Hello,
Lent is halfway finished and so is my 46 day sacrifice of facebook. 20 straight days without facebook? I'm telling you right now, this is definitely being earned and I have stuck to my guns about not going on facebook even though the temptation is there.
And that's what this is all about: Resisting the temptations.
Easter is slowly yet surely approaching and we all know it is the same story. But it's one of the most important stories in our lives knowing that our savior lives in each of our hearts.
Easter is a lot like Christmas, we get gifts, yet, it's gifts of candy and sweet things because it is the sweetness of spring that is with us.
Next Sunday takes us into the 2nd half of Lent beginning with Laetare Sunday. Laetare means to rejoice and this also means that the austerities of Lent are lessened yet are still firmly in grasp with Easter still sits a few short weeks away.
---
March has been very quick yet spring took a very long time to get here. I mean god forbid (hence "DEUS AVERTAT") winter goes away any time soon. We are still dealing with the firmness of cold weather and nastiness outside. But hopefully the warmth of Springtime and Easter will be here soon.
Easter is when spring is really here. Our king has risen and defeated death and will be here at the second coming.
~ Joshua
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
We forgot our values in life - Donating to Charity
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
"Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys." - Luke 12:33
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." - Luke 6:20
Hello,
We seem to be stuck in a world where random acts of kindness come at a premium. Where generosity today? Doesn't come easy. I know I've said no to a few homeless folks, but sometimes, they may be con artists or criminals.Rich and the Politicians:
When I think of the word RICH: I think of celebrities, politicians, CEOs of major fortune 500 companies, and sports stars.
Not people who make $100,000 or less.
But I look at a lot of these bogus charities like "The Giving Pledge" and "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation" which has received incredible criticism for caring more about returns on their investment then they would about helping others. These rich folks need to get off of their dead rear ends and start helping others.
Our politicians don't feel that way, as they continue to tax and bust poor and middle peoples gums out for their dollar while saving the rich. They believe that $50,000-a-year on the middle class is very rich enough to pay the majority of the taxes while the top 10% of earners find the exposed loopholes so they don't have to worry about Uncle Sam taking their money.
Our politicians also don't seem to care about charity even though they claim to. I don't see them donating massive amounts to money to some of the top-dollar charities out there.
The rich seem to only care about elite schools, operas, and snot-nosed places. I don't see them donating to food banks, homeless charities, religious charities (Money's their religion), and so on and so forth.
I can say a lot about sports stars because they do some heavy donating and spend time with children about how to make it in life.
---
Religious charities are the ones that could use the biggest help and it doesn't seem like a lot of the rich want to help out with them. They spurn religion because it "didn't help them become wealthy" and that's really sad.
I don't see Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, or any big time CEOs putting down their pad and pen to help with food banks and giving the poor a few dollars for a meal.
We have forgotten our values in life and it's time for that these rich, stuck-up, irresponsible, wealthy snobs start donating their time to charity!
---
WE HAVE FORGOTTEN OUR VALUES
~ Joshua
NASCAR and Religion
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Hello,
Why does it seem that American Atheists have a beef with everything that involves Christianity, yet not Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish, or any other religions of that matter? If it's a Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish thing... Oh, that's okay... but if it's Christianity... OMG! THAT'S OFFENSIVE TO ME!!!! GET THAT REMOVED!
American Atheists recently told NASCAR to stop with invocations prior to races as they believe it is very offensive to that off atheist, muslim, and jewish fans.
Ok, are you kidding me? What in god's name? Let's think about this: 100% of the drivers within ALL THREE SERIES are Christian (answerbag.com). The Earnhardts were die-hard Lutherans, Michael and Darrell Waltrip are very strong baptists, Jimmie Johnson is a liberal catholic, Bill Elliott? Baptist... Just those examples tell me that NASCAR is one extremely religious sport that scoffs at the notion of ending invocations. The people who come to races? Probably 99.9% Christian.
Read such religious entries: http://www.go2mro.com/about/index.php
I am a Methodist/Lutheran mix. I've been learning more about the Catholic faith, but while I don't agree with some of how they do things (I am still in the learning process), it is a religion that believes in whom I like to call "The Big Dude Upstairs."
I'm sure when I go to heaven, God's popularity there is ultimate to the point where you got to get the best seat in the house just to see him.
I remember an episode from the Golden Girls. Sophia was talking to her dead husband Salvatore about Heaven.
Sophia: "How's god!?"
