Late for Work

I was late for work this morning with a new and unusual excuse. First, let me setup the scenario. It's a little stressful around the house right now. Last Tuesday we received nearly 10 inches of rain in about 5 hours. I woke up that morning to find an inch of water in the study. … Continue reading Late for Work

In the Trunk

I hear a bad joke this weekend. Put your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car. Drive around town for a couple of hours. Now, stop and open the trunk. Which one do you think is happy to see you? I'd credit that joke to the appropriate sourse; I think it was … Continue reading In the Trunk

Act on Revealed Truth

Image via WikipediaIntroduction Last week, Michelle taught from Isaiah 6. This week, the lesson covers Isaiah 7-23. When I first started studying, I though, whoa, we're supposed to cover 16 chapters? I spoke to Fred about this last Saturday; he said there was no problem covering all 16 chapters, he would enjoy a thorough lesson. … Continue reading Act on Revealed Truth

Another Reason Not to Be a Democrat

Reason number 76372 not to belong to the Democratic Party: They target a private citizen to silence him from using his constitutionally-protected first amendment right to free speech. It's ok to disagree with Rush Limbaugh. I happen to agree with much of what he says, and think he's a positive influence. And if you disagree, … Continue reading Another Reason Not to Be a Democrat

Mascots Under Attack

Image via WikipediaFirst, there was Beat Mor Chiken. The Chick-Fil-A cow was mugged. Then, McGruff the Crime Dog, savagely beaten by a Metro bus driver. Was that all? Rats, no it isn't. Chuck-E-Cheese was curdled. If you are a big fuzzy lovable mascot, be afraid. Be vewy, vewy afwaid. The citizenry has had enough of … Continue reading Mascots Under Attack

Nero Fiddled. Obama Does the Congo.

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeAnd the stock market burned. The Dow was down almost 300 more points today, probably on it's way to zero. And Obama dances the congo. I suspect they served appletinis. A week before that, the foot-stomping sounds of Sweet Honey in the Rock, a female a cappella group, filled the … Continue reading Nero Fiddled. Obama Does the Congo.

State Sovereignty

Image via WikipediaThe Ninth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, … Continue reading State Sovereignty

Obama Urges Spending Curbs for Somebody, But Not Him

Associated Press headline, "Obama urges spending curbs, hands out $15 billion." After not quite a month in office, I've begun to change my opinion on the President. I thought at first he was a useful idiot, a tool of the powerful Democrat Spending Machine. I no longer think he's useful, and "idiot" may be too … Continue reading Obama Urges Spending Curbs for Somebody, But Not Him

The Next Civil Liberties Scare

Image via WikipediaI'm amazed at how fast we're moving to a system where the government controls everything. They're nationalizing banks, socializing medicine, rewriting property laws and taxing our grandchildren as we speak. Here I thought the loss of property rights from the Kelo decision were bad for America. All this coming from lefties who have … Continue reading The Next Civil Liberties Scare

Pink and Green

First, some background about the way I select my clothes in the morning. I generally put the freshly laundered clothes on the left side of the closet, and select clothes to wear from the right side. I suspect women select their clothes based on mood, impression, temperature, moon phase, and other factors I can't deduce, … Continue reading Pink and Green

One Politician With Conviction

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeRepublican Judd Gregg abruptly withdraws his nomination over two irreconcilable differences with Obama. Over meaningful issues, I may add. “However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there … Continue reading One Politician With Conviction

Stimulus Plan Kills Older People

Ok, so that's a scare title. But not by much.Buried deep in the so-called Stimulus Plan are new government-mandated health-care restrictions. Here are some snippets - The bill’s health rules will affect “every individual in the United States” (445, 454, 479). Your medical treatments will be tracked electronically by a federal system. One new bureaucracy, … Continue reading Stimulus Plan Kills Older People

Rejecting the Arrogance

In this morning's Washington Post, Obama wrote that the Stimulus Package (which is horrendously misleading as there is far more liberal pet socialist programs than stimulus in the package) must be passed immediately or puppies will die. No time to read it, just sign it. But then he includes this phrase - "I reject these … Continue reading Rejecting the Arrogance

How to Gain the Christmas Spirit

The best way to give wings to the Christmas Spirit is to give gifts to people who need them. My wife and I exchanged few gifts this year, opting instead to give to charities instead. Instead of giving somebody a trinket they didn't need, we'd ask them what their favorite charity was. Then we'd give … Continue reading How to Gain the Christmas Spirit

