I usually grow a beard in the winter time. Sometimes I keep it for two weeks, sometimes I keep it for two months...just depends on when I get tired of it.
I enjoy a beard when it's really cold out because it keeps the brutal winds from making your cheeks numb. This year I went ahead and grew one early in anticipation of an upcoming job in which I'd have to be outside a lot.
Well, the job was delayed. But I kept the beard. Then this winter turns into one of the mildest in recent memory. So now, it's the end of January and I'm thinking about shaving it but that job is about to finally get underway and I'm afraid if I do it will turn brutally cold.
Beards are the way to go when you spend a lot of time outside. Even in the summer they can soak up your sweat and keep the sun off your face. Unfortunately they don't always look or feel too good.
JB
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Restoration
I like these restoration shows that are on TV now. One of my favorite shows is Pawn Stars. They always buy old things and then get them restored. I find it interesting.
I was a a jobsite this week and I saw this old fire truck...
And then the guy who restores some stuff on Pawn Stars got his own show called American Restoration. That's a good one too. Old stuff from the 40s and 50s is pretty cool, and I like how they can make it look brand new again.
JB
I was a a jobsite this week and I saw this old fire truck...
And then the guy who restores some stuff on Pawn Stars got his own show called American Restoration. That's a good one too. Old stuff from the 40s and 50s is pretty cool, and I like how they can make it look brand new again.
JB
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Great Lesson From Soloman
In 1 Kings, Chapter 3; Soloman asks God for a "discerning heart to govern [God's] people and to distinguish between right and wrong". So, since Soloman asks God for this instead of riches, long life or death to his enemies, God made him the most wise man who will ever live. In addition to that, he gave Soloman all the riches he did not ask for.
Wisdom is very important. It is much more than knowledge, which can just be accumulated at any time. But wisdom is developed over time with experiences that have allowed for understanding and discernment. Perhaps the wisest thing we can do is recognize we are not in control of our lives, but God is.
This passage goes to show, if you are seeking to glorify God, to do his will, to follow where he leads, then God will bless you much more than you could have done on your own. And the fact is, if you really are seeking God's will, and not your will, then you really won't hunger and thirst for worldly things; but you will hunger and thirst for righteousness.
JB
Wisdom is very important. It is much more than knowledge, which can just be accumulated at any time. But wisdom is developed over time with experiences that have allowed for understanding and discernment. Perhaps the wisest thing we can do is recognize we are not in control of our lives, but God is.
This passage goes to show, if you are seeking to glorify God, to do his will, to follow where he leads, then God will bless you much more than you could have done on your own. And the fact is, if you really are seeking God's will, and not your will, then you really won't hunger and thirst for worldly things; but you will hunger and thirst for righteousness.
JB
Monday, January 23, 2012
Grilling in the Winter
Why don't people like to grill out in the winter? The price of charcoal increases, and no one ever has barbecues. I don't understand this at all, especially in the south.
It doesn't bother me at all to grill when it's cold. Just because it's January doesn't mean I don't want hamburgers and steak anymore. The only real difference to me between the two is instead of staying outside while cooking, you stay inside and check on it periodically.
No need to change grilling habits based on the seasons. The smell of the grill is one of my all-time favorites, and there's no reason to keep that confined to the summer.
JB
It doesn't bother me at all to grill when it's cold. Just because it's January doesn't mean I don't want hamburgers and steak anymore. The only real difference to me between the two is instead of staying outside while cooking, you stay inside and check on it periodically.
No need to change grilling habits based on the seasons. The smell of the grill is one of my all-time favorites, and there's no reason to keep that confined to the summer.
JB
Friday, January 20, 2012
Urban Barrel Gardening
I saw this concept on RFD a few weeks back, I thought it was pretty cool. Basically, if you don't have the ability to keep your own garden, or the land, you can grow vegetables in a barrel.
The plants grow around the exterior of the barrel, which has holes in it for photosynthesis. By using this method, you only use up 10% of the space you would use for traditional row gardening.
I've never tried it, but it looks pretty cool.
JB
The plants grow around the exterior of the barrel, which has holes in it for photosynthesis. By using this method, you only use up 10% of the space you would use for traditional row gardening.
I've never tried it, but it looks pretty cool.
