Happy New Year

I wish everyone a prosperous new year as we say goodbye to 2008. It was a tough year for all of us and hopefully 09 will be better. There were some historic moments, as in the election of the first black President, Barack Obama. Our nation still is racially divided, however this election did bring more of us together as a people. It also marks the end of the Bush era (09 End of an Error), which personally could not have come soon enough.

Regardless, my family has been blessed with everything we could have asked for. I pray for everyone to have a great New Year and God bless.

Weekend Highlights

Miami Dolphins, AFC East Champions!!!!!!! What a game and what a way to finish the regular season. Next up, a second meeting with the Baltimore Ravens. On the flip side, it was a very frustrating Saturday night watching my beloved Canes blow another game. Jacory Harris played well but showed his inexperience late in the game and those mistakes cost UM the game. However, I was happy to see the team play better overall and we certainly have something to look forward to in the 09 season. 

This weekend was a little quiet, after the holiday and getting ready for the new year to come. The kids spent most of the time playing outside and with their new toys from Christmas. My wife and I just spent time at home, trying to recover from a few long days prepping for Christmas eve and the following morning. I have been fighting a cold the whole week and finally am beginning to feel better. Today we went to the 10:30 service and listened to the latest message in the Anthems series. Afterwards, we went home and I ended up having to work for a few hours and missed almost the entire first half of the Fins game but that is the way my profession is at times. 

Miami Dolphins.... WOW

I don't know what else to say. This is a season that cannot be explained. It is so good to have a winning team again, I don't know what to do with myself. The fins are in first place and now face the J-E-T-S, who have nearly choked their way out of the playoffs. This is going to be an awesome game. Pennington returns to face his old team and show them that they made a mistake in releasing him and allowing him to come to Miami. I expect nothing but the best from the Jets here, their season and some of their jobs are on the line now. I will be disappointed if they lose but in reality they have exceeded all expectations. It would be a storybook ending to have Chad end the Jets season and gang green can watch the Fins in the playoffs. Yes... PLAYOFFS!!!! Who could honestlly have said that at the beginning of the year.

Fantasy Football Champion!!!!!

Yes, I can officially say that I have won a league championship. It came down to last night's game, with my team having DeAngelo Williams and Brandon Jacobs going and seven touchdown later.... I was up for good. I still have two players in the Monday night game (Rogers and Hester) but I can wear the crown proudly. I never thought I had a chance after week one, losing my first pick (Brady) for the season but I managed to fight my way to the top. This is my first winning season ever in fantasy football. I am now hooked and will be playing in multiple leagues next season.

Sad news...

Today is exactly four months since my father's passing. Unfortunately we received some more bad news with regards to my father-in-law, Claudio. He has been having some health problems but has made major changes to his life to combat these problems. However, his kidneys are failing and he will now require dialysis beginning sometime next year. My prayers go out to my wife and my in-laws that God will help heal him and ensure that he will be a part of our family for years to come. I know that death is a part of life but it will hurt me more to see my wife and mother-in-law suffer in the same manner as my family has. May God bless our family in this time of need and bring His healing hands. 

Fantasy Football Championship

Thanks to the Philly D, I am in the championship game. I will be taking on my lifelong friend, Vince and him team which has beaten me TWICE already. I know that there will be plenty of trash talking on both sides and we are both so competitive that a loss will be unacceptable.  This upcoming weekend will be very interesting and one that I will watch with MUCH anticipation.

Miami Dolphins... 9 -5 ?!?!?! Weekend Highlights

I cannot believe this season and how good it feels to see my team playing meaningful games at the end of the year. It has been a long time coming and the feeling is surreal. However, their wins do leave much to be desired. The play calling and dreadful offense today almost cost them. I know Pennington does a wonderful job of managing the offense but the lack of down field throws will catch up to this team. Yes, there was a deep pass to the TE today but that was an anomaly and something we don't see enough of. Next week it is a trip to cold KC and a date at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lost another close game, losing again in the Fourth quarter of their game. I am hoping that loss demoralizes them to the point that Miami can come in and take them out of the game early.

In my fantasy league, I am in the playoffs for the first time. I was first for most of the season, but a late losing streak cost me the top seed. I am in a tough battle right now and it will come down to the Monday night game where I have the Philly D. 

