Riverboat Gambling

All Times Central

Friday November 28th, 2008

Mississippi State at Ole Miss (-18)- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse Picks: Rebels 27-21

Why? Ole Miss is playing a physical and confident brand of football right now. The Bulldogs are just showing up. The Rebels were beaten soundly in this one a year ago, so look for Coach Nutt to work his magic in getting the Oxford crowd to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl after a 3-9 season in 2007.

LSU (-4.5) at Arkansas- 1:40 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse Picks: Tigers 38-24

Why? LSU will probably bounce back enough to beat the Razorbacks with ball control offense and pressure-heavy defense. Even in "The Rock" LSU will keep it at arm's length.

Saturday November 29th, 2008

#22 Georgia Tech at #11 Georgia (-8)- 11:00 AM on CBS
Bunkhouse Picks: Bulldogs 41-17

Why? The Rambling Wreck secondary isn't very good, and has shown to be just that when up against solid pass offenses. They'll have to put 8 and 9 in the box to respect Knowshon Moreno, so look for Stafford to have a big day.

South Carolina at Clemson (-1)- 11:00 AM on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Gamecocks 34-24

Why? Clemson is in utter disarray, only looking forward to naming a new coach this off-season. Carolina has quietly had a nice season and is looking to finally kick Clemson in this rivalry game with efficient passing and controlling the clock while keeping the Tiger running attack shut down with their stingy defense.

Auburn at #1 Alabama (-14.5)- 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Bama 34-14

Why? Yeah, it's a rivalry game; Bama's the top ranked team in the nation; and they have a nationally important game next Saturday in Atlanta...but, Auburn has had a six game win streak that Nick Saban was hired to end. There is a reason why Bama is #1, and look for them to show it.

The jitters and a sky-high Auburn team may come out and punch them early, but Bama wins this one big over a team without an identity.

#4 Florida (-16.5) at #20 Florida State- 2:30 PM on ABC
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 28-24

Why? DO NOT underestimate the last show-down for Bobby Bowden...especially at home. Florida is playing very well right now, but it's going to be physical and intense in Tallahassee all day. Florida will gut it out behind their physical offense late in the game, but I don't see this one being a three score blowout.

Kentucky at Tennessee (-4)- 5:30 on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Volunteers 24-10

Why? Last game for Phil Fulmer. Even the fans who wanted his head (and got it) want to see him sent out on a decently solid note. It'll be a good atmosphere in Neyland all night. Tennessee wins with the running game and defense.

Vanderbilt at Wake Forest (-4)- 6:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Demon Deacons 35-14

Why? Vandy has lost 5 of their last 6 games and are not at all impressive on the road. Meanwhile, Wake is way too efficient on offense to let the Commodore defense keep them in the ball game. It may be over early in Winston-Salem, but Bobby J. will still be coaching in his first post-season event ever in over-cast Nashville for the Music City Bowl.

Have a great football weekend full of left-overs and Family!

This Just In

Michael Crabtree and Tim Tebow have won this very objective, totally accurate sampling of 2008 Heisman Trophy favorites.

Michael Crabtree

30%

Colt McCoy

20%

Sam Bradford

0%

Tim Tebow

30%

Chase Daniels

10%

Heath Schuler

10%

John Parker WIlson

0%

Mark Mangino

0%

Graham Harrell

0%

On Journalism

"Most rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read."- Frank Zappa

Monday Morning Music Choices

Here on a rainy Monday my musical adventure was, as usual, spastic. Here's what I found out during my search:

I can't stand Billboard Top 5 music. I don't find it very listenable, interesting, or entertaining on any level. I'm not angry or upset about that, and I certainly don't want to sound like it....just disappointed. I remember when highly rated music equaled good music.

Also, Mariah Carey had about 5 songs in the top 20 of 2005. Weird come back year for her.

I had to dig back into some archives to find my top 5 for Thanksgiving Week.

