WTBT Volume 11, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I have made my first goal of 20 posts a month.
* even moving slowly on my weight goal is at least an accomplishment.
* I have a strange feeling there is going to be something awesome at this Super Bowl.
* the NHL All-Star game is so much more fun than the NFL Pro Bowl.
* if you like porn stars you better get on Twitter.
* after January Jones' Golden Globes outfit you were really disappointed by her SAG dress.
* SAG dress sounds kind of funny.
* any NBA back door action is fun.
* it so effing on right now.
* only drug dealers are going to go medieval in trying to beat the US.
* Amos Lee is a pretty bad ass singer and if you don't believe me you haven't heard his new album Mission Bell.
* you don't know what movie this quote is from, "What? I didn't *break* it, I was just testing its durability, and then I *placed* it in the woods because it's made of wood and I just thought he should be with his family."
* it is important to take a grease fire seriously.
* strife in Egypt is going to lead to a tumultuous 2011.

We're taking bets that I've been doing some reading...

Here are the books I have read so far in 2011.

* The Unbelievers by Alastair Sim - A neat book about a Victorian era detective in Scotland. It has a really twisted ending that made the book a little weird, but it was enjoyable.
* Warlord by Ted Bell - Another great Alexander Hawke adventure. He is a cool James Bond type, but he has cooler friends.
* Squirrel seeking Chipmunk by David Sedaris - Fun little short stories using animals to tell the tales. Kind of a modern day Aesop's Fables.
* Shoot to Thrill by P.J. Tracy - The Monkeewrench crew is back for another adventure into murder and computers.
* City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - The completion of the Mortal Instruments trilogy. It has some cool characters and will probably be a neat movie.

In the process of reading:

Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar by James Marcus Bach
Best American Non-Required Reading 2011 edited by David Eggers
Nine Dragons by Michael Connolly

We're taking bets that you can have an impact...

Here are a few observations I have had over the last few days.

* One of my favorite teachers in college passed away today. Dr. Peter Hess of Western New England College was more than just a professor. He was a mentor, a great basketball player, a friend and from what I heard and believed an unbelievable family man. It is amazing how much a professor/administrator from college can impact your life. I am glad that I got to spend some time with him and every time I came back to WNEC he always said hello when he saw me and talked to me for a little while. Thanks for everything Professor Hess and I hope heaven is treating you well.

* The unrest in Tunisia and Egypt is kind of scary. While I completely support these countries right to democracy and freedom, a lot of people are going to get hurt. I think what scares me most is revolutions will probably never stop. There will always be oppressors and people standing up to them. Peace on earth is something I do not believe we will ever see no matter how much beauty pageant contests wish for it. I think that is why I believe more Americans need to pay attention to politics and get involved. We have a pretty good system in the United States, but we are only getting involved every four years. Things happen all the time and not just every four years. I just hope that the people of Tunisia get what they want and more importantly what they deserve.

* On a more fun note I am really impressed with the NHL All-Star game draft. I think that is a really cool way to get more interest in the game. I remember playing NHL '94 and trying to put together an all star roster. This is a great way to get to see your dream line-ups. I think that all sports should do this. It would really spice things up and definitely make me more interested in the games.

* I watched Kevin Hart on Comedy Central again tonight. I really enjoy his comedy. He is just hilarious. I still think his ostrich bit is his best, but everything is funny. Hopefully this will make you laugh again.

WTBT Volume 10, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it is sometimes better to just agree then go back and forth.
* I didn't always agree with that statement in the past.
* "Soda Pot" definitely could be the next college craze.
* there is no way that could taste good.
* the Patriots will be in the AFC Championship game next year.
* the TV shows Hoarders and Hoarding: Buried Alive freak you out, but if you see they are on you want to watch.
* just because it is free to get books from the library doesn't mean you can keep them forever.
* I understand that Jay Cutler was hurt, but can't the guy have any emotion trying to root his team to victory?
* it is a sad state of affairs when more people are going to be pissed tomorrow that their tv shows are preempted for the State of the Union address than people who actually want to hear what the president says.
* I am not a big fan of dressing up your dogs, but this Che Guevara dog is kind of neat.
* if people did not have weather, sports or causes to talk about no one would put up anything on Facebook.
* is a little bit of an exaggeration, but check your last fifty posts and see how many of them were about one of those things.

