Loyal readers and random finders of the greatest blog in the history of blogs (this one):
Very soon, Hotter Than New Love will be moving into a new exciting .com format with new styles and organization.
The new format will be in a group blog template. There will be different headings for all of the different topics I will post under. Rather than posting all of the items I write about under the same general heading there will be a main page and then separate sections for each area of focus. Right now the topics will most likely be:
Catholic culture and commentary
Pro life news, advocacy, and logic
Craft Beer tasting and brewing news
Fatherhood and Husbandry
Random comedic incidents
I have been kicking around the following ideas as possible topics:
Marathon Running
Fantasy Baseball
Academia: the achievements and plights
Garden growing
Do you have any suggestions about headings you would like to see me post under?
Don't worry though, no need to update your records or links. Visiting the current site will automatically bring you to the new site. Just enjoy the transition into the beauty of the new site... like the blossoming of a new spring flower....
Cheers!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
It gets worse
Of the many, many problems in the new "health care" bill (which you can read about here - provided by the Heritage foundation) I came across this:
In 2011, Medicaid allocated by states will be allowed to increase to 133% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) for childless adults only.
I'm not sure why the federal government restricts this service to childless adults only. I suspect, though that because B.O is the most pro-abortion politician in the history of the US, many facets of this bill either directly (through tax funded abortion) or indirectly support the killing of the unborn. It's terrifying how much easier getting an abortion just became. The federal government now funds abortions, puts new 'restrictions' on non-profit hospitals (Catholic hospitals) and gives out various lollipops to those who have no children. As the bill unravels, it will get messier. As it gets messier, it becomes more and more absurd for individuals to continue thinking the bill is really about 'health care' when it is in fact about government influence, the abdication of liberty, and the federally funded killing of the unborn.
Here is another great article worth reading.
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. -- Thomas Jefferson
In 2011, Medicaid allocated by states will be allowed to increase to 133% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) for childless adults only.
I'm not sure why the federal government restricts this service to childless adults only. I suspect, though that because B.O is the most pro-abortion politician in the history of the US, many facets of this bill either directly (through tax funded abortion) or indirectly support the killing of the unborn. It's terrifying how much easier getting an abortion just became. The federal government now funds abortions, puts new 'restrictions' on non-profit hospitals (Catholic hospitals) and gives out various lollipops to those who have no children. As the bill unravels, it will get messier. As it gets messier, it becomes more and more absurd for individuals to continue thinking the bill is really about 'health care' when it is in fact about government influence, the abdication of liberty, and the federally funded killing of the unborn.
Here is another great article worth reading.
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. -- Thomas Jefferson
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Not Good
Meanwhile, Obamacare will result in the creation of at least 16,500 new jobs. Doctors? Nurses? Ha! Dream on, suckers. That's 16,500 new IRS agents, who'll be needed to check whether you – yes, you, Mr. and Mrs. Hopendope of 27 Hopeychangey Gardens – are in compliance with the 15 tax increases and dozens of new federal mandates the Deemocrats are about to "deem" into existence. This will be the biggest expansion of the IRS since World War II – and that's change you can believe in. This is what "health" "care" "reform" boils down to: Fewer doctors, longer wait times, but more bureaucrats.
-Mark Steyn in this past Sunday's OC Register
If I had to choose between laughing or crying, I guess I'll laugh. But this is a very very bad time for this country. Enacting vast bureaucracies, increasing taxes, increasing the size and scope of the welfare state, moving toward a single payer system, nationalizing 1/6th of the economy - not good, not good at all.
The media is saturated with news on this subject so I will offer just one thought. The vast majority of us in the "prosperous" US have grown up in peace and have assumed that peace and prosperity are the norm. But they are not the norm, far from it. Decisions have weight and big decisions carry a very heavy weight. This bill, if it goes through, will have a very heavy weight. We should not assume this country will continue to prosper when such terrible decisions are being made.
-Mark Steyn in this past Sunday's OC Register
If I had to choose between laughing or crying, I guess I'll laugh. But this is a very very bad time for this country. Enacting vast bureaucracies, increasing taxes, increasing the size and scope of the welfare state, moving toward a single payer system, nationalizing 1/6th of the economy - not good, not good at all.
The media is saturated with news on this subject so I will offer just one thought. The vast majority of us in the "prosperous" US have grown up in peace and have assumed that peace and prosperity are the norm. But they are not the norm, far from it. Decisions have weight and big decisions carry a very heavy weight. This bill, if it goes through, will have a very heavy weight. We should not assume this country will continue to prosper when such terrible decisions are being made.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Words not to be paired together
I've been funded through some of the stimulus money to inform the world regarding various groupings of words that simply should not go together.
1. Chinese food buffet (speaking from unfortunate experience)
2. Catholic democrat
3. Sleeveless t-shirt
4. Dog sweater
5. Discount toilet paper
6. Modern design
7. Men's capri pants
8. Jesuit opening hymn written in 1972
9. Thrift store sleeping bag
10. Director George Lucas
11. Boxed wine
12. Light beer
13. Discount cheesecake
1. Chinese food buffet (speaking from unfortunate experience)
2. Catholic democrat
3. Sleeveless t-shirt
4. Dog sweater
5. Discount toilet paper
6. Modern design
7. Men's capri pants
8. Jesuit opening hymn written in 1972
9. Thrift store sleeping bag
10. Director George Lucas
11. Boxed wine
12. Light beer
13. Discount cheesecake
Friday, March 5, 2010
Ricochet
I've recently stumbled across an incredible podcast that features weekly, Mark Steyn, Peter Robinson of Uncommon Knowledge and Stanford University, and Rob Long. Each week they interview one or two new people and they are hysterical!
I highly recommend it!
Ricochet.com
I highly recommend it!
Ricochet.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Friend and a Gentleman
Sunday, February 7th, 2010 my dear friend Marion Black passed away after a prolonged battle with a blood condition. Husband and father, Marion was laid to rest in South Carolina. I met Marion while volunteering with the Christian Appalachian Project in southeast Kentucky in 2007 and 2008. He is a man of such integrity, faith and inspiration that I will try to relate some of his influence into words for the betterment and lightening of the heart of you, dear reader.
