It's been a while since my last post. You know how life is, it gets complicated and cramped.
I'll try to do better.
03 October, 2011
21 August, 2011
Upward Soccer
Soccer season started yesterday at Olive. I am coaching Christopher and Kaitlyn's team once again. Next season Christopher will be playing in the 1st-2nd grade group.
The first game went really good, Kaitlyn scored twice and Christopher scored once. There's a lot of potential on our team and we have really good kids.
The first game went really good, Kaitlyn scored twice and Christopher scored once. There's a lot of potential on our team and we have really good kids.
19 August, 2011
The U
This latest revelation of the corruption of school officials, coaches and players is just an indication of the lack of sense of a number of people.
It's unfortunate that the new basketball and football coaches have to suffer through the penalties for what prior coaches either overlooked, condoned or "just didn't know about." Right, head coaches are notoriously anal about everything, so rules violations just don't register. Give me a break.
It looks like that in this latest case, school officials, i.e. president, AD and others, turned a blind eye to indications of problems and the outright violations that were going on.
At the very least, the school President needs to be fired immediately, along with the Athletic Director.
Donna Shalala was always a dubious choice in my opinion, she was a flunky for Bill Clinton and really has never brought anything to the University. Well, not until now.
It's going to be hard to hang in with the U after this latest fiasco, much more so if those in charge don't pay the penalty for their looking the other way.
17 July, 2011
Hedonism & a Christian's Quest for a Fulfilling Relationship with God
I received Desiring God by John Piper from Waterbrook Multnomah with no strings attached other than to write an honest review of the book.
As I've admitted in the past, I have a tough time reading this type of book, the ones that are going to show you the right way to find God, or know God's plan, or love God more, or... well you get the picture.
I read Desiring God (this is the revised edition) and thought it was okay. I didn't get anything earth-shattering or ground-breaking from it.
The one thing that I did get from the book is one of Piper's main points (or so it seems to me) that "The chief end of man is to Glorify God by enjoying Him forever."
That's it, joy in knowing and loving and serving God.
The rest of it just seems like a Christian view of Plato and Aristotle, which it probably isn't, but it strikes me that way right now.
I will recommend this book because the pursuit of God is the most worthy thing that we can do.
As I've admitted in the past, I have a tough time reading this type of book, the ones that are going to show you the right way to find God, or know God's plan, or love God more, or... well you get the picture.
I read Desiring God (this is the revised edition) and thought it was okay. I didn't get anything earth-shattering or ground-breaking from it.
The one thing that I did get from the book is one of Piper's main points (or so it seems to me) that "The chief end of man is to Glorify God by enjoying Him forever."
That's it, joy in knowing and loving and serving God.
The rest of it just seems like a Christian view of Plato and Aristotle, which it probably isn't, but it strikes me that way right now.
I will recommend this book because the pursuit of God is the most worthy thing that we can do.
01 July, 2011
A Couple of Things I'm Wondering About
I've refrained from commenting on political stuff, but after the president's speech the other day about the debt ceiling "crisis" I'm wondering about some things.
The president said that even if we cut spending, we have to raise taxes anyway. My question is this:
I'm using small numbers to illustrate, 'cause trillions are hard to write and understand.
If we're taking in say $1,000 in taxes, fees and other stuff
And we're spending, say $1,500 for everything we spend money on (I don't think that SS and Medicaid are in the regular budget, allegedly they have their own income streams)
That leaves us overspending by $500 (and we wouldn't be in debt if we weren't overspending)
Now the republicans want to cut spending, so if we were to cut spending by say, $800
that would leave us with $300 dollars that's not getting spent, in effect it's helping to bring down the deficit.
Why do we absolutely have to raise taxes? Why not encourage businesses and people with extra cash to invest in the economy?
And what about the money that some agencies don't spend? Why isn't that money put back into the pot and their budget lowered to be a realistic one?
Just wondering.
Something else, I'm really wondering.
Are the publishers and editors at Newsweek really so lacking in taste they they had to run a "Diana at 50" cover and story?
Is there nothing else newsworthy enough to focus on?
When did Newsweek turn into the National Enquirer?
The president said that even if we cut spending, we have to raise taxes anyway. My question is this:
I'm using small numbers to illustrate, 'cause trillions are hard to write and understand.
If we're taking in say $1,000 in taxes, fees and other stuff
And we're spending, say $1,500 for everything we spend money on (I don't think that SS and Medicaid are in the regular budget, allegedly they have their own income streams)
That leaves us overspending by $500 (and we wouldn't be in debt if we weren't overspending)
Now the republicans want to cut spending, so if we were to cut spending by say, $800
that would leave us with $300 dollars that's not getting spent, in effect it's helping to bring down the deficit.
Why do we absolutely have to raise taxes? Why not encourage businesses and people with extra cash to invest in the economy?
