Living on the East Coast of Florida, having gone through two hurricanes in September: Francis and Jeanne, it seems like playing in the sprinklers compared to the distaster that is unfolding before us in Asia.
Not to belittle the experience of going through four hurricanes but I still hear people complaining and blaming their current lethargy, moodiness on the hurricanes. Look! Before us is a devastation far greater than 14 dead. Over 100,000 people are dead in Asia! Disease and destruction of entire communities stares many in the face.
Let us Americans rise up and thank God for our blessings and the small trials with which we have faced. Let us also set aside any discomfort we think we are experiencing from hurricanes that hit 3 months ago and pray for another part of the world in much greater need. Let us "do unto others as we would wish to be done unto us". Pray and Give.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
The Beast within the Man
Well, this is the beginning of my “morning pages”. I am taking a course called “The Artist’s Way”. It is a course to help creative people unlock, unblock, revitalize their creativity. So, every morning I must sit here and write out whatever comes to my mind. I must not hold back or be concerned with spelling, grammar or whether what I am writing is boring, personal, vulnerable, etc. It is a gushing forth of my current thoughts, emotions. It is a release that helps to get the stagnation out and the flow of my artist's brain pouring forth from me. I am looking forward to this 12 week course. I guess "course" is not the right word. That sounds too much like school work that you are required to do.
Two nights ago I was at the Oaks, a local movie theater. As my wife, Becky, and I were leaving we saw some youth congregated outside and there was another group of older punks that were trying to pick a fight with that group. One kid threw a punch and “boom!” I was off and running. I have this killer, intense bear like beast within me that rises up, like a Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, that becomes enraged and instantly manifest when it sees injustices.
I lept forward in rage and pointed out the other older boys who were bullying the younger group and told them to get the hell out of here. I used my beast voice. I have always believed that a display of 100% madness and a 100% rage is a must in backing down the wolves. Show no fear. Give them no chance to assess whether you are sane or not. My large eyebrows and inset eyes, large physique give me that edge to be convincing enough to send the wolves scurrying off with their tails between their legs.
But I fear that my natural rage will get the better of me someday and that maybe this is not the best approach to keep the wolves at bay. I had another unfortunate encounter a few weeks ago with another group of adults at the Palm Bay Christmas Parade. I said some things in my anger that I should not have and after 20 minutes of conviction from God I went and apologized to one of the individuals my anger was directed towards. He was not very receptive but he did accept my apology. Now I believe both parties were at fault with the other party initiating the conflict and me responding in anger. There was no remorse for their part but that is not a requirement for me to humble myself and admit my error.
The one thing that has stood out to me was what the man told me when I asked for forgiveness. He said I needed to be careful who I showed anger towards, because I don’t know who they are and what they might do, suggesting something extreme like pulling a gun on me. He had a point. Plus, the Bible does not speak well of having a hot temper, which is one of those areas that I am fighting to submit to God effectively.
There might be some situations that a stampeding giant is necessary to chase off the bad guys but we must be as crafty as a serpent and as gentle as a dove, the Scriptures advise us. Ferocity is not always the necessary action, maybe words spoken with authority and calm would have been just as effective. I hope I have the opportunity to try it out sometime and learn.
Two nights ago I was at the Oaks, a local movie theater. As my wife, Becky, and I were leaving we saw some youth congregated outside and there was another group of older punks that were trying to pick a fight with that group. One kid threw a punch and “boom!” I was off and running. I have this killer, intense bear like beast within me that rises up, like a Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, that becomes enraged and instantly manifest when it sees injustices.
I lept forward in rage and pointed out the other older boys who were bullying the younger group and told them to get the hell out of here. I used my beast voice. I have always believed that a display of 100% madness and a 100% rage is a must in backing down the wolves. Show no fear. Give them no chance to assess whether you are sane or not. My large eyebrows and inset eyes, large physique give me that edge to be convincing enough to send the wolves scurrying off with their tails between their legs.
But I fear that my natural rage will get the better of me someday and that maybe this is not the best approach to keep the wolves at bay. I had another unfortunate encounter a few weeks ago with another group of adults at the Palm Bay Christmas Parade. I said some things in my anger that I should not have and after 20 minutes of conviction from God I went and apologized to one of the individuals my anger was directed towards. He was not very receptive but he did accept my apology. Now I believe both parties were at fault with the other party initiating the conflict and me responding in anger. There was no remorse for their part but that is not a requirement for me to humble myself and admit my error.
The one thing that has stood out to me was what the man told me when I asked for forgiveness. He said I needed to be careful who I showed anger towards, because I don’t know who they are and what they might do, suggesting something extreme like pulling a gun on me. He had a point. Plus, the Bible does not speak well of having a hot temper, which is one of those areas that I am fighting to submit to God effectively.
There might be some situations that a stampeding giant is necessary to chase off the bad guys but we must be as crafty as a serpent and as gentle as a dove, the Scriptures advise us. Ferocity is not always the necessary action, maybe words spoken with authority and calm would have been just as effective. I hope I have the opportunity to try it out sometime and learn.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
These Aren't Real Tools...These Are Toys!
Ah, it was great this morning! What a wonderful Christmas morning with my wife, son and daughter. They are my most treasured possession (not that they are objects to possess).
Luke was making me laugh. Some of the things he says cracks me up. To start with, we were sitting at the kitchen table eating our traditional Christmas breakfast of cinnamon rolls and eggnog. What a delight! I know what you are thinking "All that fat!", but instead think about the magic of such deliciousness. Anyways, as Lucas (my son) is chomping on a cinnamon roll he turns to me with a twinkle in his eyes and says, "Hmm...I have Christmas in my mouth!"
I died! He makes me laugh so hard sometimes and that's not all. Luke has been wanting "real tools with a real tool belt" for months. So, naturally we went to Toys R Us and found, for a great price, realistic looking tools with a tool belt made by Home Depot. You couldn't get closer to the real thing.
As we are opening presents around the tree Luke is excited to discover underneath the wrapping paper "real tools with a real tool belt". He loved them! He was playing with his new tools for awhile. I had gotten a screw driver from out of the garage to open up the battery compartment of anther toy and mindlessly set the screw driver down near where Luke was working away with his "tools". He noticed the screw driver I had abandoned and picked it up. He had one of his screw drivers from his new tool set in the other hand. He began banging the "real screw driver" against the other real screw driver and became alarmed and declared, "Hey! These aren't real tools! These are toys! I wanted real tools!"
It took awhile for me to convince him that he would enjoy playing with his new toy tools but not before trying desperately to not laugh out loud.
Luke was making me laugh. Some of the things he says cracks me up. To start with, we were sitting at the kitchen table eating our traditional Christmas breakfast of cinnamon rolls and eggnog. What a delight! I know what you are thinking "All that fat!", but instead think about the magic of such deliciousness. Anyways, as Lucas (my son) is chomping on a cinnamon roll he turns to me with a twinkle in his eyes and says, "Hmm...I have Christmas in my mouth!"
I died! He makes me laugh so hard sometimes and that's not all. Luke has been wanting "real tools with a real tool belt" for months. So, naturally we went to Toys R Us and found, for a great price, realistic looking tools with a tool belt made by Home Depot. You couldn't get closer to the real thing.
As we are opening presents around the tree Luke is excited to discover underneath the wrapping paper "real tools with a real tool belt". He loved them! He was playing with his new tools for awhile. I had gotten a screw driver from out of the garage to open up the battery compartment of anther toy and mindlessly set the screw driver down near where Luke was working away with his "tools". He noticed the screw driver I had abandoned and picked it up. He had one of his screw drivers from his new tool set in the other hand. He began banging the "real screw driver" against the other real screw driver and became alarmed and declared, "Hey! These aren't real tools! These are toys! I wanted real tools!"
It took awhile for me to convince him that he would enjoy playing with his new toy tools but not before trying desperately to not laugh out loud.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Brautwurst
Deep in my cube I am sitting here eating two Brautwursts and drinking a St. Paul's Girl. Not a bad lunch to be having at work. Our company fired up the grill and brought out the wine and beer. Beer. I think it goes better for this kind of grilling; hamburgers and hot dogs. Wine just seems too sophisticated for accompanying a hotdog.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Michael Moore? Sophisticated?
Here is a little quote from Michael Moore:
You have to feel sorry for the millions of Yanks in the big cities like New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco who voted to kick him out.
These are the sophisticated side of the electorate who recognize a gibbon when they see one.
As for the ones who put him in, across the Bible Belt and the South, us outsiders can only feel pity.
Were I a Kerry voter, though, I'd feel deep anger, not only at them returning Bush to power, but for allowing the outside world to lump us all into the same category of moronic muppets.
The self-righteous, gun-totin', military lovin', sister marryin', abortion-hatin', gay-loathin', foreigner-despisin', non-passport ownin' red-necks, who believe God gave America the biggest dick in the world so it could urinate on the rest of us and make their land "free and strong.
