IRAN IS CRASHING THE INTERNETS!!!

Just a thought.

I wonder if all that traffic from Iran (and indeed around the world) is causing an unprecedented slowdown of Internet speeds not seen since dial-up days, and hindering at least my end of the Information Superhighway from loading web pages and connecting to them.

It is a bittersweet predicament to be in. On the one hand, I want Iranians (and everyone else!!!) to be morally free if not politically-- and the free exchange of ideas facillitated by the Internet and cellphone technology is vital to that end. On the other hand, we all have a lot of work to do to accomplish this-- and the Internet needs to be freed up as well as its users!

I know I am stating the obvious, but that's what bloggers do. I am sure that more qualified heads are being scratched at this moment to come up with a plan or course of action to rescue this wonderful resource from information overload. 

Thank God for it.

IRAN A-TWITTER

It's bad. But thank God there are people Twittering about events and developments from Tehran, Iran and around the world.

Here is the link I got from Hugh Hewitt: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23iranelection

Search, Twitter, and be moved.

ANTI-OBAMANOMICS

Well, in the interest of providing hope to a seemingly hopeless situation (the state of our economy and President Obama's socialist decapitation of it), I want to link Mises.org here.

If you have any interest (and spare time), check out any of a myriad of multimedia resources there which will educate you in short order about the ills and remedies of any economy, but particularly the remedy of Austrian Economics.

Like I said, for a free/low-cost, self-driven economics education, this is a great place to learn the right way to do economics--something "they" did not teach me in school!

BLOGGING ON THE FLY

I thought I would join the chorus of onlookers and admirers of the world who saw our disputed (or beloved) president kill a fly during a televised interview. CNBC chief Washington correspondent John Harwood was interviewing President Barack Obama when a fly interrupted the proceedings. Obama then swatted it effectively and basked in the glory of his enemy's demise.

It's all over the news and the blogosphere. Even Rush Limbaugh (of course) got in on the act. On his show today, he made hilarious comments and played a sound clip from his original TV show, during which he steps on a fly and shows it to the camera and audience.

The best soundbite from the whole exchange of audio on his show was Rush's comment:

RUSH: Later in the show, I then murder the sucker, but not with my hands like Obama. I used my shoe. And killing a fly with a shoe is a much bigger insult in the fly world than killing an insect or a fly with your hand.

I laugh out loud every time I read that last sentence.

As you may or may not know, the biggest insult you can heap on your Middle East neighbor is to pound your shoe (or throw it at him, as one Iraqi reporter did to former President Bush) in a demonstration of disgust and disdain.

I know, jokes you have to explain aren't that funny. It still strikes my funny bone.

With a shoe.

AND THE NEW PRESIDENT OF IRAN IS...

I'm going out on a limb here and posting an article from the American Thinker, from a link on Rush Limbaugh's website, wherein it is posited that Mahmoud Ahmedinejad DID NOT WIN THE ELECTION in Iran.

In the article, the author makes it abundantly clear that Iran's "elections" are shams designed by the mullahs (religious leadership) to showcase their already-selected choice for office. The popular vote is a farce wherein the nation registers its disapproval of the mullahs' selections. Here is a quote:

"The great majority of the people of Iran are disillusioned and even disgusted by the mediaeval incompetent, oppressive, and corrupt rule of the mullahs, irrespective of which mafia gang is in power. The votes, more than anything else, are protest ballots cast against the entire system, rather than indications of support for the so-called conservative-moderate coalition." [emphasis mine]

Here is the diamond I found:

"However, the turnout was massive, a near record high 85 percent of Iran's 49.2 million eligible voters. Based on the information from Mousavi's website , a group of Interior Ministry employees have leaked out the following results which seem to be closer to reality than the one released by the establishment:

Total eligible: 49.2 Million

Participated in the election: 75% to 85%
Mir Hussein Mousavi: 45%
Mehdi Karoobi: 33%
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: 13%
Mohsen Rezai: 9%

Cancelled votes: 3%

The article goes on to say that in spite of the regime's brutal and oppressive ways, the people are rendering them less effective and thus scaring them to death. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob help them to rise up peacefully and win their country back from the Enemy (Satan).

PUBLIC EDUCATION IS PUBLIC ENEMY (SOMETIMES)

Here is a story with a sad ending-- at least it looks that way for public education:

Kansas Teacher Claims Conservative Views Led To Loss of Job

Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying all public education is bad. But I have to feel sorry for those who don't "get it" when it comes to truth.

The last question in the article is asked by a former student of the teacher. She asks, "Why would they let a good teacher go?"

Because they're stupid. Read the story.

OBAMA WAS BORN IN HAWAII

In keeping with the Fairness Doctrine, I am posting this link to Snopes.com for the purpose of balancing the argument which continues regarding President Obama's birth certificate. The thing that really convinced me was the clipping of the birth announcement in the Hawaiian newspaper that day.

Is that a fake, too? The debate never ends...

I FOUND IT!!!

The official interview with Obama's teleprompter, affectionately known as TOTUS (Teleprompter of the United States), is here:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

AN UNUSUAL BLOGGER

Just want to post this link to Barak Obama's Teleprompter's Blog:

http://baracksteleprompter.blogspot.com/

I give credit to my brother's blog, Machiavellian Messiah, for showing me the link to BOTB. Actually, it is known as TOTUS (Teleprompter of the United States), and readers of its blog are known as FOTs (Friends of TOTUS).

I encourage you to read both blogs, but especially my brother's.

IS OBAMA REALLY PRESIDENT???

You know, this story keeps coming up like a bowling pin in the ocean (I assume it will float, but I've never seen it chronicled on David Letterman's "Will It Float?" segment).

There is still sharp controversy surrounding his birth certificate, and indeed his citizenship--and therefore, his right to be president!

I'm curious what all the hubbub is about. So I go to WorldNetDaily and see a few stories still doubting his legitimacy. I order a copy of WhistleBlower magazine using my hard-earned Unemployment Insurance money and await its arrival in the mail.

