The Wisdom of Dilbert

63% of all statistics are made up... including this one.

I get mail; therefore I am.

When did ignorance become a point of view?

Mondays are not part of the productive work week.

The best things in life are silly.

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level.

Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue.

An optimist is simply a pessimist with no job experience.

Consultants have credibility because they are not dumb enough to work at your company.

Feedback is a business term which refers to the joy of criticizing other people's work.

Burj Dubai

Found this picture in my email inbox this week. At first glance you might think that this photo is one taken in New York City from an airplane. It is actually a picture taken from Burj Dubai.. the tallest building in the world sitting at 2,620 feet tall. Here is another amazing photo taken from the top of this building.. you can almost see the turn of the earth.. hmmm.. anyone else thinking about the tower of Babel.

Love, Struggles and Pain

Here is an excerpt from the latest post from my faith blog:

For years there has been a debate raging in my mind.. it goes like this: God is good but my life sucks.. maybe a bit too transparent but none-the-less where I find myself more times than I want.

Check the rest out of this post titled Love and Struggles. While you are there please check out another recent post titled The Purpose of Pain.

Wall Street Weasels

Don't you just love this cartoon? It is a pretty accurate portrayal of the forces that move Wall Street. These days the weasels are running rampant.

Yesterday Barack Obama, using the presidential bully pulpit, blasted Wall Street bankers who received millions of dollars in bonuses last year calling the payouts "shameful". Here are some of the details from the NY Times article that the president was referencing:

Despite crippling losses, multibillion-dollar bailouts and the passing of some of the most prominent names in the business, employees at financial companies in New York, the now-diminished world capital of capital, collected an estimated $18.4 billion in bonuses for the year.

That was the sixth-largest haul on record, according to a report released Wednesday by the New York State comptroller.

While the payouts paled next to the riches of recent years, Wall Street workers still took home about as much as they did in 2004, when the Dow Jones industrial average was flying above 10,000, on its way to a record high.

Some bankers took home millions last year even as their employers lost billions.

It appalls me that President Bush and the US congress (both sides of the political aisle including then Senator Obama) doled out all of that cash last fall with no stipulations on how it would be used. On the flip side, the greedy actions of corporate execs giving themselves these outrageous bonuses give Calvinists more evidence of the total depravity of man.

2008 Most Redeeming Flicks

From Christianity Today: So, what's a "redeeming" film? The definition varies, but for our list below, we mean movies that include stories of redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so. Several of them literally have a character that represents a redeemer; all of them have characters who experience redemption to some degree—some quite clearly, some more subtly. Some are "feel-good" movies that leave a smile on your face; some are a bit more uncomfortable to watch. But the redemptive element is there in all of these films.

1. Wall•E

2. The Visitor

3. Gran Torino
4. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
5. Rachel Getting Married
6. Fireproof
7. The Dark Knight
8. Shotgun Stories
9. Slumdog Millionaire
10. Man on Wire

Number 7 is the only flick on the list that I have seen to date.. so I was intrigued by these comments on the movie:

"Under the surface—perhaps unknown even to the filmmakers—is that this film shows Batman as a Christ-figure who self-sacrificially takes the sins of others onto himself, knowing it is the only way to save others and bring hope. Batman becomes an outcast so that the people of Gotham would have hope."

I'm interested in any feedback you might have on the redemptive qualities of these 10 movies. Please let me know which movie(s) you saw and if you agree with CT.

Unused HDTV

A recent ZDNet article reported:

According to a new report from market research firm In-Stat, 17 million of the 39 million U.S. households that have a HDTV (or 44 percent) don’t make use of high-def programming available from their cable or satellite providers (or, apparently, even over-the-air local HD channels).

My initial reaction to this finding is to blame TV makers, retailers, and/or programming providers for still not educating consumers that they can only see things in high-def if they have an HD source, but In-Stat analyst Michael Paxton told CD Freaks that the cost and the relative dearth of high-def programming are the biggest reasons people are sticking with standard-definition content. In fact, Paxton says that lack of knowledge about HD has waned as a reason for people not watching in high-def.

