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.



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Part I - The Mount Rushmore of… Yankees/Angels

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

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

Captured a standard bearer, his flag, horse and equipment.

Fireman John Lafferty (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 25, 1864, on board the USS Wyalusing. His citation reads:

Served on board the U.S.S. Wyalusing and participated in a plan to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle in Roanoke River, 25 May 1864. Volunteering for the hazardous mission, Lafferty participated in the transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp and then served as sentry to keep guard of clothes and arms left by other members of the party. After being rejoined by others of the party who had been discovered before the plan could be completed, Lafferty succeeded in returning to the mother ship after spending 24 hours of discomfort in the rain and swamp.

Seaman Bartlett Laffey (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 5, 1864, off Yazoo City, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Off Yazoo City, Miss., 5 March 1864, embarking from the Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Laffey landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer, contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.


This is what you’ve all been waiting for. Today is the first day of the rest of your lives. You might be asking yourself what we’re doing here… Well friends, we’re going to take a look at the Mt. Rushmore (if you will) of each Major League Baseball team. You might be saying, “Greg, haven’t other people already done this?” Probably, but that’s never stopped me before. You might also be asking what makes me and Sonny qualified to do something like this. I could give you a number of reasons and since I have some time to kill, I will…

1. When you look at the Mount Rushmore of ball players in Dad’s family you see me, Sonny, Austin and Dach (my childhood dachshund who could play ball all day and all night and who, if you must know, probably had just as good a throwing arm as me and Sonny).

2. I played on multiple championship teams and Sonny played with Billy Baker and Gettys Glaze.

3. Coach Hatley once called me the greatest second baseman he ever coached.

4. Sonny is the older brother of the greatest second baseman Coach Hatley ever coached.

5. Most importantly, we each have a blog… and that’s probably the thing that makes us most qualified.

Anyway, here’s the deal. Over the course of today and March, Sonny and I are going to pick the players we feel should be on the “Mount Rushmore” of whatever teams we’re looking at on that day. Some of you sharp people may have noticed Yankees and Angles in the title of today’s blog post. This, of course, is the New York Yankees and the California (or Los Angeles or Anaheim or Los Angeles of Anaheim) Angels (so don’t look for the names of Grant and Sherman or Gabriel and Michael). For some teams, it was hard to cut the list down to 4… for others it was very (very) hard to find 4 players to put on there. While I don’t think it will happen much, there probably will be times when a player ends up on the “Mount Rushmore” of two different teams. I tried my best to keep this from happening, but couldn't help it sometimes. The reason is twofold… 1 – One (or both) of the teams just didn’t have that many great players to choose from; 2 – The player listed twice is that damn good.

There are times we (me and Sonny) might agree… other times we might not. I’m sure all of our lists will at least share 1 or 2 names each, though that might not always be the case. The thing to keep in mind here is that there are really no wrong answers (though, if there are any wrong answers, I have complete faith that Sonny will provide them). These lists are not limited to retired players… current players are eligible (though don’t be shocked if you don’t see too many make it). So enjoy reading the names of players I consider to be the greatest of whatever team I’m talking about. And, of course, don’t forget to head over to Sonny’Side to see who he picks. One more thing, before I forget… I can’t speak for Sonny, but my lists won’t be in any particular order (unless I say otherwise).

By the way, unless otherwise stated, I used Wikipedia to either get info on these players or to confirm what I already knew (mostly confirm what I already knew).


The Mount Rushmore of the New York Yankees


This might have been the hardest if only because I could name 12 guys off the top of my head who could be put on this list without any argument. But the rules say we can only have 4 and so I decided to go with the best of the best… but I still feel bad leaving off the guys I had to leave off. Maybe Sonny will have one of them on his list (though he’d be foolish to leave any of the guys on my list off of his)…

Note: While I’ll say why each guy is on my list, I doubt I’ll say as much for each one as I’m going to say for this first one.