The April 2009 issue, with the headline, "Your Papers, Please?" is touted by WND founder and CEO Joseph Farah as:

"...the most complete and thorough exposé of the eligibility questions surrounding Barack Obama's presidency. It is an indictment of the process that put him in the White House Jan. 20 of this year.

"Although Article II section 1 of the Constitution clearly requires that all presidents be 'natural born citizens,' the 2008 election proved, Farah points out, 'that no controlling legal authority bothered to establish' that Obama was qualified for the Oval Office. 'Everybody dropped the ball,' said Farah.

"The biggest reason interest in the Obama eligibility issue continues to mount, with ever more legal actions being filed and more Americans demanding answers, says WND Managing Editor David Kupelian, is simple: 'Barack Obama is hiding something.' "

Well, we Americans can engage in this sort of thing because after all, we are a nation of checks and balances.

BOTTOMLESS BLOG?

Well, intrepid and faithful reader friends, I have changed the setting on this blog to allow ALL my posts to appear on the same page!

Cool, huh?

Now I (and you) can scroll all the way down the page and see every post I've ever posted! Is that not cool or what?

I know. You're thinking, this bozo has had way too much ice cream! Well, you would be right.

I guess I'm amped because Kim Komando is on the radio from 5 to 7PM on Saturday instead of 12 to 2PM, the old schedule. Also, she (they) did away with the excessive use of canned audience applause and reactions to her comments during the program. At least that's the impression I'm getting from this my most recent session listening to her.

I could go on because, after all, this is THE BOTTOMLESS BLOOOOOG...

ONE RUSSIAN'S OPINION VERY PERCEPTIVE

This morning, while driving to my usual tennis venue for some exercise, I heard on the radio a talkshow host (Mike Broomhead, KFYI 550 AM) read a poignant quote from the Russian newspaper Pravda. In it, he states a (the?) Russian view of America's descent into Marxism. You can read it here.

This was an eye-opener and a wake-up call for me. Apparently, the world watches as our beloved USA descends into what our forefathers fled from: a world system which is detrimental to Christian values, ideals, and prosperity.

Will God indeed bless America if she goes astray from that which saved her in the first place, the gospel of Jesus Christ? No.

I shudder thinking of our collective freefall from our former perch atop the world's pedestal of admiration if we abandon the God who exalted us for righteousness' sake.

"RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION, BUT SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE." (Proverbs 14:34)

My hope and prayer was, and still is, that we as a people do not let that happen (or that God would give us the grace to resist the devil).

Understandably this article, written by a Russian writer for Pravda, has some grammatical and spelling errors. But his message is spot on --and inspiring (that a foreign opinion maker would duly warn us of our own downfall-in-progress in time to recognize what is happening, and to utilize the pen rather than the sword to effect a remedy sufficient to stop its deadly progression)!

Let me just quickly link a couple of blogs which support this article and inspire me to read their blogs for a different if not helpful viewpoint:

Artful Articulations

Matt Rodina

KUDOS TO MY I.T. (IDENTICAL TWIN) BROTHER

Now before all the alarmists over identity theft cry foul that I implicated (in a good way) my brother, who shall remain nameless, let me heap accolades and praise for a recent post in his most excellent blog, "The Machiavellian Messiah."

In it, he aptly lays blame for the auto industry meltdown at the feet of --who else?-- the Auto Industry and their Deliverer, Uncle Sam. I'm not implying that I have a better solution. I don't. But who can resist all the circus mayhem and commentary that goes with it?

Government Motors (see video below)? The new 2010 Grand Larceny (Unlimited Edition) from "GM?" I'll take the humorous side of life with the conservatives over the dire, command-economy death sentence from the left.

LET'S CALL IT THE EURO

Hey, government-backed readers of right-wing, homeland-security-threatening blogs like this one: just a little video humor to lighten the load for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment, compliments of FOXNews.

THE ROCK STANDS FIRM

I just wanted to post this video of Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in San Diego, CA brilliantly defending traditional (i.e., Biblical) marriage.

BUT I DIGRESS

I didn't know if I should post this, but here is a link to learn all about the "Largest Web Developer Site on the Net:" W3Schools.com

I have been studying their HTML tutorial and it has been fascinating and fun! Very thorough and informative. How many positive adjectives can I use here? Keep going!

Anyway, for those with time and desire to learn this stuff (I had both today), this is a good--if not the BEST-- place to start.

PROFESSOR PRAGER BRINGS IT HOME

Well, in scouring the Internet (because, in another sense, it needs it), I came across this video by talkshow host Dennis Prager on Townhall.com. Now keep in mind that Mr. Prager is Jewish by heritage and religious tradition, so he does not "toe the line" as closely as born-again Christians (the only kind there are). But his belief in God and moral values is admirable.

I posted this video because once in a while a high-profile political (or in this case, educational) figure says some things that are downright right. 

I would substitute "God's providence" for "luck" in one of his comments. But that's forgivable since he has not been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. THAT IS SOMETHING I PRAY HAPPENS TO HIM AND TO ALL WHO READ THIS. 

PATRIOT ACT BACKFIRES

Well, I finally found something to blog about once again.

This time it's another case of government abuse of power (what, in the USA???).

I only post this story for two reasons: because it involves a home-schooled child (with whom I sympathize because my own siblings home-educated their children); and because I have a sneaking suspicion that they are Bible-believing Christians.

Here is the link to World Net Daily's article:

Mother claims teen jailed by Patriot Act

Anytime a home-schooler, who is obviously innocent of this crime (no evidence was found to substantiate the search warrant), is persecuted "legally," I can't help but think of the logical conclusion of such misapplications of authority in the form of another Nazi/Stalinist/fascist/You-Name-It regime that commits unspeakable acts of horrible atrocities against fellow human beings (witness North Korea, Sudan, Somalia, etc.).

