tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314624042024-03-13T05:37:46.222-05:00I'm Just a Witness ...Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-44422877108559276532009-01-06T00:45:00.001-05:002009-01-06T00:47:24.048-05:00You Know What?I believe in moral victories. <br /><br />And I think tonight was one for the Buckeyes. <br /><br />You know what else? <br /><br />I hate when I'm right sometimes. The following is a Fiesta Bowl Prediction by me: <br /><br />"I don't think they have quite enough. I think they get some national credibility back, but lose 28-23, thanks to a Colt McCoy last minute touchdown."<br /><br />Bah. <br /><br />I still believe that TP will bring a National Title to Columbus, but for now, all I have to say is: <br /><br />Go Cavs, Go Steelers.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-76007842884953149182008-12-05T22:27:00.001-05:002008-12-05T22:28:21.806-05:00The BCS and WWIISo, yeah, I'm stealing this from someone, who stole it from someone. But I don't know who they stole it from. If you know the original author, feel free to let me know. <br /><br /><blockquote><hr>BCS DECLARES GERMANY WINNER OF WORLD WAR II<br /><br />US Ranked 4th<br /><br />After determining the Big-12 championship game participants the BCS computers were put to work on other major contests and today the BCS declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.<br /><br />"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--our computers deemed them worthy of the #1 ranking."<br /><br />Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single, equally-weighted event."<br /><br />German Chancellor Adolf Hiter said "Yes, we lost to the US; but we defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in Norway were incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional forces."<br />The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented " France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1 ranking they only fell to #2."<br /><br />Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the Philippines.<hr></blockquote>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-23709683012047400142008-11-28T13:12:00.003-05:002008-11-28T13:16:28.414-05:00Black FridayIgnoring the fact that I'm having an internal conversation about the role of consumerism, Jesus, and the world we live in, and how and why the intersect, and what that means to me, I went out this morning on Black Friday. <br /><br />Let's just say that I've got several new books to read, including the newest Rob Bell book. <br /><br /><br />And that makes me very, very happy.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-56872575693497099232008-11-14T08:59:00.002-05:002008-11-14T09:00:53.947-05:00w00t<a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/news/cavaliers_declared_nba_champions">Cleveland Cavaliers declared NBA Champions!</a><br /><br /><br /><br />When's the parade?Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-85596627036565833822008-11-11T12:55:00.002-05:002008-11-11T13:03:56.769-05:00The Score<img src="http://www.mlb.com/images/2003/11/05/PzUhEAEo.jpg" align=left hspace=5>It's odd when a celebrity passes away. One that you've never met, one that you've never had any real connection with. But, odder still when one passes away who connected with you, who actually had an impact on your life. <br /><br />I'm not sure I've experienced that in my young life ... until today. <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2008/11/former_indians_broadcaster_her.html">Herb Score passed away today</a>. The former pitcher and broadcaster for the Indians. <br /><br />If you're unfamiliar with Herb Score, his professional career is a wonderful symbol of Cleveland sports in general. Promising young talent, only to have a catastrophic injury end his career, and along with it, the hope that he would lead Cleveland to the promised land. <br /><br />But, it's not his playing career that connects him to me, it's his broadcasting career. He spent 34 years as the voice of the Indians, including the first 16 years of my life. In some ways, by listening to him on the radio night after night after night, Herb Score helped to raise me. He was a constant voice in my life. And, knowing he was retiring, part of the reason the loss to the Marlins in 1997 hurt so much (not that it needed much help, mind you). <br /><br />And so ... it's an interesting feeling. Not the empty feeling and despair of losing a friend or a family member. But, not the unattached feeling of losing someone that you just hear about in passing and have no connection at all to. <br /><br />Still ... I'll always have good memories of Herb Score. Calls only he could make like "Belle hits it to left field and ... it caught. No, its a home run!" or the magical call in 1995 when the Indians beat the Orioles to clinch the Central Division Title. <br /><br />Rest in peace, Herb. I'll keep hope alive that one year, the Tribe will win a ring for you, yet.