The bright and scorching summer of 2007 in southeast Kentucky had burned away and the leaves were mostly dried and crunching underfoot. As December rolled in, so came the rain and the gray, with a dull cold that crept into your feet inside steel-toed boots. Jesse, Laura, Monica and I were stalled on a drawn out, tired project; rehabbing a particular home for months after half a dozen set backs, some bad luck and looming dread of going into the home day after day. The job was an hour from our home over the winding and narrow roads of the Appalachians. As the air cooled and froze - a light drizzle coated our trucks as we made the long journey. Our former beloved crew leader (Ross man the boss man) had retired months earlier and we lacked the necessary construction knowledge. We did our best, but were floundering and failed to gain traction. That is, until Marion arrived.
Marion and his wife Shirley arrived on a Saturday afternoon to our fair camp. Our volunteer house rested atop a gentle Appalachian hill with a green valley and the road below. The valley would often hold the mist of the morning and a small stream flowed next to the road. It was soft and snow covered in the winter and peaceful and alive in the spring. Marion and Shirley parked their RV in the valley below our home and set up their camp where they would stay for the next 6 months. They came up to the house to meet all of us and introduce themselves as they would be our crew leaders for the coming months. Marion had a way of calming those around him. I always attributed this to his ability to radiate and reveal the peace of Christ, a deep and satisfying peace that scatters worry and dread. When we recounted to them the horrors of the past months at the dreaded job they listened and smiled slightly, as if they knew something we didn't. "Well," Marion said, "We should have the job done by the end of week after next." We stood slack-jawed and aghast for a moment. "Two weeks! No, surely not, we'll be on this job for at least 6-8 more weeks." But in his gentle and reassuring way, Marion recounted, "Two weeks. Before Christmas we'll be done."
The following weeks, sure to Marion's word, we swiftly progressed toward the goal. Marion was a master craftsman, having been a contractor for many years. He and Shirley would travel to many locations, rebuilding homes, and acting as living witnesses to the Gospel and the commands of our Lord. Not only was he a master craftsman, but also a master teacher. Like any skilled teacher, he took the attributes that were greatest in you and accented them and molded them into useful skills of his craft. He took the time to teach you that which was important but still left room for you to make mistakes - which you would soon correct and thus master the task. We accomplished as much in those 2 short weeks than we had over the previous 2 months. It was truly astounding what we were capable of with Marion leading us in battle, astounding that is to everyone but Marion for whom everything was going according to plan.
The day before we were to break and travel home for Christmas, Marion, Jesse and I ventured to the job one last time to tie up some loose ends. As we left for the last time we were satisfied to be sure - but more relieved. We stopped at the local gas station and bought some Ale-8s (of course). We drank them in the truck on our way home and ate pecans Marion brought up from a grove near his home in South Carolina. We were the kings of the land for a day, returning to our home like conquering heroes. Feelings of disbelief accompanied accomplishment for Jesse and I, but Marion's quiet satisfaction led us to believe he had done this before - many, many times.
After we returned from Christmas, Marion and Shirley continued to lead us through the long stretch of winter in Kentucky - through many jobs and many treacherous situations. Through that time, Marion imparted his craft, wisdom and quiet inspiration as well. He was never loud or boisterous, always collected, instructing, compassionate and reassuring. As the days drew on, our confidence grew until the point where we were diving head first into jobs with reckless abandon... and to mixed results. At the end of each task, Marion would be there to share in our marvel and amazement at a task well done or to instruct and gently correct our missteps.
Over the coming months, we could tell Marion was not quite at his full speed. Many days, especially the cold ones, we tried to pay special attention and to care for he and Shirley as I'm sure it was quite uncomfortable to be out there. He soon after told us that he had some blood tests in South Carolina during the Christmas break but that everything was OK. But, we tried our best to take care of them and they certainly took care of us.
In one particular case, my then girlfriend (now my wife) was down for a visit helping on a project putting in 10 windows in the home of an elderly couple deep in the hill country. Living as a volunteer has its financial... setbacks and Marion knew this fact well. So when we finished our day on the job, my wife and I were to venture on a date (probably to the McKee Dairy Queen). Marion tried to slip me 50 dollars so we could have a proper date, with a slight smile and the twinkle of his eye. I tried my best to refuse, and suggested instead that he and Shirley accompany us to the wonderful ambiance of the Dairy Queen. They agreed and we had a wonderful lunch. Particularly wonderful for my future wife and I was witnessing the path which we would soon be embarking on, the path of a loving, enduring Christian marriage. But then, Marion and Shirley had been acting as an example since we met them and their witness was a powerful one.
As we drew closer to workfest (the 3 week period when college students would come and work for alternative spring break), our excitement grew - excited for the newness of spring that was budding on the forest trees and forest floors, excitement to meet the college students ... Most of all, we were excited for all of the other crew leaders to come in who would be leading the college students along with us. Most of these characters are retired contractors who come from around the country and have been coming to workfests for years. So, its a reunion of sorts.
One of my fondest memories was accompanying these seasoned bruisers to Grayhawk building supplies. Each sauntered around the store, searching for unique supplies for their workfest jobs and jawing with the locals - to reintroduce themselves to the area. Then, they pulled out their seasoned wallets and paid their own money for the supplies, as they often did so as to alleviate some of the costs. Jay, one of the more ... colorful crew leaders pulled out his wallet and Marion pulled some loose change out of his. "See," said Marion, "that's the difference between me and Jay." Jay replied, "Would you get off my back big boy!" with exuberance. It was hysterical. And you could tell that the camaraderie and fellowship found here is rarely found elsewhere and added to the special nature of those weeks we spent together for workfest.
What are the finest lessons I learned form Marion? First would be to always conduct yourself as a man of Christ; compassion, virtue, hard work, perseverance, patience - holiness - are all within reach but take a tremendous amount of prayer and real spiritual work. Second would be to always be calm, collected, and professional even when things are the most hectic on the job. Even when we would mess things up horribly, Marion would always be calm and that helped us to correct the problem much faster. Third would be to strive for a vocation and to share your vocation. This can often yield tremendous benefits for those you share with - which you can never truly anticipate. Finally - sacrifice and the importance of sacrifice. Sacrifice transforms and is special in that respect. Quite profoundly, though not unexpected for the Christian, giving up so much can give us so much in return. Marion was a man of Christ, and Christ sacrificed his life.