And what about the money that some agencies don't spend? Why isn't that money put back into the pot and their budget lowered to be a realistic one?
Just wondering.
Something else, I'm really wondering.
Are the publishers and editors at Newsweek really so lacking in taste they they had to run a "Diana at 50" cover and story?
Is there nothing else newsworthy enough to focus on?
When did Newsweek turn into the National Enquirer?
23 June, 2011
Not So Average Joe
I have read many of the books out there that propose to help you discover your calling, God's plan, where you life should go, you know the ones I mean.
They are all good books, but somehow they fall short in readability (if that's a word).
"Average Joe" by Troy Meeder is not one of those books.
Written to us average joes out there, Meeder hits a resonance that I have found lacking in other books.
Meeder hits the message over and over, without being tedious, that average, ordinary guys matter as much as the more 'important' guys among us.
Meeder recognizes the men throughout his life that made the difference in the moment and ties it together with biblical examples.
I read this book in two days and plan on keeping it close by for frequent re-readings.
I rarely give a book an unequivocal 'yes' when reviewing, but I cannot be more enthusiastic in recommending it for every "Average Joe" out there.
"Average Joe" was provided to me free of charge by Waterbrook Multnomah for an impartial review.
They are all good books, but somehow they fall short in readability (if that's a word).
"Average Joe" by Troy Meeder is not one of those books.
Written to us average joes out there, Meeder hits a resonance that I have found lacking in other books.
Meeder hits the message over and over, without being tedious, that average, ordinary guys matter as much as the more 'important' guys among us.
Meeder recognizes the men throughout his life that made the difference in the moment and ties it together with biblical examples.
I read this book in two days and plan on keeping it close by for frequent re-readings.
I rarely give a book an unequivocal 'yes' when reviewing, but I cannot be more enthusiastic in recommending it for every "Average Joe" out there.
"Average Joe" was provided to me free of charge by Waterbrook Multnomah for an impartial review.
22 June, 2011
Book List
I've just finished reading two books, and those will probably be the last fiction novels I read for a while, at last until I get settled in with my 4 classes at PSC. I am reading "Average Joe" at the moment and will have a review of it over the weekend.
So here goes:
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River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters
I have to admit that I really like the Amelia Peabody series. It's a guilty pleasure, and one that I have a hard time resisting. The description of Egypt in the late 1800's and early 1900's is fascinating and Peters does an exquisite job with her characters.
A definite must-read and you should also pick up the other titles in the series.
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It's been a number of years since the last novel set in the Jack Ryan sphere of influence by Clancy.
He brings back all of the old characters from previous novels, excepting those dead from old age and the like.
While not one of his best, I did enjoy it and would while not a must-read, if you're a Clancy fan, don't miss it.
So here goes:
I have to admit that I really like the Amelia Peabody series. It's a guilty pleasure, and one that I have a hard time resisting. The description of Egypt in the late 1800's and early 1900's is fascinating and Peters does an exquisite job with her characters.
A definite must-read and you should also pick up the other titles in the series.
Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy and Grant Blackwood
It's been a number of years since the last novel set in the Jack Ryan sphere of influence by Clancy.
He brings back all of the old characters from previous novels, excepting those dead from old age and the like.
While not one of his best, I did enjoy it and would while not a must-read, if you're a Clancy fan, don't miss it.
Update on Midterm
Came in with a 95.7 - could have used those other 4.3 points.
My grades right now for both of my classes are above 97%.
My other two classes begin next week. I am so happy to be taking Philosophy.
Looking toward the midterm in Intro to Criminal Justice next week and then finals in both classes.
Working on my research papers for both classes also.
My title for Criminal Justice is It's 9/11 - Do You Know Where Your Civil Rights Are?
Still working on a title for Info Security.
My grades right now for both of my classes are above 97%.
My other two classes begin next week. I am so happy to be taking Philosophy.
Looking toward the midterm in Intro to Criminal Justice next week and then finals in both classes.
Working on my research papers for both classes also.
My title for Criminal Justice is It's 9/11 - Do You Know Where Your Civil Rights Are?
Still working on a title for Info Security.
18 June, 2011
School
I've just finished the first mid-term test that I've had to take in over 30 years.
Yes, I am that old.
It was my Principles of Information Security test and next week I have my Intro to Criminal Justice test coming up.
I feel pretty confident so far.
Later this month I start my other 2 classes for this term - Philosophy and Algebra, both of which I could do without.
These are my first steps on the way to an AS degree in IT Security.
However, my less that dedicated approach to school 30 years ago has thrown me another curve. New guidelines have been enacted and I have to write an appeal to have my Pell Grant be usable at Pensacola State. I have to show mitigating circumstances as to my not completing classes when I was 18.
I don't remember being 18!
Anyway, I will appreciate prayers and thoughts as I attempt to persuade the appeals board to allow me to use the Pell money I have available to continue my education. Failing their approval, I am back at the starting point.