Sal: "Oh he's really nice! You should see his Cadillac!"
---
Religion is extremely important to me, I attend church on Sundays, I'm joining church leagues and even hopefully down the road, the St. Agnes Men - Though I am not catholic. Having that word of god with me at all times just goes to show me that god is there and he is very protective of me and all of his children.
---
I also think Pope Francis has done a magnificent job of bringing the world together. He's cleaning up the Catholic Church and rooting out the problem spots.
---
Do we keep prayer in NASCAR? You better believe it.
~ Joshua
Hello,
Why does it seem that American Atheists have a beef with everything that involves Christianity, yet not Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish, or any other religions of that matter? If it's a Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish thing... Oh, that's okay... but if it's Christianity... OMG! THAT'S OFFENSIVE TO ME!!!! GET THAT REMOVED!
American Atheists recently told NASCAR to stop with invocations prior to races as they believe it is very offensive to that off atheist, muslim, and jewish fans.
Ok, are you kidding me? What in god's name? Let's think about this: 100% of the drivers within ALL THREE SERIES are Christian (answerbag.com). The Earnhardts were die-hard Lutherans, Michael and Darrell Waltrip are very strong baptists, Jimmie Johnson is a liberal catholic, Bill Elliott? Baptist... Just those examples tell me that NASCAR is one extremely religious sport that scoffs at the notion of ending invocations. The people who come to races? Probably 99.9% Christian.
Read such religious entries: http://www.go2mro.com/about/index.php
I am a Methodist/Lutheran mix. I've been learning more about the Catholic faith, but while I don't agree with some of how they do things (I am still in the learning process), it is a religion that believes in whom I like to call "The Big Dude Upstairs."
I'm sure when I go to heaven, God's popularity there is ultimate to the point where you got to get the best seat in the house just to see him.
I remember an episode from the Golden Girls. Sophia was talking to her dead husband Salvatore about Heaven.
Sophia: "How's god!?"
Sal: "Oh he's really nice! You should see his Cadillac!"
---
Religion is extremely important to me, I attend church on Sundays, I'm joining church leagues and even hopefully down the road, the St. Agnes Men - Though I am not catholic. Having that word of god with me at all times just goes to show me that god is there and he is very protective of me and all of his children.
---
I also think Pope Francis has done a magnificent job of bringing the world together. He's cleaning up the Catholic Church and rooting out the problem spots.
---
Do we keep prayer in NASCAR? You better believe it.
~ Joshua
Sunday, March 16, 2014
2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament breakdown
Hello,
MARCH MADNESS HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED and it is time to breakdown the 68-team bracket and my take on who wins and the big upsets.
UPSET ALERT will get a breakdown and reason why they will win.
RUN FOR THE MONEY GAMES means the game is going to be closer than expected. Final score prediction must be between 1 to 4 points.
UPSET ALERT will get a breakdown and reason why they will win.
RUN FOR THE MONEY GAMES means the game is going to be closer than expected. Final score prediction must be between 1 to 4 points.
SOUTH REGIONAL GAMES
Opening Round Matchup - 16A Albany vs. 16B Mount St. Mary's
My take: Mount St. Marys | My final score: 79-75
Second Round - Upper Bracket
1 Florida vs. 16 Opening Round Winner
My take: Florida | My final score: 89-45
8 Colorado vs. 9 Pittsburgh
My take: Pittsburgh | My final score: 72-65
5 Virginia Commonwealth vs. 12 Stephen F. Austin (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Stephen F. Austin | My final score: 70-62
4 UCLA v. 13 Tulsa (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Tulsa | My final score: 69-68
Second Round - Lower Bracket
6 Ohio State vs. 11 Dayton
My take: Ohio State | My final score: 81-74
3 Syracuse vs. 14 Western Michigan
My take: Syracuse | My final score: 72-52
7 New Mexico vs. 10 Stanford (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Stanford | My final score: 79-57
2 Kansas vs. 15 Western Kentucky
My take: Kansas | My final score: 99-50
---
West Regional Games
Second Round - Upper Bracket
1 Arizona vs. 16 Weber State (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Arizona | My final score: 69-67
