jRobot

7 things you need in your life.

2009-02-04T09:15:00.000-06:00

Comment below...

Ten.

2006-10-31T07:32:00.000-06:00

get off them.

2006-10-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

sign-off

2006-09-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

I have to confess that I didn't watch Katie Couric's debut on the CBS Evening News last night. However, on the way to work this morning, I heard on the radio that instead of coming up with her own sign-off, she had a video montage of other broadcasters' sign-offs. What a friggin’ copout. You have how many months to prepare for this, and you can't think of one simple line as your sign-off?

On CBSNews.com they have a link where you, the viewing public can submit your suggestions for what should be Katie's sign-off. I didn't want to make mine too outlandish and just be that guy that submits something incredibly stupid. So, I wanted to make mine something that could possibly be her new sign-off, but still very stupid. If she were to use my line...oh man...

So, here is what I submited (in bold)...

"Well, there is your news for tonight. I am Katie Couric...and you are America. Goodnight."

I challenge any of you to submit something and share it with us here. Together, we can get this done.

happy 700th, america.

2006-07-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, yesterday (July 4) marked America's 700th birthday. I know, you are thinking that if 1776 was when America was born, then how are we at 700 already? Three words:

President Bush.

He's that good, everyone. Seriously. He squashes Evil Doers with his fist and gets America to 700 years old in record time. Give the dude some props next time you see him.

So we watched the fireworks from our front lawn last night. Actually, we watched them on the connecting house's lawn which has no one living in it. So, yes, we did run the risk that if someone were to decide to buy, close and move in the house between 8:30 and 9:30 pm last night, we would have had some very awkward explaining to do. But I would like to think that if that were to happen that the patriotic mood and jovial spirit of America would prevail and they would totally understand.
When the fireworks started, I decided that would be the guy in the group or crowd of people that always tried to explain each firework. The guy that would tell everyone else what the actual names of each firework were. So in case you didn't have that guy by you last night, here are some common fireworks and their proper names...

"Gerber Daisy D-Light Firecracker"

"Blue-Red-Green-Awesome Firecracker"

"Intergalactic-Planitary, Planitary-Intergalactic Firecracker"

"Firecrackers with Annoying Big Thing in Front of it Firecracker"

"'Oh Crap', that Really Sucks Firecracker"

it's not a bird or a plane...just a new post.

2006-06-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

Dang, kids. My bad. It's been so long, I'm lucky you're even reading this. I'm lucky you even checked back with me. Just in time for me to go on a week's vacation. But before I go, I have a movie review. And there's something special about this movie review. It's for a movie which I bet, none of you (unless your name is Andy, John Rhine, or Marc) have seen.

This week I (along with the previously mentioned) went to the Arts Conference at Willow Creek in Chicago. We were there with about 5,000 other artists from around the country. On the first night, they made an announcement that they were going to be giving away 500 tickets to see Superman Returns, which isn't released until June 28th. Okay, enough with me bragging and on to the review...

THE REVIEW

Superman Returns builds on the previous Superman movies under the premise that Superman has left Earth for 5 years to visit Planet Krypton after astronomers think they discover remains of the planet off in space(The idea of Superman flying in space by himself for 5 years is very cool to me). When he comes back to Earth, he finds that Lois Lane has a fiance' and a child.

First, I'll give the bad. I thought that Kate Bosworth as Lois was a bad choice. I don't have any better ideas for you, but she seemed too young and she doesn't do much for me. I mean, I think the Son of Krypton could do A LOT better than this version of Lois. At least bring back Teri Hatcher.
Please, for the love of everything that is good and pure, bring back Teri Hatcher.

That was pretty much it for the bad. Minus a few plot question marks, there wasn't a whole lot that left me empty-handed. Let's move on to the good and the great...

I was perhaps most excited about Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. He didn't knock it out of the park, but did a very good job. I would have liked to see a little more humor come from Lex in this one, but still a decent balance of comedy and hatred came from Spacey.
But the best part of the whole movie was Brandon Routh, who played Superman. I was glad they cast an "unknown" for the role, and he did not disappoint. With the movie building on the previous franchise, Routh looked liked and sounded like Reeves in the first four movies. I honestly don't think he could have done anything to do a better job.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Superman exceeded my expectations with great action, story, and link to the previous movie. It doesn't really try to invent a new Superman, but adds on the existing work done. I'd rank it as the best recent comic-movie release, just barely topping Batman Begins and X-Men

**** (out of 5)

2006-05-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

I know how I've already talked about how good a role-model Albert Pujols is, but I thought that in the midst of all the Barry Bonds crap, I'd throw some quotes from a Pujols interview yesterday.

When asked about steriods...

"You’re not going to find anything about me. I don’t care. They can think whatever they want. They can test me everyday if they want. I don’t care. I don’t care what people think.

I don’t play for those people. I play for my God and savior Jesus Christ. And I play for my family and teammates. And at the end of the day I can do that and I can glorify his name."

"I don’t need any type of things like that to help me out with my game. I just take the flesh that the good Lord has given me to perform, and to glorify his name every day and to help my team to win. I don’t need to do anything more than what I was doing in the past or doing right now. I’m happy with my career so far, and what I’m doing with my career. So I don’t need anything extra.”

On Barry Bonds...

"It’s really sad the life that he’s leading. I look at myself and I never want to lead a life like that. If I have to lead a life like that, I’d better quit this game. Because that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about God and my family and my family comes before this game.”

2006-05-09T07:26:00.000-05:00

on empty...

2006-05-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

I must apologize for the lack of new posts on my part. With moving into our new house soon and all the prep that goes into that, I have a feeling that more recent blogs are going to become even fewer and more far-between. I need to put up a new podcast soon, but that takes even more time. I'm not proclaiming the end of my blog, but I am asking you don't get mad at me and break up with me if I don't post as much.
Who knows--maybe next week I'll feel like blogging more and this post will be irrelevant. Hopefully when we get settled in our new home I can continue bringing you the absolute best you've come to expect from blogging and podcasting.

If you haven't seen Guster's new episode of "Joe's House", go to their website and check it out. Good stuff.

I love you,
Jeremiah

'sup dawg....

2006-04-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

I had the weirdest encounter with a doctor the other day. I won't go into too many details, but all I will say is that my appointment ended not with the traditional handshake, but with my doctor extending his fist to me as if I just hit a home-run for the Yankees and him saying, "Alright, you take it easy, dawg!"

I told Dave about this, and he asked me if I "splashed" my hand after our two hands punched through. I totally wish I did, but I was too taken aback by a doctor's punch-through.

El Hombre.

2006-04-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

We've officially entered an era. After watching Pujols' Easter Sunday, 3 home-run, walk off bottom of the 9th homer, I've realized that we are watching history. There comes a player like this once maybe twice in a generation. When he's done, we may very well be talking about Ruth, Mantle, Williams, Aaron and Pujols.

Jeff Gordon of the Post-Dispatch wrote today, "You can make a compelling case that this guy isn’t even human."

Welcome to Baseball Heaven

2006-04-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

is the new slogan for the Cardinals this year. Last night I made my first trek to Busch III. I heard a few mixed reviews about it - mostly good, but I wanted to form my own opinion. I actually went in expecting to be disappointed a bit.

How foolish of me! Ha ha ha ha!

So, here's my Busch Stadium report:

The Good:- Some haters (some Cubs fans), are already knocking the stadium because it's supposed to be a "throw back" ballpark. I actually couldn't disagree more. The stadium blends marvelously with the existing downtown architecture with a mix of red brick and metal truss work that is to give honor to the Eads Bridge that connects Illinois to Missouri. The result is not throw-back, not modern, but a building that matches beautifully the rest of downtown St. Louis.

- The concessions are about 50x better. Busch II had nothing really special in the way of food (minus the Kosher Dog), but BIII has really stepped it up with a variety of different stands (The Gashouse Grill, Dizzy's Diner, El Birdos Cantina, ect...) that offer different options.

- Wide open concourses and tons of open space to hang out and still watch the game make the experience more than just sitting in your seat. 3-tier walkways around the main pillars in the outfield are especially cool.

The Bad:
- The out of town score board scrolls through the scores as opposed to displaying them all at once. Just annoying.

- From where I was sitting, I couldn't hear the P.A. hardly at all. One big complaint from the opener was that the sound system was too loud, so I don't know if they turned it WAAAY down or if it was my seat.

- The retired numbers and World Series Championship banners are too small.

The Great
- The view. With the Arch, the courthouse and skyline just beyond the outfield wall make for what could be the best view in all of baseball.

Up at the top is one of the 60 pictures I took. I'll try to get them up on an on-line album soon...

Amen!

2006-04-11T06:59:00.000-05:00

time-out

2006-04-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

I don't like to alienate my own readers, but I have to express some frustration/disappointment. Half of you who voted on my on-line poll voted for "what's Arrested Development? Turn on According to Jim!" It's shows like this that clutter our screens and make it impossible for smart, funny and innovative shows like Arrested Development, Sons & Daughters, Family Guy and others to make it.

I must say that if half of you DO watch According to Jim, then we need to have a heart-to-heart. Not over the internet, but in person.
I will drive to wherever you are, and we'll talk through it. Together through love and support, we can make it through this. There IS light at the end of the tunnel.

Get up, baby! Get up!!!

2006-04-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

Today marked day 2 of the baseball season. The Cardinals opened the 2006 season in style beating the Phillies 13-5. A few of the highlights include but were not limited to..

-Albert Pujols hitting 2 home runs including a 700 ft shot later in the game
-Scott Rolen hitting a grand slam in the midst of Boos against his former team
-Newcomer Aaron Miles going 4-5 in his debut with the Cardinals
-Yadier Molina with 2 hits and sweet new road gear
-Defending Cy Young, Chris Carpenter picks up where he left off with a win
-Young bullpen arms Brad Thomson and Adam Wainwright looking real sharp

And just for poops and giggles, Anthony Reyes who could easily be pitching and excelling in the majors right now if not for the Cardinals' stacked rotation threw a now hitter for the Memphis Redbirds last night.

