"In a nutshell, it [Prosperity Theology] suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke.
"In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%--a far higher percentage than there are Pentecostals in America--agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money.
"Who would want to get in on something where you're miserable, poor, broke and ugly and you just have to muddle through until you get to heaven?" asks Joyce Meyer, a popular television preacher and author often lumped in the Prosperity Lite camp. "I believe God wants to give us nice things." -source
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Yep, uh huh
About a week ago I had the opportunity to go shooting with the surgeon who did the PRK-procedure on my eyes.
What may have been the most memorable moment of 2007 occurred right after he suggested I try firing a Jeffery 450 #2 Nitro Express ... from the bench rest. Just to check my aim.
Left to right - .450 N.E., .500/.450, .450 no.2, .465 and .470.
Hahahaha 45 minutes later, generally satisfied neither my nose nor right hand was broken, I felt like I was marginally OK to drive home.
Later that night I told TPW on the phone, "What happened? I just don't remember recoil affecting me that much."
After listening to me whine and complain for 15 minutes she said, "As long as I've known you, you always come back from shooting whining about how much such-and-such rifle kicks."
--- ----
One day we'll talk more about it.
One day we'll talk more about stepping aboard the Nitro Sleigh Ride. One day we'll talk about leaving the trigger, flying along the rifle's front sight and feeling the primer's ignition blow 3 tons of kinetic energy down the slim 110-year old barrels resting between your bare, unprotected fingers. One day we'll talk about ...
"Yeah," she said. "Now stop talking about it."
What may have been the most memorable moment of 2007 occurred right after he suggested I try firing a Jeffery 450 #2 Nitro Express ... from the bench rest. Just to check my aim.
Left to right - .450 N.E., .500/.450, .450 no.2, .465 and .470. Hahahaha 45 minutes later, generally satisfied neither my nose nor right hand was broken, I felt like I was marginally OK to drive home.
Later that night I told TPW on the phone, "What happened? I just don't remember recoil affecting me that much."
After listening to me whine and complain for 15 minutes she said, "As long as I've known you, you always come back from shooting whining about how much such-and-such rifle kicks."
--- ----
One day we'll talk more about it.
One day we'll talk more about stepping aboard the Nitro Sleigh Ride. One day we'll talk about leaving the trigger, flying along the rifle's front sight and feeling the primer's ignition blow 3 tons of kinetic energy down the slim 110-year old barrels resting between your bare, unprotected fingers. One day we'll talk about ...
"Yeah," she said. "Now stop talking about it."
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
But are you sure ...?
Have you ever imagined what it woulda been like to live 2000 years ago, and met Christ during His ministry ... in the flesh? Eye to eye with God, up close and personal.
I especially wonder what it must've been like for the disciples ... the twelve chosen to spend three years in day to day existence with Jesus. To have had that much time to know Him, and ask any questions to clear up any issues of doctrine or theology whatsoever.
What strikes me, in reading the gospel accounts, is that I can't find anyone, not even the Pharisees, taking time to ask Christ:
-Is it okay to include harp music in worship?
-Is it lawful to clap in synagogue?
-When will organs and stained glass windows be invented ... and where should we meet until then?
-What's the absolutely right number to form a church Finance and Steering Committee?
-Does "tithe" mean net, or gross?
-How do we make grape juice?
-Exactly how much are you earning, and why didn't we get to vote on it first?
-When you come back to earth, the first thing you'll do is tell everybody else that our faction was right, won't you?
-What's a Disney World?
I especially wonder what it must've been like for the disciples ... the twelve chosen to spend three years in day to day existence with Jesus. To have had that much time to know Him, and ask any questions to clear up any issues of doctrine or theology whatsoever.
What strikes me, in reading the gospel accounts, is that I can't find anyone, not even the Pharisees, taking time to ask Christ:
-Is it okay to include harp music in worship?
-Is it lawful to clap in synagogue?
-When will organs and stained glass windows be invented ... and where should we meet until then?
-What's the absolutely right number to form a church Finance and Steering Committee?
-Does "tithe" mean net, or gross?
-How do we make grape juice?
-Exactly how much are you earning, and why didn't we get to vote on it first?
-When you come back to earth, the first thing you'll do is tell everybody else that our faction was right, won't you?
-What's a Disney World?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wait'll next year
First off, ya'll know I don't have a dog in the Clemson-USC fight, but thought both camps might enjoy seeing what Fran got me for Christmas.
She asked if I was gonna wear it in Africa. I nodded Yes ... I'll explain that the shirt celebrates "The amazing American fighting chicken." I think that's kuchi ajabu marekani, in Swahili.
Wow.
She asked if I was gonna wear it in Africa. I nodded Yes ... I'll explain that the shirt celebrates "The amazing American fighting chicken." I think that's kuchi ajabu marekani, in Swahili.Wow.
Ho ho ... uh oh
We all know what "interest" means: it's the price paid for using credit or money. But why does Interest exist in the first place?
Here's some theories:
1. The Time-Preference Theory explains interest "as an inducement to "engage in time-consuming but more productive activities"
2. Liquidity-Preference Theory explains interest as "an inducement to sacrifice a portion of liquidity for a nonliquid contractual obligation"
3. According to Marxist theory, interest is "a portion of labor expropriated by the capitalist class by virtue of its political power"
Here's a word we don't hear often enough: Usury
usu·ry \'yü-zhə-rē, 'yüzh-rē\ n, pl -ries [ME usurie, fr. AF, fr. ML usuria, alter. of L usura, fr. usus, pp. of uti to use] (14c)
1 archaic: interest
2 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use ; esp: the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates
3 : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest ; specif: interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money
"In Old English law, the taking of any compensation whatsoever was termed usury [emphasis added]. With the expansion of trade in the 13th century, however, the demand for credit increased, necessitating a modification in the definition of the term."
