Ignite Phoenix #6 – How to Support the Troops

Here’s the video of my presentation. Fortunately, I don’t choke over my words too many times. Links for all of the stuff on the presentation is here.

Posted in Personal | Leave a comment

Grumpy at the Game

Sometimes I feel much older than my 42 years. Most of the time it is because of my health.

Today, however, it’s because of hecklers at the Dbacks game. I have been to a few games, no means a lot of them. But it is very rare I hear a heckler say something original and tonight was no different.

If you see gonna go to a baseball game, sit in the bleachers and heckle the outfielders, say something original or shaddup. And don’t be confused. Chances are you have absolutely nothing to say.

< / GRUMPY OLD MAN RANT>

Posted in Diamondbacks | Leave a comment

Ignite Phoenix #6 Links

These are the links used for my presentation at Ignite Phoenix #6. All links on this post will open in a new window/tab.

Operation Homefront Arizona: http://www.operationhomefront.net/Arizona/default.aspx

Soldiers’ Angels: http://www.soldiersangels.org/

Arizona Coalition for Military Families: http://www.arizonacoalition.org/

Joint Services Support: http://www.jointservicessupport.org/

Twitter links: #militarymon, @KissMyGumbo, @bouhammer, @SoldiersAngels, @milblogging

Cup of Joe for a Joe: http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/index.php

Thank you for supporting our men and women in uniform. God bless you.

Posted in Conferences, Military, United States | 2 Comments

DO ANYBODY NO HOW TO THINK?

The passing of the healthcare reform bill over the weekend seems to have re-ignited the polarization of American politics. From where I sit, people seem to be divided into two camps:

  • This is great! We all need healthcare…and now, no American will ever go without again!
  • Obama is a socialist, and we don’t need him telling us how to get our healthcare!

I have to confess that I do not know the first thing about the bill because I have not had the time to research. Bills have become way too long to read through hundreds of pages. If I accept someone else’s summarization of the bill, I usually have to accept their bias, too.

I am ready to start having honest conversations about politics and issues without the usual party lines about crap. I do not want to hear about President Obama’s birth certificate, Chicago politics connections, or anything with the words “socialism” or “Hitler.” The same can be said about right-wing hatred based on religious connections, George W. Bush, and contradictory stances.

I believe government works best when it takes a minimal role in our lives. I believe when we look to the government to regulate or provide us with services, the cost often outweighs the benefit. That being said, there are some services that need government direction like the military.

I am anxious to see the effect HCR has on individuals, businesses, and government. Governor Jan Brewer has already complained that HCR will cost the Arizona state government $1 billion per year but has not defined how.

Talk to me, folks. Tell me where real discussions on issues are taking place. Because I am sick and tired of business as usual in the world of politics.

Posted in Current Events, United States | 2 Comments

ESPN Wish List

I know. I’m a guy with a blog that gets read by three people on a good day. But since everyday Joes are saying they gave suggestions to make Windows 7 so freakin’ good, I figured if I gave my $0.02 on SportsCenter, they’d change that for good. So, if anyone in Bristol, CT is listening…here we go.

  1. As a baseball fan, I understand any Yankees/Red Sox series is important. But stop dedicating 50% of SportsCenter every time one of these series happens.
  2. SportsCenter does not need a legal expert. Period. If an athlete is on trial, mention it briefly,and continue telling us about SPORTS. Live coverage of any trial is boring, and belongs on something like TruTV. You’re good at SPORTS. Stick to it.
  3. We have pretty competitive sports teams out here in the west. And not all of the western teams are called the Lakers, either.
  4. I like fishing. Sometimes, if I’m really bored, I might even watch a fishing show. But it ain’t a sport.
  5. I know I sound like a grumpy old curmudgeon, so here’s an “atta boy” for ya: thank you for including UFC/MMA results. You’ve done an admirable job keeping up with a new sport.
  6. NHL. Work something out with the league and show a few games. Before you say anything about ratings, I’ll wonder out loud what kind of share professional bowling gets ya. Come on; throw us a bone here.
  7. Do we really need weeks of speculation about the NCAA basketball tournament? No fantasy benefit, or any other benefit I can see. A few days before, tell us who’s in and out. NOT in the middle of February.
  8. The NFL season is over. Stop talking about it for a few weeks. The scouting combine isn’t nearly as interesting as you think it is. (IMHO, anyhoo.)

