This is gonna be short and sweet. It has been reported over the last week that Sheryl is encouraging everyone to cut back on their toilet paper usage. I suspect this is to save on the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of toilet paper/bathroom tissue. Sheryl said this, "I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where two to three could be required."
Now, I commend her on the motive behind her proposal. Without getting in to what my late Grandmother termed "barn talk" I say this to Sheryl. I'm a man, you are not. I have hair on my... chest, you do not. Don't tell me what I should do until you've... walked a mile in my shoes.
It's stupid statements like Sheryl's that cause clear thinking people to discount everything they hear coming from celebrities.
Pyro
4/25/2007
Chuck Colson on the Tolerance Double Standard
I just read this column and found it disturbing. I'm not sure if I believe some of the "facts" however. Not that I think Chuck is being dishonest, I would suspect that his sources aren't accurate. I am specifically thinking here of the report that parents weren't allowed to pull their children from class when the topic was on a subject that is held by the parents, due to their religous beliefs, to be immoral. But hey, perhaps I'm naive.
Pyro
Pyro
Champions of Faith
I'm about 2 weeks "late" posting this.
If you love baseball, get this DVD. If you love sports, get this DVD. Or if you just love how God can work in everday peoples lives, (or in the case of millionare professional athletes; how God works in peoples lives everyday), buy this DVD.
You'll probably hear some cynical people postulate that the players featured in this DVD (and they are some BIG name players) are only chasing a buck. Some will be watching and waiting for them to do something bad (sin) and cry out, "see, they weren't sincere!" I don't feel that way. I think they are folks just like you and I who have the resources available to produce something big that people will watch because of their celebrity status. I think there intent is pure. If they do slip up and sin, as we all do, it only proves that they're fallen humans. They just have the added pressure of being in the public eye. Imagine if you had news cameras on you the entire time you worked.
Anyway... Watch the DVD's, it will be a blessing.
Pyro
If you love baseball, get this DVD. If you love sports, get this DVD. Or if you just love how God can work in everday peoples lives, (or in the case of millionare professional athletes; how God works in peoples lives everyday), buy this DVD.
You'll probably hear some cynical people postulate that the players featured in this DVD (and they are some BIG name players) are only chasing a buck. Some will be watching and waiting for them to do something bad (sin) and cry out, "see, they weren't sincere!" I don't feel that way. I think they are folks just like you and I who have the resources available to produce something big that people will watch because of their celebrity status. I think there intent is pure. If they do slip up and sin, as we all do, it only proves that they're fallen humans. They just have the added pressure of being in the public eye. Imagine if you had news cameras on you the entire time you worked.
Anyway... Watch the DVD's, it will be a blessing.
Pyro
4/24/2007
Global Warming
So what gives with this Global Warming stuff. I keep waiting to turn my furnace off for the year and then this stuff keeps happening.
I'll tell you what I think is an inconvenient truth. That this has been one of the coldest and snowiest winters in many many years.
Not that I doubt the scientists and and politicians, I just don't trust them.
Pyro
I'll tell you what I think is an inconvenient truth. That this has been one of the coldest and snowiest winters in many many years.
Not that I doubt the scientists and and politicians, I just don't trust them.
Pyro
4/23/2007
Pagan Rejoice
Followers of Wicca have won their case and will now be able to have their Wiccan Pentacle (pentagram) engraved on their tombstones in the national cemeteries. It seems kind of odd to me however because I thought Wiccan's (aren't they the new age druids/witches/nature worshipers) would burn their dead in a funeral pyre like in the old days of Viking and Celtic history.
Oh well... maybe they'll fight for the funeral pyres next.
Pyro
Oh well... maybe they'll fight for the funeral pyres next.
Pyro
4/19/2007
Tom Cruise, Lover of Firefighters?
Tom will be in New York tonight "helping" FDNY firefighters who worked at ground zero to "detox".
Now, as a Christian I have obvious disagreements with the philosophy and beliefs of scientology. But also, as a Christian and an American I don't believe that a person should be prevented from offering to help people in need of help. That said, the firefighters union (International Association of Fire Fighters), the FDNY administration, and the city government should make sure that the individual firefighters are not being preyed upon and taken advantage of in their time of need.
I don't want to rush to judgement as to the sincerity of Tom Cruise and the Scientologists who are there putting on the event. But if they are being dishonest then I hope those previously mentioned organizations do their jobs and discredit Tom, Scientology, and take the appropriate legal action. Who knows, Tom's next movie may be jailhouse theatre.
Pyro
Now, as a Christian I have obvious disagreements with the philosophy and beliefs of scientology. But also, as a Christian and an American I don't believe that a person should be prevented from offering to help people in need of help. That said, the firefighters union (International Association of Fire Fighters), the FDNY administration, and the city government should make sure that the individual firefighters are not being preyed upon and taken advantage of in their time of need.
I don't want to rush to judgement as to the sincerity of Tom Cruise and the Scientologists who are there putting on the event. But if they are being dishonest then I hope those previously mentioned organizations do their jobs and discredit Tom, Scientology, and take the appropriate legal action. Who knows, Tom's next movie may be jailhouse theatre.
Pyro
The Wheels of Justice
I'm a big fan of St. Thomas More (Sir Thomas More for those who don't believe in the Communion of Saints), so maybe that's why modern day attorneys and our justice system usually make me want to vomit.
Everybody who commits a crime ends up with a lawyer who attempts to have their client excused from justice due to circumstances beyond the clients control. Usually the defended is painted as some sort of poor helpless victim who no longer has a free will or is otherwise unable to be held responsible for his or her actions. Such is the case with the pastors wife being tried for murdering her husband.
Some of the things that she claims happened to her may very well be true. Does that mean that she can't be held accountable for her actions? What if she had gone and shoplifted? If you are treated poorly does that mean that you have license to do whatever you want?
Justice systems in Western society have become an industry. We need a philosophical return to the belief that Justice is the administration of deserved punishment or reward.
Pyro
Everybody who commits a crime ends up with a lawyer who attempts to have their client excused from justice due to circumstances beyond the clients control. Usually the defended is painted as some sort of poor helpless victim who no longer has a free will or is otherwise unable to be held responsible for his or her actions. Such is the case with the pastors wife being tried for murdering her husband.
Some of the things that she claims happened to her may very well be true. Does that mean that she can't be held accountable for her actions? What if she had gone and shoplifted? If you are treated poorly does that mean that you have license to do whatever you want?
Justice systems in Western society have become an industry. We need a philosophical return to the belief that Justice is the administration of deserved punishment or reward.
Pyro
4/16/2007
Remember the tomb of Jesus?
Remember a month or so ago when James Cameron of "Titanic" fame had this high publicity "documentary" on the Discovery channel where the burial tomb of Jesus and his family had been discovered. Jesus' "wife" Mary Magdalene was there with him of course...
Well, it seems that a bunch of the rats are jumping ship and the whole thing is being debunked by the very scientists who went on t.v. raving about the discovery.
Just goes to show that advertising money will tempt otherwise good networks to put out shotty work just in time for Christian Holy seasons like Lent, the Triduum, Advent, and Christmas. Now, where are all the anti-muslim programs during their holy days? I guess t.v. executives are just a bunch of cowardly bullies. Slap a Christian and you get the other cheek. Slap a Muslim and your house gets burned down, if your lucky.
Well, it seems that a bunch of the rats are jumping ship and the whole thing is being debunked by the very scientists who went on t.v. raving about the discovery.
Just goes to show that advertising money will tempt otherwise good networks to put out shotty work just in time for Christian Holy seasons like Lent, the Triduum, Advent, and Christmas. Now, where are all the anti-muslim programs during their holy days? I guess t.v. executives are just a bunch of cowardly bullies. Slap a Christian and you get the other cheek. Slap a Muslim and your house gets burned down, if your lucky.
School Shooting
A terrble tragedy at Virgina Tech results in dozens dead and dozens seriously injured.
What will come of it? I'm not sure but I suspect what we'll hear is all the usual suspects getting up on soap boxes and banging on drums. The "guns kill people" crowd will use it as yet another example of why all guns should be outlawed. The NRA people will remind everyone that someone had to pull the trigger. The shooter will turn out to be either; a spurned and/or abused homosexual, a pissed of member of a love triangle, a person who couldn't handle some bad grades, a "radical Muslim extremist", a rejected applicant to the school.
It sounds like a scene from one of Clancy's books where the terrorsists start attack poorly defended and high population targets like shopping malls.
Whatever the story ends up being there are 22 (as of right now [1000 hrs]) people senselessly murdered and thousands of lives forever scarred. Sin is a terrible thing.
I pray for the repose of their souls and for the families that are left here to suffer the loss.
What will come of it? I'm not sure but I suspect what we'll hear is all the usual suspects getting up on soap boxes and banging on drums. The "guns kill people" crowd will use it as yet another example of why all guns should be outlawed. The NRA people will remind everyone that someone had to pull the trigger. The shooter will turn out to be either; a spurned and/or abused homosexual, a pissed of member of a love triangle, a person who couldn't handle some bad grades, a "radical Muslim extremist", a rejected applicant to the school.
It sounds like a scene from one of Clancy's books where the terrorsists start attack poorly defended and high population targets like shopping malls.
Whatever the story ends up being there are 22 (as of right now [1000 hrs]) people senselessly murdered and thousands of lives forever scarred. Sin is a terrible thing.
I pray for the repose of their souls and for the families that are left here to suffer the loss.
3/27/2007
Open -vs- Closed Communion
I recently had a story relayed to me that I haven't been able to shake from the front, or at least from near the front, of my mind. A man who is a fallen away Catholic recently experienced the death of his father. The man, his wife, and son attend a traditional style Presbyterian church. His father had remained Catholic and the family had a funeral Mass per the father's wishes. The man, his wife, and their two children attended the Mass. When it came time for Communion they all presented themselves for reception of the Eucharist, notwithstanding the explanation from the priest as to who is welcome, (and who isn't welcome) to receive Communion. The priest also explianed that those who were not eligible to receive Communion could present themselves for a blessing by standing in front of the priest with their arms crossed in front of their chest.
The man describes what his two children, (an early 20's daughter and teenage son), experienced when presenting themselves. The daughter, (I don't know what her religious profession is, but I know it isn't Catholic) presented herself for reception of the Eucharist. The priest proclaims, "the Body of Christ", to which she replies with silence. The two have an awkward several seconds which ends with the priest asking, "are you Catholic?". The daughter replies, "no". The priest then touches her shoulder and moves her on so the next person in line can have their turn.
The son then presents himself, again awkwardness. The son actually is given communion but fumbles with the Host and at the chalice when receiving Christ's precious blood. The Dad and Mom were upset with how their daughter was treated and thought the awkwardness of their teenage son and the fumbling was mostly humerous. They both also received communion.
What this whole story drove home for me is how ignorant people are about what different Christian traditions profess and sadly what their own tradition professes, be they; born Protestant's, born Catholic's, fallen away Catholic's now Protestant, the non-Christians, the non-religious. People in the United States behave as if they are entitled to receive whatever they want. The ultimate authority is themselves. It's as if they say, "if what you say contradicts my viewpoint, then you are wrong and an idiot because I know better". They pick and choose what news agency to watch based on their political and social ideology (I'm guilty). And if told that they are not welcome to receive something that they believe they should be able to recieve, they behave as if they are being assaulted.
I wouldn't want to receive communion in a Church that was not Catholic, (ya ya, there's always the discussion of what "catholic" is but in this instance I mean Catholic) or that did not have a valid priesthood. Because without the valid priesthood you can believe all day long that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, (and you'd be correct) but, the Eucharist only exists where there is a true priest (one ordained by someone who is a bishop in apostolic succesion). And if you believe in the true presence, (that's where the substance of the bread and wine cease to be bread and wine and are instead TRANSsubstantiated into the real body and blood of Christ) then to recieve communion where there isn't a true presence is tantamount to denying Christ or committing adultry.
For someone who only believes in the symbolic presence, there wouldn't be much to keep them from receiving the Eucharist in a church with Apostolic succession (Catholic and Orthodox), except for the desire to honor the customs of those communities. At best they would think that their Catholic and Orthodox cousins are simply too literal in their reading of Scripture. At worst they would think that their Catholic and Orthodox cousins are silly superstitious morons who go through their faith life on automatic pilot never giving anything theoligical a second thought. The fact that you are told that you are not welcome to receive communion because you aren't in communion is just mean and insensitive I guess.
Here's what is printed in the prayer books (misals) used by the congregation during Mass regarding the reception of Communion.
For our fellow Christians:
...Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life and worship, members of those Churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (Canon 844, 4).
Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (844, 3).
For those not receiving holy Communion: All who are not receiving holy Communion are encourage to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians: We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
The man describes what his two children, (an early 20's daughter and teenage son), experienced when presenting themselves. The daughter, (I don't know what her religious profession is, but I know it isn't Catholic) presented herself for reception of the Eucharist. The priest proclaims, "the Body of Christ", to which she replies with silence. The two have an awkward several seconds which ends with the priest asking, "are you Catholic?". The daughter replies, "no". The priest then touches her shoulder and moves her on so the next person in line can have their turn.
The son then presents himself, again awkwardness. The son actually is given communion but fumbles with the Host and at the chalice when receiving Christ's precious blood. The Dad and Mom were upset with how their daughter was treated and thought the awkwardness of their teenage son and the fumbling was mostly humerous. They both also received communion.
What this whole story drove home for me is how ignorant people are about what different Christian traditions profess and sadly what their own tradition professes, be they; born Protestant's, born Catholic's, fallen away Catholic's now Protestant, the non-Christians, the non-religious. People in the United States behave as if they are entitled to receive whatever they want. The ultimate authority is themselves. It's as if they say, "if what you say contradicts my viewpoint, then you are wrong and an idiot because I know better". They pick and choose what news agency to watch based on their political and social ideology (I'm guilty). And if told that they are not welcome to receive something that they believe they should be able to recieve, they behave as if they are being assaulted.
