Some Great Reads

If you're like me, you are always looking for something interesting to read.  Without a lot of time however, you want to make sure that what you choose to read will satisfy the literary jones you got going.
May I suggest the following:



Three fiction novels written from a decidedly Catholic perspective, these books will keep you up later that you should.  Please read them in the order shown above.  Pierced By A Sword is MacFarlane's first novel; Conceived Without Sin and House of Gold are a series.  These two MUST be read in this order.
Disclaimer: I get no money from the author, publisher, or anyone else associated with the writing or publishing of these books.  I'm just passing this recommendation along because I've enjoyed the books very much.
You can get all 3 novels, for the incredibly low price of: FREE!  Yes, FREE.  Just go to: www.catholicity.com and click on "Free Catholic Novels" at the top of the page (in green shaded area) and follow the directions.  If you order online, a $1 per book fee is assessed.  To avoid the fee, under "FINAL STEP" click on "Ordering by mail", print and fill out the form and send it in via USPS.  And one more thing.  After you read the novels, come back here and comment on the books.  I look forward to hearing from you.

A Photoblog 3

When did Brooke Shields...

 

 

...become Maria Shriver??

 

 



A Photoblog 2

Moe Howard had a very simple motto by which he lived his life...

 

EAT

DRINK

 

 

AND BEAT LARRY

 

 

Do They Really Think We're This Dumb?

Are You Serious?!

 

This is the back of a school bus in our local school district.  I find the bumper sticker insulting and utterly ridiculous.

 

I'm a law and order kind of guy.  I understand that I must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading.  If I don't remember that from driver's ed, or from numerous public service announcements, or from stories of friends and co-workers getting tickets for not stopping while a school bus is loading or unloading, I'll be reminded about it when that little red STOP sign with the flashing lights pops out from the side of the bus whenever it is loading or unloading.  I am all about the kids being safe.

 

If, however, after all of that, I am still going to flout the law and do whatever I want around school buses, I seriously doubt that a blue bumper sticker with white lettering admonishing me to "Watch That Child!" (note the excellent use of the exclamation point to really stress that you should indeed "Watch That Child") will make a difference.  I guess it does make weak minded people feel better though.  It shows they really care and have done something about the problem by putting that bumper sticker on the bus.

 

And these days, it seems as if that is all that matters.

A Tribute to J.R. Ewing

A compilation of some of the best lines of J.R. Ewing. Quite possibly the best TV villain of all time.  Enjoy.

Thursday Thanks - My Wife

Of all the relationships that are special in your life, your spouse is the most special.  Because if you believe, as I do, that it was God's plan to bring you and your spouse together, it is a relationship blessed by heaven.

 



My wife Belinda is a very special woman.  I've never known someone with such a pure heart, strong work ethic, and selflessness. 
I am extremely thankful that God brought her to me.  I love her for the beauty of her soul (and she's physically beautiful as well, to boot!), and the fact that she has made me a better man.  Hopefully, I've helped make her a better woman.
Thank you, Belinda for loving me and being my best friend.  I love you!

Be Kind to Each Other

Words of Wisdom

I’ve collected great thoughts for many years, from many sources.  They inspire me, make me think, and brighten my day.  I hope they do the same for you.  Please leave comments or your favorite great thoughts in the comments section.

"The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is

to be kind to some of his other children."

- Henry Drummond

 

 

Mr. Drummond makes a good point - we need to be kind to everyone, because everyone is God's child.

 

Being kind to everyone does not mean that we have to go along with what they want to do.  Some people want to do bad things.  Nor does it mean we have to be friends with everyone.  What it means is that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, especially those that need extra kindness - the elderly, the handicapped, and our enemies.  You should never let anyone take advantage of your kindness.  God calls on us to be kind to everyone, but not to be a doormat to be run over and taken advantage of.  Your self-love and self-respect should see to it that you be treated appropriately and respectfully.

 

The greatest test of your kindness and patience is when you are called upon to be kind and respectful to those that are serving you - a waiter or waitress, a salesperson, a cashier, store employee, or the plumber, electrician, or air conditioning guy.  The fact that you are paying someone for a service does not give you the right to treat them badly.  Always respect anyone who works and is trying.

