Where has the time gone?

I've been messing around on my macbook(thanks tpsd) waiting for Boardwalk Empire(Sunday night on HBO is out of this world btw) to come on at 8.  I've been going through my usual url run of Yahoo fantasy sports, gmail, school mail, msu athletics, recruiting forums.  I'm contemplating setting up my Itunes.  But as I got bored with the same ole same ole surfing, I said wait a minute, I used to write a blog.  It's been so long since I wrote one, May to be exact.  I used to love doing it every day but working is harder than not working so it makes it tough to get motivation to write it after teaching all day.  That being said I'm probably going to make a promise here that I can't keep.  I probably shouldn't but what anyone that reads this has to realize is that, these blogs mean alot more to me than they do to you.  That might be hard to believe, but I use them as a getaway and a reassurance.  I'm trying to cover everything that has ever gone through my head.  I know, gonna take a while.  But hopefully by the time I'm 30 I can look back and say hmmm what did that particualar blog teach me.  How did I look at then differently than I do now?  Anyway, I don't have any specific topic I'd like to touch on tonight.  But I'd like to update my life since my last blog post.  Man has a lot changed with me since May.  You probably know by now that I taught Special Ed and coached baseball at Shannon High School last spring.  It was an awesome experience, my first real job.  I'm forever in debt to the Lee County School District for giving me that opportunity.  Once school was over, I started up with American Legion baseball like I do every summer.  Boy did I not have a clue how this summer would end.  When Kirk and I picked this team of 18 players, we knew we had a chance to be really good.  But I feel that way every summer and I'm sure he does too.  We had the usual challenges that we do every summer, and we sure had our ups and downs.  But we had a group of young men that had that "it" that every coach dreams of having.  Truth be told we didn't have just a few superstar players, we had a 18 players that knew there role on a great team.  If you don't already know by now, we finished our season as the 2nd best team in the country.(unofficially of course because legion doesn't do rankings)  We won our State Championship over a really tough Pontotoc team, went to Minden, LA for the Mid-South Regional and won there, then went to the American Legion World Series in Shelby, NC.  It was an experience that I will never forget.  We played at a level that I have never seen a team play at.  Against the toughest competition in the country, we stood toe to toe all the way through the tournament.  We eventually lost to Eden Prairie, MN in the National Championship 5-4 in 13 innings.  It still stings me everyday, because I think we were the better team, but they made one more play than we did and I tip my cap to them for the battle and their great sportsmanship.  I'll forever share a bond with that team as long as I live.  Thanks guys.  What's next?  We'll strap it back on next summer and try to do it again.  In the process of all this awesome baseball, I was also in the mix for a job at my alma mater, Tupelo High School.  I've been blessed with that job.  I'm still behind on a lot of things but I do give my very best effort everyday.  I am currently teaching job skills math(Special Education) and assisting a good friend of mine(Harris Faucette) with the Boys Soccer team.  It is truly a treat to be able to try to give back to a school that gave so much to me.  Sure there are challenges and I face them everyday but tell me a working environment where there's not a challenge.  One of my best friends uses a saying that I love. "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it".  This quote says to me that if you work hard you will be rewarded.  I think you get the result of your effort in everything you do, and I strive to do just that.  To top all this off, I'm buying my first house right now.  I'm still finalizing everything, but I'm inching closer to being truly on my on very soon.  Now this doesn't mean I'm sick of living at home.  I do enjoy it.  A lot of things are easier because of it.  I don't want to be labeled as one of those people that can't do anything without their mother, so I look forward to the challenge.  I will miss being with my Mom though.  I'm sure she'll cook a couple nights a week just to get me to come home.  And of course I will.  Its also the best time of year for a guy like me.  MLB playoffs, College Football, and the start of Basketball keep me grinning ear to ear.  Also the best shows on tv air in the fall so that keeps me occupied in the evenings.  Plus soccer is about to pick up.  So you could say that I'm ridiculously busy.  That being said I still try to make time for the important things in life: relationships with friends and family.  I love you all and don't hesitate to call if you need anything or just wanna make small talk.