~Michael Moore
I never realized how narrow-minded you are Michael Moore till I read some of your extremist ranting. Yes, I did say extremist. You like to label the "Christian right" and the rest of us conservatives as extremists, so that we are seen as dangerous, but you don't apply the same standards of comparison to yourself. Extremist?! Have you ever heard your own mad ranting and almost militant attacks towards those you don't agree with?
You state that the big city folks are the moral and sophisticated part of America and that the hometown roots of America are the ignorant and prejudice masses. What a truly ignorant statement. You are having the same partisan, close-minded attitude you blame the rest of America for possessing. You have clearly labeled and vilified a majority of Americans and declared them irrelevant.
You have thrown the Bible Belt and the whole South into a category of idiots. The South used to vote strongly Democrat. Is it the South that has changed? The Democratic party has gone so far left that they no longer relate to their own constituents. Isn't it the Democratic party that claims to be the defender of the needy and oppressed? Why is it then that you, Michael, favor the "sophisticated" city folks?
I love the labels you give all of us with conservative beliefs:
1. self-righteous: To those whose morality changes with the wind, yes, we conservatives, who believe in absolute rights and wrongs, will seem to appear "self-righteous". This is a stereo-type we have to live with.
2. gun-totin': Second Amendment? Have you ever heard of it? I guess our founding fathers would fall into this category. Them damn gun-totin' founding fathers! What the heck were they thinkin'. I and many of my friends and family have guns. None of them have used guns for criminal activities or intimidation. Each of us have our own reasons for owning a gun. Some see it as a good investment since they appreciate in value over time. Some enjoy hunting or sports shooting. Others see a gun as a way to protect themselves from ungodly criminals. Yeh, these reasons sound like crazy people that are ready to go down the street shooting people.
"But criminals own guns too!" I hear the whine.
Do you really think that gun control will prevent criminals from having guns? They're criminals! They don't care about your gun control laws! What we need is to promote morality and family in our society and give just punishment to criminals. That, I guarantee, will reduce crime of all sorts. Morality and Justice! What a concept!
3. military lovin': Whoa there boy! Mr. Moore! What problem do you have with lovin' the military? They are made up of our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. They are Americans of every race and background. I guess the military wasn't necessary in WW1 or 2. Who needs em'? What do you suppose we will protect ourselves with if we don't have some kind of love and support for the men and women who have protected our freedoms? Mike, you have made it clear what you think of them! It is obvious that "military lovin'" is an extremist mentality! I however would like to say "Happy Veterans Day". We love all of you that have served so faithfully in the armed forces. I would like to thank my brother-in-law who has been supporting troops in Afghanistan. It is a privilege to honor these men and women among us.
4. sister marryin': Amazing! Out of all the family and friends and people I have known in my entire life I have yet to meet one that is married to or had sex with his sister. What an incredible amount of ignorance you have there Mikey. Because of our moral beliefs, marrying your sister is unacceptable, duh. I guess you don't fully understand the "Christian right". I thought it was your group that was in favor of marrying whoever you wanted and have sex with whoever you choose, even if it was your pet dog? I was sure that there were no limits on choice among you and your "sophisticated" friends.
5. abortion-hatin': I guess I have no shame in this and will gladly admit that I and many others fall under this audacious title. We believe abortion to be the murdering of another human being. It gets no more complicated than that. There is no conspiracy. Since it is murder from our perspective, how do you expect us to feel about it! We hate it! You're right we are "abortion-hatin'"! And your point is?
6. gay-loathin': I admit this is difficult to address. We believe that marriage since the beginning of time and in all religions and cultures, even the most developed or primitive, overwhelmingly hold marriage to be between a man and a woman. This is historical fact. The attempt to prove that it is natural is unconvincing. The very first proof is the fact that it is impossible for two people of the same sex to reproduce. I also argue that homosexuals are not interested in marriage but instead are looking to force their way of life on society. For instance, in Norway, the gays fought to have the right to marry. They succeeded. In the first year or two some married, but after that there have been virtually no marriages between gays. But as a result marriage is looked down on and if anyone gets married, especially if they are heterosexual they are despised. The gays don't care about marriage. Yes, if it becomes legal you will see gays get married like in Massachusetts, but the fad will die and the sacredness of marriage will have been fully raped by those that despise it.
7. foreigner-despisin'/non-passport ownin': I guess the passport that is sitting in my house doesn't count. Maybe my month long visit to the Russian people is of no consequence either. Or it could be that the countless trips of my fellow church members to poor countries to provide eye glasses, shoes and food to the oppressed and poor doesn't factor into this "foreigner-despisin'" remark. How about that Guatemalan girl, who had cataracts that caused her to be blind? Our church raised the money to get her the surgery her poor family could not afford? She now can see! Praise God for the "Christian right". She certainly is! We also have full time Americans in Guatemala that have a school and feeding program for the poor children of Peronia? I guess the fact that an older lady in our church went to Africa and rescued babies out of a local dump, who had been discarded by their mothers, is of no importance as well. I could go on and on, forever and ever, of the many churches in just my town who reach out to the hurting in the world, but I think you get my point.
8. red-necks: If you are attempting to pull more support from the South with that stereo-type, then you are more brain dead than I had originally believed. Most of those people you label as red-necks are hard working families made up of a father, mother and the children they love. If a red-neck is someone who loves family, loves their kids, goes to church and fears God, likes to fish, line-dance and sing patriotic songs on the 4th of July then I guess I must call myself a red-neck even though I have been a graphic designer in suburbia my entire career.
Well, Michael Moore, I don't know about believin' God gave America the biggest dick in the world but it sure sounds like with all the yellin' that you do that you're tryin' to compensate for somethin'.
You have to feel sorry for the millions of Yanks in the big cities like New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco who voted to kick him out.
These are the sophisticated side of the electorate who recognize a gibbon when they see one.
As for the ones who put him in, across the Bible Belt and the South, us outsiders can only feel pity.
Were I a Kerry voter, though, I'd feel deep anger, not only at them returning Bush to power, but for allowing the outside world to lump us all into the same category of moronic muppets.
The self-righteous, gun-totin', military lovin', sister marryin', abortion-hatin', gay-loathin', foreigner-despisin', non-passport ownin' red-necks, who believe God gave America the biggest dick in the world so it could urinate on the rest of us and make their land "free and strong.
~Michael Moore
I never realized how narrow-minded you are Michael Moore till I read some of your extremist ranting. Yes, I did say extremist. You like to label the "Christian right" and the rest of us conservatives as extremists, so that we are seen as dangerous, but you don't apply the same standards of comparison to yourself. Extremist?! Have you ever heard your own mad ranting and almost militant attacks towards those you don't agree with?
You state that the big city folks are the moral and sophisticated part of America and that the hometown roots of America are the ignorant and prejudice masses. What a truly ignorant statement. You are having the same partisan, close-minded attitude you blame the rest of America for possessing. You have clearly labeled and vilified a majority of Americans and declared them irrelevant.
You have thrown the Bible Belt and the whole South into a category of idiots. The South used to vote strongly Democrat. Is it the South that has changed? The Democratic party has gone so far left that they no longer relate to their own constituents. Isn't it the Democratic party that claims to be the defender of the needy and oppressed? Why is it then that you, Michael, favor the "sophisticated" city folks?
I love the labels you give all of us with conservative beliefs:
1. self-righteous: To those whose morality changes with the wind, yes, we conservatives, who believe in absolute rights and wrongs, will seem to appear "self-righteous". This is a stereo-type we have to live with.
2. gun-totin': Second Amendment? Have you ever heard of it? I guess our founding fathers would fall into this category. Them damn gun-totin' founding fathers! What the heck were they thinkin'. I and many of my friends and family have guns. None of them have used guns for criminal activities or intimidation. Each of us have our own reasons for owning a gun. Some see it as a good investment since they appreciate in value over time. Some enjoy hunting or sports shooting. Others see a gun as a way to protect themselves from ungodly criminals. Yeh, these reasons sound like crazy people that are ready to go down the street shooting people.
"But criminals own guns too!" I hear the whine.
Do you really think that gun control will prevent criminals from having guns? They're criminals! They don't care about your gun control laws! What we need is to promote morality and family in our society and give just punishment to criminals. That, I guarantee, will reduce crime of all sorts. Morality and Justice! What a concept!
3. military lovin': Whoa there boy! Mr. Moore! What problem do you have with lovin' the military? They are made up of our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. They are Americans of every race and background. I guess the military wasn't necessary in WW1 or 2. Who needs em'? What do you suppose we will protect ourselves with if we don't have some kind of love and support for the men and women who have protected our freedoms? Mike, you have made it clear what you think of them! It is obvious that "military lovin'" is an extremist mentality! I however would like to say "Happy Veterans Day". We love all of you that have served so faithfully in the armed forces. I would like to thank my brother-in-law who has been supporting troops in Afghanistan. It is a privilege to honor these men and women among us.
