Georgia Sports Weekend 2010

Really glad basketball is over. Especially after I lost $110 on Duke (thanks, Tim).  That means it's time for $1.25 pimento cheese sandwiches, 50 yard-line club-level seats at Sanford, and sorority girls at Turner Field.  Yea, I know it's gay to talk about seasons, but this is without question the best time of the year.    

Democracy on the Rise, Liberty in Retreat

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/taxes/2010-04-07-income-taxes_N.htm

Double Down debuts this weekend!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36179954/ns/business-consumer_news/?gt1=43001

Atlanta Braves Over/Under

Some over/unders for YOUR 2010 Atlanta Braves. The season starts Monday, so you have all weekend to pick. We can revisit after the season. I'm sure Chris will pick the over in all categories.

We'll start with pitchers:

Derek Lowe - 13.5 wins
Tim Hudson - 14.5 wins
Tommy Hanson - 15 wins
Jair Jurrjens - 16.5 wins
Billy Wagner - 29 saves

Hitters:

Troy Glaus - 21 home runs
Brian McCann - 20.5 home runs
Chipper Jones - 18.5 home runs
- Chipper - .290 batting average
- Chipper - 130 games played
Jason Heyward - 18 home runs
- Heyward - .270 batting average

Atlanta Braves 2010 Wins - 86.5
Braves end of season games behind Phillies - 4.5 back

A Great Read

George Will on our government's previously-mentioned and irreversible dependency agenda.

Big Announcement

Apparently this blog's patron saint, Rick Schwarz, has a very big announcement to make tonight at the bar.  I do not know what the announcement is yet but I will be sure to keep ya'll posted.  That is all for now.  Good night and good luck. 

"Landmark" Legislation

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

I really don't have time to write a lot on this like in the old days, but suffice it to say that Congress has just passed a 2,500-page monstrosity that seriously erodes our freedoms, creates an entire generation of new government dependents, explodes an already-busted federal budget, all the while doing absolutely nothing to actually bring down health care costs.  Premiums will continue to soar because more people will have more employer-based insurance (which is the root of the problem to begin with).

But let's look on the bright side:  now more taxpayers will be even more responsible for subsidizing those that can't afford to buy coverage.  Employers will be punished and fined unless they give their workers the very form of insurance that causes health care costs to skyrocket out of control in the first place.  And finally, those cavalier rapscallions that choose not to buy insurance go precisely where they belong:  directly to jail!  Now that's truly the America I know and love!  

This is because the philosophy behind Democratic policy-making over the last 70+ years has been simple: create more Democrats. And the best way to do this is to make people more dependent on government than ever so that, come November, they will have no choice but to pull the lever with the "D" next to it. In that cause they have certainly succeeded: more people, both poor and middle-class, are now dependent on Washington than at any time in history. The portion of workers that actually pay income tax today is the smallest on record, while the portion of wage-earners that pay none has nearly reached a majority.  Meanwhile, the percentage of voters that benefit from social security, Medicare, Medicaid, S-Chip, federal education grants, FHA loans, and a bazillion other needless programs is easily the largest number we've ever seen.  Wonder who all these folks will choose come election time?  The party that pledges to maintain and expand these handouts or the one that wants to take them away? 

The good news is that some people are finally waking up:  according to a CNN poll, 59% of registered voters oppose the bill passed last night.  All I know is that if I'm a Republican running this fall, this would be my 5-point platform:

1.  Repeal of the health care bill
2.  A balanced budget amendment
3.  Term limits
4.  Allow workers under 55 to opt out of Social Security and Medicare
5.  Allow workers to opt out of the tax code and instead pay a 15% or 25% tax rate with no deductions.

1 MORE DAY!

363 days down; 1 more to go!
Come down to the Night Before Party at the KofC tonight from 7:00-10:00.
The Post-Parade party will be at the Boom-Boom Room in the Hilton. Time and room number are TBD.
Everyone have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day.
God Bless America!
Erin Go Bragh!

1.5 MORE DAYS!

Meet George Schwarz's son.

No Fun Zone

Are there any cute new rules the city has imposed this year?

2 MORE DAYS!

Meet George Schwarz

3 MORE DAYS!

4 MORE DAYS!

Mike Leach is Awesome

Got lots of bad words, so don't watch at work.

5 MORE DAYS!

6 MORE DAYS!

ONE MORE WEEK!

Don't forget the Gael Force Run tomorrow night at 6:30. The race will start on Abercorn, right behind The Mansion. The post-race party at Pinkie's will begin at approx. 7:20. Barring a minor miracle, I will be buying a round of PBR tallboys for the race participants.

The Great Chicken Heist

Sixteen tons of Tyson chicken leg quarters were stolen from a shipping company off of West Gwinnett Street last weekend. Amid the investigation, local authorities have warned citizens against buying the stolen chicken for fear of salmonella contamination.

HANK, do not buy the street chicken. I know it's cheap and probably just as tasty as other, full-priced chicken, but it's not worth the risk.

Full story here.

Another Anniversary

5 years ago, this song topped the charts. Where has the time gone?

Whatcha Gonna Do, Brother...