I wouldn't want to receive communion in a Church that was not Catholic, (ya ya, there's always the discussion of what "catholic" is but in this instance I mean Catholic) or that did not have a valid priesthood. Because without the valid priesthood you can believe all day long that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, (and you'd be correct) but, the Eucharist only exists where there is a true priest (one ordained by someone who is a bishop in apostolic succesion). And if you believe in the true presence, (that's where the substance of the bread and wine cease to be bread and wine and are instead TRANSsubstantiated into the real body and blood of Christ) then to recieve communion where there isn't a true presence is tantamount to denying Christ or committing adultry.
For someone who only believes in the symbolic presence, there wouldn't be much to keep them from receiving the Eucharist in a church with Apostolic succession (Catholic and Orthodox), except for the desire to honor the customs of those communities. At best they would think that their Catholic and Orthodox cousins are simply too literal in their reading of Scripture. At worst they would think that their Catholic and Orthodox cousins are silly superstitious morons who go through their faith life on automatic pilot never giving anything theoligical a second thought. The fact that you are told that you are not welcome to receive communion because you aren't in communion is just mean and insensitive I guess.
Here's what is printed in the prayer books (misals) used by the congregation during Mass regarding the reception of Communion.
For our fellow Christians:
...Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life and worship, members of those Churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (Canon 844, 4).
Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (844, 3).
For those not receiving holy Communion: All who are not receiving holy Communion are encourage to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians: We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
3/14/2007
Rock Creek Residential Design
Hey, If you are in the market for a good value on a custom home design, check out this web site. It's from a friend of mine who started up a home business. He has been designing homes for years and finally decided that he should get paid to do it. There are at least a dozen people I know who live in a home, or had their home remodeled by him.
His business is called Rock Creek Residential Design. The link is...
www.rockcreekdesignonline.com
or click here Rock Creek Residential Design
Pyro
His business is called Rock Creek Residential Design. The link is...
www.rockcreekdesignonline.com
or click here Rock Creek Residential Design
Pyro
3/11/2007
A tale of two protests
So I've been taking part in a protest vigil outside of a local planned parenthood. This protest vigil coincides with the 40 days of lent. After the article ran in last Sunday's Kitsap Sun there were several letters to the editor promoting each viewpoint on the abortion debate. The paper then posts the letters in their blog site and people are free to comment on other peoples letters.
As a person who is pro-life, I have taken part in numerous anti-abortion protests. Every one of them has been peaceful, lawful, and quiet on the part of the protestors. Some times we say communal prayers out loud. Most of the time we just silently hold signs which read; "Adoption, the loving option", "Stop Abortion". "Choose Life", "Jesus Loves Children", "Pray for an end to abortion", you get the point. We 100% of the time stay on public property and do not impede any other persons ability to freely travel through our area. The worst things I have ever seen at one of these protests is when a passerby screams obscenities at us or even throw things at us. There have on rare occasions been police officers parked within our view, but they have always remained in their vehicles. We usually have a police car drive by during the course of the protest, probably because of some complaint called in to 911. We are protesting a law which has made the killing of children inside their mother's wombs legal. Over 3,500 of these killings occur every day in the United States!! We peacefully protest. Sometimes in silent prayer, other times praying out loud together as occurs in church.
Here is another protest story. There are a few people who believe that all war is wrong. And there are many people who believe that the United States' occupation of Iraq after invading them and overthrowing their brutal dictator is wrong. There are constant reports in the press of anti-war protests and rallies. I notice that a significant number of these protests involve protestors being arrested. They get arrested for blocking traffic, trespassing, assault... name something disorderly and they seem to get arrested for doing it. Here's a recent example from an ongoing protest in Tacoma. Around 3,500 American military members have been killed in the last 5 years during this war/occupation. That's around the same number that are killed every day because of legalized abortion. Why is it that when protestors are from the political left there are high rates of violence committed by the protestors, and when the protestors are from the political right there are very very rare instances of violence perpetrated by the protestors?
Pyro
As a person who is pro-life, I have taken part in numerous anti-abortion protests. Every one of them has been peaceful, lawful, and quiet on the part of the protestors. Some times we say communal prayers out loud. Most of the time we just silently hold signs which read; "Adoption, the loving option", "Stop Abortion". "Choose Life", "Jesus Loves Children", "Pray for an end to abortion", you get the point. We 100% of the time stay on public property and do not impede any other persons ability to freely travel through our area. The worst things I have ever seen at one of these protests is when a passerby screams obscenities at us or even throw things at us. There have on rare occasions been police officers parked within our view, but they have always remained in their vehicles. We usually have a police car drive by during the course of the protest, probably because of some complaint called in to 911. We are protesting a law which has made the killing of children inside their mother's wombs legal. Over 3,500 of these killings occur every day in the United States!! We peacefully protest. Sometimes in silent prayer, other times praying out loud together as occurs in church.
Here is another protest story. There are a few people who believe that all war is wrong. And there are many people who believe that the United States' occupation of Iraq after invading them and overthrowing their brutal dictator is wrong. There are constant reports in the press of anti-war protests and rallies. I notice that a significant number of these protests involve protestors being arrested. They get arrested for blocking traffic, trespassing, assault... name something disorderly and they seem to get arrested for doing it. Here's a recent example from an ongoing protest in Tacoma. Around 3,500 American military members have been killed in the last 5 years during this war/occupation. That's around the same number that are killed every day because of legalized abortion. Why is it that when protestors are from the political left there are high rates of violence committed by the protestors, and when the protestors are from the political right there are very very rare instances of violence perpetrated by the protestors?
Pyro
3/10/2007
Should I let the kids see that movie...
How many times do parents ask themselves that question? Hopefully it happens several times a month. We live in an electronic culture and full length films and T.V. shows are often just a mouse click away, or even just an iPod away. Hopefully as parents, we scrutinize each show for it's moral and social value and weigh the possible impact it will have on our children before we let them watch something. This is not always easy as there are many obstacles to a parent diligently accomplishing this. I will go through some of the common challenges a parent will typically face and give some suggested ways to overcome them.
1. LAZINESS: This obstacle makes the supposition that on some level you understand that there are certain philosophies, subjects, uses of language, and human activities that children should not be exposed to. Laziness always comes with a payoff. The payoff for laziness is the serving of ones selfishness. The feeding of that desire to seek your own personal pleasure above even the welfare of your own children. In the movie decision realm, laziness is most often manifested in following manner and with this motivation be it conscious or unconscious; If I let the kids watch that movie... then I will be free to do what I want without being interrupted.
How to overcome laziness? Make the conscious, deliberate decision to take action. Laziness (sloth) always begins with a temptation. Fight the temptation by acting out the opposite virtue. Prudence in this instance is the opposite virtue, Prudence being: an intellectual habit enabling us to see in any given juncture of human affairs what is virtuous and what is not, and how to come at the one and avoid the other. Secular society recognizes this to a certain degree with it being manifested as follows. When confronted with the need to make a decision people are told to "make a list" of all the pros and cons of the decison. In todays society though one thing is left out, the fact that there is an objective right and wrong. So what's right is left up to the subjectiveness of the individual which can lead to quite a conundrum.
Bottom Line: practice prudence taking into account the objective nature of right and wrong.
2. IGNORANCE: This obstacle can be difficult to overcome. Ignorance is unfortunately a word that has been corrupted in our times. It is viewed as a synonym of stupid. It is not the same as stupid however, it simply means that you lack information or knowledge. Stupid would be if you had information and failed to act appropriately on it either because you were lazy or because you just couldn't apply the knowledge due to limited capacity to process thought. I don't believe there are many truly stupid people in this world. I do however believe that there are many ignorant ones, some are intentionally ignorant, some unintentionally, and others are manipulated into ignorance.
The only way to defeat ignorance is to get informed. The word informed is very important.
Inform: 1320, "to train or instruct in some specific subject," from L. informare "to shape, form, train, instruct, educate," from in- "into" + forma "form." Sense of "report facts or news" first recorded 1386. Informative "instructive" is from 1655. Informer "one who gives information against another" (especially in ref. to law-breaking) is from 1503.
Thus to defeat ignorance we must shape and train our minds through education. This is best done by studying from a source that recognizes the existance of an objective right and wrong in moral philosophy.
3. REBELLION: This is when the inmates run the prison, the sheep herd the shepherd, the tail wags the dog, the kid's dictate activities in the home. Our children, (and us parents) are fed a steady diet of new age psychobabble geared toward "building up" a childs self esteem. This is accomplished by encouraging democratic style decision making in the home where subjects are to be discussed ad-naseum. For decades we've been encouraged to only say positive things to our kids and redirect things away from the horrible absolutism that the word NO represents. Children need, and are happier with, well informed energetic parents who are decisive and fair. I read a recent report where the problems associated with being obsessed with oneself and the entitlement mentality that goes along with it has gone up dramitically over the past two decades. It was postulated that this was a result of the "self esteem building" philosophy that has taken over our education system is responsible for this.
Children are going to complain when they get told no. That's just the way it is. So what... life contains many opportunities to be disappointed. Why deprive our children of the education in how to handle disappointment appropriately? If they make a big production out of getting told no, (throwing a fit) then deal with appropriately by grounding them, giving them extra chores... whatever. The parents need to be in charge. If there's a power vacuum, it will get filled by someone.
I recommend this website for reviewing films. It will help you make the decision as to whether or not a film is appropriate for your children to watch.
Pyro
1. LAZINESS: This obstacle makes the supposition that on some level you understand that there are certain philosophies, subjects, uses of language, and human activities that children should not be exposed to. Laziness always comes with a payoff. The payoff for laziness is the serving of ones selfishness. The feeding of that desire to seek your own personal pleasure above even the welfare of your own children. In the movie decision realm, laziness is most often manifested in following manner and with this motivation be it conscious or unconscious; If I let the kids watch that movie... then I will be free to do what I want without being interrupted.
How to overcome laziness? Make the conscious, deliberate decision to take action. Laziness (sloth) always begins with a temptation. Fight the temptation by acting out the opposite virtue. Prudence in this instance is the opposite virtue, Prudence being: an intellectual habit enabling us to see in any given juncture of human affairs what is virtuous and what is not, and how to come at the one and avoid the other. Secular society recognizes this to a certain degree with it being manifested as follows. When confronted with the need to make a decision people are told to "make a list" of all the pros and cons of the decison. In todays society though one thing is left out, the fact that there is an objective right and wrong. So what's right is left up to the subjectiveness of the individual which can lead to quite a conundrum.
Bottom Line: practice prudence taking into account the objective nature of right and wrong.
2. IGNORANCE: This obstacle can be difficult to overcome. Ignorance is unfortunately a word that has been corrupted in our times. It is viewed as a synonym of stupid. It is not the same as stupid however, it simply means that you lack information or knowledge. Stupid would be if you had information and failed to act appropriately on it either because you were lazy or because you just couldn't apply the knowledge due to limited capacity to process thought. I don't believe there are many truly stupid people in this world. I do however believe that there are many ignorant ones, some are intentionally ignorant, some unintentionally, and others are manipulated into ignorance.
The only way to defeat ignorance is to get informed. The word informed is very important.
Inform: 1320, "to train or instruct in some specific subject," from L. informare "to shape, form, train, instruct, educate," from in- "into" + forma "form." Sense of "report facts or news" first recorded 1386. Informative "instructive" is from 1655. Informer "one who gives information against another" (especially in ref. to law-breaking) is from 1503.
Thus to defeat ignorance we must shape and train our minds through education. This is best done by studying from a source that recognizes the existance of an objective right and wrong in moral philosophy.
3. REBELLION: This is when the inmates run the prison, the sheep herd the shepherd, the tail wags the dog, the kid's dictate activities in the home. Our children, (and us parents) are fed a steady diet of new age psychobabble geared toward "building up" a childs self esteem. This is accomplished by encouraging democratic style decision making in the home where subjects are to be discussed ad-naseum. For decades we've been encouraged to only say positive things to our kids and redirect things away from the horrible absolutism that the word NO represents. Children need, and are happier with, well informed energetic parents who are decisive and fair. I read a recent report where the problems associated with being obsessed with oneself and the entitlement mentality that goes along with it has gone up dramitically over the past two decades. It was postulated that this was a result of the "self esteem building" philosophy that has taken over our education system is responsible for this.
Children are going to complain when they get told no. That's just the way it is. So what... life contains many opportunities to be disappointed. Why deprive our children of the education in how to handle disappointment appropriately? If they make a big production out of getting told no, (throwing a fit) then deal with appropriately by grounding them, giving them extra chores... whatever. The parents need to be in charge. If there's a power vacuum, it will get filled by someone.
I recommend this website for reviewing films. It will help you make the decision as to whether or not a film is appropriate for your children to watch.
Pyro
3/06/2007
The College of William and Mary at Virginia
Read a recent news article regarding a compromise on the display of a cross in the chapel at the university. The short story is that William and Mary (sorry for the Wikipedia link) took a cross down from where it has been displayed since 1940 in the campus chapel. There has probably been a much longer history with the cross or other similar religious display as the college was founded in 1693 with it's main thrust being a divinity school for the Anglican Church.
This whole situation seems to me to be a manufactured problem. Why would someone going into a chapel on a campus which has over a 300 year tradition of being affiliated with a christian church feel discriminated against due to finding a cross in the chapel? That would be like going to a Native American museum and complaining about all the "indian stuff" inside.
Somebody has an agenda, and the president of the college is either a co-conspirator or he lacks the backbone to stand up against troublemakers.
Pyro
This whole situation seems to me to be a manufactured problem. Why would someone going into a chapel on a campus which has over a 300 year tradition of being affiliated with a christian church feel discriminated against due to finding a cross in the chapel? That would be like going to a Native American museum and complaining about all the "indian stuff" inside.
