILL FULMER RESIGN AFTERWARDS GAME"
South Carolina 20
UT 14
The "DID ARKANSAS RUN OFF THE WRONG GUY GAME"
Tulsa 42
Arkansas 30
Now, the Top 25
1- Texas
2- Alabama
3- Penn State
4- Florida
5- Oklahoma
6- Georgia
7- USC
8- Texas Tech
9- Oklahoma State
10- North Carolina
11- Minnesota
12- Florida State
13- Boise State
14- Pitt
15- Notre Dame
16- West Virginia
17- Cal
18- Missouri
19- LSU
20- Ohio State
21- Tulsa
22- South Florida
23- Wake Forest
24- Georgia Tech
25- Iowa
Have a good Halloween. Clay
Friday, October 24, 2008
The first cut is the deepest......
It's my turn to be critiqued. Im a big boy and can take it, but I know I'm right.
Favorite Book- The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (Everyone has seen the movie a hundred times, but the book is so rich in detail, and there is even more dialogue with Dr. Lecter. By the way, in the book, Dr. Lecter has 6 fingers on his right hand) This book scared me and Ive reread it many times.
Last book I read- "The Bronx Zoo," by Sparky Lyle. This book tells the behind the scene story of the 1978 New York Yankees. It was interesting because you never expect athletes and team owners to act so childishly.
Favorite Music- Led Zeppelin..period. The bluesy riffs by Jimmy Page...the howling voice of Robert Plant, and the greatest drummer in history, John Bonham beating his drums into submission in great songs like "When the Levee Breaks," or "Rock and Roll."
Favorite Song- Baba O'Reilly by The Who...aka "Teenage Wasteland." This is my ringtone. This song is so intense and when the violin, Pete Townshend's guitar, and the searing piano reaches a crescendo, it's like a volcano ready to blow.
Guilty Pleasure- I like to pee outside.....off the back deck preferably. ***This is done at night of course.
Favorite Movie- Pulp Fiction
This movie is perfect. The storyline flows from one character to another. This movie shows how cinema can really be done. This movie was inventive and thought provoking. It's also funny and shocking, and the dialogue is still fresh and nothing I had ever heard before. Star Wars...The Godfather, and Goodfellas are all right up there, but I think Pulp is the best because of how much a I quote it, and how many times I saw it in the theatre.
I'd like to see everyone lash at me instead of just my kid sister and Bonnie. That's it. Smell ya later.
Clay
Favorite Book- The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (Everyone has seen the movie a hundred times, but the book is so rich in detail, and there is even more dialogue with Dr. Lecter. By the way, in the book, Dr. Lecter has 6 fingers on his right hand) This book scared me and Ive reread it many times.
Last book I read- "The Bronx Zoo," by Sparky Lyle. This book tells the behind the scene story of the 1978 New York Yankees. It was interesting because you never expect athletes and team owners to act so childishly.
Favorite Music- Led Zeppelin..period. The bluesy riffs by Jimmy Page...the howling voice of Robert Plant, and the greatest drummer in history, John Bonham beating his drums into submission in great songs like "When the Levee Breaks," or "Rock and Roll."
Favorite Song- Baba O'Reilly by The Who...aka "Teenage Wasteland." This is my ringtone. This song is so intense and when the violin, Pete Townshend's guitar, and the searing piano reaches a crescendo, it's like a volcano ready to blow.
Guilty Pleasure- I like to pee outside.....off the back deck preferably. ***This is done at night of course.
Favorite Movie- Pulp Fiction
This movie is perfect. The storyline flows from one character to another. This movie shows how cinema can really be done. This movie was inventive and thought provoking. It's also funny and shocking, and the dialogue is still fresh and nothing I had ever heard before. Star Wars...The Godfather, and Goodfellas are all right up there, but I think Pulp is the best because of how much a I quote it, and how many times I saw it in the theatre.
I'd like to see everyone lash at me instead of just my kid sister and Bonnie. That's it. Smell ya later.
Clay
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Top 25 (October 22nd Edition)
Im late with this, this week. I just watched West Virginia beat Auburn. It's always nice to the the "Barn" get whipped, but they had a big lead for a while. I don't know who is in more hot water...Tommy Tuberville, or Fulmer. I suspect both will be coaching somewhere else next year. Interestingly, with each coach's team with 4 losses at this point. Both could beat Alabama an save their necks. UT plays Bama this Saturday in Knoxville.
It's been such a different scene this year man. I wear my Alabama crap everywhere and I hear crickets. Usually, UT fans talk a lot of junk...and Georgia fans have been known to make comments about Nick Satan, but it's been quiet. Very few UT windsocks out there. Where did all of you go???? The Vol Navy???? Screw it..yall are a basketball school now anyway.
Last week I won some games....Season record stil an abysmal (11-10)
Alabama 24
UT 20 (This is it for the Volnation.....time to go "all in." It will be a good game, as it usually is)
Ohio State 27
Penn State 17
Georgia 16
LSU 14
Ole Miss 34
Arkansas 28
Texas 38
Oklahoma State 24
The Top 25
1- Texas (yeah, bama looked like crap and the Horns beat Missouri, they deserve it more)
2- Alabama
3- Penn State
4- Oklahoma State
5- Florida
6- USC
7- Oklahoma
8- Texas Tech
9- Georgia
10- Kansas
11- Ohio State
12- LSU
13- North Carolina
14- Boise State
15- Minnesota
16- North Carolina
17- Missouri
18- Florida State
19- Pitt
20 West Virginia
21- Georgia Tech
22- Iowa
23- Notre Dame
24- Arizona State
25- Cal
It's been such a different scene this year man. I wear my Alabama crap everywhere and I hear crickets. Usually, UT fans talk a lot of junk...and Georgia fans have been known to make comments about Nick Satan, but it's been quiet. Very few UT windsocks out there. Where did all of you go???? The Vol Navy???? Screw it..yall are a basketball school now anyway.
Last week I won some games....Season record stil an abysmal (11-10)
Alabama 24
UT 20 (This is it for the Volnation.....time to go "all in." It will be a good game, as it usually is)
Ohio State 27
Penn State 17
Georgia 16
LSU 14
Ole Miss 34
Arkansas 28
Texas 38
Oklahoma State 24
The Top 25
1- Texas (yeah, bama looked like crap and the Horns beat Missouri, they deserve it more)
2- Alabama
3- Penn State
4- Oklahoma State
5- Florida
6- USC
7- Oklahoma
8- Texas Tech
9- Georgia
10- Kansas
11- Ohio State
12- LSU
13- North Carolina
14- Boise State
15- Minnesota
16- North Carolina
17- Missouri
18- Florida State
19- Pitt
20 West Virginia
21- Georgia Tech
22- Iowa
23- Notre Dame
24- Arizona State
25- Cal
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Judge and Jury.....let's hear it folks.