Christian Carnival CCLIV

I could call this the "Day After Trying to Recover From What Might Have Been a Minor Flu Edition," but I won't. Christmas Season and Flu Season accompany each other every year, like Hansel and Gretel, or Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. I had just enough aches and pains to baby myself to prevent a flu... heck, … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLIV

Executive Kill Orders

Obama's first executive orders are about to gives us a hint what the next four years will be like. Presidents long have used executive orders to impose policy and set priorities. One of Bush's first acts was to reinstate full abortion restrictions on U.S. overseas aid. The restrictions were first ordered by President Reagan and … Continue reading Executive Kill Orders

What Did We Learn?

Obama beat McCain handily, 349 to 163 electoral votes. What we should have learned, I don't know that we did. What we should have learned is that we have principles and ideals and we should stick to them. Ronald Reagan knew it, and we gave him victories. The 1994 Republican House knew that, and we … Continue reading What Did We Learn?

Responding to Loss

We’ve been studying the rise of David as King of Israel. David is an interesting man, full of failures, yet David is a man after God’s own heart. What makes David different? How is David different than Saul? As we studied in 1 Samuel, the people of Israel demanded a king and God gave them … Continue reading Responding to Loss

US Government Restricts Free Speech and Expression of Religion

The "separation of church and state," such as it is, should keep the government from imposing a religion upon the people of this country. But regulations that squelch the speech of pastors? Can the US Government tell pastors what they can and cannot talk about? There is no law that I'm aware of that restricts … Continue reading US Government Restricts Free Speech and Expression of Religion

Edouard

Image via WikipediaThe newscasters failed to get us into a tizzy over the weather. Tropical Storm Edouard never grew up into a hurricane. Actually, I think it's a himmicane, not a hurricane. And he seems to have swerved a bit east and is coming ashore around Beaumont this morning. As one Houston newscast put it, … Continue reading Edouard

Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible

Go get'em, James Dobson. Obama had some very liberal interpretations of what the bible says, and simultaneously tried to minimize Christian influence in politics *and* say that all religious discussions are welcome. James is firing back against what he called a "fruitcake interpetation of the bible." I love that phrase. News sources come from here … Continue reading Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible

Christian Carnival CCXXVIII

This week, Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 228th edition of the Christian Carnival, a collection of this week's best Christian blogging. This week is Father's Day - so let us remember this week that it is our Father in heaven that gives us Life in Him! Would you like to participate in … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXXVIII

Washington on the Brazos

I'm a wee bit sunburned. You know the drill; a) go outside, b) get burned, c) reflect that sunscreen would have been a good idea. At least, those are the steps if you're a guy. Women tend to reflect on the sunscreen part first. We spent the day last Saturday at Washington-on-the-Brazos Texas State Park … Continue reading Washington on the Brazos

Christian Carnival CCXIX

Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 219th edition of the Christian Carnival II, the blogosphere's best Christian writing. My comments on the post in italics after each entry, but I left the author's original thoughts when he or she provided them. I included almost all posts I received; I excluded two from the … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXIX

What Time Is It in Indiana?

I am amused. This should be a simple task; telling the client in Qatar what time our meeting starts in Indiana. I found out that this state has been arguing about the time for nearly two centuries. Some people who have ties back to New York want Eastern Standard Time. Others, who work with Chicago, … Continue reading What Time Is It in Indiana?

Whatever They Believe is Fine with Me

I read an article on USAToday this week, Am I Raising Atheist Children? The gist of the story is that parents that are atheist and teach their children no religion are not teaching them to be atheist, but merely allowing them to choose for themselves. I never describe our family as "an atheist family" (I … Continue reading Whatever They Believe is Fine with Me

One Less Bad Candidate to Vote For

I think I keep hoping for some unknown conservative candidate to suddenly appear and give me somebody to vote for. Like the ghost of Ronald Reagan, perhaps. What I want is a candidate that is socially and fiscally conservative. Socially conservative because, like it or not, the President sets an example for the morals of … Continue reading One Less Bad Candidate to Vote For

Christian Carnival 208

Welcome to the 208th edition of the Christian Carnival, a weekly amalgomation of this week's best Christian writing. Chasing the Wind is humbled to host such a fine collection of postings this week; I suggest picking a few titles below and clicking them; you won't find a finer collection of Christian thoughts anywhere on the … Continue reading Christian Carnival 208