Big night in sports entertainment tonight. TNA Inpact makes its move to Mondays at 9pm, going up against WWE's Monday Night RAW. The big draw: Hulk Hogan (and some other dude) vs. Ric Flair (and some other dude). Right, guys?

20th Year Anniversary

I have to say, 1990 was the year of luck for the Reardon Family. Georgia Tech made the Final Four in basketball and won the National Championship in football later that fall. But the day that eventually made me thank my lucky stars each and every day was March 17th, 1990. This was the day my Grandfather was elected Grand Marshall of The St Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah. In what was at the time the closest vote in parade history, my Grandfather accepted this with the grace and honor he has lived his life. He now is embarking on his 20th year anniversary as the "Grand Marshall who has walked the most miles".


At the time of this great honor, I was a seven year old who tied his shoe in a unorthodox way and called Burger King, "Burber King". I had no clue how much this moment shaped my life until around 2006. At 23, I realized, I am part of not only a great event that you get to hang out with friends and drink,it is a celebration that brings in tradition to the forefront and makes you appreciate your Irish Heritage in the highest regards. I Credit this to my Grandfather, Robert H Reardon.


He loves the parade more than anyone, and I know every Grand Marshall loves it immensely. But, My Grandfather wants to make sure he can march the whole route each year. So he walks Lake Mayor weeks prior to get himself in tip top shape to walk the most coveted walk on March 17th. This June he turns 90, and I just want to say I cherish each and moment I share with him. Congratulations to the 20 year Anniversary of being Grand Marshall of the St Patrick's Day Parade in the greatest city, Savannah GA!


Erin Go Bragh!

Leonard Dropping

An excerpt from this morning's SMN article, Parade Marshal a man of faith, family and friends.

Herb also counts a number of grand marshals in his green-tinted bloodlines...An uncle, Denny Leonard, a former coach at Benedictine and subsequently at Boy's Catholic and later Aquinas High School in Augusta, and his son, Michael Leonard, served as grand marshals of the Augusta parade in 1981 and 2008, respectively.

I also thought this was a great picture from 1975. Check out the pants!

2010 GAEL FORCE RUN

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Third Annual Gael Force Run will be held Thursday, March 11th at 6:30pm.

The race will start at Abercorn and Bolton and Finish in Madison Square.

This year's race will follow the same rules as last year: Chug to start; Chug to Finish.

As always, loser buys a round of PBRs at the post race social at Pinkie's.
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TWO MORE WEEKS!

The Grand Marshal's Reception this past Sunday was great, as usual. This picture was taken later that night after the accountants had gone home. The party moved from the KofC to Kevin Barry's, where we were recruited by the CWO (Counihan World Order). I think Couniballs and I shared a total of about ten words between each other during our time together at BC. Well, he was my best friend Sunday night. He informed MAR and I that he was starting his own construction company and he asked us to join the CWO in forming the ultimate voting block within the Parade Committee.

An excerpt from our conversation:
"Where are all the guys that played football and shit? I have people calling me for work. Join us and we can run this thing. We can decide who the Marshal is every year."

Calendar of Events:
March 5: My birthday
March 7: Public Investiture of the Grand Marshal
March 8: Irish Sing-A-Long at BC
March 11: Gael Force Run
March 13: Tara Feis and Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade
March 14: Celtic Cross Mass, Ceremony and Reception
March 16: Jasper Green Ceremony and Limerick Society Party
March 17: St. Patrick's Day

Welcome Brack!!

This was the scene in Savannah on Monday for President Obama's recent visit. And the dapper looking fellow in the trench coat is a one BC alumnus Chris Hagan.

22-7

Congrats to the '09-'10 Benedictine basketball team.  Hell of a job, Cadets.  I haven't run the numbers but this may end up being the winningest team in BC history.  It has to at least be the first to have an undefeated record at home.  And hats off to Thomasville, who will probably end up winning the whole thing in a couple weeks anyway.

A Man for All Seasons

Senator Jim Bunning, Republican from Kentucky

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/03/bunning_defends_his_position.html

About Last Night

So, big win for Canada. I'm sure the hockey federation up there will throw a nice reception and party for the team.

I'll bet no one rides with Heatley.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dany_Heatley
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Denny's Our Man

Denny's our man.
He'll ably represent the whole Irish clan.
He'll lead the best parade in the land,
As only he can.
We salute Denny, our man!

The Week and Month Ahead

- BC is clearly the underdog going into Tuesday night.  I don't know much about Thomasville but judging from their record and schedule they must be ridiculous.  Not as ridiculous as Groves, though.       

- Apparently a few Only in America members will be making it up here this weekend.  Looking forward to it.  We are in the process of teaching Rick how to look both ways before crossing the street so any additional help we can get with that will be good.  

- Turns out I will be able to make it home for March 17th.  2010 marks the 6th year we have gone w/o starting our own Irish group after the initial idea was brought forth.  I believe the goal was having a group in the parade by 2006.  There is a lot of blame to go around as to why this has not yet happened, and a lot of it rests on me and a few of the '01 class members for not taking action.  Any ideas on how to expedite this process are welcome.          
 