4. sister marryin': Amazing! Out of all the family and friends and people I have known in my entire life I have yet to meet one that is married to or had sex with his sister. What an incredible amount of ignorance you have there Mikey. Because of our moral beliefs, marrying your sister is unacceptable, duh. I guess you don't fully understand the "Christian right". I thought it was your group that was in favor of marrying whoever you wanted and have sex with whoever you choose, even if it was your pet dog? I was sure that there were no limits on choice among you and your "sophisticated" friends.
5. abortion-hatin': I guess I have no shame in this and will gladly admit that I and many others fall under this audacious title. We believe abortion to be the murdering of another human being. It gets no more complicated than that. There is no conspiracy. Since it is murder from our perspective, how do you expect us to feel about it! We hate it! You're right we are "abortion-hatin'"! And your point is?
6. gay-loathin': I admit this is difficult to address. We believe that marriage since the beginning of time and in all religions and cultures, even the most developed or primitive, overwhelmingly hold marriage to be between a man and a woman. This is historical fact. The attempt to prove that it is natural is unconvincing. The very first proof is the fact that it is impossible for two people of the same sex to reproduce. I also argue that homosexuals are not interested in marriage but instead are looking to force their way of life on society. For instance, in Norway, the gays fought to have the right to marry. They succeeded. In the first year or two some married, but after that there have been virtually no marriages between gays. But as a result marriage is looked down on and if anyone gets married, especially if they are heterosexual they are despised. The gays don't care about marriage. Yes, if it becomes legal you will see gays get married like in Massachusetts, but the fad will die and the sacredness of marriage will have been fully raped by those that despise it.
7. foreigner-despisin'/non-passport ownin': I guess the passport that is sitting in my house doesn't count. Maybe my month long visit to the Russian people is of no consequence either. Or it could be that the countless trips of my fellow church members to poor countries to provide eye glasses, shoes and food to the oppressed and poor doesn't factor into this "foreigner-despisin'" remark. How about that Guatemalan girl, who had cataracts that caused her to be blind? Our church raised the money to get her the surgery her poor family could not afford? She now can see! Praise God for the "Christian right". She certainly is! We also have full time Americans in Guatemala that have a school and feeding program for the poor children of Peronia? I guess the fact that an older lady in our church went to Africa and rescued babies out of a local dump, who had been discarded by their mothers, is of no importance as well. I could go on and on, forever and ever, of the many churches in just my town who reach out to the hurting in the world, but I think you get my point.
8. red-necks: If you are attempting to pull more support from the South with that stereo-type, then you are more brain dead than I had originally believed. Most of those people you label as red-necks are hard working families made up of a father, mother and the children they love. If a red-neck is someone who loves family, loves their kids, goes to church and fears God, likes to fish, line-dance and sing patriotic songs on the 4th of July then I guess I must call myself a red-neck even though I have been a graphic designer in suburbia my entire career.
Well, Michael Moore, I don't know about believin' God gave America the biggest dick in the world but it sure sounds like with all the yellin' that you do that you're tryin' to compensate for somethin'.
Friday, October 08, 2004
I Have a Plan! Well, Tell Us Dammit!
"I have a plan!"
Who said that? Wait! Who says that every time you hear him speak?
That's right folks! KERRY!!!
In the two presidential debates I hear Kerry persistently say, "I have a plan!" but I have not heard him tell me what that plan is. "I have a plan for this. I have a plan for that." What is that plan? I have heard that phrase so much that I feel that I am being hypnotized by some repetative Gregorian chant!
I don't think he knows what that plan is because he has no backbone to decisively make or carry it out. Tonight, during the debate, Kerry announced that he is a Catholic. With this playing card, he hinted that he has a pro-life belief but if he becomes president he won't let that interfere with allowing others to have abortions. I don't get it.
If you believe abortion is murder, then you can't compromise that core principle. How can you negotiate murder? If Kerry is able to allow what he supposedly thinks is the blatant killing of human life, than does he really believe it is murder or is he just trying to appease both sides and retain the Catholic vote?
Bush has guts! He has principles he believes without compromise. I like that. I want a president who can lead not concede to every whim so that he can remain popular. Kerry would be a neutered president, Bush is a leader with balls.
Who said that? Wait! Who says that every time you hear him speak?
That's right folks! KERRY!!!
In the two presidential debates I hear Kerry persistently say, "I have a plan!" but I have not heard him tell me what that plan is. "I have a plan for this. I have a plan for that." What is that plan? I have heard that phrase so much that I feel that I am being hypnotized by some repetative Gregorian chant!
I don't think he knows what that plan is because he has no backbone to decisively make or carry it out. Tonight, during the debate, Kerry announced that he is a Catholic. With this playing card, he hinted that he has a pro-life belief but if he becomes president he won't let that interfere with allowing others to have abortions. I don't get it.
If you believe abortion is murder, then you can't compromise that core principle. How can you negotiate murder? If Kerry is able to allow what he supposedly thinks is the blatant killing of human life, than does he really believe it is murder or is he just trying to appease both sides and retain the Catholic vote?
Bush has guts! He has principles he believes without compromise. I like that. I want a president who can lead not concede to every whim so that he can remain popular. Kerry would be a neutered president, Bush is a leader with balls.
Friday, October 01, 2004
WE HAVE POWER!!!
With almost six days without power, my wife called me at work and told me our power just came on! We can finally get back to normal and leave hurricane Jeanne behind!
Pass a Global Test? WHAT!!!?
What is John Kerry trying to say when he says "pass the global test" in regards to foreign policies? When I heard this during the presidential debates last night it sent a chill down my spine.
It seems to me that Kerry cares more about political and global opinions rather than the wealthfare of America and its people. He would even allow an international court have the right to ignore American sovereignty and put Americans on trial. What is that? How can we protect ourselves from enemies and defend our freedom and ultimately our sovereignty if we give ourselves over to a foreign authority?
This issue alone convinces me without doubt to vote for Bush. At least he won't give up our freedoms to please the world masses, which don't necessarily hold to the same beliefs and ideals as we do.
Huston whose blog is here says it all, "One candidate is willing to defend America when it has to be defended, leading a coaltion of the willing, even in the face of worldwide opposition. The other candidate will defend America if the defense "passes a global test" and not as the leader of a coalition, but as simply a member of that coalition, will rely on summits and treaties and the good will of tyrants to try to secure America."
I think that pretty much sums up where Kerry stands on Foreign policy, which by the way will effect his domestic decisions. That is scary!
It seems to me that Kerry cares more about political and global opinions rather than the wealthfare of America and its people. He would even allow an international court have the right to ignore American sovereignty and put Americans on trial. What is that? How can we protect ourselves from enemies and defend our freedom and ultimately our sovereignty if we give ourselves over to a foreign authority?
This issue alone convinces me without doubt to vote for Bush. At least he won't give up our freedoms to please the world masses, which don't necessarily hold to the same beliefs and ideals as we do.
Huston whose blog is here says it all, "One candidate is willing to defend America when it has to be defended, leading a coaltion of the willing, even in the face of worldwide opposition. The other candidate will defend America if the defense "passes a global test" and not as the leader of a coalition, but as simply a member of that coalition, will rely on summits and treaties and the good will of tyrants to try to secure America."
I think that pretty much sums up where Kerry stands on Foreign policy, which by the way will effect his domestic decisions. That is scary!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Jeanne! I Hope to Never See Her Again!
Well, it has been a crazy month. It is amazing how strong wind can be and how scarey it can sound in the dead of night, as your house groans under its blasts. In the morning even though you could see that all the houses in the neighborhood were standing, not all of them were livable. Many houses sustained serious roof damage, mostly lost shingles and tar paper. Some did not fair as well and lost parts of their roofs. At least two families in our church lost sections of their roofs during the storm and had to scramble to other parts of the house or desparately try to catch the pouring rain into puckets through the night.
The street I live on became a river where the waves lapped on to shore, which was my lawn. It was about 2' to 3' deep. Debris made up of shingles, soffitting and pine tree branches littered the neighborhood. The storm was finally gone but now we have no power or phone and the task of cleaning up and trying to get back to normal.
I am still without power and making my posts from work which has power. I trust that God is looking after us and that despite the difficulties we are still very blessed!
The street I live on became a river where the waves lapped on to shore, which was my lawn. It was about 2' to 3' deep. Debris made up of shingles, soffitting and pine tree branches littered the neighborhood. The storm was finally gone but now we have no power or phone and the task of cleaning up and trying to get back to normal.
I am still without power and making my posts from work which has power. I trust that God is looking after us and that despite the difficulties we are still very blessed!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
I Have Seen Jeanne and She is Mean!
Right now I am sittnig here with my friends Phillip and Tina and my wife. We are at my house. Jeanne is barrelling down on us. Winds have picked up and the hurricane's eye will be here in a couple of hours. What a blast! NOT!!! This is getting old but I trust that God is looking after us and that all will be well. This to shall pass. Hopefully I will continue to have power so that I can blog periodically during the hurricance but I have my doubts.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Ivan Shmivan!
Well, here we go again. Ivan, the newest threat to Florida, is almost here. This is extremely humorous (sort of). This has got to make history. Three hurricanes hitting Florida in less then a month. Craziness! I tell ya! It is getting as regular as an afternoon thunderstorm.