Somebody has an agenda, and the president of the college is either a co-conspirator or he lacks the backbone to stand up against troublemakers.
Pyro
3/04/2007
level III sex offender at church
This Lutheran church is having to make a big decision on what their actions should be. A level III sex offender is wanting to attend services for the stated reason that it will help him to get better.
What should they do? What is their obligation?
I think I lean toward allowing his attendance at the Sunday service. I would have some stipulations such as:
1. he would have to sit in the front row
2. he would not be allowed to talk with any children
3. he would have escorts assigned to him
4. he would be required to be in the presence of his escorts 100% of the time
5. he would be required to be escorted to and from his vehicle
6. he would have to show monthly proof to the pastor that he was actively receiving mental health treatment
7. he would have to agree to allow his computer to be picked up from his home at any time for the purpose of reviewing his internet activity
8. he would be required to provide/allow his phone records to be reviewed whenver requested
maybe I'm going overboard, but if he's sincere then these things shouldn't be a problem. And the offender can look at all these things as part of his penance for his sins
Pyro
What should they do? What is their obligation?
I think I lean toward allowing his attendance at the Sunday service. I would have some stipulations such as:
1. he would have to sit in the front row
2. he would not be allowed to talk with any children
3. he would have escorts assigned to him
4. he would be required to be in the presence of his escorts 100% of the time
5. he would be required to be escorted to and from his vehicle
6. he would have to show monthly proof to the pastor that he was actively receiving mental health treatment
7. he would have to agree to allow his computer to be picked up from his home at any time for the purpose of reviewing his internet activity
8. he would be required to provide/allow his phone records to be reviewed whenver requested
maybe I'm going overboard, but if he's sincere then these things shouldn't be a problem. And the offender can look at all these things as part of his penance for his sins
Pyro
3/02/2007
"The rest of the story"
It seems that Switzerland accidently invaded neighboring Liechtenstein
The funny thing to me however, (and it didn't get reported in the news), is that upon hearing the news, France immediately surrendered!
Pyro
The funny thing to me however, (and it didn't get reported in the news), is that upon hearing the news, France immediately surrendered!
Pyro
Accountability
With all the news about top officials going down in flames over the Walter Reed Scandal it causes me to wonder.
How many times over the last 10 or 15 years have these same problems been pointed out by lower level personnel? How many times have the grunts been told to "shut up" and quit complaining? How many times has someone had the idea to fix up the place or maintain things better only to be shut down or ignored? I see it happen all the time, whether it be in the military, a para-military organization (like fire departments or police departments), or regular corporate America.
The problem is simple, GOOD IDEAS HAVE RANK. If you aren't high enough in rank or seniority, your idea isn't good, it's whinning or making waves. If you are high enough in rank or seniority, all of your ideas are good, even the really really dumb ones!!
Now of course I'm being slightly sarcastic. There are good organizations all over the place. The thing they have in common is that they value everyone in the organization and recognize that the genesis of many good ideas is not from the top down but instead, from the bottom up.
Too bad the folks in the Army and at Walter Reed didn't see fit to do something about an obviously unsatisfactory condition until they got caught. I don't praise the news media very often, and Lord knows they will be circling this story like a bunch of vultures, but the Army deserves two black eyes over this one.
Pyro,
How many times over the last 10 or 15 years have these same problems been pointed out by lower level personnel? How many times have the grunts been told to "shut up" and quit complaining? How many times has someone had the idea to fix up the place or maintain things better only to be shut down or ignored? I see it happen all the time, whether it be in the military, a para-military organization (like fire departments or police departments), or regular corporate America.
The problem is simple, GOOD IDEAS HAVE RANK. If you aren't high enough in rank or seniority, your idea isn't good, it's whinning or making waves. If you are high enough in rank or seniority, all of your ideas are good, even the really really dumb ones!!
Now of course I'm being slightly sarcastic. There are good organizations all over the place. The thing they have in common is that they value everyone in the organization and recognize that the genesis of many good ideas is not from the top down but instead, from the bottom up.
Too bad the folks in the Army and at Walter Reed didn't see fit to do something about an obviously unsatisfactory condition until they got caught. I don't praise the news media very often, and Lord knows they will be circling this story like a bunch of vultures, but the Army deserves two black eyes over this one.
Pyro,
2/25/2007
Reason #74,368,746,798,421,957,694,375,096 that labor unions are still necessary
Teacher’s Trial Begins TodayBy Rusty Garrett
TIMES RECORD • RGARRETT@SWTIMES.COMA lawsuit over whether teachers should be paid for time spent monitoring students outside the classroom will go to trial today in Crawford County Circuit Court.Judge Mike Medlock will preside over the case filed by former Coleman Junior High School civics teacher Steve Jones against the Van Buren School District.The suit, originally filed in 2003, claims Jones and other teachers were not paid for non-instructional duty time that they were required to work. It has been certified as a class-action suit.A 2003 law requires teachers be paid additional compensation if they work more than 60 minutes of non-instructional time in a week. Lemley said there is a dispute over whether passing periods — the three to seven minutes between classes — and before and after school duty and lunch duty are noninstructional time.After the Van Buren School Board voted to fire Jones in 2006, the suit was amended to include a wrongful termination claim. Jones was fired for missing a meeting in 2005 and leaving a meeting early in 2006.The termination issue will be tried at a later date.Attempts between Jones’ attorney Brian Meadors and Kevin Lemley, the lawyer representing the school district, to negotiate a settlement ended Feb. 13 when the school board voted 6-0 against accepting an offer that would have involved a $400,000 payment by the district.Lemley told board members the plaintiffs have contended a decision in their favor could cost the district more than $2 million.The trial will begin at 9 a.m. in the new circuit courtroom in the remodeled county courthouse annex on Fourth Street.
I'm no huge fan of public school teacher unions but.... it sounds as if this school administration thinks it's o.k. to not pay workers for required hours of labor (meetings, training, whatever you want to call it). I'll bet all the salary employees claim "comp time" for these meetings and take extra 3 day weekends once they've banked enough!
Pyro
TIMES RECORD • RGARRETT@SWTIMES.COMA lawsuit over whether teachers should be paid for time spent monitoring students outside the classroom will go to trial today in Crawford County Circuit Court.Judge Mike Medlock will preside over the case filed by former Coleman Junior High School civics teacher Steve Jones against the Van Buren School District.The suit, originally filed in 2003, claims Jones and other teachers were not paid for non-instructional duty time that they were required to work. It has been certified as a class-action suit.A 2003 law requires teachers be paid additional compensation if they work more than 60 minutes of non-instructional time in a week. Lemley said there is a dispute over whether passing periods — the three to seven minutes between classes — and before and after school duty and lunch duty are noninstructional time.After the Van Buren School Board voted to fire Jones in 2006, the suit was amended to include a wrongful termination claim. Jones was fired for missing a meeting in 2005 and leaving a meeting early in 2006.The termination issue will be tried at a later date.Attempts between Jones’ attorney Brian Meadors and Kevin Lemley, the lawyer representing the school district, to negotiate a settlement ended Feb. 13 when the school board voted 6-0 against accepting an offer that would have involved a $400,000 payment by the district.Lemley told board members the plaintiffs have contended a decision in their favor could cost the district more than $2 million.The trial will begin at 9 a.m. in the new circuit courtroom in the remodeled county courthouse annex on Fourth Street.
I'm no huge fan of public school teacher unions but.... it sounds as if this school administration thinks it's o.k. to not pay workers for required hours of labor (meetings, training, whatever you want to call it). I'll bet all the salary employees claim "comp time" for these meetings and take extra 3 day weekends once they've banked enough!
Pyro
The Reason labor unions are their own worst enemy #1,992,883,575,884,888,548,848,584
A 73-year-old man died of a heart attack in North London in January, perhaps assisted by a delay in responding by the London Ambulance Service. According to The Sun, the nearest crew could not be called because European Union labor rules prevent disturbing the crew for any reason during the first 20 minutes of their half-hour break. [The Sun (London), 1-6-07]
How much ya wanna bet this rule is already changed?
How much ya wanna bet there are people arguing that what happened wasn't wrong?
Pyro
How much ya wanna bet this rule is already changed?
How much ya wanna bet there are people arguing that what happened wasn't wrong?
Pyro
2/24/2007
Links
I'm in the process of rebuilding my links that I lost when I had an "accident" while editing my blog. Here is a short explanation of each of the links:
1. Google; if you don't know what this is, you shouldn't be on the internet.
2. Catholic Exchange: a site that has news, articles, faith formation and such.
3. Mark Shea: An author who writes lots of short essays, full length books,
and runs a blog called Catholic and Enjoying it. He is an adult convert
from an Evangelical background.
4. Communio: A trade magazine for theologians. The who's who of theology
write for this including former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI),
Hans Urs Von Balthazar, Hildebrand ... you get the drift.
5. EWTN: The largest Christian broadcasting entity in the world with 24/7
TV and radio.
6. National Fellowship of Catholic Men: site with things of interest
regarding living a faith filled life for men.
7. Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton: My Church's website
8. Catholic Answers: Catholic apologetics site. Their radio program which
is broadcast on EWTN radio was instrumental in helping me to
understand the truths of the Catholic faith.
9. Coming Home Network: a site with lots of essays written by converts
where they describe their journeys from other Christian traditions, non
Christian religions, and even athiests. They also have a radio program on
EWTN called "The Journey Home". The site is run by a convert who used
to be a pastor in a Presbyterian church.
10. Official Vatican Website: lots of stuff at this English language site. You
can even read through everything that every Pope from the last couple of
hundred years has written.
More links to follow as I rebuild my list.
Pyro
1. Google; if you don't know what this is, you shouldn't be on the internet.
2. Catholic Exchange: a site that has news, articles, faith formation and such.
3. Mark Shea: An author who writes lots of short essays, full length books,
and runs a blog called Catholic and Enjoying it. He is an adult convert
from an Evangelical background.
4. Communio: A trade magazine for theologians. The who's who of theology
write for this including former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI),
Hans Urs Von Balthazar, Hildebrand ... you get the drift.
5. EWTN: The largest Christian broadcasting entity in the world with 24/7
TV and radio.
6. National Fellowship of Catholic Men: site with things of interest
regarding living a faith filled life for men.
7. Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton: My Church's website
8. Catholic Answers: Catholic apologetics site. Their radio program which
is broadcast on EWTN radio was instrumental in helping me to
understand the truths of the Catholic faith.
9. Coming Home Network: a site with lots of essays written by converts
where they describe their journeys from other Christian traditions, non
Christian religions, and even athiests. They also have a radio program on
EWTN called "The Journey Home". The site is run by a convert who used
to be a pastor in a Presbyterian church.
10. Official Vatican Website: lots of stuff at this English language site. You
can even read through everything that every Pope from the last couple of
hundred years has written.
More links to follow as I rebuild my list.
Pyro
Lenten Reflection
So... I'm part of a group that is keeping a 40 day vigil during Lent on the sidewalk at a Planned Parenthood site. The vigil hours are from 8:00 AM till 8:00 PM. We had the typical responses from passing motorists which consist of; 5 honks and thumbs up for every 1 honk and middle finger/cursing. We even had a guy come up and give us all coffee and hot chocolate. My hour just happened to end at the same time that the Parish about 3 blocks away began Confessions. There was a nice handout that the priest gave that I will share with you here on my blog. Not sure where the reflection comes from, so I just want to give credit to whoever the unnamed source was.
Whatever Lenten practices we undertake, it is important to remember their purpose. Lenten practices are not about losing weight or finaly stopping smoking, but they are about deepening our baptismal identity as children of God and members of the Body of Christ. "If you are [children] of God"... this is the identity conferred upon us at baptism. This is the identity out of which we enter into our own Lenten desert. This is the identity out of which we face our own worst temptations. By rmaining faithful to who we are -- God's children, members of the Body of Christ -- we can resist temptations and grow in our relationships with God, self, and others.
Traditionally, Christian penance has always included three prongs: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (charity). This suggests to us that penance isn't a matter of "giving up" something, nor is it a single act -- even if performed faithfully over a long period like forty days. Christian penance has as it's purpose genuine conversion of life, so that at the end of Lent when we renew our baptismal promises we are able to do so with full throat, well aware of our own wonderful identity as sons and daughters of God. The new life we celebrate at Easter cannot happen without our dying to ourselves, without our going to Jerusalem with Jesus and willingly embracing whatever death is in store for us. For that is the road to new life. That is the road we travel during Lent.
Have a blessed Lent
Pyro
Whatever Lenten practices we undertake, it is important to remember their purpose. Lenten practices are not about losing weight or finaly stopping smoking, but they are about deepening our baptismal identity as children of God and members of the Body of Christ. "If you are [children] of God"... this is the identity conferred upon us at baptism. This is the identity out of which we enter into our own Lenten desert. This is the identity out of which we face our own worst temptations. By rmaining faithful to who we are -- God's children, members of the Body of Christ -- we can resist temptations and grow in our relationships with God, self, and others.
Traditionally, Christian penance has always included three prongs: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (charity). This suggests to us that penance isn't a matter of "giving up" something, nor is it a single act -- even if performed faithfully over a long period like forty days. Christian penance has as it's purpose genuine conversion of life, so that at the end of Lent when we renew our baptismal promises we are able to do so with full throat, well aware of our own wonderful identity as sons and daughters of God. The new life we celebrate at Easter cannot happen without our dying to ourselves, without our going to Jerusalem with Jesus and willingly embracing whatever death is in store for us. For that is the road to new life. That is the road we travel during Lent.