I am a part of the 56% who enjoy HD.. can't beat sporting events in HD and, generally speaking, I think everything looks.. and sounds.. better in HD.

What do you think? Do you have an HDTV? Do you watch HD shows?

Mean Joe Green

A 3 minute bit of Super Bowl nostalgia :)

Coffee: The Sane Choice

According to a NY Times article titled Coffee Linked to Lower Dementia Risk:

A team of Swedish and Danish researchers tracked coffee consumption in a group of 1,409 middle-age men and women for an average of 21 years. During that time, 61 participants developed dementia, 48 with Alzheimer’s disease.

After controlling for numerous socioeconomic and health factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the scientists found that the subjects who had reported drinking three to five cups of coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to have developed dementia, compared with those who drank two cups or less. People who drank more than five cups a day also were at reduced risk of dementia, the researchers said, but there were not enough people in this group to draw statistically significant conclusions.

The study also reported a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Now I am not saying that coffee is "good for you".. just saying that maybe it is not as bad a people say :)

Inaugural Cost Fact Check

Last week Sean Hannity of Fox News said:

Barack Obama's inaugural bash is going to be the most expensive celebration in U.S. history. Its opulence stands in stark contrast to our faltering economy, yet those who expected frugality from George W. Bush four years ago are strangely silent this go-around.

As the Media Research Center notes back in January of 2005, ABC's Terry Moran asked about President Bush's party plans, saying "In a time of war and national disaster, is it time for a lavish celebration?" And AP reporter Will Lester was equally credulous, charging, "Do we need to spend this money on what seems so extravagant?"

This, when the cost of Obama's inaugural will dwarf past celebrations and make those of President Bush's look like budget bashes.

According to FactCheck.org:

All the bills for Obama's event won't be in for several more weeks, but it appears likely that his inauguration will not cost significantly more than Bush's second inauguration, and could conceivably cost less after adjusting for inflation.

Just thought that you might like to know.. a lot of silly rhetoric circulating out there.. and kudos to Brian for bringing this to my attention.

Spa for the Homeless

This photo below shows Father Bob Book working on David Lindsay's toe nails at the Common Ground Church in Atlanta. Once a week Book and other volunteers wash and scrub the feet of the city's homeless. Here are a few excerpts from the USA Today article that reports on the story:

Every Monday afternoon for the last year, the Rev. Bob Book and his wife, Holly, have transformed the Church of the Common Ground into a spa for the homeless. They scrub the feet of the city's forgotten, mirroring the act of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
...
Book says the ritual is patterned after services practiced by many Christian congregations leading up to Easter. He takes it further with about 35 homeless men and women each week: Five at a time, they get a soak, pumice, nail trim, massage and a fresh pair of socks. Volunteers wearing gloves provide apricot scrub, ointments, air freshener for shoes, nail polish and even insoles.

The church doesn't tackle medical issues; Book tells people with serious foot conditions to come back when there's a doctor volunteering time at the church.

"The worst ongoing thing is the fungus that goes on with people's feet. It eats away and destroys the toenails and just makes it very hard for people to walk," says Book, who once saw a black man whose feet were white from days in soggy shoes.

Sometimes I read something like this that really inspires me. I am so thankful for folks like Bob Book who have a heart for the homeless and are showing the love of God to those who society has discarded.

Rescued Pets

I saw a spot on TV this morning about petfinder.com and it reminded about the day that we adopted Whitey the Westie from a rescue organization. I can hardly think about those days and not remember how Whitey came to us wounded and afraid.. over the years he turned into a loving pet that was such a blessing to us. Our daughter even helped him win a few 4H ribbons!

Do you have a pet adoption story to share?

Opinions

Back in the 1980s my pastor's wife was asked by a radio guy to share an important lesson that God had showed her. She said something like this:

I have learned to not need to have an opinion.

