Friends,
Tomorrow is going to be a big day for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, one way or the other. They are negotiating a new contract with superstar first baseman, Albert Pujols...and he has told them that he is not going to negotiate any further once spring training starts. Since training officially begins today, time is of the essence, but...the actual deadline is tomorrow at 12 Noon. One might ask, what is the big deal? Well, Albert has asked the Cardinals for $300 million over 10 years, which if we do our math, is $30 a year. That is no small chunk of change. In fact, it would make him the best paid player of all time to this point. There are multiple issues with this entire scenario. It is apparent that Pujols is getting intense pressure from the MLB players association to press for this contract, as it will set a new "high standard" to which all players can be measured. The thinking is -- if Albert gets this significant raise, as the best player in the game today, then we all are going to benefit, as our salaries will also go up. Another issue is that St. Louis isn't exactly a large market team like the Yankees, Red Sox or Angels...they are a mid-market team that has already spent some significant money on free agents the past couple of years. The Cardinals would probably be willing to give Pujols 6 or 7 years at $30 million, but if they were to go the whole ten years, he would be 41 years old at the end of the contract...and too much can go wrong over the life of a ten year contract (see Alex Rodriguez). Yet, another issue is -- how can the Cardinals just let the best player in the game walk away as a free agent at the end of this baseball year? They really can't allow this to happen, but they will if there is no budging on Pujols' part.
So...this is the dilemma. The one variable may actually be the one thing that is "supposedly written in stone"...and this concerns the deadline set for tomorrow. Albert doesn't want it to be a distraction to the team once spring training begins. There is no way that all of this would not be, as the media has already been riding this topic for some weeks now. It is going to continue until he gets signed or tests the free agent market. If there is some significant progress today and tomorrow, the bet is that there will be another extension to get a deal done. From all reports, Albert would like to stay in St. Louis, and the Cardinals would surely love to keep him. However, it is all still very much up in the air. Personally, I think it is good for baseball that Pujols stays in St. Louis. The other large market teams that can afford him already have key people at first base, so there is not a huge need...except in Chicago with the Cubs. This is a scenario that would be a worst-case nightmare for the Cardinals, who view the Cubs as their biggest rival. I can't imagine that the Cardinals brass could stomach the thought of Pujols in a Cubs uniform, but I bet all of the long-suffering Cubs fans out there would love to see it. Hang on...we'll see what transpires.
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine Island
Friends,
This story is being shared today...for Valentine's day -- a tiny heart-shaped island in the Adriatic Sea has become a holiday hit for St. Valentine's Day after being discovered on Google Earth. Even the uninhabited island's owner didn't realize how perfectly heart-shaped the island off the Croatian coast was until he was swamped with requests from lovers to stay there.
"It has been incredible. We think it is the most perfect heart-shaped island in the world," said Vlado Juresko, whose family owns the 130,000 square yard islet of Galesnjak, hastily renamed 'Lovers' Island.' "Nobody lives there so if lovers really do want to spend time alone it's the perfect desert island. We always thought it looked a bit like a heart but since it's been on Google Earth everyone else has seen it too and the whole world seems to want to stay here."
Blessings,
Don
This story is being shared today...for Valentine's day -- a tiny heart-shaped island in the Adriatic Sea has become a holiday hit for St. Valentine's Day after being discovered on Google Earth. Even the uninhabited island's owner didn't realize how perfectly heart-shaped the island off the Croatian coast was until he was swamped with requests from lovers to stay there.
"It has been incredible. We think it is the most perfect heart-shaped island in the world," said Vlado Juresko, whose family owns the 130,000 square yard islet of Galesnjak, hastily renamed 'Lovers' Island.' "Nobody lives there so if lovers really do want to spend time alone it's the perfect desert island. We always thought it looked a bit like a heart but since it's been on Google Earth everyone else has seen it too and the whole world seems to want to stay here."
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Friends,
An interesting story that relates to a recent post on my other blog...
One winter’s eve over a century ago, Ira D. Sankey the songwriter was traveling by steamboat up the Delaware River. On the trip, he was asked to sing. Afterward, a man with a rough weather-beaten face came up to him. He asked, “Did you serve in the Union Army?” “Why, yes,” said Mr. Sankey, “from 1860-62.” “Can you remember if you were doing guard duty on a bright moonlit night in the Spring of 1862?” Surprised, Sankey said, “yes.” “I was also there,” said the stranger, “but I was serving in the Confederate Army.” I saw you at your post and I said to myself, “that fellow will never get out of here alive.” I stood, concealed in the shadows, while you were exposed by the moonlight. I took up my musket and took aim. Just then, you raised your voice and began singing, “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, be the guardian of our way…” The song stirred up many memories in me…of my youth, and my God-fearing mother singing it to me. As you sang, I took my finger off the trigger, and when you finished, I lowered my rifle. I thought, “The Lord who is able to save this man from certain death is surely great and mighty.”
