Middle America's Worldview

Man, is it really Wednesday already?

Yesterday evening I had a new and wonderful experience with the kids, I just have to share. In the attempt to provide a new enviroment and allow Kel some quite time, I took the kids to the local library. I am now officially in charge of the homework. This also provides a break for Kel and allows me to participate in the education of our kids. (Gee, didn't mean for it to sound like a commercial there).

Anyway, the kids were for it. We gathered our stuff up and headed to the library. We found a room not being used and were provided privacy and a big table, plenty of room to do our work. Basically, I had one read to me, while the other did their math, writing ect. I would help the other one as necessary. Then we switched. The other read to me their required reading as the sibling did their writing. It worked out well and allowed me to feel some one on one time with the kids.

I think the kids liked it and it was a different enviroment to work in. Personally, I throughly enjoyed it. I mistakenly left my cellphone, but it allowed no interruptions for us. After we did the homework, the kids picked out a book and I treated them to a ice-cream on the way home.

Some things I noted in each child that needed to be worked on. I also found out quickly, I in turn need to work on a bunch of stuff personally. I knew the teacher would need to know much more to teach the student. I was actually looking forward to that. However, I didn't realize how long it's been since I did cursive. Being on a PC all day for communication and having to only sign my name in cursive (all my written notes are done non-cursive), I found out real quick how much I suck in it.

I always believe in what you teach. So, this homeschooling is not only benefiting the kids in the one on one education, but myself as well. There is a feeling of accountabilty when the full responsibility is placed on you day to day.

Another thing, I am noticing as well. The amount of time that is wasted in public schools. We have doubled some of the kids work and they still manage to get it done earlier than a regular public school day. I found this to be an eye-opener.

The only complaint I had last night was the library chairs grew hard after an hour sitting in them. ( laugh )

I simply was not able to blog yesterday. Work was busy all the way through, compounded on having to get some things done at home. I also had a school board meeting last night till nearly 9 p.m local time. So yes, it was definitely a Monday.

I couldn't sleep (duh). So, I caught up on the reading of my blogs of interest. Yes, another two shout-outs to those still not posting to their blogs.

I am also running a script I neglected at 10 p.m. for work. We had thunderstorms that ran through for awhile. I know it rained, due to it hitting the windows, but how much, no clue. In this area of Oklahoma, we have hit above 100 every day the past 2 weeks. It was 103 yesterday, over 100 the weekend and last thursday was 106 not counting humidity. Unreal. You would think the yard would be a freaking dirt mound now.

Not much to report on. The weekend was nice and relaxing. I didn't even have one call over the weekend due to being on-call. I made up for it during Monday's support.

I actually slept in till 7 a.m. local time. Woo hooo! Plus it's a Friday to boot. So that has to be a good thing.

I was trying to mess with our cable modem this morning. For some unknown reason, it appears the modem will not work off of a cable splitter. If I do a direct connect from the wall outlet, it works fine. The nice little green light over 'cable' comes on. But if I attach a splitter (as it had been setup for over a year now), low and behold no green light. The only purpose of my splitter is to provide me the ability to watch the news on a small tv in the office during my day. Oh well. Maybe someone else has an idea. No. I really don't want to buy another modem.

I still plan on going into the Pepsi interview this morning. At least I have a better idea of what questions to ask. I guess we will see how that pans out.

It was 106 degree's in Oklahoma yesterday. That is not counting the humidity. High today (as of yesterday) is 103 and tomorrow 102. Nice eh?

I was reading the book of James the other day and another passage hit me. In James chapter 3 it goes into detail about a persons tongue. Not a Phys Ed anatomy class, rather what you do with your tongue. A quick analogy, 'even though a large ship is seen, the small rudder drives it'. It also refers to the fact the same tongue that blesses God also curses man. Man, don't I know that one. I have a bad problem of cussing at times. So, again, another stark look in the mirror and not liking what I see. Perhaps that is why people are put off reading the bible. It simply provides a clean mirror to take a good look at yourself.

I was able to take the kids to church last night. Normally, we don't hit Wednesday nights. However, one of our new things we are attempting is to go on church more often.

It was good to go. I personally needed it and the message was very good.

Interesting enough, when I returned from church, I received a call from Pepsi. They are now interested in having a interview with me for a job. The job is suppose to be part time over the weekend. But, 20-30 hours for those 2 days. According to the one setting up the interview, I would run to the stores and set out the merchandise. So, it doesn't sound like unloading trucks, but it does sound similiar to using a jack to pull the carts and stock the shelves. The job was quoted to be around 8 bucks an hour. I went ahead and setup the interview. I don't really know if logically, it will be worth it (especially with gas 3 bucks a gallon). It will depend realistically how many places I will need to go to stock, the hours (nights or days), ect. I guess we will see.

I was woke up around 4:30 a.m. locally by work this morning. Yes, I am on-call again this week.

I did my thing for work and tried to get back to sleep. But alas, I am one of those, once up-stay up. I couldn't get back to sleep. So, I caught up on my blog reading this morning. Some will note my comments on your articles.

I was saddened, but not really surprised, to read Joe Lieberman didn't win the primary. On one side of the argument, the right is saying "See, see, Democrats have out-ted their last and only moderate." On the left, they are saying "Good riddance you Bush clone." Sigh. To think the democratic party has turned so far left to ostracised their once candidate for Vice-President gives me shivers. Let's face it, people and groups will use you when they need you and dump you when they believe they don't.

While I was lying in bed this morning trying to get back to sleep. A frustration came over me. We had a discussion on my last Sunday School that really got me thinking. The discussion correlated with Angel's article on a church going to laughter. I guess after reading that, it simply re-emphasized my frustration. As most know, many churches have clicks. This can be seen inside as well as outside members. This hampers the Gospel message to the people in general. So on top of that, I am seeing more and more preachers and churches in general changing their 'good news' messages about Christ to 'good news to make the ears tickle'. They are only saying what the people want to hear.

Simply put, preachers are becoming motivational speakers, not men of God.

This is becoming ever more frustrating for me. So now we are having churches watered down, misconstruing the real message. Those that actually believe accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour are now left fighting the world and their own church's. So what's the deal? Can't anyone handle the truth anymore?

On top of it all, scripturally, we (as people) cannot save anyone. Yes, that is what I said. I, the church, the preacher, the singing choir, cannot save anyone. Only God can save someone. SO that person you are speaking to about Christ, can only be saved by 1)God actually touches them and 2)that individual accepts that gift. So what are we left to do as believers? 1)We are commissioned to spread God's word. The real word, not a laugh track, let me make you feel good about yourself message. 2)Pray.

I personally have a hard time praying. I am working on this. This is one of my greatest weapons, that I do not fully utilize. So that's my current frustration. Sorry for the diatrab.

Over the past month (3 months if asked my wife ((smile)) I have been cranky and just down-right, well down.

Speaking with other, ahem, elder gentlemen, asking on their thoughts as to the why. Interesting enough, both on separate occasions have conveyed the same message.

"Your body is getting older and you cannot do what you could do as before. Your mind is dealing with that fact."

Man, that's tough. I don't think of myself as 'old'. I mean get real, I see the shows and the actors having the 'bod' all pumped up and able to go that extra mile. I don't mean falling out of helicopters and bouncing up and sprinting along. But then again, I am not making a few million for a movie while having extra time enhancing my body either. Rather, I am stuck in front of a computer all day and unwilling to work my body in the evenings.

Oh well, so that must be the answer. I think my inability to hold up on the 10 hour work at Walmart was a crushing blow to my man-hood as well. So with the acceptance of 'my spirit may be willing, but the flesh is getting weaker' I will have to put on a new attitude. Simply put, accept it and move on.

In other news, I have decided to create an additional blog. One called Q and A for the Christian. I need to start reading my bible again. In order for me to do that, I personally enjoy finding answers to sought out questions. I spoke with Kel about it last night, and her worry was people commenting dumb stuff or going into a argument. Both will probably be true. But the purpose is not debate, rather a means to create simply a question and answer blog. It will allow me to be accountable to read and research, but hopefully more importantly provide some answers to the reader. So if you have any questions that was never answered, shoot them my way and I will research them for you.

I placed the new blog on my right panel as well.

I haven't blogged much lately, due to being busy and all. It's easier to notate on already written articles, then creating your own.

