Check out msn.com for The 10 Best Foods You're Not Eating
Our family in Wisconsin must be having fun (or misery) as the news reported they have had record snowfall for the season (and it's not over yet): read The Badger Herald article and Leah's blog which reports that Stephen is busy plowing snow for extra cash.
Kodak.com offers these Top Ten Tips for taking better pictures with your digital camera.
I thought this was an interesting commentary (you will not hear this on the news) about Bush's very good year by Kudlow of the Washington Times
We watched the movie "Chariots of Fire" recently and it sparked my interest in Eric Liddell, the Scottish Christian who refused to run his track meet during the Olympics on a Sunday. The movie just touched on one small time period of his life, as he went on to be a missionary in China. He opted to stay in China while sending his family to Canada, was rounded up by the Japanese during WWII and died in a prison camp...Read more about Eric
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Jericho is back for Season 2
My son got us hooked on watching Jericho last year. This series depicts what might happen if there were a nuclear attack on the USA. About 14 major cities are destroyed across the country, like New York, Atlanta, Denver, etc. Those left in the smaller cities have to learn to defend themselves, protect their food supply, etc. I am happy to report that season 2 began last night, Tuesdays at 10 pm EST on CBS. It seems CBS was going to cancel this series, but after a lot of emails, phone calls, and bloggers got involved, they are giving it another shot. If you missed it on TV last night, you can go to CBS.com and watch all full episodes of season 1 and the first episode of season 2: "Reconstruction."
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
birthdays in US History
Even though his birthday is now celebrated on the third Monday of February, Abraham Lincoln was actually born today(2/12). President's Day is a fairly recent holiday established to honor both Lincoln and George Washington (born 2/22) and I suppose all the other presidents. (photo of Lincoln at Antietam battlefield)In honor of the birthday of Honest Abe, hear are some links to sites to refresh your memory:
Abraham Lincoln at a glance(millercenter.com)
The biography of Lincoln (Whitehouse.gov)
About the assassination of Lincoln (aol.com)
Monday, February 11, 2008
dukies surprising everyone but me
As many of you know my sons and I are huge Duke fans, ever since the 1991 and 1992 seasons, when Duke won back-to-back NCAA basketball championships. When the season began this year, Duke was not considered to be in contention for the final four in March. But after the past 11 wins in a row, including beating #3 North Carolina last week at the Dean Dome, everyone is talking about the Dukies. Now at the #2 spot in the polls, Duke has been able to win by playing intensely with full force for 40 minutes. With 8 All-Americans on the team, Duke has a tremendous bench. In some of the recent games, there were 5 or 6 players in double figures. Jon Scheyer is my favorite player on the team. As a freshman last year, he started every game. But this year, instead of being a starter, he has been willing to be the "sixth man" and come off the bench. His challenge this year was to play like a starter, while coming off the bench, and play with a great attitude. Scheyer is definitely a winner.
If you missed the games last week, check out the links and highlight video below.
If you missed the games last week, check out the links and highlight video below.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
family photo Sunday
Where were you at the turn of the century?
I took this photo of Stephen and Brandon in our living room in Jacksonville on January 1, 2000 at 12 AM; and Y2K was much ado about nothing!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Happy Birthday Brandon
Wow, our "baby" is 27 today! Time flies doesn't it. From now until March 27th, my three sons are 27, 28 and 29 - how did we do that!?
Brandon, hope you had a good birthday and hope the card arrived on time!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
our bill of rights
In 1789 the first Congress of the United States convened and proposed 12 amendments to our Constitution. Of those, 10 were ratified by the states and became our "Bill of Rights" in 1791. We, the people, should read these from time to time to remind us of our rights as citizens of this great country.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Monday, February 04, 2008
the beginning of the Reagan era
The hotly contested Republican primary season reminds me of the beginning of the Reagan era.
Yes, I was there back in May of 1976, when Ronald Reagan visited the campus of Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tenn. He was running for the republican nomination against the "chosen one" of the Republican establishment, Gerald Ford.
