Know When To Fold Them

Bernie Williams has played for the Yankees since 1991. 1991! That's 16 seasons. In that time, he has three world series rings.

The Yankees are offering him a minor league contract for 1997. Minor leagues! What an insult. Why are they doing that? Why not go behind the scenes and say, "Bernie, time to hang up the spikes. Step down now and we'll help you in what ever direction you want to go in the future."

And Bernie, what are you doing? Retire, man. You have had a great run, but center field is for younger men, and you're not hitting well enough to DH. You have to know when to quit and enjoy the spoils of a great career in a great sport that has made you a millionaire at a relatively young age.

Nothing better than finishing well. So do it already.

Cindy Sheehan's Blog

HI, In the interest of balance, I am letting the libs set the tone of the blog for a little while. Just want to make sure I'm not being to mean-spirited, and all that. With that in mind, the following is a post from Cindy Sheehan. She's so kind to conservatives, isn't she?

After BushCo's stooge, Nouri al-Maliki was in America last week thanking soldiers for their sacrifices in helping the USA kill and oppress his very own people and thanking Congress for giving George a blank check to spend how he sees fit to kill and oppress the Iraqi people, almost 4000 of our soldiers in Alaska's 172nd Stryker Brigade were shown how much they are appreciated by having their enlistments extended another 120 days.

I saw the Angel of Death in the skin of Donald Rumsfeld say, while he was busy rushing in or out of the Pentagon (it doesn't really matter), that it is "unfortunate" that the soldiers have to remain in Iraq. I think it is unfortunate for our troops and for the innocent people of Iraq and Afghanistan that Donald Rumsfeld has to remain as the Secretary of War.

for more, go here

Now That's What I Call A Hilly Billy!

"We are the president!" roared Hillary in the 1990's. If only we had understood her!

One Mixed Up Dude

Okay, get this. This guys says he is, and I quote, "the man, Christ Jesus." His last name is, appropriately enough, De Jesus. He has a "church" in Miami, mostly Hispanic. He claims to be the second coming of Jesus on earth.

That's not all. Since he is Jesus, he says that anyone who worships the other Jesus --you know, the one from before-- is an idolater. To prove that he renounces the other Jesus, because he is him and therefore the other one isn't real anymore, he has also tattooed the number 666 onto his arm, and claims to be the anti-Christ.

That's right, he's the Christ AND he's the anti-Christ. Let me be the first to say, sir, you're just a tiny little mutt on this planet, and a strange one at that. There is a real Jesus Christ. I suggest you hide before He catches you off-guard trying to run His universe!

How To Know The Dems Are Fake On Iraq

How about their own words:

Senator John Kerry: "We don't have enough troops in Iraq," --2005.

"[I believe this]very deeply. Number one, we cannot fail. I've said that many times. And if it requires more troops in order to create the stability that eliminates the chaos, that can provide the groundwork for other countries, that's what we have to do." --to Tim Russert, 2004

Senator Joe Biden: "There's not enough force on the ground now to mount a real counterinsurgency." "They're going to need a surge of forces," --interviews from 2005

Senator Harry Reid, this one from last month :) "If it is for a surge -- that is, two or three months and it's part of a program to get us out of there as indicated by this time next year -- then sure I'll go along with it. If the commanders on the ground said this was just for a short period of time, we'll go along with that."

OF course, now they'll say "It's too late."

bottom line: Most Democratic Senators will say anything, anytime, if they think it will help them win elections and criticise Bush.

Finding hypocrisy among these guys is easier than shooting fish in a barrel! And kind of fun, too!

Truth: Democratic Senators don't give a rip about the people of Iraq. As long as Bush looks bad, they feel good. What would a pull out do now, to Iraq? Who cares, right Hilly? Those people don't vote, at least not in New Hampshire.

Dem Sissies of the Senate, what will you do if we ever have a real problem? Iraq is chump change compared to a real war.

The Truth About Christians

Mike Jones, the gay prostitute who brought down Ted Haggard, visited Haggard's old church this past Sunday. He had been invited my many of the members. He was received warmly.

Since most Christians believe any sex outside of marriage (marriage between a man and a woman, that is) is sinful. This is mind, Christians are often wrongly accused of being "hateful" or even have having irrational fears ("phobic"). The press seemed almost startled that Jones was well treated at this church. I am not. I know thousands of Christians and they are the nicest people I meet. They don't hate people, including gay people.

It can be hard for the world to understand how someone can think a certain behavior is a sin, but not to hate sinners, but Christians do it all the time. In fact, Christians I know are all convinced that they themselves are sinners, saved by the Love of God who is merciful to sinners.

All this to say, it's nice to see Christians portrayed the way they really are, once in a while, instead of the extreme wackoes and caricatures the media seems to like best.

Silly Clinton, Presidents Aren't Allowed to Duck

Oh man, as tragic as it will be if this strange person gets elected, it's sure going to be fun watching her campaign. Get this latest.
This quote is from the New York Post:

"This was [Bush's] decision to go to war with an ill-conceived plan and an incompetently executed strategy," she said, adding, "We expect him to extricate our country from this before he leaves office."

Clinton said it would be "the height of irresponsibility" to pass along the war to the next commander-in-chief.

So, let me translate that. What Hillary (Sillary?) is saying is, "I'm really not into the whole Iraq thing? W, would you please be sure your war is over before I get there?"

