14 day Roller Coaster

Man i have so much to blog about.  I could have broken this one blog up into about 20 in detail blogs that are single subject specific(nice alliteration) but instead I figured I could wrap it up into one.  So if you read the title then bear down because this is going to be a really long blog about my last 14 days.

First off, I should have blogged on Thanksgiving.  I really have been pretty good about blogging on special days but I might have missed the most important so far.  I really appreciated Thanksgiving this year.  I have every other year but this year I really realized how blessed I was.  There was no monumental happening that caused me to think this way.  All I did was stopped everything I was doing and went into deep thought.(You should try it sometime)  I used to think that Thanksgiving was just about eating with family and watching football.  But if you really stop and think about how thankful you are then it is really amazing to understand what God has given you.  I usually pray from different angle points.  For instance, I'll ask God to help me go to sleep....or to give our countries leaders strength....or to give me strength.  But on Thanksgiving I just prayed and told God all that I was thankful for.  I don't mean to steal Morgan Freeman's line from Bruce Almighty but I'm gonna.  "That's your problem Bruce, you've got too many questions.  You're always looking up for answers.  You can be your own miracle."  Oh and on a side note, I ate really really good.  My mom is an awesome cook.

Next topic, I also hate that I missed blogging on the Egg Bowl.  Some might think that now that the game has been played that I could boast and brag on Mississippi State for winning.  But I'm not.  Instead, I'll put a different slant on it.  As advanced as we are with social networking, this game still gets blown way out of proportion.  Don't get me wrong, every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving I hope Mississippi State beats Ole Miss, but I don't see the point in talking trash about it.  Facebook and Twitter have ruined the State/Ole Miss rivalry.  I'll be the first to defend the team I root for when an Ole Miss fan makes an attempt to belittle them.  But I also make an effort to correct a State fan for doing the same thing.  This goes back to being thankful.  For instance:  2 years ago Ole Miss was on a huge high after beating MSU.  And rightfully so.  State was at a pretty low point.  I know plenty of Ole Miss fans who let MSU people have it.  Fast forward to now and it's the exact opposite.  People forget so quickly that success is hard to come by in the SEC.  I've heard Ole Miss fans wanting Houston Nutt fired and I've heard State fans saying that we better win 10 next year.  Lets just be happy with success when it comes to us and hopeful for it when it's not.

Next topic:(told you this would be long)  I have not once blogged about my experiences student teaching at Mooreville Middle and High School and my last day was Monday.(shame on me)  Going into it, I didn't know what to expect.  But I can assure you that it's been a great experience for me.  It's been a goal of mine for a long time to become a teacher and student teaching was a perfect stepping stone.  I made a ton of friendships with the kids and hope that I impacted their lives in a positive fashion.  I'm really thankful to work with such a good faculty.  I want to personally thank Perry Wilburn and Jeff Tally for taking me under their wing and teaching me the finer points of teaching.  Those are two good men right there.  I'd also like to thank James Blunt(not the annoying singer) for giving me the opportunity to coach and learn underneath him with the boys and girls soccer teams.  I love giving my knowledge to them and I feel like they have gotten much better from what I've observed.

Next topic: Bowl game!!!!  I couldn't be more excited.  I'm just happy that I get to spend time with my MSU friends.  I won't say much about this but I'm sure I'll have a blog about it after I get back from Jacksonville.  I will say that it's gonna be tough containing Denard "Shoelace" Robinson and that I expect a shootout.  Take the over betters....it's gonna hit.  See you at the Gator Bowl.

Last Topic:  Well after an up and down experience as a college student.  I'm finally gonna graduate Saturday.  It's been a a great ride that I'll never forget.   If I could go back and change anything I'd probably go to class more and spend less money.  But I don't think I'd be the person I am today had I not taken the path I took. 

Well that's it besides that apparently Dan Mullen is the hottest coach in the country and I don't want him to leave.  Dan if you're reading this(yeah right...pipedream) Mississippi State loves you and we want you to be our coach forever.  But honestly I just want you to be happy and if another job is what makes you happy then thanks for what you've done for us.

Warm Regards,
McKinley

Judgement at First Sight

I was flipping channels last night before my buddy Will and I decided to turn the channel to Sunday Night Football.  It was about 15 minutes before the game started and we could have kept channel surfing but instead we decided to watch a one on one interview between Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick and NBC's Bob Costas.  The best asked and answered question Costas asked Mike was "When do you or did you find redemption from your troublesome past?"  Mikes answer was too long to type but he basically said that he didn't know if he'd ever find redemption but that he was working at it.  He also said that people can appear to be on the right track but that might be to just get the media off of their back.  And added that you don't gain redemption and become a better person by appearing to be rehabilitated, you actually have to do the things you say you are going to do to get better. He might be lying and he might be telling the truth....but it was how I perceived it that matters the most.  I was inspired to write a blog on perception because of this interview.  I can't lie to everyone and tell you that I don't assume someone is a certain way when I see them, because I do....we all do.  But for the most part, I always like give everyone a chance before I write them off as this or that.  Its kind of a innocent until proven guilty approach(and even then there's always second chances...except for infidelity...I am really against it).  If you barely know me, you probably think that I am just an outspoken, easy going guy that really likes to laugh and really enjoys sports.  Well, guess what....that is 100% true.  But those things don't make me entirely.  A few things people don't know about me is that I really enjoy conversations that are about the grand scheme of the world.  I also tear up easily during emotional moments(Ex: when nick bells mother rang a solo cowbell on Saturday night before the Ark-MSU game.)  I really enjoy spending time with my mother, even though it seems like I'm never home.  I made a list a while back of things that people don't usually see in me and it makes you appreciate yourself a little more.  I'm not really trying to accomplish anything with this particular blog, I simply wanted to share it with everyone.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Blockbuster Video

I had a heartfelt moment today that was kind of unexpected.  Lately, I've been trying to catch up on tv shows that I like and ones that I haven't seen at all yet.  We don't have netflix and OnDemand will only let you see so many shows.  But anyhow, I decided today that when I got out of school, I was gonna go by Blockbuster Video and pick up the First Season of the Sopranos.(some say its the best show of all time)  I walked in and not a sole besides the guy that's been working there for 13 years was there.  It immediately took me back in time.  For those of you in my age bracket, do you remember when your parents took you to the movie store with friends or alone or in whatever circumstance?  I certainly do.  When I  had friends over my parents always wanted them to have the maximum amount of fun.  So on top of probably ordering pizza, playing outside, maybe even getting into trouble, going to the movie store was definitely on the agenda.(I know you remember this Wyge)  You walk in the store and it's awesome just looking at all the different movies.  I used to run around and look at ones just to make fun of the titles and cover pictures.  Eventually, you'd get to the checkout with 5 movies that you promised your mom that you'd watch but you know you'd only watch 2.  I'm pretty easy to please so I can't say that the movie store has ever let me down.  Of course I've always gone by for a particular movie and if they don't have it I'll just get another one.  But anyway, this blog is dedicated to the one movie store that has always been there for me(It was an immediate nostalgic feeling when I walked in).  With all the emerging conglomerates like Netflix and redbox taking over the watch-a-movie-at-home night that we all have, most movie stores are out of business.  In Tupelo, the only thing we have(that I know of) is Blockbuster.  It has stood the test of time.  Because my mother and I are both rewards members(a membership that they've had for at least 15 years) we get free movies and credit.  For instance: today I got the first season of the sopranos for 2.12$.  Redbox doesn't carry it and even if they did it would only be 24 cents more to buy it at blockbuster, and I'm using the same amount of gas to get there.  I'm not saying redbox and netflix aren't really cool or time and money effecient because they are.(I got my first taste of netflix at my buddy Seans last weekend....it's so tight.....it's linked right through his xbox 360)  But what I'm saying to you is this, if you are going to drive into town, go to blockbuster to get a movie.  They are a company that might be on the verge of closing, but they are still fighting.  What might make this story funny to some of you is that I told the guy working at the counter the same thing an hour ago.  he said to me, "Man, when I started working here, I hated it...but I loved movies so I stuck it out and now we are the only movie store around.  But I'm glad to be here."  This to me shows the commitment that Blockbuster has to please customers with today's latest flicks.  Like I said, this store has always been there for me and I'm gonna stick it out with them until the end.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Nothing Like It Anywhere

Good Morning, I come to you from the Continental Breakfast area of the Best Western Hotel in New Orleans Garden District.  Not exactly an ideal blogging location(specifically because the guy behind me is watching me type), but I wanted breakfast and figured why not take the laptop.  So anyway, where was I....oh right New Orleans.  I could say very little about this city or say nothing at all because it speaks for itself.  This weekend was  my first trip here since 2004.  It is really the first time I've been here and not been completely limited from doing anything I wanted.  Dont look too far into that though, I don't have jaw dropping story.  I just had a decent weekend.  I would have loved to have taken the city in a little more, but you can only do so much in 3 days.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.

