stuffandeverything

Neat 'Net Nerdiness

2006-04-28T01:21:00.001-05:00

Another really cool tool for those for whom geekiness is a way of life:

NOAA Sunrise/Sunset Calculator

Maybe I did learn something after all

2006-04-28T01:19:00.001-05:00

My high-school English teacher would be proud:

Phoney Phonetics?

Neat 'Net News

2006-04-28T01:16:00.001-05:00

Not sure to what extent I should trust Micro$oft, but here's a pretty cool tool I ran across recently...

Password Creation Guidelines

Original intent

2006-04-12T17:42:00.001-05:00

What did the Framers of our nation actually say and do?

Are we so naive that we buy into the revisionist historians' nonsense that permeates our institutions of "higher" learning?

America, the Ten Commandments, and the Culture War

Here's another.

And, just so we have the alternative viewpoint, here's a different (albeit wrong)slant:

Secularism and De-Christianization: Religion in America

Global alarmism

2006-04-12T17:26:00.001-05:00

Not too long ago, AP (Apologetics Press, not the other "AP"), published this fantastic piece on "The Deification of Nature"

Today, I ran across an excellent article on the WSJ opinion site dealing with a "Climate of Fear".

These two articles share a similar vein of thought, namely, environmentalism and its associated byproducts (not to mention the billions spent "combatting" a phantasm no one seems to have been able to give a definitive shape - wonder why that is?) have too long been wielding an inordinate level of influence in the world of late. To "them", this "global climate shift" is supposedly caused by my standard of living.

Heh. What's next? The Green Police?

What it all means

2006-03-31T00:11:00.001-06:00

After reading some of my daily reads, I feel like I've known some of these bloggers for a long time. I began blogging back in August '05, if I recall correctly.

I've been contemplating these things for the better part of a week, so please, bear with me. I'm writing to say that, as a male clan member in this blogdom, I have quickly grown to admire and appreciate all of the blogs of individuals who are truly striving to live righteous and godly lives. It encourages me to no end to know what wonderful people they all are and how they are raising their own children. It gives me hope in a world that seems intent on expunging God, truth, and right from everyones' minds.

I sincerely appreciate the "choosinghome" blog, Ladies Against Feminism, Amy's Humble Musings, and many others in the same vein. What beauty it is to behold those who are patterning their lives after God's blueprint. We've been studying the "de-Christianization" of America in our Wednesday night class over the last few weeks, and I must admit, it has been an eye-opening experience for me. I see the writings of God-fearing men and women from the early days of our nation, and how they pleaded with God to bless this nation, so long as they humbled themselves before him and recognized their dependence on His providential hand, as well as confessing their own weaknesses and shortcomings, all the while recognizing the exclusive superiority of Christianity above all other religions to bring true salvation and brotherly love to all mankind. I see the emphasis, or rather, the seamlessness of God's Word within these cherished documents, as if each man and woman's vocabulary was founded upon God's Holy Word, and none could speak, but as it were from mouths of righteousness and holiness. God's Word was indeed the foundational bedrock upon which their educational experiences were built.

I see aspects of these same traits in the people who host my favorite blogs, and I am encouraged by it. I realize we all face challenges in our daily walk; in our own personal lives. My sincere gratitude is extended to you all for the example and encouragement you provide to me daily.

I say all of this as I contemplate what the future holds for those precious Winkler children. I can only hope that this does not affect them in an utterly negative way. I was moved to tears this past Sunday as I prayed during our worship assembly that my wife and I, as well as other young families at our congregation can raise our children in the nurture and admonition of God's love, and show them how to genuinely love each other and God's Word.

May we all turn back to Him, the Life-Giver and Sustainer, from Whom ALL blessings flow, and realize the foolish hopelessness in any other.

Choosing

2006-02-24T21:56:00.001-06:00

There is a fine art to choosing the correct pocket knife.

Ladies, the purchase of a pocket knife for your significant other can be a fantastic choice for an anniversary gift or special occasion, but be forewarned, the particulars of locating "the right purse" also apply to pocket knives for men. At least some men, anyway.

Color - I have a few friends who pride themselves in being a member of "the orange knife club", proudly displaying their blaze-orange-flanked Case XX upon demand. Most men, however, choose a particular color for a particular purpose or function. Most men probably wouldn't carry a blaze-orange Case XX to a formal function, any more than you ladies would wield a banana-yellow number with a formal black evening gown. It's just not done. Bleh. I personally carry a blue anodized Victorinox almost everywhere because it blends well with blue jeans, but also for other reasons mentioned below. I have a wonderfully well-crafted Benchmade which I carry when hunting because it's flat black and can be concealed during sunny days in the tree stand.