JB
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Organ Donation
Everyone should be an organ donor. It's simple, you die...but doctors can still use your organs to save someone else's life. That is a no-brainer to me.
God gave us bodies for this earth, but that is all they are. They will be placed in a grave when we die, and then turn to bones, and then to dust. There is no reason to keep your organs, they should go to someone who needs them.
My father-in-law was the recipient of an organ transplant. He got a new liver six and a half years ago from a 28-year-old man who had died suddenly. Now he is able to live on. If that man had not checked 'organ donor' on his driver's license, may father-in-law may have never gotten a liver (because those are hard to come by).
But that guy was indeed an organ donor, as we all should be. If you accomplish nothing in your life, if you aren't able to be a blessing to anyone (which I doubt would ever be the case), then you could at least know that you could be a blessing to someone after you die. Be an organ donor, it's the right thing to do.
JB
God gave us bodies for this earth, but that is all they are. They will be placed in a grave when we die, and then turn to bones, and then to dust. There is no reason to keep your organs, they should go to someone who needs them.
My father-in-law was the recipient of an organ transplant. He got a new liver six and a half years ago from a 28-year-old man who had died suddenly. Now he is able to live on. If that man had not checked 'organ donor' on his driver's license, may father-in-law may have never gotten a liver (because those are hard to come by).
But that guy was indeed an organ donor, as we all should be. If you accomplish nothing in your life, if you aren't able to be a blessing to anyone (which I doubt would ever be the case), then you could at least know that you could be a blessing to someone after you die. Be an organ donor, it's the right thing to do.
JB
Monday, January 16, 2012
Wanting What You Don't Need
I am just as guilty as anyone of wanting what I don't need. I may have been oblivious to something before, but I'll see something someone else has and I'll want one for myself. Everyone does this.
One time an American company built a plant in Central America because of the plentiful and inexpensive labor. Everything went well. They built the plant and hired excellent employees at a cheap rate. Then, they had their first payday and everyone was very happy. But a strange thing happened the rest of that week - nobody showed up for work! Management was bewildered and went to the village leader for an explanation. The leader explained, "Well, now we've got all we need. Why should we come back to work?" So, management devised a powerful game plan. They sent each employee a full-color mail order catalog, and all the workers immediately showed back up for work.
When we go through the bills, there are a lot of them that are luxuries. Cable, internet, cell phone, internet on the cell phone, Netflix, etc. Then you spend money to buy a new computer, bigger TV, faster phone. When really, you were in just as good of shape when you had your old computer, tube TV, and slow phone.
It's funny how we hate what we have when we know there's something better out there. The trick is to be content. That is really hard to do. Especially when the economy eventually does come back and there's money to spend. You just want more stuff. It's something I have to pray for (contentment) or I'll go off the deep end wanting something until I get it.
JB
One time an American company built a plant in Central America because of the plentiful and inexpensive labor. Everything went well. They built the plant and hired excellent employees at a cheap rate. Then, they had their first payday and everyone was very happy. But a strange thing happened the rest of that week - nobody showed up for work! Management was bewildered and went to the village leader for an explanation. The leader explained, "Well, now we've got all we need. Why should we come back to work?" So, management devised a powerful game plan. They sent each employee a full-color mail order catalog, and all the workers immediately showed back up for work.
When we go through the bills, there are a lot of them that are luxuries. Cable, internet, cell phone, internet on the cell phone, Netflix, etc. Then you spend money to buy a new computer, bigger TV, faster phone. When really, you were in just as good of shape when you had your old computer, tube TV, and slow phone.
It's funny how we hate what we have when we know there's something better out there. The trick is to be content. That is really hard to do. Especially when the economy eventually does come back and there's money to spend. You just want more stuff. It's something I have to pray for (contentment) or I'll go off the deep end wanting something until I get it.
JB
Friday, January 13, 2012
Way Too Early 2012 SEC Predictions
The 2011 season is over, so naturally it's time to release some way too early 2012 SEC predictions. This is Phase I in the prediction process. Phase II is after spring practice, and Phase III (the final phase) is two weeks before the season, after most of the summer arrests are tallied up.