New Orleans

1. Good: I think the one thing that stays with people after visiting here is the diversity of people they see while they are here.  To me, that is New Orleans best quality.  It is the city that doesn't discriminate.  Personal titles and labels do not matter here.  All you need is a pulse and a means of transportation in this city.  The food alone here is worth the trip.  You can get food that is special to New Orleans outside of NOLA but the taste just isn't the same.  I love the history of this city.  From the homes to the statues to the churches and stories that you'll hear about it.  I love how beads hang from trees and power lines and they don't clean them up.  Another great thing about this city is how much the people that live here love it.  After all they have been through, they continue to push on.  I've been to this city 4 times and it hasn't changed a bit each time.  I hope it stays that way for the most part.
2. Bad: There can't be a blog on New Orleans without a bad section.  This is definitely not one of the cleanest cities in the world.  Bourbon Street is the city's biggest attraction and it's by far the nastiest road I've ever been on.  I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I've never had a good time on Bourbon Street because it would be a lie.  However, I think the bad outweighs the good.  Like I said the street is disgusting.  It reeks of vomit every 30 feet you walk, it degrades women in the worst way and all of it's merchandise and edible/drinkable items are price inflated.  But the worst thing about it to me is the creepy edge that it carries with it.  At times I've felt uneasy walking it.  I feel like I can't so much as make a wrong turn in an alley without something bad happening to me or more importantly the friends around me.  I see why people love it so much but for me there are other things that make New Orleans special.
3. Funny: Let's just say that there are some characters around here.  I feel like you can't turn a corner without seeing someone that looks like this.

Well, that's it.  If you come to New Orleans don't come with an agenda.  Just come down here and let the Big    Easy come to you.

Thanks for reading,

McKinley

Ok folks it's upon us

I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what my blog topic is this morning.  For a lot of us, the wait for this day started the day after the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns this past February.  I'm in the city of Starkville, MS this morning in a buddy's apartment watching College Gameday as we speak.  I got up this morning and went to Hardee's to get a Bacon, Egg and Cheese biscuit and a copy of the Daily Journal.  Anyhow, this day isn't about me.  It's about the sport that so many of us love: College Football.  So without any further adieu, I give you my take on the subject.  On to Good, Bad and Ugly.
College Football

1. Good: What is not to love about it.  It's buying a preseason magazine, it's texting friends your gameday plans, it's the car ride to your respective favorite team's town, it's the tailgate scene, it's checking the spread and getting ya bets in, the team walk through, it's the pregame video, it's the opening kickoff.  All these things are special to me.  I try to savor all of these moments.  It's just apart of the ride for me.  I love to win just as much as anyone, and I'll admit I do get mad when the Bulldogs lose, but I am trying to take more in then just the final outcome of the game.  I've watched so many good football games, and to me it's almost like nothing else is going on outside of the moments that make you think "Wow look at this". 
2. Bad: Of course a few bad apples will ruin a good time for everybody.  You'll easily be able to point them out at a football game.  These people are why etiquitte rules are in place on how to act on gameday.  I won't elaborate anymore on this, but I will give a piece of advice.  If you can't act right then just stay at home.  Another talking point in this section that I can't stand is the bickering between rival fans.  I grew up a Mississippi State fan, but I have many close friends that are Ole Miss fans.  I've been in my fair share of arguments over this rivalry but, for the most part I just try to focus on loving my favorite team.  The bottom line worst situation is when someone who is a fan of the team you love, is uneducated on the subject and simply doesn't know what he's talking about when arguing with a rival fan.  This is why each team's fans always say the other school's fans are stupid.  Can't we all just get along and hate Alabama.
3. Funny: I'm struggling to think of one specific thing that's funny to me about college football.  But one does come to mind.  I laugh a little inside when someone gets what they've got coming.  Whether it be a team that has bent the rules and gets beat, or an obnoxious drunk that gets taken out of a game for his/her behavior.

Link of the day: Even though he and I haven't seen eye to eye on music lately, Kenny Chesney hit the spot with this one.

So people, strap on your gameday gear or get comfortable on your couch and enjoy this day that so many have watied on.
Thanks for reading,
McKinley

363 days and counting

Hello all.  Been a little busy lately with student teaching and prepping for college football season.  Figured right now would be a good time for a blog.  Got a bunch of topics to whip out this week, so I'll go ahead and just throw this one at you.  If you didn't already know, I turned 25 two days ago.(I know stop traffic right)  Kind of a milestone birthday, in a way.  I could be a quarter through my life, but I doubt it.  I want to thank everyone for being so kind on my birthday.  Special shout out to Adam Yoe for having me at his cabin at pickwick this weekend.  I'd like to thank Wyge for icing me 7 times in a 6 hour span.(You rascal)  I want to thank my mom and sister for making me a delicious dinner last night.(Stuffed Bell Peppers/brussel sprouts/green beans/quiche/some fancy salad./and a baskin robbins ice cream cake)  I didn't receive any gifts like money, clothes or anything like that but I'm so blessed already that I'm thankful for what I have.  After all it's better to give than receive and I know my family has given me all that I could need in this life.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Birthdays

1. Good: Lets be honest, birthdays are good in that they make you feel a little more important for one day.  Your self-worth is magnified.  I've had a bunch of good birthdays.  To me, the best ones are when we were young.  Simple things were so much more important to us: like pool parties and sleepovers. Cd's, toys and just being around your close friends.  I feel it's important for every young child to have a birthday party.  I can't really explain why but it seems important.  Most importantly,(and I haven't always done this) I thank the Lord for giving me life on my first birthday.
2. Bad: I understand that I'm an adult now and when you have friends celebrating your birthday, there tends to be alcohol involved.  I'm just as guilty as the next of getting really drunk on my birthday on my friends dime, but as I grow older(really as of yesterday) I realize that I don't need to get wasted to have a good birthday.  It's kind of the norm now for friends to make sure that the birthday boy/girl get ridiculously drunk  I get it in a way, but what is the outcome of it?  I feel like I could have just as good of time without it.  This next point I'm going to make may make some people mad.  I do appreciate everyone sending me facebook wall posts on my birthday, but I do think it's just become protocol. Meaning: People just see that it's your birthday that day and they decide to say happy birthday.  Sounds innocent, but on a social networking site, how do you know how genuine that wish is?  Half the Happy Birthdays I got were from people I haven't spoken to in years.
3. Funny: Lastly, and I'll never understand this but why do girls seem to have a birthday for a week?  I remember once one of my sisters friends(in high school) had a dinner mid week, a party thursday, then a weekend getaway.  I mean your birthday is only one day right ladies?  

Link of the day: This is good

I won't get to revisit this topic for another year so I'm gonna enjoy it.
Thanks for reading,
Mckinley

So what's in a name?

Hello all, good to have my blogging fingers back on today.  I've got so many topics I want to write about. I could choose from my self evolution to my first day student teaching at mooreville to anything to more serious topics.  But todays blog is particularly dear to me because I find it fascinating.  Without any further filler, sit back, relax and read my blog on Names.  What are we without names? Just people? Just matter? In a weird way it's kind of our label.  I have 4 names(Derrick Stephen McKinley Holland). This has been a hassle because I've never stood my ground on any one name.  I've been called different names my whole life. I'm always called Derrick by teachers until I correct them(which I sometimes do). I've been called little Steve by people who know my dad(which I don't particularly care for). I've been called many variations of McKinley: President McKinley(in 3rd grade when everyone learned the presidents),  Mount McKinley(see before explanation), Mac (which is commonly used nickname for anyone that has a MC prefix and Mac really has a ton of nickname addons too)  mispronounced variations of McKinley(Mckenzie, Mckinney and my favorite Mckinzley mane). Btw way iphone users if  you ever had a way of incorporating mispronounced into words with friends then I'm sure that would end the game.  And of course my last name Holland. I've only been called that at tryouts and during roll sometimes. Enough with my name though. On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Names

1. Good: One quote I always found cool by Herb Brooks(1980 U.S. Men's hockey coach) was "The name on the front of the jersey is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back."  I guess that could have probably gone into a teamwork blog but I felt its place was here.  This next piece of information might come as a shock to you but I am highly fond of names that roll off the tongue smoothly. Pretty much anything that ends in -veous or -dre I really like. The following are names of some players from Clemson and South Carolinas football teams over the years that I find for a lack of a better adjective awesome: Tymere Zimmerman, Demerick Chancellor, C.J. Spiller, Da'Quan Bowers, J.K Jay, Isaiah Battle....thats just Clemson. Also theres Ko Simpson, Johnathan Joseph, O.J. Murdock, Captain Munnerlyn, Jasper and Casper Brinkley, Akeem Auguste, Aramis Hillary, Devante Holloman, Ashlon Jeffrey....and to top that all the #1 high school football prospect in the country calls the Palmetto State home. His name you ask?...Jadaveon Clowney.  There's just gotta be something in the water down there.  Theres plenty more names like this but it took some time to compile the last list so just respect it please.
2. Bad:  I've never come in counter with any people that start their name with sir or lord and that is a good thing.  I think it's arrogant. I could be wrong but I think its for show.  Also, this is silly but I hated when we were kids and everyone at the lunch table had to get their name inserted into one of those name rhyming songs and the words didn't even rhyme. It would be like rhyming Chris and rich.  I thought that was so cheesy.  Lastly for what it's worth I never really like the song "My Name Is" by Eminem even though it was a hit in the late 90's on TRL.
3. Funny: My dad has an interesting take on names.  He says that you can use Wayne after any guys name and Sue Wayne after every girls name. Ex: He calls his handy man of 30 years Charles Wayne Frederick and it does sound funny. He calls his office manager Sissy Sue Wayne Evans.  This next bit won't be funny to those who don't know him but I'm convinced that Kirk Gatlin knows every female south of the Mason Dixon that has a double first name.  I can't explain why but I bet if you scrolled his phone book there would be eleven Mary Kathryns.  Lastly, I can't even explain this but some of the names that my close circle of friends(specifically Jared Koon) and I have created for no reason still make me laugh to this day.

