tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87575369086486525072024-03-14T05:58:34.447-05:00The Nightly DailyI'm looking for that thin wild mercury sound. E-mail: nightlydaily1@yahoo.comChris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.comBlogger905125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-8939605526372769452023-07-01T11:37:00.001-05:002023-07-01T11:37:30.874-05:00I had a great time in Cincinnati<p> I had great seats for a recent game between the Braves and the Reds. Unfortunately, the Braves lost, but the Reds' ballpark is a fantastic place to watch a game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqwG_wFDCZzg4xG63r5mEaTYNYZOOUXtu3aJQ85DUGI-qHNXVWKHIEaiwgV7k35tNUv-tBMfPeKx--HnJnhgKOelcdbMjd94VPxh0G1WhKYmrL8edgjg4xY7cEgqWzt7hpyQiQ0feCqc2upLwBawlmeYfOirpNQWu97l4i_ErE4ldukcyCRmgCMqGxcsM/s2048/reds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqwG_wFDCZzg4xG63r5mEaTYNYZOOUXtu3aJQ85DUGI-qHNXVWKHIEaiwgV7k35tNUv-tBMfPeKx--HnJnhgKOelcdbMjd94VPxh0G1WhKYmrL8edgjg4xY7cEgqWzt7hpyQiQ0feCqc2upLwBawlmeYfOirpNQWu97l4i_ErE4ldukcyCRmgCMqGxcsM/s320/reds3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA39.0973808 -84.507067110.787146963821158 -119.6633171 67.407614636178849 -49.3508171tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-26624927051556710322014-08-06T10:37:00.002-05:002014-08-06T10:37:41.907-05:00The sun setting on the Mississippi River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last month, I spent a few days down in Mississippi, and I took this photo on a lazy Sunday afternoon. As you might imagine, the temperature was in the 90s and the humidity was about a thousand percent. Still, it was a great moment. I just sat there contentedly and watched the river flow. For whatever reason, I've always enjoyed watching rivers especially a majestic one like the Mississippi River.</div>
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<br />Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-32778689637997268162014-08-01T10:35:00.000-05:002014-08-01T10:35:49.909-05:00More good food at the Irish Picnic in McEwen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend, I made my annual visit to the St. Patrick's Irish Picnic over in McEwen, and as always, it did not disappoint. Actually, I thought the food this year was the best ever. Pork BBQ, green beans, fried chicken, potato salad, chocolate cake and sweet tea for only eight dollars. That is a deal that is hard to beat.</div>
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<br />Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-65125340455090243142014-07-28T12:42:00.001-05:002014-07-28T12:42:13.273-05:00Miscellaneous photos taken while wandering around Sewanee: The University of the South<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-28273756361196820472014-05-31T20:50:00.001-05:002014-05-31T20:55:34.801-05:00Braves end lackluster May looking to recapture momentum of April<a href="http://nightlydaily.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-braves-are-off-to-hot-start-so-why.html">Back on April 26, I wrote</a> how I could not relax even though the Atlanta Braves had begun the baseball season on a tremendous hot streak. The Braves ended April with a 17-9 record and a lead in the National League Eastern Division. However, the success was built on a remarkable hot streak by the pitching staff and covered the sins of an offense that was inconsistent at best. At some point something had to give, and unfortunately, we saw some of that in May.<br />
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The Braves completed May with a 13-16 record for the month. The good news is the team is still in first place by two games, but bad times could continue if more offensive consistency cannot be found.<br />
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The team's strength is its pitching staff, but there was no way it could continue the high level of work it produced in April. The team still leads the league in Earned Run Average, but some performances plateaued. Julio Teheran continues to do excellent work (5-3 record, 1.83 ERA), but Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang both came down to earth a little. Before today's start, Santana had gone 0-2 over a three-start period with an ERA of 9.00. As for Harang, he had a few bumpy starts, but his ERA remains a solid 3.29.<br />
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However, as I previously wrote, this team's problem is not its pitching. It's just that the pitching cannot continue to cover for a frustrating offense. The problems remain the same. Second base is a flat-out disaster. Four people have played there (Dan Uggla, Tyler Pasornicky, Ramiro Pena and the recently called up Tommy La Stella). Three of those players have batting averages slightly below or above .200. As for La Stella, it is his turn to see if he can provide some offensive punch from that position. Today, the results were good as he had two hits, but as the last game of the Red Sox series showed on Thursday, his defense is likely a work in progress.<br />
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Additionally, B.J. Upton's bat remains a problem. He adds a lot to the team defensively in center field, but he is only batting .216. My expectations for him have become so tempered that I would be happy if he could get his average up to .230 and keep it there. If he did that, I think he would be able to hit 15-20 home runs with the same amount of stolen bases.<br />
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There are bright spots on offense. Justin Upton is hitting .301 with 13 home runs and Freddie Freeman is being Freddie Freeman. Lead-off hitter Jason Heyward has found his stroke the last couple of weeks and has his average up to .246. If he can keep improving, he can be the threat we desperately need at the top of the line up.<br />
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As we enter the season's third month, the Braves are fortunate to be playing in the league's weakest division. None of the teams have shown a sign of putting it all together and getting on a sustained hot streak. If this continues, the divisional winner might be able to do it with only 85-88 wins. And if a team from this division wants to make the playoffs, it will have to win the East. At this point anyway, it doesn't look like the division will be good enough to produce a wild card team.<br />
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<br />Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-59190145285532056172014-05-03T20:14:00.000-05:002014-05-03T20:14:17.420-05:00Redbox delivering movie goldAs much as I like going to a theater to watch a movie, I don't do it much anymore because it is too expensive. Unfortunately, it is becoming tougher and tougher to find a theater that sells tickets to a matinee for less than eight dollars. It's not that I can't afford the ticket. It's just the principle of the matter because eight dollars is too much for a matinee ticket.<br />
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The last movie I saw in a theater was at the two-dollar theater near the old Hickory Hollow Mall in Nashville. I'm glad I went because I saw <b><i>Gravity </i></b>and it is a film that really needs to be seen on a big screen. On the negative side, that is not the safest part of the city, and I feel a little uneasy there after sunset.<br />
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Because of this, Redbox has become an invaluable resource when seeing films I want to view. Of course, this means a person has to wait a few weeks/months before seeing new releases, but I think saving the money is worth it. In recent weeks, I've caught up on many of the critically-acclaimed films from 2013.<br />
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<b><i>American Hustle</i></b>, <b><i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i></b>, <b><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i></b>, and <b><i>Dallas Buyers Club</i></b> have all gotten close inspection at my house in recent weeks. Of that group, I believe <b><i>American Hustle</i></b> and <b><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i></b> are the best. Of the two, <b><i>American Hustle</i></b> is slicker, but it tells its story well and has a strong ensemble cast (Amy Adams, Christian Bale, etc.). <b><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i></b> is another strong film from the Coen Brothers and is a well-told story about a folk singer who is frequently unlikable but still compelling.<br />