#$%&!!!!!

2006-03-28T10:36:00.000-06:00

I, Jeremiah Cox now proclaim that Tuesday, March 28 will live in vain and be known as "Black Tuesday".

band names

2006-03-27T11:45:00.000-06:00

I'm going to start a band.
I'm also going to have the band name pay homage to my one of my favorite TV shows. The following are possible band names for my guitar band. Let's see if you can guess what names go with what shows...

1. Temocyle
2. Gobias
3. The Paper Merchants
4. 4 8 15 16 23 42
5. Jeremiah and the Sintox Nerves
6. Operation Hot Mother
7. Wyndem and Hogg

Episode 5

2006-03-23T13:55:00.000-06:00

**The Spring Training Show** In the 5th episode, Jeremiah and Tim "discuss" the upcoming baseball season. They predict the outcome of each division, talk about the WBC, and do a position-by-position comparison of the Cubs and Cardinals. For those who are brave enough to actually listen to the entire 57 minutes, hear the password, be the first to e-mail it to thejeremiahcoxshow@gmail.com and you can win a The Jeremiah Cox Show t-shirt and a mug! You can download Episode 5 off iTunes or here.

peace!

2006-03-16T07:18:00.000-06:00

R.I.P.
9/05 - 3/06

ding!

2006-03-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Kortny and I were in the mood for some sugar cookies to eat during 24 on Monday. Having never made sugar cookies from *scratch* before, like typical Generation "Y"ers, we looked up the recipe on the internet. I almost felt like no matter how good the cookies turned out, they would not taste as good to me because they were derived from The Internet.

Sure enough, we made the cookies, sat down for some Jack Bauer and bit into our sugary creation. If you ever take anything I say as Gospel truth, take this:

They were the hardest cookies ever created by man.

I'm talking, when you drop one on a plate, you seriously worry for the life of your plate. HARD COOKIES. So what did we do with them?

*Throw them away?
No. I don't want to choke some animal that may go through our garbage outside.

*Put them down the garbage disposal?
No. I don't feel like paying my apartment to replace it.

*Burn them?
I don't have a blowtorch...do you?

*Take them to school, place them on a saucer in the middle of the table in the teacher's lounge with a note that says, "Sugar Cookies!! Enjoy!"

Yes.

All-Young team

2006-03-13T10:05:00.000-06:00

The players had to meet one of the three following criteria...
- 25 years old or younger
- Played 2 1/2 years or less in the majors
- Going to be a rookie this year (projected awesomeness)

Catcher- Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
1st Base - Prince Fielder (Brewers)
2nd Base - Jorge Cantu (Devil Rays)
Short Stop - J.J. Hardy (Brewers)
Third Base - David Wright (Mets)
Left Field - Matt Murton (Cubs)
Center Field - Grady Sizemore (Indians)
Right Field - Matt Holliday (Rockies)

Starting Rotation
- Jake Peavey (Padres)
- Rich Harden (A's)
- Zach Duke (Pirates)
- Dan Haren (A's)
- Anthony Reyes (Cardinals)

Closer
- Huston Street (A's)

Congrats to those who made this team. You are young, and you are good.

the magic of editing...

2006-03-10T09:05:00.000-06:00

Well done, college students with nothing else to do...well done.

gross.

2006-03-09T09:42:00.000-06:00

Not only is this absolutely disgusting, but I think one would die a fool's death about 15 minutes after consuming this monstrosity.

"The Grizzlies and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts have teamed up to create “Baseball’s Best Burger.” The burger, which was introduced at Gateway’s December 10th sale, consists of a thick and juicy burger topped with sharp cheddar cheese and two slices of bacon. The burger is then placed in between each side of a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut."

I'm all for a bacon cheese burger...but hamburger, bacon, cheese and doughnut?

Yes, please.

Top TV characters...

2006-03-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

***Programming note*****
Episode 4 of The Jeremiah Cox Show in previous post
************************

The hole in my heart that has been left by Arrested Development is being temporarily band-aided by 24. Anyone who does not watch this show is missing some of the best TV. Forget CSI-Toledo, Greys, The War at Home...all that. The only show that can come close to 24 in terms of quality, story line, and twists is Lost. But even considering how much I love Lost, I would choose to watch 24 over it if the two aired at the same time.

Last night's 2-hour 24 blew my pants off, and I'm still not wearing any out of respect for last night's episode.

I think if I could make any television character come to life, Jack Bauer would be atop my list. Who else is on my list? You ask and you shall receive...

List of TV characters I would like to see become real-life people

1. Jack Bauer (24)
2. Buster Bluth (Arrested Development)
3. David Brent (The Office - BBC)
4. GOB Bluth (Arrested Development)
5. Cosmo Kramer (Seinfeld)
6. Carlton Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
7. Kelly Kapowski (Saved by the Bell)
8. Newman (Seinfeld)
9. Gareth Keenan (The Office - BBC)
10. John Locke (Lost)

"I'm Jack freaking Bauer and there's nothing you can do about it." *

* Not an actual quote. This is the author's interpretation of how ridiculously awesome Jack Bauer is.

Episode 4

2006-03-06T07:17:00.000-06:00

In the 4th installment of The Jeremiah Cox show, Jeremiah makes a noun into a verb, finds out what "titular head" means, and answers his e-mail. Ricky Gervais may be charging for his podcasts, but Jeremiah will only charge your heart. You can download the lasts episode at iTunes or here.

James vs. Pujols

2006-02-27T07:34:00.000-06:00

Bill James, the man who the book Money Ball is really based off of, has come up with a system to project players' lifetime stats. Don't ask me how he does it, but he does it. James is also the Red Sox baseball operations consultant and has turned down numerous opportunities to be GM for Major League teams.

With Derek Lee's monster year last year, he bumped his projected career totals by 100 home runs. So, Lee's projected homeruns? 474. Not bad.
I'm not comparing these two to prove a point of who's better or anything. I just have the stats for these two players.

What about Albert Pujols?

2,507 RBIs, 3,845 hits, a .325 career average and … 830 homers

don't _____ to a teacher.

2006-02-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

First, in case you haven't seen it, I have a new podcast below this post.

One of my students called me a "fruit lin". Whatever a Fruit Lin is. But I know it's not good. So, in response to him calling me a Fruit Lin, I told him (after yelling for a few minutes) that he needed to go down to the in-school suspension room and write me 2 full pages, small handwriting what it means to be respectful to adults. I told him that if I went down there and he wrote a page and 3/4, then he'd have to write 3 pages. And if he wrote 2 and 3/4 pages, he'd have to write 4. I also told him that if it took him the whole day, then he'd be down there the whole day.
This morning, I got back the paper he wrote. It took him all day. Here are some of my favorite lines. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried...

"Don't crack jokes on a teacher to be cool."
"Never call a teacher by his or her first name."
"Just go along with the flow."
"Never call a teacher unfair or a racist."
"Don't get smart if the teacher mispronounced your name."
"When someone else talks back to a teacher, don't yell out 'treat!' or 'treated!'"

And my favorite...

"When speaking to a teacher or an adult, never greet them with 'what's up bro' or 'what's the dilli yo'. Simply say 'hello' or 'hi'".

Episode 3

2006-02-23T21:29:00.000-06:00

In the 3rd podcast, Jeremiah interviews T.J. Alumbaugh and has a heated, yet loving conversation. Also, the segment, "Word of the Week" makes it's debut with Scott Wentworth as the weekly contributor. This is the episode you'll be telling about to your grandchildren when your 85. And if you are 85, God bless your soul!

You can download episode 3 on iTunes or here.

Episode 2

2006-02-16T15:46:00.000-06:00

In the second Jeremiah Cox Show, Jeremiah vents about Arrested Development, interviews his nephew, Free, and reads listeners' e-mails. He hopes that after his interview with Free, that Gabriel will be able to take time out of his busy schedule for an interview.

You can download the latest podcast off iTunes or download it...here.

booh-yah.

2006-02-13T20:26:00.000-06:00

<----- picters...free

2006-02-10T07:56:00.000-06:00

I walked into school today and I saw a sign taped up on the wall. It was written on computer paper and it said, "Picters" and underneath that word was written "Free" and then an arrow pointing to my left, your right. The as if it wasn't bad enough that someone at my ghetto school spelled the word "pictures" "picters", the handwriting looked as it would if I would have attempted writing this sign with my left-hand (I'm right handed). I was tempted by two things.

1. To follow the crooked arrow and see where it led me.
2. To take down the sign and keep it.

What kind of picters were these? And why were they giving them away...at no charge?!? Maybe they were picters of giant redwood trees. Or of Saturn. Or of people. Whatever they were, they were well worth the price.

One another note, only 7 people have downloaded my podcast. SEVEN! C'mon, people!
I'm officially on iTunes now. On the iTunes page, click on podcasts on the left-hand side. Then click on search. Type in "Jeremiah". You can subscribe to it so it automaticaly downloads on your computer.

Picters
Free
<-----

Episode 1

2006-02-08T17:10:00.000-06:00

So I told you I had some huge news coming. I'm debuting my first ever podcast. It's going to be called The Jeremiah Cox Show. You can download the first episode...here.

I hope to get his up and going on iTunes so you can download and subscribe to it there. I'm going to answer listener e-mails every show, and I hope to have a special guest on most shows. You can e-mail the show at TheJeremiahCoxShow@gmail.com

Enjoy!

HUGE.

2006-02-06T08:18:00.000-06:00

There's a BIG announcement coming your way. I will give you one clue at the end of this post. But first, I'll tell you some things that it's not going to be...

- I'm not having a kid
- I'm not moving
- I'm not quitting my job
- I'm not gay
- I'm not trying out for the 2nd base opening on the St. Louis Cardinals
- I'm not signing a record deal
- I'm not about to start drink coffee

CLUE: I'm about to shake your digital world.

Welcome back, Mr. Cox!

2006-02-02T10:23:00.000-06:00

My first period with kids, and here is a conversation I had with a student...

