www.montyfindssomethingout.wordpress.com

My new blog, this one will fade away!

I am sitting here watching a couple of college football games, none of which actually matter to me so I decided I would take this opportunity to drop a few lines on my blog.  After attempting to sign in a few times I realized just how long it has been since I have logged on and dropped a blog.  My “remember password” had gone on vacation and there were bits of dust and cobwebs strewn about once I finally password recovered.  Brilliant!!  It was not for lack of desire to blog that I have stayed away, it was for the lack of topics that I felt strongly enough to blog about.  I have done two types of post on this here blog, either religious/theological or MMA/sports and I am slightly afraid my blog will become type cast.

However, with that being said, the first portion of this particular blog will indeed be something out of the religion section to be followed by something in the sports section.

One of my dear friends, Brett Tilford (follow him on twitter @bretttilford) has just written a blog that I have been working through in my brain.  Here it is.  Hopefully you have just read this blog so you will not be lost.  If not I will attempt to summarize the blog here:  He loathes the phrase, “We don’t have religion, we have relationship.”  It comes across as arrogant and presents a “we” vs. “they” mentality.    Shortly following his post a few others have commented and they seem to all agree.  I say seem because I don’t understand some of the phrases that are used by the “…look at me I went to seminary…” types.  Honestly, that upset me more than anything, but hell, that isn’t the point… …what was the point, oh yeah, religion vs. relationship.

I often use this phrase and to me it makes perfect sense.  Here is religion at its best:  “Do this, don’t do that and give me money… ….blah blah, sing some songs… …give me more money, the red convertible I already drive isn’t good enough I need the new one…”  Religion is based on Do’s and Do not’s.  And it is universal; it is Catholic, Methodist, Buddhist, Hindu and Islam.  Religion is “I am right, you are wrong, good luck with the afterlife…”

I don’t say that I have relationship because it makes me feel like I have finally reached the pinnacle of my spiritual life.  I say it because to me, having a personal relationship with my creator and savior and walking in that relationship is far more important than following the do’s and do not’s of the local “Church”.  (Which today has been turned into a building and is no longer the people, no matter what the average “minister” tells you?)

B, grab your bucket.  I have relationship, I don’t have religion.  Does this make me better then “them?” No!

This does not mean that I have figured out all of the mysteries of the world, nor does it mean that I have or have not been more enlighten then you.  It simply means that I refuse to believe that Christ’s goal in walking on this earth and meeting with the prostitutes and tax collectors in their homes was so he could give them a bunch of rules.  Maybe we should revisit the beatitudes and maybe we should follow along in the gospels as Christ walks through life ministering and loving on those he was around.  Sure there was some hard love, but I don’t remember him calling anyone to “…follow me and all these rules and regulations that I will put forth. Oh and don’t forget to tip your pastors..”

I am tired of hearing the analogy: “if your on the bench in your “Christian” walk, you are wrong.”  This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  In any sporting event or game in which one would sit on a bench, no one player plays every minute of every game with zero breaks.  It NEVER happens, even the great Cal Ripkin Jr took a game off, Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, took  a seat on the bench to allow Steve Kerr some time.  Here is my new take on this old saying: If you aren’t in the game, dont’ worry about it, study the play book, pay attention and getting ready, so that when your number is called, YOU can not only be in the game, but you can succeed!

I have been thinking and a lot of the times it seems that we are constantly being told, get involved in your local church, if you aren’t ministering to someone seek out a group that needs help and help them.  I believe that their are times and places for all of that.  But let’s look at what Christ was about on this earth: 1- Christ was baptized (we can liken this to us choosing to serve God), 2- he went out to the desert to fast and be tempted (preparing to be in the game) 3- He called his disciples (started his ministry) 4- Went alone into the garden to pray (was still before God-preparing to re-enter the game) 5- Died and rose again for us (fulfilled what he was called to do) 6- Re-connected with his disciples (trained others to help them get ready to be in the game) 7-Gave his final commands (was in the game).  Christ, whom we are to be like, took time to sit on the bench and seek God’s heart.  He was not constantly bombarded with ministry.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

That ring a bell?  Beuller, Beuller? I guess all this to say, If your not in the Game, prepare, so that when your number is called you are equipped to do what is asked of you.

