Pandora's Box was opened because she had no idea why she shouldn't look inside.
Travesty and tragedy followed.
The same thing happens with people who don't understand history and the whys and reasons behind certain things in our lives. They think "there's no reason why this can't be changed?" They don't understand that the reason the dam was built was to hold back the flood waters. They remove the dam and the water wipes out everything they took for granted. If they had understood the history behind it, they would have left well enough alone.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
No Atheists in Heaven, So Where are They?
If life has no purpose, then nothingness will follow this life as well. Our actions, no matter how good or bad, really has no purpose since they can not follow us to the grave.
But if life has a meaningful purpose, then there must be a form of heaven or hell to follow this life. Our choices and actions will have an effect on the life to follow.
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But if life has a meaningful purpose, then there must be a form of heaven or hell to follow this life. Our choices and actions will have an effect on the life to follow.
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Monday, May 30, 2011
Free Spirit
Referring to a person as 'free spirited' is often just a nice way of avoiding calling them 'not responsible'.
A free spirited person's mantra is often, "Peace. Love. Do what you want. Do your own thing. Let's all just get along." (This is normally spoken while they step on someone's toes through their thoughtlessness and lack of responsibility.)
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A free spirited person's mantra is often, "Peace. Love. Do what you want. Do your own thing. Let's all just get along." (This is normally spoken while they step on someone's toes through their thoughtlessness and lack of responsibility.)
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Sunday, May 29, 2011
Miss the Mark
Not only do we miss the mark, we miss it by a mile. But don't feel too bad... you're in good company by the very best of them. All but one haven't come close.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011
Don't always believe the polls
There are far too many current polls marred by expectasious results, thus producing erroneous statistics and figures which serve little more than fulfilling the agenda of whomever has manipulated the results.
When you read statistics which fly in the face of what you know to be true; of your good reason; and of your common sense, by delving into the groups and/or organizations who serve to benefit by these figures you can normally piece the puzzle together. Lobbying doesn't only happen in Washington, it happens everyday for each one of our minds and support.
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When you read statistics which fly in the face of what you know to be true; of your good reason; and of your common sense, by delving into the groups and/or organizations who serve to benefit by these figures you can normally piece the puzzle together. Lobbying doesn't only happen in Washington, it happens everyday for each one of our minds and support.
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The Wisdom of Solomon... Discernment
Pr 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Pr 2:2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.
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Pr 2:2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.
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Friday, May 27, 2011
No Excuse
It doesn't matter whether you believe in heaven and hell. It's still a good idea to live such an outstanding exemplary life that if they do prove to be true, you won't have a thing to worry about when that time arrives. And if they don't prove to be true... what the heck, you've left the world a better place because of your actions!
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Arrogance
Arrogance is just as detestable in one self as it is in others.
The problem is… it's so much more difficult to recognize in one self than it is in others.
We see it, and are appalled by it when practiced by someone else. When it happens in our self, our blinders do a thorough job of concealing it from our own recognition.
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The problem is… it's so much more difficult to recognize in one self than it is in others.
We see it, and are appalled by it when practiced by someone else. When it happens in our self, our blinders do a thorough job of concealing it from our own recognition.
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Weird Science
I believe the world is round.
My senses indicate the world is flat.
The moon hints the world might be shaped like it.
My faith holds that the world is being maintained and held together.
There's a possibility the world might be round... or it could be flat.
Tradition teaches the world sits on the back of an elephant.
Research has verified the world is indeed round.
Beliefs, senses, comparisons, faith, traditions, and teachings can all be false. Research is the only means to reach a fairly accurate conclusion. But even research which barks up the wrong tree can mislead and produce false evidence too.
So, hold on to your beliefs and traditions until thorough and accurate research either verifies them or disproves them. Be able to recognize accurate research from inconclusive or agendaic research, which can be more harmful than it is helpful.
Believe what you want, but don't believe with stubborn ignorance.
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My senses indicate the world is flat.
The moon hints the world might be shaped like it.
My faith holds that the world is being maintained and held together.
There's a possibility the world might be round... or it could be flat.
Tradition teaches the world sits on the back of an elephant.
Research has verified the world is indeed round.
Beliefs, senses, comparisons, faith, traditions, and teachings can all be false. Research is the only means to reach a fairly accurate conclusion. But even research which barks up the wrong tree can mislead and produce false evidence too.
So, hold on to your beliefs and traditions until thorough and accurate research either verifies them or disproves them. Be able to recognize accurate research from inconclusive or agendaic research, which can be more harmful than it is helpful.
Believe what you want, but don't believe with stubborn ignorance.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cheaters never Win. Really?
Sometimes we're penalized for doing the right thing.
Occasionally it's advantageous to go against the grain.
Case in point...
The storm disaster hit weeks ago. We have tried to go along with the insurance company's requests to set-up appointments to see the adjusters and agents. It's taking forever!
We have noticed some people aren't adhering to appointments. They're just walking in. They're also getting better service... in and out the door.
We were taught that cheaters never win. I'm not so sure. Maybe not in the long run eternally, but in certain other respects... perhaps.
______________________________________
Occasionally it's advantageous to go against the grain.
Case in point...
The storm disaster hit weeks ago. We have tried to go along with the insurance company's requests to set-up appointments to see the adjusters and agents. It's taking forever!
We have noticed some people aren't adhering to appointments. They're just walking in. They're also getting better service... in and out the door.
We were taught that cheaters never win. I'm not so sure. Maybe not in the long run eternally, but in certain other respects... perhaps.
______________________________________
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Good and Bad Science
One negative side effect of good science is that it tends to persuade us to forget there's been so much bad science over the millenniums.