EAST
1. Georgia
2. South Carolina
3. Florida
4. Missouri
5. Tennessee
6. Vanderbilt
7. Kentucky
WEST
1. LSU
2. Arkansas
3. Alabama
4. Mississippi State
5. Auburn
6. Texas A&M
7. Ole Miss
JB
EAST
1. Georgia
2. South Carolina
3. Florida
4. Missouri
5. Tennessee
6. Vanderbilt
7. Kentucky
WEST
1. LSU
2. Arkansas
3. Alabama
4. Mississippi State
5. Auburn
6. Texas A&M
7. Ole Miss
JB
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Polls - End of the Season
I think it should be a split national title for two reasons: 1. unlike the NFL who has a playoff season, the regular season game between LSU and Alabama was for all the marbles. There wasn't anyone thinking, let's play this game as a measuring stick, but the real championship will come later. That was it. And LSU won the game. 2. College football waits over a month between the last game and the championship. Saban is very good about preparation, and he mastered the BCS Title Game. If there were a playoff in a week to week scenario, or just one bye week, I'm not sure they come up with such a great defensive gameplan. Yes, those are the rules and Bama won by them, but LSU had such a great regular season, one of the best all time, and I think they deserve a split since they lost to a team they had beaten - on the road no less.
1. Alabama, 12-1 (1): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn, W vs. #1 LSU
1. LSU, 13-1 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss, W vs. #3 Arkansas, W vs. #14 Georgia, L vs. #2 Alabama
3. Oklahoma State, 12-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State, W vs. #12 Oklahoma, W vs. #6 Stanford
4. Oregon, 12-2 (4): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State, W vs. UCLA, W vs. #10 Wisconsin
5. Arkansas, 11-2 (5): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU, W vs. #11 Kansas State
6. Stanford, 11-2 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame, L vs. #3 Oklahoma State
7. South Carolina, 11-2 (9): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson, W vs. #22 Nebraska
8. Southern California, 10-2 (6): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
9. Boise State, 12-1 (8): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Arizona State
10. Michigan State, 11-3 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern, L vs. #16 Wisconsin, W vs. #12 Georgia
11. Georgia, 10-4 (19): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech, L vs. #1 LSU, L vs. #15 Michigan State
12. Wisconsin, 11-3 (10): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State, W vs. #11 Michigan State, L vs. #4 Oregon
13. Michigan, 11-2 (12): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State, W vs. #17 Virginia Tech
14. Kansas State, 10-3 (15): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas, W vs. Iowa State, L vs. #5 Arkansas
15. Baylor, 10-3 (15): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. Texas, W vs. Washington
16. TCU, 11-2 (14): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State, W vs. UNLV, W vs. Louisiana Tech
17. Southern Miss, 12-2 (20): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis, W at #7 Houston, W vs. Hawaii
18. Houston, 13-1 (18): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa, L vs. #24 Southern Miss, W vs. #24 Penn State
19. West Virginia, 10-3 (17): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh, W at South Florida, W vs. #13 Clemson
20. Oklahoma, 10-2 (16): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State, L at #3 Oklahoma State, W vs. Iowa
21. Clemson, 10-4 (22): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina, W vs. #8 Virginia Tech, L vs. #23 West Virginia
22. Virginia Tech, 11-3 (21): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia, L vs. #20 Clemson, L vs. #16 Michigan
23. Auburn, 8-5 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU, W vs. Ole Miss, L at #12 Georgia, W vs. Samford, L vs. #2 Alabama, W vs. Virginia
24. Florida State, 9-4 (23): W vs. ULM, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma, L at #15 Clemson, L at Wake Forest, W at Duke, W vs. Maryland, W vs. N.C. State, W at Boston College, W vs. Miami (FL), L vs. #25 Virginia, W at Florida, W vs. Notre Dame
25. Nebraska, 9-4 (24): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa, L vs. #8 South Carolina
Cincinnati is ranked #25 in the AP.