Link of the day: This is appropriate.

Thanks for reading,
McKinzley Mane

Gold Jacket, Green Jacket who gives a ......

Not to steal a line from "Rounders", but blogging again makes me feel like Buckner walking back into Shea.  I feel like I've betrayed an old friend.  Anyhow, for some reason I think it's probably more difficult to blog during summertime than any other time, cause of lazy days and busy schedules.  I usually save mental notes in my phone when I think of a neat blog idea, but I got upgraded to Android v2.1 last week(which I'm crunk over because it's like having a whole new phone) and it erased everything but my media and contacts.  But anyway you slice it, I'm back in the saddle to blog again and hopefully more often.  Today I'll be blogging on the sport of Golf.  I actually have a tee time at 1:30.  I don't play much but today will be my third time to play in 7 days.  To say I'm good at it, would be like me saying the Miami Heat won't have a winning record next season...its just untrue.  I am however figuring out what I can and can't do with the clubs and am slowly falling back in love with the game.  I don't know if I'll play my whole life but I probably need another hobby for when I'm 60.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Golf

1. Good: In my humble opinion, this is the most difficult sport to play.  All you can rely on is your ability and what you have in the bag.  No teammates, just you.  The reason I say that in the good section is because I like a challenge.  I'm playing this game to get better at it, but I can get so sidetracked by a great shot.  I don't have many so when I do I get really excited.  Hitting one outstanding shot a round will make you want to come back the next day...at least for me.  I also like watching golf on tv.  I'm not a true fan but I really do enjoy watching the major tournaments.  The announcers are the best in the business.(The british ones)  On a sidenote, I've noticed with watching golf and the world cup that the british announcers always say the perfect statements and rarely mess up or jumble their words.  
2. Bad: Obviously the golf world was shown in a dim light last year after it's biggest superstar showed his true colors.  This is just a testament that no one is untouchable and karma will come back to bite you if you are not a good person.  I'm not going to get into that much, because if you've read my blogs I think you know how I feel about it.  On a personal level, the biggest thing I don't like about golf is the elitist status that comes with it.  I'm not a big country club guy and don't really agree with having to have a collared shirt to play.  The issue with that is why is the guy who has on cutter and buck gear's money to play any different that the guy who has on a cut off and jorts?  All of this I can put up with because I like playing but the thing that really irks me is when you are playing and a group behind you comes up and does everything but force you to let them play through.  I understand that I'm not very good and play a little slower than most, but don't come up to me like you shot skins with Tom Watson the day before.  I saw you hit your last shot and it was a buck ninety off the tee and in the deep rough.  Lastly, this game can be very frustrating if you let it.  I've played before and not hit a good shot all day and really wanted to throw all my clubs away.  You just have to battle through it, it's kinda like being on tilt in poker.
3. Funny: It might not be funny to serious golfers, but when I see someone or I myself hit a terrible shot or miss the ball entirely it is quite funny to me.  My boy Kirk hit a ball behind him the other day.  It's even funnier to me when someone gets mad about bad golf shots.  It just adds fuel to my laughing fire.  Speaking of which: Here's two golf clips from movies that I love: Click here, Here, Here and Here.

Link of the day: Even though I've lost a ton of respect for him this is one of the best shots I've ever seen.

It's good to be back blogging again.  Hopefully the wait for the next one won't be so long.
Thanks for reading,
McKinley

It's too late to Apologize, it's too laaaaaaaaate

Putting my hands back on this keyboard for the first time in 6 days feels like learning to ride a bike again.  That's right 6 days.  When I logged into my blogsite, I saw that the last blog I did was on struggles.  Well it's obviously a no brainer that I have struggled to blog everyday.  I promised that I would do that in the beginning and for that I apologize to my readers and most importantly to myself.  By no means do I think any of you hang on to every word of my blog and I don't expect you to.  However, it is important to me.  Like I've said before, it gives me routine and structure.  With all that being said, I'm doing today's blog on apologies.  Not exactly the most cosmopolitan topic but I've thought about it all morning and think I can conjure up some ideas on it.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Apologies

1. Good: If no one ever apologized, we'd all be considered mean.  I think the best type of apology is when it comes unexpectedly.  I could be really mad at someone and have not talked to them for a while.  If they came up and said "Man, I'm truly sorry for what I did and I just wanted you to know that." then I would forgive them 99% of the time.  I still might not like whatever they did to upset me or like the person in general, but I'll definitely have respect for them.
2. Bad: Just an opinion here, but if someone has to tell you sorry all the time, then I think they probably do not care about you.  For instance: If you tell someone you don't like it when they leave your bedroom dirty, then you expect them to clean up after themselves.  However, if they consistently have to apologize for not doing it then they are probably spoiled and selfish.  This hasn't happened recently to me, just using it as an example.  Just another side note here, I don't really like it when someone overapologizes.  At least over small stuff like dropping change that you hand them.  It almost seems like they are really being overly nice.
3. Funny:  Remember when we were kids and our parents made us apologize for something we did and we did it half-heartedly with angry tones in our voices or where you could barely hear it?  I still see adults do it all the time.  Pretty funny when you see it as a bystander and it doesn't affect you.  Your thinking "Wow that guy really needs to grow up"

Link of the day: Some quotes on being sorry

Hopefully I'm back on track with blogging folks.
Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Struggles

I've been really lazy blogger lately.  It's no surprise as to why this his happened.  I'm currently not in sync right now.  The main reason I started this blog was to help me gain structure in my everyday life.  When I'm up and blogging early in the morning, usually that's when I have the best structure.  The past week or so, I've been blogging at late hours, making poor eating decisions, sleeping late, not cleaning my car or house and just in general have been lazy.  In my aim to change that, I've got to get better at prioritizing.  Step one to re-righting that ship is by continuing to blog and early in the morning.  It's the first thing I do when I wake up, when I have good structure so I need to get back to that place.  Thinking of all this inspired me today to do a blog on Struggles.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Struggles

1. Good: I think to reach your peak in anything you do, you have to struggle at some point.  Old cliches tell us that life isn't easy and I believe this.  
2. Bad: I kind of think of struggling as all of your responsibilities becoming difficult to handle at once.(Like all the stuff I mentioned above.)  The biggest struggle I'm having right now is thinking of a lineup for tonight's game between the Tupelo 49ers and Pontotoc Red Sox.  Our Head Coach, Kirk Presley, has decided to take a vacation with his family and I'm completely ok with that because he never gets a chance to.  The thing that makes that a problem is the fact that I'll be thrust into my first ever head coaching job.(Our other assistant G.T. McCullough won't be there either)  Even if it's just for one night, I don't want to dissapoint.  If there is anyone that I need to prove myself to as a coach, it is me.  And tonight I'll get that opportunity.(Btw, for the record I'm really nervous)
3. Funny: I find it funny how rappers always mention "The Struggle" in their music.  I mean I get the gist of it, but they are obviously not struggling if they are on a major music label making millions of dollars.

Link of the day: This was really neat to me.

Thanks for reading and wish me luck tonight,
McKinley

Independence Day

Easy blog topic today.  I've been at the ball field all weekend, and am really jacked that my Niners won our tournament.  Blogging has fallen to the way side, but I intend to come back strong.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Independence Day

1. Good: I don't want to mimic my blog on Memorial Day but I can't help but think of some of the same things I did that day.  Of course on the 4th I think about all our soldiers and flags and what not.  But rarely do I ever think about 224 years ago when became an independent country.  Some of the good things that I think about on July 4th: Fireworks(I haven't been as big on them as I used to be but I used to love having bottle rocket wars with friends), Good Food(I have enjoyed unreal food this weekend from bar-b-q to ribeye steak sandwiches...Carb fest), Baseball(already mentioned the tournament...the atmosphere was great today in a dramatic championship win), Friends and trips(I didn't get the chance to go to Pickwick or somewhere this year but I'm glad I did get to spend some time with close friends).  And for some reason I always stare at the flag more on the 4th and try to have deep thought...kinda weird but I always do it.
2. Bad: I feel like the 4th of July is an over celebrated beer holiday.  I mean people naturally get drunk on the weekends but they'll say stuff like "Dude, 4th weekend I'm not gonna have a liver come Monday".  I get it but you don't have to get super wasted to enjoy the 4th.
3. Funny: There's always that uber-American that you run into that gives you a history lesson on the 4th when you are trying to get out of the conversation.  He'll have on an American Flag tshirt

Link of the Day: My boy J. Koon knows where this is going.....OUR JAM usually every  4th weekend at some point

Thanks for reading and God Bless America,
McKinley

I won't tell anyone

Ok now that the late blog is done, I'll start this one as z's start to circle my head.  Due to some of the crazy stuff I have heard people say in the past month regarding everything around me...literally...I'm doing the tonight's second blog on secrets.  On to Good, Bad and Funny
Secrets

1. Good: In my opinion there are not many good things about secrets.  But just to think of one, it's not the end of the world if you keep it between you and your dad/sibling that your mother's turkey and dressing isn't that good.(My mom's gonna make me pay for that one.)  
2. Bad: Secrets make you bottle up something that you want to tell someone but only because you think someone else needs to know.  I'm not perfect by any means and I have some secrets but I'm willing to tell anyone anything about myself because I don't like to carry a burden around with me.  If you make yourself look like you've got something to hide then you probably do.  I don't ever want anyone to think I'm not telling them everything or not being as true as I can.  Another thing that is bad about secrets, is that secrets turn into rumors...and rumors turn into well you know...lies.  Lastly, I think the more secrets you have the more wrong you've done or you just simply can't stand your own life so you have to keep up with someone elses by holding their secrets.
3. Funny: I think it's funny when someone walks up to a single person or a crowd and says "I'll tell you a secret if you won't tell anyone"  You can tell by someone's reactions whether they are going to tell or not.  The guy that is like "Dude, I swear I won't tell" is usually the one that will be the first to call his best buddy and tell them.  Stay away from this guy.