Lou Gehrig – If I had my way, every pro athlete (nay, every athlete at any level) would be required to study the life of Lou Gehrig (especially his retirement). He played for the New York Yankees from 1923 – 1939 (when his career was cut short due by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS], more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”). Gehrig was a 7 time All-Start (1933-1939)… it’s worth noting that 1933 was the first season MLB had an all-star game. His Yankees teams won the World Series 7 times (1927, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1938 and 1939* [a lot of people don’t count 1939 because he retired midway through the 1939 season but I count it because he remained with the team]). He was named AL MVP in 1927 and 1936 (fyi… 1927 is when Babe Ruth set the home run record, yet Gehrig was the MVP… that’s how good he was). He was the Yankees team captain from 1935-1939. Perhaps most famous for his consecutive games streak of 2,130, Lou also had a career batting average of .340, hit 493 home runs (including a record 23 grand slams), had 2,721 hits and 1,995 RBIs. Gehrig also won the Triple Crown in 1934. His #4 was the first number to ever be retired in any sport. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939… the same year he retired.

Now that you’ve seen his credentials for making this list, I want to take a quick second to tell you why he should be studied… First, let’s look at what his manager (Joe McCarthy) had to say during Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day:


After describing Gehrig as "the finest example of a ballplayer, sportsman, and citizen that baseball has ever known", McCarthy could stand it no longer. Turning tearfully to Gehrig, the manager said, "Lou, what else can I say except that it was a sad day in the life of everybody who knew you when you came into my hotel room that day in Detroit and told me you were quitting as a ballplayer because you felt yourself a hindrance to the team. My God, man, you were never that."


And now let’s look at what Gehrig had to say. Remember, this is a man who knows he has a disease for which there is no cure. He knows he is going to die… he doesn’t know when, but he does know is body is failing and his strength is leaving him. Yet with all of this, he steps up to the microphone and says (in part… I’m not going to include the whole speech, though it’s not that long).


Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. …….. So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you.

 
Babe Ruth – Played for the Yankees from 1920-1934. Was a two time All-Star (1933, 1934); Ten times while he was with the Yankees he was the American League home run champion (1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931); He was the American League RBI champion five times while with the Yankees (1920, 1921, 1923, 1926, 1928). His Yankees teams won the World Series four times (1923, 1927, 1928, 1932). Babe Ruth set the single season home run record at 60 in 1927 (this was later passed by Roger Maris in 1961). He also set the career home run record with 714 (a record broken by Hank Aaron who hit 755). Babe Ruth is an original member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and his #3 was retired by the Yankees.

Joe DiMaggio – Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio (The Yankee Clipper) played for the Yankees from 1936-1942 and 1946-1951 (taking a break in between for a little thing I like to call WWII). He was an All-Star every year of his 13 year career and a World Series champion for 9 of those years (1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951). Joe was named the AL MVP 3 times (1939, 1941, 1947) and currently holds the MLB record for consecutive games with a hit (56). He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. His #5 has been retired by the Yankees. Also, he was once married to Marilyn Monroe (which inspired many young boys to go out and practice baseball). While this didn’t help get him on my list, it sure as hell didn’t hurt.

Mickey Mantle – Mickey Mantle played for the Yankees from 1951 – 1968, during which time he was a 20 time All-Star (for all of you math people about to explode, there were two All-Star games from 1959 – 1962). While with the Yankees, Mantle won 7 World Series championships (1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962). He was also a 3 time AL MVP (1956, 1957, 1962) and a Triple Crown winner in 1956. Like the other 3 on the Mount Rushmore of the Yankees, Mantle was voted onto the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. He ended his career with 536 home runs, 2,415 hits and 1,509 RBIs. Many consider him to be the greatest switch hitter of all time. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974 after receiving 88.2% of the votes (proving that 11.8% of the voters back then were stupid). His #7 has been retired by the Yankees.


The Mount Rushmore of the Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels

As hard as it was for me to trim the Yankees list down to 4, it was just as hard to find 4 guys to put on this list. Part of me wanted to use this as a Yankees list Part 2, but decided against it. 

Brian Downing – Downing played for the Angels from 1978 – 1990 as a Catcher and Left Fielder. He was an All-Star selection in 1979 and played the entire 1982 season without making an error. Downing left the Angels as their career leader in games, at bats, runs, hits, walks, total bases, doubles, home runs and RBIs. He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame.

Chuck Finley – Finley was a pitcher for the Angels from 1986 – 1999. He made the All-Star team during 4 of those seasons (1989, 1990, 1995, 1996). He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame.

