
The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.
Friday January 16, 2015
Duke caves to Billy Graham's misguided son, the road to the Super Bowl, a country classic
A lack of logic and grace
Duke planned on allowing its Muslim students to broadcast a prayer from their famous bell tower. After uproar from southern Protestants, led by Franklin Graham, they decided not to. In this lengthy, controversial piece I criticize Duke, Graham, and Christians who agree with him.
This is it. This is for all the marbles.
Often the AFC and NFC championship games are more exciting than the Super Bowl. Last year was one of those instances. It could also happen this year.
The interesting thing is that both games, Patriots/Colts and Packers/Seahawks, could be close and interesting or they could be blowouts. Even more interesting, the former could be a blowout in either direction. The Colts looked really good against the Ravens. Sure, the Patriots are a different beast, but Indy has proven that they’re real. But New England are as strong as they’ve been in years and at home they’re practically unstoppable. I’ll take them in a close game.
To stay in their match-up the Packers need to keep it low scoring (s the Panthers did for three quarters). Green Bay is a better team than Carolina so they should at least keep it interesting. Their defense is competent and, when 100%, their offense is even better. If Rodgers stays healthy the entire game they’ll win. That being said, I’m picking the Seahawks.
Hey Porter, hey Porter
“A Satisfied Mind” is a country classic. It has one of the best lyrics in the genre:
How many times have you heard someone say
If I had his money I could do things my way
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind
Once I was winning in fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
Then suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely
Or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
When my life has ended
And my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones
I'll leave there's no doubt
But one thing's for certain
When it comes my time
I'll leave this old world
With a satisfied mind
Porter Wagoner did the original, and best version, in the ‘50s. Bob Dylan and the Band covered it admirably on the Basement Tapes but because Dylan’s people are so obnoxious you can’t find it on YouTube or anything. Marty Stuart's upbeat version doesn’t exactly fit the lyrics but it’s still worthwhile.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.