Link of the day: It's on my playlist and i like it...just give me a break I'm tired and it works for this blog entry
Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Saved by the Bell

Ok, I know my daily streak of blogging has been broken at 56.  I'm pretty upset about it...but on a good note it's the same streak as Joe Dimaggio's 56 game hitting streak and his career turned out ok so I'm fine with it.  I'd like to apologize to loyal readers(not that any of you are overly upset about it) for being late.  I've decided tonight that I'm gonna do a 2 for 1 special.  2 blogs in one day(at 1130pm to boot...yeah I know long weekend at the ball field)  With all that said, I'll start off tonight's first blog with the topic of being late.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Being Late

1. Good: There are a few perks to being late.  If you are late to class in high school and you have a cool teacher, then he/she will make a funny comment about you being late and the class will get a laugh out of it.  Obviously, if your wife is pregnant then "being late" is a good thing, because in nine months she'll be having your child....hopefully your child.  I also like late at night times.  My dad always says the quote "Joy comes in the morning, and sorrow comes with the night" but I think it's just because only he and the people that do the paper route get up at 5 am everyday.
2. Bad: I'm not a huge fan of being late on a personal level.  I'm usually the guy that tries to be at places 10 to 15 minutes early...at least if it's something mildly important to me...plus I haven't ever had a car that doesn't get sick ever so I usually give myself enough time so that someone could come and pick me up to take me where I need to be...sad I know.  Also, I don't like it when I'm doing a favor for someone and they consistently make me late for something.
3. Funny: It's funny to me how some people are self conscious about being late to class.  I've had plenty of classes where that shy freshmen walks in during the middle of a lecture and the teacher stops teaching to make sure he/she embarrasses the person walking in late.  Also, just a funny side story: I had a first year English 3 teacher my junior year of high school(Mr. Mitch Turner I think) and he never took role...so to make a long story short I missed a bunch and Mrs. Donna in the Attendance Office called me to her office at the end of the year and said "Are you aware that you have missed your English 3 class or have been late 36 times this year?"  I said "Kinda"  Turns out I got an A in the class, and I'll never know why.

Link of the day: Not one sorry I gotta do another blog immediately after this.
Thanks for reading and go ahead and read the next one too,
McKinley

Women be Shopping

I've had a fairly eventful day.  I've worked out, ate good, seen Twilight(liked it alot....meant to tell my comrades that I think Alice looks just like Martina Mcbride), and won a Legion Baseball game.  When I got home, I walked in and was greeted by my mother that just got back from a 5 day trip to the coast with her town youth council.  I knew it would be coming eventually, but she immediately insisted that she show me the stuff she bought me at the outlet malls in Gulfport.  I was speechless when I was finished perusing through all the items.  I've said it before on a blog, and it remains true, my mother does 95% of my clothing shopping for me.  She didn't dissapoint today.  She bought me 13 shirts, 8 pairs of shorts and two pairs of shoes from places like Nike, Under Armour, Banana Republic and Clarks.  She has got pretty good taste too...not that I know what that is when it comes to clothing....but I know what I like to wear and if it's comfortable it's cool by me.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Shopping

1. Good: Obviously we all shop at some point in our lives.  Most of us do it everyday.  It is essential unless you are Amish...and even they still go to Walmart for toilet paper and stuff.(I've got a tremendous amount of respect for those people due to their self dependence btw)  I think I am more of a looker than a shopper.  I don't mind going in the mall or an out of town mall just to see what they got.  I rarely buy anything, but if your bored it's a nice alternative to watching tv.
2. Bad: I don't understand how people(mostly girls but I won't single them out because their of plenty of guys that do it) love shopping.  These people will plan a day around shopping.  I had to go to the grocery store for my mom not too long ago and use coupons at Kroger....it was an absolute nightmare.  I might be a slow shopper, but it took me 3 hours to shop off of a list that she made for me.  People really have to have whatever the newest trends are.  I could care less....I've dressed the same way my whole life for the most part and I don't plan on changing it anytime soon.  Just because Ashton Kutcher wears tobaggins in summertime doesn't mean that I am going to go out and get one.  I've worked at Reed's Outdoors in the mall, and during sales and holiday seasons, I think I'd rather be forced into watching 6 hours of Dora the Explorer with my niece than deal with anxious shoppers.
3. Funny: I think it is funny how people tell themselves that they are getting a deal because something is on sale.  They'll say: "I saved 100$ on this 400$ pair of shoes.....Bargain! if I've ever seen one".....In reality, you still spent 300 dollars on a pair of shoes that some poor kid in India spent 3 weeks to make.  Instead of getting those shoes...donate the money to starving kids in India foundations.

Link of the day: Can't say I can come up with shopping link...Ebay I guess would be your best bet and I'm not going to go through the trouble of making a hyperlink for it.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

An apple a day will keep the doctor away....yeah right

Today has been for a lack of a better word...exhausting.  I got up had to do my daily chores while mom is gone, went to the doctor and pharmacy, went to eat, played 3 rounds of disc golf with my bffl's and worked out for a few hours.  I figured since the most important thing I had to remember to do today was go to the doctor, that I would blog on everythings doctors.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Doctors

1. Good: You can learn alot from doctors.  I try to soak up info on myself and other illnesses when doctors talk about it because it helps me get better at Jeopardy and helps me know what I can and can't do.  My favorite doctor in the world is Dr. Frank Wilburn.  Yes, he's my pediatrician but I still have used him recently.  He is so down to earth and really cares about helping people feel better.  I know for doctors to be successful they have to be smart.  But in my opinion they also have to be human.  For instance: If you want to be in the medical field and havent seen this movie , you definitely need to.  I'm a proud owner.  Definitely see John Q too.  Wow tear-j's in both.
2. Bad: Some doctors don't have the time of day for the patient's feelings just the illness.  Don't be a doctor to make a lot of money.  Theres no passion in that.  To switch gears a bit, I don't particularly like being at the doctors office.  Today for instance, I had bloodwork done for my gout(which was awful because the woman couldn't find my veins), I had to get 4 prescriptions filled(nightmare at the pharmacy) and had to wait behind some guy that had a bag for his foot to drain into while I was checking out.  It just takes forever.  Thank god for my HTC Hero.
3. Funny: I think it is funny when the nurse at the doctors office tries to get into your personal life before the doc gets in when shes checking your vitals.  This happened to me today.  She asked me everything but what my 3rd grade teachers name was this morning.

Link of the day: Got a medical problem and can't afford to see a doc....Diagnose yourself...but if you can't then just go to the doctor
Thanks for reading
McKinley

We are the champions...no I'm not a Gamecock

I had to wait to blog because of the College World Series game between South Carolina and UCLA.  To be quite honest I didn't even have a blog topic until it was over.  Tonight's blog is on championships.  I'm glad to say that I have been a part(whether it be as a team member or fan) of a lot of championships.  To win one, you have to have the right mix of skill, work ethic, luck and most of all passion.  I could go on with 9$ adjectives that describe championships, but I'm tired and have a gout doctor appointment in the morning so I'll just continue on with Good, Bad and Funny.
Championships

1. Good: The feeling of winning a championship is indescribable.  It is pure bliss, kind of a warmth that your body feels when you take the first bite of hot peach cobbler with ice cream on it.(Ok..I guess I just described it)  The thing that I think is best about a championship, is for just one day(at least) you feel like no one is on your(or your teams) level.  You are the best and no one can tell you different.  
2. Bad:  To me, there is nothing worse than a bandwagon fan after a championship.(Ok there are plenty worse things but you get the drift}  For instance: I would like to know the sales figures on Alabama Football apparel after they won the national championship in football last year.  I'm not just talking about people that live in Alabama, but people that I know personally that have never rooted for them all of the sudden are the biggest Crimson Tide fans ever.  Another thing, I don't like professional championships.  I swear I feel like half of these players that win them don't even care if they win or lose because they make so much money and have so much fame.  Besides the teams that win it all now, just buy the best players.  No offense to Phil Jackson, but I think Lee Stratton could have coached the Lakers to a NBA Title.  To take this a little further, I just noticed that UCLA ace pitcher Trevor Bauer was not even upset after his team just lost the National Championship(He was actually smiling and kidding around).  Because he was a first round draft pick and is probably about to be a millionaire, he could care less about his team losing.  I wonder how his teammates feel about that. 
3. Funny: I think its funny watching the reactions to a team winning a championship.  I saw South Carolina's Nick Ebert doing some quite inappropriate things after they won tonight.  But they were funny nonetheless.