WTBT Volume 9, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I am awful at predictions, but I have two more. Packers over Bears 34 -21, Steelers over Jets 28-24
* you are getting old if you remember when St. John's was a very good basketball team.
* Obama's state of the union address will uplift him to a successful two years until his next term.
* "Off the Map" is a pretty good show, but I worry like Grey's Anatomy Shonda Rimes is going to ruin it with stupid forced love drama.
* if you didn't see the dead spot at the Australian Open you are going to be amazed to watch this video.
* even if you are a super liberal you don't really care that Keith Olbermann is no longer on MSNBC and you don't care why.
* there is such thing as too far on both sides of the political aisle.
* snow terrorists are happening and I bet many people in the Northeast think this would be a good idea.
* the teacher that let two second graders perform oral sex on each other might be the sickest person in America.
* you didn't even play doctor in second grade.
* what makes college basketball so much fun is that being ranked number one usually means you are going to lose in your next two or three games.
* you are getting old if you remember when pencil wars was cool.
* I really like the new Snickers commercial with the sharks in a focus group.

We're taking bets that this is the world we live in...

Here are a couple of thoughts I have about things that have happened the last few days.

* So I was briefly watching the new woman talk show The Talk on CBS. They showed the clip of the girl falling into the mall pool while texting. They all were appalled that it was the security guards put the tape on YouTube. They even said that they should have been keeping the mall secure. Now I am pretty impressed they were watching the video tape. Doesn't that mean they were keeping the mall secure? How can they be surprised that this was posted on the internet? We have had America's Funniest Home Videos since we all thought the Olsen twins were cute. Stuff like this is funny and one of the best things we do is commentate things that happen. Remember Mystery Science 3000? It made bad movies funny. This was funny and she was texting. If it was a video of her walking into a baby carriage knocking over a child you would be appalled and yelling about the evils of technology. But God forbid someone makes fun of someone falling into a mall pool. When I was a little kid my younger Uncle (yes I have an uncle who is younger than me) and he fell into the Holyoke Mall fountain (yes they used to have fountains). If I had that on video I would have put it on the internet (no there was no internet at that time. Al Gore hadn't invented it yet.). Just thinking about it puts a smile on my face. I believe that we have too many talk shows that try to scare people or try to act like the people on the show have higher moral character than the rest of us. Falling into a pool is funny 99.5 % of the time especially if no one really gets hurt.

* Have you seen the new CBS Cares commercial for checking for testicular cancer? I believe this is an important topic and all men should check their boys for any issues, but come on, "Give the gift of the family jewels," for Valentine's Day. The guy is in a creepy silk robe and looks like he is a cheap porn star. (I bet many of you are wondering what I know about cheap porn) I don't know one person that will actually go to the website to check about testicular cancer. At least NBC's "The More You Know..." campaign actually taught you something. How do I check? What do I do? Who do I see? The only positive thing I can think of is that I am talking about this and maybe it will save a life for someone who reads this blog like James Lipscomb or Brian Walach when they check their balls for irregularities. CBSCares... I think not.

* Did you see the kid Jacee Badeaux on American Idol tonight? He was absolutely amazing. He was only 15 and he put Bieber to shame. His rendition of "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" actually gave me chills. I know they are being a lot nicer on AI this year, but I actually think they might get a singing star out of this competition. They are working hard to try to get a pop star the likes of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. Now Steven Tyler completely freaks me out, but he says some funny stuff and JLo is nuturing like Paula Abdul was. I think they tried to find two stars that had the best parts of her to bring the show back. The weird thing about this year's AI is that Randy's kind of being an asshole. Maybe we didn't realize because there was Simon, but he is truly being the mean one. I don't know if it fits him, but I keep waiting him to make an offensive comment that is going to put him in hot water. Are you watching AI this year? What do you think?

