Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Monday, December 31, 2012

Last Weigh-in...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Thomas Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 9, 1874, at Upper Wichita, Texas. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Private Thomas Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898, at Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and while under heavy fire from the enemy.

Corporal Thomas J. Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 5, 1945, at Alemert, Germany. His citation reads:

He was an aid man with the 1st Platoon of Company C during an attack on the town of Alemert, Germany. The platoon, committed in a flanking maneuver, had advanced down a small, open valley overlooked by wooded slopes hiding enemy machineguns and tanks, when the attack was stopped by murderous fire that inflicted heavy casualties in the American ranks. Ordered to withdraw, Cpl. Kelly reached safety with uninjured remnants of the unit, but, on realizing the extent of casualties suffered by the platoon, voluntarily retraced his steps and began evacuating his comrades under direct machinegun fire. He was forced to crawl, dragging the injured behind him for most of the 300 yards separating the exposed area from a place of comparative safety. Two other volunteers who attempted to negotiate the hazardous route with him were mortally wounded, but he kept on with his herculean task after dressing their wounds and carrying them to friendly hands. In all, he made 10 separate trips through the brutal fire, each time bringing out a man from the death trap. Seven more casualties who were able to crawl by themselves he guided and encouraged in escaping from the hail of fire. After he had completed his heroic, self-imposed task and was near collapse from fatigue, he refused to leave his platoon until the attack had been resumed and the objective taken. Cpl. Kelly's gallantry and intrepidity in the face of seemingly certain death saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and was an example of bravery under fire.


The I’m just sayin… Weekly Weigh-In

Greg 230

Mary Ruth 54

Susie 33

Daniel 29

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Last Sunday of 2012!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Technical Sergeant John D. Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1944, at Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 25 June 1944, in the vicinity of Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France, when Cpl. Kelly's unit was pinned down by heavy enemy machinegun fire emanating from a deeply entrenched strongpoint on the slope leading up to the fort, Cpl. Kelly volunteered to attempt to neutralize the strongpoint. Arming himself with a pole charge about 10 feet long and with 15 pounds of explosive affixed, he climbed the slope under a withering blast of machinegun fire and placed the charge at the strongpoint's base. The subsequent blast was ineffective, and again, alone and unhesitatingly, he braved the slope to repeat the operation. This second blast blew off the ends of the enemy guns. Cpl. Kelly then climbed the slope a third time to place a pole charge at the strongpoint's rear entrance. When this had been blown open he hurled hand grenades inside the position, forcing survivors of the enemy guncrews to come out and surrender The gallantry, tenacity of purpose, and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Cpl. Kelly were an incentive to his comrades and worthy of emulation by all.

Private First Class John D. Kelly (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 28, 1952, in Korea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator of Company C, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With his platoon pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force employing intense mortar, artillery, small-arms and grenade fire, Pfc. Kelly requested permission to leave his radio in the care of another man and to participate in an assault on enemy key positions. Fearlessly charging forward in the face of a murderous hail of machine gun fire and handgrenades, he initiated a daring attack against a hostile strongpoint and personally neutralized the position, killing 2 of the enemy. Unyielding in the fact of heavy odds, he continued forward and single-handedly assaulted a machine gun bunker. Although painfully wounded, he bravely charged the bunker and destroyed it, killing 3 of the enemy. Courageously continuing his 1-man assault, he again stormed forward in a valiant attempt to wipe out a third bunker and boldly delivered pointblank fire into the aperture of the hostile emplacement. Mortally wounded by enemy fire while carrying out this heroic action, Pfc. Kelly, by his great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit, inspired his comrades to sweep on, overrun and secure the objective. His extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private Thomas Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 16, 1864, at Front Royal, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.


The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse of the Week
ROMANS 12:17-21

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Kid Show of the Week

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Watertender Francis Kelly (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 2, 1898, in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Kelly displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

Corporal John JH Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 9, 1874, at Upper Wichita, Texas. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Private John Joseph Kelly (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 3, 1918, at Blanc Mont Ridge, France. His citation reads:

Also received the Army Medal of Honor. Pvt. Kelly ran through our own barrage 100 yards in advance of the front line and attacked an enemy machinegun nest, killing the gunner with a grenade, shooting another member of the crew with his pistol, and returning through the barrage with 8 prisoners.


The I’m just sayin… Kid Show of the Week

Our Kid Show of the Week this week is Garfield and Friends. Garfield and Friends is a cartoon series based on the comic strip Garfield by Jim Davis. The show was produced by Film Roman, in association with United Feature Syndicate and Paws, Inc., and ran on CBS Saturday mornings from September 17, 1988 to December 10, 1994, with reruns airing until October 7, 1995. The show's seven seasons make it one of the longest running Saturday morning cartoons in history, with most lasting no more than two or three seasons.

Regular segments feature both Garfield and U.S. Acres, a lesser-known comic strip also created by Davis. The latter was retitled Orson's Farm for foreign syndication, as that was the name of the comic strip outside of the United States. A total of 121 episodes were made, each consisting of two Garfield segments and one U.S. Acres segments, totaling 242 Garfield segments and 121 U.S. Acres segments. All episodes have been released in the U.S. on five DVD sets by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The first season aired in a half-hour format. In the second season, it switched to an hour-length format, showing two episodes each week. However, in the show's last season, the second half-hour of the show featured either an episode from the previous season or one of Garfield's TV specials.