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-54018472925492957332008-11-10T14:44:00.003-05:002008-11-10T14:53:10.355-05:00NBA Stat GeekSo, there's no secret to the fact that I'm a math geek. There's also no secret to the fact that I'm a big sports guy. And, there's no secret that there's a human nature to attempt to combine the things you like. <br /><br />Having said that, after a good bit of work on it, I've developed my own mathematical formula for ranking NBA teams. I'll leave the specifics of how I formulate scores to myself, but I'll share a little about how I wanted to develop them:<br /><br /><li>reward team that can impose their will during stretches of a game on both offense and defense</li><li>punish teams that get dominated during stretches of a game on both offense and defense</li><li>give teams credit for winning games</li><li>punish teams for losing games they should have won</li><br /><br />And, that's it. I debated a few other factors, like margin of victory, or superstar presence, but decided those would be less unbiased and less helpful in predicting the best teams in the league. I'm hoping to keep up with it, and keep publishing my rankings periodically. <br /><br />So, here they are, my first rankings, to share with you: <br /><br /><u><b>Rank</u> | <u>Team</u> | <u>score</u></b><br />1. Boston 2.72<br />2. Utah 2.37<br />3. LA Lakers 2.2<br />4. Atlanta 1.87<br />5. New York 1.87<br />6. Houston 1.78<br />7. Phoenix 1.26<br />8. Orlando 1.21<br />9. Toronto 1.21<br />10. Miami 1.04<br />11. Indiana 0.94<br />12. Cleveland 0.92<br />13. Detroit 0.88<br />14. Denver 0.71<br />15. Chicago 0.64<br />16. Golden State 0.5<br />17. Portland 0.38<br />18. Minnesota 0.38<br />19. New Jersey 0.28<br />20. San Antonio 0.08<br />21. Philadelphia -0.12<br />22. Sacramento -0.36<br />23. New Orleans -0.45<br />24. Dallas -0.45<br />25. Charlotte -0.45<br />26. Milwaukee -0.69<br />27. Memphis -0.69<br />28. Washington -0.78<br />29. LA Clippers -1.64<br />30. Oklahoma City -2.61Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-21385628756650906312008-11-04T12:59:00.004-05:002008-11-04T13:11:24.897-05:00The End<img src="http://www.printelectstore.com/images/T/Printelect---I-Voted-Today.gif" height=250 width=250 hspace=1 vspace=1 align=left>Well ... it's over. <br /><br />The Campaign that is. <br /><br />And, a streak of mine. <br /><br />So far in my life, the candidate I've voted for in the general election for the Office of President of the United States of America has won. I'm fairly certain that streak is over (note that I've never voted for the winner, statewide or nationwide, for President in the primaries). <br /><br />And, so, I happily bid this season goodbye. I am glad to be done with the ads, with the media coverage, with the way it makes people behave. Whomever wins tonight, there's a 99.999999999% chance that I did not vote for that person, but I pledge to respect and honor them anyways. The winner will likely not agree with me on many things, and I won't like much of his agenda. But I love this country, and I pledge allegiance to it, and to its leader. <br /><br />And, just think, tomorrow morning begins at least one major party's campaign to find their candidate in 2012.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-32540334618206849542008-11-01T23:43:00.004-05:002008-11-01T23:47:48.054-05:00ChangeEven I can believe in ...<br /><br /><br /><center><img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/DarthIntegral/Picture1-1.png"></center>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-66644589573981257632008-10-31T15:36:00.003-05:002008-10-31T15:38:28.142-05:00Happy Halloween!And, lest anyone might think this not be a "Christian" Holiday ... <br /><br /><br />consider the following: <br /><br /><center><a href="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/DarthIntegral/ZombieApostles.jpg"><img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/DarthIntegral/ZombieApostles.jpg" height=200 width=200></a></center>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-20136957901561838902008-10-28T07:46:00.003-05:002008-10-28T07:54:22.669-05:00HopeThey say it springs eternal. <br /><br />They say it's one of the three things that remains (along with faith and love). <br /><br />They say Obi-Wan Kenobi is the only. <br /><br />And it's something I couldn't live without. <br /><br /><br />When Rachel and I made the decision to move to Columbus, there was faith involved, there was love involved, but most of all, there was hope involved. Hope that this painful decision would result in our ability to advance in live, and thrive, and find abundance. <br /><br />I've yet to see evidence that our hope and faith were completely off the mark. Nothing of full fruition, yet, but enough to keep me going. <br /><br />But, today, I write of hope of another kind. <br /><br />Because, I have the hope that tonight is, honestly, the beginning of the end for the sports misery of my home town. For tonight, I honestly believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers will defeat the Boston Celtics, and march forward this year, ending with a parade in Cleveland to celebrate the winning of the NBA Finals. <br /><br />I know, I know. I had a similar good feeling about the Indians this year. But, consider the following: <br /><br />1) Unlike the Indians, the Cavaliers did something to upgrade their team in the offseason. And, the trade only cost them spare parts and junk. <br /><br />2) Unlike just about any time in my memory, the Cavaliers, unlike every other team I root for, showcase the best player in the sport, and he's not even into his prime yet. <br /><br />So, tonight, I return to the very place I sat and watched the Cavaliers lose game seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals a few months ago. The Cavaliers also return to the exact spot where they lost game seven a few months ago. <br /><br />This is the year. I can feel it. I believe it. I have hope.