Hillary, why not just admit it? You're a bafoon. You know you can't handle Iraq. And if you can't handle Iraq, a war that is more about public opinion than our ability to win, how will you handle it if something really dangerous happens? Iraq is like a playground compared to potential wars with China over Taiwan, North Korea, troubles in South America, Iran, etc. In Iraq, the only thing keeping us from victory is the press and dems in congress. And even then, freedom marches forward. If you can't handle that . . .


Well, I guess you don't have to handle that. "George, I'd like to not have such a messy world when I take over. Remember Bill? How he was able to ignore foreign policy? All we had to do was give nuclear and military technology to China, drop a few bombs on Bosnia, and ignore the whole world trade center thing in 1993 --for that matter, just ignore those nasty terrorists all together? Do you remember that George? That's what I want for my presidency. Can you please clear the board so I can have that? Thanks, dearie."

Oh my word. So many Americans are so gullible.

The Best Basketball Player In The World

Basketball is a team game. 5 on 5. If it were 1 on 1, Steve Nash would not be the best player in the world. That would probably be Lebron James or Kobe Bryant or Shaq. But it is a team game.

Steve Nash understands the game intellectually, strategically, and intuitively. Add to that, he is physically able to do what he wants to on the court.


In the midst of a 16 game winning streak for the Phoenix Suns, this is the man who makes the team go. He scores at will. If he wants to score, he scores. However, what he does best is assist other players in scoring. He had 16 more assists last night. That would be a career high, a huge game, for most players. For him, it is ho-hum, business as usual.

He makes the players on his team great. Where would Raja Bell be on the Lakers? Lost. That's where. Shawn Marion? Under achieving. Boris Diaw? The same. With the exception of Amare Stodaumire, the entire team depends on Nash to hit their stride. Even Amare would not be who he is without Nash feeding him.

Put Steve Nash on ANY TEAM IN THE NBA and that is a playoff team. And he does all this with class, and dignity.

He has become my favorite player of all time. If only he played for Philly . . .


Thoughts?

Max and Emma, Together. Emma on Right

One of the Best Albums You've Never Heard

OKAY YOU ROCK AND ROLLERS AND MUSIC LOVERS, here is one album I am just loving. I admit, I bought it because of nostalgia --I was a high school Styx fan. I didn't really expect the album to be any good.

But it is great. Styx does covers of other people Rock tunes, many of which you'd know (like, "I am the Walrus" by the Beatles, "I can see for Miles" by the Who), but most of the tunes are the ones that you'd say, "Oh yeah, I've heard that song before, but I don't really know it that well, (like Traffic's, "Can't Find My Way Home," and the Alman Bro's "One Way Out"). And some of the songs are ones most of us can't remember who did them or if we've heard them before or not (like "It don't Make Sense" and "locomotive breath").

But whether you know the songs or not, all of them are great. Why? Because Styx is not a cover band. They are talented musicians, veterans of all the Rock world offers, and they know what they are doing musically and from a production standpoint.

They do "I am the Walrus" better than the Beatles, no kidding. None of these songs are second rate throw-away covers. Each one is as good or better than original. Many I listen to and say, "yeah, that's better."

So, if you are a dinosaur rock fan, like me, or just like good music, pick it up. It wasn't that popular so you will find it cheap.

What Women Mean

Someone sent me this email and I thought it was funny. Wanted to pass it on. The picture? It's a woman acting like and animal to stop people from wearing fur. what has it got to do with the post? I don't know, sometimes, brides are beauty queens, sometimes a little like cave women, you know . . . not my bride, of course.

Words Women Use

FINE

This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES

If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING

This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine"

GO AHEAD

This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH

This is not actually a word, but is a nonverbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over"Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY

This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS

A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.

WHATEVER

It's a woman's way of saying . . . well, you don't want to know

one of our dogs

A Friend asked what my dogs looked like. I took this picture of Max this morning. I didn't like the way the pic of Emma came out. I'll find another and post her soon.

Trouble with The New Prophets, part III

Rick Joyner has a new office and role for prophets. He believes that a prophet who can hear direct words from God needs to be in every church, like lookouts at a fort, or "watchmen" on the city walls, to warn of the coming evil. Check out this quote:

"The prophets in Scripture were
often called “watchmen” because
they were spiritually positioned like
watchmen on the walls, able to see
what was coming from afar. There
are dependable watchmen with
extraordinary gifts being raised up
today. Before the end of this age
comes, every local church will have
its own recognized and credible
watchmen on the walls. Others
will be watchmen for whole cities,
nations, and such things as corporations
and industries, which is
already happening to some degree.
In biblical times, the watchmen
of a city were positioned on the walls,
and they conveyed what they saw
to the elders who sat in the gates. The elders then
determined what action needed to be taken based
on this information. They could sound the alarm
when an enemy or thieves were coming. They
could likewise command the gates to be opened
for merchants with important resources for the
city. This partnership between the watchmen and
elders is now being established in many churches,
and in other realms such as governments, industries,
etc. Not having this relationship will prove
increasingly costly in the time to come."

One question for Rick: How do you know this is true?

I can't wait for the answer, because I think he'd say, "God told me." Well, I'm sensing God telling me that Rick Joyner is nuts. Who can say I'm wrong?

If only the apostles had foreseen the need for each church to have a lookout man. They could have taught us about it. Good thing God is telling some guy in the Midwest, who has no God-validated authority. That way, we can be thoroughly confused.

Enough of the sarcasm, though. Reality: if every church had a self-proclaimed prophet watching out for them, we would have loose cannons all over the place, bringing division and confusion to individual congregations.