I was able to play with the kids today. Once in the pool and then some games later. We also watched two new ( new to us anyway ) VeggieTales shows. The movies were Sheerluck Holmes adn the Golden Ruler along with Larry Boy and the bad apple. I rented them for tonight. Something new to watch and VeggieTales always have a good message in their theme.

After the show the family attempted to put together a b-dazzle puzzle? Has anyone seen these? Ours was the 3 firetrucks. After about 10-15 minutes of frustration, the family quite. I messed with it for a bit longer alone. I actually put the thing together. There are no cheats that come with it. Kel said they would be a good stocking stuffer. I informed her, they would drive me crazy. I start on them and wouldn't be able to quite till I get it.

During the week I have also been listening to a new station, on the net, of all places. Christian Rock.net plays, obviously, Christian Rock 24/7. You can listen to it for free. Needless to say, I have been having it on in the background continously.

Another noted online station is 1160. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. eastern time, Bauer and Rose is on. Again, all free and this one is informational.

So there are two new things, free, that I found to be enjoyable.

Next week, we will plunge into HomeSchool. Kel has been getting everything ready on paper regarding organization, schedules, work-list, chores, ect. She is a God-send of such things. However, she drives herself nuts to get it just right.

Found this link on Stop the ACLU website. This is important legislation and needs to be approved by the Senate. Make the call to your Senate and Representives and have your voice heard.

There are two out there I am requesting all to call upon.

Senate Bill 3696 and the companion bill H.R. 2979.

S 3696 (PERA), sponsored by Sen. Brownback (R-Kan), a companion bill to H.R. 2979 (PERA), sponsored by Rep. Hostetter (R-Ind.), would amend all relevant federal laws to eliminate the authority of judges to award taxpayer-paid attorney fees to the ACLU, or anyone else, in lawsuits under the Establishment of Religion Clause of the First Amendment against veterans memorials, the Boy Scouts, or the public display of the Ten Commandments of other symbols of America’s history with a religious aspect.

This bill will stop the judges in awarding groups like ACLU the taxpayers money for their legal fees. Please note this is the bread and butter for groups like the ACLU.

Not only does the ACLU use this provision to fund their agenda of secular cleansing and threaten small schools and towns, they also use it as a tool of punishment for those that resist their agenda. They have accumulated literally millions of taxpayer funded attorney fees when in fact they have no actual attorney fees.

Many wonder where groups like the ACLU get their funds. Most are from frivolous lawsuits and then have the losing party pay for their legal fees. These fee's are not only atrocious, but ridiculously high.

Check out this webpage provided by Stop the ACLU showing how much ACLU alone has acquired from the taxpayers. Note it does not list them all.

Find your Representives here and Find your Senators here.

Contact them and ask them to support PERA.

You certainly know by now that the world is flat. And if you haven't yet heard, you will soon that we're in danger of falling off the edge.

New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman sparked a national discussion about workforce readiness and U.S. competitiveness in a new, global economy with his 2005 best-seller, The World Is Flat. And concern over math and science achievement among U.S students has been at the forefront of much of this conversation.

The recently-released results from the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress science tests seem to support the increasingly persistent arguments that students are falling behind in math and science, to our detriment. Scores for high school seniors were down, and those for mid-dle-schoolers were flat. The rise in fourth-graders' scores suggests that the advances made by younger children are erased by the time they get to high school.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett has joined those sounding the clarion cry for better math and science education. His approach is unapologetically uncompromising: If we don't turn it around, our economy will suffer.

"The blunt truth is: The new global economy is technology-based," Barrett told a group of education writers and reporters in New Orleans in June. "Everyone else is educating scientists. And if we don't start doing the same, we'll lose our lock on the innovations and markets of the future."

Barrett cited these statistics as examples of how our education system is broken:

• U.S. students rank 18th in science and 19th in math among developed countries.
  
• U.S. 12th-graders rank below the international average of 21 countries in general knowledge of math and science.
  
• Students in 11 out of 15 countries recently outperformed U.S. students in an advanced math assessment.
  
• 30 percent of students in the U.S. do not graduate from high school.
  Barrett's solutions were uncompromising, as well. We need to change the way we train and pay our teachers, he said. Accountability must have teeth, and schools should have competition. (He deftly sidestepped a reporter's question about whether he'd hire a qualified foreign worker over an equally qualified U.S. worker if the foreign worker would take a lower salary.)
  
  

Schools should stop comparing test results with their neighbors or with schools in other states, said Barrett. Instead, they should be comparing results internationally.

"Education is a human and a civil right," said Barrett. "To say we don't have the money, to say it costs too much, it'll take too long, it's too hard-these are excuses, and it's outrageous for us to keep making excuses."

Kathleen Vail, Managing Editor

I have been meaning to read the book called 'the world is flat' ever since I heard about it. I have it reserved at the library now.


Essentially what I am seeing is the students are being taught to take the tests rather than the how in logically to learn on their own. It has been a concern of mine for some time.


Personally, I do not think throwing money at it, is an answer. I think it takes the teacher to do it. However, yes, you need to give the teacher the means to perform her duties. However, having 30 kids in one classroom without support doesn't help. On the other side, having no accountability from the parents or teachers is not answer either.

I find it interesting for those that cannot accept the Bible as factual historical documents. They continue to view the bible as a reference of religion as opposed to written documents in history.

I pulled some resources and quotes on the reliability of the Bible.

The oldest Bible versions available to us today are millennia old. The Masoretic Text, written in Hebrew, became the standard authorized Hebrew text around 100 AD. It existed prior to the writings of the New Testament, confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls as early as 168 B.C., and was used as the official Hebrew Old Testament at the time the biblical canon was established.

Source

Few accept the significance in finding the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Notice how no other ancient book's text is questioned or maligned like that of the Bible. For instance, Aristotle's Ode to Poetics was written between 384-322BC. Our earliest copy of this work dates 1100AD, and we find there are only 49 extant manuscripts. Note that the gap between the original writing and the earliest copy is 1400 years. A second example is Plato's Tetralogies, written 427-347 BC. Our earliest copy is 900 AD, and there are only 7 extant manuscripts to study. The gap between the original and the earliest copy is 1200 years. What about the New Testament? Jesus was crucified in 30 AD. The New Testament was written between 48-95 AD. The oldest mss date to the last quarter of the first century, and the second oldest 125 AD. This gives us a narrow gap of 35 to 40 years from the originals written by the apostles.

Source

We see the bible as opposed to any other historical document has the least amount of time gap from event to writing.

So other than the above, shouldn’t we also have some outside sources to back the Bible’s writings? Other than the obvious writings of the great Josephus.


Here is a great link depicting some archeological finds that support the events of the Bible.

Here is another link on the same above website showing additional sources backing certain biblical events.

The above doesn’t even touch on the many prophecies written in the bible that have come to be.

One quick example is the following.

Daniel 11:3-4: "And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them."

[The "mighty king" was Alexander the Great (336-323 BC) who, shortly after conquering the Persian Empire, died abruptly at the age of 32. His empire was not bequeathed to his children (who were murdered) but instead was divided up amongst his generals (the Diadochi). Four lesser kingdoms emerged from the rubble of Alexander's empire: Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt.]

Source

For me relying on the Bible as fact doesn’t really take much faith as much as logical findings.

Another night of little sleep. I know the cause of my unrest. Primarily it's stress regarding the School Board. Initially it's the unknown of the climate you will enter into. The last two I entered into was pure fiasco and a show, arguments, ect.

I had an idea of what I was going to enter into last night. I had intended to suggest one way; with the information I currently had. However, while I was there with provided new information, I began to change my mind.

I realize I am not providing specifics. This is done purposely. It boils down to this. I had a perception of what I was going to do. While I was acquiring more information during the process, my perception changed. I think I surprised some (myself included)and disappointed others. But, unfortunately, in this arena I cannot make everyone happy. You have a 5 panel board. Decisions are made as a group. At the end of the meeting, you hope your decision will be the best for the kids.

Now that this is done, perhaps I can get some sleep in the future.

I couldn't get sleep due to my worry of how the meeting will be. Now I cannot rest due to my worry I made the better decisions.

I guess I actually care too much.