We know now that Marion was spending time with us when it was very inconvenient for him - when he was sick and when it was cold and dreary in Kentucky. We know now that he probably didn't feel too great on some days. But, in Shirley and his wisdom, they decided to spend months with us - a bunch of kids who knew nothing about construction. He decided to take the time - to take the time to teach us his craft and his way. He truly did give himself - sacrificing so profoundly. He was a man of tremendous character and faith - an inspiring man. His lessons, faith, and influence will remain with us always.
The bright and scorching summer of 2007 in southeast Kentucky had burned away and the leaves were mostly dried and crunching underfoot. As December rolled in, so came the rain and the gray, with a dull cold that crept into your feet inside steel-toed boots. Jesse, Laura, Monica and I were stalled on a drawn out, tired project; rehabbing a particular home for months after half a dozen set backs, some bad luck and looming dread of going into the home day after day. The job was an hour from our home over the winding and narrow roads of the Appalachians. As the air cooled and froze - a light drizzle coated our trucks as we made the long journey. Our former beloved crew leader (Ross man the boss man) had retired months earlier and we lacked the necessary construction knowledge. We did our best, but were floundering and failed to gain traction. That is, until Marion arrived.
Marion and his wife Shirley arrived on a Saturday afternoon to our fair camp. Our volunteer house rested atop a gentle Appalachian hill with a green valley and the road below. The valley would often hold the mist of the morning and a small stream flowed next to the road. It was soft and snow covered in the winter and peaceful and alive in the spring. Marion and Shirley parked their RV in the valley below our home and set up their camp where they would stay for the next 6 months. They came up to the house to meet all of us and introduce themselves as they would be our crew leaders for the coming months. Marion had a way of calming those around him. I always attributed this to his ability to radiate and reveal the peace of Christ, a deep and satisfying peace that scatters worry and dread. When we recounted to them the horrors of the past months at the dreaded job they listened and smiled slightly, as if they knew something we didn't. "Well," Marion said, "We should have the job done by the end of week after next." We stood slack-jawed and aghast for a moment. "Two weeks! No, surely not, we'll be on this job for at least 6-8 more weeks." But in his gentle and reassuring way, Marion recounted, "Two weeks. Before Christmas we'll be done."
The following weeks, sure to Marion's word, we swiftly progressed toward the goal. Marion was a master craftsman, having been a contractor for many years. He and Shirley would travel to many locations, rebuilding homes, and acting as living witnesses to the Gospel and the commands of our Lord. Not only was he a master craftsman, but also a master teacher. Like any skilled teacher, he took the attributes that were greatest in you and accented them and molded them into useful skills of his craft. He took the time to teach you that which was important but still left room for you to make mistakes - which you would soon correct and thus master the task. We accomplished as much in those 2 short weeks than we had over the previous 2 months. It was truly astounding what we were capable of with Marion leading us in battle, astounding that is to everyone but Marion for whom everything was going according to plan.
The day before we were to break and travel home for Christmas, Marion, Jesse and I ventured to the job one last time to tie up some loose ends. As we left for the last time we were satisfied to be sure - but more relieved. We stopped at the local gas station and bought some Ale-8s (of course). We drank them in the truck on our way home and ate pecans Marion brought up from a grove near his home in South Carolina. We were the kings of the land for a day, returning to our home like conquering heroes. Feelings of disbelief accompanied accomplishment for Jesse and I, but Marion's quiet satisfaction led us to believe he had done this before - many, many times.
After we returned from Christmas, Marion and Shirley continued to lead us through the long stretch of winter in Kentucky - through many jobs and many treacherous situations. Through that time, Marion imparted his craft, wisdom and quiet inspiration as well. He was never loud or boisterous, always collected, instructing, compassionate and reassuring. As the days drew on, our confidence grew until the point where we were diving head first into jobs with reckless abandon... and to mixed results. At the end of each task, Marion would be there to share in our marvel and amazement at a task well done or to instruct and gently correct our missteps.
Over the coming months, we could tell Marion was not quite at his full speed. Many days, especially the cold ones, we tried to pay special attention and to care for he and Shirley as I'm sure it was quite uncomfortable to be out there. He soon after told us that he had some blood tests in South Carolina during the Christmas break but that everything was OK. But, we tried our best to take care of them and they certainly took care of us.
In one particular case, my then girlfriend (now my wife) was down for a visit helping on a project putting in 10 windows in the home of an elderly couple deep in the hill country. Living as a volunteer has its financial... setbacks and Marion knew this fact well. So when we finished our day on the job, my wife and I were to venture on a date (probably to the McKee Dairy Queen). Marion tried to slip me 50 dollars so we could have a proper date, with a slight smile and the twinkle of his eye. I tried my best to refuse, and suggested instead that he and Shirley accompany us to the wonderful ambiance of the Dairy Queen. They agreed and we had a wonderful lunch. Particularly wonderful for my future wife and I was witnessing the path which we would soon be embarking on, the path of a loving, enduring Christian marriage. But then, Marion and Shirley had been acting as an example since we met them and their witness was a powerful one.
As we drew closer to workfest (the 3 week period when college students would come and work for alternative spring break), our excitement grew - excited for the newness of spring that was budding on the forest trees and forest floors, excitement to meet the college students ... Most of all, we were excited for all of the other crew leaders to come in who would be leading the college students along with us. Most of these characters are retired contractors who come from around the country and have been coming to workfests for years. So, its a reunion of sorts.
One of my fondest memories was accompanying these seasoned bruisers to Grayhawk building supplies. Each sauntered around the store, searching for unique supplies for their workfest jobs and jawing with the locals - to reintroduce themselves to the area. Then, they pulled out their seasoned wallets and paid their own money for the supplies, as they often did so as to alleviate some of the costs. Jay, one of the more ... colorful crew leaders pulled out his wallet and Marion pulled some loose change out of his. "See," said Marion, "that's the difference between me and Jay." Jay replied, "Would you get off my back big boy!" with exuberance. It was hysterical. And you could tell that the camaraderie and fellowship found here is rarely found elsewhere and added to the special nature of those weeks we spent together for workfest.
