Merry Christmas

Hope to see everyone soon!

Best...Sign...Ever

Not only is this billboard real, it is on the interstate smack dab between Tuscaloosa and Shreveport, where the bammers will be vacationing in late December for the 2nd straight year.

And the search(es) is on

Well, I guess I was the only one who didn't see the Al Borges bloodletting coming. All the message boards and blogs I read (and it's not really that many) had a "yup, this has been in the works for weeks" kind of mentality about it. I think it was a bit odd that they were able to keep it quiet for almost a week. Apparently Tubs let CAB know last week that he wouldn't be retained. My guess (actually stolen from other things I've read) is that it was so Tubs could negotiate a quick hire of the OC from Troy (disciple of the Leach/Mumme spread offense) and CAB could look for another job before the story broke. So that's what it looks like. We'll be running the spread offense in Auburn next year. I sure hope its more of a power spread featuring a strong running game instead of a pass happy, toss it all the field, three yard outs on every play type of spread O (and yes, I've already seen it referred to as the Spread Eagle attack). Here's a few things I don't like/understand about it. Personally I thought it was Tubs who was "calling off the dogs" on offense the last couple of years. After seeing the way CAB liked to spread the ball around and put up gaudy numbers in '04 and '05 I didn't think he would be one to "shut it down" on offense. That definitely seemed more like Tuberville's MO. He is old school, despite the Riverboat Gambler moniker, and loved to win games by running the ball and shutting the other team down. Also, CAB's quote said he understood the situation after talking to Tubs for "about 20 minutes" last week. Again, this makes it all seem so premeditated and underhanded. Tubs knew he was going to go in another direction and it looks to me like he didn't give Borges a chance to explain how he was going to change things for next year, either personnel wise or schematically. I just think that Cox's shortcomings as a quarterback and his injuries are the real reason the offense sputtered so badly at times in the last two seasons. I never wanted to pin the blame on Al.

As for the other coordinator on the Plains...despite the fact that we saw this same things just two weeks ago with Tubs, reports out of Fayetteville are saying that Will "Boom MoFo" Muschamp

will be named the new Head Pig as soon as tomorrow. I had no doubt in my mind when we hired Muschamp last year that he wouldn't be around long. I figured he'd be snapped up as a HC soon. I was just hoping we'd maybe get a couple more years out of him. The interesting thing to see will be if he succeeds in Hogville the next couple of years and Auburn struggles, if Lowder and Co. try and engineer a swap with Tubs heading back to R-Kansas and Will coming back to the Plains. We shall see, we shall see. Okay, I should really be finishing this paper on Plate Tectonics I've been avoided all day. Peace out peeps.

Oh yeah, James. We enjoyed having the wife over for dinner Saturday. It'll be nice next year when that is a weekly occurence. Pack yo bags mister...it's been in the 70s for four straight days!

How's the Bachelor Life JDinz??

You been livin' it up since the little lady headed down South? I'm picturing empty pizza boxes and beer bottles lying around the couch. Maybe even the pillows from your bed on the couch since you've been sleeping there watching ESPN all night. Are you at least remembering to feed the animals? That would be good. Anyway, enjoy the good life my friend.

Possibly a sign?

As part of Jen's review for boards she signed up to receive the "question of the day" through email. Well, she took her boards a couple of weeks, but this was one of the questions this week:

Question of the Day: It’s a cold November day in the middle of football season in Atlanta, Georgia, when you are presented with "Uga VII", a 3-year old intact male bulldog in a red University of Georgia t-shirt. Uga is in for a routine check up and vaccinations.

You note an excessive amount of snorting, snuffling and slobber, (which is to say, normal for Uga). On auscultation, you hear a somewhat irregular heart rhythm with a slow rate; markedly slower on expiration.

T= 102.1 F (40 C) RR= 24 HR = 60 bpm
Reference values

What should you do?

A - ECG
B - Echocardiogram
C - Nothing
D - Chest radiograph, CBC, blood chemistry panel
E - Refer to for cardiology consult


I asked why there wasn't a choice F: euthanasia, but Jen didn't think that was funny. Anyway, just thought it was interesting that of all the mascots in the country, that's the one referred to in the question.

She leaves for Athens today. Say a prayer for safe travel and dry roads.

To follow up on James' anti-Bammer theme

If you're ever feeling down...

Just visit this site.

I mean really...

Could you ever get tired of watching this?

JLM Week Lucky 13

Team HardtobelieveanotheryearofJLMiscomingtoanend

QB Tebow (he might break 100 himself this week), uf
RB Green-Ellis, ole
RB Lester, au
WR Burton, ky
WR Ingram, uf
WR Brown, ut
K David, lsu
DEF Auburn

By the way Larry, I tried to call Amanda during the day yesterday to ask her what kind of wine we had at your house. I knew it was Rex Goliath, I just couldn't remember Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. I just bought both to be safe.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

You know you live in Wisconsin when...

You wake up to snow on Thanksgiving and you're not really shocked.

The Mantage - You're Welcome!

You Never Finish!!

JLM Week 12

Team FinishHim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

QB: Gee, lemme think...Tebow
RB: Moreno
RB: McFadden
WR: Hall
WR: Caldwell
WR: Bailey
K: Lincoln
D: bama

JLM with 2 weeks to go

Through 11 Weeks:
Wins
Matt 5
Larry 3
James 3

Total points
Larry 1136
Matt 1161
James 1106

Avg. Weekly Score
Larry 103.3
James 100.6
Matt 105.6

Concert in the ATL

How's this for the 99X MistleToe Jam line up: Modest Mouse, Silversun Pickups, The Shins, and Silverchair. Not too shabby for just $10. Larry, you in? It's December 16. I know you're in town from the 10th to the 14th so it would probably be tough for you to stay another two days. Just checking though.

JLM Week 11 - It's On...It is Sooo On

Team BlackJerseysWillOnlyTakeYouSoFaruga

QB: Tebow (can't help it...he's been killing me. I wanted to pick Woodson here)
RB: McFadden (Nutt is padding his Heisman stats now)
RB: Hester
WR: Harvin
WR: Rod Smith
WR: DJ Hall
K: Byrum
D: LSU

Picks:
Arky takes out the vowels in K-ville. DMC and Felix go OFF, and the natives are restless about Fulmer's future. If they lose to either UK or Vandy I think he's done. Arky 27-21

How awesome would it be if Sly could get the best of Shula and Sabear in back to back years? Unfortunately I don't think that's happening here. bammer rolls 31-13

Vandy needs this to get bowl eligible (UT and Wake Forest left after this), but I think UK is just better on O. Cats 24-16

LSU big over La Tech. LSU 38-12

Oh, wouldn't it be sweet if Stevie the Visor could ruin UF's shot at the SEC Title game again. Meyer is definitely number 2 (pun intended) on my most hated SEC coaches list (Satan...Saban is an easy #1). I just think the Cocks have run out of gas after the last two weeks. UF 37-21