It's good to be back blogging.  Thanks for reading folks,
McKinley

Life goes in Cycles

The last month or so has seen some highs and lows for me, as well as my region, the country and the world.  I haven't blogged since Spring Break.  I'm so tired at the end of the school day that I don't fell like doing anything. I thank the lord that I only have 11 days until summer break starts.  However, I feel like being productive for more than 9 hours today.  The title of this blog is life goes in cycles.  I truly believe this.  In the past 7 weeks I have witnessed triumphs and tragedies.  MSU's baseball team have put themselves in position to have a shot at postseason play and I'm very excited about that.  Full time baseball season is heating up and it's my favorite to be involved in.(Go Braves and 49ers) I had a blast at Super Bulldog Weekend with friends.  I'm saving money, and doing well financially(for a school teacher).  I bought a new truck from my Dad and if you know me well, then you know how thankful I am to not have to fear for my life when I get in my car anymore.  I'm in the process of looking for a new house.  Things have been good for the most part.  But, when the Tornado ripped through the southern part of the country a few weeks ago and Bid Laden was killed, I was reminded of some old song lyrics. "You gotta take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got and remember what you had."  As I watched the President's address about the killing of Bin Laden, I was definitely in the majority.  I thought to myself "We Got Em".  It took me a minute to realize this was wrong of me.  While I do think of the families whose loved one's lives were taken by this man, I can't help but think killing altogether is not right and that's what brought Bin Laden's death all along.  Now, I'm not liberal enough to think that war is unnecessary but, how can killing someone ever be justified.  You'd have to criticize the first person to ever kill another person.  Off of that soapbox.  The tornadoes were tragic.  Plain and simple.  I'm sure the residents of Smithville and Tuscaloosa are saying why us?  I've said it before myself.  But you know who else said why us?  The people who are there to help get them back on there feet.  I'm not making light of the situation.  I can't say I know how they feel because I don't.  But there will be better days for those affected by the storms.  I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason and God allows them to happen.  I've been on the good side and bad side of many different situations that life brings.  God has been on my side through each of them.  I think we ask him for too much when times are tough and thank him too little when times are good.  That's our problem, we have free will, we have too many questions, when the answer is inside of us.  I consider myself a Christian and an American and I want to start reminding myself how strong and capable I am of doing anything and overcoming anything I put my heart and mind into.  There's so much give and take in this life and you only get one shot at it.  There will be peaks and valleys, highs and lows, fears and hopes.  But if you are faithful, hopeful and full of love you can enjoy your life and make life better for those around you. 

Thanks for reading,

McKinley

I've Got Spring Break beating St. Pattys Day in My Bracket

There's a good bit going on this week....particularly today.  Obviously, because it's 11 AM, you know that I'm not teaching today.(Praise Jesus!)  It is Spring Break after all and I'm psyched about it, but it is already half way gone.  Looking back at all the Spring Breaks I've ever had, this one is tied for the best ever.(06' was magical)  I have done nothing this week but fill out my brackets(get to that shortly), play golf and watch high school baseball.  It might not sound like much to you but to me I couldn't have asked for anything else.  Now I know a great deal of people who like to go to the beach, but I've finally realized that I'm just not one of them.  Have I had fun at the beach?  Of course I have, but I'm more of a homebody or mountain type.  I think that spring break has gotten out of control in terms of generic activities that take place at the beach.  For instance: It's apparently a must to play drinking games all week and get as drunk as possible.  It's also a must to have a beach game set up(football, frisbee, or the little bean bag thingy game).  Each SEC School will be clearly represented on the beach because I guess it's cool to let people know "Hey this is the Auburn section if you wanna hang out or fight." You have to go to the hottest night club around.  I'm just not really into that stuff as I was once.  If I had to go to the beach now, I'd be more concerned with where I'm going to eat and I'd also try to find a more exclusive activity like sailing or something.  Anyhow, I've never appreciated a spring break as much as the current one.  As a teacher, I think we need the break as much as the students. 