Rick Joyner, answer me one more question. How can I know that the following verses don't speak of you:

Jeremiah 23:16-22 16 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. 17 They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No disaster shall come upon you.'" 18 For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? 19 Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. 20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. 21 "I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.

How can I know this isn't you, Rick? I really need an answer if I am to take you seriously.

The Trouble with New Prophets, Part II

I'd like to revisit Rick Joyner. By the way, what I'm quoting isn't even the easy stuff. The easy stuff would be to quote some of the prophecies that Joyner says are from God and demonstrate the obvious falsehoods. Instead, I'd rather focus on his teachings themselves for this segment, for any student of the Bible can follow them -unlike the prophecies which require us to simply trust that Joyner is getting this secret knowledge from the Holy Spirit, based on no other authority than his personality.

Here's the quote to look at today.

"In the last few decades, like
weather forecasting, the prophetic
ministry has made strides forward
in its accuracy and dependability.
However, many seem to think of it as still being
in the immature state that it was two or three
decades ago, but this is to be expected."

What Joyner wants us to believe is that the Spirit of God allowed for and enabled a system of prophecy that included less than accurate prophecies, but that now things are improving. Instead of combating this from the Scriptures myself (it is too easy), I'd rather ask, "Where is Scripture is this idea that inaccurate and undependable prophesies are to be part of our normal Christian experience?

There is a certain level of nonsense to these words. But they are spoken with gravity and seriousness, so people receive them as true.

Prophecy from God has never been like forecasting the weather. God is always 100% spot on. God doesn't mumble, nor does He stutter --at least not when He gives messages to true prophets. What false prophets hear, who knows?

The Trouble With the New Prophets, Part I

The self-proclaimed prophets of our age have a subtle appeal to arrogance. They don't seem to notice, and that is dangerous. This arrogance effects the way they teach, lead, and present the word of God. Let me give you an example by Rick Joyner, one of the most respected people in the new prophetic movement. Here is something he wrote in October of 2006:

The Lord also said that He could not return
until the gospel of the kingdom was preached
throughout the world as a witness. The gospel
of the kingdom has probably not been preached
since the first century. We have preached the
gospel of salvation, the gospel of the church, and
the gospel of many truths, all of which are
wonderful, but they are not the gospel of the kingdom.
The gospel of the kingdom is the good news
about His kingdom coming to the earth so that
God’s will is done on earth just as it is in heaven.

What is the problem with this statement? Actually there are a couple. The first is bad exegesis. In other words, bad interpretation of Scripture. The first sentence is not true. Jesus never said that he could not come back until the gospel of the Kingdom was preached. What He said was this:

Matthew 24:14 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

What's the difference? Jesus is saying what will happen: The gospel will be preached, the end will come. Joyner's subtle change to "Jesus can't come until" is about something restraining Jesus. Jesus is not restrained and waiting for us to preach a certain thing so He can return. Rather, He orchestrates history and returns when He it pleases Him.

"You're splitting hairs." I would agree with that critique except Joyner builds on the "could not return" with his following argument that the gospel of the Kingdom has not been preached since the first century. What is the problem with that statement? It's a lie. Joyner says we preached the "gospel of salvation," the "gospel of the church," the "gospel of many truths," but not the "gospel of the Kingdom."

Two problems with this. One, it is arrogant. He appeals to the arrogance of his followers. Let me paraphrase: "The real powerful gospel, the one of the Kingdom, has been in hiding, waiting for our generation. Now we get to preach that. We get to usher in the second coming with the true gospel of the Kingdom!" This is an appeal to pride. It looks down upon the church through the last 2000 years, implying that the gospel has been preached in a way that is less than full. Such is not only historically wrong, it is arrogant and appeals to pride.

And again, his exegesis is horrible. There is no such thing as "the gospel of salvation," the "gospel of the church," the "gospel of many truths," and the "gospel of the Kingdom."

There is just the gospel. Period. "Of the Kingdom" is a prepositional phrase used by Jesus to describe the gospel. What is the gospel of the Kingdom? It is the gospel, or good news of the Kingdom of God. Well, what is that?

There is only one gospel. It is the gospel of the Kingdom and it was the gospel preached by Paul. And it is the gospel preached by Augustine. And it was the gospel preached by Hus. And it was the gospel preached by Luther. And it is the gospel being preached in America for the last 250 years in many churches all over the country. It is the same gospel, it has never changed and it is only one.

What Joyner says is nonsense. I am sorry that so many Christians are such poor students of their Bibles that they fall for such garbage. May the Lord save the sheep from the wolves.

Rick Joyner does not understand the Scriptures. But that doesn't mean you can't. Let me show you what the Bible says that you may know truth for yourselves:

Galatians 1:6-7 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

Tom Cruise is Getting More and More Interesting

I like Tom Cruise. I always have. I like his movies. I never cared that he jumped up and down on a couch on Oprah. There are certainly worse behaviors that celebreties sometimes partake in. I was disappointed that his first marriage didn't work out, but I don't hate him for it.

But, religiously, he's wierd. Now, his scientology prowess has risen him nearly to the top of that religion. Now, this religion was invented by L Ron Hubbard in the middle of the 20th Century. He taught that aliens visited the earth and stuck some kind of power in each human and when you get in touch with that, you get power in your life. The proof? Well, who needs proof. Wierd, huh?

Well, it gets better. Now, leaders of the church are starting to say that Tom Cruise will be remembered in the same way as Jesus Christ because of his leadership in Scientology. Wow! Want to read about it, click here.

Your thoughts?

I'm Proud of Our President

How do you stand up before congress, a group of mostly gutless wonders who support whoever and whatever they think will get them votes, when they have successfully torn you down for years?