It is short and has a video as well. Read it, watch it, and speak your minds.

MEXICAN HISTORY UNCLIPPED

This past Monday, while I was driving around looking for work, I was listening to the radio (I think it was KFLR or K-LOVE) and heard the announcer play this clip from "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," wherein a famous line was uttered.

The famous "We don't need no stinking badges" disclaimer was first, though differently, stated by the actor Alfonso Bedoya playing the character Gold Hat. In the movie, Humphrey Bogart asks Gold Hat if he and his men are police. Gold Hat replies with the immortalized "I don't have to show you any stinking badges."

I think because the announcer, whose name I do not know, laughed and thought it was so funny, I shared in his delight at the irreverence and defiance in the character himself.

Well, that's all the multimedia mayhem for now. More to come...

WOW! CONSTITUTIONALIST GETS TESTED BIG TIME

I don't necessarily condone doing what this Tempe, AZ pastor did to resist the totalitarian overtures of the Border Patrol at the California-Arizona border. But if their tendency toward sacrificing our liberty for safety is of any concern, then this man definitely has a case for the Court of Public Opinion--and a cause for political change.

Since we are in the Era of Change, let us hope that such instances of unwarranted brutality are few and far between. 

His demonstration of civil disobedience to the Border Patrol may or may not be justified, but it is certainly admirable that he stood his ground to test the authority to its lawful (or unlawful) limits.

Kudos to the man and shame on the BP agents, useful idiots though they may be.

GOOD NEWS

I managed to find the video I posted on Wednesday April 8 on YouTube and replace the one I originally had there because of the annoying audio. Now when you load this page it will no longer play that video automatically.

Thank God for YouTube!

MY APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO

Sorry, dear readers, I posted a video on Wed., April 8 that plays automatically every time the page loads!

So until the subsequent posts crowd it off of this page, it will keep playing itself through (once, thankfully).

If you want to scroll down to stop it early, you can.

Great video, lousy feature.

THE MAKEOVER CONTINUES

Visitors to this blog may have noticed changes to its appearance, especially since being unemployed lends itself tremendously to such mundane tasks as experimenting with different colors and images around my blog. It's probably just a manifestation of what seems to be a popular malady these days: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Now I'm not hip on any of the weekly TV programs whose main characters may be diagnosing themselves as having OCD for ratings' sake. But I can say that waiting for a phone call from a prospective employer lends itself to OCB (Obsessive Compulsive Blogging) very well!

After changing colors and so on, several (hundred) times, over the last (unquantifiable) amount of time, I can safely say... that's enough!

Now is the time to blog and recover some semblance of rationality and sanity in my life before I am off to the next stint of full-time employment. I shall remember and treasure these last few moments of freedom until I am able to enjoy them once again.

CAUSE FOR PAUSE

I am posting this video from LeeStrobel.com because my Bible Study group is studying Lee's materials on "The Case For a Creator." Fascinating, informative, and enlightening come to mind.

Although this video segment is not in our DVD, it is still pertinent because Dr. William Lane Craig figures prominently in the discussions. If anyone can break down the arguments for and against the existence of God, he certainly can.

In all the hubbub, I have forgotten to acknowledge the 200th post on this blog! Actually, this is number 206, but who' s counting? (Answer: Blogger.com)

THE UNVARNISHED REVISED VERSION REVISITED (AGAIN)

I had the most unfortunate thought. 

I realized that when I post these blog entries, my email recipients receive the unvarnished "Publish Post," which may suffer further revisions upon closer scrutiny from their master (me), and thus be slightly different from what is emailed.

This I know because I send the posts to my own email address as well, and thus, can see what is being sent out.

And not only that: they miss the visual experience of the Worldview Window in all its glory!

Hmmm, I said. What if I just, from now on, send out a link to the blog and hope everyone reads it after I've made subsequent changes (if needed).  

This would be an extra step, i.e., more work for me.  Oh, well. At least you won't see as many of my mistakes.

Just a thought worth implementing.

PAPAGO PARK OR BUST

This beautiful photo is courtesy of Verizon Wireless (my cell phone). Taken at Phoenix's Papago Park on a day when I was unemployed (still am, but looking) and needing to "get out," I took advantage of some scenery last Friday.

The free program Picasa from Google makes it "easy." The hard part is getting the photos from my cellphone to MyVerizon to my computer, and by way of Picasa/Blogger, to the blog.

Also, I am filling in this paragraph in order to--so that---I can accomplish the mundane task of seeing the word wrap in action.

Hitting Enter until you reach this line is the "key" to a great wordwrap! I could have kept on typing to fill all that white space. But then you would have thought I was just "filling white space."

And you would have been correct.

VANITY FAIR

Every now and then, I get the itch to blog. But I lack the material or substance necessary to post something worthwhile. So I invariably (a word I heard a lot in college) like to ponder the abstract and come up with something more creative than substantial. You'll see what I mean in a moment (if you haven't already).

So far, the only thing I've done is blog. That is, I have executed the mechanical action of typing: composing (thinking, writing, editing, etc.) and posting-- all while soaking my right foot in hot water and Melaleuca oil to nurse a sore ankle after playing tennis this morning. But I digress.

With this my third paragraph, I have made precious little progress in affecting positive changes for the betterment of mankind in the world today. Cyberspace is several hundred alphanumeric characters more overloaded than it was twenty-four hours ago, at the hands of my complicit keyboard.

Perhaps today, I am more prose artist than practical activist--not that there's anything wrong with that (to borrow a trademark phrase from Seinfeld).

In these moments of quiet reflection, I am pensive about being pensive, and this is not a very lucrative activity to engage in. Writing for writing's sake (and mine) is a selfish pursuit. The Book of Ecclesiastes comes to mind. Where will this post finally end?

Just for good measure, I'm throwing in a link to the Pilgrim's Progress, and to Vanity Fair, in which Christian and his companion Faithful find themselves face-to-face with one town's worldly pursuits in all of their emptiness. I highly recommend the audio drama available at SermonAudio.com.