Don Baylor – Baylor was a Designated Hitter, Left Fielder and First Baseman for the Angels from 1977 – 1982. While with the Angels, he was an All-Star selection, AL MVP and AL RBI champion (all in 1979). Baylor has a special place in my heart because he is 4th on the career lists for times getting hit by a pitch (267). He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame.

Bobby Grich - Bobby Grich was a Second Baseman for the Angels from 1977 – 1986. He was selected for the AL All-Star team during three of those seasons (1979, 1980, 1982). Grich was the AL home run champion in 1981 as well as the Silver Slugger award winner (that same year). He was the first player elected to the Angels Hall of Fame.


Picture Tuesday

The pictures today are going to be all about Scooby.  It's kind of a mix between Flashback Friday and Picture Tuesday.  Anyway, here's Mary Ruth holding a little Scooby Doo

The Wife holding her little baby

Me trying to teach Scooby how to nap on the sofa

Scooby sleeping in the clothes basket after a bath

Scooby hanging out with Lucy on the sofa

As a puppy, he could sleep anywhere

He still loves his mommy

It's a hard life for Scooby some days - This picture was taken after Susie and Daniel had been home all day.  Between Susie wanting to do his hair and Daniel wanting to take his ball, Scooby was worn out...

I was able to get him to move a little, but he wouldn't let go of the ball...

He loves that ball

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Proverbs 8:11

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Landsman Patrick J. Kyle (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 13, 1879, on board the USS Quinnebaug. His citation reads:

For rescuing from drowning a shipmate from the U.S.S. Quinnebaug, at Port Mahon, Minorca, 13 March 1879.

Private First Class James Dennis La Belle (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 8, 1945, on Iwo Jima. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Filling a gap in the front lines during a critical phase of the battle, Pfc. LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with 2 other marines and, grimly aware of the enemy's persistent attempts to blast a way through our lines with hand grenades, applied himself with steady concentration to maintaining a sharply vigilant watch during the hazardous night hours. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed beyond reach in his foxhole. Quickly estimating the situation, he determined to save the others if possible, shouted a warning, and instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless fight against a fanatic enemy His dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. LaBelle and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Private Joseph S. Labill (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."


The I’m just sayin… Proverb of the Week
Proverbs 8:11

for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Friday, February 22, 2013

The wait is almost over…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Staff Sergeant Robert T. Kuroda (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 20, 1944, near Bruyeres, France. His citation reads:

Staff Sergeant Robert T. Kuroda distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action, on 20 October 1944, near Bruyeres, France. Leading his men in an advance to destroy snipers and machine gun nests, Staff Sergeant Kuroda encountered heavy fire from enemy soldiers occupying a heavily wooded slope. Unable to pinpoint the hostile machine gun, he boldly made his way through heavy fire to the crest of the ridge. Once he located the machine gun, Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced to a point within ten yards of the nest and killed three enemy gunners with grenades. He then fired clip after clip of rifle ammunition, killing or wounding at least three of the enemy. As he expended the last of his ammunition, he observed that an American officer had been struck by a burst of fire from a hostile machine gun located on an adjacent hill. Rushing to the officer's assistance, he found that the officer had been killed. Picking up the officer's submachine gun, Staff Sergeant Kuroda advanced through continuous fire toward a second machine gun emplacement and destroyed the position. As he turned to fire upon additional enemy soldiers, he was killed by a sniper. Staff Sergeant Kuroda's courageous actions and indomitable fighting spirit ensured the destruction of enemy resistance in the sector. Staff Sergeant Kuroda's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Second Lieutenant Darwin K. Kyle (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 16, 1951, near Kamil-ni, Korea. His citation reads:

2d Lt. Kyle, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon had been pinned down by intense fire, he completely exposed himself to move among and encourage his men to continue the advance against enemy forces strongly entrenched on Hill 185. Inspired by his courageous leadership, the platoon resumed the advance but was again pinned down when an enemy machine gun opened fire, wounding 6 of the men. 2d Lt. Kyle immediately charged the hostile emplacement alone, engaged the crew in hand-to-hand combat, killing all 3. Continuing on toward the objective, his platoon suddenly received an intense automatic-weapons fire from a well-concealed hostile position on its right flank. Again leading his men in a daring bayonet charge against this position, firing his carbine and throwing grenades, 2d Lt. Kyle personally destroyed 4 of the enemy before he was killed by a burst from an enemy submachinegun. The extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership of 2d Lt. Kyle, and his gallant self-sacrifice, reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Corporal John Kyle (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 8, 1869, near Republican River, Kansas. His citation reads:

This soldier and 2 others were attacked by 8 Indians, but beat them off and badly wounded 2 of them.