It's time for another battle between the hedges. (FOOTBALL!!!!) Do you realize that if UGA wins this will be the first time since 1982 they will have beaten AU and UF in the same year. I was reading a copy of Bulldawg Illustrated at lunch today at Guthrie's (just thought I'd throw that in there) and you have no idea how big that would be to the UGA fans. They seriously HATE losing to us. Too bad for them I think we're ready for this one. They're getting all gimmicky with the black out (it was the seniors' idea to have the fans wear black and word on the street around here is that the team will be wearing black jerseys for the first time in forever...literally, I don't think they've ever done it) and I think they're a little high on themselves after beating UF (FOOTBALL!!!!!!). This has the makings of 1997 all over again. That UGA team beat a highly ranked UF team with a dominant ground game (Robert Edwards) and thought they would whip up on us the next Saturday in Athens. We came in focused and strong and ran the ball all over them and walked out with an easy 45-34 victory that was even more of a blowout than the score indicates. While I don't think we will win that easily I think we will win. Knowshown won't get 175+ yards like he's been getting. We'll stack the box and limit his yards. This will make us vulnerable to the passing game and Stafford has the arm to burn us. I'm just guessing his head gets in the way. We need a couple of turnovers in the first half to get them thinking too much. On talent alone I think they have us beat. We just play so good on the road and especially when we're underdogs. If we play the game we did against Florida and LSU I think we win without having to come down to the wire. If we play like we did against Arky it will be a close game that could go either way. If we play like we did against anyone else we'll get spanked. I like Brandon to redeem himself for last year's debacle (FOOTBALL!!!!) and manage a solid game. Brad gets his first 100 yard game in his last game in his home state. The defense holds Moreno under 100 yards and Stafford under 250 and causes two or three turnovers (UGA is suseptible to giving the ball up). Lester scores late to put us up and Groves and Coleman get a couple of sacks to end it.

AU 23
uga 17

JLM Week 10 Scores

Sorry it took me until Thursday to get this out. I've been busy and I knew I got smoked so I really didn't have a whole lot of desire to add up the points. I'm sick of losing at JLM and I'm turning it around this week.

Team LoserwithacapitalL

QB: Stafford 21
RB: Fannin 5
RB: Foster 22
WR: R. Smith 2
WR: Doucet 18
WR: Bennett 3
K: Coutu vs. Troy 15
D: UT vs ULL 9
Total - 95 (that's actually respectable but you both beat that with three picks!)

Team Whisky (holy crap...I didn't realize you had Moreno too!!)

QB T Tebow 45
RB B Tate 12
RB K Moreno 37
WR K McKinley 7
WR P Harvin 34
WR M Wallace 1
K A Tejada 6
DEF Auburn 9
Total - 151 (going Bacardi on that ass)

Team Okrachoke (whoa, you have practically the same team...this one is gonna be close between you two)

Q Tebow 45
R Fannin 5
R Moreno 37
W Taylor 5
W Doucet 18
W Harvin 34
K Tiffin 10
D UT 9
Total - 163 OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!! James scored 151 and got beat by double digits?!?!?!

Doucet's 18 and the kickers are the difference this week as Larry stages a thrilling victory from the middle of the Atlanta freakin' Ocean!!! Staggering, just completely staggering. How could we possibly follow up this JLM Week?? Hopefully with a close win by me and a whipping of the pups between the hedges.

Through 10 Weeks:
Wins
Matt 4
Larry 3
James 3

Total points
Larry 1077
Matt 1044
James 1052

Avg. Weekly Score
Larry 107.7
James 105.2
Matt 104.4

Thoughts on AU

I posted this in my reply to James' query on the Tenn. Tech game but I didn't know if anyone would read that.

I've been staying away from the message boards because I'm sick of reading the posts bashing Tubs for having his agent start this crap about aTm and how he's just doing it to get a raise and how AU would go on just fine without him and all that crap. AU fans (at least the ones that post on AUtigers.com) are such a negative bunch. Just listened to CTT on the radio here in Atlanta (he was on one of the sports talk stations this morning and the other one around 12:30...getting the AU word out in the ATL) talking about this week's game and about the aTm junk. I don't think he's going anywhere unless they offer him stupid Saban-like money. It's gonna cost aTm $6M just to get CTT out of his contract. Then they have to pony up at least $3M a year. He's in line for a raise from AU to at least $2.5M/yr after the season. Is it really worth it to leave for half a mil more per year?? I don't think so. Hopefully I'm right. I want him to stay at AU as long as he wants to.

Punk Rock Girl!!!

I'll just never understand

I'm always amazed that when all things are basically equal and one team has beaten the other team, how the latter can be ranked above the former.

Did anyone get to listen to the game? Was Kodi that bad?

JLM Week 10

Team ComeBackStrongWith50BellyDancers

QB: Stafford vs. Troy
RB: Fannin vs. Tenn. Tech
RB: Foster vs. ULL
WR: R. Smith vs. Tenn. Tech
WR: Doucet vs. bammer
WR: Bennett vs. fu
K: Coutu vs. Troy
D: UT vs ULL

Tigers will post an easy win with a somewhat unimpressive score. I'm thinking something like 38-7. Kodi will get to open up the offense a little in the 3rd quarter but we'll shut it down in the 4th and get healthy for ugay. Bama keeps it close in Turdtown, but the Whos pull it out in the 4th quarter and end our hopes for a visit to Atlanta in December for the 3rd straight year. Oh well.

If only Auburn had seen this before the LSU game

Millsaps college is basically across the street from Belhaven. I once watched Widespread Panic on their campus. This is unbelievable.

A Day Off

Well, we had yesterday and today off, sort of a Fall Break. It's really Teacher's Convention in Milwaukee, but since we are not required to go, I find the time better spent at home resting and prepping for the next month or so.

Larry, I was looking up Ocracoke Island and it looks awesome. Have you been there before? I look forward to hearing about it.

It appears that Tubberville is getting killed for the chop block on Dorsey. This from Jason Whitlock on foxsports.com

2. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is an absolute coward and fraud for not suspending the freshman lineman who chop-blocked LSU's Glenn Dorsey in the back of the knees.

I've watched the highlight over and over and what transpired is completely unjustifiable. Tuberville claims all the linemen were supposed to cut block. You don't cut block a defensive linemen moving toward you on the back of his knees.

Not only was the block illegal, but it was as immoral as LSU coach Les Miles claimed. Plus, it's damaging to college football. Dorsey returned to LSU for his senior season. He could've turned pro after last season. Now every NFL agent is going to show every third-year defensive lineman the tape of the block that could've cost Dorsey millions of dollars.

The NCAA needs to step in here and suspend the freshman guard. No one is saying the kid is a bad kid. But the sport needs to send a strong message that those type plays will not be tolerated, even accidentally.

