HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY RUTH!!!!!!!!!

Happy 5th Birthday to my Princess Mary Ruth! I can’t believe it’s been five years. Now, here are five things about Mary Ruth (you probably already know them).

1. Her name comes from The Wife’s mom and grandmother (Mary) and my grandmother (Ruth… MaMa).

2. My pet name for her is MR (“mister” or Big Sister MR). Susie calls her Moo Moo.

3. She gets her feelings hurt easily… which is something that causes me a lot of anxiety.

4. She LOVES all animals (especially dogs).

5. She doesn’t want anyone to be wrong. If I say it’s sunny outside and The Wife says it’s pouring down rain, then Mary Ruth will stop us and say it’s sunny and pouring down rain.

Winthrop Update: The Eagles play PC at home this Friday in a huge Big South match-up.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Charles A. Bessey (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 13, 1877 near Elkhorn Creek, Wyoming. His citation reads:

While scouting with 4 men and attacked in ambush by 14 hostile Indians, held his ground, 2 of his men being wounded, and kept up the fight until himself wounded in the side, and then went to the assistance of his wounded comrades.

Coxswain Asa Betham (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from December 24, 1864 to January 22, 1865 on board the USS Pontoosuc. His citation reads:

Served on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, 24 December 1864, to 22 January 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully during this period, Betham was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under the fire of the enemy throughout these various actions.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Betts (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 19, 1865 at Greensboro, North Carolina. His citation reads:

With a force of but 75 men, while on a scouting expedition, by a judicious disposition of his men, surprised and captured an entire battalion of the enemy's cavalry.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Let us start by wishing a Merry Christmas from all of us at I’m just sayin... to all of you out there in internet land (yes, even my peeps out in China).

I will be taking a few days off to spend some time with The Wife (and her family), Mary Ruth, Susie, Dad, Mom, Sonny (and his family), Doubting Teri (and her family) and many others (I hope). This Christmas will be a little different, of course, because MaMa won’t be here. For the first time in my life, Christmas Day won’t include a trip to MaMa’s house. So that will be sad. But I’ll be ok. We’ve got MaMa’s table (so even if I can’t eat my Christmas meal at her house, I can at least eat it at her table) and Mom and Dad will be coming over so maybe this will be the start of a new tradition. Anyway, I can’t wait to see all of my family and I hope to maybe bump into a friend or two over the weekend. I will now leave you with something I love...



I know that some of you are not able to view the videos I post on here, so I’ll type what was in that video. It had a letter to the editor of the New York Sun from a little 8 year old girl named Virginia that was written in the late 1890s. One of the paper’s editors, Francis P. Church, answered with what would become one of (if not THE) most famous editorials. Honestly, the response was so great that I can only assume that Mr. Church was either from the South or was at least a Southerner at heart. First, here is the letter to the editor:

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET

Here’s the response from Mr. Church:

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Charles Joseph Berry (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 3, 1945 on Iwo Jima. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as member of a machinegun crew, serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed in the front lines, Cpl. Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his guncrew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Berry fearlessly yielded his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Master Sergeant Vito R. Bertoldo (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 9-10, 1945 at Hatten, France. His citation reads:

He fought with extreme gallantry while guarding 2 command posts against the assault of powerful infantry and armored forces which had overrun the battalion's main line of resistance. On the close approach of enemy soldiers, he left the protection of the building he defended and set up his gun in the street, there to remain for almost 12 hours driving back attacks while in full view of his adversaries and completely exposed to 88-mm., machinegun and small-arms fire. He moved back inside the command post, strapped his machinegun to a table and covered the main approach to the building by firing through a window, remaining steadfast even in the face of 88-mm. fire from tanks only 75 yards away. One shell blasted him across the room, but he returned to his weapon. When 2 enemy personnel carriers led by a tank moved toward his position, he calmly waited for the troops to dismount and then, with the tank firing directly at him, leaned out of the window and mowed down the entire group of more than 20 Germans. Some time later, removal of the command post to another building was ordered. M/Sgt. Bertoldo voluntarily remained behind, covering the withdrawal of his comrades and maintaining his stand all night. In the morning he carried his machinegun to an adjacent building used as the command post of another battalion and began a day-long defense of that position. He broke up a heavy attack, launched by a self-propelled 88-mm. gun covered by a tank and about 15 infantrymen. Soon afterward another 88-mm. weapon moved up to within a few feet of his position, and, placing the muzzle of its gun almost inside the building, fired into the room, knocking him down and seriously wounding others. An American bazooka team set the German weapon afire, and M/Sgt. Bertoldo went back to his machinegun dazed as he was and killed several of the hostile troops as they attempted to withdraw. It was decided to evacuate the command post under the cover of darkness, but before the plan could be put into operation the enemy began an intensive assault supported by fire from their tanks and heavy guns. Disregarding the devastating barrage, he remained at his post and hurled white phosphorous grenades into the advancing enemy troops until they broke and retreated. A tank less than 50 yards away fired at his stronghold, destroyed the machinegun and blew him across the room again but he once more returned to the bitter fight and, with a rifle, single-handedly covered the withdrawal of his fellow soldiers when the post was finally abandoned. With inspiring bravery and intrepidity M/Sgt. Bertoldo withstood the attack of vastly superior forces for more than 48 hours without rest or relief, time after time escaping death only by the slightest margin while killing at least 40 hostile soldiers and wounding many more during his grim battle against the enemy hordes.

Corporal Heinrich Bertram (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in 1868 in Arizona. His citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.

Don’t forget!!!!

Who? You (and me... and The Family)

What? The New Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Service

When? Tonight at 6:30pm

Where? Ashley Ridge Church, A United Methodist Community of People Worship at Ashley Ridge High School

Why? Word is there is going to be a showdown between Easter Jesus and Christmas Jesus. I could not make this stuff up.

Also, don’t forget the first 1,000 people through the doors will receive a free gift. So, if you’re still looking for one last gift to get that special someone in your life... this would be a great time to get it.

Speaking of last minute gift ideas... If you print your favorite post from I’m just sayin... I will be happy to sign it tonight (before or after the service).

We have had mostly positive feedback regarding the results of the I’m just sayin... Baby #3 Name Tournament. I say “mostly” because there are some conspiracy theorists out there who are a little upset their name(s) didn’t win. I would like to remind the gentleman from Our Life that he had ample opportunity to provide me with the quarter I needed to complete my set. This is a lesson I hope everyone remembers the next time I ask for something.

Winthrop Update: Winthrop plays at Kentucky today at 1:00pm.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private George Berg (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898 at El Caney, Cuba. His citation reads:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and while under heavy fire of the enemy.

Private Frederick Bergerndahl (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 8, 1874 at Staked Plains, Texas. His citation reads:

Gallantry in a long chase after Indians.

Major Randolph Carter Berkeley (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21 and 22, 1914 in Mexico. His citation reads:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Maj. Berkeley was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting of both days, and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action. His cool judgment and courage, and his skill in handling his men in encountering and overcoming the machinegun and rifle fire down Cinco de Mayo and parallel streets account for the small percentage of the losses of marines under his command.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!!

We would like to start today by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us at I’m just sayin... to all of you who we call Dad. Dad was born in 1942 (making him even older than KC... WOW). I’m not going to do a big email with different things about him because I’m saving that for his 70th, but I will share a couple of thoughts.

I’ve never known Dad with dark hair.

I have a little scar on my right hand (you can still see it if the light hits it the right way) from when we both went for a foul ball at a James Island High School baseball game back when I was about 10 or 11 years old (his fingernail dug into my hand as I grabbed the ball a split second before him). Odd that I still have that scar after 20 years but I’ve got nothing to show for rolling my truck.

Dad used to like having Doubting Teri scratch his head.

He would yell at us if we tried to tickle his feet.

I once heard Dad and Sonny talk about modifying a big wooden wardrobe to make it an entertainment center. They were speaking in Math, which sounds a lot like English but I couldn’t understand a word they were saying.

Dad knows just enough about computers to want to try and use them.

He’s changed his house enough that only one or two rooms are the same as they were when he and Mom moved in.