We must not overlook the harm which has come from bad science in the same way we don't usually overlook the harm which has resulted from bad religion.
We live in an age when the politically correct viewpoint is to assume all science is good and all religion is bad. The smart perspective is to pick them both apart and separate the wheat from the chaff.
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We must not overlook the harm which has come from bad science in the same way we don't usually overlook the harm which has resulted from bad religion.
We live in an age when the politically correct viewpoint is to assume all science is good and all religion is bad. The smart perspective is to pick them both apart and separate the wheat from the chaff.
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Monday, May 23, 2011
JUDGMENT DAY
JUDGMENT DAY
Ironic timing of this release.
The Winter version was completed last week and the bizarre Autumn variation was almost finalized today. Sandwiched between the two was Saturday's end of the world prediction that failed to happen on it's proclaimed date. Additionally, the news continues to be swamped with natural disaster reports, which are increasing in record numbers.
I in no way consciensely coincided the scoring of Judgment Day with the transpiring events which could be interperted as tieing-in with the song.
I hope to post the Winter version tomorrow.
"The heavens open wide and angels fill the sky."
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Ironic timing of this release.
The Winter version was completed last week and the bizarre Autumn variation was almost finalized today. Sandwiched between the two was Saturday's end of the world prediction that failed to happen on it's proclaimed date. Additionally, the news continues to be swamped with natural disaster reports, which are increasing in record numbers.
I in no way consciensely coincided the scoring of Judgment Day with the transpiring events which could be interperted as tieing-in with the song.
I hope to post the Winter version tomorrow.
"The heavens open wide and angels fill the sky."
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Sunday, May 22, 2011
Solomon's Overture
Solomon's Overture
Words and Music by Philip White
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:29-34)
Pr 3:3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew.
32 For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.
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Words and Music by Philip White
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:29-34)
Pr 3:3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew.
32 For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.
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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ten Detests
1) Movies about uncomfortable situations.
2) Music without melody.
3) Arrogance with attitude.
4) Abuse of one's power.
5) Joyfully embracing worldliness.
6) Know-it-all, whether right or wrong.
7) Refusal to listen to reason.
8) Assumptions.
9) Elevation of science.
10) Hardening one's heart.
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2) Music without melody.
3) Arrogance with attitude.
4) Abuse of one's power.
5) Joyfully embracing worldliness.
6) Know-it-all, whether right or wrong.
7) Refusal to listen to reason.
8) Assumptions.
9) Elevation of science.
10) Hardening one's heart.
_____________________
Friday, May 20, 2011
Uhhh, Tell Me What Your Opinion Is
We are taught to respect everyone's opinion.
The legitimate response is "do all opinions deserve to be respected?"
If so, then why? What places that opinion above the law; decency; morality; and the safety of others?
If not, then what is the criteria which removes an opinion from the sphere of deserving to be heard and honored?
I've said it before, I'll say it again, "not all opinions are created equal".
____________________
The legitimate response is "do all opinions deserve to be respected?"
If so, then why? What places that opinion above the law; decency; morality; and the safety of others?
If not, then what is the criteria which removes an opinion from the sphere of deserving to be heard and honored?
I've said it before, I'll say it again, "not all opinions are created equal".
____________________
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Is Your Mouth Open or Shut?
The wise person listens; asks questions; and mentally inputs data to process and learn from.
The foolish person dominates the conversation... even when they have little of value to add. They have no idea their listener has greater knowledge which could be of personal benefit.
"Be quick to listen and slow to speak."
________________
The foolish person dominates the conversation... even when they have little of value to add. They have no idea their listener has greater knowledge which could be of personal benefit.
"Be quick to listen and slow to speak."
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Lunatic, Liar or Lord?
Whoever said Jesus is this sweet man of peace, forever meek and mild, having only 'feel good' messages, pure pacifist, and backing down to all? Boy... that sure is a 180° incorrect image! The man-of-God had far more to say about how crappy we are than he did to make us feel good. He not only kept telling us just how bad we are, but he also kept stressing things only get worse for us!
He emphasized that our priorities are so totally out of whack that we continuously look-up-to and idolize the wrong people, places, and things. He even points out that our favorite proselytizing non-believing philosophers and intellectuals are going to have it worse off than those who we consider to be heinous and deserving of punishment. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
The man's either a total lunatic, or he actually knew what he was talking about. Better make you think and consider.
______________________
He emphasized that our priorities are so totally out of whack that we continuously look-up-to and idolize the wrong people, places, and things. He even points out that our favorite proselytizing non-believing philosophers and intellectuals are going to have it worse off than those who we consider to be heinous and deserving of punishment. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
The man's either a total lunatic, or he actually knew what he was talking about. Better make you think and consider.
______________________
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Seasons: Judgment Day
May is the first month that two scores are being completed... I guess this means I'm getting faster in the process. In the Beginning was finished in two weeks (a new personal record), and now Judgment Day is well under way!
Judgment Day is the second to the last piece in the Suite. I guess you could call it the 'storm before the calm' since it deals with the terrible happenings which must take place before the Lord brings about His finite reign of piece.
This song has the fastest BPM of any of the 35 songs, which also goes along the frantic nature of what transpires when judgment day arrives.
Judgment Day: the Seasons should be posted online by the end of the month.
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Judgment Day is the second to the last piece in the Suite. I guess you could call it the 'storm before the calm' since it deals with the terrible happenings which must take place before the Lord brings about His finite reign of piece.
This song has the fastest BPM of any of the 35 songs, which also goes along the frantic nature of what transpires when judgment day arrives.
Judgment Day: the Seasons should be posted online by the end of the month.