Yes, I am that old.
It was my Principles of Information Security test and next week I have my Intro to Criminal Justice test coming up.
I feel pretty confident so far.
Later this month I start my other 2 classes for this term - Philosophy and Algebra, both of which I could do without.
These are my first steps on the way to an AS degree in IT Security.
However, my less that dedicated approach to school 30 years ago has thrown me another curve. New guidelines have been enacted and I have to write an appeal to have my Pell Grant be usable at Pensacola State. I have to show mitigating circumstances as to my not completing classes when I was 18.
I don't remember being 18!
Anyway, I will appreciate prayers and thoughts as I attempt to persuade the appeals board to allow me to use the Pell money I have available to continue my education. Failing their approval, I am back at the starting point.
09 June, 2011
Book Review - Sir Quinlan
Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black is an excellent book for both the young reader and the old.
At first I was afraid that since this was book #5 I wouldn't have any idea what was going on, but my fears were laid to rest, this is a worthy stand-alone novel.
Sir Quinlan grows into his role as our hero and along the way leaves behind childhood and the would-be heroes of his life.
Overcoming mistakes and forgiveness are lessons learned along the way and the very straight-forward parallels drawn between our King and His Son and those of the book are very hard to miss.
I heartily recommend this book and will be reading the first four books as soonas possible.
And as soon as my children are old enough to read this level book, I am going to make sure they start this series.
I was provided this book by WaterbrookMultnomah free of charge, under no obligation than to provide a review of the book, either positve or negative.
At first I was afraid that since this was book #5 I wouldn't have any idea what was going on, but my fears were laid to rest, this is a worthy stand-alone novel.
Sir Quinlan grows into his role as our hero and along the way leaves behind childhood and the would-be heroes of his life.
Overcoming mistakes and forgiveness are lessons learned along the way and the very straight-forward parallels drawn between our King and His Son and those of the book are very hard to miss.
I heartily recommend this book and will be reading the first four books as soonas possible.
And as soon as my children are old enough to read this level book, I am going to make sure they start this series.
I was provided this book by WaterbrookMultnomah free of charge, under no obligation than to provide a review of the book, either positve or negative.
05 June, 2011
UWF Argos National Champs
On Saturday, the men's baseball team from the University of West Florida won the NCAA Division II National Championship.
The Argos completed the tournament undefeated, beating Winona College 12-2 to bring the Argos season record to 52-9.
I remember the national championships that our softball team won and know that those guys and coaches are on top of the world.
Congrats to the players, coaches, and staff of the baseball team.
The Argos completed the tournament undefeated, beating Winona College 12-2 to bring the Argos season record to 52-9.
I remember the national championships that our softball team won and know that those guys and coaches are on top of the world.
Congrats to the players, coaches, and staff of the baseball team.
11 May, 2011
Books
Here's some of what I've read lately.
Starting off with the doomsday 4.
One Second After by William Forstchen - think "Alas Babylon" but about 1000 times more real. It makes you want to stock up and move to the hills.
The "Moon Crash" trilogy by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life as We Knew It
The Dead and the Gone
This World We Live In
An asteroid hits the moon and changes the orbit closer to earth. Almost everyone dies... but not quite. No zombies or anything like that.
The Last Days of Krypton by Kevin J. Anderson - an exploration of Krypton's past, with Jor-El and General Zod. Culminates with the spaceship launch of Kal-El to Earth.
Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson - This was book 1 of the series, I may not finish this one.
Bleak History by John Shirley - an odd book, but a fairly good read.
The next three are by John Scalzi
Old Man's War
The Ghost Brigades
The Last Colony
Old Man's War will remind you a lot of Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" and somewhat of "The Forever War" by Haldeman. All three are excellent reads.
The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch - previously published as Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation. An adequate read, not sure if I'll continue on.
Starting off with the doomsday 4.
One Second After by William Forstchen - think "Alas Babylon" but about 1000 times more real. It makes you want to stock up and move to the hills.
The "Moon Crash" trilogy by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life as We Knew It
The Dead and the Gone
This World We Live In
An asteroid hits the moon and changes the orbit closer to earth. Almost everyone dies... but not quite. No zombies or anything like that.
The Last Days of Krypton by Kevin J. Anderson - an exploration of Krypton's past, with Jor-El and General Zod. Culminates with the spaceship launch of Kal-El to Earth.
Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson - This was book 1 of the series, I may not finish this one.
Bleak History by John Shirley - an odd book, but a fairly good read.
The next three are by John Scalzi
Old Man's War
The Ghost Brigades
The Last Colony
Old Man's War will remind you a lot of Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" and somewhat of "The Forever War" by Haldeman. All three are excellent reads.
The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch - previously published as Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation. An adequate read, not sure if I'll continue on.
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