Have a blessed Lent
Pyro
2/23/2007
Out of Hibernation
Well, It's been quite some time since I consistently posted in my blog. I will be trying to get back in the habit of posting something every day. It takes a certain time commitment to keep a blog current and I stopped making the time to blog. Well, with Lent upon us I suddenly have some time back in my schedule and along with other things I'll be using some of it to blog more frequently.
I learned yesterday of a disturbing event in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Basically, it seems that an individual (or individuals) hid alarm clock/CD players in the Church which activated about halfway through the service on Ash Wednesday (a special Holy Day). The CD's played recordings of people cursing, swearing, and making sexually explicit sounds.
In my search for news stories or commentary regarding this incident I have been extremely underwhelmed. The perpetrators are referred to as "pranksters" and every story I could find had only bare bones facts. None of the in depth reporting or digging for information, as in the Anna Nichole Smith train wreck. If Her story had been treated the same way, this is all we would have seen; "Anna Nichole Smith died today after being transported by paramedics to an area hospital. Cause of death unknown. Anna Nichole is survived by her daughter and mother." I believe the cause of this indifference is a deep seated, somewhat unconscious prejudice/bigotry towards Christianity in general and the Catholic Church in particular by the main stream media (MSM).
Here are my questions:
1. If an ACLU, NAACP, GLBTA, or (insert organization that traditionally supports liberal politics) meeting was interrupted/disrupted in such an offensive manner what would the press coverage have been?
2. Interfering/obstructing a group from peaceably assembling is a civil rights violation isn't it(1st amendment)?
3. Denying a group from the free excercise of their religion violates their civil rights doesn't it (1st amendment)?
4. Is singling out a group based on their religion (this event occured at the Cathedral Church which is essentially the headquarters for Catholics in the region) and assaulting them or violating their civil rights considered a hate crime?
I won't hold my breath waiting for the ACLU to express their outrage over this incident.
Pyro
I learned yesterday of a disturbing event in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Basically, it seems that an individual (or individuals) hid alarm clock/CD players in the Church which activated about halfway through the service on Ash Wednesday (a special Holy Day). The CD's played recordings of people cursing, swearing, and making sexually explicit sounds.
In my search for news stories or commentary regarding this incident I have been extremely underwhelmed. The perpetrators are referred to as "pranksters" and every story I could find had only bare bones facts. None of the in depth reporting or digging for information, as in the Anna Nichole Smith train wreck. If Her story had been treated the same way, this is all we would have seen; "Anna Nichole Smith died today after being transported by paramedics to an area hospital. Cause of death unknown. Anna Nichole is survived by her daughter and mother." I believe the cause of this indifference is a deep seated, somewhat unconscious prejudice/bigotry towards Christianity in general and the Catholic Church in particular by the main stream media (MSM).
Here are my questions:
1. If an ACLU, NAACP, GLBTA, or (insert organization that traditionally supports liberal politics) meeting was interrupted/disrupted in such an offensive manner what would the press coverage have been?
2. Interfering/obstructing a group from peaceably assembling is a civil rights violation isn't it(1st amendment)?
3. Denying a group from the free excercise of their religion violates their civil rights doesn't it (1st amendment)?
4. Is singling out a group based on their religion (this event occured at the Cathedral Church which is essentially the headquarters for Catholics in the region) and assaulting them or violating their civil rights considered a hate crime?
I won't hold my breath waiting for the ACLU to express their outrage over this incident.
Pyro
12/03/2006
12/01/2006
9/21/2006
Fake Noise?
It has been reported that the Seahawks are using artificial crowd noise at Qwest field. Mike Holmgren did the right thing and used the situation to incite the Qwest field fans to be louder than ever.
I would love to be in that stadium on Sunday. Nationally televised game, rematch of a great game from last year, controversy, intrigue, and best of all; whiney New Yorkers filing official complaints about how loud it is at Qwest Field.
The Giant's players are going to look like a bunch of Pee Wee Hermans running around yelling, WHAAT? WHAAAAATTTT?
I would love to be in that stadium on Sunday. Nationally televised game, rematch of a great game from last year, controversy, intrigue, and best of all; whiney New Yorkers filing official complaints about how loud it is at Qwest Field.
The Giant's players are going to look like a bunch of Pee Wee Hermans running around yelling, WHAAT? WHAAAAATTTT?
nice to hear
This news story surprised me this morning. I wonder if the wrong people were killed. Or perhaps she is being punished for failing. Or maybe some reasonable people are actually starting to surface.
9/19/2006
I screwed up
somehow, while trying to fix a problem with the title to one of my posts, I erased all of my links and some other stuff from my profile. I will try to rebuild, but it may take some time.
Medical Ethics
Don't be alarmed by the specific organ that was transplanted in this story. My question/comment has to do with the donor and the fact that they are in China.
I have a difficult time respecting the determination that this transplant was done ethically. First, because they say the organ was donated by a "brain dead" person. What does that mean? Was this person dead with the exception of them being on a heart/lung machine? Was he "brain dead" the same way Terry Schiavo was in a "vegitative state"? Second, was the "donor" mutilated and left alive without the donated organ? was the person killed to harvest the organ?
I fear that this is a case of eugenic donation. I define that as the harvesting of body parts from non productive "donors" so that the body parts can be given to and used by "productive people" for the "betterment of society as a whole". How much longer until people start holding off on having abortions until the third trimester so that they can sell the "biological substances" contained in their wombs for medical research and procedures such as organ "donation"?
Pyro
I have a difficult time respecting the determination that this transplant was done ethically. First, because they say the organ was donated by a "brain dead" person. What does that mean? Was this person dead with the exception of them being on a heart/lung machine? Was he "brain dead" the same way Terry Schiavo was in a "vegitative state"? Second, was the "donor" mutilated and left alive without the donated organ? was the person killed to harvest the organ?
I fear that this is a case of eugenic donation. I define that as the harvesting of body parts from non productive "donors" so that the body parts can be given to and used by "productive people" for the "betterment of society as a whole". How much longer until people start holding off on having abortions until the third trimester so that they can sell the "biological substances" contained in their wombs for medical research and procedures such as organ "donation"?
Pyro
9/16/2006
IRONY ALERT!
Outraged over Pope Benedict XVI's remarks made during a speech in Germany, Muslims worldwide are calling for a personal apology. The link above will provide for you the text of the Pope's remarks. In short, he cited a 14th century text from a Christian Emperor that characterized Islam as violent, and that that violent spreading of a religion is wrong.
Now to the Muslim world... So outrage by this unfair assesment, or reading of a 14th century assesment, they are rioting and burning the Pope in effigy. So let me get this staight, It's not acceptable to call Islam violent. If you do make the mistake of calling them violent, they burn you in effigy, fire bomb your churches, and recall their ambassadors.
I told a guy at work that he swears and curses too much. He told me to #$%@ &@#. Nothing like proving someones point. I'm glad that the pink elephant is starting to be pointed out.
Pyro
Now to the Muslim world... So outrage by this unfair assesment, or reading of a 14th century assesment, they are rioting and burning the Pope in effigy. So let me get this staight, It's not acceptable to call Islam violent. If you do make the mistake of calling them violent, they burn you in effigy, fire bomb your churches, and recall their ambassadors.
I told a guy at work that he swears and curses too much. He told me to #$%@ &@#. Nothing like proving someones point. I'm glad that the pink elephant is starting to be pointed out.
Pyro
9/14/2006
single gender schools
Just read this article, and it brings to mind something. The use of the words "equal" and "same". For some of today's people, the words are synonyms. In actuality they are not. I don't have the same rules for each of my kids (because of age differences). I don't treat all people the same. That doesn't mean that I don't use equal fairness when interacting with others. Men and women are not the same. They are, however, equal in dignity. Because of their equal dignity they deserve to be treated justly.
I believe that history bears out that single gender education is effective and cuts out lots of problems that are present when the genders are mixed. Many private schools have been doing it for hundreds of years.
The complaints against single gender schools are mostly red herrings that are being fished up to support an agenda. After all, if we recognize that women and men aren't the same (and they aren't) then somehow the genderless, same sex marriage, homosexual adoption, secular feminist, agendas will be defeated. Right? I don't know, but those seem to be the groups that fight against it. Sometimes it's easier to pick a side on an issue when you see where your enemies line up.
Do you think it bothers the left that TITLE IX was championed and signed in to law by President Richard Nixon?
Pyro
I believe that history bears out that single gender education is effective and cuts out lots of problems that are present when the genders are mixed. Many private schools have been doing it for hundreds of years.
The complaints against single gender schools are mostly red herrings that are being fished up to support an agenda. After all, if we recognize that women and men aren't the same (and they aren't) then somehow the genderless, same sex marriage, homosexual adoption, secular feminist, agendas will be defeated. Right? I don't know, but those seem to be the groups that fight against it. Sometimes it's easier to pick a side on an issue when you see where your enemies line up.
Do you think it bothers the left that TITLE IX was championed and signed in to law by President Richard Nixon?
Pyro
9/12/2006
Long time no blog II
Well, It's been nearly two weeks since I blogged. We were very busy at work. Several red flag days, (extreme fire conditions). I had one stretch where I was on duty (24 hour shifts) 5 out of 7 days. When I was home I had other things to do besides sit at the computer.
In a way it was similar to lent. Sometimes it does a person good to deprive themselves of an activity. It helps to refocus ones attention to some of the basics.
There is so much that occured in the last two weeks; The 9/11 anniversary, Steve Irwin's death, NFL football regular season starting, election stuff, huge oil discoveries, faith news...
I can't go back and catch up, so I will just start in again.
In a way it was similar to lent. Sometimes it does a person good to deprive themselves of an activity. It helps to refocus ones attention to some of the basics.
There is so much that occured in the last two weeks; The 9/11 anniversary, Steve Irwin's death, NFL football regular season starting, election stuff, huge oil discoveries, faith news...
I can't go back and catch up, so I will just start in again.
8/29/2006
Back in School!!!!!!
Kids are back in School. Funny thing is, they were telling me last week how they were done with Summer! I don't know if that's because Summer was terrible or because it was so good that they were all rested up. I think they really just missed their friends and were ready to get back to work.
Thankfully my kids' school is headed by a pastor who is attentive to the Catholicity of their education. There is a Mass every Friday and get this, the Mass is celebrated with fidelity to the authentic liturgy of the Church. The pastor focuses his homily on the kids and their issues but, he doesn't dumb down the liturgy or invent his own "Children's Mass" to make Church more "entertaining" for the kids. I had a similar experience when my kids went to a Missouri Synod Lutheran school. The pastor there had a church service every Wednesday for the school kids. It was done with almost identical similarity to the regular Sunday worship service. The sermon was geared at the kid level but the other stuff wasn't "dumbed down". I think lots of Christian communities sell kids short. Or maybe there is an over commercialization of "church". In order to compete in the free enterprise church environment you have to excite your customers and give them something unique. I think having a "kids service" that uses the "entertainment value" concept to make kids interested does much harm in the long run. It focuses the service on the individual instead of on God. The adjective "service" begins to modify the mortal subjects as opposed to the Divine Person. Then, when the kids are adults and out looking for their own church, they instinctively look for a community that entertains them. Maybe not on the conscious level, but it certainly happens. And it happens in both the Catholic and Protestant worlds.
Anyway, (How'd I get off on that tangent) My kids are happy to back in school. I'm happy they're back in school. My wife's happy they're back in school. Everyone's happy!! Now I have the computer and X-BOX to myself!!!!!! I mean,.... Now my wife and I can spend more quality time together.
Just wait till next week after the first test...
Thankfully my kids' school is headed by a pastor who is attentive to the Catholicity of their education. There is a Mass every Friday and get this, the Mass is celebrated with fidelity to the authentic liturgy of the Church. The pastor focuses his homily on the kids and their issues but, he doesn't dumb down the liturgy or invent his own "Children's Mass" to make Church more "entertaining" for the kids. I had a similar experience when my kids went to a Missouri Synod Lutheran school. The pastor there had a church service every Wednesday for the school kids. It was done with almost identical similarity to the regular Sunday worship service. The sermon was geared at the kid level but the other stuff wasn't "dumbed down". I think lots of Christian communities sell kids short. Or maybe there is an over commercialization of "church". In order to compete in the free enterprise church environment you have to excite your customers and give them something unique. I think having a "kids service" that uses the "entertainment value" concept to make kids interested does much harm in the long run. It focuses the service on the individual instead of on God. The adjective "service" begins to modify the mortal subjects as opposed to the Divine Person. Then, when the kids are adults and out looking for their own church, they instinctively look for a community that entertains them. Maybe not on the conscious level, but it certainly happens. And it happens in both the Catholic and Protestant worlds.
Anyway, (How'd I get off on that tangent) My kids are happy to back in school. I'm happy they're back in school. My wife's happy they're back in school. Everyone's happy!! Now I have the computer and X-BOX to myself!!!!!! I mean,.... Now my wife and I can spend more quality time together.
Just wait till next week after the first test...
John Mark Karr
Well, looks like Karr is just a stupid, demented, pervert and not responsible for JonBenet's murder. Will they be able to keep him off the streets? Probably not, we will most likely have to wait until he brutalizes some poor innocent child before we can protect society from this sexual deviant.
Will the news media just go to using his first and last name now? They seem to use the full name whenever they report on a serial killer or molester. Shouldn't they refrain from using the middle name until the guy is at least put on trial?
Will the news media just go to using his first and last name now? They seem to use the full name whenever they report on a serial killer or molester. Shouldn't they refrain from using the middle name until the guy is at least put on trial?
8/26/2006
Seahawk 2006 team preview - Running Backs
This part of the preview seems like a no brainer. The problem with no-brainers is that they have a way of making you look dumb. You can't take credit for being right because, it is after all a no-brainer! And if you're wrong, your dumb for not seeing it coming and just going along with the prevailing opinion. But here goes...