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The Seasons: Judgment Day
May is the first month that two scores are being completed... I guess this means I'm getting faster in the process. In the Beginning was finished in two weeks (a new personal record), and now Judgment Day is well under way!
Judgment Day is the second to the last piece in the Suite. I guess you could call it the 'storm before the calm' since it deals with the terrible happenings which must take place before the Lord brings about His finite reign of piece.
This song has the fastest BPM of any of the 35 songs, which also goes along the frantic nature of what transpires when judgment day arrives.
Judgment Day: the Seasons should be posted online by the end of the month.
------
Judgment Day is the second to the last piece in the Suite. I guess you could call it the 'storm before the calm' since it deals with the terrible happenings which must take place before the Lord brings about His finite reign of piece.
This song has the fastest BPM of any of the 35 songs, which also goes along the frantic nature of what transpires when judgment day arrives.
Judgment Day: the Seasons should be posted online by the end of the month.
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
It's not just christians who should follow Jesus
The revealed Word of God is that every person:.. every Christian, every Muslim, every Jew, every Budhist, every Hindu, every Wickin, every Pagan, every Agnostic and every Atheist; every great or every humble, every rich or every poor, every good or every vile, every hetero or every homo, every skilled or every talented, every simple or every well educated... every person born onto this world should strive to be more like Jesus! And ultimately repent, bow at His feet and declare him Lord. For the kind of willing sacrifice Jesus made, this is the only kind of universal unity that makes any sense. Let's all unify in worshipping our Lord Jesus!
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Monday, May 16, 2011
Negative Positives
Some people treat you well because they sincerely like you and are honestly concerned for you. Others treat you well because you have something they want and see you as a means of acquiring it.
Don't be so starved for positive strokes that you'll accept any affirmatives that come your way.
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Don't be so starved for positive strokes that you'll accept any affirmatives that come your way.
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Sunday, May 15, 2011
What if you don't like my theology?
The toughest part of all is... are you disagreeing with me and calling me a liar, or are you disagreeing with Jesus; questioning Him; His instructions; and His authority? Jesus guaranteed His gospel would be offensive and rejected by the majority of people.
When I say something which you find troubling or disturbing, you owe it to yourself to study Christ's teachings to see first hand. No, disregarding the authenticity of scripture is not a valid option since it has been substantiated through various proofs and numerous validations with uninspired accounts historically questioned and rejected. And no, don't let some person be the authority on what God's Word says... let scripture speak for itself.
Let the words of Jesus speak for them self... and don't read into them what they don't say.
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When I say something which you find troubling or disturbing, you owe it to yourself to study Christ's teachings to see first hand. No, disregarding the authenticity of scripture is not a valid option since it has been substantiated through various proofs and numerous validations with uninspired accounts historically questioned and rejected. And no, don't let some person be the authority on what God's Word says... let scripture speak for itself.
Let the words of Jesus speak for them self... and don't read into them what they don't say.
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Five Most Difficult 'S' Words in Modern Society
Sacrifice
Struggle
Surrender
Succumb
Suffer
These are attributes we hate and abhor.
Unfortunately for us, these traits can serve to make us stronger and build our character as well.
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Bad Good Samaritan
Outside of Dollar Tree, a young black woman with glasses was hurrying from her car and accidently dropped a coin to the wet pavement. She took a quick glance down, didn't find it, and then raced into the store without it. I wanted to do a 'good Samaritan' deed, so I found the coin (a quarter) and went inside to give it to her.
As soon as I entered Dollar Tree I saw the young woman. I approached her and said "Excuse me. I saw you drop this quarter." I gave it to her. She accepted it but she also seemed quite puzzled. I felt pleased I had done a good deed... until I noticed a young black woman with glasses hurry out of the store. I looked out the window and could see that she was looking all over the wet pavement for her dropped quarter!
Oops!! I had obviously given it to the wrong person. Stupid me.
If I had had another quarter in my pocket, I would have gone out there and given it to her. As it was, I just came to terms that I was in no way a good Samaritan... at least in this instance.
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As soon as I entered Dollar Tree I saw the young woman. I approached her and said "Excuse me. I saw you drop this quarter." I gave it to her. She accepted it but she also seemed quite puzzled. I felt pleased I had done a good deed... until I noticed a young black woman with glasses hurry out of the store. I looked out the window and could see that she was looking all over the wet pavement for her dropped quarter!
Oops!! I had obviously given it to the wrong person. Stupid me.
If I had had another quarter in my pocket, I would have gone out there and given it to her. As it was, I just came to terms that I was in no way a good Samaritan... at least in this instance.
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Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Naive or Innocent?
Being naive and being innocent can sometimes be the same thing.
Other times they are completely different.
Ideally, be innocent without being naive.
"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mat 10:16)
________________
Other times they are completely different.
Ideally, be innocent without being naive.
"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mat 10:16)
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Monday, May 9, 2011
Feeble Excuses
I need to do my own thing.
They will understand.
This is what I want so they would want it for me.
This is the best thing for everyone.
I'm not being selfish.
I'm finally being honest.
Broken homes.
Children left with a parental split.
Shattered world.
Things can never be the same.
I liked it better the way it was.
Nobody's thinking about the kids.
Boy, we sure can lie to ourselves.
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They will understand.
This is what I want so they would want it for me.
This is the best thing for everyone.
I'm not being selfish.
I'm finally being honest.
Broken homes.
Children left with a parental split.
Shattered world.
Things can never be the same.
I liked it better the way it was.
Nobody's thinking about the kids.
Boy, we sure can lie to ourselves.