8 Gonzaga vs. 9 Oklahoma State
My take: Gonzaga | My final score: 88-70
5 Oklahoma vs. 12 North Dakota State (UPSET ALERT)
My take: NDSU | My final score: 76-74
4 San Diego State vs. 13 New Mexico State
My take: SDSU | My final score: 80-70
Second Round - Lower Bracket
6 Baylor vs. 11 Nebraska (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Nebraska | My final score: 72-70
3 Creighton vs. 14 UL-Lafayette
My take: Creighton | My final score: 88-65
7 Oregon vs. 10 BYU
My take: Oregon | My final score: 89-70
2 Wisconsin vs. 15 American
My take: Wisconsin | My final score: 92-48
---
Midwest Regional Games
Opening Round Matchup 1 - 16A Cal Poly vs. 16B Texas Southern
My take: Texas Southern | My final score: 63-50
Opening Round Matchup 2 - 12A NC State vs. 12B Xavier
My take: NC State | My final score: 77-75
Opening Round Matchup 3 - 11A Iowa vs. 11B Tennessee
My take: Iowa | My final score: 81-61
Second Round - Upper Bracket
1 Wichita State vs. 16 Cal Poly/Texas Southern Winner
My take: Wichita State | My final score: 107-62
8 Kentucky vs. 9 Kansas State
My take: Kentucky | My final score: 72-65
5 St. Louis vs. 12 NC State/Xavier Winner (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: St. Louis | My final score: 82-79
4 Louisville vs. 13 Manhattan (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Louisville | My final score: 80-77
Second Round - Lower Bracket
6 Massachusetts vs. 11 Iowa/Tennessee (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Massachusetts | My final score: 71-69
3 Duke vs. 14 Mercer (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Duke | My final score: 67-65
7 Texas vs. 10 Arizona State (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Arizona State | My final score: 80-74
2 Michigan vs. 15 Wofford
My take: Michigan | My final score: 89-50
---
East Regional Games
Second Round - Upper Bracket
1 Virginia vs. 16 Coastal Carolina (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Virginia | My final score: 76-74
8 Memphis vs. 9 George Washington (UPSET ALERT)
My take: George Washington | My final score: 79-60
5 Cincinnati vs. 12 Harvard (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Harvard | My final score: 79-65
4 Michigan St. 13 Delaware
My take: Michigan State | My final score: 67-57
Second Round - Lower Bracket
6 North Carolina vs. 11 Providence (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Providence | My final score: 80-72
3 Iowa State vs. 14 N.C. Central
My take: Iowa State | My final score: 79-70
7 Connecticut vs. 10 Saint Joseph's (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Connecticut | My final score: 70-69
2 Villanova vs. 15 UW-Milwaukee
My take: Villanova | My final score: 97-72
---
UPSET ALERT GAMES
South Regional - 5 Virginia Commonwealth vs. 12 Stephen F. Austin
Why is this an upset? Stephen F. Austin comes in with a 28 GAME WINNING STREAK and they are just demolishing teams left and right. They had a pretty easy time getting out of their conference championship tournament. VCU could get a huge run for the money in this game. But I got Stephen F. Austin winning this game with their incredible defense and speed.
South Regional - 4 UCLA vs. 13 Tulsa
Why is this an upset? Tulsa comes in RED HOT and I do mean red hot. UCLA is coming in hurting.
South Regional - 7 New Mexico vs. 10 Stanford
Why is this an upset? New Mexico is a joke of a 7-seed and Stanford is coming in ready to play, they are fueled by great three point shooting and stifling defense
West Regional - 5 Oklahoma vs. 12 North Dakota State
Why is this an upset? Oklahoma got a questionably high seed despite not having such a hot season but NDSU is riding a high
West Regional - 6 Baylor vs. 11 Nebraska
Why is this an upset? Nebraska had an incredible season and Baylor is just going up and down.
Midwest Regional - 7 Texas vs. 10 Arizona State
Why is this an upset? Texas didn't even have a great season, they were basically nobodies this season but they still managed to get in. However, Arizona State is quite the formidable opponent. Texas will have their hands full with these guys.
East Regional - 8 Memphis vs. 9 George Washington
Why is this an upset? George Washington has talented big men and great 3-point shooting. Not to mention they are holding opponents under 41% shooting.
East Regional - 5 Cincinnati vs. 12 Harvard
Why is this an upset? Harvard had an excellent year with a tremendous defense and great inside shooting, their big weakness may be their 3 point shooting. Nonetheless, Cincinnati may have a tough time with these guys.