JB
1. Alabama, 12-1 (1): W vs. Kent State, W at Penn State, W vs. North Texas, W vs. #8 Arkansas, W at #17 Florida, W vs. Vanderbilt, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Tennessee, L vs. #1 LSU, W at Mississippi State, W vs. Georgia Southern, W at Auburn, W vs. #1 LSU
1. LSU, 13-1 (1): W vs. #3 Oregon, W vs. Northwestern State, W at #16 Mississippi State, W at #19 West Virginia, W vs. Kentucky, W vs. #22 Florida, W at Tennessee, W vs. #15 Auburn, W at #2 Alabama, W vs. Western Kentucky, W at Ole Miss, W vs. #3 Arkansas, W vs. #14 Georgia, L vs. #2 Alabama
3. Oklahoma State, 12-1 (3): W vs. LA-Lafayette, W vs. Arizona, W vs. Tulsa, W at #11 Texas A&M, W vs. Kansas, W at #22 Texas, W at Missouri, W vs. #24 Baylor, W vs. #16 Kansas State, W at Texas Tech, L at Iowa State, W vs. #12 Oklahoma, W vs. #6 Stanford
4. Oregon, 12-2 (4): L vs. #4 LSU, W vs. #9 Nevada, W vs. Missouri State, W at Arizona, W vs. Cal, W vs. #19 Arizona State, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington State, W at Washington, W at #3 Stanford, L vs. #16 Southern Cal, W vs. Oregon State, W vs. UCLA, W vs. #10 Wisconsin
5. Arkansas, 11-2 (5): W vs. Missouri State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Troy, L at #6 Alabama, W vs. #13 Texas A&M, W vs. #9 Auburn, W at Ole Miss, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. #11 South Carolina, W vs. Tennessee, W vs. Mississippi State, L at #1 LSU, W vs. #11 Kansas State
6. Stanford, 11-2 (7): W vs. San Jose St., W at Duke, W at Arizona, W vs. UCLA, W vs. Colorado, W at Washington State, W vs. #25 Washington, W at #21 Southern California, W at Oregon State, L vs. #5 Oregon, W vs. Cal, W vs. #24 Notre Dame, L vs. #3 Oklahoma State
7. South Carolina, 11-2 (9): W vs. East Carolina, W at Georgia, W vs. Navy, W vs. Vanderbilt, L vs. #14 Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, L at Arkansas, W vs. Florida, W vs. The Citadel, W vs. #13 Clemson, W vs. #22 Nebraska
8. Southern California, 10-2 (6): W vs. Minnesota, W vs. Utah, W vs. Syracuse, L at Arizona State, W at Arizona, W at Cal, W at Notre Dame, L at #3 Stanford, W at Colorado, W vs. Washington, W at #4 Oregon, W vs. UCLA
9. Boise State, 12-1 (8): W at Georgia, W at Toledo, W vs. Tulsa, W vs. Nevada, W at Fresno State, W at Colorado State, W vs. Air Force, W at UNLV, L vs. TCU, W at San Diego State, W vs. Wyoming, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. Arizona State
10. Michigan State, 11-3 (11): W vs. Youngstown State, W vs. Florida Atlantic, L at Notre Dame, W at Central Michigan, W at Ohio State, W vs. #11 Michigan, W vs. #4 Wisconsin, L at #13 Nebraska, W vs. Minnesota, W at Iowa, W vs. Indiana, W at Northwestern, L vs. #16 Wisconsin, W vs. #12 Georgia
11. Georgia, 10-4 (19): L vs. #9 Boise State, L vs. #22 South Carolina, W vs. Coastal Carolina, W at Ole Miss, W vs. Mississippi State, W at Tennessee, W at Vanderbilt, W vs. Florida, W vs. New Mexico State, W vs. Auburn, W vs. Kentucky, W at #23 Georgia Tech, L vs. #1 LSU, L vs. #15 Michigan State
12. Wisconsin, 11-3 (10): W vs. UNLV, W vs. Oregon State, W at Northern Illinois, W vs. South Dakota, W vs. #10 Nebraska, W vs. Indiana, L at #16 Michigan State, L at Ohio State, W vs. Purdue, W at Minnesota, W at Illinois, W vs. #21 Penn State, W vs. #11 Michigan State, L vs. #4 Oregon