What are the finest lessons I learned form Marion? First would be to always conduct yourself as a man of Christ; compassion, virtue, hard work, perseverance, patience - holiness - are all within reach but take a tremendous amount of prayer and real spiritual work. Second would be to always be calm, collected, and professional even when things are the most hectic on the job. Even when we would mess things up horribly, Marion would always be calm and that helped us to correct the problem much faster. Third would be to strive for a vocation and to share your vocation. This can often yield tremendous benefits for those you share with - which you can never truly anticipate. Finally - sacrifice and the importance of sacrifice. Sacrifice transforms and is special in that respect. Quite profoundly, though not unexpected for the Christian, giving up so much can give us so much in return. Marion was a man of Christ, and Christ sacrificed his life.
We know now that Marion was spending time with us when it was very inconvenient for him - when he was sick and when it was cold and dreary in Kentucky. We know now that he probably didn't feel too great on some days. But, in Shirley and his wisdom, they decided to spend months with us - a bunch of kids who knew nothing about construction. He decided to take the time - to take the time to teach us his craft and his way. He truly did give himself - sacrificing so profoundly. He was a man of tremendous character and faith - an inspiring man. His lessons, faith, and influence will remain with us always.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Further Thoughts of an Olympic Nature
Was anyone else creeped out by the British brother and sister ice dancing duo?......
If socialist Europe is so great, why do all of their athletes train here? I'm just sayin'. Lets face it, not even communist trained Drago was a match for Capitalist trained Rocky. For gosh sakes, even the Canadians train here!
Apparently Canada was a bit apprehensive about winning their first gold medal. On the one hand they wanted to win a gold. On the other hand they wanted to be good hosts and continue their lame tradition of failing. Luckily for us, nothing could stop their tradition of lameness... even the 3 golds to date.
Did anyone see this video.... reminds me of the French military.
If socialist Europe is so great, why do all of their athletes train here? I'm just sayin'. Lets face it, not even communist trained Drago was a match for Capitalist trained Rocky. For gosh sakes, even the Canadians train here!
Apparently Canada was a bit apprehensive about winning their first gold medal. On the one hand they wanted to win a gold. On the other hand they wanted to be good hosts and continue their lame tradition of failing. Luckily for us, nothing could stop their tradition of lameness... even the 3 golds to date.
Did anyone see this video.... reminds me of the French military.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
First Impressions of the Olympics
-How many of these athletes from around the world that compete for other nations actually were either 1.) born in the United States or 2.) train in the United States?
-Have the Olympics become irrelevant? Without great images like Jesse Owens atop the podium in Berlin or a US hockey victory over Russia in the midst of the Cold War I ask if there are any true conflicts anymore in the declining West what with the infection of relativism and multiculturalism? If we're all multicultural and whatnot, what's the point of having games? To compete as the Canadians seem to imply in some sort of second grade soccer game where everyone gets a trophy? Seems like a waste of time if that's all it is.
-Canada sure is coming off as pretty lame eh?
-Can the figure skating uniforms get any more ridiculous?
-Can they incorporate shooting into figure skating in some way? Seemed to make cross country skiing a bit more interesting.
-The short track speed skating - pretty intense and fun... but the winners seem to be the ones who happen not to fall down.
-Have the Olympics become irrelevant? Without great images like Jesse Owens atop the podium in Berlin or a US hockey victory over Russia in the midst of the Cold War I ask if there are any true conflicts anymore in the declining West what with the infection of relativism and multiculturalism? If we're all multicultural and whatnot, what's the point of having games? To compete as the Canadians seem to imply in some sort of second grade soccer game where everyone gets a trophy? Seems like a waste of time if that's all it is.
-Canada sure is coming off as pretty lame eh?
-Can the figure skating uniforms get any more ridiculous?
-Can they incorporate shooting into figure skating in some way? Seemed to make cross country skiing a bit more interesting.
-The short track speed skating - pretty intense and fun... but the winners seem to be the ones who happen not to fall down.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mark Kirk sucks
Dear Citizens of Illinois,
Mark Kirk would be a horrid choice for the Illinois US Senate seat. Mark Kirk is a liberal, pro-abortion, phony Republican. He is not to be trusted. Please vote in this Tuesday's primary for anyone other than Mark Kirk. He is the only pro-abortion Republican running. Kirk bastardizes the Republican name and is one of the maliciously minded and misguided individuals committed to dragging the Republican name down to join the Democrats in their genocide of the unborn.
I would suggest you vote for Patrick Hughes. Mr. Hughes holds true conservative principles and convictions. In fact, Mr. Hughes is getting the HTNL endorsement. Read more about Mr. Hughes here.
John Arrington (R), also running for Senate has a wonderful response to the abortion issue:
"Life begins at conception...Having spent 25 years working with youth on the front lines of the pro-life movement, this is a passion and a priority for me. Realizing the American dream of unlimited opportunity and freedom and the potential for boundless achievement in this country begins at birth. Infinite genius, intellect, brilliance, imagination and inventiveness literally go down the drain through abortion at a time in history when our communities and our country need these qualities the most. Nowhere is this impact felt greater than in black communities where a silent genocide is taking place with almost 1500 black babies being aborted everyday in America. I am a strong opponent of abortions and would join with other Republicans, independents and blue dog Democrats in supporting a Henry Hyde type amendment banning federal funds for abortions."
(Chicago Tribune)
Regardless of who you choose, please do NOT choose Mark Kirk.
Mark Kirk would be a horrid choice for the Illinois US Senate seat. Mark Kirk is a liberal, pro-abortion, phony Republican. He is not to be trusted. Please vote in this Tuesday's primary for anyone other than Mark Kirk. He is the only pro-abortion Republican running. Kirk bastardizes the Republican name and is one of the maliciously minded and misguided individuals committed to dragging the Republican name down to join the Democrats in their genocide of the unborn.