- President Obama will be coming to Savannah in a few weeks to help defend John Barrow's house seat listen to people's concerns about jobs and the economy.  Does anyone know what Webber's plans are for that day?

Cadet Fever

Catch it!!!

RFI

Good morning. Welcome to Benedictine Military School. I am Cadet Colonel Snuffy P. Smith, Brigade Commander of the Corps of Cadets. I hope your stay here will be both pleasant and rewarding. The Brigade is looking forward to the upcoming inspection and review.

**UPDATE**

The Brigade scored 592 out of a possible 600 points to retain the Gold Star for the 24th consecutive year.

Open Line Wednesdays

Donnie from GA asks: "Pat, what are your thoughts about the results from the CPAC Straw Poll? I realize it's a straw poll and in itself doesn't mean a whole lot, if anything, but who do you feel is the early favorite to represent the GOP in 2012? Is BMBS ready to endorse anyone yet?"

Thanks for the question, Donnie. It makes me feel relevant and important.

I don't make anything of the straw poll. I know this will piss Ryan off but Ron Paul never was and never will be a serious presidential candidate. He never came close to winning a single primary in any state in 2008 and he continues to poll in the low single digits in every scientific sample conducted. His supporters are all college kids who stay up til 4 in the morning in Ayn Rand chatrooms arguing over the best way to privatize the sidewalks. They make up maybe 4-5% of the electorate but are vocal and dedicated as hell.  And they have endless time on their hands.  

This is not to say I do not like Ron Paul. I really like most of what he has to say, own most of his books, and appreciate him being the only GOP candidate with truly small-government views and convictions.  But the stuff that I don't like kills whatever chances he has of being a viable candidate. Terrorists should be afforded constitutional rights? Since when?  Under what precedent?  I don't remember Lincoln affording Southern sympathizers such protections (much less Southerners themselves) or FDR treating citizens of Japanese descent that way. Why should Aba Daba Mohammed, who is actually a sworn enemy alien and admitted conspirator in the death of thousands of innocent people, be any different?

Judging from the current field, we will not be endorsing anyone for president in 2012. Palin is terrible. As are Romney and Huckabee. None know what the hell they are talking about and none have convictions. It's all just warmed-over George W. Bush/Karl Rove-style talking points that aren't backed by any real record of conservative accomplishment or well-thought out political philosophy. Only Reagan had these and it is becoming clear he is the last great president this country will truly have.     

Our political matra here at BMBS is "everyone leaves everyone else alone."  We will continue to fight for this creed in the coming months. We think Republican victories this November would be good because divided government and gridlock are actually good things and anything to stop the Obamanomics freight train would certainly be welcome right now.  But we do not believe the GOP is anywhere near ready to govern again any time soon.  At least a few more election cycles in the wilderness will be necessary.     

Thanks Donnie, and let me know if you have any further questions.

Mr. Bush sighting! At the corner of Broughton and Barnard. Time - approximately 2:45pm.

Bourbon Street

Knowshon Moreno punched out a drunk 18 year old at Bourbon Street this past weekend. Hilarity ensued.

George Will's speech at CPAC over the weekend was killer.

February Madness, cont'd.

I have just been informed that round 1 will take place at the BC gym (not Armstrong). Which means if anyone plans on watching the game they should get to Seawright Drive no later than, say, lunchtime on Friday. It also means I will not get to see the Cadets play again, unless some really crazy stuff happens and we somehow end up in Macon.

Thanks to the GHSA for placing the quarterfinals in Americus - a hop, skip, and jump away from nowhere.

Palm Beach County Sheriffs Mean Business

No, this is not an R2-D2-esque droid. This is a suped up Segway scooter complete with sirens and lights.
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Feline Stew

I thought this was hilarious. If anyone met Jeannine Leonard's pet cat Precious, they know he'd make a mighty stew.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article7029058.ece

Ryan, how's Casey doing?

... I'm getting hungry all of a sudden.

February Madness

REGION CHAMPS!!! BC GOT 'EM!!!

When it rains, it pours...and sometimes it snows.

Tonight's game has been postponed to Monday night at 7:30. The Oyster Roast has been moved to Monday night as well. Hope ya'll can make it Monday!

46 Years Ago This Week...

Takin' Care of Business

The Cadets took care of business over the weekend, easily dispatching of counties Tattnall and Appling. The stage is now set for this Friday night as MCA comes to the Bat Cave with the regular season region championship on the line. (Technically, it will be for a share of the regular season region championship, but BC holds the tie-breaker, which would give them the #1 seed in the region tournament and the right to host the tournament.) With all the hoopla surrounding this contest, it is easily the most anticipated BC basketball game in recent memory. The student section will be doing another white-out as well. Get there early, as a standing-room-only crowd is anticipated.

What's the word of the week? F*** the Bucs, Sir!

Senior Night

The Cadets have to take care of business this weekend, in order to set up the epic showdown with MCA next Friday. To avoid distractions next week, CJH moved Senior Night to tonight's game against Tattnall County. The seniors will be honored tonight at 6:00, with tipoff following at 6:30.