There are other things, but I’ll save them for the 70 things about Dad in a couple of years.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!
Have you ever wished Christmas would come early? Well I’ve got good news for you! My not-so-new-anymore-but-still-newer-than-the-150-year-old-church-I’m-a-member-of Favorite Church (Ashley Ridge Church, a United Methodist Community of People Wanting to Have Christmas Come Early) is having their Christmas Eve Service TOMORROW NIGHT at 6:30pm. That’s right, in the eyes of ARC, December 22 is now Christmas Eve. That would mean, of course, Christmas is now on December 23. YAY!!!!!!!! Anyway, I (along with The Family) will be attending this Not Really on Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Service. I’m excited. Word on the street is the first 1,000 people will receive a gift. I doubt it will be as good as the gift God gave us when he sent his Son to die for our sins... but I hope they at least try to make it close to as good. This brings us to the
I’m just sayin... Top Five Gift Idea’s For Ashley Ridge Church To Give To The First 1,000 People At Their Not Really On Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Service: (This is just a working title)

5. Boxing gloves
4. T-Shirts with the best post from Our Life on the front and the best post from I’m just sayin... on the back
3. Bibles with each book autographed by the man who wrote it
2. Bibles autographed by God
1. Autographed picture of Jesus

I can’t wait to see which gift I’ll get!

Winthrop Update: The Eagles lost at Dayton last night 58-73. They play at Kentucky at 1:00pm tomorrow.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private William Bensinger (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in April of 1862 in Georgia. His citation reads:

One of the 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanooga and Atlanta.

Seaman James Benson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 20, 1872 on board the USS Ossipee. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Ossipee, 20 June 1872. Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of 4 knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning.

First Lieutenant William H. H. Benyaurd (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 1, 1865 at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads:

With one companion, voluntarily advanced in a reconnaissance beyond the skirmishers, where he was exposed to imminent peril; also, in the same battle, rode to the front with the commanding general to encourage wavering troops to resume the advance, which they did successfully.

And the name for Baby #3 is…

Before we get to that, it’s time for the I’m just sayin... Bowl Predictions. While it is true that we fully support a playoff system for division 1-A college football, that will not keep us from picking the winner for each of the bowl games. And just to make things interesting, I won’t do any research whatsoever before picking these games.

I’m just sayin... Bowl Predictions

New Mexico Bowl - December 18 2:00pm (ESPN): BYU over UTEP

uDrove Humanitarian Bowl - December 18 5:30pm (ESPN): Fresno State over Northern Illinois

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - December 18 9:00pm (ESPN): Troy over Ohio

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl - December 21 8:00pm (ESPN): Louisville over Southern Miss

MAACO Bowl - December 22 8:00pm (ESPN): Boise State over Utah

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - December 23 8:00pm (ESPN): Navy over San Diego State

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - December 24 8:00pm (ESPN): Hawaii over Tulsa

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - December 26 8:30 (ESPN): Florida International over Toledo

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl - December 27 5:00pm (ESPN2): Georgia Tech over Air Force

Champs Sports Bowl - December 28 6:30pm (ESPN): NC State over West Virginia

Insight Bowl - December 28 10:00pm (ESPN): Missouri over Iowa

Military Bowl - December 29 2:30pm (ESPN): Maryland over East Carolina

Texas Bowl - December 29 6:00pm (ESPN): Baylor over Illinois

Valero Alamo Bowl - December 29 9:15pm (ESPN): Arizona over Oklahoma State

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl - December 30 12:00pm (ESPN): SMU over Army

New Era Pinstripe Bowl - December 30 3:20pm (ESPN): Kansas State over Syracuse

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl - December 30 6:40pm (ESPN): North Carolina over Tennessee

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl - December 30 10:00pm (ESPN): Nebraska over Washington

Meineke Car Care Bowl - December 31 12:00pm (ESPN): Clemson over South Florida

Hyundai Sun Bowl - December 31 2:00pm (CBS): Miami over Notre Dame

AutoZone Liberty Bowl - December 31 3:30pm (ESPN): Georgia over UCF

Chick-fil-A Bowl - December 31 7:30pm (ESPN): South Carolina over FSU

TicketCity Bowl - January 1 12:00pm (ESPNU): Texas Tech over Northwestern

Outback Bowl - January 1 1:00pm (ABC): Penn State over Florida

Capital One Bowl - January 1 1:00pm (ESPN): Alabama over Michigan State

Gator Bowl - January 1 1:30pm (ESPN 2): Mississippi State over Michigan

Rose Bowl Game Presented By Vizio - January 1 5:00pm (ESPN): TCU over Wisconsin

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - January 1 8:30pm (ESPN): Oklahoma over Connecticut

Discover Orange Bowl - January 3 8:30pm (ESPN): Virginia Tech over Stanford

Allstate Sugar Bowl - January 4 8:30pm (ESPN): Arkansas over Ohio State

GoDaddy.com Bowl - January 6 8:00pm (ESPN): Middle Tennessee over Miami (Ohio)

AT&T Cotton Bowl - January 7 8:00pm (FOX): Texas A&M over LSU

BBVA Compass Bowl - January 8 12:00pm (ESPN): Pittsburgh over Kentucky

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - January 9 9:00pm (ESPN): Nevada over Boston College

Tostitos BCS “National Championship” - January 10 8:30pm (ESPN): Auburn over Oregon

For what it’s worth (and coming from me, it should be worth a lot), there are waaaaaaaaaay too many bowl games. There really should only be about 13 bowl games and their names should be: Independence Bowl, Aloha Bowl, All-American Bowl, Holiday Bowl, Sun Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Peach Bowl, Gator Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl. Furthermore, there should be NO bowl games after January 1. Really, there should be a playoff system in place... but if we are going to be stuck with bowl games then it should be this way.

Baby #3 Name Tournament: This is it... the final match-up. We looked at a lot of great names and today in an I’m just sayin... exclusive, we are going to announce which name we picked. It wasn’t an easy choice. It involved a lot of thought and prayer and in the end we went with the one that felt the best. So, let’s now take a look at the finalist before seeing which name won:

THE NAME

1 Daniel Winfield Horres
About The Name
This name was somewhat of a latecomer compared to the other #1 seeds. I can’t think of any family members (off the top of my head) named Daniel... so this will be our first child with a first name not taken from a family member. To be honest, I’m not 100% sure I know many Daniels. I grew up with one, and he was a pretty good guy. We weren’t best friends, but we were friends. I know a Dan in Sunday School, but I’m not sure what his full name is. I do know a Danny or two and while their name is Danny and not Daniel, it’s close enough. Besides, I might decide to call Daniel “Danny” (good chance that will happen). One Danny is my good friend and a longtime I’m just sayin... follower. He also, you may remember, gave me the state quarter I was missing to complete my set, so this is payback in a way (bet you wish YOU had give me that state quarter now, don’t you?). The other Danny is of course Danny Ford... the great Clemson football coach. Ok, so he’s not really a friend or anything, but I did have his autograph one time (it is lost now... along with the autograph’s of pretty much every great player off of the 1989 Clemson football team. There is a good chance the paper these names were on was thrown away by my Mom while cleaning my room years ago. That’s my theory, though I still have hope that we will find them one day safe and sound). Daniel is also a well known biblical name (though I must point out that when we had the list narrowed down to Daniel or David, The Wife said, “Well, David is a good name from the Old Testament” completely forgetting Daniel is also there... so maybe it’s not as well known as I think). The best part is I like how this name goes with Winfield, which is important. I also like the options it gives: Daniel, Dan, Danny, Win, D-Dub (DW), this list is endless.

1 David Gregory Horres
About The Name
A little known secret is that about five years ago when The Wife was pregnant with Baby #1 (but before we knew if we were having a boy or a girl) we started talking about boy names. The reason we only talked about boy names is that we already had a girl name picked out (the funny part here is we didn’t use that girl name we had picked out). Anyway, we like this name for a number of very good reasons. The David part comes from The Wife’s uncle who passed away a year before we got married. Since then I have become friends with a David and this helped keep the name around the top of the list all these years. I liked the match-up of David and Gregory because that would give me a chance to call him “DG” in honor of my good friend and Labor Day family member DG. In the end, however, I really wanted to give my son my middle name. I love it. I remember learning how to spell it by looking a little Bible MaMa gave me when I was a baby (that had my full name on it). And since (as I’ve said before) I didn’t like the David Winfield combo, I couldn’t use the name David. But I really do like the name. How much? I tried to sell The Wife on a “four name” name for Baby #3 (David George Winfield Horres or David Gregory Winfield Horres). But she didn’t want to go the 4 name route. And it didn’t help that I started saying David like they say Ziva’s last name on NCIS (Da-veed). I like this name enough that if we ever have another boy (I doubt it) or another male dog (more likely) I will use this name.

Winner of the first ever Baby #3 Name Tournament: Daniel Winfield Horres

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions

Sunday

Pittsburgh vs. New York Jets 4:15pm (CBS) – The Steelers need this one to stay on top of the division. It’s a home game… I’m picking Pittsburgh to win by 7.