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-46411273853505032692008-10-17T21:51:00.005-05:002008-10-17T22:54:45.752-05:00Something of my own, to look forward toI don't add a "must-see TV show" to my list very often, nor very easily. Truth be told, outside of sports, most of what I watch on a regular and must-see basis comes to be that way because Rachel really enjoys it, and I start to like certain aspects of the show, and it becomes a show "we" watch faithfully as must-see TV. <br /><br />Gilmore Girls was like this. <br /><br />Survivor was like this. <br /><br />The Office is like this. <br /><br />Well ... finally, there's something that I have as my own must-see TV show. <br /><br /><center><img src="http://trailertrash.biz/Images/Star%20Wars%20The%20Clone%20Wars.jpg"></center><br /><br />And ... I think I finally like it because I enjoy the show itself, and not just because it's Star Wars. <br /><br />See ... the show premiered as a movie pilot of three episodes strung together. And, I enjoyed the movie, but I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it only because it was Star Wars. That is, if you remove all the Star Wars-stuff and replaced it with non-SW stuff and told the exact story with similar dialogue, plot, and jokes ... I don't think I would have enjoyed it at all. <br /><br />But ... with the episodes, I think, *think*, it's growing past that. And I'm enjoying them for what they are, not just for being part of the larger Star Wars Universe. <br /><br />So ... if you've ever enjoyed Star Wars ... if you loved the classic trilogy, but struggled through the Prequels, if you hate the Expanded Universe, if you loved the prequels ... whatever your classification is, I think you need to give this TV show a chance. It captures the feel of the original Star Wars, with the action of the new Star Wars, and it makes me feel like a kid again, where I can get wrapped up in the action and the (often predictable) story, and just have a good time enjoying myself for half an hour each week, with not worries about what's happening in real life. <br /><br /><br />And, perhaps best of all, in the three weeks of the show, I don't think I've seen a single political ad. Hope I didn't jinx it.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-73808588577623044252008-10-17T21:21:00.004-05:002008-10-17T21:49:54.686-05:00The State of the UnionIt's no secret I'm a conservative. I've made that known in previous posts, and in my conversations to people who know me. <br /><br />And so, when I read an article like <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122420205889842989.html?mod=rss_opinion_main">this one</a> in the WSJ about a democratic supermajority partnering with an Obama White House, the hair on my neck stands up, and I get a non-Star Wars "bad feeling about this". (By the way, read the article. It's a good one, and gives you something to think about no matter your political ideology). <br /><br />Unions running amuck. Socialized heathcare to anyone who wants it. Out of control taxes. A bigger green movement. <br /><br />All things that aren't out of the realm of possibility (or probability). All things that I really don't want to see. <br /><br />And yet, despite that, I can't, and won't, bring myself to vote for John McCain for president. <br /><br />Nor can I, or will I, bring myself to vote for a GOP candidate for Congress this year. <br /><br />I'm sick of American politics. Completely sick of it. <br /><br />I'm sick of two parties controlling the system, and both being controlled themselves by fringe, far-right and far-left groups. I'm sick of the NRA and the religious right having outrageous demands that have no place in actual Conservative America. I'm sick of MoveOn.org and the socialist left pushing for policies that have no place in common sense America. I'm sick of bloggers on both sides, whether it's defending poor choices, mocking a misquote, digging up thirty-year-old stores, or mocking a voter who happened to ask a question. I'm sick of "fair and balanced" being a euphemism for "spin in the other direction, and probably going further than the original spin'. I'm sick of debates that aren't debates, but rather are candidates sticking to a script of talking points. <br /><br />I know I'm not the only one. I'm not the only one who wants to hear actual ideas. Details, and not just "I'm going to do this better". <br /><br />A monkey can create