Praying for Rain

I first saw the news yesterday that governor of Georgia was going to lead a prayer for rain. I only briefly glanced over it; if I thought of it at all, it was to remark to myself that it's probably only a photo op to appease his votors, or if he's sincere, a passing wonder … Continue reading Praying for Rain

Mechanical Investing for November 2007

It's my normal Monday to trade stocks; again, there's been lots of volatility, and last Friday's plunge took a bite out of the portfolio. Dagnabbit, just can't quite catch up to that index though. Last 4 weeks: 0.8% Last 3 months: 5.2% Last 12 months: +6.8% Year to date: +6.5% (Dow is +8.8% ytd from … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for November 2007

Mechanical Investing for October 2007

The news says this last month, will all the credit crunch and housing speculation, was one of the most volatile on record. I tried not to look until today, but it appears this portfolio weathered the storm ok. In fact, things are looking good enough I plan on diversifying a little and buy more stocks … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for October 2007

Yasser Arafat's Wife

I suppose she must have found me by googling, perhaps looking for Dale Earnhardt's current girlfriend. However she found me, Mrs. Arafat emailed me and wants to share $6.5 billion dollars with me. From: Mrs Suha Arafat ( mrsarafatsuha80@gmail.com ) Re: Trusted Partner For Investment/Safekeep Wednesday, September 26, 2007 1:31:26 PM This mail may not … Continue reading Yasser Arafat's Wife

Jesus and Money

Jesus and Money Recently in a comment, I was challenged regarding posting my stock selections; the concern from Chris was that such financial considerations were incongruous with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Says: September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am I find it somewhat ironic and mildly amusing that your blog contains articles of spirituality along … Continue reading Jesus and Money

Name One Thing the Government Does Well

Name one thing the US Government does exceptionally well. Pass legislation? Pork barrel politics, anyone? Hurricane Katrina recovery? Issue passports in time for your vacation? Assess property values? Public schooling? Social Security? IRS? Oversee accounting irregularities like Enron? Prosecute O.J Simpson and keep him in jail? Border security? Then why oh why would anybody possibly … Continue reading Name One Thing the Government Does Well

Living With Leukemia

Amy chronicled her battle with leukemia, and showed how to fight the battle with a warm, loving, patient, Christian heart. We will all go to be with our Lord someday; Amy's day was yesterday. You can read her entire battle from Amy's first post I wholly believe my journey through leukemia began from the foundations … Continue reading Living With Leukemia

Michael Vick: Where is Jesus?

Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, has been all over the news recently. Indicted for dog-fighting, his friends turning witness against him, loss of his quarterback position and the millions of dollars in signing bonuses and advertising deals, Michael Vick has certainly learned a hard and probably one-way lesson. And given the atrocious stories about … Continue reading Michael Vick: Where is Jesus?

Christian Carnival CLXXXVI

Christian Carnival #186 is up... here! Chasing the Wind is humbled to host the Carnival this week. Without further ado, here are this week's best Christian blogging. Oh wait, here's a little more ado. I've divided this week's post in sections with a brief description about how this relates to Christian living. Ok, *now* we're … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXXVI

McNair Deserves to Own a Winner

From the Houston Chronicle this morning - McNair has revealed much of himself in five trying seasons. Even in the worst of times, he never blamed anyone else, never lashed out at the press, never fired anyone in a fit of anger. Patience? He has a warehouse of it. He has been a gracious winner … Continue reading McNair Deserves to Own a Winner

A Big To-Do

I have a lengthy todo list. It's quite detailed; on my diet, I even include meals and snacks so I can check of my allotted portion as I go along. I almost go so far as toput "brush my teeth" on my todo list. I would put "wake-up" on my todo list, but apparently by … Continue reading A Big To-Do

Christian Carnival CLXXVIII

Christian Carnival 178 is up at ... Chasing the Wind! I have the honor of hosting this week's carnival, affectionately known as Christian Carnival 178, 2^89th, hexadecimal B2, or binary 10110010. Whew, and I think there were almost that many entries. 🙂 They're presented here in roughly the order submitted; if you're a blog author … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXVIII

Colorblind World

Being a colorblind engineer is tough. Not on me, though, even though I'm a colorblind engineer. Tough on those around me. Here's an example. In my kitchen, I have black wrought iron chairs and a granite kitchen countertop. Over the years, I've noticed the backs of the chairs where they touch the granite have become … Continue reading Colorblind World