**Before I start, I want to thank everyone for reading this blog. I try to be honest (probably too honest) and somehow put my thoughts into words. I would love to have more comments from some of you anonymous folk. To post a comment, you need to register for a gmail account. Quite simply, go to Google and get an email address. It's free and then you can tell me how full of crap I am**
I am now going to pass judgement on some of you pour souls.....yep, I am going to award some of you with praise, and give you some good ol Clay Smack Talk if you are unworthy. (Im just joshing...it's just a game)
The GAME is simple and point oriented. I need each of you that have the nerve to post to tell me a little about yourself.
What is required?
First, Tell me your favorite book and the last one you read. If I deem your books worthy, (pop up books and comics will be frowned upon) then you get 5 points a piece.
Secondly, Who is your favorite musician or musical group? After naming them, give me your favorite song. Again, this will be worth 5 points a piece.
Thirdly, I need a guilty pleasure. This is worth 5 points.
Finally, I want you to tell me what is the "Greatest Movie of All Time!" Name the movie and then briefly tell me why it's your favorite. This is worth 20 points.
At some point, I will reveal my own answers for the above mentioned, but this blog is about those that read it and I want to know something about you.
**The reward is that I will go on record and state that you rock and are the most cultured person I know** I'll buy you a coke as well.
Good Luck!!!!
I am now going to pass judgement on some of you pour souls.....yep, I am going to award some of you with praise, and give you some good ol Clay Smack Talk if you are unworthy. (Im just joshing...it's just a game)
The GAME is simple and point oriented. I need each of you that have the nerve to post to tell me a little about yourself.
What is required?
First, Tell me your favorite book and the last one you read. If I deem your books worthy, (pop up books and comics will be frowned upon) then you get 5 points a piece.
Secondly, Who is your favorite musician or musical group? After naming them, give me your favorite song. Again, this will be worth 5 points a piece.
Thirdly, I need a guilty pleasure. This is worth 5 points.
Finally, I want you to tell me what is the "Greatest Movie of All Time!" Name the movie and then briefly tell me why it's your favorite. This is worth 20 points.
At some point, I will reveal my own answers for the above mentioned, but this blog is about those that read it and I want to know something about you.
**The reward is that I will go on record and state that you rock and are the most cultured person I know** I'll buy you a coke as well.
Good Luck!!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Top 25 (October 15th Edition)
Well, 3 teams in the top 5 five fell this past week. LSU, Missouri, and Oklahoma bit the dust. Anyone for a college football playoff??
I still believe that USC will play Florida when it's all said and done. I'm sorry, but I picked Bama over Texas for my #1 spot. I think that the single biggest fact about the Tide is that they have not trailed at any point all season. Let me repeat, 6 games and they have yet to be behind even 3-0. They have also not yielded a point in the first quarter this year. If there was another team that could boast that, plus whipping Georgia, Clemson, and Arkansas on the road is pretty good too. Now, lets take a look at some of my predictions.
Current record (7-8) **That is so bad, I should just let my dog Willie pee on the sports page to pick these games, but I still think Ill end up winning 60% before it's over.
Alabama 35
Ole Miss 21
Georgia 24
Vanderbilt 10
Tennessee 17
Mississippi State 7
Texas 42
Missouri 31
Kentucky 28
Arkansas 24
Now, the new TOP 25 (if you are a Tennessee fan, you are wasting your time..ha)
1- Alabama (Wow, there's no place like home)
2- Texas
3- Penn State
4- USC
5- Oklahoma
6- Oklahoma State
7- Florida
8- Texas Tech
9- Georgia
10- Ohio State
11- LSU
12- Kansas
13- Utah
14- Wake Forest
15- Virginia Tech
16- Minnesota
17- South Florida
18- Boise State
19- North Carolina
20- Pittsburgh
21- Vanderbilt
22- Georgia Tech
23- Ball State
24- Kansas State
25- Notre Dame
I still believe that USC will play Florida when it's all said and done. I'm sorry, but I picked Bama over Texas for my #1 spot. I think that the single biggest fact about the Tide is that they have not trailed at any point all season. Let me repeat, 6 games and they have yet to be behind even 3-0. They have also not yielded a point in the first quarter this year. If there was another team that could boast that, plus whipping Georgia, Clemson, and Arkansas on the road is pretty good too. Now, lets take a look at some of my predictions.
Current record (7-8) **That is so bad, I should just let my dog Willie pee on the sports page to pick these games, but I still think Ill end up winning 60% before it's over.
Alabama 35
Ole Miss 21
Georgia 24
Vanderbilt 10
Tennessee 17
Mississippi State 7
Texas 42
Missouri 31
Kentucky 28
Arkansas 24
Now, the new TOP 25 (if you are a Tennessee fan, you are wasting your time..ha)
1- Alabama (Wow, there's no place like home)
2- Texas
3- Penn State
4- USC
5- Oklahoma
6- Oklahoma State
7- Florida
8- Texas Tech
9- Georgia
10- Ohio State
11- LSU
12- Kansas
13- Utah
14- Wake Forest
15- Virginia Tech
16- Minnesota
17- South Florida
18- Boise State
19- North Carolina
20- Pittsburgh
21- Vanderbilt
22- Georgia Tech
23- Ball State
24- Kansas State
25- Notre Dame
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Who out there has a 2nd Mom????
Funny question huh? Cmon, you know what I mean. Your #2 Mom kinda kicks you in the butt as you go along. She's the one that tells you "hey, listen to your mother....or I'll whip your butt myself." It could be a grandmother.....grandmother's are really good candidates for the Vice President Mom. Heck, it could be a good friend....maybe even someone the own sex. You can tell a second mom by the way they are never wrong, never! My Nana had my back, but I always ended up agreeing in the end. I think my Nana had...excuse me, still has Jedi like powers, but she was not the one. She just ended up being the "Nana" The Godmother of Hiwassee Avenue.
Well, my second mom let me know that on a previous blog I had left her out when talking about loved ones. It was a blog that's central idea was about how sometimes your own family wasn't right in the head, and why did other family members have to deal with it?
Well, in that blog, in an effort to make a point about the people close to me...I didn't quite call the entire roll. This was the third time someone had mentioned this to me, so there is a call for action here at thomaschavis.blogspot.
So, I want to acknowledge some folks that have been near and dear to me for a long time that are definetely in my inner circle.....but first, an enlightening story about this.