Last night I went out to get gas for my car. The only place that had gas was Sam's. My father-in-law (great guy) has a membership there so I was able to get him to take me to get my car filled up. There is also a free water station here. We still have all the supplies from the last hurricane so we are ready. Bring it on!
Last night I went out to get gas for my car. The only place that had gas was Sam's. My father-in-law (great guy) has a membership there so I was able to get him to take me to get my car filled up. There is also a free water station here. We still have all the supplies from the last hurricane so we are ready. Bring it on!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Hurricane Frances (Gone At Last!)
Living in Palm Bay we received the northern eye-wall of hurricane Frances when it went through Florida. That is the worst part of the storm. It took forever to leave. At one point it had dropped to 1mph. Wind, wind and more wind with no end in site! But it is finally gone!
Now the power is out in my house and has been since Friday night. As Americans we are blessed. We don't realize how much we have till we lose some of it, even still we are blessed with such a fast response of aid and resources necessary to bring life back to normal. God is merciful and has given us so much.
Now the power is out in my house and has been since Friday night. As Americans we are blessed. We don't realize how much we have till we lose some of it, even still we are blessed with such a fast response of aid and resources necessary to bring life back to normal. God is merciful and has given us so much.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Happy Birthday Lucas!
My son Lucas is now 3 years old! He is such a wonderful young boy. He loves to read books or rather look at the pictures because he can't read yet, obviously. He can talk very well, however. He is not without words. He will talk even if he doesn't have anything to say, mixing words and making miscellaneous comments.
He is also very sensitive. He is easily frustrated when he is trying to make something work, like putting together some track for his train set and it won't go together. He will reach a point of complete exasperation and give up with a display of temper and crying.
He is always being distracted and day dreaming. He will sit at the kitchen table eating, well not really eating, because he is playing with his fork, staring into space or doing something weird to get you to look at him. It seems to be too much of an effort. Making his fork a plane or an alligator is far more interesting to him.
But as he grows older and I see all these "interesting" traits I realize I am staring at myself when I was three. No, in fact I am staring at myself right now! He is like a mirror image. It scares me! I was not the easiest child to raise. I day dream. I am thick headed and always questioning everything. I am sensitive to what people think and get very hot tempered whenever I can't get something to work. Cars and houses are my biggest exasperations.
But, even though he has been "blessed" with my genetic temperament, I am extremely proud of my son. He is growing up with a very intelligent mind and he is teachable and obedient. I love him so much!
He is also very sensitive. He is easily frustrated when he is trying to make something work, like putting together some track for his train set and it won't go together. He will reach a point of complete exasperation and give up with a display of temper and crying.
He is always being distracted and day dreaming. He will sit at the kitchen table eating, well not really eating, because he is playing with his fork, staring into space or doing something weird to get you to look at him. It seems to be too much of an effort. Making his fork a plane or an alligator is far more interesting to him.
But as he grows older and I see all these "interesting" traits I realize I am staring at myself when I was three. No, in fact I am staring at myself right now! He is like a mirror image. It scares me! I was not the easiest child to raise. I day dream. I am thick headed and always questioning everything. I am sensitive to what people think and get very hot tempered whenever I can't get something to work. Cars and houses are my biggest exasperations.
But, even though he has been "blessed" with my genetic temperament, I am extremely proud of my son. He is growing up with a very intelligent mind and he is teachable and obedient. I love him so much!
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Napping At Work
Well...Well, It seems that one of my co-workers has taken up napping at work. There is a closet next to my cube that houses phone lines and computer lines. My fellow employee goes in there and takes naps. He stays up to 2 and 3am in the morning and then can't function. I am not sure what to do. I guess I will just observe the situation and see how this progresses. It should be very interesting.
...
Things are getting interesting. One of the other co-workers caught the napper in the act. He made a stink and now my fellow cube buddy is gonna get a talking to by his manager.
...
Things are getting interesting. One of the other co-workers caught the napper in the act. He made a stink and now my fellow cube buddy is gonna get a talking to by his manager.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Tadpoles--Our New Pets!
My wife decided after a thunderstorm had filled our ditch up with water that she wanted to save some tadpoles from their inevitable demise when the ditch would dry up in a few days.
Click images to view larger:
Click images to view larger:
Glow Sticks
I was at Wal-Mart the other day getting some car supplies and I passed through the toy section. I sometimes try to find cheap toys that I can take home to my children to let them know I am thinking about them.
I saw glow sticks for 88 cents. I bought several of them. They came in various colors. Three nights this week I gave Luke, my 3 year old, a glow stick when he went to bed. He loved it. When you reminise of when you were a child, there are events that stand out in your memory that make you smile. Usually they are simple things: your dad let you stay up late and watch two movies, shooting off a water rocket in the backyard or receiving your first knife because your parents wanted to tell you how responsible they thought you had become. These are some of my memories.
I want Luke to have some of those memories too. Plus, I am a kid myself. Deep down inside I love glow sticks. They are so cool!
I saw glow sticks for 88 cents. I bought several of them. They came in various colors. Three nights this week I gave Luke, my 3 year old, a glow stick when he went to bed. He loved it. When you reminise of when you were a child, there are events that stand out in your memory that make you smile. Usually they are simple things: your dad let you stay up late and watch two movies, shooting off a water rocket in the backyard or receiving your first knife because your parents wanted to tell you how responsible they thought you had become. These are some of my memories.
I want Luke to have some of those memories too. Plus, I am a kid myself. Deep down inside I love glow sticks. They are so cool!
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Going to San Francisco!
Tomorrow I am going to fly to Oakland, California to visit my friend Jeremy at Pixar, YEH!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Happy Birthday to Me!
Yes, it is true my wife and I have birthdays one right after the other. So, today is my birthday. I'll share a little bit of history concerning my birthday. On June 3rd a year before my birth my mom had a miscarriage of a boy. Exactly one year later on June 3rd I was born. My mom felt like God was saying that He took one son and gave her another. So here I am. There is a reason why I am here on this earth. It might not always seem clear but I was chosen for such a time as this.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Happy Birthday Becky!
Today is my wonderful wife's birthday! I am so grateful to have her in my life. I love her so much! She is a great mother to my children and my best friend. I married her not just because I was in love with her but because I knew what she was made of. I knew that she would make a good mother and that she would remain true to me and to her relationship with God. She is unwavering and stable. She has great strength of spirit and a desire to love and know God. Her love to me is remarkable and unquestionable.
I say all this not to deceive you that we don't have difficulties and disagreements. Yes, we do. Our first year of marriage was like "Hell" as we always so fondly express to each other. But love is not just something you have when you feel like you love each other, it is something you have for each other no matter what the circumstances. It is a choice to stick it through the rough times and really enjoy the good times.
I love Becky! She is the best! Happy Birthday babe!
I say all this not to deceive you that we don't have difficulties and disagreements. Yes, we do. Our first year of marriage was like "Hell" as we always so fondly express to each other. But love is not just something you have when you feel like you love each other, it is something you have for each other no matter what the circumstances. It is a choice to stick it through the rough times and really enjoy the good times.
I love Becky! She is the best! Happy Birthday babe!
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Heat Wave, Helicopters and Fires
This past Monday (Memorial Day) I was mopping the kitchen floor. I kept hearing helicopters flying overhead. I glanced outside to see a military helicopter. I went outside and billows of smoke were rise east of us.
It has been extremely hot and dry for the past 3 weeks. There has not been an ounce of rain. My lawn is brown, crunches under my feet when I walk on it. This fire had grown quick and there were huge helicopters with large red buckets flying over our house and scooping out water from the canal near us to dump onto the fire.
Later we found out that it was the woods around an Air Force listening post and testing range that was being consumed. Some friends of ours who live near there were spraying the roof of their house to prepare for the worst. The worst didn't happen and eventually the helicopters were able to bring it under control.
I am grateful that I live in a country and community where we are protected by fire fighters, police officers and other services that keep us safe.
It has been extremely hot and dry for the past 3 weeks. There has not been an ounce of rain. My lawn is brown, crunches under my feet when I walk on it. This fire had grown quick and there were huge helicopters with large red buckets flying over our house and scooping out water from the canal near us to dump onto the fire.
Later we found out that it was the woods around an Air Force listening post and testing range that was being consumed. Some friends of ours who live near there were spraying the roof of their house to prepare for the worst. The worst didn't happen and eventually the helicopters were able to bring it under control.
I am grateful that I live in a country and community where we are protected by fire fighters, police officers and other services that keep us safe.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Can Islam Prove Itself a Friend?
As an American who is not Muslim, I have a question. Can Islam prove itself a friend to America and the fight against terrorism?
I may be wrong and don't read or see enough of the news to be aware, but I have not seen one Muslim Cleric, follower of Islam or the Muslim community rise up and condemn the atrocious acts of terrorists that we have been seeing. Why is this? Is Islam the root of terrorism or can Muslims prove that evil men who happen to be Muslim are the root of terrorism? Which is it?
