Happy New Year!!!

Out with the old, in with the new....but enough about the election. It's New Year's and a fresh start for everyone. Remember that no person is granted any more time than any other person. We all get the same 24 hours each day. It's what we do with those minutes that counts.

Me .... I'm using my minutes for sleepin'....

Well, here we are into January. What the hell happened to Christmas, you might ask. But you might ask it more graciously than that. Christmas is like a river--ooh, yeah, Sarah song...cool--it comes flowing by and then it's gone. (It can be cold, too, like a river, especially in North Carolina...but I digress.) Jane and I had a lovely Christmas this year, with a gathering of the Lakeland clan Christmas Eve and the traditional exchanging of gifts. Then we flew to Atlanta for another celebration with the Stockton/Loescher/Schwartz clans and the pitter patter of baby feets. Pierce and the twins were the center of attention most of our stay, though everybody got some cool stuff from Santa. What a great old dude! We also had a rousing Foosball tournament, though informal. I would say I won, but it doesn't matter because no one was keeping track (except me).

Christmas is such a family time...I hope we can extend the holiday spirit to February and get along as well when we have a week together. Looking forward to the Big Sky!

Got to go run now to get in shape. Can't have any of the whippersnappers gettin' ahead of me on the slopes--I have my image to uphold.

Oh, yeah, will post some pictures of Christmas when some other family members share them. My camera was DOA, and I am without photos. Whoa...what's a year end without the Bumper Sticker of the Year? The most appropriate one I have is
Vote Democrat - it's easier than working!

Retribution

Alert! Breaking News regarding Heisman result!!

In a rare display of emotion, God decided to punish the West, Midwest, and Southwest Heisman voters (along with everyone else) for their poor judgment and outright manipulation in this year's balloting.

This is believed to be one of the few times in recorded history God has intervened when one of "His boys" has been mistreated, the last being the extended rainstorm sent after homeboy Noah was constantly ridiculed as the Kingdom's Nuttiest Boat-Builder (unless you count that incident at the Red Sea, but there is speculation that was merely an urban legend).

Weather forecasters are predicting a shorter duration for this retaliation, but most agree the exact length won't be determined until the evening of January 8th. the theory is, if Sam Bradford sees his shadow--or anything else except the south Florida starry sky--there'll be 6 more years of winter.


Asked about the unusual weather, Shaun White is reported to have said, "Hey, dude, this is sick. The Big Guy must be a shredder, fer sure." Asked to elaborate, Mr. White was unable. He did, however, refer to the weather in Montana as "Snowbound 'tude, dude."
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/ski/local/USMT0026?lwsa=Weather36HourSkiCommand&lswe=Big%20Sky,%20MT&from=searchbox_typeahead

In other news, Global Warming fanatics all across the country are turning in their Al Gore in 2016 buttons and cashing their carbon credits, saying "Damn, it's cold out. We musta screwed up somewheres."

Bah, Humbug, Heisman!

Our man Tim got jobbed! I offer as proof, such as it is, the fact that he won the most votes for first place--OK, that might not be conclusive, but that fact that so many IDIOTS (154, to be exact) left him off the ballet entirely tells the story. From an article in the Gainesville Sun:
"Maybe the most alarming information we received in frigid New York Saturday night was that 127 ballots were received before the last weekend of the season. Tebow was well back in third place after those ballots came in. Then he went out and led Florida past No. 1 Alabama. Among the 777 ballots that were received after that game, Tebow was ahead of Colt McCoy and just a few points behind Bradford.
You vote before the season is over, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
And if that’s not enough to drive you Tebow fans crazy, how about this — 41 different players received third-place votes and 20 received second-place votes. That means there were a bunch of people wasting their votes to make a statement."

No way Tim is not more valuable and a better overall player than those Big 12 yahoos! Can't be. It was fixed--maybe not by the people who put it on, but certainly by those West, Midwest, and Southwest clowns. We need to fight fire with fire: Next time a deserving player from the south is up, say... Tim Tebow, for example, every voter who puts him number 1 should pick two nobodies for #s 2 and 3. It might not be ethical, but it would get the best result. It was the second place votes for Bradford and McCoy that put them over the top.

Here is Tim's press conference after the announcement--very classy guy.


The Timinator did get the Maxwell Award, for the second consecutive year (unusual), and some other stuff (see prior post), but not enough to make up for the Heisman screw job. OTOH, it might work out pretty well in the long run, since the Heisman winner's team typically (last 4 out of 5 years) gets hosed in the bowl game. (See, e.g., OSU 14, UF 41) Go Gators!

