What I REALLY Think! » Blog

Pork Spending!

Mike — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:20:04 +0000

$100,000 for economic relief to Maine lobster fishermen

$900,000 for fish management in Mobile, AL

$250,000 to monitor cyanobacteria blooms in the Great Lakes (whatever that is)

$1.65 million for various National Textile Centers

$350,000 for Climate Change and Air Polutant Impacts to New England’s Rare Alpine Zone

$190,000 for salmon research and restoration projects in Western Alaska and interior river systems and ongoing marine productivity research

$200,000 for west coast weak stock salmon solutions

$545,000 to Hubbs SeaWorld for various projects

$700,000 for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Research

$150,000 for Lobster Research in Augusta, Maine

$1,000,000 for continued research into the New England scallop fishery, to promote sustainability

$500,000 for an oyster hatchery economic pilot program

$7,100,000 for the conservation and recovery of endangered Hawaiian sea turtle populations

$100,000 to prevent the spread of exotic aquatic weeds such as millfoil and others in NH lakes

$360,000 to purchase, install, and maintain rain gages

$3,000,000 funding for climate research at nationwide sites (Reid and Schumer are two of the sponsors)

$3,000,000 for continued research and development of new methods to protect, preserve, and improve the health of multi-species fisheries in New England

$10,000,000 to provide economic assistance, equally divided between states of Maryland and Virginia, to watermen and communities impacted by the Secretary of Commerce’s blue crab disaster declaration of September 22, 2008.

$4,600,000 to restore oyster habitat and plant disease free oysters in scientifically selected sites throughout Chesapeake Bay.

$1,600,000 for citizen-driven environmental protection in Olympia, WA

$10,550,000 for weather research in the Gulf of Mexico

$1,000,000 for the CORE Philly Scholarship Program

$2,000,000 for the counties of Accomack and Northampton for broadband deployment

$1,000,000 for advanced robotics for lunar and Martian exploration

$2,200,000 to recruit minority students who will pursue careers in the sciences in New York.

Unspecified amount of money for bill language making the State of Nevada eligible for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (sponsored by none other than Harry Reid)

$188,000 for drug abuse alternatives center in Santa Rosa, CA

$ 8 billion for “high speed rail” from Disneyland in Anaheim, CA to Las Vegas

$30 million for a salt marsh mouse study in the San Francisco Bay Area

A Nation of Cowards!…

Mike — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:57:04 +0000

“A nation of cowards” or so says our new Attorney General. I can’t believe that we are having to be part of such a childish statement. Mr. Holder states in a description of the US that [we are] a nation of cowards on matters of race, saying most Americans avoid discussing unresolved racial issues. Since when did civility and good judgment get mistaken for cowardice. Regardless if we agree with the current presidents views politically, we made a huge step forward as a country by electing a minority to the highest office in our land. Just because we avoid discussing particular subject with anyone outside our particular sphere of influence does not make us cowards. Generally people also do not talk religion, politics, and a plethora of other subjects with anyone outside immediate friends and family. To call us coward for not doing it is at best an elementary attempt to engage the general populous by a “highly educated” man.

Mr. Holder also goes on to say “…the workplace is largely integrated but Americans still self-segregate on the weekends and in their private lives.” I am glad to see that Mr. Holder is such an authority on the private lives of all americans in all 50 states. I, as do many americas, have frineds that are of one minority or the other. I am hispanic yet of all my friends, I have no other hispanic friend that I get visit with in my “private” life. If you ask me it sounds like the justice department is getting bad intel again.
Mr. Holder holds the position of chief “law enforcer” yet make such archaic and elementary statments as to group all americans in to one big group. Isn’t this the problem at the core of the race issue? Yet he stands on his soap box telling us that we are cowards when it comes to race. Great Job Mr. Holder!

Is third grade too early for sex ed.?

Mike — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:17:28 +0000

News-Leader.com | Springfield Blogs – Schools | Springfield News-Leader.

Are you kidding me? The reason that 10 and 12 year olds are having sex is becasuse parents are not teaching their children that it is inappoprate activites for a person of their age.

We can teach children about sex but we need to keep it appoprate to their age. We dont need to go into all the details with a 3rd grader that we would with say a 13 year old or a 16 year old. Parents have gotten lazy and allowed the world to dictate what is taught to their children and when.

Yes there are times that our children will make bad choices but that dosnt mean we throw out all reason and discretion. When they hit these times our mark should be to get them through it rather than trying to fix or ignore the situation.

There is still a thing called personal accountability.

Alabama NAACP criticizes use of Trail Maids in Inaugural Parade

Mike — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:59:27 +0000

WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Alabama NAACP criticizes use of Trail Maids in Inaugural Parade.

