What do Catholic's Believe

GOD’S 7 GIFTS – THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)

2010-06-13T22:10:00.001-05:00

Jesus gave to His Church 7 very special gifts we call Sacraments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Sacraments are "An efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. (CCC 1131). These 7 gifts are the Sacrament's of: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony.

In this article we will discuss the Sacrament of Reconciliation or "Confession". I want to write and explain each of the 7, but I must begin with this one, in part because I have in my lifetime, utilized this Sacrament frequently, and therefore I should be an expert and I should be able to explain this with ease right? Wrong, for you see we can't explain why thie Sacrament of Reconciliation is most likley the most precious gift ever given to mankind without also explaining to those who do not understand it, why this must be done with a Catholic Priest.

That statement in itself provokes a lot of eye rolling and a lot of humor among non Catholics. Most non Catholics either believe they must either confess there sin directly to God or to one another. Even some Catholics don't understand why we must utilize the Ministry of the Church to gain forgiveness for our sins and receive our penance.

Another statement I'm going to make does not just provoke eye rolling, but can, in some folks, provoke a genuine feeling of disgust or anger. When I say that the most powerful words I have ever heard in my lifetime are; "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sin, through the ministry of the Church. May God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Woo who, man I love those words! But many cringe at the thought of the words "I absolve you of your sins". They say no man has the authority to forgive sins. So let's get right to it.

In John 20:19–23 AND Let's just go ahead and read it; "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

It's cut and dry. It is crystal clear. It is without doubt that in this passage, Jesus Christ gives to the Apostles and His Church, the ability to forgive the sins of others.

Jesus was the only human being to ever have authority to forgive sins and He did so frequently while He walked with us. For those who say that only God can forgive sins, I say You’re absolutely right. Only God can forgive sins. In Mark 2:1–12 we find what you are saying in the story of the healing of the paralytic. When Jesus saw the paralytic, he said to him, "Your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). The scribes gave the same objection that objectors raise—that is, that only God can forgive sins. They asked, "Who can forgive sins except God alone?" And they were right. But notice how Jesus changes this later in the story. He performs the miracle of healing precisely to show that "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (Mark 2:10). So what was once only in heaven is now on earth because Jesus has the authority to forgive.

Let’s go deeper. The formula of absolution by the Priest bestows peace on the sinner with the words, "May God give you pardon and peace." These words are real familiar to Jesus’ words in John 20:19 and 21, "Peace be with you." Jesus wished peace on his followers. He also gave that peace to the Apostles by breathing on them the Holy Spirit. A very strong argument for what this means is this; in John 20: 22, "He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’" The formula states this important role of the Holy Spirit when it says that God "sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sin." The Holy Spirit is alive and well in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and is THEE key player of bringing Christ’s forgiveness to sinners.

I can tell you from a personal standpoint, that one of my best friends is a Evangelical, in fact, he is studying to be a Minister in his faith. I practice with him the protestant form and belief of confessing to one another. I must admit that it gives me a little more time to discuss my sins, I’m less nervous about confessing my sins with my buddy and I have received a great amount of fruit from our confessions and discussions. Having said this, I think Jesus knew exactly what He was doing in instituting this Sacrament and putting it into the hands of the Priests of the Church. So I do both. I confess to my buddy, (we keep each other in check) but then I can’t wait to get to a confessional. I hope you’re not reading this and gasping for air, let’s admit it, WE ARE ALL SINNERS. If you have never been in a confessional, it is a very humbling experience. Imagine for a moment, assuming you’re not Catholic, going in to the Pastor or the head Elder of your Church and having to tell him how bad you have been. Let’s say you got extra cash back at the grocery store when the cashier made change and didn’t say anything, you just kept it. Maybe you refused giving a handout to a person in need. How about, you lusted in your heart for the neighbors wife as she paraded around her back yard in her bikini. Or worse, you acted that lust out with your neighbors wife all without your wife knowing a thing. Think about that for a moment. In the Catholic Church, confessing the sins I just mentioned, to a very holy man who has forsaken MONEY, MARRIAGE AND SEX for the kingdom of God. Then let’s take a step further, imagine being a repeat offender and meeting this man to tell him your failures again. It is not like confessing to your buddy, it is very very humbling!

With all that said, I do not want to leave the impression that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a place to be scared of. As humbling as it is and as hard as it is sometimes to do it, I still go and have had some of the most powerful moments of my life inside those walls, in front of that Holy man, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Confessing your naughty’s to a Priest in a Holy setting, in front of Christ and the Holy Spirit joined together is powerful.. If you are Catholic, the Church says that it is mandatory for you to receive Reconciliation no less than once a year. To become Catholic or for more information visit http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/HOW2.htm

Father John Corapi puts it this way; Sin is like driving a nail into your soul therefore creating a wound. A major or mortal sin is like using a huge railroad spike, a minor or venial sin is like using just a regular nail. In either case, Reconciliation removes these spikes and or nails from the soul and receiving absolution and receiving and doing the penance begins the healing of those wounds.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the sacramental celebration in which, through God’s mercy and forgiveness, the sinner is reconciled with God and also with the Church, Christ’s Body, which is wounded by sin. CCC

Apostolic Authority - The Papacy-St Peter

2010-05-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

So how did the Church end up with a “Pope”, and why do Catholics believe he is the supreme leader of Christ’s Church? The answer is not easy and it takes some work, and that for some, including many Catholics, is a challenge. Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals could not possibly be farther apart on any issue. Apostolic Authority and the Papacy is an outright rejection by most all other religions. That is unfortunate, because the one thing that I have discovered in this study, is that it is clear, concise and without confusion, Jesus Christ installed the first Pope, a leader for His Church. Scripture supports it in the Holy Bible.

Establishing leaders by God was not new when Jesus did it. God established a “living, continuing authority” in the Mosaic priesthood when He made His Covenant with the Nation of Israel. (See 2 Chr 19:11; Mal 2:7) This was the safeguard of God’s word and the real interpreter of Sacred Scripture.

When Jesus established His Church, the New Israel, He too set up a “living, continuing authority” to “teach, govern and sanctify in His name”. Because it began with the 12 Apostles and continues through their successors, it is called “Apostolic”. From the beginning, this Apostolic authority has preserved and interpreted the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is this same Apostolic authority that determined which writings or books would make up the Holy Bible because they were inspired writings of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:13-19 says
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Now, I’ve heard many arguments on how this didn’t mean Jesus wasn’t building a Church and He didn’t mean the Catholic Church and on and on. Even though Jesus says “I will build my Church”. It is so clear on what Jesus is doing and saying that its hard to believe any argument can be made to the contrary. But I was wrong there are many many arguments against this saying of Jesus. I used to hang my hat on this one and say that this is why the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ and Peter was the first Pope. I mean it should be enough right? I mean how many other human beings received the keys to the kingdom of heaven? I can answer that, none.

I want to share one of the best arguments made by others here. They point out that the Greek text for Peter is Petros (a masculine noun) while the word used for rock is petra ( a feminie noun). Petros means “small stone”, while petra means “massive rock”. They claim, therefore, that the “massive rock” (petra) upon which Christ will build His Church must not refer to Peter the “small stone” (Petros) but rather to Peter’s profession of faith or to Jesus. The problem with that argument is simple, Jesus spoke Aramaic which leaves no room for the Greek (petro/petra distinction. In Aramaic the word is one word, “kepha”. What Jesus said was, “You are Kepha” (Rock) and upon this Kepha (Rock) I will build my Church.” In Aramaic the identification of Peter as the Rock is clear. In the translations some of this was lost, the writer could have in no way used a feminine word to describe a male.

Jesus is drawing this image of “the keys” from Is 22:19-22. From this context, at least 3 concepts are included. 1st The keys are a symbol of authority given to the chief official-the Prime Minister-of the kingdom of David. 2nd. Remember, “Pope” comes from the Italian word for “Papa”-father. 3rd. The office implies a dynasty succession. The office of prime Minister continued as long as the kingdom of David did. Catholics believe that Christ is the King, and that the Pope is the Prime Minister of His heavenly kingdom, the Church. Christ is the head of the Church, the Pope is His earthly representative.

For me, this was so tough, it is no wonder so many disagree over the validity of the Papacy and the issue of whether or not the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus began. I’m not a language expert and neither are most Christians but simple prayer and reflection on these so important scriptures have helped to give me a better understanding. I encourage you to ponder some other things after reading all this. Jesus is God, He changed Simons name to Peter (Rock), Jesus says that nothing will prevail against His Church until the end of time, and yet He knew everything, He must have known Peter would be dead by 70 AD. Christ must have intended the office of St Peter to last until the end of time. St Peter is given the keys to the kingdom of heaven, an awesome gift, He gave this gift to no one else, this ruling power, this unique privilege was given to one man and one man alone.

Why would Jesus give such an awesome authority to St Peter and not intend for it to be passed on? Learning about the Gospels in the early Church was much easier 2000 years ago, many of the early Christians were hearing it right from Jesus himself and then the Apostles, many of them knew the Apostles, but then the Apostle’s died. Of course Jesus knew that His Church would come under attack early on, when so many enemies tried to corrupt the teachings of Christ, the need for the power of the keys would have been and still is an absolute must!

The Apostles as a group were given the power “to bind and to loose” Mt 18:18, but it is St Peter who is given power individually when he receives the “keys”. Remember, Jesus guaranteed to back up St Peter and his successor’s doctrinal teachings. He would not have done any of this unless He was going to protect them from false teaching as shepherds of His Church.

Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail; Peter in turn would strengthen the other disciples. (Luke 22:31-32). So it’s pretty obvious, Jesus clearly makes Peter the Shepherd of the Church telling him to “feed my sheep” in John 21:15-17. St Peter is the Rock on which Jesus builds His Church, He is given the Keys to the kingdom of heaven and is made shepherd of Christ’s flock, all of this is pretty solid evidence that Jesus made Peter the first Pope.

An account of the first Church council being established can be read in Acts 15, this was the “Council of Jerusalem”, it was called at the request of St Paul to decide whether both the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ had to be followed. There was much discussion among the Apostles and presbyters, but, after Peter spoke the assembly fell silent. His statement ended the discussion and it is obvious that this council viewed Peter’s authority the final word. However, more argument, others conclude because James gave the concluding remarks including some discussion on marriage and dietary regulations that he must have been the head of the Church.

I am going to be quick to point out that the other Apostles look to St Peter for answers in all the Gospels. St Peter is always presented as the leader among them, not St James. If you read the first 12 chapters of Acts which really describe the early Church in Jerusalem, every chapter except chapter 6 and 7 which describe Stephen’s martyrdom, shows St Peter as a leader of the Church.

In Gal 1:18-19 we’re told that after St Paul’s conversion he went to Jerusalem to seek council with St Peter. He stayed with Peter for 15 days. The Bible speaks only of a brief visit to St James by St Paul.

At the “Council of Jerusalem” everyone was silenced after Peter spoke, including James. St James was the Bishop of Jerusalem and as Acts 21:15-25 describes, his main concern was the Jewish Christians who were upset about their ancient customs being turned inside out by the great number of Gentile converts. This information explains why he would have made the final remarks during the council assembly in Jerusalem.

Others say that Peter himself did not view himself as leader when he referred to himself as a fellow elder in 1 Peter 5:1, which of course is ridiculous. It’s kind of the same thing as the President of the United States saying “my fellow Americans”, that doesn’t indicate to us fellow Americans that the President has equal or less authority than do we.

Peter definitely considered himself to have more Authority than an ordinary elder. He went on to admonish these same elders 1 Pet 5:2-4. It bugs me for those who insist that St Peter an Apostle, had no greater authority than a regular Church elder, if they truly believe that, it really shows how little they appreciate what Scripture says about the great office of Apostle.

The question of Peter’s infallibility is always raised by others as well. Many will quote Gal 2:11-14 to show Peter was not infallible and Paul did not consider him the head of the Church. That’s not a supportable position to take. First, if Peter was not infallible why do they accept Peter’s two letters as inspired and therefore infallible? We have to accept the fact that all the Apostle’s were infallible. Remember, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto them to guide them in their teachings. After the Apostles, the popes individually and the bishops as a group in union with the pope.

As far as St Paul correcting St Peter for his behavior is no different then St Cathrine of Sienna correcting the weak popes in the middle ages. He wasn’t correcting him over doctrine. The issue was already settled by Peter at the Council of Jerusalem, and remember, St Paul was one of those who was silenced after Peter spoke. St Paul was correcting St Peter for his unwillingness to confront the Judaizers from Jerusalem.

St Peter was mentioned and conspicuously involved in all the Church’s firsts. He led the meeting that elected the first successor of an Apostle when they replaced Judas (Acts 1:13-26). At Pentecost he preached the first sermon (Acts 2:14). And received the first converts (Acts2:41). Peter preformed the first miracle after Pentecost (Acts 3:6-7). Executed the first excommunication on Simon the magician (Acts 8:21). Peter is the one who received the revelation to admit Gentiles into the Church (Acts 10:9-16). And he commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:44-48).

Peter spoke so many times on behalf of the Apostles (Mt 19:27; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69) The Apostles are sometimes referred to as Peter and his companions (Lk 9:32; Mk 16:7; Acts 2:37). Peter’s name always heads the list of Apostles (Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16;Act 1:13). Peter’s name is mentioned 191 which is more than all the other Apostles combined (130 times) the Apostle John is 2nd at 48 times.

The history of the Papacy is clear. As early as 80 AD, the Church in Corinth (the Church St Paul established just a few years before) removed all its leaders. (Fired everybody) Pope Clement I, the 4th Bishop of Rome, was called in to settle the craziness even though St John the Apostle was still alive and living much closer to Corinth than to have someone come from Rome.

The Romans certainly knew who the leader of the Church was. For 250 years Roman Emperors tried to destroy the Church and Christianity through persecution. Every Pope but one, in the first 200 years was martyred!

I am going to end this by asking a question and of course giving you the answer. Use your own logic in this. If the owner of the company you work for, calls everyone together and tells them he is going away for awhile, but before he leaves he gives the Vice President of the company his keys to the joint and tells the entire company he is doing so and whatever the Vice President says in my absence I will back him up. Is there any doubt who is in charge? Of course not!

Is Holy Communion Just for Catholic's?

2010-02-10T16:38:00.014-05:00

The Holy Eucharist is the most important of the seven sacraments because, in this and in no other sacrament, we receive the very body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Innumerable, precious graces come to us through the reception of Holy Communion.

Communion is an intimate encounter with Christ, in which we sacramentally receive Christ into our bodies, that we may be more completely assimilated into his. "The Eucharist builds the Church," as Pope John Paul II said (Redemptor Hominis 20). It deepens unity with the Church, more fully assimilating us into Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; CCC 1396).

The Eucharist also strengthens the individual because in it Jesus himself, the Word made flesh, forgives our venial sins and gives us the strength to resist mortal sin. It is also the very channel of eternal life: Jesus himself.

Is Holy Communion just for us? Occasionally, an Evangelical is at a Catholic Mass, perhaps for a marriage or funeral. Some feel the Catholic Church is prideful or snobby for not allowing non-Catholics to join Communion, but it has nothing to do with pride or being snobbish. Also, most Eastern Orthodox Christians are welcome to celebrate communion with us. It's not about having an “exclusive club”. Most Catholics would love everybody to be in a position to receive the Eucharist. As written in the Gospel of John, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” (Jn 6:56)

Why are we so protective of this Holy Sacrament? The Catholic Church believes it is quite serious to consume the Eucharist without believing ("discerning") that it is the Body of Jesus. "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself" (1 Cor. 11:29). Transubstantiation means more than the Real Presence. According to transubstantiation, the bread and wine are actually transformed into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, with only the appearances of bread and wine remaining. This is why, at the Last Supper, Jesus held what appeared to be bread and wine, yet said: "This is my body. . . . This is my blood" (Mark 14:22-24, cf. Luke 22:14-20). If Christ were merely present along side bread and wine, he would have said "This contains my body. . . . This contains my blood," which he did not say. It is a desecration, and it would trivialize the center of our faith. This is one area that we cannot pretend that there is unity by compromising what we believe is the Body of our Lord, the source and summit of our faith.