This weekend, my family and I spent our weekend at home going through the kids toys and donating the toys they truly no longer play with. At night, my wife and I watched "The Dark Knight" and all I can say is WOW. It was a very good movie, long and somewhat disturbing for me. I have never seen the "Joker" portrayed as such a sadistic killer. I was shocked and it took some time to get adjusted to his persona. We did also watch "Get Smart" and I really enjoyed it. It was hilarious and very well done. Both movies were great and I can't wait to watch the next one, "Tropic Thunder". 

Christmas time.....is near

It's getting closer to my favorite holiday, Christmas. I spent my childhood with little to no celebration of this holiday. Now that I am a father, I make sure that my children enjoy this time and savor every moment of their lives. My wife and I put up our tree and I decorated the outside of our house. It is alot of work but to see the joy in my kids eyes when the lights are on is worth it. I cannot say this year will be complete as I still do miss my father, however I know he is watching over me and will always be a part of me.

This year will also be different as we usually spend Christmas Eve at my sister-in-law's house but they will be away this time around. During this time, all of the kids (and there are quite a few of them in the house) open their presents and then it becomes mass chaos. Paper flying everywhere, kids playing with their new gifts and us parents trying to keep the peace. I can't say I will miss that part but it has been a family tradition and a part of me will miss it. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Family trip to Kansas City, MO

What a trip. I am still tired and trying to recover. My family flew to KC to spend time with my brother and his family for the Thanksgiving holiday. I was able to spend time with my mom and brother and reminisce about my dad. It was cold to mild for most of our time there, but we still bundled up whenever we stepped out. 

Some highlights were me and my wife, along with my brother and his wife going out to dinner to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. 

We took the kids to an indoor gym on two seperate occasions and went to their indoor pool while my brother and I pretended we were teenagers again trying to play some basketball. We even had the audacity to play a two on two with two teens there and somehow we managed to escape with a victory. 

One of the last nights we were there, we went into the KC downtown area and rode on a horse drawn carraige around the city during a very cold but beautiful night. Both families were present and we all had a good time riding around, enjoying the sights. 

We even got to see SNOW!!!! I have never been in snow, neither have the kids and on the day we were returning to Miami, it began to snow. What a sight! I was shocked and just stared outside as I admired to snowflakes falling to the ground. The kids were so happy to see the snow and poor Jr wanted to make a snowball, unfortunately there wasn't enough snow yet to do that. Maybe next time!! My wife took some great pictures of us in the snow. 

It was a great trip, however the trip home was an adventure. The "beautiful" snow really complicated things. Our flight out was delayed almost two hours and we had to catch a connecting flight in Atlanta, with only a 45 min window. We missed our flight and had to wait in ATL for another two hours and had to take a different flight into Fort Lauderdale Airport instead of MIA. That flight was delayed over 30 minutes and we did not get home until 2:30 AM. The kids were sleeping, I was very moody and we were all exhausted. Even worse was that our luggage would still arrive at MIA the following morning and I had to go pick it up.

We all had a good time but next time it is direct flights only for this family!!!!! It was hard for my wife and daughter. Juliana gave my wife fits while in the plane. I didn't help with my grouchiness  during the last leg home. I don't understand why they make the rows so small on the plane. The airlines must realize that taller people cannot sit comfortably in these seats, especially when the person in front of you leans their seat back. I wanted to cry and I felt like a sardine in a can. Thank God I am not claustrophobic, otherwise it would have been impossible to sit still. Anyway, I am sorry my love for my poor attitude. Being tired is no excuse to get angry with you and I hope you can forgive me for my lack of patience with these types of situations. 

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary My love!!!!!

Six wonderful years. I don't know what I would/could do without you. I couldn't be happier to know that I have a true partner to spend the rest of my life with. A true friend when I am in need and a great mother to our wonderful children. No words can truly define how much you mean to me. 

Love, 

Your Husband, James

National Debt

The election is over and Obama will be our new POTUS, however when I saw this chart I was floored. Conservatives wonder why so many people came out to vote and this chart is a BIG reason. I have said this many times before, "Trickle down" economics DOES NOT work!!!! 

November Activities

November is a busy month for my family.  

This month we will spend our first Thanksgiving with my brother and his family in Lee's Summit, MO. I have been fortunate enough to spend time there with my mother and brother several times within the past year. It will be a bitter sweet trip as it will be the first time I will return since my father's passing. I am very grateful that my brother's in-laws are such wonderful people as they have provided my mom with much needed support to help her get past this difficult time. 