13. Michigan, 11-2 (12): W vs. Western Michigan, W vs. Notre Dame, W vs. Eastern Michigan, W vs. San Diego State, W vs. Minnesota, W at Northwestern, L at #24 Michigan State, W vs. Purdue, L at Iowa, W at Illinois, W vs. #19 Nebraska, W vs. Ohio State, W vs. #17 Virginia Tech
14. Kansas State, 10-3 (15): W vs. Eastern Kentucky, W vs. Kent State, W at Miami (Fl), W vs. #12 Baylor, W vs. Missouri, W at Texas Tech, W at Kansas, L vs. #11 Oklahoma, L at #4 Oklahoma State, W vs. Texas A&M, W at Texas, W vs. Iowa State, L vs. #5 Arkansas
15. Baylor, 10-3 (15): W vs. #2 TCU, W vs. Stephen F. Austin, W vs. Rice, L at Kansas State, W vs. Iowa State, L at #23 Texas A&M, L at #6 Oklahoma State, W vs. Missouri, W at Kansas, W vs. #7 Oklahoma, W vs. Texas Tech, W vs. Texas, W vs. Washington
16. TCU, 11-2 (14): L at Baylor, W at Air Force, W vs. La-Monroe, W vs. Portland State, L vs. SMU, W at San Diego State, W vs. New Mexico, W vs. BYU, W at Wyoming, W at #6 Boise State, W vs. Colorado State, W vs. UNLV, W vs. Louisiana Tech
17. Southern Miss, 12-2 (20): W vs. Louisiana Tech, L at Marshall, W at SE Louisiana, W at Virginia, W vs. Rice, W at Navy, W vs. SMU, W at UTEP, W at East Carolina, W vs. Central Florida, L at UAB, W vs. Memphis, W at #7 Houston, W vs. Hawaii
18. Houston, 13-1 (18): W vs. UCLA, W at North Texas, W at LA Tech, W vs. Georgia State, W at UTEP, W vs. East Carolina, W vs. Marshall, W vs. Rice, W at UAB, W at Tulane, W vs. SMU, W at Tulsa, L vs. #24 Southern Miss, W vs. #24 Penn State
19. West Virginia, 10-3 (17): W vs. Marshall, W vs. Norfolk State, W at #21 Maryland, L vs. #1 LSU, W vs. Bowling Green, W vs. UConn, L at Syracuse, W at Rutgers, L vs. Louisville, W at Cincinnati, W vs. Pittsburgh, W at South Florida, W vs. #13 Clemson
20. Oklahoma, 10-2 (16): W vs. #24 Tusla, W at #14 Florida State, W vs. Missouri, W vs. Ball State, W vs. #12 Texas, W at Kansas, L vs. Texas Tech, W at #9 Kansas State, W vs. Texas A&M, L at #24 Baylor, W vs. Iowa State, L at #3 Oklahoma State, W vs. Iowa
21. Clemson, 10-4 (22): W vs. Troy, W vs. Wofford, W vs. #1 Auburn, W vs. #14 Florida State, W at #9 Virginia Tech, W vs. Boston College, W at Maryland, W vs. North Carolina, L at Georgia Tech, W vs. Wake Forest, L at N.C. State, L at #12 South Carolina, W vs. #8 Virginia Tech, L vs. #23 West Virginia
22. Virginia Tech, 11-3 (21): W vs. App. State, W at East Carolina, W vs. Arkansas State, W at Marshall, L vs. #11 Clemson, W vs. Miami (FL), W at Wake Forest, W vs. Boston College, W at Duke, W at #17 Georgia Tech, W vs. North Carolina, W at #22 Virginia, L vs. #20 Clemson, L vs. #16 Michigan
23. Auburn, 8-5 (NR): W vs. Utah State, W vs. #14 Mississippi State, L at Clemson, W vs. Florida Atlantic, W at #15 South Carolina, L at #11 Arkansas, W vs. Florida, L at #1 LSU, W vs. Ole Miss, L at #12 Georgia, W vs. Samford, L vs. #2 Alabama, W vs. Virginia
24. Florida State, 9-4 (23): W vs. ULM, W vs. Charleston Southern, L vs. #4 Oklahoma, L at #15 Clemson, L at Wake Forest, W at Duke, W vs. Maryland, W vs. N.C. State, W at Boston College, W vs. Miami (FL), L vs. #25 Virginia, W at Florida, W vs. Notre Dame
25. Nebraska, 9-4 (24): W vs. Chattanooga, W vs. Fresno State, W vs. Washington, W at Wyoming, L at #5 Wisconsin, W vs. Ohio State, W at Minnesota, W vs. #10 Michigan State, L vs. Northwestern, W at #20 Penn State, L at #20 Michigan, W vs. Iowa, L vs. #8 South Carolina
Cincinnati is ranked #25 in the AP.