Half Back - Shaun Alexander 5'11" #225
What is there to say? 1800+ yards and 29 TD's last year. Shaun has talked about how he needs to have an even better year this year for the Hawks to win the Superbowl. I like that kind of talk. Realistically however, there will probably be a drop off in productivity. Even with only 1400 yards and 20 touchdowns though, Shaun will still be the starting pro-bowler.
Full Back - Mack Strong 6'0" #245
Mack finally got his due last year and started in the pro bowl. He is the best blocking full back in the NFC and that doesn't look to change this year. Mack also had a good year running the ball in 2005 and set a Seahawk playoff record for the longest run during the Redskin game after Alexander went out with a concussion. He is in the twilight of his career with 14 years in the league.
Backups -
Maurice Morris 5'11" #202
Mo is faster and quicker than Shaun but doesn't have the field vision or shiftyness that #37 brings to the game. Mo is experienced with the offensive scheme and can be trusted to spell Shaun without it affecting the play calling. He is not a legitimate starting NFL half back but is a good insurance policy for Shaun.
Leonard Weaver 6'0" #251
Weaver has been impressive thus far this pre-season. He has shown the ability to fill in at both fullback and halfback. He is a big bruising back who is also fast on his feet. This in two pre-season games he has 15 rushes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He also has two catches for 7 yards.
Josh Scobey 6'0" #220
Scobey was with us last year and was used mostly as a kick returner. He stuggled in the playoffs and isn't really that reliable in my opinion.
Ran Carthon 6'0" #218
four rushes for 19 yards this pre-season. Father was a good running back
David Kirtman 6'0" #230
Drafted out of that USC program. Overshadowed by Reggie Bush and Lendale White. Time will tell if he's a diamond in the rough. He has three yards in his only attempt so far.
We have the talent, the health, and a history of success. This is the stronges part of our team. Hopefully Alexander doesn't slack off now that he has the big contract. And I don't believe in curses so the Madden and Superbowl loser things have no bearing on my outlook. The only thing to improve as far as I'm concerned is Alexanders pass blocking skills.
Overall A
Half Back - Shaun Alexander 5'11" #225
What is there to say? 1800+ yards and 29 TD's last year. Shaun has talked about how he needs to have an even better year this year for the Hawks to win the Superbowl. I like that kind of talk. Realistically however, there will probably be a drop off in productivity. Even with only 1400 yards and 20 touchdowns though, Shaun will still be the starting pro-bowler.
Full Back - Mack Strong 6'0" #245
Mack finally got his due last year and started in the pro bowl. He is the best blocking full back in the NFC and that doesn't look to change this year. Mack also had a good year running the ball in 2005 and set a Seahawk playoff record for the longest run during the Redskin game after Alexander went out with a concussion. He is in the twilight of his career with 14 years in the league.
Backups -
Maurice Morris 5'11" #202
Mo is faster and quicker than Shaun but doesn't have the field vision or shiftyness that #37 brings to the game. Mo is experienced with the offensive scheme and can be trusted to spell Shaun without it affecting the play calling. He is not a legitimate starting NFL half back but is a good insurance policy for Shaun.
Leonard Weaver 6'0" #251
Weaver has been impressive thus far this pre-season. He has shown the ability to fill in at both fullback and halfback. He is a big bruising back who is also fast on his feet. This in two pre-season games he has 15 rushes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He also has two catches for 7 yards.
Josh Scobey 6'0" #220
Scobey was with us last year and was used mostly as a kick returner. He stuggled in the playoffs and isn't really that reliable in my opinion.
Ran Carthon 6'0" #218
four rushes for 19 yards this pre-season. Father was a good running back
David Kirtman 6'0" #230
Drafted out of that USC program. Overshadowed by Reggie Bush and Lendale White. Time will tell if he's a diamond in the rough. He has three yards in his only attempt so far.
We have the talent, the health, and a history of success. This is the stronges part of our team. Hopefully Alexander doesn't slack off now that he has the big contract. And I don't believe in curses so the Madden and Superbowl loser things have no bearing on my outlook. The only thing to improve as far as I'm concerned is Alexanders pass blocking skills.
Overall A
Crossing yourself illegal in Scotland?
This is alarming.
There may be more to the story, or maybe not... But at face value I find this alarming. Especially when other physical gestures, (such as those done by the female music star who refers to herself as "Madonna"), openly mocking Christianity and other religions throughout Europe are ignored by the European governments.
Hopefully the United Nations Human Rights Committee will condemn this action by the Scottish government because of it's religious intollerance.... YA RIGHT!!!!!
There may be more to the story, or maybe not... But at face value I find this alarming. Especially when other physical gestures, (such as those done by the female music star who refers to herself as "Madonna"), openly mocking Christianity and other religions throughout Europe are ignored by the European governments.
Hopefully the United Nations Human Rights Committee will condemn this action by the Scottish government because of it's religious intollerance.... YA RIGHT!!!!!
8/22/2006
Lt. Watada is a "disgrace"
Lt. Watada is the Army officer who earned his commission after the war on terror started. The Army helped pay for his education and he in turn agreed to serve. He subsequently decided that the invasion of Iraq was unjust so... when his unit is deployed to Iraq, he refuses to ship out. Pretty convenient. Hey Watada!! the invasion is over!!!!! Iraq is now occupied and the troops there are preventing a civil war and large scale sectarian violence. If all the allied troops pulled out, there would be enormous atrocities. To go to Iraq and assist in the stabilization of the legitimately elected Iraqi government is moral and just. I think you have been studying too many Democratic Party talking point memos... Didn't you get taught to think when you went to college?
Here's what Japanese-American veteran groups have to say about Watada.
Here's what Japanese-American veteran groups have to say about Watada.
Labor Unions Are Their Own Worst Enemy
After reading this post, I am reminded what it is that people despise about organized labor. The fact that I'm pro labor doesn't transfer to the fact that I "Goose Step" with organized labor politically. As with many political groups, they lose focus of the issue they are addressing and begin to promote agendas that have little to do with the purpose for their existance.
I'll do a quick review here of what labor unions justly stand for.
1.- A fair living wage for their family.
2.- Reasonable hours of work.
3.- Reasonably safe working conditions. Both physically safe and psycholigically safe from being treated unjustly by managers or other people of authority.
Justice for workers is derived from the fact that we are created "Imago Dei". By virtue of this fact people have a right to be treated with justice. Treating workers unjustly is specifically condemned in Scripture (Deut 24: 14-15, James 5: 1-5). There are two great Encyclicals written regarding workers justice including: Loberm Excercens, Rerum Novarum, and the letter Centesimus Annus. These writings by the Popes do much to promote social justice and were written at times of great injustice (the industrial revolution with it's horrible working conditions and reliance on child labor, and the rise of modernism).
I am pro-labor. But I am not going to compromise my morality and Christian witness to blindly support and defend the actions of labor unions. I particularly can't stand the NEA. They are culpable for erroding our public education system. To draw an analogy, they are washing away the top soil of our public schools and have created the dust bowl of education.
I'll do a quick review here of what labor unions justly stand for.
1.- A fair living wage for their family.
2.- Reasonable hours of work.
3.- Reasonably safe working conditions. Both physically safe and psycholigically safe from being treated unjustly by managers or other people of authority.
Justice for workers is derived from the fact that we are created "Imago Dei". By virtue of this fact people have a right to be treated with justice. Treating workers unjustly is specifically condemned in Scripture (Deut 24: 14-15, James 5: 1-5). There are two great Encyclicals written regarding workers justice including: Loberm Excercens, Rerum Novarum, and the letter Centesimus Annus. These writings by the Popes do much to promote social justice and were written at times of great injustice (the industrial revolution with it's horrible working conditions and reliance on child labor, and the rise of modernism).
I am pro-labor. But I am not going to compromise my morality and Christian witness to blindly support and defend the actions of labor unions. I particularly can't stand the NEA. They are culpable for erroding our public education system. To draw an analogy, they are washing away the top soil of our public schools and have created the dust bowl of education.
JonBenet
So, there has been a lot of attention again pertaining to the JonBenet Ramsey murder case. I remember back when this all first came out in the news 10 years ago. My feelings now are the same as they were then. What the h*$% is the matter with parents who dress up their six year old to look like she's a women in her 20's? It's just creepy the way they do it, it's not right. It can't just be modeling because models are selling something. You get attractive men or women to put on new and stylish clothing and you take pictures of them. Then those pictures are put in a magazine. People read the magazine, see the pictures, think the models look nice in the clothes, or the clothes look nice on the models, then they go buy the clothes so they can look nice too. Models are used to sell make-up, cars, alcohol, furniture, jewelry, electronics... you name it. There are also legitimate child models. They are dressed up like kids and used to market kid stuff.
JonBenet and other kids like her are different. You don't see them used to market merchandise, because people are weirded out by a 6 year old that is made to look like she's 20. The only people who enjoy looking at them are their parents (usually their mothers) and perverts. There must be something missing in the mothers life to want to emmerse their little daughter in to the world of JonBenet style modeling.
I think that these parents have a disorder similar to Munchausen's Disorder or Munchausen's by Proxy. Munchausen Disorder is a psychological illness whereby a person seeks attention by making their child sick. A very famous case of this was Kathleen Bush who was paraded around by Hillary Clinton for being a devoted mother back in 1994. This disorder is of course named after the famous Baron Von Munchausen. John Neville starred in a movie adaptation of the books called The Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen.
I have a pretty harsh take on this whole JonBenet story. First, it's a horrible tragedy, what happened to JonBenet. She was a true victim of a hideous crime. An innocent life snuffed out by perversion. Second, I believe that JonBenet's parents share culpability in her death because of the type of modeling environment they had her in. Third, the person most responsible for JonBenet's death is the person who actually killed her. The killer deserves very harsh treatment by our judicial system.
JonBenet and other kids like her are different. You don't see them used to market merchandise, because people are weirded out by a 6 year old that is made to look like she's 20. The only people who enjoy looking at them are their parents (usually their mothers) and perverts. There must be something missing in the mothers life to want to emmerse their little daughter in to the world of JonBenet style modeling.
I think that these parents have a disorder similar to Munchausen's Disorder or Munchausen's by Proxy. Munchausen Disorder is a psychological illness whereby a person seeks attention by making their child sick. A very famous case of this was Kathleen Bush who was paraded around by Hillary Clinton for being a devoted mother back in 1994. This disorder is of course named after the famous Baron Von Munchausen. John Neville starred in a movie adaptation of the books called The Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen.
I have a pretty harsh take on this whole JonBenet story. First, it's a horrible tragedy, what happened to JonBenet. She was a true victim of a hideous crime. An innocent life snuffed out by perversion. Second, I believe that JonBenet's parents share culpability in her death because of the type of modeling environment they had her in. Third, the person most responsible for JonBenet's death is the person who actually killed her. The killer deserves very harsh treatment by our judicial system.
8/20/2006
Homily Joke
Got this from a priest who has a blog. He posts his homilies there (usually). This one is pretty funny. I'm going to send it to my Fire Chief. That should get me some brownie points!! Oh well, my family has never been accused of playing the corporate game... We're to smart for that!
“Welcome to Heaven,” said St. Peter. “Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we’ve never once had someone like you make it this far and we’re not really sure what to do with you.”
“No problem, just let me in” said the woman. “Well, I’d like to, but I have higher orders. What we’re going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in.”
“Actually, I think I’ve made up my mind, I prefer to stay in Heaven”, said the woman. “Sorry, we have rules...” And with that St. Peter put the executive in an elevator and down it went, straight to hell.
When the doors opened she found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a clubhouse and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow executives that she had worked with and they were all dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her. They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the clubhouse where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kinda cute even) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. She was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved good- bye as she got on the elevator. Up and up the elevator went and opened back up at the Gates of Heaven where good old St. Peter waiting for her.
“Now it’s time to spend a day in heaven,” he said. So she spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had a great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got her. “So, you’ve spent a day in hell and you’ve spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity,” he said.
The woman paused for a second and then replied, “Well, I never thought I’d say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell.” So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again down she went, straight back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her.
“I don’t understand,” stammered the woman, “yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a clubhouse and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable.”
The Devil looked at her and smiled. “Yesterday we were recruiting you, today.....you’re staff.
“Welcome to Heaven,” said St. Peter. “Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we’ve never once had someone like you make it this far and we’re not really sure what to do with you.”
“No problem, just let me in” said the woman. “Well, I’d like to, but I have higher orders. What we’re going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in.”
“Actually, I think I’ve made up my mind, I prefer to stay in Heaven”, said the woman. “Sorry, we have rules...” And with that St. Peter put the executive in an elevator and down it went, straight to hell.
When the doors opened she found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a clubhouse and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow executives that she had worked with and they were all dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her. They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the clubhouse where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kinda cute even) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. She was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved good- bye as she got on the elevator. Up and up the elevator went and opened back up at the Gates of Heaven where good old St. Peter waiting for her.
“Now it’s time to spend a day in heaven,” he said. So she spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had a great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got her. “So, you’ve spent a day in hell and you’ve spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity,” he said.
The woman paused for a second and then replied, “Well, I never thought I’d say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell.” So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again down she went, straight back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her.
“I don’t understand,” stammered the woman, “yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a clubhouse and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable.”
The Devil looked at her and smiled. “Yesterday we were recruiting you, today.....you’re staff.
8/19/2006
Seahawk 2006 team preview - wideouts
This years wide receivers are hard to figure out. There is potential for them to be very good. There is also the potential for them to be a great weakness. There were lots of injuries last year and the glue that held them together (besides Hasselbeck) was Jurevicius who is now gone to Cleveland. This years two starters are the same as last years.
WR1- Darrell Jackson 6'0" #200
D-Jack was hurt last year only starting 6 games. He had offseason knee surgery and won't play in pre-season until late August. When he's healthy he's very good. He runs well after the catch and is able to get good separation. He lacks the speed to make him a deep threat or the size to make him a good target over the middle.