* We all know that music videos have pretty much died and were buried. I miss videos like Genesis' "Land of Confusion" or Human League's "Don't You Want Me". I mean they were weird, but at least there was some imagination and creativity. I really feel that P!nk is the only person really making good music videos today. Have you seen her new music video for F@#kin Perfect? It is jarring and amazing. It makes me appreciate her song even more than I did because I am able to understand the song better. That is what the best videos did. Why can't we have that anymore? I guess what I have come to realize is that P!nk is one of my heroes. She has found a way to say what needs to be said in a way that millions of people can hear it and feel empowered. Just read what she wrote about the video she made below. It's raw truth brings me to tears and deals with a topic many of us are too afraid to talk about. If I can do for one person what P!nk has done for me I will be able to leave this earth fulfilled.

WTBT Volume 8, Series 2011

We're taking bets that...

* you loved seeing the girl fall in the fountain at a mall while texting.
* tomorrow is going to be a big day for me.
* Inside Man is an excellent movie and I would love to see a sequel.
* Carmelo Anthony is almost as bad as Lebron was last summer.
* Catwoman and Bane are going to be pretty bad ass in the next Batman sequel.
* the fact that Trinity men's squash has not lost since 1998 is pretty damn amazing.
* American Idol was actually pretty interesting tonight.
* some criminals cannot catch a break.
* there are not too many things I can think of that are more gross than snorting human remains.
* a team from Texas is going to win the NBA championship this year.
* you are getting old if you remember when Kristy McNicol was considered a hottie.
* when you make lemonade you will always squeeze a few lemons.

WTBT Volume 7, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it is important to pay attention during any training or professional development because you never know when you are going to need it.
* January Jones had the best Golden Globes at the Golden Globes.
* the President's meeting with the Chinese President will affect our relations for the next 10 years.
* I don't think "gringo" is really a bad word, but it shouldn't have been used by an NPR commentator.
* radical Republicans are going to make this "gringo" thing too big a deal.
* you are getting old if you remember when Voltron was actually cool.
* Venus Williams only wears a dress while playing tennis because they make her.
* you can't believe that Regis is actually retiring from his talk show.
* I think that George Clooney would be the perfect replacement.
* you are freaked out and excited that the Japanese are going to try to clone/rebirth the Woolly Mammoth.
* I could actually like the Jets and how they play if they all were not such assholes.
* you are surprised I used a swear in my blog.
* R. Sargent Shriver did more to help this country and our global community than any other person over the last 50 years.
* is not a slight to any other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. or Mother Theresa, but a complete truth.
* you better watch out for exploding lids.
* my not having a cell phone isn't to shirk technology, but rather to stay more connected to people.
* sounds weird, but it is true.

We're taking bets that I cannot make this stuff up...

Hi everyone!!! I have a little story to tell that happened to me today at 8:05 pm Monday January 17, 2010.

I was preparing some ground turkey so that Theresa and I could have turkey tacos. Theresa was at her Monday night Zumba class and was not going to be home until about 8:20 ish. Oddly Theresa forgot her cell phone and had a billion missed phone calls. (slight exaggeration) "How I Met Your Mother" was on TV and I was working away.

I heard the front door opening and my back was to the sink as I was draining the browned turkey meat. I went back to the stove and didn't look at the front door. The door closed and I thought it was weird that Theresa didn't say anything as she almost always says, "Hi Honey" when she comes in. I look up and there was a six foot Caucasian male standing in my living room. He was wearing a tan Carhartt jacket, a white snow hat, jeans and boots. I asked him what he was doing and he looked at me with a very confused look. I instantly could tell he was intoxicated and this could be an amazingly interesting encounter.