I really think that it is time to put some of these people out to pasture. If the nation electing a black president is not proof enough that by and large our country has moved past this horrible season in history I don’t know what is. He elected president elect Obama by almost a landslide. Yes I realize that in some parts of the country there are still issues that linger but we are a better people now.

Thank God that we have come to a place where we see people as God sees them… “as people”!

That’s the way I see it!

Adopt or Write to the Troops

Mike — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:16:08 +0000

I have to admit that I really didn’t even think about it until last week when I was reading our church magazine and a lady wrote about how she had adopted a soldier and was writing them each week and sending care packages.

I don’t understand how I missed this… I think that it is every Americans duty to support the individuals that are fighting for our country. Regardless of how you feel about the war it’s self. The men and women that are over there are Americans, they are the sons and daughters of our neighbors, they are at their core human beings. Many of them do not have anyone that is capable of writing or sending packages.

I have three small boys and I cant even imagine my boys being over there with out some sort of support from home. I would be proud of my boys to be willing to lay down their life for our country. I am not a soldier never have been and now at my age probably never will be but I am so grateful for all the people who have made sacrifices to make sure our country is still the greatest place to raise kids and have a family.

Here are two places that I know of that can help you connect with a soldier.

1: http://anysoldier.com/
They are mostly a avenue to send care packages and connect with individuals, they state that you shouldnt expect to receive a reply, but many do write back.

2: http://adoptaplatoon.org
They offer both adotption of a soldier, platoon or just a pen-pal. They have a several different campaigns including one for moms. My family used this one for adopting a soldier that we will write to and send care packages.

Google Chrome

Mike — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:49:38 +0000

So I am not a huge writer of Technical Reviews but I have to write about this new little gem. Now understand that I am wrinting from soley a “consumer” viewpoint, not a “techie” or a “developer”.

I saw a link on the main Google search page that said “New! Download Chrome (BETA) - the new browser from Google” so being a huge Google fan I downloaded it and have started playing with it.

I really think that I like the browser. It has some very neat features that I think are very intuitive.

1: The first thing that I really like is the “Homepage” (see image below). On the page that opens with you first start the program you get a snapshot of your most visited sites for quick reference, you get a search bar and a list of your most recent bookmarks. I know that some will not like the most recent sites images but for me I think it is very useful.

Google Chrome Homepage

2: The second thing that I thought was interesting, was that they have added “Incognito Browsing” that basiclly doesnt log any of your history on the local machine. I guess that there are several instances that this type of thing might be useful but I found it interesting none the less.

Google Chrome Incognito

If you havent already… take a few minuets to download Google Chrome and play with it. It has incorporated parts of Mozilla browser technology and many others.

The only down side that I can see to it right now is that there is no room for “addons”. I dont use but one addon in Firefox so this is not a major issue for me. If you use a lot of them then you might find it a bit limiting but I like my software lean and clean with out a lot of clutter.

WHY MEN ARE (JUSTIFIABLY) PROUD OF THEMSELVES

Mike — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:00:39 +0000

1. We know stuff about tanks
2. A 5-day trip requires only one suitcase
3. We can open all our own jars
4. We can go to the bathroom without a support group
5. We don’t have to learn to spell a new last name
6. We can leave a motel bed unmade
7. We can kill our own food.
8. We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness
9. Wedding plans take care of themselves
10. If someone forgets to invite us to something they can still be our friend
11. Underwear is $10 a three-pack
12. If you are 34 and single nobody notices
13. Everything on our faces stays the original color
14. Three pair of shoes are more than enough
15. We don’t have to clean the house just because the meter reader is coming
16. Car mechanics tell us the truth
17. We can sit quietly and watch a game with a friend for hours without thinking, “He must be mad at me.”
18. Same work – more pay
19. Gray hair and wrinkles only add character
20. We can drop by and see a friend without having to bring a little gift.
21. If another guy shows up at a party in the same outfit you just might become lifelong friends
22. Your pals will never trap you with: “So, notice anything different?”
23. We are not expected to know the names of more than 5 colors
24. We almost never have a “strap problem” in public
25. We are totally unable to see wrinkles in our clothes
26. The same hairstyle lasts for years – maybe decades
27. We don’t have to shave below the neck
28. A few belches are expected and tolerated
29. Our belly usually hides our big hips
30. One wallet, one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons
31. We can do our nails with a pocketknife
32. We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache
33. Christmas shopping can be accomplished for 25 people on the day before Christmas and in 45 minutes

A Letter from Jesus

Mike — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:24:26 +0000

Dear Friend,

I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I love you and care
about you. I saw you yesterday as you were talking to your friends. I waited
all day hoping you would want to talk to me also. As evening drew near, I
gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you. I
waited but you never came. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am
your friend.