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Learn From the Best
Jim Gray on HomeGrown
I began my art training in 1971 and 1972 by taking art lessons from Jim Gray, who was at the beginning of his career of becoming one of America's premium landscape artists. His art can be seen gracing the walls of homes and galleries all over the world. The training I received was top-notch and helped me commence on a wonderful career.
Today on WBIR's 'HomeGrown' is an excellent piece on Jim, his career, and his twilight years in retirement.
I began my art training in 1971 and 1972 by taking art lessons from Jim Gray, who was at the beginning of his career of becoming one of America's premium landscape artists. His art can be seen gracing the walls of homes and galleries all over the world. The training I received was top-notch and helped me commence on a wonderful career.
Today on WBIR's 'HomeGrown' is an excellent piece on Jim, his career, and his twilight years in retirement.
Rash
When people make quick, rash decisions with little regard for the consequences, they naturally assume this is the way other people make decisions. Their view of the world around them is that many important historical milestones just sort of happened. They can hardly comprehend that much of what we take for granted happened with a purpose and design behind it.
If you disagree with something, you better put some deep thought into your opinion... chances are someone else sure did.
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If you disagree with something, you better put some deep thought into your opinion... chances are someone else sure did.
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Parents in conflict
The courtroom cameras show two sets of parents...
Both of them crying...
Both of them in obvious pain.
One set are parents of the victim.
They cry for their loss.
Their pain is for the horrible way their child was taken.
They will never see their baby again... in this life.
The other set are parents of the accused.
They cry for the fate of their child-gone-wrong.
Their pain covers the multi-faceted crime and destiny of their baby.
Where did this child go wrong?
Where did they go wrong?
These parents are on opposite worlds...
and yet they aren't.
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Both of them crying...
Both of them in obvious pain.
One set are parents of the victim.
They cry for their loss.
Their pain is for the horrible way their child was taken.
They will never see their baby again... in this life.
The other set are parents of the accused.
They cry for the fate of their child-gone-wrong.
Their pain covers the multi-faceted crime and destiny of their baby.
Where did this child go wrong?
Where did they go wrong?
These parents are on opposite worlds...
and yet they aren't.
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Sunday, May 8, 2011
School Bullying
Okay, let's be honest and realistic about this... much of the worst school bullying takes place by the 'good kids'. The bad kids are off getting into trouble and taking the authority's attention away, giving the good kids the opportunity to 'do their thing' without being noticed.
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Saturday, May 7, 2011
Why do we think we are good?
God consistantly revealed His goodness and righteousness through His patience, mercy and deeds. The picture of man stayed consistant throughout history as rebellious and unlawful to God. Both the biblical and the secular views of history indicate that man is born into sin and will continually rebel against the righteous nature of God. Working with both children and with adults I've also seen this to be true as well.
While substitute teaching for the second grade, I had one overly helpful girl who felt it was her job to keep me informed on the correct procedures of operation when the regular teacher is there. First thing she did was let me know who the classroom troublemakers were and who I should keep an eye on. The other kids then informed me that it was she who is the priviledged "teacher's pet." Throughout the day she was consistantly out of her chair informing on every student doing something wrong or improper. Finally she approached me with, "Mr. White, Jason's out of his seat. The teacher doesn't let anyone out of their seats without permission. You have to give him a 'mark-out'." I looked at the girl 'standing' at my desk and proceeded to give her and Jason a mark-out for being out of their seats. She went back to her seat in tears.
It hurts when your sins are exposed... especially when you aren't even aware that you have any sins. The punishment of being marked-out didn't hurt the one accustomed to being a 'sinner' near as much as the one who felt a privileged position with the person in charge. Our actions should be to do what is pleasing to God... in authenticity and not in hypocrisy.
While substitute teaching for the second grade, I had one overly helpful girl who felt it was her job to keep me informed on the correct procedures of operation when the regular teacher is there. First thing she did was let me know who the classroom troublemakers were and who I should keep an eye on. The other kids then informed me that it was she who is the priviledged "teacher's pet." Throughout the day she was consistantly out of her chair informing on every student doing something wrong or improper. Finally she approached me with, "Mr. White, Jason's out of his seat. The teacher doesn't let anyone out of their seats without permission. You have to give him a 'mark-out'." I looked at the girl 'standing' at my desk and proceeded to give her and Jason a mark-out for being out of their seats. She went back to her seat in tears.
It hurts when your sins are exposed... especially when you aren't even aware that you have any sins. The punishment of being marked-out didn't hurt the one accustomed to being a 'sinner' near as much as the one who felt a privileged position with the person in charge. Our actions should be to do what is pleasing to God... in authenticity and not in hypocrisy.
Friday, May 6, 2011
That's what they all say.
Some of the most idiotic statements are made by the most intelligent people.
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Thursday, May 5, 2011
Who Do You Emulate?
Whenever Christianity has tried to emulate other faiths and religions, it has failed miserably. But when it has simply reflected Christ and His higher ways, it has succeeded and set the example for all to follow.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Replace Your Laptop
By no means does a tablet have to replace a laptop for everything. My iPad replaces my laptop for about 50 to 60% of my computing needs. Those needs make-up about 90% of my time spent when not using the computer for work related activities. It is those leisurely tasks, such as checking email and facebook, scanning web sites, looking up a contact/address; seeing what's playing at the local theater, and various other social media activities that make the iPad function far more efficiently and easily than my laptop (especially if the laptop's turned-off and has to go through the tedious process of turning-on).
My tablet has not replaced my laptop for everything, but for the things I mentioned, it has taken away the desire to go backwards and use the laptop (with it's ancient 1990 form factor) for those activities.
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My tablet has not replaced my laptop for everything, but for the things I mentioned, it has taken away the desire to go backwards and use the laptop (with it's ancient 1990 form factor) for those activities.