How do you stand on principle in the face of small minded political hacks?

How do you do that without being ungracious, without selling out your own principles?

I admire George W Bush more now than at any time in his presidency. Anyone can show grace when he is popular. He has the kind of character that the Clintons and the McCains of the world would never understand. In the midst of all the beatings he has taken, he has never resorted to whining, name calling, divisiveness, or calculating politics.

He has led this nation to safety since 9-11 and get's no credit in the New York Times or the ABC/CBS/NBC/CNN leftist media machine. He is cruelly treated by the far lefties, called a Nazi, and every other name in the book by people with small souls.

He has led our nation to 4.5% unemployment --which is literally as low as it can get and is considered by most economists as the number considered "full employment." He has kept inflation under control, and the stock market is sailing up, and home ownership is at an all time high, and he cut taxes for ALL Americans who have an income, and doing so, he has increased the amount of tax money taken in by the government. All this following 9-11. Does he get any credit? No. None. The Leftist Media machine would rather not talk about it, for they don't want Bush to do well.

He has been directly responsible for bringing democracy to two nations in the Middle East, and that was a great idea when the people of America were feeling Patriotic. But the spineless leftists and whimpy republicans in congress, who all supported almost to a man when it started, left him like the cowards they are when they saw they could make political gains out of it.

And still he shows grace. He has courage. He is more of a man, and more of a decent human being than the 6th graders (That would be the Clinton Crowd) who were in the white house, selling us out to the Chinese and looking the other way on terror, while arrogantly enjoying ruling the "unwashed masses", using power to squash enemies and further their socialist agendas. No, the media machine doesn't like Bush. History may never even give him the credit for the man he is. But there is someone higher than us humans who measures justly. God is watching.

After reading the State of the Union address tonight, I am proud to be an American, proud of our president. He has guts.

May the Lord have mercy on a nation of people who celebrate morally vapid people like the Clintons and vilify morally upright people like George W Bush.

The Emperor's New Clothes

Somehow, I just don't believe the new, "Let's Chat," Hillary is the real Hillary.

So, in the spirit of truth, here are some quotes from little miss, "Middle class, from the Middle of America"

“The American people are tired of liars and people who pretend to be something they're not.”

"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president" -- Hillary Clinton commenting on the release of subpeonaed documents.

"I have to confess that it's crossed my mind that you could not be a Republican and a Christian."

"I can't worry about every under capatilized business" -- Hillary Clinton, testifing before congress on the effects of Nationalized Health Care.

"I'm not some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette"

Many of you are well enough off that the tax cuts may have helped you. We're saying that for America to get back on track, we're probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.

"If I didn't kick Bill Clinton's a** every day, he wouldn't be worth anything."

"If Reganomics works at all, Whitewater could become the western hemisphere's mecca." - HRC in a 1981 letter to Jim McDougal

I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was to fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life.

"I am, you know, adamantly against illegal immigrants" --to John Gambling of WABC Radio, NY

G**d***-it Bill, you promised me that office!”
The infamous Inauguration Day fight, Jan. 20, 1993, over her promised office in the White House, which traditionally goes to the vice president; Bill & Hillary: The Marriage

“Gentlemen, I have looked at your proposal, and it’s pure bull****! Now you’ve had your meeting! Get out!”
-Hillary’s only words when she meets with health insurance executives who had a proposal of their own for health care reform, circa 1993

“Who is going to find out? These women are all trash. Nobody’s going to believe them.”
Circa the ‘92 presidential campaign, her opinion of the many women who claimed they had a relationship with Gov. Clinton;

It is time to put policy ahead of politics and success ahead of the status quo. It is time for a new strategy to produce what we need: a stable Iraq government that takes over for its own people so our troops can finish their job. (June 21, 2006 on Senate Floor)

I want you to get rid of all these b*****es he’s seeing … I want you to give me the names and addresses and phone numbers, and we can get them under control” – Hillary to Ivan Dudain 1982.

“You will never believe what the mother****** [Bill] did now, he tried to rape some b****!” - Hillary in 1978 referring to Bill’s rape of Juanita, as related by close advisor Larry Nichols.

"Before I was born, a man named Sir Edmund Hillary became famous for being the first person to climb Mount Everest. My father named me after him as a symbolic message that I could achieve anything I wanted in life... that I could climb ANY mountain..." 1996 Hillary was born five (5) years before Edmund Hillary scaled Everest.

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002


Well, that should be enough to start a dialogue. Who is this woman who was sitting in that room talking about us all getting along? Let's chat!

The Media of Terrorism

what do you think of this?

New Report

interesting News

Prepare for the Oppression of Venezuela

Hugo Chavez is his name. Sounds like a boxer, I know, but that's another guy ("Julio"). This man is preparing to increase the oppression of the people of Venezuela. He was elected the president of his country, but is about get a motion passed in his country that allows him to make laws by decree for the next 18 months.

One man, making laws, by decree. Every time that happens in human governments, the freedom of the people is diminished and the leader grows in centralized power and wealth (think Castro).

America criticized this move of course. Chavez's response, and I quote: "Go to hell, gringos!"

He already feels he is above reproach. Watch out Venezuela, there are bad days ahead.

Did Someone Mention God?

Both the coach and the GM (or was it the owner?) of the Colts gave the glory to God for victory in the football game. This is the most ignored statement in sports journalism. Two very capable men, a the pinacle of success say, "All glory for this victory goes to God." Why isn't there a follow up question?