Shape - Curved, straight, flat, thick - it all depends on the function you're needing. Different blades serve differing purposes. A straight-edged blade is okay for whittling and such, but a blade with a slight curve is much more practical in a wider variety of settings. Who wants to have a honking-big, tri-bladed Buck hunting knife bulging out from a pair of khakis? Cargo pants, maybe, but not something dressy, which is a nice segue into...

Size - It does matter. Partially for concealment, but mostly because of practicality. Having a knife that fits your hand when you need it is supremely important. Ladies, you wouldn't carry a backpack if a snappy little coin purse would suffice. Likewise, your man could easily lose a finger or two by not having the right sized blade.

Style - Ladies, raise your hand if you still think macramé is fashionable. Enough said. It's okay. Just own it. But realize, this is kinda' like having a ten-dollar-plastic-handled-Pakistan-stamped-blade-survival-kit-knife-in-a-fake-leather-pouch handed to you for a birthday present. Ugh. Which leads me too...

Material - Carbon steel, ceramic, mylar, carbon fiber, brass, nickel, platinum, gold titanium, stainless, plastic, bone, fiberglass (huh?), whatever. Find out what your man prefers and stick with it. Better yet - just let him pick ;o)

Feel - This ties in closely with size, weight, and balance. A cheap knife feels, well, cheap. Period. Rough edges or stamped handles versus carved handles make all the difference in the world. A well-crafted piece of cutlery not only feels right, it IS right.

Weight/Balance - Too heavy, and it is useless. Too light for the intended purpose, and it's also worthless. I combine these two because they are so closely intertwined. Just as your purse is a burden if not chosen carefully, so is a man's pocket or hunting knife. I personally find the best-weighted and best-balanced knives typically run in the pricier category.

Having said all this, honestly, ladies, would you prefer your beau to pick your purse, or do it yourself?

Update II - subs

2006-02-09T23:34:00.001-06:00

As covered earlier, I have made some modifications to some of my project studio equipment. Below, you will see where I have added an XLR connection for balanced input, as well as a 1/4" TR speaker output jack to the rear of my JBL 6010B amps.

The next photos are of a mod I performed on my Yamaha O1v digital mixer. I got tired of the power cable constantly getting in the way, every time I tried to close the travel case in which it was kept. So, I located an IEEE standard power connector from a computer monitor someone had scrapped along the roadside and, with a little metalwork to the power supply, was able to make this sweet mod. Much easier to deal with. I'll be doing the same mod on the JBL amps as well, when I can find time.

Berated [sic] Slapstick

2006-02-08T22:34:00.001-06:00

Been very busy lately, so I haven't had much time to post an entry here, but I was updating my profile recently and remembered a FUNNY movie I had seen a little while back.

If you're an MST3K fan, or a fan of old B-rated "drive-in" flicks (think: Creature From the Black Lagoon, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman), ~~you'll probably~~ I know you will like this one:

Lost Skeleton of Cadavra

I sleep now.

Futile - Part II

2006-01-29T23:33:00.001-06:00

As covered earlier, Mexico apparently feels it is their duty to view the world (or at least the neighbor just to their North) as subservient to them, and ignore any supposed "border" between the two respective nations.

House Republicans Want Mexican Military Incursions Explained

"According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there have been 231 such incursions since 1996, an average of more than 28 per year..."

There is a LOT more behind this story - FOR EXAMPLE, but I don't have time right at the moment to go into it.

Updated 1/31: More fodder.

Broken Promises

The high price of 'free' trade

Who do we thank for this one? I think we all know who.

Not just the U.S.

2006-01-26T23:10:00.001-06:00

Those crazy Canucks might not be so crazy after all...

"The last thing we need is another windbag pundit spouting archaic cliches about biased bloggers, pyjamas, mom's basement and the lack of proper sourcing, nuance and logic."

dustmybroom: Free Press Attacks Conservative Blogs

Algore gets into the fray as well

Algore must live in his own warped version of reality. The fact that conservatives ("ultra-conservatives") are being elected to public office with increasing frequency across the North American continent ought to be evidence to the pedantics that people are "sick and tired" (to abuse a Hillary Rodham cliché) of being pushed around.

O Canada, we feel your pain.

When an ungodly society defines the terms...