Blessings,
Don
An interesting story that relates to a recent post on my other blog...
One winter’s eve over a century ago, Ira D. Sankey the songwriter was traveling by steamboat up the Delaware River. On the trip, he was asked to sing. Afterward, a man with a rough weather-beaten face came up to him. He asked, “Did you serve in the Union Army?” “Why, yes,” said Mr. Sankey, “from 1860-62.” “Can you remember if you were doing guard duty on a bright moonlit night in the Spring of 1862?” Surprised, Sankey said, “yes.” “I was also there,” said the stranger, “but I was serving in the Confederate Army.” I saw you at your post and I said to myself, “that fellow will never get out of here alive.” I stood, concealed in the shadows, while you were exposed by the moonlight. I took up my musket and took aim. Just then, you raised your voice and began singing, “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, be the guardian of our way…” The song stirred up many memories in me…of my youth, and my God-fearing mother singing it to me. As you sang, I took my finger off the trigger, and when you finished, I lowered my rifle. I thought, “The Lord who is able to save this man from certain death is surely great and mighty.”
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Pack Is Back
Friends,
I love cheese...and I have some love for the Green Bay Packers too. Star QB, Aaron Rodgers, just wouldn't allow the Packers to be denied and led his team to victory 31-25. My greatest disappointment is that I picked the Packers to win 31-24, so the two point conversion by the Steelers messed me up...lol. The Packers led from start to finish, and at halftime, it looked like they might just run away with it, as they were up 21-10...but the Steelers were not going away easily. It was worrisome for Packer fans to see three of their starting defensive backs head to the locker room in the second quarter...and in fact, it turned out that all-pro Charles Woodson was lost for the game with a broken collar bone. So, with the sullen locker room at half time for the Packers and an angry locker room for the Steelers, one had to wonder what effect it would have on the teams. The Packers did come out flat in the third quarter and the Steelers quickly closed the game to a four point lead for the Packers, and then it was game on from there. Despite some significant drops by wide receivers, Rodgers just kept the Packers offense churning...and along with some timely defensive stops...they were able to turn the momentum back in their favor in the fourth quarter. So, even though the Steelers were game opponents, it just seemed like it was Title Town destiny from beginning to end. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers, 2010-11 Super Bowl Champions. And here is a little secret...I don't think it will be the last one for this crew. :-)
Blessings,
Don
I love cheese...and I have some love for the Green Bay Packers too. Star QB, Aaron Rodgers, just wouldn't allow the Packers to be denied and led his team to victory 31-25. My greatest disappointment is that I picked the Packers to win 31-24, so the two point conversion by the Steelers messed me up...lol. The Packers led from start to finish, and at halftime, it looked like they might just run away with it, as they were up 21-10...but the Steelers were not going away easily. It was worrisome for Packer fans to see three of their starting defensive backs head to the locker room in the second quarter...and in fact, it turned out that all-pro Charles Woodson was lost for the game with a broken collar bone. So, with the sullen locker room at half time for the Packers and an angry locker room for the Steelers, one had to wonder what effect it would have on the teams. The Packers did come out flat in the third quarter and the Steelers quickly closed the game to a four point lead for the Packers, and then it was game on from there. Despite some significant drops by wide receivers, Rodgers just kept the Packers offense churning...and along with some timely defensive stops...they were able to turn the momentum back in their favor in the fourth quarter. So, even though the Steelers were game opponents, it just seemed like it was Title Town destiny from beginning to end. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers, 2010-11 Super Bowl Champions. And here is a little secret...I don't think it will be the last one for this crew. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Volcanic Io
Friends,
Some space shots are done with infrared or ultraviolet settings, so the true color of the object is not revealed...and such pics I, typically, will not show. So, with this in mind, below is a photo of the closest of Jupiter's moons, Io (pronounced Eye-Oh...I don't name them, I just try to pronounce them :-) in its true yellow color, due to a high sulfur content. The friction from the gravity of Jupiter, as well as other large moons, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, tugs and pulls at the surface of this strangest of all planets, creating intense volcanic activity of molten rock...it looks like the moon is literally being turned inside out. Scratch it off of the list of potential habitable places... ;-)
Blessings, Don