I couldn't sleep worth a flip last night. The wife woke up around 4 a.m. this morning. I was in bed till around 5:30 a.m.

Last night in my later hours of selfish pity me, I watched episodes 4,5,and 6 of Travel the Road. It's about 2 young missionaries traveling around the world doing the great commission. I found the dvd at Lifeway store in Fort Worth for 2 bucks. It was very fascinating. Watching these types of documentaries, witnessing how others live in the 3rd world country puts a different view on our lives here in United States.

It makes your realize some kids and parents literally not eating one good meal a day where-as in America you have many families throwing away their food (ours included) every week. It re-opened my eyes once again just how good we have it in the United States.

So with pride swollen, today I will apologize for being cranky and try to get a new attitude.

"Your a cranky old man." These words from my wife tonight.

Yeah, I felt like a woke up in a bad mood this morning. I thought I was keeping it pretty reserved to myself. It's just one of those days you wake up and pretty much emotionally and physically tired.

Unfortunately for my wife, when I am tired, I tend to be short. So, the less conversation the better. I made it through work fine and the kids remain with their heads today, so I wasn't all that bad, right?

Sigh.

Perhaps it's due to having 4 additional kids over for a sleep over while we are not even in 48 hours of being home. Yes, being home after gone for a hell of a week of work.

Perhaps it's due to the realization of my body not able to withstand 10 hours of hard work per night on top of the regular work during the day. It's hell getting old.

Perhaps it's due to frustration with the School Board. There is only a limited amount one can do, irregardless if it's with the best of intention.

Perhaps, its due to some other stuff I would rather not blog about.

Gee, I am cranky today.

Since I was cranky the wife sent me to the bedroom. I watched a great documentary showing archeological findings to validate the Exodus across the Red Sea. I combed Google and found this website here that pretty much shows the same but not all what was on the DVD.

I think there are some wine left over from the weekend in the fridge. Perhaps that will help.

I have always been fascinated by lost civilizations and objects of history.

(June 29) - Texas archaeologists believe they may have located the remains of Noah's Ark in Iran's Elburz mountain range.

The Bible places the Ark in the mountains of Ararat, a mountain range theologians believe spans hundreds of miles, which the team says is consistent with their find in Iran.

The Bible also describes the Ark's dimensions as being 300 cubits by 50 cubits -- about the size of a small aircraft carrier. The B.A.S.E. Institute's discovery is similar in size and scale.

300 cubits by 50 cubits is equivalent to 437.5 feet by 72.9 feet in hebrew.

A good description of Noah's Ark can be found here

The ark has the same cargo capacity of a modern cargo ship. The above figure shows a comparison with a 550 ft long cargo ship. The ark had a volume of 1.4 million cubic feet and a gross tonnage of 14,000 tons. This is the equivalent of 522 railroad box cars. The ark could have carried over 125,000 sheep-sized animals. Interestingly, there are less than 18,000 species of land animals alive today. Also, the average size of most animals is less than that of a sheep.

"There's this idea, if we can prove that the ark existed then we can prove that the story existed, and more importantly, we can prove that God existed," said Bruce Feiler, author of "Where God Was Born."

I agree, this would be as significant of a find as the lost Ark of the Covenent. Nearly every culture has some form of flood story ingrained in its history.

Sumerian King List describes a flood. The sumerians ruled in Mesopotamia before Abraham.

The Gilgamesh Epic of Babylonia is a long saga of an ancient king. It includes a massive flood which contains several similiarities to the Genesis account.

Incan legends of a great flood also tells of a great flood and the events surrounding it.

Some other interesting facts regarding the Genesis account.

How did Noah round up all those animals?
God brought the animals to Noah and they entered the ark.

Didn't Noah just take two of every kind?
No. Noah took two of most kinds of animals, but he took seven of the kinds of clean animals. here is a list of unclean animals per Wikipedia.

How many rooms were in the Ark?
There could have been over 500 large rooms of 10x10x14 plus aisles. If many of the 14-foot high rooms were divided into two levels, there could have been nearly 1000 rooms or stalls. Some rooms were for animals and some rooms were for food.

The word "ark" means "box" in Hebrew.

Noah lived another 350 years after the flood began. He died at the age of 950 (Genesis 9:28,29)

Abraham, David and Jesus came from the line of Noah's son Shem.

Jesus speaks of Noah in Matthew 24:35-39 and Luke 17:26-30.

Peter writes about Noah in 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:1-5; 3 1-13.

It rained 40 days and nights. All the springs of the great deep burst forth. The waters flooded the Earth for 150 days. Afterwards, God sent a wind and the waters receded (Genesis 7:24)

To put the dimensions of the ark in perspective.

Think of this, the arks width would be 75 feet in length. A semi-truck with a trailer would be a mere 70 feet in length. So when you get nearly ran over by a semi-truck going 80 miles an hour down the highway, the width of the ark would be 5 feet longer. This isnt the length or height, but the width.

The length would be 450 feet in length. A football or soccer field is only 300 feet in length. So when you watch the superbowl and see that green field, the ark would be another 150 feet in length.

The height of the ark would be 45 feet. This cruise ship is 45 feet in length or The original rules stipulated that the pitching rubber be 45 feet from the plate

It was hard and busy last week. Essentially we had to get to Enid, Oklahoma for a new ordering system to be installed.

We made it there Sunday evening fine. Monday morning I hit the hospital as if on a regular schedule. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a quote, unquote time schedule, so it was a come in and be told how long to stay per day. One day, I was there nearly 20 hours straight. It sucked but hey this is a live.

Needless to say it was a weary week. Compound this on Wednesday night to find out I had to work on my dedicated travel day, did not set well. But alas, we worked through it.

We drove straight to Fort Worth, Texas early Thursday morning. It was about a 5 hour drive from Enid. I had to basically jack in and work the remaining day.

The Friday, I worked from the hotel, as I did the remaining of Thursday. I kept my regular hours on that day.

Friday night was quaility time with my wife. Some of Kel's friends watched the kids as she and I hit a fancy place called Texas De Brazil. I never been to a place like this one. The food was to die for. I was so stuffed, it wasn't funny. I thought it was cool. They had these simple circle green/red cards. You would flip it over to the green side if you wanted them to bring you the meats on skewers. Place it on red, when you had enough. You could easily had a feast on the salad bar alone. Afterwards, we simply walked the mall near the hotel as well as some bookstores. Ahh the simple things in life.

Saturday it was our turn to watch the kids. We took them to Chuckie Cheese (blah) to burn some energy off. On the way, we hit a new store (new to us) called Mardel. Man, I could spend some money in there. We acquired 2 christmas gifts there for the kids. Among other things.

Sunday we left for home later than I wanted too. After being away from home for a week, with or without the family, I simply want to get home. On the way, I was fortunate to be able to listen to "Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace" CD's. Simply put, they are awesome.

Now I find myself home, Monday morning. I have already mowed mine and the neighbor's yard. Made my necessary calls and followed up with work. Yeah, all that before 11 a.m. local time.

I still need to get some work done, some house stuff before I take the kids to speech this evening. I better stop blogging and get back to work. Later.

SAN FRANCISCO — Researchers at Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) have developed a tiny wireless data chip that can store up to 100 pages of text and could ultimately be used in a variety of consumer and commercial applications, HP said late on Sunday.

Developed over four years by HP Labs' campus in Bristol, England, the chip is about the size of the head of a match and could potentially store a patient's medical chart on a hospital band, said Howard Taub, associate director at HP Labs.

"There's no question that it has long-term potential," said Tim Bajarin, president of market research firm Creative Strategies of Campbell, California. "But keep in mind this is a technology announcement. It's difficult to predict what applications will be developed and what we would call the 'killer application' for this."

Consumers could store audio commentary, music or short videos on such a chip, affixed to a printed digital photograph.

Devices to read and write data on the chip would then eventually be embedded in cell phones, handheld computers, personal computers, printers, or small standalone readers.

"This really bridges the digital and physical worlds," Taub said. "The digital data is attached to the physical object it's related to."

Palo Alto, California-based HP plans to take the technology to industry standards bodies in hopes of it being welcomed across the technology sector, Taub said.

While broad commercial applications are at least two years away, HP will license the technology to partners, customers and rivals well before that.