Miami vs. Buffalo 1:00pm (CBS) – I’m going to go with the Dolphins on this one. I’m picking Miami to win by 3.

Winthrop Update: The Eagles are off for the rest of the week.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Steven L. Bennett (US Air Force) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 29, 1972 at Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

Capt. Bennett was the pilot of a light aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily defended segment of route structure. A large concentration of enemy troops was massing for an attack on a friendly unit. Capt. Bennett requested tactical air support but was advised that none was available. He also requested artillery support but this too was denied due to the close proximity of friendly troops to the target. Capt. Bennett was determined to aid the endangered unit and elected to strafe the hostile positions. After 4 such passes, the enemy force began to retreat. Capt. Bennett continued the attack, but, as he completed his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile, which severely damaged the left engine and the left main landing gear. As fire spread in the left engine, Capt. Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was impossible. He instructed his observer to prepare for an ejection, but was informed by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of the impacting missile. Although Capt. Bennett had a good parachute, he knew that if he ejected, the observer would have no chance of survival. With complete disregard for his own life, Capt. Bennett elected to ditch the aircraft into the Gulf of Tonkin, even though he realized that a pilot of this type aircraft had never survived a ditching. The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cartwheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Capt. Bennett impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was rescued. Capt. Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.

Corporal Thomas W. Bennett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 9-11, 1969 at Chu Pa Region, Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Bennett distinguished himself while serving as a platoon medical aidman with the 2d Platoon, Company B, during a reconnaissance-in-force mission. On 9 February the platoon was moving to assist the 1st Platoon of Company D which had run into a North Vietnamese ambush when it became heavily engaged by the intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket fire from a well fortified and numerically superior enemy unit. In the initial barrage of fire, 3 of the point members of the platoon fell wounded. Cpl. Bennett, with complete disregard for his safety, ran through the heavy fire to his fallen comrades, administered life-saving first aid under fire and then made repeated trips carrying the wounded men to positions of relative safety from which they would be medically evacuated from the battle position. Cpl. Bennett repeatedly braved the intense enemy fire moving across open areas to give aid and comfort to his wounded comrades. He valiantly exposed himself to the heavy fire in order to retrieve the bodies of several fallen personnel. Throughout the night and following day, Cpl. Bennett moved from position to position treating and comforting the several personnel who had suffered shrapnel and gunshot wounds. On 11 February, Company B again moved in an assault on the well fortified enemy positions and became heavily engaged with the numerically superior enemy force. Five members of the company fell wounded in the initial assault. Cpl. Bennett ran to their aid without regard to the heavy fire. He treated 1 wounded comrade and began running toward another seriously wounded man. Although the wounded man was located forward of the company position covered by heavy enemy grazing fire and Cpl. Bennett was warned that it was impossible to reach the position, he leaped forward with complete disregard for his safety to save his comrade's life. In attempting to save his fellow soldier, he was mortally wounded. Cpl. Bennett's undaunted concern for his comrades at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Captain Mervyn Sharp Bennion (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 7, 1941 on board the USS West Virginia. His citation reads:

For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Virginia, after being mortally wounded, Capt. Bennion evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested against being carried from the bridge.

Final 4

The I’m just sayin... Top 5 Christmas Movies

5. Fred Claus - 2007 movie staring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti.

4. Frosty the Snowman - 1969 animated television special... classic.

3. A Christmas Story - 1983 movie starring Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon... and a Red Ryder BB gun.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life - 1946 movie starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Henry Travers.

1. Christmas Vacation - 1989 CLASSIC movie starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, and a bunch of other people (if you really want to know who, then look it up... you’re already on the internet for crying out loud).

(Honorable Mention: Elf - 2003 movie staring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel).

Baby #3 Name Tournament: Here we are... the Final Four. Can’t you just feel the excitement building? Which of these great names is going to advance to the final?:

The Final Four

2 Anthony Winfield Horres
1 David Gregory Horres
I kept this name on the board for as long as I could. The Wife hated (HATED) this name from the beginning... but I really liked it. Anthony, of course, was the name of Michael Corleone’s son. Also the name of my friend Coach Cadden. And it’s also the name of my favorite NCIS character. Knowing all of these reasons that I loved this name, I’m sure you can now see why The Wife hated it so much.

1 Daniel Winfield Horres
2 James Winfield Horres
This is another name I really really really wanted to use for a number of reasons. What better way to remember my beloved James Island than to name my son James? It’s also a great biblical name. This name was also good enough for Captain Kirk. Plus it was the name of my grandfather’s brother (well, one of his brothers... he had a few). They were real close so I thought it would be cool to name our son after him. Of course, Uncle Jimmy and MaMa had somewhat of a love/hate relationship... so I can’t help but picture MaMa rolling her eyes if I were to name our son James. It makes me laugh. And, of course, it’s the name of my dear cousin Jim (who I’ve talked about on here before when talking about the lake house). I told The Wife, what better way for us to get the lake house than to name our son after Jim (James) and Dad (Winfield and Horres)? She pointed out that the lake house isn’t paid for yet. So we had to cross this name off the list.

Winthrop Update: The Eagles are off for the rest of the week.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Chief Boatswain’s Mate James H. Bennett (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898 on board the USS Marblehead. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Bennett set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Private Orren Bennett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865 at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag

First Lieutenant Orson W. Bennett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 30, 1864 at Honey Hill, South Carolina. His citation reads:

After several unsuccessful efforts to recover 3 pieces of abandoned artillery, this officer gallantly led a small force fully 100 yards in advance of the Union lines and brought in the guns, preventing their capture.

Elite 8

What is more impressive... Cal Ripken’s consecutive game streak or Brett Favre’s consecutive game streak? Let me start by saying both are impressive (I’m not just saying that... they really are). Having said that, I’ve got to go with Cal’s streak. I know football is a big bad sport with a lot of hitting, but here’s a little secret: playing as a middle infielder in baseball ain’t like playing golf. Baseball in general isn’t as “non-contact” as most people think. Trust me, I’ve been KO’d in a game and hit by a lot of pitches (fyi, they aren’t throwing marshmallows... they’re throwing a hard ball and it don’t tickle when it hits you). Then you’ve got guys coming into second base with their cleats up trying to break-up a double play. More importantly, Cal didn’t get a week off between games to heal. He had to get up each day and play. Again, I’m not taking anything away from Favre’s streak... but Cal’s is more impressive.

The I’m just sayin... Top 10 Christmas Songs

10. Christmas In Dixie
9. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
8. Santa Baby
7. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
6. Run Run Rudolph
5. Silent Night
4. Go Tell it on the Mountain
3. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
2. Feliz Navidad
1. Joy To The World

(Honorable Mention: The Little Drummer Boy)

Baby #3 Name Tournament: The Elite Eight! We’re getting close to the end now. Tomorrow we will have the Final Four and then Thursday or Friday we will see what name we are giving to Baby #3. Let’s see what names are going to advance to the Final Four:

REGION I

1 Gregory Winfield Horres, Jr.
2 Anthony Winfield Horres
In a somewhat shocking upset, the overall #1 seed falls before the Final Four. Believe it or not, this was mainly my call. For obvious reasons, I love this name. Interestingly enough, we at I’m just sayin… have heard rumors that this name is the “favorite name of all-time” for my Mom and Dad. I admit we haven’t called to confirm these rumors because we feel some things should just be accepted as truth. Of course, I think we all know that Gregory is Latin for “Great” while Winfield is Latin for “Gift to Women” (I can’t remember where I saw that about Gregory, but I’m pretty sure my Dad translated Winfield for me) The cool thing about this name is I would get to add Sr. to the end of my name. One thing we couldn’t really decide on is what we would call him. The options were Greg Jr., Gregory, Greggie, Little Greg, Lil’ Greg, Lil’ G, GW, Win, and Junior. I figured I’d go with Junior. Then I realized that I couldn’t say that without saying it like Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Wife couldn’t really decide what she would call him. So, we decided we should probably steer clear of this one.

REGION II
1 David Gregory Horres
6 Donald Winfield Horres
This name was in honor of my favorite Disney character (Donald Duck) and my friend and former James Island/Citadel/Charleston minor league baseball player Donald Morillo. The Wife didn’t hate the name… but she said we weren’t naming our son after a duck.

REGION III

1 Daniel Winfield Horres
2 Jackson Winfield Horres
Jackson is a name we thought about for a long time. Not sure why The Wife liked it, but I obviously liked it because of Stonewall Jackson. In the end, Mary Ruth having a “boyfriend” named Jackson kind of turned us off to the name. This name and Jacob were the only names she would talk about. Over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over… so we crossed it off the list.