Some space shots are done with infrared or ultraviolet settings, so the true color of the object is not revealed...and such pics I, typically, will not show. So, with this in mind, below is a photo of the closest of Jupiter's moons, Io (pronounced Eye-Oh...I don't name them, I just try to pronounce them :-) in its true yellow color, due to a high sulfur content. The friction from the gravity of Jupiter, as well as other large moons, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, tugs and pulls at the surface of this strangest of all planets, creating intense volcanic activity of molten rock...it looks like the moon is literally being turned inside out. Scratch it off of the list of potential habitable places... ;-)
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Old Testament Argumentation for New Testament Authority
Friends,
I was spending some time the other day perusing another blogsite and, once again, came upon the tried and untrue connection between the Old and New Testaments that well-meaning brothers have been making, since...well, Noah got off of the gopher wood ark. :-) Following, in greater detail perhaps, are some thoughts regarding such use of analogy. I have never completely understood why so many arguments drift to Old Testament argumentation in order to try to prove or approve New Testament authority? Actually, I do understand why this takes place...believers with a certain legal world view seek to defend the New Testament as a primarily legal covenant, as is the Old. If we spend some time absorbing the Sermon on the Mount at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, as well as many of Jesus' other teachings, we begin to understand why this is not feasible or correct. It is legal in its atoning aspect, but in most every other respect, it is about love, grace and mercy. It is not consistent reasoning...the necessity of Noah having to use gopher wood (cypress, if we really want to be technical), Nadab and Abihu's sin, Uzzah reaching out to touch the ark, etc. are fear illustrations that do not apply to a covenant of grace and truth. If we want to make such a "fear argument" concerning keeping rules and regulations, then Ananias and Sapphira should be quoted (which was clearly an exceptional situation, but not without prupose). We no longer rely upon the Old Covenant for our authority and so drawing arguments or conclusions from it in order to propagate New Testament authority is an argument that God never intended for us to make.
Blessings,
Don
I was spending some time the other day perusing another blogsite and, once again, came upon the tried and untrue connection between the Old and New Testaments that well-meaning brothers have been making, since...well, Noah got off of the gopher wood ark. :-) Following, in greater detail perhaps, are some thoughts regarding such use of analogy. I have never completely understood why so many arguments drift to Old Testament argumentation in order to try to prove or approve New Testament authority? Actually, I do understand why this takes place...believers with a certain legal world view seek to defend the New Testament as a primarily legal covenant, as is the Old. If we spend some time absorbing the Sermon on the Mount at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, as well as many of Jesus' other teachings, we begin to understand why this is not feasible or correct. It is legal in its atoning aspect, but in most every other respect, it is about love, grace and mercy. It is not consistent reasoning...the necessity of Noah having to use gopher wood (cypress, if we really want to be technical), Nadab and Abihu's sin, Uzzah reaching out to touch the ark, etc. are fear illustrations that do not apply to a covenant of grace and truth. If we want to make such a "fear argument" concerning keeping rules and regulations, then Ananias and Sapphira should be quoted (which was clearly an exceptional situation, but not without prupose). We no longer rely upon the Old Covenant for our authority and so drawing arguments or conclusions from it in order to propagate New Testament authority is an argument that God never intended for us to make.
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact...Again
Friends,
Sailing through space on solar winds was first suggested by astronomer, Johannes Kepler, 400 years ago. Now, such a thought is becoming a reality. Below is an artist rendition of the 10 square meter solar sail that is now the first of its kind in earth's orbit. It relies on small, but continuous pressure from sunlight in order to thrust. From time to time, it will shine brightly as it passes overhead in the night sky, so it should be easily visible to the eye.
Blessings, Don
Friday, January 28, 2011
A New Adventure
Friends,
I have (re)started a blog with a spiritual theme, primarily, as some would prefer to read messages about spiritual matters exclusively. This is what I hope to accomplish at brokenchains4all.theobloggers.com. I used the title for this blog, Broken Chains 4 All on blogspot, originally, but discontinued it a couple of years ago. I will continue with 1 Middle Man, concerning spirituality, sports and space, but will be putting lengthier, spiritual messages related to the theme of that blog, particularly, there. So, I encourage you to check it out...I hope that it will be a blessing and encouragement to you!