As for St. Patricks Day, I don't really have much to say.  As of about 7 minutes ago I knew very little about the holiday, but I decided to wikipedia scearch it and found out a few things.  The first actually color to represent St. Patricks day was blue.  The wearing of the green actually just meant to wear a shamrock on your clothing.  The month of March is actually declared Irish-American Heritage month.  I'm not going to continue to bore you with facts, so I'll just get to what I really associate with this day.  As long as I've been alive I have associated St. Patricks Day with luck.  I remember as a kid, we looked for 4 leaf clovers and were told that if you find one you'll have luck for the rest of your life, among other unfathomable wishes.  I never found one, but I do believe in luck.  Anyone that gambles definitely believes in it.  Anyone that is associated with sports definitely believes it(ex. Butler Basketball 2010, Fresno State Baseball 2009).  I've heard many people say in my lifetime that sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.  I couldn't agree more.

Lastly, today is a special day for most competitive Americans.  All week we've filled out our brackets, we've crunched the numbers and weighed our odds.  Today is the true beginning of March Madness.(I don't count that play-in game crap.)  The team I root for is sitting at home this year(didn't even get an NIT bid) and to be quite frank, that's exactly where they deserve to be.  As for the tournament itself, I don't know if there is a more exciting month in television.  You get to see college kids pour their hearts out into a simple game and witness amazing things in the process.  Butler last year is a prime example.  No one believed in them.  Yeah they were a good mid-major team, but you can't honestly tell yourself that you had a feeling they'd make the run they did.  I loved it.  It gives other teams with less resources than the big time programs a reason to believe they can do something special.

Well, I'm missing too much basketball writing this so I will leave you with my strong encouragement to sit back and see if this year's Cinderella story can get lucky enough on their Spring Break to truly do something special.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

The Decision Maker

I should have written this blog at about 8 am.  However, I was in school today.  After all it is Presidents Day and it is a national holiday.  We decided to get ourselves snowed in a few weeks ago, and this was the penalty.  I don't mind much because I'd rather work now than during Spring Break or in June.  I don't know that I've ever celebrated this holiday and to be quite honest I don't know that I ever will.  How exactly do you celebrate Presidents Day?  If there is a consensus answer let me know so I can gear up for 2012.  So what I did was just think about Presidents past, present and even future.  I'm sort of a history fan(I don't like using the word buff here for some reason) so I've always tied Presidents with events in our country's past.  I looked at a few polls and most of them had about the same rankings.  Of course you could never give them a true ranking.  But most of them had George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR(my favorite), Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan as the Top 5 Presidents.  I'd give you the list of bad ones, but I'm not one to judge them because I know that I couldn't do their job.  Besides, I think that the problems that each President had were mostly a by product of the previous President.  It makes sense considering how party politics are the toast of the town now.  If everyone didn't choose a party and we were all independent, then we'd all work as one and not pout when the other is in office.(personal pipedream)  But for the sake of my own personal rankings, I decided to do it by the decades I've been alive.  I don't remember the 80's very much so I'll just have to say that that was a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.  The 90's were awesome.  Some of this could be attributed to me being in the thick of my childhood, but I can remember that it seemed most everyone was satisfied with the decade as a whole.  So I give the 90's a A+.  Thanks Bush Sr. and Clinton.  It's easy for me to critique the 2000's, because I've been an adult for most of it.  But I think it's pretty clear that the past 10 years, the country has been more divided than it has in a long time.  I hope for change in the next decade.  Well I'm tapped out on Presidents.
Hail to the Chief!

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

The Coach Who Knew Too Little

I need a good vent.  If there's anything that I feel the need to lash out on, it's the coach of Mississippi State's basketball team.  Yes I'm talking about "The Rick Stansbury."  First off understand that while I do support Mississippi State Athletics, this man has left me scratching my head and questioning that support on too many occasions.  To anyone who reads this, I hope you'll have a better view of why I criticize this man so much.  Am I asking you to jump on the bandwagon?  No.  I'm just tired of a divided fanbase.  Half us don't want Rick as the man that directs this program.  The other half will defend him to the end.  Here's my argument. 