"The total amount of consumer debt in the United States stands at nearly $2.5 trillion dollars - and based on the latest Census statistics, that works out to be nearly $8,200 in debt for every man, woman and child that lives here in the US."
Sources:
-Merriam Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus
-"interest." Encyclopædia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2007.)
-Money-zine.com
Here's some theories:
1. The Time-Preference Theory explains interest "as an inducement to "engage in time-consuming but more productive activities"
2. Liquidity-Preference Theory explains interest as "an inducement to sacrifice a portion of liquidity for a nonliquid contractual obligation"
3. According to Marxist theory, interest is "a portion of labor expropriated by the capitalist class by virtue of its political power"
Here's a word we don't hear often enough: Usury
usu·ry \'yü-zhə-rē, 'yüzh-rē\ n, pl -ries [ME usurie, fr. AF, fr. ML usuria, alter. of L usura, fr. usus, pp. of uti to use] (14c)
1 archaic: interest
2 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use ; esp: the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates
3 : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest ; specif: interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money
"In Old English law, the taking of any compensation whatsoever was termed usury [emphasis added]. With the expansion of trade in the 13th century, however, the demand for credit increased, necessitating a modification in the definition of the term."
"The total amount of consumer debt in the United States stands at nearly $2.5 trillion dollars - and based on the latest Census statistics, that works out to be nearly $8,200 in debt for every man, woman and child that lives here in the US."
Sources:
-Merriam Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus
-"interest." Encyclopædia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2007.)
-Money-zine.com
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Hawking's Socks Paradox
Wash n' Wear Inside the Event Horizon
Last night I recorded a show about Black Holes on the Science Channel. What I learned was that anything crossing a Black Hole's "Event Horizon" becomes forever trapped by its gravity ... and eventually disappears within an infinite crush of space-time.
I don't pretend to understand the math, but I'm pretty sure that's what happens to socks inside the washing machine, too.
(Above: Un-retouched photo of an actual Black Hole, recently discovered while doing my laundry.)
Last night I recorded a show about Black Holes on the Science Channel. What I learned was that anything crossing a Black Hole's "Event Horizon" becomes forever trapped by its gravity ... and eventually disappears within an infinite crush of space-time.
I don't pretend to understand the math, but I'm pretty sure that's what happens to socks inside the washing machine, too.
(Above: Un-retouched photo of an actual Black Hole, recently discovered while doing my laundry.)
Saturday, December 22, 2007
What?! Notevena Cantata?
It's the time of the year for folks who have zero interest in anything other than criticizing and condescending to start asking, "What's your church doing for its Christmas service?"
Doing? You mean like ...
"Like a Christmas cantata. Or a candlelight service."
Not that I know of.
"Doesn't your church have a choir?"
No.
"So your church isn't doing anything special for Christmas?"
Special? Ah, I thought teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ was special ... and all that ultimately matters.
I'm not sure what the word "Cantata" means, anyway.
Doing? You mean like ...
"Like a Christmas cantata. Or a candlelight service."
Not that I know of.
"Doesn't your church have a choir?"
No.
"So your church isn't doing anything special for Christmas?"
Special? Ah, I thought teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ was special ... and all that ultimately matters.
I'm not sure what the word "Cantata" means, anyway.
Friday, December 21, 2007
No reason to cell-ebrate; No Gripe with Skype
Vernon called the other night.
First thing I asked him was, "Are you in the States?" because the connection was so clear, it sounded like he was calling from a pay phone on the parking lot. Yet he was calling from his cell, south of the equator, not far from the Kenya border.
The point is: the clearest calls I get are consistently from Tanzania and the worst, hardest to hear and de-scramble calls come from folks ... well, I won't name names (but their phones can store and play every episode of Heroes and LOST in Hi-Def).
Anyway, based on my anecdotal experiences (and that's all that matters, sure) I think US cell phone companies should be ashamed of themselves. Truly & I mean it.
I've called and talked to Vernon while he was traveling on dirt roads scores of miles removed from pavement, in the fourth poorest country on the planet with no reception problems whatsoever, yet the coverage in the quadrant roughly defined by I-85, Highway 81 and Lake Hartwell and River Street is abysmal.
From the "I Don't Care if it's Christmas, I STILL HATE WINDOWS" Department:
Bah, software bug. Each time Windows warns of a "Critical Update" waiting to be installed, you run the risk of getting Scrouged.
First thing I asked him was, "Are you in the States?" because the connection was so clear, it sounded like he was calling from a pay phone on the parking lot. Yet he was calling from his cell, south of the equator, not far from the Kenya border.
The point is: the clearest calls I get are consistently from Tanzania and the worst, hardest to hear and de-scramble calls come from folks ... well, I won't name names (but their phones can store and play every episode of Heroes and LOST in Hi-Def).
Anyway, based on my anecdotal experiences (and that's all that matters, sure) I think US cell phone companies should be ashamed of themselves. Truly & I mean it.
I've called and talked to Vernon while he was traveling on dirt roads scores of miles removed from pavement, in the fourth poorest country on the planet with no reception problems whatsoever, yet the coverage in the quadrant roughly defined by I-85, Highway 81 and Lake Hartwell and River Street is abysmal.