2006-01-25T23:33:00.001-06:00

"The experts tell us that it's good for our children if we're away from them for eight or nine hours each day, taking those hours for our own trivial pursuits. Raising children is not nearly the intellectual exercise that working for a corporation or a government entity is, according to the post-modern mom, who is fully trained in the idea that anyone can raise her child better than she. Some moms teach other children in public schools, but pawn their own child off to a daycare worker. It's okay though, because we're teaching our children to be independent, whatever that vague definition means. Our society refuses to believe that children actually need their true mom and dad, as infants and toddlers and even beyond."

Read the rest here:

ENMESHMENT: THE LATEST WAY TO BREAK UP FAMILIES

Good times.

2006-01-22T20:34:00.001-06:00

Stumbled upon this today and had a momentary relapse into another world...a la 1979.

Jart in My Head

Good times. Yeah. Good times.

"BARK." ZAP. "YEEEOOWW."

2006-01-17T23:12:00.001-06:00

The Mad Monk told on himself recently.

MadMommaMonk did a better (read: funnier) job of explaining. And even provided a visual.

Shopping - with children

2006-01-17T23:02:00.001-06:00

I recall the days when Mother packed the four of us up in whatever vehicle we had at the time (usually a van) and headed out to shop. I thought this was an insightful article which may provide some help for weary mothers. (Especially if you're THIS super-woman.) Had this one sitting on the back-burner for a few days.

This is for all of you mothers who...have your hands full with young ones and don't always have the ability to go grocery shopping alone.

Grocery Shopping With Lots of Little Ones (and Enjoying It!): A Primer

Now serving...

2006-01-17T22:43:00.001-06:00

Now that I have the red Swingline® stapler, here's a new toy I want for my office...

Ticket please

Nothing like some cool office "accessories" to brighten your day.

Pah-wham!

2006-01-12T21:29:00.001-06:00

I'm an avid fisherman and hunter, and I also enjoy reading a well-written hunting story. I can only hope my children will enjoy these activities as much as I do, and learn to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of God's creation all the more. The following probably captures my philosophy regarding hunting better than anything I've ever read. Enjoy!

Black-powder Bushytails

Here's a link for those of you who wish you could be somewhere else today...

Smile!

"A Dream Denied"

2006-01-12T21:15:00.001-06:00

This is TOO FUNNY!

Berkeley, CA makes list of top "Meanest Cities" in the US

As reported by the IBS and AP:

Top 20 Meanest Cities

1. Sarasota, Fla.
2. Lawrence, Kan.
3. Little Rock, Ark.
4. Atlanta
5. Las Vegas
6. Dallas
7. Houston
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
9. Santa Monica, Calif.
10. Flagstaff, Ariz.
11. San Francisco, Calif.
12. Chicago, Ill.
13. San Antonio, Texas
14. New York City
15. Austin, Texas
16. Anchorage, Alaska
17. Phoenix, Ariz.
18. Los Angeles, Calif.
19. St. Louis, Mo.
20. Pittsburgh, Pa.

So, my question is this: Exactly what dream is being denied?

My city didn't even make the list. Guess we'll have to try harder next year. :oP

Who said it first?

2006-01-12T14:51:00.001-06:00

St. Augustine - though all men do wrong, right is not diminished
Mark 10:29 -
Matt. 10:37 -

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.

2006-01-10T22:59:00.001-06:00

"There has to be an integrated reform that includes a temporary worker program, but also the regularization of those people who are already living in receptor countries," Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez said.

Mexico Demands U.S. Allow More Immigration

Ahem. "...receptor countries..."

Huh?

Left-wing brilliance shines.

2006-01-05T21:06:00.001-06:00

Oh, my.

Via dustmybroom:

"Best quote of a year only three days old."

Oh, and check out the "Leaf Pride" link on the right-hand side of the link above.

Ugh. Darcey's comment said it best: "I have to take a shower."

Apparently, it's not just Americans having troubles.

Accounting, banking, and other generally accepted accounting principles

2006-01-05T20:59:00.001-06:00

The trick to good humor is, of course, having a firm basis in reality and truth, being able to take an objective perspective, all while ~~maintaining the illusion that we ourselves are not the object of said humor~~ poking fun at something or someone.

The following makes me laugh, but only because it's precisely the way banking actually works...

Banking Catechism

The banking industry is laughing because the joke is on us.

My mind is peanut butter...

2006-01-03T21:45:00.001-06:00

...and though it takes me a while to grasp some subjects, and especially to convince me of certain aspects, sometimes I stumble across an eye-opening, paradigm-shifting statement which throws me for a loop, and I return to my feet (as would a mad hornet return to flight) in an effort to evaluate exactly what it was which so nearly blindsided me.