I would suggest you vote for Patrick Hughes. Mr. Hughes holds true conservative principles and convictions. In fact, Mr. Hughes is getting the HTNL endorsement. Read more about Mr. Hughes here.
John Arrington (R), also running for Senate has a wonderful response to the abortion issue:
"Life begins at conception...Having spent 25 years working with youth on the front lines of the pro-life movement, this is a passion and a priority for me. Realizing the American dream of unlimited opportunity and freedom and the potential for boundless achievement in this country begins at birth. Infinite genius, intellect, brilliance, imagination and inventiveness literally go down the drain through abortion at a time in history when our communities and our country need these qualities the most. Nowhere is this impact felt greater than in black communities where a silent genocide is taking place with almost 1500 black babies being aborted everyday in America. I am a strong opponent of abortions and would join with other Republicans, independents and blue dog Democrats in supporting a Henry Hyde type amendment banning federal funds for abortions."
(Chicago Tribune)
Regardless of who you choose, please do NOT choose Mark Kirk.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Cheers...
"This isn't the Democratic party of our fathers and grandfathers. This is the party of Woodstock hippies. I was at Woodstock — I built the stage. And when everything fell apart, and people were fighting for peanut-butter sandwiches, it was the National Guard who came in and saved the same people who were protesting them. So when Hillary Clinton a few years ago wanted to build a Woodstock memorial, I said it should be a statue of a National Guardsman feeding a crying hippie."
--John Ratzenberger (Cliff from Cheers the show)
--John Ratzenberger (Cliff from Cheers the show)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Yeah Scott Brown is great but....
Scott Brown is pro-abortion. Sorry, folks. I know it's exciting to watch him try to pull a huge upset in the bluest state in the union. But, this guy is pro-abortion. He is against partial birth abortion, or so he claims, and insists on a minor informing her parents. Good starts to be sure. But he also claims, "the 'choice' should ultimately be between a woman and her doctor." Good logic. The next time I want to commit grand theft auto, or engage in an act of unprovoked unjust war, or commit mass crimes against humanity I'll be sure to consult my doctor first. He'll know best. And, what's more, it's sure to hold up in a court of law. "But your honor, I consulted with my doctor and he says its just fine to steal Mr. Brown's car." Coming from a person who reads a great quantity of scholarly articles written by M.D.'s every single day (me), the M.D. is the LAST person you want to go to when it comes to ethics. If I was on my death bed in a coma and there would be one person chosen to make life and death decisions for me, I would put the MD toward the bottom of the list - behind farmer Bill, a welder, a feed store clerk, and a drywall mudder. (Notice no government workers making my life and death decisions - the ranks of which our M.D.'s may join some day as they have already in the U.K.)
When I see a weak Republican (or Democrat) say, "Well, I'm pro-abortion but against partial birth abortion" I always would like to ask "why are you against partial birth abortion but not all abortion.?" Is there an metaphysical change in the baby from 5 months 3 weeks and six days in the womb to 6 months in the womb? Nope. Any scientific backing to say that a baby at conception is metaphysically different than a baby at 6 months or 9 months or 67 years old? Nope. Well, looks like you're at best illogical or at worst a complete imbecile. "I would rather you not kill your child in general, but we should allow it so long as a doctor approves but only to the 6th month, an arbitrary non-scientific date not supported by any philosophy or research, at which point you may not murder your child even though the baby is metaphysically identical to the previous two trimesters when murder is allowable." Seems odd does it not? Like saying, "Well, I'm against slavery, but I wouldn't want to see laws against it." "Slavery is between a slave owner and the person who sells him the slaves." "The usage of drugs should ultimately be between the addict and his pusher, the one person who can be relied on to make choices in the best interest of the person currently being exploited." How absurd.
It would be nice to see a Republican take this seat and halt the disastrous health care plan. But, on the downside, we're getting a weak fool on a philosophical level. I applaud his service in the military and his commitment to limited government, balanced budgets, and traditional values (except his illogical support of abortion). But, you cannot reject the primary right of humanity and retain any standing of respect in my opinion. He'd be better than Teddy (obviously) but essentially holds the same position as Teddy on the most important issue.
Quote of the day:
"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever"
-T. Jefferson.
When I see a weak Republican (or Democrat) say, "Well, I'm pro-abortion but against partial birth abortion" I always would like to ask "why are you against partial birth abortion but not all abortion.?" Is there an metaphysical change in the baby from 5 months 3 weeks and six days in the womb to 6 months in the womb? Nope. Any scientific backing to say that a baby at conception is metaphysically different than a baby at 6 months or 9 months or 67 years old? Nope. Well, looks like you're at best illogical or at worst a complete imbecile. "I would rather you not kill your child in general, but we should allow it so long as a doctor approves but only to the 6th month, an arbitrary non-scientific date not supported by any philosophy or research, at which point you may not murder your child even though the baby is metaphysically identical to the previous two trimesters when murder is allowable." Seems odd does it not? Like saying, "Well, I'm against slavery, but I wouldn't want to see laws against it." "Slavery is between a slave owner and the person who sells him the slaves." "The usage of drugs should ultimately be between the addict and his pusher, the one person who can be relied on to make choices in the best interest of the person currently being exploited." How absurd.
It would be nice to see a Republican take this seat and halt the disastrous health care plan. But, on the downside, we're getting a weak fool on a philosophical level. I applaud his service in the military and his commitment to limited government, balanced budgets, and traditional values (except his illogical support of abortion). But, you cannot reject the primary right of humanity and retain any standing of respect in my opinion. He'd be better than Teddy (obviously) but essentially holds the same position as Teddy on the most important issue.
Quote of the day:
"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever"
-T. Jefferson.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Important message to expecting fathers
Men,Here are some rules I have learned when caring for your expecting wife.
1. Never wake a sleeping pregnant woman... it's like waking a sleeping grizzly bear. Do it if you have to but don't be surprised if you get mauled or catch a giant paw to the face.