 

Being kind applies especially to your family.  Too often, we take each other for granted and sometimes treat those we love worse than we treat strangers.  As sad as it is to think about, one day we will all die, and if we lived our life according to God's laws, will with God's grace and forgiveness go to Heaven.  Let the memories your family have of you be memories of kindness and goodness, grace and respectfulness.  Make each other your best friends; be good role-models for each other and for your friends. 

Video Vault

Monday Rant

There are some things that just have to be said – it could be because it makes you crazy, it’s a particularly helpful insight, or just a story you want to share.  I have plenty.  Here is one.  I welcome you to leave yours or your reaction in the comments section.

One of the best things about the internet is that I can get actual video when remembering things from my childhood and explaining the same to my wife and kids.

So without further unnecessary chatter, enjoy:

Carol Burnett's take on Snow White's "Happily Ever After"

 

And from something a BIT more recent...they say the best comedy is based on reality.  So very true!

 And finally one of the best marriages of song and video.  Dire Straits' "Walk of Life".

 



Friday Questions

Reader Questions

On Fridays, I will answer any reader submitted questions that are appropriate and befitting a family friendly blog.  If you have a question you’d like me to answer, please leave it in the comments section.

 

Well, this is akward.  No one submitted a question.  Thanks for nothing Mom & Dad, my only loyal readers.

Just a reminder - I'll answer any appropriate, family friendly question.  It can be about current events, sports, politics, education - anything that is in good taste.  Feel free to leave a question in the comments section!

The Greatest Gift

Giving Thanks

There are so many things to be thankful for, we sometimes take them for granted.  This is my way to make a conscious decision to more grateful.  As always, comments are welcome in the comments section.

 

Of course, the thing I'm most grateful for is the fact that Jesus Christ humbled himself and became one of us in order to die for us.  Just as human beings, Adam and Eve, were the ones that closed paradise to the human race, so another human, Jesus, would be the one to reopen paradise to us.  God loves us so much that he sacrificed his own son for the rest of us.  God's love and forgiveness gives me hope that someone even as wretched as I can one day spend eternity with Him in the glory of heaven.  Thank you Lord for your love, forgiveness, and the gift of your son , Jesus.



Next 3 Songs in Shuffle Mode

Monday Rant

There are some things that just have to be said – it could be because it makes you crazy, it’s a particularly helpful insight, or just a story you want to share.  I have plenty.  Here is one.  I welcome you to leave yours or your reaction in the comments section.

 

 

 



I love my Sony Walkman. And for no other reason than sheer curiosity (and I'm assuming you are curious), here are the next three songs playing in 'shuffle' mode:

1) Neil Diamond "Dry Your Eyes" from his "Beautiful Noise" album (1976). A great song from an awesome album, Neil Diamond was a staple in our home growing up as my older brother was a huge fan. Dry Your Eyes was performed by Neil Diamond with The Band in Martin Scorsese's film, The Last Waltz.

Best chart position: Did not chart/not released


Best line from the song:
"Right through the lightning and the thunder
to the dark side of the moon,
to that distant falling angel that descended much too soon"

2) R.E.M. "Shiny Happy People" from their "Out of Time" album (1991). A favorite in the college years, R.E.M. contributed many great songs to the soundtrack of an era.

Best chart position: #10 U.S.

Best line from the song:
"Everyone around, love them, love them
put it in your hands, take it, take it
There's no time to cry, happy, happy"


3) Van Halen "Jump" from their "MCMLXXXIV" album (1983). EXCELLENT! What else is there to say? Fun to sing along with, fun to (try and) dance to; it still makes me crank it up anytime it comes on. Van Halen at its commercial finest. For a time at NBA games, it was the theme song of the opening tip.

Best chart position: #1 (5 weeks) U.S.

Best line from the song:
"And I know, baby, just how you feel

You got to roll with the punches and get to what's real"

I hope you enjoyed this trip down the mp3 lane. Sing - it'll make you feel better!

A Photoblog

HABITAT  FOR  HUMANITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HABITAT  FOR  STUPIDITY

 

 

 

See, I'm On This Seafood Diet...