I hated that.. I seem to have an opinion about everything - and sadly sometimes an opinion about everyone.. sometimes it is an educated one.. many times my opinions are pretty ignorant. Here are a few pithy sayings about opinions:

A man is getting along on the road to wisdom when he begins to realize that his opinion is just an opinion. -Unknown

Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes. -Voltaire

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance. -Plato

There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion. -Winston Churchill

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd. -Bertrand Russell

The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion. -Arnold H. Glasgow

My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too.” -Rodney Dangerfield

It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them! -Friedrich Nietzsche

Bullwinkle's Canadian Cousin

Here is a great story from my email inbox:

A train had hit the mother, but her calf was spared, so the man in the picture took it home and nursed it from a new born, and it never left. The moose stayed around with his horses and slept in the barn, so ingeniously, he started harnessing it with his horses. When they finally died, the bull moose still didn't leave, not even during the rut season, so the old man used the huge moose for his work. This guy lives up in Grenfell Saskatchewan, Canada.

Jenna & Barbara encourage Malia & Sasha

A beautiful and touching message from the Bush girls to the Obama girls.

Cafeteria Christians

A Christian Science Monitor article titled Most US Christians define own theology used a term that I had not heard in a while - I used in to title this post. Here are a few excerpts from the article:

In the Barna survey, 71 percent of American adults say they are more likely to develop their own set of religious beliefs than to accept a defined set of teachings from a particular church. Even among born-again Christians, 61 percent pick and choose from the beliefs of different denominations. For people under the age of 25, the number rises to 82 percent.

Many "cafeteria Christians" go beyond the teachings of Christian denominations to embrace parts of other world religions.
...
Christians expressed a variety of unorthodox beliefs in the poll. Nearly half of those interviewed do not believe in the existence of Satan, one-third believe Jesus sinned while on earth, and two-fifths say they don't have a responsibility to share their faith with others.

I remember years ago.when I first heard the phrase "Cafeteria Christians", it referred to folks that visited different churches and really were not "committed" to one church. This article has a different definition.. one in which (so-called) orthodoxy is defined by the individual rather than the group (i.e. denomination or church). That gives me pause.. hmmm.. and cause to think.

In BlogWorld this phenomenon of Cafeteria Christians seem more of the norm than not because very few people speak for a group.. almost all bloggers speak for themselves and many embrace a distinct and almost personal theology. Many who refer to the "Institutional Church" give the impression that they hold to traditional orthodox Christian theology but reject traditional church structures and hierarchies. It can be confusing and difficult to sort out some times.

Personally, it has been a long time since I have embraced the theology in total of a church that I have attended. Even on our church staff pastors did not agree in every theological aspect. When we studied the bible together each week we all seemed to learn from each other. Yet, unlike those surveyed, we all seemed to share a common ground on things like the existence of Satan, the sinless life of Christ and our need to share the good news with others.

What do you think about this idea of being a Cafeteria Christian? Is it a good thing or not? As my fellow blogger Preacherman says - share your thoughts..

The Other Dark Meat

A raccoon carcass went into a big pot a few weeks ago at the KC area home of Billy Washington. “It’s a long-hidden secret that they’re so good,” he said.
Check out this KC Star article that says eating varmints is even in vogue these days, at least in Britain. The New York Times reported last week that Brits are eating squirrels with wild abandon.

Hate to ask.. anybody ever eaten raccoon?

On Being Unemployed

In May 2001 I was laid off from a very large company with 4 weeks of severance pay. The high paying job I had lined up fell through. I applied for unemployment compensation. After 30+ years of uninterrupted employment I found myself on the outside looking in.

At first I occupied myself with all sorts of chores and activities around the house. Each day I spent time looking for work.. that was now my job.. to look for work. The Tech Bubble had burst and there were more folks like me looking for work than there were jobs.. it was very hard on my ego. As time went on I interviewed at several companies and was rejected.. my confidence was shaken to the core.

In November I doubled over with pain and, after three visits to the Emergency Room, I was told that I needed to have my Gall Bladder removed.. that happened the day before Thanksgiving.. I spent the holiday in my hospital room and the next month recovering from surgery.

In January 2002 my dad passed away and I traveled to Mississippi to deliver the eulogy and be with my family. It was a low time.. I was drifting and looking for purpose.. it is hard to be unemployed.

On April 8 my wife Ann had major surgery.. she did great and I came to bring her home on Thursday April 11. I was shocked and traumatized when I walked into her room as she was experiencing her first attack of Devic's Disease. Her speech was slurred and her right side was paralyzed. The following months were spent watching Ann recover with the help of all sorts of doctors and therapists.