2. Never take a pregnant woman's pizza rolls.
3. Never tell a pregnant woman that morning sickness is "all in your head".
4. Never point anything out you may be noticing - ever.
5. Never complain about being tired, you just can't win the debate over who is more tired.
6. Dishes, laundry, and cleaning products are your friends.
7. Turning up the thermostat for comfort is well worth the high bill.
8. Be advised: any refusal for late night food runs or refusals of any kind really will be met with comments such as, "oh, I'm just carrying your child" or some such comment.
Best of Luck, God Speed.
Cheers.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
These are the men making policy decision for billions of people...
Gordon Brown leads Al Gore into the closet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDSnyz1Wytw
...we're in deeper trouble than I thought...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDSnyz1Wytw
...we're in deeper trouble than I thought...
Public Service Announcement
Dear Citizens of Missouri,
Due to recent run ins with incompetence, I must relay the following information. Your state seems to not have gotten the memo about the left lane on the highway which is designated for driving fast, and the right most lane which is designated for driving slow as dump. Please immediately cease and desist driving very slowly in BOTH lanes simultaneously, forming an idiot shield where none can pass. No wonder your state Dept. of Transportation has those 55 mph speed limits on your highways. To put this in terms you can understand: left lane is for "git git gittttttt vrrooooommmmm, git git git." and right lane is for "slowwww woahhhhh woahhhhh."
Merry Christmas,
Samwise Gamgee
Due to recent run ins with incompetence, I must relay the following information. Your state seems to not have gotten the memo about the left lane on the highway which is designated for driving fast, and the right most lane which is designated for driving slow as dump. Please immediately cease and desist driving very slowly in BOTH lanes simultaneously, forming an idiot shield where none can pass. No wonder your state Dept. of Transportation has those 55 mph speed limits on your highways. To put this in terms you can understand: left lane is for "git git gittttttt vrrooooommmmm, git git git." and right lane is for "slowwww woahhhhh woahhhhh."
Merry Christmas,
Samwise Gamgee
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cohabitation
One of the major issues of our modern age, especially for those of us who were born in the 70's and 80's is cohabitation. Cohabitation is when a couple lives together outside of marriage. Everybody's doin' it, as the kids say and it is a disastrous and rarely pondered choice to make. I hope that readers of this post will see it not as a condemnation or a judgement from me personally about them personally, but as a honest look at the facts which point to the conclusion that cohabitation is bad for individuals, for couples, bad for children, and bad for our society.
Let me go ahead and make the best arguments for the pro-habitation side, they amount to this: "Well, me and my girlfriend have been dating for a while now, like two years, and we're ready and mature enough in our relationship to make the move in together. Plus, we're just starting out and we could really stand to save 600 dollars a month we pay for another place when she is probably just over here all the time anyway. Plus, we love each other, right, and this will be like a training for marriage, you know to make sure we're ready for it." 1. save money, 2. it will help marriage 3. it's convenient 4. it's a result of the commitments we've made.
Point 2: Helping the Eventual Marriage. The easiest error to address is that cohabitation is good for marriage. The divorce rate for couples who cohabitated and eventually get married is DOUBLE that of couples who marry and do not cohabitate before marriage. Double. And no one likes divorce. At best, a person may say divorce is a necessary evil in the most extreme case. While the Catholic church contends that it is not possible for man to tear apart what the Lord has joined together (as Jesus Himself proclaimed). But certainly no one would assert with sincerity that divorce is pleasant, beneficial for society or a good. For with the country's divorce rate near half, everyone reading will either know someone who has been divorced or are themselves a product of a divorced household. Cohabitation has increased 11 fold since the 50's and divorce has more than doubled in that time, going from less than 1/4 marriages to 1/2. This relationship is not necessarily causal, but the relationship is hard to deny. Today, men who are cohabitating are four times as likely to be unfaithful than married men. And, as for the stability of cohabitating relationships, only one in ten last beyond five years. So, whether the cohabitating intend to be married or not, their relationships are far more unstable and short lived than the married couple.
Point 3. Convenience. It may true on a very small scale that it would be more convenient for you to live together. It would save you a ton of 10 minute car drives and having to leave later in the evening when it's cold outside. Really though, these minor inconveniences would be better for the individual in the long run. They may not be easier, but they would be better far and away. It comes down to a sacrifice you make for the health of the person you love. Your life is slightly more difficult and more is demanded of you, but if you offer these difficulties up for the other, your love of them will grow and flourish. Because, as I can attest to from my very limited time married; sacrifice is central to marriage - essential. This is a time to say, I love you and I will do these things because I love you. This will also make you a better person and more suited for marriage. You will have to sacrifice for your wife or husband, so engagement is the perfect training period for this. This leads us into point 4 - a reflection of commitment. Today, unfortunately, living together has become a public indicator that a couple is 'serious' or committed to each other. In reality though, engagement serves this end. Engagement is the time of serious commitment, when a couple goes beyond dating into a more formal period when they decide if they are truly made for each other in marriage. So while it may be a reasonable thought that cohabitation would one day help the married couple for the completely ignorant, the evidence is stacked to the contrary. What's more, for a world where cohabitation is the norm, living apart while engaged and seriously committed would be not only be more of a trial in terms of practicality and a lesson in sacrifice, but also a public display of commitment and love.
In terms of point 1. saving money, statistics are staggering as well. Those who cohabitate and do not marry have 78% less wealth than those who marry and stay married. That's refutation enough I believe.
Children also suffer when parents cohabitate. According to Patrick Schneider II, "Cohabitation breeds abuse, violence, and murder: Abuse of children: Rates of serious abuse are lowest in intact families; six times higher in stepfamilies; 14 times higher in always-single-mother families; 20 times higher in cohabiting biological-parent families; and 33 times higher when the mother is cohabiting with a boyfriend who is not the biological father (Crouse, op. cit.)." Children who are the product of cohabitating families are also wildly more likely to commit crimes and spend time in jail as well. Three quarters children who engage in criminal activity are products of homes where the parents cohabitated. And 70 percent of prison residents are from fatherless homes. That is profound.