5. Boulevard of Broken Dreams- Green Day- Good depth, good melody. It's a typical, but not so typical Green Day song.

4. Roll With Me- Montgomery Gentry- I just like this song. It's a story set to a tune. Always dig that.

3. Let It Go- Tim McGraw- This message is a timely one for me.

2. Whiskey Lullaby- Brad Paisley- A beautiful song, and a truly powerful message. If you haven't heard this one, check it out right now.

1. The Promise- Tracy Chapman- This is our song...my wife and I.

The More Things Change....

Interesting history lesson: the past does affect the present.


This map proves it.

Have a great Friday!

The Results Are In

The people have spoken!

Last week's poll of "which bear is best" has finished, and Klondike Bar is the winner. However, everyone who voted should know they were wrong...

The correct answer: Fozzie Bear

Polar Bear

3 (27%)

Black Bear

1 (9%)

Grizzley Bear

2 (18%)

Panda Bear

1 (9%)

Klondike Bar

4 (36%)

Riverboat Gambling

Saturday November 15, 2008

All Times Central

#10 Georgia (-10) at Auburn- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Bulldogs 38-10

Why? Georgia has owned Auburn the last 2 seasons, and the offensive woes won't allow Auburn to get close in this one as the Tiger defense gave up after the Vanderbilt game.

Louisiana-Monroe at Ole Miss (-22.5)- 1:00
Bunkhouse picks: Rebels 27-10

Why? Houston Nutt has his players prepped for a "trap game"...with good reason. The Rebel offense will keep LA-Mon at arms length, while the Rebel defense camps out in the Warhawk backfield all day.

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida (-21)- 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 31-24

Why? The Ole Ball Coach always has something for Florida when he plays them, especially in Gainesville. He'll have trouble getting it done against and physical and determined Gator team this afternoon.

Mississippi State at #1 Alabama (-21.5)- 6:45 PM on ESPN
Bunkhouse picks: Crimson Tide 28-7

Why? Saban coached teams don't commit a lot of penalties or turnovers...if it's against State's bottom-shelf talent, it won't be close for long.

Troy at #20 LSU (-16.5) - 7:00
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 41-17

Why? Troy usually puts up points, while LSU's offense is looking for answers in game 10....which is not good. Troy just doesn't have near enough to keep it close at the end.

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-3.5) - 7:00 on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Wildcats 23-14

Why? Kentucky is playing some good football, while Vanderbilt hasn't won a game in a month. The offense is the difference...Kentucky has one, Vandy doesn't. The Commodore defense will keep it close enough, but won't be able to deliver over 60 minutes.

"Ah, Roger!"

Because we were talking about Will Ferrell the other day.

"A Wagon Without Springs..."

By Taft Ayers

Henry Ward Beecher said: "A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.”

I am a firm believer that three things about humor are solid truths:

1. We must laugh often
2. We must laugh at ourselves
3. Humorous people are blessings

All of this I say in order to present you with another profound truth.

Are you ready?

Hold on....

...I gave you a very wise saying from Beecher earlier, here's another: "There are two types of people in this world. Those that think Will Ferrell's funny and those that don't."-Taft Ayers

He is the funniest actor/human that I know of.

I become pretty judgmental when someone tells me... "Will Ferell? Eh...he just doesn't do it for me."

I would like to open the flood gates.

WHICH WILL FERRELL CHARACTER IS THE MOST HUMOROUS OF ALL TIME?

(Yes, you can include the Saturday Night Live Skits..after all, he did resuscitate the show for a few years)

Monday Morning Music Choices

These songs really speak for themselves. I'll let you do the listening. I am ill-equipped to put these songs into fitting words.

5. These Arms of Mine- Otis Redding

4. Chelsea Bridge- Duke Ellington

3. You Are The Best Thing- Ray LaMontagne

2. I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding

1. Let It Be Me- Ray LaMontagne

She Let It Be Me

A day at Heber Springs my junior year of college changed the course of my life.

There's not any way to accurately and completely explain the next 7 years of our life together...as friends, as boyfriend-girlfriend, fiancees, husband-wife, daddy-mama, lovers, and partners in our ministry.

