Best of 2006: Blogs

The Unofficial Apple Weblog - Keeps me up to date on all things Mac! Loads of cool app's, software and hardware are reveiwed. If you don't have this on your favorites, stop sleepin'.

Mondok Blog - One of my mentors and closest friends (as well as co-worker!) always has something to say about something. Dude should write a book, soon.

Spitbox - This blog-zine encapsulates some of my favotite bloggers Los, Pete and Dustin along with others. Always pithy and usually funny.

UM Hurricanes - Omar Kelly posts daily keeping me up to date on my boys down at the U. Big O can be controversial and always has hundreds of comments to comb through.

TV Squad - Helps me keep up to date on my favorite TV shows and more. Great, simple writing with tons of current information.

Honorable Mention - BobFranquiz.com; Jonathan Herron; Bob.Blog; ysmarko

Best of 2006: Books

"The Tozer Pulpit" - I purchased it this summer. It's a 2 volume set of some of AW Tozers messages. I always have enjoyed his writings and thoughts. If you are a fan, you should scoop up this set.

"Spiritual Leadership" - the classic by Sanders is an annual read for me and always will be. No comment needed.

"The Emotionally Healthy Church" - by Peter Scazzero is a good read about the importance of emotional health and stability in the life of a leader. I enjoyed reading his own story and how Jesus restored him and his family.

"Elements" - by Bob Franquiz a fellow blogger and I think a reader of "Life & Times" does a good job examining John the Baptist. J the B was a revolutionary and you can be too! One problem with the book: he had to mention the Hail Flutie pass against the U from '84, ouch!

"10 Lies of Student Ministry" - (by another blogger) Michael Lukaszewski, made me mad in this book. Michael is a former student pastor who took me to task on the whole "it's all about relationships" idea in student ministry. Is he right? Maybe. Did he make me think? Absolutely.

Next Year.

Every time a new year comes around I'm just like you, I think, what can I do to make this a better year, what changes can I make personally that will make me a better child of God, husband to my wife, shephard to the people God has placed in my watch, etc. Here are some changes and adjustments I will make this year:

• I will rise at 6 am everyday to start my day with Jesus. This is a must.
  
• I will go through the Bible using Mr. Mondok's track, simple and not overwhelming.
• I will become a father (hopefully sooner than later) and therefore I need to be less cluttered in my scheduling, so I will stick to a strict schedule, with appointments falling ONLY in the time allotted.
• Mondays are my day off. This day will continue to be sacred for family. No calls, e-mails or activities.
• Reading will be a major focus of my year. I want to complete 2 books a month, a very do-able thing for me.
• Discipleship will be a huge part of my life as I look to reproduce myself in others. There are four particular young men that I will exhaustively teach and lead. My hope is that by the end of the year these guys will be ready to mentor and disciple others.
• I want to cut down my TV and Internet intake. I will do this by limiting viewing times to after 8 am and before 10 pm. Considering I am working during the day typically after 8 am and till 6-7 pm.

Some Thoughts....

I'm sick of reruns on TV. Can't wait for new episodes of The Office, My Name is Earl and Scrubs.

Chris Daughtrys album is very good. The best American Idol release aside from Kelly Clarksons second. Slash even has a guest appearance.

I got some nice stuff for Christmas: Photoshop Elements, clothes from the GAP and a $100 gift card for the Apple Store. Beat that!

82 degrees in December just ain't right!

IHOP's Country Omelet is amazing, especially with A-1 Steak Sauce on it.

My in-grown toe nail is ridiculous! You should see the blood and puss this thing produces.

"We Are Marshall" is a really good movie that made me tear up. I'm a sucker for a touching sports movie.

Dwyane Wade is not seriously injured. Could you imagine if he did get seriously injured? That would be death to the Heat. Props to Wade and his manly performance on Christmas Day.

Our church meets in a public high school on Sunday. It sure is nice not having to set up and tear down this week.

Check out Ruth Brown, a pleasantly surprising old school blues artist. Heard about her on NPR recently after she passed away.

Adoption Update.

Nothing to report, sorry. Do you sense some bitterness? I hope not. Anyway, Penny has posted on the Russian Adoption blog, check it out.

Fantasy Football.

This year I participated in 4 fantasy football leagues. That was way too much. I finished 8th in one league, 9th in another and 10th in another. I know, pretty bad, huh? Well the league that mattered most to me was the Blogger Bowl Yahoo League. And you guessed it, I won the championship, beating the blogging world's famous Transition Pete , 77-71 in the final weekend of fantasy football. I must say this helps with the sting of being so pathetic in the other 3 leagues. Notice below:

Goodbye to a legend.