WR2- Bobby Engram 5'10" #188
Engram is the small posession receiver that teams like to have. He's tough and will go over the middle. Last year he was hurt (broken ribs) during the Redskins loss in game 4. He finished the game and then was in and out of the line-up the rest of the year. Very dependable but starting to get a little old.
WR3- Nate Burleson 6'0" #192
Burleson was a free agent acquision after the loss of Jurevicius. I loved Jurevicius and only hope that Burleson can provide the leadership and example the Joe provided last year when the receiver corps was depleted by injury. Burleson is supposed to be the speed guy that stretches the defense. He was injured last season but put up good numbers prior to the injury for the Vikings. He's a hometown boy and a graduate of O'Dea High School.
Backups-
Peter Warrick 5'11" #195 - starting his second year with the Hawks. Heisman Trophy winner with Florida State six years ago. Has all the tools to be an NFL great. But hasn't done it on the field yet. Will he finally break out with the Hawks.....? I sure hope so!
D.J.Hackett 6'2" #199 - Had some nice catches last year. Has filled the role of the "speed" receiver, but only gets maybe 1-2 catches a game. The D doesn't stand for dependable. Has an injured hamstring and isn't traveling with the team to Indy for the pre-season game.
Taco Wallace 6'1" #190 - I included him here because he has a cool name. Not someone to be excited about on the field however. Probably will be covering kickoffs and punts.
Tight End- Jeramy Stevens 6'7" #260
Stevens was much improved last year and turned in to someone for defenses to plan against. Big target over the middle with dependable hands (except in the Superbowl) he seems to be injury prone and is now out 6 weeks with a torn cartlidge in his knee. Had a history of personal problems in college (Washington). Another hometowner (Tacoma).
Iutla Mili 6'4" #260
hurt last year but a dependable receiver and a better blocker than Stevens.
Will Heller 6'6" #265
brought in from Tampa to be a third string player. Not much excitement out of him in Tampa his first 4 seasons.
It's a good thing that our running game dominates. That makes our receivers better than they really are. If they play up to their potential, escpecially Warrick and Jackson, and avoid injuries they could be a big surprise to the rest of the NFL.
overall B-
WR1- Darrell Jackson 6'0" #200
D-Jack was hurt last year only starting 6 games. He had offseason knee surgery and won't play in pre-season until late August. When he's healthy he's very good. He runs well after the catch and is able to get good separation. He lacks the speed to make him a deep threat or the size to make him a good target over the middle.
WR2- Bobby Engram 5'10" #188
Engram is the small posession receiver that teams like to have. He's tough and will go over the middle. Last year he was hurt (broken ribs) during the Redskins loss in game 4. He finished the game and then was in and out of the line-up the rest of the year. Very dependable but starting to get a little old.
WR3- Nate Burleson 6'0" #192
Burleson was a free agent acquision after the loss of Jurevicius. I loved Jurevicius and only hope that Burleson can provide the leadership and example the Joe provided last year when the receiver corps was depleted by injury. Burleson is supposed to be the speed guy that stretches the defense. He was injured last season but put up good numbers prior to the injury for the Vikings. He's a hometown boy and a graduate of O'Dea High School.
Backups-
Peter Warrick 5'11" #195 - starting his second year with the Hawks. Heisman Trophy winner with Florida State six years ago. Has all the tools to be an NFL great. But hasn't done it on the field yet. Will he finally break out with the Hawks.....? I sure hope so!
D.J.Hackett 6'2" #199 - Had some nice catches last year. Has filled the role of the "speed" receiver, but only gets maybe 1-2 catches a game. The D doesn't stand for dependable. Has an injured hamstring and isn't traveling with the team to Indy for the pre-season game.
Taco Wallace 6'1" #190 - I included him here because he has a cool name. Not someone to be excited about on the field however. Probably will be covering kickoffs and punts.
Tight End- Jeramy Stevens 6'7" #260
Stevens was much improved last year and turned in to someone for defenses to plan against. Big target over the middle with dependable hands (except in the Superbowl) he seems to be injury prone and is now out 6 weeks with a torn cartlidge in his knee. Had a history of personal problems in college (Washington). Another hometowner (Tacoma).
Iutla Mili 6'4" #260
hurt last year but a dependable receiver and a better blocker than Stevens.
Will Heller 6'6" #265
brought in from Tampa to be a third string player. Not much excitement out of him in Tampa his first 4 seasons.
It's a good thing that our running game dominates. That makes our receivers better than they really are. If they play up to their potential, escpecially Warrick and Jackson, and avoid injuries they could be a big surprise to the rest of the NFL.
overall B-
8/17/2006
Way to go France!!??
Those French!!!
If France was a football player they'd be the 2nd string punter.
(I know who that is in the photo, it's just the closest I could get to a chicken all talk and no action Frenchman)
Lower Than Whale Dung
This guy has the same job that I had in the Navy. Looks like he hates his country though. What should they do with him? I can think of a few things I'd like to do. I don't want to have to go to confession however.
Respond or Not II
Well, I have lost the pamphlet so perhaps my course of action has been decided for me. It's just as well, I've had discussions with fundamentalist Christians before and they just aren't very reasonable. Their knowledge of Scripture and Christian history is also very limited. To paint them with a wide brush, they proclaim that Scripture is literal and the truths of Scripture are plainly evident for a person who reads it with a sincere desire to understand the truth. The problem is, they don't adhere to their own belief when it contradicts their tradition. As I said however, I'm generalizing and lumping a group of people together and all are not exactly the same. There are exceptions to the generalized observations that follow but, they are just exceptions and not the rule. One of the differences between Catholic Christians and Fundamentalist Christians is in how they view eachother.
Fundamentalists view the Catholic Church as a non Christian cult that practices necromancy, sorcery, and the worship of false gods. Catholics are not Christian and are therefore condemned to hell. They are in need of salvation and are targeted for conversion. The Catholic Church is an enemy of the Gospel because of her perversion of the Gospel message. The reluctance or failure of Catholics to leave the Church after a fundamentalist presents the Gospel to them is only evidence of the power of the Catholic cult. When that rare Catholic is found who can explain Catholic teaching with logic and reason while using Scripture, it only reinforces how powerful and twisted the Church is and how much control she has over her members. These are all things I have experienced first hand in discussions with fundamentalists.
Catholics view fundamentalists in a different light. As fundamentalism is a new tradition (only about 150-200 years old), that has no central authority, there is not one single view of them. As with all Christian churches that profess the Trinity and Baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, fundamentalists are considered to be part of the Catholic Church. Being imperfectly united with the Church, there are certain obstacles in their realationship with God and His grace. Just as there are obstacles for Catholics who are within the visible Church yet through ignorance or obstinance, deny thruths of the faith.
The irony I find here is in the dogmatic judgement of the two traditions. The Church is accused of being controlling and rigid, supposedly denying the necessity of having a personal relationship with Jesus while teaching a salvation by works theology. Yet this controlling and rigid Church recognizes the Christianity and membership of the fundamentalists in the Body of Christ while the opposite doesn't hold true.
An example of how fundamentalists aren't faithful to their own theological beliefs and Scriptural exegesis is in their view of creation as compared to their view of communion. Remember that fundamentalists profess that Scripture is to be interpreted literally.
Fundamentalists hold that God created everything in six literal 24 hour days with one 24 hour day of rest around 6,000 years ago, give or take a thousand years or so. This view is maintained in the face of enormous scientific (anthropological, archeological, astrological, and geological) evidence that points to a different time frame. Fundamentalists arrive at this belief because they interpret the creation story in Genesis very literally. The literal interpretation of Scripture trumps all physical evidence.
Fundamentalists hold that the bread and wine used in communion, or the celebration of the Lords Supper, are just bread and wine and are only symbols of Jesus' Body and Blood. (NOTE: they don't use wine because in their tradition consuming alcohol is a sin. Therefore, even though Scripture refers to wine being consumed by Jesus at the last supper, it was really just non alcoholic grape juice despite what is literally written). They hold this symbolic belief despite the very literal words ("...this is my body...") of Jesus regarding the bread and wine used at the passover meal that was the Last Supper. And despite the very literal words of Jesus during the Bread of Life discourse (John 6). Their justification for not following the literal words of Scripture? Because the enormous physical (scientific) evidence that the bread and wine continue to have the appearance of bread and wine. What happened to the literal interpretion of Scripture?
I've had this discussion with fundamentalist friends. They get very agitated and do everything possible to keep from having to justify their position. They try to change the subject to something they have a couple of memorized "proof texts" for, like... how us Catholics worship Mary, or how we are wrong to believe in justification by "works" and not faith. When you explain the actual teaching of those things they believe you are trying to trick them and that you aren't telling the truth about what the Church teaches. They don't acknowledge that they must have been misinformed about what the Catholic Church professes.
Fundamentalists view the Catholic Church as a non Christian cult that practices necromancy, sorcery, and the worship of false gods. Catholics are not Christian and are therefore condemned to hell. They are in need of salvation and are targeted for conversion. The Catholic Church is an enemy of the Gospel because of her perversion of the Gospel message. The reluctance or failure of Catholics to leave the Church after a fundamentalist presents the Gospel to them is only evidence of the power of the Catholic cult. When that rare Catholic is found who can explain Catholic teaching with logic and reason while using Scripture, it only reinforces how powerful and twisted the Church is and how much control she has over her members. These are all things I have experienced first hand in discussions with fundamentalists.
Catholics view fundamentalists in a different light. As fundamentalism is a new tradition (only about 150-200 years old), that has no central authority, there is not one single view of them. As with all Christian churches that profess the Trinity and Baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, fundamentalists are considered to be part of the Catholic Church. Being imperfectly united with the Church, there are certain obstacles in their realationship with God and His grace. Just as there are obstacles for Catholics who are within the visible Church yet through ignorance or obstinance, deny thruths of the faith.
The irony I find here is in the dogmatic judgement of the two traditions. The Church is accused of being controlling and rigid, supposedly denying the necessity of having a personal relationship with Jesus while teaching a salvation by works theology. Yet this controlling and rigid Church recognizes the Christianity and membership of the fundamentalists in the Body of Christ while the opposite doesn't hold true.
An example of how fundamentalists aren't faithful to their own theological beliefs and Scriptural exegesis is in their view of creation as compared to their view of communion. Remember that fundamentalists profess that Scripture is to be interpreted literally.
Fundamentalists hold that God created everything in six literal 24 hour days with one 24 hour day of rest around 6,000 years ago, give or take a thousand years or so. This view is maintained in the face of enormous scientific (anthropological, archeological, astrological, and geological) evidence that points to a different time frame. Fundamentalists arrive at this belief because they interpret the creation story in Genesis very literally. The literal interpretation of Scripture trumps all physical evidence.
Fundamentalists hold that the bread and wine used in communion, or the celebration of the Lords Supper, are just bread and wine and are only symbols of Jesus' Body and Blood. (NOTE: they don't use wine because in their tradition consuming alcohol is a sin. Therefore, even though Scripture refers to wine being consumed by Jesus at the last supper, it was really just non alcoholic grape juice despite what is literally written). They hold this symbolic belief despite the very literal words ("...this is my body...") of Jesus regarding the bread and wine used at the passover meal that was the Last Supper. And despite the very literal words of Jesus during the Bread of Life discourse (John 6). Their justification for not following the literal words of Scripture? Because the enormous physical (scientific) evidence that the bread and wine continue to have the appearance of bread and wine. What happened to the literal interpretion of Scripture?
I've had this discussion with fundamentalist friends. They get very agitated and do everything possible to keep from having to justify their position. They try to change the subject to something they have a couple of memorized "proof texts" for, like... how us Catholics worship Mary, or how we are wrong to believe in justification by "works" and not faith. When you explain the actual teaching of those things they believe you are trying to trick them and that you aren't telling the truth about what the Church teaches. They don't acknowledge that they must have been misinformed about what the Catholic Church professes.
8/16/2006
Seahawk 2006 team preview
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
I'm starting a series on the Seahawks getting ready for the 2006 campaign. I went to the first pre-season game against the Redskins and I wasn't impressed by what I saw. It's only pre-season but... when your #1 draft pick can't cover 2nd and 3rd string receivers with 2nd and 3rd string quarterbacks throwing to them, you may have problems.
I'll focus on different positions each post. This post will focus on the offensive line.
2005 saw the Hawks with the best offensive line in football with three members being selected to the pro-bowl. One of those guys (Steve Hutchinson) went to the Vikings in the offseason, other than that our line should be a bright spot again this season. Here are this seasons starters.
Left Tackle - Walter Jones -
Six time pro-bowler and regarded as the best left tackle in football. For the second straight year Jones has been in training camp since the first day. Expected to have another standout year. Measures out at 6'5" #315
Back-up (Tom Ashworth) acquired from New England as an unrestricted free agent in '06. Ashworth is a four year veteran and would probably start on half of the NFL teams. Measures out at 6'6" #305.
Left Guard - Floyd Womack -
Five year NFL veteran and has been in and out of the starting line-up over his career. He replaces all pro Steve Hutchinson. This will be a downgrade over last year but, Womack has much experience with this line and the scheme. Nicknamed "Pork Chop" he measures out at 6'4" and weighs #330. back-up (Tom Ashworth again) (third string William Henry) Henry is a free agent acquisition with one year experience. He has started in no games and also has experience at center. Measures out at 6'4" #295.
Center - Robbie Tobeck -
A 14 year NFL veteran and the reserve pro-bowler for the NFC in last years pro-bowl. Robbie is rock solid, and is probably starting to be "long in the tooth" but for a center, wisdom and experience are more important than youth. Measures out at 6'4" #297
back-up (Chris Spencer) the number one draft pick from last years draft. Has all the physical tools for the job but probably needs a little more time before he's ready to make all the offensive line calls. Measures out at 6'3" #309
Right Guard - Chris Gray
Another 14 year veteran, Gray is probably in the last year of starting every game. Has been a solid performer for the Seahawks. Measures out at 6'3" #308
back-up (Tom Ashworth) again...
