Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Friday, April 20, 2012

RIP Dick Clark and Mark Lavon “Levon” Helm

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Second Lieutenant Robert Temple Emmet (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 18, 1879 at Las Animas Canyon, New Mexico. His citation reads:

Lt. Emmet was in G Troop which was sent to relieve a detachment of soldiers under attack by hostile Apaches During a flank attack on the Indian camp, made to divert the hostiles Lt. Emmet and 5 of his men became surrounded when the Indians returned to defend their camp. Finding that the Indians were making for a position from which they could direct their fire on the retreating troop, the Lieutenant held his point with his party until the soldiers reached the safety of a canyon. Lt. Emmet then continued to hold his position while his party recovered their horses. The enemy force consisted of approximately 200.

Musician Richard Enderlin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1-3, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads:

Voluntarily took a rifle and served as a soldier in the ranks during the first and second days of the battle. Voluntarily and at his own imminent peril went into the enemy's lines at night and, under a sharp fire, rescued a wounded comrade.

Staff Sergeant Gerald L. Endl (Service) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 11, 1944 near Anamo, New Guinea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Anamo, New Guinea, on 11 July 1944. S/Sgt. Endl was at the head of the leading platoon of his company advancing along a jungle trail when enemy troops were encountered and a fire fight developed. The enemy attacked in force under heavy rifle, machinegun, and grenade fire. His platoon leader wounded, S/Sgt. Endl immediately assumed command and deployed his platoon on a firing line at the fork in the trail toward which the enemy attack was directed. The dense jungle terrain greatly restricted vision and movement, and he endeavored to penetrate down the trail toward an open clearing of Kunai grass. As he advanced, he detected the enemy, supported by at least 6 light and 2 heavy machineguns, attempting an enveloping movement around both flanks. His commanding officer sent a second platoon to move up on the left flank of the position, but the enemy closed in rapidly, placing our force in imminent danger of being isolated and annihilated. Twelve members of his platoon were wounded, 7 being cut off by the enemy. Realizing that if his platoon were forced farther back, these 7 men would be hopelessly trapped and at the mercy of a vicious enemy, he resolved to advance at all cost, knowing it meant almost certain death, in an effort to rescue his comrades. In the face of extremely heavy fire he went forward alone and for a period of approximately 10 minutes engaged the enemy in a heroic close-range fight, holding them off while his men crawled forward under cover to evacuate the wounded and to withdraw. Courageously refusing to abandon 4 more wounded men who were Iying along the trail, 1 by 1 he brought them back to safety. As he was carrying the last man in his arms he was struck by a heavy burst of automatic fire and was killed. By his persistent and daring self-sacrifice and on behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Endl made possible the successful evacuation of all but 1 man, and enabled the 2 platoons to withdraw with their wounded and to reorganize with the rest of the company.


RIP Dick Clark and Levon Helm. With the passing of Dick Clark, I can’t help but think maybe the Mayans might have been on to something. I mean, just think about it… Dick Clark died this year AND No-Name Teri is going to turn 40 this year. How many more signs do we need that the world is going to end this year? And of course you will remember that Levon Helm was the drummer and lead/back-up vocalist for The Band. I’m sure you will also remember that The Band’s hit song The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down was in the Top 100 of the I’m just sayin… Top 1,081 Songs of All-Time at #96. Both of these men will be missed.

A guilty pleasure of mine is hip-hop music. I believe my cousin Jason turned me on to this genre of music back sometime in the late 1980s/early 1990s. That was when I heard my first NWA tape and was hooked right away. I’ll admit the lyrics can usually be R-rated, but the music (beat) and energy are what hooked me. To that point, Dr. Dre quickly became my favorite in the industry. So, below are my Top 10 Dr. Dre songs:

10 - Parental Discretion Iz Advised - From the NWA album Straight Outta Compton (with The D.O.C.)

9 - California Love - From the 2Pac album All Eyez on Me

8 - Real N*ggaz - From the NWA album N*ggaz4Life

7 - Let Me Ride - From the Dr. Dre album The Chronic with Snoop Dogg, Jewell and Ruben

6 - Forgot About Dre - From the Dr. Dre album 2001 with Eminem

5 - Deep Cover - From the Deep Cover soundtrack with Snoop Dogg

4 - I Need A Doctor - From the still yet t0 be released Dr. Dre album Detox with Eminem

3 - 100 Miles and Runnin’ - From the NWA EP 100 Miles and Runnin’

2 - Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang - From the Dr. Dre album The Chronic with Snoop Dogg

1 - Natural Born Killaz - From the Murder Was The Case soundtrack with Ice Cube


The I’m just sayin… Know Your South Carolina Athlete

As always, Thanks to Wikipedia and other internet sources.
The SC Athlete of the week this week is former USC basketball great, BJ McKie. BJ was born on April 7, 1977 in Norfolk, Virginia, but went to high school at Irmo High School and later played for the University of South Carolina men's basketball team. In January 1999, he became the Gamecock's all time leading scorer. The college retired his #3 jersey in 2005. Some highlights from his college career include:


Named Honorable Mention All-America by The Associated Press for third straight season as a senior

Became only the 12th player in SEC history to be named AP First Team All-SEC three years in a row

Played in 123 consecutive games during his career, starting 116 and reaching double figures in 111

Ended his career with 37 South Carolina game, season and career records

Made a freshman record 123 3-pointers

Averaged 17.2 points per game

After his college career, McKie was drafted by the Connecticut Pride of the Continental Basketball Association. He played for them from 1999 to 2001, and appeared in the 2001 CBA All-Star Game. In 2001-02, McKie played for the North Charleston Lowgators of the NBA Development League.
Internationally, McKie has played for BCM Gravelines in France; Keravnos in Cyprus; Avitos Giessen and TBB Trier in Germany; Zarotti Imola, Pepsi Caserta and Nuova Pallacanestro Pavia in Italy; and Maccabi Haifa Heat and Hapoel Afula in Israel. He left Hapoel Afula in 2010. While playing in Germany, McKie was a Basketball Bundesliga All-Star in 2004.

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