REGION IV

1 David Winfield Horres
2 James Winfield Horres
It would seem the statistical analysis being done in Huger isn’t accurate. We did like this name… but I crossed it off the list. Why? Because of Dave Winfield, the baseball player. I was just never a fan of his. I don’t know him… he could very well be a swell guy. But for some reason I just never really liked him. So, I couldn’t name him this name. It wasn’t so much the first name (which I like) or the middle name (which I like)… it was the combo that got this name crossed off the list.

Winthrop Update: The Eagles are off for the rest of the week.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Edward A. Bennett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions in February 1945 at Heckhuscheid, Germany. His citation reads:

He was advancing with Company B across open ground to assault Heckhuscheid, Germany, just after dark when vicious enemy machinegun fire from a house on the outskirts of the town pinned down the group and caused several casualties. He began crawling to the edge of the field in an effort to flank the house, persisting in this maneuver even when the hostile machine gunners located him by the light of burning buildings and attempted to cut him down as he made for the protection of some trees. Reaching safety, he stealthily made his way by a circuitous route to the rear of the building occupied by the German gunners. With his trench knife he killed a sentry on guard there and then charged into the darkened house. In a furious hand-to-hand struggle he stormed about a single room which harbored 7 Germans. Three he killed with rifle fire, another he clubbed to death with the butt of his gun, and the 3 others he dispatched with his .45 caliber pistol. The fearless initiative, stalwart combat ability, and outstanding gallantry of Cpl. Bennett eliminated the enemy fire which was decimating his company's ranks and made it possible for the Americans to sweep all resistance from the town.

Private First Class Emory L. Bennett (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 24, 1951 near Sobangsan, Korea. His citation reads:

Pfc. Bennett a member of Company B, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. At approximately 0200 hours, 2 enemy battalions swarmed up the ridge line in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Pfc. Bennett's company from its defensive positions. Meeting the challenge, the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation, but the enemy pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of the perimeter was imperiled. Fully aware of the odds against him, Pfc. Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole, moved through withering fire, stood within full view of the enemy, and, employing his automatic rifle, poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Although wounded, Pfc. Bennett gallantly maintained his l-man defense and the attack was momentarily halted. During this lull in battle, the company regrouped for counterattack, but the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated into the position. Upon orders to move back, Pfc. Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements, and, defying the enemy, continued to sweep the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded. His willing self-sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal. Pfc. Bennett's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and the military service.

Machinist Floyd Bennett (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on (Date Unknown) on a trip to the North Pole. His citation reads:

For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life as a member of the Byrd Arctic Expedition and thus contributing largely to the success of the first heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and return.

Sweet 16 (and Happy Birthday Brent!)

I want to start by wishing my brother-in-law Brent a very happy (day late) birthday! I was “off the grid” yesterday and was unable to contact him to wish him a happy birthday. Anyway, I’m happy Doubting Teri married him... even if I did tell him before the wedding that he didn’t have to marry her for us to stay friends (just kidding... maybe).

I would like to thank Uncle George and Aunt Yvonne for inviting us down to their house Saturday afternoon. Well, Uncle George is the one who invited us (and, between you and me, I’m not even sure Aunt Yvonne would have shown up if The Wife and the girls weren’t coming down with me... oh how the times have changed. There was once a time when I ranked a lot higher on her list. Oh well, at least I’m still in the top 2 of her favorite children) and he invited us so that he could use me and my truck to help him go pick-up a chair... but that’s fine. I have to say it was the lightest/easiest chair I’ve ever helped move (it was big enough that 2 people were needed... but it was easy with two people... and it fit through the door without much trouble). And let’s be honest here, Uncle George knows that I will never turn him down when he calls me for help. Why? Because as his favorite nephew it’s something I’m happy to do. That, and he always feeds me when I come down (and he does my taxes)... but mostly it’s because I’m his favorite. Of course, he wouldn’t say that (because he’s too nice to hurt Sonny’s feelings) but I think we all know that I wouldn’t lie to you. Anyway, The Wife and the girls had a great time (and of course I did). We left well fed (thanks to Alan getting Rob Fowler to bring us pizza... I’m pretty sure he only did this for us, I don’t care what they said on TV) and happy. Oh, and let me say Mary Ruth has gotten a LOT better at the hula hoop... I’m talking a LOT better. Color me impressed.

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions Results

Saturday
Navy vs. Army – I picked Navy and (of course) they won. Honestly, this might be the easiest game year in and year out for me to pick and be right. Don’t worry Army fans... at least your offense got into the end zone for the first time against Navy in a loooooooong time. Navy won 31-17.

Sunday
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati – I picked the Steelers and I was right. Pittsburgh won 23-7.

Miami at New York Jets – Dear Dolphins fans... I’m sorry. I picked the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets to win and I was W-R-O-N-G wrong, wrong, wrong. Miami won 10-6.

Baby #3 Name Tournament: It’s time for the Sweet 16. An Analyst from Huger, SC has been running different statistical models trying to figure out what the name will be. Are the models right? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. As for this round, here are the winners:

REGION I

1 Gregory Winfield Horres, Jr.
5 Edward Winfield Horres
Thought I had a chance to use Ross’ first name... but The Wife found out so this name is now off the list.

3 Matthew Winfield Horres
2 Anthony Winfield Horres
The name of a disciple... the name of the first book in the New Testament... Not enough to impress The Wife.

REGION II

1 David Gregory Horres
4 Richard Winfield Horres
The Wife’s grandfather is named Richard. There is a funny story about this name being taken off the list that involves my Dad, Doubting Teri, Brent, and myself... but I highly doubt I’ll ever tell it on here. And the story has nothing to do with the name being taken off the list... that was all The Wife. I liked the name.

6 Donald Winfield Horres
2 George Winfield Horres, III
Honestly, this name got cut because we weren’t 100% sure if the III should be there or not. I said it should because my grandfather, Da, was Sr. and my Dad, Dad, is Jr. therefore Baby #3 would be the 3rd George Winfield Horres. The Wife said it shouldn’t because I’m not George Winfield Horres, Jr. So we compromised and cut the name from the list.

REGION III

1 Daniel Winfield Horres
12 John Gary Horres
I believe this was MaMa’s daddy’s name (and the name of one of her brothers). Also another name of a disciple and book in the New Testament (actually a few books) that The Wife crossed off the list.

3 Michael Winfield Horres
2 Jackson Winfield Horres
Michael... The name of my good friend Michael, husband of my very dear friend Adrian. Also, of course, the name of Michael Corleone. We were all set to use this name, but then Michael (my friend, not Michael Corleone) scheduled our Sunday School Christmas Party on the one day I said I wouldn’t be able to make it. So we crossed it off the list. Haha, just kidding… The Wife crossed it off the list because her brother is named Michael.

REGION IV

1 David Winfield Horres
12 Jeremy Thomas Horres
Named after my good friends and Kappa Sigma Brothers Jeremy and Thomas… I lived with these guys, I partied with these guys, I spent time in jail with these guys (haha… just kidding… or am I? Ok, really… I am kidding). What better way to honor these guys than to name my son after them? The Wife doesn’t know if there’s a better way… but she knows we aren’t going to do it this way.

3 Henry Winfield Horres
2 James Winfield Horres
This was one of the toughest match-ups in the tournament. I liked it for a couple of reasons. One is Henry Aaron. The other is that Henry is an old family name dating back to at least the 1860’s when a Henry Horres took up arms and went to fight the evil yankees from the north who just wouldn’t leave us the hell alone (no offense to The Wife and Jenn). Even knowing that a Henry fought against her people in the War of Northern Aggression, The Wife still liked this name. But in the end, there are just too many Henry Horres’ around. My grandfather’s brother (who, if I remember right, looked a lot like my grandfather… I mean, it was like they were twins… but they weren’t) was named Henry and I think the name is still being used in his branch of the tree. So we had to cross it off the list. I still like the sound of it, though.