Some MSU fans see this man as an excellent recruiter.  I'm with them on that.  Rick has brought some good talent to Starkville.  However, if MSU gets just as good recruits as the teams they play, then how come State doesn't have players get drafted. I can count 2 players that have ever been drafted on a Stansbury coached team.  Lawrence Roberts(transferred from Baylor..so Rick didn't recruit him out of high school) and Jarvis Varnado(best shot blocker in college basketball history...someone had to draft him).  Both of these players are currently playing overseas, to my knowledge.  The best recruits Rick has ever had committed were Travis Outlaw, Monta Ellis and Jonathan Bender.  The first 2 start in the NBA, the other has retired from the NBA.  So you could say that the best recruits Rick has ever had committed to play at MSU never even stepped on campus.  Also, I question the character of some of the recruits Rick does get to campus, which leads me to my next bullet point.

Character issues have been a problem on this team since Rick has been at MSU.  If you drink water daily, then you know about the fight that happened between Renardo Sidney and Elgin Bailey earlier this year.(The latter transferred...which I'll get to in a minute)  People easily remember that, but they also tend to forget that at least 4 players on State's current team have been suspended by Rick at some point in their careers.(Sidney, Dee Bost, Kodi Augustus and Ravern Johnson)  Ironically, all of those players are starters.  Which goes back to my last point, Rick must see talent when recruiting these guys, but does he not see the baggage they might be carrying?  This leads me into my next point.

When the players that Rick recruits get in trouble, their suspension only seems to be 1 to 2 games maximum.  Sidney fights on national television and gets a 2 game suspension.  Ravern Johnson, Kodi Augustus and Dee Bost bad mouth the coach in the media and through social networking and they get one game suspensions.  Have a backbone Rick.  You run your team, not your players.  On to the next issue.

The number of players that transfer due to different issues is staggering.  I'm going to name the ones I can think of and give you their destination and what they did with their time there.  Steven Cowherd(averaged about 5 points in 2 years at South Alabama..you could say he was a bust) Jerell Houston(averaged 10 pts a game over 2 years at Tenn. St....decent player, bad character) Bernard Rimmer(finished senior season leading North Georgia in scoring at 14.5 ppg) Vernon Goodridge(Averaged 7 points at Lasalle as a senior is a developmental prospect in the NBDL) Gary Ervin(Averaged above 10 points for Arkansas over 2 year, both of which they made the NCAA tournament) Jacquiese Holcomb(Averaged 7 points at West Texas A&M..bust) Walter Sharpe(Stud at UAB, drafted by Pistons in 2nd Round of NBA Draft...character issue) Ben Hansbrough*(see below) The Delk Twins(both had successful careers at Louisville and Troy respectfully) Twany Beckham(walking on at mighty Kentucky) Phil Turner(good junior year at Delta State before he was kicked off of their team) and lastly Elgin Bailey(tbd at Southeastern Louisiana...but he's probably in a bar fight in Nawlins as I type).  So on Hansbrough....this guy said that the reason he transferred is due to MSU not having a practice facility.  I think that's crap.  I think he knew how bad of a coach Rick was and knew that he'd never reach his potential at State.  Evidence you might ask for. He's the leading scorer on his 8th ranked Notre Dame team, that plays in the toughest conference in America.  Oh and he's also a player of the year candidate in that conference..no biggie.  He saw the writing on the wall. 