Southern Superbowl!

As Mike Bianchi said in the Orlando Sentinel before the game, “It's gonna be gooder 'n grits.” And he was right. It's no longer NObama, it's now NoBama!

What a game! Who would have expected that Florida would cover the point spread yet again? Against that defense...and without Harvin! I would like to say I did, but I can’t. I truly thought it would be a more of a squeaker (which it almost was until the last UF touchdown). Though it was a tense game, Florida played spectacularly and deserved to win. Tebow can ring up the Heisman after that performance. The national audience will have him second, with Bradford and McCoy alternating between 1st and 3rd, allowing Tim Terrific to pick up all the split votes. Justice prevails. Speaking of which, and not to digress from the best SEC championship game EVER, how about that OJ verdict? It gives the lie to the old legal adage, justice delayed is justice denied. I like to think of it as him working out karma with the remaining family members. Wow…33 years of karma…hey, now he can write that book he wanted to without the distractions of his hectic golf schedule.

Now it’s on to Miami to meet—and beat—the faux contenders to the crown, the Boomer Sooners. After that SEC slugfest, it should be very clear who is the best team in the nation. Now we just have to play the game to finish the paperwork. Right. Just like Ohio State did 2 years ago. No, I am very excited about the big game, and can't wait for those Okie farmboys to see what a real defense looks like. If that team turns out to be as scary as it looks, however, so that the Gators can’t bring it off this year, we are thrilled that they are BACK! And Timmy might stay another year if he still has the National Championship itch left to scratch. Hell, I hope he stays anyway. How awesome would that be for him to win the Heisman 3 years in a row! Blows me away thinking of it, but I can’t remember— or imagine, in this world of instant gratification and entitlement attitude (think D-Mac)—a more deserving guy. He is the only one since Bo Jackson to live up to his legendary hype. That doesn’t bode well for his career in the pros…, but we had him until then.

In other news… oh, who cares…on with the pics and game comments….

Pregame jitters--Percy's out. Rainey's out. Shorthanded on the DLine. Turned out OK, though.

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(Listen in on the pregame handshake)

"Your sorry little ass is gonna be mine, shortstick."

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No Percy. No problem.
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Percy seems to be saying to Bama, "Blow me."

He'll be back for the Big Game.

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The game was all about the Timinator, of course, and how he could stack all the remaining weapons on his back and go win the game (especially in the 4th quarter). The Alabama guy on the ground is one of their better players, an excellent DB. He got the same fate as most DBs this season.

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If this isn't a Heisman pose, it's close.

See ya!

You bet...see ya in New York!spac

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Oh, gosh, another trophy...wonder where the folks will put this one...

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Hey, hey, some guys who don't get much of a chance to contribute came up big.
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Carl Moore got the first touchdown...yeah! Where you been Carl?



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David Nelson: finally earning that scholarship. Two very important catches and all-around good job. (And he's so articulate...maybe he should run for President?)

Way to go Riley! Finally found out what it's like to be a star (and to run the right route)

Two other players (and plays) of note: Jermaine Cunnigham's sack on 3rd and 8 to kill the Bama comeback in the 4th was HUGE, and the two phenomenal plays by Aaron Hernandez (the shovel pass on 3rd down and skying for the first down catch on the final drive) were crucial. [Aaron caught 3 passes for 43 yards, all big ones.] Without those plays, it would have been a much tighter ending. (couldn't find a pic of Aaron, sorry)

Quote:
“That fourth quarter was vintage Tim Tebow"
Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "My quarterback is the best player in college football."

Interesting stats:

Before this game, Alabama had not trailed at the half all season.

The Gators outgained the Crimson Tide 133-1 in the fourth quarter.

Florida surpassed Alabama in all statistical categories in this game.

For anyone who didn't get enough pictures, try this link.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-uf-bama-photos-120608,0,2424791.photogallery

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BTW, did I mention that Harvin and Spikes were recently named to the AFCA All-American team? I don’t know what that is, but it sounds good. Tim Terrific got bumped by Glenn “Light Up the Big 12” Harrell, which just shows how much the voters were fixated on stats. In that case, Colt Brennan should have won everything last year. (Oops, better not open that can of worms!) Not like that‘s such a big deal anyway, but Percy usually gets shafted for those type awards because he is split between positions—running back and wide receiver. They picked him as a “specialty player.” Good job.

And last but not least, ….drum roll, please….one that fits with the recent game…
The Bumper Sticker of the Week.
Excess is never too much in moderation.