"Licensing will almost definitely be part of it," Taub said of HP's plans to cash in on its investment in the technology, which was developed by the "Memory Spot" team within HP Labs.

While similar in some ways to RFID — radio frequency identification — chips, there are key differences in Memory Spot technology in data transfer rates, storage and security.

The chip can transfer data at 10 megabits per second, 10 times faster than Bluetooth wireless technology, comparable to Wi-Fi rates and far faster than RFID.

Also, HP has managed to store up to 4 megabits — 512 megabytes, comparable to flash-memory-based "thumb" drives — in working prototypes of the chip, far more than an RFID chip can store.

HP said the chips could be embedded in paper or stuck to surfaces, and may be sold eventually as self-adhesive dots.

"At a buck a piece, that could be a really good business," Taub said, noting that at production volumes of millions of chips, a dollar per chip would be a reasonable cost.

The chip is comprised of a capacitor array, modem, loop antenna, a targeted microprocessor, memory driver and memory, all fabricated as one piece, which helps cut production costs.

It needs no battery or external electronics, getting its power via inductive coupling from the read-write device, Taub said.

Inductive coupling is an energy transfer from one circuit component to another through a shared electromagnetic field.

The reader must be touched to the chip or placed within a millimeter for data transfer to occur, which could render it safer than typical RFID chips, whose range of up to about 10 feet exposes them more to data thieves, Taub said.

Since I have been reading Dave Ramesy's Money Makeover book, I have been wanting to get a second part time job. Note part time. I had applied to Walmarts ever growing 'opening positions'. Low and behold I was hired. The first night was a simple orientation and cover some cvl's. These are basically watch videos and answer them accordingly. Some are required 100 percent scores while others are not. Not too bad. This was Wednesday night.

Friday night, I hit my official first night as a Unloader. It went fast and very manual driven. I was to be there 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. I made it in early enough. I admit, it was tough. I don't mind working, I never did. But for this guy who have been sitting at a PC during work for the last 5 years, going to tough physical labor; well it wasn't easy. I was proud of myself to keep up with the kids (I felt older than most back there)compounded to the fact it was shorthanded. I found out later we do not get to leave till its all done. Needless to say, it wasn't till 1:40 a.m. when we are done. That night, in sweat dripping clothes, I went home, took a cool shower and a tylenol p.m.

Saturday, I was up early but sore and stiff. It was freaking over 100 degrees, but the yard had to be done. We were leaving for Enid on Sunday, and would be gone for a week. So in the heat of the day, I did the yard.

That Saturday night, I cruised in with only one leg sore. They had 5000 items to unload. Fortunately, one of the three trucks was done before we arrived on our shift. However, it took them 4 hours to do it. All those items were already on pallets. Even with my newbie eyes I could tell how some looked like they were about to fall over. There were only 3 unloaders scheduled (yes one was me). Needless to say, they had to pull some ISC (I found out later these were your cart pullers, assistance, ect.) just to help us unload the remaining trucks. This was miraculously done by 7:30 p.m. However, those ISC guys split after it was unloaded. So that left the 3 of us to pull the 5000 items out on the floor, sweep the unload area, ect. Some of the department personell did come back to pull their stuff out. This helped, but again it was 1:50 a.m. before we could accomplish everything.

So, home again, this time two alieves with my shower. Sigh. I hate to admit it, but I don't think I can cut it. I think this over carefully as I drive us to Enid on our 2.5 hour drive. Realizing, I spent 10 hours at Walmart each night which included one hour mandatory lunch without pay. So 9 hours paying 6 bucks equal $54. After taxes, I probably made $50 for 10 hours away from my family in a hot box working my a$$ off. I don't think I can really justify this.

It's now 5:30 in Enid, OK and I am about to drop. I had maybe 4 hours of sleep last night and I am feeling it.

I simply cannot afford to work myself down to being sick and complicating my main day job. Perhaps, I can find another means of extra income.

Check out this Cool Ad!
If only it was true for all our Representives.

I finished my 1863 book the other day. Rather than grabbing another Civil War book I had on my personal shelf, I found another one. I dropped off the library books today and briefly searched on the shelf. I was in luck finding The Church of Liberalism Godless by Ann Coulter. I only have read one other book called Slander from the same author. I was excited to find it, due to the coverage on it awhile back.

Swhickers World has a good post on the book.

Opening the book you hit with this on the first two pages.

They exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator. . . . Therefore, God gave them up to pas¬sions of dishonor; for their females exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature.—Romans 1:25-26

Liberals love to boast that they are not "religious," which is what one would expect to hear from the state-sanctioned religion. Of course liberalism is a religion. It has its own cosmology, its own miracles, its own beliefs in the supernatural, its own churches, its own high priests, its own saints, its own total worldview, and its own explanation of the existence of the universe. In other words, liberalism contains all the attributes of what is generally known as "religion."
Under the guise of not favoring religion, liberals favor one cosmology over another and demand total indoctri¬nation into theirs. The state religion of liberalism demands obeisance (to the National Organization for Women), tithing (to teachers' unions), reverence (for abortion), and formulaic imprecations ("Bush lied, kids died!" "Keep your laws off my body!" "Arms for hostages!"). Everyone is taxed to support indoctrination into the state religion through the public school where innocent children are taught a specific belief system, rather than, say, math.
Liberal doctrines are less scientifically provable than the story Noah's ark, but their belief system is taught as fact in government schools, while the Biblical belief system is banned from government schools by law. As a matter of faith, liberals believe: Darwinism is fact, people are born gay, child-molesters can be rehabilitated, recycling is a virtue, and chastity is not. If people are born gay, why hasn't Darwinism weeded out people who don't reproduce? (For that, we need theory of survival of the most fabulous.) And if gays can't change why do liberals think child-molesters can? Pedophilia is a sexual preference. If they're born that way, instead of rehabilitation, how about keeping them locked up? Why must children be taught that recycle is the only answer? Why aren't we teaching children "safe littering".

We aren't allowed to ask. Believers in the liberal faith might turn violent—much like the practitioners of Islam, the Religion of Peace who ransacked Danish embassies worldwide because a Danish new paper published cartoons of Mohammed. This is something else they can't be taught in government schools: Muslims' predilection for violence. On the first anniversary of the 9/11 attack, the National Education Association's instruction materials exhorted teachers, "Do not suggest that any group is responsible" for the attack of 9/11!

If a Martian landed in America and set out to determine the nation's official state religion, he would have to conclude it is liberalism while Christianity and Judaism are prohibited by law. And not just in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it's actually on the books, but throughout the land. This is a country in which taxpayers are forced to subsidize "artistic" exhibits of aborted fetuses, crucifixes in urin and gay pornography. Meanwhile, it's unconstitutional to display a Nativity scene at Christmas or the Ten Commandments on government property if the purpose is to promote monotheistic religion. Nearly half the members of the Supreme Court--the ones generally known as liberals...

(Copyright of Ann Coulter)

Wow. This is only on the opening of this book!

This one caught my eye yesterday.

By Andrea Lafferty
Executive Director, Traditional Values Coalition

July 12, 2006 - Defenders of the institution of traditional marriage were encouraged by three state court decisions in the past week. The Supreme Courts of Georgia and New York came down on the side of judicial restraint in legal challenges to bans on same-sex marriage. And, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court actually ruled correctly on a marriage amendment.

In Georgia, the court ruled that a marriage amendment passed by 77% of the voters in 2004 was constitutional and overturned a lower court decision violating the clearly expressed will of the people. Georgians have the right to amend their own constitution to define marriage as a one-man, one-woman union.

In New York, homosexual activists had challenged a ban on same-sex marriage, claiming that the New York Constitution mandated such marriages. The 4-2 decision declared that there is no constitutional right in New York for homosexuals to marry. The court also noted that such decisions should be in the hands of the legislature, not the courts. The New York Court of Appeals displayed judicial restraint, a welcome change from judicial activists who routinely impose their political agendas upon the American people.

In writing about the New York decision, Newsday described these judicial activists as individuals who view the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions and laws like Etch-A-Sketches. Noted Newsday, "These judges ignore what actually was intended and written, turn things upside down, shake and then write whatever they want."