The characters included:

Garfield (Voiced by Lorenzo Music): A fat, lazy orange tabby, who wants nothing more out of life than to eat and sleep. He has a penchant for consuming lasagna, enjoys tormenting Odie, and likes trying to mail Nermal to Abu Dhabi. He made a small handful of appearances on U.S. Acres (once wearing nothing but a black mask over his eyes as his "disguise"), but was more often seen in the form of various pieces of Garfield merchandise the characters appeared to own. Deep down, Garfield loves Jon and Odie. While Garfield's mouth doesn't move, the audience hears his thoughts.

Jon Arbuckle (Voiced by Thom Huge): Garfield's owner, a bachelor cartoonist who has poor luck with women and a somewhat nerdy demeanor. He is often annoyed by some of Garfield's antics, and also has an unrequited love for Dr. Liz. Whenever Garfield gets in trouble, Jon will punish him by taking him to the vet. Jon also has a mission set before him: get Garfield to do the right thing. Jon occasionally forces Garfield to hunt and catch mice, which is always unsuccessful due to Garfield not wanting to eat mice and his friendship with Floyd.

Odie (Voiced by Gregg Berger): A beagle who used to belong to Jon's former roommate Lyman (who never appeared on the show, but was a character who appeared in the earliest comic strips). Is often kicked off the kitchen table by Garfield. Looks incredibly stupid and gullible, but is actually much more cunning and smart than he lets on. Odie is the only animal character who doesn't communicate with any form of dialogue, solely communicating with body language and his enthusiastic barking and other dog sound effects, although Garfield is able to understand what he says.

Nermal (Voiced by Desiree Goyette): A cute grey tabby kitten who's the self-proclaimed "World's Cutest Kitty Cat". Nermal seems kind and playful, but likes to annoy Garfield and brag about how much cuter he is. Garfield often attempts (usually unsuccessfully) to mail him to Abu Dhabi as a result. Though officially considered a male, Nermal's feminine preoccupation with being cute, and the fact that a woman provides a childlike voice of ambiguous gender for Nermal, allowed the character to be mistaken for a female cat, to the point that in the first two seasons of the show, the Spanish version featured Nermal as a female kitten named "Thelma".

Pooky: Garfield's teddy bear and sleeping companion who Jon is jealous of. Found in a drawer, he is Garfield's only toy. Garfield adopted his alter ego "The Caped Avenger" after temporarily losing Pooky.

Binky The Clown (Voiced by Thom Huge): A loud, obnoxious clown who appeared a few times in the strip before becoming a regular on the show. Within the series, Binky has his own TV show that Garfield and Odie try to avoid watching. Binky once had his own segment on the series called "Screaming With Binky" that was the length of a Quickie and ran at the midway point of an hour episode—Most of these segments were removed in syndication. Screaming with Binky segments were only aired in seasons 2 and 3 (1989–1991) of the show, and some were re-aired for a month after eight weeks of season 4 and 5 episodes (Nov.1991-Sep.1993). His catchphrase is, "Heeeeeey, kiiiiiiids!", but to Garfield he yells "Heeeeeeeeeeeey, cat!" Binky the Clown was a reoccurring character for the first three seasons, but was removed beginning season four. He made a brief cameo appearance in a season 7 episode "The Feline Philosopher", where Binky then threw pies and discusses how he used to be part of an act to Odie.

Herman Post: (Voiced by Gregg Berger): A mailman who loves delivering the mail. He is constantly the victim of booby traps set by Garfield. As with Binky, he rarely appeared after season three.

Dr. Liz Wilson (Voiced by Julie Payne): Garfield's sarcastic veterinarian and Jon's main love interest. She occasionally dates him, but these outings always become disasters often due to Garfield's actions. She just appeared for the show's first two seasons.

I won’t list all of the minor characters of the show, but I did want to mention Dr. Garbonzo Bean (A mad scientist who is responsible for creating robot versions of Odie. He appeared in the second season and again two years later, complete with a flashback.). Why? Because he was voiced by Frank Welker (who, as I’ve told you, worked on every great cartoon).

This is another GREAT show to watch with your kids.


Thanks for the info Wikipedia!

Friday, December 28, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY RUTH!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Sergeant Alexander Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864, at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger.

Corporal Charles E. Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 13, 1943, near Altavilla, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 13 September 1943, near Altavilla, Italy, Cpl. Kelly voluntarily joined a patrol which located and neutralized enemy machinegun positions. After this hazardous duty he volunteered to establish contact with a battalion of U.S. infantry which was believed to be located on Hill 315, a mile distant. He traveled over a route commanded by enemy observation and under sniper, mortar, and artillery fire; and later he returned with the correct information that the enemy occupied Hill 315 in organized positions. Immediately thereafter Cpl. Kelly, again a volunteer patrol member, assisted materially in the destruction of 2 enemy machinegun nests under conditions requiring great skill and courage. Having effectively fired his weapon until all the ammunition was exhausted, he secured permission to obtain more at an ammunition dump. Arriving at the dump, which was located near a storehouse on the extreme flank of his regiment's position, Cpl. Kelly found that the Germans were attacking ferociously at this point. He obtained his ammunition and was given the mission of protecting the rear of the storehouse. He held his position throughout the night. The following morning the enemy attack was resumed. Cpl. Kelly took a position at an open window of the storehouse. One machine gunner had been killed at this position and several other soldiers wounded. Cpl. Kelly delivered continuous aimed and effective fire upon the enemy with his automatic rifle until the weapon locked from overheating. Finding another automatic rifle, he again directed effective fire upon the enemy until this weapon also locked. At this critical point, with the enemy threatening to overrun the position, Cpl. Kelly picked up 60mm. mortar shells, pulled the safety pins, and used the shells as grenades, killing at least 5 of the enemy. When it became imperative that the house be evacuated, Cpl. Kelly, despite his sergeant's injunctions, volunteered to hold the position until the remainder of the detachment could withdraw. As the detachment moved out, Cpl. Kelly was observed deliberately loading and firing a rocket launcher from the window. He was successful in covering the withdrawal of the unit, and later in joining his own organization. Cpl. Kelly's fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Sergeant Daniel Kelly (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 2, 1865, at Waynesboro, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.