Student - Mr. Cox, the sub said that you focus too much on our assignment notebooks and not enough on our actual assignments.

Mr. Cox - Oh really? The sub doesn't know what in the wolrd she's talking about.

S- She's more experienced than you are.

C- She's been with you for 2 weeks. I've been with you for 2 years. She has no business saying that.

S- She's better than you are.

C- [ignore]

S- That's what I thought.

C- Leave.

S- What?

C- Leave! Go do the discipline office!

S- Huh?

C- I didn't stutter. You aren't going to talk to me like that. Get out of here.

I knew I was going love being back at work.

sorry.

2006-01-30T07:37:00.000-06:00

It's not like I've been laying/sitting at my apartment for the past week with NOTHING to do. You'd think I could have blogged some. Here's a gift from me to you. An "I'm sorry" gift. Delivered in the perfect, uncompromising form of the Bluth family...

And for those Buster fans out there...

Role-model

2006-01-16T10:02:00.000-06:00

I've never been one to believe that pro athletes should be role-models based on the fact that they're athletes. There are a lot more people out there who have done a lot more important things for kids to look up to. However, I think that if any kid says that Albert Pujols is one of their role-models, I think he or she has picked a pretty darn good one. He's a man of great faith and work ethic.

"People ask me if I believe how quickly my career has taken off. I just tell them Christ is my strength. God has blessed me and I will continue to do my best for Him. That is more important than anything I could ever do in baseball."

This quote is from yesterday...

"I'll go to spring training with the same attitude I took five years ago: I want to make the team," he said following a two-hour autograph session at the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up.

"It sounds stupid because people think I'm on this team, but that's not for sure. There's somebody in the minor leagues who wants to take that job from me just like I did in 2001," Pujols said. "That's the attitude that keeps me humble and keeps me from taking things for granted. I never want to change the attitude I had six years ago in the minor leagues."

I think I'll buy my nephew, Free, a Pujols jersey for his birthday. And then a Jeremiah Cox jersey for Christmas.

can you tell me how to get..how to get to...

2006-01-13T08:39:00.000-06:00

I know I'm about 4 years behind on this, but I just read something where the TV show Sesame Street added to its cast a Muppet who was HIV-positive. This blows me away. Her name is Kami, and they showed her scenes in South Africa and other parts of the world where 1 out of every 6 children is HIV-positive.

I know that some people probably put up a stink about this, but all it shows me is that Sesame Street is not just worried about the bottom line-money and ratings. They have worked to be relevant to the children of not only our country but in places that need help maybe even more than here.

My only beef with Sesame Street is that it introduced Elmo, who took all the thunder away from my boy, Grover. Elmo is just a baby talking, ditzy version of Grover. But I'll let stuff like that slide when they step it up with characters like Kami.

Good work, Sesame Street.
Whenever you need someone else to play "Gordon", give me a call.

Bruuuuuuuce!!!!

2006-01-11T11:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Bruce Sutter was elected into the Hall of Fame. There was some debate whether he should be inducted in The Hall as a Cub or Cardinal.
He pitched one more season with the Small Bears and won a Cy Young award with them.

He did, however, strike out the final batter in the 1982 season to win the World Series for the Cardinals.

Today, MLB.com said that Bruce Sutter will be wearing a St. Louis Cardinals hat on his plaque.

Then what would he have had to do to go in the hall wearing a Cubs hat?
Maybe if he would have struck out the last batter in the 1908 World Series.

**************Part II*********************
Let's just throw this in for kicks...

Barnes-J-C- Hospital

2006-01-10T07:43:00.000-06:00

Kortny and I went to Barnes-Jewish-Catholic Hospital in The Lou yesterday. On Sunday night around 10pm, we got to see the new Busch Stadium being worked on. I must say that I got even more pumped about the new Busch. I found these pictures from inside the stadium. The skyline view is going to be pretty darn incredible.

2006-01-06T10:11:00.000-06:00

I'm going to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on Monday for a second opinion.

I wonder if that's a Catholic hospital?

2006-01-04T09:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Phil, (his blog link to the right) I have discovered an incredible new show called Arrested Development.

It's by far the best show I've seen on network television since Seinfeld. Fox has shown two seasons, and had ticketed this 3rd season for 22 episodes. However, that number has been cut down to 18 in preparation for not renewing the show next year. The only way it is going to be saved is if people like us watch this show and tell our friends. I'm going to have a link on the side of my page to the show's website and the website that's a grass-root movement to try and save the Bluth family.

By the way, the show airs on Monday nights at 7 on Fox.

If you live near me, let me know if you want to borrow some DVD's. I would be more than happy to help you see the light, as Phil helped me.

If you're already a fan of the show visit Save Our Bluths and sign the on-line petition.

in the hizzie

2006-01-03T07:25:00.000-06:00

1 new pair of jeans.

1 new pair of scrubs.

8 tickets to the new Busch Stadium.

12 days off of school.

40 episodes of Arrested Development watched.

1 wedding documented by our video cameras.

2 surgeries.

1 trip to the Emergency Room.

I'm back.

published

2005-12-13T07:49:00.000-06:00

I'm coming out with a new book just in time for the hollidays. I figured that since I work at a job I really don't like all that much, I may as well capitalize on the opportunity and cash in while I can.
So what is this book?
It's going to be a new coffe table book that sweeps the nation. Our America...or even the world...hasn't seen the likes of it since Kramer's coffee table book about coffee tables.

Because you all are my loyal readers, I'm going put the Introduction to the book on this blog. This is the same introduction you will see once the book comes out. The following should explain everything.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Introduction to my first coffee table book.

Introduction
Being a teacher puts me a unique position. I get to
educate America’s tomorrow. I also get to confiscate
their notes. The following notes you are about to
read have been censored in terms of who wrote them and
cuss words. Every note in here was either found on the
floor, a desk, the water fountain or seized.

Some times I wonder if I were to have let him or her
write a little longer…just a little longer… what other
magnificent insights you, me, and the world would
receive from these seventh graders. However, I can’t
take that chance. If by the chance they quit writing
and put it away, I can’t have them open their
three-ring binder and ask them to take out the note
they were just writing on, can I?

you've got to be kidding

2005-12-12T07:43:00.000-06:00

A lady in St. Louis had this in her obituary this weekend...

"Mrs. Eckert was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Millstadt, Ill., Zion Women's Fellowship, VFW Post 7980 Ladies Auxiliary, Millstadt, Ill., an avid Wednesday night bingo player at VFW, when she was younger and playing softball she led the league in batting, she made several quilts, enjoyed cooking and baking and she was a big Cardinals fan, she was glad to see Ray King traded."

I don't make this stuff up, people. I just report what I see.

borring schmorring

2005-12-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Whoever posted that, obviously didn't leave a comment on the last post, so guess what you get.

More baseball talk! Maybe someday, we'll learn our lesson.

Last year, Edgar Renteria signed with the Boston Red Sox. Then, David Eckstein signed with the Cardinals. Cubs fans every where were going nuts.

"Ha! Eckstein to the Cardinals! He's...like...12!"

Cubs fans love to say that Eckstein is looks like a twelve year old. As if that makes him play worse.
That's fine. That's one heckuva 12 year old baseball player.

Cardinals fans all along said that Boston fans were going to rip Edgar apart, and he would not be nearly as good or happy there. Not soon after the season started, fans there started calling him, "Edgar Rentawreck". Rentawreck commited an MLB leading 30 errors, and did very little with the bat.

Yesterday he was traded. To the Braves. Now, I actually think that he could do very well under Bobby Cox. But, I think I can speak for all of Cardinal Nation when I say to Renteria...I told you so*.

Matt Morris should learn from this and resign with the Cardinals. 8 million per year for him is the going rate now, and that'd be okay with me. I'd rather have Burnett, but not at 55 million dollars.

* I've actually never talked to Edgar Renteria. However, a year ago I did say "Edgar is not going to be good in Boston. It's going to be too much pressure" to my computer screen.

Danny Cox's 1985 brown blazer

2005-12-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

Because of my stent, I have not been able to tuck in my shirt for the past 2 months. It hurts whenever I have to tighten my belt *down there*.

So when it comes to what I've been wearing to school, I've had to adapt. Go with the flow. Listen to what my body has to tell me. And it's been telling me, "Jerry, just go with it. Go with it." So I've been wearing jeans at least 3 out of the 5 work days, and I moslty wear long sleeved dressed shirts, a variety of Steve Madden shoes, and top it all off with one of my 3 blazers. Navy Blue, Grey, and Brown Chorduroy.

Today I chose Steve Madden shoes with orange stripes (which Tim Lybarger made fun of), a tan brown and orange striped dress shirt, and my classic Brown Chord blazer. Get that mental picture in your head. Got it?

When I walked into first hour today, one of the girls asked if I could come over to her. I went over there, and she said, "Mr. Cox, you are the best dressed teacher. You're always mixing and matching. I love your outfit today! You're always lookin' clean. You should be voted best dressed teacher this year."

Then her fellow brotha chimed in.
"Yeah, Mr. Cox! You're like a white Kanye West!"

George Bush hates white people!!

5 years, $55 million

2005-12-06T07:46:00.000-06:00

Who in the world would want to play for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS?!?!!? When they're offering $15 million dollars more than the Cardinals, I guess anyone. The Cards were said to offer 4 years at $40 million, and with that, I'd be a little weary. But 5 years and $55 million?

Even if AJ would have went with the Cardinals offer, it would have been near impossible to resign Mulder and Carpenter when their time would come. How can you give 10 million dollars to a guy with a career .500 record and expect to sign a Cy Young award winner, and the guy with the best winning % in the major leagues to less money?
Jocketty is one of the best GMs and he always finds his guys to fill in. I'll just sit back and watch him do his thang.

mabry is a cub

2005-11-29T07:42:00.000-06:00

John Mabry has signed with the Cubbies. Not that this is a major loss for the Cardinals, but I found it interesting. Usually players leave from the Cubs and go to the Cardinals, but not vice-versa. I thought to myself, "why would John John want to leave the team that he's been on the past two seasons and gone to the playoffs both years for the miserable & disfunctional pit that has been Your Chicago Cubs this year? After the Cardinals decided not to offer him a contract, all I had to do was read John's quote in the paper...