From the "I Don't Care if it's Christmas, I STILL HATE WINDOWS" Department:
Bah, software bug. Each time Windows warns of a "Critical Update" waiting to be installed, you run the risk of getting Scrouged.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Dark Side of RULES N' LEGALISM
My biggest motivation in comitting to rules and adhering to tradition is that then, I can focus on "What I Can Get Away With Because There's No Rule Saying I Can't Do It" ... and point back to the rules themselves, to justify & condone my own sinfulness.
It's easier to love tradition and follow rules than it is to love God, follow Christ and hear the Holy Spirit.
It's easier to love tradition and follow rules than it is to love God, follow Christ and hear the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
I hate you because God loves me & MY RELIGION most
“Last Christians of
Did you ever read anything like this?
19 Verily thy religion saves thee, and sayest unto thee, Thou lookest exceedingly sharp in thine store-bought threads, 20 thine ride and car payments spell glory in letters reaching into heaven. 21 Truly thine plastic burden proveth none among men is as important and righteous as thee in thine own eyes.
22 For truly there is no room in heaven for both thee and me, my right-hand and most righteous man, 23 who wisely chose when to be born and exalted,.
24 The creator thanks thee for watching his back and says,
25 I couldn’t keep it together without thee.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Famous Face Book - Here's the Answers
For a gold-zillion points, could you name these famous faces?
Jim Fisk
Daniel Drew
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Jay Gould
"In his lifetime and for a century after, Gould had a firm reputation as the most unethical of the 19th century American businessmen known as robber barons. Many times he allowed his rivals to believe that he was beaten, then sprang some legal or contractual loophole on them that completely reversed the situation and gave him the advantage. He pioneered the practice, now commonplace, of declaring bankruptcy as a strategic maneuver. He had no opposition to using stock manipulation and insider trading (which were then legal but frowned upon) to build capital and to execute or prevent hostile takeover attempts. As a result, many contemporary businessmen did not trust Gould and often expressed contempt for his approach to business. Even so, John D. Rockefeller named him as the most skilled businessman he ever encountered."
John D. Rockefeller
From the "BIG TUESDAY SO WHAT?" Department:
These were some of the richest guys who ever lived, at least in modern terms. But besides having almost unimaginable wealth, they shared a few other things as well:
1. None ever owned an Ipod
2. None ever owned a computer or sent an e-mail
3. None even owned a color TV. Or cell phone. Or had any idea what "MasterCard" meant.
Hmmm, all those millions still wasn't enough to buy an Ipod? Man, that had to be rough.
Jim Fisk
Daniel Drew
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Jay Gould
"In his lifetime and for a century after, Gould had a firm reputation as the most unethical of the 19th century American businessmen known as robber barons. Many times he allowed his rivals to believe that he was beaten, then sprang some legal or contractual loophole on them that completely reversed the situation and gave him the advantage. He pioneered the practice, now commonplace, of declaring bankruptcy as a strategic maneuver. He had no opposition to using stock manipulation and insider trading (which were then legal but frowned upon) to build capital and to execute or prevent hostile takeover attempts. As a result, many contemporary businessmen did not trust Gould and often expressed contempt for his approach to business. Even so, John D. Rockefeller named him as the most skilled businessman he ever encountered."
John D. RockefellerFrom the "BIG TUESDAY SO WHAT?" Department:
These were some of the richest guys who ever lived, at least in modern terms. But besides having almost unimaginable wealth, they shared a few other things as well:
1. None ever owned an Ipod
2. None ever owned a computer or sent an e-mail
3. None even owned a color TV. Or cell phone. Or had any idea what "MasterCard" meant.
Hmmm, all those millions still wasn't enough to buy an Ipod? Man, that had to be rough.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Here’s MY Plan
1) I’m gonna go church-shopping till I find one I like ... one with a deep discount, that (a) tolerates my self-important ambition to be a big shot & make my own rules; or (b) either overlooks or permits the sins that give me the most physical pleasure & satisfaction ... and generally makes me feel good about ignoring God's plan for my life
Adjunct: I call the shots in my life, not the Holy Spirit
Hey now.
Misc crumbs from the cupboard ...
1. The BassMaster Classic will be held on Lake Hartwell in February, 2008.
Professional bass fishermen are already converging from across the US in preparation for the tournament ... and employing the latest GPS satellite technology to identify the most likely spots where "The Biggest Catch" might be lurking.
Hint: With 87 square miles of lake to explore, why must the monster bass be hiding under my window? Just asking, say.
2. Einstein said more than E=mc2:
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has
limits." - Albert Einstein
"If they wanna see me, here I am. If they wanna see my clothes, show them my closet."
- Albert Einstein
3. From a neck-down guy:
"The first man to earn your affection could change the course of history."
-joe hall
August 18, 2007
4. Quote from a friend
"Who knows what a Puffin thinks?"
-Tatiana Del Rio
Professional bass fishermen are already converging from across the US in preparation for the tournament ... and employing the latest GPS satellite technology to identify the most likely spots where "The Biggest Catch" might be lurking.
Hint: With 87 square miles of lake to explore, why must the monster bass be hiding under my window? Just asking, say.
2. Einstein said more than E=mc2:"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has
limits." - Albert Einstein
"If they wanna see me, here I am. If they wanna see my clothes, show them my closet."
- Albert Einstein
3. From a neck-down guy:
"The first man to earn your affection could change the course of history."
-joe hall
August 18, 2007
4. Quote from a friend
"Who knows what a Puffin thinks?"