An athlete is known, not by his actions on the field, but rather, by his daily preparation. The greats of our time (Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, King James…) these guys where known to have the hardest work ethic, and to have spent more time in mental preparation then other players in the sports.

One last Analogy, For those of you who don’t know I am a HUGE MMA fan.  I think that there are few things better then a couple of guys getting into the cage and attempting to impose their will on the other.  The person who usually wins, 99% of the time has spent more time in the gym, more time on the mat and more time studying his opponents weaknesses then the person he beats.  When the fight is over, they do not go climb into another cage, ring or octagon, they grab their closest friends go back to their Camp, rest, heal and begin training for the next challenge.  If they lose, and they all do at some point, they go back, rest, heal and train again.

We need to be like those fighters, win or lose, we pick ourselves up go back to our camp, rest (be still), Heal (find the wounds and emotional damage and begin working it out) and train (meet with our fellow believers, meet with God, get into the word) and prepare for the call that sends us back into the Cage.  We have the greatest corner man in the world, for who better to give you by the second changes then God himself.

I was watching my shows two of which are on ESPN, Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn, when I heard something that I just had to post.  Dante Stallworth, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for hitting a pedestrian while driving drunk.  Now under normal circumstances I would not think twice about this, but then I remembered one Michael Vick who just spent 19 months in prison for fighting dogs.  Now I am not saying that dogs, animals for that matter, have no place in our hearts.  They are great pets, they are great companions and I have really enjoyed the ones I have had, as i am sure you have.  However, I can not think that for one minute that someone acting irresponsible and killing someone should in any way garner less of a sentence then killing an Animal!  My beautiful fiancee completely disagree, she argues (and it does make sense) that Vick intentionally fought animals, thus intentionally hurt them and therefore deserves a longer punishment over Dante who merely got drunk and accidentally killed someone.  I get the difference and I still think that killing a PERSON, a HUMAN should grab you a longer sentence.  The moment you step into that vehicle impaired you are intentionally doing it, and therefore your actions should be judged as such.  I will not lie to you and tell you that I have never driven impaired, because I have, but I have decided that it will never happen again because I don’t ever want to cause someone their life. My Fiancee has the biggest, sweetest heart I know and believes 100% that Animals have souls and feelings, as for me, I am still unsure at this point.

I posed this question to her, “You are told you MUST shoot either the Animal or the Human in front of you, which one do you shoot.” to which she replied, “the person asking me to make the choice.”  Well played sly woman you, But now I ask you, my reader:

You have an animal and a human in front of you, both are great beings, the person feeds the homeless gives money to the poor is the perfect saint and the dog is a seeing eye dog, great with children.  You must shoot one of them, not the person asking, not fire your round into the air, you must point and shoot either the Human or the Animal, the fate of the world depends on you doing it, which is it?

I for one will shoot the dog without a second thought for me, the choice is simple: Animals are great, but humans are far more important.

Post your answers and any comments you have on the situation!

Finishing my third week of training tomorrow learning some things, lots of things.
1) Training partners have a direct impact on your ability to push through pain and or not be able too! Secondly, they can wreck your concentration if you are not careful to tune them out. Finally, you can Not, under any circumstances trust that they are willing to go the distance that you must go in order to perform at the level you desire. My current training partner tries hard but grew up with a different type of training. First, he is a sprint freestyler and I am an individual medley person. The first week it didn’t matter because I was just trying to get my feel, week two was okay because I was still trying to get my feel. I am now feeling almost normal in the water and I am upping yardage each time (avg. 3500 yds each workout) the sprinter not so Into it. Excuses as to why he can’t or won’t keep up with me abound. If you have ever trained with me you know my best workouts are when I am chasing someone. I need that, no crave that little added incentive to do catch some one.