James Brown died this morning at the age of 73. I have always enjoyed his music. Some of my favorites: "I Feel Good", "Give It up or Turnit a Loose" and "Hot Pants, Part 1". Who could forget his awe inspiring performance in Rocky IV?

Who is Danny Whitney?

This is a video of stand up comic Danny Whitney from my home town of West Palm Beach, Florida. I never knew him but found out he went to the same private school I attended. So who is Danny Whitney?

Merry Christmas!

What are you doing for Christmas?

Wanted to find out what everyone will be doing for Christmas. There are so many options, right? We will be going to my parents crib about 20 miles away for a delicious smorgasbord of delights. Remember, D-Wade and the Miami Heat play Kobe at 2:30 PM and the Miami Dolphins play the NY Jets at 8:00 PM. Oh yeah, don't forget that "A Christmas Story" plays continuously on TBS!

Some thoughts....

Why do "celebrity pastors" have to be so public about their preferences? For crying out loud, isn't it ok for guys to do things a little different than the ways of old?

I think I'm ready for LOST to come back on Wednesdays.

I love living in Florida, but it would be nice to have a winter wonderland just one day a year.

I have been on a classical music kick lately, kinda weird huh?

Brian McKnight's new recording is decent. Too bad he's a ho.

Christmas in my family is more like Hanukkah, we go to a different house everyday for a few days.

I think I'm having more problems with my PowerBook. My PB repair resume THIS YEAR: new hard drive, new logic board.....and possibly ANOTHER logic board. Crap.

Im getting rid of my Discover card. It's too easy to use.

My dog, Grommit, has vitaligo, AKA, Michael Jackson Disease. He's loosing the pigmentation in his skin.

Why does SNL's funniest skits have to be so vulgar and non-blog-worthy?

I think Michael Scott takes Jan to Sandals Jamaica (it's all inclusive).

"Apocalypto"

Last night Bryon and I went to see the much talked about epic film "Apocalypto" . It was one of the movies that I really wasn't sure of. I didn't know what to expect and had very low expectations because of the trailer that had been released. Let me get straight to the point, this movie is a masterpiece. I'm a fan of Mel Gibson ("Payback" is one of my favorite movies EVER!). "Apocalypto" does several things that make it amazing. First the Mayan culture of 500 years ago is captured. Although Gibson's depiction is under scrutiny by Mayan archaeologists, I think he gets a point across: this is culture was not the simple easy going western culture that you and I have grown up in. The second thing that makes this movie remarkable was the story itself, which I was surprised by. It's pretty much a love story between a man and his pregnant wife and child. I will not go beyond that, I don't want to ruin anything for you potential movie goers. Thirdly, the production is second to none. From the cinematography to the native spoken language to the costuming and set. This movie is Oscar worthy. I must say the acting was fantastic as well, even though the dialouge was difficult to follow.
If there would be any caution, I would say be prepared for gore beyond "Saw" and intensity above "Saving Private Ryan". Your heart will get a work out emotionally as you sympathize with a peaceful village that is ransacked and physically as you feel like you are being chased by savages through an unexplored jungle. My take, go see this, it is a classic epic that will be a standard in film making for years to come.

Great PowerBook App.

Yesterday Samuel Cohen from The Apple Blog shared his "Top 10 Apps for Laptop-Toting Mac Users". There is one in particular app that I went and downloaded right away, it's called Menufela. If you own a 12" PowerBook like I do, then this is for you. It gives you more control of your veiwing area, which with a small screen such as the 12" it's a premium. Check it out here.

iPod Video.

"Ski-sons Greetings"

The classic Christmas episode of "The Office" features an amazing Michael Scott photoshop Christmas card. Here it is....

Senators vs. Governors.

Did you know that there has only been Two senators, Warren G. Harding and John F. Kennedy, who moved directly from the U.S. Senate to the White House. The last US President who was a Senator was Nixon (15 years apart!). My thought is, US Senators have too much baggage and too little experience in leading to move into the the most demanding leadership role on the planet. All of this to say I believe a Governor of a US state is the most prepared and qualified of the our politicians to become President. History is on my side and I hope on the side of our upcoming '08 Presidential election. If the Democrats were smart, they would start grooming a potential star Governor for the leadership of this country. I believe the Republicans have their "star" or what I call wild card in outgoing Florida Governor Jeb (I wont say his last name!). Anyway, something to think about.

Presidential Election 2008.

