Middle America's Worldview

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.