-Tatiana Del Rio
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
We're from the bank and we're here to help you: Now stick 'em up
Bank of America, Wachovia, PNC Report New Loan Losses (Update3)
By David Mildenberg and Hugh Son
By David Mildenberg and Hugh Son
Dec. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Bank of America Corp., Wachovia Corp. and PNC Financial Services Group Inc. said losses tied to bad debt will be worse than expected, providing fresh evidence that credit markets aren't returning to normal. -original source here
Hmmm, ... wonder whether our Bank Buddies are gonna shrug off their losses with big red faces, admit their unbridled avarice ... and learn a lesson about fiscal responsibility?Will banks finally wise up n' buckle down ... no longer writing risky loans or issuing "credit cards" to folks who're already over-extended & unable to make minimum monthly payments?
Or, can we expect them to:
1) Raise interest rates & minimum monthly payments for "marginal" borrowers (folks with variable-interest mortgages and debt cards)
2) Mass-mail enticing new offers to "even more marginal" borrowers/debtors
3) Lay off "non-essential personnel" (i.e. bottom-tier bank employees; not the folks responsible for banks' lending practices) "as a response to the disappointing current economic downtrend"?
4) Resort to predatory lending by writing increasingly-risky loans (before their competitors do)
5) Increase fees & service charges; create new ones; offer fewer services
6) Argue that "Stealing isn't stealing when stealing is protected by law"
But isn't that Free Enterprise? Ain't that how Capitalism works?
Banks hire lobbyists and make huge political contributions to manipulate the legislative process and enact laws penned in their corporate board rooms intended to guarantee their profits.
That how we end up with The Best Government Money Can Buy.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
"I saw you at church Sunday"
I've known Ke for at least six months ... but didn't know till tonight that we go to the same church.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
judge as I say, not as I do
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
-Matthew 7:1-2
Something occurred to me yesterday: we tend to remember that passage as Christ's warning against making negative judgments, but does it equally apply to judging things we might like and want- things that seem attractive and totally desirable-- that we just might want for ourselves?
Like, when we make judgments about others, "So-and-so has the total package ... a fairy-tale marriage to the perfect spouse, wonderful kids, great looks, fame, prestige, deep-pocket wealth and every other sign of material success ... exactly all the things I want in my life, too."
Lest others judge you to be superficial, shallow, vain and selfish?
-Matthew 7:1-2
Something occurred to me yesterday: we tend to remember that passage as Christ's warning against making negative judgments, but does it equally apply to judging things we might like and want- things that seem attractive and totally desirable-- that we just might want for ourselves?
Like, when we make judgments about others, "So-and-so has the total package ... a fairy-tale marriage to the perfect spouse, wonderful kids, great looks, fame, prestige, deep-pocket wealth and every other sign of material success ... exactly all the things I want in my life, too."
Lest others judge you to be superficial, shallow, vain and selfish?
wish in one hand ...
I wish Peter Tosh had done his own cover of "Never My Love."
Wouldn't his reggae version have been cool? Sure, sure it would.
Wouldn't his reggae version have been cool? Sure, sure it would.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Team Effort
"Ding-A-Ling, make I help you?" Department
As Christmas approaches, The G is slammed sideways with folks anxiously calling in their dinner reservations ... and nothing works better than having a guy manning the desk who can't figure which end of the phone to talk into.
As Christmas approaches, The G is slammed sideways with folks anxiously calling in their dinner reservations ... and nothing works better than having a guy manning the desk who can't figure which end of the phone to talk into.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Use A Hoe
As ya'll know, the lake level is down to record lows ... and life here in Marina City ain't always a beach. Especially when it comes to looking out for & taking care of the critters.
Below is a photo of the actual lake bottom (i.e. mud) emerging between Docks 7 & 8
The lake is so shallow, even geese are getting their paddlers stuck in the bottom.
Next, we find an unused backhoe parked on the beach near Dock 12:
Suddenly, a concerned local points to a pending Emergency:
"Uh Oh, oh no! The lake is so shallow, now Hansel and Gretl have their feets stuck in the bottom, too!"
Your faithful servant and host catches a gear, and digs the ducks a way outta the muck
Ducks must swim, and swim free.
Below is a photo of the actual lake bottom (i.e. mud) emerging between Docks 7 & 8
The lake is so shallow, even geese are getting their paddlers stuck in the bottom.
Next, we find an unused backhoe parked on the beach near Dock 12:
Suddenly, a concerned local points to a pending Emergency:
"Uh Oh, oh no! The lake is so shallow, now Hansel and Gretl have their feets stuck in the bottom, too!"
Your faithful servant and host catches a gear, and digs the ducks a way outta the muck
Ducks must swim, and swim free.
Memory Mayhem
I started thinking about this post the other day, then forgot about it ...
I'm terrified of dropping my phone into the lake because if I do I'm not sure who I'll remember to call (I know it's only a matter of time before it happens, too).
So as a mental exercise to prove a point to myself, I decided to write down the names of the folks whose phone numbers I've actually committed to memory. Thus,
Ken
DJ
New Spring Office
Mike
Anzie
Fran & AB
Dr. Billy
Bruce R.
My folks in Fla
Wow. Eeeeh ... the "D" does stand for "Dummy" after all.
I'm terrified of dropping my phone into the lake because if I do I'm not sure who I'll remember to call (I know it's only a matter of time before it happens, too).
So as a mental exercise to prove a point to myself, I decided to write down the names of the folks whose phone numbers I've actually committed to memory. Thus,
Ken
DJ
New Spring Office
Mike
Anzie
Fran & AB
Dr. Billy
Bruce R.
My folks in Fla
Wow. Eeeeh ... the "D" does stand for "Dummy" after all.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Un-laxing on Saturday with The Blue Book
-just some miscellaneous wanderings & gatherings ...