I confess, this may be in some part due to my upbringing in a public school setting.

At least that's the object to which I attribute it.

And it appears to be that of a gentleman by the name of Kieran Egan, as well. In this case, he has made a whole host of statements which will cause you to re-examine where we've come from (in recent years, post 19th century) and the direction in which we are headed.

Getting it wrong from the beginning: The mismatch between school and children's minds

Whilst I do not condone this individual's philosophical leanings (note the book-in-progress: "Building My Zen Garden"), I do believe he makes several salient points, which ought to be discussed further.

What do you think?

Lather, rinse, aaaaaannnd REPEAT

2006-01-03T07:52:00.001-06:00

Reflections

2006-01-02T23:39:00.001-06:00

Amy has done a little reflecting on what the last year has held for her.

Funny to think she's been at this blogging stuff *only* a year. Her site has definitely gained "notoriety" in a relatively short timeframe. I wonder what originally spurred people to visit? Maybe I'll find it in her archives. If I remember correctly, I stumbled on Amy's blog from a comment on Curt's blog. I think I found his from some other site which I enjoy reading - like Ladies Against Feminism. I'm not entirely certain how I came across their site.

And then I wonder what draws people to certain blogs at all. I also wonder what the current percentage of "conservative" blogs versus "liberal" blogs on the Internet is. I wonder who decides such.

My motivation for regularly reading certain blogs varies. I do not always read subject material and opinions with which I am in agreement, nor do I shun blogs with which I strongly disagree (though, I'll admit to giving preference to the former over the latter, for obvious reasons). Extremely rare is the instance that I agree with everything on a particular site, and I suspect most of you feel the same way.

What draws you to a site repeatedly? What cause is there for continuing to read the writings of a particular individual or group? How can we find Biblical application of this principle to our own lives? If we were to examine our own hearts, would we seek to surround ourselves with those of "like precious faith", or are we merely seeking distractions, thus giving in to Satan and his craft? Why do we love to read scripture? Is it because, generally speaking, human nature has not changed over the millenia, and we see frailty common among ourselves today such as those of old? People associate attributes and traits to themselves, and then, when they see these attributes in others, they are intrigued and wish to find out how that individual views these same attributes. "Birds of a feather" or some such. I don't think it is voyeuristic tendency so much as it is idealism or simple curiosity. It's idealistic in the sense that we often wish to know if someone else has obtained, or is attaining to, the ideal for a particular trait. By nature, we desire (normally) to be better than we are. It's almost as if it is "hard-coded" into our very being. It is curiosity in the sense that one is compelled to continue to seek more from someone, once a characteristic has been identified as being held by that individual. Perhaps that which draws us to one another (and by extension, to scripture) is an altruistic tendency to make better the lives of others, even if it means sacrificing a little of our own selves. What is it that compels someone to blog in the first place?

Whew, I almost went philosophical there for a moment. Sorry 'bout that.

It's good to reflect on matters from time to time. A blog provides a way to do this and have your thinking critiqued by disinterested parties.

I'm grateful to have a "sandbox" in which to play and learn.

More Google news...lather, rinse, repeat

2006-01-02T23:25:00.001-06:00

Among friends, Google's dominance of the search engine market, as well as apprehension at the extent of Google's capabilities (past, present, and future) have been discussed. The LA Times offers it's take on the issue of a proposed "Google Cube" offering - a cheap (as in price, not quality) alternative to Micro$oft-based PCs.

Stick it in your ear!

2005-12-22T21:46:00.001-06:00

HA! This is great! VP Cheney has an iPod, and since Air Force Two is his plane, he gets to use the power outlet to charge it, much to the chagrin of the liberal media.

See them complain

WAAAAAAAAAAAAh! I want my ~~MTV~~ mommy!

MSM, get a life.

Ebenezer - a lament

2005-12-22T20:22:00.001-06:00

On a more serious note:

I hope everyone's holiday is going well. It seems that many folks are busy with preparations for family and such - several of the blogs I regularly visit are slow lately - but that's understandable.

I'm not a scrooge regarding Christmas, but I find it deplorable that this and Easter are the only two times per year some people attend a worship service. We should be giving thanks like this all year 'round, rather than just one or two times a year. I despise the commercialization of holidays like this. I also despise retailers who try to make people feel guilty for not giving diamonds, or jewelry, or a new car, or some such super expensive gift (thus, going into debt to do it). Valentine's Day is just as bad. Yes, I agree this is an opportunity to give gifts to each other, but I think they need to be well-thought-out gifts. I'm a practical kind of person, and I tend to give practical gifts (tools, utensils, toilet paper - you know, useful stuff), rather than "pretties". I know kids like toys, but books, puzzles, and "learning toys" are much better gifts, in my opinion.