During this vacation, my wife and I will celebrate six years of marriage! Six wonderful years and plenty of great memories and adventures during this time. I know that my wife always has my back and she has always been there for me. I couldn't ask for more in a wife and as the mother of my children. My wife can use the vacation to get away from the stress of her job and enjoy some tranquility and peace as we freeze our butts in MO. 

There are some other events that may take place this month and stuff that I need to pray about and listen for God's voice to guide me as we reach the end of 2008. 

Top 5 Modern Guitarists

This is strictly opinion and my choices reflect my personal taste in music.

#5. . Herman Li - say what you want about Dragonforce, but this guy can play. His focus needs work when performing live but I am amazed at his speed and dexterity.

#4. Michael Angelo Baito - Yes, I know... he isn't exactly part of the new guard, but this guy is AWESOME. Watching that guy play is a sight to behold. I cannot currently match his speed or precision but it's fun to try. 

#3. Richard Kruspe -Rammstein lead guitarist... never heard of them. Just search and enjoy. 

#2.Steve Ouimette - This name might not sound familiar to most, but if you are a fan of Guitar Hero, then you have heard some of his work. He is had a great style and a unique sound

#1. Buckethead - unusual appearance but his mastery is unrivaled. His songs are technical and soulful, something that is not usually found in most instrumental pieces. Soothsayer is my fav and I enjoy listening and trying to learn his songs. 

These are my influences but they are still behind the Guitar Gods: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen

Sports Weekend

Canes were off this week, and will play on Thurday night against Va. Tech. This is a huge game for them will be and another test of where the program is.

Today was a special day. It was the first time my family went to watch a Dolphins game. We were able to get tickets through our neighbors and both families headed out this morning to Dolphin Staduim. It was a beautiful day and the kids were excited to be in a big, new place. We were able to see four Blackhawk helicopters pass over us during the National Anthem. It was the highlight for my son, James Jr., who was in awe when they passed right over our heads. My kids and my wife did well for being first timers and I could not have asked for more from them. In the end, the crowd was anxious and the Fins were able to pull out a victory.

We all had a wonderful time and will hopefully do that again soon. 

Barack Obama is the new POTUS

Congratulations President Elect Barak Obama. You are the new leader of our country, the citizens have spoken and you are our choice. Senator McCain gave a great consolation speech and we do need to come together as a country and put aside our partisan ways and work together to bring our country back into prosperity. This is a historic event, the first African American ever elected to our highest office. I hope that those who opposed him will come aboard and offer their support for him and remember that we are all Americans and live and love our country.

Latest Polls

RealClearPolitics Poll Averages

General Election: McCain vs. Obama

Poll	Date	Sample	MoE	Obama (D)	McCain (R)	Spread
RCP Average	10/29 - 11/02	--	--	51.6	44.3	Obama +7.3
Marist	11/02 - 11/02	635 LV	4.0	53	44	Obama +9
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	971 LV	3.0	50	43	Obama +7
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	1011 LV	3.1	51	43	Obama +8
Rasmussen Reports	10/31 - 11/02	3000 LV	2.0	52	46	Obama +6
Gallup	10/31 - 11/02	2472 LV	2.0	55	44	Obama +11
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	887 LV	3.3	50	45	Obama +5
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby	10/31 - 11/02	1201 LV	2.9	51	44	Obama +7
CBS News	10/31 - 11/02	714 LV	--	51	42	Obama +9
ABC News/Wash Post	10/30 - 11/02	2470 LV	2.5	53	44	Obama +9
IBD/TIPP	10/30 - 11/02	1014 LV	3.4	48	43	Obama +5
Ipsos/McClatchy	10/30 - 11/02	760 LV	3.6	53	46	Obama +7
CNN/Opinion Research	10/30 - 11/01	714 LV	3.5	53	46	Obama +7
GWU/Battleground	10/29 - 11/02	800 LV	3.5	50	44	Obama +6
Pew Research	10/29 - 11/01	2587 LV	2.0	52	46	Obama +6

More Polling Data | Chart | News

Generic Congressional Vote

Poll	Date	Democrats	Republicans	Spread
RCP Average	10/23 - 11/02	47.6	38.6	Democrats +9.0
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	48	36	Democrats +12
Gallup	10/31 - 11/02	53	41	Democrats +12
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	44	39	Democrats +5
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	48	36	Democrats +12
GWU/Battleground	10/23 - 10/29	45	41	Democrats +4