2) Direction. I need help. I don’t like knowingwhat my workout is until I get on the pool deck. I like finding out about each set as it comes along. Currently I am writing my own workouts, which tends to make not knowing pretty tough. I think I will try to contact an old coach of mine and see what he can do for me.

3) first meet is 30 days away. Very nervous I mean what if I get up there and some 55 yr old hack with a beer belly and a pink poka dot speedo makes me look like a chump? I will be relying heavily on my pride and competative nature to take over and push me through the pains of my first race in four years or more.

4) I am loving every step, no matter how frustrating!

Recently I have become immersed in a fantastic debate on my friend’s blog. I would suggest you start there before heading over here, it is wonderfully written and thought-provoking if anything ever was.

I have been on quite a journey with quite a few things in my spiritual life. One of the things I have been struggling with is labels (which is the topic of the post that I suggested you read at the top of this post). Let me start by saying I am not in any way suggesting that if one calls him/herself a christian that they are wrong, or religious or any such negative comment. These are my views on the topic and mine alone, I do not pretend that I am the end, but merely stating my point of view. Having finished all the PC BS, I can now move on to my point of view:

Backstreet Boys, Boys II Men, Gary Busy, MC Hammer, DMX, 50 Cent, Lindsey Lohan, and my personal Favorite, Andrea Yates. These are a list of person who call themselves Christians, better yet, they are a list of persons who take part in the religion that is Christianity. The Bible says, “we shall know them by their fruits..” Well a man who sings about loose women, gang banging and what not, not exactly what I would call “Christian” qualities that I want to be connected with. Andrea Yates, what did she do, she killed her kids in the name of Christ because they were not “behaving” not “developing” properly. OH yes, please let me be connected with her, or how about the Crusades? Yes, all done in the name of Christianity, Christianity!! Not Christ, not God, but the religion that is Christianity! Yes please sign me up! Excuse me for not wanting that had taste in peoples mouths when I speak of them on my beliefs, no don’t excuse me, just get over it! It was said that it is:

“You may share your beliefs with people whenever they ask, and you may even use the name ‘Jesus’. But to say, “I believe in Jesus”, and refuse the label ‘Christian’ does come off a bit… well, it is just not feasible, nor honest, in the context of today’s world.”

I argue that it is not only feasible, but that those of us who truly follow Christ, and do enjoy our personal relationships with him might consider moving away from a name that is tarnished via the world. As to it being dishonest, I am being more honest by saying that I believe in Christ and the things he has done for me, but that I am not a christian, is more accurate and true for me. Let’s explore what a “Christian” is these days, perception is what we are going with not what they may actually be:

1. They go to church- I don’t go to a Church (I will explain this stance shortly)

2. They are Arrogant, dogmatic know it alls- which I do not believe I am, I am open to discussion, I think having debates and discussing ideas is very important.

3. They are Liars and Cheats- I say this because I used to work for someone who was an Elder at a church I went to, he was also a business man. He was the biggest liar, cheat, manipulator I have ever worked for. Cheated me out of commissions and was sly when it came to his customers, bare minimum. Ardent Atheists are more scrupulous then most “Christian” businessmen.

By perception I am not a person of the Christian Religion, therefore I am not a Christian.

Another topic which has come up is the idea that one must be apart of a church, a congregation of persons who sing 5 songs, give money to pay the guy(or gal) that is going to give the message (about 45 min) shake hands, stand up sit down, so on and forth. I completely agree that one must Fellowship with other believers, but I do not remember the bible saying it must be at a corporate looking building with a steeple and some guy must lead it who has been to seminary and thus believes he has a direct line so that God can call him any time he has a question. Do I need to sit next to 499 other people to get my healthy dose of God? NO! I can chat with my friend Brett, and talk and pray with him, or I can go play ultimate Frisbee, then go grab a beer and just enjoy being in the presence of another that believes similarly as I do. Christ himself spent most of his time at peoples houses, meeting them where they were at, being with them as they are on a daily basis! “But Christ preached to thousands, what do you have to say to that?” Simple Christ was A) The Son of God, B) A Phenom, wouldn’t you have gone out to see some guy heal people, and preach something completely different then you grew up with, yes!? In my opinion Home Groups are where it is at, they offer intimacy, possibility of discussion and true times of fellowship, not going to a “church” that is 500 strong, where you don’t know anyone. Now, I need to make a point here, the real Church is the body of Christ, the people, the Believers, not the building. My Buddie’s friend and mentor said this:

“…flat-out that I’m robbing the church and the kingdom when I am not committed to serving and tithing in a church.”

I can’t see how that is, what, you are robbing the building of an electrical bill paid? you are robbing the church of what? So because I give my 10% to some charity, rather then some money grubbing church, I am robbing God. Doesn’t that sound strangely familiar to the Roman Catholic church, when they used to say, give the church X amount and you will be absolved of all sins? I am not saying that all Churches-in the building sense- are bad, or terrible, I am just saying that I want no part of that, let me meet with my friends at the local coffee shop and fellowship with them.

Well I am just about done, I hope you have enjoyed the ride into my train of thoughts, I am not saying they are complete or that I have finished my journey, and who knows maybe some day I will look back and say, what was I thinking. But for now, this is where I sit, and I welcome any and all discussion that anyone might offer.

P.S. In Sporting news, Messi and Barcelona have won the UEFA league Championship.

I am doing two-adays, lifting in the morning (which I have been doing already for about 4 months now) and swimming in the afternoons, I remembered what it felt like to be sore from one of them and going into the second.  It was rough.  I had a nice set of 10 x 300m they went swim (s) kick (k) pull (p) after one cycle I started it up again and for a third time, leaving the last 300 for a nice long warm down.  I hit one hell of a wall on the third 300, but I pushed through and managed to finish pretty well.

I feel I neglected to mention someone that was insanely important to my swimming, someone who really helped push me through many walls, she got up early, she cooked me insane meals every morning and she took me to practices twice a day, while still getting my sisters to school and even myself.  She busted her ass, so that I was given every opportunity to succeed.   Clique yes, but my mother was a solid force in my swimming life, supporting me in every way.  If I am not mistaken she was also around when I did my first try out, she always new I could do well.  She was there during my first shaving experience and I must say it was a blood bath-literally!  I was in my first state meet in Austin, Tx, we were in our Holiday Inn or some hotel similar and it was time to shave, I had never done it before, and I was still not used to the whole speedo thing, so I asked for the razor and stepped into the bathroom alone to attack this new adventure.  I came out with a gash on my shin and later I found out that one might want to use water and shaving cream (who knew).  Razor burn sucks, you do swim awfully fast when you can feel your flesh burning.

My dad also did a ton, helping me calm down after losses, trying to remind me that at the end of the day my parents loved me win or lose, so long as I gave it everything.  There were countless times he would take me to meets, or come straight from work to watch me swim no matter how tired he was, no matter how heavy the work load, he made sure he was there whenever humanly possible.  I remember the last time Dad picked me up from swim practice, I had driven my self in my new/used.. …really used Plymouth Tourismo/Dodge Duster (it was so old it had a hole in the roof which we, really he made into an impromptu sun roof) It was the first time I had driven it on my own, the road is slightly hilly in the McKinney area, next to 75.  I made it there on my own, but it was when I started my drive back that the problems came.  I smelled this burning smell while starting my drive, I called him up and  he came to investigate the issue.  We decided to try and drive it home, me in my car and he in his following behind.  We were doing fine until we came up to the second hill.  That is when my clutch decided not to work, it actually was eroded so there really was no clutch.  Well after several attempts he came to my window and asked to have a try.  We ended up sitting there for roughly 3 hours waiting for a tow truck.  It was 11pm before we got back, Dad had to be up and out the door by 445am.