Thusly, my blog post has ended. And on that positive note, I bid you adieu.

STATE DEPARTMENT, APPROVE THIS VISA!

Okay, one more news story for good measure.

This one is about a heroic Iraqi translator for the US military in Iraq, and his indispensible help in fighting the bad guys. It makes my blood boil that everyone but the US State Department thinks he should get a visa to this country. Read this story on FOXNews.com and see what I mean.

Visa Denial Puts Heroic Iraqi Translator in the Crosshairs

That's all for now.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE BAD

Every now and then, I have the "stomach" to read Compass Direct News, the online source for "news from the frontlines of persecution" of Christians around the world.

Today's visit finds no shortage of stories about Islamo-fascist terrorism in countries where Muslims are free to practice their "faith" and Christians are their sacrificial lambs. 

It is good for us in the West to know what goes on in other parts of our world, particularly in those countries where the Devil's Religions are practiced with a vengeance. Witness Hindus in India and Muslims in Iran, where Satan enlists his swarms of officers to temporarily counter any progress made by the Kingdom of God in Christ. 

What Satan means for evil, God means for good to His people. 

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." 

Genesis 50:20 (New International Version)

BLOGGING FOR SANITY'S SAKE

Sometimes the only sane thing to do is blog.

After several hours of wracking my brain, reading classified ads and articles about career help, researching jobs on the Internet, looking at my finances (which are not dire yet), reading books (parts of them), I've come to the point where it's time to unwind. 

Here, therefore, is a cellphone camera photo from Canyon Lake! It was taken at about 5:30 PM while traveling along the road leading out of the canyon on the way home.

YOU GUESSED IT: CANYON LAKE

Here is my first uploaded cellphone camera shot of Canyon Lake. I know you guys are tired of hearing about it. But it was a spectacular trip. The boat made it stupendous (how superlative can I go?)! The lower-right corner of the photo shows the front of the boat pushing the water. 

More to come...

WEBCAM: CANYON LAKE, AZ

Hello, folks. Just wanted to post a link to the webcam where you can see a live video feed of Canyon Lake, Arizona, where, Lord willing, I will be going later today.

ACRONYM FOR THE DAY : UI

Even though I've titled this blog "Worldview Window," I reserve the right to, every now and then, blog about something recreational. Having become recently unemployed, I have found my downsizing to be a mixed blessing, both to former employer and myself. Obviously, the f/e enjoys more room under their "salary cap," while I, the former employee, enjoy "freedom."

Because I have a retirement account set up, and the dubious benefit of unemployment insurance, I am presently able to enjoy taking my time finding a job. Although the ominous zero account balance looms on the horizon if I fail to secure gainful employment to avert such catastrophe, I shall from time to time venture away from the mundane environs of city life and join the ranks of those escapees who have ditched their surly bonds to the asphalt jungle.

I am speaking of going to Canyon Lake here in Arizona with a friend who has refurbished his boat, a miniscule two-man affair, for a short day-trip to the countryside. Too bad I don't have a digital camera. Otherwise I could chronicle the entire adventure here!

Well, blogs away! I'll see you on the other side.

HTML AT WORK

Hello, friends! Humor me for a moment, please, as I experiment with HTML for different banner ads and so on...

As you can see, the above ad is courtesy of SermonAudio.com, and in no way implies compulsion on my part for you to go there. It is simply my first attempt at putting an ad in the body of the post, just for fun,  rather than alongside it. 

Okay, my next step is to publish and view this post. 

Thanks for visiting.

GOD VS. TV?

Every now and then, I meet someone who, by choice, does not watch television. This is a form of abstinence which I have not achieved for more than a few days. I have gone without watching TV for a small number of days during the week, when I was busy, tired, otherwise occupied, or on the Internet. But to go without television as a way of life is a degree of sanctification* in the Christian life that I have not reached (yet?).

I need to clarify the fact that although these people do not own TV sets, they probably watch TV elsewhere, as the opportunity presents itself. I am only speculating here, beyond what they have told me.

It is fair to assume that one's ability to focus on God is enhanced by the ability to abstain from any and all distractions. Television could certainly qualify as a distraction par excellence. I may even go so far as to say it is a perfect analogy of the WORLDVIEW WINDOW through which we all look at life.

Of course, it is a choice-- one which we make every day. It is generally wiser to not watch TV because so much of it is, in fact, garbage-- moral sewage waiting to be piped into our homes via cable or antenna. But I also believe it is probably not wise to "throw the baby out with the bath water." It has its place in culture, in society, in education, in entertainment, in preaching the gospel and ministering to people. So it is safe to say I have not, and probably will not, throw away my DTV (Distraction To Vocation).

Wait! I have an analog TV set with a converter box. Hmmm... There is a delicious moral or parable wrapped up in that configuration. 

As Christians, our spiritual eyes have been "converted" from blindness to sight. I was looking up some Bible references to "eyes" and "sight," and came across a very good passage in Habakkuk 1:13. It says:

"YOUR EYES ARE TOO PURE TO APPROVE EVIL,
AND YOU CANNOT LOOK ON WICKEDNESS WITH FAVOR.
WHY DO YOU LOOK WITH FAVOR ON THOSE WHO DEAL TREACHEROUSLY?
WHY ARE YOU SILENT WHEN THE WICKED SWALLOW UP THOSE MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN THEY?" (NASB)

*Q. 35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

A BLOG BY ANY OTHER NAME...

...would not, indeed, describe the full intent of its author the way this one does. I have embarked, however unofficially so, on a more focused direction with this blog. It is intended to be a more thematic endeavor in line with God's Law in general, offering resources available for further personal study, education, and enrichment.

Much could be said at this point. But because fatigue and bedtime are fast converging upon each other, I must consider this a finished post and leave you with Cyber Good Night and God Bless!