Also and interesting take here, complete with video.

Finally, my mom sent me this and I thought it was hysterical.

'Dear Lord: Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!

JLM Week 9

Team Idon'tthinkI'veeverywontwoweeksinarow

QB T Tebow
RB A Dixon
RB F Jones
WR R Smith
WR E Bennett
WR Steve Johnson
K W Byrum
DEF Arky

While I realize that Auburn/Ole Miss isn't a great national game, but there are so many games on gameplan I don't understand why they wouldn't pick up all sec match ups. We have a fall break today and tomorrow, which I am already enjoying.

JLM Week 8

Team Theearlybirdgetsthevictory

QB T Tebow
RB D McFadden
RB A Foster
WR K McKinley
WR P Harvin
WR R Smith
K A Tejada
DEF USC

Well, I'm off to 6th grade camp for two nights in the wilderness with fifty something 10 - 11 year olds. Actually, we stay in cabins, and the place is pretty nice. It's hardly roughing it. Then I'm going on a retreat with our church, so 2 more nights in a state park. That means I won't get to watch the LSU game live. I'll gladly take text updates because I probably won't have time to watch it in its entirety on Sunday.

I'm not sure what to think. Did Auburn intentionally revert back to the Auburn from the first three games?? Was the play calling that conservative, or was Arkansas really that good on D. Will LSU be ticked off, or will they still be reeling from getting smoked by some Wildcats. Will I ever think of Kentucky and not be reminded of the night we karaoked at the Best Western with some Wildcat faithful.

JLM Week 7

Team Sigmugi
Q: Stafford - 16
R: Lester, AU - 8
R: Dixon, MSU - 16
W: McKinley - 12
W: DJ Jazzy Hall - 14
W: Taylor, UT - 24
K: Byrum - 9
D: USC - 6
Total: 105

Team Boner
QB: Chris Smelley Cock - 22
RB: Knowshown Moreno, ugaly - 15
RB: Big Ben Tate - 9
WR: Keenan Burton, ky - 1
WR: Mike Wallace - 6
WR: Hot Rod Smith - 1
K: Brandon Coutu, ugaly - 8
D: LSU - -3
Total: 59

Team Whiskey

QB B Cox - 5

RB A Dixon - 16

RB A Foster - 19

WR E Bennet - 3

WR M Wallace - 6

WR K McKinley - 12

K W Byrum - 9

DEF G Cocks - 6

Total: 76

Pretty sure Larry took over the overall points lead after this week's thrashing. I see on the dashboard that James is already plotting his futile attempt at Week 8 glory. Give it all you got Team Band Camp.

Time to get serious

No more playing around. I am not going to stand here and be made a fool at JLM2007. That's right. I AM GUARANTEEING A VICTORY THIS WEEK. I'm man enough...yah.......that's right...

Team IGuessICan'tPickTebowThisWeek

Q: Stafford - I wish my receivers would stop droppping passes
R: Lester, AU - 90 yards and 2 tds
R: Dixon, MSU - This pick will make or break me
W: McKinley - Time to step up and play like a man
W: DJ Jazzy Hall - I'm going with the tired Fresh Prince reference
W: Taylor, UT My new pick of the week
K: Byrum, why not
D: USC

JLM - Week 6 Scores

Well, it's a good thing I don't make a living off picking college football games. I said Auburn would have trouble early with Vandy (how about 28-0 in the first half). I thought Georgia would go into Knoxville and win (again, 28-0 in the first half). I figured Kentucky would be able to put up big offensive numbers on USC (uh, no). And I was convinced Florida had what it would take to win in Death Valley (okay, so I was pretty close on that...if not for Les the Hat's big balls on 4th down). At least I can take solace in the fact that I am running away with JLM 2007!!!!!

That's right, in the lowest scoring week of JLM this season I have prevailed once again and I have to give all the credit in the world to my a-hole of a quarterback, Tim Tebow. Seriously, has there ever been a bigger punk that played QB in the SEC? This guy is a first rate douche rocket of the highest order. I hate his little arm flapping to the crowd after he scores. I hate his military haircut and flail-armed lefty passing style. But the big guy does put up some impressive JLM numbers. His 31 points were high score this week and they led me to an 83-73-67 victory.

Matt: 83
Tebow 31
D-Mac 18
Grant 1 (that's what I get for picking an bammer)
Rod Smith 8
Wallace 7
Burton 7
Byrum 5
Arky 6

James: 73
Ainge 8 (QB killed JDinz this week...just killed him)
Felix 26
BenJarvus GreenPurpleElvisImpersonator 5
Rod Smith 8
Lafell 7
Wallace 7
Ijjjjjjjas 6
Arky 6

Larry: 67
Woodson 21
D-Mac 18
Grant 1
Mckinley 6
Hall 1
Harvin 6 (13 from the WRs...positively Dinsmoresque)
Byrum 5
Auburn 9

JLM Week 6

Team TakeitOfftheRackIfItsWackPutitBack (song anyone?)

QB: Tim Tebow
RB: Darren McFadden
RB: Terry Grant
WR: Rod Smith
WR: Mike Wallace
WR: Keenan Burton
K: Wes "I could probably nail any chick in the 36830 zip code this week" Byrum
D: Arky

Predictions: Auburn comes out SLOW and Brandon tosses a bad first quarter pick. After letting Vandy get the early lead the Tigers begin to play like they are on the road (they will actually be wearing the road whites and some old school throwback helmets without the AU logo to commemorate the 1957 national championship team) and go up by 10 at the half. Second half is more of the same and we end up with an easier than expected 31-13 win. Brad gets his first TD of the season but splitting the carries three ways between Lester, Fannin, and Tate keeps all the backs from putting up ridiculous numbers. Kentucky's magical season keeps trucking along tomorrow night as Andre Woodson becomes the first QB to torch USC's defense. KY rubs the jelly in and smacks the Cocks 27-16. Georgia continues to improve on offense (they're starting three freshmen on the O line...sound familiar??) and puts another nail in Fulmer's coffin with a big win in Knoxville, 33-23. The big game on the bayou: Florida has just spent an entire week hearing how overrated they were and how their offense is a one trick pony...all you have to do is shut down Tebow and the gators become little lizards. Well, I ain't buying it. I realize that if there is a defense in the league that is as fast and sound as ours it is LSU, but I just think the UF offense is going to say FU to Glenn Dorsey and company. I thought Florida would win this game before the Beatdown in the Swamp and I'm sticking with my gut here. Florida drops LSU from the ranks of the unbeatens with a 30-24 win.

The rural ghetto

Apparently this song is where it's at these days. It even has a dance that goes with it. They played in twice at the dance, the second time a senior got on stage and "performed" for everyone. It was entertaining. If you want to be the life of your next party, search for the instructional video on youtube. Oh, don't worry, they played some ooo eee, ooo eee, but it didn't have the same effect as 3 years ago in Myrtle.