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Ipad Maps
This post is for all those who (like myself) could have used a thorough instruction book, but because the iPad didn't come with one we have to discover things on our own.
All iPad experts can go get a cup of coffee and ignore this post.
Whew!!!
Let's talk about the contact/address book.
Since most of my address experience has been with WinCe devices and very cheap Android tablets, I am accustomed to not receiving easy address book sync. I was extremely pleased when syncing my iPad to various computers that on it's own it pulled in contacts dating back almost two decades. (Many of these I had forgotten were even on some of the computers).
The iPad gets an A+ for being the easiest device I've ever owned for organizing my contacts. (Okay, honestly, I had to go in and remove quite a few duplicates.)
But here's the most amazing part...
I accidentally tapped on an address and the dang thing instantly opened-up Google Maps full-screen showing the exact address with a pin in place!! I could zoom in so close that it was almost possible to see my brother working in his back yard. LOL
Why didn't anyone tell me about this?
I've never owned a device that mapped an address so easily and quickly. (Zero percent effort and amazing speed.)
For my mapping/address needs, my laptop will be gathering some dust.
______________________
All iPad experts can go get a cup of coffee and ignore this post.
Whew!!!
Let's talk about the contact/address book.
Since most of my address experience has been with WinCe devices and very cheap Android tablets, I am accustomed to not receiving easy address book sync. I was extremely pleased when syncing my iPad to various computers that on it's own it pulled in contacts dating back almost two decades. (Many of these I had forgotten were even on some of the computers).
The iPad gets an A+ for being the easiest device I've ever owned for organizing my contacts. (Okay, honestly, I had to go in and remove quite a few duplicates.)
But here's the most amazing part...
I accidentally tapped on an address and the dang thing instantly opened-up Google Maps full-screen showing the exact address with a pin in place!! I could zoom in so close that it was almost possible to see my brother working in his back yard. LOL
Why didn't anyone tell me about this?
I've never owned a device that mapped an address so easily and quickly. (Zero percent effort and amazing speed.)
For my mapping/address needs, my laptop will be gathering some dust.
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Which Direction Does Your Thumb Point?
I
Me
Ego
Self
Myself
Look at me.
Hey, here I am.
It's all about me.
This is not about you.
Get your attention on me.
Everybody focus. Focus my way.
Whew! Thank goodness Jesus came!
(otherwise we're pretty doomed)
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Me
Ego
Self
Myself
Look at me.
Hey, here I am.
It's all about me.
This is not about you.
Get your attention on me.
Everybody focus. Focus my way.
Whew! Thank goodness Jesus came!
(otherwise we're pretty doomed)
______________________
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Carl Saygone
Saganesque intelligence: not understanding there are some things you will never understand.
Sorry Carl, but it's true... you know.
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Sorry Carl, but it's true... you know.
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In The Beginning
The Alpha & Omega Suite didn't begin as a concept. It started out as individual songs which only had one thing in common... they each conveyed strong doctrine as given by the Spirit through His written Word and conveyed to me through quiet times and Bible study.
"In The Beginning" was composed in 2001 and was the first song written after I realized there would be a unity and structure enveloping the individual pieces. They would be blanketed together as a whole suite of scriptural pieces, each showing a glimpse of God's revelation about Himself and His deeds throughout humanity's history, culminating in His coming and revealing the gospel.
May, 2011 marks the sixth month I've been scoring the tracks, so they can be a part of the Seasons arrangement of 'tAaOS'. In The Beginning is now under arrangement, as begun on May 1st (my birthday).
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"In The Beginning" was composed in 2001 and was the first song written after I realized there would be a unity and structure enveloping the individual pieces. They would be blanketed together as a whole suite of scriptural pieces, each showing a glimpse of God's revelation about Himself and His deeds throughout humanity's history, culminating in His coming and revealing the gospel.
May, 2011 marks the sixth month I've been scoring the tracks, so they can be a part of the Seasons arrangement of 'tAaOS'. In The Beginning is now under arrangement, as begun on May 1st (my birthday).
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Coin Toss
Every coin has two sides, but when flipping a coin only one side matters.
One side is important.
One side wins, one side loses.
Are you aware of what side of the coin is your side?
Do you do what it takes to insure your side wins?
Do you flip fairly, or do you cheat?
Know what the other side of the coin is.
Know it's strengths.
Know it's weaknesses.
Know why your side SHOULD win, (and it's not because of you).
Who does your coin represent? (and it's not you).
Which side are you on?
___________________
One side is important.
One side wins, one side loses.
Are you aware of what side of the coin is your side?
Do you do what it takes to insure your side wins?
Do you flip fairly, or do you cheat?
Know what the other side of the coin is.
Know it's strengths.
Know it's weaknesses.
Know why your side SHOULD win, (and it's not because of you).
Who does your coin represent? (and it's not you).
Which side are you on?
___________________
Sins of Our Fathers
Though we no longer refer to the term 'generational curses', we definitely accept this particular form of curse as generational patterns. Psychiatric professionals who might scoff at Biblical principles, unknowingly uphold them in so many ways. When trying to uncover the source of a patient's inner emotional problems, the therapists routinely delve into the sins of the parents.
As I have aged I now understand the concern and worries exhibited by my elders regarding situations with certain people when I was a youth. Questions such as "did anything happen over there" and "does your friend do anything odd" were not based on prejudicial ignorance but on knowledge of family situations a child is not normally aware of. I can now see where odd behaviors were not only exhibited by some of my peers, but also by their parents and grandparents before them. My elders were aware of this and their concern was valid and healthy.