OBAMA ON GOOGLE VIDEO

Well, in the interest of upholding the spirit of "fairness," I would like the cyber world to know that I watched or listened to the entire Google Video of President Obama's speech this evening.

The two comments he made which stood out in my mind more than all others were:

"I get it."

"We Americans don't do what is easy. We do what is necessary to move the country forward."

 The exact context of the first comment was indeed easy to get: Americans are fed up with bankers who should not have loaned money incorrectly/unethically to otherwise unqualified people who could not repay/afford their mortgages.  

The second comment came toward the end of his speech, when he was encouraging the country to take the initiative to solve these immense economic problems.

Well, in case you missed the live speech like I did, here's the link to YouTube. 

POLITICALLY INCORRECT, BUT RIGHT, ECONOMICS

I just read a post by economist Robert Murphy, author of "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism," on Mises.org, in which he makes a good case for tax cuts to increase production rather than consumption. This is a reversal and correction of the premise on which our government based its decision to pass the Economic Stimulus Package: to increase consumer spending and thus "stimulate" the economy to recover from its recession.

To boot, Mr. Murphy is a Christian believer, and he has posted on his blog, Free Advice, a pretty good analysis of Jesus' use of parables to expose the willful ignorance of the masses listening to Him, and the inherent ability of believers to listen and "hear" with spiritual ears.

In his inaugural post on Free Advice, August 22, 2008, he says, "In the weeks ahead, I'll explain why I am so pessimistic about the U.S. economy for at least the next five years, but I'll also suggest options for you to protect your personal wealth during this storm."

Thank God for men like Mr. Murphy.

A LIFE REMEMBERED

Well, I finally watched all three parts to the interview between Mike Wallace and Ayn Rand. I am neither a fan nor an enthusiast of Rand's, but as a Christian I can watch, without condescension, a very warm and friendly exchange between two people who hold diametrically-opposing worldviewpoints. Wallace represented the Judaeo-Christian worldview, and Rand held firmly to an atheistic, self-interested worldview which somehow overlapped with economic truths which I perceived in her answers and somewhat agreed with. 

For instance, she made  the point that depressions are caused by government intervention in a free economy, and not by the market forces themselves. This I would tend to agree with, based on my limited and recent exposure to the Austrian school of economics. An excellent starting point for learning about this philosophy is Mises.org .

She does, in my opinion, take an extremely hardline on most issues discussed here. I sympathize with her, for she has not experienced the new birth of the spirit given by Christ our Savior, whom Wallace actually mentions without being censored! I only hope she did so before her death in 1982.

More can be learned about this fascinating historical figure of American life by visiting Wikipedia.com and reading about her there.

 

ANYONE FOR AYN RAND?

Just wanted to post a link here for an interesting interview from 1959 between Mike Wallace and Ayn Rand. I watched the first part (there are three), and hope to see the other two. They run about ten minutes each. Enjoy, or feel sorry for the compassionate Wallace trying to appease the implacably unbelieving Rand...

Interview with Mike Wallace

WHO WANTS TO BUILD A WEBSITE BUSINESS?

Okay, so you want to build a website. But you don't know how. And your annual budget for such things is 300 dollars. Well, you're in the right place, because today's post brings you the best web-hosting and site-building service in the world: SiteSell. 

I came across SiteSell.com mainly because my brother recently encouraged me to join another fine site, GaryNorth.com.  Now Dr. North is an economist/theologian/educator in things pertaining to the economy, finance, and theology. He does his level best to promote sound ideas, Biblical principles, and godly solutions for today's--and tomorrow's problems. An article of his pointed to a highly successful man named Steve Pavlina, who in turn recommended SiteBuildIt. I was, and still am, very impressed with all of these sites!

Now back to the topic at hand: building a website business!. If you want to learn more about SiteSell's flagship product, SiteBuildIt, then click the link for more information and a very encouraging experience will greet you! 

Well, that's all for now. Visiting their websites is only the first step toward understanding the magnitude of this e-commerce universe. 

SOME LINKS TO GOOD STUFF

Because I am sick today (i.e, home), I am "tempted" to post an entry on my blog. The tendency is to post anything to get the blogging juices flowing. Writers' block is only a temporary condition wherein the author is exercising his better judgment at filtering miscellaneous, irrelevant, unwanted thoughts which may or may not edify his or her readers.

All right, I have no otherwise profound advice or wisdom to impart. But I have been blessed to have studied my Bible earlier, and to have engaged in a deeper study of Job 1:1 using my desktop program called e-Sword, a free (though donations are welcome) download of a few MBs, available at E-Sword.net. Many wonderful books and Bibles are there to download and install in e-Sword for free or purchase. I know there are more and very expensive suites out there (Logos, etc.) But for the Christian (or non-Christian) on a budget, this will do very well.

And now, I'd like to embark on a third paragraph, which may be, in this usually briefly-posted blog,  for your benefit. It is a link to a possibility-opening website creation service called SiteSell.com. Now the only reason I post this link is because I'm hoping you have a need for exploring other income streams besides the usual nine-to-five grind, which I am currently in (although it is six-to-two in my case!). 

Well, thanks for visiting. May the Lord prosper you. (Numbers 6:24-26)

FROM MY BLOG TO YOUR INBOX

As a benefit to my readers, I am setting my posts (THOSE WHICH ACTUALLY SAY SOMETHING) to be automatically emailed to a select few whom I feel will not tar-and-feather me for having an aberrant opinion or faulty knowledge of their respective disciplines, into which I may step from time to time.

And so, with experimental enthusiasm, I am sending this post to my own inbox (Google Gmail) first for a review of the process.

Also, I am editing this post and republishing it to see if I will get a new email again. My guess is I will...

Result: no new email. This means the initial "publish post" will go out via email, but subsequent editing and republishing of the same post will not result in new emails. This is good news for when I'm not finished or satisfied with a post that has gone out already.

Well, happy blogging.

