Ten Best Sports Movies

Everyone has their own personal favorite sports movies. Over the years there have been numerous wonderful sports movies. Listed below would be ten favorites on my list. As follows in no particular order....


Hoosiers
Cinderella Man
Rocky
Caddyshack
Brian's Song
Chariots Of Fire
Remember The Titans
Happy Gilmore
The Waterboy
Tin Cup

...others that are certainly wonderful include: The Natural, Rudy, Miracle, The Longest Yard, Facing The Giants, and Eight Men Out. What are some of your favorite sports movies? Would love to hear!

Earthquake Ready?

Tuesday's earthquake of 5.4 magnitude in southern california sent yet another message to us how fragile life can be. Utah geologists have warned as early as the 1800s that a giant earthquake striking the Wasatch front was NOT a matter of if but when. There are approximately 700 earthquakes in Utah every single year. Most are minor and never felt. However, what if the predicted big one finally hit? We saw somewhat recently the impact of such in Wells NV. Geologists at the U of U have stated the probability of a larage scale earthquake during the next 50 years to about a one in five chance. Would we be ready? With the ground shifting violently once smooth roads now include a 10 foot dropoff. Power, water and gas lines would snap. Unsecured hot water heaters are abruptly ripped loose breaking natural gas lines. Home fires to follow. Collapsed buildings and walls may kill or injure people. Bridges and overpasses could collapse. Traffic stranded. Severe power outages likely to occur. Cell phone and communication lines would be knocked out. All of which to happen in only a matter of seconds. Would we know what to do? How would we react? Do we have easily accessible 72 hr kits (first aid supplies included)? Do we have some sort of food or water supply? Do we even have any alternate plans ready in place? Just something to seriously consider and to think about. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Lawn Mower Man

Came across this newstory that seemed simply absolutely unbelievable and was screaming had to be posted. Keith Walendowski 56 from Milwaukee has been charged with a felony possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle and a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct while armed. According to the filed complaint Walendowski was emotionally distraught and intoxicated because his lawn boy lawn mower wouldn't start so he shot his lawnmower. If convicted he could face up to an $11,000 fine including 6.5 years in prison. Sounds like he needs some serious anger mangement therapy classes. Instead of cutting grass looks like he will be cutting some time.

McCain VP Short List

Attempting to correctly predict the potential VP running mate is always rather difficult since there are so many possible underlying factors. Do they get along and could they work well together? Is the presidential nominee looking to carry a swing state? Or looking to solidify his base and strength in a specific demographic arena? Or something entirely different? Still, here are a few guesses at names that John McCain definately might consider.

Tom Coburn has wonderful credentials especially towards illegal immigration and is a staunch fiscal conservative. Unfortunately he isn't particually charismatic and since the state of Oklahoma isn't expected to be a battleground state Coburn may not add enough to this political equation.
Charlie Crist is an extremely popular governor from the state of Florida which has been a key swing state in the last two elections. Crist played QB back in college for Wake Forest. Charlie has a pro-family approach towards abortion and is a longtime advocate of capital punishment. He is also for higher emission standards.
Jim DeMint is relatively young and charismatic espcially with conservatives. Jim was ranked by the National Journal in 2007 March as the most conservative Senator. He married his high school sweetheart and together they have 4 children. DeMint would be a great choice to shore up McCain's right side.
Tim Pawlenty hails from the state of Minnesota which could be a swing state and should get a closer look as a potential candidate from John McCain. He is an avid hockey fan as he plays non-competitively with the Minnesota Wild (pro team) and did obtain his law degree from the University Of Minnesota Law School.
Rob Portman has spent over a decade in Congress from the state of Ohio. He is also already a longtime friend of John McCain and is good friends with current President George Bush as well. Portman is a published author, avid canoeist and kayaker. He has the mind of a budget director having a mild temperament with a ideal resume.
If there were to be any guesses on who the possible running mate is there is a great chance I believe John McCain may take a hard close look at Tim Pawlenty. I purposely left out Bobby Jindal from the list as he had already turned down any potential offers. Who do you think McCain will pick? Any guesses? Would love to hear!

Favre: Take 2?

Since week 4 of the 1992 NFL season there has not been a QB controversy in Green Bay. Brett Favre carried an unparalled streak of 275 consecutive games, won 3 MVPs, led the Packers to two Super Bowls (won one) and has become the most sanctified athlete in American sports. His ride of mystical fame status with perhaps the most beloved football franchise made it all the better. When Brett announced his retirement in March it was totally assumed he would ride off into the sunset to the Hall Of Fame. The ensuing fued began immediately between Packers GM Ted Thompson and Favre when Brett decided it wasn't time to hang up the cleats quite yet after 17 seasons. The saga doesn't look to end anytime soon either. Public NFL drama isn't anything new either. In fact the league thrives on it. Recent examples include Terrell Owens versus the Eagles and Pacman Jones versus the commish himself Roger Goodell. Sooner or later the cleats will be hung up. It happens to all eventually and often not on their own terms. Elway was one of the rare examples. Former Packer great Bart Starr retired in 1971 finishing with a 4-8 record. Archie Manning took the helmet off finally in 1984 with the Vikings ending their season at 3-13. Joe Namath unlaced the cleats in 1977 sporting 3 TDs and 5 TDs in his final hurrah. If either the passion is gone or when the mind is still willing but the body can no longer follow that's the time to let it go. Brett was absolutely phenomenal and should definately be able to look back without any regrets that it was left all out on the field.