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I guess the point of this post is that if a person likes movies but is sick of theater high prices then use resources like Redbox. It does require some patience, but the savings add up.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-22538694830392842952014-05-01T11:59:00.000-05:002014-05-01T11:59:41.134-05:002014 is a third complete...if you don't believe me, do the mathIf it is May 1, it must mean that 2014 is one-third finished. The math is quite simple. We have twelve months and the fourth one just ended. 4/12 = 1/3. I've had math on my mind a lot lately, but that is another story for another time.<br />
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The first third of the year has been eventful and flown by. This isn't an original thought, but time does move faster as we get older. It seems like the other day we were freezing our rear ends off in the below zero chill of January, and now, spring is in full bloom with all the spectacular colors it produces.<br />
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If we all agree time is moving fast, then we need to be about making the most of our time. This is because we aren't getting any more of it. So, let's get things together and get the most out of the rest of the year.<br />
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As for me, I'm about to go eat chicken. I've got a coupon from KFC.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-12617002993798213572014-04-26T19:16:00.002-05:002014-04-26T19:16:57.755-05:00The Braves are off to a hot start, so why can't I relax?It's late April, and the Atlanta Braves are off to a hot start. So, all is well, right? I guess so, but I just can't seem to relax when it comes to this year's team. True, we are in first place, and the pitching and defense have been good. However, when I look at the team, I see many holes.<br />
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My anxiety may be a holdover from spring training when the team suffered key injuries. Starting pitchers Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy were lost for the year, and a third pitcher (Mike Minor) has been on the disabled list all season (though he is expected to return next week).<br />
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I guess the problem is I am waiting for our rag tag starting rotation to go poof. Seriously, who expected Aaron Harang to be 3-1 with a 0.85 earned run average at this point? Also, the entire starting rotation has an ERA under three. Even if all these guys have good years, there's no way we can continue at this pace.<br />
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Also, the offense continues to live and die by the home run. When we are hitting them, life is good. When we are not, we are incapable of manufacturing runs. For example, our starting pitchers appear allergic to bunting. At this point, they have only managed to lay down three successful sacrifice bunts. Call me crazy, but I think a major league player (even if it is just a pitcher) should be a skilled bunter.<br />
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Additionally, the top of the batting order is a concern. Jason Heyward is not a prototypical lead-off hitter and has only hit around .200 so far. He is certain to improve, but I wonder if leading off is a big distraction. B.J. Upton as the number two hitter does not help me sleep better either. We all know what a disaster last season was for him, and he is not exactly the contact hitter needed for the two hole.<br />
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The good news offensively is that Freddie Freeman is knocking the cover off the ball, and Evan Gattis and Justin Upton are not far behind. Freeman and Gattis are both hitting over .300, and Justin is not far below it.<br />
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Maybe I just need to relax. The baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint, and it's too early to get worked up about some of the things I have whined about. If there is anything I've learned about baseball, it is that a person should soak it in when his team is in first place whether it is in April or September.<br />
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Success comes and goes like the wind in baseball.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-9096132548281584822013-08-01T19:48:00.000-05:002013-08-01T19:48:30.334-05:00A big handsome butterfly on my back porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia02ilKtp3goA9UKG64XD2l0ktKZyxJFHzOIjGbOVa1YmoNdV65IjCOa4Y0ojXMDNxgSN1IyQ2POCN28sdglH7ee8CNRLEsoiI42FlZe3KPwesImOv1pvz4ShWXjL1K8sj9-IjZbvWPIx8/s1600/P7240004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia02ilKtp3goA9UKG64XD2l0ktKZyxJFHzOIjGbOVa1YmoNdV65IjCOa4Y0ojXMDNxgSN1IyQ2POCN28sdglH7ee8CNRLEsoiI42FlZe3KPwesImOv1pvz4ShWXjL1K8sj9-IjZbvWPIx8/s640/P7240004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know a lot about butterflies, but this fellow looks like an impressive specimen to me. I crept up on him while he was resting on my back porch.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-82767126496754766292013-08-01T19:40:00.001-05:002013-08-01T19:40:39.092-05:00Egypt’s quiet horror <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Egyptian coup that took place a few weeks ago is one of
the most dramatic news stories of the year even though many aspects of it have
been underreported by the American media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our media, led by the television news networks, tend to get
focused on a small amount of stories that help with ratings. While that small
amount of stories are important, an unfortunate byproduct of this approach is
many newsworthy stories do not get the attention they deserve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What kind of stories? Well, what about the personal economic
impact we have felt because of the coup? Though not a lot of oil is produced
there, the location of the Suez Canal near the country insures that unrest in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> will
impact prices. The <st1:place w:st="on">Suez Canal</st1:place> provides one
pathway for oil to be shipped to the world. We have seen our local gas prices
rise more than 20 cents since the coup, and it will be interesting to see where
prices go from here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, our country sends more than $1.3 billion in aid to the
country. This is money collected from our taxes. So, when we view events there,
we need to remember that our financial support leaves our fingerprints
(especially when it comes to the Egyptian military).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the most underreported story of the coup may be the
impact the event is having on Christians there. According to multiple sources,
violence against Christians is growing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Muslim Brotherhood President Mohammed Morsi was
overthrown, the Christian community was vocal about the need for him to be
ousted. The Associated Press has reported the group is paying the price for its
activism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, Christian priest Mena Aboud Sharoben was killed
in a drive-by shooting while a pro-Morsi crowd destroyed homes in villages that
have a relatively large Christian population. As happens in most countries,
when there is governmental instability, it is the minority groups that suffer.
This is the case when it comes to Christians in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are plenty more examples that are similar to this, but
if people want to read about them, they better be prepared to do some digging
on the Internet. The mainstream media won’t focus much attention on these
events because they are not ratings producers. I’m not holding my breath
waiting for Nancy Grace and Sean Hannity to dedicate significant time to stories
like these.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When considering these events, it should provoke questions
inside us. Should we be sending so much money to an area that is so unstable at
this point? I would answer ‘yes’ because Egypt is probably our most important Arab
ally in the Middle East, and it would be a mistake to divest ourselves from
them at a time like this. However, shouldn’t we be applying pressure when it
comes to human rights?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for Americans, situations like this should grab our
attention. This applies to all people and not just to Christians here. As a
nation, we have designated certain rights to be protected by our Constitution.