The Hairdresser

Remember this story the next time you run into someone who knows little, cares less and tries to make your life miserable. 😛 A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded: "Rome? Why would anyone want … Continue reading The Hairdresser

Paris Hilton Finds God

Paris Hilton finds God. Or so she claims. I first saw this story popping up over a week ago when Paris Hilton made a show of carrying a bible. That doesn't impress me. All that shows me is that she can carry a 1.5 lbs book. But now she's openly confessing her faith. My attennae … Continue reading Paris Hilton Finds God

Mechanical Investing for June 2007

First day back from vacation and immediately jumped into trading this month's stocks. Still positive, though the Dow Jones index has caught up to me. Last 4 weeks: +3.2% Last 3 months: +12.2% Last 12 months: +5.2% Year to date: +7.5% (Dow is +9.4% ytd from 12,463) Holding for another month: Ticker Bought Now Months … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for June 2007

The Fine Print of the Immigration Bill

Fortunately, the Senate gagged on ramrodding (which is different than "Hillary Ramrodding") the immigration bill down The People's Throat. It'll give us more time to hoot and hollar and threaten to vote for the other party. James Lileks offers these highlights of the immigration bill this morning, and it's amazing what they thought they could … Continue reading The Fine Print of the Immigration Bill

Chris Byrd

Chris Byrd, IBF Heavyweight Boxing Champion, was at our church this weekend and briefly shared his firm belief in Jesus Christ with us. He was funny, too. "First, I beat them up, then I pray with them." I admire a man who is in the public spotlight that openly proclaims his faith and thought I'd … Continue reading Chris Byrd

Free Country! Come and Get It! (ding ding ding)

My country doesn't understand me. Whether you're a liberal or a conservative, this bill should make you suspicious. It was negotiated behind closed doors for 3 months by George Bush and Ted Kennedy. Regardless of your political viewpoint, I know you don't agree with both of those guys. Nobody can. The Senate is poised to … Continue reading Free Country! Come and Get It! (ding ding ding)

Mid-Week Links and Oddities

In no particular order - Building the ark: Greenpeace activists are building an ark on Mount Ararat. Amusing. Of course, Greenpeace isn't a Christian organization (they don't seem to be anti-Christian, as far as I can tell) but they border on Christian mockery to make a point about global warming. Obscene bible: In Hong Kong … Continue reading Mid-Week Links and Oddities

Monday Morning

My brain is still stuffed with sand. I feel awake early in the morning, but I know I'm not. It becomes abundantly clear to me later if I reread my early morning posts. i'm repetitive, I make spelling misakes, I leave out entire words. An hour later, I'll think, "man, there's something not quite right … Continue reading Monday Morning

Christian Carnival II

First, prayers for the previous administrator of the Christian Carnival are needed. Dory of Wittenberg Gate has suddenly gone missing, so pray for her well-being and health. The Christian Carnival is trying to reorganize as Christian Carnival II. If you're interested in becoming part of this resurrected carnival, join the Google Group Christian Carnival II.

Book of Judges

I don't see how this passes for news. A Houston Chronicle reporter doesn't like bible studies going on in the courthouse. Just before 12:30 p.m. almost every Tuesday, Judge James Squier leaves his 312th Court and heads upstairs to the seventh floor of the Harris County Family Law Center. There, in an associate judge's chamber, … Continue reading Book of Judges

Surrender

Today, the Democratic Senate will attempt to surrender to the terrorists again. This is the second attempt to surrender. Bush vetoed the first attempt, and he promises to veto the second attempt. In the meantime, funding for the troops is being held hostage by defeatists that claim to "support the troops." How they claim to … Continue reading Surrender

Court Backs Ban on Abortion Procedure

Court Backs Ban on Abortion Procedure WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure Wednesday, handing abortion opponents the long-awaited victory they expected from a more conservative bench. The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law in … Continue reading Court Backs Ban on Abortion Procedure

Review: Unbroken

Unbroken Tracy Elliott When I first started reading this book, I was expecting a testimony from somebody who had given their life to Christ and how Christ had helped them turn their life around. Christ is powerful and changes the lives of believers. Travy Elliott's story is a little different. She gave her life to … Continue reading Review: Unbroken

Creation

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten … Continue reading Creation