I know this may come across sappy, but deal with it, I had amazing parents who spared no expense to ensure I had what I needed to be the best I could.

“Wow” was all I could say after my first workout in well over five years.  Not that I hadn’t been in the water or swam a lap here and there, but this was my first true, set filled workout and it was tough.  But I feel I would be jumping that gun here if I didn’t give my, you, my readers a bit of background.  I don’t know how well you all know me so I will write this as if you have never heard of me and one of my web design guru friends has told you that I have a great, content filled blog (which I am sure you, my web design guru friends are doing- haha)

My Name is Brandon Montgomery, I grew up in the Great State of Texas. I spent some time in Grand Prairie, then moved to Allen, then finally Wylie.  I really enjoyed all three (at least what I can remember of them).  But it wasn’t until I was in Allen that I met my friend Brett and his mother who were driving forces in my life in the pool.  I wasn’t great at baseball or basketball (ask Brett, the kid struck me out I think every time I have faced him in a game, although I do think a won a game of stick ball or two) but for some reason Brett and his Mother really thought I should take a shot at this “competitive” swimming thing.  Something about having big feet and hands for an 11 yr old kid would make me a great swimmer.  So it was a sunny early morning in Allen, Tx that I tried my first stint in summer league swimming.  I believe that team was called Coast.  I did pretty well, I made it to their regional where I did a flip turn in the middle of the pool thinking I was at the wall (I knew I should have worn those goggle things everyone else did). After Leaving that meet I took about a week off it was at this time that Brett’s Mother, really started stepping up her talk Brandon into swimming routine, so much so that shortly after that, I found my self staring at the largest pool I have ever seen.  It was 50m long, outdoors and it seemed like it would never end.  I was convinced that I would drown half way down.  But it was at this pool in Plano, Tx that I got my start.

Steve Matere (sp) was his name, he was a “portly” individual with a walrus like goatee (so I had decided at age 12). He walked out shook hands with Janet and asked who this “gangly” kid was, and why she had brought me.  She said (and it was one of the nicest things anyone had said about me that I had heard), “This kid has huge hands and feet, if he ain’t a swimmer then I don’t know what a swimmer is.” Steve asked me what I could swim, I answered… …um, everything.  He laughed, quite a jolly laugh if I remember correctly, and asked if I wouldn’t mind showing him.  I jumped in at the shallow end, put on the goggles I had borrowed from Brett and started my freestyle.  “Good LORD!” was that pool long, my arms felt like they were ready to fall off when I got to the other end, “You want me to do, what!?” Could you believe that the walrus looking guy was asking me to swim another length of the pool this time a different stroke, what next, Fly!? Sure enough upon completion of my second leg fly was in order.  None to pleased was I about this, what was that woman thinking bringing me to this insane man.  But I tried it and I am pretty sure he felt my pain because about half way he stopped me and asked me to finish up with backstroke.  I did gladly, although I am sure no technique was used, and I am doubly sure I pulled on the lane line a time or two.  “He will start on Maroon.” was all he said, then walked away to coach his other swimmers.

My first practice I walked into the pool, I want to say it was Plano Senior High, but I can’t remember.  I was a member of Cops now and the fall season was just getting under way.  There he sat, walrus man (who I later found out was called Steve Shamus Matere) in a white lawn chair screaming and a hollering about this that and the other.  Eesh, not exactly the jolly man I met the other day, but I was determined to give it my best shot, I walked out to him and asked me he wanted me.  I soon found myself in the second lowest (and youngest) group on the team.  Here I was a grown 12 year old and 6-7 year olds were beating me and Brett’s brother Josh (also younger) was in a higher group and would have been destroying me. Very embarrassing, but I stuck it out and Steve- not sure of his last name, but he did have a lisp- coached me up pretty fast, once I had the technique I moved up to Gold, now we were cooking.  I was at least only 2-3 years older then these kids.  As I progressed in my skills and ability to handle workouts they got longer, harder and far more satisfying.  I went to an A/bb/C (or something like that) meet and ended up scoring really well, a few golds here and silver and a bronze and I was hooked.  I loved this sport.  I didn’t have to rely on anyone or thing other then my self to improve or win, it was all up to me how awesome.  Next, it was Chris’s turn.

