31 May 2011
30 May 2011
29 May 2011
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, which was first recorded to have been observed by Freedmen (freed enslaved southern blacks) in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865, at the Washington Race Course, to remember the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. The recognition of the fallen victims was then enacted under the name Memorial Day by an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War. Over time, it was extended after World War I to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Now known as Memorial Day, it is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
28 May 2011
Deserving Better
Three baseball players decided that they had had enough. They were high school players, after all, and seniors, to boot! They deserved to play more than they had throughout the course of the season, and they were going to make a statement. So, they marched into the coaches' office to talk with him. He asked them to sit, but of course, one had to stand, because, much like many high school coaches' offices, they didn't have updated facilities - and so, not enough chairs.
One of the boys spoke for the other two: "Coach, I know there's only three days left and two games, but I don't want to miss my last day of independent study class today, and I don't feel like we've been treated right throughout the year, so we've decided that we're not playing tonight, and we're quitting."
His discussion went on to repeat the concept that they believed that they should have been treated better, as seniors, and that they would not be taking part in the last regular season game of the year - a home game versus a rival. That they knew that it was Senior and Parent Day, but that they didn't feel like it was right to finish out the year. Needless to say, they had thought this through, come into the coache's office a few hours before the last regular season game of the year, and they would be quitting.
Coach responded by telling them that he felt that he had been honest and up-front with them throughout the year, and asked what they meant, specifically, by saying that they should've been treated better.
The spokesman for the threesome continued his explanation, by describing how the three had put in the effort to be there for most practices, admitting that they had missed some practices, and that they had goofed around from time to time, but that they had been a part of the program for a while - well, he had only been for two years - but that they had been a part of the program and put in the effort, and were deserving of better.
Never mind that they had missed practices (and games!) for independent study classes, make-up tests, work, illness, and being late to school- or that one had even scheduled surgery on the day of a playoff game. They deserved better!
Never mind that one had started 10 of the first 12 games before being late to school , getting sick, staying sick, missing practices and games for tests, and scheduling surgery on the day of a playoff game.
Never mind that one had started half of the games before getting injured, needing a week to recover, showing up 30 minutes late for batting practice, missing twice because he went home from school because of his allergies, generally pouting while sitting on the bench, and 'forgetting' to tell the coach that he was going to miss practice because of a field trip.
Never mind that one never showed up for off-season or pre-season meetings, did not make a single pre-season workout session, did not participate in the pre-season throwing program, was significantly out of shape, had a hard time making an accurate throw of 90 feet during practice or pre-game, missed several practices or left early from practice for work, missed at least two practices to make up tests, and struck out 80% of the time during his at-bats during the season when he did play.
No, never mind all that. They deserved better.
Or ... then again ... maybe the coach deserved better?
One of the boys spoke for the other two: "Coach, I know there's only three days left and two games, but I don't want to miss my last day of independent study class today, and I don't feel like we've been treated right throughout the year, so we've decided that we're not playing tonight, and we're quitting."
His discussion went on to repeat the concept that they believed that they should have been treated better, as seniors, and that they would not be taking part in the last regular season game of the year - a home game versus a rival. That they knew that it was Senior and Parent Day, but that they didn't feel like it was right to finish out the year. Needless to say, they had thought this through, come into the coache's office a few hours before the last regular season game of the year, and they would be quitting.
Coach responded by telling them that he felt that he had been honest and up-front with them throughout the year, and asked what they meant, specifically, by saying that they should've been treated better.
The spokesman for the threesome continued his explanation, by describing how the three had put in the effort to be there for most practices, admitting that they had missed some practices, and that they had goofed around from time to time, but that they had been a part of the program for a while - well, he had only been for two years - but that they had been a part of the program and put in the effort, and were deserving of better.
Never mind that they had missed practices (and games!) for independent study classes, make-up tests, work, illness, and being late to school- or that one had even scheduled surgery on the day of a playoff game. They deserved better!
Never mind that one had started 10 of the first 12 games before being late to school , getting sick, staying sick, missing practices and games for tests, and scheduling surgery on the day of a playoff game.