I have a confession to make.

I know most will call me weird or crazy when I tell them.  Some people can't understand what I'm talking about.

"Are you serious?"they'll say. "Really?" they'll inquire while looking at me like I have a third eye, a hunched-back or admit to liking potted meat (I really don't).

So what is this horrible, unforgivable, ostracizing condition?

I hate seafood!!!

                                                                   My version of culinary hell

There, I said it.  Are you happy now?

All my life I've cringed when people would go on and on about some blackened this or that, some shrimp cocktail, or an all you can eat fish fry for ONLY $8.  And I'm thinking, give me 5 dollar burgers, 2 dollar fries, and the biggest Dr. Pepper you can buy for a dollar and I'll be happier than eating 12 fish fillets.

There is, however, one seafood delicacy that I do long for; one tempting morsel of fin wearing fodder that tempts my palate even though I know it is seafood - the Filet-o-Fish burger from McDonald's.

                                                                         Filet-o-fish-o-the gods

But it must be made the old fashioned way (see picture above).  You know, the way they made it before they tried to satiate the nanny state by making it "healthier" by adding iceberg lettuce.

Let's make a deal, you look for healthy at McDonald's and I'll look for the wonderful "Wizard of Oz".  I'll probably be more successful. 

Anyway, back to the filet-o-fish.  It is really very simple to assemble - bun, cheese (optional), filet-o-fish, gobs of tartar sauce, bun.  That's it, nothing else - simple and delicious.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.  I may even try to assemble one at home myself, from all natural ingredients, of course.

I just need to know where to catch one of those square fish.

What Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich Taught Us

Flashback - fall of 1995.  Newt Gingrich, first Republican Speaker of the House since the 1940's is going toe to toe with Democratic President Bill Clinton over the budget for fiscal year 1996. 
Both men want their vision of the budget implemented.  Gingrich, less spending and Clinton, more spending. 

The new fiscal year begins - still no budget.  Congress and the President agree on several continuing resolutions.  These continuing resolutions keep the government operating for a set period of time (usually two weeks each) at the previous year's spending levels.
Finally, it all comes to a head.  The Republican Congress send Clinton a spending bill he can't agree to, and he vetoes the bill.  Without Congress authorizing spending, the government shuts down.  From November 14-19, 1995 and December 16, 1995 - January 6, 1996,  all non-essential government workers were placed on furlough, and all non-essential government services were suspended.

Guess what?  We survived.  Life does not revolve around the idiots in Washington.  And it taught us a very important lesson:  Why is government doing anything that is non-essential anyway?  Our Founding Fathers believed in a very small, limited government; not one involved in every aspect of our lives.
Shut down all non-essential government functions permanently, and let freedom ring once again in this great nation!

What Should Government Do?

Everyone has an answer to this seemingly simple question.  But what is the right answer?  Think about this: when we first became a nation, our first national government was organized under a plan called The Articles of Confederation.  Under the A of C, the national government was VERY limited.  So much so that it could not effectively govern.  During a meeting in Philadelphia which was called to revise the A of C, it was decided among the delegates that the A of C were way too weak, and a new system to govern this nation had to be created.  As a result, the Constitution of the United States was created.
Let's put this in terms easy to comprehend.  Consider the size and power of the government under the A of C - we'll represent that plan with a Smart Car.

Small, basic transportation that gets you from point a to point b with very little power, and that's about it.
Now consider the size and power of the national government today.  We'll represent the government today with its enormous reach, power and intrusiveness into our lives with a monster truck.

Huge, unwieldy and able to crush about anything else on the road.  Wasteful with gas (taxes), harder and more expensive to maintain, and not good at anything other than dominating by force.
From the Smart Car to the monster truck.  Is this really what our founding fathers envisioned for our country's government?  I think not.  Keeping the car analogy, it would be represented by this car, the Ford Fiesta - basic transportation with enough power and space to get most jobs done.

Our national government should do very few things, do them well, and leave the rest to the states -   just as our founders envisioned.  For a more detailed plan supporting this argument, go read the Constitution of the United States.