There have been several blogs over the past several months that have revolved around religion, politics, and sports.  One of the most controversial subjects in the U.S. is prayer in our schools, at work, and at our sporting events.  It seems that the minority has once again reared its ugly head and screamed, "I'm offended by those who practice their faith in public places."  Well, I'm actually offended that you're offended.  And my question is, how exactly are you offended.  Does it cause you pain?  Does it cause you to just want to cry?  Or is it simply a result of individualism, of just wanting to be heard?  If those who are praying at public sporting events, are actually praying, then they probably won't know that you're not, simply because they should have their heads bowed and their eyes closed.  If not, and they complain that your'e not, well, then you have the right to complain.  The same goes for our National Anthem.  If you don't want to hear it, show up a few minutes late, or wear headphones.  If you are offended by prayer in public places, then have your own prayer.  If you're an athiest, then why the hades are you offended in the first place?  You should be laughing, that there are so many stupid people out there praying to a God that does not exist.  How exactly does it offend you?  And probably the most important aspect of life, is how our children are raised, and how they portray that raising in our sporting venues.  So with all of this being said, here is a statement prepared by Ben Stein during the Christmas (so sue me for saying it) season, and then recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, that puts a different kind of spin on this whole subject.  Enjoy!

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jes sica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important?

I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are.

If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beau tiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don' t feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't th ink they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?
I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)

Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about and we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Enough said....or is it?

Athletes, war heroes, political or religious figures...all of these leave behind legacies. Legacy is defined as "something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past." Over the years our Presidents have left behind legacies. And though our media seems to determine what those legacies are, we tend to have our own minds made up as to how we feel about a particular person. Religious figures have left behind powerful legacies that have played parts in wars spanning thousands of years. For Christians, that person would be Jesus. For Muslims it would be Mohammed. And there are others. But few give us more happiness and more hope than our athletes.

As I have posted in one of my earlier blogs, sports is what keeps us up late at night rooting for the home team. It's what brings us together with our friends and families. It takes us away from the realities of work, school, politics, and even religion. It gives us hope. And we seem to thrive on the legacies of athletes past and present. Joe Lewis left behind a legacy of respect and honor for the black athlete. Mohammed Ali left a legacy of political change, hope for the poor, and a mouthy and great Champion. John Wooden left behind a legacy of a college basketball dynasty. Magic Johnson left behind a legacy of tragedy, yet turning it into hope. Larry Bird's legacy will probably always be that of being "the great white hope" in a time when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Dominique Wilkins dominated the NBA....no matter how politically incorrect that may sound. But what will our athletes of today leave behind, in a time of individualism, material wealth, and a growing number of run ins with the law? How will our generation be seen 20, 30, even 50 years from now? Wheras sports was once filled with role models and "good ole boys", it seems to be growing into a way of life seen as lavish, unruly, and greedy.

Our perceptions of athletes have taken a hit over the past five to ten years. And it is up to us to change that. It must start in the home. Parents much teach children that values are to be placed before material and individual successes. In our pee-wee leagues, children must learn that team success is much more gratifying and honorable than individual stats. Coaches must be an off-shoot of parents, teaching children these values. And they must not waiver. The days of one game suspensions for assault, dwi's, and weapons charges must be done away with. For if our parents, teachers, and coaches do not change the present situation, our children will see the results. And ethics and morality will be seen as hindrances to a more lavish and individualistic lifestyle. And this will be devastating to our younger generations.

I have done much thinking on this subject over the past couple of days. And there are things I need to change in my own life. I like to think I'm a reasonable person. But I have seen lapses in my own character that bother me. Let me first apologize to "fishwanda" and her friend "gale". I was flat out rude and mean to both of them on a blog posted by "fishwanda". I apologize to you both. There is a difference in having opinions and throwing out insults at those who do not share your opinions. I would like to apologize to anyone I have offended on this blog-site. I will always be argumentative, but I hope not to be insulting. I would like to leave this world knowing I did everything in my power to make it a better place for our children to live in. That is the legacy I would like to leave. And I would hope that sports would be a building block to this better world. What will be your legacy?

(Sorry guys..my work computer will not allow me to copy and paste pics..I'll have them later today.)

There once was a time when days of playing tag, riding bikes, swimming, and playing our favorite sports gave us hope and gave us dreams.  But just as quickly as the sun rises, and then sets, those days pass, and we find ourselves wondering where all the time has gone.  For some, the aging process comes gracefully.  It doesn't hit like a virus, weakening the body.  And with the body comes the mind.  For those who age long before their time, life deals a devestating blow.  But those who are able to beat the odds, stay trim and fit, sports will remain a way of life.  It will keep the mind and muscles strong.  It will give hope, though not the kind of hope that brings millions of dollars...like those we dreamed about as a child.  But it gives us an outlet to meet others and to build our self esteem.  It is as much a part of our lives as our sleep, our jobs, and our nutrition.