a campaign platform that says "we need to better the country, make it safer, and make the economy stronger." A third-grade student could do that. Every person in America thinks that's a good idea. <br /><br />I'm not the only one who wants the people we send to Washington to actually represent me. When an Ohio Senator tells the press he's getting thousands of calls and e-mails from people in Ohio with 95% of them against a bill, and then votes for the bill, I lose the last shred of faith I have in the system, at least in the system being run by the bums we're sending to Washington. <br /><br />This has really turned into a rant on all of politics in America, and it wasn't intended that way. I really wanted to just rant against the GOP, the party that is supposed to come closest to my ideals. The party that claims it wants a smaller government, that it wants to fight wasteful spending, and that it wants to represent people like me. <br /><br />And, yet, facing the possibility of what that article points to coming to pass, I'm turning my back completely on the GOP and voting for none of the bums that want to represent me in Washington. <br /><br />Which is fair enough, because I feel like they've completely turned their back on me, too. <br /><br /><br /><br />And, I don't feel a third-party vote is a thrown-away vote, but that's a blog/rant for another day.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-16159765102323225362008-10-12T18:54:00.002-05:002008-10-12T18:55:25.420-05:00Michigan Sucks (More Proof)My favorite highlight of the NFL this weekend, and possibly all season: <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aifulCRgQEw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aifulCRgQEw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />This is, in comedic value, second only to the quadruple-penalty dropped-snap punt by the Browns in last years opener against the Steelers in recent memory.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-70886922551864918622008-10-12T18:47:00.001-05:002008-10-12T18:49:54.858-05:00My Eyes Must Deceive MeSo, I'm watching the end of the Cowboys-Cardinals game. And a commercial comes on television. For Natural Light. <br /><br />Yeah. That's right. Natty Light. The Beer. <br /><br />And ... it's not a parody. It's a real commercial. With a real attempt to create brand loyalty for Natty Light, with buzz words and hype and slogan and jingo and the such. <br /><br />Are they seriously trying to convince me that anyone out there exists, let alone enough people to warrant the price of an advertisement, who can buy Natty light out of brand loyalty and advertising? Or, really, for any reason other than "it was the cheapest beer at the corner store"?Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-13705568555807762082008-09-08T19:46:00.005-05:002008-09-08T19:56:27.884-05:00A New Start, Around the CornerI couldn't decide which phrase I liked better: getting a fresh start, or turning the corner. So, I decided to use both. <br /><br />Now, what am I referring to? I'm, of course, referring to my professional life. For about two years, I've been a struggling Aflac agent. They're a great company, and I respect them and the way they do business. But, the work simply hasn't been paying the bills on a consistent basis. <br /><br />So, I made a decision a little while ago that I needed to branch a bit, find more income, and find steadier income. <br /><br />And ... here's where I stand. <br /><br />Tyler Betts is still an Insurance Agent, ready to meet your needs. I'm now contracted with three companies, with a fourth to possibly come. <br /><br /><center> <img src="http://i-agentlocator.com/Aflac_Color.JPG" height=120 width=80 hspace=1> <img src="http://www.naspe.net/images/images/Unum_032807.jpg" height=100 width=60 hspace=1> <img src="http://totalhealthandlife.com/images/anthem_logo.jpg" height=125 width=90 hspace=1></center><br /><br />So, for all of your insurance needs, be they Life, Disability, Gap, Dental, or whatever, I can be your one-stop shop. Remember that! <br /><br />And, I've also started a full-time job that is not 100% commission. <br /><br /><center><img src="http://www.unlimitedcomplimentaryringtones.com/images/logo/verizon_logo.jpg" height=150 width=220></center><br /><br />Can you hear me now? Good, because I've also got a job working base + commission for a Verizon Agency. So, come to me with all of your cellular phone and wireless needs! <br /><br />Got that? Insurance and Wireless ... when you need any of them, come to me! <br /><br /><br />Because, really, this is a new start. A new corner I've turned. A new page in my life. <br /><br /><br />And I will find success.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-47970496073056584962008-09-01T20:47:00.001-05:002008-09-01T20:48:41.997-05:00Celebrating a FirstFor the first time in my life ... <br /><br /><center><img src="http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070618/070618_cliff_hmed_7p.hmedium.jpg"></center><br /><br />the Indians have a 20-game winner. <br /><br /><br />Now, if only they could fix that "never won the World Series in my lifetime" thing.