Link of the Day: I feel like I reference this alot but it gives me chills everytime I watch it....true underdog story

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Home Alone 4.......Plantersville Edition

Tonight, I'm the only human being in my household.  My dad is in Jackson on business, my mother and sister are on the coast for some conference.  I can't really remember the last time this happened to me.  But I kinda like it. On to Good, Bad and Funny
Home Alone

1. Good: I really like the peace and quiet out here.  I mean, there's always peace and quiet but I can't hear my mother or sister cackling with each other.  I can watch tv without having to fight with my sister over the channel, walk around in my drawers, scream at really loud volumes at any time of day, listen to loud music.  I could even have a party out here, but I'm too old for that. 
2. Bad: I do miss the nightly chat I have with my mother.  I also miss her cooking.  The worst thing about being home alone is the responsibility that you don't normally have.(However, my mom has done this for 30 something years so I don't mind doing it for 4 days).  I have to feed all the pets(including the inside cat and the 3 outside cat...and I hate cats, my sisters dogs, my moms birds.  I have to cook and kinda clean up the house, get the mail and paper and mow(which I like doing anyway). I need to quit whining don't I.  I also kinda can't stand just being out here all day, so I'll go to town and do stuff I normally wouldn't do(like walk around in walmart) to pass the time and play disc golf and workout.
3. Funny: I just now thought of this because of tonight's blog title.  What if robbers really did break into my house and I set up traps everywhere to defend my home?  How cool would that be, albeit unrealistic?  I'd prolly just call the cops, but it's cool to think like a little kid a couple times a day.

Link of the day: I've gone to far...I gotta do it now.
Thanks for reading
McKinley

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit....or whatever floats your boat.

Lots of meaningful blogging going on in Plantersville, MS this evening.  I have been thinking about this specific blog for a while but I just haven't really wanted to do this one late at night....I wanted to have a clear head and plenty of time to do it in.  Today, I'm doing my blog on religion.  Before you get immediately defensive about your beliefs, just hear me out.  I have been trying to become a better Christian for a while now.  I had the best conversation about it with my buddy Will at lunch the other day.  He is kinda in the same path I am.  I'm the guy that if someone ask me if I'm a Christian, I'll say yes.  But realistically, its normally a defense mechanism for me because I'm not a true Christian yet.  I am not strong enough to block out all the bad things from my lifestyle....but I am getting better.  I am trying to surround myself with good people instead of the ones that drag me down.  However, I want to get to the point to where I'm comfortable around anyone and still strong in my faith.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Religion

1. Good: Obviously, I think it's good to have faith in a higher power.  I'm am discovering as I get older that reading the bible and paying closer attention to sermons is so rewarding.  I'm not to the level of knowing and acting as Christ would(I'll never be) but I feel like my life is more important to me with him as a part of it.  I have had trouble understanding the very opening pages of the bible but I'm catching on and want to read all of it.  I know people say to start at different places, but I want to accomplish reading the whole book, to try and grasp its full meaning.  Also, I want to find a permanent church as I settle down and get older.  It might take me a while to tour different churches, because for one I don't know where I'll be in 5 or 10 years, but I might just stick my head in your church one Sunday to see if I like it, in hopes of finding a new home.
2. Bad: The things I hate the most about religion is the arguments people get into deciding what is right and wrong.  I don't think it is a waste of time spreading the word of your religion, but when people constantly argue about religion they probably are wasting their time.  What I'm really trying to say is, people here argue over methodist vs. baptist but their are other countries that argue over it and go to war over it.  While we don't do that, it still doesn't help us coexist.  If we are strong enough in our respected faiths then we shouldn't need to worry about someone elses.  Also, I understand that I live in the Bible Belt but, I'm also not a big fan of shoving religion down someone's throat until they believe in that specific religion.  My buddy Jared Koon(who I just shared some delicious Dodge's 4th meal with) is by far the best person I know to talk about God and all things holy.  He has a way of helping me understand things that I normally wouldn't in regards to religion.  If you need someone to talk to, he's your guy.(It would be really funny if upwards of 20 people called him tomorrow about this topic)
3. Funny: I think kids church is really funny.  Kinda in a Bill Cosbyish way.  Its great that they have their own segment in church.  People are trying to teach them the word of God and in the middle of the service they just bust out talking about bubble gum when the spotlight is on them.

Link of the day: This song best describes where I'm at in my path to enlightenment.
Thanks for reading
McKinley

Hype

After watching the soccer game today between U.S. and Ghana, I couldn't help but think of doing a blog on hype.  What is hype?  Hype to me, is when there is alot of media or local buzz/interest about a fresh or new situation.  For instance:  You could say that there is a ton of hype about the World Cup right now or getting Iced!(I'm not sure what this means but I've seen a lot of tweets about it....someone please fill me in....not that I'm ever gonna buy Smirnoff Ice)  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Hype

1. Good: Obviously, hype helps get the message out about things that we all want to know.  For instance, when news breaks and it has something to do with National Security then I want to know what's going on.  Or if there is a major tornado in the area I'm in, I want to know about it.  With today's media, you can find out when stuff happens much quicker than you used to could.  Also, the hype I love is before a big athletic event.  Specifically the promotional video right before the game starts, check the link of the day for more on this.
2. Bad: I personally am not a fan of hype.  The words "blown out of proportion" come into my head immediately pop in my head when I hear national news about something obscene.  Example: When Michael Jackson passed away(I swear news channels talked about this for months.), or the smear campaigns that both of the past presidential candidates ran(what a joke).  The reason people believe a lot of the stuff they hear in the media or through word of mouth,  is because they want the approval of the person that said it or the approval of their friends.  Most try to make an opinion that they hear on the news sound like it's there opinion so that they look smarter on the topic, thus attempting to gain respect from their peers...what a joke.  Also, people leave Tim Tebow alone.  I don't see how someone can not like this guy.  No matter what he does, he has tons of critics.  But to me, all he has done is excel at the thing he loves the most and that is football and proven that he is very strong in his faith.  I think the reason people don't like him is because he's always interviewed.  If you people are looking for someone to blame, blame the guy holding the microphone, not the one talking into it.
3. Funny: I love watching people put themselves in the middle of hype.  For instance, if two people are fighting after school, there will always be a few guys that have the low down on why and who won and what not.  Also the hype before a basketball game is hilarious.  I love how there is always one section outcrunking everyone else in the gym or arena.

Link of the day: Click Here, Or here or herefor all  your hype up needs.  2 is my favorite but I'm biased.
Thanks for reading

McKinley

Road Trips

Just a few hours ago I got back from Millington, TN from a baseball tournament.(I know I bashed the city of Dyersburg and now I have to say that Millington is just as bad.....I guess I'm just not a fan of the northwestern part of Tennessee.  However, I made it there and back safely in my newly repaired car.  I'm jacked about this because I have also made recent trips to Memphis and Starkville as well.  Anyhow, I am blogging about road trips today because it just seemed fitting.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Road Trips

1. Good: I'm a huge fan of road trips.(especially when you are between the ages of 11-25...broad I know)  I think with road trips as anything else, the people you go with make the journey.  For instance: I loved going places with my parents when I was younger, like Disney World.  I thoroughly enjoyed high school road trips with my boys...unison singing in the car came at a premium.(Koon on the bass, me tenor, most everyone else melody...but we all chipped in to make a surprisingly good sound.)  I think the best road trip though, is the unexpected one.  Just in the past 8 months, I've been to Dallas twice, Nashville once and Tuscaloosa once....and all but one of those was on a whim.  My favorite trip this year: going to watch my boy Jon Jon in a long drive competition in Dallas...absolute blast.  
2. Bad:  Obviously, going on a trip can be long and boring.  I vaguely remember going to see my Aunt Margaret when I was younger in the hills of Tennessee.....but I remember it.  I wanted no part of this trip but my parents made me go.  There was nothing to do at her house, it smelled funny, all there was to eat was ambrosia salad and other grown up food and there were no other kids on the trip.  Also, I think the whole saying of SB (enter year here) is kind of played out, so people quit saying it.  That's another thing.  Spring Break trips to the Florida Panhandle are so overrated.  Our part of the country needs a new hot spot travel destination.
3. Funny: Road trips are where I've heard or seen some of the funniest things ever.  95% of it takes place in the vehicle, gas stations or fast food joints.  I could sit here all day and tell you some of the funny things that have happened to me on road trips...but it would literally take like 2 hours so I'll pass.  

Link of the day: Nadda, I'm a slacker the past 2 days here.....sorry...its not like anyone looks at these things anyway
Thanks for reading
McKinley

Wipe your brow

I know I said in yesterdays blog that I would bring the thunder today with an awesome topic.  That is not the case late tonight.  I've been busy and not busy and unmotivated to blog all day.  But I gotta do it.  I had like 30 different really good topics run through my head the last few days but I want to do really good on them so I haven't put in the serious time to write a good one and for that I apologize.  It's 11:20 pm and I gotta be up at 6 so this one will be short and sweet.  One thing that has been consistent with me the past 2 days(well and the past 2 months for that matter) is sweat.  I sweat pretty heavily(everyone does in this climate....but I'm the guy that can't wear gray shirts because of sweat).  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Sweat

1. Good: I'm not a doctor but I think sweat is actually good for you.  I think it's the body's way of reacting to heat.(Someone feel free to correct me on this.)  If you are not sweating in summer heat,(well at least in the south) then something is probably wrong with you.  Also to think outside the box, I feel like sweat shows how hard someone has worked for something. Example: Kind of confusing but it looks like this guy just worked hard on a gig......Is that Johnny Depp? 
2. Bad: Obviously, sweat makes you feel nasty.  There is nothing worse than not having a change of clothes after sweating through a tshirt.  The worst thing about sweat to me is when I was in high school, I had P.E. early in the morning and class the rest of the day.  Because I always played hard, I sweated a bunch.  I never took a change of clothes and there was no way I was going to use the locker room shower, so I just had to wear my sweat throughout the rest of my day. 
3. Funny: I have to mention these two guys or todays blog would be incomplete.  Mike Draper and Davis Potter are the two sweatingest human beings on this planet.  If you ever have to guard them in a game of pickup basketball(which is a task in itself because they are both very talented) then you better give them some space because their shirts really are soaking wet and it is just icky to get another human beings sweat on you.