More Polling Data | News

President Bush Job Approval

Poll	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Spread
RCP Average	10/30 - 11/02	27.8	68.3	-40.5
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	27	67	-40
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	26	67	-41
Diageo/Hotline	10/31 - 11/02	30	68	-38
CNN	10/30 - 11/01	28	71	-43

More Polling Data | News

Congressional Job Approval

Poll	Date	Approve	Disapprove	Spread
RCP Average	10/23 - 11/02	17.3	74.0	-56.7
FOX News	11/01 - 11/02	18	75	-57
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	15	75	-60
GWU/Battleground	10/23 - 10/29	19	72	-53

More Polling Data | News

Direction of Country

Poll	Date	Right Direction	Wrong Track	Spread
RCP Average	10/10 - 11/02	9.6	84.2	-74.6
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	11/01 - 11/02	11	76	-65
CBS News/NY Times	10/25 - 10/29	11	85	-74
Hotline/FD	10/11 - 10/13	9	85	-76
LA Times/Bloomberg	10/10 - 10/13	10	84	-74
USA Today/Gallup	10/10 - 10/12	7	91	-84

More Polling Data | News

Weekend Recap

It was a beautiful weekend here. Friday night was Halloween, and the kids went Trick or Treatfor the first time. My wife did a wonderful job taking them around our neighborhood and witnessing their joy walking around in their new costumes.

Saturday was a great day for college football. I watched my Canes beat Virginia in overtime. What a great group of freshmen players this team has. They hung in there and were lead by true freshman, Jacory Harris. This was a big win for them, it puts them in the hunt for the ACC Coastal division title and officially makes them bowl eligible.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a night of games with our neighbors, the Goodmans, and shared a nice meal. We played Apples to Apples, very competitive games and a good time was had by all.

Today, we did not go to church as most of us in our house are sick. My kids have a terrible cough and my wife was feeling ill and needed rest. We ended up watching Pastor Troy's service from Flamingo Road Church. This was the church my family were members of prior to moving to Homestead. It was very enlightening and thought provoking sermon. 

The Miami Dolphins.... what can I say? I was shocked to see the improvements and positive strides this team has made in such a short span. The defense played its best game of the year. They forced numerous turnovers and showed that they can carry this team when needed. Pennington did a decent job managing the offense, still I would like to see some deep balls thown as he has the tendency to go through his progressions too fast and checks down too much, in my opinion. However, the team effort was outstanding and I haven't been this proud of my teams in years. 

Finally, in my fantasy league, I am going for four in a row and solidify my first place status. 

It was another fabulous weekend

Great Blog Post

I read a post today from Pastor Troy Gramling, lead pastor at Flamingo Road Church. He has an excellent perspective on the subject of the upcoming Presidential Election. I am sure glad our pastor reads his blog daily.

http://troyandsteph.com/

I try not to pontificate on my blog, but there is something keeping me up at night and I have to share it with you. It’s the way we (in the ministry world) whine about how many immature Christ followers there are, but then we do everything in our power to keep them that way. It may be unintentional, but it has the same results either way. What am I talking about? It is the way we TELL people what to do instead of giving them the tools to discover the truth on their own. Exhibit #1 – The Election. I’ve heard pastor after pastor say, “I’m not going to tell you how to vote," then do precisely that. On both sides of the aisle, right after the man or woman of God says, "I’m not going to tell you how to vote," they bring up what they perceive are the important issues. I’ve heard this same sermon for three decades now, the names are changed but the message is the same. It goes something like this, "Our country is going to hell literally, and if you don’t vote for who I believe is the best Christ follower and who stands for the issues that I believe are most important, then you are being deceived and you are the reason that God is judging our country." Please don’t misunderstand me, we should study to see what God’s word says about all the issues, and IT is the pastor’s job to proclaim, "thus sayeth the LORD." But to manipulate the congregation with FEAR and DOUBT; to appoint ourselves as the only one who knows what the REAL important issues are, is a misuse of the pulpit. According to Ephesians 4:12 we are “to equip the saints for the work of ministry." To give them the tools they need to make decisions. When we tell them what to do, we stunt their growth and keep them from growing decision-making muscles. Many congregations recognize the voice of their pastor more readily than they do the voice of our Lord. In John 10:4 it says “his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” Are we afraid that the Holy Spirit won’t do his job? The lack of growth in our churches is not because we lack programs or resources. It’s not even because of bad doctrine. It is because we, as pastors, are too insecure to let the sheep mature. When parents use our pastoring techniques in the home and don’t let their children grow up and develop decision making muscles, they go off to college and go wild. Why? Because there is no one there to tell them what to do and they don’t know how to make godly decisions on their own. If we are going to tell our congregations who to vote for--and don’t say that we don’t, lets have enough integrity to admit that everyone knows where we stand by the verbiage and illustrations we use--are we going to tell them who to marry, which house they should buy and what profession to go into?

