November 27, 2012

1. I think you don't build sons simply in the house; rather, you build sons hunting on the creek, working in the yard, or playing on the football field. Likewise, you don't build disciples simply in the "House of God." No, you build disciples hunting on the Creek, at the work place, playing on the football field, or in YOUR house.

2. Sorry to see last week that we lost actor Larry Hagman; I guess this was no shock considering he cheated death a couple of times before. While acutely aware of the DALLAS spectacle, I must admit I have never seen an episode in my life.

3. While I’m no fan of Notre Dame, I’ve got to salute the Fighting Irish on their season—really remarkable. I think they have a chance to defeat either Alabama or Georgia in the BCS title game.

4. My daughter, Haleigh, and I saw the movie LINCOLN last week. We both enjoyed it very much.

         I found it different from what I expected it to be. Steven Spielberg so often directs movies that generate a lot of emotion: think E.T., or SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Emotion was what I was expecting with LINCOLN. Instead, it was a much more analytical movie. The plot focused on Lincoln’s intense effort to get the 13th amendment passed by Congress. That was thought provoking, but not very emotional. Nevertheless, there were some very poignant moments.

         For example, scenes of Lincoln walking around the White House during the middle of the night… pondering his next move in a chess match in which he appears to be beaten.

         Also, I found the portrayal of the intense personal atmosphere of the White House of the 1860s to be touching. People flocked in constantly. There were very few places the First Family could go for respite. You have the sense that the whole world was closing in on the Lincolns. (I’m sure that was a big reason Lincoln would often retreat to the Soldiers Home—outside Washington—during the summer.)

         Daniel Day Lewis does an incredible job as Abraham Lincoln. I would not be surprised to see him garner his third best actor Oscar. Furthermore, Spielberg would be no surprise as best director and LINCOLN would be no surprise to win best picture.

         I think you should go see the movie.

5. I think that if you like popular music, the song “Little Talk”, by the Icelandic band, OF MONSTERS AND MEN is a whole lot of fun.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this title.

November 20, 2012

1. I am shocked to see that the U.S. will in a year or two become the world’s largest exporter of oil.

2. Good for you West Feliciana (LA) High School. You selected Mary Margaret Burns as your homecoming queen—and it was no prank. (Incidentally, in case you have not heard, Mary Margaret has Down’s syndrome.)

3. Told my daughter, Haleigh, the other day that Frida Lyngstad, the brunette female singer of ABBA fame, turned 67. Haleigh could not believe it. It’s even harder for me to believe.

4. I think I feel bad for the Psychic Friends Network. I read in a magazine (WORLD) that the company filed papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission expressing the hope they earn $64 million in 2015.

            Beware! They also stated, “Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because PFN (Psychic Friends Network) can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.” Well if the psychics can’t see into our economic future, who can?!

5. I have not had the chance to comment on the death of former UT football coach, Darrell Royal. When I was a boy, I was electrified by the greatest and most courageous coaching call in football history.

            Texas was playing the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville. The game had been moved to December. Texas was number 1 and Arkansas was number 2.

            Behind virtually the entire game, Royal chose to go for it on fourth down and three with just a few minutes left. Texas was a running team. Royal typically disdained the pass, having once said, “Three things can happen when you pass… and two of them are bad.”

            Well, Royal called a long pass… and it helped the Longhorns defeat the Razorbacks and gave Texas its second national championship of the 60s. Rest in peace, Darrell Royal.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this title.

November 6, 2012

1. I pray for the folks on the east coast. “Sandy” killed people and caused billions in property damage. Yet, I think I am grateful to live in the day and age we do--when people can receive plenty of warning. Thousands of lives would have been spared in New York in 1938 and in Galveston in 1900 (to name two major storms) had there been more advance warning.

2. Today is Election Day. I think the posts I have seen advocating turning this day into a national holiday have it right. Surely that would encourage more turnout, jog our memories as to how blessed we are, and remind us that “[W]e the people” are responsible for our own government. This last point is so important. Ultimately, in terms of making a difference, it’s not the politicians; it’s the people. Politicians always listen to their bosses—otherwise known as their constituents.

3. We are halfway through the NFL season and I am sticking with my preseason Super Bowl picks-- San Francisco and Houston.

4. I know everybody has jumped on Dallas’ case lately, including myself; however, last Sunday night, they showed me something in their loss to Atlanta. They played very well in the harshest of environments against the team with the best record in football. Dallas is facing adversity at just the right time—now. Four of the last five Super Bowl champions had similar records this time of the season. They all peaked at the end. Mark my words: barring injury, Dallas will make the playoffs this year and play very well. If they peak and catch some breaks—they will make it to the Super Bowl. You heard it here first.

5. Did you see the TIME cover story on Spielberg’s new movie LINCOLN? The movie opens this weekend. I think this is a must-see movie.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this title.