During this time I began to see the a bigger picture - this time of unemployment was a retreat of sorts that allow me to decompress, reflect and refresh. It was a difficult time for many reasons but, in hindsight, I was glad that I did not have a high stress job thrown into the mix.

In August 2002.. 15 months after I lost my job.. I got a phone call from a friend and within a week I was back to work. Unemployment is a very difficult experience.. I do not wish it on anyone.. but.. if you find yourself unemployed there may be a reason for it.. there may not be one.. but being unemployed sure gets your attention and forces you to deal with many issues in your life.

If you are unemployed today.. I hope it is a short time and you find a great new job soon. I pray regularly for unemployed folks on my prayer blog.. please stop by and leave me a note about your job situation.. or pray for those in need of work.

Bob the News Junkie

Not sure that I particularly liked or agree with the feedback from the How Much Do You Know About Barack Obama? quiz.. I seem to tolerate that ignorant guy that I see in the mirror each morning :)

If you take the quiz please let me know how you did.

Inauguration Day

This headline and picture from the Chicago Tribune captures the day for me.. it is a great moment in America.. a day that causes much emotion to well up in me.

Please join me in asking our Father to grant Barack Obama wisdom and knowledge that he may lead and govern our nation in a manner pleasing to God.

The Inaugural Benediction

Little has been made of Joseph Lowery's prayer of benediction. I watched and prayed with him today saying amen when he finished. Here is something he prayed that I enjoyed:

..help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right."

..Let all who do justice and love mercy say amen and say amen.

Bush's Stingy Pardon Record

Excerpts from an article subtitled Bush uses clemency powers sparingly to the end:

In a move that has keenly disappointed some of his strongest conservative allies, President Bush has decided not to pardon Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, for his 2007 conviction in the CIA leak case, two White House officials said Monday.

On Bush's last full day as president, Bush did commute the sentence of two former Border Patrol agents—Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos—for shooting a Mexican drug dealer and then lying about it. But White House press spokesman Tony Fratto told NEWSWEEK "you should not expect any more" pardons and commutations from Bush before he leaves office Tuesday.

Bush's decision leaves a long line of rejected pardon applicants, many of whom have retained politically well-connected Washington lawyers, to make their case for presidential mercy in Bush's final days in the White House. Among them were junk-bond king Michael Milken, media mogul Conrad Black, former Illinois GOP governor George Ryan and former Louisiana Democratic governor Edwin Edwards. Bush also apparently turned down a last-minute plea from Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski to pardon her former GOP colleague Ted Stevens for his recent political corruption conviction.
...
The rejection of Libby's bid is consistent with Bush's overall stingy record when it comes to using presidential pardon powers. In part as a reaction to Bill Clinton's last-minute pardon spree, including the especially controversial one granted to fugitive financier Marc Rich, Bush has issued far fewer pardons than any president in modern history, according to clemency scholars.

Though many Republicans may disagree, I am glad that President Bush used this power sparingly.

Jesus on Prayer

Here is an excerpt from the latest post from my faith blog:

Praying to be seen and heard by men.. I have witnessed.. and participated in.. this kind of religious seduction that engages the darkest part of us. The desire to be seen is an insidious one.. many are duped.. thinking that they are being "spiritual"

Check the rest out here. Also please check out my year in review here.

Redneck Commandments

Posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro , TN

(1) Just one God

(2) Put nothin' before God

(3) Watch yer mouth

(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'

(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa

(6) No killin'

(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal

(8) Don't take what ain't yers

(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'

(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

--HT: Dee O'Neil Andrews

Religious Abortion Views

Found this chart at The Pew Forum. It is a telling picture of how divided religious America is on the legality of abortion. Small wonder that Roe v. Wade has not been overturned yet.

Apart from the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the supreme court, what do you think it will take to change the abortion laws? Do you think that medical science will ever convince anyone that an unborn baby is a life? Seems that there is already plenty of evidence.

The Slingshot Man

Quite Amazing!

Apples for Teachers and Students?