I immediately reverted to my Residence Life training and became the RHD of my own house. I extended my hand to him which he shook. He absolutely reeked of alcohol(no exaggeration) and was slightly unbalanced. I asked him where he lived and he said that all the houses on this street looked alike. That is kind of true in the dark. He asked me if his friend was here and I told him no. He then asked me about a Judy whom I do not know. As we were talking I slowly was walking him to the front door. I got him out the door as he reassured me that he was a nice guy. Once he was on the stoop I noticed that his scooter was running and parked in front of our steps. This amazed me that he had gotten it there without going over any snow in our yard. He must be a very functional drunk because we found out that he drove at least 3 miles before ending up in my house.

So, he was standing on our front stoop and I could not close the storm door. He asks me if I have any cigarettes and I told him I do not smoke. He smiles and tells me his name is Andy. He starts to tell me that he has four cigarettes in my house after he checked his body. We go back and forth for a little while before he stops me and says, "You are so thickheaded you keep focusing on the "Don't Have" before I can explain myself." I then ask him to tell me where the cigarettes are and I will get them for him. He says never mind and walks to the scooter. I tell him to be safe and not drive. I then shake his hand and tell him to have a good night.

I close the door and lock it. I immediately run to the phone and the computer. I find the number for the EHPD and call the main line. (I didn't think it warranted a 911 call) The officer on the line is very helpful and says he is sending someone right out. I then go to our middle bedroom and look out the window to see what he is doing. He is trying to move the bike, but keeps getting frustrated as he is moving towards the snow. He then turns off the bike and I see a car approaching our house. It is Theresa who is coming back from Zumba and does not have her cell phone. I run to the living room and open the shade for the window facing the driveway. I see her rolling down her car window to talk to the man. I wave frantically to her to leave the driveway and go somewhere else. (Oddly enough this is another time that someone with a cellphone would have been helpful, but they didn't have it. Strange and just shows that cellphones aren't as helpful as you think.) She notices me and closes the window and leaves.

Now I think Theresa was scared and didn't know what to do because she circled the block and 30 seconds later was coming back down the street. Thankfully East Haven's finest was behind her and pulled up to the house. A woman officer got out and talked to the guy who was still trying to figure out his scooter. A minute later a second cruiser pulled up and a male officer got out. I was standing in the doorway as the second officer came up and asked me what happened. I explained the story. Meanwhile Theresa is parked in front of the house not know what to do. She finally decides to come into the house and walks past them. A little while the later the female officer comes into the house to get an official statement and all of my info. She was excellent. She told us that he was drinking at a bar and that he thought Theresa was his girlfriend. They decided to get an ambulance to take him to detox and tow his scooter. They convinced him to wait in the cruiser, but the officer thought he was going to put up a fight if he saw the tow truck so they waited until the ambulance took him away.

Now many of you are going to ask why the door was not locked and if I live in a dangerous part of town. Well it is the first time in recent memory that Theresa did not lock the front door when she left. She sometimes even locks me out when I am putting out the garbage. She is really paranoid about it to the point that I sometimes make fun. Well let me tell you the teasing will now stop. We live in a great neighborhood with practically no crime and very nice neighbors. I think this was just a freak incident.

I am blessed that Theresa was not the only one home when this happened and it was me. I have realized that I am very good in crisis situations and know how to deal with all types of people. Sometimes situations happen that you cannot even believe. Working on a college campus it happens more than you think, but I never expected this to happen in my own house. My life is truly wacky wild Kool-Aid style sometimes and I truly hope that the excitement never ends. Of course I also hope that they all end like this with a Happy Ending.

WTBT Volume 6, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* you can't take anything for granted in the NFL Playoffs.
* tomorrow is an important day for all Americans to reflect on their commitment to openness and a hate free society.
* the stuff going on in Tunisia is pretty wild.
* any article that has sperm killers in the title is a must read for most men.
* you are kind of excited for American Idol and their new judges panel.
* Jay Cutler is only an average quarterback even if he makes the Super Bowl.
* even if you hate Ohio State football as I do this is a pretty cool achievement.
* Legos are still awesome.
* you are getting tired of seeing Jared Loughner's creepy face.
* it is amazing that idiots keep getting high profile jobs and are allowed to continue those jobs after saying offensive and idiotic things.
* the Yankees will be in trouble if Andy Pettitte does not play for them this year.
* you are getting old if you remember this quote, "It's a dog eat dog world and I am wearing MilkBone underpants."
* if you are an elephant you should be comforted that you won't get in trouble for accidentally crushing your trainer.
* it amazes you that people are always shocked when wild animals in the zoo accidentally kill someone.

