Here are 2 quotes on the expansion of gay marriage into our society. The question is, can you guess who said it?
Quote #1:
“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”
Quote #2:
“I’m a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman.”
A lot of similarity between those 2 statements. So, who said them?
Well, if you've been paying attention to the news lately, you would know that quote #1 was uttered by Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, when asked this question by one of the judges. In the aftermath of this statement, some gay rights activists have called this answer by Prejean "hateful" and "angry". And, apparently, in the eyes of the pageant judges, and many of the same gay rights activists, this statement disqualified Prejean from the Miss USA title...she finished 2nd.
But, then there's that 2nd quote...who said that? Well, it's none other than the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. In the last election, voters who claimed to be homosexual overwhelmingly supported Obama.
So, what have we learned here? Apparently our beauty pageant contestants are held to a higher standard than our President by certain segments of the population. I can't decide if this is funny or sad...maybe a little of both.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Move out...Please!
I saw the following article from MSNBC, so it must be true as it comes from the most liberal news source going (he says sarcastically):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30352252
Yes, you read that right, now the City of New York (i.e. the liberal capital of the world) is going after salt. Apparently, it's too hard for people to look at a label, see how much sodium is in there, and not eat it if it's got too much. New York City has taken nanny state to a whole new level. First, it was trans fats, then calorie counts on menus, now they are going after salt.
Look, I struggle with high blood pressure, so I know it's not easy. But, if you read labels, you can quickly find foods with less sodium. It's just not that hard to do.
As I read this, I was thinking, why would anyone want to live in New York City? After all, taxes have reached confiscatory levels, the cost of living and doing business is through the roof, you have to put up with Yankees fans, it's crowded, it's dirty, the airports are always backed up, and now...the food Nazis are at it again!
But then I thought...maybe they want people to move out. Maybe they've recognized the problems I just spoke of, and have decided that the only way to fix them is for less people to live in New York City. So, maybe they are trying to make it as crappy as possible so people will be forced to relocate. I know, it may seem far fetched, but hey, anything is possible when liberals are involved (oops, there's that sarcasm again).
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30352252
Yes, you read that right, now the City of New York (i.e. the liberal capital of the world) is going after salt. Apparently, it's too hard for people to look at a label, see how much sodium is in there, and not eat it if it's got too much. New York City has taken nanny state to a whole new level. First, it was trans fats, then calorie counts on menus, now they are going after salt.
Look, I struggle with high blood pressure, so I know it's not easy. But, if you read labels, you can quickly find foods with less sodium. It's just not that hard to do.
As I read this, I was thinking, why would anyone want to live in New York City? After all, taxes have reached confiscatory levels, the cost of living and doing business is through the roof, you have to put up with Yankees fans, it's crowded, it's dirty, the airports are always backed up, and now...the food Nazis are at it again!
But then I thought...maybe they want people to move out. Maybe they've recognized the problems I just spoke of, and have decided that the only way to fix them is for less people to live in New York City. So, maybe they are trying to make it as crappy as possible so people will be forced to relocate. I know, it may seem far fetched, but hey, anything is possible when liberals are involved (oops, there's that sarcasm again).
Monday, April 20, 2009
First Communion
Yesterday, our son David received his First Communion. For Catholics, and probably for all Christians, this is a big day. Catholics do this at a younger age than most...2nd grade. I grew up Lutheran, and didn't receive Communion until 5th grade.
First Communion comes on the heels of First Reconciliation, which was in January. David has now had the sacrements of Baptism, Reconciliation and Communion.
We had a great day. First Communion was at the 9 am mass. We had all 4 of David's grandparents in town, as well as 3 of Amanda's family members from Pennsylvania. At mass, our Deacon gave a great homily to the kids, and David got to answer a question during the homily. After listing several things he remembered about his first communion, Deacon Smith asked the kids, "what did I forget to mention?" David raised his hand, and answered "you forgot to mention that you aren't supposed to make a face when you drink from the cup." Raucous laughter ensued. The correct answer was Communion. The homily stressed the importance of remembering that Jesus loves us (which David told me again tonight), and remembering this most important part of the day.
The actual communion was wonderful. Both Amanda and I were a bit overcome with joy for David. He was so happy. When we got back to the pew, he said "I wanna go again!", with a huge smile on his face.
After taking pictures at the church (we got some great ones), we headed home to open gifts and prepare for the party. We had lots of help preparing for the party, which was good, because the night before, Amanda had fallen and sprained her ankle badly, requiring and emergency room trip (that's a story for another blog). Luckily, our families stepped up and helped us out. The party turned out to be a good time. Including family, we had 33 people stop by to visit and congratulate David. We also got numerous other cards in the mail.
I hope that David will remember this day always. I know I will. It was an exhausting weekend...I joked that I needed a weekend to recover from my weekend...but I think it was well worth it.