Never mind that one had started half of the games before getting injured, needing a week to recover, showing up 30 minutes late for batting practice, missing twice because he went home from school because of his allergies, generally pouting while sitting on the bench, and 'forgetting' to tell the coach that he was going to miss practice because of a field trip.
Never mind that one never showed up for off-season or pre-season meetings, did not make a single pre-season workout session, did not participate in the pre-season throwing program, was significantly out of shape, had a hard time making an accurate throw of 90 feet during practice or pre-game, missed several practices or left early from practice for work, missed at least two practices to make up tests, and struck out 80% of the time during his at-bats during the season when he did play.
No, never mind all that. They deserved better.
Or ... then again ... maybe the coach deserved better?
27 May 2011
24 May 2011
Do everything you can
(an end of the year banquet speech)
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have worked so hard to put on this event. I believe that it is one of the best things we do at "X" - we honor the hard work of our program with a worthy celebration. Parents and family: my sincerest appreciation goes out to you for the support you continue to give to your sons, their teammates and their coaches. Players: thank you as well, for your work, for your love of this great game, and for your patience. We are a young program, overall, and success doesn't always show on the scoreboard. I thank you for pushing on at every step - for respecting what your coaches and your teammates are trying to teach and instill.
What I would like to do this year, is leave you with a bit to think about. You've really had the opportunity to play baseball since you were what? 5? 6? That's about the same amount of time you've spent in school. Remember that it's your education that is primary. But take advantage of ALL the opportunities that are out there to learn, to improve. Because when you're out of school, when you're married, when you have kids, I guarantee you that you're going to wake up, wash up, comb your hair, brush your teeth ... and you're going to look yourself in the mirror. Now, when I do that, I know that there are really two people I cannot fool: I can't fool myself and I can't fool God.
When you look in that mirror and you ask yourself: "How far could I have gone in life, if I had taken advantage of every opportunity, given everything I had for myself and those around me?" will you be able to answer honesty that you did - give everything? Because if you didn't, you're going to regret it. If you can look in that mirror and honestly tell yourself that you did the best that you could, every day; took advantage of every opportunity; helped your brothers, your sisters, your neighbors; then you'll be a happy person - and most likely a successful one as well.
What you do here at "X" - beyond getting an education - is, you play for your school, your community, your family, and your teammates. If you're playing for anything else, if you're playing for yourself, you become an individual. That may win you accolades, trophies, awards, but it won't win you championships. You need that individual drive, that work ethic, that responsibility for self, yes. But you also need a love for your teammates and a great attitude.
You represent something here. Look around. You represent THIS - your family, your friends, your teammates, your community, your school. What you do reflects on THIS ... on THEM. So, when you put that uniform on, do it with pride, dignity, with character. That's your responsibility - whether you have one game, one week, one month, one year - or your entire career left in front of you.
When you leave this community, this program, you leave something here - a legacy that those behind you will see. What do you want that legacy to look like? You have the opportunity to do everything you can to make it a great one - so that the people who came after you will know what it is to be part of THIS program.
So, whether you've got one game or entire career in front of you, whether you are graduating or just starting, remember that you can keep learning, helping improving in life as in this game. Your name, your legacy, is what you make of it - no one can take away your character, your attitude, your love - if you don't let them.
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have worked so hard to put on this event. I believe that it is one of the best things we do at "X" - we honor the hard work of our program with a worthy celebration. Parents and family: my sincerest appreciation goes out to you for the support you continue to give to your sons, their teammates and their coaches. Players: thank you as well, for your work, for your love of this great game, and for your patience. We are a young program, overall, and success doesn't always show on the scoreboard. I thank you for pushing on at every step - for respecting what your coaches and your teammates are trying to teach and instill.
What I would like to do this year, is leave you with a bit to think about. You've really had the opportunity to play baseball since you were what? 5? 6? That's about the same amount of time you've spent in school. Remember that it's your education that is primary. But take advantage of ALL the opportunities that are out there to learn, to improve. Because when you're out of school, when you're married, when you have kids, I guarantee you that you're going to wake up, wash up, comb your hair, brush your teeth ... and you're going to look yourself in the mirror. Now, when I do that, I know that there are really two people I cannot fool: I can't fool myself and I can't fool God.