This is arguably the best senior class to ever wear a Benedcitine basketball uniform. As a freshman team, they went undefeated and now, as seniors, will lead the Cadets to their first state playoff tournament since 1977 and possibly their first region championship since 1959.

As great as the senior basketball players have been, the senior-led student section has been just as dynamic. Ever since the white-out against Long County, they have created a theme for each home game. Last Saturday was Biker Night. Tonight is Sweater-vest Night and tomorrow night is Boater Safety Night. Next Friday's theme is to be determined.

Remaining Schedule
Feb 5 Tattnall 6:30
Feb 6 Appling 7:30
Feb 12 MCA 7:30

Rankings
GASports.com State Coaches' Poll: 9th
SMN Fab Five: 3rd
WTOC Super 11: 9th

Area Stats
Points
6. Jibri Bryan 19.2 ppg

Rebounds
1. Daniel Coursey 12.2 rpg
6. Jibri Bryan 8.9 rpg

Steals
1. Jibri Bryan 3.6 spg
4. Joey Friess 3.1 spg

Assists
3. Joey Friess 5.0 apg

Six More Weeks!

I have 42 more days to try to fit into these pants.

BMBS 5th Anniversary Week

Next week we will be celebrating our 5-year anniversary. The shirts below are available at cafepress (apologies to "MAR", who was not part of this blog when the shirts were designed).  I will probably design a 5-year shirt at some point but am too lazy right now.  

Act now and you can also get a 10 pack of "BC GOT 'EM" stickers that none of you have bought yet.

Stay tuned as we keep you posted on anniversary week festivities.

Home Stretch

The Cadets finish the regular season with four straight home games, beginning Saturday night. One win in that span will clinch the Cadets' first state playoff berth in basketball since 1977. If BC wins out, it will win the regular season championship and host the region tournament. We should win our next three games against Charlton, Tattnall and Appling, which would set up a defacto regular season region championship game versus McIntosh on Feb. 12th. The Cadets' lone region loss was at McIntosh, where BC squandered an 11-point lead and lost by 8. The Alumni Association is also hosting an Oyster Roast before the McIntosh game. I encourage all of you to make your best effort to attend this game. The atmosphere will be unlike any BC basketball game you have ever been to. If you can't make it, then listen to the game on the BC Sports Network.

Remaining Schedule
Jan. 30 Charlton 5:30
Feb. 5 Tattnall 6:30
Feb. 6 Appling 7:30
Feb. 12 McIntosh 7:30

Savannah Morning News Fab Five
#5 Benedictine

WTOC Super 11
#11 Benedictine

Area Statistical Rankings

Scoring
#5 Jibri Bryan 19.5 ppg

Rebounds
#1 Daniel Coursey 12.2 rpg
#3 Jibri Bryan 9.1 rpg

Steals
#1 Jibri Bryan 3.5 spg
#3 Joey Friess 3.1 spg

Assists
#3 Joey Friess 4.9 apg

Keynes vs. Hayek Rap Video

I'm pretty sure you already know which side I come down on here.

Tell Him, Sam

The saving grace of George W. Bush's otherwise tattered and diminutive legacy is that he left us two badass Supreme Court justices. 

If I could be like 'Bri...

Farewell to Conan

One of the few good things about NBC was Conan O'Brien, who will be leaving that network tomorrow night after 17 distinguished years of service.

This reminds me of a Conan clip I recently came across on YouTube.  Thought ya'll might like to see it.

Mass Hysteria

All eyes on Massachusetts today.

UPDATE:  Brown handily wins by a 5-point margin.  Republicans just picked up Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in Massachusetts and BC is ranked in the state in basketball (although they did lose last night).  I really think I have seen it all.

Lamar Owens Named A-Backs Coach at GT

I think Lamar may have hit up the varsity one too many times...

Heart of a Champion

It's hard to believe that we are already halfway through with the high school basketball season. The Cadets had lofty expectations enterring this season and, for the most part, they have lived up to them. BC is currently ties with MCA atop Region 2-AA with a perfect 6-0 region record. The Cadets are 11-4 overall, with all losses coming to 5A or 4A teams.

BC is getting some good press as well.
#5 in SMN Rankings
#11 in WTOC Super 11

And our players are being recognized.
Area Statistical rankings

Points per game
6. Jibri Bryan 16.2

Rebounds per game
1. Daniel Coursey 10.8
9. Jibri Bryan 6.8

Steals per game
3. Jibri Bryan 2.6
5. Joey Friess 2.5

Assists per game
3. Joey Friess 3.8

Remaining Schedule
Jan. 15 @Charlton
Jan. 16 @Brantley
Jan. 19 @MCA
Jan. 22 Long
Jan. 23 @Jeff Davis
Jan. 26 @Pierce
Jan. 30 Charlton
Feb. 5 Tattnall
Feb. 6 Appling
Feb. 12 MCA

See Ya Lane

I know most of you really hate this bastard, but here's a clip of Urban Meyer supposedly getting a text last night when he learned of Lane Kiffin weaseling his way to USC. I think this may actually be a blessing for Tennessee. Good luck with those oncoming sanctions out west Kiffin.