East Regional - 6 North Carolina vs. 11 Providence
Why is this an upset? Providence comes in having wiped Creighton's face on the floor. A stifling D, speedy players, and good coaching makes this a must-watch
----
Field Analysis:
The field of 68 this year is quite modest with a lot of prime places for upsets. It's not a really advanced field, the mid-majors actually cleaned up house.
16 vs. 1 Analysis:
I think this may be the year we could see a 16-seed give a 1 a run for the money, that's why Weber State is my team to keep an eye on because of their 4th ranked 3 point shooting prowess and 12th ranked defense. Arizona was looking good down the road, but the losses really exposed their weaknesses. The Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina is running a high right now, explosive in-the-paint play, and they have lots of speed. They could definitely give Virginia a tough run in the second round.
Questionable calls
- Putting 3 opening games in the midwest region raises a ton of questions. The NCAA needs to put openers in all 4 regions.
- Louisville getting a 4 seed despite winning the American Athletic Conference.
- SMU? THEY GOT SNUBBED BAD!!!!! That was incredibly wrong to not put them in the tournament. According to Yahoo sports, it was their SOS that killed them.
- What about Green Bay? 24-6 doesn't get you a bid, just a welcome mat for the NIT. I bet the athletic department is FIGHTING mad over that.
- Coach K whining about mid-major conferences getting way too many bids, claiming the ACC deserves more. Actually Coach K, the ACC was pretty weak this year. They really should've received less than the 6 bids they got.
- Midwest Region #1 Wichita State was given a hard region to deal with... Teams like Kentucky, Louisville, Duke, and Michigan. I'll give you this much, if you want them to play the best? Then you pit them against the best. Wichita State was not disrespected at all, Charles Barkley, they were given the perfect bracket: A tough one.
- South and East Regional brackets seem like it has the most upset potentials with as many as 3 to 5 potential upsets.
Surprise moves:
- Atlantic 10 getting 6 bids..... Wait the Atlantic...10? Hey, they deserved it. Despite being just a mid-major, they slammed on the accelerator and went to work.
- Harvard getting a 12-seed. With how well they shoot the three, I think they deserved that.
Notes:
- Wichita State walks as the first undefeated team since 1991 (UNLV). At 34-0, while they may only be in a mid-major conference, they are a SERIOUS FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!
- Only one team in the tourney bracket with a losing record (13-19): CAL POLY
- The average SOS of all 68 teams? 46.2
---
My pick to win it all? I'll go with Wichita State.
But like I say: We'll see what happens.
My take: Michigan State | My final score: 67-57
Second Round - Lower Bracket
6 North Carolina vs. 11 Providence (UPSET ALERT)
My take: Providence | My final score: 80-72
3 Iowa State vs. 14 N.C. Central
My take: Iowa State | My final score: 79-70
7 Connecticut vs. 10 Saint Joseph's (RUN FOR THE MONEY)
My take: Connecticut | My final score: 70-69
2 Villanova vs. 15 UW-Milwaukee
My take: Villanova | My final score: 97-72
---
UPSET ALERT GAMES
South Regional - 5 Virginia Commonwealth vs. 12 Stephen F. Austin
Why is this an upset? Stephen F. Austin comes in with a 28 GAME WINNING STREAK and they are just demolishing teams left and right. They had a pretty easy time getting out of their conference championship tournament. VCU could get a huge run for the money in this game. But I got Stephen F. Austin winning this game with their incredible defense and speed.
South Regional - 4 UCLA vs. 13 Tulsa
Why is this an upset? Tulsa comes in RED HOT and I do mean red hot. UCLA is coming in hurting.
South Regional - 7 New Mexico vs. 10 Stanford
Why is this an upset? New Mexico is a joke of a 7-seed and Stanford is coming in ready to play, they are fueled by great three point shooting and stifling defense
West Regional - 5 Oklahoma vs. 12 North Dakota State
Why is this an upset? Oklahoma got a questionably high seed despite not having such a hot season but NDSU is riding a high
West Regional - 6 Baylor vs. 11 Nebraska
Why is this an upset? Nebraska had an incredible season and Baylor is just going up and down.
Midwest Regional - 7 Texas vs. 10 Arizona State
Why is this an upset? Texas didn't even have a great season, they were basically nobodies this season but they still managed to get in. However, Arizona State is quite the formidable opponent. Texas will have their hands full with these guys.
East Regional - 8 Memphis vs. 9 George Washington
Why is this an upset? George Washington has talented big men and great 3-point shooting. Not to mention they are holding opponents under 41% shooting.