Link of the day: No link today....I mean come on todays blog was on sweat...how weak right?
Thanks for reading
McKinley

Reunited and it feels so good

Last night about 10 o'clock I got news from my oldest friend in the world that he would be in town for a few days.  Instead of staying in Starkville last night like I planned, I drove home immediately so that I could watch that stunning soccer game this morning.  We had so much world cup fever that we went to Dicks and I bought a replica ball and then we went to Ballard Park and acted like soccer superstars.  We were acting just like a bunch of 10 year olds.  Our day continued with a round and a half of disc golf.  Then we went to his house and hit foam golf balls for a while and his momma cooked for us.  I'm telling you....I had a bowl of peach cobbler with ice cream on it that I might talk about for years.  No one even really wants the peaches in cobbler.  We wound up watching that awesome College World Series game that TCU won.  We caught pieces of that half a day long tennis match.  No one will have to rock those 2 guys to sleep tonight.  It was just an all around good day that ended with us conversating in the living room with his parents.  No Good, Bad and Funny tonight because I really don't feel like blogging on reunions and there was no real concrete topic today.  Just wanted to tell a story.

Anyway thanks for reading and I'll bring the thunder tomorrow with an awesome topic(Don't hold me to that)
McKinley

Dissapointment

It didn't take a lot of thinking to come up with a blog topic for today.  I'll just explain what happened to me last night.  As you know probably know right now I'm a big competitor and my church's team played for the Tupelo Mayors Cup trophy last night.  I really wanted to win this because our team has yet to accomplish this yet.  Anyway, we played Auburn Baptist Church in the winners bracket final and won 15-3.  This put us in the catbirds seat to win it all at 8.  Well, I found out that we had to be beaten just once in the championship game instead of twice....which I thought sucked because it was supposed to be a double elimination tournament and we didn't get rewarded for winning 3 straight games.  To further add to this, Auburn beat us in the Championship game 16-4.  To futher add to that, they used an illegal bat in the first inning, where they scored 12 of their 16 runs.  The bat was taken out and they couldn't use it anymore.  So after the game, I had to go to the press box to protest the illegal bat and try to get a forfeit win.  This tugged at me pretty bad, because I found out that one of our players used an illegal bat in the first game when we beat Auburn.  Now I'm in a tight spot, because between all the drama(players cussing each other, people yelling) that went down last night I don't know that I want any part of it anymore.  I'll probably protest tomorrow morning because I don't want my team to be mad at me, but I think we all lost something in this fiasco.  We forgot that we were playing in a Church Softball game and that we should have been representing our respected churches and Jesus himself instead of just trying to win.  I think I learned a great lesson in defeat last night and I really grew as a person, but to say I'm not dissapointed would be a lie.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Dissapointment

1. Good: Like I previously said, I learned something last night even though I was unhappy with it's result.  Even though it's cliche the quote that "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" is true in my opinion.  I am a much better person today than I have ever been.  Some of that comes with maturity, but if I have to give credit to dissapointments in my life.  Remember, when you are at your lowest, the only you can go is up.
2. Bad: Obviously no one likes to be down and out.  The immediate feeling of a dissapointment sucks.  I can't help but think of this guy.  I don't have any advice for people that are dissapointment, except for let God do his work and stay the course, good things are bound to happen to you.
3. Funny: The funniest thing to me about dissapointment is what is on the radio when you get in your car after a dissapointment.  It seems like all radio stations are in cahoots to play a completely saddening song.  For instance: If you just break up with your girlfriend, you don't want to hear Rascal Flatts "What Hurts the Most" on your way home. 

Link: This is great....this and other stuff like this chokes me up

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Lowering your Ears

I'm am inspired by today's blog because in less than 2 hours, I'll look brand new.  Not totally but I am getting a haircut.  I'm pretty much know exactly what I'm gonna get done.....1 and 1/2 fade....just not army style.  I usually go to Central Barber Shop in Tupelo.  I'd say that they are responsible for 94% of the haircuts I've had in my lifetime.  Anyway on to Good, Bad and Funny.
Haircuts

1. Good:  Like I said, I get my haircut at Central Barber Shop and there are many reasons why. They include: low prices, quality work, good conversation and good candy post-haircut.  Most of the guys in that particular barber shop and other barbershops across the country are pretty good guys.  You can talk about anything to them.(Well not anything but conversation is pretty open there.)  While I love getting my haircut by one of these guys, I did let a woman cut my hair for the first time(at least that I'd payed for) in my life.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  She really did a good job.  I really like the part where they wash your hair.  If I would have known she was gonna do that then I would just go let her wash my hair everyday for a couple of bucks. 
2. Bad: A lot of the time, barbers and stylist take way too long to cut my hair.  Some people are ok with this but I get the same haircut every time I go.  It shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes to give me a fade.  Also, I know I bragged about the conversation at my barber shop but the dialogue at the salon I went to in Starkville was a bit too much for me.  I don't need to know who's daughter has been fooling around with the Judges son.  Also don't let a person that is nervous cut your hair.  I went with my mom once when I was younger and my right sideburn was 2 inches higher than my left.  Lastly, women most of you who are willing to pay upwards of 75$(I've heard up to 150-200$) for a haircut, look good enough to where most guys aren't worried about how your hair looks. 
3. Funny: Most of the time, women are allowed in barbershops.  A lot of the time, they choose not to be there.  I understand the second option here because if you have ever been to Central Barber Shop 30 minutes or so before they close, the old men....let's just say let loose with their words.  It's hilarious to me and I'm not going to give an example but, if you need a haircut go up there about 4:45 and see if you don't walk out laughing.

Link of the Day: Two great haircut scenes from movies. Click Here and Here
Thanks for Reading
McKinley

My Father's Eyes

It's pretty obvious what I was going to blog on today.  Father's Day or just fathers or my father.....Duuuhhhh you get the point.  I kind of like days like this(nationally celebrated days) because I can think a tad ahead and hopefully turn out a pretty good blog.  Well, let's get to know my dad.  I really don't have the time or patience to type his entire bio, but most of you know that he owns Holland Funeral Home(once Western Connection), he's been a State Representative for I think 27 years, he's a part-time farmer(or so he says....let's just say he likes mowing and stuff) and he has recently lost 120 or so pounds thanks to lap-band surgery a few years ago.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Fathers

1. Good: Some good qualities about my dad: He is a relentless worker,(I really don't know anyone who works harder at what they do....He's one of those old school dads that finds something to do if his to-do list is checked off...which is never)....anyhow he's taught me the importance of hard work and for that I'm forever grateful, He has always made sure I've had food on the table and have a vehicle(well sometimes not a safe ride) to drive, and lastly he is an absolute good time.  He can have fun with anyone.  It doesn't matter if you are black, white, green, blue, democrat, republican, methodist, baptist, state fan, ole miss fan.  If you are going to invite anyone that can mesh with a crowd, it's my dad.
2. Bad: I know I said that he is a relentless worker and man do I mean it.  He hardly has time for anything so when we get a chance to spend a moment with each other, we usually take it.  Sometimes it comes with a work ordeal.  For instance: the other day I had to take him to a mechanic and funeral home and I guess you would say my reward for it was checking out my ancestors old neighborhood and graves on Palmetto Rd. past Verona.(Doesn't seem like a great time to most, and I wasn't thrilled about it at first but once I did it I was glad because I think we should all figure out where we come from.)  Lastly, we don't really see eye to eye on much.  For instance: I'm a sports guy and he's not, he likes politics and I don't, he likes funerals and I don't....yadda yadda yadda but we make it work.
3. Funny:  There are plenty of funny things about my dad.  One, is the way he dresses.  He can definitely look dapper at times, but some times he wears the funkiest old clothing that usually widows give him after their husbands die.(Seriously)  I'm by no means a fashion guru but he just really looks like he doesn't have a clue what to wear sometimes.  For instance: My favorite Steve Holland combo is cut off green tank top, jorts and flip flops.  Also he has a million sayings(exaggerated). Like he says everyone's middle name is wayne.(Or at least he refers to them as that...even females)  He also has little sayings like: "Nashville is about the most fun I've had with my pants on".  Lastly, his knowledge of anything new is completely whack.  For instance: One day he came in my room about 5 years ago and I was playing a football video game.  He sat down beside me and said "Who's playing?"....I played along and said "MSU and Nebraska"....he then said "You mean to tell me we play Nebraska this year, why didn't any of us go".....Finally I said "Dad you've got to be kidding me, it's a Wednesday night in August(not even football season) and I have a controller in my hand. ITS A VIDEO GAME!!!!"...He then said "Well that beats all I've ever seen, it looks so real".  