Why do we believe it’s the flesh and blood of Jesus? Within Scripture, the bread of life discourse in the Gospel of John brings out the Catholic Church’s understanding of Christ’s real presence within the Eucharist: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). When Christ announced this and even to this very day, many have found this very difficult: “The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, 'How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?'” (Jn 6:52). Even his Apostles had a difficult time with it. Even though everyone had a very hard time with what he was saying, Jesus did nothing to dissuade them from the literal interpretation.

Often the claim is made that in this and the other Gospels, that Jesus was only speaking metaphorically. As expressed above and in the Bible, Jesus' listeners took it literally. Jesus did nothing to dissuade them from the literal interpretation or call them back because they had misunderstood him. Furthermore, in the Aramaic language that our Lord spoke, to symbolically “eat the flesh” or “drink the blood” of someone meant to persecute and assault him. (Ps 27:2, Isa 9:18-20; 49:26, Mic 3:3, 2 Sam 23:15-17, and Rev 17:6, 16) If Jesus were only speaking metaphorically about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He would have been saying that whoever persecutes and assaults Him will have eternal life, and that just makes no sense.

We never want others to think Catholics believe we are superior. On the contrary, Catholics want others to understand our faith. In Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical titled Ut Unum Sint, he quotes the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: “...the Church is not a reality closed in on herself; rather, she is permanently open to missionary and ecumenical endeavour, for she is sent to the world to announce and witness, to make present and spread the mystery of communion which is essential to her: to gather together all people and all things into Christ; so as to be for all an 'inseparable sacrament of unity'”.

We are therefore called by the Church to work together with all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Understanding what the Church teaches us about our faith is vital if we are to win the hearts, minds, and of course, the respect of other Christians.

What is Lent

2009-02-19T14:42:00.003-05:00

The other day my colleague, (a former history teacher), said he didn't realize that Catholics still did the "ashes thing", he ask me what it really meant, and I really didn't have a good answer, so I went to studied it, and from research and my own up-bringing, this is what I surmise. The word Lent is an Old English word meaning, Spring. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season with the blessing of the foreheads of Catholics from all over the world, the ashes are actually left over Palms from Palm Sunday the year before. They are burned into ashes and mixed with a bit of oil to make the ashes pasty so they'll stick.

Ash Wednesday (not a Holy Day of obligation) is actually a nick name, the official name is the "Day Of Ashes", because on that day the foreheads of the faithful are marked with ashes in the sign of a cross. In biblical times, a mark on the forehead was a symbol of ownership, so by having our foreheads marked with the sign of the cross, we symbolize that we belong to Jesus Christ. Also, they are a biblical symbol of mourning and penance. In Bible times the custom was to fast, wear sackcloth, sit in dust and ashes, and put dust and ashes on one's head (cf. 1 Sam. 4:12; 2 Sam. 1:20, 13:19, 15:32). Ashes also symbolize death and so remind us of our mortality. When the priest uses his thumb to sign one of the faithful with the ashes and says, "Remember, man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return," he is echoing God's address to Adam (Gen. 3:19; cf. Job 34:15; Ps. 90:3, 104:29; Eccles. 3:20). This phrase also echoes the words at a Catholic burial, "Ashes to ashes; dust to dust," which is based on God's words to Adam in Genesis 3 and Abraham's confession, "I am nothing but dust and ashes" (Gen. 18:27).

"The Day Of Ashes also marks the beginning of our celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the lynch pin of Christianity. In Lee Strobels book, "The Case For Christ" Lee puts forth the most intelligent argument I've ever heard. Lee points out the fact that in Jesus' time, women were not only viewed as dumb as rocks, but they were the most UN-trustworthy, they just were not to be believed at that time in history, so considering this when contemplating if they were faking the Resurrection, wouldn't the Apostles have tried to use someone else to discover the body missing, and the tomb empty? Someone more trusting than women, the least trust worthy people on the planet? For me it's not even a question, I can't ever remember a time in my life when it was, I view my faith as a gift, I have to, it just comes too easy to me.

Growing up a Catholic I always heard, and maybe you've heard, that Lent begins 40 days before Good Friday and ends with the beginning of the celebration of the Lords Last Supper, on Holy Thursday at the beginning of the Mass, (sorry Ma).

Holy Thursday is the day before Good Friday, the beginning of Jesus' Passion, and is the night that Jesus broke bread with his Disciples for the last time, thus Instituting the Holy Eucharist and celebrating the first Mass. Holy Thursday is also the night Jesus was arrested and brought before the Jewish High Priest, then ultimately to Pontious Pilate, where he was sentenced to death for Blasphemy. Jesus was crucified sometime on Friday morning, (Good Friday) and suffered for several hours before dying between noon and 3:00pm. He was buried and on the third day rose from the dead.

Lent forces Catholics to focus on one thing, the last days of the worlds Savior. We contemplate the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity, we contemplate the misery, suffering and the brutal punishment of God's only Son, and His glorious Resurrection. To pay homage, we emulate the suffering by fasting, we fast by eating no meat on Ash Wednesday, and all Fridays during the season. People over the age of 12 are also asked to sacrifice something else, or "give something up", something they truly love, many chocolate lovers (my Mom & Sister) give up chocolate, others give up drinking, smoking etc., all in an effort to sacrifice as did Christ. That's Lent to me and many other Catholics, I hope I was able to shed a bit of LIGHT, no pun intended......Y

Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) Full Speech at the RNC

2008-09-05T21:17:00.005-05:00

Ohhhhhhhh, I still got goose bumps, what a hottie! America fell head over heels in love with Governor Sarah Palin Wednesday night as she spoke at the RNC. I firmly believe she nailed the coffin shut on the "Smoke and Mirrors" Obama. All I have to do is shut up on this one, go ahead and watch the speech in its entirety right here…..R

I DIED

2008-09-04T12:02:00.010-05:00

September 2nd marks an ugly anniversary for the friends and family of Tony Kraus. Tony was killed at the precious age of 23 yrs old in a tragic automobile accident on this date 1year ago. I am blogging today for a couple reasons, one I guess it helps to talk about it and two because Tony touched my life and has continued to do so even after his death.

I have learned some valuable lessons from the tragedy and have adjusted accordingly, but no lesson has ever been as important and as valuable as the lesson I learned on July 26, 2008. What you are about to read is true and to the best of my recollection.

You may or may not know, I recently had a significant change in my career status and as a result have had to hit the road again in an effort to retain my customer base and to sell them on a new product line. If you are one of those who knew me around 2000 you know that I was around 100 lbs. less than what I currently weight now. The last 8 years has been hard on my body, drinking mass quantities, eating great food at all hours of the day and night have taken a tremendous toll on my body.

During the months of May, June and July of this year, I lived on the road pretty solid, I returned on July 24 after 90-days of hard work with lots of party thrown in as well, even partying the day after returning home, I met up with some buddies downtown and hit it again, closing up that bar.

The very next day, Friday July 25, 2008, was a tough day. I had been having trouble breathing, I had been really short of breath, I couldn’t walk anywhere without being extremely winded. I kept blaming it on my asthma, and my Doc was on vacation and I couldn’t for the life of me get anyone at his office to call in my inhaler prescription.

As I settled in for bed that night, I believed at the time that I was having an asthma attack, I was really uncomfortable, but I sleep with a CPAP machine (this forces air down your pipe, and keeps you from snoring and from stopping breathing in your sleep), so this gave me some relief, enough where I could fall to sleep.

At some point, and I believe it to be near the end of my night’s sleep, although I can’t say for sure at what time it was, I believe I died in my sleep, that is to say that I believe my heart stopped beating for a period of time. I believe this because I’ve read the books and have seen it on TV; you know what I’m talking about, the “Near Death Experience”. That is exactly what will make this event hard for anyone to believe, because we’ve all heard of it and each of the stories we’ve heard seems to always be the same story we’ve already heard before or read about, so it’s easy to doubt it, I know because I was always one of those doubters. It’s easy to say, well that was just a dream……..

I was suddenly in a black hole and a very narrow tunnel almost immediately began to take shape, my 1st initial feeling was very simple, it was one of just, W O W, this is really cool! At 1st, I thought oh right I’m sleeping so I must be dreaming, but then just saying that I realized this is not a dream, and this is more real than a dream, in fact, this entire experience was more than real, more real than if I were telling you this in person, I know that doesn’t make any since, but it’s the only way I can explain this.

This black hole started with a bright flash of light (more bright than I’ve ever seen) that rushed in from all around me, this light was so brilliant, but it didn’t hurt me to look at it, and then as fast as this light appeared it suddenly became just a pinpoint of light at the far end of what became a tunnel.

I started moving into and up the tunnel toward the brilliant light, and as I moved up the tunnel and toward the light it became brighter, the light gave me an overwhelming feeling of love, the light was a being I thought, it has to be a being because that light loves me, and as soon as I acknowledged that the light loved me it became abundantly clear to me that this light was Jesus, it was the Light Of Jesus Christ, and at that point the race was on, I moved faster and faster toward the light, I wanted to be with the light.

Suddenly, my Mother was with me (my Mom passed away in 2004), and then both my maternal and paternal grandparents as well as my father were all with me (all who have passed away). I have missed my Mother dearly, I used to call my Mom every single day of my life and I miss her and now all of a sudden here she was, I could see her as if you and I were sitting here in a room looking at one another, although it was even different than that, I have to say that it was like there was an added dimension to this “tunnel” and then even that doesn’t explain it good enough, and I know that makes no since, but it’s the best I can come up with with my limited use of the English language.

My Mother looked at me with great concern in her face, they all looked at me with this same look in their faces, my Mother spoke to me, and she was the only one of my family who spoke to me. My Mom said “Oh Rodney, you can’t be here, you’re not supposed to be here, you have to go back”. My Mom’s tone was that of one that I had heard many times before, but it was from a long time ago, from when I was a little boy, that was the tone that I recognized in her voice. I wasn’t doing something bad, it’s just that I felt my Mother was trying to advise me on how to do something and when not to do something and that this was not the time to be moving toward the “Light”, does that make any since?

I did not listen to my Mother, I moved faster and faster to the “Light”, Jesus. I wanted to be with Jesus, I wanted to meet Him, I was not scared, I was excited, I was as excited to meet Him as I was to see my Mom, so I moved faster and faster, all the while my Mother was trying to persuade me not to, and just about the time I was about to ask my Mother why I couldn’t be here, she suddenly moved back, they all moved back.

Tony Kraus was suddenly in front of me, with the same look on his face as everyone else, he was in between me and the “Light”, I wanted to grab him and hug him, but he grabbed me by my hands and I was halted in my quest to get to the “Light”. He was holding my hands and he said to me “Dude no, you can’t be here right now, you’re not supposed to be here right now, you have to go back”!

I awoke and practically jumped from my bed, I took my CPAP mask off without even un-hooking the strap, I set on the edge of my bed and said out loud, “WTF was that”! Within moments, my doorbell was ringing and I had company for coffee, I couldn’t focus on the conversation with my company, all I could do is think about my sleep experience. I knew it was not a dream, this was something more real than a dream, this was something more real than real.

My mind was racing a hundred miles an hour, I wanted to tell my friend Ed Kastelz who was right in front of me now in this world having coffee, I wanted to tell him, but I was afraid he would think I had completely went off the deep end or wonder what it was that I was smoking.
Ed didn’t stay long, one cup and he was out the door, and the minute he left I regretted not telling him. I did tell him the very next day, and he was the first person I told, and I’m very glad I did, he believed me and that gave me strength to tell others, not many, just a few. I’ve told family members and a few close personal friends.

I couldn’t wait to tell Tony’s Mother, but yet on the other hand, for me, Yolanda was the most difficult to tell this too, I wanted to tell her so she would know Tony was safe and Ok, but on the other hand, her heart aches for her son Tony and the last thing I would ever want to do is to add pain unto pain, plus how safe is it to tell someone this, I mean it sounds like Rod has lost his mind doesn’t it?

I have been very careful who I’ve told my story too, for fear of ridicule, but today I was asked by Tony’s Mom whether or not I had written my experience down, this made me realize that today shouldn’t just mark the anniversary of an extremely heart breaking experience for those of us who loved Tony Kraus, this day should also be a day that we tell others why Tony is so missed, what a great kid he was. Tony died, Yolanda lost her son, Chase Anthony lost his Dad, and I’m worried someone won’t believe me or they’ll think I’m nuts? Who cares!

Let me tell you what I believe, I believe my heart stopped beating while I was asleep, and I believe that Tony Kraus started my heart beating again when he grabbed me by my hands, I believe I began a journey in the “tunnel” to another world, I believe Tony was asked by God to stop me from completing the journey, and that’s exactly how I felt when Tony took my hands.

I even reported this to a medical doctor a few weeks after I first started seeing her which was on July 28, 2008 (2-days after I died). She too believed me, this Dr. had informed me the week after I died that my heart was enlarged and really weak, (info gathered from chest x-rays, EKG’s and some other ECG something or another) and that I had a lot of fluid around my heart causing me to be extremely short of breath (not my asthma as I suspected). When I told my Dr that I believed that my heart stopped beating in my sleep, she was not surprised and said, “I believe that, it happens all the time, especially when someone is in the condition you were in when you first walked in here”.

My experience took place in my sleep on a Friday night/Saturday morning. That Monday, I quit smoking and anyone who knows me, knows how hard that should have been for me. Also that Monday, I did my first walk, it was 250 yards round trip and I couldn’t breathe. Wednesday of that week I saw my Doctor at the Born Clinic, this is when she ordered all the testing.
The Born Clinic is a preventative health care clinic, it’s where Muhammad Ali has gone for years for the controversial medical treatment called Chelation, an IV of a cocktail of drugs and peroxide, this cocktail is called EDTA. Chelation was used in the 50’s to cure lead poisoning, and many believe it helps diabetics by improving circulation, it removes plaque from the walls of arteries around the heart thus reversing coronary artery disease and in short many believe it’s like giving the body a tune up or an oil change.

Today, five weeks later and on the anniversary of Tony’s tragic death, I walked my usual 3 mile walk this morning, and tonight I rode my bike 5 miles further than my normal nightly 6 mile trip, I did this by riding to Tony’s grave and back for a round trip total of 11 miles. I rode to Tony’s grave to thank him for saving my life, and for turning me back in the “Tunnel” and making me realize it was not my time that night, I went there to show him that I heard him, and I’m not wasting the opportunity. I have lost 15 lbs. and remain on a great diet, I have not smoked and have my blood sugar under control, and I wanted him to know that I made up my mind once and for all that “I choose Life”.

I share my story not only because I am proud of my accomplishments, but I want people to know the good about Tony Kraus, he wasn’t just a great kid who had struggles with drugs and overcome addiction, he was a person who loved you back, if you loved Tony, he loved you back and would do anything for you, I will never forget the day he told me that he wished he could buy his Mom a spa and that someday he would, he immediately started working me for the best price he could get for his Mom, this still makes me smile. J

If Tony could do something that could help you out he did it, we would set on the deck and he would get up and light my tikki torches and every time he would say, I guess I gotta light these things again, am I the only one who fills these things, it seems like every time I have to light them the dam things are empty”. He would say this every time, LOL, he knew I loved those torches!

Tony helped me out on July 26, 2008, he set me on a course to make changes, I am on a mission to live as long as I can, and my life will be that of a healthy man. I’m not sure why that night was not my time, and maybe tomorrow will be, I just know that night wasn’t and my own Mother couldn’t make me understand that, but Tony Kraus did and I am very thankful for a second chance!!!!
Spread the news, "Even If You Die, You Live"

I MIS YOU BIG BOY

2007-09-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

This is Tony Kraus on August 31, 2007, just two days later, on September 2, 2007, he was killed in an auto accident. I'm both broken hearted and devastated, I've been on my knee's for nearly two weeks. I have never been stricken with such grief in all my life, and I never realized just how much the young man in the picture meant to me.