JB
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Falcons
This NFL postseason I was rooting for the Falcons and the Broncos. The Falcons because they are my hometown team, and have always been my favorite. The Broncos because I am a big Tim Tebow fan. The birds were a massive disappointment, the horses surpassed expectations.
The biggest difference I saw between the two was the Broncos were throwing hay-makers at the Steelers, the Falcons were throwing jabs at the Giants. Maybe it's because Denver had nothing to lose really. The Falcons were either playing tight or they choked.
I really like Matt Ryan and I think he is a very good quarterback. I'm not sure he'll get to the level of Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers but few ever do, very few. But he is good enough to win a Superbowl. A lot of people in Atlanta a ready to throw in the towel on Ryan because he hasn't performed well in playoffs games. But I don't agree with that.
My viewpoint is that there are only 3-5 QBs at a time in the NFL that are so good they can lead you to the Superbowl on their shoulders. Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees...those are the kind of guys I'm talking about. For the rest of the teams, you've got to find an adequate QB who can manage the game, make a few throws, play well in crunch time and then focus on defense and the running game.
After four years I think we've seen what Matt Ryan is capable of. He may grow by leaps and bounds like Drew Brees did, but he may not. The Falcons need to shift the focus to defense and start building a team that isn't focused on explosive offense but efficient offense and solid defense.
JB
The biggest difference I saw between the two was the Broncos were throwing hay-makers at the Steelers, the Falcons were throwing jabs at the Giants. Maybe it's because Denver had nothing to lose really. The Falcons were either playing tight or they choked.
I really like Matt Ryan and I think he is a very good quarterback. I'm not sure he'll get to the level of Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers but few ever do, very few. But he is good enough to win a Superbowl. A lot of people in Atlanta a ready to throw in the towel on Ryan because he hasn't performed well in playoffs games. But I don't agree with that.
My viewpoint is that there are only 3-5 QBs at a time in the NFL that are so good they can lead you to the Superbowl on their shoulders. Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees...those are the kind of guys I'm talking about. For the rest of the teams, you've got to find an adequate QB who can manage the game, make a few throws, play well in crunch time and then focus on defense and the running game.
After four years I think we've seen what Matt Ryan is capable of. He may grow by leaps and bounds like Drew Brees did, but he may not. The Falcons need to shift the focus to defense and start building a team that isn't focused on explosive offense but efficient offense and solid defense.
JB
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Time For Me to Talk About Tebow Again
Tim Tebow just threw for 316 yards vs. the best pass defense in the NFL. He just won a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been in the Superbowl 3 of the last 6 years - winning two of them. Are you sure he can't play quarterback in the NFL?
Everybody hated on him coming into the draft. Then criticized Josh McDaniels for picking him in the 1st round. People said he didn't deserve an opportunity to play when the Broncos were 1-4 with Kyle Orton. Then he wins 7 of 8 and a few people change their tune. But a loss to the Patriots in Week 15 and they again say he can't beat a good team so he shouldn't start for the Broncos in 2012. Then Tebow has two horrible games against the Bills and Chiefs, the Broncos back into the playoffs at 8-8, and they say Brady Quinn should take over in the playoffs.
It's true, Tebow never beat a team with a winning record in the regular season. Of his 7 wins, the best teams the Broncos beat were the Jets, Raiders, Bears, and Chargers who all finished 8-8 (same as Denver). Still, how could anyone say that Brady Quinn should play over Tebow in the playoffs. Tebow was 7-4 in the regular season, but that's not the point. The point is the Broncos were heading down the tubes with Kyle Orton, Tebow came in and pumped them up to 8-5. Yes, his game fell apart in the last couple weeks, but he is the reason they even got to the playoffs.
And good for John Fox, he stuck with Tebow and it paid off. The Steelers were 12-4 this year, so it looks like he has beaten a pretty solid team. Add to it four 40+ yard pass plays, three of them 50+ including the 80 yard game winner and I think he can play QB. No, he's not a Top 5, or Top 10, or Top 15 quarterback. Maybe not even Top 25 in the NFL. But he is a Top 5 winner, and he gets it done. He is clutch. I can't wait to see round 2 vs. the Patriots this weekend.