When you look in that mirror and you ask yourself: "How far could I have gone in life, if I had taken advantage of every opportunity, given everything I had for myself and those around me?" will you be able to answer honesty that you did - give everything? Because if you didn't, you're going to regret it. If you can look in that mirror and honestly tell yourself that you did the best that you could, every day; took advantage of every opportunity; helped your brothers, your sisters, your neighbors; then you'll be a happy person - and most likely a successful one as well.
What you do here at "X" - beyond getting an education - is, you play for your school, your community, your family, and your teammates. If you're playing for anything else, if you're playing for yourself, you become an individual. That may win you accolades, trophies, awards, but it won't win you championships. You need that individual drive, that work ethic, that responsibility for self, yes. But you also need a love for your teammates and a great attitude.
You represent something here. Look around. You represent THIS - your family, your friends, your teammates, your community, your school. What you do reflects on THIS ... on THEM. So, when you put that uniform on, do it with pride, dignity, with character. That's your responsibility - whether you have one game, one week, one month, one year - or your entire career left in front of you.
When you leave this community, this program, you leave something here - a legacy that those behind you will see. What do you want that legacy to look like? You have the opportunity to do everything you can to make it a great one - so that the people who came after you will know what it is to be part of THIS program.
So, whether you've got one game or entire career in front of you, whether you are graduating or just starting, remember that you can keep learning, helping improving in life as in this game. Your name, your legacy, is what you make of it - no one can take away your character, your attitude, your love - if you don't let them.
23 May 2011
22 May 2011
"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own."
- Harmon Killebrew
c/o: star tribune 5/22/2011
c/o: star tribune 5/22/2011
21 May 2011
20 May 2011
An Engineer in Hell
An engineer dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks his dossier and says, "Ah, you're an engineer -- you're in the wrong place." So the engineer reports to the gates of hell and is let in. Pretty soon, the engineer gets dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell, and starts designing and building improvements. After a while, they've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and the engineer is a pretty popular guy.
One day God calls Satan up on the telephone and says with a sneer, "So, how's it going down there in hell?" Satan replies, "Hey, things are going great. We've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."
God replies, "What??? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake -- he should never have gotten down there; send him up here." Satan says, "No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I'm keeping him." God says, "Send him back up here or I'll sue." Satan laughs uproariously and answers, "Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?"
http://www.funs.co.uk/fs/46.htm
One day God calls Satan up on the telephone and says with a sneer, "So, how's it going down there in hell?" Satan replies, "Hey, things are going great. We've got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."
God replies, "What??? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake -- he should never have gotten down there; send him up here." Satan says, "No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I'm keeping him." God says, "Send him back up here or I'll sue." Satan laughs uproariously and answers, "Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?"
http://www.funs.co.uk/fs/46.htm
19 May 2011
18 May 2011
17 May 2011
16 May 2011
15 May 2011
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- Psalm 23:1-6
14 May 2011
13 May 2011
Triskaidekaphobia
- fear of the number thirteen
Friggatriskaidekaphobia - fear of Friday the 13th
(Yes, not a fan of either ... how about you?)
Friggatriskaidekaphobia - fear of Friday the 13th
(Yes, not a fan of either ... how about you?)
12 May 2011
11 May 2011
John 6:35-40
| 35 | Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. |
| 36 | But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. |
| 37 | All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. |
| 38 | For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; |
| 39 | and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. |
| 40 | For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." |
http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=John&ch=6&bv1=35&ev1=40
10 May 2011
09 May 2011
08 May 2011
07 May 2011
Mother
moth·er
[muhth
-er] –noun
1. a female parent.
2. (often initial capital letter) one's female parent.
06 May 2011
Funny, But Daft, Duck Story
Darnay Duck walks into a pub and orders a pint of lager and a ham sandwich. The landlord looks at him and exclaims, 'But you're a duck!'
'Your eyes work,' replies the Darnay Duck, wryly.
'And you talk.' splutters the landlord.
'And your ears hear,' continues Darnay Duck, 'Now can I have my beer and my sandwich please?'