Winthrop Update: Winthrop had a great game against Jacksonville yesterday. The Eagles won 73-66.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class George Benjamin, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 21, 1944 at Leyte, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

He was a radio operator, advancing in the rear of his company as it engaged a well-defended Japanese strong point holding up the progress of the entire battalion. When a rifle platoon supporting a light tank hesitated in its advance, he voluntarily and with utter disregard for personal safety left his comparatively secure position and ran across bullet-whipped terrain to the tank, waving and shouting to the men of the platoon to follow. Carrying his bulky radio and armed only with a pistol, he fearlessly penetrated intense machinegun and rifle fire to the enemy position, where he killed 1 of the enemy in a foxhole and moved on to annihilate the crew of a light machinegun. Heedless of the terrific fire now concentrated on him, he continued to spearhead the assault, killing 2 more of the enemy and exhorting the other men to advance, until he fell mortally wounded. After being evacuated to an aid station, his first thought was still of the American advance. Overcoming great pain he called for the battalion operations officer to report the location of enemy weapons and valuable tactical information he had secured in his heroic charge. The unwavering courage, the unswerving devotion to the task at hand, the aggressive leadership of Pfc. Benjamin were a source of great and lasting inspiration to his comrades and were to a great extent responsible for the success of the battalion's mission.

Corporal John F. Benjamin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865 at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of battle flag of 9th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.).

First Lieutenant Samuel N. Benjamin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from July 1861 to May 1864 from Bull Run to Spotsylvania, Virginia. His citation reads:

Particularly distinguished services as an artillery officer.

Round 2 (Part 2)

When did reading comments from Facebook become something a legit news station would do on the local news? Honestly, I don’t really give a crap what little Billy thinks about the possibility of snow for tomorrow.

When is some legit news station going to realize people want to hear what I’ve written on my blog during the local news.

That’s funny… I just heard Lee Corso say that the fact that Auburn and Oregon started the season not ranked in the Top 10, that proves that anyone has a shot to play for a national championship. What a load of crap. Someone ask TCU how much of a shot they had… (***NOTE: I still love Lee Corso.***)

Did you see the news that Sylvester Stallone is going into the Boxing Hall of Fame (along with Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, and some other guys I don’t know)? Of course, I did read that some old boxers are upset because Sly isn’t a boxer (“Rocky wasn’t a real boxer”). Well, two things… 1. Sylvester Stallone (not Rocky) is being inducted for contributions to boxing (he’s not being inducted as a boxer); 2. Even if Rocky was being inducted as a boxer, that would be ok. Why? Because if you ask the casual boxing fan to name 3 boxers there is a good chance you’ll get: Ali, Tyson, Balboa. My only real question is what took so long? How great was Rocky? Great enough that most people don’t realize he lost his first match against the champ. Great enough that Rocky IV helped end the Cold War (as well as set sales of high-tech exercise equipment back about a decade). Great enough that people are willing to pretend that Rocky V never happened. I will now point you to a few Bill Simmons articles about Rocky: Which ‘Rocky’ is the real champ?, A Rocky road for Stallone, and A second opinion.

Baby #3 Name Tournament: Now for Round 2 for Regions II and IV. The winners here will move on to the Sweet 16:

REGION II
1 David Gregory Horres
8 Joshua Winfield Horres
Another match-up between Old Testament names… This time Joshua wasn’t good enough to make it.

5 Ryne Winfield Horres
4 Richard Winfield Horres
Looks like we won’t be naming Baby #3 after my baseball hero, Ryne Sandberg.

6 Donald Winfield Horres
3 Kevin Winfield Horres
In a upset of #6 over #3, the name “Kevin” gets cut by The Wife. She claims this does not mean she doesn’t like my big brother (Sonny) or my dear friend KC. Believe her if you want… right now I’m 50/50.

7 Jonathan Winfield Horres
2 George Winfield Horres, III
I’ve known some good Jonathans over the years. The Wife hasn’t.

REGION IV
1 David Winfield Horres
9 Alexander Gary Horres
Looks like we won’t be naming Baby #3 after my ancestor (on my Mom’s side of the family) who fought for the good guys in the War Between The States.

12 Jeremy Thomas Horres
4 Russell Winfield Horres
Rusty is off the list. The Wife was scared that if we named our son after Chevy Chase’s son in the Vacation movies that I would always quote the Vacation movies. Silly Wife, I’m going to do that anyway.

6 Steven Winfield Horres
3 Henry Winfield Horres
The Wife doesn’t want to name our boy after Rebecca’s dad.

10 Timothy Winfield Horres
2 James Winfield Horres
Yet another NCIS character knocked off the list by The Wife.

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions

Saturday
Navy vs. Army 2:30pm (CBS) – Perhaps the most underappreciated rivalry in college sports. Sure it hasn’t really been much of a rivalry of late as my Navy has owned Sonny’s Army, but the game this season should be a good one. It’s the first time since 1996 that both teams are heading to a bowl game. I’m picking Navy to win this one by 6.

Sunday
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati 1:00pm (CBS) – The Steelers need to win this one to hold on to first place (it would also be nice if the Ravens could lose their game). I’m picking the Steelers to win by 7.

Miami at New York Jets 4:15pm (CBS) – Sorry Dolphins fans… I’m going with the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets. NY will win by 10.

Winthrop Update: Winthrop’s next game is Sunday at home vs. Jacksonville.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Staff Sergeant Stanley Bender (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 17, 1944 near La Lande, France. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 17 August 1944, near La Lande, France, he climbed on top of a knocked-out tank, in the face of withering machinegun fire which had halted the advance of his company, in an effort to locate the source of this fire. Although bullets ricocheted off the turret at his feet, he nevertheless remained standing upright in full view of the enemy for over 2 minutes. Locating the enemy machineguns on a knoll 200 yards away, he ordered 2 squads to cover him and led his men down an irrigation ditch, running a gauntlet of intense machinegun fire, which completely blanketed 50 yards of his advance and wounded 4 of his men. While the Germans hurled hand grenades at the ditch, he stood his ground until his squad caught up with him, then advanced alone, in a wide flanking approach, to the rear of the knoll. He walked deliberately a distance of 40 yards, without cover, in full view of the Germans and under a hail of both enemy and friendly fire, to the first machinegun and knocked it out with a single short burst. Then he made his way through the strong point, despite bursting hand grenades, toward the second machinegun, 25 yards distant, whose 2-man crew swung the machinegun around and fired two bursts at him, but he walked calmly through the fire and, reaching the edge of the emplacement, dispatched the crew. Signaling his men to rush the rifle pits, he then walked 35 yards further to kill an enemy rifleman and returned to lead his squad in the destruction of the 8 remaining Germans in the strong point. His audacity so inspired the remainder of the assault company that the men charged out of their positions, shouting and yelling, to overpower the enemy roadblock and sweep into town, knocking out 2 antitank guns, killing 37 Germans and capturing 26 others. He had sparked and led the assault company in an attack which overwhelmed the enemy, destroying a roadblock, taking a town, seizing intact 3 bridges over the Maravenne River, and capturing commanding terrain which dominated the area.

Second Lieutenant George G. Benedict (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennslyvania. His citation reads:

Passed through a murderous fire of grape and canister in delivering orders and re-formed the crowded lines.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Edward C. Benfold(US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 5, 1952 in Korea. His citation reads:

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed 2 marines in a large crater. As he approached the 2 men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2 other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his 2 comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.

Round 2 (Part 1)

Yesterday, I’m sure you know, was the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I was a little disappointed that the History Channel didn’t have an all day marathon of shows focused on this extremely important event in US (and dare I say, World) History. I’m not even sure they had anything on about it (though I’m sure they did at some point during the day... I must have missed it). I did see some stories in the paper from people who were there when it happened. The sad thing is that the number of “first hand” accounts left of that day are getting fewer and fewer each year. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like to be there that day. To see powerful ships sink in a matter of minutes. To have a nice Sunday morning turn into the last day you’ll see a buddy. It was an event big enough to get the country to sprint towards war.

Today, I’m sure you know, is the 30th anniversary of John Lennon being murdered. For some of my younger readers, John Lennon was in a little group from across the pond called The Beatles. The Beatles did ok for themselves. Anyway, his death might be most remembered for how it was first announced (by Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football). For what it’s worth, I like The Beatles as a group and I like the solo work all of them have done (maybe not all of it... but I at least like some of the solo work each has done). I’d say Paul is my favorite Beatle, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like Lennon’s work. I’ll admit that after about a minute or so of Give Peace a Chance I’m ready to punch someone in the face... but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate his other work. And I think he would have been better off without Yoko... but that’s just me (and a lot of other people... so I guess it’s not just me, but I’m will to accept that me and millions of other people could be wrong about this one thing... I’m not saying it’s likely that we’re wrong, I’m just saying it’s possible). His death did lead to some pretty good tribute songs: Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) by Elton John, Here Today by Paul McCartney, All Those Years Ago by George Harrison, and other songs I’m sure I’m forgetting).