First Communion comes on the heels of First Reconciliation, which was in January. David has now had the sacrements of Baptism, Reconciliation and Communion.
We had a great day. First Communion was at the 9 am mass. We had all 4 of David's grandparents in town, as well as 3 of Amanda's family members from Pennsylvania. At mass, our Deacon gave a great homily to the kids, and David got to answer a question during the homily. After listing several things he remembered about his first communion, Deacon Smith asked the kids, "what did I forget to mention?" David raised his hand, and answered "you forgot to mention that you aren't supposed to make a face when you drink from the cup." Raucous laughter ensued. The correct answer was Communion. The homily stressed the importance of remembering that Jesus loves us (which David told me again tonight), and remembering this most important part of the day.
The actual communion was wonderful. Both Amanda and I were a bit overcome with joy for David. He was so happy. When we got back to the pew, he said "I wanna go again!", with a huge smile on his face.
After taking pictures at the church (we got some great ones), we headed home to open gifts and prepare for the party. We had lots of help preparing for the party, which was good, because the night before, Amanda had fallen and sprained her ankle badly, requiring and emergency room trip (that's a story for another blog). Luckily, our families stepped up and helped us out. The party turned out to be a good time. Including family, we had 33 people stop by to visit and congratulate David. We also got numerous other cards in the mail.
I hope that David will remember this day always. I know I will. It was an exhausting weekend...I joked that I needed a weekend to recover from my weekend...but I think it was well worth it.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Win Susan Win!
This is the best YouTube video I've ever seen (yes better than Charlie Unicorn). I know that Nuke already posted this on his blog, but I can't resist putting it on mine as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg&feature=related
This is just so uplifting to see this woman, singing her heart out, using her God given talent. It brings a tear to my eye...I've watched it 4 times already. I hope she wins!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg&feature=related
This is just so uplifting to see this woman, singing her heart out, using her God given talent. It brings a tear to my eye...I've watched it 4 times already. I hope she wins!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Tax Day!
Today, millions of Americans are rushing to get their tax returns done on time, or file for an extension. Meanwhile, President Obama gave his "shut up and pay" speech today, reminding us all how good taxes are. On the other side of the spectrum, right wingers were holding tea party's all over the country to protest the ever expanding federal government, and the confiscatory taxes that are to come.
While the President keeps hyping that he's going to give every American making less than $250,000 a tax cut, logical thinking Americans know that we are all going to pay more. If Obama raises taxes on those making more than $250,000, those people will either spend less, or look for new creative ways to hide their money. In spending less, demand will decrease for the products the over $250k crowd buys, and the people who make and sell those products will be forced to either cut back hours, or lay people off. Then all those people without jobs, or with reduced jobs will cut back, and pretty soon this cylce will deepen the recession into a full blown depression. So, while the Federal Government promises not to raise taxes on the less than $250k crowd, make no mistake, we all will pay more!
Oh, and while we're at it, the tea party's are a great idea. But where have they been for the last 20+ years while Washington spending has gone through the roof? While President Obama and his fellow liberals are breaking all records for spending (by a lot), none of the recent administrations have been fiscally responsible with our money. It's too bad it has taken a crisis the magnitude of Barack Obama to get people in this country to wake up to the fact that we have been spending our grandchildren and great grandchildren into debt, just so we can all retire at 62 with government funded social security and health care. Aren't we so proud of ourselves?
While the President keeps hyping that he's going to give every American making less than $250,000 a tax cut, logical thinking Americans know that we are all going to pay more. If Obama raises taxes on those making more than $250,000, those people will either spend less, or look for new creative ways to hide their money. In spending less, demand will decrease for the products the over $250k crowd buys, and the people who make and sell those products will be forced to either cut back hours, or lay people off. Then all those people without jobs, or with reduced jobs will cut back, and pretty soon this cylce will deepen the recession into a full blown depression. So, while the Federal Government promises not to raise taxes on the less than $250k crowd, make no mistake, we all will pay more!
Oh, and while we're at it, the tea party's are a great idea. But where have they been for the last 20+ years while Washington spending has gone through the roof? While President Obama and his fellow liberals are breaking all records for spending (by a lot), none of the recent administrations have been fiscally responsible with our money. It's too bad it has taken a crisis the magnitude of Barack Obama to get people in this country to wake up to the fact that we have been spending our grandchildren and great grandchildren into debt, just so we can all retire at 62 with government funded social security and health care. Aren't we so proud of ourselves?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Book Review: "Ender's Shadow"
We've been extremely busy lately, so my movie watching has taken a dive. However, given that I haven't been watching any movies, I have had time to read for an hour or so each night. My most recent reading is "Ender's Shadow". "Ender's Shadow" is a parallel book to "Ender's Game", both of which were written by Orson Scott Card.