Today DJ is getting married:
Playing under the lights in Clemson's own Death Valley, my friend JJ's Ladies Tag Football Team won the Clemson Championship . JJ (who I know from The G and from NewSpring) plays running back:
How Low Can It Go? Department
I heard the lake is down 19 feet, and the drought might bottom out at 35-feet below Full Capacity by February.
Here's a photo (above) I took next to Dock 12, where the old Portman Road is making a surprise appearance after a nearly 50-year absence.
What direction does The Golden Compass point to? Department
Huh?
Today DJ is getting married:
Playing under the lights in Clemson's own Death Valley, my friend JJ's Ladies Tag Football Team won the Clemson Championship . JJ (who I know from The G and from NewSpring) plays running back:
How Low Can It Go? DepartmentI heard the lake is down 19 feet, and the drought might bottom out at 35-feet below Full Capacity by February.
Here's a photo (above) I took next to Dock 12, where the old Portman Road is making a surprise appearance after a nearly 50-year absence.What direction does The Golden Compass point to? Department
Huh?
Friday, December 07, 2007
Have A Very Mastodon Christmas
| (this post is from the Whimsy & Imagination Department, c.1880) M.K. Owen 4 Bore "Mastodon" |
 |
| |
|
| First of all, this gun is MASSIVE! The scale of the 4 bore is truly amazing, and yet, it breaks opens and locks up like a fine English shotgun. Second, it mounts and balances like a fine shotgun. (That weighs 29 pounds). The barrels are 22 1/2", with a bore diameter of .995". The cartidge case is 4" tall, and the Cartridge overall length is 4 1/2". This M.K. Owen built gun is regulated for a 2000 grain bullet travelling at 1400 fps, and is on at 50 yards. It is patterned after the only H&H built 4 bore proofed for smokeless powder, and features a back action sidelock action, and Purdey style lugs with a Greener crossbolt for the third bite. The firing pins are bushed. The receiver and metalwork is fully engraved by A.B. Bradshaw, and features a Mastodon, sabre tooth tigers, and assorted dinosaurs. It is our understanding that Owen built only five of these, and that he will make no more. |
Sunsets Redux
I don't like shooting in color; I don't like "pretty" pictures; most of all I look past pictures of sunsets. So then what do I do?
I turn right around and indulge in a sunset binge :-)
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Hope's Sunset
My friend Hope a/k/a Hopie, The Hopester, took this photo with her phone.
Thursday's Hope, You ROCK! Sunset Playlist:
Tomorrow Never Knows - Phil Collins
Thursday's Hope, You ROCK! Sunset Playlist:
Tomorrow Never Knows - Phil Collins
skip it
Yep, I was up at 3 AM this morning. It sounded like a giant metal spider was walking back and forth over the dock.
Of course I coulda got outta bed, gone outside and checked to find out, but two things prevented me:
(1) If I'd spotted a 40-ft tall metal spider walking across Lake Hartwell at 3 AM, you wouldn't believe me
(2) If a 40-ft tall metal spider is content to mind his own business and keep on moving, then that's perfectly fine with me
ps. I'm pretty sure it was just the wind ...
Of course I coulda got outta bed, gone outside and checked to find out, but two things prevented me:
(1) If I'd spotted a 40-ft tall metal spider walking across Lake Hartwell at 3 AM, you wouldn't believe me
(2) If a 40-ft tall metal spider is content to mind his own business and keep on moving, then that's perfectly fine with me
ps. I'm pretty sure it was just the wind ...
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Blog Lite:The Story of a Haircut (told in pictures)
Ever wondered what yer face looks like while you're getting yer hair shampooed?
Ever wondered if everybody becomes Papa Bear at some point, and their water is either "too hot" or "too cold"? {Bear with me; I'm not good on my fairy tales}
Here's where Mel reminds me the future is a place about 70 miles east of here ... after talking me through traffic on the drive over. Are we cool? We cool.
Afterwards I get lost again on the drive home and simply wave at people peering into the truck, explaining "Excuse me, but Thank You Very Much."
Ever wondered if everybody becomes Papa Bear at some point, and their water is either "too hot" or "too cold"? {Bear with me; I'm not good on my fairy tales}
Here's where Mel reminds me the future is a place about 70 miles east of here ... after talking me through traffic on the drive over. Are we cool? We cool.
Afterwards I get lost again on the drive home and simply wave at people peering into the truck, explaining "Excuse me, but Thank You Very Much."
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Chewbacca-row Baptists
-See: The Chewbacca Defense; wherein "The aim of the argument is to deliberately confuse."
I gotta tell ya up front, I been feeling ill (for non-Southerners, that means angry) for about a week following the latest telephone conversation (previously mentioned) in what feels like a long, pointed but pointless series of telephone calls.
Look, it's not honorable, funny, amusing, insightful, beneficial, righteous, pious, illuminating or in any way impressive or Christ-like to attack, criticize or ridicule another believer's church with double-talk and word puzzles, or condescend to any part of their worship service just because it's not the style of worship you're familiar with.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Jabba the Baptist
"Send us another fresh pastor, that the flock may consume and devour him."
"More from you because how great are our needs!"
Man Up; Mac Out
You cannot have a Mac/Apple and a Man Card: They are mutually exclusive ... and Mac has gobs of exciting new designer colors just dying to make this point for me.
Period. There. End of discussion.
Friday, November 30, 2007
More words ...
than I can pre-type in one sitting (before finally getting on-line with an upload).
Really, what I'm trying to say is the posts I woulda posted are too long to post ... so I'm posting just the titles for the un-posted posts from the past few days because the posts were too long to finish writing.