I know in my heart and mind that he's in a better place now, but I still can't shake it, it makes no since at this time, but I also know at some point it will become crystal clear.

This was my Eulogy to Tony's family and friends at his funeral, I tried to shed a little light on who this kid was, the Eulogy falls far short of the whole story;

Yolanda, Jeff and Terry, and all of Tony’s family, your since of loss is absolutely unimaginable, I’m sure of that! But take comfort in the fact that Tony was a really remarkable man.

I have known Tony since he was 14 or 15 years old, I met him thru my kids, and once I did, I knew I wanted him a part of their lives and mine, and he was, I’m so grateful for that! Thanks for sharing him.

Tony was electrifying and always filled a room with his exuberance. You just always wanted Tony to be around! Tony loved many and many loved Tony. Tony fit everywhere and with everyone, both young and old, he was a precious soul, he was thoughtful, kind, respectful and had a great since of honor (Good job Yolanda)

Like many of us he made mistakes, but unlike so many his age, he was able to persevere and step up to the plate, like a real man. Tony not only admitted his mistakes, but did his utmost to correct them and to make amends.

I know if Tony is listening right now and I were to say to him something like “now Tony why is that, why are so strong this way” he would say something like “ it’s cause I’m Mexican”!

Last Saturday I was one of the luckiest people on the planet. You see I spent some of Tony’s last hours with him. My granddaughter Cyanna and I picked Tony and Chase up and made a trip to Chuckie Cheeses, after 1 quick ride together in a 4x4 kiddy ride there were only three smiling faces and none of them were Cyanna’s, This thing was rockin Chase right out of his socks, Cyanna was jumping out of the ride and Chase (the driver) was ear to ear smile, I looked at Tony and he too was ear to ear grin as well and cheering Chase on, “Go buddy go”

Chase and Tony quickly dumped the old guy and the girl and were off on their own. Cyanna and I were doing girl things but as we searched around and around for more calmer things to do we would watch Tony and Chase, they were doing all the rough rides, but when it got right down to it, Tony ultimately had Chase playing games, mostly the ones where two players could play, I want everyone to know and understand of the joy and the happiness I saw in Tony’s face that day, that child was Tony’s new world and Tony was a great dad, and he knew it!

A few weeks ago I had customers in from Norway and Arizona, we had a couple of my good friends and sales reps in as well, but I had one last minute cancellation. This was too bad to because I mean we had a big day planned, we had a Limousine lined up, taking us to Tiger Stadium, Greek Town and then a Dave Matthews Band concert to end the night. Guess who was with me when I got the cancellation? Yep Tony was right there and said “I can go”. Now I had to think real fast because after all these were a couple of my biggest customers, I said “Tony, I don’t know dude, these are some of my biggest hitters” and then I stopped and said to myself, wait a minute this is Kraus, he’ll own em and he will represent himself and Viking Spas well, and DID HE EVER!

I have spoken to all of the out of town guest that rode in that Limo with Tony that night, and informed them of what has happened to Tony, and every single one of them had a story to tell me about Tony and the impression he had made on them, there were 13 of us total, but Tony sought them out, made his rounds and made friends that quickly with some of the most successful people in the pool and spa industry, I know reps in the business 20yrs that can’t do that.

All of these successful business people had one thing in common to say about their new friend Tony, and it came from every one of them, they all said how proud Tony was of his son Chase, everyone in that Limo saw a picture of Chase Anthony that night.

Tony was supposed to go to Church with me last Sunday morning, he was going to meet the Religious Education Director at my parish because he had made the decision to make his 1st Holy Communion and his Confirmation, I know he wants’ everyone here to know that, I had forgotten but I suddenly realized how important it was to him and how serious he was when he left me that night and in shaking my hand he said, I’ll see ya for church right? I said oh that’s right; just make sure you’re up in the morning big boy, he said, “I will be”.

I, along with everyone else who knew Tony will miss him greatly, but I am comforted by the thought that he was looking to make a bigger commitment to God, he had the intent before God took him home, I know it my heart, I feel it, he’s there, probably cutting a deal for Chase to be able to live long and prosper.
Tony, I love you, thanks for being my friend!

Since the funeral, I've tried to stay busy. I am posting the following in the interest of explaining what it is I've actually been up to. Sometime this week we will have http://www.tonykraus.com/ up and running. We've started a trust fund for Tony's 31/2 yr old son Chase. Also this week we will begin selling raffle tickets for the "TK Christmas 2007 Raffle", you will actually be able to purchase raffle tickets online at his website, for the chance to win some really fabulous prizes. I'll keep you updated on the progress of the site......

Dear Potential Raffle Ticket Purchaser,

On September 2, 2007 Anthony “Tony” Kraus of Grand Rapids Michigan, was tragically killed in an auto accident. Tony was a loving and dedicated father just 23 yrs old, and his son Chase was Tony’s whole world and visa versa. The Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund is an irrevocable trust that has been established for the sole benefit of Tony’s 3 1/2 yr old son Chase Anthony, who without his father’s support needs your help. Our main goal is to help with Chase’s health, education and welfare, your generous contribution and big heart, insures that security for this innocent young boy’s future needs.

In addition, your purchase of each ticket enters you in the “TK 2007 Christmas Raffle” drawing to be held December 24, 2007, with a chance to win one of the fabulous leisure products listed below from the spa and hot tub industry, and with only 5000 tickets sold, your odd’s are a whole lot smarter than any other gamble I can think of.

Ticket costs are $25.00 each, every ticket purchased is another entry, all proceeds from this raffle will be deposited into the Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund, this money will be invested over the next 14 plus years by a Financial Advisor named, Ronald Monchilov. Tony's Mother Yolanda Freeman has been appointed Trustee.

Your check is more than welcome, please make payable to Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund

Tony Kraus Memorial Trust Fund, “TK Christmas 2007 Raffle”
1st Prize: Viking Supreme Spa-Viking Spas
2nd Prize: DynaQ Outdoor Kitchen Island & BBQ Grill-Dynasty Spas
3rd Prize: Cannon Pool Table-Taylor Hayes
4th Prize: 2-Person Infrared Sauna-Watson’s of Indianapolis
5th Prize: USB Tanning Bed-Watson’s of Nashville
6th Prize: Bow Flex Treadmill-Watson’s of Cincinnati

In the unique and sincere form that Tony had when expressing his gratitude,
“Thank you, So So much for helping me. Dude you have no idea how much this means to me”!

MAYBE I'LL COME BACK

2007-08-06T22:28:00.000-05:00

I've been on a bit of a vacation of sorts, not a real vacation, but a vacation from the blogesphere. I'm not sure what happened, I think I blog over loaded. I've even stopped watching the television news channels and listening to the news channels on my XM radio. I'm serious when I say I may have over loaded. I down right got tired of the current world events, maybe even a bit frightened by what I was watching, listening to and writing about. I think when you are paying such close attention to world events as I was, and then even writing about them, you ultimately and even unwillingly get pretty wrapped up in it and it can be a bit overwhelming. After all, I do have a real job that keeps me really busy, especially in the summer months.

I've had a pretty scary medical issue since my last post on June 2nd. I had what they call a TIA or Transient Aschemic Attack. This is a "Mini Stroke", a blood clot that passes thru the brain, but the body eradicates the clot within seconds or sometimes minutes, thus leaving you no long term symptoms or effects. In most cases all symptoms are gone within a few hours to 24 hours. In my case, all symptoms were gone within 3 1/2 hours.

This was probably one of the most surreal moments in my life. I couldn't move my left side for a few seconds and everything on my left side went limp, I knew it was a stroke and was terrified, I said "No, please God not right now", and than my mind went blank and I mean blank, I remember getting out of my chair from a high table and grabbing the table with all my might with my right arm, because I had nothing on the left side. My next memory is my friend walking me to a booth in the restaurant and he was asking me if I was OK and should he call an ambulance, I remember the terror in his 20 something face and I didn't want to scare him anymore than I already did, but I said, " no, I'm not OK, get the car, your driving me". The waitress watched this and she too was at the booth and asking if I needed an ambulance, I said " no honey, just give me the bill, my friends going to drive me".

The test were immediate at the ER, results on the other hand trickled in, I prayed the Rosary and truly expected the BIG one was yet to come, I asked God that if I was to have another one and it was going to leave me a vegetable, to just take me home. I asked the Blessed Mother of God to intervene and ask God to spare me and my family of a possible vegetative state of mind and please bring me home!

I thought of my kid's and how this was going to effect them and this terrified me the most! My grand daughters would never remember me and I would not get to see them grow up and have kids of thier own. My sudden death or disability would devastate them! I thought of my Siblings and how long it's been since I've seen them and suddenly began to feel a sense of regret for this.

The Doctors informed me of the "TIA, or mini stroke", and I remember thinking, well, mini stroke sure sounds better than a regular stoke, I asked God to let it pass, and he did. In retrospect, I believe God took over in the restaurant. In my family, blood clots don't disappear on their own. Jesus said that our Father knows what we are about to ask even before we ask, he also said that our Father will give to you what you ask for, " ask and you shall receive", I asked at the "moment" in the restaurant and He gave me what I asked! Thank you God, I love you! Please let me do better for you!

Shoe Bomber

2007-06-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

Sentence of Reid
Remember this ass hole? The guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and tried to light it?
Did you know his trial is over? Did you know he was sentenced? Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV or Radio?

Didn't think so. Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.

Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.

Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say. His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stating, "I think I will not apologize for my actions," and told the court "I am at war with your country."

Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:

January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid. Judge Young:

"Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you.

On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That's 80 years.)

On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines.

The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment.
The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further.

This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.

Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice.

You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier. You are not----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.

So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: "You're no big deal."

You are no big deal.

What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today?

I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.

It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.

We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bare any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.

Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.

See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America . That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.

Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.

So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets? We need more judges like Judge Young, but that's another subject. Pass this around. Everyone sh ould and needs to hear what this fine judge had to say. Powerful words that strike home. God bless America

Please forward this http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/06/shoe-bomber.html so every American has a chance to read it

I'm Back!

2007-06-01T20:18:00.000-05:00

I've been on a nationwide tour of my dealers for the last three and half weeks, whew, long time to live in hotels. all the entertaining/partying takes it's toll, but now I'm home and it's time to get on with the hot issues of the day. I had my laptop computer with me and sat in front of it on many occasions trying to formulate my thoughts, but by the end of each day I was either too drunk or too tired, but that was than and this is now and after a 7900 mile drive, I've had plenty of think time, so get ready, I've got some new idea's to keep you coming back!

What's up with the dude with this freaky rare TB? We're now in a he said she said battle of words, with the CDC telling the world they told the dude not to travel because this form of TB is highly contagious, and now the man does an interview with Good Morning America, pretty riveting I might add, I mean this guy was pretty convincing when he said the CDC told him he was not contagious, and they gave him a wink and a nod and told him he the only reason they were telling him not to travel, was just policy and covering there ass! I really feel kind of bad for this guy, he has a small child and was getting married, would he really have wanted to expose them if he truly believed he was contagious?

What else is happening? Oh yeah, Paris Hilton is on her way to serve the sentence that was cut in half because everyone was feeling sorry for her. The 45 days in jail will now be 22 1/2 days, huh? That wouldn't happen to you or me, we would be parked for the full 45 days or more!

Who the hell is Lindsey? I can't write about her escapades because I don't know who the hell she is. All I know about her, is that her Mom is hot and loves to party with the kids, anyone want to help me out here? I guess I should ask my 12 year old nephew, I bet he knows who she is!

America picked the newest idol while I was on the road, it boiled down to Blake and Jordon. I got to watch that Tuesday, and when it was done, I knew I didn't have to watch the results on Wednesday, because that good looking 17 year old nailed it and spanked Blake right out of the competition. She will be BIG!

I got the chance to eat a lot of BBQ on the road, and being 345lbs., you know I know my BBQ. While criss crossing the country, I had the idea to blog about the countries BBQ capitols, Carolina's, Texas, KC and Tennessee. Look for my up coming judging of these BBQ regions and see who wins it hands down, know where to find the countries best!. I'll share details of the actual meals, and remember, when ever I'm in an area, my mother didn't raise no fool, I always get the locals favorite restaurants. Until than, I leave you with this hysterical clip from Fox' Half Hour News Hour, Oxy Clinton, the new drug.......Y

GET THE BOOK ON HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BBQ AND THAN TAKE IT FROM THE BIG MAN, A REAL AMERICAN BBQ EATER, I'LL TELL YA WHERE TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE COOK IT FOR YOU....

RUDI ON ABORTION, WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

2007-05-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

I have recenley heard some pundents, Democrat's and Republican's alike, commenting that the Republican's need to get it together, stop bickering over the little issues such as thier position on abortion.

I think, pretty much all of the Republican candidates have flip floped on this issue, with the exception of maybe McCain, http://www.johnmccain.com/landing/?sid=google&CMP=KNC-RU9055186769 nding/?sid=google&CM P=KNC-RU9055186769 NC-RU9055186769 of course he is a bit wishie washie on his support of the Bush administration, and that's always bugged me, because as I've said before on this blog, that if American's would get behind Bush, the war on terror would be won very swiftly with the might of the American will and resolve!

The people are afraid of Mitt Romney for a couple reasons, first is his Religieon, he's a Morman, I fail to see how that will ruin the country. He believes in God and His only Son Jesus Christ. Mitt too has flip floped on the issue of abortion, but, has fliped to the side of the un-born child, now this is the right flip is it not? His record in Massechussets prooves it. http://www.mittromney.com/Learn-About-Mitt/index

Rudi Giuliani http://www.joinrudy2008.com/forbes.html?gclid=CJKEnPmIjIwCFRlmWAod12FqBw has flip floped many times on the issue and has finally, in the heat of the national spotlight, had to admit that he is a true believer in the womans right to choice, although he would urge any woman to consider adoption, because he doesn't support abortions. That is code for I'm really fishing for votes from all sides! Face it Rudi was elected mayor in one of the most Liberal cities on the planet, it's true he fought the high rate of crime and won, he was an outstanding leader in the city of New York after 9/11, but the issue of Abortion, http://www.unclejoes.com/how_many_babies.htm is not little, it is our responsibility as citizens of the world to protect God's greatest gift, if a person does not understand, or even if they do understand the moral sacrifice they are making when having an abortion, and the fact that they are killing a gift from God, then we must make the law of the land to save the child!

Ronald Reagan flip floped and came down on the side of life, something other than politics changes these men as they grow in thier political careers, I don't know what made Reagan change his mind, just like I don't know why Romney changed his. I've heard Romney say that it was a family decision, he talked it over with his family before making the change, maybe it was the guidence they recieved from God himself as they turned to Him during thier political careers.

Republican's do need to step up in this election, they need to challenge one another on this issue, make each other make a final declaration and than move on! They must stop Hillary and Obama before Americans are bamboozeled into following them into the next election. I still believe that if former Senator Fred Thompson http://draftfredthompson.com/ get's in, he will win by a landslide, he's a hard core Reaganite that will inspire the consrvatives to put him in the oval office!

IRS SMACK DOWN

2007-05-06T18:10:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a colonoscopy? I have, and I got to tell you that believe it or not there is something far worse than a simple routine instrument being run up your ass for a look see! That's right, if you guessed from the title that I may have run into a little trouble, your right! I've recently got frozen by the IRS. I had a business that I closed up in the late 90's and when I did, I still had a couple, well shall I say, issues. I had a tax due from December 1997 of $8800 that I let fester and just months away from the statute of limitations the Gestapo, I mean the Internal Revenue Service Levied my wages, bank accounts and slapped a lien on my American dream. I'm frozen, unable to move, literally. The tax is now $17,168, I've always felt guilty about my unpaid debt to uncle Sam, but 50% interest and no negotiating, come on. Plus, have you ever stooped to think of the taxes we all pay, take a look at the following, I guess I don't feel as bad as I did after thinking this one over, Enough is enough! But than again, don't f... with the bull, he may turn and horn you......Y

Tax his land, Tax his bed,
Tax the table at which he's fed.