TRUE PROFIT

"What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and loseth his soul?"

This Scripture was on my heart, and looking it up, I found it in Mark 8:36.

Cameraphone

Today, I took a drive up "north," beyond Payson, AZ, and noticed more snow the further I drove up. So I kept going until I was 19 miles north of Strawberry. I got out and looked around, walked in the snow a little, and even threw a snowball!

Then I snapped a few photos with my cell phone.






Same location, facing east-southeast.








This is tricky business, placing these photos in here like this! Same location, looking east-northeast.

Well, for a city dweller like me, this was big news, and a glorious excursion into "God's country."

THERE'S A NEW TEMPLATE IN TOWN...

Alright, intrepid readers of OPB (Other People's Blogs), here is a new template for my perennial weblog to grace cyberspace. It's called "Denim," probably because it's plain, no-nonsense, and blue. I must say, generally I like it better than my "old" template, which I liked better than my older template, which...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I just want to register my Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes for a nebulous, unoffensive, meaningless day of self-absorbent indulgence in egocentric nonsense...like blogging!

At any rate, here is a fine blog to visit: MarkDRoberts.com

You know, it's entirely possible that my blogging is a complete waste of time. We'll see...

A LITTLE JOKE

Q. Why did the man quit his job at the rock quarry?

A. Because he felt they were taking him for granite.

CHRISTIAN RECONSTRUCTION OF SCRIPTURE?

In order to rescue my blog from certain obscurity, I would like to clarify my theological postion on Christian Reconstruction. I have been reading articles, both pro and con, about it, and have been "haunted" by scriptures in the Bible which say such things as:

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Jesus, in Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

Judging from Scriptures such as this one (and we are called by Christ Himself to do that), I would say we Christians (those who are truly born from above--that is, by God's Holy Spirit, John 3:3) will not outnumber and overpower those who are not born again for Christ. Granted, it is a noble idea, if not a worthwhile goal, to see the whole world convert to Christianity. But the plain teaching of the Bible, as far as I can tell, is that it won't happen that way. In fact, the end will be so bad that our only hope will be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!

Now, this is "mere speculation" on my part, because:

(a) I am not God...whew!

(b) "for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Mat. 24:44 ESV)

(c) "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (Mat. 24:36 ESV)

You see, a "remnant" will be faithful to the end (Gen. 45:7; Ezra 9:15; Isaiah 10:21; Micah 2:12; Acts 15:17; Romans 11:5).

"Remnant" sounds like a minority to me !

"Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8 ESV)

Judging from Scripture, I would say yes.

I'm sure there are plenty of Scriptures to support the opposing viewpoint, to wit, that all the earth will be presented to Christ at His Return as a crown jewel for us believers to enjoy, and for unbelievers to endure. But we shall see in the coming days whether or not I am all wet in my understanding of Christian Reconstruction. I shall gladly be proven the fool if Scripture and Reason be my correctors. Here I stand...?

Now that we've gotten that all cleared up, let's keep studying Christian Reconstruction so we can better understand its underlying tenets, and compare Scripture with Scripture to come up with a Biblical framework to counterbalance any tendency toward error. For an excellent website on this subject, please see AmericanVision.com.

WOO-HOO, I'M LIVE-BLOGGING!!!!!

Hey, imaginary readers! I'm watching the "Presidential Debate" on TV, and favoring Senator John McCain over Senator Barry "Present" O'Bama. 

The question on the table from Bob Schieffer is, will you [Senator McCain] appoint a supreme court justice who is pro-choice, considering your personal opposition to abortion. Senator McCain responded that it would not be a "litmus test" for him to hire a qualified candidate. As usual, O'Bama (I know it's Obama) tap-danced (no racial slur intended) around the issue by nebulously defending some mystery mother whose life is at stake, or whose baby needs critical care. Senator McCain brilliantly pointed out the fallacious but classic argument for abortion as a "life-saver" for the mother as a smokescreen for what it is--murder. 

Does (I guess he does not) Senator O'Bama know that Jane Roe (Norma McCorvey) was not even pregnant at the time, and she never had an abortion? Well, the pro-"choice" movement can't be bothered with such irrelevant details as that!

Now they are debating each other's education programs. BO accuses JM of not saying specifically how he would pay for "no child left behind" programs, etc. 

This live-blogging business is fun. 

ONE'S THOUGHTS

One wonders, why have a blog if one cannot maintain a minimum level of discourse, inviting intelligent responses from its (one's) readers? I ask you, dear imaginary readers. Why?

Well, as one ponders the answer(s) to such questions, one must proceed to finish a heretofore pointless blog entry in a fast-becoming-pointless blog. If there were such a thing as creative futility, doubtless this would be the place to showcase it. I mean, the only response I get to my blog is the Autosave feature of Blogger.com, every few minutes telling me, "Draft autosaved at 9:35 PM." And so it goes.

By the way, aren't you just elated at the selection by Senator John McCain (Republican presidential nominee) of Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate and future vice-president (and possible president!!!)? I am!

God save America from all evil (and Barack Obama). 

In Jesus' Name, amen.

WHO LET THE BLOGS OUT?

Woof, woof, woof, woof-woof!

Can't you just hear the addictive, driving beat of that once-and-always famous song by Baha Men?

What sets this blog apart from all others? Virtually nothing. You see, I am an average Internet enthusiast. I blog because I can. Whether or not anyone reads it is another story.

I like the style of Gary North (see GaryNorth.com), for example. He has a straight-forward, no-nonsense tone in his writing which makes one want to read more if only he had the time.

If I may say so at this point, I rather like this blog entry thus far. No wasted verbiage here. No sir. Economy of words, that's the ticket. Noooo question about it...

Have you been watching the Olympics in Beijing? You have to admire and love those Chinese people for living under their useful-idiot communist government, appropriately misnamed "The People's Republic of China." What's in a name? They're not fooling us.

Give me a break.

I think I'll publish this entry now. It doesn't get any better.