A few days ago Christopher Dawson (technology director for the Athol-Royalston School District in northern Massachusetts) wrote an article titled The end of my love affair with Apple? It resonated with my thinkings about the cost effectiveness of Apple technology in business. Here are a few excerpts from his article:

Since the moment I purchased my MacBook, I’ve sworn it was the best computer I’ve ever owned. It’s light, durable, elegant, the screen is bright and crisp, the built-in iLife software works brilliantly, and OS 10.5 is stable and fast. What’s not to like, right?
...
Apple makes some great products, but they are not exactly key to getting the most bang for your buck. As more teachers and students have a chance to play with the Acer Aspire One netbook that I’ve been floating around, most find, even if they don’t care for the form factor, that it does everything they need it to do.
...
I no longer need a Mac at home and I’m struggling to see it in the schools, either. For our last refresh in several of our elementary schools and the middle school, we stuck with Macs since an Apple infrastructure and a fair amount of software and staff expertise was already in place. As I try to engineer additional refreshes over the next few years, though, I’d rather spend the money on interactive classroom appliances and moving us closer to 1:1 instead of on Macs, no matter how easy/pretty/elegant the interface.

I like the way he started his last paragraph: "Make it cheap, make it open, and make every one of my dollars enhance student learning."

I just bought a new HP 13" notebook and looked at a Mac.. something comparable was about 30% more.. I chose not to bite on that apple :)

What do you think? Is Apple doomed to it's current niche market? Have they priced themselves out of the lion's share of the tech market?

ObamaGuzzler on eBay

Barack Obama’s old car (pictured above) is being sold on Ebay with a starting bid of $101,000. Here are the eBay details:

2005 Chrysler 300c HEMI - Loaded and Equipped with: Navigation, Sunroof, Leather, Only 20,000 Certified Miles.Still under Manufacturer's Extended Warranty (maxicare bumper to bumper) until the car is 7 years old or has 50,000 miles, which will be transferred to the new owner.

As stated in the title, this 300c was previously driven by Barack Obama 2004 through 2007. Park Plaza Dodge (the dealer that original delivered the car to Barack Obama) will verify its authenticity. You can reach any Finance Manager at Park Plaza Dodge at 708 366 1001. Park Plaza Dodge is willing to handle the closing of the sale if desired.

I guess the new president hasn't always been "green". Bidding ends on Inaugaration Day so it is not too late to place a bid.. but I suspect the auction may be cancelled. Any takers?

Ricardo Montalbán, 1920-2009

Ricardo Montalbán passed away yesterday. I can hardly remember him and not think of Mr Roark of Fantasy Island or Khan of the second Star Trek movie (and the original episode where he played that same character).

Sympathies go out to his family, friends and fans during this time.

The Obameter

PolitiFact.com is tracking President Elect Obama's promise keeping record. They have listed over 500 campaign promises. Check them out here.

42-mpg Diesel VW BlueSport Roadster

Diesels are fuel efficient and practical, but they're dogged by a reputation for being about as much fun as a tax audit. VW's worked hard to change that perception with cars like the Jetta TDI, but it might be the sweet Concept BlueSport roadster that finally convinces Americans diesels are cool.

The mid-engined sports car made its world debut at the Detroit auto show, and although it's just a concept, there's no reason why VW couldn't - or shouldn't - build it. The car gets 42 mpg and emits about as much CO2 as a Toyota Prius, and it is emissions-legal in all 50 states so even car-crazy Californians could buy one. Read the rest of the story here.

Happy 90th Andy

In honor of his 90th birthday today I give you a few things that Andy Rooney has said:

I don't pick subjects as much as they pick me.

Death is a distant rumor to the young.

Elephants and grandchildren never forget.

Nothing in fine print is ever good news.

If dogs could talk it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one.

All men are not created equal but should be treated as though they were under the law.

Anyone who watches golf on television would enjoy watching the grass grow on the greens.

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

Do you still buy CDs?

This CNet article asks the question that titles this post. It says that a recent report projects that it won't be until 2012 that download sales surpass CD sales.

I confess that I still buy music CDs.. I also occasionally play (copied from CD) MP3 type mucic on my PC and Smartphone. Maybe I need this hybrid CD/MP3 player pictured right?