Nov. 27 2007
"A Different Kind of Burden"
I'm rich because I'm righteous ... and God thinks so, too.
Nov 28 2007
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Colleague"
Being a Christian doesn't make me better than you - I was already better than you.
Nov 28 2007
"The Sons of Heaven Lodge and Social Club"
Where church is what we say church should be - and that means Sunday School and Wednesday Night Prayer Meetings, mister.
Nov 29 2007
"Is A Blessing the same thing as a Reward?"
No, I deserve everything God's given me ... and gots lots more comin' my way.
Really, what I'm trying to say is the posts I woulda posted are too long to post ... so I'm posting just the titles for the un-posted posts from the past few days because the posts were too long to finish writing.
Nov. 27 2007
"A Different Kind of Burden"
I'm rich because I'm righteous ... and God thinks so, too.
Nov 28 2007
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Colleague"
Being a Christian doesn't make me better than you - I was already better than you.
Nov 28 2007
"The Sons of Heaven Lodge and Social Club"
Where church is what we say church should be - and that means Sunday School and Wednesday Night Prayer Meetings, mister.
Nov 29 2007
"Is A Blessing the same thing as a Reward?"
No, I deserve everything God's given me ... and gots lots more comin' my way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Will there be Dinosaurs in Heaven?
Had a discussion recently with an out-of-town friend about some serious scriptural ideology ... namely, How much does your pastor make? and Will our pets be with us in Heaven?
See, it was budget-making time at his church, and the debate was already shaping up to be lively (as usual). My friend sighed and remarked, "Well, everybody's entitled to speak up with their opinion when it comes to spending the church's money. After all, it's our money."
My brain-brake wasn't fully engaged and I blurted, Your money?
"Sure," my friend answered. "Where else do you think it comes from?" Once the condescension gets started it's hard to stop: "Doesn't the congregation have a right to know what the pastor's getting paid?"
I asked why the pastor's take-home was important, except to hold as a lever-under-the table, and got a snicker for my trouble.
"There's always stories on the news about pastors stealing from churches, and it's the members' responsibility to closely monitor where their tithes are going! Membership comes with its privileges."
So I said, Then doesn't the congregation have the same right to know what every member makes?
I could practically feel his gasp hit my cheek. "WHAT on earth for? What sense does that make?"
I said, To make sure all the members are tithing, and that GOD isn't being robbed. Because it seems to me like the members could steal more from God than a pastor could steal from a church.
"Well," my friend continued, "did you know that a preacher only has one job? And that's to feed the flock."
I closed my eyes and wondered, Then why aren't they called Feed-ers, instead of Preach-ers?
But I wasn't fast enough to respond, so the subject tore off in a new direction.
My friend had been reading a book (I forget the name) that tries to draw a picture of what Heaven will be like, based on glimmpses and references from scripture.
The author claimed that since scripture mentions a "New Jerusalem" in Heaven, and the "old" Jerusalem's specific dimensions are referenced in the Bible; and since Heaven's streets be paved with gold, then Heaven must be a physical place ... meaning we'll have legs to walk from one place to another in Heaven.
The author also claims our pets will join us in Heaven, because animals were part of God's original perfect creation in the Garden of Eden, so why wouldn't He include the same perfect creatures in Paradise?
Especially since Heaven in always described in fun, happy terms (isn't that what Joy means?), who could be totally 100% happy in Heaven for ever and ever without their favorite dog (cats and pet reptiles, not so much).
Uh, you want fries with that order? I'm not mocking or ridiculing, I'm pleading: Won't being in Christ's presence be enough to answer every question and satisfy every need?
See, it was budget-making time at his church, and the debate was already shaping up to be lively (as usual). My friend sighed and remarked, "Well, everybody's entitled to speak up with their opinion when it comes to spending the church's money. After all, it's our money."
My brain-brake wasn't fully engaged and I blurted, Your money?
"Sure," my friend answered. "Where else do you think it comes from?" Once the condescension gets started it's hard to stop: "Doesn't the congregation have a right to know what the pastor's getting paid?"
I asked why the pastor's take-home was important, except to hold as a lever-under-the table, and got a snicker for my trouble.
"There's always stories on the news about pastors stealing from churches, and it's the members' responsibility to closely monitor where their tithes are going! Membership comes with its privileges."
So I said, Then doesn't the congregation have the same right to know what every member makes?
I could practically feel his gasp hit my cheek. "WHAT on earth for? What sense does that make?"
I said, To make sure all the members are tithing, and that GOD isn't being robbed. Because it seems to me like the members could steal more from God than a pastor could steal from a church.
"Well," my friend continued, "did you know that a preacher only has one job? And that's to feed the flock."
I closed my eyes and wondered, Then why aren't they called Feed-ers, instead of Preach-ers?
But I wasn't fast enough to respond, so the subject tore off in a new direction.
My friend had been reading a book (I forget the name) that tries to draw a picture of what Heaven will be like, based on glimmpses and references from scripture.
The author claimed that since scripture mentions a "New Jerusalem" in Heaven, and the "old" Jerusalem's specific dimensions are referenced in the Bible; and since Heaven's streets be paved with gold, then Heaven must be a physical place ... meaning we'll have legs to walk from one place to another in Heaven.
The author also claims our pets will join us in Heaven, because animals were part of God's original perfect creation in the Garden of Eden, so why wouldn't He include the same perfect creatures in Paradise?
Especially since Heaven in always described in fun, happy terms (isn't that what Joy means?), who could be totally 100% happy in Heaven for ever and ever without their favorite dog (cats and pet reptiles, not so much).