We're taking bets that you need to use conditioner...

Here are another set of quick observations that I have. I hope you enjoy them.

* I know that most men do not use conditioner. I do not understand why. It makes your hair and scalp feel great. I think that even if you are bald or balding you can use conditioner for your scalp. I know not all of you have great locks like Chris Rader and I, but you could. Just a dap of conditioner after a nice shampooing. Work it in and let it sit. I am sure most women already know this, but it is worth it. Guys give it a try.

* SNL is still a great show even though everyone wishes it was like the old days. Even in the old days there were times it really stunk. I don't think we appreciate all of the funny until after the fact. Just think about how hard you laugh over something that happened in high school or college now. Whenever I watch the VH-1 SNL retrospectives I laugh hysterically. Don't you wish we could laugh like that in the moment every time? It would make us all a lot happier.

* There are a lot of people pointing blame for the Arizona shooting. The one group that is getting the brunt of the blame is the community college. I believe they did everything they could. They told him he couldn't be a part of their community until he got help. How is it there responsibility to go any further. When you are working with 18 to 22 year olds you want to help them the best you can without doing everything for them. The blame needs to be squarely on Jared Loughner and no one else. Crazy happens and we need to do the best we can to stop it. Sometimes it just isn't possible. Stop placing blame people.

* The Golden Globes are on tomorrow and I am very excited. It probably is the best award show on TV. Ricky Gervais is absolutely the perfect host. He takes digs at everyone and all of Hollywood needs someone like him to keep their egos in check. I just hope that my Pats don't need extra time and make me miss any of the show.

WTBT Volume 5, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* you are getting old if you used to read this column in the Westerner newspaper.
* this idiot deserves to be punished for the very least stupidity.
* sentence sounds funny.
* if you are a UConn Football fan you are happy with the hiring of Paul Pasqualoni as head coach.
* there has to be a pretty strict dress code at this school.
* you miss the Muppets on TV.
* this might be the quickest way to not get re-elected four years from now.
* you can't believe he used the "I have a black child" card as his defense for stupid comments.
* people need to relax about the new horoscope thing.
* it is time for my playoff picks:
- 1-3 last week
- Steelers in a close game because that is the only type of play-off games they play.
- Packers because I think it is time for Aaron Rodgers to become a great QB.
- Seahawks because we need a Cinderella story.
- Patriots because they are my team playing in Foxboro against my least favorite team.
* you wonder if he gets a golden potato as his award.
* Green Hornet will be a fun movie to watch on a cold January day.

We're taking bets that a snow pile over a foot on your car is dangerous...

Here are a few more observations that I have. I hope you enjoy them.

* I understand we had a lot of snow in the northeast the last couple of days, but some people are ridiculous. If you have a pile of snow on your roof that is larger than 3/4 of a ruler you need to clean it off. I would say even a 1/2, but I will give you some slack. It is dangerous to every other driver around you. You might not care about others, but you are part of a community. Even if you are a little person someone would have helped. Clean off your cars people.

* I think that Reggie Jackson might be my new favorite person. Check out this article. He was responding to the idiotic remarks of Antonio Cromartie of the New York Jets. Here is my favorite quote...

"Don't [be] mad because I get excited because I did well. Or try to pretend like I'm acting some way because I dropped 40 on you in the first three quarters," Jackson said. "This guy threw 50 touchdown passes in one year. He won three Super Bowls. Was he embarrassing to people when he was excited because he won? You don't know what he's talking about because you've never won. So don't tell me how he thinks. You don't know. Acknowledge that. That's not my opinion, that's fact."