If Muslims as a whole don't rise up and help America and the world fight terrorism then what have they said to us? In the end they would be saying they defend this wickedness because it is inherently part of how Muslims conquer and convert.
I am having my doubts about whether Islam can be a good ally to America and Freedom, but I challenge the Muslim community to prove differently. Where are you? Prove yourself a friend.
I may be wrong and don't read or see enough of the news to be aware, but I have not seen one Muslim Cleric, follower of Islam or the Muslim community rise up and condemn the atrocious acts of terrorists that we have been seeing. Why is this? Is Islam the root of terrorism or can Muslims prove that evil men who happen to be Muslim are the root of terrorism? Which is it?
If Muslims as a whole don't rise up and help America and the world fight terrorism then what have they said to us? In the end they would be saying they defend this wickedness because it is inherently part of how Muslims conquer and convert.
I am having my doubts about whether Islam can be a good ally to America and Freedom, but I challenge the Muslim community to prove differently. Where are you? Prove yourself a friend.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Two Alligators and My Son
This past Saturday I took my son, Lucas (2.5yrs. old), for a walk down by a very large canal by our house. It is almost like a small river. Luke was wearing his Spiderman sunglasses my mom gave him. We walked all the way to Papa and Nana's house (my wife's parents). It is about a 15-20 minute walk. The sky was large and blue with random clouds floating by. I could see a passenger plane thousands of feet above the earth. It seemed to move very slowly across the sky. It was a shiny speck. I thought about the passengers looking down at the planet and how they are going somewhere interesting. I became aware that the wind was blowing, bringing me back to the solid earth beneath my feet. It was a bit windy but pleasant.
We had been walking for about ten minutes. Suddenly my heart jolted and my body froze. My peripheral vision discerned a familiar shape that initially will always overload your mind with fear. Barely floating on the surface of the water to our left was an 8-10 foot alligator. As if that wasn't enough I realized that another one was sunning itself on the bank that we were standing in front of. We had walked right up on these water dinosaurs. I quickly took in the rest of my surroundings without taking my eyes off of these two beasts. I wanted to make sure there were no more of them lounging around in the weeds, where we wouldn't see them easily.
I immediately picked up Luke. I took a further evaluation of the area and after a minute of admiring these creatures we moved on. Luke found a stick, as all boys do, that he held in his hand as we walked. I also showed him one of my boyhood experiences. In Florida there is a common grass that shoots up a long thin stalk that at the end forks into three-inch long seed pods. As a child I would always pick these and put the broken off end in my mouth, like Tom Sawyer did, as I would meandered around looking at insects or playing in the dirt (in Florida 'sand').
We finally arrived at Papa and Nana's house. We climbed up the steep embankment that leads down to the canal and walked up to the porch. Of course they saw us and Luke was happy to see them. It was such a nice time with my son.
We had been walking for about ten minutes. Suddenly my heart jolted and my body froze. My peripheral vision discerned a familiar shape that initially will always overload your mind with fear. Barely floating on the surface of the water to our left was an 8-10 foot alligator. As if that wasn't enough I realized that another one was sunning itself on the bank that we were standing in front of. We had walked right up on these water dinosaurs. I quickly took in the rest of my surroundings without taking my eyes off of these two beasts. I wanted to make sure there were no more of them lounging around in the weeds, where we wouldn't see them easily.
I immediately picked up Luke. I took a further evaluation of the area and after a minute of admiring these creatures we moved on. Luke found a stick, as all boys do, that he held in his hand as we walked. I also showed him one of my boyhood experiences. In Florida there is a common grass that shoots up a long thin stalk that at the end forks into three-inch long seed pods. As a child I would always pick these and put the broken off end in my mouth, like Tom Sawyer did, as I would meandered around looking at insects or playing in the dirt (in Florida 'sand').
We finally arrived at Papa and Nana's house. We climbed up the steep embankment that leads down to the canal and walked up to the porch. Of course they saw us and Luke was happy to see them. It was such a nice time with my son.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Picking Up the Feathers
In the media's zeal, in this case The Boston Globe, to find anything they can to bash Bush and our American troops, they reported about photos of some American troops raping Iraqi women. They forgot to confirm their findings, which is easy to do when you are stumbling over yourselves to be as anti-American as possible. Well, The Boston Globe was wrong (they were not the only ones who reported erroneously about these fake photos). Here is a quote from an email my father sent me:
Amazing how erroneous information can so quickly be disseminated, and yet how difficult it is to pull it back once it has been exposed to the minds of men. Like taking a feather pillow to the top of a windy hill and releasing the feathers and later hoping to be able to gather them all ... impossible.
-Gary
There is something to be learned here...
Amazing how erroneous information can so quickly be disseminated, and yet how difficult it is to pull it back once it has been exposed to the minds of men. Like taking a feather pillow to the top of a windy hill and releasing the feathers and later hoping to be able to gather them all ... impossible.
-Gary
There is something to be learned here...
Beatrix Kiddo aka Mommy
Beatrix Kiddo
The Kill Bill volumes were very interesting. Revenge seems to be the obvious drive of the movies, especially when you watch volume one without the benefit of the whole story, which is unmasked in volume two. But a more paramount theme ends the blood soaked series and that is "motherhood".
Uma Therman played Beatrix Kiddo, aka Black Mamba, member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. She was devoted to Bill, her mentor and leader of the DiVAS. Beatrix finds out that she is pregnant with Bill's child. Suddenly she is interrupted by something she did not ever consider, being a mom. She responds with the natural instincts of a woman who now is with child. Immediately she realizes that she can't continue with her lifestyle as an assassin. She now must consider someone else other than herself. She runs away from the DiVAS, but Bill is not amused. Beatrix falls in love with a simple record store owner. She is going to marry him. Start a new life and a family. But Bill shows up with his assassins and proceeds to massacre the entire wedding party including Beatrix, so he assumes.
Beatrix survives and so does the child she is carrying. She goes into a coma for four years. She wakes from it with the resolve of revenge (not my recommended approach). In the process of her fury she comes to know that her child has survived and that Bill has her. Beatrix ran from Bill originally so that her child would not grow up learning Bill's evil ways.
When Beatrix finally has killed all of the orginal assassins that murdered her future husband and in-laws, she now faces her greatest enemy, Bill. She is not without feelings for him and him for her, but he is evil and he has no other nature. He is almost like Satan himself. He tries to persuade Beatrix in a very convincing way that she was born to be a killer and that she can't change that. His manipulation and deceptions are almost convincing enough for God to believe, but she stays the course and refuses to give in. The only freedom for her is to see Bill dead. Bill being like Satan is unchangeably wicked. He seems like he might just run over and give you a big bear hug and offer you a martini, but in an instant he could kill you and anyone with swift brutality.
She resists his persuasion and they fight and she kills. With great relief, all of her enemies are dead. She walks away from the only life she has ever known and starts new with her daughter in her arms. This is best represented at the end when Beatrix and her daughter are laying on a bed, in a hotel room, watching cartoons together, laughing. Beatrix Kiddo is no longer the Black Mambo, she is Mommy.
The Kill Bill volumes were very interesting. Revenge seems to be the obvious drive of the movies, especially when you watch volume one without the benefit of the whole story, which is unmasked in volume two. But a more paramount theme ends the blood soaked series and that is "motherhood".
Uma Therman played Beatrix Kiddo, aka Black Mamba, member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. She was devoted to Bill, her mentor and leader of the DiVAS. Beatrix finds out that she is pregnant with Bill's child. Suddenly she is interrupted by something she did not ever consider, being a mom. She responds with the natural instincts of a woman who now is with child. Immediately she realizes that she can't continue with her lifestyle as an assassin. She now must consider someone else other than herself. She runs away from the DiVAS, but Bill is not amused. Beatrix falls in love with a simple record store owner. She is going to marry him. Start a new life and a family. But Bill shows up with his assassins and proceeds to massacre the entire wedding party including Beatrix, so he assumes.
Beatrix survives and so does the child she is carrying. She goes into a coma for four years. She wakes from it with the resolve of revenge (not my recommended approach). In the process of her fury she comes to know that her child has survived and that Bill has her. Beatrix ran from Bill originally so that her child would not grow up learning Bill's evil ways.
When Beatrix finally has killed all of the orginal assassins that murdered her future husband and in-laws, she now faces her greatest enemy, Bill. She is not without feelings for him and him for her, but he is evil and he has no other nature. He is almost like Satan himself. He tries to persuade Beatrix in a very convincing way that she was born to be a killer and that she can't change that. His manipulation and deceptions are almost convincing enough for God to believe, but she stays the course and refuses to give in. The only freedom for her is to see Bill dead. Bill being like Satan is unchangeably wicked. He seems like he might just run over and give you a big bear hug and offer you a martini, but in an instant he could kill you and anyone with swift brutality.