Today we would like to wish my sweet Mary Ruth a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! In all honesty, she’s the sweetest girl I know and she’s the only one in my house (other than Maverick) who seems to love me all the time at any time. She’s also a great big sister who does a GREAT job taking care of her little sister and little brother. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Happy Birthday Mary Ruth!!!!!


The I’m just sayin… Know Your South Carolina Athlete

The SC athlete we are looking at today is former Stratford and USC great Harold Green. Harold Green, Jr. (born January 29, 1968 in Ladson, SC), is a former NFL player who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He attended Stratford High School in Goose Creek, SC. A 6'2", 222-lb running back, he played for the University of South Carolina, where he rushed for 2,617 yards, caught 76 passes for 661 yards, and scored 26 touchdowns in three seasons. Green played 9 NFL seasons from 1990 to 1998. His best year as a pro came during the 1992 season as a member of the Bengals, rushing for 1,170 yards with 41 receptions.

The Revolutionary War Heroes have had some great running backs over the years and I’d put Harold Green up there with any of them. He was a great player. Congrats to Harold Green on being our SC Athlete you should know.


Thanks Wikipedia!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Thankful for...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Ova A. Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 8, 1944, at Leyte, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Before dawn, near the edge of the enemy-held Buri airstrip, the company was immobilized by heavy, accurate rifle and machinegun fire from hostile troops entrenched in bomb craters and a ditch less than 100 yards distant. The company commander ordered a mortar concentration which destroyed 1 machinegun but failed to dislodge the main body of the enemy. At this critical moment Pvt. Kelley, on his own initiative, left his shallow foxhole with an armload of hand grenades and began a 1-man assault on the foe. Throwing his missiles with great accuracy, he moved forward, killed or wounded 5 men, and forced the remainder to flee in a disorganized route. He picked up a M-1 rifle and emptied its clip at the running Japanese, killing 3. Discarding this weapon, he took a carbine and killed 3 more of the enemy. Inspired by his example, his comrades followed him in a charge which destroyed the entire enemy force of 34 enlisted men and 2 officers and captured 2 heavy and 1 light machineguns. Pvt. Kelley continued to press the attack on to an airstrip, where sniper fire wounded him so grievously that he died 2 days later. His outstanding courage, aggressiveness, and initiative in the face of grave danger was an inspiration to his entire company and led to the success of the attack.

Lieutenant Thomas G. Kelley (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 15, 1969, at Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon while serving as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces. Lt. Comdr. (then Lt.) Kelley was in charge of a column of 8 river assault craft which were extracting 1 company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa province, when 1 of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a loading ramp. At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft, Lt. Comdr. Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the protective cordon in direct line with the enemy's fire, and ordered the monitor to commence firing. Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a direct hit on the coxswain's flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and the explosion spraying shrapnel in all directions. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lt. Cmdr. Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to speak clearly into the radio, he succeeded in relaying his commands through 1 of his men until the enemy attack was silenced and the boats were able to move to an area of safety. Lt. Comdr. Kelley's brilliant leadership, bold initiative, and resolute determination served to inspire his men and provide the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically evacuated by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Staff Sergeant Allan Jay Kellogg, Jr. (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 11, 1970, at Quang Nam province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G, in connection with combat operations against the enemy on the night of 11 March 1970. Under the leadership of G/Sgt. Kellogg, a small unit from Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force occupying well-concealed emplacements in the surrounding jungle. During the ensuing fierce engagement, an enemy soldier managed to maneuver through the dense foliage to a position near the marines, and hurled a hand grenade into their midst which glanced off the chest of G/Sgt. Kellogg. Quick to act, he forced the grenade into the mud in which he was standing, threw himself over the lethal weapon and absorbed the full effects of its detonation with his body thereby preventing serious injury or possible death to several of his fellow marines. Although suffering multiple injuries to his chest and his right shoulder and arm, G/Sgt. Kellogg resolutely continued to direct the efforts of his men until all were able to maneuver to the relative safety of the company perimeter. By his heroic and decisive action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades, G/Sgt. Kellogg reflected the highest credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.


Thankful Thursday

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again… Today I am so very thankful for my Mary Ruth. Tomorrow will be her 7th birthday and I can’t believe how the time has flown. Unlike first-borns from my generation, Mary Ruth is a very sweet girl who loves her daddy very much. I’d be willing to bet good money that of my 3 children, Mary Ruth is the only one who loves me all of the time (the other two just love me some of the time). She’ll sit with me a watch all of the TV shows we’ve talked about on this blog all year. She is also great at helping me watch Susie and Daniel (and by help, I mean she watches them while I get some work done around the house… and by “get some work done around the house”, I mean watch TV and work on my blog). Sometimes I think we (The Wife and I) forget how young Mary Ruth is. My parents never made this mistake with Sonny… They babied that sonofagun until he turned 40. Big baby. Anyway, Mary Ruth is a great daughter and I am very thankful that God gave her to me.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Churchill Quote

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Second First Class John Kelley (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 9, 1862, on board the USS Ceres. His citation reads:

Served as second-class fireman on board the U.S.S. Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, 9 July 1862. When his ship was fired on by the enemy with small arms, Kelley returned the raking fire, courageously carrying out his duties through the engagement and was spoken of for "good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fires," by the commanding officer.