"I am just looking for a job."

Have fun, John!

state of gas

2005-11-22T11:42:00.000-06:00

Now I know how Kortny feels every night.

There has to be something in the Champaign water that is making these Junior High kids releasing some serious stank. I mean, I've NEVER smelled so many, so horribly bad smelling farts in my life. Today goes down in my history book as the day in which I have smelled both the most farts, and the worst-smelling farts.
Ever.

The only time(s) I can think that can even hold a candle to today were(was) one of my many car trips with Dave where I had to smell his fiber-eating butt gas over and over and over and over.

I told the Science teacher that he may want to re-think using the bunsen burners today.

iJeremiah

2005-11-16T12:37:00.000-06:00

I would say my hobbies in life rank something like this...

* video editing
* playing music
* following baseball
* general TCB (taking care of business)

I have recently purchased that has both encorporated all of these 4 hobbies, and rocked my world. Of course, I'm talking about the new iPod video.
I'll now take questions.

"Jeremiah, how does the iPod video help you follow baseball?"
- Well, I must admit that that one on the list was the weakest one that relates to the iPod, but I obviously love baseball so much that I couldn't leave it off the list. So, with my iPod, I can carry up to 10,000 photos, and so far I have 10 baseball photos that include pics of my last game at Busch, demolition, and sweet photo (curtousy of Tim Lybarger) of Pujols walking down a tunnel in Busch with the name "Jesus" on the back.

"Oh, wow! You can edit video on your iPod?!"
-No, you dork. But I can put up to 75 hours of video footage on here, which so far includes my original videos (both Quest videos and ParkLife), every Nooma, the complete first season of The Office, the first season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and 14 full length movies I ripped off my DVD's.

"Wow. That's really cool."
-Thanks. I didn't make it though. I just bought one.

"Jeremiah, you must make a ton of money being a special ed teacher and a worship leader to buy this."
-Actually, no. Because I'm a teacher (and a darn good one) I was able to get an Education discount on the iPod. I got it for under $300.

Thanks for all the great questions. I'll now take questions from the commenters. After all, they are the ones who make this site possible.

I like my iPods how I like my women. Small, black, and with a non-click wheel.

real role-models.

2005-11-15T11:52:00.000-06:00

This is the best Christian athlete story I've heard since Albert Pujols took the enire Cardinals' minor league (about 250 players) to see The Passion of The Christ.

************************* UPDATE! **********************

Pujols became the first Cardinal to win the MVP since Willie McGee. Albert winning the MVP and Carpenter winning the Cy Young in the same year is awesome. However, it's bitter-sweet due to the fact that the Cardinals did not at least win the Pennent. But these are some pretty nice consulation prizes. I know that the MVP and Cy Young aren't supposed to take into consideration the post-season, but both Carp and Pujols came up big-time in the playoffs.

It's also nice to see that the national writers for the most part, ignored what they were being fed on ESPN and their website to actually look at the numbers and give them to the most deserving players. This goes for not just the Cardinals that won.
Here, here, national writers. You actually did your job.

I know I said I wouldn't talk about baseball during the winter, but this has been a pretty big deal. Sorry, kiddos.

2005-11-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

Man, it has been over a week since my last post. My stent has demanded all my time. Taking 2 Vicatin every 4 hours makes one feel real good. Really really good.
Hey everyone!!!
Come see how good I feel!!*

The double Vicatin shot works for about an hour and a half. Then it's right back to Painville. Which also takes me to Grumpytown. Not to be confused with taking me to Funkytown.

I don't know how many times I've heard already students in my school today saying the words "get rich, or die tryin'"
My favorite was in Social Studies class, when the teacher was talking about families going west to make a better life for themselves. A student in the back chimed up and said, "Man, that's it. Get rich or die tryin'"
The other students in the class agreed.
"Do doubt, dawg!"
"Aww yeah!"

Does anyone else feel awesomely entertained when they see 50 Cent making the rounds to places like The View and Regis and Kelly? I can just imagine all his homies in his entourage talking...
"Did you see Fiddy on The View Friday? Man, that $%*&, was tight!"

*The two lines refer to Ron Burgundy in Anchorman.

we're getting personal.

2005-11-03T21:10:00.000-06:00

As if you all really wanted to see the foot and a half long stent that is in me. Forget the kidney stone. It's this mo' that causes all the pain.

2005-10-31T10:08:00.000-06:00

On Friday, I was in 7th grade reading class. The students were working on an assignment for the book Hatchet. They were to draw a missing poster about the main character in the book. One of the students in the back was raising his hand for a long time. Both of us teachers were helping other students, so he kept his hand raised. When I finally got back to him, we had this conversation...

"I'm sorry you had your hand raised this whole time. What's your question?"
"Can I give him peach fuzz?"
"Can you give him what?"
"Peach fuzz"
"Peach fuzz???"
"Yeah, you know. Like how I have a peach fuzz mustache. (pointing to the area above his lips) Can I give him a peach fuzz mustache?"
"Oh!!! Um..ah...yeah. You rock that out, man."

I've always noticed the "pube-stache" this kid has sported. I have NEVER EVER heard a kid actually refer and/or acknoledge his pube-stache/peach fuzz. This kid has intentionally grown his 7th grade pube-stache and refers to it as peach fuzz. He is proud of his peach fuzz.

This was, hands down, the most awesome moment of my teaching career so far.

i just LOVE these!

2005-10-28T07:37:00.000-05:00

I got one of those survey e-mails last night. Are you kidding?!!? Are these still passed around? I thought I'd post my responses if I were to send this back.

1. What is your occupation? Babysitter for middle school students who have problems

2. What color is your underwear? clear

3. What are you listening too right now? you just used the wrong "too".

4. What was the last thing you ate? a pain pill

5. Do you wish on Stars? why did you just capitalize Stars?

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? clear

7. How is the weather right now? fine.

8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? the bullpen coach

9. Do you like the person who sent this to you? No. I hate them. Why am I on her e-mail list? Is it her hate e-mail list?

10. How old are you today? 48

11. Favorite drink? Clear Pepsi

12. Favorite sport to watch? cards (not cardinals, but cards. you, know. spades, hearts, ect)

14. Do you wear contacts or glasses? I can't answer this because I wear neither.

15. Pets? huh? are you asking if I have any? if I want any? what are you asking?

16. Favorite month? again. stupid question.

17. Favorite food? penn station

18. What was the last movie you watched? breakin' 2.

19. Favorite day of the year? now

20. What do you do to vent anger? punch in the mouth

21. What was your favorite toy as a child? ken

22. Fall or spring? summer

23. Hugs or kisses? BOTH!!!!

24. Cherry or Blueberry? razzleberry

25. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? no. i want them to comment.

26. Who is most likely to respond? dave

27. Who is least likely to respond? because there is not much mentioned about baseball so far...Tim.

28. Living arrangements? I don't want to give you to many details, but let's just say...they...are...awesome.

29. When was the last time you cried? when I got one of these e-mails.

30. What's on the floor of your closet? a dead body, i mean clothes. clothes are on the floor of the closet. sorry.

31. Who's the friend you've had the longest? shut up.

32. What did you do yesterday? I worked, you bum. someone has to work around here.

33. What inspires you? Inpirational songs, movies, and e-mail forwards.

34. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Spicy hamburgers? Okay, now you are just stretching.

35. What are you afraid of? Falling into a pit jam packed full of spicy hamburgers

36. Favorite car? The Adobe. The little car...made out of clay.

37. What Is Your Favorite Breed Of Dog? The breed that is none. I like no dog.

38. Number of keys on your key ring? I don't know. But there is only one key to my heart. And that is Kortny. Yes!

39. How many years at your current job? 1.25

40. Favorite day of the week? I don't know why everyone say Friday. You still have work on Friday. I choose Sunday.

41. How many states have you lived in? Ask my wife. She lives in the state of gas every night whem I'm around.

42.. Ring size? This is the final question? The climax of this whole thing is to ask me what my ring size is?

Jeremiah's ring size: AWESOME

mr. cox sucks

2005-10-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

Barring an off-season aquisition, I hereby state that I will post about baseball no more on here until spring.

Today was my first day back to school since my second kidney surgery. I think my students were just waiting until I came back to kick it into high gear. What is "it", you ask?
It is acting like a fool, writing "Mr. Cox sucks" on their test, and telling me that their parents were going to "mess me up".

Yes. A student today actually had the kahones to write, "Mr. Cox sucks" on the bottom of his Illinois State Assesment bubble sheet. Did I erase it?
Heck no.
I want to give whoever feeds the sheet into the machine at Springfield something to think about.

Who is this Mr. Cox?
I wonder if he really is a mean teacher?
I wonder if all the students at his school think he sucks, or just this one?
Why did this student only complete half the test?

a touch of the pujols flu

2005-10-24T07:38:00.000-05:00

Brade Lidge got bit by the Pujols bug a few days ago.

He was still suffering from it last night.

Get better! Here is my e-card for Brad Lidge.

2005-10-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

sorry, george and barb.

2005-10-20T21:02:00.000-05:00

Check this video out. It takes a few minutes to load, but it's a wide screen shot of the Pujols homerun from Game 5. You can see good ol' George and Barb Bush on the right, and George turning around and yelling once Pujols connects.
Hey, I've got to watch something to make me feel better.

show's over.

2005-10-19T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I would have thought they'd put up more of a fight than this. I didn't always think they would necessarily win tonight's game, but I didn't think it would be this.
The Astros were the better team in these past few games, and they deserved to go on.
Again, the Cardinals fans show their class by applauding for the Astros.

Yes, Pujols' shot in game 5 will forever be remembered as one of the biggest clutch homers in baseball history, but how much more sweet it would have been if the Cards would have won the Pennent. It was a good year. It was a very good year.