Tax his tractor, Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes are the rule.

Tax his cow, Tax his goat,
Tax his pants, Tax his coat.

Tax his ties, Tax his shirt,
Tax his work, Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his cigars, Tax his beers,
If he cries then Tax his tears.

Tax his car, Tax his gas,
Find other ways to tax his ass.

Tax all he has then let him know
you won't be done till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers, then tax him some more,
Tax him till he's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin, Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he's laid.

Put these words upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me to my doom..."

When he's gone, do not relax,
It's time to apply the Inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest expense
Inventory tax
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
And our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class
In the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
And I still have to "press 1" for English?

American Idol Results

2007-05-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

I have not wanted to say it, I have tried to look on the bright side of this years American Idol, but it's really starting to bite. Early on Randy Jackson on a couple different ocassions said "There is no clear front runner", Maybe he was really saying, "Dawg, this year sucks". Howard Stern and his wacky web site to vote for the worst may really have screwed things up, I mean, some really talented people were voted off the show all the while Sanjaya moved on from week to week, bizzare. At any rate, Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey are gone and now there are 4. The B-Bopper Blake Lewis, the beautiful 17 year old Jordan Sparks, the Cindeerella of Flint Michigan, Lakisha Jones and the always the back up singer Malinda Dolittle will battle it out to be the next American Idol.........Y

http://www.americanidol.com

American Idol Elimination Night

2007-05-02T15:58:00.000-05:00

Which two are going to get the boot tonight? My understanding is that American Idol will take the two lowest scores from two weeks in a row and boot the two tonight. Now if you think Jordan Sparks had the lowest last night, I say she had the highest last week, so she can't go! Can she? I was never good at math, all I know is that either her or Malinda Dolittle will most likley be # 1 & #2, but stay tuned, I'll post tonight after the results.....Y
http://www.americanidol.com

Bon Jovi and Top 6 This Week, Simon Kisses Lakisha, WOW, What A Night!

2007-05-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

The pressure mounts this week, as our votes will be sending TWO Idols packin. This was also be a BIG Rock night as Jon Bon Jovi mentored the remaining six contestants, and tomorrow night is the big double vote-off as Idol will reveal the Top 4...Ooooo this is exciting....

Phil Stacey opened the show and rocked the house, Randy said it was Phil's personal best this season, Paula said it was the best of all openers of this season and of course Simon said he sucked and didn't do enough to make it thru to next week!

Next came Jordan Sparks with Livin on a Prayer, I say so so, Randy said versues were rough and it wasn't your best, Paula said you went for it, your hot and your out there, Simon said Jordan's outfit was like something out of the Adams Family, and the singing was out of control and on the verge of shrieking, it was terible. I hate to agree, but I do, and it's a bummer, because I think she could win it all if she makes it thru to next week.

Lakisha put the usual black soul on the classic Bon Jovi song "This ain't a Love Song", Jon Bon Jovi said he's not a bettin man, but he'd "bet she isn't going home this week singing this song". I agree, she NAILED it, Randy was over joyed, Paula said you gave everyone a little sumin sumin, and low and behold Simon got up and kissed her! Ooo caca!

Blake Lewis takes a risk on a classic and makes "You Give Love A Bad Name" his own bee bop sound. Bon Jovi told him it was a gamble, he'd have to sell a song that was loved by millions and sell his own version, I feel he lost the gamble, but Randy said the most original version ever on American Idol, a big leap of faith and he won it. Palua says it was amazing and Simon said half will love it and half will hate it, Simon said this was very brave and it will keep you in the competition next week.

Next to last comes Chris Richardson who was shakey last week but had big balls tonight and steped up and did the same song Chris Daughtry did last year, Wanted Dead Or Alive, and NAILED IT BIG TIME, Bon Jovi told him to step up and sell it to America, and I think he did just that. Randy said he was worried for him but he did it nice and he liked it, Paula was on her feet and said what a great night, Simon said you did is much as you could do because this isn't your style, and weather you did enough to stay til next week he's not sure!

Last and never least and closing the show was Malinda doing one of Bon Jovi's newest, Have A Nice Day, Jon told her when they were finished that she just joined the band, what a compliment. She rocked tonight, she may win it all. Randy said it wasn't her best, but it was good, Paula said it was great and asked how does it feel to be a Rock Star, Simon said he didn't know the song, but he loved the Tina Turner spin she put on it!
http://www.americanidol.com/

This Is Justice????

2007-04-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

by Rush Limbaugh:

I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11 casualty, and those who die serving our country in Uniform, are profound. No one is really talking about it either; because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers just pass by; because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement
mentality of this country.

If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.......However; if you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a big $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.

Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.

Keep in mind that some of the people who are getting an average of $1185 million up to $4.7 million are complaining that it's not enough. Their deaths were tragic, but for most, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. But our military men allow themselves to be put in harm's way FOR ALL OF US , and they and their families know the dangers.... ( a willing sacrifice....)

We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11 families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation, as well.

You do see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over 50 years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad. Every time a pay raise comes up for the military, they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in combat in the Middle East, while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low-rent housing . Make any sense?

However, our own Congress voted themselves a raise. Many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month! ( And most are now equal to being millionaires plus.) They do not receive Social Security on retirement, because they didn't have to pay into the system. If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7, they may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, while the very people who placed them in harm's way receives a pension of $15,000 per month …….I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks, before they start cutting out more benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting!

When do we finally do something about this? If this doesn't seem fair to you, it is time to forward this to as many people as you can. How many people CAN YOU send this to? And How many,WILL YOU?
COPY, CUT, PASTE AND SEND http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/04/this-is-justice.html

SANJAYA-MALAKAR, DOES DAVID LETTERMAN TOP TEN

2007-04-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

Un-Believable. He's back. One thing you can say about Sanjaya is that he is resilient!

Alec Baldwin Leaves Violent Voice Mail For Daughter

2007-04-21T21:16:00.000-05:00

Narcissistic infantile dumb ass! You see Alec, I can call names too, the only difference is that were both adults, and we can handle this tone and language. This guy doesn't even know how old his daughter is, if you listen and analyze, it really doesn't matter to him, he just doesn't care, it's all about him, not the poor little girl who had to listen to his tirade. I don't know, on the one hand, I think this tone and language is mild, but the only thing I have to compare it to is my dad, and he would have made Alec Baldwin sound like Mr. Rogers. I can't believe the amount of people going after the story of "who released the recording to the media". What does that mean? Kim Bassinger is a bad Mom for exposing Baldwin? The man is threatening his daughter, "I'm going to fly up there and straighten you out, your going to understand how angry I am, you've done this for the last time". I think the man's out of control, I think his threats should be taken serious in light of this weeks events at VT. If this were anyone else, we would be under investigation for child abuse, the police would at the very least question the person making the threats, I hope Baldwin has to face the questioning of the police, maybe he'll learn how to talk to his young daughter, maybe he'll realize that his divorce from Kim Bassinger doesn't just effect him, it effects the child even more.......Y

Virginia Tech Massacre

2007-04-19T21:46:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of a very disturbed individual. I am not going to even identify him by name, I almost didn't include this picture, because that's what this evil SOB wanted, fame. He is the killer of 32 innocent victims on the campus of Virginia Tech, a campus where young men and women have gone to better their life and fill their minds with information and knowledge, that's all they wanted. They wanted to have the college experience, the college years, the time of their life while building their future, and this little evil bastard stole it from them.

People are tempted by evil, the evil one, the devil, call it what you will, but every person has a choice, and this weak pussy chose the devil. Look at his face, listen to him on television in his so called manifesto, he's not nuts, he's not incoherent, he knew exactly what he was doing, he is just pure evil!

Reports from the university say that more than one professor wanted this guy out of their class room, one professor even threaten to quit if the administration didn't remove the student from their class. This dude roomed in a suite with two other students and never spoke one word to them in nine months, shouldn't the University recognized this guy as a threat to others?

I am a Conservative Republican, I do not want to tear up the constitution, but their is something wrong with this guy being able to buy a gun over the Internet, and then another 2 days later at a gun shop near the campus in a matter of ten minutes. You have to wait in line at K-mart longer than that to buy chewing gum! There is documentation that this guy got into trouble for stalking two different girls and a court said he was a danger to himself and others. Changes have to be made, and I hate it, but guys like this are ruining it for the rest of us responsible gun owners.

Along with a better reporting system for cook coo's like this, we should arm the campus ROTC guys, let them take guys like this down before they can ruin the lives and break the hearts of so many.....Y

Sanjaya Eliminated

2007-04-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sanjaya is gone! America finally gets it right, or enough people decided to put an end to the idiotic and malicious efforts by Howard Stern to screw up the show by getting people to vote for the worst contestant. Tuesday nights American Idol beat all voting records with over 39 million, and Sanjaya got the boot.

Ryan Seacrest kept it suspenseful, with breaks and a awesome performance by Martina McBride. Seacrest broke the 7 into two groups of three with Blake, Lakisha and Sanjaya in one group, Jordan, Chris, and Phil in another, he brought Melinda Dolittle in the middle, Ryan announced right away that she was safe, then asked her to pick the group she thought had the least amount of votes, she refused and sat right down on the middle of the stage. Simon made the comment that he thought something good was coming, smiling Simon did not hide the fact that he thought Sanjaya was headed home. Finally the announcement came, and Sanjaya was sent packing.

Tuesday night, after criticizing Chris Richardson, Simon got into a little trouble when he was caught on camera rolling his eyes while Chris Richardson was expressing his support for the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy, but tonight it was explained and video clips were shown of Simon and Paula talking to each other while Chris was speaking and Simon didn't hear him, Simon was rolling his eyes over what Paula was saying, not over the VT comments of Chris, you may not like Simon, and he may be an ass sometimes, but he is not dumb or that cold hearted for that matter, so let's keep that story straight! Y

USA Today 25 Most Memorable Books

2007-04-14T05:57:00.000-05:00

25 Most Memorable
USA Today

25 Books that leave a legacyBooks tell a story about our reading preferences, certainly, but also about what's happening in our world. USA TODAY's book editors and critics chose 25 titles that made an impact on readers and the publishing industry over the past quarter-century. If your choices differ, let us know at usatoday.com. We'll post your picks.

#1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneBy J.K. Rowling (1998)Midnight book parties, all-night readathons, overnight deliveries: A boy wizard named Harry got kids (and adults) thinking that reading was cool. And mega sales of the magical series redefined what it meant to be a best seller.

#2 The Deep End of the Ocean By Jacquelyn Mitchard (1996)What was America reading? Whatever Oprah Winfrey was reading. The talk-show host became a publishing powerhouse on Sept. 17, 1996, when she made Mitchard s novel her first book club pick. All 57 selections have been instant smash hits.

#3 The Da Vinci Code By Dan Brown (2003)The religious thriller about Jesus s love affair with Mary Magdalene became the fastest-selling adult novel in the history of publishing with 75 million copies in print worldwide. It drew a warning from the Vatican and spawned months of water-cooler debates, a movie, countless Code wannabes and an entire travel industry.

#4 The 911 Commission Report By the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (2004) Praised for its riveting depiction of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, this is the only government report ever nominated for the National Book Award. First-day sales pushed the $10 report to the No. 1 spot on USA TODAY s Best Selling Books list.

#5 Chicken Soup for the SoulBy Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield (1993)Comfort food for readers, the Chicken Soup books, which told short, bright stories about overcoming adversity, quickly became a franchise. The 144 titles now in the series are geared to teens, single parents, even NASCAR fans.

#6 Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus By John Gray (1992)We always knew men and women were from different planets. Gray explained why (women like to talk, men don't), and the Mars/Venus image seeped into the lexicon.

#7 Dr. Atkins' New Diet RevolutionBy Robert C. Atkins (1992)Dr. Atkins ignited the low-carb craze, the reigning diet of the '90s. Bread and pasta were out, and high protein was in.

#8 And the Band Played OnBy Randy Shilts (1987)Shilts, a reporter at The San Francisco Chronicle who would die of AIDS in 1994, helped wake up the USA to the emerging AIDS epidemic. His book was the first definitive analysis of the medical, cultural and political! dimensions and was written with the power and sweep of a novel.

#9 BelovedBy Toni Morrison (1987)Morrison s masterpiece about an escaped slave who kills her baby to save the child from slavery won the Pulitzer and propelled her to the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. She is the last American to win it. In a 2006 poll of writers byThe New York Times Book Review, Beloved was named the best American novel of the past 25 years.

#10 The Greatest Generation By Tom Brokaw (1998)The former NBC anchor popularized the expression greatest generation when he paid tribute to boomers parents with stories about men and women who survived the Great Depression and fought in World War II.

#11 Bridget Jones's DiaryBy Helen Fielding (1998)Singletons, smug marrieds, v.v.. funny diary observations: This British import set the stage for a flood of chick-lit novels, from The Nanny Diaries to The Devil Wears Prada.

#12 Left BehindBy Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (1995)The first in the fictional apocalyptic series about the Rapture clicked with evangelicals and then found a wider audience. Fifteen books about the end of the world followed with titles such as Armageddon and Glorious Appearing. The series wrapped up with a bang on April 3 with Kingdom Come.

#13 The Purpose Driven Life By Rick Warren (2003)Everyone has a purpose in God s plan, according to this Christian devotional guide. Sales surged in 2005 when an Atlanta woman used the book s teachings to persuade a murder suspect who took her hostage to turn himself in.

#14 Fast Food NationBy Eric Schlosser (2001)This expos of fast-food restaurants and meatpacking plants earned comparisons to Upton Sinclair s 1906 classic The Jungle. The book helped transform the American diet as we were reminded we are what we eat.

#15 The Satanic VersesBy Salman Rushdie (1989)Riots and political uproar on three continents greeted the publication of the Indian-born writer s novel of good and evil. Fundamentalist Muslims called it blasphemous, and the Iranian Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa (death sentence) on Rushdie.

#16 The Closing of the American Mind By Allan Bloom (1987)The conservative scholar s attack on the shortcomings of colleges and liberal professors provoked an intense debate as well as self-criticism on campuses across the USA.

#17 The Bonfire of the VanitiesBy Tom Wolfe (1987)Wolfe's first novel captured the Wall Street greed of the 80s better than any non-fiction. It vividly illustrated the growing gap between the haves and have-nots in American cities.

#18 The Joy Luck ClubBy Amy Tan (1989)In 1949 San Francisco, four Chinese women gathered to play mahjong and forget the pain of the past. Tan, daughter of Chinese immigrants, created a debut novel out of this fresh material and launched a wave of immigrant literature.

#19 What To Expect When You're ExpectingBy Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg and Sandee Hathaway (1984)Boomer parents ditched Dr. Spock in favor of this accessible baby guide. The eight books in the series span toddlers to baby-sitters

#20 A Brief History of TimeBy Stephen Hawking (1988)Theoretical physics suddenly was sexy thanks to a wheelchair-bound Cambridge University professor (he has Lou Gehrig'sdisease). Hawking explained black holes and the Big Bang theory for the rest of us.

#21 Iacocca By Lee Iacocca (1984)The Chrysler chairman's autobiography rolled off the assembly line and found eager buyers, proving a business memoir could be a hit.

#22 Waiting to ExhaleBy Terry McMillan (1992)With her profane, sassy voice, Terry McMillan s groundbreaking novel about black women looking for satisfying relationships was a wake-up call for the publishing industry. Readers of all races were hungry for entertaining stories about African-Americans.

#23 Cold MountainBy Charles Frazier (1997)The Civil War saga got millions of readers talking about a literary novel. It was a rarity: a debut novel by an unknown writer that was both a critical and commercial hit.

#24 BacklashBy Susan Faludi (1991)Faludi, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, took on the media, Hollywood and anti-feminist propaganda as she examined the backlash that developed in the 1980s against successful women.