I'm the type who looks very long and very hard for the perfect gift: one that reflects the value I see in the individual to which I give a gift, as well as the value of the gift, which I hope the recipient recognizes. I'm not the kind to throw money at frivolous things, typically. Durable goods are much better to me - gifts that truly "keep on giving". Gift certificates seem to be more and more popular these days, and, while I see the advantages in this for type of person who has everything already and for whom it is hard to shop, it still seems to be a bit impersonal. (On another note: gift certificates are a great idea for "naughty Santa" type gift exhanges, but what IS it with the craze over "naughty Santa" to begin with??? That's a whole other rant, which I will address at some point.)

I think gift-giving and letter-writing (NO, NOT email), are two arts which are on the verge of being lost, due to our "consumeristic" and "ME! NOW!" culture.

Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but so what. Bah, humbug.

What IS it with Great Britain?

2005-12-21T22:46:00.001-06:00

Using a network of cameras that can automatically read every passing number plate, the plan is to build a huge database of vehicle movements so that the police and security services can analyse any journey a driver has made over several years.

Sometimes I wonder if those folks have their heads on straight.

What's next? Microchip implants for everyone?

Shhh, hear that?

2005-12-19T19:26:00.001-06:00

Listen.

Very carefully. Yes, that crunching noise. Actually, more of a grinding sound.

That's not the sound of this guy.

It's your old vinyl LP's and cassettes - and CD's, and DVD's, and reel-to-reel tapes, and the list goes on - being crunched into tiny bits, then pulverized, burnt, and finally scattered to the four winds, once and for all.

Mass-produced media woes

What's next? We'll just have to wait and see. For all the "belly-aching" spewing forth from the RIAA et al, we (consumers) are being taken for granted. What will happen to the entertainment industry when it alienates its demand from its supply? We (those of us interested folks watching from the sidelines) are witnessing a gradual shift in mentality away from reliance on the "Main Stream Entertainment Industry" for the content we watch and listen to daily.

We've grown weary of being the darling "whipping boy" of major media outlets and their Congressional pawns.

We're the ones who actually are duped into purchasing the tripe they produce, yet we are being blamed for everything from "software piracy", to grevious, heinous crimes against humanity for wanting to make back-up copies of the DVD's we purchase. Anyone seen a new video WITHOUT the uber-scary "FBI warning label" or in-your-face guilt-trip commercial whenever you put the disc into your player nowadays?

Rule #1: You don't bite the hand that feeds you!!!

Since when have I no longer retained any rights as a purchaser of anything?

Let me elaborate...

Next time you go to a car dealership, while talking to the salesperson, reflect on the purchase you are about to make and ask yourself "If I bought this car/truck/whatevah, and knew I couldn't actually DO anything with it, aside from letting it sit in my driveway, would I still purchase it?" Better yet, if you knew that the dealership retained the rights of ownership to said vehicle, and you were basically just "renting it" for a period of time, would you still do it?

Here's another...ladies, say you walk into a department store, only to be ~~slammed to the ground~~ greeted by a burly guy in shades and tatoos, who informs you that he's watching you closely, and you'd better not do anything fishy. You find a lovely new purse which you would like to purchase. You get to the register to discover, if you purchase this purse, you can't do anything with it. You can't put anything into it (copyright laws prevent addition of new material), you can't give it to anyone (said laws prevent redistribution), nor can you take it anywhere and show it to anyone (same laws also prevent public performance). The distribution company retains the right to sue the pants off you if you do any of the above, the designer retains the right to do the same, and even the clerk at the counter has the gall to inform you of the new law requiring you to obtain a federal registration permit to even own this fantastic new purse. And to top it off, the same industry that has brought you the purse also charges you $95 NOT to have any rights to your new purchase. Not so fantastic any more, is it? Doesn't look so appealing now.

Yes, friends, most of this is in place already, and the remainder is exactly where we're headed (think: firearms registration laws).

Coming soon, to a theater near you: the FBI rounds up 200 movie-goers in their latest attempt to crack down on "illegal" movie watching. That's right folks, pretty soon, if the entertainment industry big guns have their way, you won't even be able to VIEW any mass-produced media, without signing a consent form demanding you "forget everything you will see" as soon as the movie is over, so that they can charge you another $10 for viewing it a second time, not to mention the possibility of being thrown into prison for discussing the movie's content with anyone after you've seen it.