Global Warming

Does anyone here believe in the "global warming problem?"
Do you think it's man-made?
Check out this statistic. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/na.html

I'm not well versed in the global warming debate, but I think it's a bunch of crap.

BMBS at the Movies: 17 Years Later, Shadow of Murray's Best Performance Can Still Be Seen

I just got done explaining how bad The Hangover was, and I noticed a few commenters posted what I guess were quotes from that movie (but to be honest I couldn't tell you because it was so awfully unmemorable that I don't recall a single line from it).

Once upon a time, movies actually used to be funny and reflected a culture that didn't require the f-word or male genitalia being exposed every five seconds.  I am talking about a style of humor that I'm not smart enough to think of myself.  I am talking about real comedy.  I am talking about movies like 1993's Groundhog Day.

I remember going to see this modern-day classic at the Spartanburg Carmike theater in fourth grade.  It has since become standard wintertime cable movie channel programming, and America has never looked at February 2nd the same away ever since.



We start with our protagonist, Pittsburgh weatherman Phil Conners. Disgruntled Phil despises having to go to Punxatawny, Pennsylviana to cover the annual Groundhog festivities. In Phil we see a more bitter sarcasm than we are used to in Murray; a more vitriolic side to the traditional typical 80's smart-ass roles we are accustomed to watching him play.  Basically a Peter Venkman who wakes up on the wrong side of bed in the morning, every morning, both figuratively and literally.  

While Murray's performance is unparalleled here, Andie "hey, Andie MacDowell ever give you one a these?  Eh?" MacDowell and Chris Elliot are also key ingredients to the film's success.  MacDowell (who is also from Spartanburg) plays the soft, compassionate, idealistic producer who loves people.  As Conner's opposite, it is ultimately she who helps him appreciate the simplicities of life.  Elliot, meanwhile, natrually portrays the gawky, maladroit (thanks Thesaurus.com!) cameraman and reminds us of a time when the David Letterman show was actually worth tuning into.

To this day, Groundhog Day has become the classic "snowed in" movie to watch in my household (and I'm the only person in my household so that works out pretty well).  Perfect example:  it snowed earlier today in Atlanta, roads are iced over, everyone has the day off from work; so without any hesitation my first move this morning was to pop in Groundhog in the old Xbox DVD player, fix some Orville Redanbachers, and enjoy Harold Ramis' writing and directing genius for two straight hours.



This is not to say that Day doesn't contain a few flaws.  The glaring problem is that Murray is rewarded for abandoning his self-centered, jerk self and becoming a nice guy.  I usually only like movies where the selfish, egotistical guy wins out because, in my mind, selfish people usually do a lot more for the world than nice people do.  That's just the Ayn Rand in me, I guess.

But all in all, this is a comedy and we're not ultimately concerned with issues like plot resolution or character development.  It might be true that this was Murray's jumping off point where he would start increasingly doing more serious and "ambitious" (read: boring) projects, but, like with Ghostbusters or Caddyshack, the measuring stick remains how much laughter is obtained from the audience.  And Ramis clearly hits one out of the park on that basis alone, easily making Groundhog a masterpiece.

So over the next month, when you're flipping through channels like USA, AMC, or TNT, be sure to catch Hog at some point.  Phil Conners demonstrates that sometimes we could all use that annual trip to our own "Punxatawney;" that place deep inside of all of us where we learn that mistakes may be repeated, where we can't seem to get our own personal Sonny and Cher songs out of our heads, but where redemption can ultimately be found.*

*That last sentence really made no sense but I had to cap things off in some way that sounded real powerful and allegorical.

2010, Maybe Then

This will serve as the "Pass In Review" for 2009.

I'm pretty sure 2009 will go down as one of the worst years of the 21st century, right on top of 2008.  We've seen the worst job market in at least a quarter century, the most liberal administration since the 1930s, probably the worst Georgia team since Ray Goff despite 8 wins, Michael Jackson's death, and swine flu.  

Top stories:  Washington now owns the car companies, the insurance industry, and the banks.  Next target:  the healthcare sector.  Apparently winning the White House isn't enough when you want to be president of everything.   

Movies:  all terrible.  Especially the Hangover, which was by far the worst "comedy" since Borat.   Haha yea, funny! Cussing and drug references and gross stuff and cussing!  Yea!  Funny!  Take your five-year old with you!

Weddings:  Congrats to Snuffy, Sabogal, Jue, and all others who've signed the one-hole contract.  No turnin' back boys.  Actually there is -- it's called divorce and some of you will probably do it. 

More like disaster.gov

Music: Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga.

Girls of the year:  Taylor Swift and...that's it.  No others.

Moral of the story?  Apparently things have to get really bad before they start getting better.  And that's why we're optimistic about this year.  Predictions for 2010:  BC will make the playoffs in football, the Republicans will pick up 20-30 seats in the House of Representatives, and...BC will make the playoffs in football.

2009 MOTY Winner: Coach Curley

After 226 votes cast in what was probably the most hotly-contested competition we've had on here, Coach Curley beat out Chris Connolly to capture our Man of the Year award. Coach amassed 116 votes (51%) to beat out Chris' 101 (44%).