Right after I wrote the blog in question, I got a call from a close family member. After a brief conversation, my blog came up. At first, I was shocked to hear from this person about my blog at all. I would have bet this family member to not even know what a blog was...or how to it get to mine, but he had help. I was, for a brief moment...proud.
Well, the truth of the matter was that this person just wanted to let me know how upset they were that their NAME had not graced my little article. This person actually read what I had written back to me, as if I would not remember what I had penned myself. The sad fact that I had not been included them in that brief paragraph was because they did not meet the requirements that I set out. This person did not love me unconditionally.....and I didn't love them either. It was a sad moment that was many years coming, but I feel better now. I wish that person well and hope they lose what binds them.
Wow, that was heavy. I try to leave names out of these little notes, but that is my problem sometimes.
Now, Bobbi Jean is my very own second mother and a cast iron bond lives between us. She knew my mother and knows how to tap that energy within myself. My Mother-in-Law, Miss Jan is the very salt of the earth. She has taken to my daughter as she would her own, and I am thankful. Kevin Kerr kept me from burning the sky with my own rage. He literally pushed me through school, and he fed me..took me in. Greg Wanderman will always be my best friend. An unwavering star that I have always been able to count on. Roxanne....what can I say? And, the one man that can make me laugh til I'm happy, Mr. Messier.
So, I have listed everyone now. Congratulations on being "outed." I don't want to hear any more complaints.
Truth is, it's nice to have to expand a list like this. Makes you feel a litte warm...maybe fuzzy. Nah, fuzzy is for chicks.
Thanks for reading.
Well, my second mom let me know that on a previous blog I had left her out when talking about loved ones. It was a blog that's central idea was about how sometimes your own family wasn't right in the head, and why did other family members have to deal with it?
Well, in that blog, in an effort to make a point about the people close to me...I didn't quite call the entire roll. This was the third time someone had mentioned this to me, so there is a call for action here at thomaschavis.blogspot.
So, I want to acknowledge some folks that have been near and dear to me for a long time that are definetely in my inner circle.....but first, an enlightening story about this.
Right after I wrote the blog in question, I got a call from a close family member. After a brief conversation, my blog came up. At first, I was shocked to hear from this person about my blog at all. I would have bet this family member to not even know what a blog was...or how to it get to mine, but he had help. I was, for a brief moment...proud.
Well, the truth of the matter was that this person just wanted to let me know how upset they were that their NAME had not graced my little article. This person actually read what I had written back to me, as if I would not remember what I had penned myself. The sad fact that I had not been included them in that brief paragraph was because they did not meet the requirements that I set out. This person did not love me unconditionally.....and I didn't love them either. It was a sad moment that was many years coming, but I feel better now. I wish that person well and hope they lose what binds them.
Wow, that was heavy. I try to leave names out of these little notes, but that is my problem sometimes.
Now, Bobbi Jean is my very own second mother and a cast iron bond lives between us. She knew my mother and knows how to tap that energy within myself. My Mother-in-Law, Miss Jan is the very salt of the earth. She has taken to my daughter as she would her own, and I am thankful. Kevin Kerr kept me from burning the sky with my own rage. He literally pushed me through school, and he fed me..took me in. Greg Wanderman will always be my best friend. An unwavering star that I have always been able to count on. Roxanne....what can I say? And, the one man that can make me laugh til I'm happy, Mr. Messier.
So, I have listed everyone now. Congratulations on being "outed." I don't want to hear any more complaints.
Truth is, it's nice to have to expand a list like this. Makes you feel a litte warm...maybe fuzzy. Nah, fuzzy is for chicks.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Dieting Machine.......
Hey, I'm the first person to admit that I am obese and need to lose at least 50 pounds, but my argument is not with whether people need to lose weight. My beef is with the dieting industry. I think that it's a scam and people end up worse off than before.
Webmd.com has 281 sites in just the overview when you type in "Losing Weight." I mean, if Webmd can't give a straight answer about what is going on, then I will. It's simple. Eat less and exercise more often. Yep, I don't have a video or a book coming out, but that's the gist everyone. Put the fork down and go for a walk. I don't think there is a physician on the planet that could argue.
The thing that gets me is that so many people (myself included) that just don't want to admit that they have a hard time with the burgers and are lazy to boot. Personally, I eat like crap and don't exercise very much. Then...Presto! For a few weeks, I'll push my plate away and walk nine holes of golf or even walk around the mall three-four times a week, and I lose weight. It's just really hard to do those things. You get home from work, you're tired, you eat, you go to bed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. The mind pushes the body, not the other way around. If your mind is not focused on whatever you set out to do, then you can't trust your body to pull your through.
I cannot even begin to go into all the junk that's out there, so I'll be fair. I'll use what is in my household to illustrate that "diets" are not the answer, no matter how hard you try. According to my family physician Dr. James Stanko, most people who participate in a crash diet or a program will eventually gain that weight back,and in some cases GAIN EVEN MORE!!!!! His advice was to try and lose 2-3 pounds a month over 12 months. Hey, that adds up to up to 36 pounds, which would put me close to my ideal weight. Hey, maybe doctor's aren't crazy.
I know, I know, I'm a guy...I can't possibly understand, but facts are facts. As I sit and write this....I'm looking at a pad of paper that's just crazy. For the sake of being a guinea pig, Bonnie has allowed me to use my blog to illustrate the craziness of dieting. The only condition is that I do not exaggerate in attempts to be humorous.
We have 4 books with different diet plans and one cookbook for such a plan.
We have a membership to "The Rush" that we have not gone to in over a year.
Bonnie has been to a "Diet Doctor" in order to get the "good" diet pills.
Bonnie is taking has taken over the counter diet pills infrequently.
Bonnie has sworn off meat. She eats these veggie patty things.....uch.....gross.
Bonnie carries around a 2 foot drinking device full of water at all times.
Bonnie ordered a "Billy Blanks" video using our Blockbuster account.
WHAT IN THE HELL???? I'm sorry, but she looks awfully good to me! Blond, blue eyed, bombshell, and I hit triple 7's to be with her.
Girls, you wanna know what us boys really think. We'd rather you be happy and weigh a little more than your ideal weight because watching the torturous actions you take is really awful. It stinks. There is NO WAY a guy can make a girl feel better about her weight, because unless she feels secure.....then we are just being sweet.
And that really makes us mad. Most guys are not prolific with their compliments, but when we say you look beautiful, unless that guy is in trouble, it's sincere. This blog serves no purpose and I'm not on a crusade. I just think those that are dieting need to know that your partner is probably in a world of.......chocolate.