Right Tackle - Sean Locklear
Third year player from the '04 draft. Sean is emerging as one of the NFL's best right tackles. Unfairly Sean will forever be remembered for the Superbowl holding call that resulted in the Jeramy Stevens reception on the one yard line being called back. The Hawks were down by four points at this stage of the game and were on a good drive. The sad thing is that the player he held was shown to have been offsides at the snap because he started his rush a little early. Sean got called for holding because the blitzing Pittsburgh player had a head start. ANOTHER BAD CALL BY THE REFS. This one, I think, cost us the game. Measures out at 6'4" #301
back-up (Tom Ashworth) again...
There are some 3rd and 4th stringers I didn't profile.
Overall grade A-
Even with the departure of Hutchinson the line should be great. They have at least three years experience working together across the board. Look for some huge holes getting ripped in defensive lines and look for Matt having lots of time to throw the ball. One of last years highlights was the blocking ability of the tight ends. The did great at sealing off the ends on many of Sean's big runs. I will profile the tight ends with the receivers.
8/14/2006
Respond or Not?
I took three hours off from work on Sunday so that I could go to 11:00 Mass. I was scheduled to be the MC (master of ceremonies) so I needed to be there by 10:30. The MC acts as the primary assistant to the Priest when there is no Deacon present. As MC, I ensure that the other altar servers (boys between the ages of 9-18) do their assignments properly. I set the Altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist (communion) and clean it after the consecration. This Sunday we had a wonderful visiting Priest who is a missionary in Tanzania.
After Mass I returned to my car so that I could get back to work. My car had a flyer under the windshield. The flyer was about being "born again". The gist of it was that to be born again you had to "accept Jesus in your heart as your personal Lord and Savior". I agree with this, but what it means, and what it means to the writer of this pamphlet is not exactly the same. There were several Bible verses that, I guess, were supposed to prove the theology of what the pamphlet proposed. The short story is that Catholics aren't saved but if we recite the sinners prayer that was provided in the pamphlet, we surely would be... forever!!
Now, I have some theological differences with all Christians who aren't Catholic. I have more theological commonness than differences with them however. I have no problem discussing these differences with them. And I enjoy discussing our commonality even more. They are often surprised at how much we agree on. I think this is because there are many untruths told to people about Catholic teaching due to ingnorance and sometimes, unfortunately, out of bigotry.
I would never go to some other Christian's church who follows a different tradition than me, and pamphlet their cars. Espescially while they were inside celebrating Jesus. I would never go to a synagogue during their service and pamphlet their cars explaining how they should embrace Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. I believe in evangelizing. But it needs to be in the proper time and place. It is imprudent, demeaning, cowardly, and ignorant to do what these pamphleteers did, IMHO.
I guess these guys (the pamphleteers) just have a corner on the truth. Must be nice to be infallible. Oh wait, no one's infallible... no wait... it's just that AntiChrist the Pope who isn't infallible, the pastor of the local church of the Gospel Truth founded in 1998 is infallible because he teaches that the Whore of Babylon is the Catholic Church and that the bread and grape juice at communion are just symbols of the body and blood of Christ, (uuuhhhhhh [BIG BREATH]) and that the world was created in six 24 hour days with a day of rest just like it says in Genesis because the Bible is literally true. Ummmmm.... why isn't the bread and wine at communion really the body and blood of Christ if the Bible is literally true??? Hold it... why did God wait until 1998 to get the word out infallibly..?
So... Do I write to the P.O. box that was on the pamphlet? Is it worth it? Where would I begin?
After Mass I returned to my car so that I could get back to work. My car had a flyer under the windshield. The flyer was about being "born again". The gist of it was that to be born again you had to "accept Jesus in your heart as your personal Lord and Savior". I agree with this, but what it means, and what it means to the writer of this pamphlet is not exactly the same. There were several Bible verses that, I guess, were supposed to prove the theology of what the pamphlet proposed. The short story is that Catholics aren't saved but if we recite the sinners prayer that was provided in the pamphlet, we surely would be... forever!!
Now, I have some theological differences with all Christians who aren't Catholic. I have more theological commonness than differences with them however. I have no problem discussing these differences with them. And I enjoy discussing our commonality even more. They are often surprised at how much we agree on. I think this is because there are many untruths told to people about Catholic teaching due to ingnorance and sometimes, unfortunately, out of bigotry.
I would never go to some other Christian's church who follows a different tradition than me, and pamphlet their cars. Espescially while they were inside celebrating Jesus. I would never go to a synagogue during their service and pamphlet their cars explaining how they should embrace Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. I believe in evangelizing. But it needs to be in the proper time and place. It is imprudent, demeaning, cowardly, and ignorant to do what these pamphleteers did, IMHO.
I guess these guys (the pamphleteers) just have a corner on the truth. Must be nice to be infallible. Oh wait, no one's infallible... no wait... it's just that AntiChrist the Pope who isn't infallible, the pastor of the local church of the Gospel Truth founded in 1998 is infallible because he teaches that the Whore of Babylon is the Catholic Church and that the bread and grape juice at communion are just symbols of the body and blood of Christ, (uuuhhhhhh [BIG BREATH]) and that the world was created in six 24 hour days with a day of rest just like it says in Genesis because the Bible is literally true. Ummmmm.... why isn't the bread and wine at communion really the body and blood of Christ if the Bible is literally true??? Hold it... why did God wait until 1998 to get the word out infallibly..?
So... Do I write to the P.O. box that was on the pamphlet? Is it worth it? Where would I begin?
8/09/2006
Mike Wallace
I was browsing the news and came across this short report regarding Mike Wallace and the Iranian president. I wonder if Mr. Wallace would have been impressed with Hitler, Stalin, or Pol Pot?
8/02/2006
prayers
To all who read this, I have a mission for you. My good friend and his family are engaged in a life or death struggle with cancer. Their 14 month old daughter has a rare form of liver cancer that is already in stage 4. She is very sick and needs answered prayers if she is to win this fight. There is a website where you can keep up to date on her story here.
7/26/2006
Irish Monks
In an incredible find, a 1000 year old psalm book has been uncovered in an Irish bog. Catholic monks in Ireland devoted their lives to copying Scripture and are credited with helping to preserve the faith over the centuries through their efforts. The book was reported to be opened to psalm 83. Here is psalm 83, very interesting. Is Someone trying to tell us something...?
Psa 83:1[[Vulgatte 82:1] canticum psalmi Asaph [Vulgate 82:2] Deus ne taceas ne sileas et non quiescas Deus
Psa 83:2[[Vulgatte 82:3] quia ecce inimici tui tumultuati sunt et qui oderunt te levaverunt caput
Psa 83:3[[Vulgatte 82:4] contra populum tuum nequiter tractaverunt et inierunt consilium adversum arcanum tuum
Psa 83:4[[Vulgatte 82:5] dixerunt venite et conteramus eos de gente et non sit memoria nominis Israhel ultra
Psa 83:5[[Vulgatte 82:6] quoniam tractaverunt pariter contra te foedus pepigerunt
Psa 83:6[[Vulgatte 82:7] tabernacula Idumeae et Ismahelitarum Moab et Aggareni
Psa 83:7[[Vulgatte 82:8] Gebal et Ammon et Amalech Palestina cum habitatoribus Tyri
Psa 83:8[[Vulgatte 82:9] sed et Assur venit cum eis facti sunt brachium filiorum Loth semper
Psa 83:9[[Vulgatte 82:10] fac illis sicut Madian et Sisarae sicut Iabin in torrente Cison
Psa 83:10[[Vulgatte 82:11] contriti sunt in Aendor fuerunt quasi sterquilinium terrae
Psa 83:11[[Vulgatte 82:12] pone duces eorum sicut Oreb et Zeb et Zebee et Salmana omnes principes eorum
Psa 83:12[[Vulgatte 82:13] qui dixerunt possideamus nobis pulchritudinem Dei
Psa 83:13[[Vulgatte 82:14] Deus meus pone eos ut rotam quasi stipulam ante faciem venti
Psa 83:14[[Vulgatte 82:15] quomodo ignis conburit silvam et sicut flamma devorat montes
Psa 83:15[[Vulgatte 82:16] sic persequere eos in tempestate tua et in turbine tuo conturba eos
Psa 83:16[[Vulgatte 82:17] imple facies eorum ignominia et quaerent nomen tuum Domine
Psa 83:17[[Vulgatte 82:18] confundantur et conturbentur usque in saeculum et erubescant et pereant
Psa 83:18[[Vulgatte 82:19] et sciant quia nomen tuum est Dominus solus tu Excelsus super omnem terram
That's how it appears in the archeological discovery anyway, here is an English language translation:
Psa 83:1 A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, do not keep silence; do not hold thy peace or be still, O God!
Psa 83:2 For lo, thy enemies are in tumult; those who hate thee have raised their heads.
Psa 83:3 They lay crafty plans against thy people; they consult together against thy protected ones.
Psa 83:4 They say, "Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!"
Psa 83:5 Yea, they conspire with one accord; against thee they make a covenant--
Psa 83:6 the tents of Edom and the Ish'maelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
Psa83:7 Gebal and Ammon and Am'alek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
Psa 83:8 Assyria also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. [Selah]
Psa 83:9 Do to them as thou didst to Mid'ian, as to Sis'era and Jabin at the river Kishon,
Psa 83:10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.
Psa 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmun'na,
Psa 83:12 who said, "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God."
Psa 83:13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
Psa 83:14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
Psa 83:15 so do thou pursue them with thy tempest and terrify them with thy hurricane!
Psa 83:16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
Psa 83:17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; let them perish in disgrace.
Psa 83:18 Let them know that thou alone, whose name is the LORD, art the Most High over all the earth.
One question I have however. They said it was opened to Psalm 83 and then described what in the days that manuscript was written, and in the Vulgate, would have been Psalm 82. Was the Psalm number given in referance to the written content of the page, or was the subject of the Psalm reported based on what is currently known as Psalm 83? The 83rd Psalm in those days would have been what we currently know as the 84th Psalm which is about trusting in and following the Lord.
Psa 83:1[[Vulgatte 82:1] canticum psalmi Asaph [Vulgate 82:2] Deus ne taceas ne sileas et non quiescas Deus
Psa 83:2[[Vulgatte 82:3] quia ecce inimici tui tumultuati sunt et qui oderunt te levaverunt caput
Psa 83:3[[Vulgatte 82:4] contra populum tuum nequiter tractaverunt et inierunt consilium adversum arcanum tuum
Psa 83:4[[Vulgatte 82:5] dixerunt venite et conteramus eos de gente et non sit memoria nominis Israhel ultra
Psa 83:5[[Vulgatte 82:6] quoniam tractaverunt pariter contra te foedus pepigerunt
Psa 83:6[[Vulgatte 82:7] tabernacula Idumeae et Ismahelitarum Moab et Aggareni
Psa 83:7[[Vulgatte 82:8] Gebal et Ammon et Amalech Palestina cum habitatoribus Tyri
Psa 83:8[[Vulgatte 82:9] sed et Assur venit cum eis facti sunt brachium filiorum Loth semper
Psa 83:9[[Vulgatte 82:10] fac illis sicut Madian et Sisarae sicut Iabin in torrente Cison
Psa 83:10[[Vulgatte 82:11] contriti sunt in Aendor fuerunt quasi sterquilinium terrae
Psa 83:11[[Vulgatte 82:12] pone duces eorum sicut Oreb et Zeb et Zebee et Salmana omnes principes eorum
Psa 83:12[[Vulgatte 82:13] qui dixerunt possideamus nobis pulchritudinem Dei
Psa 83:13[[Vulgatte 82:14] Deus meus pone eos ut rotam quasi stipulam ante faciem venti
Psa 83:14[[Vulgatte 82:15] quomodo ignis conburit silvam et sicut flamma devorat montes
Psa 83:15[[Vulgatte 82:16] sic persequere eos in tempestate tua et in turbine tuo conturba eos
Psa 83:16[[Vulgatte 82:17] imple facies eorum ignominia et quaerent nomen tuum Domine
Psa 83:17[[Vulgatte 82:18] confundantur et conturbentur usque in saeculum et erubescant et pereant
Psa 83:18[[Vulgatte 82:19] et sciant quia nomen tuum est Dominus solus tu Excelsus super omnem terram
That's how it appears in the archeological discovery anyway, here is an English language translation:
Psa 83:1 A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, do not keep silence; do not hold thy peace or be still, O God!
Psa 83:2 For lo, thy enemies are in tumult; those who hate thee have raised their heads.
Psa 83:3 They lay crafty plans against thy people; they consult together against thy protected ones.
Psa 83:4 They say, "Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!"
Psa 83:5 Yea, they conspire with one accord; against thee they make a covenant--
Psa 83:6 the tents of Edom and the Ish'maelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
Psa83:7 Gebal and Ammon and Am'alek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
Psa 83:8 Assyria also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. [Selah]
Psa 83:9 Do to them as thou didst to Mid'ian, as to Sis'era and Jabin at the river Kishon,
Psa 83:10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.
Psa 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmun'na,
Psa 83:12 who said, "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God."
Psa 83:13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
Psa 83:14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
Psa 83:15 so do thou pursue them with thy tempest and terrify them with thy hurricane!
Psa 83:16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
Psa 83:17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; let them perish in disgrace.
Psa 83:18 Let them know that thou alone, whose name is the LORD, art the Most High over all the earth.