Personally I can pass on some wisdom from my limited experience as a fool in these times of ours. Living by oneself can serve many good ends. First, living alone can afford one the chance to learn a great deal about oneself. Not only that one is cranky when one gets up or never takes the time when they're tired to brush their teeth at night, or that they will stretch that underwear into the third day with reckless disregard (information that might be useful when married). But also things about your person, your inner workings (and for the Christian, one's relationship with God; His wishes for you and your dreams in relation to those wishes). In an age of instant information and knowledge on demand, maybe the most important and valuable knowledge might be about oneself. "Know Thyself" the Greeks said - how ironic that it may be the most difficult to do just that in the age with the most information available.
Or, one can live with one's family. This was the very popular and necessary choice in ages past, and had many many benefits. Most college graduates would much rather live in a cardboard box than face the shame and humiliation of the dreaded basement in your parents' house like Greg Brady, complete with the lava lamp and the beads over the door. But, you can notice a lot more when you're all grown up and graduated. You can learn a great deal about your family, your parents and how you might want your marriage and your family to work one day.
One last point - once a couple starts cohabitating, it can be very difficult to stop. You already have all of these things together and its quite likely you've been playing house for a while. You probably even have a dog or at least a cat, as some kind of strange, insufficient way of trying to substitute for children. You've been both working and making decent money so you probably have some nice things plus a lease that is very hard to break so you just keep doing it. Then, your parents and your boyfriend/girlfriend's parents who have been more influenced by more traditional (and sane) generations start asking when you're getting married at the exact same time your friends start getting married. So you figure, sure, why not get married, you get along well enough and you're living together and don't hate each other, how much different could marriage be? Right? You apply the same utilitarian principles that guided you to live together in the first place to marriage. If it works, do it - sounds reasonable. But. But. This is not a good reason to get married. Utilitarianism doesn't work applied to everything. This is what we call sliding into marriage, and I suspect it is the reason so many marriages of those who cohabitate do not work out. You don't think about children or morals or finances, or if you will send the kids to daycare or what happens when your parents get old or when your kids want to see R rated movies. You don't think about these things because in cohabitation you don't have to - it's easy, it's comfortable. So, long story short, cohabitation can keep you in bad situations, or it can cause you to think that moderately functional relationships should result in marriage simply for their functionality. It's not good for you ok, that's all.
Hey look at that, I just put together a solid argument for why you should;'t cohabitate without saying the words contraception or pre-marital sex. Both of which are profoundly detrimental to individual souls and society as a whole - profoundly and tragically detrimental. Both of which also are almost certain results of cohabitation.
For sources and stats provided see Patrick Schneider II, M.D., M.P.H.'s article. He got his MPH from Harvard, if titles impress you...
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/oct/07100902.html
Let me go ahead and make the best arguments for the pro-habitation side, they amount to this: "Well, me and my girlfriend have been dating for a while now, like two years, and we're ready and mature enough in our relationship to make the move in together. Plus, we're just starting out and we could really stand to save 600 dollars a month we pay for another place when she is probably just over here all the time anyway. Plus, we love each other, right, and this will be like a training for marriage, you know to make sure we're ready for it." 1. save money, 2. it will help marriage 3. it's convenient 4. it's a result of the commitments we've made.
Point 2: Helping the Eventual Marriage. The easiest error to address is that cohabitation is good for marriage. The divorce rate for couples who cohabitated and eventually get married is DOUBLE that of couples who marry and do not cohabitate before marriage. Double. And no one likes divorce. At best, a person may say divorce is a necessary evil in the most extreme case. While the Catholic church contends that it is not possible for man to tear apart what the Lord has joined together (as Jesus Himself proclaimed). But certainly no one would assert with sincerity that divorce is pleasant, beneficial for society or a good. For with the country's divorce rate near half, everyone reading will either know someone who has been divorced or are themselves a product of a divorced household. Cohabitation has increased 11 fold since the 50's and divorce has more than doubled in that time, going from less than 1/4 marriages to 1/2. This relationship is not necessarily causal, but the relationship is hard to deny. Today, men who are cohabitating are four times as likely to be unfaithful than married men. And, as for the stability of cohabitating relationships, only one in ten last beyond five years. So, whether the cohabitating intend to be married or not, their relationships are far more unstable and short lived than the married couple.
Point 3. Convenience. It may true on a very small scale that it would be more convenient for you to live together. It would save you a ton of 10 minute car drives and having to leave later in the evening when it's cold outside. Really though, these minor inconveniences would be better for the individual in the long run. They may not be easier, but they would be better far and away. It comes down to a sacrifice you make for the health of the person you love. Your life is slightly more difficult and more is demanded of you, but if you offer these difficulties up for the other, your love of them will grow and flourish. Because, as I can attest to from my very limited time married; sacrifice is central to marriage - essential. This is a time to say, I love you and I will do these things because I love you. This will also make you a better person and more suited for marriage. You will have to sacrifice for your wife or husband, so engagement is the perfect training period for this. This leads us into point 4 - a reflection of commitment. Today, unfortunately, living together has become a public indicator that a couple is 'serious' or committed to each other. In reality though, engagement serves this end. Engagement is the time of serious commitment, when a couple goes beyond dating into a more formal period when they decide if they are truly made for each other in marriage. So while it may be a reasonable thought that cohabitation would one day help the married couple for the completely ignorant, the evidence is stacked to the contrary. What's more, for a world where cohabitation is the norm, living apart while engaged and seriously committed would be not only be more of a trial in terms of practicality and a lesson in sacrifice, but also a public display of commitment and love.
In terms of point 1. saving money, statistics are staggering as well. Those who cohabitate and do not marry have 78% less wealth than those who marry and stay married. That's refutation enough I believe.
Children also suffer when parents cohabitate. According to Patrick Schneider II, "Cohabitation breeds abuse, violence, and murder: Abuse of children: Rates of serious abuse are lowest in intact families; six times higher in stepfamilies; 14 times higher in always-single-mother families; 20 times higher in cohabiting biological-parent families; and 33 times higher when the mother is cohabiting with a boyfriend who is not the biological father (Crouse, op. cit.)." Children who are the product of cohabitating families are also wildly more likely to commit crimes and spend time in jail as well. Three quarters children who engage in criminal activity are products of homes where the parents cohabitated. And 70 percent of prison residents are from fatherless homes. That is profound.