You Can Run But You Can't Hide

Wednesday definately marked the successful premier of the fifth season and return of Dog The Bounty Hunter. The episode was filled was suspense and drama. Dog and clan encountered a felon with a history of violence, a desperate drug addict cryin out for help and a brave informant willing to risk everything. When the adrenalized action went down every single family member played a critical role. The series has been one of the highest rated reality shows on cable since airing in 2004. Last season averaged nearly 2 million viewers. It is interesting how William Clinton committed adultery (even lied under oath to a federal grand jury) and society still approves of what he does career-wise. In fact its even more interesting how Jesse Jackson has used demeaning racial slurs towards presidential candidate Barack Obama yet noone took him off the air. Talkin serious double standard there. As for Dog yes he might have said something wrong but it was a private family conversation never meant for the public. Yet, the public crucified him. Hasn't he and his family already suffered enough (going the through the whole incident back in Mexico)? Where else on tv will you find a reality show where they are about trying to change people's lives for the better and even pray on tv?

Hot Off The Grill

In the eternal quest to discover calories, artery clogging and the best burger bun assemblage I began creating my list of best burgers. The word hamburger comes from the Hamburg Steak which was first recorded in Enlish in 1884. Louis Lassen is credited by the US Library Of Congress as the maker of America's first hamburger. While the cheeseburger first appeared in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger at the age of 16 by experimentally dropping a slab of American Cheese on a sizzling burger while helping at his father's sandwich shop "The Rite Spot" in Pasadena CA.

Thus, claiming the spot as top burger is Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Was a little more pricey but unquestionably well worth it as well as worth the wait in line. Absolutely amazing. The fries had a cajun salt added that was simply delicious.
As my second most favorite was In N Out Burger. Similar superior mouth watering taste animal style (w/ grilled onions) but more reasonably priced. The fries without question are freshly made on the spot.
Coming in third was a small place found in Reno NV called Tasty's. Setup there was similar to the straight forward simplistic menu as In N Out Burger. Definately well worth the cost while providing more than ample size burger. Tasty's also had very minimal wait in line.
At the fourth spot lies a local place here in Tooele called Dairy Delight. Serves awesome ice cream as well. With Dairy Delight one better bring a hearty appetite. Service is a little slow but worth the wait. The burgers served are so large the buns have to be specially made. Yours truly has accomplished the feat of eating a double with fries and a drink. Have never even considered eating a triple but would definately pay to see someone be able to accomplish the task.
Rounding out my personal top five would be Fatburger a chain I came across while visiting Vegas. Definately a delicious burger and reasonably priced offering all the different possible toppings and condiments imagined.
This is not a complete list as it is still an ongoing process while I taste test in search of the perfect cheeseburger in paradise. Others still yet to be "grilled" thru the taste buds include the Burger Bar (up in Layton), Shooting Star Saloon (Huntsville), Fuddruckers (sandy) and Eat A Burger in Hollday. Know of any others that should be included? Would love to hear!

Sounds Of Summer

Looking for something to do? Summer is often the time to get out and definately enjoy the sun. Found a few scheduled events that cut across the musical agenda. So if you need any ideas here's a small place to start here in the along the Wasatch Front. Be sure to check out their authorized website and/or the respective concert venue for more information. As follows...


19 July The Police (Usana)
19 July PBR Bull Riding (Energy Solutions)
19 July Flogging Molly (Salt Air)
21 July John Mayer (Usana)
29 July Cruefest (Usana)
30 July Steve Miller Band (Usana)
1 August Martina McBride (Usana)
4 August James Taylor (Usana)
15 August Cinderella/Warrant/Lynch Mob (Usana)
18 August Jack Johnson (Usana)
19 August Boz Scaggs (Deer Valley)
25 August Sheryl Crow (Usana)
27 August Dave Matthew Band (Usana)
30 August Dwight Yoakam (Deer Valley)
31 August Bob Dylan (Deer Valley)
10 September Marshall Tucker Band (Utah State Fair/ FREE)
20 September Toby Keith (Usana)

To Air Is Human

On August 8th a new Air Guitar champion will be declared. The first ever held event was in Oulu Finland back in 1996. Participants from all over the world displayed their skills in hopes of capturing the hearts of the air judges. Prizes included a custom made "Flying Finn" guitar and amp graciously donated by Queen guitarist Brian May. Current reigning champ is Ochi "Dainoji" from Japan. Hmm there's still a couple months and time to "train".

Rock Paper Scissors

In anticipation for the Olympics I came across on the internet of a new Olympic sport. Rock Paper Scissors. Yes, for real. Apparently back on June 22 Sean Sears from Chicopee MA threw rock in order to defeat Julie Crossley (Anderson IN) in Vegas to capture the National Championship and the right to head to Beijing to represent the United Stated during the summer olympics. Sean won $50K for the event and had majored in computer engineering in college but now will train rigorously for 2 months before heading to China. What I'd like to know is how does one seriously train for such an event? I do suppose that it is a serious workout regardless.

Hot Dog 2008 Champ

Just finished watching this year hot dog eating championship on the day we celebrate our independence in the right to pursue our freedoms and personal happiness. The contestants sought their right to pursue gluttony, acid reflex and intestinal discomfort. In this years grueling rematch defending champ Joey Chestnut tried to fend off Takeru Kobayashi who had won the event every year from 2001 to 2006. Apparently, this years regulation time was changed to coincide with the original format from when the event first began. Last year's event was 12 minutes to down as many hot dogs. This year contestants only have 10 minutes. After regulation Chesnut and Kobayashi were tied at 59. Judges decided in a photo finish to have a 5 dog eat off. When the frankfurters were gone (as well as everyone else's appetite) Joey Chestnut retained the coveted "mustard belt". Wonder how they "train" for the event? Binge and purge? Regardless, that is some serious major league eating.