Though I believe most of us understand that it is unreasonable to expect other
countries to be carbon copies of us when it comes to government, we should
still be vocal when it comes to issues we deem important.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When one country wobbles when it comes to human rights, it
becomes easier for that wobbling to spread. Though <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place> is half a world away, don’t
think that it can’t happen here. It is already here in some respects, and
though we like to pat ourselves on our backs when it comes to our alleged
enlightenment, dark times could come if we are not careful.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-61302230139812926612013-08-01T19:37:00.000-05:002013-08-01T19:37:37.755-05:00Eatin' good food at the Irish Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBgvTc1uiN0j1HDrZZLWwJU9IpyNMeZ33Qy10_KuGSl-Qs1Yjbkgfm-4fK1XSZuQTIzT1Ts7NnRVJ0FFWXTjSNzMIddXG7A4ToknpFV6Mc1gQRlPuVYKII4OlNjBilpA0GkRUKda25BIx/s1600/2013a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBgvTc1uiN0j1HDrZZLWwJU9IpyNMeZ33Qy10_KuGSl-Qs1Yjbkgfm-4fK1XSZuQTIzT1Ts7NnRVJ0FFWXTjSNzMIddXG7A4ToknpFV6Mc1gQRlPuVYKII4OlNjBilpA0GkRUKda25BIx/s640/2013a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend, a couple of friends and I went to the annual St. Patrick's Irish Picnic in McEwen, TN. For only seven dollars, a person could have gotten barbecue or chicken, green beans, potato salad, slaw, bread, dessert (I had chocolate cake), and either water or sweet tea. I think we can all agree that that was a pretty good deal.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-60887163832415465142013-07-20T13:23:00.001-05:002013-07-20T18:27:01.256-05:00Braves need to stay healthy, reduce strikeouts to win divisional title<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy7THk9grgBvU62jTzeH7DzkkgFuooYmpZN6q27fgn4GzEx_BI62wEFTSQzDTmhiGAGI1HbYrrD5LtP3YD2Mg1vvM-S863DFfjFuYkruzucLfK40tzuy_QyNPvN4YrbEW7VC2b4l1o5Qt/s1600/Atlanta_Braves.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy7THk9grgBvU62jTzeH7DzkkgFuooYmpZN6q27fgn4GzEx_BI62wEFTSQzDTmhiGAGI1HbYrrD5LtP3YD2Mg1vvM-S863DFfjFuYkruzucLfK40tzuy_QyNPvN4YrbEW7VC2b4l1o5Qt/s400/Atlanta_Braves.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be more consistent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Atlanta Braves have led the National League Eastern
Division from day one this season, but all may not be as good as it seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Braves were hot in April, opening the
season with a 12-1 record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been
good enough to put them in first place, but the going has not always been easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since mid-April, the team has only been slightly above the
.500 mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The primary reasons for this
inconsistency have been injuries and an up-and-down offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Braves have also benefitted from the woes
of the Washington Nationals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Nationals were the consensus pick to win the division but have sputtered around
the .500 mark all season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
Nationals have too much talent to keep floundering like that, meaning the
Braves must pick up the pace to win the division.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Injuries have hurt the Braves a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First baseman Freddie Freeman, catcher Brian
McCann, and right fielder Jason Heyward have all spent time on the disabled
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, right before the all-star
break, the entire starting outfield was injured and missed time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though more focus has been on the injuries
the Nationals have experienced, the Braves have been right there with them when
it comes to important players missing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition, the team received two potentially devastating injuries when
relievers Jonny Venters and Eric O’Flarety went down with season-ending elbow
injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bullpen has remained a
strength (leading the National League in ERA for a large portion of the
season), but one has to wonder if any wear and tear will emerge as the season
progresses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the offense, the team has lived and died by the long
ball and have repeatedly demonstrated the inability to manufacture runs when the
home runs are not happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple
techniques like hitting behind the runner and executing sacrifice bunts have
been a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, too
many dry spells have doomed the team at times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most consistent hitters have been Freeman and third
baseman Chris Johnson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both have hit
above .300 for most of the season while McCann surged right before the all-star
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That surge is likely why he was
selected to the N.L. all-star team as a late injury replacement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s the good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There has been plenty of bad news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B.J. Upton has been a bust so far, hitting below .180 for most of the
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second baseman Dan Uggla once
again has struggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His first two seasons
with the team ended with a batting average in the .220 to .230 range, but this
year he has not been able to even do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has gotten his average above .200 lately, but when he does not hit
home runs, he provides little of substance to the offense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, Justin Upton and Jason Heyward have been streaky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Upton</st1:place></st1:city>
began the season with a bang, hitting 12 home runs in April, but since then, he
has wavered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heyward was sidelined early
with an appendectomy and really did not start hitting consistently until June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During a 36-game stretch in June and July he
hit .280.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the season unfolds, the Braves biggest helper could be
the schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an unusual occurrence,
the team does not have anymore long road trips to the west coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a team in the east, this is especially
significant as the grind of the season wears on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the rest of the season, the furthest west
the team will go is <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is the division is there for the taking, and
it likely will be a two-team race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Phillies could still be a player, but the potential for that may be how they
handle the trade deadline at the end of the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Phillies are sellers, they will likely
not be a big factor down the stretch, leaving just the Braves and Nationals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, the Braves need to pick up the pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the team can avoid more critical injuries
and can consistently put the ball in play, a divisional championship could be
the result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-639263807860001132013-07-20T13:16:00.002-05:002013-07-20T13:16:52.725-05:00Those interstate blues <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is easy to take basic necessities for granted, and I
think I do that a lot when it comes to our access to Interstate 24. For most of
my lifetime, it has been there and has been a pipeline to quickly get somewhere
if necessary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The interstate has been especially helpful to me because I have
commuted to the <st1:city w:st="on">Nashville</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Murfreesboro</st1:place></st1:city> area for more than 10 years.