Just once, I want to hear an interviewer answer back, "Fascinating. You are saying that God had something to do with the win? Explain."

Or even, "Do you think God liked your team better than the other team?" Anything! Just a response of any kind.

Good Versus Evil

The Colts will be playing the bears in the Super Bowl! The good Colts, who slew the evil Belichek and his orcs, against the nasty Bears who ripped the throats out of the righteous Saints.

Side-line: out of the three Mannings to play in the NFL, Peyton is the first one to play in a Superbowl

Side-line 2: this is the first time an African American coach has made it into the Superbowl, and there happens to be two of them.

Side-line 3: My daugther Mandy thinks Tom Brady is "dreamy." I'm glad he lost!

Amazing Changes Happening

We live in the most exciting time in the history of the mankind! Check out this story on McDonald's opening drive throughs in China. You say, why is that exciting? Trends, my friend, trends, that will change the world in a decade . . . again! In case you haven't noticed, the world is not near the same today as it was in 1997, or 1987. At no time in history have nations risen and fallen so fast, have organizations and movements and philosophies and entertainment and business morphed and changed so fast. Never. We live in remarkable times.

China's economy is going through the roof. What does that mean? Well, it means a nation that has had almost no middle class is gaining one, slowly but surely. And they have over a billion people! And now they are buying cars. They didn't drive many cars. The brings many changes we can foresee, and many we won't see coming. Gas prices? Well, we'll see. If you add a hundred million drivers to the earth, what happens? Politics? Wealthier middle-class will be harder to control.

China has more Christians in it than any nation on earth! That is amazing since when communism began, China's percentage of Christians was measured in the lowest of percentages, like 1%. Now, one in ten Chinese to one in 20 is the estimate. It is hard to say since 95% of all Christian activity is against the law and oppressed. Nevertheless, in this environment, 100 million or so people have converted to Christianity. That is a major force in that nation and the world. What will happen? I don't know.

I know what won't happen: Communist philosophies of mankind will find it harder and harder to capture the hearts of men. like happens where ever Christian thought is allowed to flourish, valueing all people the same will begin to take hold and oppression of the poor, and forced abortions, and all that will be harder to pull off. And these people have cell phones and internet now? What will happen to China? If they remain communist, they are trouble, but who says they will remain that way?


What happens to the globe if the world's largest nation has a freedom revolution?

We are in for an exciting ride on all levels.

Victory for my Wife

Although we won't know the results until April, today, my wife, Lorrie, completed the first stage of her CPA exam! This following tons of hard work in preparation. She had studied more for the CPA exam than I ever did for any 5 undergraduate or graduate courses in my life. I'm not kidding. You should see what the Beckett CPA course looks like.

Lorrie, good for you! Regardless of the score, you have emerged victorious!

The Gestapo is Back

The State of California is close to passing a law that bans all spanking of children under the age of three. Now, whatever you think of spanking under three --I agree, it should be rare (although a smack on a hand that refuses to obey a command not to stick the finger in the fire on the stove might be a good thing)-- why is the legislature of California telling parents when they can and cannot spank?

This is typical for liberal politicians. They claim freedom, but they love to control all aspects of life. They are oppressive in their mind set and don't even notice. They think they are helping the poor peons they govern who don't know any better, I guess.

CA lawmakers, get a clue. You will only make criminals out of good parents with such laws. People who abuse babies will do so anyway.

Oh the foolishness of California.

More on DDT

This chart goes with the last post. it is from the center for disease control. When the eco-terrorists say that there are other ways to control Malaria, I want an answer to reality, not their dream world. Here are the facts.

God bless Ecuador, by the way, for the common sense to use DDT no matter what the eco-terrorists do to pressure them.

When the enviro-terrorists say that ddt is so dangerous it outweighs the costs of its use, I say, "Prove it!" Malaria is spreading. It causes more birth defects and more deaths by a million fold than anything every proven about DDT. Do the enviro-terrorists care? No. They don't love people. They love themselves and their oppressive approach to government and life.

Eco-Freaks Lied, People Died

Guess what? Malaria is back! With a vengeance. Malaria is killing men women and children in new and record numbers in the Southern Hemisphere, especially South America.

Malaria had been in the decline, of course. But that's when DDT was discovered and used. Then, the Eco-terrorists (not people who love the earth and conserve it and care for it --that's most of us, but the wacko's on the eco-left) scared the politicians of the world and banned DDT. What has happened? Malaria is back. And kids are dying.

Kids are dying? But who cares about kids dying, right? We are saving the earth. Sure we are.

"Look, we have bigger fish to fry. Did you know that George Bush is killing terrorists in Iraq? We have to stop that. He's the devil, you know."

But kids are dying because we won't poison their bugs effectively. . . .when will the madness stop?

For extensive data, click here, to read the study from the center for disease control. You might think, "Well, it will be on the news. They'll tell us about this crisis and we'll fix it." Don't bet on it. George, the devil, Bush and his wife went to a summit on the subject recently in order to bring attention to the problem. What? You didn't hear about it?

Well, did you hear that George Bush is the devil?

Fiddling While Rome Burns

Okay, so China used a missile to shoot down a satellite. Should that concern Americans? Well, since China is a communist nation known for oppressing people, I'd say it should. Satellites are the key to nuclear self-defense. What does that mean. Literally, it means that China could wipe out our ability to detect and respond to a nuclear attack --meaning they could wipe us off the face of the map and we would do nothing to stop them.