Oh, speaking of Monday Night Football... I’m sure you saw the news this week that “Dandy Don” Meredith died at the age of 72. He had left MNF before I remember watching it, but from what I hear he was great at what he did. Here is a nice little blog post about Don Meredith (mainly about his time with the Cowboys).

Baby #3 Name Tournament: Now for Round 2 for Regions I and III. The winners here will move on to the Sweet 16:

REGION I
1 Gregory Winfield Horres, Jr.
8 Elliott Winfield Horres
Elliott just wasn’t a strong enough name to overcome Greg, Jr.

5 Edward Winfield Horres
13 Dallas Winfield Horres
I still couldn’t sell The Wife on my Texas theme idea.

6 Nathanael Winfield Horres
3 Matthew Winfield Horres
The was a close match-up with Nathanael just not doing enough to move on.

7 Christopher Winfield Horres
2 Anthony Winfield Horres
Another CW name taken off the list by The Wife. It also didn’t help when she realized the name came from Chris Gaynor (former Winthrop PG).

REGION III
1 Daniel Winfield Horres
8 Gary Winfield Horres
The best thing Gary had going for it was it would give the boy the same initials as me (without naming him after me or Dad). The Wife didn’t mind the idea... but she did mind the name.

12 John Gary Horres
13 Clark Winfield Horres
Seems The Wife didn’t want to name our son after a Chevy Chase movie character.

6 Philip Winfield Horres
3 Michael Winfield Horres
I like the name Philip... and sometimes I think that’s all it takes for The Wife to dislike a name. I’m just sayin...

7 Samuel Winfield Horres
2 Jackson Winfield Horres
Some friends in our Sunday School class just had a boy and named him Samuel, so that removed the name from our list.

Winthrop Update: The Eagles lost to UNCC last night. Their next game is Sunday at home vs. Jacksonville.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Leslie Allen Bellrichard (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 20, 1967 at Kontum Province Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Acting as a fire team leader with Company C, during combat operations Pfc. Bellrichard was with 4 fellow soldiers in a foxhole on their unit's perimeter when the position came under a massive enemy attack. Following a 30-minute mortar barrage, the enemy launched a strong ground assault. Pfc. Bellrichard rose in face of a group of charging enemy soldiers and threw hand grenades into their midst, eliminating several of the foe and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Failing in their initial attack, the enemy repeated the mortar and rocket bombardment of the friendly perimeter, then once again charged against the defenders in a concerted effort to overrun the position. Pfc. Bellrichard resumed throwing hand grenades at the onrushing attackers. As he was about to hurl a grenade, a mortar round exploded just in front of his position, knocking him into the foxhole and causing him to lose his grip on the already armed grenade. Recovering instantly, Pfc. Bellrichard recognized the threat to the lives of his 4 comrades and threw himself upon the grenade, shielding his companions from the blast that followed. Although severely wounded, Pfc. Bellrichard struggled into an upright position in the foxhole and fired his rifle at the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His selfless heroism contributed greatly to the successful defense of the position, and he was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Captain of the Afterguard W.H. Belpitt (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 7, 1884 while serving on the USS Monocacy. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Monocacy, Foochow, China, 7 October 1884. Jumping overboard from that vessel on the morning of this date, Belpitt sustained, until picked up, a Chinaman who had been thrown into the water by the capsizing of a canoe.

Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1968 West of Loc Ninh, Vietnam. His citation reads:

Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Roy P. Benavidez United States Army, who distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions on 2 May 1968 while assigned to Detachment B56, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 May 1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in a dense jungle area west of Loc Ninh, Vietnam to gather intelligence information about confirmed large-scale enemy activity. This area was controlled and routinely patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army. After a short period of time on the ground, the team met heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction. Three helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small arms and anti-aircraft fire. Sergeant Benavidez was at the Forward Operating Base in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when these helicopters returned to off-load wounded crewmembers and to assess aircraft damage. Sergeant Benavidez voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft to assist in another extraction attempt. Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing where he jumped from the hovering helicopter, and ran approximately 75 meters under withering small arms fire to the crippled team. Prior to reaching the team's position he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head. Despite these painful injuries, he took charge, repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the landing of an extraction aircraft, and the loading of wounded and dead team members. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the team's position. Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members. As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and classified documents on the dead team leader. When he reached the leader's body, Sergeant Benavidez was severely wounded by small arms fire in the abdomen and grenade fragments in his back. At nearly the same moment, the aircraft pilot was mortally wounded, and his helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical condition due to his multiple wounds, Sergeant Benavidez secured the classified documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter. Under increasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he moved around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men, reinstilling in them a will to live and fight. Facing a buildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, Sergeant Benavidez mustered his strength, began calling in tactical air strikes and directed the fire from supporting gunships to suppress the enemy's fire and so permit another extraction attempt. He was wounded again in his thigh by small arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just before another extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitable spirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to the craft. On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbed from additional wounds to his head and arms before killing his adversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carry the wounded to the helicopter. Upon reaching the aircraft, he spotted and killed two enemy soldiers who were rushing the craft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door gunner from firing upon them. With little strength remaining, he made one last trip to the perimeter to ensure that all classified material had been collected or destroyed, and to bring in the remaining wounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft. Sergeant Benavidez' gallant choice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the lives of at least eight men. His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.

Round 1 (part 2)

Baby #3 Name Tournament: Final reminder: I have decided to list the baby names we are thinking about, seed them, and have a tournament (much like the NCAA Tournament). You might have already seen some of these names... that’s ok. Just like the real tournament has teams that don’t really have a shot, this tournament will have names that don’t really have a shot. You need to know two things: 1. This isn’t a voting thing... your opinion doesn’t really matter. However, you are welcome to share what names you like. 2. We aren’t 100% sure yet what name we’re going to pick, but we’ve narrowed it down. The names will be broken down into 4 regions. I can’t think of any funny names, so we’ll just call them Region I, Region II, Region III, and Region IV. So, here are the first round results for Regions II and IV:

REGION II
1 David Gregory Horres
16 Carter Electronics Horres
There goes our one big sponsorship opportunity...

8 Joshua Winfield Horres
9 Elijah Winfield Horres
This was a close battle between two Old Testament names... but Elijah just wasn’t a good enough name to move on.

5 Ryne Winfield Horres
12 Solomon Winfield Horres
Solomon was known as the wisest man... but The Wife only knows that Solomon is the name of Ross’ dog.

4 Richard Winfield Horres
13 Cecil Winfield Horres
Cecil is the name of my grandmother’s brother who died young... and CW is a good friend of my Dad. None of this matters to The Wife.

6 Donald Winfield Horres
11 Jethro Winfield Horres
It would appear The Wife does not want our son named after Gibbs from NCIS.

3 Kevin Winfield Horres
14 Robert Winfield Horres
This was in honor of my Uncle Keith (I recently found out his first name is Robert, not Uncle), not a certain preacher most of us know (not that that would be a bad thing). Doesn’t matter to The Wife... she said no to this name.

7 Jonathan Winfield Horres
10 Winston Winfield Horres
The name of a good friend to my Dad. Also the name of perhaps the greatest British leader of all time. The Wife was not impressed.

2 George Winfield Horres, III
15 Magnum Winfield Horres
Magnum may have been seeded too high... though it wouldn’t be a bad name for a LB.

REGION IV
1 David Winfield Horres
16 Santino Winfield Horres
Baby #3 will not be named after Vito Corleone’s oldest son. :(

8 Dallas Gregory Horres
9 Alexander Gary Horres
Another non-Winfield name bites the dust. I thought the name Dallas would fit nicely with my nephew’s name (Austin)... kind of give the boys of that generation a Texas theme.

5 Charles Winfield Horres
12 Jeremy Thomas Horres
Another shot at CW that The Wife shot down... seems she doesn’t like Chuck, Charlie, or any other version of Charles.

4 Russell Winfield Horres
13 Andre Winfield Horres
If Andre Dawson calls to complain, you might see this name come back up.

6 Steven Winfield Horres
11 Thomas Winfield Horres
The Wife doesn’t want to name our son after my high school baseball coach... or after my pledge brother/college roommate.

3 Henry Winfield Horres
14 Mace Winfield Horres
We will not be naming our son after a former Jedi played by Samuel L. Jackson.

7 Peter Winfield Horres
10 Timothy Winfield Horres
Peter seemed to play a pretty big role in the early church. Gotta do more than that to impress The Wife.

2 James Winfield Horres
15 Edward Rossiter Horres
Perhaps the most painful defeat of the tournament. This is a direct quote from The Wife, “I’m not going to name our son after your boyfriend”. Wow... hater.