* Some days you just need to recite the "God grant me the serenity" prayer. Too many of us try to change what is not in our control and forget about what is in our control. I am doing every thing I can to become employed; preferably in a college or university where I can be of assistance to students. I can only change me, my resume, and my cover letter. Right now I am focusing on the me. Not a overhaul, but some tweaks that will hopefully help me. If you have any constructive feedback to give me please let me know. I know a lot of my faults and try to tackle them everyday, but I know there is more I can do. Some day some one will choose me to work for them and until that day I have the wisdom to try and be happy because I control that aspect of my life.

We're taking bets that you need to listen...

If you have not seen this yet as an intelligent American or human being you need to watch and listen.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Arizona Shootings Reaction
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog</a> The Daily Show on Facebook

WTBT Volume 4, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* not having to get up to hear that it is a snow day is awesome.
* this job search is getting frustrating, but I am working to have good days.
* Rex Ryan's mouth is going to lead to the Patriots destroying the Jets.
* it is weird that some news site keep trying to give the Arizona shooting suspect a middle name to make him sound like other assassins.
* they must of watch Conspiracy Theory and believe it was a true story.
* Samantha from Jersey Shore is the worst part of that show.
* it melts in your mouth, not it your hands.
* TCU probably would have beat Auburn.
* only Vermont would be willing to fight McDonald's over maple.
* Carmelo Anthony would be foolish to sign with the Nets.
* you are getting old if you think Tecmo Super Bowl was the best football video game ever.
* Buffalo Wild Wings is a restaurant name and not a way to act.
* Michigan got lucky that Brady Hoke took the job because they would have been screwed otherwise.

We're taking bets that we have stuff to think about...

Here are a few things to contemplate. Debate them here or talk with friends, family and colleagues. We don't really talk about things any more so I thought I would throw out a few fun topics.

* Is freedom of speech starting to become too big a risk in our society? I think freedom of speech is what makes the US the greatest place in the world, but when it is accompanied by violence it is no longer free speech.

* What makes a genius head coach in football? Is it a head coach who gets his team to execute his game plan perfectly or a head coach who has a perfect game plan that even executed badly can still work?

* What is a scarier disease that has no cure currently? Alzheimer's or All Cancers. To debate it would be stupid, because they are both awful, but I think I am more scared of the former.

* Is there really a price of gas where you won't drive anymore? I think that having a car gives us more freedom than we ever imagined possible. I cannot imagine giving up driving under any circumstances, which I know is financially crazy. Maybe if gas gets to $5 I will pause before going somewhere.

WTBT Volume 3, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it is fun being a jinx sometimes.
* Marshawn Lynch's run yesterday was the best I have scene since Barry Sanders was wearing the blue and silver.
* the shooting in Arizona has really made you question what type of society we are becoming.
* if you want to be eco-friendly you better not grow too many veggies.
* Aaron Rodgers is slowing becoming one of the top 5 QBs in the NFL.
* fighting the police with swords is probably going to get you shot.
* I am kind of looking forward to seeing Green Hornet.
* the Nets will still stink even if they get Carmelo.
* Jim Carrey was very funny on SNL and needs to make a comedy comeback.
* if you are a school teacher in Southern CT you are excited more snow is coming on Wednesday.
* Jets-Patriots will be must see TV on Sunday.
* you hope The Cape is not a dud like the last three seasons of Heroes.

We're taking bets that driving is dangerous if you are stupid...

Here are a few thoughts and rants I have had over the past few days.

* Why do people drive like maniacs in parking lots? People forget there are two lanes and that you should not block traffic. Additionally it would be nice if you only drove 10 mph or less because there are pedestrians everywhere. People have seem to lost the ability to turn into a parking space at a close to 90 degree angle and everyone seems to be parked crookedly. Can you also stop looking at me like i have done something wrong when I look annoyed because you are waiting for someone to pull out and you are blocking the entire driving lane? I am just asking because I may have to bump you. I have an old SUV and don't care about scratches anymore.