Staff Sergeant Jonah E. Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 30-31, 1945, at Kesternich, Germany. His citation reads:

In charge of the leading squad of Company E, he heroically spearheaded the attack in furious house-to-house fighting. Early on 30 January, he led his men through intense mortar and small arms fire in repeated assaults on barricaded houses. Although twice wounded, once when struck in the back, the second time when a mortar shell fragment passed through his left hand and rendered it practically useless, he refused to withdraw and continued to lead his squad after hasty dressings had been applied. His serious wounds forced him to fire his rifle with 1 hand, resting it on rubble or over his left forearm. To blast his way forward with hand grenades, he set aside his rifle to pull the pins with his teeth while grasping the missiles with his good hand. Despite these handicaps, he created tremendous havoc in the enemy ranks. He rushed l house, killing 3 of the enemy and clearing the way for his squad to advance. On approaching the next house, he was fired upon from an upstairs window. He killed the sniper with a single shot and similarly accounted for another enemy soldier who ran from the cellar of the house. As darkness came, he assigned his men to defensive positions, never leaving them to seek medical attention. At dawn the next day, the squad resumed the attack, advancing to a point where heavy automatic and small arms fire stalled them. Despite his wounds, S/Sgt. Kelley moved out alone, located an enemy gunner dug in under a haystack and killed him with rifle fire. He returned to his men and found that a German machinegun, from a well-protected position in a neighboring house, still held up the advance. Ordering the squad to remain in comparatively safe positions, he valiantly dashed into the open and attacked the position single-handedly through a hail of bullets. He was hit several times and fell to his knees when within 25 yards of his objective; but he summoned his waning strength and emptied his rifle into the machinegun nest, silencing the weapon before he died. The superb courage, aggressiveness, and utter disregard for his own safety displayed by S/Sgt. Kelley inspired the men he led and enabled them to penetrate the last line of defense held by the enemy in the village of Kesternich.

Sergeant Leverett M. Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 25, 1863, at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Sprang over the works just captured from the enemy, and calling upon his comrades to follow, rushed forward in the face of a deadly fire and was among the first over the works on the summit, where he compelled the surrender of a Confederate officer and received his sword.


The I’m just sayin… Quote of the Week

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. - Winston Churchill

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Andrew J. Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 20, 1863, at Knoxville, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Having voluntarily accompanied a small party to destroy buildings within the enemy's lines whence sharpshooters had been firing, disregarded an order to retire, remained and completed the firing of the buildings, thus insuring their total destruction; this at the imminent risk of his life from the fire of the advancing enemy.

Private Charles Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1869, at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Captain George V. Kelley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 30, 1864, at Franklin, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Capture of flag supposed to be of Cheatham's Corps (C.S.A.).


From all of us, to all of you… Merry Christmas!!


Picture Tuesday







Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lance Corporal Miguel Keith (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 8, 1970, at Quang Ngai province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Combined Action platoon 1-3-2. During the early morning L/Cpl. Keith was seriously wounded when his platoon was subjected to a heavy ground attack by a greatly outnumbering enemy force. Despite his painful wounds, he ran across the fire-swept terrain to check the security of vital defensive positions and then, while completely exposed to view, proceeded to deliver a hail of devastating machine gun fire against the enemy. Determined to stop 5 of the enemy soldiers approaching the command post, he rushed forward, firing as he advanced. He succeeded in disposing of 3 of the attackers and in dispersing the remaining 2. At this point, a grenade detonated near L/Cpl. Keith, knocking him to the ground and inflicting further severe wounds. Fighting pain and weakness from loss of blood, he again braved the concentrated hostile fire to charge an estimated 25 enemy soldiers who were massing to attack. The vigor of his assault and his well-placed fire eliminated 4 of the enemy soldiers while the remainder fled for cover. During this valiant effort, he was mortally wounded by an enemy soldier. By his courageous and inspiring performance in the face of almost overwhelming odds, L/Cpl. Keith contributed in large measure to the success of his platoon in routing a numerically superior enemy force, and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.

Sergeant Leonard B. Keller (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1967, at Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sweeping through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier, Sgt. Keller's unit suddenly came under Intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape. Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire. Armed with a light machine gun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker with his machine gun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its occupant. Then he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its occupant. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. Again, with utter disregard for the fire directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy within. Continuing their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers, killing the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had carried the soldiers beyond the line of bunkers into the treeline, forcing snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase, driving the enemy away from the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt. Keller returned to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt. Keller's selfless heroism and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Private William Keller (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898, at Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire of the enemy.


It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve here at the offices of I’m just sayin… if we didn’t include this in my post:


I know that some of you are not able to view the videos I post on here, so I’ll type what was in that video. It had a letter to the editor of the New York Sun from a little 8 year old girl named Virginia that was written in the late 1890s. One of the paper’s editors, Francis P. Church, answered with what would become one of (if not THE) most famous editorials. First, here is the letter to the editor:

DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET

Here’s the response from Mr. Church:

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.


The I’m just sayin… Weekly Weigh-In

Greg 232

Mary Ruth 53

Susie 33

Daniel 28

Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Sunday After the End of the World

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John Keenan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from August to October 1868, in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.

Private Joseph Keene (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Voluntarily seized the colors after several color bearers had been shot down and led the regiment in the charge.