Two Shillelagh only managed to garner 9 votes, but we have not seen the last of him. I'm told he will appear on Bing Crosby Rockband, which is due out in March.

Capital Punishment vs. Abortion

In the news lately, the media often tries to pin Catholics as hypocrites in the abortion debate, especially surrounding the impending Obamacare. The media slams Catholics for denying the right to murder children, while at the same time supporting the death penalty.

The Pope, then Josef Cardinal Ratzinger, reminds Catholics the fine line between intrinsically evil acts (e.g. Abortion and Euthanasia) and acts of the prudential order (e.g. Waging War and Capital Punishment.) Acts of the prudential order's sinfulness depends on the facts and circumstances, while intrinsically evil acts are always immoral in and of itself.

Cardinal Ratzinger: "For example, if a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment or on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia."

The Showdown

I've been out of town the last few days without internet so sorry for the delay. Voting begins now and ends at 11:59 pm on New Year's Eve. Should be an interesting contest this year.

MAR'S Nomination:Chris Connolly

Being a former winner of this prestigious award given out each New Year's eve, I wanted to make a splash in my first year nominating . So, I went to the drawing board and came up with only one name that graduated from BC, and made it to 8 Straight Proms. Yes, this would be the one, the only, Cris Connolly.

Chris was born in Savannah, GA back in 1979. He was raised Catholic, attended Blessed Sacrament and graduated from BC in 1999. His first year of college was spent in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee as a Volunteer. After one year of living the dream away from home he returned to Armstrong to reconnect with all his friends and make new ones.

I knew Chris a little at BC, but I got to know him through Randy Gill out one night at Spanky's on River Street in the summer of 2001. Ever since then, there has been nothing but classic stories filled with improbable circumstances, finished off with some of the best quotes known to man. I know I can't share them all, but here is a glimpse of a classic:

-The Blowup Doll Summer 04: Connolly brings a blowup doll with him to the pier on Tybee. He busts out with "bitch I told you I did not want to eat there tonight" this leads the to doll being slugged onto a tybee police car....I forgot what happen after that
-Statesboro 03: Connolly gets a hatchet thrown at him by Charlie Webber. You had to be there to see how close that was from being disastrous
-Athens fall of ?: Sees a drunk guy telling a waitress "I want 10 Yeager bombs, riggggghtttt now" This would be a line he would use at the bar for many years to come.
-Proms: Attneded SVA prom from 1998 to 2005.
-Citizen Patrol: Caught someone stealing at the Stagg Shoppe and he chased him down in the Macy's parking lot. Who needs mall security when Connolly is around?
- Karaoke..... The man is relentless with a mic in in hands, belting out such classics Livin on a prayer, The Weight, Love Shack and I Touch myself.
-Classic Quote:"Bottle of Crown $27 Dollars, Burberry Scarf $110 Dollars Flossing a Scarf between your legs at the office Christmas Party, while dancing and singing to the song "Touch Myself" By Divinyls. PRICELESS !!!!!"- Connolly
Enough said!

2003: Part 1

Michael Leonard gets sucker punched in Statesboro.

BMBS MOTY: Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan

Nominated by Snuffy P. Smith at 3:17 AM on the 17th of December.

Will and Jack sing O'Sullivan's praises on the main stage at Kevin Barry's.

There's many a man that rode a horse across the western plain. There's never been one like the Irishman, O'Sullivan was his name. He never packed a shooting iron, the need he never felt, with two shillelaghs always hanging there, a'hanging on his belt.

O yippee ki yi oh, me bucko! B'gorrah an yippee ki yo! Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan, he'd give any man a go.

Har the shillelagh. You know we call it the Tipperary rifle. You never have to reload it.

This bronco-busting Irishman, from the heart of Erin's Isle, it was after living peaceful, like he always wore a smile. But when the smile was leaving him, in a fight he'd come unwound. Bad cess for any crossing him, they'd wind up on the ground.

O yippee ki yi oh, me bucko! B'gorrah an yippee ki yo! Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan, he'd give any man a go.

Why he was so strong, O'Sullivan, he could put his right hand in his own left pocket, and hold himself out at arm's length.

No man could do that.

It's O'Sullivan I'm talking about.

Oh, well he could.

At throwing the rope for branding calf, he was a mighty man. At throwing his two shillelaghs now, the fastest in the land. T'would be a sad mistake me boys, to reach for a 44. Before you could get the hammer cocked, he'd have you on the floor.

O yippee ki yi oh, me bucko! B'gorrah an yippee ki yo! Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan, he'd give any man a go.

Did you know O'Sullivan played the Irish Harp? Oh, sure, and he did. He put 75 strings on his two shillelaghs. He'd stretch them out 24 feet, and he had four leprechauns dancing on them to make the music. Oh, the wonder of it. Sure and he would charm the coyotes out of the hills.

Across the range from morn 'til night, he rode for days and days. A'fixin' fences here and there, and a picking up the strays. A cattle spread he really built, as big
as Ireland, where he could range a million head and a shamrock be his brand.

O yippee ki yi oh, me bucko! B'gorrah an yippee ki yo! Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan, he'd give any man a go. A bit of his lip, he back of his hand, and the toe of his shoe to boot.