I don't want to bore most of you with more issues I have with Rick Stansbury, but I'm going to.  He runs the motion offense.  That's it.  No other offensive sets have been run in any game that I've ever watched since he's been in Starkville.  He stresses defense and rebounding, although we are in the SEC statistics cellar this year in both categories.  He's not a competitor.  Under Rick, State has been known to be up by 20 points in a game only to let the lead slip away and either barely win or like last Saturday lose to a very poor Auburn team.  He gives the starters a rest when State gets up big, then takes them out for long stretches.  The other team then makes big scoring runs against the backups.  He doesn't stress the importance of winning against really crappy teams in out of conference play.  I'm not even gonna begin to name some of the Idaho Tech's of the world State should have crushed.  This hurts the RPI.  So for all you fans that say man "We played Kentucky so good in the SEC Championship last year, we should have made tournament, we got screwed."  Remember that if you don't lose to Rider or Western Kentucky, you don't need to beat Kentucky to get in.  He lets walk-ons on the team who are friends of the program or their daddy invested a lot of money in the program so they could be on the team.  I'm sorry but the 2 5'6 kids that are walk ons this year do not make the starters any better in practice.  I know plenty of people on campus that could have made the team as walk ons.  Heck some of them were better than the players on scholarship.  Lastly, the guy is just lazy.  There's no excitement in the program, even when State has had good teams.  The fans don't want to watch a poorly coached product.  The university pays this man 1.2 million dollars a year to coach basketball.  Dan Mullen made 1.3 million his first year.  Look at the football program now. 

Understand that I don't expect frequent Final Four trips or even Sweet Sixteen trips for that matter.  I just expect a competitive product.  I want to be proud of the team State puts on the floor, not explaining why players always fight and there are so many transfers.  I know this blog will not make Rick lose his job and I don't necessarily want it to.  But the ship needs to be righted and I'm not so sure Rick needs to be the captain.

Thanks for reading and Motion!,
McKinley

3 holidays: 1 is important, the other 2 not so much

About 7 weeks have passed since I was supposed to write this blog.  Pretty pathetic on my part considering the first topic is the most important national holiday.  I honestly thought I could let it go and just do a Christmas blog during 12/11(which I'll probably do anyway).  But I've got a guilty conscience.  Really I just want to share what the Christmas holidays mean to me.  I've not always been very reflective of holidays and truly soaked them in.  For me, up until the last few years, Christmas was about being around friends.(Still is to an extent)  Sure I'd be around my family closer to the 25th, but some of the best hangouts, adventures and scenarios of my life have been over Christmas holidays.  As for this past Christmas, my life was pretty simple.  As I've gotten older, there are less friends to hang out with.  It kind of shocked me to be honest.  One great thing that I did do this Christmas was relax.  Almost each day of the break I found myself in deep thought.  I don't have the patience to type all of what went on in my head, but let me just say that when you look at Christmas with Jesus in the forefront of your thoughts, you truly appreciate it more.  Well to top Christmas off, we got a little snow.(And then some more snow)  I can't remember a white Christmas since I've been alive. The snow we got Christmas day was kind of overshadowed by the snow we got in January.  I'm writing this now because the snow reminds me of this past Christmas, which should remind all of us that Christmas should bring good reminders.  Happy late B-day Jesus!

Next, I'll blog on 2 holidays that don't really mean much to me.  First, is New Year's.  The only real thing that I can appreciate about New Years is watching college football.  Luckily, the team I root for the most went to a bowl game in Jacksonville.(lovely city by the way)  That made for a really nice new year.  It's really the only fun I can get out of New year's.  I don't like going on last second new years trips just to a big party.  You could call me out and say "Well Mac didn't you go to Dallas to watch Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl last year?"  I'd say yes but the common denominator for my trip to Dallas and my trip to Jacksonville was friends.  I'd go to any bowl game for MSU but having close friends there make the trip that more special.  The only other thing about New Year's is your resolution.  I've never followed through on one, that I can remember.  So this year I told myself, don't start the resolution right away because you'll just fizzle as always.  So I started back working out the first of February.  I'm still with it but only time will tell. 