Staff Sergeant Gus Kefurt (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 23-24, 1944, near Bennwihr, France. His citation reads:

He distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 23 and 24 December 1944, near Bennwihr, France. Early in the attack S/Sgt. Kefurt jumped through an opening in a wall to be confronted by about 15 Germans. Although outnumbered he opened fire, killing 10 and capturing the others. During a seesaw battle which developed he effectively adjusted artillery fire on an enemy tank close to his position although exposed to small arms fire. When night fell he maintained a 3-man outpost in the center of the town in the middle of the German positions and successfully fought off several hostile patrols attempting to penetrate our lines. Assuming command of his platoon the following morning he led it in hand-to-hand fighting through the town until blocked by a tank. Using rifle grenades he forced surrender of its crew and some supporting infantry. He then continued his attack from house to house against heavy machinegun and rifle fire. Advancing against a strongpoint that was holding up the company, his platoon was subjected to a strong counterattack and infiltration to its rear. Suffering heavy casualties in their exposed position the men remained there due to S/Sgt. Kefurt's personal example of bravery, determination and leadership. He constantly exposed himself to fire by going from man to man to direct fire. During this time he killed approximately 15 of the enemy at close range. Although severely wounded in the leg he refused first aid and immediately resumed fighting. When the forces to his rear were pushed back 3 hours later, he refused to be evacuated, but, during several more counterattacks moved painfully about under intense small arms and mortar fire, stiffening the resistance of his platoon by encouraging individual men and by his own fire until he was killed. As a result of S/Sgt. Kefurt's gallantry the position was maintained.


The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse of the Week
PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Are we still here?

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Major Joseph Keele (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 23, 1864, at North Anna River, Virginia. His citation reads:

Voluntarily and at the risk of his life carried orders to the brigade commander, which resulted in saving the works his regiment was defending.

Sergeant Joseph S. Keen (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 1, 1864, near Chattahoochee River, Georgia. His citation reads:

While an escaped prisoner of war within the enemy's lines witnessed an important movement of the enemy, and at great personal risk made his way through the enemy's lines and brought news of the movement to Sherman's army.

Trumpeter Bartholomew T. Keenan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1869, at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.


It looks like the world is still going on so I guess I’ll keep posting…


The I’m just sayin… Kid Show of the Week

The Kid Show of the Week that we are going to look at today is the great Night Court. Night Court is a comedy show that aired on NBC from January 4, 1984 to May 31, 1992. The setting was the night shift of a Manhattan court, presided over by the young, unorthodox Judge Harold T. "Harry" Stone (played by Harry Anderson). It was created by comedy writer Reinhold Weege, who had previously worked on Barney Miller in the 1970s and early 1980s. According to the first season DVD, the show was created without comedian/magician Harry Anderson in mind, but Anderson auditioned with the claim that he was Harry Stone. Anderson had developed a following with his performances on Saturday Night Live and made several successful appearances as con man "Harry the Hat" on another NBC sitcom, Cheers. (For the first several years of its run, Night Court aired on NBC Thursday nights after Cheers.) In later seasons, while Anderson remained the key figure, John Larroquette became the breakout personality, winning a number of awards and many fans for his performance as the lecherous Dan Fielding.

The comedy style on Night Court changed as the series progressed. During its initial seasons, the show was often compared to Barney Miller. In addition to being created by a writer of that show, Night Court (like Barney Miller) was set in New York City, featured quirky, often dry humor, and dealt with a staff who tried to cope with a parade of eccentric, often neurotic criminals and complainants. Furthering this comparison, these characters were routinely played by character actors who had made frequent guest appearances on Barney Miller, including Stanley Brock, Philip Sterling, Peggy Pope, and Alex Henteloff. But while the characters appearing in the courtroom (and the nature of their transgressions) were often whimsical, bizarre or humorously inept, the show initially took place in the 'real world'. In an early review of the show, Time magazine called Night Court, with its emphasis on non-glamorous, non-violent petty crime, the most realistic law show on the air. Gradually, however, Night Court abandoned its initial "real world" setting, and changed to what could best be described as broad, almost slapstick comedy. Logic and realism were frequently sidelined for more surreal humor, such as having the cartoon character, Wile E. Coyote, as a defendant and convicting him for harassment of the Roadrunner with an admonition to find a meal by some other means.

The show featured several defendants who appeared before the court again and again—notably the Wheelers, Bob and June (Bob was played by Brent Spiner, later known for his role as Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation), who initially pretended to be stereotypical hicks from West Virginia but were later revealed as Yugoslavians, and at one point even ran a concession stand in the courthouse. When asked by Harry why they claimed West Virginia at first, Bob replies, "I dunno. It was just the first exotic place that popped into my head."

Night Court received a number of awards and nominations. Both Selma Diamond (in 1985) and John Larroquette (in 1988) earned Golden Globe nominations, but lost to Faye Dunaway and Rutger Hauer respectively. Paula Kelly was nominated for an Emmy after the first season. John Larroquette won four consecutive Emmys for best supporting actor in a comedy series from 1985 to 1988, before he withdrew his name from the ballot in 1989. Selma Diamond was nominated in 1985 and Harry Anderson received three nominations in 1985, 1986 and 1987. The show received three nominations for best comedy series in 1985, 1987, and 1988. The show also received many awards and nominations in the areas of lighting, editing, sound mixing, and technical direction. The show was nominated for thirty-one Emmys, winning seven.

This is a great show that you’ll love watching… even with your children.


Thanks for the info Wikipedia!