Commuting can be a drag, but it would be considerably worse if the interstate
was not a mile from my house. I can’t imagine having to take U.S. Highway 41 up
there every morning especially when school is in session because traffic is
worse then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, driving this distance can be a challenge because
coexisting with my fellow drivers can be a chore sometimes. Driving in traffic
with some people can be beyond aggravating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll start with the obvious, and it is those people who
treat the highway like it is their personal race track. For better or worse,
the legal speed limit on the interstate is 70 miles per hour, but more and more
people disobey it. Dealing with these people has to be a huge challenge for our
law enforcement personnel. There are people who seem to believe the interstate
is nothing more than a demolition derby, and they intend to come out on top.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost as bad are the people who drive too slow. At least
once or twice each day, I am driving in a pack of cars going the speed limit,
and I have to hit the brakes because somebody is only going 50 or 55. When this
happens, I usually get stuck behind the slow car while everybody zooms past me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not referring to truckers because many of those trucks
are programmed to go below the speed limit. I am writing about those who go way
below the speed limit for no apparent reason. Going too slow can be just has
hazardous as going too fast sometimes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, there is the issue of motorcycles. I am conflicted on
this because I have considerable compassion for motorcycle riders on the
interstate. Many car and truck drivers are simply too lazy to watch out for
them, and it can lead to dangerous situations. This is not just on the
interstate. The road belongs to motorcyclists as much as it does to drivers of
cars and trucks. Not understanding this can be deadly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, motorcyclists could stand to be more obedient on
the interstate, too. I know it can be an overwhelming temptation when it comes
to all the power they are riding on, but some cyclists need to go slower. I
know punching it while in the rural areas of the interstate is fun, but it is
also dangerous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is even more dangerous in the urban areas. The scariest
encounters I have ever had are when motorcyclists blow by me during rush hour
traffic. Because the traffic volume is so heavy, the cyclists zig and zag
around other cars and trucks. It sometimes looks like a video game, but the
stakes are much higher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After having written all of this, I have to confess that I
am also not the most patient driver. Especially in the afternoon, I have
occasionally pushed the outer limits of how fast a Ford Focus can go. Like
everybody else, I want to get home and relax, but that is no excuse for
exceeding the speed limit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, we all have to do a better job when considering
others while driving. It is great that we have the interstate close to us, but
we should not abuse it.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-22174394724375035322013-07-14T19:38:00.000-05:002013-07-14T19:38:09.422-05:00Barbecue sandwich at the Jiffy Burger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiABxLOpSKHUl1pZvE5kkkSQKmR5XpKQtwgQ4ec8Honsa-_37yaBMZUyfqpKDaJXpXylZwLyO_6uRRJ7gd72IM-zREpDPXVp1V-GPW-Evb6y4Nse0ZtZeUth2QClHAOtpg2hEDfaVP55y_/s1600/P7130004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiABxLOpSKHUl1pZvE5kkkSQKmR5XpKQtwgQ4ec8Honsa-_37yaBMZUyfqpKDaJXpXylZwLyO_6uRRJ7gd72IM-zREpDPXVp1V-GPW-Evb6y4Nse0ZtZeUth2QClHAOtpg2hEDfaVP55y_/s640/P7130004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday afternoon, a couple of friends and I stopped by the Jiffy Burger in Manchester. I had a barbecue sandwich and batter-dipped fries (pictured above). I don't really have a lot to say about it other than it was excellent dining. If you are viewing this right before lunch and only have a ham sandwich to look forward to, I pity you.Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-76288816544267284452013-07-14T19:24:00.000-05:002013-07-14T19:24:09.124-05:00The George Zimmerman media circus<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unless a person has been living under a rock, most of us
already know the George Zimmerman murder trial has been the latest “trial of
the year” as anointed by the national media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, the Zimmerman trial dealt with whether he was
justified in using force that resulted in the death of Trayvon Martin. Regardless
of how a person feels about the trial, the bottom line is one person is dead
and the other person’s life will never be the same. The circumstances regarding
how this came to be should be sobering for us all. It shows how lives can
change in an instant based on the decisions we make.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following comments are not meant to trivialize the
circumstances of that case because it is all serious business. However, this
trial is another example of how the national media can become fixated on one
subject to the point that it ignores other important topics, including ones
that are more important to us as a nation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see this happen time after time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few weeks ago, it was the Jodi Arias
trial that the media crammed down our throats. With its tales of explicit sex,
it was a classic example of a subject chosen for national coverage for its
ability to titillate. In the Zimmerman trial, it has been race that has been
used as the drawing card. Zimmerman is of white and Hispanic heritage while
Martin was African-American.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a crying shame that people continue to exploit issues
as basic as race, but we have seen this happen in this case. Though race
relations have improved dramatically in our country over the last 50 years, it
is still not where it could be. Problems remain, and they are challenging.
These problems remain all the more challenging when we have large corporate
entities like the media trying to pull the scab off wounds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is the overexposure of the Zimmerman trial
is another chilling example of the national media at its laziest. It greatly
reduces the cost of doing business for the media if all it has to do is rehash
the events of the case until it is ground into a fine powder. Seriously, do we
really need “experts” telling us the same thing over and over again when we
have the information right before us?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of this commitment to repetition, we see other
stories that are more important to us as a nation go underreported. For
example, the extraordinary events going on <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>
right now have the capacity to impact us more as individuals than a second-degree
murder trial in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region> is
our most important Arab ally in the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>,
and it is not every day that we witness a military coup of a country that
important to us. Our leaders in <st1:state w:st="on">Washington</st1:state>
will not necessarily call it a coup because that could interfere with the more
than $1 billion the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region> provides the country each year. Since
most of that money goes to fund the Egyptian military, we are not overly upset
the coup happened even though the overthrown president was elected by popular
vote.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were other stories that have been underreported as
well, including the deaths of 19 firefighters in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>. I could go on and on and on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The result of this approach by the media winds up hurting us
all in the long run. However, I cannot entirely blame them. The media is big
business so if money can be earned this way, why is this a bad thing?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The media gives us what we want. It’s too bad we can’t get
what we need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-88575547983912794612013-07-08T16:27:00.001-05:002013-07-08T16:27:29.808-05:00A meaningful conversation: Jesus and Nicodemus<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many would argue the art of good conversation is becoming a
lost art. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the evolution of
technology to people just not being that interested in what others have to say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These people have a point. After all, technology now allows
us many ways to communicate with each other without directly talking. E-mail,
text messaging, voice mail and other forms of communication emphasize
convenience more than interaction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And maybe we like it this way. For some of us, talking to
tons of people each day can be exhausting. While this is so, we are really
missing something if we are easing the art of conversation out of our lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes the most fascinating conversations can be ones in
which we are not involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be
ones we observe or maybe read the transcript of.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think of a meaningful conversation, my mind often
wanders to the encounter that Jesus had with a man named Nicodemus as it is
recorded in the third chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was an important conversation. Jesus’ earthly ministry
was in its early stages and He was drawing lots of attention. Some of this
attention came from people wanting to stop Him, but others sought Him out
wanting to know more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nicodemus fits the second category. He was not just an
ordinary man. He was a person of high standing in his community and a member of
the Sanhedrin, which was a Jewish leadership body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite his stature, it was he who made the effort to seek
Jesus out. Perhaps the first fascinating aspect of this conversation was the
circumstance in which it took place. Verse two points out that it took place at
night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why did Nicodemus approach Him at night? We can only
speculate, but there could be a couple of reasons. It could have been for
convenience. Jesus had been drawing crowds, and if a person of Nicodemus’