This is an apt description of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, which found a "right" to homosexual marriage in the 1780 Constitution of that state. A review of history shows that sodomy was a criminal offense in Massachusetts in the 18th century (and elsewhere), so it is unlikely that the state Constitution mandates same-sex marriage. The Supreme Judicial Court obviously viewed the state Constitution as an Etch-A-Sketch and eagerly imposed homosexual marriage upon Massachusetts.

Fortunately, this same court recently ruled that the Massachusetts state legislature and the people could vote on a marriage amendment to overturn this tyrannical decision. It was good of them to acknowledge the democratic process. Perhaps, there is hope for Massachusetts after all.

Judicial restraint is an alien concept to many judges, who view themselves as the real rulers of our nation. Judge Robert Bork has described these judges as “our robed masters” and has warned against the dangerous anti-democratic values that motivate these men and women.

A decade ago, Bork warned about judicial activism on the Supreme Court, noting they are " our masters in a way that no President, Congressman, governor, or other elected official is. They order our lives and we have no recourse, no means of resisting, no means of altering their ukases. They are, indeed, robed masters."

This is why it is so important for the Senate to confirm judicial conservatives to the federal bench "including the next vacancy on the Supreme Court. We must have men and women on the bench who understand that their role is to interpret, not make the laws. We must confirm judges who believe in judicial restraint and are not motivated by a desire to impose their own wills upon the American people.

Our choice is clear: We will be ruled by the people and their representatives or by unaccountable robed masters. Americans must demand that the Senate confirm judicial conservatives to our courts" or we will continue to lose our democratic freedoms to judicial tyrants.

Although the above article is obviously on the conservative view, it brings in light a current issue. There's an issue of proper legislation vs interpretation. I think the sentence "The court also noted that such decisions should be in the hands of the legislature, not the courts." nailed it on the head.

In my opinion, put it in the hands of the people to vote on and see what occurs. This allows the people, not higher ranks to choose. Yes, there is a possibility it could go on either side of the fence. However, the media can make hey day and the networks can gain alot of money for the advertising of both sides.

This would allow the proper legislature process to occur. Those that lick their finger and stick it in the air (view polling to make their decisions) might find themselves running in circles.

I was told there were 9 out of 20 sex offenders found within the Dept. of DHS. Doing some digging around on the net, I tried to see if this was indeed the sad case.

I never did find an artcile speaking of it. I did run across the National Sex offender public registery
If you have any info, please comment on it.

I really need to get my desk organized. Awhile back, my desk at home was falling apart. We moved it out (piece by piece) and acquired 2 new desk. Kel is working more at home with her work as well. The office definitely looks more efficient, but I still lack in organizing my new desk. The problem I am having is, I don't exactly know how I want it setup yet. I have ideas, but as of yet, I have not implemented them yet. Once I have it organized, I feel I can get alot more done effectively.

Another busy week ahead. Although, yesterday was only Monday (a real monday, if you know what I mean), it sure seemed it was more than one day. I woke up early to get some stuff done at work. I had to run an errand that morning and when I returned to work, it wasn't till 5:30 p.m. est before I could look up. Unreal. This on top of a stressfull Board Meeting last night, called for a glass of wine. Yes, the glass was good last night.

Next week, I have to run to Enid, Oklahoma. A facility will be going through a new order system install. I will leave that Sunday and return home the following Sunday.

I see Kel's schedule going down, and my schedule of running going up this summer.

I am actually enjoying a lazy day this Saturday. I was able to play in the pool with the kids and Kel's dad. We played a tournament of chicken. Basically, one kid on each of our shoulders and they wrestle to pull each other off. I have a blast playing it (as the kids do). However, my shoulders and neck are now sore and tired. LOL

We live near Backbone mountain and I keep driving by a "historical marker" when I head into Poteau. I finally caught the monuments words today. It's a marker dedicated to the battle of backbone mountain. I am nearly finished with my reading of 1863 The Rebirth of a Nation by Joseph E. Stevens. The book is written as a narative, yet the timeline is factual. I found it totally fascinating. It covers month by month, broken in 3 segments of the last year of the Civil War. Ever since I read Politically Incorrect - American History, I have grown fascinated with the Civil War. I have Team of Rivals and "Civil War Curiosities" to read next.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my day.

My wife passed along this online news article describing a new Witch school was being implemented in Hoopeston, Illinois.

I recall attending a district school board meeting held in Oklahoma recently. During the meeting one of the district leaders commented on many witch covens springing up in Oklahoma. I found that tidbit interesting. When you think of the bible belt of America, you really do not consider other non-christian religions flourishing.

I had to check out the Witch Schools website. They claim "The school has roughly 120,000 active students who enroll in Witch School's Internet courses, which range from Druid and Celtic history to crystal and gem magic,..". That's quite a number of active students (thinking of the 80-20 rule) for one site.

The main website link is found here

Starting July 1st, 2006, we will be open from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, Six Days a Week, through October 30th. You can visit us everyday this summer of fall. It is a way to visit, and discover the wonders of magic.

In Witch School , we have a lot to offer a visitor, once we know ahead of time. We conduct classes on a daily basis, if three or more paying students are available. We also offer Initiations, Dedications, and even Rituals. We are a six day a week operation, so we can always accommodate you no matter what your schedule might be.

They definitely have their doors open for new recruits. Too bad christian churches were not this dedicated.

Today, Hoopeston is a town of Six Thousand People, and the Pagan population totals in the area of fifty people, who live or visit Hoopeston regularly. We have more than a hundred visit on any given weekend. We are developing our own press including the Daily Spell and Magick TV, our own shops, and our own way of doing things. We have dedicated ritual space, a library, and other things that we are hoping for. We are steadily integrating ourselves with this small community.

I find it fascinating there are only 50 out of 6000 people, yet outside travelers are probably keeping the town alive with their purchases and tax.

We are also the World Headquarters for the Witch School as well, with members on over 80 countries. Also the World Headquarters of the Correllian Nativist Church , which encompasses over 120 groups across five continents. So local, nationally and internationally, Hoopeston has become a hub for the Pagan community. It’s also very humble and modest as you would expect for Pagan people.

This is why it's referred to as the Pagan Community. Not because of only 50 out of 6000 people, rather the hub of a major distribution of pagan theology.

I would have to say, if I was near the place, I would have to check it out. Not because I believe or support the theology. However, given the continued growth, it would behoove others to learn from their process.

There's been nearly a week of debate over the New York Times
exposing of a confidential government program to monitor the financial
transactions of terrorists. Some have suggested criminal charges be brought
against the Times for publishing national security secrets. At the very
least, the Justice Department ought to determine who in government leaked
the information and prosecute them. While Attorney General Alberto
Gonzales onsiders his options, I want to share excerpts of a letter that
Lieutenant Tom Cotton, currently fighting in Iraq, sent to the Times.

"Congratulations on disclosing our government's highly
classified anti-terrorist-financing program. …I spent the last four days
patrolling one of the more dangerous areas in Iraq. …Unfortunately, as I
supervised my soldiers late one night, I heard a booming explosion several
miles away. I learned a few hours later that a powerful roadside bomb killed
one soldier and severely injured another from my 130-man company. I deeply
hope that we can find and kill or capture the terrorists responsible for that
bomb. But, of course, these terrorists do not spring from the soil. …No,
they require financing to obtain mortars and artillery shells, priming
explosives, wiring and circuitry, not to mention for training and payments
to locals willing to emplace bombs in exchange for a few months' salary.

"You may think you have done a public service, but you have
gravely endangered the lives of my soldiers and all other soldiers and
innocent Iraqis here. Next time I hear that familiar explosion -- or next
time I feel it -- I will wonder whether we could have stopped that bomb
had you not instructed terrorists how to evade our financial
surveillance.
"And, by the way, having graduated from Harvard Law and
practiced with a federal appellate judge and two Washington law firms before
becoming an infantry officer, I am well-versed in the espionage laws
relevant to this story and others -- laws you have plainly violated. I hope that
my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my
soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent
of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful
place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars."

I received the above and just had to share it. I have heard alot of talk regarding the news outlet, but I haven't heard any action, yet.

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance . Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota , 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota , grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution .

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this ..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to .enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator .can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other .

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington , grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virgini a reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn

I listened to "Manager of his Home" by Steven Maxwell today. It was a audio seminar for helping your wife succeed as she manages the home. The seminar was for men only.