Personally I can pass on some wisdom from my limited experience as a fool in these times of ours. Living by oneself can serve many good ends. First, living alone can afford one the chance to learn a great deal about oneself. Not only that one is cranky when one gets up or never takes the time when they're tired to brush their teeth at night, or that they will stretch that underwear into the third day with reckless disregard (information that might be useful when married). But also things about your person, your inner workings (and for the Christian, one's relationship with God; His wishes for you and your dreams in relation to those wishes). In an age of instant information and knowledge on demand, maybe the most important and valuable knowledge might be about oneself. "Know Thyself" the Greeks said - how ironic that it may be the most difficult to do just that in the age with the most information available.
Or, one can live with one's family. This was the very popular and necessary choice in ages past, and had many many benefits. Most college graduates would much rather live in a cardboard box than face the shame and humiliation of the dreaded basement in your parents' house like Greg Brady, complete with the lava lamp and the beads over the door. But, you can notice a lot more when you're all grown up and graduated. You can learn a great deal about your family, your parents and how you might want your marriage and your family to work one day.
One last point - once a couple starts cohabitating, it can be very difficult to stop. You already have all of these things together and its quite likely you've been playing house for a while. You probably even have a dog or at least a cat, as some kind of strange, insufficient way of trying to substitute for children. You've been both working and making decent money so you probably have some nice things plus a lease that is very hard to break so you just keep doing it. Then, your parents and your boyfriend/girlfriend's parents who have been more influenced by more traditional (and sane) generations start asking when you're getting married at the exact same time your friends start getting married. So you figure, sure, why not get married, you get along well enough and you're living together and don't hate each other, how much different could marriage be? Right? You apply the same utilitarian principles that guided you to live together in the first place to marriage. If it works, do it - sounds reasonable. But. But. This is not a good reason to get married. Utilitarianism doesn't work applied to everything. This is what we call sliding into marriage, and I suspect it is the reason so many marriages of those who cohabitate do not work out. You don't think about children or morals or finances, or if you will send the kids to daycare or what happens when your parents get old or when your kids want to see R rated movies. You don't think about these things because in cohabitation you don't have to - it's easy, it's comfortable. So, long story short, cohabitation can keep you in bad situations, or it can cause you to think that moderately functional relationships should result in marriage simply for their functionality. It's not good for you ok, that's all.
Hey look at that, I just put together a solid argument for why you should;'t cohabitate without saying the words contraception or pre-marital sex. Both of which are profoundly detrimental to individual souls and society as a whole - profoundly and tragically detrimental. Both of which also are almost certain results of cohabitation.
For sources and stats provided see Patrick Schneider II, M.D., M.P.H.'s article. He got his MPH from Harvard, if titles impress you...
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/oct/07100902.html
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Most Exciting News
I am pleased to announce to you all, the HTNL nation.... that my wife and I are expecting our first child this May 1st! This is by far the most exciting and wonderful news of our lives to date as well as our greatest joy. From our engagement we had been asking God to bless our marriage with many children, who are the greatest blessing.
We've already had 2 doctor's appointments and our OB is an awesome, strictly pro-life doctor in St. Louis. My wife relayed that it is incredibly refreshing to have a doctors visit where the doctor doesn't try to force birth control on you or say something to the extent of, "Pregnant already? That was fast." We were even able to show him our NFP charts and he was very familiar with them and could provide insight as well! Their office has a crucifix in every room and even a relic from a saint in the lobby. Not your average OB office that has a jar of condoms in the lobby and hands out birth control like its candy. Ask yourself which of these two promote true health. "Do no harm?"
But everything looks good and healthy and we could clearly see baby on the ultra sounds, moving around like crazy! My wife is just now able to feel baby moving around and I even felt baby move as well. The whole process is the most amazing miraculous thing I have ever witnessed. As an aside, if you ever see an ultrasound, even in the first, very early months of pregnancy, you will find it impossible to be pro abortion. So if you have been reading this blog and find the pro-life arguments hard to believe, just go see a live ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy. If you do this, you will not be pro abortion. Just try it, you'll see...
We're now embarking on the many faceted journey of doulas, breast feeding, wooden toys, formula, natural birth, and cloth diapers. Several debates and decisions lie ahead, but we welcome them with joy and with the necessary... humor.
The front-running names now are --
For a girl: Lilly, Lucy, Bernadette, Anna Lee, and Katherine
For a boy: Athanasius Contra Mundum Jackson (Jack), Maximilian Kolbe, Gabriel, Winston Owen, and John Henry
Please pray for us as we will for you.
Cheers.
We've already had 2 doctor's appointments and our OB is an awesome, strictly pro-life doctor in St. Louis. My wife relayed that it is incredibly refreshing to have a doctors visit where the doctor doesn't try to force birth control on you or say something to the extent of, "Pregnant already? That was fast." We were even able to show him our NFP charts and he was very familiar with them and could provide insight as well! Their office has a crucifix in every room and even a relic from a saint in the lobby. Not your average OB office that has a jar of condoms in the lobby and hands out birth control like its candy. Ask yourself which of these two promote true health. "Do no harm?"
But everything looks good and healthy and we could clearly see baby on the ultra sounds, moving around like crazy! My wife is just now able to feel baby moving around and I even felt baby move as well. The whole process is the most amazing miraculous thing I have ever witnessed. As an aside, if you ever see an ultrasound, even in the first, very early months of pregnancy, you will find it impossible to be pro abortion. So if you have been reading this blog and find the pro-life arguments hard to believe, just go see a live ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy. If you do this, you will not be pro abortion. Just try it, you'll see...
We're now embarking on the many faceted journey of doulas, breast feeding, wooden toys, formula, natural birth, and cloth diapers. Several debates and decisions lie ahead, but we welcome them with joy and with the necessary... humor.
The front-running names now are --
For a girl: Lilly, Lucy, Bernadette, Anna Lee, and Katherine
For a boy: Athanasius Contra Mundum Jackson (Jack), Maximilian Kolbe, Gabriel, Winston Owen, and John Henry
Please pray for us as we will for you.
Cheers.
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