standing had approached Him during the day, it could have been a wild scene.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A more likely reason is that Nicodemus did not know what to
make of Jesus who was already becoming a controversial figure among the
religious establishment. Therefore, at night, he could approach Him without
drawing attention to himself and causing more controversy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The conversation itself is a dialogue between two
heavyweights. Jesus pointed out the need for people to be born again and
Nicodemus was struggling with the concept while asking probing questions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The conversation culminates with probably the most famous
verse in The Bible. In the sixteenth verse, Jesus states:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not everyday that a conversation produces a quote that
is remembered almost 2,000 years later. I have never said anything that will be
around 2,000 years from now. For most reading this essay, it will be forgotten
almost as soon as the wind changes direction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is one
that still carries tremendous weight and is as relevant today as it was back
then. Even non-followers of Christianity are familiar with the verse quoted
above. Scan the crowd at a football game and inevitably, there is at least one
person holding a sign that states “John 3:16.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is the art of conversation will never die as
long as we have examples like this to remind us how meaningful personal
interaction can be. A little effort can result in much gained if we try.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-63156957716390317232013-06-27T17:50:00.001-05:002013-06-27T17:50:13.862-05:00The appropriate balance when it comes to texting and urinating <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, while visiting an establishment, I walked into the
bathroom and saw a man texting while standing at a urinal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me repeat that:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
walked into the bathroom and saw a man texting while standing at a urinal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll pause for a moment just to let that
visual sink in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously? Is this what it has come to? Have our social
media gadgets become so glued to our bodies that we cannot put them down for a
minute while we take care of our normal bodily functions?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess our minds are becoming so desperate for electronic
interaction that we cannot even put our cell phones aside for the basics of
life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, maybe I should give that person the benefit of the
doubt. I did not know him, so maybe he is a very important man. Even though he
only looked old enough to be just out of college, his input on important
matters might be so significant that even the slightest delay in responding to
people could upset his entire world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it is hard to picture President Obama texting
while urinating. After all, of all the important people in our country, most
people consider the president to be the most important of all. However, I
cannot really picture the president texting the president of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region></st1:place> during such a private
moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit I enjoy
certain aspects of social media. I occasionally text people. I use Facebook and
am on there several times a week. Still, our dependence on this type of
technology is becoming ridiculous and showing signs of addiction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole point of social media is to help people connect,
but often it keeps us from interacting with people right in front of us.
Frequently, I see people wandering in stores and on sidewalks with their faces
buried in their smart phone of choice. With their intense focus, they look like
walking zombies. All the while, they are ignoring people around them and not
making eye contact with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see this technological dependence reveal itself in the most
unusual ways. For example, the church bulletin we have at my church states each
week: “Please turn your cell phone off or mute it!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though this seems like an obvious request that really should
not have to be made, it is truly necessary. This is because many of us think
our lives have become so important that we cannot spend an hour focusing on God
without having our lifeline to the world at our fingertips.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously, when did we all become so important? I am not
talking about those accidental times when we forget to turn our phone off and
it rings at an embarrassing time. I am writing about the need to have open
access to everybody and everything all the time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I taught a Sunday school class for several years, and some
weeks, I would notice people with their phones out and glancing at it for
messages (or whatever). I never said anything about it, but looking back at it,
maybe I should have. If we are trying to focus on too many things, we really
are not focusing on anything at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, I do not see this getting any better in the
near future. Smart phones (and similar gadgets) guarantee an acceleration in
the self-absorption factor we have in our culture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not saying these tools are bad, but like most things in
life, we have to strike a proper balance when it comes to their role. Right
now, we are having trouble maintaining that balance. Hopefully, we will try to
resolve this issue, but I am not so sure.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-10769088551953227732013-06-15T12:55:00.001-05:002013-06-15T12:55:09.045-05:00Jake Locker behind the eight ball as Tennessee Titans season nears <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxVNR3emjQEkyXp97ZLlV67QW2LklAcLqDoj1fnRjD14hXf59_h4yBtR064M7HI4Q0JywzRHGvabEVmxCtOq3FlZBMhSVhJptEeWqIi0v6fBiUViieN9LvgYKQzvrhyn947GVKDkz6foa/s1600/tennessee-titans-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxVNR3emjQEkyXp97ZLlV67QW2LklAcLqDoj1fnRjD14hXf59_h4yBtR064M7HI4Q0JywzRHGvabEVmxCtOq3FlZBMhSVhJptEeWqIi0v6fBiUViieN9LvgYKQzvrhyn947GVKDkz6foa/s400/tennessee-titans-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titans have a long way to go and a short time to get there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 2013 National Football League regular season is still
months away, but no single player in the league has more riding on it than
Tennessee Titans’ quarterback Jake Locker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will be his third season, and it may be make-or-break
time for him. This may not be fair, but in the instant success world of the
NFL, results are demanded now rather than later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The success of rookie quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and
Andrew Luck have put additional pressure on Locker as they proved inexperienced
quarterbacks can lead the turnaround of bad teams. Luck piloted the
Indianapolis Colts to an 11-5 record just one season after the team imploded at
2-14. Also, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Griffin</st1:place></st1:city>
led the Redskins to their first playoff appearance in years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This leaves Locker with a lot to prove. In his first season,
he was brought along slowly as he learned from veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Last
year, he was handed the starting job and the results were mixed. He suffered an
injury to his non-throwing shoulder in the opening game loss to <st1:place w:st="on">New England</st1:place>, and it hampered him all season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He only started 11 games, posting a 4-7 record. He also
threw more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (10).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, in his defense, the Titans were a bad team on both
sides of the ball last season. The team finished 6-10, but since four of those
wins were by four points or less, the team was perilously close to going 2-14.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The defense ranked dead last in the league in points allowed
(471). In eight games, the team gave up 30 points or more, and opponents
eclipsed the 50-point level twice. It does not get much worse on the
professional level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, expectations are high for Locker this year, and if he
does not show improvement, his future in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>
could become limited. The Titans certainly demonstrated this in their numerous
offseason personnel moves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the enormous problems on defense, the Titans invested
considerably on free agents for the offense, as well as several draft picks.
The Titans shocked many by spending their first two picks in the draft on
offensive players (guard Chance Warmack from <st1:state w:st="on">Alabama</st1:state>
and wide receiver Justin Hunter from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, the team brought in several offensive free agents
that will diversify the unit. Guard Andy Levitre, tight end Delanie Walker, and
power running back Shonn Greene bring quality where the Titans were lacking
last year. Greene, especially, should provide a much needed change of pace to
speedster Chris Johnson who often danced his way into trouble in short yardage
situations. Johnson clearly is still the number one running back, but Greene
brings an added dimension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though the team has also brought in several free agents on
the defensive side, it is clear the Titans are looking at an improved offense
as a way to keep the defense off the field. After all, if an opponent does not
have the ball, it makes it pretty tough for them to score.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This brings us back to Locker. Clearly, he has been given
the resources to do his job. An influx of talent has been inserted into an
underachieving offensive line. Quality depth has been brought to the backfield
and wide receiver unit. Plus, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city>
should provide more consistency than the departed Jared Cook at tight end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ball is clearly in Locker’s court. If he does not
produce early, will the Titans give him a quick hook?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team opens with road games at <st1:city w:st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:city> and at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:city>.