She resists his persuasion and they fight and she kills. With great relief, all of her enemies are dead. She walks away from the only life she has ever known and starts new with her daughter in her arms. This is best represented at the end when Beatrix and her daughter are laying on a bed, in a hotel room, watching cartoons together, laughing. Beatrix Kiddo is no longer the Black Mambo, she is Mommy.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
My Stomach
Well, yesterday I was sick! I went home from work half way through the day. I feel better today but still don't feel just right yet. My stomach was in revolution to my body.
Monday, April 12, 2004
Who Is the Enemy? Baghdad? Bush? or...
There is a gentleman I have known for 15 years. He was one of the youth leaders when I was a teenager in youth group at my church. He is a great guy. Over the past year he has been in Baghdad. He is one of the upper management for a contractor that is helping to rebuild post-war Iraq. He always returns from the Middle East with interesting stories that you never hear about in the news.
It is dangerous business to work in Iraq. Currently there is a price on his head. There is a suicide bomber that is assigned to kill him. He has to keep his travelling and whereabouts irregular so that the suicide bomber can't figure out a pattern and find him.
But despite the risks he continues on with his mission. He has told us that there is so much good being done over in Iraq that no one in the States ever hears about. The media does not report it. They only report the negative events which pale in comparison to the good that has and is being done.
This really boils my blood. If good is being done in Iraq than why would the media continue to diminish the American people's confidence in our involvement by pounding us with negative news and Bush bashing? It is because they hate Bush. They don't like him politically. They want their liberal agendas to take presidence over the American people. They are more concerned about bringing Bush down then supporting our troops and the Iraqi people.
So, who is the real enemy? Baghdad? Bush? I believe the enemy is right here in our own country, the media. Through their selfish motives they give support to the terror we are trying to fight.
It is dangerous business to work in Iraq. Currently there is a price on his head. There is a suicide bomber that is assigned to kill him. He has to keep his travelling and whereabouts irregular so that the suicide bomber can't figure out a pattern and find him.
But despite the risks he continues on with his mission. He has told us that there is so much good being done over in Iraq that no one in the States ever hears about. The media does not report it. They only report the negative events which pale in comparison to the good that has and is being done.
This really boils my blood. If good is being done in Iraq than why would the media continue to diminish the American people's confidence in our involvement by pounding us with negative news and Bush bashing? It is because they hate Bush. They don't like him politically. They want their liberal agendas to take presidence over the American people. They are more concerned about bringing Bush down then supporting our troops and the Iraqi people.
So, who is the real enemy? Baghdad? Bush? I believe the enemy is right here in our own country, the media. Through their selfish motives they give support to the terror we are trying to fight.
Friday, March 26, 2004
'The Passion' Moves Man to Confess Murder
In an article on Yahoo (click here) a man describes how he had murdered a woman who was pregnant with his child. He staged it to look like the woman hung herself. The authorities were convinced it was a suicide.
This man had seen 'The Passion', the movie that portrays the last hours of Christ. It was through watching this film and talking to a friend that he felt remorse and confessed his guilt to the authorities.
There has been alot of controversy about this film. One of the greatest complaints from critics was the films graphic violence. It just goes to show you that the critics don't always understand the truth when they see it. Christ has always been a stumbling block for those who don't understand. Even at the end of his crucifixion, Christ said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." And today they still don't. Instead of the predictions of violence, it provoked a man to admit murder even when he had already gotten away with it. Proof is in the pudding or shall I say in the Crucifixion of Christ.
This man had seen 'The Passion', the movie that portrays the last hours of Christ. It was through watching this film and talking to a friend that he felt remorse and confessed his guilt to the authorities.
There has been alot of controversy about this film. One of the greatest complaints from critics was the films graphic violence. It just goes to show you that the critics don't always understand the truth when they see it. Christ has always been a stumbling block for those who don't understand. Even at the end of his crucifixion, Christ said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." And today they still don't. Instead of the predictions of violence, it provoked a man to admit murder even when he had already gotten away with it. Proof is in the pudding or shall I say in the Crucifixion of Christ.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
My Art Pursuits
I have been pursing my art more heavily lately. I went out and bought a new eisel, canvases to paint on, brushes, oil paint, etc. I have already in the passed two weeks painted two paintings. One is abstract (a bit of an experiment) and the other an impressionistic painting of three palm trees.
I have been looking at artists who use eBay to sell their art. It seems to really work for most of them. I am surprised at the response these artists are getting to their art. As a result I have put up my own eBay store called Stare Studios. I hope that within the next month that I will be able to put some art up there. I want to have a half a dozen pieces done before I put them up. This is all one big experiment. I am trying to stay focused even when I am not sure what will come of it.
I have been looking for inspiration for my art. I visited an artist I heard about in the area, Charlie Velek. He is an older gentleman who paints in oils, acrylic and watercolors. He purchases photographs from a local guy who loves to go out into natural Florida and snap shots of wildlife and landscapes. His photography is awesome. I now have his contact info. I am planning on calling him today and finding a time I can meet him and possibly purchase some pics for source material to create my art from. We'll see how it goes.
I have been looking at artists who use eBay to sell their art. It seems to really work for most of them. I am surprised at the response these artists are getting to their art. As a result I have put up my own eBay store called Stare Studios. I hope that within the next month that I will be able to put some art up there. I want to have a half a dozen pieces done before I put them up. This is all one big experiment. I am trying to stay focused even when I am not sure what will come of it.
I have been looking for inspiration for my art. I visited an artist I heard about in the area, Charlie Velek. He is an older gentleman who paints in oils, acrylic and watercolors. He purchases photographs from a local guy who loves to go out into natural Florida and snap shots of wildlife and landscapes. His photography is awesome. I now have his contact info. I am planning on calling him today and finding a time I can meet him and possibly purchase some pics for source material to create my art from. We'll see how it goes.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Anika Taking a Bath [flash movie]
Use the controls on the bottom left corner. I made this video with my new Kodak DX4530. I then put the video in Flash.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
The Three of Us
Here is me and my children, Lucas and Anika. Becky (my wife) was taking the picture.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Spain Terrorized--America Betrayed
It is sad that there are those in this world that feel they must terrorize through brutal mass murder, like the train bombings in Madrid, Spain. I have never seen a terrorist group ever accomplish their goal of changing a country's heart towards their cause. They always remain nomadic and outnumbered. They never succeed in converting the masses. They are not defending their beliefs but instead are promoting the urgent need to get rid of them.
When I heard about the train bombings I was enraged. I mourned in my heart for the Spanish people. I pray for the victims and that those who committed this crime will be quickly found and punished to the full extent. No mercy! They did not choose that for the victims of their crimes. These terrorists are cowards. But my saddened heart unexpectedly turned to anger towards the Spanish.
The bombings "coincidentally" happened just before major elections. The Popular Party, which has supported America and the war in Iraq, was the hopeful winner of the elections. But because of the bombings the Spaniards reacted selfishly and voted in the Socialist Party which has been bitterly against America's decision to go into Iraq, unseating the Bath Party and Saddam. The new Prime Minister with the people's blessing is going to remove all Spanish troops from Iraq. The people of Spain have acted in a very rash and illogical manner, betraying their loyalty to America.
The next time Europe needs our help we ought not come to their aid, but we will. Why? Because we stand by our allies even when they have slapped us in the face. We are not imperialists. We love peace and freedom and we believe that sometimes it is necessary to use force to defend those ideals.
Marking the anniversary of the start of the Irag War, President Bush said, "There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy...Any sign of weakness or retreat simply validates terrorist violence and invites more violence for all nations."
When will the Europeans have the balls and the moral courage to fight tyranny instead of giving it a birth place?
When I heard about the train bombings I was enraged. I mourned in my heart for the Spanish people. I pray for the victims and that those who committed this crime will be quickly found and punished to the full extent. No mercy! They did not choose that for the victims of their crimes. These terrorists are cowards. But my saddened heart unexpectedly turned to anger towards the Spanish.
The bombings "coincidentally" happened just before major elections. The Popular Party, which has supported America and the war in Iraq, was the hopeful winner of the elections. But because of the bombings the Spaniards reacted selfishly and voted in the Socialist Party which has been bitterly against America's decision to go into Iraq, unseating the Bath Party and Saddam. The new Prime Minister with the people's blessing is going to remove all Spanish troops from Iraq. The people of Spain have acted in a very rash and illogical manner, betraying their loyalty to America.
The next time Europe needs our help we ought not come to their aid, but we will. Why? Because we stand by our allies even when they have slapped us in the face. We are not imperialists. We love peace and freedom and we believe that sometimes it is necessary to use force to defend those ideals.
Marking the anniversary of the start of the Irag War, President Bush said, "There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy...Any sign of weakness or retreat simply validates terrorist violence and invites more violence for all nations."
When will the Europeans have the balls and the moral courage to fight tyranny instead of giving it a birth place?
Thief!
Well, last night before I came home from work I get a call from Phillip. His wife (Tina) had spent the day with my wife (Becky). Tina had left her Louis Vuitton (fake) purse in her car with the doors unlocked. In the afternoon Tina went to get her purse and it was gone. Someone had stolen it right out of my driveway when people were home. In fact the purse was stolen sometime in the morning in broad daylight. With no doubt this ticks me off. I will deal with this in my neighborhood. No man should take what is not his and he should pay for his crime. Nobody is going to steal from my driveway and get away with it. They robbed the wrong families.