I know the anticipation is about to kill you, but fear not dear friends, the wait is almost over. In what The Sporting News would surely call the greatest meeting of baseball minds on the internet in very, very, very recent memory (at least, if The Sporting News hadn’t gone out of business), Sonny and I will be doing what many out there are scared to do. That’s all I can say right now as Sonny hasn’t had a chance to have his lawyers look over any of the claims I’m willing to make about this project. I don’t worry about such things as I am above the law. At least I’m pretty sure serving 2 years on a Grand Jury gives me Diplomatic Immunity. Honestly I’m just too lazy to look it up. To tell the truth, I’m not even 100% sure The Sporting News is out of business… I think they are, but again, I just don’t want to look it up. What I do know, however, is that Sonny and I are going to shock the world with our posts starting next Tuesday and running through the month of March.

I’ll get into the details on Tuesday, but I will give you a hint…


Flashback Friday

Sonny during an American Legion baseball game (he's the runner on first base, not the fielder) 
Sonny asking Gettys if he understands the Infield Fly Rule

Me and Sonny on the same team for the first and only time during an American Legion Old-Timers Game

My first baseball team

Sonny at some all-star game

A team I played on the summer I was cut from the Legion team - This was a great group of guys and I'm glad I got the chance to play with them

Me (on the right) and Brett Spivey during an American Legion baseball game (at The Joe - first year it opened)

Sonny as a senior on the JI baseball team

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A couple of thoughts...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Hermann William Kuchneister (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Marblehead. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing ;he heavy fire of the enemy, Kuchneister displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Second Lieutenant Andrew Kuder (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 2, 1865, at Waynesboro, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Lieutenant Jeremiah Kuder (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 1, 1864, at Jonesboro, Georgia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 8th and 19th Arkansas (C.S.A.).


If I hear that the “rich need to pay their fair share of taxes” one more time I think I’m going to throw up. I mean, stop it. If the rich aren’t paying any taxes, send the IRS after them. Otherwise, just shut up and do a better job spending the tax money they are paying. I’m not even sure the government would need to cut services… just do a better job managing the services they provide. But I know it’s easier for politicians to say the rich need to pay their fair share than it is to say we need to help those willing to help themselves and drop the freeloaders.

Another thing I’m having trouble with is the idea of raising the minimum wage. I have to admit, I’ve been lucky in that I don’t think I’ve ever made minimum wage (though I’ve been close)… But I don’t understand how this will help things. It’s still going to be the minimum wage. Is the thought that businesses will just eat this? What about the small businesses that can’t afford to eat it even if they wanted to? I would be willing to hear the argument for this… I think it would be great for people to make more. I’m not against that. The hard thing for me is understanding how this is going to work. Here is what I see if the minimum wage is raised… prices will go up and businesses will either stop hiring or will have to cut their workforce. I don’t understand how anything else will happen. Oh, and the people now making more money will still have trouble making ends meet. Please, someone explain this to me.


Picture Tuesday

A picture from a couple of Friday's ago when we camped out in the den (Daniel was only there for the first part of it)

Daniel at The Wife's parents house

After my father-in-law changed the brakes on The Wife's van, he let Daniel take his motorcycle for a spin

Susie on the new slide at the playground down the street from us

Daniel liked the slide, but overall we weren't thrilled with the changes they made to the park

Susie with her favorite person in the whole wide world

Daniel and Susie in Costco

I told Daniel we'd try this thing where when I give him the signal, he should act like something in the store hurt him and maybe they would give us money or give us something for free

He nailed it... except he couldn't stop laughing

This was nap time yesterday


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Proverbs 6:20-21

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private George Kretsinger (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Carried with others by hand a cannon up to and fired it through an embrasure of the enemy's works.