This is a tough assignment under normal circumstances, but given the pressure
on Locker, the stakes are much higher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember, the Titans brought in former <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:place></st1:city> starter Ryan Fitzpatrick to back him
up. If the season goes bad early, the backup quarterback often becomes the most
popular player on the team with fans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of this, there will be plenty of intrigue in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nashville</st1:place></st1:city> this autumn.
After last year’s debacle, the coaching staff is under pressure to show
significant improvement. Locker’s success or failure will impact many people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When training camp starts, there will be more pressure than
normal, and the spotlight will be white hot on Locker.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-57221823890739796822013-06-09T21:11:00.001-05:002013-06-09T21:11:18.500-05:00From the mixed-up mind of Gordon Gee <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it comes to life at a university, I am sure most of us
have heard the term “ivory tower” used to describe life at such places. It is a
term that is often used to demonstrate how life there is not the same as it is
in the real world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, we recently saw an example of how so-called
enlightened people can be just as bigoted and narrow minded as people in the
rest of society.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was recently revealed that Ohio State University
President Gordon Gee has some salty attitudes regarding the truthfulness of
Catholics and intelligence of people in the South. Unfortunately for him, his
comments were caught on tape, allowing us to share in his ugly insights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Folks here locally might remember Gee from his stint as
chancellor at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Vanderbilt</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>. He was known
as a colorful character while there, but his recent comments demonstrate how Vanderbilt
people should be happy he left their school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The comments were made last December at a meeting of the
school’s athletic council, according to ESPN.com. His comments were directed at
Notre Dame, which is a private Catholic school that some thought might be going
to the Big 10 Conference (of which <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ohio</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> is a member).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Notre Dame did not join the conference, prompting
Gee to state “those ---- Catholics” can’t be trusted. He also stated: “The
fathers are holy on Sunday, and they’re holy hell on the rest of the week. You
just can’t trust those ---- Catholics on a Thursday or a Friday, and so,
literally, I can say that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he made these comments, laughter can be heard in the
background. Since then, Gee has apologized, saying the comments “were a poor
attempt at humor and entirely inappropriate,” according to the Associated Press.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He should consider himself lucky that he did not get fired,
but he has announced he will retire July 1. For whatever reason, our society is
more tolerant of hateful speech toward some religious groups compared to
others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Members of Christianity often have to tolerate more of a
sharp sword when it comes to words. This is strictly an opinion, but if Gee had
made his comments toward Muslims or Jews, then he would have been quickly fired.
It appears Christians have to have a thicker skin than everybody else. This may
not be fair, but this is the world we live in, so my advice to members of that
group is too strengthen your backbone and deal with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gee also had insults for the Southeastern Conference. When
discussing comments from fans of the SEC regarding why the Big 10 still uses
that name despite having 14 members in the conference, Gee stated: “You tell
the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what
we’re doing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ah, yes. The poor, dumb and ignorant stereotype of people in
the South remains alive and well. As a culture, we are told that people who
live in “ivory towers” have advanced beyond the mundane stereotypes that drive
our society, but Gee is walking and talking proof that this is not the case.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is the value of people like Gee to a
university is not measured in the dopey words they say, but the money brought
in through fundraising. If people like him can still rake in the money while
making irresponsible comments, it will not matter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is probably one of the most cynical examples of how
money trumps humanity in our culture. This example should make a cold chill run
down all our spines.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-18228269917094929762013-06-09T21:05:00.001-05:002013-06-09T21:05:47.607-05:00President Obama’s lost year<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The year is quickly slipping away, and for President Obama,
it is beginning to seem like a lost year. His administration is besieged by
controversies, and the severity of them is likely determined by which political
party a person belongs to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a lot of smoke surrounding these scandals, but
there is also some fire. The <st1:city w:st="on">Benghazi</st1:city> situation
grew out of the deaths of four Americans in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Libya</st1:place></st1:country-region> last September that was the
result of a terrorist attack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, the administration’s handling of the event has
remained controversial. Though presidential supporters believe this is old news
being rehashed by Republicans for political gain, the president really has
nobody to blame but himself for its lingering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The president claims he has referred to this event as a
terrorist attack since the beginning. However, less than a week after the attack,
U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice did multiple media appearances blaming the attack on
an anti-Islamic video that caused inflamed passions in that area and not a
terrorist attack. This contradiction has led to much confusion that has not been
cleared up yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rice, who at one time was considered a possible successor to
former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, appears to have fallen off the edge
of the earth. She has kept a very low profile, and what media appearances she
has made has been with friendly members of the fourth estate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the president did believe this was a terrorist attack
from the beginning, all he had to do is take a straightforward approach with
the American people. He apparently did not do that and the story continues to
drag out months later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All he had to do is say the deaths were a terrible tragedy
and clearly state it was an act of terrorism. He could have pledged to do all
that was possible to track down those who were responsible. He also could have
emphasized that he will look at what went wrong in his administration to
guarantee this will never happen again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, he did not really do that. He did say some of those
things, but it was not with the emphasis and action needed to end the story. If
he had, there would have been some political fallout, but it would not have
been enough to sway last year’s election. He failed to trust the common sense
of the American people, and it has come back to bite him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, there are other controversies, too. The IRS
scandal probably resonates with the public more than any of these scandals.