You may recall that President Gerald Ford was never elected into that office. He was chosen by President Richard Nixon to be his Vice-President, replacing then Vice-President Agnew, who became the first Vice-President to resign office. Later, when Nixon resigned because of the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford became the President for the remainder of the term. I have always believed that the Republican "establishment" chose Ford to be their number one candidate during the 1976 primary season (He went on to lose to Jimmy Carter.) Even though Reagan did not win the nomination that year, we were excited that someone with his convictions and backbone was finally running for President. Four years later he would go on to become the President and serve two terms. I believe Reagan could have served three or four terms if the Constitution allowed.
The rally at Tennessee Temple was huge. I remember the wall-to-wall feeling in that gymnasium. I was in the concert band and we were asked to perform during the rally, playing Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever." The security was tight, but nothing like it would be today. click to read an article from Chattanooga.com
Yes, I was there back in May of 1976, when Ronald Reagan visited the campus of Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tenn. He was running for the republican nomination against the "chosen one" of the Republican establishment, Gerald Ford.
You may recall that President Gerald Ford was never elected into that office. He was chosen by President Richard Nixon to be his Vice-President, replacing then Vice-President Agnew, who became the first Vice-President to resign office. Later, when Nixon resigned because of the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford became the President for the remainder of the term. I have always believed that the Republican "establishment" chose Ford to be their number one candidate during the 1976 primary season (He went on to lose to Jimmy Carter.) Even though Reagan did not win the nomination that year, we were excited that someone with his convictions and backbone was finally running for President. Four years later he would go on to become the President and serve two terms. I believe Reagan could have served three or four terms if the Constitution allowed.
The rally at Tennessee Temple was huge. I remember the wall-to-wall feeling in that gymnasium. I was in the concert band and we were asked to perform during the rally, playing Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever." The security was tight, but nothing like it would be today. click to read an article from Chattanooga.com
Sunday, February 03, 2008
family photo Sunday
This is a photo of our youngest son, Brandon, on the day he was born at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, 27 years ago (1981) on February 9th. Thanks to all my sons for the new scanner they gave me for Christmas. I was able to scan this photo and restore the color, so we do not look orange in this photo now.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
super Tuesday
Super Duper Tuesday is almost here - 24 states including Georgia will be holding their primaries. Click to view the Yahoo Political Dashboard for 2008. Check out the national polls as well as the individual state polls.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution publishes a "Pastor's" Roundtable each Saturday. This week's question is "What is most important to you this election season?"
click to read the answers from the area's ministers including our Pastor, Dan Sweatt
Of course, Mike Huckabee was endorsed by Chuck Norris "Walker Texas Ranger" himself, and went on to win in IOWA. Watch this video below for some humor.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution publishes a "Pastor's" Roundtable each Saturday. This week's question is "What is most important to you this election season?"
click to read the answers from the area's ministers including our Pastor, Dan Sweatt
Of course, Mike Huckabee was endorsed by Chuck Norris "Walker Texas Ranger" himself, and went on to win in IOWA. Watch this video below for some humor.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Happy Birthday CIndy
Happy Birthday to my wife, Cindy! I surprised her with some purple tulips, since that is her favorite color, and a book called "The Ultimate Gift." I also bought her the DVD with the same title.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
look who's back!