How about you? How do you get your music?

Elected Entertainers

Do you think it interesting that comedian Al Franken appears to be the next senator from Minnesota? If so, he will not be the first entertainer to be elected to public office. Found these five easy questions about elected entertainers in my inbox today:

1. What great state once elected a former pro-wrestler as governor?
2. Ronald Reagan was known for his film work including “Bedtime for Bonzo.” Of what state was Reagan Governor of before becoming President?
3. Fred Grandy was elected to the House of Representatives from the state of Iowa in 1986. What was the nickname of his lovable character on the sitcom “Love Boat?”
4. Ben Jones was elected to the United States House of Representatives for the state of Georgia. What was his character's name of the hit series “The Dukes of Hazzard?”
5. He played many political roles throughout his acting career and has served as a United States Senator from Tennessee . He is best known for his recent unsuccessful run for the Presidency in 2008. Who is he?

I have listed the answers in the comments section. Let me know how you did.

Jury Duty Costs

A recent KC Star article titled Crime doesn’t pay — nor does jury duty makes the point that people sometimes sacrifice financially when they are enlisted to serve on a jury. In Kansas City (Missouri) a juror receives $6 a day plus mileage (at 7 cents a mile).. in Kansas juror compensation is $10 a day.

In light of the salaries that we pay all government employees I find this to be a bit ludicrous. These rates were established decades ago.. it is about time a bit of reality is applied to them.

What do you think? Any stories to share?

Driving Under A Different Influence

This AP article says that the National Safety Council wants the US federal government to ban the use of all cell phones (handheld, speakerphones and bluetooth) while people are driving. They liken it to drinking while driving and say that cell phone use increases the risk of a crash fourfold.

What do you think? Is this just another case of extreme activism? I think that maybe some people cannot change their car's heater settings while driving and some can.. does that mean that the government should generalize and pass a law prohibiting people from tuning their radios and adjusting their heaters?

High Tech Access

This CNet article speaks to new products that give homeowners the ability to unlock their doors, adjust their thermostats and turn on their lights using the internet and web enabled mobile phones.

I think that I'd like that technology (geek that I am).. how about you?

Superbowl: Cardinals vs Steelers

The Monday morning quarterback in me just had to make a prediction.. drumroll please.. after a weekend glued (well not quite) to the playoffs on TV.. I think that Arizona will beat Philly and Pittsburgh will best Baltimore this coming weekend. Of course my winner picking average was only 50% this past weekend :(

Who are your picks to play in the big game?

Also Can't Believe It!

Came across this scene a few days ago at a local store :(

Franchise Opportunity

My son found this Indiana cafe advertised in INC magazine.. apparently they would like to franchise their right-wing idea.. any takers?

Fearless Bob

According to these five questions:

• I am fearless!
• I see life as my one chance to experience everything, and I just go for it!
• I believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing.
• Sometimes my fearlessness means I'm daring. 
• I enjoy risky activities.
• And sometimes my fearlessness means I'm courageous.
• I'm brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

It is quite obvious that they have never met ultra-conservative no-risk me!

Take the quiz and tell me what your word is.

Epitaphs

About a year ago I wrote about Kirk Rogg's inspirational fight against ALS in a post titled Courage Under Fire. I recently read a note from Kirk's widow Angie with a link to these photos of Kirk's headstone.. a beautiful tribute to Kirk's faith.. I love the image of his family on it.. and that great passage on the other side.

It got me to thinking about my headstone.. what would I want written on it.. and what passage would I like inscribed? Here are a few quick thoughts about it: I think that I would not want to pick the inscription.. I am sure that Kirk didn't pick his.. once we are gone we probably won't be able to read it anyways.. inscriptions are for the living.. I think.