Blog Against Theophobes

Ah. A lightbulb goes off. I read several posts this Easter weekend about the dangers of forming a theocracy. The Houston Chronicle linked to one at Feet to the Fire: The banwitdth devoted to the dangers of Church to State is enormous. Being righteous lefties that analysis comes easy to us. As a lefty who … Continue reading Blog Against Theophobes

Review: On the Move

Bono, the lead singer of U2, was asked to give an address at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2006. Bono discussed his personal faith, the faith of nations, and the plight of the poor in Africa that are dying from AIDS. Based on this speech, "On the Move" was produced with images of the faces … Continue reading Review: On the Move

Christian Carnival CLXIII

This week's Christian Carnival is up, and it's being hosted this week... here, at Chasing the Wind! I've decided to categorize the entries this week into posts about Jesus, posts about our relationships, and posts about us. Jesus tells us we are to love him and love our neighbor as ourselves, and that reminds me … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXIII

Mechanical Investing for February 2007

Yeah, I know I said the next trade would be February 5, but I had some time at lunch today. Monday is Monday, and it's close enough to the first of the month. A small tweak; I'm switching from the H52EarnPS to the H52EgPS for some of the stocks, but I don't expect it'll make … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for February 2007

Adultery Could Lead to Life in Prison

In Michigan, the Legislature probably did not intend for adultery to fall under the sexual crime laws, but the Michigan Supreme Courts say the way the laws are written, adultery could lead to life in prison: In a ruling sure to make philandering spouses squirm, Michigan's second-highest court says that anyone involved in an extramarital … Continue reading Adultery Could Lead to Life in Prison

Daily Manna – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an … Continue reading Daily Manna – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Holiday Culture Wars

Beliefnet has setup a "Holiday Culture Wars Blog" that makes for some interesting reading. From a Christian perspective, they've highlighted television shows with sexually-explicit lyrics set to Christmas music, obscene art that is "rife with Christmas-themed debauchery," and how Christmas has become so secularized to the point where atheists "unhesitatingly wish everyone a Merry Christmas." … Continue reading Holiday Culture Wars

Dreaming

I woke myself up laughing this morning at 3:00am. Apparently I was having a very funny dream. My first thought was to be quiet; I don't want to wake up the sweet wife with my 3:00am laughter. She'll think I'm off my rocker. And of course, she'll want to know what's so funny. "I had … Continue reading Dreaming

Ah, to be more like the rest of the civilized world…..

Hillary is thinking big again. I thought she learned her lesson last time: She also said Democrats would focus on improving the quality and affordability of health care _ a touchy matter for the former first lady, who in 1993 led her husband's calamitous attempt to overhaul the nation's health care system. The failure of … Continue reading Ah, to be more like the rest of the civilized world…..

Help Us Jon Cary We R Stuk in Irak

Yup, that just about killed John Kerry's chances of being President in 2008. First he insulted the troops, saying that if you're stupid you get stuck in Iraq. Then, instead of apologizing, he went on the offensize and blamed Bush, even though Bush had nothing to do with Kerry's statement. Then Kerry claimed it was … Continue reading Help Us Jon Cary We R Stuk in Irak

Principle Engineer

My email signature at work has my name, followed by the words, "Principle Engineer." It's been that way for probably two years. An Indian engineer pointed out that it should be Principal, not Principle. He also pointed out that English is his fourth language. I looked up both definitions just to be sure. principle  –noun … Continue reading Principle Engineer

The Prayers of the Sinner

I had dinner with some friends from church last night, and one of the more learned friends made a statement that at first I objected to, but the more I think about it, the more validity it seems to have. My question: Does God hear the prayers of the unrepentant sinner? In my own walk … Continue reading The Prayers of the Sinner

Hiatus

Brain full. Stress level high. I find the need to decompress. Wordy prose the first to go. Blogging will be light to non-existent for the next 3 weeks. Guest bloggers (and you know who you are) may or may not step in, depending on softball schedules and such. I am oocupado (that means I'm busy, … Continue reading Hiatus

Review: House

Sort of like combining Stephen King and C.S. Lewis. "House: The Only Way Out is In" (WestBow Press) is a very suspenseful and intense novel by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. In fact, it's so intense, I cannot in good conscience recommend this to kids or to the squeamish. The entire first half of the … Continue reading Review: House