Shh, hear that? It's the grinding halt of the wheels of capitalism.

More gift ideas - throughout the year

2005-12-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

The wish list over the next year...

47" Test leads for multimeter

3/8" deepwell impact sockets

Soldering tip for soldering iron

Wireless SD adapter for PDA

HDTV antenna - NOTE: I can get this locally

Marine-related ideas

GPS cable for Humminbird fish finder - option 1: I can use my existing GPS

Humminbird GPS receiver - option 2: permanent install GPS

hour meter for the boat

River anchor for boat

Trailer tongue lockset

One Two Three more for the road

2005-12-01T23:54:00.001-06:00

Couldn't resist.

Here's one more Christmas idea. This one is not necessarily the one I think is the best, but it's safe to wear to work, and looks pretty good, too.

*Next day* - I haven't thought about this in years, but I used to have a "three-man slingshot". These things are absolutely the most fun you can have with water balloons at summer camp. Better yet, two of them.

Found yet another that I really like...

Red State Varsity

The wife as ruler?

2005-12-01T22:06:00.001-06:00

Recently, Douglas Wilson wrote:

In a biblical home, the wife has far more practical authority than some reactionary Christians might suppose. Biblical thinking on role relationships between men and women requires more than simply offending the feminists. Since this is so easily done, such a standard is far too low. We have to look more closely at what the Scriptures teach.

Hmm...now there's something I can chew on a while.

FOUND IT! Oh, and a few Christmas gift ideas...

2005-12-01T21:59:00.001-06:00

Well, I have to admit. I jumped to the conclusion that someone had found my flash drive, slipped it into the nearest USB port on their handy-dandy computer and had gone to town with my information.

As I was getting ready for bed last night, I pulled my keys out of my pocket only to find my flash drive in my hand. Lest you all think me absolutely crazy (partially, maybe, but not totally), there is a small pocket inside the pocket of my Old Navy cargo shorts I had on last night. Apparently, a couple of weeks ago, when I was lounging around the house, I had on these shorts and forgot that I had put the flash drive in my pocket.

But that still doesn't explain the rash of junk email and snail mail I've been getting lately.

Oh, one more thing, here's another Christmas idea. nudge, nudge, wink, wink

For those who don't understand the above references - well, nevermind...

I couldn't help it. Here's one more thing I want as well. For the camper/backpacker in me. I love it. Probably the BEST invention I've seen in a LOOOONG time.

Yodeling

2005-12-01T21:57:00.001-06:00

Told you this blog was about stuff. And everything.

This made me laugh. See, folks CAN have fun and keep it clean at the same time!

Thoughts on marriage and family

2005-11-30T22:26:00.001-06:00

The Mad Monk recently posted an entry regarding Texas' Defense of Marriage Amendment. I have to say I couldn't agree with him more regarding this issue. Folks seem to have it all backwards to me.

The Mad Monk - Hypocrisy and the Family

Oh, here's his better half as well...

Monk's Wife

Identity theft

2005-11-27T05:31:00.001-06:00

This message is intended for the individual who found my flash drive recently.

Tell you what...I'll make you a deal. You call me (since you have my contact information), and tell me where I can meet you to get the flash drive back. Yes, that's right. I know you've been visiting my blog. I have proof. I know lots of other things about you as well. I know you've been doing many things using my information. It's very difficult to do anything today without somebody knowing about it, and that works to my advantage ;o). You have been watching me over the last few days. I've been watching you in that same timeframe. So, if you want to resolve this matter quickly, and as painlessly as possible for both of us, contact me. No hard feelings - honestly - IF you'll contact me as soon as possible. I'll ignore all that you've done so far (you've been busy, haven't you!!!), but only if you'll produce the drive you found. You see, it's not that I mind you having the information that you already have - that much is public anyway - but there are certain bits of that information that I need for an upcoming endeavor. If you've read through my information, and I know you have, you'll find that I'm a reasonable person.

So call me.

Tea time

2005-11-20T20:11:00.001-06:00

Those of my family and close friends know how much of a coffee fiend I am. I relish a good cup of coffee, and Puerto Rico produces some of my favorite. We typically buy the five pound whole bean bag for a freshly ground pot. (Note to family: There's a suggestion for Christmas ideas hidden in there somewhere :o)

Well, honestly, that passion extends to tea as well. I love tea. Of all types and flavors. I'll try just about any tea, so long as it can be sweetened.

"Any tea can be sweetened" you say? Not so. Unsweetened tea that is already chilled cannot be sweetened to taste, no matter how you may try. Those of you outside the South may not understand that of which I write.