Webmd.com has 281 sites in just the overview when you type in "Losing Weight." I mean, if Webmd can't give a straight answer about what is going on, then I will. It's simple. Eat less and exercise more often. Yep, I don't have a video or a book coming out, but that's the gist everyone. Put the fork down and go for a walk. I don't think there is a physician on the planet that could argue.
The thing that gets me is that so many people (myself included) that just don't want to admit that they have a hard time with the burgers and are lazy to boot. Personally, I eat like crap and don't exercise very much. Then...Presto! For a few weeks, I'll push my plate away and walk nine holes of golf or even walk around the mall three-four times a week, and I lose weight. It's just really hard to do those things. You get home from work, you're tired, you eat, you go to bed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. The mind pushes the body, not the other way around. If your mind is not focused on whatever you set out to do, then you can't trust your body to pull your through.
I cannot even begin to go into all the junk that's out there, so I'll be fair. I'll use what is in my household to illustrate that "diets" are not the answer, no matter how hard you try. According to my family physician Dr. James Stanko, most people who participate in a crash diet or a program will eventually gain that weight back,and in some cases GAIN EVEN MORE!!!!! His advice was to try and lose 2-3 pounds a month over 12 months. Hey, that adds up to up to 36 pounds, which would put me close to my ideal weight. Hey, maybe doctor's aren't crazy.
I know, I know, I'm a guy...I can't possibly understand, but facts are facts. As I sit and write this....I'm looking at a pad of paper that's just crazy. For the sake of being a guinea pig, Bonnie has allowed me to use my blog to illustrate the craziness of dieting. The only condition is that I do not exaggerate in attempts to be humorous.
We have 4 books with different diet plans and one cookbook for such a plan.
We have a membership to "The Rush" that we have not gone to in over a year.
Bonnie has been to a "Diet Doctor" in order to get the "good" diet pills.
Bonnie is taking has taken over the counter diet pills infrequently.
Bonnie has sworn off meat. She eats these veggie patty things.....uch.....gross.
Bonnie carries around a 2 foot drinking device full of water at all times.
Bonnie ordered a "Billy Blanks" video using our Blockbuster account.
WHAT IN THE HELL???? I'm sorry, but she looks awfully good to me! Blond, blue eyed, bombshell, and I hit triple 7's to be with her.
Girls, you wanna know what us boys really think. We'd rather you be happy and weigh a little more than your ideal weight because watching the torturous actions you take is really awful. It stinks. There is NO WAY a guy can make a girl feel better about her weight, because unless she feels secure.....then we are just being sweet.
And that really makes us mad. Most guys are not prolific with their compliments, but when we say you look beautiful, unless that guy is in trouble, it's sincere. This blog serves no purpose and I'm not on a crusade. I just think those that are dieting need to know that your partner is probably in a world of.......chocolate.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Stephanie reviews the Fall TV lineup........
There’s Only One October!
- Stephanie Shipp
Sorry, no, I am not talking about baseball. Although, I must say I am so relieved that this year's baseball playoff commercials do not have Dane Cook saying, "There's only one October!!" in his voice that makes me want to punch through my TV screen.
I am here to guest blog about the fall premiere shows that start in October (Ok, a few at the end of September). I do love TV shows, and trust me, I watch enough to be considered a subject in a teen violence research study (ah… the Media is the devil). However, I can not watch ALL of them, so I will be skipping some fall premieres. I cannot bring myself to watch Heroes or Desperate Housewives especially… maybe Bonnie can help. Plus, I need to make sure I leave time to feed my addiction for embarrassing displays of humanity, i.e. Reality TV.
ABC
Ugly Betty – Hi, My name is Stephanie and I love Lindsay Lohan celebrity gossip. I only watched Ugly Betty because I was interested to see LiLo’s performance. I watched a lot of it last year because it came on before Grey’s, but I was never really that intrigued. This season is starting off o.k. The season premiere brought a lot of change for the characters, took them out of their elements, and it had a pretty good plot. I don’t really care for this show though because it teeters between reality and…. Ummm that would never happen. So it kinda bothers me. It gets a C.
Grey’s Anatomy – Oh the love of my life, how you hurt me so. I live for Grey’s Anatomy… it is definitely at the top of my list. And I was like a kid at Christmas when I saw the commercials for the premiere. McDreamy/Patrick Dempsey might be killed in a car accident??? His ex-girlfriend is going to be pregnant with his baby?? But yet he asked Meredith, the real girlfriend, to marry him???!!! Then the show starts…. April fools!! Turns out the death was a dream and the pregnancy and marriage proposal were just the characters joking around. What the hell? So what was the premiere about, you may ask. Nothing. It gets a C-.
Pushing Daisies – This show is so unique. The writers really had something different the public had never seen before: a guy who can bring people back to life, but only for a certain length of them, can’t touch his girlfriend or she will die forever…. It’s really a lot of stuff to deal with. However, it just doesn’t work. If anyone watches this show you would know it’s CSI meets Dr. Seuss, and no one is interested in that. We don’t want magical murder mysteries solved. This is America… we want to see the blood, guts, and gore with scary serial killers and creeper stalkers. So Pushing Daisies gets an E for Effort.
Private Practice – I thought I wouldn’t like this show because it would be too much like Grey’s Anatomy with the outside drama being medical problems, and the inside drama being the crazy love triangles that exist amongst the characters. Well, that basically is the show as it turns out. But instead of the medical drama being a tree coming through the middle of a person because of a car wreck, it’s more of a couple wanting to get pregnant and come to find out they are brother and sister. So it is very different. And I think it’s a good show to watch. It gets a B+.
Cashmere Mafia – Sorry ladies, this show was canceled L Aw… I know, you were excited that something sort of maybe kind of resembled your memories of Sex and the City. Oh well, we got something better of it: another bangin’ star joining the cast of the best show that no one is watching. Which brings me too…
Dirty, Sexy, Money – The Holy Grail of the fall season!! Great cast, great plot, and great drama. You want to hate these people for ruling all of New York (well, it’s more jealousy). But then you LOVE them… you love their devious deceitful behavior. The season premiere was all it should be and more. It set the stage for the rest of the season, which is what a premiere should do. If you don’t watch this show now is the time to start. I promise it will not disappoint you. Dirty, Sexy, Money gets an A, duh.