Catch and Release

Do any liberals read this? I honestly would like to understand why the Democrats would oppose this. Right now, the Border Patrol arrests illegal aliens and then... releases them. Sometimes they're scheduled to attend a hearing later, but most of them don't show. I don't know why we bother arresting them in the first place … Continue reading Catch and Release

Dressed for Success

There's a perfectly rational explanation why I'm walking down a busy Houston street on Father's Day with green Mickey Mouse socks and a bright yellow acrylic purse with bananas on it. When I woke up Sunday morning, the wifely one was already up. Insomnia, you see. So at 8:00am she finally went to sleep. I … Continue reading Dressed for Success

Kenya Mission, Day 7

January 2, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: hakuna matada, which means "Disney marketing phrase." No wait, it means "no worries." I've received a lot of encouragement to continue this series - we're about halfway through - but this next day was a very important day, full of eye-opening experiences, and frankly, just hard to get a … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 7

Barefoot Running

I first heard of this from a friend at church who had taken up a new running method. The idea was that with shoes, your foot hit heel-first, but when you run barefoot, the ball of your foot hits first. He was running faster and farther now running barefoot. Today I see an article from … Continue reading Barefoot Running

Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church

Spotlight today on the Colorado Rockies, and a thanks to USA Today for portraying Christianity in sports in a positive light. DENVER — No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies. There's not even a Maxim. The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the … Continue reading Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church

Frivolous Lawsuit Night

Heh. A baseball club is saluting frivolous lawsuits with a special event: ALTOONA- Inspired by a Los Angeles Angels fan who filed a lawsuit against the club because he did not receive a red nylon tote bag as part of the major league club's Mother’s Day promotion last May, the Altoona Curve have announced that … Continue reading Frivolous Lawsuit Night

Blogger's Fuel: New Media Mavericks

Thanks to a tip from Doug over at Coffeeswirls, a box of coffee beans showed up on my doorstep. They're part of a promotionfrom Boca Java. Hey, free coffee if I just blog about it? Sweet. When the box arrived, the aroma from the box was incredible. These were whole beans but it already smelled … Continue reading Blogger's Fuel: New Media Mavericks

Border Placebo

Anything to get the American people off his back. I think years of liberals gnawing on Bush, I think they've finally eaten his backbone. Apparently Bush is going to propose some help for the Border Police by sending in the National Guard. Except the National Guard won't be able to actually do anything. And it's … Continue reading Border Placebo

Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

Am I boycotting the "Da Vinci Code" movie? Or am I just refusing to go see it? The nuance is hard to discern. Christians Plan Boycott of 'Da Vinci Code' by Robert B. Bluey Posted May 04, 2006 Christian activists are planning a boycott of the soon-to-be-released Da Vinci Code movie, which one influential pro-family … Continue reading Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

Sneaky Texas Legislature and Taxes

So, if the state has collected too much money, maybe as high as $10 billion, do you think those sneaky dogs in Austin ought to - a) refund the money because citizens are complaining about property taxes, or b) tax businesses too! Yeehaw! If you answered (b), you can be a Texas legislator, too! Those … Continue reading Sneaky Texas Legislature and Taxes

Email File Size Notification

At work this morning, I received an automatic email notification. It says, "Your current mail file is 138.1 MB. Each user is provided disk space for mail files. As email file sizes grow beyond 100 MB, the disk space consumed creates overhead costs for the company. Please continue to manage your email file size below … Continue reading Email File Size Notification

Immigration Reform on Hold

I'm glad, the US Senate was rushing this through to give us a watered-down feel-good bill that would change nothing. What would the bill do to illegal aliens? - If they were here illegally, they would be in trouble. - Perhaps they would be given a misdemeanor. - Then they would be made US citizens. … Continue reading Immigration Reform on Hold

Liberty Legal Institute

A recent comment indicates that some people are under the impression... well, I'll let the comment speak for itself: Characterizing the court battles of religious symbols in public as “prohibiting the free expression of Christianity” is highly disingenuous, however. The court battles have been about government sponsorship of such expressions, not about individual expression of … Continue reading Liberty Legal Institute

Mechanical Investing for April 2006

No complaints this month on the Mechanical Investing side. Nothing spectacular, nothing traumatic, but I'm falling a little behind the market as a whole. Last 4 weeks: +1.5% Last 3 months: +1.3% Year to date: +1.3% (Dow is +4.7% ytd from 10,718) Last 12 months:+1.8% Holding for another month: Ticker Bought Now Months Return   … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for April 2006

