Friday Links Roundup: Inept Edition

As you probably know, my favorite sport is college basketball. I enjoy watching the “big boys” (the ACC) play, but I also watch–and know quite a bit about–other D-I schools.

One of the greatest things about college basketball, and really any sport, is that, on any given night, you could see something you’ve never seen before. That fact, though, can also be a negative, because you might see something horrible for the first time.

In the past few days, two things have happened that just cause basketball fans to go, “What?”

First, how about hitting one shot in a half. That’s right–one! The great thing is that it happened for the first time ever just a few days ago…and then it happened again! On December 29, Pennsylvania scored just six first-half points, while making just one shot, in a 60-30 loss to Florida-Gulf Coast (yes, they are D-I). Then, to make the season even better, another team decided to match that awful record. On Monday night, Savannah State his just one second-half shot and scored only 4 points in that half, in an 85-25 loss to Kansas State.

And then last night’s debacle happened. The Rick Majerus-coached Saint Louis Billikins didn’t want to be left out of the record-setting party, so they decided to set one of their own. By shooting under 15%, the Billikins scored a shot-clock-era record-low twenty points….total. Here is the story, complete with “highlight” video! The story mentions a 1973 game (pre-shot clock) when Temple scored just 6 points using a stall tactic against Tennessee. It’s worth your time to read this story about the game.

But enough about basketball. On to the articles for this week.

1. I hate the radio commercials for On-Star. It’s not that the service is bad, I just don’t like listening in on a phone conversation. My brother-in-law, Jeremiah Tatum, noticed something very interesting in the latest commercial, though. Check out his article, entitled, “1-800-MARRY-ME.”

2. A common topic for bloggers is communication. It is a difficult subject, and such a sensitive one. Trey Morgan offers a good “starter” list of “Words that Kill; Words that Heal.”

3. This is a LONG, but helpful post. Guys like tech toys, but there is only so much money to go around. (No Credit Cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). On Monday, there was a preachers’ meeting in Nashville, where techie stuff was discussed that preachers (and other church workers) could use for the benefit of their work and, therefore, the kingdom. Dale Jenkins compiled a list of the notes from that meeting. Check it out here.

4. Is it just me, or does it seem as if this Presidential election has been going on forever? Seriously, we are getting closer and closer to a grand decision. Phil Sanders asks the question, “Should Faith Matter in This Election?”

I hope you enjoy the links. I am thankful for all those who utilize this tool to teach the truth–and have some fun doing it!

We continue to work hard for the 9th Avenue church of Christ in Haleyville, and we are making some plans for our transition to Lebanon Road in Nashville. It is a tough time, but a very important one, for both congregations and for us. Please pray for the transition.

…and never forget the Lord on ANY day, but especially on His day!