I can just take you through the moments, some significant, some seemingly insignificant that have made my life so much better and happy because of this bright blue-eyed woman. Here are just a few:

-The Big Ragoo and laser tag.

-A freezing cold fountain.

-Talks down at B Rock.

-Letters at graduation.

-A trip to Dallas.

-Meeting at the bookstore.

-"Why not now?"

-Mexico.

-Picking out Belle.

-Candles and Egg Nog.

-Picking up Scout.

-Making a familiar house a home.

-The long drought.

-Craziness....literally.

-Dancing on the back porch.

-The blue-eyed little girl arrives.

-Dr. Elizabeth Ann Null Clark

-The move to KC.

-A cruise that saved a marriage.

-Losing a baby.

-Sitting on the floor singing with our daughter.

-Holding hands realizing we made it through the hard times.

-The birth of another blue-eyed girl.

-A move to Nashville.

-Coaching.

-A cancer diagnosis.

-The hard questions.

-Dancing in the hallway.

-Holding hands realizing everything's gonna be alright.

It's been hard at times, but we're still here....together. And as I sit here with our little girls (one singing, one smiling) I am moved to tears that Liz, the best person I know, let it be me who was with her through it all. The good and the bad.

Eternity is not long enough to be with her.

I love you, Liz.

Riverboat Gambling

Saturday November 8th, 2008

All Time Central

#13 Georgia (-12.5) at Kentucky - 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports
Bunkhouse picks: Bulldogs 38-13

Arkansas at South Carolina (-13) - 12:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Gamecocks 34-21

Wyoming at Tennessee (-27) - 12:00 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Volunteers 44-7

UT-Martin at Auburn (-27) - 1:30 PM
Bunkhouse picks: Tigers 38-14

#1 Alabama (-3.5) at #16 LSU - 2:30 PM on CBS
Bunkhouse picks: Bama 27-14

#5 Florida (-24) at Vanderbilt - 7:00 PM on ESPN2
Bunkhouse picks: Gators 55-7

We Can't Handle The Truth

By Alan Gable

Throughout Tuesday evening, I received several text messages from a good conservative friend who was just short of wrathful about the democratic outcome. I think his reaction has been a fairly accurate depiction of the way most conservative minded citizens are feeling. Anger has always been a catalyst for historical action. Conservatives have to find a way to channel their anger into productive schemes to change the hearts and minds of voters. The saying goes that this is how a free people go about revolution; without guns and violence and bloodshed. Free people compete in the arena of ideas. All conservatives are able to take comfort in the unavoidable realization that the truth is on their side.

Throughout history, men presented with adversity have always had a decision to make; compromise convictions by moving to the center (easy road) or stand firm in them and wait for the masses to realize the truth of their positions.

Charles De Gaulle was a French military hero. His love for his country and freedom caused him to speak out against a weak constitutional plan in the mid 1940s. Slick politicians with cunning words sold the French people on a meritless Fourth Republic. The people couldn’t handle the truth. Instead of compromise, De Gaulle retired from politics and waited for the truth to be revealed. In 1958, the weak constitutional republic collapsed, De Gaulle was vindicated and the French people still benefit from the strength his positions brought. Positions that included a new, strong constitution.

Winston Churchill was a British military man. In the early 1930s, he was the lone voice in Great Britain opposing the re-arming of Germany under Adolph Hitler. For years, Sir Winston preached about the dangers of German strength and foresaw a time when diplomacy would no longer be sufficient to curb the German advance. He was right but the British people saw any mention of war as alarmist. Hitler’s strength grew unchecked until the truth of Churchill’s notions was made unavoidably clear when the Germans began to fortify positions on the Rhine (a clear breach of the Treaty of Versailles). By the time the truth came out, the problem required the blood of British and eventually American troops.

Ronald Reagan opposed Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. Reagan’s message was simple; limited government, low taxes, and a strong defense were necessary. He spoke of the growing Soviet threat and the evils of that power. Americans were not ready for this message. In fact, they swung far to the left in Jimmy Carter in a complete rejection of Reagan’s ideals. Thankfully, the American people did not take long to realize this mistake and brought Ronald Reagan out of waiting in California to Washington. Never did he compromise his convictions for political gain. He just had to wait for the masses to catch up.