A popular genre of horror film is based upon the unfortunate principle of 'sins of our fathers'. Both in film and in the world around us this every day horror is a way of life for so many. Unfortunately, films often portray this as happening in some backwoods family, but real life has this happening all around us in every facet of society.
As our society continues our downward slide away from healthy biblical principles, we will see more and more generational curses being passed down... and the harmful repercussions they bring.
_______________________________
As I have aged I now understand the concern and worries exhibited by my elders regarding situations with certain people when I was a youth. Questions such as "did anything happen over there" and "does your friend do anything odd" were not based on prejudicial ignorance but on knowledge of family situations a child is not normally aware of. I can now see where odd behaviors were not only exhibited by some of my peers, but also by their parents and grandparents before them. My elders were aware of this and their concern was valid and healthy.
A popular genre of horror film is based upon the unfortunate principle of 'sins of our fathers'. Both in film and in the world around us this every day horror is a way of life for so many. Unfortunately, films often portray this as happening in some backwoods family, but real life has this happening all around us in every facet of society.
As our society continues our downward slide away from healthy biblical principles, we will see more and more generational curses being passed down... and the harmful repercussions they bring.
_______________________________
Monday, May 2, 2011
Where's Your Mind?
There are three mindsets to use when reading the Bible: (1) the mind of faith, (2) the mind of intellect, and (3) the renewed spirit-led mind. All three have their own strengths, and two have their own weaknesses.
When studying the Bible using the mind of faith, you can become spiritually strengthened and have growth, but if using misguided faith, you can easily branch-off into wrong and improper conclusions. The same thing is true with only using our educated intellect. Though many historical facts, dates, and figures can be learned through research… and applied to the study of God's word, it's also quite easy to misapply this knowledge and reach improper conclusions. In this regard both faith study and intellect study can have similar results if not constrained by the third, and most important mindset… the renewed mind.
The Spirit-led mind is the key factor in studying God's word accurately, properly and most beneficially. It is also the hardest mindset to put your finger on, and is the least understood and most skeptical by the intellect mindset (when it doesn't include the Spirit-led).
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When studying the Bible using the mind of faith, you can become spiritually strengthened and have growth, but if using misguided faith, you can easily branch-off into wrong and improper conclusions. The same thing is true with only using our educated intellect. Though many historical facts, dates, and figures can be learned through research… and applied to the study of God's word, it's also quite easy to misapply this knowledge and reach improper conclusions. In this regard both faith study and intellect study can have similar results if not constrained by the third, and most important mindset… the renewed mind.
The Spirit-led mind is the key factor in studying God's word accurately, properly and most beneficially. It is also the hardest mindset to put your finger on, and is the least understood and most skeptical by the intellect mindset (when it doesn't include the Spirit-led).
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Honest name mix-up...
In the middle of the night I received a text alert that Osama was dead.
For several seconds I had the fear that our president Obama was dead!
Then it dawned on me that I had confused the name of our president with that of our greatest enemy.
Honest mistake?? Aw come on, at least give me that much!
-Phil (not Bill)
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Later...
While driving to work, I listened to a congresswoman being interviewed about the death of Bin Laden. At least twice she had a slip-of-the-tongue and intermingled the president's name with the villain's. Both times she immediately corrected herself.
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For several seconds I had the fear that our president Obama was dead!
Then it dawned on me that I had confused the name of our president with that of our greatest enemy.
Honest mistake?? Aw come on, at least give me that much!
-Phil (not Bill)
--------
Later...
While driving to work, I listened to a congresswoman being interviewed about the death of Bin Laden. At least twice she had a slip-of-the-tongue and intermingled the president's name with the villain's. Both times she immediately corrected herself.
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Sunday, May 1, 2011
Birthday
I'm at the age where I don't immediately remember how old I am. When folks ask my age, I sometimes have to resort to a bit of math before answering.
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Saturday, April 30, 2011
Do you know where your children are?
One of the most ridiculous and naive beliefs of the modern era is that "pornography doesn't hurt anyone." To uphold this belief, you have to ignore the facts and hold to an ideal which doesn't stand up to the world around us. At one time pornography was a hidden vice which required the individual go out of their way to seek and acquire. It was basically sought by men who had few other outlets for their wants and needs. Seldom was it viewed by women or children since it was not a part of their world.
With the advent of the internet, pornography suddenly became easily accessible to the masses. A new viewing audience emerged. The addictive persona of pornography captured a whole new audience who previously had been sheltered from it's pull. It's cancer has become such a part of current society that many folks accept it without questioning it's value or the repercussions it brings. Families have been shattered and yet very few are pointing a finger at one of the main causes.
A whole new segment of resulting abuse has sprung in it's wake. Child abuse... by both men and women is taking on an entire new face. The news is filled with female school teachers sexually abusing underage students. Men are having relations with women with no intention of solidifying the relationship beyond the sex. Women are accepting sexual relations that hold no further promise. Both men and women are acquiring sexual diseases once found mainly in other circles of contact. People are accepting various forms of deviancy and perversions... and considering them normal!
Children are viewing pornography in the privacy of their room and are fascinated and easily addicted. The bestial nature of it's contents doesn't take much to convince the adolescent that what they are viewing is good; is normal; and is easily emulated. Many websites are frequented by adolescents who purposely keep the sites secret from their clueless parents. Additionally, there are many alternative social media websites where teenagers go to discuss their sexuality; interchange pornography; and share secrets of such a nature that their parents, siblings, and even some of their peers would be shocked and surprised to hear.