One question I have however. They said it was opened to Psalm 83 and then described what in the days that manuscript was written, and in the Vulgate, would have been Psalm 82. Was the Psalm number given in referance to the written content of the page, or was the subject of the Psalm reported based on what is currently known as Psalm 83? The 83rd Psalm in those days would have been what we currently know as the 84th Psalm which is about trusting in and following the Lord.
Gay Agenda Defeated
In a narrow decision, the Washington State Supreme Court struck a blow to same sex "marriage" activists and struck down a King County superior court decision which had declared the 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, (DOMA) to be unconstitutional.
It was by no means a strong refutation of gay activists and their attempt to destroy the family by attacking marriage, but it was defeat for the gay lobby non the less. It's funny how the people who cry loudest that "you can't legislate morality" are the ones who try the hardest to legislate immorality. Any way you slice it, their philosophy is devoid of reason.
It was by no means a strong refutation of gay activists and their attempt to destroy the family by attacking marriage, but it was defeat for the gay lobby non the less. It's funny how the people who cry loudest that "you can't legislate morality" are the ones who try the hardest to legislate immorality. Any way you slice it, their philosophy is devoid of reason.
7/25/2006
Seahawks
Training Camp Opens in just four days!!!
I feel really good about this season. With the addition of Julian Peterson at outside linebacker and the return of Ken Hamlin at free safety our defense should be improved over last years. Considering that it took the defense about 1/3 of the season before it really came together under the field leadership of Lofa Tatupu it may actually be much better. Who knows, we may be turning some heads this year with our defensive play. We were tied for the league lead in sacks and we have all the main pieces returning.
Offense may be slightly worse at running the ball with the departure of Hutch and with Alexander having a big fat contract all wrapped up. Our passing game could also suffer with the loss of Juravicius. Maybe Nate Burleson will tear it up though... who knows. Our receiver corps was pretty banged up all last year and we did ok though so maybe it will actually be improved this year.
GO HAWKS!!!
7/24/2006
A year of storms and darkness
I'd like to take this opportunity to address the reality of suffering, death, hardship, and grief.
So far this year has been filled with more than it's share of those things for me. I founded a fire department honor guard and color guard about 5 years ago, so I get called periodically to to perform at funerals and memorial services for fallen firefighters. The year started with the line of duty death of a firefighter from Ocean Shores. His brother also happens to be a firefighter in my local group so my honor guard was part of his memorial service. I even got to do a reading at the memorial. Then a longtime local firefighter who worked for the Federal Fire Department on the Navy base and used to volunteer at the department where I work, died from a cancer caused by exposure to work related contaminates. My honor guard provided services at his memorial also. And again, I did a reading. Just two weeks ago we provided a color guard for a firefighter in Port Angeles who died in a plane wreck off duty. The first two guys both had young children and the third had just put in his retirement papers.
A former co-worker just died unexpectedly two weeks ago and was found by his teenage son. A family member's Mom is very ill with Cancer and appears to be near her time to pass from this life and enter in to eternal glory with Christ our Savior. And distressingly, my good friend and brother firefighter's 14 month old daughter was just diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and began aggressive chemotherapy over the weekend.
It gives me pause and causes me to reflect on end of life issues, suffering, the pertinance of faith and so on...
I like this prayer from the book "Arise from Darkness" written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. Fr. Groeschel is a Dr. of Psychologly as well as being a Fransiscan Monk and was a close colaberater of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her missionary activities in New York.
The following is the prayer written at the end of Chapter 6: When Death Robs Us
O Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that death may not be my enemy, that I may not fear it in an unseemly way for a Christian, that I may not run from death, so that when death comes and takes those dear to me, I may welcome their release from this valley of tears although I am myself deeply moved and even deprived by their departure from this world. Let me know that death reminds each of us of the infinite reality of life with you. Let me see all things in the perspective of death and everlasting life. And let me not be filled with grief either at the anticipation of my own death or the experience of the death of those dear to me. Rather, strengthen my faith, that in the midst of this changing world I may always come closer to you, who never change and who await me and those dear to me together with the Father and the Son in life everlasting. Amen.
So far this year has been filled with more than it's share of those things for me. I founded a fire department honor guard and color guard about 5 years ago, so I get called periodically to to perform at funerals and memorial services for fallen firefighters. The year started with the line of duty death of a firefighter from Ocean Shores. His brother also happens to be a firefighter in my local group so my honor guard was part of his memorial service. I even got to do a reading at the memorial. Then a longtime local firefighter who worked for the Federal Fire Department on the Navy base and used to volunteer at the department where I work, died from a cancer caused by exposure to work related contaminates. My honor guard provided services at his memorial also. And again, I did a reading. Just two weeks ago we provided a color guard for a firefighter in Port Angeles who died in a plane wreck off duty. The first two guys both had young children and the third had just put in his retirement papers.
A former co-worker just died unexpectedly two weeks ago and was found by his teenage son. A family member's Mom is very ill with Cancer and appears to be near her time to pass from this life and enter in to eternal glory with Christ our Savior. And distressingly, my good friend and brother firefighter's 14 month old daughter was just diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and began aggressive chemotherapy over the weekend.
It gives me pause and causes me to reflect on end of life issues, suffering, the pertinance of faith and so on...
I like this prayer from the book "Arise from Darkness" written by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. Fr. Groeschel is a Dr. of Psychologly as well as being a Fransiscan Monk and was a close colaberater of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her missionary activities in New York.
The following is the prayer written at the end of Chapter 6: When Death Robs Us
O Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that death may not be my enemy, that I may not fear it in an unseemly way for a Christian, that I may not run from death, so that when death comes and takes those dear to me, I may welcome their release from this valley of tears although I am myself deeply moved and even deprived by their departure from this world. Let me know that death reminds each of us of the infinite reality of life with you. Let me see all things in the perspective of death and everlasting life. And let me not be filled with grief either at the anticipation of my own death or the experience of the death of those dear to me. Rather, strengthen my faith, that in the midst of this changing world I may always come closer to you, who never change and who await me and those dear to me together with the Father and the Son in life everlasting. Amen.
Long time no blog
I've been real busy lately and haven't made an entry in 7 days. I understand the feds were so concerned they nearly halted all internet information transfers until I could be located. What's that? Oh, the world didn't stop becuase I wasn't polluting it with my "wisdom".
I went up to Anacortes over the weekend to attend a friends wedding. Now, if you've never been to Anacortes you need to schedule a trip. It's a wonderful town with an interesting history. I graduated from Anacortes High School after moving there in the summer between the tenth and eleventh grade. I always remembered that the name Anacortes came from the daughter of Hernando Cortez who was named Anna. Sounds nice but in researching prior to doing this post I discovered that I am an idiot and that the Hernando Cortez angle is an urban legend. For the real history of Anacortes click here.
The Church in Anacortes in my memory was rather modern (this memory is from '85-'87). I can't remember specifics though, probably because we didn't go to Mass every Sunday or Holy Day when I was in High School. But you've all been to those modern looking 70's and 80's churches with no soul. It's almost as if they did everything in their power to make the church as generic as possible. Maybe they were hoping people wouldn't recognize it as a Catholic church and go there by mistake. Those two decades seemed to focus a lot on appearance and emotion and little on substance and faith.
What a glorious surprise when I walked in vestibule at St. Mary's in Anacortes for the wedding. They had just finished a renovation in 2003 and had lots of beautiful statues, icons, paintings and paint schemes. A giant holy water basin right at the entrance to the narthex where Baptism could be done either by emersion or pouring. The Tabernacle and the sanctuary were beautiful. The tabernacle itself was done so as to resemble a Bynzantine triptych.
I applaud the renovation team and hope that all parishes in the Seattle Archdiocese follow suit when they renovate.
I actually got to meet a blogger from another blog that I look at sometimes. I must have come off as some type of stalker when I initially said hi. There was another blogger there who is a seminarian with Seattle's Archdiocese but he left before I could say hi.
I was a beautiful wedding and I will post later on something from the program that I thought was very nice.
Stay Cool
Pyro
I went up to Anacortes over the weekend to attend a friends wedding. Now, if you've never been to Anacortes you need to schedule a trip. It's a wonderful town with an interesting history. I graduated from Anacortes High School after moving there in the summer between the tenth and eleventh grade. I always remembered that the name Anacortes came from the daughter of Hernando Cortez who was named Anna. Sounds nice but in researching prior to doing this post I discovered that I am an idiot and that the Hernando Cortez angle is an urban legend. For the real history of Anacortes click here.
The Church in Anacortes in my memory was rather modern (this memory is from '85-'87). I can't remember specifics though, probably because we didn't go to Mass every Sunday or Holy Day when I was in High School. But you've all been to those modern looking 70's and 80's churches with no soul. It's almost as if they did everything in their power to make the church as generic as possible. Maybe they were hoping people wouldn't recognize it as a Catholic church and go there by mistake. Those two decades seemed to focus a lot on appearance and emotion and little on substance and faith.
What a glorious surprise when I walked in vestibule at St. Mary's in Anacortes for the wedding. They had just finished a renovation in 2003 and had lots of beautiful statues, icons, paintings and paint schemes. A giant holy water basin right at the entrance to the narthex where Baptism could be done either by emersion or pouring. The Tabernacle and the sanctuary were beautiful. The tabernacle itself was done so as to resemble a Bynzantine triptych.
I applaud the renovation team and hope that all parishes in the Seattle Archdiocese follow suit when they renovate.
I actually got to meet a blogger from another blog that I look at sometimes. I must have come off as some type of stalker when I initially said hi. There was another blogger there who is a seminarian with Seattle's Archdiocese but he left before I could say hi.
I was a beautiful wedding and I will post later on something from the program that I thought was very nice.
Stay Cool
Pyro
7/17/2006
John Paul II
7/16/2006
7/14/2006
Rising Awareness?
This writer seems to understand the problem. Similar statements have been made by the last two Popes. Pope Benedict XVI is picking up the pace and frankness of this call to the faith in Europe.
Pyro
Pyro
7/11/2006
Aquinas on Marriage?
Found this interesting defense of marriage at this blog. It's modeled after St. Thomas Aquinas' writings.
Retaliation?
It's ok, they're just getting even.
What do islamic militants and the Western liberals have in common? It's always someone elses fault, usually your own.
I guess it's a matter of perspective if you're the oppressor getting what you deserve or a helpless victim who needs government assistance and can't be blamed for anything.
Pyro
What do islamic militants and the Western liberals have in common? It's always someone elses fault, usually your own.
I guess it's a matter of perspective if you're the oppressor getting what you deserve or a helpless victim who needs government assistance and can't be blamed for anything.
Pyro
7/10/2006
Test Tube Father
In case you weren't paying attention, the first mammals have been "reproduced" using artificial sperm created from embryonic stem cells. It is being hailed as a breakthrough that could help wipe out male infertility. How wonderful!! It really is a brave new world. There's no need for women or men having babies anymore, in fact, it will be preferred that they don't. In a laboratory scientist will be able to control all aspects of the future being. No more birth defects like freckles or flat feet. If a war is coming you just up the production of people for the fight. In fact, maybe people could be produced for the express purpose of being warriors!
The future's so bright I gotta wear shades.
What was it Paul VI said about reproduction?
Or how about John Paul II?
Pope Paul VI actually predicted that if people didn't embrace the traditional Christian teaching on contraception that four major things would occur. Those are... (thanks to Janet Smith from Univ. Dallas)
1. lead to conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality
2. the man" will lose respect for "the woman" and "no longer (care) for her physical and psychological equilibrium" and will come to "the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment and no longer as his respected and beloved companion
3. widespread acceptance of contraception would place a "dangerous weapon... in the hands of those public authorities who take no heed of moral exigencies (China's and other country's forced abortion programs when you have excess pregnencies)
4. Pope Paul's final warning was that contraception would lead man to think that he had unlimited dominion over his own body (we see this not only in sterilizations but in test tube babies and now cloning)
Pyro
The future's so bright I gotta wear shades.
What was it Paul VI said about reproduction?
Or how about John Paul II?
Pope Paul VI actually predicted that if people didn't embrace the traditional Christian teaching on contraception that four major things would occur. Those are... (thanks to Janet Smith from Univ. Dallas)
1. lead to conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality
2. the man" will lose respect for "the woman" and "no longer (care) for her physical and psychological equilibrium" and will come to "the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment and no longer as his respected and beloved companion
3. widespread acceptance of contraception would place a "dangerous weapon... in the hands of those public authorities who take no heed of moral exigencies (China's and other country's forced abortion programs when you have excess pregnencies)
4. Pope Paul's final warning was that contraception would lead man to think that he had unlimited dominion over his own body (we see this not only in sterilizations but in test tube babies and now cloning)
Pyro
Good News From Iraq
The Iraqi government has requested that the UN revoke American forces immunity from the Iraqi legal system. This is in light of recent crimes that some soldiers have been accused of. I see this as a positive thing, not throwing our citizens at the "mercy" of the Iraqi courts, but that they must be close to being able to stand on it's own if they are ready to do something like this.
Pyro
Pyro
7/09/2006
Sonar settlement
Seems that our submarines will be able to use active sonar after all in the excercises off Hawaii. The whales aren't innocent in this whole thing however. I remember on one patrol when a whale rammed my submarine after hitting us with his SONAR.
Pyro
Pyro
Inconceivable!!
Looks like Mexico has encountered the same situation with their leftists that Washington encountered in the last Gubernatorial election. Some people just can't accept losing. Why is it when liberals/leftists lose an election they refuse to acknowledge that their views/positions are what the voters were rejecting? The same thing happens with failed school levies, the teachers and their cronies come out with all types of statements asserting that the voters just didn't understand. Boo Hoo!! They can't believe for a second that their ideas and plans are what the voters reject. It's like that line from the movie "Princess Bride" when Vizinni keeps saying "Inconceivable!" whenever something he doesn't like happens and finally Inigo replies "You keep on using that word. I do not think it means, what you think it means."
Pyro
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