So, anyway the cop came to the house and took down the necessary information. Phillip went to the different stores where the thief used Tina's debit/credit card. One of the places they used the card was a car shop where you can get those big fancy stereos for your suped up getto car. The owner Angelo was very helpful. He even showed Phillip the tapes from his surveillance camera. The camera showed a black male, white female and white Buick with fancy rims.
Into the late evening Phillip and Angelo went looking for the car near my neighborhood and other probable places. No luck. But the next morning Phillip and Tina were driving in separate cars (to be continued...)
So, anyway the cop came to the house and took down the necessary information. Phillip went to the different stores where the thief used Tina's debit/credit card. One of the places they used the card was a car shop where you can get those big fancy stereos for your suped up getto car. The owner Angelo was very helpful. He even showed Phillip the tapes from his surveillance camera. The camera showed a black male, white female and white Buick with fancy rims.
Into the late evening Phillip and Angelo went looking for the car near my neighborhood and other probable places. No luck. But the next morning Phillip and Tina were driving in separate cars (to be continued...)
Monday, March 15, 2004
We Are So Proud of Anika!
Anika is finally learning how to drink from a cup. We are so proud of her! Check out her amazing drinking skills.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
IM Conversation: I Love My Dog
Becky IM-ed me about our new dog Sam (Samwise). Here is our short conversation:
-------------------
Becky: I had quite gotten used to not having to put a dog in a cage.
Brett: Yep, but he will be a good dog and alot of fun.
Becky: Yeah, Luke was huggin on him and saying, "He's my dog, he takes care of me, i pet him, i love him"
Brett: That's where it is at.
-------------------
Becky: I had quite gotten used to not having to put a dog in a cage.
Brett: Yep, but he will be a good dog and alot of fun.
Becky: Yeah, Luke was huggin on him and saying, "He's my dog, he takes care of me, i pet him, i love him"
Brett: That's where it is at.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Wireless
We are now wireless! It is very exciting. Becky is able to now sit anywhere in the house and surf the net. This makes it so much nicer for her. She is now able to pay bills online, check email, etc without having to go out into my messy den. It also makes it easier for her to do her online transactions and be where the kids are playing. Here is part of an email she sent me expressing her new found joy in the wireless revolution:
"So, guess what I'm doing? Sittin' outside with my kids watchin the dogs play and catchin up on a few e-mails! I think the internet connection is a little slower because of the distance to the router, but that's ok. Phil, what a goof ball. What else am I going to find on my computer that he messed with? He set the autocorrect option so that every time I typed "the" it replaced it with "Phillip Rules". Just wait until I get my hands on his computer!"
"So, guess what I'm doing? Sittin' outside with my kids watchin the dogs play and catchin up on a few e-mails! I think the internet connection is a little slower because of the distance to the router, but that's ok. Phil, what a goof ball. What else am I going to find on my computer that he messed with? He set the autocorrect option so that every time I typed "the" it replaced it with "Phillip Rules". Just wait until I get my hands on his computer!"
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
The Arrival of Samwise
On February 29 (Sunday) Me and my wife and children were getting into our mini-van to go to church. I then spotted a puppy running around in the neighbor's lawn. I would have ignored the animal because I see dogs all the time wandering the neighborhood but this was a puppy. Nobody let's a puppy out on its own.
I knelt down and called the mostly black puppy. It hesitated but started to come over to me. It then saw Becky and headed immediately over to her. We put the puppy in our fenced backyard and went to church. We came back from church and the puppy was gone. It didn't take long to find it. Our other neighbor took the dog in when it had Houdini-ed out of the backyard. We took the dog back because they didn't intend on taking care of it.
At the first of the week we immediately called the Humane Society, Animal Control and Florida Today Newspaper and reported that we found a lost puppy. Well, it has been over a week since then. We received two calls about the puppy from signs we had put up around the neighborhood. One caller was looking for a cocker spaniel but the puppy is part pit bull. The other call made me mad. Becky had received the call. The lady said she lost a puppy and that it was hers. Becky asked for a description. The lady hesitated and said the puppy she lost was brown. BUZZZ! Wrong answer! The lady then didn't know what to say and then told us that if we didn't want the puppy that she would take it. Thank you but no thank you lady!
A couple of days ago one of our neighbors several houses down knocked on our door. He said the puppy was his but it had got loose. He saw us with the dog but didn't know if he should come talk to us. His landlord found out he had dogs in the house and told him that he had to get rid of the dogs. He told us we could have the dog. Now we are the proud owners of a little black dog that is quickly getting bigger everyday. Click on the thumbnail picture below to see a larger picture of the new addition to our family.
I knelt down and called the mostly black puppy. It hesitated but started to come over to me. It then saw Becky and headed immediately over to her. We put the puppy in our fenced backyard and went to church. We came back from church and the puppy was gone. It didn't take long to find it. Our other neighbor took the dog in when it had Houdini-ed out of the backyard. We took the dog back because they didn't intend on taking care of it.
At the first of the week we immediately called the Humane Society, Animal Control and Florida Today Newspaper and reported that we found a lost puppy. Well, it has been over a week since then. We received two calls about the puppy from signs we had put up around the neighborhood. One caller was looking for a cocker spaniel but the puppy is part pit bull. The other call made me mad. Becky had received the call. The lady said she lost a puppy and that it was hers. Becky asked for a description. The lady hesitated and said the puppy she lost was brown. BUZZZ! Wrong answer! The lady then didn't know what to say and then told us that if we didn't want the puppy that she would take it. Thank you but no thank you lady!
A couple of days ago one of our neighbors several houses down knocked on our door. He said the puppy was his but it had got loose. He saw us with the dog but didn't know if he should come talk to us. His landlord found out he had dogs in the house and told him that he had to get rid of the dogs. He told us we could have the dog. Now we are the proud owners of a little black dog that is quickly getting bigger everyday. Click on the thumbnail picture below to see a larger picture of the new addition to our family.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Tallahassee, FL
On February 13 (Friday) my sister and I drove up to Tallahassee, FL to visit some cousins, their spouses and children, and an aunt. We stayed with one of my cousins, Melinda.
Monday, February 09, 2004
I'm All Alone :(
Yesterday on Suday my wife, both of my children and my wife's mother left to take a trip to Jacksonville, Arkansas. My wife's brother and his wife didn't not have the opportunity to have a formal wedding ceremony and some of their friends at their church found this out. They decided to give them a real wedding ceremony, so my wife has left to be in her brother's wedding. I am a bit lonely but I am also happy for for my wife's family.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
She Did It All for the Booblicity
Well it seems that Janet Jackson succeeded in getting what she wanted. She showed the world her boob and now she is getting the attention, which equals $$$. I guess she didn't have the talent enough to get the publicity she wanted for her new song. As I was driving to work while listening to the radio one of the talk shows made 'the boob' their topic for the day. Everyone that was calling in was in favor of what happened at half time during the Super Bowl. The callers were saying that those who were against 'the boob' exposure were sexually repressed, uptight or jealous of 'the boob'.
What ignorant conclusions! Here is some news for the ignorant masses. I love sex. I love having sex with my wife. I love boobs. I have no problem with the human body that God created. I am certainly not jealous of Janet's boob. I don't think I would like boobs so much if I had my own but that doesn't mean I think that Janet should have showed us hers.
So the issue is not sexual repression or being ashamed of the human body. Praise God for sex and the human body. The issue is decency, respect and morality. Most people get the impression that if you have moral standards that you don't have fun and that sex is a dirty word. It is just that those people don't see the 'fun' I have. I would even bet that most of them have a harder time getting sex than I do.
If there are no boundaries or moral standards then everything becomes permissible without arguement. If 'the boob' it legit then stripping down to nothing should be acceptable as well. Genitals are also just part of the body and we should have no shame in them either. Or let's take it one step further. Why shouldn't Janet and Justin just go at it, doggy style, on stage at half time? It's all good, right? It is just the human body, right? Nothing to be ashamed of, right?
Some things are meant to be private. Taking a crap in the John is meant to be private. Maybe some would prefer to see that at half time. It is only a natural body function. See how rediculous this all becomes. There are some things that are meant for the bedroom and there are some things that are meant for public knowledge. Some of these things should not cross over to the other. That is what we call decency, respect and morality.
So Janet and Justin the only thing you have done for me was convince me not to buy your music. You just don't realize that money and fame do not give you the right to disrespect the rest of us.
- - - -
Also, check out my forum post on Deviantart about this Janet thing. Read the responses to my post and then my responses. It was way too much fun.
My mother-in-law had this to say after she read the responses to my post on the forum:
"You can really see the cynicism and post-modern philosophy coming through
loud and clear, as if everyone should just know that this is the truth and
it should never be questioned. Amazing!! Very scary to think a generation
is alive and well who thinks that everyone should be able to "do what is
right in his own eyes." I bet they think they are cutting edge, and never
having studied history, they don't know this has been tried before without
success!