Friday, December 21, 2012

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Specialist Fifth Class John J. Kedenburg (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 13, 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp5c. Kedenburg, U.S. Army, Command and Control Detachment North, Forward Operating Base 2, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), distinguished himself while serving as advisor to a long-range reconnaissance team of South Vietnamese irregular troops. The team's mission was to conduct counter-guerrilla operations deep within enemy-held territory. prior to reaching the day's objective, the team was attacked and encircled by a battalion-size North Vietnamese Army force. Sp5c. Kedenburg assumed immediate command of the team which succeeded, after a fierce fight, in breaking out of the encirclement. As the team moved through thick jungle to a position from which it could be extracted by helicopter, Sp5c. Kedenburg conducted a gallant rear guard fight against the pursuing enemy and called for tactical air support and rescue helicopters. His withering fire against the enemy permitted the team to reach a preselected landing zone with the loss of only 1 man, who was unaccounted for. Once in the landing zone, Sp5c. Kedenburg deployed the team into a perimeter defense against the numerically superior enemy force. When tactical air support arrived, he skillfully directed air strikes against the enemy, suppressing their fire so that helicopters could hover over the area and drop slings to be used in the extraction of the team. After half of the team was extracted by helicopter, Sp5c. Kedenburg and the remaining 3 members of the team harnessed themselves to the sling on a second hovering helicopter. Just as the helicopter was to lift them out of the area, the South Vietnamese team member who had been unaccounted for after the initial encounter with the enemy appeared in the landing zone. Sp5c. Kedenburg unhesitatingly gave up his place in the sling to the man and directed the helicopter pilot to leave the area. He then continued to engage the enemy who were swarming into the landing zone, killing 6 enemy soldiers before he was overpowered. Sp5c. Kedenburg's inspiring leadership, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice permitted his small team to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy and escape almost certain annihilation. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1951, in Korea. His citation reads:

Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on October 20, 1951. On that day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Coppersmith Philip B. Keefer (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 20, 1898, on board the USS Iowa. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba, 20 July 1898. Following the blow-out of a manhole gasket of that vessel which caused the fireroom to be filled with live steam and the floor plates to be covered with boiling water, Keefer showed courageous and zealous conduct in hauling fires from 2 furnaces of boiler B.


Before we get to the main part of the post, I must tip my cap to the Mayans and quote R.E.M. “It’s the end of the world as we know it… and I feel fine”.

Today we’d like to wish my Dad a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To honor this date, we’re going to look at 70 things about Dad (and what was going on in the world when he was born).

1. Dad is older than rocks… or, at least he’s older than Howard’s Rock in Clemson’s Death Valley. Howard’s Rock was set up in Death Valley in September 1966… well AFTER Dad had graduated from Clemson.

2. I’ve never known Dad with dark hair.

3. I have a little scar on my right hand (you can still see it if the light hits it the right way) from when we both went for a foul ball at a James Island High School baseball game back when I was about 10 or 11 years old (his fingernail dug into my hand as I grabbed the ball a split second before him). Odd that I still have that scar after 20 years but I’ve got nothing to show for rolling my truck.

4. Dad used to like having Teresa Lynn scratch his head.

5. He would yell at us if we tried to tickle his feet.

6. I once heard Dad and Sonny talk about modifying a big wooden wardrobe to make it an entertainment center. They were speaking in Math, which sounds a lot like English but I couldn’t understand a word they were saying.

7. Dad knows just enough about computers to want to try and use them.

8. He’s changed his house enough that only one or two rooms are the same as they were when he and Mom moved in.

9. I could probably count on one hand the number of times he missed one of my baseball games. That might not sound like a big deal to you, but I remember the times he left the house around 5:30 or 6:00 AM to head up to Columbia for meetings then made the trip down to Beaufort or Hilton Head to watch a high school baseball game then head home and wait up for me so we could talk about the game and then leave the house again the next morning at 5:30 or 6:00 to head up to Columbia for more meetings. So to me, it’s kind of a big deal.

10. Dad has 1 brother… a younger brother… my Uncle Keith.

11. Since Uncle Keith was born, Dad has never had his own room. He shared a room with Uncle Keith growing up, then he had a roommate in college, then he got married. There might have been a little bit of time between one of those things when he had his own room, but for the most part, he’s shared a room.

12. He graduated from Clemson College (his, I believe, was the last class to graduate before it became Clemson University). Based on his stories, it snowed an awful lot up in Clemson back then and all buildings were uphill. They also had classes non-stop from 7am to 7pm Monday – Saturday and Sunday was spent all day in church.

13. He has 3 children… Sonny, Teresa Lynn and his favorite (Me).

14. He’s still married to his first wife.

15. He has a lake house with my Mom and her cousins Jim and Deeny. Great, big house… Perfect for a family reunion or to get away with a large group of friends. Click here to check it out.

16. Coach McKissick was well into his coaching career at Summerville High School when Dad was born. (*Note: There is a chance this isn’t true… I didn’t have a lot of time to research it. But it felt right, so I decided to include it).

17. There were no Nobel Prizes awarded the year Dad was born.

18. World War II was well underway when Dad was born.

19. The great classic movie Casablanca premiered about a month before Dad was born.

20. The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was initiated the by Enrico Fermi the same month Dad was born.

21. Dad was born around the same time as the Battle of Guadalcanal.

22. Japan defeated Allied forces in the Philippines earlier in the year Dad was born.

23. About 11 months before Dad was born, the Nazis decided that the “final solution to the Jewish problem” was relocation and later extermination.