Dancing with the Stars – Just shoot me. Just take a gun to my head and put me out of my misery. Why is everyone obsessed with this show? My best friend back home watches it; everyone I know watches it, and I am at a loss for words. I am not entertained by Kim Kardashian or some old lady with big boobs or football players trying to dance the mambo. They suck at it. And they aren’t even celebrities that I would care to see make fools of themselves. And the judges make me about as angry as Dane Cook saying, “There’s Only One October.” This show gets a big fat WTF as their grade.
NBC
Lipstick Jungle – Eh… this is ok. The premiere got me a little bit hooked, but the second week kinda let me down. I don’t think I will be continuing to watch this show. If it wasn’t for DVR I wouldn’t be watching it at all since it comes on at the same time as Dirty, Sexy, Money. I thought it was going to be a little Sex and the City-ish, but it’s more Desperate Housewives-ish with Brooke Shields and her poor display of acting skills. This show gets a D.
The Office – Where did this show go? It was “The Show” last year, and now I haven’t heard a word about it.
CW
Gossip Girl – Oh dear Lord. Just what we need: another O.C. Please TV God, make it stop. This show makes me hate my life for not being able to wake up in the morning looking like I just stepped out of Vogue Magazine. Please go away… F.
One Tree Hill – A nanny turned murderer? Huh? The CW is just never going to be the same again. Unless… ahem… bring back Gilmore Girls!
Reality
The Hills – I love watching Speidi as they continue their on-going efforts to make absolute certain that they rot in hell. The End. This show gets a C.
Paris Hilton’s My New BFF – I love this show almost as much as I loved “Flava Flav” or “A Shot at Love”. It’s just pure gold. How could you not love Paris ordering around a bunch of drama queens, making them dye their hair to her specifications, making them party until they puke and then not letting them retouch-up their makeup? It’s just wonderful. This show gets an A.
Hope you enjoyed Steph’s Fall Show Review. And now, as Paris would say to a BFF loser who didn’t make the cut, “TTYN bitches.”
- Stephanie Shipp
Sorry, no, I am not talking about baseball. Although, I must say I am so relieved that this year's baseball playoff commercials do not have Dane Cook saying, "There's only one October!!" in his voice that makes me want to punch through my TV screen.
I am here to guest blog about the fall premiere shows that start in October (Ok, a few at the end of September). I do love TV shows, and trust me, I watch enough to be considered a subject in a teen violence research study (ah… the Media is the devil). However, I can not watch ALL of them, so I will be skipping some fall premieres. I cannot bring myself to watch Heroes or Desperate Housewives especially… maybe Bonnie can help. Plus, I need to make sure I leave time to feed my addiction for embarrassing displays of humanity, i.e. Reality TV.
ABC
Ugly Betty – Hi, My name is Stephanie and I love Lindsay Lohan celebrity gossip. I only watched Ugly Betty because I was interested to see LiLo’s performance. I watched a lot of it last year because it came on before Grey’s, but I was never really that intrigued. This season is starting off o.k. The season premiere brought a lot of change for the characters, took them out of their elements, and it had a pretty good plot. I don’t really care for this show though because it teeters between reality and…. Ummm that would never happen. So it kinda bothers me. It gets a C.
Grey’s Anatomy – Oh the love of my life, how you hurt me so. I live for Grey’s Anatomy… it is definitely at the top of my list. And I was like a kid at Christmas when I saw the commercials for the premiere. McDreamy/Patrick Dempsey might be killed in a car accident??? His ex-girlfriend is going to be pregnant with his baby?? But yet he asked Meredith, the real girlfriend, to marry him???!!! Then the show starts…. April fools!! Turns out the death was a dream and the pregnancy and marriage proposal were just the characters joking around. What the hell? So what was the premiere about, you may ask. Nothing. It gets a C-.
Pushing Daisies – This show is so unique. The writers really had something different the public had never seen before: a guy who can bring people back to life, but only for a certain length of them, can’t touch his girlfriend or she will die forever…. It’s really a lot of stuff to deal with. However, it just doesn’t work. If anyone watches this show you would know it’s CSI meets Dr. Seuss, and no one is interested in that. We don’t want magical murder mysteries solved. This is America… we want to see the blood, guts, and gore with scary serial killers and creeper stalkers. So Pushing Daisies gets an E for Effort.
Private Practice – I thought I wouldn’t like this show because it would be too much like Grey’s Anatomy with the outside drama being medical problems, and the inside drama being the crazy love triangles that exist amongst the characters. Well, that basically is the show as it turns out. But instead of the medical drama being a tree coming through the middle of a person because of a car wreck, it’s more of a couple wanting to get pregnant and come to find out they are brother and sister. So it is very different. And I think it’s a good show to watch. It gets a B+.
Cashmere Mafia – Sorry ladies, this show was canceled L Aw… I know, you were excited that something sort of maybe kind of resembled your memories of Sex and the City. Oh well, we got something better of it: another bangin’ star joining the cast of the best show that no one is watching. Which brings me too…
Dirty, Sexy, Money – The Holy Grail of the fall season!! Great cast, great plot, and great drama. You want to hate these people for ruling all of New York (well, it’s more jealousy). But then you LOVE them… you love their devious deceitful behavior. The season premiere was all it should be and more. It set the stage for the rest of the season, which is what a premiere should do. If you don’t watch this show now is the time to start. I promise it will not disappoint you. Dirty, Sexy, Money gets an A, duh.
Dancing with the Stars – Just shoot me. Just take a gun to my head and put me out of my misery. Why is everyone obsessed with this show? My best friend back home watches it; everyone I know watches it, and I am at a loss for words. I am not entertained by Kim Kardashian or some old lady with big boobs or football players trying to dance the mambo. They suck at it. And they aren’t even celebrities that I would care to see make fools of themselves. And the judges make me about as angry as Dane Cook saying, “There’s Only One October.” This show gets a big fat WTF as their grade.
NBC
Lipstick Jungle – Eh… this is ok. The premiere got me a little bit hooked, but the second week kinda let me down. I don’t think I will be continuing to watch this show. If it wasn’t for DVR I wouldn’t be watching it at all since it comes on at the same time as Dirty, Sexy, Money. I thought it was going to be a little Sex and the City-ish, but it’s more Desperate Housewives-ish with Brooke Shields and her poor display of acting skills. This show gets a D.
The Office – Where did this show go? It was “The Show” last year, and now I haven’t heard a word about it.
CW
Gossip Girl – Oh dear Lord. Just what we need: another O.C. Please TV God, make it stop. This show makes me hate my life for not being able to wake up in the morning looking like I just stepped out of Vogue Magazine. Please go away… F.
One Tree Hill – A nanny turned murderer? Huh? The CW is just never going to be the same again. Unless… ahem… bring back Gilmore Girls!
