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!"

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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.

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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.

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Do we keep prayer in NASCAR? You better believe it.

~ Joshua

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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~ 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.

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

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

My fellow followers in Christ,

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

Super Bowl XLVIII Post-Game: Being treated as a villain

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has come to my attention that my beliefs in the NFL (I don't like Peyton Manning, I'm a Two-Team fan, and so on and so forth) gets me nothing but agonizing, sour, and absolutely terrible responses. I don't get it. I'm a fan just like everyone else!

The NFL is like the political system, we have a team we love, a team we hate, a player we love, a player we hate. It's much like the government, you got the democrats and republicans. We can agree to disagree.

But I've been vilified for making critical comments about Peyton Manning's absolutely horrid performance along with the Denver Broncos. Why I think the NFL has this huge problem with Baltimore. Why the NFL will be no more in 20 years. How we need more country stars doing the halftime show and singing about our grand nation. I'd also like to say that country music, it's a story, talking about America and what makes our great nation even greater. Not about lost dogs and whores. These are probably the most patriotic singers in America right now. Where is the patriotism in America?! It's gone! All I see are complainers about the flag we bear!

I am a FOOTBALL FAN, I wish no bad luck on any team. I wanted the Seahawks to win because they were grossly underestimated and were expected to be beaten up badly by Denver. Denver get in on the merit of an easy schedule (.367) and Seattle had to take a much harder route (.478). See had Denver won, there'd be no merit behind them because all they had to do was play bad teams.

I have had enough of you guys busting me up for my football beliefs. I leave you this: Football may be 6 months away with a long offseason but you know what, we all have our beliefs.

But you know who I blame for the Broncos loss: The fact that they bought into their own hype was their fault because they expected an easy win with Mr. Golden-Boy-Who-Can-Do-No-Wrong.

That being said. Hey Seahawks, the few Baltimore fans who rooted for you? We say: Thank you very much.

I am not here writing this to be high and mighty. I think it should be respected though that we may have multiple teams we follow.

We can agree to disagree on a lot of things, but football seems to be a huge political showdown much like F1 and Soccer.

All sports in general are politically charged showdowns.

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In my mind, I knew right from the start that the Seahawks would win. The first player of the game set the tone (an easy 2 points) and sure enough, it went downhill very fast for the Broncos.

I knew the Seahawks would win because there were very few people picking the Seahawks nationally and personally, they wanted Peyton Manning to have his 2nd ring so that he could potentially ride off into the sunset.

Maybe talking to Eli wasn't a great decision (30 interceptions).

I think it's time for Peyton Manning to retire, he's 11-12 in the postseason and I am sorry to say but the greatest of all-time is Joe Montana as the quarterback, he's got 4 Super Bowl Rings!!!

Charles Haley, a DE? HAS FIVE SUPER BOWL RINGS!!!

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I've been asked the question is this the greatest defense to ever play in the Super Bowl?

Nope. I'd put them right behind the 2000 Baltimore Ravens' "THEATER OF PAIN" defense. The Ravens allowed 7 points in the Super Bowl and never gave up an offensive touchdown the entire game, just a special teams TD. Plus, the Ravens had given up the least amount of points (165) in an entire season. Had we not given up 36 vs. JAX in Week 2? Our defensive numbers would've been that much better.

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So come on folks, the Seahawks won fair and square and I personally hand over my congratulations to them.

Don't treat me as a villain just because I don't have the same beliefs and opinions as you all.

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I thank you.

My response to the State of the Union

My fellow Americans,

I am writing this blog as a citizen of America, not on the republican or democrat side, but as a citizen.

Obama basically ignored a lot of key warnings and basic atrocities that continue to harm the United States as a whole.

We begin with immigration. The best thing we can do is shut down our borders, lock 'em up, throw away the key, and kick the illegals out. It's time. We need to stop ignoring the heavy influx of illegal immigrants that are coming into this nation looking for a better life. We need to put up a sign that says: "SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED." I feel as though that the time of ignorance needs to end and we need to start looking at the big picture.

Inequality with men and women has been a tough subject. I do agree on a level playing field for women in terms of pay, but we also need to level the playing fields more in the divorce courts, child custody cases, child support, and family matters with the men. Men and women both change the world in so many ways. We definitely need to lay out a level pay field for the women, but we also need to do it for the men on different matters stated above. Equality is very difficult to achieve on all walks of life by gender, race, religion, the works. Will we achieve equality, yes... someday we will. But right now, our congressional leaders just don't seem to care.