Budget History

This just goes to show you how bad the Bush's were as president.

TIME FOR CHANGE!!!! 

Battleground States Poll - courtesy of AP

Race is coming down the stretch and Obama is leading in these states. I know there are people out there that don't like to see this and will find more excuses why this is untrue, etc... It is time for change, even McCain can agree with that and with the large voter turnout it does favor Obama as these are people, who more than likely, would not normally excercise their right to vote. I just pray that if/when he is elected, that we as a nation rally around him and unite to bring this country back to where it belongs. My greatest fear is that he will be assassinated and if successful would bring anarchy to our land and divide our country even more. 

South Florida Sports Weekend

Canes edge Wake Forest 16-10. It was another tough game (to watch) as the U played very safe offense and played enough defense to claw their way to victory. Marve didn't have an exceptional day but did enough to lead the canes. 

Florida Panthers fairing well on this homestand, winning against Ottawa and San Jose, but losing to St. Louis today, however still in first place. :)

Miami Heat finish their preseason with a victory... just like football... it's just too long and finally the season is going to start.

Dolphins vs Bills, 1 PM. I don't expect Miami to win this game, they always have major problems covering Lee Evans and last week showed me that their run defense is porous. I honestly expect this to be a lopsided victory for Buffalo and bring us fans one step closer to the Chad Henne era. 

Happy Birthday my beautiful daughter Juliana

Today we celebrated Juliana's Fourth birthday. It was a great time with family and friends, watching my little girl grow up and truly enjoy this special day for her. My wife did a fabulous job in setting up the table and decorations while I did my best to not mess things up. We hired a clown to entertain the kidis for an hour and she did a wonderful job. She engaged all of the kids there and created a joyful enviroment for all. I couldn't have been more pleased with how well this party turned out and how truly blessed we are. I want to thank all of those people who attended and made my little girl very happy.  

Obama's Latest Endoresements

This should tell every registered Republican how media truly feels about McCain. The Chicago Tribune has officially endorsed Obama for President. This is a shocking turn of events as the Tribune has never endorsed a Democrat in its 161 year history or endorse a Presidential candidate since the 1970's.  "We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions," the Tribune said. "He is ready." The Tribune said it liked Republican presidential nominee John McCain, but added that it's "hard to figure John McCain these days."

The LA Times and Miami Herald also endorse Obama. The Times, the country's fourth-largest newspaper, said McCain's campaign had left the candidate "nearly unrecognizable." His selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for running mate was "irresponsible," it said.

"Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory," the Times said. "The decision calls into question just what kind of thinking - if that's the appropriate word - would drive the White House in a McCain presidency."

The Times said the U.S. needs a president who displays grace under pressure, is not prone to volatile gestures and understands the legal foundations of American freedom.  

Eye on The U and Phins

This week it UM vs. Duke. 

On paper, this should be a win however the erratic play of the entire team leaves this game in question. I have questions about Nix playcalling and the overall coaching effort as it is plainly obvious that these crop of players are not developing or improving with each week. It would be nice to see another game like they had against Texas A&M, so at least I can relax. 

I am going to predict a close victory by the canes, but they will play close to the vest and try to prevent any more offensive mistakes.

Final Score: UM 24 Duke 17

Dolphins:

Heart breaking loss last week to Houston and this week comes offensively challenged Ravens. I don't see much scoring by either side and if the fish can get off to a quick start, it will bode well and put even more pressure on rookie QB Flacco. 

Final Score: Miami 20 Baltimore 10

Presidential Debate

McCain Versus Obama...

Why is it they cannot answer the question directly? I am an independent, not affiliated with either party, however I am against McCain for president. I have argued this point with many supporters and those persons seem to be blinded by the mere fact that the Republican party is a miserable failure when it comes to our economy. Thankfully, the trends show that the american public is tired of the "trickle down" economics that only fatten the wallets of the wealthy and leave everyone else to suffer.