We wonder where perverted minds come from. We normally think a reprobate mind is owned by some unappealing dirty old man who should be locked-up for his filthy thoughts. We never want to believe that someone we love could possess a mind which has distorted and perverted sexuality. To make it even more unreal... we never want to think that our beloved children could share similar thoughts to a filthy old pervert. What we all too often overlook is the harmful effects of easily accessed pornography. We turn our back and look the other way. We defend the right of pornographers. We are immature and naive in our reasoning. We underestimate the harm. We reap what we sew.
Do you know where your children are? Do you know what's captured their mind? Do you really?
_________________________________________________
With the advent of the internet, pornography suddenly became easily accessible to the masses. A new viewing audience emerged. The addictive persona of pornography captured a whole new audience who previously had been sheltered from it's pull. It's cancer has become such a part of current society that many folks accept it without questioning it's value or the repercussions it brings. Families have been shattered and yet very few are pointing a finger at one of the main causes.
A whole new segment of resulting abuse has sprung in it's wake. Child abuse... by both men and women is taking on an entire new face. The news is filled with female school teachers sexually abusing underage students. Men are having relations with women with no intention of solidifying the relationship beyond the sex. Women are accepting sexual relations that hold no further promise. Both men and women are acquiring sexual diseases once found mainly in other circles of contact. People are accepting various forms of deviancy and perversions... and considering them normal!
Children are viewing pornography in the privacy of their room and are fascinated and easily addicted. The bestial nature of it's contents doesn't take much to convince the adolescent that what they are viewing is good; is normal; and is easily emulated. Many websites are frequented by adolescents who purposely keep the sites secret from their clueless parents. Additionally, there are many alternative social media websites where teenagers go to discuss their sexuality; interchange pornography; and share secrets of such a nature that their parents, siblings, and even some of their peers would be shocked and surprised to hear.
We wonder where perverted minds come from. We normally think a reprobate mind is owned by some unappealing dirty old man who should be locked-up for his filthy thoughts. We never want to believe that someone we love could possess a mind which has distorted and perverted sexuality. To make it even more unreal... we never want to think that our beloved children could share similar thoughts to a filthy old pervert. What we all too often overlook is the harmful effects of easily accessed pornography. We turn our back and look the other way. We defend the right of pornographers. We are immature and naive in our reasoning. We underestimate the harm. We reap what we sew.
Do you know where your children are? Do you know what's captured their mind? Do you really?
_________________________________________________
Friday, April 29, 2011
Updating the Seasons Recordings
Since 'Sea of Despair/Showers of Grace' came together so quickly, the second part of April has allowed tweaking and updating to the Seasons tracks already recorded (began in December 2010). Though these tweaks aren't drastic (for the most part), they do improve the arrangement and overall recording a wee bit. Because of this, I will repost to all sites with the new/improved files. Unfortunately on a couple of the music sites, the statistics and comments will be lost. Otherwise it will be worth it.
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Church Growth
Evangelizing and church growth only go hand-in-hand if the growth comes by reaching the lost. Unfortunately, in the United States over the past several decades, many of our huge 'mega churches' have grown through the influx of Christians who are unhappy in their present/previous church. There has been a huge jump-ship from boring traditional churches to exciting progressive churches. Those churches might also be strong in evangelizing, but it's not necessarily a given.
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Having it All
Guess what? You CAN'T have it all!
(I have to ask... why would you want to?)
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(I have to ask... why would you want to?)
___________________
Short Memory
When it comes to advertising slogans, jingles, and commercials, it helps to have a short memory (or learn how to uneducate your self).
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__________________
Invitation to a Wedding
I had no intention of watching the royal wedding but because of it's perfect timing with my schedule, I was able to view all of the important parts.
Do you think they planned it around my early AM rising?
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Do you think they planned it around my early AM rising?
_____________________
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
You Said What?
We know we're in for trouble when wisdom seems illogical and foolishness comes disguised as logic.
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Five Tips to Make Your iPad Even Better
You've purchased an iPad and you're either thinking "This is the greatest little device I've bought in some time" or maybe, "I can't really figure out what all the fuss is about, could there be more to it than what I'm doing?"
I'm going to give five little tips to turn your iPad from a great device into a really, really great device! And you won't have to spend much money… if at all.
5 Tips
(1) Implement 'developer privilege'. I'm not going to tell you how to do it, you'll have to search somewhere else, but once you've added this, you will now have Apple's 'hidden' feature which makes the iPad so much easier to use! You won't believe how easy it is to maneuver by using finger gestures… close your hand on the screen to instantly go back to home; use fingertips to navigate forward or backward between apps; and four finger 'up' to instantly go to all your recently used apps. No more touching the hardware button or going through several steps to get where you need to go.
(2) Add cloud storage and get all kinds of additional storage. Cloud storage is so practical, simple and easy when you have an app. I've used Dropbox for some time… way before I ever got an iPad, and it's a great basic well-thought out storage solution between devices. The app for SugarSync is so good that I'm using it more and more. With their app you can actually view images, listen to music files, and view others types of documents as well. Their iPad app gets an A+. I'm just now getting acquainted with Box.net and will soon know it's strengths and weaknesses. There are many others too… just look and find what you need. The icing on the cake is they all offer some free storage. Between the three I'm using, I have about 15gb of free storage.
(3) You won't believe how great Facebook looks until you add 'Flipboard'. For those of you who enjoy social media, you've never seen it look so good until you use it on an iPad. Honestly, Facebook is a pretty boring site (design wise) on a computer using a web browser, but when viewing it with one of several media apps, it blossoms and comes to life in a whole new way. The most impressive is Flipboard, an amazing app which allows you to view your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or other blog/news sites which you use. If you want to impress your friends on how the iPad does some things better than a computer, just show them Facebook as displayed on Flipboard's book interface. It honestly makes you want to look at people's trivial images and details!