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-58683202346277163062008-09-01T15:25:00.002-05:002008-09-01T15:29:09.169-05:00The DifferenceThe Difference between a faith and a religion, I think, comes into focus in the tough times. When things are down. When the chips fall on the negative side. When you lose, you're hurt, you're in pain, and nothing seems to go right. <br /><br />I happen to think that if I simply had a religion, something that gave me comfort and knowledge of an afterlife, I'd be lost in times like this. I'd be wondering why the glories of others in my religion failed, repeatedly, to come to me. <br /><br />I like to think I have faith in Jesus, and the ways he teaches. Faith that if I continue to do the things he taught, that if I continue to seek after him, it's going to be fine. And I'm going to continue to have relationships and encounters that matter. <br /><br />I don't need to drink Kool-Aid to think that all that matters is the end. <br /><br />I've got faith to know that my God is there by my side, keeping it from being any worse. <br /><br />And, more importantly, I've got faith in my God that the people he's brought into my life are going to stand by my side and be the comfort and support that I need.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-50166658513577737652008-08-28T20:11:00.002-05:002008-08-28T20:15:23.285-05:00One ThingOne thing that really frustrates me about the state of politics in America: <br /><br />I've been flipping in and out of the Democratic convention. And, without fail, I've seen some variation of the following out of every speaker: <br /><br />"The Republicans are evil. They have poor policies. Etc, etc, etc. And we will unite the party, be rid of bi-partisanship, and it won't be about Democrat vs. Republican, but about doing what's right!"<br /><br /><br />So, really, you spend a big chunk of time trashing the people across the aisle, telling us how bad their policies and practices are, and how they have no business in America, and then in the next breath, you tell us that you're going to help lead us into a non-partisan America and unite the country? <br /><br />And you expect us to believe you? <br /><br />Really? <br /><br />And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the exact same thing will be said next week at the GOP convention. <br /><br />Frustrating. Stupid. Annoying. Irritating. American Politics.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-87253579018503929762008-08-28T19:50:00.003-05:002008-08-28T19:57:40.995-05:00Slap Happy for Mexican FoodRachel and I have been on a Mexican food kick. It all started the night that Mexican Night at the Zellner's Changed Our Life (That's going to be a chapter in my autobiography, by the way). <br /><br />We do it often. Sometimes tacos, every once in a while enchiladas, and, recently, taco salad on occasion. Plus, the occasional trip to Maria's Tacos. But that's rare, and the real point of making Mexican is that we make it once, and with just a little work, we've got leftovers for about four meals. And it's cheap! <br /><br />Normally, we'll make big grilled burritos. We take a giant burrito shell, fill it with a thick layer of cilantro rice, then cheese, then red/hot sauce (if it's mine), meat (either chicken or beef), refried beans, corn, and then more cheese. Lately, we've added sour cream to the mix. It's delicious! One of our favorite meals. <br /><br />Anyways, on to the point of the blog entry. The wife was a bit slap happy today. I sent her an e-mail before lunch asking a dumb joke. <br /><br />Q: What do you call a charming Mexican entree?<br /><br />A: A Beau-rito<br /><br />She thought it was hilarious. <br /><br />So I sent her another one just before I picked her up. <br /><br />Q: What kind of Mexican entree costs $200? <br /><br />A: A Tac-Go! <br /><br />And this proceeded a phone call with several more:<br /><br />Q: What is a lawyer's favorite Mexican entree? <br /><br />A: Case-adillas! <br /><br />Q: What is a foot's favorite Mexican entree? <br /><br />A: Toes-tadas! <br /><br />And ... my favorite one of all ... <br /><br />Q: What kind of Mexican entree do rulers eat by the dozen? <br /><br />A: Inch-aladas! <br /><br />(Go ahead ... laugh ... yes, it's stupid, but it's okay to laugh)<br /><br /><br /><br />Sometimes, it's just good to be stupid and laugh. Got any to add?Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-59022464236012431152008-08-25T13:29:00.001-05:002008-08-25T13:30:48.034-05:00More Political Humorhad to share, again: <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jq7brOpanlY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jq7brOpanlY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-20874227266154592822008-08-24T21:00:00.001-05:002008-08-24T21:01:52.747-05:00One-Thousand, Four-Hundred Thirty-Two1,432 days until the London 2012 Olympics begin. <br /><br />I'm such an Olympics junkie. <br /><br />At least it's a lot shorter until Vancouver 2010.