A Dash of Salt

So It Goes for the Woeful O's

Want to score 30 runs in a baseball game?  Just play the Orioles.  Can you believe this one?!?  The Texas Rangers pummeled/defeated/thumped/demolished/embarrassed/crushed the Baltimore Orioles 30-3 in the first game of a double-header yesterday.  It reminded me of something you'd see in Little League.  The Rangers broke a 110-year-old record for the most runs scored in a game.  Ouch and double-ouch for us Baltimorons! 

Weekend Wonderings

Mark Roberts on the image we should remember from the Virginia Tech tragedy: not angry Cho Seung-Hui but heroic Dr. Liviu Librescu.

If there is no God and no higher authority telling us humans what is right and wrong as atheists contend, then who is to say that what Cho Seung-Hui did Monday at Virginia Tech was wrong?  But the fact is, atheists are outraged at the massacre just as almost everyone else is.  What has to be frustrating for atheists is that in their scheme of things, there is no final judgment.  Therefore, Cho has killed himself and thus has ceased to exist, and does not have to face justice for his crimes.  Read this thoughtful piece called "Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Virginia Tech." (HT: Justin Taylor)

Did you hear about presidential candidate John Edward's $400 haircut?  Incredible.  Mr. Edwards takes his hair seriously, as evidenced in this video "clip".  I could get almost 62 haircuts from Charlie, my barber, at that price, and that would last me over seven years!

Encouragement from Jim Martin: "The Lord Is My Helper."

"How to Get Out of Debt" an old Saturday Night Live sketch...funny and true. (HT: Michael Kruse)

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." (Jackie Robinson)  April 15th was the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first major league baseball game, which of course was significant because he was the first African American to play in the majors.  TIME Magazine featured a great set of articles on the impact Robinson made on other African American players in the big leagues, "In the Footsteps of a Legend."

Behind the Scenes at the Super Bowl

This just in from the Bible Blog sports desk...Mike Smith at ESPN.com has written a terrific article on Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith, the head coaches who will be facing each other in Super Bowl XLI.  Mike Smith claims that what distinguishes these men is not their African-American heritage but their balanced priorities and solid Christian testimonies (Hat tip: Justin Taylor).  Smith writes,

Dungy and Smith are role models, not just for coaches who look like them or men who look like them, but for all coaches and all men. They live their lives the right way, and as a result they do their jobs the same way. Their priorities are, in order: faith, their families and football. The outcome of the Super Bowl or any game does not define them. They personify words such as class, grace, dignity, honor and integrity. We all can draw inspiration from men such as these.

God bless these guys!  So, who are you going to root for...Chicago or Indianapolis?

Cal Ripken, the Dependable Iron Man

Congratulations to Cal Ripken, Jr., on his election into Baseball's Hall of Fame yesterday, along with another great hero of the game, Tony Gwynn.  During his stellar career, Ripken was honored in 1982 as American League Rookie of the Year, and as AL MVP in 1983 and 1991, and was selected for the AL All-Star team for 19 years straight. 

But it was not his hitting power, batting average, fielding skills, or even local roots that endeared Cal to fans.  He was elected to Cooperstown for his dependability as a player.  The former Orioles' shortstop broke Lou Gehrig's record of 2130 consecutive games played by faithfully doing his job an incredible 2632 games in a row, earning him the nickname, "Iron Man."  (Many players can't even play all 162 games during the regular season!)  Thomas Boswell calls Ripken's election to the Hall one more opportunity for the former Oriole great to "bat clean-up" for Major League Baseball as it struggles with the scandal of illegal steroid use by some players.  Cal honored the game by playing clean, working hard, and not cheating.  Being blessed with talent and good health also helped him, so did having a great coach while growing up (his father).

Well done, Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr.  You've reminded us of how wonderful a game baseball really is, and you've demonstrated the power that comes from just being faithful each day.  Thank you!

Weekend Wonderings

Life lessons from a gentleman's gentleman.  Read Jim Martin's insightful post on the passing this week of Byron Nelson, one of golf's all-time greats, and "the power of a good life."  Whether you like golf or not, you'll enjoy this post.

Finally, a book to help atheists get their lives in order: The Reason-Driven Life, which states, "It's all about you."  This post also tells of a bitter evangelical theologian who has endorsed it.

J. R. R. Tolkien writes again!

The Chapel's resident TV critic, Jessica "TiVo" Robinson reviews the new Fall line-ups on the major networks.

Another Sad Season In Baltimore

I've just about given up cheering for the Orioles, but what these fans did last night provides me some hope.  "Everything rises and falls with leadership."  Maybe we could fire the owner...