I'll let you in on a little secret - Peach Tea is *NOT* "sweet tea". Sorry. Much as I hate to disappoint you folks above the Mason-Dixon line (and Texas, too), it's just not. I'm not being snobbish about this, just factual. Ask anyone from the South how to make good sweet tea, and they'll tell you one of two ways, a) POUR THE HOT TEA OVER THE SUGAR, or b) BOIL THE WATER AND SUGAR TOGETHER (though, the first method seems to be preferable to the second, allowing the tea to last longer - maybe an extra day or so). The chemical reactions that occur between sucrose and a good, hot "breakfast tea" (Lipton works fine, though the connoisseur in me cringes to write such) cannot be codified in any chemistry book, but they are definitely different when the tea is HOT versus when the tea is COLD. One of the cardinal sins to anyone who relishes good sweet tea is to offer a glass of cold unsweetened tea along with a few packs of sugar. Ugh. Makes my stomach churn just writing that. EEYUK.

To properly serve Southern sweet iced tea, fill the Mason jar (Southern sweet tea must be served in a canning jar) with ice and pour the warm sweet tea over it. Let it rest for a few moments and begin to sip. Ahhhhhh. Good stuff. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

I was tickled when Firefly posted recently, regarding tea . She also puts in a plug for the Portsmouth Tea Company. On their teablog: "Paging Mr. Wonka", Marshall Malone, Portsmouth Tea Company President, makes note of a recent Fox News article regarding tea infused with chocolate. Mr. Malone, I'll mention one more thing I'm sure you've encountered before now - hot tea with honey (preferably local) used as a sweetener, now THAT's a dosage of antioxidants!!!

Sorry to cut short. I must go pour a glass of tea. Sweet tea.

P.S. Some like it with a slice of lemon. I prefer it without, but for those who are picky, the addition of lemon in a glass of sweet tea will likely garner you a trip back to the kitchen for a fresh glass, without a lemon.

Those of you with children, you'll understand.

2005-11-14T19:05:00.001-06:00

These are good enough to last the entire week! Or at least the next ten minutes or so.

The Wuggy Chronicles (weird name, HILARIOUS posts) has a couple of funnies to which I've intended to post a link for quite some time (October 27th, to be exact). However, we've been a tad bit preoccupied of late.

Actually, TWC has LOTS of funnies, but these two should give you a portrait of "the classics".

The first one deals with an oft-personified, rarely-verbalized principle of child-rearing.

The second one had me thinking that my lovely wife had been blogging, since it fits our home so well, but alas, it has become apparent (no pun intended) that other parents have the same problems we do. Makes me feel, kinda', ... human, seeing as how I'm married to Superwoman (see above comment regarding our preoccupation), and have Bob Parr for a son.

If you can't say something nice, . . .

2005-11-08T21:07:00.001-06:00

Sylvia Slaughter has a fantastic article in the Tennessean on a topic that has bothered me for quite some time now.

Thanks to Elena for the head's up on the article...

My father had a great way of keeping us out of trouble in this arena. He simply made the rule "You don't say it, unless you hear me say it," i.e. "If you hear a word you have never heard me say, you don't say it, either." Which to a five-year-old is a great way of getting the point across, without excessively disciplining for something he did not know prior to an incident. It is such a good rule, though, that it will prevent many problems for adults as well, and I will see that it continues to be a rule around our house, too.

Anyone else's parents/grandparents have a rule like this?

Who knew?!?

2005-11-06T21:54:00.001-06:00

This is pretty cool! Raise your hand if you knew Jupiter has 63 (!!!) moons? Man, when I was growing up, it only had 22!

Planetary Comparison in English Units

Worship music? Welcome back!

2005-11-06T21:38:00.001-06:00

You wanna' lose weight? Take a pill, or drink some liquid and you'll lose 20 pounds overnight!

You wanna' bachelor's degree? Here, take this online course and in two weeks, we'll send you a diploma!

You want fries with that?

Your child has a short attention span, a.k.a. "ADD"? Here's a pill for that, too.

You don't want to raise your kids? That's okay! That's what DAYCARE is for!!!

You want to fulfill your weekly dose of "religion"? Here's a worship service just for you! But make sure the "worship leader" doesn't go over an hour, or you'll miss the ballgame on TV!

It's amazing to me how the pendulum swings from time to time. Amy had a post recently on the topic of church music, and posted a link to another article that I found fascinating.