What will Pelosi, the mighty Pelosi do? Well, we'll have to get her attention first. Oh Nancy, what are we up to? "I can't come now! I'm busy telling everyone that George Bush is the devil for fighting Muslim terrorists in Iraq. I have to make sure everyone understands that overthrowing Saddam and getting democracy over there just isn't worth the effort. And I'm winning! Oh I'm so happy! Even the Republicans are jumping like rats from a sinking ship! This is so much fun! And then, I get to have a global warming summit. Oh, then I get to raise taxes and enforce government health care and stop the free speech of conservatives. Oh I'm so busy."

Nancy, it's possible that the Chinese can wipe us off the map. Or they will be able to soon. They seem to have developed the technology.

"The Chinese? What? Did you know they have forced abortions over there? Finally, a civilized society! And they have government health care! And those awful Christians don't dominate and force their horrible values on everyone else. We can trust the Chinese. Now, let me get back to what I was doing? Have you heard the latest? George Bush is the devil."

But Nancy . . . oh, never mind.

If Only The Senate Had More Arabs

Leaders of 8 Arab nations have signed a declaration saying they support Bush's plan in Iraq to increase troops and secure Bagdad. Oddly enough, at the same time, Democrat and Repulican Senators in the United States have taken a symbolic vote opposing the move.

What is the difference between the Senate and the Arab Leaders? That's easy. The Arab Leaders want success in Iraq. They want peace. The Senate doesn't care about peace nor Iraq. They only want Bush to look bad and be on the winning side of public opinion.

The 8 nations that are endorsing the plan are these: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt


My one criticism of these 8 nations: Why don't they send troops to help us, and put their money where their mouth is. Very few people are willing to do what it takes to make this world a better place to live for Americans and Iraqi's. Put me in the minority. I stand with the president.

America's Action Hero

Not sure where this came from, but I thought it was entertaining:

50 Facts about Jack Bauer

1. Only Jack Bauer can fly a plane from the luggage compartment.

2. The city of Los Angeles once named a street after jack Bauer in gratitude for his saving the city several times. They had to rename it after people kept dying when they tried to cross the street. No one crosses Jack Bauer and lives.

3. Going to China is all part of Jack Bauer’s master plan to rid the world of Communism.

4. Jack Bauer doesn’t need to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom because his organs are afraid of making him angry.

5. Surrounded by terrorists and nerve gas, and handcuffed to a table leg, Jack Bauer laughed to himself and said, “I have them right where I want them.”

6. If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he’d shoot Nina twice.

7. If Jack Bauer’s gun jams, it’s because he wants to beat you with it.

8. If everyone on “24” followed Jack Bauer’s instructions, it would be called “12.”

9. Jack Bauer is the only human in the world with the ability to make Chloe O’Brien drop the personality disorder and patch him through.

10. My wife doesn’t wish I was Jack Bauer. I wish she was Jack Bauer.

11. Once, someone tried to tell Jack Bauer a “knock knock” joke. Jack Bauer found out who was there, who they worked for, and where the bomb was.

12. Jack Bauer’s calendar goes from March 31st straight to April 2nd. No one fools Jack Bauer.

13. Upon hearing that he was played by Keifer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man.

14. There have been no terrorist attacks in the US since Jack Bauer has appeared on television.

15. Jack Bauer once forgot where he put his keys. He then spent the next half-hour torturing himself until he gave up the location of the keys.

16. If you wake up in the morning, it’s because Jack Bauer spared your life.

17. 1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.

18. Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.

19. The state of California plans to reduce violent crime by changing the method of capital punishment from lethal injection to Jack Bauer.

20. When Kim Bauer lost her virginity, Jack Bauer found it and put it back.

21. If it tastes like chicken, looks like chicken, and feels like chicken, but Jack Bauer says its beef, then it’s fricken beef.

22.When life gave Jack Bauer lemons, he used them to kill terrorists. Jack Bauer hates lemonade.

23. Jack Bauer sleeps with a pillow under his gun.

24. A standard deck now contains 48 cards. Too many people were getting hurt for trying to play “Jack”.

25. Let’s get one thing straight: the only reason you’re conscious right now is because Jack Bauer does not feel like carrying you.

26. Jack Bauer played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.

27. American Idol is only popular because it has commercials for 24.

28. Jack Bauer once won a game of Connect 4 in 3 moves.

29. It’s no use crying over spilt milk… Unless that was Jack Bauer’s milk.
In that case, you are SO screwed.

30. Jack Bauer was never addicted to Heroin. Heroin was addicted to Jack Bauer.

31. On a high school math test, Jack Bauer put down “Violence” as every one of the answers. He got an A on the test because Jack Bauer can solve any problem with violence.

32. Jack Bauer could strangle you with a cordless phone.

33. Jack Bauer is the leading cause of death in Middle Eastern men.

34. Jack Bauer doesn’t have a firewall on his PC. He has a Bauerwall.
It’s just a JPEG of Jack Bauer. No virus has ever attacked Jack Bauer’s PC. EVER.

35. Tony was once shot in the neck, rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency surgery and was back on the job in just a few hours. Jack Bauer still can’t believe that wuss went to the hospital first.

36. Jack doesn’t believe in Murphy’s Law, only Bauer’s Law: Whatever CAN go wrong, WILL be resolved in a period of 24 hours.

37. Killing Jack Bauer doesn’t make him dead. It just makes him ANGRY!

38. If Rosa Parks was in Jack Bauer’s seat, she’d move to the back of the bus.

39. There is the right way, the wrong way, and the Jack Bauer way. It’s basically the right way, but faster and with more deaths.