(4) Who says you can't do flash or view a variety of movie formats? iSwitter is a web browser which can actually play many flash sites. Some play perfectly, others play with bugs, some not-at-all… it all depends. If you have a favorite flash-enabled web site it's worth checking to see if iSwitter can handle it. Also, for non-quicktime video formats both YXplayer and OPlayerHD do a good job of handling several of them. I've even opened media content within Safari and it instantly took me to one of these apps to open and flawlessly play the content. You can't beat that!
(5) Don't use your finger, get a capacitive brush. I'm not talking about one of the stylus pens which use a foam or rubber tip. What works even better are the brush pens (yes, they actually have brush bristles) offered by several companies from $3 to $30. The one I use is called the 'Pogo Sketch' and only cost $2.99 on ebay… shipping included! The soft brush bristles do a great job of emulating your fingers and for many screen activities it's much easier.
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Now you have five little additions which make your iPad even more of a powerhouse than what it was originally. Don't forget, the app market is literally filled with hundreds of thousands of apps… many of which are useful and incredible gems. You just have to do a little exploring and see what's out there. Additionally, another thing which makes the iPad so good is you get to use Apple apps! I have their iMovie, Garageband, and Pages on my iPad and those three apps alone are worth the entire investment for the iPad. If they're your cup of tea, they give you an experience which can't be found anywhere else.
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Also, if you've found some work-arounds, apps, or other add-ons which you've found helpful, feel free to share here. Additionally, I will add to this thread as I come across other improvements in the app market and hardware additions.
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
After the Storm
10pm, sitting in McDonalds, six devices connected to their wifi.
Oh yeah, this is day #2 of not having any power at our house.
Refrigerator at home is now filled with bags of ice... so the food won't go bad.
Yep. We're roughing it.
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Oh yeah, this is day #2 of not having any power at our house.
Refrigerator at home is now filled with bags of ice... so the food won't go bad.
Yep. We're roughing it.
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Too Many Jerks in The Forums
Numerous forum computer jerks caused me to attempt and explain why they're so wrong in their perception of computer needs and how it relates to the individual consumer. Here's part of that response...
You have this scenario which has happened so often, it's not even funny...
A little old lady (computer illiterate) walks into Best Buy/CompUSA/Sears/ComputerWarehouse/Staples/etc/etc (you name it), and asks the salesperson which is the easiest/best computer for a person who knows very little about computers.
The salesperson knows Windows inside and out. That is their platform of preference and to them that is the one which everyone should have, so their answer comes without even thinking. ((I use Windows as an example since this is the platform which this scenario normally happens with.)) They take the customer to the computer which they are ready to sell (could be numerous reasons why). They could care less if this is really the best computer for the customer.
They point out all the numerous features. This incredible powerhouse can even open every app in Adobe Suite... at the same time, and still render the most complicated 3D game!! The little old lady explains all she really wants to do is send email and write some letters. The salesman can't understand this, so he explains: "sure you can read email and write letters, but you can also do all the other things I told you about!" He sells it to her.
Over the months she makes several trips back into the store to try and figure out why it's not doing what she wants. It's a simple and obvious solution to the salesperson but to her it's like a mountain. All too often her 'wonder computer' either ends up in her closet or is given to one of the grandkids. Occasionally it ends up in her yard sale.
This scenario started happening back in the '80s and continues right up to the present. It's so common that essays have been written on it and much research has gone into it.
The despicable Steve Jobs, for all his many faults, fully understands this problem. Whether you like him or hate him, you have to admit he must be doing something right… his bank account can attest for that.
There will come various combatants against the successful iPad. Some of them will also understand why Mr. Jobs released a device that is selling well, while ten years prior Mr. Gates also released a tablet device that for all practical purposes never soared or took flight. He stood up there on that stage and personally and enthusiastically demonstrated it to us, don't you remember?
___________________________
You have this scenario which has happened so often, it's not even funny...
A little old lady (computer illiterate) walks into Best Buy/CompUSA/Sears/ComputerWarehouse/Staples/etc/etc (you name it), and asks the salesperson which is the easiest/best computer for a person who knows very little about computers.
The salesperson knows Windows inside and out. That is their platform of preference and to them that is the one which everyone should have, so their answer comes without even thinking. ((I use Windows as an example since this is the platform which this scenario normally happens with.)) They take the customer to the computer which they are ready to sell (could be numerous reasons why). They could care less if this is really the best computer for the customer.
They point out all the numerous features. This incredible powerhouse can even open every app in Adobe Suite... at the same time, and still render the most complicated 3D game!! The little old lady explains all she really wants to do is send email and write some letters. The salesman can't understand this, so he explains: "sure you can read email and write letters, but you can also do all the other things I told you about!" He sells it to her.
Over the months she makes several trips back into the store to try and figure out why it's not doing what she wants. It's a simple and obvious solution to the salesperson but to her it's like a mountain. All too often her 'wonder computer' either ends up in her closet or is given to one of the grandkids. Occasionally it ends up in her yard sale.
This scenario started happening back in the '80s and continues right up to the present. It's so common that essays have been written on it and much research has gone into it.
The despicable Steve Jobs, for all his many faults, fully understands this problem. Whether you like him or hate him, you have to admit he must be doing something right… his bank account can attest for that.
There will come various combatants against the successful iPad. Some of them will also understand why Mr. Jobs released a device that is selling well, while ten years prior Mr. Gates also released a tablet device that for all practical purposes never soared or took flight. He stood up there on that stage and personally and enthusiastically demonstrated it to us, don't you remember?
___________________________
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