24. Helmut Schenk became the first person to escape from a stricken aircraft with an ejection seat.

25. The first (official) American forces arrived in Europe (landing in Northern Ireland) the year Dad was born.

26. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (aka, FDR… aka, Frankie D… aka, F Del Roo) signed an executive order directing the internment of Japanese Americans and the seizure of their property the year Dad was born. He also signed an executive order allowing the US military to define areas as exclusionary zones. Those zones affected the Japanese on the West Coast and Germans and Italians (primarily) on the East Coast.

27. Michael Crichton (best selling author) was born the same year Dad was born.

28. The Doolittle Raid took place the year Dad was born.

29. Battle of the Coral Sea (first battle in naval history where 2 enemy fleets fight without seeing each other's fleets) took place the year Dad was born.

30. The first African-American seamen were taken into the United States Navy the year Dad was born.

31. The Battle of Midway took place the year Dad was born.

32. Anne Frank made her first entry in her new diary the year Dad was born (she was 13).

33. Walt Disney released the film Bambi the year Dad was born.

34. King George VI was King of the United Kingdom when Dad was born.

35. The Alaska Highway was completed the year Dad was born.

36. The Battle of Stalingrad happened the year Dad was born.

37. The United States of America consisted of 48 states when Dad was born.

38. Dad was born 82 years (and 1 day) after South Carolina left the Union.

39. He was born about 74 years after South Carolina rejoined the Union.

40. When Dad was born, James Island was still mainly farms/plantations.

41. Operation Torch was fought the year Dad was born.

42. Capitol Records was founded by Johnny Mercer, Buddy DeSylva and Glenn Wallichs the year Dad was born.

43. The album Holiday Inn by Bing Crosby was released the year Dad was born.

44. The Top 5 Songs (in order 1-5) when Dad was born were: White Christmas by Bing Crosby; Moonlight Cocktail by Glenn Miller; (I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo by Glenn Miller; Tangerine by Jimmy Dorsey and Jingle, Jangle, Jingle by Kay Kyser.

45. Some famous people in music born the same year as Dad include: Country Joe McDonald, Edwin Starr (War), Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane), Graham Nash (The Hollies, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Rydell, Tammy Wynette, Curtis Mayfield, Paul McCartney (The Quarrymen, Wings and I think some little garage band called the bugs or something like that… Beatles, I think… maybe that’s it… The Beatles), Brian Wilson (a little group called The Beach Boys), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead), B. J. Thomas, Isaac Hayes, Richard Street (The Temptations), Melvin Franklin (The Temptations), Lee Greenwood, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five)

46. Other famous people born the year Dad was born: Muhammad Ali, Sandra Dee, Peter Tomarken (host of Press Your Luck).

47. The US War Production Board halted the manufacturing of television and radio equipment for consumer use the year Dad was born.

48. Rogers Hornsby was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame the year Dad was born.

49. The St. Louis Cardinals beat the New York Yankees, 4 games to 1 in the World Series the year Dad was born.

50. The Kansas City Monarchs beat the Homestead Grays, 4 games to none in the Negro League World Series the year Dad was born.

51. Byron Nelson won The Masters the year Dad was born.

52. Sam Snead won the PGA Championship the year Dad was born.

53. The US Open and the British Open were not played the year Dad was born due to a little misunderstanding we in the business (and by the business I mean the industry) like to call WWII.

54. Richard Manning Jefferies was the governor of South Carolina the year Dad was born. When Governor Burnet R. Maybank resigned in November 1941 to serve in the United States Senate, Lieutenant Governor J. Emile Harley succeeded to office. Harley, suffering from throat cancer, died less than three months later, and Jefferies succeeded him as governor on March 2, 1942.

55. Burnet R. Maybank and Ellison D. Smith were the US Senators from South Carolina when Dad was born.

56. L. Mendel Rivers*, Hampton Fulmer, Butler B. Hare, Joseph R. Bryson, James P. Richards, John L. McMillan** were all US Representatives from South Carolina when Dad was born. (*Note: He still held the same office when Sonny was born; **He still held the same office when Sonny AND Teresa Lynn were born).

57. Henry Whilden Lockwood was the Mayor of Charleston when Dad was born.

58. Pride of the Yankees, starring Gary Cooper was released the year Dad was born.

59. The following were Academy Award Winners the year Dad was born:

Best Picture: Mrs. Miniver - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Best Director: William Wyler - Mrs. Miniver

Best Actor: James Cagney - Yankee Doodle Dandy

Best Actress: Greer Garson - Mrs. Miniver

Best Supporting Actor: Van Heflin - Johnny Eager

Best Supporting Actress: Teresa Wright - Mrs. Miniver

60. Dad was born just 6 years after the Baseball Hall of Fame was established.

61. Dad was born 1 year after Lou Gehrig died.

62. There were only 27 men in the Baseball Hall of Fame when Dad was born.

63. Dad was born 5 years before Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

64. Dad was born 5 years before the United States Air Force became a separate branch of the military under the National Security Act of 1947.

65. Dad was born 27 years before the US sent a man to the moon.

66. The CIA was formed almost 5 years after Dad was born.

67. The Basketball Hall of Fame was established 17 years AFTER Dad was born.

68. Heck, the game of basketball was invented only 51 years before Dad was born.

69. Dad was born 21 years before the Pro Football Hall of Fame was established.

70. Dad was born the same year Clemson’s Memorial Stadium was built (capacity was 20,500)… It was 6 years after Dad was born that Lonnie McMillian gave the field the nickname “Death Valley”. The Legendary Coach Frank Howard was coach of the Tigers back then. 11 years after Dad was born, the Atlantic Coast Conference was formed.