Private First Class Anthony L. Krotiak (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 8, 1945, at Balete Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

He was an acting squad leader, directing his men in consolidating a newly won position on Hill B when the enemy concentrated small arms fire and grenades upon him and 4 others, driving them to cover in an abandoned Japanese trench. A grenade thrown from above landed in the center of the group. Instantly pushing his comrades aside and jamming the grenade into the earth with his rifle butt, he threw himself over it, making a shield of his body to protect the other men. The grenade exploded under him, and he died a few minutes later. By his extraordinary heroism in deliberately giving his life to save those of his comrades, Pfc. Krotiak set an inspiring example of utter devotion and self-sacrifice which reflects the highest traditions of the military service.

Captain Edward C. Krzyzowski (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from August 31 – September 3, 1951, near Tondul, Korea. His citation reads:

Capt. Krzyzowski, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy as commanding officer of Company B. Spearheading an assault against strongly defended Hill 700, his company came under vicious crossfire and grenade attack from enemy bunkers. Creeping up the fire-swept hill, he personally eliminated 1 bunker with his grenades and wiped out a second with carbine fire. Forced to retire to more tenable positions for the night, the company, led by Capt. Krzyzowski, resumed the attack the following day, gaining several hundred yards and inflicting numerous casualties. Overwhelmed by the numerically superior hostile force, he ordered his men to evacuate the wounded and move back. Providing protective fire for their safe withdrawal, he was wounded again by grenade fragments, but refused evacuation and continued to direct the defense. On 3 September, he led his valiant unit in another assault which overran several hostile positions, but again the company was pinned down by murderous fire. Courageously advancing alone to an open knoll to plot mortar concentrations against the hill, he was killed instantly by an enemy sniper's fire. Capt. Krzyzowski's consummate fortitude, heroic leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice, so clearly demonstrated throughout 3 days of bitter combat, reflect the highest credit and lasting glory on himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.


The I’m just sayin… Proverb of the Week
Proverbs 6:20-21

20 My son, keep your father’s command
       and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
       fasten them around your neck.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Reading

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Richard Edward Kraus (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 5, 1944, on Peleliu, Palau Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

Coxswain Ernest Krause (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Nashville. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Krause displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

First Sergeant Wendelin Kreher (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from October 21, 1876 – January 8, 1877, at Cedar Creek, etc., Montana. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.


I’m going to take a minute here to brag about Mary Ruth. I feel like I don’t brag about her enough and I’m willing to blame my parents for that. I grew up thinking that parents shouldn’t brag about their children because I never heard my parents brag about their children. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I never heard them brag about Sonny or Teresa Lynn because… well… how can I say this in a nice way… there just wasn’t much to brag about. “Oh, Sonny said his first words!” is great if he’s a baby… doesn’t sound so great if he’s a junior in high school. You see what I mean? Anyway, I didn’t hear them brag about me because… well… I was tooting my own horn so loud that it was hard for me to hear anything.



Anyway, back to Mary Ruth… She’s been reading like a champ. Last week, she wanted to borrow a book from the school library but she wasn’t allowed because that book is a “4th Grade” book and she’s only in 1st Grade. So they let her get two 2nd grade books and told her if she could read them and turn in a report about them, she could get this other book she wanted. Well, she came home and read the first book that night. The next night she read the second book. On Saturday, she wrote both reports. Also on Saturday, The Wife went online to the county library and borrowed 3 digital books… I’m not sure exactly how long they were but I think each was about 8 chapters long with about 70 or 80 pages (maybe a little more)… Mary Ruth read them all that day. The Wife looked it up and all of them were on a 3rd Grade reading level (known in my house as the Teresa Lynn Reading Level). Pretty soon she’ll be up to the Sonny Reading Level (8th Grade) and then she’ll be on my level (too high to test). My hope is that Susie and Daniel will also pick up my love of reading, but even if they don’t at least I have one child who loves reading as much as me. Oh yeah, she was able to borrow the book she wanted this past Wednesday and she should be done reading it by tonight.


Flashback Friday
The Grandkids with Daniel in his own little world

Da had a shot to hold Daniel... Daniel wasn't thrilled

Happy Boy with his Mommy

Not so happy with his Daddy

In Mom and Dad's backyard

Daniel talking to Austin about the pros and cons of the man-to-man defense in basketball compared to the zone defense

The whole family in front of Mom and Dad's house

Austin giving Daniel a lift

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Musician John S. Kountz (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 25, 1863, at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Seized a musket and joined in the charge in which he was severely wounded.