East Regional - 5 Cincinnati vs. 12 Harvard
Why is this an upset? Harvard had an excellent year with a tremendous defense and great inside shooting, their big weakness may be their 3 point shooting. Nonetheless, Cincinnati may have a tough time with these guys.
East Regional - 6 North Carolina vs. 11 Providence
Why is this an upset? Providence comes in having wiped Creighton's face on the floor. A stifling D, speedy players, and good coaching makes this a must-watch
----
Field Analysis:
The field of 68 this year is quite modest with a lot of prime places for upsets. It's not a really advanced field, the mid-majors actually cleaned up house.
16 vs. 1 Analysis:
I think this may be the year we could see a 16-seed give a 1 a run for the money, that's why Weber State is my team to keep an eye on because of their 4th ranked 3 point shooting prowess and 12th ranked defense. Arizona was looking good down the road, but the losses really exposed their weaknesses. The Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina is running a high right now, explosive in-the-paint play, and they have lots of speed. They could definitely give Virginia a tough run in the second round.
Questionable calls
- Putting 3 opening games in the midwest region raises a ton of questions. The NCAA needs to put openers in all 4 regions.
- Louisville getting a 4 seed despite winning the American Athletic Conference.
- SMU? THEY GOT SNUBBED BAD!!!!! That was incredibly wrong to not put them in the tournament. According to Yahoo sports, it was their SOS that killed them.
- What about Green Bay? 24-6 doesn't get you a bid, just a welcome mat for the NIT. I bet the athletic department is FIGHTING mad over that.
- Coach K whining about mid-major conferences getting way too many bids, claiming the ACC deserves more. Actually Coach K, the ACC was pretty weak this year. They really should've received less than the 6 bids they got.
- Midwest Region #1 Wichita State was given a hard region to deal with... Teams like Kentucky, Louisville, Duke, and Michigan. I'll give you this much, if you want them to play the best? Then you pit them against the best. Wichita State was not disrespected at all, Charles Barkley, they were given the perfect bracket: A tough one.
- South and East Regional brackets seem like it has the most upset potentials with as many as 3 to 5 potential upsets.
Surprise moves:
- Atlantic 10 getting 6 bids..... Wait the Atlantic...10? Hey, they deserved it. Despite being just a mid-major, they slammed on the accelerator and went to work.
- Harvard getting a 12-seed. With how well they shoot the three, I think they deserved that.
Notes:
- Wichita State walks as the first undefeated team since 1991 (UNLV). At 34-0, while they may only be in a mid-major conference, they are a SERIOUS FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!
- Only one team in the tourney bracket with a losing record (13-19): CAL POLY
- The average SOS of all 68 teams? 46.2
---
My pick to win it all? I'll go with Wichita State.
But like I say: We'll see what happens.
NCAA Basketball Tournament 2014: Criticism
Hello,
I am certainly looking forward to the tournament. Let's see how it goes.
Don't you hate it when your team has a great season, but their credentials aren't good enough for the NCAA tournament?
I hate it when the lesser-known schools have great seasons but it's just not enough to get there unless they win their respective tournament. Such was the case with the Air Force Academy in 2007 where they had a 23-8 record, an RPI of 30, yet they didn't win their conference title.
I personally hate it when that kind of stuff happens and it's not fair, but such is life. They have to be regulated to the NIT, also known as the "Loser's Tournament", "Not Invited Tournament", and "The 69th best team tournament."
The NIT is such an embarrassment to a school to the point where teams will steadfastly refuse to put up their NIT championship banners providing they win one.
---
Any team who makes it to the postseason championship tournaments, regardless if they are the top tournament or not, they should be pleased that they are still playing basketball at this point. But some schools take pride in the tournament as they get to go to New York City for the finals.
---
Another criticism I carry with the NCAA tournament is the number of bids that the big conferences get and the mid-majors don't get. Shoot, the Big East one year got TEN BIDS and the selection committee was absolutely beside themselves when they got an extreme amount of criticism behind it!
We need to set the bid maximum to maybe 7 to allow more mid-majors to get in there. I'm also a firm believer that they need to expand the tournament one more time to maybe 72 or 84 teams. NCAA will earn more money, more mid-majors will get exposure, and more money for their schools.
You know, it's also a big criticism when single-digit win teams win their respective conference tournaments manage to get in. Is that allowed? Certainly should be. My word, you could lose all your conference games and regular season games, but still make to the NCAAs by virtue of winning your respective conference tournament.