Uh, you want fries with that order? I'm not mocking or ridiculing, I'm pleading: Won't being in Christ's presence be enough to answer every question and satisfy every need?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Lights! Laser!! Action!!!
Yesterday afternoon I had the PRK laser surgery on my right eye. This is me in the waiting area, waiting.
Then the nurse applied disinfectant.
Then, moments before the procedure was to begin, they said they wanted to videotape my PRK procedure, to use on the local cable channel. My excited enthusiasm was obvious.
I only asked for 2 conditions: that I be allowed to light and direct the action.
Then, it was showtime. The laser only zapped my eye for about 5 seconds before I yelled "Cut! That's a wrap!"
This is me back in the waiting area, Post-Op. Lasers make me happy, gee.
With a few minutes to kill before my ride arrived, I started wondering what I'd look like framed in a photo on the wall. Eeeh, I just don't have that "distinguished" thang goin' on.
Hey no kidding, the fact that doctors can use lasers to fix vision problems is a total MIRACLE imho ... and I'm grateful for not only the surgeon's skill but also for the nurses who went way outta their way to make sure I felt at-ease and non-hysterical.
They're some of the best folks I've met (and believers, too!) ... Thank Ya'll again for putting up with me.
Then the nurse applied disinfectant.
Then, moments before the procedure was to begin, they said they wanted to videotape my PRK procedure, to use on the local cable channel. My excited enthusiasm was obvious.
I only asked for 2 conditions: that I be allowed to light and direct the action.
Then, it was showtime. The laser only zapped my eye for about 5 seconds before I yelled "Cut! That's a wrap!"
This is me back in the waiting area, Post-Op. Lasers make me happy, gee.
With a few minutes to kill before my ride arrived, I started wondering what I'd look like framed in a photo on the wall. Eeeh, I just don't have that "distinguished" thang goin' on.
Hey no kidding, the fact that doctors can use lasers to fix vision problems is a total MIRACLE imho ... and I'm grateful for not only the surgeon's skill but also for the nurses who went way outta their way to make sure I felt at-ease and non-hysterical.
They're some of the best folks I've met (and believers, too!) ... Thank Ya'll again for putting up with me.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Stuff happens
Especially when you keep one eye clamped open.
You won't believe it. Heck, I was there and didn't hardly believe it. But the good news is,
There's pictures and video to prove it!
Hint:
"I'm still big. It was the laser that got small" and "Sweetheart that was PERFECT! Now let's do it again, and this time give me 17% more energy!"
Should Believers Celebrate Christmas?
I mean really ... some folks are on the airwaves asking, Should we?
Does Christmas really have anything to do with celebrating Christ's birth, or is Christmas actually just the centuries-old "appropriation" of what was originally a pagan holiday?
And besides, isn't the "true spirit" of Christmas lost in the rush to rack-up massive debt buying bigger and better gifts this year ... as a substitute for the genuine affection that's been lacking throughout the year?
I mean, the word Christmas isn't mentioned anywhere in scripture, nor are we instructed to observe or celebrate Christ's birth (assuming it was anywhere near December 25 in the first place) or set it aside as a holiday.
And what about Halloween? Or Easter? Or St. Patrick's Day?
See, growing up in Florida, Gasparilla was my favorite holiday, when we celebrated the looting, rapine and murderous antics of the pirate Jose Gaspar (who turned out to be an entirely fictional character- ooops).
Should believers celebrate Gasparilla? What about the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Labor Day? What about it?
On the other hand, are any of these controversies real issues ... or merely straw men stuffed into Pharisaical robes by Holy Joes?
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
Does Christmas really have anything to do with celebrating Christ's birth, or is Christmas actually just the centuries-old "appropriation" of what was originally a pagan holiday?
And besides, isn't the "true spirit" of Christmas lost in the rush to rack-up massive debt buying bigger and better gifts this year ... as a substitute for the genuine affection that's been lacking throughout the year?
I mean, the word Christmas isn't mentioned anywhere in scripture, nor are we instructed to observe or celebrate Christ's birth (assuming it was anywhere near December 25 in the first place) or set it aside as a holiday.
And what about Halloween? Or Easter? Or St. Patrick's Day?
See, growing up in Florida, Gasparilla was my favorite holiday, when we celebrated the looting, rapine and murderous antics of the pirate Jose Gaspar (who turned out to be an entirely fictional character- ooops).
Should believers celebrate Gasparilla? What about the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Labor Day? What about it?
On the other hand, are any of these controversies real issues ... or merely straw men stuffed into Pharisaical robes by Holy Joes?
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
I got my hands full paying attention to the two greatest commandments without worrying about tacking on private sticky-rules of my own creation ... much less expecting others to honor my home-made opinions and traditions.
Or lack thereof.
Where there's a Will, there's a key
Shout-Out to Will Rodes for his utterly unselfish time and help yesterday afternoon following the 11:15.
Seems I lost my truck key ... he found it wedged in my truck's front passenger seat (where I'd dropped it).
Seems I lost my truck key ... he found it wedged in my truck's front passenger seat (where I'd dropped it).
Sunday, November 25, 2007
the old blog coach
I Feel Bad for Clemson fans. There, I said it.
While they might be celebrating an apparent "win" over USC last night, in their exuberance the Orange-Bleeders miss seeing the Big Picture ... namely that Steve Spurrier in the greatest college football coach of all time ... and Clemson's apparent "victory" last night was a master-stroke delivered straight from Spurrier's genius.
He wants the Tigers to be over-confident when the Gamecocks crow ... and "wake up" Death Valley next year.