I will have to say, as I listened to the cd's it really hit hard on me. The cd's were not easy listening. I do not mean the quality, rather the message itself. It points out the father/husband is the primary responsible person of the family and household. It's easy to say the father/husband is the man of the house. The idea may seem pleasant enough, but the accountable responsibility (once understood) is something else.

I have to say, listening to this guy talking, I felt convicted. The discussion ranged from the father/husband being the leader. This covers everything from financial, spiritual, and your looked upon not only by your kids but by your wife as to where the family is heading.

One statement stuck in my mind. If your wife comes up to you and ask you specifically, 'where do you think God wants this family to do/be and what are you doing about it?' That's a really heavy question if you think about it. Most guys, myself included, simply go day to day, not really thinking of a project plan for the family. This question is also a very valid one. Think of working in a office and a issue or project is requested. Your asked by your manager 'whats the plan to address this'? Just as your manager or peer has the right to question this, so does the wife and family.

Fortunately, this particular question has not been asked of me. However, even though the question is not verbally asked, does not mean it should be addressed.

I took a couple of benadryls to help me rest tonight and they are taking their toll.

I wanted to blog on this, because after hearing this message, it really started me questioning, what in the hell am I doing to ensure all the needs of my family?
I suggest every dad and/or husband to listen to this, if possible. It really puts things in perspective and for me it was a conviction for me to do something about it.

Truth is indeed a hard pill to swallow.

An important announcement from our friends at Voice of the Martyrs
Pastor Beaten By Radicals While Police Watch

While distributing Christian literature, Pastor M. Aharon, was mercilessly assaulted by a group of militant Hindus. He was assaulted for converting Hindus and Muslims to Christianity. His face was covered with blood from heavy blows to his mouth and nose. He survived the brutal attack at the hands of Hindu radicals in the town of Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh, located about 300 miles east of Bombay in central India.

During this violent incident, a mob of over 100 Hindu radicals cheered and yelled in support of the attack on Pastor Aharon, inciting the rest of the crowd to turn against him. Police stood by as the extensive attack was being carried out, and the constables even prevented the pastor from escaping. Only after Aharon could barely hold himself up did police begin to escort him from the tumultuous scene. They carried out their attack plan as a secret mission to keep other pastors from spreading the gospel in India.

Pastor Aharon, who has led 700 Hindus and Muslims to Christ and has established 12 churches in this community, has outraged radical Hindus and Muslims. When a VOM contact asked Pastor Aharon what was going through his mind during the attack, he said, "I remembered Christ and many others persecuted for their faith in the last twenty centuries."

Please take this opportunity to request your free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. You will read some of the most courageous stories and find practical ways you can get involved.

Voice of the Martyrs definitely puts out good material concerning persecution.
You can sign up for their free monthly here

As the 4th of July draws near, most of us are in preparation of celebrating our freedom and America's birthday. Unfortunately there are many countries that does not support or allow those same freedoms.

I am totally utilizing my Fathers/Birthday gift.

I was given a HP dvd840e Super Multi DVD Writer. I found this article that gives a really good review on the writer.

I have accumulated alot of information over the years. I usually pull pdf files, articles, freeware programs, ect. of interest. I was also converting my cda's to mp3 files in order to play them in our Van's mp3 player. It also helps out on our long drives to have one cdr containing many songs instead of a book of cd's.

Anyway, I was finally able to get the writer setup and figured out this week. The plug and play, just didn't want to work for some reason. Since then, I have been piling my data cdr's onto the home PC, remove the duplications and burn it all on the dvdr. I literally was able to toss two handfulls (I have big hands((smile)) of cdr's. I converted them down to 3-4 dvdr's. Yes, I had 4.5 gigs of freeware programs. I had nearly 4 gigs of religion info containing programs, mp3's, online videos, pdf's ect. I was able to install the writer on my work PC and back up all my work files. It was absolutely great! Totally being utilized and totally enjoying it.

I haven't posted awhile, so here it goes. I had a conversation yesterday that basically got under my skin. I will not go into detail, but let you know why I became irratated.

Essentially, the conversation started out fine. It was more of a discussion of where each stood in a specific subject in addition the topic was about acquiring information from a specific source. Frankly, I stated, I am the type of individual that likes to ask detail questions. However, when I ask specific questions to this source, I do not receive specific answers. This tells me one of two things. It is either a) they do not know the answer or b) they are hiding something. I conveyed to the person on the other end of the phone yesterday, I realize it may appear I am picking this source. However, after time, I feel it is one of the two above options, they dont know or is hiding something. I also tried to convey to this individual the "I don't know but let me get back to you on that" answer is not a bad answer. I personally learned the hardway, you can only BS so long.

Anyway, I was trying to convey this to her yesterday. I was also trying to convey the fact, "the more information we have, the better decision we can make." I get frustrated when it becomes 'a pulling of the teeth' to get valuable information in order for us to make a sound decision. In my line of work, the devil is found in the details. So what is her reply on how she evaluates and decides?

She knows she isn't book smart but has a lot of common sense. (her own words) So she just prays and puts it to God. She then goes into detail on her belief and faith that everything will be ok and work out.

OK. Now you have the synopsis, hear my aggravation point.

I belive in God. I believe that God will provide his beievers with any means necessary. I personally have had this experience more in my life than I deserve. However, I do not believe to throw my arms up in the air and wait on God. I get very frustrated with those who say they pray and wait on God to do everything for them. These are the ones that ask God for something, when that thing may be there all along for them. Now I will tell you why I believe this.

It was pointed out to me, a passage in the bible (since this is the source of our knowledge on God) where the disciples attempted to go to Asia, but God did not allow them to do so. In the book of Acts, the disciples was spreading the truth. They attempted to go out and inform everyone of this truth. They were doing something. This simple fact may be little, but I found it to be profound. The fact is the disciples were doing something. They were not expecting God to do it for them, rather they were having to be with-held from certain places.

In addtion, what does the bible say regarding anything you need or want?

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

These are all action items. We seek. We knock. We ask. It has come to my belief and philosophy, we humans should attempt to do all we can do. When that achievement cannot be done, that is when God steps in and does it. Take a look at the history of the Bible. God normally does the impossible to show us He is God. In many examples, this feat is done after the people fail.

So, yes, I believe that God will provide and take care of us. But, come on, do your part first.

I continue to grow amazed of the information I find regarding the Civil War. I, probably like most, didn't realize the amount of foundation of this country that was laid out during the Civil War.

There was a lot of controversy in the last couple of Presidential elections regarding dodging the draft for war. The media and many other outlets attempted to define draft dodgers as un-Patriotic or undeserving to run such an office.

During the Civil War a draft was also in place to pull candidates into the frey. However, a stipulation was put in place.

The Enrollment Act of 1863 was created to conscript men into the Army. The conscript demanded a quota of enrollments for each state. The quota was based on the population, ect. If that quota was not met, a draft by the War Dept. was put in place for that state.

The North had a $300 exemption in the conscript. If a person could drum up this 300 dollars, they would be exempt for war. A substitute would go in his place.

There are some noted draft dodgers that chose their beginning enterprises, rather than the war. Among those were, a 23 year old John D. Rockerfeller, financier Junius Spencer Morgan, and 27 year old Andrew Carneige.

Do you recall the founders of the now companies?

The 23 year old John D. Rockerfeller started the oil buisiness as a side job, which turned out to be his main job.

The financier Junius Spencer Morgan took advantage of the Civil War by investing in gold. Later creating the J.P. Morgan & Co.

The 27 year old Andrew Carnegie was working as a superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad's Western Division. In my opinion more patriotic than the other two, Carneige had invested in shares of stock, Adams Express Company. The first dividend gave him a desire to investing. He made a investment in the Columbia Oil Company for ten thousand dollars. It returned 1.25 million. Not to be drafted, he paid the fee to be substituted. He later became the richest man in the world.

These are just 3 men who chose wealth over war.

A:

Philosopher of science Dr. Michael Ruse has said, "evolution, akin to religion, involves making certain a priori or metaphysical assumptions, which at some level cannot be proven empirically." In fact, evolution underpins the religion of humanism. The people who composed the Humanist Manifesto, which claims that humanism is "a philosophical, religious, and moral point of view," built their entire way of thinking on the basis of evolution.