Link of the day: A little Clapton never hurt anyone

Love you Dad and thanks for reading everyone,
McKinley

"I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale"

I'm really enjoying this weekend.  Our baseball team is doing very good and I'm having a good time spending time with my oldest sister and my brolaw(term he coined last night....that I know of).  After racking my brain for a blog topic today, I just decided, why not do my blog on the City of Memphis.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Memphis

1. Good: I like any place that is pretty passionate about their sports.  While the Grizzlies aren't very good, they're close to it.  The Redbirds are good, and they have the nicest minor league baseball park in the country.  There will always be places that have delicious food in any big city, and Memphis is no different.  This city has excellent barbeque and, probably, my favorite place to eat ever, has a restaurant in Memphis: Texas De Brazil(Don't ever take a date here, it's like 50 a person, but so worth it if you don't mind buying Pepto Bismol in bulk for a week..  Beale Street is like no other.(I've had one of my top 3 forgettable nights/moments in Pat O'Briens Bar.) 
2. Bad: Ummmm....I hate to put anyone's hometown down, so I'll just say that I'm cautiously optimistic when I'm in Memphis.  Thanks to 3-6 mafia, people not from here, see Memphis as the place where you don't start anything.  While I don't think it's smart to start jawing with anyone anywhere, Memphis does seem like its on another level.  I mean, yesterday my sister referred to the Mall of Memphis as the Mall of Murder and a cop stopped me to say that I almost hit him when I clearly was sitting on idle.  His exact words: "Did you not f****** see me? You almost hit me.  Watch where the f*** your'e going."  My reaction: "Sorry officer"(In prepubescent voice).  Also, this town is the exact opposite of easy on the eyes.  No one seems to take pride in making their streets clean.
3. Funny: I find it kinda funny how people(myself sometimes) overeact to how dangerous neighborhoods are in Memphis.  For instance: I've had a guy tell me before. "Don't ever look anywhere but right in front of you if you are driving on South Lamar.  You'll get shot."  Because I'm a big head nod guy while driving, I brushed this comment to the side and said "whatever man".  I also think it's funny how many foreigners still think the world of Elvis.  I don't actually know how bad it is here, but in Tupelo the Swedish people that come for Elvis fest think it's like touring the Parthenon when they are at his small house he was born into.  I can't imagine how bad it gets at Graceland.

Link of the Day:  Because I put a really cheesy title and am in a cheesy mood

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Ask your parents if you can stay?

A little down time right now between games in Memphis has given me the opportunity to blog.(Understatement actually: We were supposed to play at 1230 and 8 but our noon opponent didn't show up)  I pretty much knew what I was gonna blog about when I woke up this morning.  I stayed at some buddies house in Oxford last night, so I could shorten my drive up here and be able to watch the World Cup game this morning.(such a dissapointing tie and not because of the referees.)  I'm probably gonna stay with my sister in Memphis tonight because we play at 10 and 3 tomorrow(Sweet scheduling Memphis Tigers- 4 games...well 3 in 24 hours....nice) Anyway today's blog is on sleepovers.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Sleepovers

1. Good: While I'm too old to really call staying at someone elses house a sleepover, I can't help but enjoy doing it.  Just being in another family's home even if for one night is a whole different element.  You become accustomed to how they do things if you are there a lot.  For instance: If you are at Will Klines residence, you can pretty much expect his father Sam to be watching Cops or Intervention at some point in an evening and his mother Missy to have a meal prepared or doing a Sudoku puzzle from the days paper, if you are at Jared Koons house you can expect his mother Teresa to have plenty of bottled water in the fridge and usually something baked.  You come to expect these things so it's almost normal for you to be there.  As for having friends over to stay(well at least through teen years and high school), these are some of the most fun nights of your life.(to me at least)  Back in the day, if you ever spent the night at my house, you could always expect to get into a little mischief. You might go roll a yard, or light a dog poo bag on fire on someones doorstep, or prank calling people, or play basketball til 3 am or listen to loud music all night.  One of the best things about a sleepover is the "late night convo"(term my friends and I coined in high school) at the end of every night that we came to expect.  I would like to especially thank my parents and neighbors on Polk St. for being so kind as to let us do any of this. It mainly all happened because they all could sleep through anything.  We never got one complaint from them.
2. Bad: There is always that night where your parents just say "No and thats final"...."You can't have company and you can't stay anywhere".  This is usually because you have to be somewhere at 8 in the morning and they don't want you up all night.  I get it, but man did it make me mad back then.
3. Funny: Theres always that guy that will attempt to stay at your house then call his mom to come get him at midnight because he is homesick. These guys use the same excuse every time: "Man my stomach hurts."  It's best not to call them a liar and tell them that they are homesick because it could ruin a friendship, but if it becomes a recurring trend then other people will find out that that guy is uninvitable to stay over.

Link of the day:  I couldn't come up with a great link that relates to sleepovers so I'll just leave you with this and this.  Read the comments on the first link and admire the work in the second.
Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Means of Transportation

I'm absolutely ecstatic today.   I mean there's World Cup action, the U.S. Open is on, the NBA Finals Game 7 is tonight, church softball playoffs, baseball tournament in Memphis this weekend.  However none of these things makes me more happy than the fact that I picked up my 1996 Chevy Blazer from Benny Hankins Auto Shop today.  While this might not be a big deal to many, it's huge for me.  Over the last 2 months or so, I've bummed a ton of rides and driven at least 10 different vehicles from family and friends as a way of getting around.  While I wasn't too happy with the cost of repair, I'm thrilled that my car is finally healthy and safe to drive.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Means of Transportation

1. Good:  What is not good about having a way to get around?  Could you imagine before the early 1900's when the best you could do would be a carraige or riding a horse?(Riding a horse everywhere would be cool I admit.)  
2. Bad: I'm not one for flash.  I don't really understand why people buy cars that look like this or this.  I think that most of the people that buy really expensive cars are rich and want to show off their money or are poor and put more money into their car then they do their house.  I just a "car that gets me from a to b kinda guy".(In my dream scenario I would have a car that resembles a salty second baseman, like Former Atlanta Brave Mark Lemke....not gonna ever hit 30 home runs but is a good contact hitter and reliable defender and plays hard)
3. Funny: Just to further explain my entire family's care about what our cars look like, you remember when your parents used to drop you off at school?  Well my dad used to have a 1981 Chevrolet Caprice Classic( like this except for white with only 2 hubcaps).  When he had to drop me off or pick me up in public, it was downright embarrassing.  However, he loved the car(up until the day it got stolen...that's what he gets for leaving his car unlocked with the keys in it...still does actually...crazy)

Link of the Day: Because I'm talking about cars today, I leave you with a great song from Alan Jackson

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Immigration

Pretty easily inspired for today's blog.  This morning, I traveled with my family to Memphis, TN to the Office of Homeland Security to see my brother(foster-brother really but we're past that label) become an Official American Citizen.  We started this crazy journey 17 years ago and it was the best decision our family has ever made.  Haiwei was born in China, his father died at an early age and then he moved with his mother to a Dutch speaking island in South America.(I know bogus right)  His mother then sent him to live with her sister(might not be accurate here) Alice in Tupelo.  He join my multi-age(3rd-4th grade combined...sickest kickball team ever me, will, t, haiwei, and brent gray...you didn't want it) classroom when I was in 3rd grade.  Of course we were all fascinated by his physical stature(biggest chinese 4th grader ever...save for Yao) and just because he was of a different culture.  He spoke no English and of course we always tried to get him to say something in chinese...but he wouldn't.  One day, he and I were at the computer station for fun time(or whatever the teachers called it..pretty much inside recess) and we both went straight to the Oregon Trail icon.(miss that game...my character always died of cholera by the time the wagon reached Montana)  Out of nowhere, he spoke to me.  I can't remember exactly what he said but I think I was the first American he spoke to.(His case is one of the most impressive displays of learning I've ever seen...He taught himself English)  After this, we began to have conversation together.(albeit in random areas away from recess...it probably looked like we were trying to smuggle drugs or smoke cigarettes we were so far away from everyone else.)  Anyway........my parents took him in as a foster child during 6th grade.  He has since been just like a regular family member to all of us.  He now has a almost 5 year old rugrat named Emma(pain in the rear end) and is a full time employee at China Capital.  So finally I say congrats Haiwei...We are proud of you.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Immigration

1. Good:  Our country is known as the land of opportunity.  If you could see the look on some of these peoples faces this morning when they gained their citizenship, you wouldn't be able to help but be happy for them.  I would say that at least half of our countries immigrants came from less fortunate backgrounds and I for one am happy to share our great country with them.  After all, immigration did bring me my brother.
2. Bad:  Obviously we can become overpopulated.  People coming here illegally doesn't help anything.  It is my hope that they are all here to at least earn an honest living.  This might be a little harsh to say but: if you have seen the movie Traitor(if not you should...it's a thriller) then you could see why I would be a little worried about people immigrating to our country.  Also, immigration is the reason we have such long holdups at the airport and other random security checks in my opinion.(Its understandable though.)  What I hate is when they check a 90 year old woman from Pigsknuckle, Arkansas's shoes to see if she has weapons or bombs.  I mean come on.
3. Funny:  Kind of off topic but the language barrier is hilarious to me.  For instance: When Haiwei was still learning English he still had trouble with simple American phrases like instead of saying "What time is it?" he'd say "How many o'clock?" and he called my odometer my speedomonitor.  He used to call me Mac Cheeseburger and had the funniest way of saying roast beef.  Also, when we started playing church basketball together...people were amazed that he could ball.  Of course he was 2 feet taller than everyone else at the time.  I swear he has been 6ft tall for 15 years.

Link of the Day: While I don't have footage yet of todays ceromony this is what it was like kinda

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Can I get some more water?