#25 Final ExitBy Derek Humphry (1991)The topic of assisted suicide exploded in controversy in the 90s, thanks to Michigan pathologist Jack Kevorkian and his suicide machine and this how-to manual by an English journalist who helped his cancer-stricken first wife kill herself.

Don Immus, Racist Comments?

2007-04-10T19:52:00.000-05:00

I previously posted an article on the Imus situation http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/04/imus-comments-on-rutgers-women.html and I was WRONG in my opinion that Imus should be fired. Don't mis understand me, I do not like Don Imus, I don't like his left wing loony views, I don't like his brand of humor and I can't stand his voice on the air. Having said this, I was cold hearted when I jumped on the band wagon to have him fired from MSNBC after his comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team. After careful analysis and a sleepless night, I have to ask the question. Is saying "nappy headed ho" racial? If nappy headed comes from the slave era get out of my site, I'm tired of hearing it. My brothers, sister and I were slaves to my father, he whipped us like the slaves were whipped, he worked us like slaves and slapped my Mom around like she was the family dog. But, that was then and this is now, I've forgiven him and moved on, MOVED ON is the key word here.

I could not ask for special treatment because of something that happened to my ancestors over 200 years ago. Don Imus' comments were wrong, mean spirited and ignorant, but I don't believe they were because the old man is a racist. I think the 70 something dude was trying to be cool or hip, by using the words that younger people use all the time, which I will talk about in a minute.

Have you noticed who's leading the charge to have Imus fired? Yep, it's the usual black civil rights leaders, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Both of whom have made racist comments in the past. Sharpton has yet to even apologize for the famous rape case of Tawana Brawley, who accused white boy Steven Bagaonas of viciously and brutally raping and beating her. Reverend Sharpton raced to her defence and called that cracker to task, only to have Tawana later recant her entire story and admit he never touched her.

And then there was that Central Park jogger who was accusing a black man of raping her in the park and Sharpton said she was a liar and her white boyfriend did it. Al Sharpton referred to Jews as Diamond Merchants and white interlopers, he just continually gets a pass. No one has ever asked him to step aside from his position as a civil rights leader, no one has ever suggested he be fired from his radio show.

This is all a double standard, it's OK for blacks to refer to whites in any manner they feel like, but it's not OK for whites to do the same. Powerful House democratic leader Charlie Rangle once said that the "congress was no longer calling anybody Spics and Niggers, they are now saying let's cut taxes". if that's not a racial comment then there is no such thing as racism. Why is it OK for Record companies to allow black rappers to record offensive music with words like kill the police, nigga's, ho's, crackers, music that just plan gives you a head ache? Is it because of the power of the black producers? Why don't we demand they be fired?

Racism is real, it exist everywhere, but going after a 70 something year old man who has been in radio for 40 years and most of that as a "shock jock" is not going to end racism. All the firing of Imus will do is take away his freedom of speech. The man's apologized so much it's getting ridiculous. I watched the apology in greater detail on television, I believed the man when he said he is not a racist.

I remember a rare occasion of watching Imus In The Morning, it was right after Katrina hit New Orleans. Imus was talking about the relief efforts and how slow everyone was in responding, he said it was "sickening to watch the government respond so slowly and how America in general was slow to respond, he was emotional, he said "I'll tell you why America is so slow to respond to this, it's because the faces re black, if those people were white, America would be faster, but it's because of racism in our America that the efforts in New Orleans are moving so slowly". Does that sound like a racist?

I'm sorry Imus, you're still a pinhead, but I was wrong, you DO NOT DESERVE TO BE FIRED. I'm linking to the Opie & Anthony web site http://www.opieandanthony.com/index.cfm to help them make the point to America, that there is a double standard.......Y

Pop Culture Super Tuesday

2007-04-09T05:28:00.001-05:00

This Tuesday will tell us who the baby's daddy is and weather or not Sanjaya makes it thru to the next round. Millions are on edge waiting for the DNA results of Anna Nicoles baby Dannilynn. Will it be Howard K. Stern, Larry Birkhead, Zza Zza Gabores husband, or my brother Raymond. All are lined up to stand up and stand in for the billion dollar fortune and to be daddy for Dannilynn. This past weekend brought the comments by Stern that if it's not his, he will unite behind Birkhead to fight Anna's mother, Vergie Arthur, and her attempts to be a part of all this. Insiders say that Anna and her mother have been at odd's for many years, and that they had no relationship at all in the last few years of Anna's life, so I guess it's the money thing for mother Vergie too. Billion dollar fortunes tend to make people a bit crazy I guess. The public's facination with all this is a bit crazy as well don't you think? Course I'm blogging about it, so I guess that makes me a bit nut's too.

Another American obsession is American Idol contestant, Sanjaya Malakar, who is definetly hanging in the finals without the calibur of talent needed to truly hang with the rest of the contestants. Week after week it's a new shocker, but as I pointed out in a previous post, http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/04/american-idol-elimination-sanjayas-safe.html I believe the assinine website that radio shock jock Howard Stern is promoting, is sabatoging this years show. I hope for the sake of free enterprise, America can stand up and vote this kid off.....Y

Imus Racist Comments On Rutgers Women

2007-04-09T05:11:00.000-05:00

If this were O'Reilley, Gibson, Hannity or any other Conservative talker, they would instantly be fired. "Nappy Headed Ho's"and Jiggerboos, Imus you are so dumb We will see how tough MSNBC will be, chances are Imus is as safe as Sanjaya. I found a total of 2 very short paragraphs on the MSNBC website in regards to Imus' comments, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are already descending upon the offices of MSNBC, and that should shake things up a bit over there, go check it out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17999196/. OR check out the original story http://wcbstv.com/topstories/topstories_story_099061932.html. Imus has made the following apology that takes about 10 seconds, and has since appeared on the Al Sharpton Radio Show, where he did some big time butt kissin. Waita go you nappy headed pimp. You know I'm talking about Imus right? Let's keep it straight.......Y

Oh Imus, thank you so much masta.

Easter Sunday

2007-04-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

Andy Rooney, Right Again

2007-04-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, that is why there are no girls allowed Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

I have the right "NOT" to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.

When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!

My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.

We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich I don't pity the poor.

I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say "NO!"

I think tattoos and piercings are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa ; so how can they be "African-Americans"? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe . I am proud to be from America and nowhere else

And if you don't like my point of view, tough...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having "In God We Trust" on our money and having "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to Shut Up and BE QUIET.............Andy Rooney

IF YOU AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE EMAIL THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
Just copy and paste into your email;
http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/04/andy-rooney-right-again_07.html

Crucified On This Day

2007-04-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do

Diane Feinstein Resigns

2007-04-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

Did you hear about the resignation of Diane Feinstein as chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON, in English this is a Military Appropriations position) after serving on it for six years? Most likely you haven't, especially if your a mainstream media watcher or reader, you know, like CNN, NBC, CBS, the LA Times those news outlets. This will be the least talked about scandal ever to to come out of Washington and yet it's the most outrageous. We can talk about impeachment of the President of the United States for doing what was his constitutional right when he fired the US Attorney's, but no one will make to big of fuss over Diane's dirty little secrets.

I first heard this story when it broke on Fox News' Hannity's America this past Sunday night, Sean laid out his usual fair and balanced story, it looked unfair, just because it is so outrageous. This got me scouring the LA Times, I've looked everyday for something on this story. The LA Times is a left wing biased media source in California, Diane is a representative from California, Diane is a Democrat, how many words do you think were printed in this weeks LA Times about this scandal? If you guessed zero, you are correct. Is that fair?

What's the scandal you are no doubt wondering? Simple, Diane's husband is an owner in a few different construction companies that have received billions of dollars in US Department of Defense contracts. Mmmmm, let's see, does this sound very ethical? What happen to Peloci's promise to "run the most ethical congress in history"? Why isn't she screaming for hearings and investigations like she does for everything else that happens when it involves a Republican?

It seems that Hannity learned about it from Metro Newspapers, http://www.metronews.com/feinstein.html a group of alternative weekly papers in northern California, which in their investigation detailed the number of defense contracts awarded to Perini Corp. and URS Corp., both of which her husband, Richard C. Blum, has ownership, according to the newspapers.

It's so freakin obvious that this smells of dishonesty, but you watch it die, mark my word! Peloci is do busy trying to embarrass the Bush administration on the world stage with her visits with the terrorists that she doesn't have time to investigate one of her fellow Dems. Sickening isn't it? The American people have been brainwashed and misled by a biased liberal news media so badly, that they voted out good hard working Republicans and replaced them with left wing loons......Y

Nancy Peloci In Syria

2007-04-04T07:11:00.000-05:00

What the hell is she doing? Is it that difficult to understand how utterly stupid this is? Speaker Nancy Peloci visiting a state sponsor of terror, meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a man who has done squat in the effort to halt Hammas, or the flood of terrorist and their weapons hiking it across his country's boarders to fight the Jihad against the Infidels. This man is responsible in part, for the killing of our American solders. The Bush administrations policy on states that sponsor terror, has been to have no talking, no relations until they denounce and take action against terror. What does Peloci think she'll accomplish that no other free world leader has? The Europeans have sat time in again with Syrian leaders and have went no where. Speaker Peloci should be arrested, jailed and tried for treason. Her country has stated it's policy in regards to Syria, she is the 3rd highest ranking American official and she is undermining our countries efforts on the war on terror. Peloci's visit shows the world how divided our country is on this war. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if the United States Of America stood UNITED, the Jihad would already be over.......Y

American Idol Elimination, Sanjaya's Safe

2007-04-04T06:53:00.000-05:00

Teeny boppers hearts are jumpin for joy tonight, because thier beloved Sanjaya makes it to the next round again. Gina, got the boot as America sent her packin, unbelievable, if Sanjaya didn't get it, Hallie should have, not Gina, America got it wrong again!

I haven't wanted to draw attention to it by mentioning Howard Stern's promotion of "Vote For The Worst" web site, but enough is enough. Sanjaya is making it thru the competition not just because of the teeny boppers, not because of his talent, it's this stupid web site that Stern is promoting. Read more about it on Cnet.com http://news.com.com/VoteForTheWorst.com+has+American+Idols+number/2100-1026_3-6173028.html Howard your a butt munch, I use to like you, or at least try to like the stuff you do, but I've always had a hard time with the way you throw the Lord's name around, GD and JC roll of your tough as if you were actually a believer, but consider that you've so many times announced you're a Jew, and so proud of it, and you don't believe Jesus was the messiagh, it makes me sick to hear it come off your lips! Couple this with the fact that you have deliberetly and maliciously went after the show American Idol, and have tried to sabotage it with your asinine web site promotion that encourages viewers to vote for the worst contestant. I'm not a big law suit kind of guy, but if ever there was a case for a case this is it. Fox, should sue your dumb ass into obsceruty, the contestants who were booted because of your antics should join in the suit as well, you most defenetly aided in some of them getting the boot before Sanjaya. Howard you need to go away, you've been on long enough and your stuff has grown very old, most of your acts are nothing but repeats at this point in your career, so go away. I want people to blog your old dumb ass of the air, http://howardstern.com/archive.hs?h=1028 because you suck, you should have never went after free enterprise, Fox and the contestants have as much right to make money as you do......Y

Eric Clapton

2007-04-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

I saw this man in concert last night in Kansas City in front of a sold out crowd, the 62 year old rocked the house, and I mean rocked it! It is so cool to see this guy overcome all the tragedies in his life and at the age of 62 still able to sell out concerts, unreal. The crowd was mixed with teenagers and old fogies alike who were all there not by accident, but because they truly wanted to hear the music of this legend. I believe he plays the guitar better than anyone else I've ever heard, maybe I'm biased because I'm just comming off the high of the concert, or maybe I'm just blown away with his personal triumphs, whatever the case may be, Clapton will without argument, go down in musical history as one of the greats. Go check out his story, it's truly an incredible one.....Y http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton

Buy his music, make me some dimes..

Hillary Raises Big Loot

2007-04-02T07:28:00.000-05:00

Can Hillary buy the Presidency? She has raised more money in the first quarter of any campaign of any other candidate in the history of politics. $26 million in new contributions, add to that the $10 million she rolled over from her Senatorial campaign and no one else is even close to that war chest! Barack Obabama hasn't released his numbers yet, but he's expected to fall short of the whopping $36 mill for Hill, but somewhere above former Senator John Edwards who reports having raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million. Whew, talk about show me the money, this is nut's, we're 17 months away from election day. Can you imagine the totals? Not to worry though, I think history has shown it can't be bought. Ross Perot couldn't buy it in 96, but than again, he wasn't a Clinton, and the Clinton's have proven to be very savvy politicians. I don't know, I still don't believe that the country is ready for, and will elect a female, and if the Republicans can put somebody up that has a pulse http://draftfredthompson.com/index.php they'll beat her!

Something New-Hang In There

2007-04-01T19:56:00.001-05:00

Obviously I've discovered how to change the html layout to a 3-column, but I'm missing some things, so hang in there with me while I learn and remodel.....Y

Palm Sunday, The Begining Of Holy Week

2007-04-01T19:16:00.045-05:00

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, the beginning of the end of the human life of Jesus Christ. In about 30 A.D. and in fulfillment of the scriptures, the Son of God entered Jerusalem on a donkey.

they brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." Matt 21:7-10

This week, Holy Thursday marks the anniversary of the day that Jesus, without doubt, very clearly and diliberetly at the Last Supper, celebrated the first Mass and thereby instituted the Holy Eucharist. And for any of you doubting Thomas' out there, who doubt the validity of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist's, and what he was talking about in John Chapter 6, have you ever given any thought to why on the last day of Jesus' life He is still talking about eating his body and drinking His blood?

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. Matt 26:26-28

And finally my Non Catholic Christian brothers and sisters in Christ, or any of you Cafeteria Catholics, St Paul himself had no confussion On what Jesus has left us when he was speaking to the members of the Church he established in Corinth.

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

1 Cor 11:23-26

This is the week Jesus was betrayed by Judas, and denied by Peter, two of His best friends.

This is the week that Jesus was arrested and brought before the Jewish High Priests, who put Him on trial and charged Him with Blasphemy.

This is the week Jesus was turned over to the Roman Curator Pontias Pilate, who ordered Jesus to be whipped and beat in an effort to get Jesus to capitulate.

This is the week the Jews had the Son Of God crucified.

This is the week that Jesus died for the sins of the world

This is the week Jesus was buried in a tomb, and three days later, rose from the dead, thus changing the the world for ever.

This is the week we should recognize, we should contemplate what one Man did for us for our sins, what God gave us. This week should be spent pondering the final days of a Man who lived 2000 years ago, and was murdered over his love of humanity. We must remember the pain, suffering and brutal crucifixion of a man who loves us! And we should remember that in order for man to be reconciled with God, God Himself came down from His Kingdom to let us brutalize torture and kill Him.

This week, we must spend thinking of that final week, what it must have been like, for that man Jesus Christ. Thank you God......Y

JUST some fun STUFF

2007-03-31T20:29:00.000-05:00

YOUR AGE BY EATING OUT

Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway,
but your waiter may know!

YOUR AGE BY DINER & RESTAURANT MATH

This is pretty neat.

DON'T CHEAT BY READING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute . Work this out as you read .
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is reallt fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out
to eat. (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1757 ....
If you haven't, ad d 1756.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number
(I.e., how! Many times you want to go out to restaurants in a week.)

The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE!
(Oh YES, it is !!!!)

THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2007) IT WILL EVER WORK,
SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.