Seaman Franz Kramer (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Marblehead. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Kramer set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Private Theodore L. Kramer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864, at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Took one of the first prisoners, a captain.


Today we’d like to wish my good friend Rebecca (Godmother to my children, mother to my Godson) a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I would post of video of the kids singing to her, but I don’t think she reads the blog. Plus, I still owe Maverick for having to sing twice to Aunt Yvonne so he won’t be singing until I can pay up. Anyway, my birthday gift to her was going with Jeremy to The Price is Right Live a couple of Friday’s ago (and going with him to Rock Hill this past Saturday for a Winthrop game). What? You think hanging out with Jeremy is all fun and games? Haha…

I know I’ve told people about this, but I can’t remember if I’ve posted anything about it, so I’m going to do so now. The girls have trained Daniel to be a dog. They’ll yell “Come here puppy!” and he will crawl over to them with his tongue hanging out. The Wife hates it, but I think it’s funny. I think it shows that Mary Ruth and Susie are able to work together and I think it shows that Daniel is what we in the business (and by the business, I mean the industry) call “coachable”.

Really, I don’t see what the big deal is… Maverick and Scooby think they’re boys, so why shouldn’t Daniel think he’s a dog?


Picture Tuesday
Susie after her first choir practice

My nametag for the Price is Right Live

That's where the people would "Come on down!" to

An "action" shot from the show
Another action shot

The big wheel... For $20 you could go up there after the show and spin it.  Jeremy wouldn't give me $20

Every so often, this is what I wake up to in the morning


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Proverbs 3:5-6

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Korea, Unknown received his Medal of Honor for his actions in Korea. His citation reads:

AN ACT To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Korean conflict. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized and directed to award, in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Korean conflict, and who will lie buried in the Memorial Amphitheater of the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, as authorized by the Act of August 3, 1956, Public Law 975, Eighty-fourth Congress. Approved August 31, 1957. Public Law 85_251.

Scout Kosoha (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on during the Winter of 1872-1873. His citation reads:

Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.

Master Sergeant Ernest R. Kouma (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 31 and September 1, 1950, in the vivinity of Agok, Korea. His citation reads:

M/Sgt. Kouma, a tank commander in Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His unit was engaged in supporting infantry elements on the Naktong River front. Near midnight on 31 August, a hostile force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched a fierce attack against the infantry positions, inflicting heavy casualties. A withdrawal was ordered and his armored unit was given the mission of covering the movement until a secondary position could be established. The enemy assault overran 2 tanks, destroyed 1 and forced another to withdraw. Suddenly M/Sgt. Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the hostile onslaught. Holding his ground, he gave fire orders to his crew and remained in position throughout the night, fighting off repeated enemy attacks. During 1 fierce assault, the enemy surrounded his tank and he leaped from the armored turret, exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire, manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck, and delivered pointblank fire into the fanatical foe. His machine gun emptied, he fired his pistol and threw grenades to keep the enemy from his tank. After more than 9 hours of constant combat and close-in fighting, he withdrew his vehicle to friendly lines. During the withdrawal through 8 miles of hostile territory, M/Sgt. Kouma continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy and exhausted his ammunition in destroying 3 hostile machine gun positions. During this action, M/Sgt. Kouma killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers. His magnificent stand allowed the infantry sufficient time to reestablish defensive positions. Rejoining his company, although suffering intensely from his wounds, he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the battle area. While being evacuated for medical treatment, his courage was again displayed when he requested to return to the front. M/Sgt. Kouma's superb leadership, heroism, and intense devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.


The I’m just sayin… Proverb of the Week
Proverbs 3:5-6

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart
     and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
     and he will make your paths straight.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Happy Birthday Travis!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

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

Gallantry in action.