After winning back-to-back championships in NCAA basketball, the Florida Gators are rebuilding this year. For the first time in many years, the Gators have not seen the top 25 much this year. Finally this week, they are back in the rankings this week, # 20 in the AP poll and #19 in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Just ahead of them in both polls is Vanderbilt, who the Gators beat last night. I took note of a comment from the broadcasters during last night's game. It was about Nick Calathes, one of several freshmen starters. Coach Billy Donovan has offered scholarships to only four high school sophomores; Calathes was one of them. see video highlights below
Monday, January 28, 2008
cool beans and other stuff
A recent article in the US NEWS & World Report reminded me about an incident regarding Big Oil from the 1920's. It was a lesson from the 8th grade US History textbook about the "Teapot Dome Scandal." (It also reminds us that there is "nothing new under the sun.") The Teapot Dome is located in Wyoming and was given its name from a rock resembling a teapot that rose from the oil field. The "scandal" developed when the Secretary of the Interior under President Warren G. Harding, Albert B. Fall, opened up the oil reserves in this federal land to private use, while trying to keep it a secret. He leased the land to a couple of oil companies and the companies in turn allowed him to borrow over $400,000. In the end, Fall was found guilty of bribery and fined $100,000 in 1929 and the oil reserves were returned to government control. Read more
Also on the subject of oil, I listened to a caller on a talk radio show who mentioned that there were hundreds of "capped" oil wells in Colorado. All that we hear from the news media is that our country does not have enough oil, but according to this site called globalresourcecorp.com - there are over 400,000 "capped" oil wells in the U.S. and most of them still have 50% or more oil reserves available to use. Now, it makes me wonder why our Congress does not allow these wells to be used? Things that make you go, "hmmm "
Also on the subject of oil, I listened to a caller on a talk radio show who mentioned that there were hundreds of "capped" oil wells in Colorado. All that we hear from the news media is that our country does not have enough oil, but according to this site called globalresourcecorp.com - there are over 400,000 "capped" oil wells in the U.S. and most of them still have 50% or more oil reserves available to use. Now, it makes me wonder why our Congress does not allow these wells to be used? Things that make you go, "hmmm "
Sunday, January 27, 2008
family photo Sunday
My wife celebrates another birthday this week. This photo of Cindy with her Mam-ma Baggett was probably taken in 1955.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
music for the christian
There is a lot of discussion these days about the right kind of music that is acceptable in church worship. Music plays an important part in churches and whether it is a valid reason or not, people choose a church many times based on the type of music used in the worship service. Speaking from personal experience, when we moved to Georgia we found several churches with excellent preaching, but we felt the music did not back up the preaching. More today than ever before, young people feel that music is neutral and it does not matter what style the music is as long as the words are biblical. The common saying goes, "the style of music doesn't affect me." With that thought in mind, our pastor attended a two-day "music summit" at the Wilds Conference in January. He was one of three or four pastors invited to participate in this summit, along with music professors and/or representatives from most of the well-known fundamental Christian colleges, and several composers and musicologists. Pastor Sweatt shared with our church this final three-point statement on music for the church and Christians that was agreed upon by all at the summit:
- The Word of God prayerfully studied and rightly divided provides an infallible standard for music.
- Music has an influence both for good and evil, and cannot be considered neutral in its effect on believers and unbelievers alike.
- The effect of music is not always observed. Every person can consciously filter out the negative music. The effect of music may not show up soon, but over time it will show up.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
another anniversary
Gary Varvel is a newspaper political cartoonist from Indiana. Gary is a Christian and it usually shows in his cartoons from time to time, especially this week. Thanks for the reminder, Gary ....
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
college basketball - let the "real" season begin
Even though, college basketball started in early November, I still feel like the real season has just started. In the last week or so, conference play began for Florida in the SEC and Duke in the ACC. It has been fun to watch the young players at Florida as they become a team over the last few weeks. Everyone expected this year to be a rebuilding year for the Gators, but they had a solid win over Kentucky Saturday night. And, of course, I have been patiently waiting for the Dukies to move up in the polls. With two great wins last week against Florida State and Clemson, the Blue Devils are now 15-1 and sit at the no.3 spot in the ESPN/Coaches poll and no.4 in the AP poll. It was really nice of North Carolina to lose on Saturday and help the Dukies move up in the rankings (UNC is right behind them in both polls.) Coach K is just an amazing coach and after a couple of tough seasons, I think he has found a winning combination. Duke is led by one senior, Demarcus Nelson, and one of the juniors as starters, Greg Paulus, and then four sophomores and four freshman that were eight of the top recruits in the nation are also on the roster.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)