Why? Simply because the sentiments expressed in the internetmonk post express a "fresh" attitude (not really) toward worship activities. I find it fascinating because the pattern repeats itself time and again - "we're tired of the 'traditional' way of doing things, and we want something new and exciting...something more 'seeker' oriented" - only to be followed some time later with "I'm tired of this now. Let's do something different."

Is it suprising at all to discover adults who have been raised with the "ME! NOW!" attitude have an inordinate fixation with "instant-gratification worship"?

I'm convinced if people could injest a pill in order to "worship", they'd do just that!

Folks, our parents and grandparents KNOW something about what worship ought to be, and have been trying to tell us for many years. Imagine that. They LISTENED to God. The know Him, and know His mind because they STUDY His will and His Word. They spend time in quiet reflection of His mercy, and we MUST do the same, if we are to "hear" Him. He pleads with us through His Word to come back. He is gracious and forgiving and longsuffering to us, but we must take the steps back to Him. Let me make it abundantly clear, however, that I'm not advocating we follow in ANYone's footsteps, simply because they are family. If they follow THE truth (there is only one), though, we will be walking alongside them, if we do the same.

"Worship music" is NOT ABOUT US NOR WHAT WE WANT! It's about God and what He wants. When will we put down our mechanical devices with no soul, and return to simple communion with the Father through song - our heart and His, just as He commanded?!? When will we learn that He refuses to hear us when we rebel against Him? When will the "religious" world learn to be honest with the scriptures and not shape God to its own image, rather than His?

Simple, a capella worship singing returns us to a much more simple existence. It breaks down the artificial walls of pride that we have established between those who can play an instrument and those who cannot. It returns us all to the same, level playing field - God's field - where we can once again learn to "teach" and "admonish" one another, "speaking" to ourselves in "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, SINGING and making melody" in our hearts to the Lord (Eph 5:19).

Of course, there are those among us who never left the "old paths" to begin with :o)

The Dialectizer

2005-11-01T11:19:00.000-06:00

Oh, this is TOO funny. Plaster your favorite website into this "dialectizer", sit back, and laugh 'til it hurts.

The Dialectizer

Gibberish - grandiose, pompous, and presumptuous

2005-10-27T19:03:00.001-05:00

I thought I had posted a link to this story about the Duggar family, but I guess I forgot. I recall seeing it on someone else's blog a couple of weeks ago, and I recall having an email discussion with some friends, but I thought for certain I had put up a link to it as well. Hmmm. Anyway...

*rant*

I cannot think of any other terminology to describe the following vituperative than what is in the title of this post. It galls me to even post the link, but I think it's necessary to expose the utter hypocrisy of hate-filled liberalism present in the MSM today.

God Does Not Want 16 Kids
Arkansas mom gives birth to a whole freakin' baseball team. How deeply should you cringe?

*/rant*

Girl cow or boy cow?

2005-10-13T22:38:00.001-05:00

Trust me. You'll get a laugh!

Geneaology

2005-10-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

Funny how your mind works. While listening to Mike Snider sing about the "Dominecker Hen" (see post below), I googled and found a site from the Library of Congress (I think) with text from verbal and written histories of people from all over the US. I stumbled upon this site because an individual had mentioned a dominecker hen in her account from 1937 in Texas. Soooo....

I decided to see what Alabama had. Let's see...just remove a couple of extensions on the URL and viola! Alabama, by county, at my fingertips.

And then....

I located my home county, and sifted a little more, and found the actual text of a small book written many years ago by a distant relative, which mentioned my great-grandmother playing in the fields of Shinbone Valley, AL, as a young girl. My mind is taken back to that particular valley, to that area which I still consider home.

Amazing how the internet can bring out such vivid memories and emotions.

Dominecker

2005-10-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

I was listening to Mike Snider today.

I now know what a "Dominecker Hen" is.

Grew up in the country, and guess I missed this part of country life. Hmm.

Oh, well. Learn something new every day, I guess.

Stained glass...

2005-09-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

Gleaming copper
With a hint of green and brown
Sun shining through
Stained glass
You didn't live long
But you left pretty colors
On my windshield

Remember this>>>

2005-08-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

Hey, remember this show????

Land of the Lost
Look here also!
And one more, for good measure!

I used to think this was one of the coolest shows on TV. The first link has pictures from the series, the theme song, and bio's on all the characters. I didn't even realize, but they're becoming available from amazon.com. Man, I had completely forgotten about this show until I heard the theme song a moment ago on a podcast!

How about Dr. Who??? Here's another site, just for reference.

Got any shows that you wish would still come on TV today, from yesteryear?