Hah!"
What ignorant conclusions! Here is some news for the ignorant masses. I love sex. I love having sex with my wife. I love boobs. I have no problem with the human body that God created. I am certainly not jealous of Janet's boob. I don't think I would like boobs so much if I had my own but that doesn't mean I think that Janet should have showed us hers.
So the issue is not sexual repression or being ashamed of the human body. Praise God for sex and the human body. The issue is decency, respect and morality. Most people get the impression that if you have moral standards that you don't have fun and that sex is a dirty word. It is just that those people don't see the 'fun' I have. I would even bet that most of them have a harder time getting sex than I do.
If there are no boundaries or moral standards then everything becomes permissible without arguement. If 'the boob' it legit then stripping down to nothing should be acceptable as well. Genitals are also just part of the body and we should have no shame in them either. Or let's take it one step further. Why shouldn't Janet and Justin just go at it, doggy style, on stage at half time? It's all good, right? It is just the human body, right? Nothing to be ashamed of, right?
Some things are meant to be private. Taking a crap in the John is meant to be private. Maybe some would prefer to see that at half time. It is only a natural body function. See how rediculous this all becomes. There are some things that are meant for the bedroom and there are some things that are meant for public knowledge. Some of these things should not cross over to the other. That is what we call decency, respect and morality.
So Janet and Justin the only thing you have done for me was convince me not to buy your music. You just don't realize that money and fame do not give you the right to disrespect the rest of us.
- - - -
Also, check out my forum post on Deviantart about this Janet thing. Read the responses to my post and then my responses. It was way too much fun.
My mother-in-law had this to say after she read the responses to my post on the forum:
"You can really see the cynicism and post-modern philosophy coming through
loud and clear, as if everyone should just know that this is the truth and
it should never be questioned. Amazing!! Very scary to think a generation
is alive and well who thinks that everyone should be able to "do what is
right in his own eyes." I bet they think they are cutting edge, and never
having studied history, they don't know this has been tried before without
success!
Hah!"
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
A Stopped Ship Cannot Be Steered
Lately I have been struggling with the idea of going to art school in Georgia. There is so much at stake. My wife and I would be leaving our families, whom we love and enjoy. Our children would not be able to see their grandparents regularly, just on some holidays and maybe a visit here and there.
The financial burden would be great as well. $20,000 a year for tuition. I would be in debt till I died. That does not include all the art supplies, living expenses, moving expenses, etc.. It was beginning to weigh on me. About a month ago I had sent out two letters to Hawaii. I was trying to contact a former employer of mine who I worked as an apprentice under. He is an oil painter. At the time he did very large serreal oceanscapes. Shortly after I had started working for a landscape architect he moved to Hawaii with his family.
I decided to reestablish contact with him. I wanted to be able to get some direction from a master artist. (will continue this post...)
The financial burden would be great as well. $20,000 a year for tuition. I would be in debt till I died. That does not include all the art supplies, living expenses, moving expenses, etc.. It was beginning to weigh on me. About a month ago I had sent out two letters to Hawaii. I was trying to contact a former employer of mine who I worked as an apprentice under. He is an oil painter. At the time he did very large serreal oceanscapes. Shortly after I had started working for a landscape architect he moved to Hawaii with his family.
I decided to reestablish contact with him. I wanted to be able to get some direction from a master artist. (will continue this post...)
Friday, January 16, 2004
My Daughter the Model Hopeful
Today my wife took my 8 month old daughter to Orlando where they are photographing baby's at the Babys-R-Us for a baby magazine.
It would be fun if my daughter was choosen as one of the baby models. We will see what happens. Either way my daughter is gorgeous. You be the judge. Check her out. Click on the image below.
Later...
Well, my wife returned from Orlando. The line into the Babys-R-Us was out the building, down the side of the building zig-zagging through the parking lot and down the street. She decided that waiting would not be fun.
She talked to one woman who had just gotten through the line (waited 3 hours) and received her number. She was around number 560. The magazine people were around 360. She was going to wait quite a while longer.
It would be fun if my daughter was choosen as one of the baby models. We will see what happens. Either way my daughter is gorgeous. You be the judge. Check her out. Click on the image below.
Later...
Well, my wife returned from Orlando. The line into the Babys-R-Us was out the building, down the side of the building zig-zagging through the parking lot and down the street. She decided that waiting would not be fun.
She talked to one woman who had just gotten through the line (waited 3 hours) and received her number. She was around number 560. The magazine people were around 360. She was going to wait quite a while longer.
Monday, January 12, 2004
It Has Begun
I have started back to school at my local community college after more than 10 years since I graduated there with a Graphic Design Technology degree.
I am taking some general classes there because financial aid pays for all of it. I am planning on attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in the winter. I will get a BA in Illustration. We will see. I have been debating what I should do. I have been praying, thinking and talking to my wife about this.
I am taking all the necessary steps to this direction although it is possible I won't do it. I want to know God's heart in this matter. To uproot my family and go in debt is a big step with life changing consequences. I am debating as to whether it will be the right choice.
I trust God however. I know that He will ultimately guide my feet where they are to go.
I am taking some general classes there because financial aid pays for all of it. I am planning on attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in the winter. I will get a BA in Illustration. We will see. I have been debating what I should do. I have been praying, thinking and talking to my wife about this.
I am taking all the necessary steps to this direction although it is possible I won't do it. I want to know God's heart in this matter. To uproot my family and go in debt is a big step with life changing consequences. I am debating as to whether it will be the right choice.
I trust God however. I know that He will ultimately guide my feet where they are to go.
Comment to my sister's blog
My comment to my sister's blog entry...With school, new art on the way, a wonderful wife I am loving more and more and the ever learning and discovering children of mine, I think life is going to escelate in it's adventure.
I think this year is going to be different. I sense greater hope but hard work as well. I think that my level of commitment to God and the work He has for me is going to increase as well.
I also want to let my family and friends, but especially my family, to know I love them. I told Mom that I love her the other day. I called her up just to tell her that. I don't want to think about that when she is gone. I don't want to be so busy that I say maybe next week or tomorrow.
Next week and tomorrow never come. We only have today. We need to make room for what matters and push all else aside.
Sheree, I love you. You are a wonderful sister and friend.
I think this year is going to be different. I sense greater hope but hard work as well. I think that my level of commitment to God and the work He has for me is going to increase as well.
I also want to let my family and friends, but especially my family, to know I love them. I told Mom that I love her the other day. I called her up just to tell her that. I don't want to think about that when she is gone. I don't want to be so busy that I say maybe next week or tomorrow.
Next week and tomorrow never come. We only have today. We need to make room for what matters and push all else aside.
Sheree, I love you. You are a wonderful sister and friend.
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Friday, January 02, 2004
Return of the King vs. The Matrix
Also, over the holidays I went and saw the Return of the King. It was large, immense, fantastic, an epic adventure. I give it two thumbs up. It is easily the best movie out there. The Matrix is a gnat compared to this Behemoth of films. The story, the effects and the execution were equally good, unlike The Matrix: Revolutions where the effects were the only well developed aspect of the film.
Christmas Holiday Zipped By
I haven't written since before Christmas week. I have been very busy. I spent a quite Christmas morning with my wife and two children. My wife and I had gotten up fairly early (6:30-7ish). Before my 2.5 year old son got out of bed I went down the hall way bellowing "HoHoHo" and jingling a bell. I then burst through his door and with a jolly burst of merriment I proclaimed, "Merry Christmas!"
I brought him a small gift that he opened as we sat on his little futon that is across from his bed. It was a kaleidoscope. He has never seen one before. He found it fascinating.
My wife and two children sat on the living room futon while I read the Christmas story from the Bible. We then opened gifts, ate cinnamon rolls and drank eggnog, with Christmas music playing in the background.
Around noon we went over to my wife's parents house and had Christmas there along with my parents, grandmother, sister and some friends who showed up a little later. It was fun opening gifts, eating food and enjoying each other. I love the magic of Christmas.
My family also went to my sister's apartment a week before. We had Christmas treats and sat on her brightly colored sofas and watched White Christmas on her very small 13" TV. It was alot of fun. White Christmas is one of my sister's and my movies we traditionally watch during the holidays.
I brought him a small gift that he opened as we sat on his little futon that is across from his bed. It was a kaleidoscope. He has never seen one before. He found it fascinating.
My wife and two children sat on the living room futon while I read the Christmas story from the Bible. We then opened gifts, ate cinnamon rolls and drank eggnog, with Christmas music playing in the background.
Around noon we went over to my wife's parents house and had Christmas there along with my parents, grandmother, sister and some friends who showed up a little later. It was fun opening gifts, eating food and enjoying each other. I love the magic of Christmas.
My family also went to my sister's apartment a week before. We had Christmas treats and sat on her brightly colored sofas and watched White Christmas on her very small 13" TV. It was alot of fun. White Christmas is one of my sister's and my movies we traditionally watch during the holidays.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)