Lieutenant John Kelvin Koelsch (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 3, 1951, in North Korea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a Navy helicopter rescue unit. Although darkness was rapidly approaching when information was received that a marine aviator had been shot down and was trapped by the enemy in mountainous terrain deep in hostile territory, Lt. (J.G.) Koelsch voluntarily flew a helicopter to the reported position of the downed airman in an attempt to effect a rescue. With an almost solid overcast concealing everything below the mountain peaks, he descended in his unarmed and vulnerable aircraft without the accompanying fighter escort to an extremely low altitude beneath the cloud level and began a systematic search. Despite the increasingly intense enemy fire, which struck his helicopter on 1 occasion, he persisted in his mission until he succeeded in locating the downed pilot, who was suffering from serious burns on the arms and legs. While the victim was being hoisted into the aircraft, it was struck again by an accurate burst of hostile fire and crashed on the side of the mountain. Quickly extricating his crewmen and the aviator from the wreckage, Lt. (J.G.) Koelsch led them from the vicinity in an effort to escape from hostile troops, evading the enemy forces for 9 days and rendering such medical attention as possible to his severely burned companion until all were captured. Up to the time of his death while still a captive of the enemy, Lt. (J.G.) Koelsch steadfastly refused to aid his captors in any manner and served to inspire his fellow prisoners by his fortitude and consideration for others. His great personal valor and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

First Lieutenant Jacob Koogle (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 1, 1865, at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of battle flag.


We’d like to take a minute today to wish my friend Travis a Happy Birthday! We hope he has a good one.

I’m heading up to Rock Hill to see the Eagles face longtime rival Longwood (for all I know, this is the first time Winthrop has played them… I know it’s the first time I’ve seen them play). A Winthrop win will sure make the drive home better.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Flashing Waaaay Back...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

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

Gallantry in action.

Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 2, 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. His citation reads:

Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. During an attack, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's platoon encountered strong enemy resistance from a series of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine gun nest 50 yards from his position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward with one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa and his comrade were fired upon by another machine gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance to his first position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa again moved forward with a fellow soldier to subdue the second machine gun nest. After throwing grenades into the position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire while a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners. On the alert for other machine gun nests, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa discovered four more, and skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of them. Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

Sergeant Matej Kocak (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 18, 1918, near Soissons, France. His citation reads:

Also received the Army Medal of Honor. When the advance of his battalion was checked by a hidden machinegun nest, he went forward alone, unprotected by covering fire from his own men, and worked in between the German positions in the face of fire from enemy covering detachments. Locating the machinegun nest, he rushed it and with his bayonet drove off the crew. Shortly after this he organized 25 French colonial soldiers who had become separated from their company and led them in attacking another machinegun nest, which was also put out of action.


Well I hope all of you are happy with the kids who signed to play football at your favorite school. And I hope they all turn out to be just as good as the “experts” say they’ll be.

We’re looking at teaming up with an upstate blog for a series of posts sometime in March. I don’t have many details at this point… just keep reading and you’ll see it when it’s posted.


For our Flashback Friday segment today and next week, we'll be looking at pictures taken the day after Mary Ruth's birthday last year by my friend and personal photographer Alicia Pugh. If you are on facebook, make sure you check out (and "like") her page Brave for Dave... it's a page updating her husband Dave's battle with cancer. Powerful stuff. Anyway, here are a few pics from that photo shoot...


Flashback Friday
Out at a park on James Island - Austin, Allison, Meredith, Susie, Ansley, Mary Ruth, Leah and Daniel

Austin, Daniel, Mary Ruth and Meredith - Note Daniel reaching for his Mommy

In order of age - Allison, Leah, Ansley, Austin, Meredith, Mary Ruth, Susie and Daniel... oh Daniel

Happy because he's with his Mommy

Mary Ruth, Leah, Mom, Daniel, Allison, Dad, Susie, Austin, Ansley, Meredith - Note Mom holding on to Daniel as tight as she can to keep him from jumping down

The whole family - Susie, me, Daniel, The Wife, Mary Ruth, Ansley, Mom, Leah, Brent, Meredith, Teresa Lynn, Dad, Cougar, Allison, Austin, Sonny

Me, Sonny, Dad, Teresa Lynn - See if you can find where Mom is...

Perhaps my favorite picture - Daniel and Austin on a bench at Mom and Dad's house

The grandkids at Mom and Dad's house - Daniel, Meredith, Mary Ruth, Allison, Leah, Susie, Ansley, Austin...