It was a shame to see the Cards go down like this. Their pitching was the best in the league all season. Their hitting was in the top 3. It was a good season for the Cards, and at least we didn't have to watch it end at Houston. St. Louis ended 11 games ahead of the Stros, 19 ahead of the Brewers and 21 ahead of the Cubs. When people doubted they would be as good as the 105 win team, they proved everyone wrong. Back to back 100-win seasons. The NLCS came down to the best two teams in the league, and that's how it should be.

So, what comes next? Should I be rooting for the White Sox, who have always been my second favorite team, or go for the Astros so that the Cardinals would have lost the World Champs?
Do I actually root for a team in the American Leauge, or do I root for a team who celebrated and didn't show as much class in games 4 and 5 as they have the past few years?

Hey Houston.

Don't celebrate too much if you beat Chicago in a non-clinching game.

Go Sox.

this is why we traded for mulder...

2005-10-19T07:28:00.000-05:00

I saw this quote from Roy Oswalt today regarding the bomb Lidge allowed to Pujols...
"We kidded with him the whole time on the plane today. We actually told him we almost got hit by the ball when it took off."

So, here we are. The day off, and game 6 is tonight. Everyone has had time to soak in what excactly did happen in the 9th inning of game 5.
Oswalt shut down the Cards the last time out. The Cardinals had their opportunities against him,but failed to come through. Mulder pitched a good game as well.

I'm not going to make any predictions for tonights game. After what just happened, I think it goes without saying that nobody can ever really have a grasp as to what is going to happen. I will say this though. If the Astros are going to win this series, it's going to happen tonight.

Is anyone else more daring than me and care to venture predictions for this series??

I just found this picture, and thought it was great...

meet me in st. louis

2005-10-18T06:41:00.000-05:00

Busch Stadium: You will not be demolished quite yet.

I couldn't stand how Houston was celebrating like they won the series after Sunday's win. I couldn't stand how Berkman acted as if he already hit the game winning homerun in the 7th inning.
I love how Pujols just looked ticked off.

David Freaking Eckstein getting a hit with two outs and two strikes.
Jimmy Ballgame swallowing his pride and taking the walk.

The legend of Albert Pujols continues.

That was the defining moment of his young career. The dude is clutch. When he unloaded on that 0-1 slider, I turned to Kortny and told her that she just witnessed one of the biggest homeruns in postseason history.

Sure, LaRussa takes heat every now and then. But you have to say one thing about him and this year's team. They play a hard nine. Remember the game against the Reds? Down 9-2 in the 9th? Cards come back to win 10-9. Against the Braves: down by 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th, and Eckstein hits a grand slam.
They've done that all year. They've certainly got heart.

I don't think I've ever heard a crowd go from that loud to that silent.
Anyone see the shot of Pettite when Pujols hit that bomb? You could read his lips all the way.
"oh my ____".

okay, okay...

2005-10-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

Now that I've had about 15 hours to cool down, I'm ready. I still think the Cardinals are done, but being a fan I always have to have some hope.

Going into Houston, all along I said that all the Cards have to do is win one game. Then, they'd be going back to St. Louis, down 3 games to 2, just like last year. We've got our best going tonight, and Carpenter has an ERA below 1 in his career at Minute Made Park. He's won three times there this year.

The Cardinals hitting aside from Pujols has been horrible. Pathetic. Discusting. The pitching has been very good.
Do I think the Cards are going to loose this series? If I was a bettin' man, I'd say yes.
Do I think the series is allready over? No.

*************THE BOTTOM LINE***************
What do the past 2 World Series Champs have in common?
Red Sox came back from 3-0 against the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.
Marlins came back from 3-1 against the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS.

jumping the shark

2005-10-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Absolutely pathetic.

not good.

2005-10-14T06:48:00.000-05:00

I won't talk about any silver linings in last night's 4-1 loss.
I could mention Mulder's 7 innings, 6K, 1ER or the Pujols homer.

Sanders is down with a sprained back
Tavarez has gotten rocked by Houston all year
Edmonds blew all his chances last night
Walker is hobbling around and 1 for 17 in the series so far

I kept on forgetting, however that it would be rediculous to think that the Cardinals could get 5 runs off of all three of these starters every game. When you are facing Pettitte, Oswalt and Clemens, you are going to get shut down some games. I think the Cards need to win 2 of 3 in Houston before coming back to St. Louis.
The only thing that worries me about Houston right now, is that bandbox of a stadium where I could even have 15 homeruns at with that left field.

However, I love the fact that all of ESPN except John Kruk is saying that Houston is definenitley going to win the series now. The Cardinals always do better when people are betting against them.

in true cy form.

2005-10-13T07:19:00.000-05:00

"Reggie Sanders is old and awesome."
"David Eckstein is small and good."
- Matt Ahrens

I've been to a few postseason games before, but I have never heard a more deafening noise than last night after Reggie Sanders hit the homerun in the first inning. He absolutely killed that ball. It was the 2nd longest homerun in Busch stadium this year.
Last night, the Cardinals showed excactly why they can beat any team.
-Scored off the homerun
-Scored off basehits
-Scored off the suicide squeeze
-Good starting pitching

While Mark Prior was busy getting sued, Chris Carpenter was busy being his old self, and has allowed 2 runs in 14 innings this postseason.

How good is David Eckstein?

Roy Oswalt is 2-1 with an ERA over 5 against St. Louis this year. Let's see if they can keep that up.

Hey, is anyone going to take Robbie up on his offer and watch Mark Mulder do this thang????

houston, you have a problem.

2005-10-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

HAHAHAHAA!!!!! Get it?!!?!?! Hahahahahahaha!!!

Since LaRussa has been in town, if the Cardinals won the first game of a playoff series, they went on to win it. If they lost the first game, they went on to loose it.
What was up with the Chi Sox yesterday? Their offense was weak. Scotty-Po has been caught stealing more than he has stolen in the past 2 months.

Did anyone else enter the drawing for the chance to buy World Series tickets?

nope. sorry. not the red sox...

2005-10-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

Ooooooooh man, I bet ESPN is hacked off that their precious Red Sox and Yankees are allready booted from the playoffs.

Here's my delima. The White Sox are and always have been my second favorite team. IF the Cardinals make it to the World Series, do I really want to see them face the White Sox? Do I want to run the risk of being forced not to like them?

Ever since I was friends with Even Walles in 2nd grade, who is a die-hard Sox fan, I've always wanted a Cardinals/White Sox World Series.
Here is my problem. If the White Sox become instant foes in the playoffs, will I all of a sudden see Ozzie Guillen no longer as *energetic* and *refreshing* but instead as *annoying* and *stupid*? Will I think of Mark Beurhle as a future self-proclaimed Cardinal, or a guy I'd never want anywhere near St. Louis again?

My head tells me to root for the Angels, so that I have a clear-cut foe in the World Series.
My heart?
Well, my heart says, "You go, White Sox!"

goshdangit.

2005-10-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Cards would have crushed Atlanta in the NLCS. Last year's St. Louis vs. Houston went to 7 stressfull games. I'm worried about the Cards being able to beat them again. Honestly, this series could go either way. I have no idea who I think has the edge.

Here's my lowdown of the NLCS, which will start on Wednesday.

Houston
They have Pettite this time around
Don't have Kent, Beltran, or a full strength Jeff Bagwell
They have a weak offense
They have a chip on their shoulder from loosing to STL last year
Have that whole "team of destiny" thing going for them with their 18 inning win

STL
They have Carpenter and Mulder this time around
They don't have Scott Rolen
Their bullpen had a rough NLDS
They have a chip on their shoulder from getting swept in the World Series
The just swept a .500 team, and are well rested

Just to give you an idea of how close last year's NLCS was...
After six games, each team had scored 29 runs. Each team had an ERA of 4.80. And each team was batting .246.

Like I said before, the World Series champ will come out of the NL Central.

Discuss.

next.

2005-10-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Dave's boy, Eckstein connects with a 2-run homer and went 3 for 4.

Pujols had a series average of .556.

Sanders set a NLDS recored, 10 RBI in three games.
As Matt said; Reggie Sanders is old and awesome.

SIDE NOTE
I thought I would get more reaction from my last post. Was that too "out there"? Did I over-do it? I guess I should talk about baseball more.
Listen, I'm really sorry.

no more baseball talk

2005-10-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

today.

The following post is gross and may cross the line. I'm just warning you.I've been thinking for a while a way to make a post on my experiences in the doctor's offices before my surgery and still keep this blog family-friendly.

You know, just like WBGL.

All the way up until last week, I've always had things *exit* my *exit only* orphace in the rear. One may say that is a given, but in this day and age, you can never be too sure. Medical doctors, doin' their thang.
So, when I was in the office, Mrs. Doctor said to me, "okay, I'm going to need you to drop your drawers and turn on your side.

"May I ask why" I asked.
She then proceeded to tell me not only why she requested I take this position, but who, what, when and where she was proceeding.
"Hmm" I said.
"Tell me if this hurts" she asked.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I've never felt this before...it doesn't feel good, if that's what you're asking".

She took her gloves off and left the room. And that was it. No good-bye. Nothing.

The next day, I visited the specialist. He was poking, and prodding, while asking me questions about my job, family, urine, and bowel movements. Memories of my experience with yesterday's doctor were a distant memory.
Then, Mr. Doctor asked me to turn to my side. I saw him put on his glove and get out the lube.
"Really?" I asked.
"My doctor just did this yesterday."
"Yup. I need to check" he told me.

He asked me the same question the other doctor asked. I gave him the same response, telling him that it doesn't feel good, and that I *guess* it doesn't hurt when he does that.

He asked me if I had any questions, and then left.
What is it with these doctors that come in and take advantage of me and leave?

What, no dinner and a movie?
I feel so used.

yes.

2005-10-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

Two down, nine to go.

what now?!?

2005-10-05T22:07:00.000-05:00

So, does this mean that Jimmy Fallon going to be a White Sox fan soon?

yes.