"Ender's Shadow" follows the story of Bean, Ender's right hand man. Bean is another brilliant child who comes to battle school via a much different route. We first meet the diminutive Bean at age 4, living on the streets of Rotterdam. Through a set of circumstances, Bean meets a kind nun who recognizes brilliance in him, and eventually gets him sent to Battle School. Though Bean is easily smarter than everyone at Battle School (including Ender), he struggles to find his way, but eventually reaches prominence as a member of Ender's Dragon Army. In the end, Bean ends up being an invaluable aid to Ender in the battle against the bugger's.
Although I really liked "Ender's Shadow", I liked "Ender's Game" more. To me, Ender is the more compelling character. Ender is brilliant by any stretch, except when compared to Bean. However, Ender seems to be a much deeper character, with far more internal struggle than Bean. I believe this is why Ender is more likable, and why Ender was a better commander than Bean.
What concerned me most about "Ender's Shadow" was that, for a long time, it appeared that the brilliance of Bean, would diminish Ender, who I really liked from Ender's Game. However, Mr. Card does a beautiful job demonstrating how these 2 young geniuses compliment and enhance each other's natural gifts (Bean's a super genius, Ender is a super leader). Ender needs Bean's ingenuity throughout the book, and Bean needs Ender to figure out how to lead and best apply that ingenuity to specific scenarios.
While I really enjoyed both books, I would recommend reading "Ender's Game" first, and then "Ender's Shadow" if you have time.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Danger of Watching Golf
Today was the final round of The Masters. And, after over 5 hours of watching golf, the one guy who I didn't want to win, ended up winning. Therein lies the danger of watching golf. Only one person can win, and if you pick the wrong guy, or wrong group of guys, as I did today, then you end up disappointed.
If you haven't heard, the winner of The Masters was Argentina's Angel Cabrera. Cabrera won on the 2nd playoff hole over American Kenny Perry. While I have nothing against Cabrera (he seems like a really good guy), I typically root for American players. So, I was rooting for Phil Mickelson, Jim Furk, Kenny Perry or Chad Campbell to win. Perry and Campbell made the playoff, and Mickelson made an early splash before fading late.
The most exciting part of the day was the pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. They both started the day 7 shots behind the leaders, but after a front 9 30 (-6), Mickelson was only 1 shot off the lead. However, Phil, as he often does when in super aggressive mode, made some mistakes on the back nine and finished in 5th place, 3 shots off the winning score. Tiger got it close as well, but finished with 2 bogeys to end up 6th.
During the round, the CBS crew kept referring to the "rivalry" between Tiger and Phil (side note...overall, I thought CBS's coverage was terrible this year). If you've followed it, it's not much of a rivalry. As much as I like Phil, his 36 wins and 3 majors don't really stand up to Tiger's ~70 wins and 14 majors. I told my wife that the rivalry between Tiger and Phil is like the rivalry between a hammer and a nail. Occasionally, Phil will end up being the "bent nail" that annoys Tiger for a short period, but usually Tiger will end up pounding Phil. And Phil knows that...in a post round interview, he talked about how playing with Tiger is fun, even though he usually comes up on the short end of it.
Well, if that wasn't a rambling enough golf analysis...I don't know what is. Overall, it was fun to watch, but the ending was disappointing.
If you haven't heard, the winner of The Masters was Argentina's Angel Cabrera. Cabrera won on the 2nd playoff hole over American Kenny Perry. While I have nothing against Cabrera (he seems like a really good guy), I typically root for American players. So, I was rooting for Phil Mickelson, Jim Furk, Kenny Perry or Chad Campbell to win. Perry and Campbell made the playoff, and Mickelson made an early splash before fading late.
The most exciting part of the day was the pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. They both started the day 7 shots behind the leaders, but after a front 9 30 (-6), Mickelson was only 1 shot off the lead. However, Phil, as he often does when in super aggressive mode, made some mistakes on the back nine and finished in 5th place, 3 shots off the winning score. Tiger got it close as well, but finished with 2 bogeys to end up 6th.
During the round, the CBS crew kept referring to the "rivalry" between Tiger and Phil (side note...overall, I thought CBS's coverage was terrible this year). If you've followed it, it's not much of a rivalry. As much as I like Phil, his 36 wins and 3 majors don't really stand up to Tiger's ~70 wins and 14 majors. I told my wife that the rivalry between Tiger and Phil is like the rivalry between a hammer and a nail. Occasionally, Phil will end up being the "bent nail" that annoys Tiger for a short period, but usually Tiger will end up pounding Phil. And Phil knows that...in a post round interview, he talked about how playing with Tiger is fun, even though he usually comes up on the short end of it.
Well, if that wasn't a rambling enough golf analysis...I don't know what is. Overall, it was fun to watch, but the ending was disappointing.
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