Blessings, Don
I have (re)started a blog with a spiritual theme, primarily, as some would prefer to read messages about spiritual matters exclusively. This is what I hope to accomplish at brokenchains4all.theobloggers.com. I used the title for this blog, Broken Chains 4 All on blogspot, originally, but discontinued it a couple of years ago. I will continue with 1 Middle Man, concerning spirituality, sports and space, but will be putting lengthier, spiritual messages related to the theme of that blog, particularly, there. So, I encourage you to check it out...I hope that it will be a blessing and encouragement to you!
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
To Tweet or Not To Tweet
Friends,
If you have heard about it, you are probably as amazed as I am. Jay Cutler's sitting out the second half of the NFC Championship with a knee injury drew a significant, negative response...not from the media so much...but, remarkably, from former and fellow players via twitter. It would seem that the Bears QB's typically sour attitude has not won many friends, but the animosity expressed by those through their tweets is sadly surprising. He just does not have the benefit of the doubt at this point in his career. It was revealed today that the Bears QB does have a significant injury...a second degree sprain/tear of his MCL. So, those who criticized him so severely do not appear to have a leg to stand on (sorry about the pun :-). I don't know how this is going to affect Cutler or the Bears going forward, but it does appear that his teammates have his back...at least for now. I hope that he can do some soul-searching and realize that his persona is very important...not that he has to be president of "the happy people club"...just more friendly and likeable. I hope some of the former and fellow players will also do some soul-searching, and not be so quick to condemn. The moral of the story still is -- better be certain of what you want to say before hitting the tweet button.
There actually was some football played over the weekend...even though the above story completely overshadowed the Packers win over the Bears. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers jumped out to a quick first half lead, 14-0, and held on in the second half as Bears' third-string QB, Caleb Hanie, brought the Bears back to make it somewhat respectable in the end, 21-14. In the other game, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped out to a 24-3 half-time lead over the New York Jets before the Jets also rallied in the second half, making the final score, 24-19. The Steelers are going to their third Super Bowl in six years. They won it in 2006 and 2009. The Packers are back for the first time since losing to the Broncos 13 years ago. They also won the year before, 1996-97, beating the Patriots. It should be a good game in two weeks...very good quarterbacking, excellent defenses.
One final note...I agree with injured standout Packers TE, Jermichael Finley, and do not agree with the Packers' management, concerning the decision to leave players on injured reserve out of the Super Bowl team picture and other festivities. These guys gave their hearts and souls for the team just the same as those who were not injured, or who were able to come back from injury. Whatever happened to all for one and one for all? I think anyone who played for the Packers in 2010 deserves to be in a team photo, whether it is for the Super Bowl or otherwise.
If you have heard about it, you are probably as amazed as I am. Jay Cutler's sitting out the second half of the NFC Championship with a knee injury drew a significant, negative response...not from the media so much...but, remarkably, from former and fellow players via twitter. It would seem that the Bears QB's typically sour attitude has not won many friends, but the animosity expressed by those through their tweets is sadly surprising. He just does not have the benefit of the doubt at this point in his career. It was revealed today that the Bears QB does have a significant injury...a second degree sprain/tear of his MCL. So, those who criticized him so severely do not appear to have a leg to stand on (sorry about the pun :-). I don't know how this is going to affect Cutler or the Bears going forward, but it does appear that his teammates have his back...at least for now. I hope that he can do some soul-searching and realize that his persona is very important...not that he has to be president of "the happy people club"...just more friendly and likeable. I hope some of the former and fellow players will also do some soul-searching, and not be so quick to condemn. The moral of the story still is -- better be certain of what you want to say before hitting the tweet button.
There actually was some football played over the weekend...even though the above story completely overshadowed the Packers win over the Bears. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers jumped out to a quick first half lead, 14-0, and held on in the second half as Bears' third-string QB, Caleb Hanie, brought the Bears back to make it somewhat respectable in the end, 21-14. In the other game, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped out to a 24-3 half-time lead over the New York Jets before the Jets also rallied in the second half, making the final score, 24-19. The Steelers are going to their third Super Bowl in six years. They won it in 2006 and 2009. The Packers are back for the first time since losing to the Broncos 13 years ago. They also won the year before, 1996-97, beating the Patriots. It should be a good game in two weeks...very good quarterbacking, excellent defenses.
One final note...I agree with injured standout Packers TE, Jermichael Finley, and do not agree with the Packers' management, concerning the decision to leave players on injured reserve out of the Super Bowl team picture and other festivities. These guys gave their hearts and souls for the team just the same as those who were not injured, or who were able to come back from injury. Whatever happened to all for one and one for all? I think anyone who played for the Packers in 2010 deserves to be in a team photo, whether it is for the Super Bowl or otherwise.
Blessings,
Don
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