Just some more fun Stuff

2007-03-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

Na huh, too funny

Wil Ferell on Bush and Global Warming

Rappin Carl Rove

Sports Story of the week, Unbelievable Phelps

Idol Eliminated

2007-03-28T20:27:00.000-05:00

Chris Sligh is gone? You gotta be kidding me main. He was outstanding last night. Chris dude, not to worry man, your going big, you'll have a contract in no time. hang in there, and work hard, God will take care of the rest.....Y
http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/chris_sligh/

Idol Not Eliminated

2007-03-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

Sanjaya, I'm sorry dude, but your ride home should have arrived. Maybe it was the hair, or maybe the teeny boppers jumped all over the phones after your performance last night, whatever the case you have not been eliminated. I know for most of the folks, they'll say you should have gone, but I got to tell ya kid, you got talent that needs grooming, you have been courageous each week, enduring the criticism from the judges and the bashing from the media. Don't give up, you're already an Idol, but dude, you gotta go bro!
http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/sanjaya_malakar/

Sanjaya, your chariot HAS NOT yet arrived.........

NEW Rebublican Gallup Poll

2007-03-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

Rudi Giuliani 31% (Last Month 44%)

John McCain 22% (Last Month 20%)

Fred Thompson 12% (Last Month N/A)

Newt Gingrich 8% (Last Month 9%)

Mitt Romney 3% (Last Month 8%)

Sam Brownback 3% (Last Month 1%)

What you're looking at is the latest Gallup Republican Poll, and if you're a Fred, Newt or Sam fan, than this exciting news for you. Why? because these three have not even made an announcment that they are even in the race. You are especially encouraged if your supporting a run for Fred Thompson, he has no numbers from last month because Gallup didn't include him until now. Three weeks ago, Fred while on a Sunday morning talk show, floated a balloon that he may run, but he was going to find out what the people wanted first. I blogged about this guy a few weeks ago http://juststuff-yendor.blogspot.com/2007/03/fred-thompson-presidential-candidate.html .

So I found the web site, http://draftfredthompson.com/index.php joined the "Draft Fred Thompson" organization and signed the petition that urges Fred to make a run. This is the only candidate that fires me up, he is a no nonsense traditional "Conservative Republican" right out of the mold of Ronald Reagan. He is the only Republican that can truly appeal to the Christian right. America's Mayor will ultimitly loose the support of the right because of his stance on abortion and gay marriages, Newt just isn't pretty enough and has skeletons, and Brownback ruins it for himself everytime he opens his mouth. Fred is a movie star for God's sakes, like that has never helped a Republican candiate before.

So move along now, go sign the petition and give the man some insparation....Y

Source http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=27019

Hazing or Christian Biased?

2007-03-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

Savannah State University recently banned the Christian student group "Commissioned II Love" from campus after receiving a complaint based on the grounds of hazing. What was this terrible act of hazing that was put upon the attendees? A re-creation of the ritual of foot washing as started by Jesus at the Last Supper. That's right. It wasn't forced streaking, beating, destruction, cruelty or any other Animal House style type act, but the simple symbolic act of service by the groups leadership, as it was Jesus, the leader, who stooped to cleanse the feet of the disciples.

During the evening of the last Supper (Holy Thursday) of Jesus with his Apostles, after He shared bread and wine, and instructed them to always do this in His memory, Jesus rolled up his sleeves and began washing the feet of his Disciples

John 13:4-14
4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

8"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

9"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

10Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

In the Catholic Church we repeat this ritual every single year during the Holy Thursday Mass, volunteers sit on the alter and the parish priest washes and dry their feet, I've had this experience the last 2 years and plan to do it again this year.

The reason why Jesus first preformed this very intimate act, in my humble opinion, is because of the constant bickering amongst the disciples, about who would have a higher place in Heaven.

Luke 22:24-27
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.
25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.
26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

It seems to me that Jesus was trying to show the 12, that they weren't all that, and they must be willing to do any task no matter how menial, as long as it serves humanity in a positive way, than get er done. Jesus himself was a servant, and by washing the feet of the disciples, proves that God loves us all the same, and no matter who you are, were all on the same playing field.

I don't know about you, but I'm failing to make the hazing connection that Savannah State University has made. I mean what do they want from kids? Most hazing has to do with some type of cruelty, nudity or just some crude incident in general right? This university should be over joyed with the prospect that there kids are into Jesus. It never ceases to amaze me, I barely graduated from high school, but I generally know right from wrong, than we have some of the most educated human beings in the history of the world teaching our students at some of the most prestigious universities on the planet, making these type of decisions, it's a real head scratcher to me.

It just seems to me that the American educational system is discouraging religious belief, what's up with that? Why?

2 Timothy 3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

I want to blog this university into submission. Posting a comment on my blog is easy, click on comments, and if your not a Blogger member or don't have a Google account, sign in as anonymous. Even more importantly, click on the link below and send a comment to the Board Of Regents of the University System of the State Of Georgia.......Y :) http://www.usg.edu/contact/

Source http://savannahnow.com/node/239308

Source http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/

AND NOW FOR YOUR LENTEN LISTENING PLEASURE

THE KING

THE QUEEN

Prince Harry

2007-03-25T23:18:00.000-05:00

Now this is my kind of Prince. Sick of the press, the Prince stumbles from a bar and takes a poke at the paparazzi and ends up doing the Royal Tumble. Can you imagine your every move being photographed or filmed? It's a wonder Harry or William haven't went postal on the press, after all wasn't Diana and her friends racing away from the press, when the auto accident that killed her took place? That was their Mom man, I think the paparazzi should back off from these two and let them have a life. At-A-Boy Harry, kick some ass dude!...Y

http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/princeharry/

Anna Nicole And Marilyn Monroe

2007-03-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Drum role please! Yes we're finally going to hear how she died, Monday's the day. Rumor has it, well, whichever rumor you want to believe in. Some say it was a Methadone overdose, some say it was an overdose of a powerful sleeping pill containing Chlorahydrate, all this is so bizarre, I'm sure you've heard of Anna's obsession with Marilyn Monroe right? Well Marilyn also had traces of Chlorahydrate in her autopsy, even more unbelievable, both Marilyn and Anna Nicole both had boyfriends who when all was said and done, it looked like they did nothing to stop the inevitable and may even had played a role. Marilyn had Bobby or maybe even JFK or both, and Anna Nicole had Howard K. Stern. Newly released FBI documents show Bobby Kennedy was in Cali and indeed visited Marilyn on the very day of her suicide, the same documents say that J Edgar Hoovers telephone surveillance show a phone call from Bobby to brother-in-law Peter Lawford and Bobby asking if Marilyn was dead yet! http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/kennedy-link-to-death/2007/03/16/1173722744304.html

It should bother anyone with a pulse, that a man, a so called boyfriend, stands back and does nothing. Howard K Stern sat and watched, he should have done something, called an ambulance, taken her to a hospital, anything but sit and watch. Anna's son died under similar circumstances, again Howard was there, flushing drugs down the toilet before police arrived. I don't think anyone other than Howard really knows what really went on. I say something stinks here, and I hope they get to the bottom of it, because many will miss Anna Nicole Smith.

Also on Monday is the beginning of the Coroners Inquest into the death of Anna's son Daniel who died in the Bahamas right after the birth of Anna's baby several months ago. Now this is where it could get really interesting for Stern. There is a Private I out there who was a friend of Anna's and Daniel's and he says that just a few months before his death, Daniel wanted to hire him to investigate Stern in the Bahamas, to see if he was trying to hurt his Mom with drugs. Daniel told the Private I, that he was being blocked from his Mother by Howard K. Stern, Daniel reportedly told the PI that whenever he called the Bahamas, Stern would answer and hang up as soon as he knew it was Daniel, I'm telling you this all stinks.

And if all that's not enough for your Monday, than stay tuned, because we are also suppose to hear the Paternity results on Monday, and finally know who's the baby's daddy, is it ZaZa Gabor's hubby? Howard K. Sterns? Larry Birkheads, or my brother Raymond's? Who knows.....Y

SPRING BREAK IN MICHIGAN

2007-03-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY BIG MAC

U. S. ATTORNEY'S FIRED

2007-03-23T01:42:00.000-05:00

Why? Why in the hell is this even being talked about on the hill? Clinton fired 40 in his first days, it was his right, U.S. Attorney's serve the President and it's his choice who they are! Every President in my memory has done the same as Clinton and Bush, they fire U.S. Attorney's and put in place the Attorney's they feel will best serve their administration. George, you're loosing your cohonas dude, you're letting the congress and the media run you on this. Mr. President, stand up and tell these sonsabitches, that they are Senators and Congressmen, and nothing more. You are the President Of The United States Of America, and you must demand the separation of powers. You are the Executive branch and they are the Legislative branch, they cannot tell you who can work for you. The framers of the Constitution divided the government into 3 branches, Executive (President), Legislative (Senators & Congressmen) and Judicial (Supreme Court Judges) for many good reasons and this is definitely one of them, it's clearly outlined in
Articles I, II & III......Y http://www.house.gov/paul/constitution.html#art1

American Idol Update

2007-03-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

There are reports that Simon says that if Sanjaya wins American Idol this year, that he'll quit. I don't know if he's going to win it all, but he did enough tonight to make it through to the next round next week, Sanjaya shocked the judges and rocked the audeience with his 60's rendition of "You Really Got Me Now". Not bad Malakar, you may have done enough to send Simon to Monster.com.
TMZ is reporting that the big smile on the 17 yr old is forced, because the reality is that backstage the teen is really hurting from all the public criticism. Sanjaya's been getting pounded by the judges and the press, and the teen does what a teen does, takes it to the deepest part of his soul, it's been hard on the family too, they feel a bit helpless, telling TMZ all they can do is support the young man and just be there for him. Other attention getter's tonight were Chris Sligh, Jordon Sparks and of course Lakeisha and Malinda. http://www.tmz.com/2007/03/19/sanjaya-bottoming-out/

Funny Catholic Communion, Weddings and Baptisms

2007-03-20T19:02:00.000-05:00

Now this is funny stuff, thanks MJ....

An Inconvenient Truth

2007-03-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

Al, your such a rock star...

Get em Hannity...

Now, I didn't watch this all at once, it's 75 minutes long, but it's worth every minute. Get the popcorn, kick back and get the facts from the Brit's, and if you don't get it all in now, well, ya'll come back now ya hear...

The Proper Way To Hang A Confederate Flag

2007-03-19T23:52:00.000-05:00

Well this has caused a bit of a stir. This is an exhibit hanging in a Tallahassee Florida art museum, it's titled "The Proper Way To Hang A Confederate Flag" by John Sims. Naturally it brought out a group that routinely defends the flag, a group by the name of the Sons Of Confederate Veterans. The group with 1500 members in Florida alone, asked the museum to take it down, stating it was disrespectful and has nothing to do with art. The group claims it violates a Florida law that makes it illegal to mutilate, deface, defile or contemptuously abuse the Confederate flag. The same group protested a the display at Gettysburg in 2004, adding they are expecting more protests. A flag with the Confederate emblem flew at Florida's state capitol up until 2001 when then Gov. Jeb Bush had it removed. I don't know, don't you kind of think this is a bit of poetic justice? I understand how it may sting some of the descendants of the confederate veterans, but I think it might be time for those good ole country boys to take a step into the 21st century. I mean look at it in the context of this art exhibit, and it kind of sends a shock of reality over you.......Y

MONDAYS

2007-03-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Well, how did you feel this fine Monday after St. Paddy's? I was 100% and right back at it after one day of relaxation, I must be a professional. did you know that when Saint Patricks Day is celabrated on a weekday that the next day is the second biggest national sick day only behind Monday after the Super Bowl? So why not play the Super Bowl on Saturday? If I was running things, the Super Bowl would be on Friday, and it would be a National Holiday.....Y

St Paddy's Day After

2007-03-18T14:03:00.000-05:00

God bless the Irish, who are all huggin their toilets this day after the 2nd biggest bar night of the year. Poopin green and feeling queezee all day, wow isn't that fun. I think next St Paddy's I'll have a tea party......Y

An Irish Toast

2007-03-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

MAY YOU BE IN HEAVEN

A HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD

AND MAY GOD BLESS THE IRISH

St Patrick the Patron Saint Of Ireland

2007-03-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

20 plus years ago I was in a hometown bar called the Black Dahlia, it was March 17th, St Patrick's Day, I was partying with my Mom who was so very proud of her Irish, she was half Irish and half French but the French part never got talked about much, the Black Dahilia was a packed house, elbow room only, we raised our glasses for an old fashion toast, and my Mother said, "God Bless The Irish, because if it weren't for us none of these people would be here". Mom was maybe sharing a funny Irish toast, but she was very serious about the day, this day was for the Irish, a day to honor St. Patrick.

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in 385 AD, he was originally called Maewyn. When he was 16, his village was raided by a group of Irish marauders who took him prisoner and then sold him as a slave. While in captivity this young pagan discovered Christianity. After 6 years he escaped slavery and went to Gaul, where he studied in a Catholic monastery under St. Palladius for 12 years. He wanted to return to the land that had made him a slave, he wanted to cconvert the pagans to Christianity, but his bosses at the monastery appointed St Palladius to the job. However 2 years later, St. Palladius transferred to Scotland and Maewyn, (who by now had changed his name to Patrick) was on his way back to Ireland.

Patrick was really good at converting the pagans, he was so good that it was constantly upsetting the Celtic's, they arrested Patrick numerous times, but they couldn't hang on to him, because he was a master at escape, he escaped every time he was arrested. Patrick worked the entire country for the next 30 years, setting up monasteries, churches and schools, who would in turn aid Patrick in his efforts to convert the pagans to Christians.

Their is a lot folk lore about Patrick, some say he raised people from the dead, he drove all the snakes from Ireland, although some scholars believe that is only a metaphor, and what it really means is that he converted all the pagans to Christianity, it is also said that Patrick gave a sermon from atop a high mountain, and used a clover to explain the Trinity, the Father, the Son and he Holy Spirit.

According to Patrick's writings, he was guided by a voice, which he believed to be God's. God told Patrick in a dream to escape and leave Ireland. Patrick followed God's order and walked over 200 miles. Patrick wrote that he had another revelation when an Angel appeared to him in another dream, the Angel told him to return to Ireland to convert and administer, so after studying and ordination as a Priest, he returned to Ireland and began his mission.

Patrick died on March 17, 461 AD.......

A highly recomended movie all about Saint Patrick, can be purchased at this store, go get it............http://am-church.com/index.htm

Troop Withdrawal Deadline Fails

2007-03-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

This guy on the "LEFT", senator Harry Reid, said today that "Republicans, by voting against this resolution put there position front and center" on the question of weather or not we should have a date certain for a withdrawal of troops. Daaaah! Dumb Ass. That's been the Republicans view all along. The Senate needed 60 votes to pass it, but failed to even get 50. Today was more like the Democrats put there view front and center. They told the world when they put forth a resolution in the Senate today, that would essentially let the enemy know how much longer they would have to hold out until we cut and run. I'm not a military analyst, but I think common sense tells me that if we state publicly, our intention to withdrawal from Iraq on a certain date, that it will only encourage the terrorists to hold on, and wait it out. No this is not a good idea, in fact, the Dem's have no idea, they have no plan, do they? Have you heard one, other then just to leave? We can't just leave, we have to finish this, it is vital to our national security. Leaving the infant government of Iraq would be a catastrophic mistake. Iran would rule the middle East, and you've seen what they think of world opinion. There are many monsters fighting our troops in Iraq, they're not going away just because we leave, they have to be dealt with. Many Saddam loyalist would back an Iranian take over, so what have the Iraqi people gained if we let this happen? What has the world gained if we let that happen? You watch the house come up with their own version of a cut and run resolution, mark my word, Nancy Peloci will think of something to put forth in an effort to further politicize this war. This is a complete waste of more tax dollars, all this bitching and complaining. Why can't the politicians and the American people get behind this President and support the effort of the troops? If America got behind this and showed the world our resolve, we would demolish the enemy. They wouldn't be so embolden, right now the enemy knows the Dem's are in and it could be a matter of time before the American people and it's congress, RUN.......Y

Dave Gaubatz, SANE's Director of Intelligence & Counter-terrorism, speaks today at the Intelligence Summit in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his speech, he makes the connection between the War in Iraq and Jihad in America. That connection is a willful refusal to deal with the intelligence information available now and the lessons we have learned in Iraq and elsewhere about Islam and the Muslim faithful.... visit saneworks for more»

Anna Nicole Smith, Another Child?