'Certainly,' agrees the landlord, 'sorry about that... it's just we don't get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?'
'I'm working on the building site across the road,' explains the duck.
The landlord watches, astounded, as Darnay Duck drinks his beer, eats his sandwich and leaves.
The duck visits regularly for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town. The owner of the circus comes into the pub and the landlord says to him, 'You're with the circus aren't you? I know this duck that would be just brilliant in your circus - he talks, drinks beer and everything.'
'Sounds incredible,' says the owner, 'get him to give me a call.'
So the next day when Darnay Duck comes into the pub the landlord says, 'Hey Mr Duck, I reckon I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money.'
'Yeah?' questions Darnay, 'Sounds great, where is it?'
'At the circus.' Answers the landlord.
'The circus?' Darnay Duck enquires, rather bemused.
'That's right,' replies the landlord.
'What, the place with the big tent? Big canvas roof, hole in the middle, loads of animals?' asks the duck.
'That's right.' beams the landlord.
Darnay Duck looks confused. 'Why would they want a plasterer?'
http://www.guy-sports.com/virtual/birds.htm
'Your eyes work,' replies the Darnay Duck, wryly.
'And you talk.' splutters the landlord.
'And your ears hear,' continues Darnay Duck, 'Now can I have my beer and my sandwich please?'
'Certainly,' agrees the landlord, 'sorry about that... it's just we don't get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?'
'I'm working on the building site across the road,' explains the duck.
The landlord watches, astounded, as Darnay Duck drinks his beer, eats his sandwich and leaves.
The duck visits regularly for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town. The owner of the circus comes into the pub and the landlord says to him, 'You're with the circus aren't you? I know this duck that would be just brilliant in your circus - he talks, drinks beer and everything.'
'Sounds incredible,' says the owner, 'get him to give me a call.'
So the next day when Darnay Duck comes into the pub the landlord says, 'Hey Mr Duck, I reckon I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money.'
'Yeah?' questions Darnay, 'Sounds great, where is it?'
'At the circus.' Answers the landlord.
'The circus?' Darnay Duck enquires, rather bemused.
'That's right,' replies the landlord.
'What, the place with the big tent? Big canvas roof, hole in the middle, loads of animals?' asks the duck.
'That's right.' beams the landlord.
Darnay Duck looks confused. 'Why would they want a plasterer?'
http://www.guy-sports.com/virtual/birds.htm
05 May 2011
Cinco de Mayo
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England.
In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz,Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico....
But as we know .... the great ship did not make it to New York, much less Vera Cruz*.... The ship hit an iceberg and sank .... and the precious cargo was forever lost ....
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery .... were disconsolate at the loss ....
Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning which they still observe to this day ....
The National Day of Mourning chosen was May 5th .... and is known .... of course .... as El Sinko de Mayo ...
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?55903-The-REAL-Cinco-de-Mayo-Story&s=4612463321251ae67157bfa0a399e42a
In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz,Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico....
But as we know .... the great ship did not make it to New York, much less Vera Cruz*.... The ship hit an iceberg and sank .... and the precious cargo was forever lost ....
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery .... were disconsolate at the loss ....
Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning which they still observe to this day ....
The National Day of Mourning chosen was May 5th .... and is known .... of course .... as El Sinko de Mayo ...
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?55903-The-REAL-Cinco-de-Mayo-Story&s=4612463321251ae67157bfa0a399e42a
04 May 2011
03 May 2011
02 May 2011
The meaning of life ...
"The meaning of life constitutes a philosophical question concerning the purpose and significance of life or existence in general. This concept can be expressed through a variety of related questions, such as "Why are we here?", "What is life all about?", and "What is the meaning of it all?" It has been the subject of much philosophical, scientific, and theological speculation throughout history. There have been a large number of theories to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds."
Thanks, Wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life
Thanks, Wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life
01 May 2011
May 1
- Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
- Loyalty Day
- Law Day
- Labour Day
- Fertility Festival
- St. Walburga
- Beltane
- Summer
- Feast of St. Philip and St. James
- International Workers' Day
- Maharashtra Day
- Roodmas
- Lily of the Valley
- Lei Day
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