“Chris McCurdy and Jerry Hidenriech are putting together a team, I am having my boys switch and I think you should as well, Julie.” Next thing I new, I was swimming out at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Tx, on Senior 2 (second highest level in this team) on a team called ATAC.  I had my friends Brett and Josh, and I was meeting new people and great swimmers all the time.  I swam with one of the Hardest working swimmers I had ever met (she was on Senior 1) Jana Brock.  She could train and would train harder then anyone I had ever seen.  We all trained hard and it was an outdoor pool YEAR ROUND.  I know people think TX is always hot, but the winters get pretty chilly.  It was INSANE, but a great experience, plus we all had great year round tans! I had a ton of fun and probably learned the most I could about technique, Chris was a great coach, hard but fair.  But eventually  I think the daily commute was just two much especially when it was starting to be twice daily.  It was discussed and I was told that I would be moving to Metroplex Aquatics with Brent Mitchel.  His resume was pretty solid, coached at swim Atlanta (one of the most successful teams in the sport) before that he had swam at Florida.  He swam breast-stroke which had become my main stroke so it was a perfect fit, we were both competitive, fiery and a little sports nuts (countless argues over who was better 49ers or the Falcons).  He tweaked my technique and really taught me to taper, and focus.  He was the only person who could calm me down after a loss or bad swim.  To me he was the best fit I could ask for and any success I have had in the water is all due to him.  He also had to deal with the fact that I hated failure so much that I would find ways to not do my best, so I could say it wasn’t my best performance and therefore had it been said best performance I would have won.  It was a terrible mental battle and he helped me win it many times.  And that pretty much gives you my swimming history… …oh right, why I quit to begin with, wow so many reasons.

I think I was a little burnt out, having been in the water for about 6/7 years and doing two adays and not having much of a life I just needed a break, so when a youth pastor (who shall remain nameless) came to me and asked me to step into a role of being mentored for the ministry, I jumped at it, you can’ t argue with religion!  I have always regretted that move, even to the point where I got back into the water at the age of 19 to try my hand after a 1/1.5 year lay off.  But I could never find my rhythm, I knew I missed it and that I loved it, but I just couldn’t focus.  It was then that I finally walked away for good… …well what I thought was for good.  I am typing here, roughly 2 hrs after the completion of my first comeback workout and now I must explain why I am trying for a third time to be a good, no I will be honest, I am trying to be a great swimmer.  I am not going to settle for being okay, or a master’s swimmer only.  I am going to through my whole heart into this and see what comes of it!  I am going to strive to be a competitive swimmer once again.  (my Goals I will share with you all later in this already way to long post)  But the reason I am coming back is because I know, if I had truly tried and truly committed to swimming that I could have been amazing.  I had someone I swam with back in the ATAC days say, “he has so much natural talent,” Why do I have that talent? Why let it go to waste?  So when the opportunity came and I saw a chance to get back into the water, I jumped on it and I am going to train hard and smart, eat right and doing whatever it takes to give myself the chance to succeed.

My first workout was painful and slow and it reminded me of the time I joined COPS.  I was nervous to start, what if I couldn’t do it, what if I was really to old?  But I did it and I finished it and finished well, almost puking in the process.  My arms felt like jello at first and then like lead (which doesn’t do well in water), but I finished.  It was only 3000 meters in about 1 hr, but I finished.  I made all my intervals, some by mere seconds, but I finished.  And after I was done, I felt right, I felt right when I started, when I put on my suit, when I put on my goggles.  I know I am supposed to be in the water using my talents and abilities.  I loved it, as painful as it was, it was infinitely more pleasing.  When I told my Fiancee and my Parents that I was attempting a second comeback and a third stint into swimming there reactions surprised me.  They were elated, ecstatic and over joyed.  It was as if they new I needed this and were just waiting for me to realize that I missed it.