More Teblow

JLM Scores - Week 5

Running away with it fellas...

Matt 135
Woodson (MVP) 43
McFadden 25
Jackson-Garrison 7
Bennett 15
Burton 16
Smith 10
David 10
LSU 9

James 111
Cox 11
Jones 29
McFadden 25
Burton 16
Bailey 0
Wallace 12
Coutu 9
LSU 9

Larry 96
Stafford 13
Jones 29
Grant 6
Burton 16
Hall 14
Slaughter 0
Byrum 9
LSU 9

Gaytors....Gaytors....Gaytors won't you bite my ass

WAR DAMN EAGLE

It is 2:30 AM and I just watched Auburn make Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow look like a bunch a punks. I had to chaperone the Homecoming Dance so I didn't even start watching the game until about 1 AM. Holy Cow, I think I deserve to win JLM this week for having faith in B. Cox after I've bashed him all year. Good gosh I'm not going to be able to sleep for awhile. I guess I'll finish off the SoCo.

JLM Week 5

Team MontellJordansezThisIsHowWeDoIt

QB: Andre Woodson (may God have mercy on your soul if you pick Tebow)
RB: Darren McFadden
RB: Cassen Jackson-Garrison
WR: Earl Bennett
WR: Keenan Burton
WR: Rod Smith
K: Colt David
D: LSU

JLM Week 4 -- SHOOTOUT!!

In what was probably the highest scoring "close" JLM week ever (well, two of the competitors were close...excluding a certain math teacher who fell in love with a true freshman quarterback and two Bayou Bengals) the tie at the top was broken, and the new leader is........... Roswell's own me.

After refusing to ride the Tebow bandwagon for three weeks I finally gave in and picked the "Baby Rhino" against Ole piss. As I watched the game unfold I felt hoodwinked. Tebow is slow. He doesn't make people miss. Even though they run that dang QB draw 215 times per quarter I didn't think he was accumulating any stats. And his passes! Man is his throwing motion awkward. This guy has no chance of making it to the NFL. But something funny happened during the fourth quarter. They showed his stat line. He had 140+ rushing yards and over 200 passing, not to mention 2 rushing touchdowns and two passing. I started doing the math in my head. Holy crap, he was on course to put up over 50 JLM points! And I didn't even see it coming even though I was watching almost the entire game. Shows how much I know, right. Anyway I was going to pick Felix Jones instead of McFadden because D-Mac had a concussion against Bama and I thought he might not play. Good call by me. McFadden got 24 JLM points along with Dixon to give me 101 from my starting backfield. Harvin and Burton went for 18 each and Hall, Byrum, and Auburn combined to get me 17 (go figure, worst score was a bammer) for a 154 total. Could Larry catch up without Tebow?

Well, he started off well, picking up Erick Ainge off the scrap heap. Ainge torched the Arky St. Indians for 38 JLM points. Larry also got 24 from MSU's Dixon. Next up was Mario Fannin. After giving way to Ben Tate for most of the game Mario got in late and galloped 67 yards for his 3rd touchdown of the game with under 30 seconds left to collect a whopping 28 JLM points (probably the only time all year an AU player will account for 20+ JLM points). Burton and Lucas Taylor teamed up for another 40 and Larry was making up ground fast. Too bad he had the same idea with DJ Hall and Wes Byrum as me. With Tennessee's win he ended up with a total of 147 to come up 7 points short.

James was led by Taylors' 22 and Harvin's 18. He had a bold pick with Kodi Burns at QB (love the optimism) and got burned when Kodi gave way to Cox in the 2nd quarter. James ended up with 77 to limp home in 3rd this week.

So after four weeks, I lead with 2 wins, but I think Larry has the most overall points. It's starting to get interesting. Now we'll get to see if any of us have any sack and pick some Auburn players going into the Swamp. Gulp.

JLM Week 4

Team I'mtheMacandI'mbadgiveyousomethingthatyouneverhad

QB:Tebow, FU (I'm finally breaking down and picking him...now watch him ride the pine for the second half because it's a blowout)
RB: Tony Dixon, MSU (hell, if we couldn't stop him I sure hope Gardner-Webb can't)
RB: Darren McFadden, Ark
WR: Percy Harvin, FU
WR: Keenan Burton, KY
WR: DJ Hall, bammer (ouch, that hurts to do)
K: Wes Byrum (AU's MVP through three games)
D: AU, seriously why not...if we can't beat NM St. we can't win another game on the schedule

Couple notes...I would have picked either Tate or Fannin but I read today that Lester might be reinstated before the game Saturday and if he is he will play. Our RBs are a total crapshoot this week. Also, Early Doucet is out several weeks (or so I read) with a sprained ankle. Take the info for what its worth.

JLM Week 3...short version

I don't have the numbers with me right now (left them at home and I'm in the computer lab at school right now) but James got his first victory of '07 and we stand deadlocked with one win apiece after three weeks (kinda like Auburn...only not as bad offensively). James blew the field away with 130+ points, aided by his 11th hour change from Earl Bennett who would have scored 10 points to DJ Hall who was worth something ridiculous like 29 or 30. He also rode the Tebow Train to another 40+ points. That dude is a JLM hoss! I'm still not sold on his ability as a big time QB in a tight game if forced to pass the ball, but with all the athletes Urban Meyer has assembled on that offense Tebow might not ever find himself in a two minute drill. That LSU-UF game in Baton Rouge in a few weeks should be the game of the year in the country. I can't wait to see LSU's team speed on defense trying to keep up with the Harvins, James, Caldwells and Tebows of the gators. As for the worst team in the SEC...it's now a two team race between Auburn and Ole Miss. Oh my God, it's 1998 all over again. Hide the women and children, the Tigers are going to follow up 13, 9, and 11 win seasons with a 4-8 or 5-7 stinker. I'll try and find some time later on to tell you how I really feel.

Bear Grylls is a phony

You guys are man-crushing on a fake. Check out this video.