That said.. maybe I would like to put a message on it.. maybe something like "hope to see you.. eventually" or "God loves you and so do I".. wow.. do they seem lame. I wonder what a good message would be? Here are a few famous ones that I found on the web:

LOOKING INTO THE PORTALS OF ETERNITY TEACHES THAT
THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN IS INSPIRED BY GOD'S WORD;
THEN ALL PREJUDICE OF RACE VANISHES AWAY.
(George Washington)

The body of Benjamin Franklin, printer (like the cover of an old book, its
contents worn out, and stript of its lettering and gilding) lies here, food for
worms. Yet the work itself shall not lost, for it will, as he
believed, appear once more In a new and more beautiful
edition, corrected and amended by its Author
(Benjamin Franklin)

I am ready to meet my Maker.
Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal
of meeting me is another matter.
(Winston Churchill)

To save your world you asked this man to die:
Would this man, could he see you now, ask why?
(The Unknown Soldier by W H Auden)
Not sure that they helped much.. maybe I'll think of something and write it in the comments. What do you think? Any famous epitaphs come to mind? What would you like on your headstone?

Rated PG, G & R

This blog was rated PG.. my prayer blog rated G and my faith blog rated R because of these "bad" words: death (15x), pain (6x) and suicide (1x).. guess faith is pretty rough stuff. Strangely enough the KB and Faith blogs were rated G and PG-13 a year and a half ago.. guess I just got a bit more "adult".

Rate your blog here and let me know it's rating. 

Kudos to R rated Mark for finding this.

Health Care Discussion

An interesting Morning Joe discussion about our newly appointed Surgeon General and the state of health care in America.. it is not long.. might want catch the first few minutes if you are interested.

Comment Verification

This image showed up a few days ago as I was verifying my comments on a blog.. I had to laugh because I seldom have polite thoughts when I am struggling through comment verification.. even less polite thoughts if the blogger moderates comments.

Maybe you need this message today as you comment your day away :)

The Fear of the Lord

Here is an excerpt from the latest post from my faith blog:

You don’t have to look far to see that the American church has fallen short when it comes to the fear of God. In 2008 one popular charismatic preacher led a series of revival meetings and then ran off with another woman after four months.

Check the rest out here. Also check out my year in review here.

HD Radio

KC Star TV columnist Aaron Barnhart recently wrote a piece titled: HD service changing radio. Here are a few excerpts from it:

HD Radio is the service started up by the nation’s radio broadcasters to counter the challenge of satellite radio. I find that explaining it to people is harder than just getting them into my car and turning on my stereo.

The HD Radio Web site explains it this way: “Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences. Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal — both analog and digital. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD Radio receiver.”

Have you ever heard about HD radio? I wonder if it will catch on?

White Trash Zoo Hot Tub

Kudos to Stephanie who offered:

I KNEW there was a white trash zoo somewhere!

I am still smiling :)

2008 Memory Test

Click the image, take the 10 question test and report back!

Religiously Diverse America

I think that this is an interesting list detailing the religious landscape of both the congress and of American adults. I tend to agree with The Pew Forum when it says

"Although a majority of the members of the new, 111th Congress, which will be sworn in on Jan. 6, are Protestants, Congress - like the nation as a whole - is much more religiously diverse than it was 50 years ago."

What do you think? Are we more religiously diverse than we used to be?

1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

 

In this undated image released by Bonhams, an extremely rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, is seen in a garage in Gosforth, England, where it was found by relatives after the death of the owner, an elderly doctor who last used it around 1960. The Bugatti, one of only 17 ever made, is expected to draw a record price when it is auctioned in Paris next month. (AP Story/Photo/Bonhams)

A Mediocre Post

Only the mediocre are always at their best. -Jean Giraudoux

Some people are born mediocre, some people achieve mediocrity, and some people have mediocrity thrust upon them. -Joseph Heller

Let us not underestimate the privileges of the mediocre. As one climbs higher, life becomes ever harder; the coldness increases, responsibility increases. -Friedrich Nietzsche


We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre. -Uta Hagen

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. -William Arthur Ward

People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to. -George Allen

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. -Albert Einstein

Bella | ★★★★★★★★★

Ann and I caught this great flick last night with our friend Karen.. we watched the DVRed HD version. The story is a heartwarming one that examines the struggle of a woman with an unplanned pregnancy. The story is a beautiful one of redemption from past suffering.. it portrays the characters with depth and emotion. I thought that the acting was good and the film was edited to a perfect length.. no real slow spots.

On a scale of 10 I give this movie ★★★★★★★★★