Now if you're ever riding through the sagebrush wilderness,and you suddenly come upon acres and acres of shamrocks sprinkled with stardust, well, you'll be after knowing, that you've just arrived at the O'Sullivan spread, known has the Lazy Leprachauns. Stop in, won't you? Sure, and they'll give you a belt of Bushmill's.

Part 2: 2002

Dave Matthews Concert in Charlotte

Not liking Dave Matthews Band anymore

R.J. Gator's restaurant in Charlotte

Mr. Deeds

Austin Powers 3 AKA worst movie in modern history

323 S. Church St.

Bourbon Street in its prime (don't worry, it still is)

Patrick Scoggins

Clemson weekend

Keg party the Sunday after the Clemson game

Alex Bates

Ross Trulock

The Irish girls

Gumby's Pizza at 4 in the morning

Trying to avoid the black religious skateboarder kid that lived next to us

Pollock's interception

Qdoba

Friedenberg not meeting us downtown because he went to go see 8 Mile by himself

Sunday night meals at the Catholic Center

Last Call

Trying to avoid Austin

Going to Ronnie B's/Bulldawg Diner every Monday night for the new BCS rankings.

Centennial Celebration on the plaza

The most painful loss of the Mark Richt era

Watching the Auburn game at the Country Day girls' apartment

70-X-Takeoff

David Greene, Michael Johnson, and others showing up at Bird Dog later that night (I think Tim already put this up)

51-7

Trying to avoid Menefee and his Arachnophile roomate

First SEC Championship in 20 years

2002: Part I

These two commercials:



Domino's in the dorm

John Mayer

Laura McKay

Bird Dog

Amanda Sullivan

Hey Musa, don't you worry. Shots are on me tonight.

Grand Opening of Bourbon Street

Those weird, religious Augusta girls who lived above Jason

Sold! To the dyke with big hands and brown hair!

Blake Mahoney

Jr. Cricket's

You Don't Like the Doors?

Philadelphia? Where they make the cream cheese?

Episode II

Summer debauchery at Southbridge

Rage Against the Bronco

Dock parties at Reardon's

FYI

Today is Patrick Maher's birthday.

Don't forget to add to your list that Snuffy gained approximately 45 to 80 pounds.

Also working for MacCom solutions with Edwin MacCom.

2001, Part 2

Get your nominations in but let's make sure we keep this thing going.

College Orientations

Whitledge and Haslam housesitting for the Sheehy's

The Dutch Island ghost

South Park/WWE/Adult movie nights at the Sheehy's

Battles of the sexes at the Sheehy's

White trash showing up w/ baseball bats at Reardon's

American Pie 2

O-House

Uptown Lounge

Maria (or whatever that girl who was our RA's name)

Jason

Rivermill

Drinkin' games

151

Sevens, elevens and doubles

Bolton Dining Hall

9/11

Omelet Bar at Snelling Dining Hall

Rocky Mountain

Wilson!

Doc Martin

El Centro

Connolly and Olmstead's 12-hour trip from Savannah to Athens

Connolly brought that goddamn goat...

Ashley Strickland

Leigh Ann

That Mississippi girl

P-44 Haynes

Got Any Gum?

Wesley Willis

"Your mother can't cook and neither can you so get the f--- out..."

Trey Aimar and Shannon Hunt

Starr's Mill

Lord of the Rings at the IMAX (huge waste of time)

Underage drinking bust at Outpost Upper Deck concert

Snuffy's MOTY Nomination

...will be made on Thursday. Commissioner Holland, I ask that the nomination period be extended to Thursday.

Patrick's Nomination: Coach Curley

Everyone knows the past few years have spelled turbulent times for our beloved alma-mater. I won't get into the details regarding the faculty and administrative changes, and I'm not even going to attempt to "take sides" because I can't even pretend to know anything about the real reasons behind those controversial changes.

But there's one thing I do know: we here at BMBS salute Coach Bill Curley, freshman English teacher and freshman football/basketball/varsity baseball/cross-country/everything coach, for being a strong anchor that pins down and holds together everything that is right about the school in the choppy waters it currently finds itself charting through.

Middle-aged and hailing from Connecticut, Coach may not look like your typical nominee on the surface. But this man's unyielding commitment to BC athletics and Catholic education clearly makes him MOTY material. Strangely enough, what we love most about Coach is that he is not only a die-hard defender of all things BC, but that he's not even from Savannah.  I have never seen this man miss a home football or basketball game. Hell, I've never seen him miss any away games come to think of it. And it takes a LOT being one of those liberal, pinko, commie yankees Coach Yeckley warned us about to come to the Deep South and come to love and respect it, and to be able to earn its respect in return.

What has Coach done this year specifically? To be honest, I have no clue. I left that campus 8 years ago so I couldn't tell you. But if his past attitudes toward coaching, teaching, and life in general that I have come to know are any indication, I'm sure he's done some great things. How about we focus less on a 12-month period and broaden things to a 12-year span instead: the man has coached virtually every sport outside of the chess club. In the classroom, he actually makes his students do this daunting stuff called homework, begins every class by leading his students in saying a Hail Mary, and consistently preaches and practices the tried and true virtues of integrity and discipline.