---
Workplaces have banned "bracket fill-ins" because they consider it gambling. If you are just filling out your bracket and not paying any money for it, then what the hey, let 'em do it. This is America, LAND...of the free!
---
I am certainly looking forward to the tournament. Let's see how it goes.
~ Joshua
NCAA Basketball Tournament 2014: Why do we like the underdog?
Taken from WIKIPEDIA and NCAA.com (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NCAA_Men%27s_Division_I_Basketball_Tournament)
"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." - 2 Timothy 2:5
Hello,
It's March Madness and the stakes have never been higher as we prepare for "The Big Dance." 68 teams are getting ready to compete for the title of the nation's best collegiate men's and women's basketball teams.
Last year, we had one of the most exciting tournaments to ever take place. We had a lot of firsts, our fair share of upsets, and a gruesome injury that silenced the tournament.
Last year's big upsets
Midwest Regional - Round 2 - 12 Oregon: 68 - 5 Oklahoma State: 55
Midwest Regional - Round 3 - 12 Oregon: 74 - 4 Saint Louis: 57
South Regional - Round 2 - 11 Minnesota: 83 - 6 UCLA: 63
South Regional - Round 2 - 15 Florida-Gulf Coast: 78 - 2 Georgetown: 68
(7th win by a 15 over a 2)
South Regional - Round 3 - 15 Florida-Gulf Coast: 81 - 7 San Diego State: 71
(First time a 15-seed has made the Regional Semifinal)
East Regional - Round 2 - 12 California: 64 - 5 UNLV: 61
West Regional - 9 seed Wichita State making the Final Four? How about that?
West Regional - Round 2 - 14 Harvard: 68 - 3 New Mexico: 62
(17th win by 14 over a 3)
---
But what marred the tournament was Kevin Ware of Louisville, he suffered an extremely gruesome injury that silenced the crowd, made players vomit, and was reminiscent of Joe Theismann's career ending injury. It was so terrifying, CBS only showed the replay once. The bone just burst out of his leg. Players were praying, crying, and it just brought both teams together at center court because they were so worried about him. I was too. You never wish any bad luck on anyone and that was something that would scare even the elderly and current athletes.
Ware got an incredible amount of support from everyone around him and I'm guessing his twitter blew up with a lot of support.
---
But why is it: That we love the underdog, the no-name colleges trying to make a buck, why is it that we continue to support them? It's easy, we love seeing David slay Goliath.
Last year, 15th seed FGCU, who was a complete nobody in the NCAA championship tournament, was the feel-good story of the league tournament. Led by coach Andy Enfield who was propelled to national stardom because of his leadership, wife, fame from JHU, and the team led by guard Sherwood Brown. In their first game, the Vegas line refused to even put a line down because FGCU was supposed to get crushed.
But you know what, when I watched the game, all I saw was a nobody school drop a powerful school that produced greats like Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, and Reggie Williams. FGCU turned into the feel-good story of the league.
But they weren't done yet... FGCU again, an underdog, made headlines again by making it to the sweet sixteen with an 81-71 shocker over the SDSU Aztecs. It made lower seeds believe that they could knock off the big dudes of the NCAA.
---
Are we due for a 16 seed to beat a 1? Absolutely, the day is coming. Despite the 1 seed's 116-0 record. The day will come when a 16-seed will shock the world, be the feel-good story of the NCAA tournament, twitters and facebooks blowing up with followers and friend requests.
A few 16 seeds have COME very close to winning and I do mean VERY CLOSE.
Murray State in 1990 took a game vs. Michigan State in OT, and despite losing by 4 points, they remain the only #16 seed to take a team into overtime. They lost 75-71
Towson in 1990 did pretty darn good too vs. Oklahoma, they only lost 77-68 to Oklahoma. Oklahoma seemed to have been overwhelmed by the speed and quickness of the Towson roster
East Tennessee State only lost by 1 to Oklahoma in 1989, 72-71
Princeton also only lost by 1 to Georgetown in 1989, 50-49
Western Carolina lost by 2 to Purdue in 1996, 73-71
But why do we like the 9 and lower seeds plus the no name colleges that make it because it sparks the national interest of newspapers, brings in interest from students in high school, and also increases the school's revenues.
We like seeing the underdog win because it's so great. It's nice to see the nobody win.
---
This year's field looks to be pretty modest and lots of upset potential in many games. All of which will be decided very soon as the tournament prepares to open up.