CONFESSIONS OF A WANNABLOG

Well, good people of the blogosphere, you have been hapless victims of my reckless, themeless blog for lo these four years (I think)! I have occasionally visited my blog and posted whatever I felt like posting at the time. But things are gonna change around here.. real soon!

Yep, those days of my blog-without-a-theme are numbered. From now on, it's post up at least once a month. And have a point!!! It keeps those blog police at bay, you know.


I credit Mosaic Bible Church in Scottsdale, AZ for inspiring its Sunday school class, which I was in back then (October 2004), to create their own blogs on Blogger.com.

A SPONTANEOUS RE-ENTRY INTO THE BLOGOSPHERE

I just love it when Safari remembers my user name and password for Blogger.com, or any other site for that matter. Having started this blog nearly four years ago, I must sometimes grapple for subject matter in order to maintain a semi-regular flow of input from my keyboard. Since I am running on fumes now, i.e., falling asleep, I must wind it up.

HEBREW PARALLELISM

Some notes from an online lecture series called, "Wisdom," by R.C. Sproul (Ligonier.org):

In the Wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs, Dr. Sproul explains three different types of a poetic device called parallelism, which the Hebrew language uses to describe and emphasize a point.

First, there is synonomous parallelism, where the author restates an idea or thought in similar terms. Example: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1) The second part of the verse restates or is synomous to the first.

Second, there is antithetical parallelism, where an idea is stated in the first part of a verse, and its exact opposite is stated immediately afterward. In Proverbs 10:1, we read: "A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother." Contrasting wisdom with foolishness is a hallmark of Proverbs. Another one, 28:1, says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

Finally, there is synthetic parallelism, where an idea is built up to a "crescendo." Several cases are found, for example, in Proverbs 6. Dr. Sproul uses verses 16-19 in his lecture:

"There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers."

So you see, Hebrew parallelism is a commonly used poetic device for emphasizing Biblical truth.

SAFARI SUCCESS

Well, intrepid readers, I have "stumbled upon" (to borrow a term from the web-browsing world) a keyboard shortcut in Safari's web browser (available here) which, I trust, will prove useful in all future web browsing. It was there all the time, but I have "rediscovered" it.

It is this: Ctrl+Click a hyperlink to open it in a new tab instead of a new window. I noticed on certain websites, hyperlinks open in a new window by default (in Safari, and perhaps other browsers, unless this preference is selected). Be sure to check the box "Ctrl-Click opens a link in a new tab" in the Tabs section of the Preferences section of the Edit menu in the title bar of Safari. 

I prefer using Safari, except when it doesn't work right. Then I use Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Of course, you can always right-click the link and select "Open Link in a New Tab" on the context menu, if you wish to keep your desktop uncluttered with superfluous windows. Happy surfing!

HERE WE BLOG AGAIN

Let me introduce you (that is, if you are not familiar with him yet) to Gary North. He is the man who gained notoriety for trumpeting the cause of preparation for Y2K. I admit, I was caught up slightly in the hype. But now, I am finding he is a fire-hydrant of useful information and resources at his (and our) disposal.

Well, the purpose of this blog post today is to point you to GaryNorth.com, a treasure chest of advice and resources for making sense (and money) in this uncertain and "unpredictable" economy.

When you have time, peruse this website for seemingly endless articles and practical advice, which you can access for free or with a membership.

Do what you can, and enjoy.

ONLY SEVEN DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

Today is the fourteenth day of June, which means we are one week away from officially starting the summer season. Well, here in the Salt River Valley, also known as the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix, AZ), we know summer is already in full swing. The temperature is supposed to be a hundred-and-something! It's hot.

Well, that doesn't deter me, or anyone at the helm of their computer terminal, from interacting with the digital universe. I am composing this blog post while listening to RC Sproul teach online at Ligonier.org. Very interesting.

THE GOLD STANDARD

Joe Battaglia, the host of  "The American Advisor" radio show, quoted the Wall Street Journal as saying, "Inflation is the thief of the thrifty middle class." In an article posted at Goldline.com, Mr. Battaglia says:

   "The worker is bearing the biggest brunt of the problems that are facing today's economy.  The Wall Street Journal comments on this fact by pointing out the actions taken by the Federal Reserve and treasury have served to create inflationary pressures, which  have been negative for middle income Americans.  As they said so eloquently, 'Inflation is  the thief of the thrifty middle class.' They further pointed out, 'In its attempt to help Wall Street and the financial system, Fed policy is punishing average Americans.'  These words ring true to every American who is struggling to make ends meet." (Goldline.com, May 7, 2008, Commentary) 

Mr. Battaglia, along with most sensible precious metals market analysts, advocates a return to the gold standard in this country, as do I. Inflation would be virtually non-existent.

WHAT'S IT WORTH?

Here I go again, plodding along with another blogpost to my credit and asking a rhetorical question: What is the point of posting these textual manifestations of my personality, if there are no recipients--or worse, if there are recipients who don't care enough to respond? 

I know that at least God and the enemy are reading my blog. I feel like Martin Luther in this regard. There is a devil, but "he is God's devil," a cosmic dog on a divine leash.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to visit YouTube.com to watch tornado footage...

Whoosh!

North Korean Stalinists

My God, after reading the horrific accounts of ultra-barbaric brutality by North Korean prison guards on their captives, many of whom did nothing more than act human, not criminal, I must blog about it.

I urge anyone reading this sentence to go to the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea's website. This report will, if not shock you, make you very angry that God does not drop these sub-animals into hell right now!!! Pig-In-Chief Kim Jong-Il should be the first one on the spit.

I'm sorry. God doesn't use spits, because that would imply that at some point you're "done." In hell, you're never done.

You can read a biography of "him" (it) at Wikipedia. Thank God we can publically call him out on his unspeakable crimes against humanity. How long, O Lord, must we endure this political black-hole that is North Korea? How long, O God, before You avenge your people? Come, Lord Jesus.