While they might be celebrating an apparent "win" over USC last night, in their exuberance the Orange-Bleeders miss seeing the Big Picture ... namely that Steve Spurrier in the greatest college football coach of all time ... and Clemson's apparent "victory" last night was a master-stroke delivered straight from Spurrier's genius.
He wants the Tigers to be over-confident when the Gamecocks crow ... and "wake up" Death Valley next year.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I'm Most Thankful for ...
(satire)
This is the season when folks are given to reflecting about the things they're most thankful for, so it seems appropriate to share mine.
I'm most thankful for being ME. And here's the reasons why:
-I looked at all the poverty, disease and malnutrition that plagues most of the people living in the world, so I thoughtfully chose to be born here in the US
-Lots of folks whine and blame their present circumstances on their childhoods, so I looked at all the possible alternative and then picked my parents very carefully
-Even before I was born good health and longevity seemed important, to I chose to give myself those things. And also the general ability to keep everything in my life under control, too
-One little thing I did overlook was picking which college football teams will win every game, but no biggie
Other that that, anybody can read back over the blessings I choose for myself and see I did a pretty good job picking my life.
The only BIG thing I forgot to give myself before I was born was eternal life ... but with my long record of perfection and success, I figure there's no reason I can't negotiate my hereafter with The Almighty ... because I get to pick whether he exists, too (which makes me a VIP in His eyes)
When I get to Heaven He might even look forward to hearing a few ideas I got about hell and fairness, and making Himself clearer in scripture about what's sinful. And what stuff I can get away with when He's not looking
Heck, look at me jumping the gun. Maybe I'll just worship a god of my own creation till I die ... like sex, money or material success. Since I decided before I was born that they're all equally important with God anyway.
I mean, I musta given myself plenty of time to change my mind if I'm wrong.
Didn't I?
"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." - 1 Samuel 15:29
Hey, enjoy today's games ... and hope your teams win!
This is the season when folks are given to reflecting about the things they're most thankful for, so it seems appropriate to share mine.
I'm most thankful for being ME. And here's the reasons why:
-I looked at all the poverty, disease and malnutrition that plagues most of the people living in the world, so I thoughtfully chose to be born here in the US
-Lots of folks whine and blame their present circumstances on their childhoods, so I looked at all the possible alternative and then picked my parents very carefully
-Even before I was born good health and longevity seemed important, to I chose to give myself those things. And also the general ability to keep everything in my life under control, too
-One little thing I did overlook was picking which college football teams will win every game, but no biggie
Other that that, anybody can read back over the blessings I choose for myself and see I did a pretty good job picking my life.
The only BIG thing I forgot to give myself before I was born was eternal life ... but with my long record of perfection and success, I figure there's no reason I can't negotiate my hereafter with The Almighty ... because I get to pick whether he exists, too (which makes me a VIP in His eyes)
When I get to Heaven He might even look forward to hearing a few ideas I got about hell and fairness, and making Himself clearer in scripture about what's sinful. And what stuff I can get away with when He's not looking
Heck, look at me jumping the gun. Maybe I'll just worship a god of my own creation till I die ... like sex, money or material success. Since I decided before I was born that they're all equally important with God anyway.
I mean, I musta given myself plenty of time to change my mind if I'm wrong.
Didn't I?
"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." - 1 Samuel 15:29
Hey, enjoy today's games ... and hope your teams win!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday?
You can't save money by spending money!
Period.
PS. ... and Christmas rolls around on December 25 most ever year, so using a charge card is NO EXCUSE.
Period.
PS. ... and Christmas rolls around on December 25 most ever year, so using a charge card is NO EXCUSE.
But somebody always wins!
Heard this on the radio yesterday:
Let's say you spend $5 a week playing the lottery. Let's say you play for 30 years.
How much would you have in the bank if you save the money instead?
$70,000
Let's say you spend $5 a week playing the lottery. Let's say you play for 30 years.
How much would you have in the bank if you save the money instead?
$70,000
About Last Night
Last night B and L had me over to their house for Thanksgiving and it was awesome. B has great friends and I enjoyed being around them very much.
B can cook like nobody's business: turkey, mashed taters, home-made gravy, green beans, apple salad and ... and two dessert: Pecan-Chocolate Pie and Peanutbutter Pie!
B is too good to me ... and let me abscond with half the PB pie all to myself!
ps. Ax made a spicy bread-spread based on a recipe she got from Disney World (but I thought it tasted kinda Mickey Mouse, har-har).
B can cook like nobody's business: turkey, mashed taters, home-made gravy, green beans, apple salad and ... and two dessert: Pecan-Chocolate Pie and Peanutbutter Pie!
B is too good to me ... and let me abscond with half the PB pie all to myself!
ps. Ax made a spicy bread-spread based on a recipe she got from Disney World (but I thought it tasted kinda Mickey Mouse, har-har).
friday's football forecasts
First, hope you all had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Second, tomorrow is THE BIGGEST, MOST HOTLY CONTESTED FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR.
Naturally, I'm going with Florida over FSU ... by one million points.
Another game tomorrow is Clemson vs USC.
I'm forecasting that the team in Columbia will lose, and lose big, in heroic fashion. And that the game will be played with the same result next year, only in a different stadium.
Second, tomorrow is THE BIGGEST, MOST HOTLY CONTESTED FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR.
Naturally, I'm going with Florida over FSU ... by one million points.
Another game tomorrow is Clemson vs USC.
I'm forecasting that the team in Columbia will lose, and lose big, in heroic fashion. And that the game will be played with the same result next year, only in a different stadium.
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