2005-10-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

Reggie Sanders - 2 for 3 6RBI, Grandslam
Edmonds - 3 for 4, Homerun

Carpenter - 6IP, 3H, 0ER

Looks like Carp got his Mojo back.

my kidney or the playoffs?

2005-10-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

I don't know which one is causing more pain right now. The foot long stent that is going from my kidney to my bladder or the anticipation of the playoffs starting in 4 1/2 hours.
Here are my final thoughts going into the postseason. I think the Cardinals will either loose in the first round or win it all. If Carpenter and Mulder pitch well against the Pads, then they will be on for the rest of the playoffs. If they don't, then it's all over.

Al Reyes done for the year?
It wouldn't be a true St. Louis Playoff until someone got hurt right before or during the playoffs.
- The tarp running over Coleman
- Mike Matheney getting cut by a hunting knife he got as a birthday present
- Alex Friggin Cintron running into Scott Rolen

So, here is my final prediction. The World Series winner will come from the NL Central.

Oh, and I would love nothing more than to see the White Sox knock out the Red Sox.

Game on!

worry?

2005-09-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

I should be more worried about my kidney right now, but I can't help worry about the state of the Cards going into the playoffs. Carp has been roughed up, and Pujols is struggling too.

Let's dissect the Cy Young race.

Honestly, I don't know if Carpenter is the choice or Willis. Willis leads in wins and ERA, but Carpenter leads in just about everything else. Even though Willis has 22 wins, he has 10 losses against Carpenter's 5.
If one looks at only Wins and ERA, then Dontrelle is your man. If one looks at everything else in addition to that, then Carp gets the nod.
What about Carpenter's bad September? Both have had a bad month; Willis in July
(23ER and 7.14 ERA, plus his last outing) and Carpenter in September (24ER and 5.73 ERA)

.................Willis........Carpenter...................Advantage
Wins.............22............21..........................Willis
Losses...........10............5...........................Carpenter
Winning %........688...........808.........................Carpenter
ERA..............2.59..........2.83........................Willis
K's..............158...........213.........................Carpenter
Games............33............33..........................Tied
Complete games...7.............7...........................Tied
Shutouts.........5.............4...........................Willis
Ks/9.............6.20..........7.93........................Carpenter
K/BB.............2.9...........4.18........................Carpenter
Innings Pitched..229.1.........241.2.......................Carpenter
Walks............53............51..........................Carpenter
WHIP.............1.12..........1.06........................Carpenter
OBA .............290............273........................Carpenter

But we don't need to get wrapped up in awards voted by sportswriters. It's all about the playoffs.

Here we go!

*******SIDE NOTE********
Don't get me started on Andruw Jones for MVP. I have one stat that shows why...
Batting average with runners in scoring position???
.206
.206!!!!!!!!!!!

My MVP is Lee or Pujols.

ryne-o!

2005-09-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

Spirit of St. Louis
By Ryne Sandberg, Yahoo! Sports
September 28, 2005

MVP: Albert Pujols
It's about time this guy wins an MVP award. The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman has been one of baseball's most dominant hitters the last five years while improving his defense every season. Pujols is batting .330 with 39 home runs and 110 RBIs. Also, when Scott Rolen went down with a shoulder injury, Pujols picked up the slack for the Cardinals.

Cy Young: Chris Carpenter
The Cardinals right-hander ranks second in wins (21) and fourth in ERA (2.71), and is tied for first in complete games (seven) and tied for second in innings pitched (235.2). It's surprising to me that he also has 207 strikeouts (third in the NL) because he's not that type of pitcher. He'll spot his fastball on the corners and change speeds as much as possible with sinkers down in the zone. Carpenter was impressive during a 13-game win streak from June 14 to Sept. 8, throwing at least seven innings and allowing fewer than three earned runs in every start.

mom? can i get the HIV plush doll? pleeeeease?!?

2005-09-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

I was in 7th grade science class today looking at a catalog for science teachers. In this catalog, there are numerous different activities, models, and other types of *cool* and *awesome* things for teachers. I got to one page, which advirtised GIANT Microbes!
Stuffed toys.

Yes, that's right. Now you can have a stuffed toy of your favorite germ! Some of the germs that are available (and I'm not kidding) are...
HIV, Ghonorrea, Ulcer, Ebola, The Common Cold, The Flu, Sore Throat, Stomach Ache, Cough, Ear Ache, Bad Breath, Kissing Disease, Athlete's Foot, Ulcer, Martian Life, Beer & Bread, Black Death, Ebola, Flesh Eating, Sleeping Sickness, Dust Mite, Bed Bug, and Bookworm.

Here's a quote from the catalog...
"We make stuffed animals that look like tiny microbes—only a million times actual size! These dangerous (but cute) germs can engage your students in learning about germs. They'll love how soft they feel!"

Giant Microbe Ebola Plush - $6.99

Giant Microbe HIV Plush - $6.99

predictions...

2005-09-26T07:38:00.000-05:00

ALDS
-------------
Angels over White Sox (in 3)
Indians over Yankees (in 5)

NLDS
-------------
Braves over Astros (in 4)
Cardinals over Padres (in 5)

ALCS
-------------
Indians over Angels (in 7)

NLCS
-------------
Cardinals over Braves (in 6)

World Series
-------------
Cardinals over Indians (in 7)

2005-09-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

This is an article from this weeks, "The Onion". Well worth the read...

Oprah Stuns Audience With Free Man Giveaway

CHICAGO—The season premiere of The Oprah Winfrey Show unleashed a surprise for viewers Monday, when host Winfrey presented her studio audience with an unexpected gift: eligible men.

"Everybody gets a man! Everybody gets a man!" said Winfrey, almost drowned out by cries of disbelief as 276 men, one for every member of the studio audience, filed onto the Oprah set.

Hoping to top last year's season-debut surprise, when members of the studio audience received free cars, Winfrey watched elated as the men knelt before their awestruck new mates and delivered gallant kisses and professions of undying affection.

"Signed, sealed, delivered... they're yours!" Winfrey said.

Hand-picked by Winfrey and her staff, the men range in age from 29 to 63 and were described by assistant producer Sally Heffernan-Ross as "great catches" with semi-professional to professional careers and stable personalities.

"Oprah showed it can happen: You can get that man of your dreams, or at least of your minimal expectations," Heffernan-Ross said.

The men, dressed in fresh chinos and polo shirts and bearing single red roses and gift baskets from Bath & Body Works, emerged moments after audience members were instructed to reach beneath their chairs, where they found inlaid boxes containing keys.

The keys, Winfrey explained, unlocked the doors to the men's individual domiciles.

"He's yours! He's completely yours!" Winfrey said to one speechless young woman who appeared stunned by what was going on around her. Assuring "no months of awkward dating" or "questions over who's going to make the first move," Winfrey said her man giveaway had totally eliminated the guesswork of romance.

The men Winfrey gave away are guaranteed to enjoy snuggling, to find the few extra pounds gained over time "cute," and to have read at least three books by the poet Maya Angelou.

"Oh, I love Maya," said one of the giveaway men, 32-year-old electrical engineer Doug Jefferson, who also enjoys warm, comfy sweaters. "I think she's very brave. Heck, I love poetry in general. Who doesn't?"

Winfrey had to reassure several of the more timid studio-audience members.

"Don't worry, ladies, they won't be going anywhere," Winfrey said. "Kiss him! Give his behind a little squeeze! It's okay—he's your man!"

As with 2004's Pontiac G6 giveaway, the man giveaway came as a complete surprise to audience members, many of whom said the men arrived just in time.

"I was beginning to think it was never, ever going to happen," said Karla Drozdowicz, 34, an unmarried bank teller from Superior, WI who won radio-sales executive Chris Iredell. "I'm totally thrilled to get Chris. He's not what I imagined from my romance stories, but I'll love him just the same."

Another audience member, Gwendolyn Havers, said her years of watching Oprah instead of dating had "finally paid off."

"My mom says my 'wallflower' personality keeps me from meeting men," Havers said. "Well, if I wasn't such an Oprah fan, I wouldn't have gotten tickets to her show, and I wouldn't have won [part-time assistant tech-support manager] Eric [Fitzgerald]."

Heffernan-Ross said the audience members were selected from a pool of "hundreds of thousands of single, lonely women" who had put in requests for show tickets.

"Unlike the selection process for the men, finding unattached women was very easy," Heffernan-Ross said. "All we had to do was stick our hands in a big barrel of letters, and voilá, our perfect audience."

Harpo Productions, Winfrey's production company, assured the winners that their prizes are guaranteed to "be into [them]" through 2010, and agreed to pay all local and state taxes relating to the men, as well. However, federal income tax and expenses such as meals, movie tickets, motel stays, teddy bears, plush slippers, and commitment rings will not be covered.

Audience member Karen Schoenegge, 38, who was awarded 41-year-old collections-department supervisor John Zimmerman, said several drawbacks have emerged since the show's taping.

"Well, as soon as we got back to the hotel, I found out that John doesn't give backrubs," Schoenegge said. "He's also weird about me walking in the bathroom to pee while he's in the shower. I mean, it's not like I'm looking at him. He needs to loosen up a little. But I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I really, really needed a new man."

The seven audience members who declined their men, saying that they were too insecure about their weight to feel confident in a romantic relationship, were instead treated to all-expenses-paid weekends at the Omni Hotel in downtown Chicago.

boston public

2005-09-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

A run-down of my students today...

Situation 1... A student got a "strike" for talking in her class. She then throws down her binder on the floor and starts yelling at the teacher. She sits on the floor and won't move until Mr. Cox is called in.

Situation 2... Another student was in class and called the teacher a F*^$ing B*&%H. Sent down to the office.

Situation 3... Another student was in class when a peer said, "This sucks!" In reference to an assignment. The teacher said, "Excuse me. We don't curse in here". My student chimed in and said, "Aww. That aint' cussin. I'll show you cusssin. SH$#! Fu%$! D&^%!"

Situation 4... One of my other students stabbed another student in the arm with his pencil.