40. When someone asks him how his day is going, Jack replies, “Previously, on 24…”

41. In 96 hours, Jack Bauer has killed 93 people and saved the world 4 times.
What the heck have you done with your life?

42. In order to control illegal immigration in the US, the president installed cardboard cutouts of Jack Bauer along the US/Mexico border.

43. Jack Bauer doesn’t miss. If he didn’t hit you it’s because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away.

44. Jack Bauer set an ordinary flash memory card to self-destruct. Don’t ask how he did it, he’s Jack Bauer.

45. RIP Edgar. If you see this give it a 10. Just cuz it’s what Edgar would have wanted.

46. Superman’s only weakness is Kryptonite. Jack Bauer laughs at Superman for having a weakness.

47. The truth may hurt, but it doesn’t hurt as much as Jack Bauer.

48. Jack Bauer doesn’t take fingerprints. He takes fingers.

49. Osama bin Laden’s recent proposal for truce is a direct result of him finding out that Jack Bauer is, in fact, still alive.

50. Jack Bauer doesn’t speak any foreign languages, but he can make any foreigner speak English in a matter of minutes.

Here We Go

Ed Rendell is about to begin his biggest screw up yet. Yes, bigger than turning us into gamblers and saying that our senior citizens' lives are brightened up by loading on the bus and going down and pulling the handle on that slot machine (yes, he really said that during the campaign). Yes, bigger than his grand idea of increasing our taxes on gas. Yes, bigger than his great idea of repealing the helmet law.

Now, he wants to ruin our economy by messing with the health care system. Get this, he wants to increase taxes on all employers who don't give health care to their employees. That, of course, is oppression. However, he's so dumb that he doesn't see how it's going to hurt us all. He says that employers would pay a tax equal to 3% of their payroll if they do not provide coverage for their employees. I work for a church and there is great health care coverage here. If they wanted to save some money, what they could do, under the Gov's proposals, is cut our healthcare, pay the 3% tax, and save thousands of dollars letting the state of PA cover our health care. 3%? That's not even close to the percentage it costs my employer to keep us in health care. Of course, my employer will probably have more scruples than that, but others might not.

Oh yes, I can't wait for the Gov to start messing with price fixing, and premium manipulation. I love the idea of paying more for health care and taxes and have lower quality health care.

Rendell will do more to harm the economy of the state of Pennsylvania in his term than has been done in the last 100 years.

I'm So Tired of This Guy

I mean, how much do they pay him? Can't he afford a decent shirt? Why does he wear a cut-off sweat shirt on game day?

And how on earth did his Patriots win that game this weekend?

Let's hope the Colts have another playoff win in them this year (2 playoff wins in the same year is quite a stretch for any Dungy-coached team, but the Colts? It will take a miracle).

Bush on Putin

Good friend of this blog, Grey Wizard, implies that some of the problem we have with Russia is due to Bush's being too nice to Putin. I admit that I agree, as far as I can see. However, it's not like he doesn't disagree at all as the headlines below attest:

UN sanctions hit Iran after call by Bush (Pressuring Putin)

Bush, Putin At Odds Over Middle East
Bush criticizes Putin on democracy's slide
Bush, Putin butt heads over democracy

But I agree that is not enough. I don't pretend to be an expert in diplomacy and for all I know, behind the scenes, things are being handled as best they can be. I do know that Putin helping Iran is a crime.

The point I will not give in to GW (Grey Wizard, not George W) is that the press is off the hook on this one. They vote 85% liberal and seem quite biased regarding the news. Anything that might help W, they try to avoid, anything that puts him in a bad light, they try to emphasize. The press makes noise according to their left-wing bias. They want Iraq to fail because Bush's legacy is attached. They criticize Bush for freeing Iraq, de-emphasizing stories of the thousands found in mass graves, while criticizing Bush for not getting our military into the Darfur.

Reality: It doesn't matter what Bush does, the press in America is 85% against him and prove that regularly.

Reality: The press in America, regardless of Bush, have an agenda.

Truth: Their agenda is obvious and at times it absolutely sickens me.

post script: I'm all for doing something about Darfur. OF course, if Bush does it, he'll get slammed. better to wait for a democrat president. The nation will be able to unify behind that person because the press won't try to sabotage their war efforts. Evidence: the relentless bombing in Bosnia by Clinton. I heard not a peep of criticism from the NY Times.

I have to agree with GW on another thing. It is hard to imply that Pelosi has done something to help the Russians. She's only been on active duty in the majority for a week or so.

Why Is This Okay?

Tuesday, today, Russia announced that they have sold Iran some anti-aircraft missile systems.

Why is this okay?

I know, I know, George Bush is at fault for all evil in the modern world. But can I see a little condemnation in the press for this insanity? We live in a crazy world where a so-called civilized country, like Russia, can sell anti-aircraft systems to a man who has sworn to bring in the apocalypse by creating chaos to the earth and wiping Israel from the map. Where is the outrage?

I guess we used up all the outrage on trying to convince George Bush that peace in Iraq is a bad idea.

We're insane. For more on the story, click here.

Wayne Grudem on John Piper's Potty Mouth

Below is an email sent from Wayne Grudem to John Piper regarding Piper's use of, and subsequent apology for, using a "bad word" in a teaching session earlier this month.

Please Note that this email was sent to Piper privately, and Piper chose to make it public, and for good reason. Good thoughts come from these words:

By Wayne Grudem January 14, 2007

Note: The following is an email from Wayne Grudem to John Piper, posted with permission. In it, Grudem responds to Piper's explanation of why he sometimes uses offensive language.