This is because we can all relate to it. We all understand the immense power
the IRS has, and if it is misused, it can do damage. Any person who has ever
opened their mailbox to find a letter from them during non-tax season can
attest to how scary that can be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An Inspector General determined the agency used its power to
target conservative groups trying to get non-exempt status.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It does not matter if the president had direct knowledge of
the situation. People are already skeptical of our government, and he is the
head of it. If the scandal continues to unfold, he will take heat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And finally, there has been controversy regarding the
government’s heavy-handed approach to scrutinizing the Associated Press and
other media. The government went as far as to name Fox News reporter James
Rosen as a criminal co-conspirator in one situation. Though the public rarely
has sympathy for the media, the government’s actions here deserve intense
scrutiny.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If they will do this to the media, won’t they do it to you
and me?</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-4745197614260736832013-05-27T19:32:00.001-05:002013-05-27T19:35:41.492-05:00Tennessee Volunteers facing another transition season in football in 2013<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tUABcE1Rdveh0Er5hPjcXdzjLg1MTHCFVqGP5FZK9df36GfiSmuWOW5-_oOSH8Z9kSqs6LAfO5OiIULlrX8X-g5l8DIl2SJNweP3B3EtQhDNaIuTc6Agj9-2T8KrRUVoMVSWxxfU6HoH/s1600/DU_Tennessee_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tUABcE1Rdveh0Er5hPjcXdzjLg1MTHCFVqGP5FZK9df36GfiSmuWOW5-_oOSH8Z9kSqs6LAfO5OiIULlrX8X-g5l8DIl2SJNweP3B3EtQhDNaIuTc6Agj9-2T8KrRUVoMVSWxxfU6HoH/s320/DU_Tennessee_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bowl would be nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:placename></st1:place> has one of
the most storied programs in college football history, but the last five years
have been rough going. The bad news for the program is tough times likely lie
ahead for the 2013 season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since Phillip Fulmer’s firing in 2008, the program has been
spinning its wheels. Lane Kiffin’s one-year tenure left the school’s fan base
wondering how he could have been hired in the first place. The only bright
spots were that he was able to beat <st1:country-region w:st="on">Georgia</st1:country-region>
and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:place></st1:state>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The situation went from bad to worse during the three-year
Derek Dooley era. Dooley did manage a Music City Bowl appearance in 2010, but
the program quickly slid into the abyss his final two years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, the team stumbled to a 5-7 record in which the
defense was historically bad. In eight games, the defense gave up 35 or more
points. In two of those games, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:state></st1:place>
allowed opponents to score more than 50.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the program turned a corner of sorts when Butch
Jones was hired as head coach last December. Since then, he has said all the
right things. On short notice, he was able to salvage a top 20 recruiting class
and the 2014 class is off to a good start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has done a magnificent job off the field in reconnecting
with former players and rejuvenating the fan base. His work handling the
intangibles of his job has been outstanding. An indicator of this was when more
than 61,000 turned out for the spring game, which was the most for that event since
1986.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now comes the hard part. What will the Volunteers look like
in 2013? <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>
fans have had their patience worn thin the last five years, and it looks like
they will have to be patient for at least one more year. The bottom line is the
team is thin and inexperienced in important areas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Defensively, it could be considered a positive that many
starters return, but since that squad was so bad last year, is this really a
good thing? It would be easy to say that nothing could be as bad as last year,
but this does not mean success is just around the corner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, there are some things to feel good about. The team
is switching back to a 4-3 base defense, and the team had some success with
this in 2011. Last year, the secondary fell apart when safety Brian Randolph
injured his knee against <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>
and was lost for the season. His recovery is progressing and along with Justin
Coleman and LaDarrell McNeil, a fine nucleus could be there in the secondary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Offensively, lots of question marks remain. A talented
offensive line returns, but there are many unknowns at quarterback and wide
receiver. Junior Justin Worley and redshirt freshman Nathan Peterson were
essentially co-starters at quarterback during spring practice, but neither
separated themselves from the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At wide receiver, there is some solid potential but nobody
close to the talent at that position last year. Redshirt freshman Jason Croom, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alton</st1:place></st1:city> “Pig” Howard, and
Devrin Young are the names to watch there, but considerable work remains to get
ready for this season’s formidable schedule.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Playing in the Southeastern Conference is a tough place to
be when rebuilding, and the Volunteers face a challenging schedule. Road games
include trips to <st1:state w:st="on">Oregon</st1:state>, <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state>,
and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alabama</st1:place></st1:state>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>’s
on-field goals must be conservative this year. Finishing with a 6-6 record
would be a good achievement for this squad considering all the question marks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:state w:st="on">Tennessee</st1:state> is one of only
two major college football programs never to have lost more than seven games in
a season (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> is the other). If the Vols survive
this season with that achievement in tact, then 2013 will have to be considered
a success.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-9027567605539146652013-05-27T19:22:00.000-05:002013-05-27T19:22:52.822-05:00The two different worlds of Jodi Arias and Dr. Kermit Gosnell<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not pretend to understand why the mainstream media
chooses some stories to emphasize more than others. I gave up trying to do that
long ago after my attempts to understand yielded nothing but pounding
headaches.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, there have been two recent court cases that have
caused me to scratch my head once again. The two cases involve Jodi Arias and
Dr. Kermit Gosnell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only way people could not know of the Arias case is if
they have been living in a cave in <st1:place w:st="on">South America</st1:place>
for the last four months. Actually, that lifestyle sounds more appealing than
having to live through the excruciating detail in which the mainstream media
has brought us this case.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arias was recently convicted of first degree murder of her
ex-boyfriend. During the trial, the media micro-analyzed every morsel of
information provided. Explicit details about sex lives, Mormon religious
beliefs, and gruesome details about the killing were presented in
eyebrow-raising detail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year or two, the media anoints certain stories to cram
down the throats of the public, and I guess this one was chosen for early 2013.