Situation 5...I heard a lot of yelling and laughing coming out of a room down the hall. I walked down there to find girl and a boy in a fight. What where they doing? Well, all the desks were pushed to the side, and the girl had the boy in some kind of hold while biting his arm. Finally, I got the students separated and had to hold the girl while another teacher had to grab the boy and get him out.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ehhhem?

2005-09-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

I walked into 7th grade matt class yesterday. Nothing new. Just going to the class where a couple of my students are. One of my students sits in the back row in front of windows which overlook the playground. 3 stories up.
So I walk in the room, and the student (not knowing I just walked in) stood up, and proclamed to the class...
"I'm going to throw this book out the window now!"

He then proceeded to throw the book out the window.
Down three stories, to the playground.

He then turned around, sat quietly in his seat, and started on his math work. I was still on the opposite side of the room, when I then said...
"ehhhem?!?!?!"
He looked at me with wide eyes, and I gave him the pointer finger "come hither" motion. He looked around, because surely I wasn't gesturing towards him, right?!!?
He slowly got up, and walked towards me. We then proceeded to go into the hall where Mr. Cox ripped him a new one.

i've got your prague right here...

2005-09-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here are some pro's and cons for going to a wedding with your wife all weekend.

Cons
-----
-Sitting through wedding rehearsal
-Sitting at the reception at the table that was clearly the "umm...I don't know where to put all these 6 random people, so I'll just throw them all to the same table" table.
-Sitting in the upper level of a two-story reception hall and not being able to see any of the action down below.
-Eating mushroom-stuffed chicken for dinner

Pros
-----
-Hot looking wife
-Hot looking wife
-Hot looking wife

Matt's going to Prague this week, and flying first-class.
Ohhhhh...we're all very impressed.

clinching it...wrigley style

2005-09-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

Get ready to see this (minus Roger Cedeno, thank goodness, and Rolen) at a Wrigley Field near you.

Today I head north to watch the St. Louis Cardinals baseball club play a game against the Chicago Cubs.
I get to visit again, the Worlds Best Baseball Stadium Ever Created In The Universe.
A stadium just filled to the brim of History.
The place where history has happened such as...
Moises Alou slamming down his glove in a pout.
Sammy Sosa sliding/diving for fly balls that he should have caught on his feet.
Sammy Sosa's homerun jump that was transferred to Derrek Lee
Alex Gonzalez's botched double play ball
The Goat
The Black Cat

Oh, what great History

Anyway, with a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of Corey Patterson, I might get to see the Cardinals clinch the division tonight. That would be the same division that after their 105 win season, the critics said, "Oh, the Cardinals won't be near as good next year. The Cubs will be fighting neck and neck with them for the Central".
I get to see Mark Prior (best pitcher ever, 3.64ERA) vs. Jeff Suppan (#4 starter, 3.69ERA) dual it out. This will be my 4th Cardinals game this year, and 4th time seeing Suppan.

Chris Carpenter, please?

best morning ever

2005-09-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

Today I walked into the teacher's lounge to put my lunch in the fridge. I saw out of the corner of my eye, something awesome.
The most ridiculous act of cheapness the likes I have ever seen. George Costanza would be proud of this.

On the vending machine, there was a napkin with writing on it that was pushed over a button on there to say on. On the napkin, it read:

"The Fritos that are stuck are Linda's."

I would have LOVED to seen this whole event on tape...

Linda, in eager anticipation putting her 65 cents into the machine.
Pointing up to the Fritos bag.
Taking note that it was code B14.
Dragging her pointer finger all the way from B14 to the key pad.
Punching in B14.
Waiting for the turnstyles to release her Fritos.
Seeing her eyes open wide as her beloved Fritos get stuck.
She starts shaking the machine.
She starts talking to the machine.
"C'mon" she says.
"C'monnnnnn!"
She goes over to the door in hopes of finding someone stronger than her to help her shake harder.
No one.
She stands in silence.
She puts her hands on her hips. Thinking.
In an act of desperation, she grabs a nearby napkin, and her trusty Sharpie.
She writes down, "The Fritos that are stuck are Linda's"
She pushes the napkin over a button so as to hang it from the machine.
She leaves in pain.
She leaves in anger.
After paying 65 whole cents, she leaves with only hopes that soon she will receive the Fritos that she rightly deserves.
She will get those Fritos.

I wanted more than anything to buy the Fritos and put them in her mailbox.

UMCOR

2005-09-07T07:21:00.000-05:00

We received an e-mail from my mother last night telling us that my father is going down to help serve the hurricane victims. He got connected through UMCOR, because he's a Methodist pastor. He tried getting some people to go down with him, but nobody was able to go.
They said that because he will be by himself, that they will most likely send him all the way to the coast. Please pray for him. Pray that he be safe from the small % of people down there who are idiots, pray for protection from the bacteria and viruses that are spreading due to the dead bodies everywhere, pray for his car to be not broken into.

If you are looking to give $ to the hurricane, I encourage to look at UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief). When one gives to Red Cross or Salvation Army, a percentage of what you give goes to administrative costs (which they have to do, of course). When you give to UMCOR, 100% goes straight to the cause. The administrative costs are already paid for by church Conference apportionments.

We are pretty worried, but also very proud.

24.

2005-09-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

I'm really not one to talk about my birthday. I mean, when I turned 18 and Cigarrets, Lotto, Gambling, and Porn all became readily accesible to me, who needs to celebrate another birthday, huh?

When talking with my accountibility group this week, we got on the subject of the 5 Love Languages. It was discussed that my secondary language is "Gifts".
Ahhhh yes.
How selfish.
Upon talking about this Ahrens piped up and said, "you know, Matt House put his Amazon wish list up on his website around his birthday. I loved it! It was so easy! I didn't have to shop around or anything. Just point and click! Bang!! Bang!!"

Okay, he didn't say the "bang" part.

So, here is my Amazon wish list.

Remind me if I forgot anything.
Thank you.

whoa.

2005-09-06T07:25:00.000-05:00

So, when I don't post for a summer, I get people on here saying things like...

"holy snap - I nned more My Turn than this. I'll be back a lot to bug you until you post again. COUNT ON IT. Also, you know I gotta agree with the first post."

and

"I comment again, in a formal act of protest against the lack of new posts.

WHAT DO WE WANT? NEW POSTS!

WHEN DO WE WANT 'EM? NOW!!!!"

and

"If September passes without a post, I can't be responsible for what happens..."

and

"The things I would do for a good new blog..."

So, I have been posting new things up, and getting very little response. I've been going to my fellow bloggers and posting. AT, thank you for your continued loyalty. Maybe instead of posting on The Internet for the entire galaxy to see, I'll just start sending you personal e-mail blogs.

You're the only one who really appreciates me.
Never change.

Preach it.

2005-09-02T10:34:00.000-05:00

Listen to this.

It's worth the 10 minutes. Trust me.

2005-09-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm a *pro-life* guy. Some people say they are pro-life, but support the death penalty. As chief editor of Sojourners and author of the book, God's Politics, Jim Wallis says, it's hypercritical. If you say you are pro-life, you have to go all the way.

Today I am making an exception.

When I heard that the National Guard has been given orders to shoot to kill anyone in New Orleans that were a threat, I was in support. It absolutely makes me sick to my stomach that in the midst of all this tragedy that is still going on, there are some low-life thugs who are raping women and children, shooting at police, hijacking ambulances, and patrolling the Superdome with guns and killing people.

Hey, W. We've got some terrorists and "evil doers" right here in your own back yard.

The thing that I think gets me most is idea that people could act like this any where in our country. Why should we be naive enough to think that for some reason, only in New Orleans there are people like this. What if this happened in Chicago? Los Angeles? St. Louis? Maybe I'm just little innocent Jerry, but I honestly never thought that that many humans in this country could stoop THAT low.
Am I against the death-penalty?
Yes.
But in those cases, you can seclude someone for the rest of their life. They are of no or little harm to anyone else. But when there are people standing in the way of other people's help for their lives??

My heart hasn’t' been broken from a natural disaster like this before. I've felt like I've had a cold heart. But I am literally sick to my stomach thinking about these low-life’s who are standing in the way of someone else's aide.

God, your people need you.

old post follow-up

2005-08-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the baseball season, Tim posted on his website the Champaign newspaper's top ten reasons the Cardinals won't win in 2005. So, now with about a month left of the season, let's see how their reasons have played out for the 84-49 Cards.
(my commentary in parenthesis)

1. Matt Morris' shoulder (has missed 0 games)
2. Tony LaRussa's brain (his horrible brain has put him #3 on all-time wins for managers)
3. Scott Rolen's knee (actually, his shoulder)
4. Albert Pujols' heel (how many games has the MVP missed because of this?)
5. Reggie Sanders' age (before breaking his leg, he was the best player on the team besides Pujols)
6. Larry Walker's back (actually, his neck)
7. Mark Grudzielanek's glove (funny. He'll most likley win a gold glove this year)
8. Jason Isringhausen's hip (huh? All-star? What?)
9. David Eckstein's height (Edgar who?)
10. Chris Carpenter's elbow (just call him Cy Carpenter, please)

Dear News-Gazette,
I'm sorry that as of August 31, your beloved baby bears are 20.5 games behind the Cardinals. I'm sorry that Kerry Wood is not awesome. I'm sorry that unlike the Cardinals and White Sox, the Cubs could not cope with and overcome major injuries.

Love,
Jeremiah

season 4

2005-08-30T12:11:00.000-05:00

Season 4 of Curb Your Enthusiasm comes out today.

Hello, Barnes and Noble.
Oh, hello Jeremiah.
I will take one Season 4 of Curb Your Enthusiasm, please.
Sure. Here you are.
Thank you. Point taken. And recieved.

If you guys want some fun, here's a video of Dave crossing the finish line of a tri he ran this weekend. The reason I'm not in this video is because I finished first. I swam/rode/ran so fast that they didn't get the video camera up in time.

here. here, quest softball team. here are your butts.

2005-08-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's crazy that when I was in school in May, I was writing about our Men's Adult Church Softball League, and here in late August, we were still playing.