Now, let us take a look at 70 pictures of Dad.


70 Pictures of Dad

Dad with his Granddaddy (MaMa's dad).

Uncle Keith, MaMa, Da, Mom and Dad before Uncle Keith and Aunt JoJo's wedding.  Note how Da looks in this picture because you will notice he looks pretty much the same in future pictures (even though they were taken years or decades later).

Dad - 1st Anniversary

Da, Great-Granddaddy, Dad and Sonny

Sonny and Dad

Dad, Mom, Teresa Lynn and Sonny at home

Dad, Mom, Sonny and Teresa Lynn - at home - This was a sad looking family PG (Pre-Greg)

Mom, Dad, Sonny and Teresa Lynn - They sure had an ugly son back then.

Dad - about to try out for the Bee Gee's... But hey, it looks good on him.

Dad, Sonny and Da

Dad - Don't make fun of the shirt... he probably still has it.

I think this was his birthday around the mid-1970s...

Mom, Dad, Teresa Lynn and Sonny - Sonny's birthday

Mom, Dad, Teresa Lynn and Sonny - I love looking at the clothes and furniture in these old pics

Dad over at MaMa and Da's house

The 3 funniest men in my life - Dad, Da and Uncle Keith

HEY LOOK EVERYONE!  I'M IN THE FAMILY NOW! - Here we see Dad holding his favorite (me), Teresa Lynn, Mom and #1 in your programs but #2 in their hearts - Sonny

I don't think I'm speaking out of turn when I say that I make this picture worth having.  Dad, Mom, Me, Sonny and Teresa Lynn in our church picture

Mom and Dad at Aunt Yvonne's first apartment

Mom and Dad on their anniversary (don't remember which one)

Mom, Teresa Lynn and Dad - Sonny took this picture

The whole family (back then) - Teresa Lynn, Me, Dad, Sonny, Great-Granddaddy (seated), MaMa (behind Sonny), Mom, Aunt JoJo, Uncle Keith, Jason, Scott and Da

This picture is brought to you by Aunt Yvonne.  Half of Sonny, Mom, Me (with my long hippie hair), Teresa Lynn, Dad and reflection of Dad

Dad and Uncle Keith with some of their cousins...

Mom, Sonny, Me, Teresa Lynn and Dad - outside our home - early 1980s - and yes, I do think it looks like Teresa Lynn is picking her nose.

Teresa Lynn and Dad with his special birthday cake

Dad and Mom at Dad's 40th birthday party

Dad - in Aunt Sister's backyard

Deeny, Mom, Mary Beth (in the back), Jim and Dad after getting caught in the rain in New York City

Mom and Dad at Ashley River Baptist Church

Sonny and Dad around the early 1990s

Dad with Me in the backyard - I'm holding a trophy I got for all of the books I read over the summer that year. Yes, I still have the trophy.  You can tell in this picture that Dad is proud to have at least one son who is able to read.

Dad wearing a hat that he loved... and Mom hated

Dad, Mom, Teresa Lynn, Sonny, Me and the greatest dog ever... Dach

Dad on his birthday with a pair of his famous reading glasses (I think he had about 30 pairs of these glasses around the house)

Dad with MaMa and Mom

Dad and Mom

Dad - on his birthday - not sure which one (50 something)

Dad at a family reunion in 1997

Dad, Me, Mom and Sonny on November 14, 1992

Dad, Sonny, Mom, Me and Teresa Lynn

Dad and MaMa

Granny, MaMa, Teresa Lynn, Da, Dach (wearing a tie), Me and Dad

Me, Dad, Mom and Teri - my guess is Father's Day 1997

Me, Mom and Dad - pretty much standing in the same spot that some of the earlier PG pictures were taken - the house sure has changed over the years.

The Wife, Me and Dad in our first apartment

Mary Beth, Alan, Kami, Me and Dad on the subway in New York City after seeing the Statue of Liberty - I am SICK - I mean, I feel REAL BAD (got motion sick on the visit to Lady Liberty). Dad got me a water and let me lean on him...

Mom, Dad, Me, Teresa Lynn and Brent - all of us in our Sunday best... well, except Dad.

Mom and Dad - see, Dad can dress up

Mom, Me and Dad at my graduation from Winthrop

Ansley and Dad

Austin and Dad

Dad - Labor Day 1999

Dad - Labor Day 2000

Dad and Allison

Brent, Sonny, Me and Dad

Dad - Thinking "How great would it be if Teresa Lynn and Sonny were more like Greg"

Dad on a cruise ship

Dad at Aunt Yvonne and Uncle George's house

Me and Dad

Dad with my Labor Day Uncles DG and Paul

Leah and Dad

Mom, Sonny and Dad

Sonny, Dad, Cougar, Mom, Me, Teresa Lynn and Brent - At the wedding of a Labor Day family member (not 100% which one) - DG took this picture... counting using his middle finger (that explains the look on Teresa Lynn's face)

Teresa Lynn and Dad before Sonny's wedding (I think)

Uncle Keith, MaMa and Dad... showing me how they watched TV when they were growing up...

Me, Dad, Austin and Sonny - 2002

Easter 2011 - Susie, Ansley, Mary Ruth, Leah, Meredith, Allison, Austin, Dad, Me, Sonny, Cougar, Mom, The Wife, Daniel, Teresa Lynn, Brent and Susan...

Teresa Lynn, Meredith and Dad...


Mary Ruth, Mom, Susie, Dad and Daniel - in Branchville 2012...



Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!