As a child my dad would take me to the nearest ball park, where he would hit fly balls to me.  He was my hero at that age.  I was barely old enough to go to school.  He was very encouraging, teaching me the fundamentals as a good coach would do.  From my T-Ball years all the way to high school, baseball was a part of my life.  My game was not a game of power.  But it was precise, and it was skilled.  My stature was never intimidating as a child, as I was always one of the smallest in my class.  But my competitiveness and my skills allowed me to keep up with the big dogs. 

As a freshman in high school I decided to try out for the wrestling team.  Not only did this give me more discipline than I had ever had in my life to that point, but it cut that ever present baby fat that seemed to linger.  My high school years were spent wrestling in the winter and playing baseball in the spring.  However, my senior year of high school brought forth a devestating blow to my athletic career.  During a routine dentist appointment on December 26, 1990, it was discovered that I had a heart defect that could be life threatening.  To put it simply, I had a runaway heart.  For the next year, I was in and out of hospitals, and my athletic career was non-existant.  It was devestating.  But by a God send miracle, doctors at Duke University (Yes, I'm a Tar Heel fan) performed a new procedure on my heart, and in an instant I was a new man.

I had never experienced the kind of energy I had after the surgery.  I felt like I could explode with vigor and with happiness.  All the things that had been taken from me were mine once again. 

My body began to take on another form.  I had muscles I didn't realize I had.  I had energy that seemed to just race through my body.  As time progressed, I graduated college, then went on to graduate school.  The military had always been a fascination of mine, but never really an option, especially after my heart condition was discovered.  But as graduate school began to come to a close, I began asking myself many questions.  These questions led me to many realizations about my life.  I was a Patriot.  I loved my country.  And I had always wondered what it would be like to be a part of the military, where I could push myself mentally and physically.  But at 28 my prime was quickly slipping away.  So I decided to see what would happen if I attempted to enlist in the U.S. Marines.  I knew that the Marines would push me to the limit.  They would discipline me like no other.  They would test my physical abilities, and they would test my mental abilities.  As fate may have it I passed the physical, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Parris Island, SC. 

At 28 I was pushed harder than I ever had been in my life.  My DI's used my age against me.  I was thrown into a leadership position that I did not expect.  When someone else made a mistake, I paid for it.  But in the end, I not only graduated, but I was an Honor Graduate of Alpha Company.  All of my hard work had paid off.  Little did I know that 9-11 would occur while I was in boot camp...and that changed my life forever.

I know, what does all this have to do with sports and aging.  I am now working in my hometown of Wilkesboro, NC.  I have one year left on my Reserve Duty with the USMC.  If fact, I will leave in early August for an exercise, and will not return until early September.  But here's where I'm going with this.  Age is nothing more than an illusion.  You are only as old as you think you are.  I have seen many of my old high school classmates around.  Some I have seen on the football field during our community flag football games.  The ages of these diehards range anywhere from 18 to 40.  There are many who have continued in their athletic ambitions, though only in a community manner.  But it keeps us close.  It keeps us competitive.  It keeps us physically in tune with our bodies.  It keeps our minds free.  On the flip side, I have seen old classmates who seem to be ashamed that I have even seen them.  One such instance happened just this week in my office.  A young woman, 33, who I had been all the way through school with, walked in the door.  I barely recognized her, as she had probably doubled in weight, and looked at least 10 years older.  She would barely even look at me, with her eyes facing downward at all times.  It seemed like she was very uncomfortable in my presence.  It is times like that, that I realize how blessed I am.  My dad is 60 years old, and he can still whip my crapper.  My mom runs 5k races every year.  And I continue to grind away....on the trails and in the weight room.  And sports is what keeps me young. 

Aging happens only as quickly as we allow it.  Professional athletes stay younger longer because it is their profession.  For the rest of us, it is up to us.  It must remain a part of our everyday routine.  Otherwise, we can sit at home and contribute to the long list of heart disease patients who drain our economy and leave families and friends grieving in the end.  I'm 33 as I write this piece.  But in my mind, I'm still that freaky 22 year old who knew no boundaries, and who still dreamed of being able to just PLAY!!!!

With all the debates and controversy over respect, gambling, and player's salaries in sports, comes a refreshing reminder of just how much college sports means to the true sports fan.  I was privileged enough to be able to attend the North Carolina and Duke basketball game Tuesday night in Chapel Hill.  And while the debate shall roll on endlessly about who has the biggest rivalry in sports, I can at least say I was there to witness one of the greatest in college sports.  Now keep in mind that at times I may sound partial to the boys in light blue, but I can at least respect a true rival and what it brings to the table.  But this was more than a game where there was a winner and a loser.  It was more than 10 athletes running up and down the court for 40 agonizing minutes.  This was a sanctuary. 

