I used to play sports. Now I buy trophies.

So ... take it with you??

I needed successes today. I started with some straightforward work on the VW. Got new transmission mounts installed and new rear shocks on. Then I cleaned up all the grease and grime on the floor at that end of things. But with these temps I just can't work out there much beyond 9 a.m.

So I came inside and worked on slides for my camp sessions. Putting together those presentations helps me think through more effectively how I want each session to progress. And because I'm a visual learner the process cements the lesson plan in my head.

Studied for my sermon. "Lead us not into temptation" seems to fly in the face of, "God is neither tempted, nor does he tempt anyone with evil." Why should we pray that God won't do what the Bible says he can't do?

Went to the libary and got myself a libary card. I'll go back early next week and check out some books on CD to keep me awake as I drive north. They don't have much of a selection, though. I expected more.

I read today that Tom Petty asked Michelle Bachmann to stop using his song "American Girl" at her rallies. Because I couldn't play that in my head I went to You Tube to listen to it. Some observations:

• The song is 30+ years old. So what demographic are you trying to reach with a rock and roll song that's three decades old?
• The lyrics ("make it last all night long") don't seem an obvious fit for the image Bachmann is trying to project, especially when she tells people God has called her to run for President.
• It's not a very good song. And Tom Petty isn't very good, either. OK, I understand the whole thing about personal taste and all, but you try it: think of a Tom Petty song. I looked it up; he hasn't had a single get higher than #7 on the charts and that was "Free Fallin'." OK, I named one for you, now name another. 

And that got me to thinking about choosing songs for campaign appearances. I suppose it makes sense to have a song that's loud and up-tempo to get the crowd all revved up for the candidate - like baseball players who have a song played when they come up to bat - but name a Republican candidate from the last 50 years who has any business choosing a rock and roll song as their theme. Collectively they represent the epitome of stuffy bores. The color brown. 

John McCain got in trouble with the Foo Fighters for using "American Hero." You know he didn't make that choice on his own. At least I don't see McCain sitting around with Cindy, rockin' out to FF. 

If I was looking for a musical genre that fits the Republican presidential candidates of this round or any other from my lifetime it would be big band, or - if they're feeling feisty - show tunes from the 50's. Wayne Newton? Don't get me wrong; I'm politically conservative and almost (!) always vote Republican. But they are not the party of rock and roll. How do you shout, "We have to get this country back to traditional values and fiscal responsibility!" and then play "Make it last all night long"???

Anybody know what Romney is using at his rallies? 'cause Mormons are BIG partyers (so long as it doesn't involve anything stronger than aspartame).

It would be fun to come up with a (satirical) theme song for each of the Republican candidates. Except now that I think through the list they're all such boring individuals it might be an impossible task. If you've got suggestions I'd love to hear them!