Reality
The Hills – I love watching Speidi as they continue their on-going efforts to make absolute certain that they rot in hell. The End. This show gets a C.
Paris Hilton’s My New BFF – I love this show almost as much as I loved “Flava Flav” or “A Shot at Love”. It’s just pure gold. How could you not love Paris ordering around a bunch of drama queens, making them dye their hair to her specifications, making them party until they puke and then not letting them retouch-up their makeup? It’s just wonderful. This show gets an A.
Hope you enjoyed Steph’s Fall Show Review. And now, as Paris would say to a BFF loser who didn’t make the cut, “TTYN bitches.”
Monday, October 6, 2008
Movie Review- "Burn after Reading"
Most people have seen the preview for this movie and gone "huh...Clooney and Pitt.....what's it about....I don't get it"
Well, your omnipotent movie reviewer did not care about Clooney or Pitt....or John Malcavich(sp)...or Frances McDormand...or Tilda Swinton. That's 3 oscar winners there people. I was excited to see this movie because it was written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. These guys are on my "Who do I want meet?" section of my MySpace page. Blood Simple, Fargo, No Country for Old Men ,and my personal favorite....The Big Lebowski.
Now, I grant you that these movies are they types you either hate or love. I think Quentin Tarantino movies are the same.......it's either a religious experience like Pulp Fiction and Resevoir Dogs or a "what in the hell was that" experience like Jackie Brown or the Kill Bill movies.
**For the record, Tarantino's movies should be put in a time capsule. He is a friggin genius man.....how could you not like Pulp Fiction?........I better stop.
Right, the movie I'm reviewing is Burn after Reading. The premise is pretty simple for Coen standards. Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt (he does a really good job in this, and I hate him) work at a health club called...get this...."Hardbodies!" She wants to get massive cosmetic surgery, I mean the whole buffet and Pitt is just witless. Somehow, they come across a CD filled with what think is top secret CIA crap. You know...the actual whereabouts of Bin Laden...Kennedy Conspiracy..that kinda junk. Well, they try to black mail Malkovich into giving them cash for this secret disc....and then all falls down.
Malcovich (playing an enraged alcholic) doesnt want to play ball and muddles things up. Clooney comes along as a spy himself that brags the he's never fired his weapon (you will get the inside joke of that if you see this film.) Clooney's role is not effective and lost on me. Long story short, everything goes wrong for everybody and that's supposed to be funny. It was....in parts.
The last movie I rated worth a crap was Tropic Thunder and Im wondering if something better is ever going to come along. Burn after Reading really didn't have a punch line. Pitt acting a fool was funny, but there wasn't much else. I think this movie had too many movie stars in it. I felt like everyone had to have a scene...then we'd move onto another scene with the next superstar in line. It's a bad habit Big Budget movies do.....put a crapful of great actors/actresses in a movie and then don't give them anything worthwhile to work with.
Anyway, it wasn's all that bad. Maybe Im being harsh because of the Coen Brothers, but this was more "The Ladykillers" than "Raising Arizona." B-
Well, your omnipotent movie reviewer did not care about Clooney or Pitt....or John Malcavich(sp)...or Frances McDormand...or Tilda Swinton. That's 3 oscar winners there people. I was excited to see this movie because it was written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. These guys are on my "Who do I want meet?" section of my MySpace page. Blood Simple, Fargo, No Country for Old Men ,and my personal favorite....The Big Lebowski.
Now, I grant you that these movies are they types you either hate or love. I think Quentin Tarantino movies are the same.......it's either a religious experience like Pulp Fiction and Resevoir Dogs or a "what in the hell was that" experience like Jackie Brown or the Kill Bill movies.
**For the record, Tarantino's movies should be put in a time capsule. He is a friggin genius man.....how could you not like Pulp Fiction?........I better stop.
Right, the movie I'm reviewing is Burn after Reading. The premise is pretty simple for Coen standards. Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt (he does a really good job in this, and I hate him) work at a health club called...get this...."Hardbodies!" She wants to get massive cosmetic surgery, I mean the whole buffet and Pitt is just witless. Somehow, they come across a CD filled with what think is top secret CIA crap. You know...the actual whereabouts of Bin Laden...Kennedy Conspiracy..that kinda junk. Well, they try to black mail Malkovich into giving them cash for this secret disc....and then all falls down.
Malcovich (playing an enraged alcholic) doesnt want to play ball and muddles things up. Clooney comes along as a spy himself that brags the he's never fired his weapon (you will get the inside joke of that if you see this film.) Clooney's role is not effective and lost on me. Long story short, everything goes wrong for everybody and that's supposed to be funny. It was....in parts.
The last movie I rated worth a crap was Tropic Thunder and Im wondering if something better is ever going to come along. Burn after Reading really didn't have a punch line. Pitt acting a fool was funny, but there wasn't much else. I think this movie had too many movie stars in it. I felt like everyone had to have a scene...then we'd move onto another scene with the next superstar in line. It's a bad habit Big Budget movies do.....put a crapful of great actors/actresses in a movie and then don't give them anything worthwhile to work with.
Anyway, it wasn's all that bad. Maybe Im being harsh because of the Coen Brothers, but this was more "The Ladykillers" than "Raising Arizona." B-
Top 25 (October 6th Edition)
Pretty uneventful week for college football fans. Obviously, I was shocked to see Vanderbilt beat Auburn. I mean, if someone would have said to me in early August that Vandy would be 5-0, Bama would be ranked #2, and UT staggering at 2-3...I would be homeless. I would have bet everything I owned. Oh well.
We are officially half way through the season and I still predict it will be USC and Florida when the dust settles. Oklahoma is awfully good, but I think either Missouri or Texas gets them. LSU is wicked good too, but they lose this week to Florida. So, with that, I give you the latest Chavis Top 25 and my humble predictions for this week.
Current Record (5-5) That's just straight up! I'm terrible.
Tennessee 17
Georgia 16 (BIG UPSET PICK HERE....hey UT has owned Georgia lately and the Dawgs are pretty beat up0
Oklahoma 38
Texas 24
Wisconsin 20
Penn State 17
Florida 31
LSU 21
Wake Forest 24
Clemson 13
Top 25
1- Oklahoma
2- Alabama
3- Missouri
4- LSU
5- Penn State
6-Texas
7- BYU
8- USC
9- Texas Tech
10- Georgia
11- Florida
12- Ohio State
13- Utah
14- Vanderbilt
15- Oklahoma State
16- Kansas
17- Wake Forest
18- Virginia Tech
19- Notre Dame
20- South Florida
21- Wisconsin
22- Boise State
23- North Carolina
24- Pittsburgh
25- Auburn
We are officially half way through the season and I still predict it will be USC and Florida when the dust settles. Oklahoma is awfully good, but I think either Missouri or Texas gets them. LSU is wicked good too, but they lose this week to Florida. So, with that, I give you the latest Chavis Top 25 and my humble predictions for this week.
