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.

October 30, 2012

1. I think changing the value of the dollar is immoral. It is stealing. As our national debt grows, the value of the dollar will inevitably be reduced. It is time we as citizens hold all politicians accountable for spending policies that violate one of the 10 Commandments.

2. I’m praying for the east coast. “Sandy” appears to be a terrible and disruptive storm.

3. I think the San Francisco Giants franchise is the most impressive one I have seen so far this decade in sports. To win with the adversity they have faced, and to have the “common men” outhit the opponents’ superstars is staggering. They are the true definition of "team."

4. I think college education is changing at light speed.

            TIME recently had a good article about this subject. One anecdote concerned an 11-year-old Pakistani girl who was taking a final exam of an online college physics course (yes, physics!)

            The course was offered by a Stanford professor through a private consortium. For this reason, people all over the world had been enrolled in it. During the exam, the Pakistani government closed down all national access to YouTube, which was broadcasting the course.

            Devastated, the girl wrote on her class’s discussion board, “I am very angry, but I will not quit.” Students from all over the world pitched in to help. Ultimately, other students found a way to bypass the government censors and the girl passed her final.

            I found this story insightful, inspirational, and indicational (I made that word up so I could have another one that began with the letter “i”) of the future of education.

5. I don’t like the movie MY FAIR LADY. Through the years, my girls have periodically watched it. Overhearing the musical (I slept through it the first time I tried to watch it) yet again last night, I never cease tiring of it.

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