Swamp them Seminoles!

Well, it looked like a swamp up in Tallahassee, but it didn't bother Tim Terrific. A quote from the Florida Times Union (Jacksonville):
"Tebow pretty much did everything but walk on water. Actually, considering the field conditions, he did that, too."
Urban was worried about all the water on the field--he just wanted Tebow to run the ball the whole game--single wing. He could have, of course, but then all the other stars would have been upset.

Maybe Rainey and Demps won't be quite so cocky after each got run down from behind for the first time this year. Had to have been the wet field. Rainey said "I had water in my shoes, Coach." Truly the Rain-man that night. This must be one of his earlier runs....
BTW, Chris got 97 yards on 8 carries--a respectable average just over 12 yards per. Not to be outdone at the school that foolishly rejected him (can you imagine?) Demps got 7 carries and churned out 89 yards for an average of 12.71! In fact, all the Gators who carried the ball had a better average than the best Semi-hole rusher (12 for 57). That's gotta hurt...and it did.

Of course the defense was stellar, as usual. Interceptions, crushing tackles, forced fumbles, you name it.



"Here... let me help you with that."
Why, thank you, Jermaine.








Sorry, that one is ours, says Jenoris.












"And so, Mr. Weatherford, as I was just saying to Mr. Moreno the other day...."

Brandon Spikes...the Man.




And props to Chas Henry, the forgotten man for the Gators. He had his longest punt of the year at 67 yards. He's the football equivalent of the Maytag repairman. (Sorry, Chas, no pics this week.)
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Highlights of the game. Sorry if there aren't any FSU highlights...I don't remember any. Oh, wait, they did score a touchdown on our first team defense. Damn.



How about that Tim, eh? A few shots of him should be enlightening...
This one had Jamie Robinson wondering WTF was he thinking




"But, Coach, I thought you said it was OK to knock their cornerback into next week."


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What do you get when you combine this with loud cheering from the Seminole fans?
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You get this! You won't like him when he's angry!















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This was the best looking thing wearing garnet and gold in Doak Campbell stadium all afternoon.
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In case anyone missed it, SuperTim is racking up the awards again.
Tim Tebow Named Academic All-American of the Year by ESPN The Magazine
Tim Tebow Named Disney Spirit Award Winner
Or at least he's in contention for them:
Tebow a finalist for Maxwell Award
Tebow a finalist for Walter Camp Award
And we hope there's one more:
Tebow a shoo-in as a finalist for the Heisman.

We're back to the Heisman again.... I sure would like to see some clips of the other pure passing quarterbacks whose names are mentioned and whose teams create for them the outrageous stats that go with their offenses making blocks downfield and tackling defensive ends like Tim does. Bobby Bowden was gracious in defeat--what else could he be?--and referred to Tim as adding a Bronko Nagurski element to the game. So true. And so fun to watch. The award should go to the year's best football player and that is clearly Tim Tebow.
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Bring on Alabama! A tough game, but I'm hopeful. We have the horses, if we can just bring it all to bear one more time...
Do I hear Boomer Sooner??
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Twins: The girls were on The Unit last night (Sunday) but I missed it. Set the stupid DVR to record that time slot but didn't notice the football game had pushed all the shows up 30 minutes! The recording stopped just as Maitlyn came on screen (in the closet scene). Rats! Will have to count on Mom and Dad to have a copy of it. Don't you scare my babies like that!
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And a post wouldn't be complete without the Bumper Sticker of the Week:

"I used to be schizophrenic, but we're better now."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Before:

After:


A time to come together and give thanks. Even if turkey isn't your favorite meal, there's always beer and football (if you can call what the Detroit Lions play "football").

Showtime!

Saw the babies on The Mentalist last night...what absolute dolls! I think their parents will need to keep an eye out though, both twins were flirting with Simon Baker shamelessly! Here is a snippet from that show with half of their screen time. This bit sets up how the character finds the baby, and is about 2 minutes long; Maitlyn is at the end of it.
Watch CBS Videos Online

Senior Day - Citadel Hell

What a great day for the seniors--their last at the Swamp. And what a great payday for the Bulldogs...that certainly exceeds their annual football budget. They sacrificed themselves for the glory of Florida football. 705 yards? And the first string played barely into the second quarter.... Yikes! I bet there are a few SEC teams scratching their heads and wondering how a sorry-ass little team like the Citadel managed to put 3 touchdowns on the Gators, when they couldn't get any. Truth is, they got one semi-legitimate TD on a trick play, and all were scored on the Gators 2nd and 3rd string (mostly 3rd). Still, a thrilling game if you like to watch long runs and guys wearing Orange and Blue crossing the goal line. As for being an exciting, competitive game...not so much. But most made it through without injury, so FSU, here we come. Alabama, you got next. And whichever Big 12 team muddles through...your turn's comin'. This could well be The Year of the Gator (again).