Current Record (5-5) That's just straight up! I'm terrible.
Tennessee 17
Georgia 16 (BIG UPSET PICK HERE....hey UT has owned Georgia lately and the Dawgs are pretty beat up0
Oklahoma 38
Texas 24
Wisconsin 20
Penn State 17
Florida 31
LSU 21
Wake Forest 24
Clemson 13
Top 25
1- Oklahoma
2- Alabama
3- Missouri
4- LSU
5- Penn State
6-Texas
7- BYU
8- USC
9- Texas Tech
10- Georgia
11- Florida
12- Ohio State
13- Utah
14- Vanderbilt
15- Oklahoma State
16- Kansas
17- Wake Forest
18- Virginia Tech
19- Notre Dame
20- South Florida
21- Wisconsin
22- Boise State
23- North Carolina
24- Pittsburgh
25- Auburn
Car Flags, magnets and other dumb stuff.
Has anyone living in the Chattanooga area noticed how few Tennessee fans are celebrating their team with crap on their cars? Of course, after starting out 2-3, Id put my Big Orange windsock back in storage. As a matter of fact, I don't see much Georgia stuff either after that whipping they got a week ago.
I must admit that I do have a car flag....and a magnet, but I have not displayed them on Saturday's thus far. Im deathly afraid some State Trooper is going to pull me over and then plant a kilo of blow under my seat. Then Ill be Roll Tiding it straight to the pokey. Hey, Ive been to the pokey (Knoxville, class of 2004) and it stinks. I spent roughly 48 hours at the Knoxville Detention Center for a DUI and that was enough for me.
Jail is not what you think. I was in no danger of "dropping the soap," or getting a swastika tattoo on my butt, nor did I get to shank someone that slighted me in the "yard." It was really like staying at a really bad hotel. The bed was hard, the food was bland, and the TV only had 3 stations. Fortunately, I was able to read to my heart's content and they had a basketball goal, so I survived.
That DUI changed my life actually. I was very messed up at the time. I was smoking dope like Cheech and drinking like Joan Crawford. I had long ago ran out of medication so sleep was an afterthought. I had barricaded my own life. I lost some really good friends and betrayed the trust of dear family. Desperation leads one to do things that they would not normally do. I fancy myself a smart guy, but I was hitting a 6.5 on the richter scale of stupidity.
I got cleaned up and ended up back in my hometown, which I pledged to never do. There were some family and friends that helped me get on my feet, but I had to do the heavy lifting myself. There were, and still are bridges that were burned. Even 4 years later, I am still bandaging those self-inflicted wounds. You can't unring a bell.....
Im writing this because there was one bridge in particular that I have been trying to traverse for a long time, and I think Im getting close. What brought on this communication with my oldest friend......COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!! Yep, he's a Notre Dame guy and they are having some success as is my dear Crimson Tide, so hopefully these two teams will continue to win so I can continue the long process of winning back a dear friend. Go Irish.
In closing, everyone has something in their past they are not proud of. Maybe some more than others, but it's never over. 4 years after hanging out with some other DUI offenders and not having a pot to piss in...nevermind the window, I am going to be writing for The Chattanooga Times pretty soon, plan on going to law school.......and have a perfect daughter.
There is an old saying that I remind myself of......"Luck favors the prepared mind." I've been lucky.
I must admit that I do have a car flag....and a magnet, but I have not displayed them on Saturday's thus far. Im deathly afraid some State Trooper is going to pull me over and then plant a kilo of blow under my seat. Then Ill be Roll Tiding it straight to the pokey. Hey, Ive been to the pokey (Knoxville, class of 2004) and it stinks. I spent roughly 48 hours at the Knoxville Detention Center for a DUI and that was enough for me.
Jail is not what you think. I was in no danger of "dropping the soap," or getting a swastika tattoo on my butt, nor did I get to shank someone that slighted me in the "yard." It was really like staying at a really bad hotel. The bed was hard, the food was bland, and the TV only had 3 stations. Fortunately, I was able to read to my heart's content and they had a basketball goal, so I survived.
That DUI changed my life actually. I was very messed up at the time. I was smoking dope like Cheech and drinking like Joan Crawford. I had long ago ran out of medication so sleep was an afterthought. I had barricaded my own life. I lost some really good friends and betrayed the trust of dear family. Desperation leads one to do things that they would not normally do. I fancy myself a smart guy, but I was hitting a 6.5 on the richter scale of stupidity.
I got cleaned up and ended up back in my hometown, which I pledged to never do. There were some family and friends that helped me get on my feet, but I had to do the heavy lifting myself. There were, and still are bridges that were burned. Even 4 years later, I am still bandaging those self-inflicted wounds. You can't unring a bell.....
Im writing this because there was one bridge in particular that I have been trying to traverse for a long time, and I think Im getting close. What brought on this communication with my oldest friend......COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!! Yep, he's a Notre Dame guy and they are having some success as is my dear Crimson Tide, so hopefully these two teams will continue to win so I can continue the long process of winning back a dear friend. Go Irish.
In closing, everyone has something in their past they are not proud of. Maybe some more than others, but it's never over. 4 years after hanging out with some other DUI offenders and not having a pot to piss in...nevermind the window, I am going to be writing for The Chattanooga Times pretty soon, plan on going to law school.......and have a perfect daughter.
There is an old saying that I remind myself of......"Luck favors the prepared mind." I've been lucky.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Russell Crowe Theory......
I was surfing last night and came upon "The Jay Leno Show." What struck my attention was the fact that Russell Crowe was promoting his newest film (Body of Lies) and his hair was really long. He really looked like a chick. As I was watching him talk in that thick Australian accent he has, he was twirling his hair...again like a chick. Wait...I twirl my hair.
Anyway, I normally do not listen to celebrities talk about anything remotely important. So, if I see Barbara Streisand, Rosie O'Donnell, or Brangelina spout off on politics or global warming, I shut down. I really do not care what these people say in general. They are great with soundbytes and no matter what they say, the studio audience cheers wildly. Yes, I get it. No War. Everyone should by a hybrid. The earth is melting. "W" is the antichrist. I understand.