* Most of you are not paying attention to the House of Representatives and the Republican's attempts to repeal the new Health Care bill. You better start finding out about this. The repeal will cost us billions of dollars that will just be added to the debt. There are a lot of great things in this bill and it probably is going to get screwed by political tactics. I know that most of you vote and then let things happen for the next two years, but you should be aware of what is going on and get involved. Call or e-mail your congressmen. Do something. We are finally moving in the right direction with health care costs(though a lot more needs and should have been done) and we can't let it stop.

* It's wild card weekend in the NFL and there are some really great games. I think that each of them are going to be close going into halftime and there are going to be a ton of surprises. Here are my picks for the weekend.

- Saturday: New Orleans; Indianapolis (last second TD)
- Sunday: Kansas City; Green Bay (Michael Vick will get hurt early)

* I am beginning to agree with the governor of Philadelphia that we are becoming a nation of wussies. We are over medicating our kids so that they don't have to take responsibility for their lives. We cancel school and everything else at the slightest bit of snow because people are going to complain their kids are in danger. Heck it didn't start snowing until 2:15 here in East Haven and kids were already home because they already ended school early. It snows nearly every day in Buffalo but they don't close schools. If they did that in Buffalo there would be no educated kids or they would have to have school in the summer. Can we start strengthening up and tough some things out? Please.

WTBT Volume 2, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* sometimes you need a toilet big enough to sit.
* under no circumstances should Ohio State's players who broke the rules should have played in tonight's Sugar Bowl.
* MegaMillions was creepy having all of those LOST numbers.
* there has to be a better way to celebrate raccoon hunting than a "Coon Hunter" license plate.
* I didn't tell you that this is the state my parents now live in.
* the firing of all these NFL coaches and college coaches is weird especially since some of them are just starting to field better teams.
* we need too much instant gratification.
* I sure hope UConn hires a great coach who can bring them to a BCS bowl in his first season.
* was just to make a point.
* it is fun to accept a challenge even if you were going to do it anyway.
* you are shocked to know that Brett Favre isn't the single season passing yardage leader for the Green Bay Packers.
* those massage therapists are about three years too late to sue the NY Jets and Brett Favre and win.
* I am pretty sure you are going to hurt yourself loading a cannon.
* the phone never rings when you want it to.
* I really hate Ohio State.
* of course if they were offering me a job I would be a Buckeye for life.

We're taking bets that it is time for resolutions for 2011...

Here are my 2011 New Year's resolutions in no particular order:

1. I will lose 35 pounds by June 1 and 60 pounds by Dec. 15.
2. I will blog at least 20 times each month.
3. I will find gainful employment.
4. I will strengthen my connection and commitment to Theresa.
5. I will find ways to get more people to read my blog at www.weretakingbetsthat.blogspot.com than through Facebook.
6. I will stand up to injustice and intolerance any time I get a chance.
7. I will make at least 5 new friends.
8. I will find new ways to keep a closer connection to my family.

WTBT Volume 1, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* a lot of people are too excited about all the ones in the date.
* November will have even more ones in the date.
* Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights has a great voice for commercials as heard in the new Lays commercials.
* the flood in Australia is kind of Old Testament scary.
* the Old Testament did have the worst natural disasters.
* it's tough to change a seven year old's mind when their parent is teaching them racism.
* North Korea will make this the scariest year we have had since after 9/11 in 2001/2.
* minivan drivers might be the craziest I have encountered this holiday season as I had three pass me going at least 85 when I was going about 78.
* I am loving the new Discover commercials with the old college football coaches.
* watching college and professional sports really makes you watch a lot of commercials.
* the UConn BCS game will be closer than anyone thinks. (PS ~ This was posted before the game, but Facebook takes forever to post it.)
* Lindsay Lohan will have another major meltdown this year.
* Auld Lang Syne is a weird song, but it makes me happy every new year.
* The Fighter was the best movie I saw in 2010.
* you want a panda cow for a pet.
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