Sadly, the Heisman will have been given before the national title game, so Tim is behind the 8-ball on stats this year. In case you wonder if he deserves it...the game highlights for last week and this week have him actively making blocks for his running backs--last week he was leading Demps on the touchdown, and this week he took on two guys to spring Harvin for a TD. Don't see any of the other candidates doing that (and they don't run much either). Tim is such an all-around player, he deserves it even if he isn't in a system that posts huge numbers (does that sound familiar?)

Here are some pics (not the Usual Suspects, at least not all of them):

The game started with the final tribute to Mr. Two bits (George Edmundson), a legend at the Swamp, about whom I have remarked earlier. May you always stand up and Holler.



Percy gets a long gain. This is what you call their "1 on 1" defense! Worked about as well as anything else.

Another game with a touchdown by the Lakeland crew. Rainman had a great day with over 140 yards (73 of which came on one remarkable play) for 7 carries!



This was their big score in the first half - a trick play, reverse with a pass back to the quarterback who was covered by a linebacker (or maybe defensive end). If only their colors weren't that wimpy Carolina blue....

Here's a picture of Javier Estopinan scoring a touchdown. Javy is a 5th year senior defensive lineman who's had 3 knee surgeries during his career. So, as a reward for his upbeat attiude, Urban gave him a one yard plunge to paydirt. What a guy.

Twins alert!!! The Mentalist shows on Tuesday with the Schwartzes in a supporting role. Tuesday, 11/25 at 9PM on CBS.

The customary Bumper Sticker of the Week:

If you're not part of the solution, you're precipitate.

'Cocks Limp from Swamp

Gamecocks, that is. Pouring half a hundred on the Ol' Ball Coach...it's almost sad, but as they say, what goes around, comes around. When he had the horses, he did the same to everybody else. Hey, it's not like Urban was calling timeout in the last 2 minutes (no need).

The special teams, defense, running game, long passes, short passes...it was all too easy. As some might say, it was as easy as

(thank you, cornbread)

The result? Damn, that hurts.

Anybody want to play quarterback?

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Here's a hypothetical question: You're a defensive back playing in the SEC. What is it you definitely don't want to see after the ball is snapped?


Yep, this is it. Prepare yourself.



There are way too many good pictures to post them all. Another week that Ahmad Black got an interception. I missed a shot of him last week, so got to catch up for our Lakeland alums.

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For those of you who actually missed the game, here is a quick video summary from the Gainesville Sun--note the quick bit at the beginning where SuperTim is kissing the baby!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1511793040/bclid361569315/bctid2075487001

On a lighter note, we had visitors this weekend. Jane's nephew Brian, his wife Kate, and two little ones, Tyler and Mary Kate. How dumb--we got no pictures. But we had an interesting conversation over (and after) dinner. Kate is a good upstanding conservative and Brian is a good open minded left-leaner. All very civil and lively. (The wine didn't hurt.) They are now on their way to the Disney ritual...don't envy them.

Plans for the 2009 ski trip (the first one, at least) are evolving. Stay tuned.

Almost forgot the Bumper Sticker of the Week:

(Ha-Ha, I have a long list now). Here's one from Aunt La-La...

Jesus loves you ... but I'm His favorite.

Sad....

McNally died today. He went with dignity and tag wagging, just as always. He is better off, but we are sad. I miss his smile and his neurotic behavior.
IN
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IN MEMORIAM

Mr. McNally Coyle-Stockton passed away on November 14, 2008, at Atlantic Beach, Florida, after a protracted illness. Mr. McNally was cheerful but weak as he gave one last tail wag for the attendant--what a ham--and fell asleep for the last time in this physical form.

McNally was born on ???? in November of 1999 (hey, the 14th could have been his birthday) into a litter of moderate size. What is known is that some of his littermates were black and furry, as he was, and some were smooth and brown. He was surmised to have a Rottweiler father and Boxer mother (or vice versa), though this was never officially confirmed, as the paternity tests were inconclusive. The whereabouts of his siblings and parents are currently unknown, but his adopted niece, Winnifred Coyle-Shapiro-Coyle-Stockton, continues to look for him and to occupy his bed until he returns.