Back to the girly looking Gladiator. Jay asked him what he thought of the current financial crisis here in states, in particular the potential trillion (with a T folks) bailout of Wall Street. My first reaction was something like...."This wuss lives in Australia, has a buzillion dollars, and has an accountant tell him how much money he has." However, the big guy made an interesting point. Albeit impossible, it made some sense.
Under the "Gladiator/Master and Commander Plan," Russell thinks every American...all 300 million of us recieve a million dollars free and clear. Under the "GMC Plan," this would increase spending and save the economy. Well, I can assure you that I would spend some serious coin if I got a check from Uncle Sam for a cool million. I think Bonnie would just buy the Galleria Mall in Birmingham and sleep on a cot next to Macy's. I'd drop out of school and see how long it would take me to play every 5 star golf course on the planet. I'm pretty sure that Emma would live like "Richie Rich." Hell, I'd buy her a new dog named "Dollar."
Ahh...to dream. The problem is that demand would exceed supply in about 30 seconds and we would be faced with a new kind of financial dilemma. Japanese industry would take over this country and I'd be eating rice and noodles for the rest of my days. Those same golf courses would be overrun by horrible golfers with bad etiquette and I'd have to wait in line. The new Bonnie Mall would run out of cool stuff pretty quick. Law enforcement and elected official would become even more corrupt...and we wouldn't care. So, I guess paying $4 for gas and wondering why I need to take out a loan to go to Bilo would make sense.
Times are hard people. I'm poor, you're poor, we're all poor. Perhaps, Mr. Crowe should just give us that 300 million himself. I mean, he gets 25 million per movie. Let's give him a city for himself for his troubles. How about Washington DC?
Take care...
Anyway, I normally do not listen to celebrities talk about anything remotely important. So, if I see Barbara Streisand, Rosie O'Donnell, or Brangelina spout off on politics or global warming, I shut down. I really do not care what these people say in general. They are great with soundbytes and no matter what they say, the studio audience cheers wildly. Yes, I get it. No War. Everyone should by a hybrid. The earth is melting. "W" is the antichrist. I understand.
Back to the girly looking Gladiator. Jay asked him what he thought of the current financial crisis here in states, in particular the potential trillion (with a T folks) bailout of Wall Street. My first reaction was something like...."This wuss lives in Australia, has a buzillion dollars, and has an accountant tell him how much money he has." However, the big guy made an interesting point. Albeit impossible, it made some sense.
Under the "Gladiator/Master and Commander Plan," Russell thinks every American...all 300 million of us recieve a million dollars free and clear. Under the "GMC Plan," this would increase spending and save the economy. Well, I can assure you that I would spend some serious coin if I got a check from Uncle Sam for a cool million. I think Bonnie would just buy the Galleria Mall in Birmingham and sleep on a cot next to Macy's. I'd drop out of school and see how long it would take me to play every 5 star golf course on the planet. I'm pretty sure that Emma would live like "Richie Rich." Hell, I'd buy her a new dog named "Dollar."
Ahh...to dream. The problem is that demand would exceed supply in about 30 seconds and we would be faced with a new kind of financial dilemma. Japanese industry would take over this country and I'd be eating rice and noodles for the rest of my days. Those same golf courses would be overrun by horrible golfers with bad etiquette and I'd have to wait in line. The new Bonnie Mall would run out of cool stuff pretty quick. Law enforcement and elected official would become even more corrupt...and we wouldn't care. So, I guess paying $4 for gas and wondering why I need to take out a loan to go to Bilo would make sense.
Times are hard people. I'm poor, you're poor, we're all poor. Perhaps, Mr. Crowe should just give us that 300 million himself. I mean, he gets 25 million per movie. Let's give him a city for himself for his troubles. How about Washington DC?
Take care...
Movie Review- "88 Minutes"
Hello everyone. Bonnie and I rented a couple of movies over the weekend from Blockbuster and I thought it would be cool to have a "guest blogger." Of course, 88 Minutes is not at the theatre anymore, but it was so bad I can only hope this review will keep some of you away from it. Anyway, here is Bonnie's review.
Holy crap!! This was one of the worst I 've seen since American Dreamz ( Hugh Grant).
Had this not been a rental I would have walked out 45 minutes into the movie. It was directed by the same guy who somehow screwed up "Righteous Kill"..director Jon Avnet. Now I will give him credit for working on Fried Green Tomatoes. That movie is one of my favorties. However, give him two of the best actors EVER and he will screw it up not once, but twice! Righteous Kill stunk, but not as hard as 88 minutes. I guess when you have both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino at least a few minutes have to be good just from the chemistry. Take one of those away and alone neither one can make one of Avnet's movies tolerable.
These movies are so similar that it's like they were shot at the same time. The same people are in them and they both are flat out awful. I am puzzled by the fact that Pacino is in both. Does he owe Avnet money? "88 minutes" was all over the place. It had so many plot lines it made my brain hurt kinda like watching an unruly child after giving him/her a bag of sugar to munch on. Each plot was just boring and made no sense at all, but lets jumble all of them up and people we have ourselves a movie. There were no cool action/blowing things up to help the movie. It was Pacino walking around talking on the phone about how many minutes he had left to live. I don't want to say too much more and give away the big plot twist. Lesson learned just because a movie has Pacino and/or De Niro in it does not make it good or even tolerable. I wish I had that 2 hours back, I could have used it better watching grass grow. D-
Holy crap!! This was one of the worst I 've seen since American Dreamz ( Hugh Grant).
Had this not been a rental I would have walked out 45 minutes into the movie. It was directed by the same guy who somehow screwed up "Righteous Kill"..director Jon Avnet. Now I will give him credit for working on Fried Green Tomatoes. That movie is one of my favorties. However, give him two of the best actors EVER and he will screw it up not once, but twice! Righteous Kill stunk, but not as hard as 88 minutes. I guess when you have both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino at least a few minutes have to be good just from the chemistry. Take one of those away and alone neither one can make one of Avnet's movies tolerable.
These movies are so similar that it's like they were shot at the same time. The same people are in them and they both are flat out awful. I am puzzled by the fact that Pacino is in both. Does he owe Avnet money? "88 minutes" was all over the place. It had so many plot lines it made my brain hurt kinda like watching an unruly child after giving him/her a bag of sugar to munch on. Each plot was just boring and made no sense at all, but lets jumble all of them up and people we have ourselves a movie. There were no cool action/blowing things up to help the movie. It was Pacino walking around talking on the phone about how many minutes he had left to live. I don't want to say too much more and give away the big plot twist. Lesson learned just because a movie has Pacino and/or De Niro in it does not make it good or even tolerable. I wish I had that 2 hours back, I could have used it better watching grass grow. D-
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