The situation is this, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has decided that they are going to put together a swim team to compete in Open events.  The times are fast, real fast, but I have had those times (some easily) in the past.  I have until June 30th to submit my resume which means I have to find a swim meet some time in mid June in order to have a sanctioned times sheet.  I have picked a few target events and I will narrow that to two main events by late this month.  I am unsure if I will make the team and even if I don’t, I will press on and re-submit my application as soon as I have met their time standards.

My near goals:

1. Make the USMC Team: A- 100m Breast-stroke, B- 200m IM(individual Medley)

2.  Improve on those times and give myself a fighting chance at Olympic Trials

3.  Get to the 2012 Olympic trials, and do well

They are high and far reaching I know, and I have a long, hard journey ahead of me, but I believe that if I train, eat and do what is necessary to succeed then I will.  If something goes wrong and I am unable to then at the very least I will know I truly gave it my best effort and I can lay it down and not feel remorse, or regret for what could have been.

I ask that those who know me pray that I will keep focused in this adventure and not get discouraged, but when I do, that I will just push through and move beyond.  I will try to keep this blog updated with my progress on a weekly basis (time permitting) and I will keep you abreast of what I am thinking and feeling emotionally and physically as I take on this challenge.  I still have no name for this, but I feel that this, My comeback will be a story to tell some day.  And there I believe is my title, “This, My Comeback.”

With so much going on in this world, Our Pres bowing to Saudi Princes, Our Liberal Senate/Congress working together to end freedom of speech, Barry trying to give your hard earned money (those that make 250000+) to people who would rather wait in line for a welfare check (You may know it as Socialism which if I am not mistaken hasn’t worked in… …ever) you know all that great stuff going on I figured we should take some time to focus on other things like… …Soccer (Josh R. this ones for you).  I was watching the UEFA league of Champions Playoffs, and I must say it has been pretty exciting.  For instance, in the 3rd minute of stoppage time (or injury time) Barcelona scored a goal to tie Chealse and move on due to aggregate tie breaker to the finals against Manchester United.  Man U is impossibly good with Rooney and Ronaldo looking to be on top of their games and Park doing a phenomenal job of getting them the ball in space.  Ronaldo was striking penalty kicks with pin point accuracy.   Their Bench is strong, very strong with young guys like Rafael and grizzled veterans like Giggs and Teves able to come in and tighten the defense or provide other scoring chances.  But all that is not to discount the Barcelona team, they are not shabby by any stretch.  I do not have much more information on them but the fact that they came back a man down with virtually no time left, just simply amazing.

How about some fighting news?

Plenty to talk about, you have Anderson Silva coming off of two very boring, all be it technically sound, fights asking for a chance to fight Renowned and aging Boxer Roy Jones Jr.  And as if that is not enough, Dana White basically saying there is no way he would ever let that fight happen while Silva is under contract with Zuffa.  I can understand this from every ones point of view first lets look at the fighters, Roy Jones Jr (RJJ) wants to get his name back out there and is probably thinking that he would have a “punchers” chance, Anderson Silva (AS) is looking for a way to make things a little more exciting if he can beat up a guy with a good name in exciting and dominating fashion he can start to reclaim some of his stature as the pound for pound king.  On the other hand, I can understand Dana White not wanting to put this fight on, with RJJ fast becoming a name of the past and AS not really doing much (probably due to Boredom with a weight class that can no longer hang with him) he wants him to focus more on fighting in the 205 lbs division.  He owns the middle weights and I don’t believe he could cut enough weight to go down and fight GSP and still be the same AS, so Dana White (DW) is forcing him to focus on the next challenge, starting with Forest Griffen.  DW’s worst fear is for the UFC to become something of a spectacle (Elite XC type) where the fights are put together for money and not for great competition.  He prides himself and the Zuffa company on putting together great fights that are exciting for the high level of competition, not for the Zoo like crap that other productions have put together.  My one plea would be… …DW will you please sign Emelianenko so he can get his ass beat with the real fighters you have in the UFC and not the chumps -no offense Arlovski- that affliction has been throwing at him.  In other fighting news, former Marine Captain Brian Stann got submitted in about 75 sec. by a fantastic up and coming fighter Krzyszton Soszynski you should watch for him in UFC 98.