LMJ Week 3

Team SamesongdifferentverseIsuckatLMJ

QB: Tim Tebow, uf
RB: Darren McFadden, arky
RB: BenJarvis Green-Ellis, ole
WR: Riley Cooper, uf
WR: Earl Bennett, vandy
WR: Prechae Rodriguez, au
K: Wes Byrum, au
DEF: LSU

Thoughts on Season...short

One of my biggest pet peeves in college football (and Auburn in particular) is a coach's reluctance to play his young players because they aren't "ready" or don't "know" the offense/defense well enough. Under Tubs, we have rarely played any true freshmen (Caddy being the glaring exception and he was the number 2 or 3 ranked signee in the country that year). This has definitely come back to haunt us in recent years. In 2005 Kenny Irons led the SEC in rushing with over 1300 yards. And he did that only playing in 10 games. He sat out the Georgia Tech game to start the season because Tuberville and Borges said he didn't know the blitz pick ups well enough to face Tech's blitz happy defense (to make things even more maddening Kenny wasn't some green true freshman just out of high school...he played two seasons of SEC ball at South Carolina!!). So instead we played Tre Smith almost exclusively and had zero running game and, as I recall, Brandon spent a lot of time on his butt and threw four picks. So much for the experienced player theory. Now fast forward to this season. It's been obvious to the people who cover Auburn and who've attended practices the last two years that Mario Fannin is an absolute stud and the best RB on Auburn's roster. Now, every Auburn fan who watched Saturday night's game has seen the proof bust through the line and speed past defenders...Fannin is leaps and bounds better than Ben Tate. But who got all the carries in the season opener? Ben Tate. And what was the rationale? Mario didn't know the blocking schemes well enough. What happened to Brandon against K-St? He got sacked six times, knocked on his arse several more, and generally looked like a scared middle school Matt on a date with an actual girl (that was pretty scared if you didn't know me back then). And then they pull Fannin in the USF game just because he fumbled twice. Now their excuse is they were afraid if he fumbled again it would have an adverse affect on his psyche for the rest of the season. They were protecting him???? Are you kidding me? How many stud FB recruits out there lack in self confidence. I guaran-damn-tee you he was itching to get back in there and make a play. And really, when your season is potentially on the brink in the second game and it's the fourth quarter and your offense has been absolutely stagnant since the second quarter and you need someone, ANYONE to step up and make a big play wouldn't you want the single most TALENTED player on your offensive roster in the game??? Wouldn't you??!?!!! I sure as hell would (did). Now, let's divert our attention for a few minutes to a few other programs that have a little bit of national respect. First, let's take off our Pac-10 hating hats and look at USC. They are without a doubt the most successful football program in the country in the last five years and they deserve most of the accolades they've received. Pete Carroll has that team absolutel stocked with blue chip players year after year. And you know what his philosophy on freshmen getting playing time is??? It's this: the best players will get on the field. If you're good enough to play, you will play, regardless of your class or how many starts you've made. There's no way that Tuberville, Gran, or Borges could look any of us in the eye and tell us that Ben Tate had been practicing better than Mario Fannin in the lead up to the K-State game. No way. Now let's take a sneak peak at Florida. We all kind of made fun of the whole Tebow thing last year. There was so much talk and hype about them installing several new plays in the playbook just form him, but everyone knew that when he was in the game he was just going to take that direct snap and run the ball into the line. Well, you know what? It worked. He had over 300 rushing yards and something like 10 touchdowns. Had they used him properly in the AU game in the second quarter they would have beat us and gone undefeated. As it stands, I believe they won the national title and now he is looking like a All-American (granted their competition hasn't exactly been all that tough) in his second season. Over at Virginia Tech they came into the season with a solid defense, a fragile upperclassman at QB, and a stud true freshman waiting in the wings (any of this sound familiar?). In the second quarter of the second game they pulled their version of Brandon Cox and put in the stud freshman. Now, I realize that Auburn was actually leading at halftime of the USF game and that Virginia Tech was basically scrimmaging as LSU had already wrapped up the game by the end of the first quarter. Still, Va Tech's coaching staff made the decision that this kid gave their offense the best chance to score points and win. This week they named the freshman the starter. Now, I'm not saying Brandon needs to be dumped completely. He has certainly performed wonderfully in big games for us throughout his two and a half seasons. Hell, he's 20-6 as a starter. But you can't tell me that he's a confident leader of this offense right now. All I ask is that Auburn insert a few plays into the scheme to get Kodi Burns on the field this week and see what he can do. Maybe he comes in for two or three "Tebow draws" this week and then gets a series or two in the next game against New Mexico State. Maybe he turns out to be unprepared and really needs a redshirt year. But maybe he turns out to be poised beyond his years and inspires the rest of the offense to raise the level of their games. Maybe they start playing up to their capability and stop putting the defense in crappy situations and maybe we can win a few games against solid competition. Okay, this has started to unravel a bit and I need to work on an assignment for my education class. Here's my overarching point...Keep Fannin in the game and put a few plays in for Burns. If Chris Slaughter is the best WR on the team, get him out there and involved. Okay, happy Wednesday.

JLM Week 2

Down and Dirty...gotta screamin' kid and a wife that needs a break.

Scores:
Matt 99
Larry 96
James 87

You guys both wasted 50 from Tebow. I got 28 from Woodson, 25 from Dixon, and 28 from BenJarvus Green-EllisJingleheimerSchmidt. Larry would have won had he not taken Auburn. Ouch...live and learn.

JLM Results Weeks 1 and 2

JLM Week 1

Okay, so it wasn't quite as close as my last approximation but Larry still didn't get the runaway win he thought he did. He did however get the first W of the year in JLM Season 27. And really, as USF would gladly tell you, the W is all that matters (I might make some more game comments later or I might just save them up for another time -- suffice to say I am not real happy with the coaches right now). Larry started off JLM '07 with a high scoring victory, something we like to see. Of course, it's also time for everyone to load up on cupcakes...the scores will come down once the SEC slate gets going. Here we go.

Larry: The dynamic duo of Tebow and Earl Bennett teamed up to lead Team Huntsvegas with 42 and 40. 'Cock Boyd got Larry another 19 and Harvin paid off with 13. Larry was able to overcome his two zeroes (Lester Lester, the test molester and Christianson--that's what you get for drafting a Bama player) and ended up with 125.

Matt: Solid showing from Woodson (30) and McFadden (32) to go along with decent numbers from Tate, Doucet, Harvin, and Colt David (10, 13, 13, 9) got me to 118...close but no banana.

James: Flynn got you 22...but he was the lowest scoring QB. Jones was the second highest scoring RB with 25, but you had non one else score more than 13. You ended up with 96.

Week 2 was a little closer, but I have to run home now (I'm at Turner for the Braves gig). I'll post those scores a little later.

Saturday nights

Is it just me, or does it seem like there are more games at night, and the kick-off times are getting later and later. This doesn't bode well for it being a good "date night."

I hope we see a lot of this tonight.