Lastly is Valentines Day.  I've never had a grasp on this holiday.  I've been on the single and not single side of it and I wake up feeling the same on the 15th each year.  To be honest both sides suck.  I can see how most single people will either wish they had some significant other.  On the flip side of it, you can treat it just as any other day, which for me personally works just fine.(If we don't get out of work or school for it, it's not a holiday)  I feel that this holiday is not important just because of what it represents.  It's a day supposedly where "people in love express their love for each other."(At least that's the google definition for it)  Here's my problem with it: if you love someone shouldn't you let them know that more than just one day out of 365?  I mean seriously, when you say I love you, does it mean more on February 14th than any other day?  I think the holiday has really just become over hyped by the media driven world.(yeah I'm talking to you Jane Seymour and your Open Hearts Collection)  It's a perception holiday.  At some point in the holiday's history, some guy went over the top with what he bought for his significant other.  The girl then told her friends and they began to expect from their boyfriends/husbands.  Yadda yadda yadda and so on...it brings us to now.  I might not ever be in another relationship in my life,but if I am I'll show her love for the duration of our relationship, not just for show on a day that is just the 45th day of each year and nothing more than another day that God has given us to live to the fullest.

Thanks for reading,
McKinley

Coach I woke up this morning and saw my shadow and therefore there will be 6 more weeks of recruiting speculation

2 subjects today: The first is one that is not for the faint of heart.  It's a cut-throat, ruthless topic that there really is no way to dissect in an exact manner.  But that's what I aim to do.  If I sling a little mud at a rival school in this blog, then I apologize up front.  But if you keep up with in-state recruiting, you know some of the crazy stuff that's happened over the last month and a half.  Let me say first that I am a person that keeps up with recruiting in Mississippi, specifically Mississippi State recruiting.  I have invested a great deal of my time and interests into MSU athletics and as expected I like to keep up with the players they are interested in.  This being said I am unhappy with this year's recruiting season.(notice I didn't say recruiting class)  I'm proud of all the Mississippi kids who signed football scholarships and will further their education.  However, I am not sure that all these kids will be entering their respected schools honestly.  The biggest example I can make is a young man by the name of C.J. Johnson.  This is a student athlete who up until early last month was committed to Mississippi State for over a year.  What happened between then and now is unknown to me but I have my own theories.  I'll use facts first: 1) At the egg bowl this year he was an Ole Miss visitor and stood up when Chris Relf had a long run in the first quarter....some one affiliated with Ole Miss ripped his visitor pass and lanyard off his neck and said that if he was a rebel visitor then he didn't need to visit Ole Miss 2) He's been quoted as saying that his father's dying wish was for him to play for Mississippi State. His dad said "At the end of the day, all you have is your word." He followed that by saying I'm 100% committed to Mississippi State. 3) He says a reason he decommitted is because his main two recruiters(Diaz and Hudspeth) took other jobs(he committed to MSU before Diaz was even hired 4) He also said that State fans put too much pressure on him by putting stuff on his facebook wall(you can take that for what it's worth) 5)Lastly, he was MSU's bell cow recruiter himself up until the day he decommitted.  Now with all that being said, he decides to commit to Ole Miss just days after 3 and 4 happened.  I don't want to say that something illegal was done to get him to Oxford but I can't get out of my mind how it wasn't....unless of course the kid is just a pathological liar and I don't believe he is.  There were other prospects that were big on State and switched late as well but the situations were different and I wasn't as dissapointed that State didn't sign them.  That being said, it's kind of refreshing that this in state rivalry is getting heated up again(like it was in the late 90's).  I like it when both teams are doing well....the Egg Bowl means more when both teams have something to play for.  All in all, I wish Mr. Johnson and the rest of the Rebel commits success except for one game each year.  I'm proud of the kids that signed with state and hope that recruiting continues to flourish for those that don Maroon and White.  Oh and it's groundhog day....two words: Bill Murray.  Love the movie and glad we get an early spring.....yeah right.

Until next time, thanks for reading
McKinley

P.S. I've been writing a bunch of blogs...just havent published them...I'll be slinging out the good word a bunch in the next few days of ones I've done since Christmas

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