2007-03-15T15:41:00.000-05:00

Does the late Anna Nicole Smith have another kid running around? According to former Army Sergeant Johnny Soto, she does. Soto told the Phoenix New Times that he impregnated the Guess model during a three-week affair at an Arizona's Sanctuary Resort and Spa in 2001. He was the maintenance man there and she was a guest, and if Soto's documents hold up, their love child Marshall Black Deer Soto could be a very rich 6 year old boy. The elder Soto says Smith hid her pregnancy by getting fat. He also claims she secretly gave birth in Burbank, California, gave him sole custody of the child, and deposited $10,000 into his bank account every month until her dying day.

In other less shocking Anna Nicole news, the Miami Herald reports that police reps from Florida and the Bahamas have met with homicide prosecutors about the Playboy playmate's death. A homicide investigation hasn't been launched quite yet, but authorities are responding to her bodyguard's statements that Howard K. Stern kept Smith in an drugged-induced haze by giving her powerful drugs during the last months of her life. Howard, you're going down dude!

Can this possibly get anymore bizare? ? ? Y

More details on Soto's alleged affair with Smith are on the Phoenix New Times website. http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2007-03-08/news/tohono-o-odham-with-love/

American Idol Results, Brandon Rogers Eliminated

2007-03-14T21:51:00.000-05:00

Seeeeeeee Ya, You forgot your lines in last nights song, or Sanjaya may have actually got the boot. I've said in previous post that "Sanjaya should get the boot, but he won't" and America prooved me right again. Brandon has talent and we'll hear from him again in music land. Sanjaya actually sounded Ok, and I say Ok with kind of a boriing, soft spoken you can barely hear me speach. There has to be a different way of the voting process for this show......Y

Commercials You Won't See CAUTION, RATED R

2007-03-14T18:55:00.000-05:00

Bud Light

ADULT CONTENT

7-UP

Dodge Ram

Pepsi

Barack Obama, The Man To Beat in 08?

2007-03-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

Barack rhymes with Iraq, but that's as close as it gets for Obama, he does not support the Iraq war at this juncture, which is a flip flop from his original position when he voted to go to war, but the one thing you have to love about him, is his attempt to stay out of the mud slinging business that Hillary and all the others are engaging in. He says he wants to unite all of the players in this election, and he will not use the tactics that Hillary uses when she's pandering and dividing. I like this guy, he's not my political cup of tea, he's a Secular Progressive, so his views on everything from abortion to health care are the total opposite of mine. Can I, and do I dare say it? I'm going to, yep, here it comes, he's articulate, good looking and charismatic, and he will be a force in the race for 08. Go learn more....Y

http://www.barackobama.com/

PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY

2007-03-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

For those who love the philosophy of ambiguity...

1 Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things

2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor....

3. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

4. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

5. The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.

6. I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

7. What if there were no hypothetical questions?

8. If a deaf person swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

9. If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

10. Is there another word for synonym?

11. Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?"

12. What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

13. If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

14. Would a fly without wings be called a walk?

15 Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?

16. If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

17. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

18. If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?

19. Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines?

20. How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs?

21. What was the best thing before sliced bread?

22. One nice thing about egotists: They don`t talk about other people.

23. Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra?

24. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

25. How is it possible to have a civil war?

26. If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too?

27. If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?

28. If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

29. Whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have "S" in it?

30. Why are hemorrhoids called "hemorrhoids" instead of "assteroids"?

31. Why is it called tourist season if we can't shoot at them?

32. Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

33. If you spin an oriental man in a circle three times does he become disoriented?

34. Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God.

Was 9/11 A Government Operation

2007-03-12T20:15:00.000-05:00

You know what's really sad? This stuff is really being spewed across our college campuses. Young men and women in their 20's listening to this stuff and forming opinions and beliefs about America. Guy's like this are warping the minds of so many and I believe in this guy's free speech, but should he be allowed to talk this junk on college campus'?

This is hysterical. Get em O'Reilly...

IRS, "DONT FORGET TAXES"

2007-03-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to pay your taxes! 12 Million ILLEGAL immigrants
are depending on you!

COURAGE AND DETERMINATION

2007-03-11T12:54:00.000-05:00

I don't know what to say about this, other than this is the most coureageous display of determination I think I've ever seen from someone, take a look, double click on the image below....Y

FRED THOMPSON, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

2007-03-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

Now I'm excited. The Republican's may finally have a candidate that I can support, I've been struggling with throwing my support behind any of the front runners, because on one issue or another I disagree. On Fox News Sunday, the former Senator from Tennessee Fred Thompson, told Chris Wallace he was "leaving the door open" in regards to a presidential run. You may recognize Fred Thompson from the movie screens, he's been an actor and has served our country for many years. Fred, a Senator from Tennessee; born in Sheffield, Ala., on August 19, 1942; attended the public schools in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; graduated from Memphis State University 1964; received J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University 1967; admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1967 and commenced the practice of law; assistant U.S. attorney 1969-1972; minority counsel, Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities (“Watergate Committee”) 1973-1974; special counsel to Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander 1980; special counsel, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations 1980-1981; special counsel, Senate Intelligence Committee 1982; member, Tennessee Appellate Court Nominating Commission 1985-1987; actor; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in the November 8, 1994, special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term ending January 3, 1997, left vacant by the resignation of Albert Gore, Jr.; took the oath of office on December 2, 1994; reelected in 1996 for the term ending January 3, 2003; not a candidate for reelection in 2002; chair, Committee on Governmental Affairs (One Hundred Fifth and One Hundred Sixth Congresses; One Hundred Seventh Congress [January 20, 2001-June 6, 2001]); and now has resumed his acting career. Fred stands right where the Right wants a candidate (no pun intended) on the following positions. He's Pro Life, Supports the Troop Surge, Supports the war On Terror, supports Term Limit's, most likely supports Prayer In Schools, and is a definite supporter of Tax Cuts, he apposes Gun Control and Gay Marriages and many of the other typical Liberal positions. This is a candidate I will pray for his decision to make a run. Click on the following link to post a message of support to Fred Thompson.....Y http://draftfredthompson.com/index.php

Hannity & Colmes Judgment Day

2007-03-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

Friday nights Hannity & Colmes, brought the Catholic Church more embarrassment. Sean Hannity, a publicly practicing Catholic, ultra conservative, pro life advocate and one who supports Birth Control for non Catholics, as well as the Catholic form of birth control, commonly referred to as "FAM", Fertility Awareness Method, was confronted by a Catholic Priest, who obviously disagrees with Sean's position on this issue. Sean had made an apology on his Radio Talk Show, for forgetting the day was a Lenten season Friday and he had inadvertently ate meat, a Catholic no no during Lent. After a heated exchange, Sean asked the Priest if he would refuse him communion, and the Priest responded with, and I quote, "yes". I don't personally know Sean Hannity, but I can tell you after reading all his books, watching the Hannity & Colmes show, Hannity's America and listening to his radio show when ever I can, I view him as an outstanding Catholic, in fact, I've always been proud of the fact that Sean is Catholic, there are very few public Catholics that are looked at in a positive light, I mean let's face it, we've gotten a black eye in recent years with all the scandals. After Friday nights show, my opinion stands, Sean you did us proud. Hey Hannity, why not take the opportunity on one of your shows, maybe Hannity's America, to address the topic of what it means to us Catholics to be Catholics in this day and age, how difficult it has been for the faithful to continue to follow and defend the church throughout all the scandals? Inform the people how hard this has been for us. I think this could be a good one, give it some thought. At any rate, this is an un-believable exchange from a Catholic Priest in a public forum, the last thing the church needs. I agree with Sean's assessment of the Padre, take a look....
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?030907/030907_hc_sean&Hannity_Colmes&Judgment%20Day&Judgment%20Day&US&-1&News&amp;amp;372&&&exp

Once again, I'm linking to the Vatican
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

Bob Dylan, False Prophet

2007-03-09T09:03:00.000-05:00

Holy Father, I hate to question you on your criticism of Bob Dylan, but since when do we judge others? In your latest book about your predecessor, you call Bob Dylan a "false prophet", but never say why. You question one of the most beloved Pope's of all time, Pope John Paul II's decision to have Mr. Dylan perform in front of 300,000, mostly Italian Catholics at a youth event in 1997. I believe I'm sinning by confronting you in public about this issue, and disagreeing with you in public, but Holy Father, I'll take my chances, you do not speak for American Catholics when you call Bob Dylan a "False Prophet". Maybe he is, maybe he's not, I don't know, I do know he has never done harm to music lovers from all around the world, and Pope John Paul II recognized this when he invited him to perform. Bob Dylan is like many other human beings, he is a person who has questioned the existence of a higher power, he was born a Jew and practiced his faith before becoming an agnostic, and finally a born again Christian, none of which make him a "false prophet" in my eyes and the eyes of many others. Pope Benedict, why are you even criticizing a Pope? Is that not a sin? Why are you drawing attention to yourself by making these wild statements, and by judging your predecessor? When will you start traveling so you can effect the lives of so many, like your predecessor did? When will you come to America and sit your employees down and talk to them about what's right and wrong in regards to children, and what's right and wrong within the church itself? Pope Benedict, are you going to be a Pope of the people, or are you going to be a judge and jury of the people? Holy father, I've linked to your website in hopes you or your web master will see this post, if I'm mis guided, or mis informed, please give me guidence, and I pray for forgiveness....Y
The Vatican
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Bob Dylan
http://www.bobdylan.com/moderntimes/home/main.html

Bob Dylan Performing in 1997 in front of Pope John Paul II and his youth group.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

2007-03-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

I just can't wait to get on the road again, thank you Willie, thank you very much. I will be leaving for Phoenix early on 3/9 and will return late on 3/14, I will work hard to do some post's from there, but if you don't see a lot, please take the opportunity to surf my archives. My job takes me around the country, and sometimes the world, to the tune of 75,000 miles by air, 40,000 to 60,000 miles by car per year, and I consume as many gallons of beer as my air miles, so my body is a bit out of wack, I've posted my picture for you to evaluate. I've seen a lot, but I have to admit, I'm ready to find a good woman and slow my role, maybe an Asian woman, or a Columbian, or even an Island Pacific chick. Any takers? Look long and hard at my picture, and then let me know girls..YENDOR Ruler of this Blog

APPEASEMENT, DON'T DO IT!

2007-03-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

The three guy's who will most likely rule the world if we are to appease, are from left to right, Ahmadinejad of Iran, Kim Jong Il of North Korea and the leader of Hezbollah itself, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

On several occasions, I have set at my keyboard and wanted to write about the dangers of appeasement, but I can't seem to articulate it. I'm intelligent enough to understand it, but just can't seem to articulate it to the public. In World War II, the European's, and American people, wanted to have "talks" with Hitler. Hitler we now know, was a homicidal maniac with charisma, and therefore had millions of followers. It was only because of the brilliance of Churchill and FDR that we are not all speaking German today. If you listen closely to the far left wing of the Democratic party today, they want talks, they want talks with everyone from Ahmadinejad of Iran, Kim Jong Il of North Korea, the Hezbollah and even Alqaeda. It is the position of these far left wingers, that talking and negotiating with these types, will make it a more peaceful civilization, I whole heartedly disagree, and so do a great many others. Negotiating is appeasement, with the likes of the leaders of radical Islam, there is no other way to view it. These Dictators and terrorist groups are nut's, they believe they are to convert the world to Islam or kill it, they have no other agenda, according to Mohamed it is for God. Appeasement just buys these nut's more time, more time to re-group, plan and plot there next attack. I believe George Bush had it right after 9/11. "Seek them out, hunt them down in the caves, and keep them on the run". You have to admit, no terrorist attacks on our soil is no accident, Bush has kept them busy, our American Solider has kept them busy and on the run. I'm attaching a link my brother shared with me, I was really glad that he was tuned into the most important issue ever to face mankind, he found a Blog that addresses these types of issues, it's called SaneWorks.US, they are bloggers specializing in keeping us informed on the issues that most threaten our free existence as we know it. They have posted on their Blog a riveting article on the subject of Appeasement, go check it out, keep yourself educated and up to date on the issues of the day, this issue, is a matter of life and death for generations to come....Y
http://www.saneworks.us/Appeasement-as-Convergence-article-349-57.htm

THEY SHOULD GO, BUT THEY WON'T

2007-03-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

Sanjaya, ya gotta go, but I bet you don't, cus you're shakin up all the 12 year olds and there texting votes in like mad....

Blake you too, but I think you'll be safe as well. Weird music lovers are watching.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY

2007-03-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

Don't Drink And Drive

She couldn't Make Him Flunk, He flunked himself

Ha Ha Ha, dumb a..

Homer Simpson Drunk - Montage

ANN COULTER CALLS EDWARDS A FAGOT

2007-03-06T18:33:00.000-05:00

Now Ann Coulter knows that John Edwards is not gay, but she is a Political Satirist, you know, kind of like Bill Maher. What makes her so controversial is the fact that she is a right winger. The right can't get away with this kind of thing, no way no how, the main stream media won't allow it. Bill Maher, on the same day of Coulters comments, said that he wished Dick Cheney would have been killed in that bomb blast, that way more Innocent lives would be spared, Maher went on to say, that Cheney was responsible for all the deaths in Iraq. I don't know about you, and although neither was nice, I think calling someone a fagot is less harmful than telling your audience that you wish the Vice President of the free world would be killed. I could not find more than a 34 second video on the net, if I could have, you would have seen the question and answer period that Ann Coulter had at the end of her speech. Ann was asked if she disapproved of Gay's and weather or not she apposed Gay rights. Ann responded vigorously, stating her beliefs that Gay's should have rights, they should be able to marry and have the same rights as any other married couple. You won't see that anywhere in the main stream liberal media, you won't see it because Ann is a right winger......Y

SLOW BLEED

2007-03-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

This is outrageous, God Bless it, if we are going to ask the American Soilder to help us, than let's treat him like gold when he pays the price and becomes injured! This burns my ass, we can't even run a federal hospital, and don't give me any that George Bush is at fault crape, this type of bureaucracy has been going on since the begining of government, I just can't believe we can't get any smarter. It is not just Walter Reed, according to the latest Washington Post...... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/04/AR2007030401394.html

PANDERING, THIS IS UGLY

2007-03-05T22:07:00.000-05:00

Is this not the worst? Playing on the fears and paranoia of African Americans. Is this not out right race baiting, race deviding, this is absolutley dispicable, and this lady will do anything for a vote.

A REAL GOOSE BUMPER

2007-03-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

God answered this Coaches prayers. On the spot....If this doesn't give ya goose bumps, check your pulse!

NET NEUTRALITY

2007-03-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

Is this guy finally on the "Right" side, no pun intended. I don't know about this dude, I don't trust him, but he sure makes his position sound good on this issue. I hate seeing him talking about this, I just know deep inside this tax and spend lib, he is dreaming up ways to tax the internet, he even comments about how congress has "tried" to leave the internet tax free, of course having a Rebublican controlled congress over the last several years has helped him control his tax idea's. Kennedy is a smooth talking politician, he makes his position sound pretty good! Now go get the real facts.... http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=1234951

Men & Depression: Facing Darkness

2007-03-03T15:35:00.000-05:00

Feb. 26, 2007 issue - For nearly a decade, while serving as an elected official and working as an attorney, Massachusetts state Sen. Bob Antonioni struggled with depression, although he didn't know it. Most days, he attended Senate meetings and appeared..... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17190411/site/newsweek/

TORNADO'S

2007-03-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

Don't try this at home....