John,

I saw on Justin's blog a link to your comments on your use of "strong language" at Passion07.

I'm glad you said that now you regret saying it and thankful that you were willing to say this.I'm not sure if this will be helpful but I've thought of such language as a question of having a reputation for "cleanness" in our speech, as in the rest of life, out of concern for how that reflects on the gospel and on God whom we represent.A number of different words can denote the same thing but have different connotations, some of them recognized as "unclean" or "offensive" by the culture.

Examples:
urination: taking a leak, pee, "p---"
defication: poop, "cr--", "sh--"
sexual intercourse: sleeping with someone, "f---"

rear end: backside, "a--"Speaking of these things and using different words for them is not contrary to any biblical command (and so it is different from taking the Lord's name in vain, which is explicitly forbidden), but we are also commanded to maintain a reputation for cleanliness:

ESV Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

ESV Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

ESV Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

ESV Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Using the words commonly thought to be offensive in the culture seems to me to be sort of the verbal equivalent of not wearing deodorant and having body odor, or of going around with spilled food on our shirts all the time. Someone might argue that not wearing deodorant or wearing dirty clothes are not morally wrong things in themselves, but my response is that they do give needless offense and cause others to think of us as somewhat impure or unclean. So, I think, does using words commonly thought to be "obscene" or "offensive" or "vulgar" in the culture generally. Plus it encourages others to act in the same way. So in that way it brings reproach on the church and the gospel.

I remember a long time ago you mentioned to me that when you were in jail for Operation Rescue you listened at night to the talk of prisoners in the cell block, and how their talk was just filled with vulgar bathroom language and sex language. It struck me at the time how a person's purity or impurity of speech is often an indicator of purity or impurity of heart. (ESV Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.)

As for your comment about finding language "as offensive as that" in the Bible, I'm not sure. It's difficult for us to be sure about the connotations of words in an ancient culture. When I was in seminary I remember another student arguing that Paul's use of skubalon in Philippians 3:8 (For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ) was just like using "sh--" today. I thought that sounded right. But later I found that the word has a broader range of meaning and I'm not sure it had the offensive overtones that "sh--" does today in English. (BDAG: useless or undesirable material that is subject to disposal, refuse, garbage [in var. senses, ‘excrement, manure, garbage, kitchen scraps’]).

In translating the ESV we rendered that term in Phil. 3:8 as "rubbish," not as a more offensive word. I think that was a good decision. All this is to say I think you were right to express regret for saying what you said. Again, out of respect for your time, please don't feel that any response is necessary. I am so thankful for you and for your faithfulness to the Lord.

Wayne

A True American Hero

Not just a holiday, MLK should be on currency.

His message was unique and really, it still is. He said that non-violent resistance should be used because LOVE OF ENEMIES IS THE WAY OF GOD.

He promoted love of those whites who hated blacks. This message was unheard before and is rarely mentioned since.

Such love overcomes evil. This man's life was not wasted when he died on the Memphis morning.

He himself quoted William Cullen Bryant saying, "Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again;Th' eternal years of God are hers;But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,And dies among his worshippers.”

Amen, and Amen again. Let us thank God for men willing to die for truth.

Awww Yeaaahhhh

24 was great last night! 2 hours that flew by. Tonight, 2 more hours.


Fox should just show 24 for 2 hours, every night, for 12 nights. It would be awesome.

Jack Bauer is the best action hero of modern times.

Because "They" Won't Tell You in the Headlines

Taken from the AP, another, like hundreds of other such stories the last couple years, that CNN won't tell you about the economy, and the New York Times won't put it on the front page (because Clinton's not president):

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal deficit has improved significantly in the first three months of the new budget year, helped by a continued surge in tax revenues.

In its monthly budget report, the Treasury Department said Friday that the deficit from October through December totaled $80.4 billion, the smallest imbalance for the first three months of a budget year since The budget year ends Sept. 30.

Tax collections are running 8.2 percent higher than a year ago while government spending is up by just 0.7 percent from a year ago. Last year's spending totals were boosted by significant payments to help the victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

The Treasury said for December, the government actually ran a surplus of $44.5 billion, the largest surplus ever recorded in December and a gain that reflected a big jump in quarterly corporate tax payments.

The $80.4 billion deficit for the first three months of the current budget year was down 32.6 percent from the imbalance for the same period a year ago of $119.4 billion.

Reality: Tax cuts happened, government revenue increased. I guess those who said the opposite would happen were . . . wrong.

For entire story, go here.

Boxer, part II

update on Boxer. This is what she has said in her defense (regarding remarks that she made at Condi Rice. Click here for more):

“What I was trying to do in this exchange was to find common ground with Condi Rice,” Ms. Boxer said, adding that “my whole point was to focus on the military families who pay the price.”

“They’re getting this off on a non-existent thing that I didn’t say,” Ms. Boxer said. “I’m saying, she’s like me, we do not have families who are in the military. What they are doing is a really tortured way to attack a United States Senator who voted against the war.”

Clearly, she has visited the Bill Clinton Institute for truth-telling.

So, a non-existent thing that she didn't say is the problem? Well, lets ignore that strange grammatical construction and go deeper.

Truth: Boxer wanted to portray Rice as uncaring and irresponsible with the lives of others.

Is that true? Is Rice uncaring? Is she irresponsible because she has no children?

The implication is insulting, and Barbie Boxer, if she had any sense, would just say she's sorry and move on.


But, instead of wisdom, she is a politician --never give in, right, Barbie?


This is why our politics is so divided.