I know the election is still a little less than two years away, but you gotta wonder who will be the next President of the United States of America. I'm one of the five or six people in America that still like George W and I have high hopes for the next election. He are the peeps I think will be in play:
Hilary Clinton - the New York Senator that everyone knows. Did you know she didn't live in New York until 2000, the year she was elected junior Senator. This mama will do whatever it takes for more power, including wavering her commie foundation. My prediction: she will get the Democratic nod in '08.
Barak Obama - he is an Illinois Senator who has been getting a lot of media coverage lately. Six weeks ago nobody outside of Chicago knew who this guy was, then he released his biography and the media has had an orgasmic response by putting him in magazines, news reports and most bizarre, Monday night football! I don't think the guy has a chance, although he is not a tainted the rest of the Washington suits. My prediction: He will not get the nod and will be a continuing Senator in Illinois. Expect a run in years to come.
John McCain - another Senator and hes from Arizona. He's run in the past to no avail, but now he sees nothing but green pasture ahead. Look to see McCain throw his name into the hat in January. He is chomping at the bit and could quite possibly get the Republican nod. I really hope that we could get a better candidate (I think the Republicans have a wild card tucked away!. My prediction: He MAY get the Republican nod in '08.
Mit Romney - now we are talking. He is the Governor of Massachusetts, so he actually does something. In my humble opinion Senators do nothing but walk around in a pretty suit and then every five years act like they are busy so the can get re-elected. Gov. Romney actually leads people and runs a government, a liberal Massachusetts government. Romney is a Republican in one of the most liberal states. I think he may be thee best choice for now, although he does have some baggage (who doesn't?) My prediction: He SHOULD get the Republican nod in '08.

Creative Microsoft?

Microsoft is so creative! I have never seen anything like this. Wow, where did they come up with this idea? Typical. Props Joseph Crawford.

Attention Conspiracy Theorists !

I received this e-mail today:

Many will recall that on July 8, 1947, witnesses claim an "unidentified flying object" with five aliens aboard -- sex unknown -- crashed on a sheep and cattle ranch just outside Roswell, New Mexico. This is a well known incident that many say has long been covered up by the US Air Force and the federal government. However, you may well NOT know that in the month of March 1948, exactly nine months after that historic day, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.; Hillary Rodham; John F. Kerry; William Jefferson Clinton; Howard Dean; Harry Reid; Nancy Pelosi; Dianne Feinstein; Charles E. Schumer; and Barbara Boxer were born.
That piece of little known information has now cleared up a lot of things.

The Office Christmas Party.

Last nights episode of "The Office" was amazing. I won't get into details, but Michael Scott sang John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland" and Kevin, along with all of the GUYS sings Alannis Morrissette's "You Oughta Know". Good stuff. Mayer comments on the usage of his song today on his blog.

Some thoughts....

Why does every broadcast radio station have to play Christmas music for almost 2 months?

I think Starbucks should make the Gingerbread latte year 'round.

"The Office" is the best TV show, ever.

"Scrubs" is the most random TV show, ever.

The new Incubus album is pretty dern good, you should get it.

I think the Miami Heat are crazy to even consider an Allen Iverson trade. He's a cancer.

I couldn't imagine life without my Mac products, seriously.

It rained all day here in South Florida. I could never live in Seattle.

I had a great conversation with Bryon about politics. I sense a post in the near future about the '08 Presidential race.

I had a Thai Kitchen "Simply Asia" sesame noodle bowl. Ramen eat your heart out!

I love my church.

Please no more public school Christmas specials!

Conservative or Liberal?

Another one of those highly unscientific internet test. Take it and see whether you are conservative or liberal. For me, this was a, duh, no brainer.

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 85% Conservative, 15% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Ethics: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Confession: #2

I really like "Deal or No Deal". Some of you are saying "holy crap, you have never watched "24" but you watch that prime time game show garbage!". My answer, "yes, yes I do." Howie Mandel is in a career renaissance (he has made a recent cameo on "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" as well as others), and I'm addicted to watching regular people make really irrational decisions. If you haven't watched yet, I dare you to, you will be addicted.

Dead Butt Battery!

Not only did I learn that my connection is slow, but my 12' PowerBook battery is pretty much on it's last leg! CoconutBattery is a free and simple app that monitors your battery. Nice. I guess it's time to replace my battery for the second time.

Slow Butt Connection!

I always thought my home internet connection was slow, but thanks to Scott and his reference to this site, I KNOW its slow. To be honest, it's slower than slow. Anybody want to describe my connection? How about old-New York-retiree-driver-backing-out-of-a-parking-space slow!

Introducing.....