In other words, evolution would be their worldview.

Julian Huxley and his humanist friends were very clear in claiming that the evolutionary story was the foundation for their new humanist theology. They knew that the long evolutionary past of millions of years, if accepted by society, would remove the Judeo-Christian God from the culture. In place of God would be the "time and chance" of evolution!

No-one currently alive was there during the beginning. Irregardless of the facts, one's faith has a part of their way of thinking.

Sadly, though, when taken to a logical conclusion, if there is no God, people are free of divinely sanctioned laws and codes. In other words, they can do what is right in their own eyes … and justify the selfish desires of their hearts, just as the Bible describes in Proverbs 30 and Romans 1.

Note this is the same theology of liberlism and all other pagan religions, including secular, evolutionist.

These humanists understood that evolution was really an anti-God religion, and they said so in their Manifesto.

Evolutionary scientists don't want to admit that they are also very religious people, who put a blind faith in time and chance, instead of a real faith in a loving and infinite God.

The writer simply reiterates seculur humanists realizes it's simply a different faith based religion or worldview. As with any form of religion, that religion wishes everyone else to accept their means of thinking.

Religion can be defined as such.

re·li·gion (rĭ-lĭj'ən)
n.

Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.

A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

The life or condition of a person in a religious order.

A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Note regarding evolutionist or secular liberals, the second and fourth definition above still applies to their belief system.

A couple of quotes to consider.

"A religion is essentially an attitude to the world as a whole. Thus evolution, for example, may prove as powerful a principle to coordinate men's beliefs and hopes as God was in the past. Such ideas underlie the various forms of Rationalism, the Ethical movement and scientific Humanism.

"Humanism: An outlook that places man and his concerns at the centre of interest. Modern Humanism, which does away with traditional Christianity, is characterised by its faith in the power of human beings to create their own future, collectively and personally."

There is a thought process out there. The idea the Civil War was fought over for slavery. You then have 'experts' make the remark "yes and no". So what was the Civil War fought over and why is there an ideology it was fought to end slavery?

After reading a few books regarding the Civi War, it currently is my thought, slavery only came into the Civil War after the Union was losing the war.

Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated into office February 23,1861. The Civil War officially began in April when the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter.

Nearly two years later Lincoln finds his Union army losing to the Confederate Army. Morale is down. He is being attacked on both sides of the party, politically. Lincoln's sole purpose is to maintain the Union.

"It was an inescapble fact that slaves constituted more than half teh Confederacy's workforce." (source 1863 The rebirth of a Nation)

Lincoln knew he had to do something drastic. He created The Emancipation Proclamation. He was unsure how it would be accepted. It turned out to be mixed. Once he produced this document and changed the meaning for the Union to fight the Civil War, it changed everything.

I could go into more detail, but my point here is simple. The Civil War was not based on Slavery. Only after the Union was losing the battle, and it appeared England was becoming sympathetic to the South. Once the Emancipation came out, the rally for the Union changed by giving them something more to fight for.

Can I say, I am thankfull for Friday? Man it's been a busy week. I was able to get some projects done this week. In addition the yard is done as of 1 hour ago. I had planned to do that Saturday. However, it seems we have company coming over tomorrow for lunch, so I had to get it done, now.

Work was a stresser. Home was a stresser. I am glad it's Friday.

I will be having to go to PA next week. I fly out Sunday and return the following Saturday. I will literally be gone on my birthday. It will be fun to make up for it when I get back home.

I am looking to get a part time job. Yes, we are extremely busy. I have been listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio for some time and just now found his book. I haven't had a chance to read it. But I am sure the theme will be more money coming in and less going out.

I rented Firewall to watch tonight. I am looking forward to it.

The good thing about this week? They got Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. Fan-xing-tasic.

I was finally able to watch the High School Musical dvd with the kids.

I found it strikingly similiar to the original Grease back in my day. Yes, some things definitely differ, but the overall theme, and storyline seemed very similiar.

A couple of things I noticed that are the same in each movie.

A new girl comes into the school system.
The boy everyone looks to for leadership wants to change his profile.
Once the leader changes, everyone seems to change.
There is a girl that is 'mean spirited'.
The new girl is shy but comes out of her shell during the movie.


How they changed the plot, a little.

Rather than the emphasizes on individuals, per say, High School Musical has the whole group (or student body) changing their individual profiles. The movie has each student wishing to come out of their quoted profile and expand out of their 'thought to be' elements. In this respect, I see High School Musical conveying to the audience, 'we are all the same' and we as individuals need to show ourselves as, not only individuals with different interest and talents, but also as a whole. This is different with Grease, as Grease storyline revolved around 2 main characters.

Overall, the movie was very cute with a decent message. High School Musical already shows to be a phenomenal success.

I am nearly done reading The Davinci Code. I had started it on my vacation and trying to finish it before this weekend. Kel's aunt wishes to read it as well.

I have to say first, Dan Brown's writing is easy read. The storyline moves well and it keeps you interested. There are ever changing moves in the plot. I am enjoying reading it.

So, why the big controversy over this book? It is as one talk show host stated, "insecurity" for the christian faith? Personally, I don't think so. Insecurity is founded on ones belief structure being damaged or where the person is unsure of his or her own faith. I don't think it's a matter of insecurity for the rise against the book.

Throughout the book, it has continued deep overtones for feminity. Truly, the book has been created for a feminist or more for the female audience. There are two primary characters in the book. Each learn from each other as they continue to dodge danger after danger in chases, ect.

I think the biggest issue of the book is the books education aspect. By that I mean 'what the book is really saying or educating the audience with'. With respect, everyone knows it's fiction. Or at least I hope they do. However, over 70% of Americans chooses not to read a non-fiction book once they leave highschool. Think about that. Over half the population of America acquire their knowledge by magazines, tv, or some other means other than research in non-fiction. This is why some groups point out the 'tv shows' or 'magazine articles' ect. as indoctrination. Sadly, many Americans are lazy upon knowledge.

I would suggest the book as a good read, knowing its fiction. I would also suggest some other sources as well. The book "Cracking the Davinci Code" is a good read. The documentary "The Real Davinci Code" is also a good find.

So all in all, a good read. But just leave it as that.

As far as the movie goes, I heard one critic stating the following.
"It will be enjoyable for the readers. For the non-readers of the book, they will be lost." She was a bit dissapointed due to the movie not moving along as well as the book.

I slept in my own bed last night and it was great. We arrived home late evening yesterday and we are still in the process of doing laundry.
We drove in heavy rain from the other side of Little Rock, Arkansas to home. Yet, we did make it safely home.

The kids didn't make it very long being home. Their Nanna and Pappa already snagged them this evening and will keep them tonight and most likely tomorrow night. This will give Kel and I a night alone. Hmm, I wonder what we will do alone after being in the same hotel room for the last 2 weeks with the kiddos.

I refuse to check my buisiness email till tomorrow morning.

Kel and I had to get our news fix. Yes, I watched a bit of the Fox channel as well as G4. She watched E. One of the things I was surprised to hear was Batwoman was making a reappearance, as a lesbian. LOL
Check it here. Unreal.

We are traveling back home. We initially were going to stay a couple of days at Orlando and not even head back till Monday. We hit Gatorland, then a couple of outlet malls. We then proceeded to I-75 North toward home. We didn't make it too far out of Orlando, but we are heading home none-the-less.

For some reason, I woke up this morning stressing on an old job I had about 8 years ago. Odd that I would be thinking of an old job.

We hope to be home no later than late Monday. We still are not 'trying' to run home, rather take it easy on our trip home. Yet, I feel we all are ready to sleep in our own beds again.

We should be going through Georgia today. We stopped in a Marriott within Ocala, Florida last night. I hope we don't see as many wrecks as we had coming here.

The vacation is half over already. Today was a very relaxing day (except for a emergency issue that was resolved). Today, we didn't run from one ride to another, rather we slowly floated around a lake at Discovery Cove. It was very nice and did I mention relaxing? sigh.

Basically we hit Disney Friday and hit Downtown Disney first. Saturday we stayed half the day at Animal Kingdom. We basically hit all the rides by half the day. Our son started collecting the Disney Racer cars, our daughter the pins. I wanted the kids to get the penny press's. So I hit the penny machines.