The guys in this video are the craziest storm chasers I've ever seen or heard of. They were so close to some of the Tornado's. This video, along with the devastation we seen yesterday in Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, should reminds us that we are definitely in the beginning of Tornado season. We Midwesterners never believe that it's going to happen in our neighborhood, but year after year it does, so be prepared and go bone up on the safety do's and don't's..
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/
AND
http://www.noaa.gov/tornadoes.html

DELORUMREX

2007-03-03T05:24:00.000-05:00

Go See whats happening with my friend, DelorumRex, view his post dated March 2nd, intitled "CHECK THIS OUT" http://delorumrex1.blogspot.com/2007/03/check-this-out.html#links
He had a stroke, a masive stroke, most people are lost after words, but not this dude. Not only has he figured out how to get back to his blog and start posting again, but he is still giving me advise, about mine. His speech has been interupted, he has lost the use of his right arm and his right leg is f...... with him. Six months agao, I watched him as he lay, almost in a vegeatative state, now he sit's at his computer, and picks away one key at a time, go see him......Y

Random thoughts random spellings (Reviews of life): check this out...

2007-03-03T05:19:00.000-05:00

Random thoughts random spellings (Reviews of life): check this out...

GUESS WHAT THIS IS?

2007-03-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

If you guessed Anna Nicole's final resting place, then you guessed it right. Have you ever seen such publicity over the death of a Hollywood star? I mean this is more than the Pope got, or even Reagan, unreal. By the way, rumor has it, that Howard K. Stern sold the video rights to todays funeral for a whopping $1,000,000, whew, no wonder he wanted control over her burial, what a punk........Y

IT'S OVER

2007-03-02T19:22:00.000-05:00

I think it might finally be over, she's in the ground, and I want to tell you conspiracy theorist it's over! I mean it, don't start the shit you normally start. The Florida Medical Examiner himself watched her go down, so leave it alone, let her rest!

Rest In Peace Anna......

God Speed.......

AMERICA SHOCKS IDOL'S

2007-03-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable, how do you trade this
for this

I mean I really like this kid, but he never once out did AJ, did he? I really think Sanjaya is a talented young dude, but I don't think he was ready for the prime time. A.J. more than out did him, I viewed A.J. as being one of the top three finalists, America thought differently. I think this 17 year old Sanjaya is probably appealing to Americas young teens and they were texting in Tuesday night like hormonal wild fire for Sanjaya. I know the blogs and Internet are on fire today after last nights vote results, even Sanjaya himself was in utter dismay. Paula was near tears for A.J., stating to him, that this was a singing competition, insinuating that Sanjaya one it on popularity, we'll see how far he makes it from here on in.....Y

http://www.americanidol.com/

IF REDNECKS RAN THE COUNTRY

2007-03-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

THE SIX THINGS YOU WOULD SEE IF REDNECKS RAN THE COUNTRY

ANNA NICOLE'S FUNERAL

2007-03-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

Goodbye Anna Nicole. They're finally going to bury Anna, but get this, the latest debate, is weather or not embalmers can restore enough of her beauty to have an open casket . I've never seen anything like this have you? Poor Anna, it's been 3 weeks since her death, I read that Dr. Cyril Weyct, a famous Criminal Pathologist, said that Cosmeticians can work wonders with putty, coloring and makeup. Honest to God, he went on to say that even though they would only be concerned with the head and face that it may just be too late, even though the medical examiners office was careful not to open the refrigerator door to avoid letting more oxygen in. This is really sick stuff, and it's all over money. For three weeks, Anna's estranged mother and all her dry tears, Anna's leach boyfriend, who Anna supported, even buying his shoes, what a looser, the guy won't give up his DNA because he knows it will prove he's not the baby's daddy, and that would cost him dearly, than there is the baby's real Daddy, they've all been fighting for the bomb shells bod, unreal, wouldn't common since tell you that this woman would most definitely want to be buried next to her son who died just months ago, Anna bought a family plot in the Bahama's, I mean daa! I just want to know that this is over, can anyone give me that please. May God bless you Anna........Y

WRECK OF THE EDMOND FITZGERALD

2007-02-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

You Know, I've always kind of had a little obsession about the Edmund Fitzgerald, when I was around 17 or 18, my cousin David took me to the shores of Lake Superior and pointed to the direction of where the Fitz went down, that was only a couple years after she wrecked, I was mesmerized, I couldn't get over the horrible thoughts of those men, young and old, who perished in such a violent way. I've swam in the big lake they call Gitche Gumee, during the warmest part of the summer, it's still the coldest body of water I have ever felt in my lifetime! I have always loved Gordon Lightfoot's tribute to the men of the Fitz, several years ago, I got the courage to Karaoke the song in front of a rather large bar crowd,, they loved it, and I've been singing it ever since. It's a long song, but please watch it all the way to the end, you'll see the names and ages of the crew, say a prayer for them and their families. What follow's is a bit of a breakdown of what the lines from the song really mean....Y

"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee"

Gitche Gumee translates roughly to "Shining Big-Sea-Water".

"The lake it is said never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy"

To put it rather bluntly, the reason so few bodies are recovered from off shore drowning's in Lake Superior is because the bodies first tend to sink (or are still on board a vessel) but because of the depth and frigid temperatures, the victims do not naturally decompose. Because of the lack of oxygen producing organisms, the bodies remain on the bottom.

"With a load of iron ore 26,000 tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty"

When empty, the Fitzgerald weighed 8,686 net tons. The boat was filled with 26,013 tons of iron ore pellets called taconite, used mainly for automobile production.

"That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed when the gales of November came early"

Lake superior is on average 533 feet deep with an extreme depth of 1333 feet. It is 400 miles long which, when the wind blows across it's length, the waves can build to greater heights than found on less dense sea water, even in hurricane winds.

"The ship was the pride of the American side"

The Fitz was named after a Milwaukee banker and was launched into the River Rouge basin in June 1958. The owner was Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee and operated by the Columbia Transportation Company.

"Comin' back from some mill in Wisconsin"

Superior, Wisconsin.

"As the big freighters go it was bigger than most"

The ship was 729 feet long, 75 feet wide, 39 feet deep. She was the largest Great Lakes steamer when launched in 1958, its size limited only by the largest lock on Sault St, Marie. Larger 1000 ft. boats were possible after the construction of the Poe lock in 1969.

"With a crew and good captain well seasoned"
Captain Ernest R. McSorley, 62 years old, started sailing as a deckhand on ocean vessels when he was 18 years old. After transferring to freshwater freighters, he made his way through the ranks, eventually becoming the youngest to make captain.

"Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms when they left fully loaded for Cleveland"

The Fitzgerald was "down bound" to unload its cargo in Detroit and then continue on to Cleveland to dock for the winter months.

"And later that night when the ship's bell rang could it be the north wind they'd bin feelin'"

The Fitzgerald and the Anderson, a second freighter following close behind, knew of the gale warnings posted by the National Weather Service. They decided to alter their course and head towards the North shore of Superior for shelter against the heart of the storm.

"The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound and a wave broke over the railing"

The two boats (great lake sailors prefer "boat" to "ship"), followed the Canadian shore to the Caribou Island near "Six Fathom Shoals." The Anderson's captain Jesse "Bernie" Cooper, remarks how close the Fitz is to the shoals. Crossing the lake in an attempt to harbor the storm, the two make a course for Whitefish Bay Michigan. In heavy seas, the Fitzgerald sustains topside damage and radios the Anderson, "Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I'm checking down. Will you stay by me till I get to Whitefish?"

"And every man knew as the captain did too, 'twas the witch of November come stealin'"

The Fitzgerald has two radar sets but both use a common antenna. The Fitzgerald calls on the radio to the Arthur M. Anderson. "Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have lost both radars. Can you provide me with radar plots till we reach Whitefish Bay?""Charlie on that, Fitzgerald. We'll keep you advised of your position."

"The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait when the gales of November came slashin"

Winds were 40 to 45 knots (46 to 52 mph) with waves to 20 ft.

"When afternoon came it was freezin' rain in the face of a hurricane west wind"

The Sault St, Marie Locks report winds of seventy knots, gusts up to eighty-two knots, (about 95 mph)

" When suppertime came the old cook came on deck sayin' "fellas it's too rough to feed ya"

Ironically, the "old" cook was suffering from bleeding ulcers and was unable to make the last voyage. He is considered by some as "the sole survivor of the Fitzgerald".

"At 7 p.m. a main hatchway caved in he said "fellas it's been good to know ya"

The Anderson reports being hit by two huge waves which go over the pilot house, 35 fee above the water line.

"The captain wired in he had water comin' in and the good ship and crew was in peril"

Although McSorley told the Anderson he had developed a list and was, in fact, taking on water, his main concern was that because of the loss of radar and new reports of the Whitefish Bay Lighthouse being broken down, the Fitzgerald was sailing blind and due to the list, the Fitzgerald was pulling to the left. They had to rely on the Anderson for guidance. When the Anderson radioed back later to ask how they were doing with their problem, McSorley replied "We are holding our own". That was the last thing heard from the Fitzgerald.

"And later that night when 'is lights went out of sight came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

The tremendous waves on Lake Superior kept interfering with the Anderson's radar,showing the Fitzgerald some 10 miles ahead of her. As the Anderson would dip with a large wave, the Fitzgerald and all other boats in the area would disappear, showing up again as the Anderson would crest. At 7:10 the Anderson rose above a wave and the radar showed three blips, saltwater ships, the Navafors, the Avafors, and the Benfri about 20 miles down bound. But no Fitzgerald. In the span of just a few seconds, with no distress call, the Fitzgerald was gone.

"Does anyone know where the love of god goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours"

The Anderson contacted the Coast Guard in Sault St. Marie. "Soo Control, this is theAnderson. I am very concerned about the welfare of the steamer Edmund Fitzgerald. He was right in front of us, experiencing a little difficulty. He was taking on a small amount of water and none of the up bound ships have passed him. I can see no lights as before and I don't have him on radar. I just hope he didn't take a nose dive!"The air temperature at the time was 49 degrees and the water temperature was 40degrees. Under these conditions a man would go into shock in 30 minutes.

"The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay if they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er"

A floating debris field was found the next morning and a 1000 yard long oil slick about 13 miles from Whitefish Point. On later days, small objects were found near the Canadian shore, life vests and rings, bottles, splintered wood, the largest object being a crumpled raft with the Fitzgerald's name.

"They might have split up or they might have capsized they may have broke deep and took water"

The wreckage is in two major pieces. The bow section is 276 feet long and upright. The stern section is 253 feet long and upside down. The sections are 170 feet apart. About 200 feet of the midsection is disintegrated. Although there is no conclusive evidence pointing to what the cause was, the most popular theory is that because the Fitz was taking on water, the iron ore cargo shifted toward the bow making it unbalanced, heavy to the front. When the Fitz plunged into the valley between two large waves, she submarined to the bottom, striking the lake's floor with enough force to break her in two.

"And all that remains is the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters"

This is just wrong, but there has been no attempt by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, which had made several exploratory expeditions down to the wreckage, to recover the crew.

"Lake Huron rolls Superior sings in the rooms of her ice water mansion Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams the islands and bays are for sportsmen and farther below Lake Ontario takes in what Lake Erie can send her and the Iron boats go as the mariners all know with the gales of November remembered"

There is estimated to be more than 6000 commercial shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, and fewer than half of these have been located.

"In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed in the maritime sailors' cathedral the church bell chimed 'til it rang 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald"

The ship went down in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975 with 29 men on board.

"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee Superior they said never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early"

GOD LOVES YOU ANYWAY CAMERON!!

2007-02-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

A Little music video for your Lenten listening pleasure.....

JESUS' FAMILIY PLOT?

2007-02-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

Well, here he is, one of the dude's Jesus talked about when He said, "If anyone says to you then, 'Look, here is the Messiah!" or "There he is!" do not believe it." Matthew 24:23.
The photo to the right is of "Titanic's" James Cameron who unveiled what he said were the bodies of Jesus and his wife, Mary Magdalena, at a New York City news conference on Feb. 26, 2007. The filmmaker has co-directed a TV documentary for the Discovery Channel that will air March 4. Cameron is claiming the markings on these 2000 year old coffins refer to names like Jesua and Mary and he has linked the DNA of the two to a couple other bodies/bones in this ancient grave site, thus proving this was the family plot of Jesus and His family. I say he's full of it, and the publicity stunt today was nothing more than a shopping trip for a book or movie deal. Cameron, in the words of Fred Sanford, "you big dummy", let this barley educated blogger set you straight. First, the names of Jesua, Mary, and Joseph were pretty common names for the times, kind of like Jordan, Britney and Justin are today, daa! Second, it's pretty tough to claim you have the bones of the Messiah, when it was very well documented, by at least a dozen witnesses, that Jesus, after having appeared to the twelve, and having a lengthy conversation with them, ascended into the clouds. Mr. Cameron, if you have a Bible, I would suggest you read Luke 24:36 thru 24:50. Third, I find it pretty hard to believe a carpenter of the times, could have afforded such a luxury, I mean a burial plot for the entire family, including caskets? And last but not least, why would they have a family plot in Jerusalem, wasn't Jesus from Nazareth? In my mind, all this is very unlikely, I think the poor were put into tombs, wrapped in cloth, and that's it, no fancy caskets for the moneyless. Go read my post from the Archives, dated February 22, 2007 for more Catholic education. Feeling pretty cocky, armed with the bible......Y

ALMADINEJAD-IS HE NUTS?

2007-02-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

Is this dude nut's? You decide..

Still un-decided? Yeah, let this guy develope nukes..

IRAN-DO THEY HAVE AN OFF BUTTON?

2007-02-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

I'm getting pretty tired of hearing about the latest bold move Iran has made. Is it just me, is my fear of Iran having Nuclear Weapons just paranoia? Think about it. This is the same country that is sending it's forces into Iraq to kill our solders, the infidels, the same country that call's Israel the little Satan, and they should be wiped off the map, and the US is the big Satan. Iran is the same country, who's leaders, believe that Mohammad wants them to convert the world to Islam by force, and if one refuses, kill them. Is that not clear enough? The world has recently tried to stand up by way of United Nations resolutions, but most people realize that the bark of the UN is far worse than it's bite. Our newly elected Dems in Washington will never support any move against Iran, they believe negotiating is the only approach. I am a professional Negotiator, it's what I do, I've never had personal conversations with Ahmadinejad, but I've seen enough to know, there is no negotiating with this man, years of warped beliefs have hardened him into his positions. Remember, this guy has questioned the Holocaust, he is also been accused by some of the Iranian held American hostages back in the 70's, of being one of the kidnappers, and one of the solders, who held our people back than, the photo in the upper right is a picture of one of the Milatants who held our people, some say that picture is Ahmadinejad. No, this guy is not a negotiator, it's going to be his way or no way. Unless we find the switch that turns this guy off, he'll get his way, and millions will die before we finally step in and shut him down. It's not a question as to what that off switch is, we'll have to strike him, the question is when? Do we do strategic strikes now to take out his Nuclear development sites, or do we wait until he uses them, and than wipe out the entire country, and by doing so, we end up killing people who don't want this either? We have to turn him off now!Very worried......Y

Judge ruling on Anna Nicole Smith to be buried in Bahamas

2007-02-24T13:28:00.001-05:00

I don't know, I'm a pretty emotional guy, I cry at weddings, funerals, other peoples pain and yeah even some movies. The movie Rudy, makes me cry. This circus makes me hysterical with laughter, I don't know why, I can't explain it, it just does. I don't believe any of them are in it for the body of Anna Nicole, I just think it's money. I tried to imagine if I were in this court room how I would control my laughter with this Judges "pain", it just seems real phoney to me. My sister is a lawyer, I'm going to have to ask her if she's ever seen a Judge cry while reading a ruling.....Y

USS NEW YORK

2007-02-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. It is the fifth in a new class of warship, designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there." Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up." "It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back." The ship's motto? "Never Forget" Please keep this going so everyone can see what we are made of in this country! You can click on the email envelope below and email to anyone............Y

Give Me One More Reason - Jordin Spraks Top 24

2007-02-23T18:50:00.005-05:00

Also top 3....

American Idol - AJ Tabaldo - Never Too Much

2007-02-23T18:50:00.003-05:00

Also top three...