Randy Shannon Defensive Coordinator at the University of Miami, was announced as Head Football Coach today. I like this hire. Coach Shannon bleeds orange and green. He has three rings with the U. One as a player ('87), one as a graduate assistant ('91) and one as a coach ('01). I think this will help propel Miami into the top 5 in recruiting this year and will breathe life into the 18 returning starters for next year. If you aren't familiar with Coach Shannon, this is his life as reported by Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel:
He came out of the meanest streets of Miami, the ones in Liberty City that murdered his father, sent a brother to prison and killed three siblings by AIDS, each one the result of a crack-cocaine addiction. You think Randy Shannon's a bit of an upset today as the University of Miami's newly named football coach? That doesn't begin to tell the upset Shannon has been in life. At every age, he has overcome more than most of us have ever faced. At 3, his father was murdered while trying to break up an argument. At 16, he became a father himself. At 22, he was the first in his family to earn a college degree. At 23, he was an 11th-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys and became their first rookie linebacker to start since their expansion days. At 25, his sister, Joanna, died of AIDS. Two brothers soon followed. A third brother wallowed in drugs to the point he stole Randy's identity, plunging his life into such a chaos that he had to carry around special identification to prove that he really was Randy Shannon. At 40, he's Miami's new coach.

Confession.

To all of you 24 fans out there: I hear everyone talk about this show and rave about it. Heck, I have even heard some wives openly admit that they wished that their husband was more like Jack Bauer. I have heard people talk about Jack saving the world, and about the creative basis of the show, and on and on. Confession: I have NEVER seen an episode of the show, ever. To be honest, I don't plan on ever watching an episode of the show. From what I gather, it sounds like it's a mix of "The A-Team" and "MacGyver", two shows that my dad never watched (therefore I didn't either, because we only had 1 TV in the house). Another thing, since when is Kiefer Sutherland an action hero? Never. Anyway, that's my confession, I have never seen the show 24.

Music Reveiws.

As you will notice I don't really have consistency in my listening flavors. I like it all, anything from pop to rock to hip-hop. Here are a few releases that I have been enjoying lately:

Conkrete Angels, "Wisdom Cries Out In The Streets" - I have always enjoyed good hip-hop. I'm a part of the generation that was introduced to hip-hop in it's glory days (Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, Audio Two, DMC, etc.) so I would say I'm pretty picky. For the most part the hip-hop that is released these days is just crap. To be honest the only hip-hop that I have enjoyed lately from a creative and head nod perspective is of the holy variety. Hip-hop artists that are Christians are just way more creative and innovative than the garb that plays on the local radio station. This cd "Conkrete Angels" is perfect example of this thought. A disk given out with "Elementz of Life" magazine, produced by American Bible Society, The Angels are a compilation of individual holy hip-hoppers that truly bring it. From the production ,which is superb, to the lyrical content, inspirational and thought provoking, this album is one that will be a top play list on my iPod for months to come. A few tracks that hit me are: "Welcome to Censorship" (dude is "clicking" through various media elements in his life, very nice) by Richie Righteous and "The Interview" (nice r&b vocals and message) by Malachi. If you enjoy hip-hop there are a few things missing: f-bombs, sexuality, thuggery. Thanks to Billy for hooking me up with this album.

Jerry Lee Lewis, "Last Man Standing" - As a kid my dad would always refer to JLL as a great entertainer. I remember hearing all of the stories about this guy. Like he married his pre-pubescent cousin or his drug addicted drunken romps on the road. Anyway, we've all seen Dennis Quaid play him well in "Great Balls of Fire". When I saw this release I thought I have to get this! JLL plays with a bunch of other rock legends like Jimmy Page, BB King and the Boss (among MANY others!). There is one song that really caught my ear "Irish Heart Beat" (a Van Morrison cover) a song with Don Henley. It's one of those songs that reminds me of the Irish pub that I lived over at one time in my life, good times. Fun release, to be honest for some reason I thought JLL died like ten years ago, so I was surprised to see this. Dude still has "it".

John Legend, "Once Again" - A couple years ago I heard about John Legend as one of Kanye West's next projects. Legend had been around the r&b musical circuit for a while (he played on Lauren Hill's "Miseducation" album). In December of '04 iTunes offered a free Legend song ("Used to Love You") so I downloaded it. I have been a fan ever since. His latest is no let down. A few notable tracks: "PDA" has such nice vibe. It has the typical modern r&b sexual overtones but the song is reminiscent of an old Marvin Gaye tune. "Save Room" is another throw back type tune. Legend has this incredible knack of getting you to catch his songs, it might be his timing or his smoothness. This song captures that. "Each Day Gets Better". Just listen to it. It's brilliant. Same goes for "Slow Dance". If you enjoy r&b, this is a must buy.