True, Coach is not some legendary Savannah/BC-native institution, but if you took away his Yankee accent you wouldn't be able to tell. His teaching and coaching styles are just as old school as Cannon's or Owens'. And at the same time, he goes out of his way to keep up with and mingle with all of the young alumni that have had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him. In this way he is both an authority figure but also one of us. You'll run into him on St. Patrick's Day morning at Pinkie's or at Spanky's after a basketball game and he'll want to have a beer with you.  

This man's nomination is long overdue: vote for Coach Curley for man of the year.

MOTY?

So far nobody has been nominated for the 2009 BMBS Man of the Year. Nominations are due by Tuesday. As the three-time reigning Nominator of the Year, I was going to sit this year out. However, I do have an ace up my sleeve and I will use it if I have to.

The List, Part II-a

Whitemarsh Huddle House

Seriously. How many man-hours have been wasted at this establishment waiting for sub-Waffle-House quality shit/food?
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2001, Part 1

Drinking tall boys before/after Tuesday night BC away basketball games with Will, Joe, and my dad in his Taurus.

Owens vs. Leonard racquetball showdown

Lee McCurry fouls out against Savannah High in 2 minutes

The XFL

Monstuh Boigah

Yeckonomics

Finding Forrester

Miracle of life video

Mark Richt

Play It Again Sports

Michael Griffin

Temptation Island

Jeff Disk asking me if I still have that fake tooth

Mr. Maclean

LTC Owens speeches to Relay 4 Life team captains in the cafeteria

Will's 3rd quarter AP English grade

Country Day track meets

Logistical suppawt....

RFI

Hey! Must be the money!

St. Simon's Spring Break

NHS Jekyll Island convention

Honor Roll breakfast featuring honorary guest speaker Nurse Mokray

Prom at the Marriot

Tybee Straits

TC & Smirnoff Ice

Fayette County soccer game

Carpe Diem

Meinrad's resignation letter

Pearl Harbor

Graduation

Tiny Dancer

Find your dream, reach out, and just grab it

Girls throwing up at Mark Haslam's house

Cancun

Cancun on Abercorn

Video Heat

Lady Marmalade

Freddy Got Fingered

The Hjortsberg's house

2000, Part 2

Joe and Stephen go missing on July 3rd

The Patriot

Blaze Haze

Trevor Wachsman

Catch-22

Elian Gonzalez

Who Let the Dogs Out

Danaher-Neher-Mahoney-Crumley

Paying Joe $100

Kevin Leonard and Brittany Howard after the Johnson game

Ms. Dolan

Mark Haslam's house

Holly Ruf

The Sopranos

The Beach game

Captain Morgan's/Chicken McNugget Overdose

Commissioning

Mistah Ray-man, make mine a doctuh peppuh, cuz

Crossfire

Kenny O'Neal

The Camden game

Brandon Mell

"Probably not gay..."

Georgia beats Tennessee

Dollar delivery charge for double stacks

Matty Dotson

The Glynn game

Razor Scooters

Kimani showing up at Kelly Sheehy's house

Loose ass

Region champs

Kimani showing up at Meg Mamalakis' house

"Heavy Things"

Senior free's

Kwami Brown

Flores!  Flores para los muertos!

The 6th Man

Meet the Parents

Things Fall Apart

Castaway

"The List": Decade Edition -- 2000, Part 1

Anyone who lived on 323 S. Church street knows the importance of "the list."  Well, this time around, for sentimental purposes, I thought it would be appropriate to "list" the decade and its events.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, you soon will.  Basically what we'll do is split each year into halves, where "part 1" encompasses January - June, and "part 2" means the rest.  I will then list inside jokes, catch phrases, people, songs, sports events, bars, and more inside jokes that were relevant at the time (chronologically, if possible).  I need everyone's help in adding to the list to flesh things out as much as possible, because everyone has different but valuable perspectives/memories from the same time periods.   

I know most of ya'll are thinking all this reminiscing is a childish and gay idea, especially for someone who's almost 3 years away from being 30 years old.  Well guess what, don't really care.  I don't think any of us have matured at all these last 10 years so now is no time to start.  

Anyways, enough talk. Let's go ahead and kick things off with Part 1 (January-June) of the Year 2000.  Here we go...

Y2k

Piggly Wiggly

Sir Dunks A Lot

What A Girl Wants

Silly Mad CD's

Larry Schmidt 3-pointer against Jenkins

Kyoto Express/YMCA football half-days

If ya wowna gowta jawga...

Spring Break #1

Ring Day 

Spring Break #2

"Sweet"

More Cowbell

Chief Carl

The Fields

Who Wants to be a Millionare

Chief, how can I sign up for Honors JROTC IV

Ms. Harris

Survivor

Rhett Colleran

Thong Song

Blue Light Rain

Scarlett Letter

American Psycho

Relay For Life

Prom at the Westin

Tybee Straits

Smith for treasurer

Bye, Bye, Bye

Natural Light

Charlie's Cheesesteaks

Porto-tipping