McNally's vast accomplishments include a Guiness Record in two categories: grinning and sleeping. He was the smiliest dog you ever saw, though if your head was tilted the wrong way, it looked like a snarl. His sleeping prowess is legendary, it being believed that he slept completely through a ransacking of the house by burglars. He came close to setting records in furniture chewing and bed-peeing, but never quite hit his stride to reach the next level. He also was appointed as an alternate for the Snoring Dogs Hall of Fame.

McNally leaves behind his adopted parents, Jane and Rick, who miss him very much, but wish him the best on his new journey, fully expecting to see him again in another form in the near future. It is believed he will be identifiable by his goofy smile.

The family requests no flowers or cards, but a donation to the nearest animal shelter is always a good idea.

Gators Clinch SEC East!

At least something good happened last week....

Tebow Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week Against Vandy

Not with one hand you won't, Mr. Dore.... TT had a part in 5 touchdowns ... in the FIRST HALF. It was special that less than 3 minutes into the second quarter, the Gators had more points than the Dores had allowed any team all year! And they took SuperTim out in the 3rd quarter, or it would have been in the 50's. (I love when he runs...he's like a mad bull coming out of a chute looking for someone to gore!)

Carlos Dunlap - what a beast. Two blocked punts (I suppose the partial block counts a little). And a demon on the passrush. If he and Spikes stay healthy, look out Red Raiders! Wish they would all stay for next year as well, but I guess we just have to enjoy them while we have them.

And how about that Lakeland crew? Rainey got some yards, but Ahmad Black...again... got another interception to lead the team with 5. Huzzah. BRING ON THE 'COCKS!!

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Apparently we all made it through Halloween and are rushing headlong to Thanksgiving. Then it's all downhill until Christmas. And the snow keeps piling up out west...

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My Man Mitch (Daniels) won re-election as Governor of Indiana last week, a tricky thing to do as a Republican this year. Best damn Governor in the nation, bar none. I've been invited to the inauguration party (again), and may go. Reflected glory is better than none.

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Other items of interest...

...can't think of any. Life goes on, much as before.

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Bumper sticker of the week:

All men are idiots, and I married their king.

Post Tuesday Blues

"The people have spoke—the bastards." --Dick Tuck's concession speech following his loss in the 1966 California State Senate election.

God help us all....

Gators Rout Toothless 'Dogs

As the Great One used to say..."How sweet it is..."
The marvelous plays, the coolness of Meyer as he saved his timeouts til the end, then rubbed it in Richt's face by stopping the clock twice... too much to bear. I believe that is now officially called "the timeout celebration." That game was like Firefly--I could watch it over and over again every day.
For those who missed it, especially Spikes first hit on Moreno, check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOmokTW-Jog

What a nightmare for the UGA-ly Bulldogs. Dressed in red and black, leftovers from Halloween, they were humiliated. To be honest, they did it to themselves, but it was still tremendous fun to watch. Here is Joe Haden returning his interception 88 yards to the 1 yard line...he should have scored, but he ran out of gas at the end (like we don't all know what that's like!)

I couldn't find a picture of Ahmad Black's interception, but big props for the Lakeland guys. If he had faked right and cut left in front of Stafford, he'd have scored.

I suppose this says it all...

Ah, Halloween

We had such pretties for the annual All Hallows Eve festival, per attached. It's a little known fact that the custom of trick-or-treating was invented by the Democrats, to get children used to the basic tenet of getting something for nothing from big people (read, government). You can confirm this fact by observing Nancy Pelosi--I defy you to tell me that's not a costume. Still, I wish I could have been there with the "little ones." Hey, B&L, your title has been transferred!

This is, of course, Curious Pierce. I expect his daddy was proud, but fear he will never live down that outfit !

And these little things are as cute as ....well, you know the rest. Congrats on the imagination, there, Mom and Dad.

Pierce's BD party pics

Hey, hey, hey... I got my camera hooked up and the pictures from Pierce's party downloaded--it's only been 4 months! Either I don't know much about photography or I am going to be very disappointed in my bargain camera. Lots of the pictures were good, but way too many were fuzzy. It has anti-shake so I doubt that is it. Maybe the aperture settings...what? Any ideas, Cornbread? I got some movies too, but have had trouble uploading them. Maybe they're too big. Will try again later.

Here are a few of the gems.


Waiting for Bob to show up




What do you mean you don't want any?




What a party--I'm beat!




Fashion sense is better than no sense.




And we can't forget my first (if furry) grandchild...