NFL Knockout: Sudden Death

So, let's do one of those Sudden Death NFL Pools where you pick one winner each week, straight up, no spread. But once you pick a team you can't pick them again for the rest of the season. We can each put in five bucks to make it interesting or we can just use it as yet another source of trash talk. What say you? My pick for Week 1: St. Louis

JLM Week Dos

Team OkaythePreseasonisOver

QB: Andre Woodson, KY
RB: Tony Dixon, MSU
RB: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, UM
WR: Prechae Rodriguez, AU
WR: Dicky Lyons, Jr., KY
WR: Earl Bennett, VU
K: Joey Ijas, UF
D: AU

Thoughts on the game. The defense is going to come out smoking because they probably feel like they have to for us to have any chance to win. Last week I predicted to Cece as we were about to kick off to start the game that K-State was going to take that kickoff and drive down the field for a score. This week, I don't see that happening if USF gets the ball first. I think Muschamp is going to be more aggressive this week and will let Groves, Marks, Sims, and Blackmon loose. I really think Tray has a breakout game and does something big. Offensively I think we're still going to struggle. Brandon is going to look skittish to start off because we're going to go with short, quick throws, a few of which will get knocked down at the line. The running game is going to start slowly because you know USF is going to stack the box with 8 and 9 defenders, daring Brandon to throw. I think we'll catch a little bit of a rythym in the second quarter and go into the half up 13-3 or 13-6. Second half will be a bit more of the same. I think the third quarter will be heavy on defense and we'll score a little bit more in the 4th to put it away. Final score 27-10 AU. Mario Fannin gets his first career TD and gives us a little taste of what he'll be doing in this offense for the next few seasons.

Don't worry Brandon, I felt the same way

I know it was the first game, and Larry will probably provide some reason to be optimistic, but I don't see how Auburn wins 8 games this year. If I was B. Cox's mom, I would not allow him to play against LSU. They might kill him.

Football in the South

I thought this was a decent article on the impact of college football to southern culture. What's even more entertaining is to browse through the comments to the article. Especially, those from the West coast and Northeast. In my experience, the people in Wisconsin have an understanding of how crazy people get over football down South because they have a similar irrational approach to the Green Bay Packers. Still, there's just something different fans of a college team, especially if you went to school there. Also, there are people that love the Badgers and are passionate in their approach to being a fan. However, the impact to the city of Madison is not as evident. I realize to some extent, the fact that Madison is a big city has something to do with this, but on game day I can go places...including downtown and you would have no idea there is a football game occurring.

I haven't heard one word from national media regarding Auburn this season. I think history tells us this is probably a good thing. I'm just curious to see how Cox plays. I hated that feeling last season that every time he dropped back to pass, something bad was going to happen. I wonder if they'll pass more now that Lester is out. It would be great to see Tate or Fannin go for 100+ each.

AU 34 KSU 10

JLM - Week 1...2007-2008

The time has come for me to provide my weekly beat down. If you have what it takes, let's do this.

Team WithanewcorneaIshouldbeunstoppable

QB: Matt Flynn, lsu
RB: Brad Lester, au
RB: Felix Jones, arky
WR: Rod Smith, au
WR: Early Duecet, lsu
WR: Keenan Burtan, ky
K: Brandon Coutu, uga
DEF: Florida

I don't know what to expect from Auburn. I expect a lot of running the ball and good defense. I hope they play consistent with few mistakes and win by 3 touchdowns. It's funny, I think about last year almost as a down year... and they won 11 games including wins over Florida and LSU. I guess the losses were so bad it left a bad taste. To be honest, I'll take a win over Alabama this year above them all.

Weekend adventures

Went up to Houghton, MI this weekend with Flicker for a mountain bike rice. It was a 32-mile incredible course, but my body is just now recovering. Getting old sucks. The Upper Peninsula is an unbelievable place. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend. That is where Jen when to college, Michigan Tech, and if you go, I'd recommend the summer. They get about 400 inches of snow in the winter. Unless of course you go with Flicker, because then I'm sure he'll take you snowmobiling.

Monday night went to Miller Park to watch this guy.









Not sure if you can tell, but that's Barry Bonds. Not that I've been to too many Brewer games, but it was nice to finally see one sold out. I think Barry was 1-2 with a double and a couple of walks. The crowd booed like crazy every time he came to the plate.

Looking forward to hear about the Wilco show Larry. Matt, how is school so far?

Ohhhh, Back to School

Wow...so I only have a couple more days before I officially become a student again. Scary. I sure hope I fit in the desks.

Another year gone by

Well, today was the last day with students and it kind of ended on a sour note. We think a girl stole another girls purse out of my room while everyone was at the "Middle School Dance." We had to go back and watch the video from the hall cameras and although it's not entirely obvious, there may be enough evidence. Hopefully we'll be able to recover it.

Anyway, it was a pretty good year. The thing I realize about teaching is that 10% of the students take up 90% of your time/thoughts/energy/emotions. This is unfortunate on many levels, but I probably end up neglecting the other 90%.

Still, I sat in on a presentation by a group of 7 seniors for their AP English class. It was eye opening and encouraging to hear that they recognize that our educational environment needs to be improved and that the students need to step up and play a bigger role. We hope to incorporate a mentoring program next year that would get juniors and seniors positively involved with freshman to help them with the transition and set good examples. I think this is an awesome idea, but understand it will be a several year process.

Tomorrow I have a "report and planning" day and then Monday I go in for a committee I'm on, but after that it's all about summer vacation!!

Happy 33rd

Ahhh, the 1st of June is upon us and that means it is time again to wish Feliz Cumpleanos to Senor Dinsmore. Happy Birthday James...we'll all raise a beer in your honor today!

A Teaching Perk

Well, today I got to experience a perk of teaching. As a reward for students (middle school) who have not received a disciplinary referral all school year we took them to this amusement/water park. It is a pretty cool place that has 4 parks in one. The roller coasters weren't half bad, and there were 5 or 6 go kart rides that were pretty awesome. All in all it was a fun day.

Here's the debate. In the past we have told students about a "reward" that they would receive for behaving. Basically, trying to provide an incentive for students to act accordingly and make good decisions. This year we did not give any warning. We decided to reward the students who were well behaved without being "bribed." I tend to like the way that we did it this year. I'm all for incentives if used properly, but you want to teach children to be motivated from within, not from external forces. Thoughts?

Changing my Profile Pic per Sigmugi's request

Wilco Review

The countdown is definitely on for summer. There are 11 regular school days and two days of exams left. I'm never sure if the kids are more excited or the teachers.

Larry, I found this review of Wilco in the Madison State Journal. I'm not real familiar with their music, other than the live stuff I've listened too. Do you have the new album? Do you recommend.

Snow in April?

Well, it was just two weeks ago I was sitting on the Lake Mendota terrace sipping a local brew enjoying 80 degree temps, but oh how things change quickly. We got 5 inches of heavy, wet snow the last two days. It's been pretty crummy, but I guess it goes with the territory.

Nothing much else is new here. I am still planning on being in Huntsville on Friday, May 4. Larry, I never heard back about the cinco de mayo party so I assume it will be on Saturday still? Hopefully you can get off on Friday afternoon for a round of golf.

Boner, any updates?? Subbing...job outlook...pregnant wife?

I saw that the MLS has a Thursday night prime time game this season. That's cool. Hopefully it will help increase viewers.

If a post is typed on this blog, does anyone see it?

Long time no communication. Just thought I'd say what's up all. Through a random search of other things, I cam across this about Modest Mouse. Larry, I figure you're all over it. The single sounds pretty good.

