Here's an article that perfectly sums up the situation concerning Florida and Michigan's participation in the Democratic primary process.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
2008 Presidential Predictions
I thought I would share my predictions for the nominees for President and Vice-President for the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
The presidential nominees have been my prediction for several weeks. The vice-presidential nominees are fresh to my mind.
Democratic Party
President: Barack Obama
Vice-President: Bill Richardson or Joe Biden
Republican Party
President: Mike Huckabee
Vice-President: John McCain
I may be proven completely wrong when the nominating conventions occur but these are my predictions and I am standing by them.
Posted: January 3, 2008
The presidential nominees have been my prediction for several weeks. The vice-presidential nominees are fresh to my mind.
Democratic Party
President: Barack Obama
Vice-President: Bill Richardson or Joe Biden
Republican Party
President: Mike Huckabee
Vice-President: John McCain
I may be proven completely wrong when the nominating conventions occur but these are my predictions and I am standing by them.
Posted: January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Movie Quotes
I know it's been two months since I last posted. Not much has happened: work, life, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now it is 2008. Life has been good with Lifegroup and spending time with friends and family. Also, I am currently applying to graduate schools in international relations, public policy, and social work. Deadlines are up by February 1st and should hear back by March-April. We will see what God has in store for the next step.
On something a little bit more fun, I am going to share some of my favorite film and television show quotes. (NOTE: This is not a complete list. It could go on forever.) Before, I start, I'd also like to put in a plug for This American Life and All Things Considered, two great shows on NPR.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It has been decided that you will be dressed as a priest, to help you get away in the pandemonium afterwards. Chunjin will give you a two-piece Soviet Army sniper's rifle that fits nicely into a special bag. There's a spotlight booth that won't be in use. It's up under the roof on the Eighth Avenue side of the Garden. You will have absolutely clear, protected shooting. You are to shoot the presidential nominee through the head. And Johnny will rise gallantly to his feet and lift Ben Arthur's body in his arms, stand in front of the microphones and begin to speak. The speech is short. But it's the most rousing speech I've ever read. It's been worked on, here and in Russia, on and off, for over eight years. I shall force someone to take the body away from him and Johnny will really hit those microphones and those cameras with blood all over him, fighting off anyone who tries to help him, defending America even if it means his own death, rallying a nation of television viewers to hysteria, to sweep us up into the White House with powers that will make martial law seem like anarchy!"-----Mrs. Iselin in The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
"Maybe it makes sense now. Maybe somewhere in all of this there's a reason. Maybe somewhere in all of this there's a why. Maybe somewhere there's that thing that lets you tie it all up with a neat bow and bury it in the backyard. But nothing, not getting angry, not prayers, and not tears, nothing can make something that happened unhappen."-----Leland P. Fitzgerald in The United States of Leland (2003)
"Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"-----Auntie Mame Dennis in Auntie Mame (1958)
"The game's up, Scarlet. There are no more bullets left in that gun.
Oh, come on, you don't think I'm gonna fall for that old trick?
It's not a trick. There was one shot at Mr. Boddy in the Study; two for the chandelier; two at the Lounge door and one for the singing telegram.
That's not six.
One plus two plus two plus one.
Uh-uh, there was only one shot that got the chandelier. That's one plus two plus *one* plus one.
Even if you were right, that would be one plus one plus two plus one, not one plus *two* plus one plus one.
Okay, fine. One plus two plus one... Shut up! The point is, there is one bullet left in this gun and guess who's gonna get it!"-----Wadsworth and Miss Scarlet in Clue (1985)
"But that's what they say.
That's what they say, huh?
Yes. That's what they say.
I've always wondered this. Who are 'they'?
You know - Them.
'Them'?
Yes, the inimitable collective 'Them'.
And who says we're supposed to listen to 'Them'?
They do!"-----Drew Baylor and Claire Colburn in Elizabethtown (2005)
"You're Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.I am big. It's the pictures that got small."-----Joe Gillis and Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. (1950)
"My parents didn't get me what I wanted for Christmas.
What did you want?
Hungry Hungry Hippos.
And how did you feel, being denied these hungry, hungry hippos?