Winthrop Update: Winthrop lost a close game at Liberty, 72-75. The Eagles next game is Tuesday at Charlotte (7:30pm).

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions Results

Saturday
Dorman vs. Byrnes – For the first time all season, the Doormats let me down. Dorman lost 14-34.

#18 USC vs. #2 Auburn – The game started the way I thought it should for USC to win... but I forgot how hard it would be for them to have to beat Auburn AND the SEC AND the NCAA. In the end, it was just too much for the Revolutionary War Heroes to overcome. USC lost, 17-56. (**Note: To be fair to our Auburn readership, we at I’m just sayin... would like to point out that Cam Newton was cleared by the SEC and the NCAA. Of course, OJ was cleared by a jury but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it**). ;)

Sunday
Pittsburgh at Baltimore – Hey, I got one right! I picked the Steelers and they won 13-10.

Miami vs. Cleveland – Well, at least I got the Steelers game right. I picked the Dolphins and they let me down. Miami lost 10-13.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Colonel J. Franklin Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 9, 1899 near Porac, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

While in advance of his regiment charged 7 insurgents with his pistol and compelled the surrender of the captain and 2 privates under a close fire from the remaining insurgents concealed in a bamboo thicket.

Sergeant James B. Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 25, 1863 at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Though severely wounded, was first of his regiment on the summit of the ridge, planted his colors inside the enemy's works, and did not leave the field until after he had been wounded 5 times.

Private James Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 9, 1875 at Big Horn, Montana. His citation reads:

Carried dispatches to Gen. Crook at the imminent risk of his life.

Round 1 (part 1)

Before we get to the tournament, we at I’m just sayin... would like to say RIP Ron Santo. You were a great Cub.

We would also like to welcome Bliss Seabrook Short to our Labor Day family.

Don’t know if you saw this article yet. It was passed on to us by an alert reader (Sonny). If you have a daughter, we strongly recommend you read it. If you don’t have a daughter (or any children at all) it’s still pretty funny. So read it.

If you are in the Summerville Area tonight and/or tomorrow night, come out to Bethany UMC to see the Living Christmas Story. If you time it right, you’ll see me as an angel. Laugh if you want at the lacy wedding dress-type outfit I have to wear, but know that it’s one of the warmest costumes out there. That’s one reason I volunteer for that role. That, and I know that Miss Brenda is going to ask me to do it anyway... and who among us can tell her “no”? I know I can’t.

If you’re looking for a good book to read (and you always should be), we at I’m just sayin... highly recommend The Kennedy Detail by Gerald Blaine and Lisa McCubbin (with a forward by Clint Hill). This gives you a look at the JFK assassination from the eyes of the Secret Service agents who were on the Kennedy detail (thus the title). I learned a good bit from it. And it was an easy read (which is always nice). You should read it.

And if you enjoy reading about someone else’s awkward moment... then this post by good I’m just sayin... friend Jenn is a must read.

Baby #3 Name Tournament: Just a reminder… I have decided to list the baby names we are thinking about, seed them, and have a tournament (much like the NCAA Tournament). You might have already seen some of these names... that’s ok. Just like the real tournament has teams that don’t really have a shot, this tournament will have names that don’t really have a shot. You need to know two things: 1. This isn’t a voting thing... your opinion doesn’t really matter. However, you are welcome to share what names you like. 2. We aren’t 100% sure yet what name we’re going to pick, but we’ve narrowed it down. The names will be broken down into 4 regions. I can’t think of any funny names, so we’ll just call them Region I, Region II, Region III, and Region IV. Here are the results from the first round games in Region I and Region III:

REGION I
1 Gregory Winfield Horres, Jr.
16 Xi Winfield Horres
No real surprise here. Xi is my Kappa Sigma pledge class and while it would be a great name, there was no way The Wife would agree to it.

8 Elliott Winfield Horres
9 Jeremiah Winfield Horres
These 8/9 match-ups can usually go either way. Jeremiah is a nice Biblical name but Elliott is the last name of good I’m just sayin... friend Tony Elliott. I wouldn’t mind having a son grow up to be like him.

5 Edward Winfield Horres
12 Jacob Winfield Horres
Mary Ruth has wanted to name this boy Jacob since before we knew we were having a boy. It’s to the point that the name Jacob had no real chance. But it’s a good name for your child. ;)

4 Daniel Gregory Horres
13 Dallas Winfield Horres
One of the few non-Winfield names in the tournament. It just wasn’t good enough to move on.

6 Nathanael Winfield Horres
11 Ethan Winfield Horres
Ethan was a good name, but Nathanael was just a little better.

3 Matthew Winfield Horres
14 Rodney Winfield Horres
It seems naming our son after the winningest QB in Clemson history isn’t all that important to The Wife.

7 Christopher Winfield Horres
10 Wade Winfield Horres
It also seems The Wife doesn’t care to name our son after one of my Dad’s childhood friends.

2 Anthony Winfield Horres
15 Ezekiel Winfield Horres
I think Ezekiel is a cool Biblical name. The Wife doesn’t.

REGION III
1 Daniel Winfield Horres
16 Maximus Winfield Horres
Let’s face it, Maximus was a long-shot at best.

8 Gary Winfield Horres
9 Isaac Winfield Horres
And another Old Testament name bites the dust.

5 Paul Winfield Horres
12 John Gary Horres
It would seem The Wife is also against naming our son after a member of our Labor Day family.

4 Mason Winfield Horres
13 Clark Winfield Horres
Mason was the one name that The Wife liked that I didn’t.

6 Philip Winfield Horres
11 Marcus Winfield Horres
It’s not that we didn’t like this name... it’s just that we didn’t like it enough.

3 Michael Winfield Horres
14 Darius Raj Horres
I liked this one because the first two initials would be DR... so I could call him "doctor" (the same way I call Mary Ruth “mister”). That wasn’t good enough for The Wife... though she was tempted by the name Darius... at least a little bit.

7 Samuel Winfield Horres
10 Simon Winfield Horres
Just opened up the door to too many “Simon Says” jokes.

2 Jackson Winfield Horres
15 Prince Winfield Horres
The one fell apart when I realized The Wife wouldn’t let me change my name to King.

So there you have it... the first round results from Regions I and III. Check back tomorrow or Sunday (probably Sunday... but maybe tomorrow) to see the first round results from Regions II and IV. You know what, I’ve got a lot going on tomorrow... check back on Sunday. Then again, how many of you read this over the weekend anyway? Just look at it on Monday when you get into work like you usually do. Ok, I’m sorry... you don’t tell me when to post so I shouldn’t tell you when to read it. Just check back every 30 minutes this weekend until you see the next post.

Winthrop Update: Winthrop won their game at VMI last night 88-82 in OT. Their next game is tomorrow night at Liberty (7:00pm).

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions

Saturday
Dorman vs. Byrnes (at Williams-Brice Stadium) 12:00pm – I’m going to ride this Dorman bandwagon all the way to a State Championship. I’m picking Dorman to win by 7.

#18 USC vs. #2 Auburn 4:00pm (CBS) – This is for the SEC Championship. With the recent news regarding Cam Newton, rumors are flying in to I’m just sayin... that family members for Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery will/should be asking USC for a raise soon. It would seem the NCAA isn’t 100% sure of its own rules. Probably because it has way too many (and roughly 95% of them are stupid... that’s just my correct opinion). Anyway, I think this will be a close game. The key, in my humble opinion, will be for USC to let Auburn take an early lead. Auburn seems to play its best football when it’s behind, so USC needs to make sure Auburn stays in front (until the end, of course). On the flip side, Auburn needs to make sure USC scores first. Not only for the reasons previously mentioned, but also because USC seems to do great against Tigers who take an early 7-0 lead. So, if both coaching staffs take my advice, we should see a record number of first down punts tomorrow. Regardless, I think we’ll see a close game. In the end, I think the weapons that the Revolutionary War Heroes have will be too much for the high priced... er, high powered Auburn offense. I’m picking USC to win this one by 3. After winning the College World Series and beating Clemson in back to back seasons for the first time since most of my readers have been alive... it just seems like it’s the Revolutionary War Heroes’ year. The bad news for you USC fans out there is that a win will put your team in a bowl game played after December 31... so expect to get blown out in that game. All the more reason to enjoy tomorrow as much as possible.

Sunday
Pittsburgh at Baltimore 8:20pm (NBC) – This should be a blood bath. I predict James Harrison will be fined after this game (unless the NFL just goes ahead and fines him now for tackling someone too hard). I also predict the Steelers will win this one by 3.