We hit the 60's today and the snow is mellllllllting!! Still, it could snow a foot in two weeks. Thursday and Friday I get to go watch the WI state basketball tourney. One of the perks I guess of being a coach. The best part is that it takes place 4 miles from my house. I could practically bike...but I won't.

Hope everyone is doing well. Small chance I could be in Vegas on May5, but not for sure. It's pretty much in stone that we will be in Alabama most of July this summer. Fire up!

New blogger

I'm not sure that it really matters, but if we want to update to the new blog, its up to you Larry.

Speaking of Larry's. Larry, you need to sponsor this guy. He could be the answer for Larry's all over the world. Of course, he's going to Vandy, which pretty much cements the Larry Legacy...he'll be working studying quantum physics with a minor in nuclear engineering instead of throwing TD's.

AU Wins National Championship

Wouldn't this be funny if it happens. GOlf Digest would have been right all along

AU Wins National Championship!!

Catching Up

Let's enter the speed round and hit some topics from the last couple of weeks...

SABAN TO BAMA
I honestly didn't think he'd do it. I couldn't understand what he saw in the job, with all the meddling power brokers (their crew is worse than Lowder in my humble opinion) and lack of talent on campus right now. I also didn't think he'd just quit on the Dolphins so easily. Spurrier I could understand. He didn't like the long hours it takes to succeed in the NFL. He wasn't a workaholic in college and you knew he wasn't going to magically turn into one in DC. Saban on the other hand, was a control freak at LSU. He is known for staying at the office all hours of the night, going over film dozens of times. That seemed suited for the NFL. So I was wrong. He wanted the job and he's got it...and all the crap that comes with it. It won't be long until he comes up against some of the shadowy powers and it'll be interesting to see what happens. It's also going to be interesting to see how his recruiting will go. There are already a couple of stories surfacing about him trying to strong arm some in state recruits...one in Mobile in particular who is committed to LSU. He made some comments to the player and dad (at the high school because they refused his request to come to campus for an official visit) about how Miles was only winning because he had Saban's recruits. I wonder if the player asked how come Miles could have back to back double digit win seasons with Saban's players and Saban couldn't do it with his own players? Anyway...Saban is a good football coach. He's going to make Alabama better than they were with Shula. He's not going to make them into a team that's going to Atlanta every year. LSU and Auburn are too far ahead of them right now. I give him four seasons at the Crapstone...five tops. I think he'll win one SEC title and no BCS championships. He'll leave Bama, either for the NFL or a better college job. And make no mistake, no matter what the Bammers tell you, there are better college jobs out there.

KEVCOCK AS A DAD
Saw the pics he sent out. Good stuff. I'm ready to join this club. Well, I'm enjoying my last few months of sleeping through the night and not getting puked on twice a day, but I'm pretty darn excited about meeting the little monkey that's messing with the wife's emotions right now.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Larry, I concur. We went and saw it a few months ago and we both liked it a lot. Steve Carrell is one funny dude. And he can act too. You can't see Michael Scott as a Proust scholar, but his character in the movie makes you believe it. Also, the 40 Year Old Virgin is the shiznit as well. I'll never be able to listen to Michael McDonald without breaking out in laughter.

NIGHTAT THE MUSEUM
Very appropriate. Great evidence for you Larry. I haven't seen the movie but I can only imagine how much it plays into your theory.

HENLEY AS A FOREST FIRE FIGHTER
Hands says only you can prevent forest fires! I hope he's able to get what he wants but I want him to stay safe as well.

TROJANS BUSTING OUT
I'm too slow...I was going to write that your boys would break though soon and sure enough, Coach D brought home a victory. Way to go Coach.

SABAN REDUX
Saban is a liar. But he didn't have much of a choice during the season. He made a mistake by saying "I'm not going to be the coach at Alabama". He should have just said, "I'm the coach of the Dolphins and that's all I care about now". After the season was over and he took the Bama job, he could have said something like, "the college game is really where I wanted to be. Yes, the Alabama job intrigued me when they approached me but I was focused completely on the job here with the Dolphins until the season was over". Instead he played the denial game when everyone knew it wasn't over. He played it wrong and came out looking like a tool. I agree with James that he won't be in Tuscalooser for the long haul. I disagree with James that Arky will be solid next year. I hate it for McFadden but they won't have any passing game. Everyone will absolutely stack the line and McFadden is going to have to work like a fiend just to get decent yardage. He won't tear it up like he did this year. Things in Fayettenam are falling apart fast. Hard to believe it was just over a month ago that they were in the top five and riding a ten game winning streak. Almost everyone picked them to beat Florida in the SEC Championship game. That looks pretty funny now.

BECKHAM
I think it was a great move for MLS. Beckham is still a big enough name in international soccer that this will garner attention for the league in the international press. He's a big enough pop culture name (even here in America) to get the casual observer interested. All Galaxy games will get their highlights on SportsCenter now. Their jerseys will be all over the place. There will be all kinds of free PR for the league. The real question is how will they follow this up? Can the New York team pull off a purchase like Renaldo? Can they convince younger players who aren't in their prime yet to come here? They still have to develop young talent. And I'm afraid it's going to have to come from overseas. We are still a few generations from having a large percentage of the top tier of athletes focusing their skills on soccer. Let's face it - there is just more money in football, basketball, and baseball. And I don't see that changing. Sorry.

JAMES' BURGER KING STORY
How true, how true. The high school I've been subbing at has a rather large Hispanic population. There's a lot of kids that can barely speak a word of English. Also, every time I give a quiz or test the kids ask me how to do the problems. I just kind of laugh and say, "I don't think I'm supposed to tell you how to do the questions. That's why it's a test. Didn't you study?" I've stopped being surprised when the honest answer is "no".

MADISON MARATHON
I think you will definitely be the man if you run that bad boy. I'd love to join you in the training, but I'm struggling to run three miles at a time right now. I sprained my ankle Thanksgiving day and it still doesn't feel right yet. It takes me three to five minutes of slight limp/running before I start running close to normal. I would go to the doctor but I really can't afford it right now and there's no way I could get around in a boot, driving the five speed in Atlanta traffic, sometimes 20-25 miles one way to a school. I know, excuses are like belly buttons and a-holes, but this one is kinda valid. Besides, I've been telling myself that if I run one it will be the Rocket City. Larry, when are you thinking about running that one?

AUBURN HOOPS
I really wish I'd seen the game Tuesday night. I also think it's been replayed on ESPNU a couple of times already. Coupled with the win over UT last week and dare I say a possible upset of number 1 Florida this weekend, the Tigers are definitely on the rise. I am really excited about the progress made on the new arena. I truly believe that if we get the arena done on time and get Lebo the resources he needs (and deserves) he could stick around and build an amazing legacy on the Plains. I'm just afraid that as soon as he gets us into the tourney two to three times in a row someone in the ACC will come and offer him two to three times what we pay him. Only time will tell. But I'm excited about what he's got going on right now.