There are so many ills in this world. But the ill I am addressing in this post is one I am most concerned with. I know Iran, Iraq, China, and a host of other repressive regimes exist today in spite of our best human-rights rhetoric, political activism, diplomacy and engagement efforts. But please, God, satisfy our desire for vengeance and justice just this once.

Please?

Three Cheers For Senator Lieberman!!!

Hooray for Senator Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., for telling it like it is in his questioning of General David Petraeus and US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker.

Senator Lieberman aptly noted in his opening statement that there are those in our government leadership who, like the proverbial monkey, "see no success in Iraq, hear no success in Iraq, and will speak of no success in Iraq." In this simple statement, he summed up the willful ignorance by the hard-left liberals of the facts and conditions superbly laid out by Mssrs. Crocker and Petraeus in their testimony.

Bravo as well to General Petraeus' superlative responses to Senator Hillary Clinton's usual hot air-filled comments and questions designed to stir up confusion (divide-and-conquer tactic) about the real conditions and progress made in Iraq. My hat is off to, my prayers go up for, and my thankful heart goes out to the two men whom God has raised up for such a time as this.

LONG TIME, NO BLOG

This is the Blog About Nothing, so I'll be brief. It seems that it has been a long time (in blog years) since I posted any comments. Over three months is an eternity when you're dealing with New Media in the Information Age, where Everything is capitalized and Nothing is said.

But I digress. You want content. You got it. Content, content, content. Boy, that's the name of the game in the blogosphere, I tell ya. That's it right there. Without it, whaddya got? Nothin'. Big, fat ZERO. Nada. Zippity Doodah.

So far, I haven't typed ANYTHING worth reading. Yessiree. Intelligent political rhetoric at its cyber-finest. Get it right here...

Townhall.com

IS THIS THE BLOG "ABOUT NOTHING?"

Yes, it's another "boring" blog entry from.. yours truly. With nothing to say, I amaze and amuse myself with long-winded diatribes about NOTHING!!! One wonders, can a nobody have something to say? The answer is obvious: No!!!

I've just burned a whole paragraph of cyberspace real estate and I'm just getting started. Don't worry, I'm almost done.

Almost?

Let's try Verdana. It may be easier to read.

ARIAL FONT

With a title like that, how can you pass up a good read like this?

I've found it!!! I've found the right font for my blog: Arial "Largest" (not bold). You see, I've been searching high and low--not really, just up and down--for the right font and point-size for my new blog template. You like? I do. The search is over. Now all I have to do is italicize, underline, and embolden for emphasis.

Okay, I've decided to downsize to "Large." This might be a little more readable, in my opinion. Let's see...

If I embolden it, then what?

I actually prefer bold. But then what will I do if I want to emphasize something? I know. I'll...highlight it!!! Come on. I can't highlight everything like that, can I? Sure. Why not?

How about gray letter?

PLACE TITLE HERE

I've always preferred Arial font. I'll see how it looks published...

KNOWLEDGE WORK IS NEVER DONE

The definition of knowledge worker can be a nebulous one. I applaud the advent of personal computing and especially the Internet because they enable the average person to selectively educate and enlighten him- or herself. Of course, blogging can be an integral part of that process.

In this blog entry, we shall explore the intricacies, the ins and outs, of blogging and knowledge work. I do the latter and sometimes the former in my spare time because I have what most people call a "real" job. It takes a certain amount of attention and devotion to this task in order to produce anything worthy of someone else's perusal and pleasure.

Enjoyment is usually found with the "worker" rather than the observer. I say this because I generally work alone. That is, I am not in some office, hunting and pecking my way to a deadline. Instead, I am at home working at my own pace, saying what I want to whoever will read it.

This is freedom. Earlier today, I was studying online some books by Gary North and others on FreeBooks.com using his Deja Vu reader to view them. It was very enlightening, challenging to my views (however unformed they may be), and rewarding. I encourage anyone to go there (www.freebooks.com) if you feel the world is hopeless.

Well, dear reader, you and I have come to the end of another award-winning blog entry. I never know whether to call them "posts" or "entries," or for that matter, whether to use quotation marks or italics. In any event, BFN...;)

WHAT'S A BLOG FOR

Well now that I've changed templates, I just have to post another entry on my blog, mainly because I want to see how the changes look.

I know you're thinking, who cares?

I'm trying not to sound like Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye, which I read while in college. It was a very depressing read, one which I don't recommend unless you are researching good books for a bad day. After all, what's a blog for?

WHY BLOG

You know, the reason someone blogs is so that they can communicate with the outside world, using only their ten fingers and a PC. I say using ten fingers because that is exactly what I am trying to do--practice typing. It truly is a blessing to be able to do this, since I am the "they" of whom I speak.

Well, when in doubt, start a new paragraph.

NEW POST, NEW FONT

OKAY, THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER THE LAZY DOG.
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

Well, I think I have indeed found the font I want to use for this and future posts. The only problem is, for emphasis I will have to use some other creative method of highlighting text, since all of it will be in bold print!!!

See what I mean? In any event, this is my font, and I'm stickin' widdit.

AND THE BLOG GOES ON

Today, I am trying "large Times" font. How about bold? That's even better. Now I must come up with a title for today's post. Blogging must be fun--not boring or monotonous, repetitive, on and on and on...

There are a number of points I can make right now. But I will defer to my "better angels," as CH Spurgeon called them. I could call this blog Wannablog, because I only blog when I feel like it, about things I want to blog about, without any regularity or perceptible disciplined rigor.

For my next point, I will indicate that I am currently listening to William Lane Craig on his website, ReasonableFaith.org, which is a premier Christian apologetics resource. Wow! I found it while visiting Ravi Zacharias' website, RZIM.org.

And finally, go to either of these fine websites for an uncompromising defense of the historic Christian faith. You will be persuaded if not converted, and follow Christ all the way to Heaven.