I know no formal votes are taken on such things. Things just turn out this way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, when so much time and energy is presented to one
trial, others fall through the cracks. The trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city> is one trial
that did not receive anywhere near the amount of coverage it deserved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gosnell is an abortion doctor who was charged with four
counts of first degree murder, and among the allegations were that he was
responsible for the snipping of spinal cords of premature babies born alive. He
was convicted on three of those counts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Call me crazy, but the potential murder of newborn babies by
a doctor seems a lot more compelling than the sex life of Jodi Arias. Despite
this, the Gosnell case went largely ignored by the mainstream media.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I credit columnist and pundit Kirsten Powers for practically
shaming the media into providing what little coverage was reported. After her
efforts, some light was shown on the trial but nowhere near what should have
been.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been plenty of excuses. Some rationalized that
the testimony in the Gosnell trial was just too graphic to be reported. I agree
the testimony was graphic, but the subject matter was infinitely more important
than the circus surrounding the Arias trial. And the Arias trial was definitely
graphic when it came to evidence reported.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest disappointment of the Gosnell trial was how
quiet pro-choice abortion rights groups were. There was not much criticism of
Gosnell, and what little there was came late.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for why one trial got so much coverage and one did not, I
am not naïve. The Arias trial was one that titillated. It had sex, obsession,
romance, murder and a lot of other things that appeal to us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand, the Gosnell trial dealt with issues that
are difficult to talk about and are polarizing to the public. Still, it is hard
to believe people would be more interested in a woman whacking her ex-boyfriend
compared to a doctor accused of murdering babies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, maybe this is the culture we live in. Even when
watching our justice system, we want to be entertained and want to use it as a
form of escapism. I do not want to believe this is the case, but television networks
and web sites know what types of stories will cause people to be interested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, apparently, the Gosnell trial was not one of those
trials. I guess we can only take so much when watching the news over our
evening dinner.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-71335420393679484302013-05-14T17:39:00.001-05:002013-05-14T17:39:25.980-05:00The withering Old Stone Fort Golf Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU3vIu-qY-SlXFcsQkMUZIHrS6mFsP2F95U-AMIMJ11u33HPUJ2cpf6Ef2qljn9TJ0-y5SO_EAZ3d5EfvQPY9G6RM4zoC8A2-OG-FrMZBPfiZzptQfj4PTyEsh0IGOonN002vF1yGDv2p/s1600/P5140001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU3vIu-qY-SlXFcsQkMUZIHrS6mFsP2F95U-AMIMJ11u33HPUJ2cpf6Ef2qljn9TJ0-y5SO_EAZ3d5EfvQPY9G6RM4zoC8A2-OG-FrMZBPfiZzptQfj4PTyEsh0IGOonN002vF1yGDv2p/s640/P5140001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
For golfers my age in this area, most of us learned how to play at the Old Stone Fort Golf Course. Of course, it was shut down a couple of years ago, narrowing the options for local golfers. I had some free time today, so I went down there to wander around and see what was left. It now has weeds and is generally unkept, but since it is still part of the state park there, people can still use it for walking trails and such.<br />
<br />
This photo is from the view of what used to be the first tee box. Though the place produces the vibe of a ghost town, I still felt a lot of good memories as I walked around. Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-5766676012081853772013-05-11T21:21:00.001-05:002013-05-11T21:21:35.057-05:00Freedom without discipline <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We Americans sure love our freedom, and if we believe
somebody is trying to interfere with it, we do not hesitate to stand our
ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This phenomenon manifests itself in numerous ways both here
at home and internationally. For example, we have been fighting a war in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
since 2001 in the aftermath of an attack by extremists on our country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Islamic extremists killed thousands of Americans and made us
fear our way of life was in danger. Because of this, the beat has been going on
in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
for almost 12 years. In some ways, it almost feels like the conflict has become
a forgotten war because it has been going on so long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe this is because the mainstream media really does not
dedicate the amount of coverage to it that it deserves. During the Obama
administration, the war has become less of a media issue compared to the Bush
administration, or at least it seems that way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see this standing up for freedom on an everyday level
here in our country, too. As a society, we constantly try to redefine some of
the most basic elements of our country in order to insure everybody’s freedom
is being protected. There has been a lot of disagreement on some of these
issues, and they will continue to play out in coming years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are no easy answers. For example, the definition of
marital unions has been changed in several states, and ultimately, the U.S.
Supreme Court will make some big decisions regarding it. For all the apathy in
our country, this is one issue in which apparently everybody has an opinion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The definition of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness” can be pretty broad, and as our country continues, the
interpretation of that phrase will have a big impact on us all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all the freedom we have, do we have to consider at some
point that a society can have too much freedom? If so, where is the cutting off
point?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bill of Rights guarantees us freedom of speech, but we
can’t go into a crowded movie theater and scream “Fire!” just because we feel
we have the right to do it. There are limits to our freedoms, and we will
continue to test those limits like we have since the founding of our country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, as the definition of freedom continues to evolve, I
hope we do not forget how important discipline is in defining this concept.
Depending on the circumstances, discipline can restrain us, but it can also
protect us from ourselves sometimes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can become so blinded by the concept of freedom that we
feel nothing should stand in its way. While that sounds ridiculous in some
ways, it is not that farfetched today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as Islamic extremists have threatened our country,
extremists from within <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>
can be just as dangerous. It is does not matter if they come from the far left
or the far right of the political spectrum. When groups lose sight of the
common good, then they tend to favor a version of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> where their vision rules
and everybody else should just sit and take it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It requires discipline to consider the needs of everybody
when it comes to making a country work. Though many may not want to admit it,
discipline is probably one of the key ingredients that causes freedom to thrive.
If we lose that, watch out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, as our country moves forward, I hope we will all have
the discipline to put the needs of everybody on the same level as our own. This
is not always easy to do, but it would be a refreshing change.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757536908648652507.post-7180010366922780662013-05-05T16:44:00.003-05:002013-05-05T16:44:53.807-05:00Passing the buck <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all have to put up with a lot of noise in our lives each
day, but sometimes we hear words spoken that cause us to pause and think.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For whatever reason, I have repeatedly been in situations lately
where I have heard discussions about our country’s direction and who is
responsible for it. In each situation, I did not offer much input, preferring
to be a fly on the wall. Many times, a person can learn more about the mood of
a situation by just listening instead of leaping into the middle of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on what I heard, there are many people who believe our
nation has started down a slippery slope with little chance for recovery.
According to them, times are bad, and there is not much hope our current
leadership can do much to help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I discount that point of view to a certain degree. For
better or worse, I have always been a ‘glass-is-half-full’ kind of man. While I
concede the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has many problems on its plate, we still live in a formidable country. I would
not want to live any place else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess the aspect of these discussions that intrigued me
most was the amount of finger pointing taking place. Some people pointed their
fingers right at President Obama and the Democrats and felt it was their entire
fault. Others laid the blame right at the feet of Republicans. There were
others who blamed everybody and decried the fact that nobody seems to be able
to work together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, in each of these discussions, a recurring theme was
how none of them put our current problems in any type of historical context.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, our nation has a national debt of almost $17
trillion that is currently growing by a staggering $900 billion each fiscal
year. Based on the talk I heard, most people appear to believe this problem sprouted
up overnight with absolutely no warning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, this is totally incorrect. The era of big federal
government can at least be traced back to President Johnson’s administration in
the 1960s. This approach has continued, and we have little consensus about how
to pay for all we want. Even though this problem has been a long time coming,
many people want to simple-mindedly heap all the blame on our current
representatives (though they do deserve their share of blame).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same goes for social issues like gay marriage. For me,
it amazes me how many people appear to believe this issue simply showed up out
of thin air. For anybody paying attention, we know the gay rights movement has
been gaining momentum for decades. In a modern sense, it can be traced back to
the Stonewall Rebellion of the late 1960s, and there have been other milestones
of that movement as time has unfolded. My comments should not be misinterpreted
as either support or rejection of the gay rights movement. My point is that some
people have proven themselves totally clueless about even knowing it was going
on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess the overwhelming emotion I felt as I listened to
these people was that it is better late than never when it comes to paying
attention to what is going on around us. Apathy is real, and the tragedy is
that most people never pay attention. In the 2012 presidential election, 90
million people who were eligible to vote did not. I guess ‘American Idol’ must
have been on that day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is we need to at least be paying attention
to what is going on. We do not have to agree, but let us try to be
knowledgeable about what we are talking about.</div>
Chris Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231067247302746975noreply@blogger.com0