Conservatism is playing a similar waiting game. Her basic tenets are built on truth and her fundamentals are, indeed, sound. Now is not the time for compromise. Now is the time to convince Americans of the innate truth of conservative principles. Moral order, limited government, peace through strength, sovereignty of property rights…..

There is no need for wrath. Mr. Obama and his seemingly unopposed policies just might aid in the revelation of what we know to be true.

Geo-Politics is Hard!

I was noticing this morning on my facebook account that an alarming number of my friends have decided the frigid unfriendliness of Canada looks quite inviting to them now that a progressive president has been elected in the United States.

Remember Three Things:

1. We'll miss you.

2. Take a parka, it's cold.

3. Canada makes California look like a Jerry Falwell-sponsored Tent Revival.

That's just a heads up those who wrote things like "I'm now officially moving to Canada" or "Let's make a run to Canada with our 401k still intact."

So, while you're up there don't forget to write and we'll send you money for a box of Cubans from time to time.

It won't be so bad....just don't eat the yellow snow.

**here's a map to help you find your frozen greener pastures**

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

By Taft Ayers













Did you go to worship on Sunday?

At this point, you might be screaming at your computer screen...."Taft, who do you think you are to judge me?"

Many thoughts run through your head:

1. I WAS SICK
2. FAMILY WAS IN TOWN
3. I GAVE UP ON "CHURCH" A LONG TIME AGO
4. SUNDAYS ARE MY ONLY DAY OFF
5. MY SATURDAY NIGHTS AREN'T CONDUCIVE TO SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
6. I AM TOO TIRED
7. I AM WAY TO EMBARRASSED TO GO
8. THE PEOPLE I HANG WITH WOULDN'T DARKEN THE DOOR AND NEITHER DO I

However you feel about the subject, the fella in the picture should bring hope to your everyday life.

No, not the little guy. The little fella's name is Pierce. He goes to church camp with several churches and we know him from that. The fella on the right.

That's Colt McCoy. He has a great shot at winning the Heisman. Also, an outside shot at the National Title.

The reason this pictures is so significant is that he was humiliated in front of thousands on Saturday night when his team (he's the QB for the Texas Longhorns) lost to Texas Tech and they were dethroned from their #1 ranking on National TV.

Colt woke his tail up and went to worship the next day. This picture was taken at a local Church of Christ in Austin, TX. When Pierce's mother sent the message, she said that "Colt kept apologizing for his busted lip, saying 'things got a little rough last night' and that he was very polite."

That earns my RESPECT.

A college kid.

Probably cried a river Saturday night.

Many teammates were probably hungover Sunday morning.

I'm not setting him up as an icon, but I am saying, pay the kid his respect. His secular struggles didn't deter him from his spiritual responsibilities.

I don't think you become a holy person by walking through the doors of a church building or by checking an attendance card. When I walk in to a nice restaurant it doesn't make me a connoisseur of fine food. However, what I do know is that people who strive to be holy make it a point to walk through those doors.

Think on these things.

Due to my natural love affair for Tim Tebow, this was hard to write, but very necessary.

Riverboat Gambling

Saturday November 1st, 2008

All Times Central

Auburn at Ole Miss (-7)- 11:30 AM on Raycom Sports:
Porch Picks: Rebels 27-13

#18 Tulsa (-7) at Arkansas- 1:00 PM
Porch Picks: Razorbacks 38-34

Kentucky at Mississippi State (-2.5)- 1:30 PM
Porch Picks: Wildcats 21-17

Arkansas State at #2 Alabama (-23.5)- 2:00 PM
Porch Picks: Bama 45-14

#8 Florida (-6.5) at #6 Georgia - 2:30 PM on CBS
Porch Picks: Gators 52-28

Tennessee at South Carolina (-6) - 6:00 PM on ESPN2
Porch Picks: Gamecocks 24-14

Tulane at #19 LSU (-27.5) - 7:00 PM
Porch Picks: Tigers 48-7