I saw you fall asleep last night and I longed to touch your brow so I spilled
moonlight on your pillow and your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush
down so that we could talk, I have so many gifts for you. You awakened
late the next day and were too busy to talk. My tears were in the rain.

Today you looked so sad, so all alone. It makes my heart ache because I
understand. My friends let me down and hurt me so many times, too. I
love you, oh, if you would only listen to me.

I really love you. I try to tell you in the blue sky and in the green grass.
I whisper it in the trees and breath it in the color of the flowers. I
shout it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing.
I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with natures scents.
My love for you is deeper then the oceans and bigger then the biggest want
or need in your heart.

If only you know how much I want to help you. I want you to meet my Father.
He wants to help you too. My Father is that way, you know. Just call me,
ask me, talk with me. Please, please don’t forget me. I have so much to
share with you. I wont hassle you any more. You are free to call me.
It’s up to you. I’ll wait because I LOVE YOU.
Your Friend,
Jesus

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

Mike — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:00:11 +0000

Sometimes life just gets away from us. We get busy doing all kinds of things that we think matter, for people that we think have a say as to how our lives go but really all we are required to do is to love God and keep his commandments. When God entrusts to our care one of his little ones it is the most power expression of His love to us, and in turn we are to show His love to them. At the end of your life and you are lying in bed getting ready to meet Jesus face to face, who will be beside your bed. Will it be your boss at work, will it be the customers that you serve, will it be the client that requires all your attention 24/7, I don’t think so! It will be that of your family, your mate, your children, maybe your grandchildren.
Take a minute to think about the priorities in your life and make sure that you are investing in something that is eternal not temporal. Now don’t go thinking that I have this all down. It was not until my most recent job that I started telling them… I am a father first and foremost. I have 3 little guys that look up to me and I am going to make sure that I am showing them Jesus!

Does Anybody Hear Her- Casting Crowns

Mike — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:58:17 +0000

You may not know this about me but I run a ministry called “Christian Guys Ministries“. This video is the heart and soul of why I started it. It breaks my heart to know that we as Christians are allowing guys and girls to come into our churches hear our sermons and then leave with no follow up, no discipleship, no training and we sit in our pews judging them for not “looking right” or for not standing up or sitting down in the right spots. We have gotten so pompous in our walk with God that we are no better than the Pharasies that Jesus condemned. Christian Guys is about helping guys bridge the gap between being a teenager and becoming a man of God. We cant help guys become men of God if we, those that are already in the faith, are not willing to look past all the “stuff” and see that these guys are hurting inside, lost, not part of our “system”.

I was at church a few weeks back on a Wednesday night and I sat in youth group, being a former youth pastor I love to sit in youth services, they had a guest speaker that night and to make a long story short at the beginning of the service there was the traditional youth worship band and the guy sitting next to me was raising his hand during the song and as we would say “really pressing in to worshiping God”, then as the music ended the guest speaker was introduced, as he spoke he began to speak of issues of anger and then finally he dropped the bomb, he said that God was leading him to the issue of “sexual integrity”. He said that God had placed on his heart that there were some here that were dealing with issues of sex. Well… if you have ever been in a room of Christian teenagers, especially guys, then you know that no one moved a muscle and it was as quite as can be. Then with a bit more prodding from the speaker simply saying that he knew that someone here needed this time with God, and finally one guy stepped out and of course then all the guys and gals started poring to the alter. Well right as the alter time was ending I saw the guy next to me ask his friend to “go down there with me”. He need prayer for issues of sexual integrity. So you are saying “Whats your point?” My point is this… we are not doing a good job of helping those in our church already with issues and pain, we have kids in our youth group having to navigate the waters of “youthful desires” but oh no we cant talk about that, “there parents will do it” well guess what folks, many of these kids dont have parents. It is our job, to “train up the child”. When one of our own kids is dealing with issues of pornography, promiscuity, and the like it is up to us to help him or her in a loving gentle way.

I guess I am saying that we need to open our eyes church! Stop ignoring the problem and hope it will go away because guess what! It is going away but it is taking our youth with it. We want to have a “church of tomorrow” we have to cultivate it today. That means being there for our children and youth, that means opening our churches and homes to non-believers and helping them navigate the early walk with God. That means leaving our homes and stepping out into the city, country, or suburb and sharing our faith with others.

I leave you with this. When it was finally time for Jesus to leave this planet for the last time. He went up to the mountain side and just before he ascended into heaven he said:

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)