Regret."-----Donnie Darko and Dr. Lilian Thurman in Donnie Darko (2001)
"The Pentagon has experience, as do the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the NSC, but in the event they all lose their way, the President can always send C.J. Cregg to Ramallah to swat at suicide bombers with her purse."-----Toby Ziegler in Liftoff (Episode 6.04), The West Wing
"I was happy. Wherever I...was...I was happy. At peace. I knew that everyone I cared about was all right. I knew it. Time...didn't mean anything...nothing had form...but I was still me, you know? And I was warm...and I was loved...and I was finished. Complete. I don't understand about theology or dimensions, or...any of it, really...but I think I was in heaven."-----Buffy Summers in After Life (Episode 6.03), Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Sometimes to expect the best from everyone is arrogance."-----Hephaistion in Alexander (2004)
On something a little bit more fun, I am going to share some of my favorite film and television show quotes. (NOTE: This is not a complete list. It could go on forever.) Before, I start, I'd also like to put in a plug for This American Life and All Things Considered, two great shows on NPR.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It has been decided that you will be dressed as a priest, to help you get away in the pandemonium afterwards. Chunjin will give you a two-piece Soviet Army sniper's rifle that fits nicely into a special bag. There's a spotlight booth that won't be in use. It's up under the roof on the Eighth Avenue side of the Garden. You will have absolutely clear, protected shooting. You are to shoot the presidential nominee through the head. And Johnny will rise gallantly to his feet and lift Ben Arthur's body in his arms, stand in front of the microphones and begin to speak. The speech is short. But it's the most rousing speech I've ever read. It's been worked on, here and in Russia, on and off, for over eight years. I shall force someone to take the body away from him and Johnny will really hit those microphones and those cameras with blood all over him, fighting off anyone who tries to help him, defending America even if it means his own death, rallying a nation of television viewers to hysteria, to sweep us up into the White House with powers that will make martial law seem like anarchy!"-----Mrs. Iselin in The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
"Maybe it makes sense now. Maybe somewhere in all of this there's a reason. Maybe somewhere in all of this there's a why. Maybe somewhere there's that thing that lets you tie it all up with a neat bow and bury it in the backyard. But nothing, not getting angry, not prayers, and not tears, nothing can make something that happened unhappen."-----Leland P. Fitzgerald in The United States of Leland (2003)
"Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"-----Auntie Mame Dennis in Auntie Mame (1958)
"The game's up, Scarlet. There are no more bullets left in that gun.
Oh, come on, you don't think I'm gonna fall for that old trick?
It's not a trick. There was one shot at Mr. Boddy in the Study; two for the chandelier; two at the Lounge door and one for the singing telegram.
That's not six.
One plus two plus two plus one.
Uh-uh, there was only one shot that got the chandelier. That's one plus two plus *one* plus one.
Even if you were right, that would be one plus one plus two plus one, not one plus *two* plus one plus one.
Okay, fine. One plus two plus one... Shut up! The point is, there is one bullet left in this gun and guess who's gonna get it!"-----Wadsworth and Miss Scarlet in Clue (1985)
"But that's what they say.
That's what they say, huh?
Yes. That's what they say.
I've always wondered this. Who are 'they'?
You know - Them.
'Them'?
Yes, the inimitable collective 'Them'.
And who says we're supposed to listen to 'Them'?
They do!"-----Drew Baylor and Claire Colburn in Elizabethtown (2005)
"You're Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.I am big. It's the pictures that got small."-----Joe Gillis and Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. (1950)
"My parents didn't get me what I wanted for Christmas.
What did you want?
Hungry Hungry Hippos.
And how did you feel, being denied these hungry, hungry hippos?
Regret."-----Donnie Darko and Dr. Lilian Thurman in Donnie Darko (2001)
"The Pentagon has experience, as do the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the NSC, but in the event they all lose their way, the President can always send C.J. Cregg to Ramallah to swat at suicide bombers with her purse."-----Toby Ziegler in Liftoff (Episode 6.04), The West Wing
"I was happy. Wherever I...was...I was happy. At peace. I knew that everyone I cared about was all right. I knew it. Time...didn't mean anything...nothing had form...but I was still me, you know? And I was warm...and I was loved...and I was finished. Complete. I don't understand about theology or dimensions, or...any of it, really...but I think I was in heaven."-----Buffy Summers in After Life (Episode 6.03), Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Sometimes to expect the best from everyone is arrogance."-----Hephaistion in Alexander (2004)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Bookshelf
Gentle viewers, please forgive the long delay since my last post. Life continues to snare me in the busyness that comes with working and trying to live life. The book club that I am a part of had our 2nd meeting (1st to discuss a book) this past Sunday so it got me in the mind of doing a book post on what I have recently read, what I am currently reading, and what I will be reading shortly; if anyone is interested.