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-47682750488266159202008-08-23T20:11:00.002-05:002008-08-23T20:16:51.202-05:00Is There Something Wrong With Me?So, Rachel and I just finished watching "The Golden Compass" on DVD. <br /><br />This might not seem newsworthy, until I give you a little bit of back story. <br /><br />I'd never read the novel(s) it was based upon, and when I saw ads for it when it was given a big theatrical release, it didn't really appeal to me at all. It seemed to be the sort of movie that I'd only watch if I happened to be around other people watching it. And, no longer living in a fraternity house, those days are, for the most part, behind me. <br /><br />And then, a few weeks ago, I got pointed to a web site run by some Mega-Righteous Christian Group which completely denounced the movie (and books) as anti-God, anti-Christianity, and a great danger for children to watch, as it surely would lead them down a path of a godless life and into eternal destruction. And I think I'm toning down their hyperbole a bit. Only I don't think they thought it was hyperbole. <br /><br />So, after reading that, I decided I had to see the movie. Not because I thought the plot looked overly interesting. Not because I particularly liked the actors in the movie. Not, really, because of any element of the movie itself. <br /><br />But because I wanted to see what these ultra-righteous Christian groups were going on about. <br /><br />And, I tend to think it's much ado about nothing. <br /><br />And I hope they make the sequels.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-65607824399056628442008-08-22T11:01:00.003-05:002008-08-22T11:06:28.461-05:00Political HumorBecause sometimes the best truth comes in the form of the exaggeration: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.fightliberals.com/Inside-the-Book/Liberal-Insult-Generator.html">The Liberal Insult Generator</a> and the <a href="http://www.fightconservatives.com/Inside-the-Book/Conservative-Insult-Generator.html">Conservative Insult Gnerator</a>. <br /><br />Because, it's sadly true, that often our political contests comes down to which candidate can convince the public that their insults are more true, more meaningful, and more relevant. Ain't that a sad state of affairs. <br /><br /><br />I've not clicked through them all so far (obviously, with 27,000 each), but among my favorites so far are: <br /><br />fanatical bathroom-sex-seeking wackjobs (Conservative)<br />angry vegan-exalting losers (Liberal)<br />wide-stanced Constitution-shredding fascists (Conservative)<br />irrational Satan-appeasing bleeding hearts (Liberal)Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-39209800417116589272008-08-21T15:10:00.002-05:002008-08-21T15:11:11.746-05:00Repost of a Repost From This Time Last YearThis is an entry I posted last year on this date. I'll post it again:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>This is an entry I posted last year on this date. I'll post it again:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote> <span id="en-MSG-12229" class="sup">1</span> If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. <span id="en-MSG-12230" class="sup">2</span>If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. <span id="en-MSG-12231" class="sup">3-7</span>If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. <br /><br /> Love never gives up.<br /> Love cares more for others than for self.<br /> Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.<br /> Love doesn't strut,<br /> Doesn't have a swelled head,<br /> Doesn't force itself on others,<br /> Isn't always "me first,"<br /> Doesn't fly off the handle,<br /> Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,<br /> Doesn't revel when others grovel,<br /> Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,<br /> Puts up with anything,<br /> Trusts God always,<br /> Always looks for the best,<br /> Never looks back,<br /> But keeps going to the end. <p> <span id="en-MSG-12232" class="sup">8-10</span>Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. </p><p> <span id="en-MSG-12233" class="sup">11</span>When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. </p><p> <span id="en-MSG-12234" class="sup">12</span>We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! </p><br /><p> <span id="en-MSG-12235" class="sup">13</span>But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.</blockquote><br /><br />Happy Anniversary Rachel. <br /><br />I love you.</blockquote><br /><br />Happy Anniversary Rachel. <br /><br />I love you, now and forever.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31462404.post-23508496861217868282008-08-20T13:11:00.002-05:002008-08-20T13:14:38.043-05:00I've Mentioned BeforeI've mentioned before that I <a href="http://stebetts.blogspot.com/2007/11/bumper-stickers.html">don't particularly care for bumper stickers</a>. <br /><br />Yet, one caught my eye today as I was driving around at lunch time, and I had to share it. <br /><br />Hope it gets a smile from you, too, whatever your political affiliation: <br /><br /><center><img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/DarthIntegral/W0161.jpg"></center>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14770272411135630418noreply@blogger.com0