He talked about child support and care. We need to abolish the FMLA of 1993 and replace it with a brand new system which favors a paid protection system for not only for mothers but fathers as well. The current act favors the mother more greatly than it does the father but however, it just does not give the benefits that a mother should enjoy. When it comes to matters like this, we are 2nd worst in benefits by developed industrial nations (Only Australia is worse. However, they get better benefits than us). United States basically gives a little to new mothers (they get 4 months unpaid leave and no paid protection) and nothing at all to fathers. We have had a very high increase in deadbeat dads because they don't get any time to spend with their children after their birth. Basically, it's "oh hey, hi Little Johnny" and then its back to work to pay the bills.

We need a new system that equalizes the field for men and women. Give women at least 6 months paid protection along with 4 months unpaid. Men should be able to spend time with their newborn son and daughter as well, I believe that we should give men 6 months paid protection along with 4 months unpaid. The bills mount up and child care continues to be a very lofty expense.

Obama talked about more and more people having college degrees. That's not true. The college board is reporting some of the worst dropout rates in history due to funding problems, high tuition costs, and loans. The Princeton review has stated that the average rate for a US citizen is more than 39% higher than that of someone who is illegally in the United States. Illegals are given breaks, easier access to grants and scholarships, plus they can get loans very easily. Also our college loan deficit: $1.4 Trillion dollars.

The affordable health care act and also the state healthcare connections have been a complete joke. This is a tax levied on the American citizen to take care of a person who does not have healthcare. I also don't believe the government should have a say in who you go to for a doctor. But I also believe if this is good for us, it's good for congress as well. How Kathleen Sebelius can say: "That would be illegal" is beyond me. What's good for the goose is all good for the gander.

Barack's wife Michelle and her "let's move" campaign has been one of the most disastrous failures for our children. Obesity is still a big issue and it hasn't been curbed. More and more schools are dropping PE and recess because they can't afford it. More than $112,000,000 in lunches were taken from children in 2013 by what I like to call "Michelle Obama's Secret Cafeteria Police." Since the "Let's move" campaign began, more than 115,000 schools have been forced to get rid of gym and physical education classes due to budget cuts, $485 million in school lunches have been taken away from our children, and obesity is still up. What? Is Michelle Obama going to control what we eat in our homes now? Why don't she just leave her imprint in our supermarkets. That seems like the easier way to do it.

The minimum wage hike is a major mistake. It will hurt small businesses in the long run and down the stretch as the money dries up. This is not a good idea for America.

Lastly folks, we are a nation built on the principles submitted to us by our forefathers. Our president is preparing to circumvent the constitution to which he is bound by. The constitution is the supreme law of the land and everyone of us is submitting to it. We have a congress that is brainless and doesn't know what to do, a President who doesn't listen to the American people whom elected him, and 2014 may bring more than just change to congress, it may turn over a few states who are rightfully angry with their state congresses right now.

May God bless America, our troops, her ships overseas, and the men and women of this here, United States of America...

Good night.

A letter to the NFL: Cold-weather Super Bowls, Richard Sherman, and the kickoff game

To Mr. Roger Goodell,

I've been a loyal fan of this game since 1996 and not only that, I'm very happy that we have a cold-weather Super Bowl being done in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It's actually stroke of genius to tell you the truth. But how come you decided to pick Super Bowl L and LI already without giving going forth with this test of a cold-weather Super Bowl.

Look, I would've preferred you give Super Bowl XLVIII a chance before making those decisions. XLIX is fine, you guys already gave it to Glendale. If you do for one city, you must open up bidding for everyone now. I don't see a problem with having a Super Bowl in DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia... I don't see the big problem at all with it. Football cities could use the Super Bowl to jump-start their economies. I think you need to allow ALL CITIES TO BID for the Super Bowl now. It'd be a great way to showcase the city.

You know what else I hate? The standardized Super Bowl logo. I think you should bring back the created logos. Those were so much better. Having a standardized logo is just so stupid.

As for Richard Sherman, don't belittle the guy, you wanted exciting interviews and what not. Well he just gave one. He wasn't trying to show anyone up and now everyone's giving him a bunch of crap for it. It's now a media showcase to the point where CNN interviewed him. FOX wanted him to say something, they bombarded him... so guess what, you got what you wanted... Fining him just made the Seahawks a little bit angrier in their quest for their first ever Super Bowl title.

I give the guy a lot of credit for saying something. It takes a lot of guts to speak to the media. You fined Marshawn Lynch, $50,000 for not speaking to the media at all. Shoot, if the guy doesn't have anything to say... then leave him alone. I put him in the likes of Carlton and Belle. They didn't talk to the media.