Recently Read:
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Elves of Cintra by Terry Brooks
Empire Falls by Richard Russo
Currently Reading:
The Ambition and the Power by John M. Barry
The Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Upcoming Reads:
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan
Recently Read:
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Elves of Cintra by Terry Brooks
Empire Falls by Richard Russo
Currently Reading:
The Ambition and the Power by John M. Barry
The Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Upcoming Reads:
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan
Monday, August 27, 2007
Invasion of the Politicians
In little more than a year, our nation will gather to elect the leader of our nation that will guide us through four, possibly eight, years. I thank God that we have this opportunity to participate in our democratic government and have a voice in deciding who our earthly government is; however, God will always be our ultimate authority no matter whether we are citizens of a democratic or totalitarian state.
I was reading a news article today that focused on Senator Obama's speech at a church in New Orleans and felt his reference of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount was newsworthy. I am glad that our presidential candidates are willing to public express their faith in Jesus Christ. I pray daily that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide them in the path that God has set forth in his Word. I know my dream of a completely positive presidential campaign has a very little chance of coming true but one can dream.
The reason I bring up Sen. Obama's speech is that it was in a church. It was a political speech setting out reasons why he should be elected president and also attacking others' failures and other political statements. I have no problem at all that he voiced his opinions on a variety of a topics. I am thankful that he is open and honest about his views on the issues that affect our nation since he desires to be our next president.
My concern is that his speech occurred in a church, a place consecrated and dedicated to the holiness of the Lord. Now before you say "You're just saying that because he's a Democrat," let me say that this is something that I have wrestled with in my heart and mind for a while. Republicans are just as guilty of this as Democrats. Obama is specifically mentioned because his was the speech that was in the news today. Why do ministers and pastors allow their houses of worship to be used as a political soapboxes?
These type of speeches completely turn the point of a place of worship on its head. Instead of focusing on the One who created us, we're focusing and in some cases, yes, even idolizing those political figures who present speeches from the pulpits. The pulpits are for the Word of God not the Word of Man.
Pastors have a responsibility to speak the Word of the Lord which of course involves preaching the morals and standards that God has set forth in the Bible. I do not consider that political. These are the ways the Lord has set forth for us to live our lives. I know some ('some' being a general term, not representative of a number) pastors make political statements endorsing a candidate or a party. I am thankful that my senior pastor does not make these kinds of endorsements from his place of leadership of our congregation and community. He merely asks us to follow Jesus and seek him in all our decisions, voting or otherwise. This is the way that pastors should act, not endorsing any form of political agenda, but preaching the Bible and God's purposes.
Why do we become offended or uneasy when our pastors make political statements, yet turn a blind eye when politicians come in our churches stumping for votes? Not only is this a personal question, but one for our nation. Churches and other houses of worship are forbidden from making political endorsements or risk losing their tax-exempt status from the federal government; however, there are no repercussions for a politician coming to that same church and giving a political speech. I see that as an endorsement, but maybe that is just me.
Am I the only one that feels this way? Or is this something that bothers many Christians? If so, why aren't we speaking up? Does it bother you that one day your sanctuary hosts the Holy Spirit of the Living God and the next day hosts Mr. X, state senator up for re-election?
I was reading a news article today that focused on Senator Obama's speech at a church in New Orleans and felt his reference of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount was newsworthy. I am glad that our presidential candidates are willing to public express their faith in Jesus Christ. I pray daily that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide them in the path that God has set forth in his Word. I know my dream of a completely positive presidential campaign has a very little chance of coming true but one can dream.
The reason I bring up Sen. Obama's speech is that it was in a church. It was a political speech setting out reasons why he should be elected president and also attacking others' failures and other political statements. I have no problem at all that he voiced his opinions on a variety of a topics. I am thankful that he is open and honest about his views on the issues that affect our nation since he desires to be our next president.
My concern is that his speech occurred in a church, a place consecrated and dedicated to the holiness of the Lord. Now before you say "You're just saying that because he's a Democrat," let me say that this is something that I have wrestled with in my heart and mind for a while. Republicans are just as guilty of this as Democrats. Obama is specifically mentioned because his was the speech that was in the news today. Why do ministers and pastors allow their houses of worship to be used as a political soapboxes?
These type of speeches completely turn the point of a place of worship on its head. Instead of focusing on the One who created us, we're focusing and in some cases, yes, even idolizing those political figures who present speeches from the pulpits. The pulpits are for the Word of God not the Word of Man.