That Saturday evening we cruised over to MGM since we had reservations at the Scifi Diner. We actually was able to hit a couple of the shows and rides that evening at MGM. We had a great time and were able to hit many of the rides, ect. we didn't expect too. The big extra was us seeing the parade that contained the Power Rangers, our sons hero's.

Sunday we hit Epcot. We again hit all the rides we wanted too. On the second day, we already learned the best way to do this is to hit the ones having the early hour. This allows us to hit the rides we want without the long waiting line. We didn't do the walk around the world, yet.
That Sunday evening, we hit Magic Kingdom. We had a supper reservation at Crystal Palace. We mainly walked main street and was able to watch the parade.

Monday morning we hit Magic Kingdom again. We watched the shows and hit the rides. Magic Kingdom is basically like a wheel with the 'lands' as the spokes. The castle lies in the middle. We started out watching Stitch great escape and worked our way around the other lands. The one thing I was looking forward too, but was disappointed in was 'The presidents hall'. It was suppose to be about the presidents but it was mainly about 'Freedom and equality'. Yes, it was a good message per se. However, it really wasn't what it was suppose to be. Plus it used the Civil War as a example of slavery(going with that equality thing). After reading about the Civil War, it wasn't a war about slavery (that was brought into it after the war started). So again, misleading the people. Oh well, Magic Kingdom was cool, but hot in weather.

Tuesday, we hit Discovery Cove. We swam with the dolphins and lazily relaxed. This by far was the most relaxing of the trip. I told the kids it was nice to just float, swim, ect. We didnt' have to run from one ride to another. sigh.

Vacation officually started for me yesterday evening when I fully shut down the laptop. Ahh felt good to shut it completely down. It's normally on all the time.

First day out we drove and drove and drove. We crossed about 4-5 states in our journey. We are crashed at a Best Western in Byron, Georgia. It has free wireless net access, so I can check my email and blog when able. I didn't bring my work laptop, purposely. So I get to use Kel's. We drove since 3:20 a.m. our time. We lost an hour crossing over to the new time zone. So its about 8:55 p.m. here. So that's about 16 hours straight? Most traffic was in the small part of Tennessee, and Georgia. Alot of wrecks in Georgia.

Going to crash.

It was a nice weekend. We were able to get the living room, hallway and bathroom ready for the painting. We are having some friends paint these while we are away. Kel literally has us packed and ready. We are officially packed and ready. I will be mowing the yard Monday or Tuesday, right before we leave to get it cut down well.

We also had time today to play with the kids on games, ect while we cleaned house. We had purchased Rags to Riches and watched it as well. I never seen it, so it was new to me. Not a bad movie, pretty cute. However, in the now, a single guy acuiring 6 girls for adoption, would probably be looked at more closely.

The kids had written a song a piece by themselves. I was actually impressed with what they came up with. They also gave breakfast in bed to Kel as well as give her a program, where they sung, and did knock knock jokes.

All in all, a very nice weekend.

It's nearing time for bed and only Monday, Tuesday left to wait for a getaway.

4 days and counting. We are outta here next Wednesday.

Unexpectedly the kids are off to their Nana and Papa's for the night. I rented two movies for Kel and I. We are watching 'Rumour has it'. It's ok, but not all that. Those that have watched it, may understand. Basically, one guys has sex with 3 generation of women. It's a attempted spinoff of 'The Graduate'.

I also grabbed 'A sound of thunder'. Yeah, that ones for me. As I looked through the movies and read the back of them, it just seems they all sound the same anymore.

The plan for this weekend was to clean the house, and finish preparing for our trip.
However, it appears Kel's mother has plans for tomorrow.

Seems like anymore, I am pissing and moaning about something on my blog. If it's not about the political situation its about my busy life.

Well, why break a going thing. I have been really humping it at work these past, now, week and half. Since we are going on vacation in like 6 days, thank God, everyone wants their pet project done now.

I been counting it up. I have rolled out nearly 50 interfaces since last Monday. I kid you not. One of my peers asked if I am going for the record. In addition, I have worked on new projects and a merge of two facilites. The merge consist of two facilites currently on two separate systems, going to one system. Basically a conversion of the systems. So for the past nearly 2 weeks, I have been basically turning on the music (loud) during my non-conference calls and hacking away. No news. No interruptions. So in a nut shell, work has been busy. Top if off this week prior of vacation, I am on call.

The problem with on call, other than it comes out to 5 bucks a night, I get the most stupid calls. Tired and exhausted, the family crashes (including me) before 9 p.m. tonight. This is highly unususal for me to go to bed and be asleep so early.

Low and behold, 11:30 p.m local time, I get a call from work. What is it about? Interfaces down...network outage...no. Some facility showing their radiology connection is down. OK. The facility says a (name withheld) consultant says she is working on it. OK. But I can't find her number anywhere.

I get up and look on my contact list for her number. As I begin to look, I see she is on sametime. We use Lotus Notes at work and Sametime is the equivalent of its IM. I simply tell her this. She doesn't first see her then know how to add her to her contact list. Sigh. This is what I get woke up for?

So as usual, once I get woke up, I have a hard time to get back to sleep. Yeah, I know more pissing and moaning.

I have noticed a continueing disturbing trend with the American Public. Rather than a continued fight for the current rights of the state and the people, there is a tendency to only rise on the removal of those rights. This is a slow rise to boot.

The history of American shows it to be the youngest country in the world, but the most prosperous. Many have fought and laid down their lives for the simple right to vote, attend public meetings, ect. Only to have their descendants neglect in the simple task to register for voting.

I attended a district board meeting recently. One of the two attending representives mentioned the fact there were so many (about 4 inches of paper)new legislation items entered daily, no one can physically view it all. They must simply rely on the special interest groups to inform them what is more important at the time. This basically puts the groups that scream the loudest or has the representives same interest or ear in power. No longer are there many in the public that have any clues as to what new legislation or changes are being put in place. Much worse, many of the public citizens are clueless of their current representives.

The main form of information are the portals from TV. It already has been determined the majority of these are bias.

So what are the public left with? Simply those citizens wishing to be adequately informed. This requires work. Unfortunately, many of the public view this as un-necessary work or simply un-interested in this until it effects them on a personal level.

This brings us to my concerning view of the American People. They are called to action by having to react to a cause against their rights as opposed to be proactive and fight for their current state and individual rights.

Wake up America, your rights, legislation are being removed, changed in front of your very eyes.

As I had stated before in a prior blog, I was bumbed by not finding my backup of geneaology files.

Well, we went to Tulsa this weekend and spent Friday night with my wife's Aunt. She also has a laptop and cable internet access. I had to check on my Ebay and seen where I had installed the Family Tree Maker on her laptop. I thought, hmmm.

I checked into the FTW folder and low-behold a Geneaology folder was in there containing all my lost files! I must had given her all my backups, letters, pics ect. Totally elated, I could have hugged her.

It was pretty obvious by her response, she had never really looked at them. However, at that point, I didn't care. I will be able to pull off all the files when she comes back in my town (I didn't have my memory stick and she doesn't have a cd writer). I was able to email most of the gedcom files to myself. I checked the folder and it about 100 megs of data.

So, this allows me to check, update my info, after 5 years of me not touching it, without having to re-enter my already contained data.

I have no clue what the parameters are as to how they evaluate this.

Is it really May already? Man, this year is flying.

I guess the news will be covering the illegal alien parade today. I understand the arguments, I see the points on both sides. However, the points spoken on either side, touches around the given subject, without really addressing it.

They are illegal immigrants pouring into United States. That is the concerning subject. It's not a needed working class. It's not a means to emphasize those wishing better for themselves and their families. It's not about immigration. It's about illegals invading our country with the expectation of amnesty. Pure and simple.

I will probably turn the news on and off during the day. However, it probably will be pretty much repetitive after the first hour of broadcasting.

It's ironic, by obvious organization (but by whom?), the illegals pick Labor Day to not do any labor. I recall their first walkout showing Mexican flags in the streets. The bias news had to comment on this. Low and behold, across the nation, it was quickly changed to United States flags during demonstrations.

The news needs to ask, who is organizing this massive stunt, rather than perpetuating the incorrect cause.

May 1st, International Workers' Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States, Canada, and South Africa. This despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880s in the United States, with the fight for an eight-hour work day....