---
~ Joshua
Lenten Blurb 2: Costa Rica 2015?
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" - Psalm 91:11
My fellow followers in Christ,
Today is the 2nd Sunday in Lent (I've gone 12 straight days without facebook with 34 days still to go until April 20, 12:01am) and we are still marching to the foot of the cross where Jesus will perish. The symbol of the 2nd Sunday in Lent is the rooster.
It says in the bible from the 4 gospels:
Matthew 26:33-35, Mark 14:29-31, Luke 22:33-34, and John 13:36-38:
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Jesus commanded him to do so. Despite Peter's protests, he did as Jesus' wished, and in the end, the rooster crowed after the 3rd. Peter ran away and wept.
Peter didn't want to do it... but he did it anyway...
Today's song was Beethoven's "Kyrie" with a guest singer, singing in the alto section. I gave a warm "temporary welcome" to our fun choir. She did very well for just a one-timer and her song "This is the stuff" during Jacki's message was very good as well. I was very impressed.
Jacki talked about Costa Rica and how excellently well our team did.
Which got me to wondering? Should I go next year? It would be a fulfilling experience working with a great team. I should talk to someone about it.
It would be very nifty to visit Central America, talk to children about our good lord and savior above, but it would also be fun to be apart of a team.
I'm strongly considering it for next year.
My fellow followers in Christ,
Today is the 2nd Sunday in Lent (I've gone 12 straight days without facebook with 34 days still to go until April 20, 12:01am) and we are still marching to the foot of the cross where Jesus will perish. The symbol of the 2nd Sunday in Lent is the rooster.
It says in the bible from the 4 gospels:
Matthew 26:33-35, Mark 14:29-31, Luke 22:33-34, and John 13:36-38:
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Jesus commanded him to do so. Despite Peter's protests, he did as Jesus' wished, and in the end, the rooster crowed after the 3rd. Peter ran away and wept.
Peter didn't want to do it... but he did it anyway...
Today's song was Beethoven's "Kyrie" with a guest singer, singing in the alto section. I gave a warm "temporary welcome" to our fun choir. She did very well for just a one-timer and her song "This is the stuff" during Jacki's message was very good as well. I was very impressed.
Jacki talked about Costa Rica and how excellently well our team did.
Which got me to wondering? Should I go next year? It would be a fulfilling experience working with a great team. I should talk to someone about it.
It would be very nifty to visit Central America, talk to children about our good lord and savior above, but it would also be fun to be apart of a team.
I'm strongly considering it for next year.
That's my Lenten blurb.
So may the lord bless you, keep you, make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you his peace... Amen
~ Joshua
~ Joshua
Lenten Blurb 1: The Darkness of Lent and religious movies
"I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." - Luke 13:3
Epiphany is over and now comes the darkening skies of Lent. Lent is a time of the year about reflection, the forgiveness of sins, and the incoming crucifixion of our lord on Good Friday. It seems as though as we go down the road of Lent, the Sundays continue to get darker and the songs more somber.
On Ash Wednesday, I was at my home church singing and listening to Rob Bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Bell), a pastor and author who talked about death being the engine. Seen here in this youtube sermon called Tomato: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv0Qk9MQv4o). At first, you see a guy eating a twinkie and you think, this is going to be a silly sermon. But it's not, he tells the truth that DEATH is the ENGINE.
What is making me happy is that we are seeing a heavy number of religious movies coming out but what makes me sick is some directors are attempting to hire atheist actors and actresses. I.E., Julianne Moore was considered for Naameh, Noah's wife in the upcoming film Noah (http://variety.com/2012/film/news/emma-watson-called-to-noah-role-1118055218/). Emma Watson took the role over Noah's wife (religion unknown). The influx of religious movies seems to be making more and more people want to go to church to learn more about Jesus and Christianity.
In a previous blog, I wrote about how Christianity's power at the movie is making more and more people want to go to church. The NY times showed the numbers. But it seems to have a negative effect on actors. Actors who work with religious movies are getting them shunned due to the high number of celebrity and directorial atheists and agnostics. Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the "Passion of the Christ", can't find work as an actor (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/may/03/jim-caviezel-passion-of-the-christ). That's sad. Christian actors/actresses are consummate actors and a director won't hire them because of their belief system? Give me a break!!! It just shows me more and more that we are living in a growing atheist world.
That's my lenten blurb.
So may the lord bless you, keep you, make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you his peace... Amen
~ Joshua
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