As we walked along the street that takes you by this enormous structure we call the "Dean Dome", we were greeted along the way by scalpers trying to sell tickets...and others who were trying to get tickets.  While the face value of a ticket to a college basketball game may cost a fan around $30.00 a pop, this was no ordinary game.  And with extra-ordinary games come extra-ordinary prices.  When one particular scalper was asked how much he wanted for a ticket, he sort of mumbled "$500.00!!)  This being my first Duke/Carolina experience, I almost lost my balance and tumbled down a flight of steps as I heard those startling words uttered from his mouth.  I'm not sure if he ever sold those tickets at that price...however, I'm sure he was a richer man once he had successfully made a transaction.  Was it worth it to someone?!!!

As we entered this sea of blue, we made our way up the flight of steps that took us to the upper deck corner of this massive structure.  The electricity was so vivrant you could feel your hair, if you had any, standing as if it were at the position of attention.  We stood in awe of this hysteria and watched as the players went through their routine of stretches and shooting.  But then, just as the players ran off the floor one last time before their introductions, a familiar face came walking up the steps toward us, and sat no more than 15 feet from where we were.  It was Bill Guthridge, the former successor to Dean Smith, who coached for two years before retiring.  He looked feeble, but was very humbled and honored at the attention he received.  But then a thought came to mind....."why in the hades was he sitting in the upper deck?"  Could it be that he had been out bid by those who would pay enormous sums of money for lower level seats?  Come to find out, it was his choice.  He could watch the game from his seat, without having to stand a single second of the game.  Well, he was probably the only one sitting in this arena filled to a capacity of around 23,000 screaming fans. 

Hmmmm...23,000 screaming fans.   Doesn't sound any different from an NBA arena.  Ahhhh but there is a huge difference.  The lower level was filled with screaming Carolina Blue teenagers....students, who had received free tickets to the game.  Now I ask you...where in all of professional sports can you find that?!!!!  Where can you find former players coming to the aid of their extended family, cheering behind the benches, waving to the crowds.  Where else can you find athletes competing at a world class level, innocent of greed and million dollar paychecks?!!  Where else can you find the likes of a Dickie V wearing an enormous Carolina Blue Wig...(okay, I realize that isn't at the top of your wish list).  But it is this innocence and this passion that makes college sports so attractive.  It is the players giving everything they have for their coach and their teammates that keeps it in our  homes, on our televisions, and in our dreams.  And though it isn't pure, it is as close to pure as big time sports gets. 

As fate may have it, those Blue Devils from just eight miles east of Chapel Hill, came into our house and stole one away from the home team.  But it wasn't all about the final outcome.  It was about the experience.  It was about feeling a part of something more pure.  It was about sanctity.  And as I said in an earlier post, there will be another day and another game, where the doors to this sanctuary will open.  And sports will live on!!!

January 17, 2006.  That was my first entry into this phenomenon we call sports blogging.  I have often been told, "Matt, you would argue with a wall!"  And guess what.....I can't argue with that.  I have been blogging for going on two years.  However, the brunt of my debating has come in political blogs that, if you don't have a thick skin, will tear you to shreds.  It's particularly deflating when fellow members of the armed services call you a liar, and force you to prove that you are indeed a member of the military....and all because you don't agree with something they have posted.  But I will save all this political bickering and nonsense for another day...and another blog. 

Over the past two weeks I have noticed so many differences in the things we deem important in our lives.  And though debates rage and tempers are tested, we still "post that last argument before bedtime" only to sit and wait for a reply.  So guess what.....you guessed it.  "Okay, just this one more..and then I'm going to bed."  And the cycle goes on and on.  As a college student, I would play video games until wee hours of the morning, before I realized...it was time for my early class.  So to remedy this problem, I would simply set my alarm clock...at which time I would force myself to put down my controller and shut off the PlayStation.  I have forced myself to do much the same as an avid blogger.

It's amazing how sports bring people from all walks of life together for a common goal.  And that goal is to root for your team no matter how bad your team is or how really bad your team is.  But what's even more amazing than that is that 99% of people who have a "favorite" team will never change "favorite" teams in the future.  Now you may ask yourself, "Where in the world is this guy going with this nonsense?"  Well, if that statistic holds true, THEN WHY IN THE HADES ARE WE ARGUING?!!  What is our purpose in insulting others for their choice of teams, and for debating who's the best and who's the worst?  It's like trying to convert a Muslim to a Jew or a Jew to a Muslim.  It just never happens. 

So this leads us to the moral of this post.  We debate because it makes us feel important.  We debate because we want to have that feeling of "someone is listening to me...and they actually like what I am saying."  Northside wrote, what was in all essence, a fantastic Eulogy for his recently deceased Grandmother.  There was much to learn from that.  Our days here are vitally important.  Our country may cease to exist in the future.  Some of our friends and our loved ones will pass unexpectedly.  We, ourselves will pass.  But sports will live on.  People will continue to cheer for their favorites and debate in order to be heard.  And so sports is what makes us American.  It's what keeps us up late at night.  It's where we go with friends to compete or just root for the home team.  And it's where we will laugh and we will cry.  But the most important thing about sports is, it will live another day.  If your team loses, there will be another day, another season, and another reason to be a blogger!!! 

And that's why I'm a By GYOD Blogger!!!!