Pastors have a responsibility to speak the Word of the Lord which of course involves preaching the morals and standards that God has set forth in the Bible. I do not consider that political. These are the ways the Lord has set forth for us to live our lives. I know some ('some' being a general term, not representative of a number) pastors make political statements endorsing a candidate or a party. I am thankful that my senior pastor does not make these kinds of endorsements from his place of leadership of our congregation and community. He merely asks us to follow Jesus and seek him in all our decisions, voting or otherwise. This is the way that pastors should act, not endorsing any form of political agenda, but preaching the Bible and God's purposes.
Why do we become offended or uneasy when our pastors make political statements, yet turn a blind eye when politicians come in our churches stumping for votes? Not only is this a personal question, but one for our nation. Churches and other houses of worship are forbidden from making political endorsements or risk losing their tax-exempt status from the federal government; however, there are no repercussions for a politician coming to that same church and giving a political speech. I see that as an endorsement, but maybe that is just me.
Am I the only one that feels this way? Or is this something that bothers many Christians? If so, why aren't we speaking up? Does it bother you that one day your sanctuary hosts the Holy Spirit of the Living God and the next day hosts Mr. X, state senator up for re-election?
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Fiction Can Be Fun
Just starting the blog and this had been rattling around my brain as a fun way to start it out. Also it's definitely something that I would do.
It's always said that "life is stranger than fiction" and that is certainly true quite often; however, sometimes fiction contains extremely unique, intriguing, and memorable people.
Here is a list of the fictional characters that I consider as a favorite or find worthy of reflection on their brief but powerful "lives." They come from all realms of fiction from literature to television to film to plays. Identify them all and congratulations. You know me quite well or you cheated and used Google. Either way you learned something. For those friends of mine who correctly identify the work that each character is associated with you will receive a prize for your efforts.
Dale Cooper
Eglantine Price
Buffy Summers
Emerson Eells
Professor Roderick Childermass
Leo McGarry
Jack Ryan
Sister Mary Clarence
Buck Williams
Samwise Gamgee
Charlie Pace
Jack Bauer
President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet
Norma Desmond
Margo Channing
He-Man
Myra Eells
Willy Loman
Claire Bennet
Jonathan Barnavelt
Florence Zimmerman
Daria Morgendorffer
Veronica Mars
Sydney Bristow
Frodo Baggins
Harry Potter
Christopher Boone
Mama Rose
Kyle [Trager]
Mrs. Lovett
Josie McCoy
Janie Johnson
Fosca Ricci
Peter Petrelli
Leland P. Fitzgerald
Jessica Fletcher
Phoebe Buffay
Sweeney Todd
G[a]linda Upland
Allanon
Anthony Monday
Aslan
Patty Hewes
Mame
Doctor Dolittle
Harrison Bergeron
Benjy Compson
Elphaba Thropp
Margaret Lanterman
Captain Giorgio Bachetti
It's always said that "life is stranger than fiction" and that is certainly true quite often; however, sometimes fiction contains extremely unique, intriguing, and memorable people.
Here is a list of the fictional characters that I consider as a favorite or find worthy of reflection on their brief but powerful "lives." They come from all realms of fiction from literature to television to film to plays. Identify them all and congratulations. You know me quite well or you cheated and used Google. Either way you learned something. For those friends of mine who correctly identify the work that each character is associated with you will receive a prize for your efforts.
Dale Cooper
Eglantine Price
Buffy Summers
Emerson Eells
Professor Roderick Childermass
Leo McGarry
Jack Ryan
Sister Mary Clarence
Buck Williams
Samwise Gamgee
Charlie Pace
Jack Bauer
President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet
Norma Desmond
Margo Channing
He-Man
Myra Eells
Willy Loman
Claire Bennet
Jonathan Barnavelt
Florence Zimmerman
Daria Morgendorffer
Veronica Mars
Sydney Bristow
Frodo Baggins
Harry Potter
Christopher Boone
Mama Rose
Kyle [Trager]
Mrs. Lovett
Josie McCoy
Janie Johnson
Fosca Ricci
Peter Petrelli
Leland P. Fitzgerald
Jessica Fletcher
Phoebe Buffay
Sweeney Todd
G[a]linda Upland
Allanon
Anthony Monday
Aslan
Patty Hewes
Mame
Doctor Dolittle
Harrison Bergeron
Benjy Compson
Elphaba Thropp
Margaret Lanterman
Captain Giorgio Bachetti
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