What you did with the Ravens was incredibly unfair and absolutely disgraceful after they won the Super Bowl title. We were not permitted to have the kickoff game at our own stadium due to logistics issues. The game could've been moved to Wednesday. BUT Bob Kraft put his hand in your pocket to prevent the game from being played on Wednesday which was Rosh Hashanah. Kraft said: "No games on Rosh Hashanah!" Now, if you can move the game for Obama to make his acceptance speech, then you certainly could've moved it for the Ravens... Instead, you gave the kickoff game to Denver (upon NBC's request) to feature your damn golden boy Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning can do no wrong, eh? Totally can do no wrong, right? HOW HARD WAS IT TO MOVE THE GAME TO THE DAY BEFORE?! ROSH HASHANAH!? This was Bob Kraft getting his revenge on the Ravens for beating his Patriots in the AFC Championship. I think a lot of Jewish people would ditch the synagogue for a football game any day. Shoot you could've made it a MONDAY NIGHT CONTEST!!!!

Is this a rant for unfair treatment, not necessarily, but the NFL could've done a lot better with allowing us to showcase our Super Bowl XLVII win with the first game of the season. Now we got to do it ALL over again. I bet a lot of other teams were like: HA HA!!!

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Anywho, I really hope for a good SUPER BOWL XLVIII. I'll be watching. But I won't be watching the half-time show. You could've picked someone better than Bruno Mars...

Good god, whatever happened to country stars singing about the red, white, and blue...? Talking about America and our glorious nation. No, all we have are half-time pop stars who don't seem to give a damn about our nation (only the ones singing the National Anthem).

Roger, you need to get some country stars for next year... Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue! Singing Songs about America!

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Thank you,
Joshua

General Session - Maryland's boneheads gather again

 Credit to Cafepress.com

It's 2014 and it's time for the general session where the republicans have no say and the democrats continue to find ways to continue to beat down the middle class. I am a republican in Maryland, a very staunch republican who advocates for lower taxes, less spending, the death penalty, wide scale criminalization of drugs, kicking out the illegals, and so on and so forth.

Let's have a look at the stupid laws that 2013 brought us.

Rain Tax
Toll Increase number 3 of 4
Ending of the Death Penalty
20% increase in the budget with no cutbacks in anything
Allowing illegals to obtain drivers licenses
Repealed more than 100 tax credits
Income tax increase of 1.5%

What does 2014 bring us?

Higher minimum wage ($7.25 to $13.20) - Um, hello, that's going to HURT small businesses and bring down Maryland. We've already lost 9,000 small businesses, more than $10,000,000,000 in money, and our revenues continue to fall because of such. Now Governor O'Malley wants to raise the minimum wage. Look, if your broke ass can only do a job at McDonald's, then you got a problem.

Rain Tax - Republicans are prepared to announce an all-out blitz and attack at the rain tax, where it definitely shows that the tax has emptied out Maryland's wallets and continuing to hurt business. While the democrats yawn at such an attack, they look to increase the tax and cushion non-profits.

Income Tax - Republicans are calling for a 10-15% decrease in income taxes. Democrats laugh at such legislation because they want more! They are calling for another 2.5% increase and a 0.2% piggyback increase. That $20 you were going to spend at the mall, hand it over...

Marijuana Legalization: Do we REALLY want to make Maryland dumber than it already it. Democrats are pushing for a referendum for the 2014 ballot which would allow voters to vote for the legalization of Marijuana distribution. House President Miller likes the idea as it would bring billions to the state through heavy taxation. However, Mike Busch says they should wait on how Colorado and Washington does. Hell, why don't you just pass the legislation anyway, Maryland's dumb, just make it even dumber.

Undocumented Immigrants in our classroom: So illegals are getting everything to them handed on a silver platter. O'Malley wants to make it a law that no undocumented immigrants are to be asked of their residential status. However Republicans have been quick to point out that almost all undocumented immigrants lie about their residential status stating they are from Maryland. Ok, why don't we just create a damn act in which all illegals are now... US CITIZENS!

Possible .5% increase in the sales tax - O'Malley wants this strictly for school repair. House Republicans are like: Ok? What other taxes do you have in mind? A repair tax?

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Maryland, I've had enough of your two faced ways of so-called progressive politics. I think we are so due for the Red Tide of Maryland. Annapolis, Hagerstown, Hancock, and several other small towns saw republican turnovers for the first time since the pioneer days.

I think this is only the beginning of the red tide of Maryland. There are a lot of angry Marylanders out there. But as long as the dems control Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties, there will be no Republican governor. But I do see some politicians getting their pink slip.

Maryland, VOTE WITH YOUR BRAINS THIS YEAR!!!