Miami vs. Cleveland 1:00pm (CBS) – Cleveland rocks... but not in this game. Miami will win this one by 7.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Dennis Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 30, 1898 at Tayabacoa, Cuba. His citation reads:

Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.

Captain of the Afterguard George Bell (US Navy) received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 7, 1861 while serving on the USS Santee. His citation reads:

Served as pilot of the U.S.S. Santee when that vessel was engaged in cutting out the rebel armed schooner Royal Yacht from Galveston Bay, 7 November 1861, and evinced more coolness, in passing the 4 forts and the rebel steamer General Rusk, than was ever before witnessed by his commanding officer. "Although severely wounded in the encounter, he displayed extraordinary courage under the most painful and trying circumstances."

Captain Harry Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 17, 1899 near Porac, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

Led a successful charge against a superior force, capturing and dispersing the enemy and relieving other members of his regiment from a perilous position.

Recap from big game

What a game this past Saturday! I don’t know if you were there or able to follow it, but boy it was good. A lot of people didn’t really know how this one was going to go... and things were pretty tight heading into half time with Winthrop only up 30-28 over Lander. The second half started out much like the first with Lander hanging in trading punches with the Eagles. To be fair, Winthrop was playing without starting point guard Reggie Middleton. About halfway through the second half, Winthrop went on an impressive run and was able to walk away with a 65-46 win. The announced crowd was 1,532 but I’d be willing to bet there were under 500 people there (including the players, coaches, and refs). I was there with The Wife, Mary Ruth, and Susie and I have to say we all had a great time. I’m 99.9% sure Susie yelled “Defense!” at one point. Not sure The Wife saw any of the game, but MR and Susie did a very good job of cheering at the right time. Winthrop shot 80% from the line and was able to hold Lander to 7.1% shooting from 3-point land (1-14).

Oh, I think there was also a football game last Saturday night. Let me tip my cap to Danny, Cory, Ashley and all the other Revolutionary War Hero fans. Good luck this Saturday against Auburn. While it is true that we at I’m just sayin... love Auburn fans, we do hope South Carolina plays a great game. This will be a hard game to pick as it pits a team with a pretty high payroll (based on info obtained from USC fans who read Alabama message boards) against a team from an athletic department that appears to have a horse shoe shoved up its... well, let’s just say it’s going to be painful when that horse shoe comes out.

I know some of you have trouble seeing videos on here. This one is worth watching. I think it’s about 13 minutes long, so make sure you have time to watch it. It’s about a tradition at a small school. I believe that this might be the best college tradition that I know about. The Wife and I saw this on ESPN last week. I think at one point we both had tears in our eyes. It’s that good. The tradition is called “Picking up Butch”.

Here is a little bit about it from the school website:

For half a century, Middlebury College student athletes have helped local resident Butch Varno - who suffers from cerebral palsy - enjoy sporting events and other activities in the community. The tradition began back in 1960, when Roger Ralph, a 1963 Middlebury College graduate, saw Varno's grandmother struggling to push Butch's wheelchair through snow and mud on the way home from a football game and offered to pick them up. Little did he know that "Picking up Butch" would become a college ritual that continues in force today.



Baby #3 Name Tournament: I have decided to list the baby names we are thinking about, seed them, and have a tournament (much like the NCAA Tournament). You might have already seen some of these names... that’s ok. Just like the real tournament has teams that don’t really have a shot, this tournament will have names that don’t really have a shot. You need to know two things: 1. This isn’t a voting thing... your opinion doesn’t really matter. However, you are welcome to share what names you like. 2. We aren’t 100% sure yet what name we’re going to pick, but we’ve narrowed it down. The names will be broken down into 4 regions. I can’t think of any funny names, so we’ll just call them Region I, Region II, Region III, and Region IV. So, here are the first round match-ups:

REGION I
1 Gregory Winfield Horres, Jr.
16 Xi Winfield Horres

8 Elliott Winfield Horres
9 Jeremiah Winfield Horres

5 Edward Winfield Horres
12 Jacob Winfield Horres

4 Daniel Gregory Horres
13 Dallas Winfield Horres

6 Nathanael Winfield Horres
11 Ethan Winfield Horres

3 Matthew Winfield Horres
14 Rodney Winfield Horres

7 Christopher Winfield Horres
10 Wade Winfield Horres

2 Anthony Winfield Horres
15 Ezekiel Winfield Horres

REGION II
1 David Gregory Horres
16 Carter Electronics Horres

8 Joshua Winfield Horres
9 Elijah Winfield Horres

5 Ryne Winfield Horres
12 Solomon Winfield Horres

4 Richard Winfield Horres
13 Cecil Winfield Horres

6 Donald Winfield Horres
11 Jethro Winfield Horres

3 Kevin Winfield Horres
14 Robert Winfield Horres

7 Jonathan Winfield Horres
10 Winston Winfield Horres

2 George Winfield Horres, III
15 Magnum Winfield Horres

REGION III
1 Daniel Winfield Horres
16 Maximus Winfield Horres

8 Gary Winfield Horres
9 Isaac Winfield Horres

5 Paul Winfield Horres
12 John Gary Horres

4 Mason Winfield Horres
13 Clark Winfield Horres

6 Philip Winfield Horres
11 Marcus Winfield Horres

3 Michael Winfield Horres
14 Darius Raj Horres

7 Samuel Winfield Horres
10 Simon Winfield Horres

2 Jackson Winfield Horres
15 Prince Winfield Horres

REGION IV
1 David Winfield Horres
16 Santino Winfield Horres

8 Dallas Gregory Horres
9 Alexander Gary Horres

5 Charles Winfield Horres
12 Jeremy Thomas Horres

4 Russell Winfield Horres
13 Andre Winfield Horres

6 Steven Winfield Horres
11 Thomas Winfield Horres

3 Henry Winfield Horres
14 Mace Winfield Horres

7 Peter Winfield Horres
10 Timothy Winfield Horres

2 James Winfield Horres
15 Edward Rossiter Horres

Winthrop Update: Winthrop’s next game is at VMI tomorrow night at 7:00pm. This will be the Eagles first Big South game this season.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Thomas Belcher (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864 at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Took a guidon from the hands of the bearer, mortally wounded, and advanced with it nearer to the battery than any other man.

Unknown Belgium (US Army) received the Medal of Honor for actions during the World War. His citation reads:

* * * By virtue of the authority vested by law in the President of the United States, the Congressional Medal of Honor, emblem of the highest military ideals and virtues, is bestowed in the name of the Congress of the United States upon the unknown, unidentified Belgian soldier in a desire to add all that is possible to the imperishable glory won by the soldiers of Belgium who fought as comrades of the American soldiers during the World War, and to commemorate with them the deeds of the nations associated with the United States of America, by paying this tribute to their unknown dead (A.G. 220.523) (War Department General Orders, No. 52, I Dec. 1922, Sec. 1).

Bernard P. Bell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 18, 1944 at Mittelwihr, France. His citation reads:

For fighting gallantly at Mittelwihr, France. On the morning of 18 December 1944, he led a squad against a schoolhouse held by enemy troops. While his men covered him, he dashed toward the building, surprised 2 guards at the door and took them prisoner without firing a shot. He found that other Germans were in the cellar. These he threatened with hand grenades, forcing 26 in all to emerge and surrender. His squad then occupied the building and prepared to defend it against powerful enemy action. The next day, the enemy poured artillery and mortar barrages into the position, disrupting communications which T/Sgt. Bell repeatedly repaired under heavy small-arms fire as he crossed dangerous terrain to keep his company commander informed of the squad's situation. During the day, several prisoners were taken and other Germans killed when hostile forces were attracted to the schoolhouse by the sound of captured German weapons fired by the Americans. At dawn the next day the enemy prepared to assault the building. A German tank fired round after round into the structure, partially demolishing the upper stories. Despite this heavy fire, T/Sgt. Bell climbed to the second floor and directed artillery fire which forced the hostile tank to withdraw. He then adjusted mortar fire on large forces of enemy foot soldiers attempting to reach the American position and, when this force broke and attempted to retire, he directed deadly machinegun and rifle fire into their disorganized ranks. Calling for armored support to blast out the German troops hidden behind a wall, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to heavy small-arms fire to stand beside a friendly tank and tell its occupants where to rip holes in walls protecting approaches to the school building. He then trained machineguns on the gaps and mowed down all hostile troops attempting to cross the openings to get closer to the school building. By his intrepidity and bold, aggressive leadership, T/Sgt. Bell enabled his 8-man squad to drive back approximately 150 of the enemy, killing at least 87 and capturing 42. Personally, he killed more than 20 and captured 33 prisoners.