Responsible Parenting

Tony at Sand in the Gears claim the title of "Father of the Year." It is the voice of a librarian, a schoolteacher, a junior senator from New York, or some other such female-type killjoy. I am physiologically and ideologically predisposed to ignore such voices. I continue my instruction. "Sir!" "You're whacking your baby's head … Continue reading Responsible Parenting

Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Evangelical teens rally in S.F. More than 25,000 evangelical Christian youth landed Friday in San Francisco for a two-day rally at AT&T Park against "the virtue terrorism" of popular culture, and they were greeted by an official city condemnation and a clutch of protesters who said their event amounted to a "fascist mega-pep rally." "Battle … Continue reading Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Sola Scriptura

I confess the first time I'd ever heard this term was about a year ago in an email with Sean. As I was raised Catholic, accepted Christ while attending a lesser-known evangelistic church and have since joined a Baptist church, I lean toward the "bible is sufficient" philosophy. I am open, however, to additional teachings, … Continue reading Sola Scriptura

Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

When I read an encouraging story about someone who has overcome tremendous struggles by leaning on Christ, I want to shine a spotlight. Here's Jennifer Sands in the Agape Press: Author and 9/11 Widow's Second Book Shares Ongoing Faith Journey By Allie Martin March 15, 2006 (AgapePress) - A woman whose husband was killed in … Continue reading Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

No, problem – I'll put it on plastic….

Oh boy. The Senate voted Thursday to allow the national debt to swell to nearly $9 trillion, preventing a first-ever default on U.S. Treasury notes. The bill passed by a 52-48 vote. The increase to $9 trillion represents about $30,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States. The bill now goes to … Continue reading No, problem – I'll put it on plastic….

Pink Panther Returns

I wrote last month about how I'm having trouble enjoying Hollywood movies and critiqued the latest Pink Panther movie as an example. Needless sexual entendre and poorly implemented slapstick spoiled what could have been a funny movie. The American Spectator today agrees: In addition to that first tedious scene of Clouseau trying to park a … Continue reading Pink Panther Returns

Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

21st Century Reformation has a beautiful article on Sanctification, what it is and what it isn't. Go read the article, reflect on it, then come back. Or stay there, that's ok. 😛 Just before Part 1, the author writes about the problems with a "therapeutic approach" to Christianity, that somehow one's expression of love is … Continue reading Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

Mechanical Investing for March 2006

February was looking good until 3 stocks took a 15% nosedive within 2 days. Bah. Why don't they ever nosedive upwards? Still, things are looking good so far this year even with that bump. Last 4 weeks: -3.60% Last 3 months: +3.2% Year to date: +3.8% (Dow is +3.7% ytd from 10,718) Last 12 months:+1.3% … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for March 2006

Bloggers Fight Lawsuit Abuse

Overlawyered.com writes daily about lawsuit abuse like the infamous McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit. Today they are reporting that bloggers have stepped up to the plate to fight worthless class-action lawsuits. Why should lawyers make $2.5 million while the "injured consumers" get worthless coupons? I hope the lawyers lose every penny. (Charles Burck, "Bloggers Challenge a … Continue reading Bloggers Fight Lawsuit Abuse

Colossians 3:15-17

Today's Daily Manna verse is beautiful reminder of the joy of Christian living. In Colossians 3:15-17, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another … Continue reading Colossians 3:15-17

Kenya Mission, Day 4

December 30, 2005 Goodness, can it be Friday already?  We left Houston Tuesday afternoon and we're still not at our final destination.  It's like Africa is on the other side of the world or something.  😛 We woke up in the Methodist Guest House in Nairobi, and in the light we could see how quaint … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 4

Kenya Mission, Day 2 & 3

December 28, 2005 We arrived in London at Heathrow Airport after the overnight, overseas flight, about as refreshed as, well, people that had been on an overnight, overseas flight. Simple little trip over to Gatwick; our flight to Nairobi doesn't leave until tomorrow so we have an afternoon here. I learned something about London. It … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 2 & 3

Why Does Iran Want Nukes?

So they can nuke someone. Duh. Here's the latest fatwah out of Iran: The spiritual leaders of the ultra-conservatives [in Iran] have accepted the use of nuclear weapons as lawful in the eyes of the shari'a. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of [Ayatollah] Mesbah Yazdi [who is Iranian President Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor], has spoken for the … Continue reading Why Does Iran Want Nukes?