JB
Everybody hated on him coming into the draft. Then criticized Josh McDaniels for picking him in the 1st round. People said he didn't deserve an opportunity to play when the Broncos were 1-4 with Kyle Orton. Then he wins 7 of 8 and a few people change their tune. But a loss to the Patriots in Week 15 and they again say he can't beat a good team so he shouldn't start for the Broncos in 2012. Then Tebow has two horrible games against the Bills and Chiefs, the Broncos back into the playoffs at 8-8, and they say Brady Quinn should take over in the playoffs.
It's true, Tebow never beat a team with a winning record in the regular season. Of his 7 wins, the best teams the Broncos beat were the Jets, Raiders, Bears, and Chargers who all finished 8-8 (same as Denver). Still, how could anyone say that Brady Quinn should play over Tebow in the playoffs. Tebow was 7-4 in the regular season, but that's not the point. The point is the Broncos were heading down the tubes with Kyle Orton, Tebow came in and pumped them up to 8-5. Yes, his game fell apart in the last couple weeks, but he is the reason they even got to the playoffs.
And good for John Fox, he stuck with Tebow and it paid off. The Steelers were 12-4 this year, so it looks like he has beaten a pretty solid team. Add to it four 40+ yard pass plays, three of them 50+ including the 80 yard game winner and I think he can play QB. No, he's not a Top 5, or Top 10, or Top 15 quarterback. Maybe not even Top 25 in the NFL. But he is a Top 5 winner, and he gets it done. He is clutch. I can't wait to see round 2 vs. the Patriots this weekend.
JB
Monday, January 9, 2012
Why Go to a Barber?
When you think about it, why would anyone drive to a barber shop, wait for the barber, and then pay the barber to cut their hair? I mean, we all know how to use scissors don't we?
Of course, I'm talking about men here. For no reason would I suggest a woman cut their own hair. They have complicated hair styles and if it gets messed up it will ruin their year.
But why pay someone $15 a month to cut a man's hair? Because he is a professional at scissors?
I have gone to a barber only twice in the last 10 years, and none in six years. That's not because I have long hair, it's because I cut my own hair with clippers. I do this, and no one can tell the difference. I don't have a crew cut either. Clippers can cut your hair at a high enough setting that you'll get the same haircut as the barber would give you. And the $30 you spend on them will save you plenty over the long haul as they will last 4-5 years.
Unless you just like the barber shop, then what is the point? If you are trying to save money, this is an easy expense to cut out.
JB
Of course, I'm talking about men here. For no reason would I suggest a woman cut their own hair. They have complicated hair styles and if it gets messed up it will ruin their year.
But why pay someone $15 a month to cut a man's hair? Because he is a professional at scissors?
I have gone to a barber only twice in the last 10 years, and none in six years. That's not because I have long hair, it's because I cut my own hair with clippers. I do this, and no one can tell the difference. I don't have a crew cut either. Clippers can cut your hair at a high enough setting that you'll get the same haircut as the barber would give you. And the $30 you spend on them will save you plenty over the long haul as they will last 4-5 years.
Unless you just like the barber shop, then what is the point? If you are trying to save money, this is an easy expense to cut out.
JB
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
NFL Playoffs
I am highly interested in the 2011 NFL playoffs. The Falcons are in, I'm anxious to see what Tebow can do/if he can rebound from the last two games. Should be fun to watch. Here are my predictions...
1st round:
AFC
Bengals over Texans
Broncos over Steelers
NFC
Saints over Lions
Falcons over Giants
2nd round:
AFC
Patriots over Bengals
Ravens over Broncos
NFC
Falcons over Packers
Saints over 49ers
AFC Championship - Ravens over Patriots
NFC Championship - Saints over Falcons
Superbowl - Saints over Ravens
JB
1st round:
AFC
Bengals over Texans
Broncos over Steelers
NFC
Saints over Lions
Falcons over Giants
2nd round:
AFC
Patriots over Bengals
Ravens over Broncos
NFC
Falcons over Packers
Saints over 49ers
AFC Championship - Ravens over Patriots
NFC Championship - Saints over Falcons
Superbowl - Saints over Ravens
JB
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is about to become a beast. Not only is joining the SEC going to give them more credibility, but it's going to make them much better.
They recently fired Mike Sherman and hired Kevin Sumlin. Judging by what he did at Houston, he will be a success at A&M.