Key word there.

Were.

We went into the post-season with either a 6-4 or 7-5 record. I forget which one. I thought that was pretty good considering we were an expansion team in the league. Most of the losses we had were close and we actually should have won considering our talent. So, I went into the post-season thinking that we actually had a shot at winning the whole thing.
I also thought the Cardinals had a shot of beating the Red Sox last year, too.
Playoffs are single elimination. So, our first playoff game was against the lower seeded Faith UMC #1 (they had two teams). This is a team that we beat in the second game of the season. I don't want to go too much in detail about the game, but I will recap it in the form of a quote...

"Here, Quest Men's Church-League Softball team. We've taken the liberty of ripping your butts off. Now we are going to hand them to you. There you...ooops...don't...don't drop your butt...yeah...there you go. There. We've handed you your butts."

We got beat by the 10-run rule. Not a way to end a decent season. Not at all.

Dodgeball, anyone?

and away we go...

2005-08-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

I told you I'd start posting once school starts. Well, school started an hour and a half ago, so here's your first post.
I got to school, and was here for 15 minutes before I got yelled at* by a fellow special-ed teacher. I used my Emotional/Behavior Disorder technique to defuse the situation.

Starring.
Looking.
Not talking.

Works every time. Listen, lady. I'm really sorry I moved your desk that was not unpacked yet in this room that we have to share with 4 other teachers. Cool down.

Cool down!!!

COOL DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This last year of teaching has gotten off to a blazing start.

reviews of your butt.

2005-07-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

Again, people. Take my "Sorry" for lack of posts. When school starts, My Turn will once again be hub for all things meaningless on Highway Internet.
Here are some thangs I have been nice enough to make cute little reviews for you.

Movie : Monster
Review: I know this has been out a while. But ohmygosh this is a very good movie, but a very disturbing movie. * * * * stars

Movie: War of the Worlds
Review: Ehhh. * * 1/2 stars

Song: Doubting Thomas
Album: Why should the fire die? (to be released next month)
Band: Nickel Creek
Review: Sweet action. * * * * * stars

Quest Men's Church-League Softball Team
Review: Suffered a real tough loss to "mother" church New Horizon, but showed its zeal with a stunning rebound beating defending champions, The Vineyard. Biggest church in town vs. the new church start. C'mon New Horizon. we'll meet in the playoffs. This time, we're going to go all "postmodern" on you.
* * * * stars

2005 MLB All-Star game
Review: Awesome that Chris Carpenter starts the game and does well. NL looses. Really, as Fox Sports said, the Cardinals are the real loosers because they loose home-field advantage in the World Series. Don't worry. It wasn't your fault, Chris Carpenter. * star

Your Butt:
Lookin' good!
* * * * * * * * * * * 1/2 stars.

movie review: batman begins

2005-06-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well, My Turn was once again a "hub" if you will, for awesome social things as my invite to the the whole My Turn Universe resulted in a Matt Ahrens, Robbie Biggs, and Jeremiah Cox date to the Beverly to watch a showing of Batman Begins.

For those of you who declined, you missed out. Too bad for you. And I heard that they are never showing the movie ever again, so you totally missed your chance.
Best comic book movie I have ever seen.

Hands friggin down.

Not only was the movie somewhat believable but Christian Bale, who I have been a fan of ever since American Psycho, was the best Batman yet. I know, I know. Mike Keaton was good too. But there's something about a lesser known actor that makes me more excited. The movie left me wanting more of The Scarecrow, which is better than me wishing he wasn't in it as much, which is what I can say for Katie Holmes' character. It was seriously cool watching how Batman got all his cool toys and I love the fact that the Batcave was not all pimped out, but just a dark wet cave.
Kind of like my shoes.
Not pimped out, but dark and wet.
The settings are much more believable than the other Batman franchise.

The movie sets up for what you think would be a sequal, and after some research, I've found that indeed, there will be a sequal.
The candidates they are talking could be Joker in the next movie excite me as well. Crispin Glover (Back to the Future) and Paul Bettany (Wimbledon) are the leading candidates. I'm pulling for Bettany on this on. However, there is some rumor that Sean Penn will play The Joker. For some reason, Penn annoys the crap out of me.

Out of 5 possible stars, I give this * * * * 1/2 stars.

I'm willing to go see it again. So, I extend the invite one more time.
Oh wait. They aren't showing it anymore. Ever. So I guess I can't.
Sorry.

take 'er easy...

2005-06-22T08:59:00.000-05:00

Geez, I'm sorry Kortny. I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while. Why couldn't you have just told me that in person instead of putting it on the world wide web for the whole world to see????

Kortny and I went on a mini vacation last weekend. I took my first weekend off at Quest, and we went to Chicago and then up to Grand Rapids. Chicago was cool, as we stayed on Michigan Ave on the Magnificent Mile. I waited in Forever 21 as Kortny shopped for 3 hours.

3 hours.

Husband of the year, thankyouverymuch.
And then, on Saturday, we drove up to Grandville, Michigan, which is a suburb of Grand Rapids. We went there to check out Mars Hill, which is a church that is attracting the twentysomething, thirtysomething crowd. Except they are attracting about 10,000 of them. They did 3 things which I thought were very very cool.

1. They called the boxes that people drop their offerings in, "Joy Boxes". And whenever Rob Bell (the pastor) would say at the end of the service, "and if you have an offering, you can drop it in on of the Joy Boxes in the back", and the people there instantly started cheering and clapping. They do this every week. Cheering and clapping at the idea of giving to the Lord. Nice!

2. They had huge stacks of Bibles for people to pick up and read along. At first I was thinking that that's not very seeker friendly for someone who is new, but they simply put the page number on the screen.

3. They sat in the round. There was a stage right in the middle, with a 4-sided screen above. The speaker would walk around and talk to all sides. It made it feel like less of a show and more of a gathering. It made it feel more personal, but gave it more energy at the same time. I don't think this would be good for Quest now, in the space we are in, but I think it is definitely something to consider when we move into our own space.

So there you have it. A post a brand new spanking post. I really want to see Batman Begins. Kortny doesn't want to see it. Anyone want to go? Any takers?

summer lovin

2005-06-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

One would think that when I'm done with work for the summer, I'd be able to update a lot on my blog. The truth is, is that my blog is somewhat of an escape during the year.
During work.
So, I'm not official saying that I am taking a summer hiatus from My Turn, but I am saying that I may not be updating as much. But there are still some times when I will post something.

I mean, when the Cubs are doing wo well, and only gained 2 games on the Cardinals, I've gotta write about it, right???

i am google.

2005-06-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Quest is doing a new series on worship. Cindy, who does our slides, used image-google search for "worship" and on the first page. Yup.
Me.

Chris Tomlin? No.
David Crowder? No.
Matt Redman? No.

Jeremiah Cox? Yes, please.

On Super Powers: Having Them, Remebering Them...

2005-06-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

Did you know I have a super power? I do. Jeremiah does, too. We are, as they often say, "super-powered". Jeremiah and I used to discuss our super powers, sitting casually together in the yard. We would discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, comparing and contrasting. We would make plans. It became a good idea to establish scenarios which we might set into place in the event of a crime. You never knew! If we were witness to some bad deed, we might need to act! And we were determined to be prepared. As it happened, we never had an opportunity to try out any of our scenarios, and I for one have so infrequently used my power over the years that I wonder if it still works like it should. Do super powers get rusty? I'm resolved to find out. In the coming weeks, I will be visiting various public places and trying myself out, testing the felxibility and usefulness of my special ability. One's powers are moot if not attempted in public, so the privacy of my own home is a luxury I am unable to enjoy, embarrassing as my tests may eventually become. I am compelled to know if I still "have it", as is said. I wonder, too, if Jeremiah still retains his ability.

In the event that it is realized that our super powers are NOT as fresh as ever, new scenarios may have to be invented, but I am willing. As it happens, I don't even remember any of the old ones anyway.

Of course, it isn't easy coming up with practical and effective crime-preventing strategies given our particular special talents. I must emphasize that I, for one, never pretended to want to "fight" crime, as the cartoons feature. Jeremiah and I sought merely to ensure that we would be ready to PREVENT a crime from occuring, if given the chance.

What are these special super powers of which I speak? In their prime and at the peak of their employment, they are, I can assure you, truly wonderful to behold.

Mine: The super fast scoot
Jeremiah's: The ability to close doors with super speed

Oh, if only our magnifecent scenarios could have been realized! Just once! If only for an exposition! A show for friends! But, no, it wouldn't happen. Our breath-taking plans would prove to lie fallow, gathering the dust of years and the rust and dull sheen of a once-beautiful piece of shiny metal or maybe jewelry.

We all have super powers, of course. You say you don't have one? Why, you're wrong! You simply haven't identified your special power. One must look deep inside oneself, preferrably in a mirror, in privacy. Try out different movements which normally might seem strange or uncomfortable to you. Try repeating them. Again! Still haven't discovered your super power? Keep looking!

To help, here are a few suggestions, a few places to look, a few germinating seeds. Maybe your super power is something like...

* The ability to pinch a super correct amount of salt into a pot of water for pasta

* The ability to produce a nonstop succession of affirmative grunts and other sounds of approval, for super long amounts of time

* The ability to affect an extended series of facial expressions, each portraying various states of anger (or happiness, pleasure, amusement, sorrow, confusion, etc.) in super quick succession

* The ability to order people around with super effectiveness and/or super results

* The ability to clean eyeglasses with super speed, or alternatively, to make them super clean in a normal amount of time

Try some of these out! Chances are, your power doesn't match any of these perfectly, but they may give you a good idea as to where to look. Remember, the best way to divine one's own super power is to do the following: Sit yourself alone in a quiet room with few distractions. Make yourself comfortable and begin breathing slowly and deeply. Free your mind of all thought, meditating on the way your body feels at that moment. Eventually, if your mind is free of thought and you are relaxed, your super power will reveal itself to you. (It may take a while. If you become bored, you may read a magazine.)