After a lovely breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel(This might be a favorite restaurant of mine), I have decided to do today's blog on waiters/waitresses.  On to Good, Bad and Funny
Waiters/Waitresses

1. Good: I have never been a waiter in my life, but I do understand that it is a more difficult job than most realize.  You are solely in charge of making sure someone's dining experience is satisfactory.  I would say that it would be hard to imagine eating at a restaurant without table service but I can't because of buffets.  A good waiter/waitress(IMO) is one that just makes sure your glasses stay filled and is polite.  Pretty simple, but I'm not gonna ask the world of one of them.  They are the ones that always get the blame no matter how demanding the customer is, how busy they are or how bad the kitchen screws up an order.(Definitely don't do this act like this customer at a restaurant....don't watch this if you have a weak stomach)  I'm usually a 18% to 20% tipper everywhere.
2. Bad: A bad waiter/waitress to me, is one that has no interest in being at work and takes out their emotions on customers.  90% of the time you can tell by the look on their faces how your service is going to be.  Another thing that I don't understand is when they say "is this going to be together or seperate".  You normally say can you split it up or divide the appetizer between all of us.  They can every time(I think), but they either give you a look like "really?" or say "I'll try".
3. Funny: The funniest thing to me is how a waiter/waitress tries to become apart of your dining experience.  You get the feeling that they want to sit down and hang out with you instead of serving you food.  I've got a prime example that happened just this morning.  This guy(god bless him he was just trying to make it.....he works from 7-3 and takes class at night so I really respect that.) this morning really just wouldn't quit making my breakfast about him.  He told us about his biology test he had to take later, his diet(usually sushi, fish or other red meat), the drink he mixes when he gets off work(I think he called it a Summer Sunset and said he made it up...it sounded disgusting) and in general just wouldn't leave me and my comrade alone to eat our breakfast.  Maybe he needs a friend and hopefully we were a bright spot on his shift but, was a to go orange juice and lemonade necessary after we'd already told him we didn't want it.  

Link of the day: This movie is so hilarious...and underrated

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Let's meet in the middle

After perusing through channels this morning, it was pretty easy for me to come up with a blog topic for today.  How I got here?  I cut on the TV and jeopardy(such a great show that will keep your mind sharp even when you're done with school) was on.  One of the categories was Presidential campaign slogans.  When it went to commercial, I channel surfed til I landed on the movie Frost/Nixon.  I've seen it before but I wanted to watch the end again.  After about 10 minutes of deep thought, I decided to do today's blog on Politics.  This word is nothing new to me as my father has been a politician for 26 years(I think).  On to Good, Bad and Ugly.
Politics

1. Good: As I've grown up over the years, I've realized that this is probably the most important aspect of our countries government.  We decide who will make our decisions for us with elections(seems like there is one every few months).  To me the only thing that is good about politics is that it's pretty cut and dry in today's media, where big political figures stand.  This helps when deciding who you're gonna vote for.
2. Bad: Warning: This section is going to be really long.  To me, Politics have absolutely ruined this country.  As you get older, you now have to come with a label.  The question you always have to answer: Are you a Republican or a Democrat?  I absolutely hate this.  We always pre-judge people that are largely associated with one of these parties.  I personally am a proud Independent, despite my father being a card carrying Democrat.  I differ with some of the ideas that both Republicans and Democrats have.  I just can't understand why we all can't take every issue one at a time and come to more rational decisions as one party(or nonpartisan) to help make our country a better place.  It's an absolute joke to me how people in both parties act a year before and a year after Presidential elections.  Some of the stuff I've heard about both of the main candidates in the last Presidential election is absolutely absurd.  My question is this: Did we make the right decision?  Some will say yes and others will say no.  So with this line of thinking going on after every election, you can't really say we as a country have ever made the right decision when it comes to electing a president.  People will always blame the present president's problems on the past president.  This is why I'm undecided on the next time I'll vote in a major election.  After all, I've hardly ever personally known anyone that I've voted for.  I've voted for my dad before just because he is my dad.  I've also voted against people who my father has voted for.  Without being able to form our own opinions, instead of listening to others and just hopping on the bandwagon because other people are voting for a certain person, I don't think we'll ever get it right.  For the record, I think the last two presidents were elected because everyone just said yeah man vote for him, the other guy sucks.  And I wouldn't doubt if our next president is elected by the same means.  We all need to quit picking sides and just meet in the middle. Remember  also people, 95% of politicians(personal opinion) don't really care about you when they are campaigning, they just want your vote.  I can't recall how many times I've ran into politicians for a second time and they don't even remember who I am.  It's because when I talked to them the first time, they were just trying to get elected.  In reality, good people will be good people and bad people will be bad people, so be careful when you are picking a party or voting for someone.  Fwhew, told you that was gonna be long. 
3. Funny:  Now that my rant is over, this movie trailer should lighten the mood.  This movie turned out to be pretty non partisan in the end, so I like it. 

Link of the Day: We elccted these guys....howard dean hahah byaah!

Thanks for reading
McKinley

Structure

Today's blog will be about structure.  I thought about this because this morning and yesterday morning I realized the difference of how my life plays out when I've got structure and when I don't.  We have to check out of our hotel room by 11am so I'll make this short and sweet.  On to Good, Bad and Funny.
Structure

1. Good: For someone like me, structure is they biggest factor of how I get things done.  I'm usually a big procastinator but as of today I have good structure.(It's evident in how early my blogs have been these last two days....morning posts instead of midnight)  If you've got structure, everything else will take care of itself.  For me to have perfect structure, I need to be asleep by midnight(difficult) and awake by 8am at the latest(not as difficult).  I need to eat 3 meals a day.  When I've got structure I eat much healthier.  I also scratch more things off of my to do list(I still have old to-do-lists in my wallet from 4 to 6 months ago)  Lastly, I'm generally more pleasant to be around when I've got structure(although I try to be pleasant at all times).
2. Bad: Peer pressure can really screw up a good structure.  I need to become more strong willed in saying no to doing things that will screw up my structural routines such as: going out with friends when I really don't want to(this happens to me all the time...I'm not a big goer outer anyway.  I'd much rather just be at a low key get together...but it's fun occasionally.), eating at places that I know I can't eat healthy at(i.e. fast food), committing to an activity when I should be doing something productive(example: watching a ball game instead of working out or my newly found duty of gardening for my mother.)  When I've got structure, I can manage to do some of these things without really damaging my daily routine anyway.
3. Funny: I'll explain a typical day of what happens in the bad section on say....a weekend in Starkville from this past semester.  Say it's Friday and I've eaten right all week and had good workouts and finished all homework for the week.  My plans are to maybe go see a movie, go to a State basketball game and clean my room for the weekend.(not exactly a daunting to do list).  Well I will get talked into going out on Friday, sleeping til almost gametime on Saturday forcing myself to grab something quick and unhealthy to eat before the game, being lazy after the game and not going to sleep til 3 am on Saturday, then doing kind of the same thing Sunday.  See for me, it only takes one friend saying...Dude come on lets go out.

Link of the day: Healthy Lifestyle choices and Good sleeping habits.

I hope you got something out of this if you read it
Thanks for reading
McKinley

Talent

I woke up this morning to a surprisingly solid breakfast at the Comfort Inn in Dyersburg, TN.(Belgian Waffle Maker = Me Smiling)  Anyway, I'm watching the World Cup right now before we go to our 11am game and I am getting an opportunity to see the consensus best player(on talent alone...Lionel Messi) in the world play this morning.  This made me think up a blog topic: Talent.  Everyone has one.  Some of mine(not trying to boast, we should all be proud of ourselves for something): surprising athleticism, singing so I've heard(but I think it's more that I can sound like artists....I do enjoy the sound of my own voice singing though), Wheel of Fortune/Mystery Phraze(Same game) puzzle solving(me and my boy Koon will wreck a top score machine with just a few bucks), educating youngsters(whether it be for teaching or coaching, I have alot of confidence in myself to be really good at this) and as of the last two years cooking.(I'm still not that good, but I'm so proud of the gravy I made the other night out of leftover grease, flour, water and garlic.)  On to Good, Bad and Ugly.
Talent

1. Good: Like I said earlier, all of us are talented in someway whether we know it or not.  I highly recommend finding your talent(if it's hidden) and having confidence about sharing it with others.  As it relates to sports, fanatics love watching games and a lot of it has to do with player talent.  I love watching Lebron go off, or an awesome musical performance. 
2. Bad: Talent can get to peoples heads and prevent them from working hard towards reaching their goals.  I can't imagine how many professional athletes use drugs and just go through the motions day in and day out.  These people think they are so talented that they can just show up and play at the highest level.  This is why its so fun to root for underdogs, because 95% percent of the time they know that they have to work harder to best their opponent.  Also I would just like to say that agents of celebrities are obviously misleading them about their talent, because in my opinion, too many actors and musicians get a lot of roles for movies and record deals when they are not very talented(i.e. Matthew McConaughy, Keanu Reeves, Nicolas Cage, Nickleback, Hinder)  There agents are obviously just interested in making money.
3. Funny: It's really funny to me how people on American Idol really think they can sing only for the world to find out at their audition that they can't.  Their excuse when they don't make the cut to Hollywood: "Everyone I know back home tells me I can sing"  "I know I can sing, you people don't know nothing about good music"  I also love when someone's talent is impersonations or making strange sounds.(I swear my buddy Bucky can sound just like a hoot owl...coolest thing ever)  Oh and by the way I found this out(even though it's not a talent) from my 10th grade A & P teacher Eddie McCaskill that there is no such thing as being double jointed...so if someone tells you that you can tell them.  Don't steal their thunder though.  Tell them it's cool that they are that flexible.

Link of the day: oh yeah here's that guy I was mentioning in my first paragraph....he's really really good
Thanks for reading
McKinley