I guess that's it for now. I'll try and be more of a regular contributor in the coming weeks.

FOIL

Ah yes, today we reviewed FOIL in both Calc and Trig. It's the perfect time to break out the t-shirt that Ryan gave me. I received comments such as, "that is the coolest shirt ever", to "where did he get that, at the math geek store?"











Speaking of Trig, at the end of the semester there were 17 students, now there are only 10. Hmmmm, is it me? I'll take some of the blame, but if you aren't willing to spend 30-45 minutes outside of class working on homework, then I'm sorry, it is going to be a hard class.

War Eagle

So I had 3 different kids come up to me today and say, hey nice win. I was a little unsure what they were referring to, only to have them tell me that Auburn spanked #12 Alabama. Wow, I guess I should start keeping up with AU hoops.

Let's be honest

Raise your hand if you wish this was the view out your front window.




















What, no hands up?? C'mon it's great for your back. It is kind of fun to drive in if your only going around town and you have 4-wheel drive.

Hard to believe, but the first semester ended on Friday. We have report and planning day tomorrow, also known as, try and avoid other staff so you can get work done day.

What's up fellas??

Hey, I'm going to write more tonight and address some of the recent posts (I can't believe it's been so long since I've written anything on here!). But for now, I give you the greatest commercial in the history of mankind...and it's from the Great State of Alabama! Behold...the Flea Market Montgomery...it's just like...just like...a mini...mall!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ3oHpup-pk

Do you believe in miracles?

After an 0 - 6 start the Freshman Men of Troy got their first win tonight. I'd love to say that it was my motivational pre-game speech, but I can't. We actually had one of our starters come up to me about 8 minutes before tip, holding his nose with blood all over his jersey. Apparently the ball hit him in the face and now he was gushing blood. So I ran around frantically trying to find someone to help stop the bleeding...literally. Anyway, he eventually jammed some gauze up in his nose and came back to play like a beast. Sure winning isn't everything, but it makes it a lot more fun.

Old man winter

Well, I thought, just maybe we'd get through winter without any major snow. Wrong. We finally got a fairly significant amount of snow. Enough to be a pain in the rear, but not enough to warrant a snow day. Needless to say my back is screaming from shoveling.

It looks like I'm going start playing some soccer. One of Jen's classmates is putting together a team and I told them I was interested. I'm a little nervous since the last time I walked off an indoor soccer field it was under two friends arms on my way to ACL reconstruction. Oh well, I guess it's time to give it a go.

No plans for May 27?? I'm very seriously considering signing up for the Madison marathon. I think it would be an excellent reason to have boys weekend in Madison. It's Memorial Day weekend, so its even a long weekend. C'mon, who's with me?

For the mathematically challenged

I got this as an email and thought it quite funny and unfortunately accurate.

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from f my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help . While he tried to explain the transaction
to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990: A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20.What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class discussion after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

6. Teaching Math In 2006: Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

I actually did have a student last year who did not speak a word of English. It made it very tough for him to take notes.

Yesterday was an interesting day for me as a teacher. First, my trig class had a test and I had given them two class periods to prepare, study, ask questions, etc. What did they do most of the time? Play on their calculator, talk about the weekend, or just gossip in general. When the bell rang at the conclusion of the test yesterday, all I saw were looks of shock. When I glanced through the test, no one had finished, as a matter of fact, most had 3-5 problems left. They were mad, and to be honest, I was a little glad. We tend to spoon feed these kids more than we should. I haven't quite decided how I'm going to handle the grading.

So then later that day, during an 8th grade test, a girl calls me over and asks, "for #1 when it says to list the factors, does that mean to list the numbers that go into this number?". I respond, "I can't tell you that, but it is on your study guide that you were supposed to complete and I'm letting you use on the test." She then proceeds to burst into tears, put her head down on the desk and I'm unable to talk with her for about 10 minutes. Nice.

Bend it like Beckham

While I think it's pretty cool that Beckham is bringing his celebrity status to the MLS and I believe that initially people will tune in to see the show, but ultimately people will realize that it's still soccer. I'm afraid that he's setting a precedence for money that the league will not be able to afford. I still say that if you are a great young athlete, soccer is going to be about 4 or 5 on your list of sports to pursue. Think about some of the contracts that legitimate stiffs are getting in the NBA and MLB. It just ain't happening in the MLS. I believe we have to build the program from within and have more success on the world level. How long have people been saying that soccer is on the verge of exploding? Sure, tons of kids play soccer, but that's because it's an active sport that pretty much anyone can play when you're young. Just stand off to the side and watch the mob move up and down the field.

Am I being pessimistic?

Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your ear

Wow, you're right Larry. Things have gone dormant on the Vegas blog. I have been checking it, but just haven't had much to say lately. I've been in a real funk after the Christmas break. Basketball has been rough this year. My team (freshman) are 0 - 6 and the varsity are 1 - 8. It's amazing how the talent changes from year to year at small schools. Still, we've got 7 games left to turn it on.

Saban comments...he's a liar and I wouldn't let my 18 year old spend 4 years under his direction. Of course, his track record doesn't indicate that he'll be there 4 years. Still, the SEC West is going to be great next year. LSU is preseason top5, Arky should be solid again, we'll compete and we'll see what happens with Bama. I think he's in for a rude awakening. He doesn't know pressure until he loses on the Plains next year.

We had a great New Year's celebration in Madison. A group of friends gathered to celebrate the upcoming birth of baby Luedke, then we rocked the house until after midnight. Ok, it was pretty low key with no good stories to tell Ryan's son one day, but it was still fun.

I tried to update the blog, but it said that all owners have to participate, so maybe there is something you guys can do when you go to the main blogger page. I don't know what all it will do, but maybe one day I'll play with it.

No comments ????

Where have we all gone?

Boner, any commentary on Saban? Or Petrino to the Falcons (Almost a bigger shock to me than Saban to Bama)? I now think Bama will be competitive again pretty quickly, which is good in the national media sense. The Iron Bowl will not be a laughable hindsight in the national scene any more if we are both 10 win teams. I know, they won't be 10 wins for a few years, but I but they get there. Saban is a pretty good recruiter.

Tell us about the new house.

Oh yeah, Kevin and Angie had their baby. Julian Michael Lowe was born on December 26, 2006 (tax break). 8lbs, 3ozs and 19 inches long. Mom, Dad, and Julian are doing well.

Little Miss Sunshine is a great movie.

Ben Stiller's name in A Night In The Museum is Larry. Exhibit P in my trial.

Eveytime the Weatherman talks about El Nino I wait for them to say, "that's Spanish for The Nino"

I had a good time hanging out with Henley over the Holidays. The boy is doing well and will graduate next December. He wants to jump into the middle of Forest Fires and fight his way out.

That's all that comes to mind right now.