The Aggies already have tons of tradition and money. Joining the SEC just makes them that much stronger.
Now that A&M is in the SEC, and they are the only team from Texas in their conference. And since it's the best conference in America, they are going to pull recruits away from the Longhorns. This is already paying off as they are #4 in the country in recruiting. The last five years their average recruiting ranking was #22.
Lookout SEC West, Texas A&M is coming in, and they are coming hard.
JB
They recently fired Mike Sherman and hired Kevin Sumlin. Judging by what he did at Houston, he will be a success at A&M.
The Aggies already have tons of tradition and money. Joining the SEC just makes them that much stronger.
Now that A&M is in the SEC, and they are the only team from Texas in their conference. And since it's the best conference in America, they are going to pull recruits away from the Longhorns. This is already paying off as they are #4 in the country in recruiting. The last five years their average recruiting ranking was #22.
Lookout SEC West, Texas A&M is coming in, and they are coming hard.
JB
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I've Been Alive for 10,185 Days
The other day I was wondering how many days I've spent at different places. So I did the calculations. To determine the 'days', I basically said where I laid my head that night...
1. Marietta, GA - 65%
2. Starkville, MS - 14%
3. Compass Lake, FL - 9%
4. Kennesaw, GA - 5%
5. Ridgeland, MS - 3%
6. Vacation, trips, etc. - 2%
7. Woodstock, GA - 1%
8. Olive Branch, MS - 1%
JB
1. Marietta, GA - 65%
2. Starkville, MS - 14%
3. Compass Lake, FL - 9%
4. Kennesaw, GA - 5%
5. Ridgeland, MS - 3%
6. Vacation, trips, etc. - 2%
7. Woodstock, GA - 1%
8. Olive Branch, MS - 1%
JB
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Stacey
Happy Birthday to my wife, Stacey!
I don't think she reads this blog that much anymore because I'm always talking about sports, but this post is dedicated to her. She is a great person, and wife, and I love her.
JB
I don't think she reads this blog that much anymore because I'm always talking about sports, but this post is dedicated to her. She is a great person, and wife, and I love her.
JB
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Simplest Argument for a College Football 4-team Playoff
If there were a 4-team college football playoff, it would likely be held on New Year's Day. The most popular scenario is #2 vs. #4 in one of the BCS bowls at 1:00, the traditional Rose Bowl at 4:00, and then #1 vs. #4 at 8:00.
I have no beef with the selection of the BCS Title Game. I think LSU and Alabama are the two best teams, even though it's a little bit anti-climatic to have two teams from the same conference playing one another for a second time this season. The main problem with the current system is people have a hard time deciphering who 'deserves' to play in the title game.
In college basketball, the Final Four is rarely made up of four teams whose regular season merits their being included. And you might even have the 35th best team and the 11th best team playing for the national title (as we did in 2011). But basketball is a whole other topic. The simplest argument I can make for a college football playoff is that we want to include all the teams who are good enough to merit playing for a national championship.
Baylor is good, but with three loses they don't deserve a shot. Oklahoma State slipped up once, they deserve a shot. We really will never know just how good they are. Sure, the Fiesta Bowl vs. Stanford should be good, but in a meaningless game what will we really learn? Stanford deserves a shot too. One loss doesn't mean you aren't as good as someone else, let's settle it on the field!
JB
I have no beef with the selection of the BCS Title Game. I think LSU and Alabama are the two best teams, even though it's a little bit anti-climatic to have two teams from the same conference playing one another for a second time this season. The main problem with the current system is people have a hard time deciphering who 'deserves' to play in the title game.
In college basketball, the Final Four is rarely made up of four teams whose regular season merits their being included. And you might even have the 35th best team and the 11th best team playing for the national title (as we did in 2011). But basketball is a whole other topic. The simplest argument I can make for a college football playoff is that we want to include all the teams who are good enough to merit playing for a national championship.
Baylor is good, but with three loses they don't deserve a shot. Oklahoma State slipped up once, they deserve a shot. We really will never know just how good they are. Sure, the Fiesta Bowl vs. Stanford should be good, but in a meaningless game what will we really learn? Stanford deserves a shot too. One loss doesn't mean you aren't as good as someone else, let's settle it on the field!
JB
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