Even though I’m not a fan of the NBA, it’s good to see the Jazz take a 3-1 lead on the Rockets.  Hopefully Yao Ming keeps using those ancient Chinese voodoo health remedies so the Jazz can finish out the series in Houston.  That turtle blood can’t work magic forever.  Are there any other Matt Harpring fans out there?  I still haven’t bought my jersey yet, but I will before I go to my next Jazz game. 

I had a fantastic weekend in Tuscaloosa and Haleyville.  More details to follow. 

Remember the post about the ‘Nick Saban Rule’ where college head coaches can no longer personally visit high school recruits during April 15-May 31? It bothered me when I heard this, but I love what Saban has done. He can meet with who he wants and doesn’t even have to leave his office, and he’s not violating any of the NCAA’s many rules. He’s using video conferencing. It specifically says in the rules that electronic communication (all kinds) is approved. It’s the next best thing to being there in person for these recruits.

I don’t know if any other coaches are doing this, but most people seem to think they aren’t.  I’m sure Carroll and Rodriguez will be doing this soon, since they seem to have the same work ethic.

Kevin Scarbinsky has an excellent article on this in the Birmingham News. Here’s the link.

Once again I read and hear about more dogs attacking humans–particularly children.  I know this can’t be avoided altogether, but I know a common sense decision that can be made to help prevent this:

Keep pit bulls away from children.  They have no place as pets around little ones.  My neighbors had a pit bull and he never hurt any of us, but that doesn’t mean he never will.  Dogs are wild animals, and I don’t care how they are raised, at some point their instincts can take over and maul someone.  This also goes for dobermans, certain shepherds, and rottweilers.  I understand these animals can be very good, loyal friends, but why keep them around young ones?  I’m tired of reading about these maulings.  And some people act like their dogs have equal rights to humans.  Not so in the Forester household; and I don’t walk behind mine with a bag picking up his ‘droppings’. 

I grew up around dogs (outside, not in the house) and love the ones that serve a purpose.  But these that are known to turn on people instantly will not be owned by me.  There are plenty of big, gentle dogs available as pets.  And to be clear, I will not own cats. 

Joseph has many emergency room instances of repairing ears, faces, noses, etc. from dog attacks.  And you know what dog was most common?–the family pet.  The worst attack he saw was an Australian Shepherd that ran right past an adult woman and attacked a three-year-old for no reason.  He knew this kid.  So, even though how animals are raised plays a role in their behavior, instincts will always win.   

When you’re deciding on a pet, be wise.  I have no problem removing blood thirsty dogs from this earth.  Do you? 

Melonie, you have pit bulls.  How have yours behaved thru the years? 

Recently the NCAA passed a rule stating that head football coaches can not visit high school recruits during the period of April 15-May 31.  Many refer to this as ‘The Saban Rule’ or even the ‘Pete Carroll Rule’ since they are known for visting high numbers of recruits during this period.  I think partly to find out the character of his signees and potential signees, to check their references, and also as a public relations move. 

Apparently this rule was implemented because some SEC coaches complained, took it to the beloved NCAA and they put it into effect for all schools/conferences.  The two questions I have are: 1) who are the coaches complaining about this? and 2) what is the purpose of the rule?  I have looked for an explanation on their web site, but haven’t found it.  If anyone knows the NCAA’s reasons for this rule, please tell me.

Most coaches in the SEC have voiced their dislike for the rule when asked.  I know Pete Carroll doesn’t like it either.  It doesn’t matter what makes sense to the NCAA.  They are like a bunch of communist and this provides another reason for me to strongly dislike them. 

If you have much experience flying in corporate aircraft, or if you’re just barely familar with airplanes, you’ve heard of Lear Jets.  The father of this amazing airplane was a man named Bill Lear.  In 1964 he delivered his first production jet to a client.  Lear’s success was immediate.  But not long after his start, he learned that two aircraft he’d built had crashed under mysterious circumstances.  At that time, fifty-five Lear Jets were privately owned and he immediately sent word to all owners to ground the aircraft until they could be inspected by his team. 

As he researched the flights, he discovered  he couldn’t verify the technical problem on the ground, so he took the bold move to diagnose the problem by flying it.  He managed to make it through the dangerous test and verify the defect.  He developed a new part and fixed all fifty-five planes, eliminating the danger. 

Grounding the planes cost Lear a lot of money and it planted seeds of doubt in the minds of potential customers.  As a result, he needed two years to rebuild the business, but he never regretted his decision.  He was willing to risk his success, his fortune, and even his life to solve the mystery of those crashed–but not his intergrity. 

I haven’t seen Lear’s financial statements, but it appears they are still going strong, even though the commercial airline industry is hurting.  This man was visionary back in the 1950’s.  I am intrigued by him–he was an aviation maverick.  It’s funny that he invented the 8-track tapes too.  Oh well, inventors can’t be successful with everything. 

(excerpts taken from “The 21 Indispensable Qualities Of A Leader”, John C. Maxwell, 1999)

While visiting our nation’s capital last weekend, I was most impressed with the Jefferson Memorial. My favorite quote appears in the interior below the dome:

“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

And one more quote taken from the southwest interior wall, which is really an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence which reads:

“We…solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states…And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Each state governing itself? What a novel idea. Wonder how we got away from that? These founding fathers of our country were sincerely concerned about the state and future of the United States and did not intend to have ‘big government’. We see how that’s changed now. I know two presidential candidates who believe in the exact opposite of this declaration. As for me, I support the founding fathers’ vision of this great nation.

To change subjects, I appreciate all the activity on the printer auction (even though I don’t believe any of you). I’m going to give it away today. If this person doesn’t want it, I will see if Damon wants to join me at the shooting range. Mark, I’d love for you to send it 25 feet in the air, but since I won’t be seeing you for a few more months, we’ll settle with your 12-gauge loaded with 3.5″ slugs.