Finally, I was reading over some pound for pound lists and this one has to be the worse by far, Enjoy!

I don’t tend to read the forwards to too many books, but hell Bono wrote it so why not?  He starts with this line, “Hunger, disease, the waste of lives that is extreme poverty are an affront to all of us.”  This indeed sounds as if it should be true.  I suppose he did his job I was sold on trying to read this book now.

My first attempt to read this book has not gone well, I must be sold on a book or an idea before I start doing the research or reading necessary to be “in tune” with the concept.  I was not very sold on this topic because I am extremely un-mercy gifted (I lack any mercy) and I hate giving (mostly to people I don’t know, if a friend needs twenty bucks sure, but Jim Bo the Hobo, not so much go get your booze money from someone else).  I found myself not so much drawn by the topic but the argument (if you know me I love to question and argue to a fault).  So there I was, sitting at work bored of counting weapons and what not and I decided a quick trip to the on base library could do me some good.  I got there and I couldn’t get the book out of my mind so I looked for it, found it and rented it… …err, leased it, no wait I think the term is borrowed.  I took it home and looked at it over the next few days refusing to pick it up, but I finally broke down and picked it up.  My friend Brett posted this on his blog, you can find him at the following places (www.bretttilford.com, http://getnectar.com, http://twitter.com/bretttilford) I read his blog and then made a few comments and then realized I had no place commenting on a subject I new little about.  It was with that in mind that I truly sat down to read this book today.  I was okay with everything up until I read this line: “…he knows the problem is not one of infrastructure or logistics or adherence.  He knows that the problem is simply that the world has seen fit to look away as hundreds of impoverished Malawians die this day as a result of their poverty.” WOW! Are you serious, Mr Sachs?  No one has ever bothered to lend a helping hand to those struggling with poverty and disease?  What about the people like my Friend Josh R. (if that link doesn’t work: jrunnels.blogspot.com should get you there) or the great people like Jeremy and Jennifer Price  (www.jeremynjenprice.blogspot.com).  Or how about people like you and Bono, Mr. Sachs?  ooohh wait wait, what about the $500 BILLION that has already been sent there, what has that done?  made like 3 wells, two schools and a ton of warlords rich!!  Don’t try to tell me that the “…world has seen fit to turn away…” The world has done plenty it is time for you, Malawi, to step up, stop hurting yourself, stop the in fighting, if you truly cared about your country then instead of being corrupt and thinking of yourselves as individuals think of yourselves as a community of people that should join together, dig your own wells, find something you can contribute to the world (aside from HUGE aids numbers) and start building your economy.  Yes I know that you have tons of people sick and unable to work.  but there must be some that can group together and really start traveling the country and building improvements.  I don’t claim to have the answers but I know that when you live your life as a victim you will always be the victim!

I have not finished the book and I will try, but if this book is just another “is me, look at this sickly child, give me your money….” I will most assuredly return it to the library with out finishing.

Okay with that said, new topic.  Another book I have been reading is, “Men in Black.” No not the movie with will smith in it, but a book about the supreme court and some of the problems or should I say the wrong turns it has taken.  I am not speaking about specific cases in the sense of right and wrong.  I am merely speaking to the fact that cases that have been seen are not something that the supreme court should be discussing.  They are to defend the constitution, they were not created to make new laws (which they have).  I am still not very well versed on the subject so this is mostly a request that you comment with your opinions, thoughts, ideas and such as I continue to read more and do my due diligence.