Georgetown / Vandy thriller!

Did the G’town player pick up his pivot foot on the game-winning shot?  Yes.

But he also got fouled AT LEAST twice on that play…without a whistle.

It was a good no-call by the officials.

Thoughts on 3.22.07 NCAA tourney action

SIU played well enough to win.  The Salukis got Kansas to play the type of tempo that Lowery wanted to play.  The Dawgs lost by 3 points.  Randall Faulker missed two dunks and a lay-up.  Do the math.  Kansas did not look like Kansas.  I predicted last night that if SIU was close at half, they would win (thinking that Self would “over-manage” his team).  While KU prevailed, Self began to do what I predicted.  This spells trouble in Jayhawk-land.

Ohio State seems like a team of destiny.  The word “escape” would be generous in describing their last two wins over Xavier and Tennessee.  The Vols choked.  Pure and simple.  When you have a team down by 17 at half, you deliver the knock-out blow.  If you can’t, you don’t deserve to be there.  Alas, they are not.

The Memphis Tigers look very good.  They are wide (can beat you in a LOT of ways) and deep (don’t necessarily rely on their starting five).  And John Calipari knows how to coach.  He’s been here before.  I wouldn’t want to face these Tigers.  Acie Law (version 4) “Buckner-ed” a lay-up to seal the game late.  He will be seeing that one in his sleep for a long time.

Contrary to what some will say, UCLA is NOT playing a home game in the regional final.  San Jose is some 350 miles north of LA.  That said, I will be pulling for the Bruins in this game.  I picked them to make the final four.  And since I’m from Missouri (Mizzou -RAH), my favorite two NCAA hoops teams are Mizzou and whoever is playing Kansas.

Going in to Friday’s action, my final four is still intact.  How does your bracket look this morning?

Bracketology: 101 — How did your first two rounds go?

I still have 12 of 16 left in the third round.  7 of 8 still alive in round 4.  And all of my final fours are still around.

 How did you do?

Max Lucado experiences health crisis, resigns pastorate

One of the most prominent pens in Christian writing is transitioning away from his senior pastor responsibilities.  Due to heart irregularities, Max Lucado has announced his resignation to his church (Oak Hills Church , San Antonio).

I wish him well.  Of my favorite inspirational authors, he’s in the top three.

Pick your NCAA tourney Final Four here!

I’m picking Oregon, UCLA, Georgetown, and Ohio State.

I believe that Georgetown will beat UCLA for the championship.

Your turn!  Who do you like?

Disappointed with Dr. Albert Mohler

Let me first go on the record as saying that Dr. Mohler is one of my heroes.  Really.  And I’m VERY careful about throwing that word around casually.  I am, however, distressed that Dr. Mohler (a man usually known for thorough scholarship and thought process) would paint with such a broad stroke as he was quoted in an article from the Missouri Baptist Convention’s state newspaper.  The article dealt with the emerging church movement.

Dr. Mohler is quoted as saying, “The Emergent Movement represents a significant challenge to biblical Christianity.”  I understand that journalists are often guilty of pre-texting a quote from someone as influential as Dr. Mohler (writing down what he actually said, but perhaps ignoring the context in which it was said).  But let’s give this reporter the benefit of the doubt.  Which part of the emerging church movement is he talking about?  Did Dr. Mohler have a particular leader in mind when he said this?  There are as many different emergent churches and leaders of the same as there are different types of Southern Baptist churches!

There are definitely some fringe elements and cutting-edge type leaders in the emergent movement that I am personally uncomfortable with.  Definitely!  But to assume that ALL who come under the umbrella of “emergent” fall into this category is just plain wrong.  I know some pastors who would consider themselves “emergent” who are solid doctrinally and practically.  They don’t pose a threat or a challenge to our beloved denomination and its ideals.  In quite the contrary, they make US better!

I really want to give Dr. Mohler and this particular journalist the benefit of the doubt.  But if this statement was recorded in its context, I’m very disappointed with one of my heroes today.

Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms

Here’s a quizzler….

If there are more alcohol-related accidents than firearm-related accidents, and if there are more tobacco-related diseases / deaths than firearm-related diseases / deaths, then why does our government feel that it is necessary to have waiting periods for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms, but any moron can walk into a liquor store with a fake ID and walk out with booze and/or cigarettes?

Shouldn’t there be background checks and waiting periods for the purchase of alcohol?

I’m just sayin’….

American Idol – 3.14.07

Didn’t Diana Ross look almost life-like?  Amazing! 

Who should go?

Who WILL go?

Go!

Public school system in California is out of line

Ugh!  Read the story here.

A PUBLIC school district in California is trying to crack down on parents who allow their children to miss school.

NEWS FLASH TO ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS……

You work for the PUBLIC school.  You are funded entirely by tax dollars.  On behalf of tax-payers nation-wide….you administrators work for me.  My tax dollars pay your salary.  That means I’m your boss.  You are not in a position to tell me what’s best for my children.  You may THINK that you need to tell me what’s in my child’s best interests, but you don’t.  When I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you.  Until then, be careful of “fining” the people who are already responsible for you being paid more (in many cases) than twice the average of the families in your district THAT YOU WORK FOR!

This has been a PUBLIC service announcement!

Rick Warren interviewed recently by ABC

In the interview, Warren says, “When you’re preaching and teaching the good news, you walk a very fine line where you’re taking the world of the Bible and the world of today, and you’re building a bridge between those [worlds],” he explained. “Now, it’s easy to be biblical if you don’t care about being relevant … And it’s easy to be relevant if you don’t care about being biblical. I happen to want to be both.”

I really respect and admire Rick Warren.  In my opinion, in a fair analysis, the controversy that swirls around Pastor Rick stems largely from ignorance, envy, and jealousy.  He is making a very God-honoring impact on his culture.  How many of us can say the same?