Well, I think that’s it for now. You know how to get in contact with me if you have any other questions.

Posted in Entertainment, Sports | Leave a comment

Anniversaries

Men DO remember anniversaries!!

A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband was not in their bed. She puts on her robe and goes downstairs to look for him. She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee in front of him. He appears to be in deep thought, just staring at the wall, and then she watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of this coffee.

“What’s the matter, dear?” She whispers as she steps into the room, “Why are you down here at this time of night?”

The husband looks up from is coffee, “Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 16?” he asks solemnly. The wife is touched to tears thinking that her husband is so caring and sensitive. “Yes I do,” she
replies.

The husband paused. The words were not coming easily. “Do you remember when your father caught us in the back seat of my car making love?” “Yes, I remember,” said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him.

The husband continued. “Do you remember when he said, ‘Either you marry my daughter, or I will send you to jail for 20 years?” “I remember that too” she replied softly. He wiped another tear from his cheek and said… “I would have gotten out today.”

Posted in Humour | Leave a comment

Restructure

As an FYI for the two people that actually read this blog: I’m restructuring the blog, including categories and themes. Abnormal programming will resume in the next few days.

Posted in Site News | Leave a comment

UFC 110 Fantasy Results

I guess I did alright…ranked 110 out of 17,575 players. Woot!

For those that didn’t get to see the card…wow. You missed a great one. Cro Cop returned to his winning ways against Anthony Perosh, an Aussie that took the fight on two days notice. Ryan Bader knocked out Keith Jardine in the 3rd round with an impressive combination in a very close fight. George Sotiropoulous got a decision over Joe Stevenson in an entertaining fight with lots of action, and what I believe was an underdog win. Wanderlei Silva also went to the judges to get his win over Michael Bisping in another close fight. Finally, Cain Velasquez should get knockout of the night after putting Minotauro Nogueira to sleep in less than 3 minutes.

The UFC continues to impress with the competitiveness of their bouts. What a night!

Posted in UFC | Leave a comment

UFC 110 Fantasy Picks

Here’s who I’m picking for UFC 110. Which means I’ll fall flat on my face since I’m publishing them.

Bubba's UFC Picks

Posted in UFC | Leave a comment

Brett Favre Watch, Day 2

It’s Monday after the NFC/AFC championship games, and we now know the Colts and Saints will be playing in the Super Bowl. Those that know me well know that I’m rooting for the Colts; however, I am not making predictions. The Saints have won a couple of games in a manner that can only be described as miraculous (see the Redskins game). I hope the Colts win…but the Saints seem like a team of destiny.

But as you can guess by the title, I’m going to write about Brett Favre. *sigh* I had a friend text me, teasing about my dislike of the All-Star, retired, un-retired, re-retired, un-retired-again quarterback.

Here’s the thing with Favre. I never disliked his ability as a QB; everyone knows this guy is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, and deservedly so. What I have been critical of is his method of dealing with teams he no longer wants to play for. He whined his way out of the Packers, he manipulated out of his Jets contract, and cost Mangini his job in the process.

The media is forever talking about whether or not he will return next year. Why? They haven’t even cleaned all the trash from the Superdome, and we’re talking about whether or not he’s going to retire.

First of all, Brett, we get it. You were injured when you were with the Jets, and you came back strong. You still have the ability to play with the best the NFL has to offer.

Next, you did the right thing by saying you’re not going to decide right now. That’s the right answer, even if you already have a decision. Don’t say anything until you’re ready to make a decision…and stick to it.

Finally, media. When it comes to Mr. Favre: shaddup. Stop talking about retirement, legacy, decisions, whatever. Talk about the Colts, the Saints, Miami, the Pro Bowl (which is a joke because Super Bowl players won’t be there), the NBA, or anything else with some relevance.

There ya go. Thanks for a good season, Brett. Now go ride a tractor for a few months before telling us what your decision is.

Posted in Other NFL | Leave a comment