Martin Luther posts 95 theses
On this day in 1517, the priest and scholar Martin Luther approaches the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and nails a piece of paper to it containing the 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Quote of the Day
A dog is truly a man's best friend.
If you don't believe it, just try this experiment.
Put your dog and your wife in the trunk of the car for an hour.
When you open the trunk, who is really happy to see you
- Unknown
If you don't believe it, just try this experiment.
Put your dog and your wife in the trunk of the car for an hour.
When you open the trunk, who is really happy to see you
- Unknown
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ever Wonder Why So Little Gets Done in Washington?
They are doing exactly what the majority of people want . . . . which is nothing.
From Joe Carter.
Teaser:
Unlike the Left and Right, the Center is not defined by a particular philosophical position. Instead it is simply a pragmatic approach taken by politicians to keep from alienating voters. Yet, ironically, no politician could gain so much as a foothold in their party’s leadership if they took a consistently centrist approach.
A true centrist, rather than a person who is simply less liberal or less conservative than others within her party, would always take the most pragmatic action in order to avoid alienating her constituency. Applying such a strategy in a pluralistic political environment, though, would appear to be a daunting task. With such a broad divergence of opinions being presented along the political spectrum it would be impossible to please everyone. At least that would be the logical assumption.
In actuality, though, the course of action a centrist legislator should take is rather simple: maintain the status quo.
From Joe Carter.
Teaser:
Unlike the Left and Right, the Center is not defined by a particular philosophical position. Instead it is simply a pragmatic approach taken by politicians to keep from alienating voters. Yet, ironically, no politician could gain so much as a foothold in their party’s leadership if they took a consistently centrist approach.
A true centrist, rather than a person who is simply less liberal or less conservative than others within her party, would always take the most pragmatic action in order to avoid alienating her constituency. Applying such a strategy in a pluralistic political environment, though, would appear to be a daunting task. With such a broad divergence of opinions being presented along the political spectrum it would be impossible to please everyone. At least that would be the logical assumption.
In actuality, though, the course of action a centrist legislator should take is rather simple: maintain the status quo.
The Face of Christ
An interesting look at the history of a very influential painting:
Teaser:
There is a brownish image of Jesus that hangs on children's bedroom walls, in fellowship halls of Catholic and Protestant churches around the country, in mission stations around the world. Even the most Protestant of Protestants knows the picture from Sunday school days or Grandma's living room. But most can't name the painter and wrongly assume that he was Methodist or Lutheran or Catholic. His name, in fact, was Warner Sallman (1892-1968), and he spent his entire life in Chicago. Of Swedish and Finnish extraction, he was a lifelong member of the (Swedish) Evangelical Covenant Church.
There is a brownish image of Jesus that hangs on children's bedroom walls, in fellowship halls of Catholic and Protestant churches around the country, in mission stations around the world. Even the most Protestant of Protestants knows the picture from Sunday school days or Grandma's living room. But most can't name the painter and wrongly assume that he was Methodist or Lutheran or Catholic. His name, in fact, was Warner Sallman (1892-1968), and he spent his entire life in Chicago. Of Swedish and Finnish extraction, he was a lifelong member of the (Swedish) Evangelical Covenant Church.
Quote of the Day
The Bible is not only many books. It is literature, history, poetry, prophecy, philosophy, theology, oratory, humor, sarcasm, irony, music, drama, tragedy, strategy, love tales, war tales, travelogues, laws, jurisprudence, songs, sermons, warnings, prayers, all are here. Was there ever such a literature? The Bible begins with a garden and ends with a city. It starts with a morning followed by a night and ends with a day that shall know no night. It breaks the silence with "In the beginning", and it hushes the universe to sleep with, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."
- John Snider
- John Snider
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Aww Shiza . . . .
I just realized that there is a glitch in the matrix and I am not getting e-mails when people comment on the blog.
And here I thought everyone had left me . . . . .
Need to wrangle the blog gremlins and find out what is wrong . . .
And here I thought everyone had left me . . . . .
Need to wrangle the blog gremlins and find out what is wrong . . .
Another Great Story
Neighbor pitching in to help neighbor.
I read this story a while back and it meant so much more to me now that I have been a recipient of similar generosity.
The world would be a better place with a little more of this sort of thing . . . .
I read this story a while back and it meant so much more to me now that I have been a recipient of similar generosity.
The world would be a better place with a little more of this sort of thing . . . .
The Mountain
When we lived in Seattle, one of our favorite radio stations was 103.7 - The Mountain. They pretty much cover 30-something slightly off-beat music (my wife will correct me on that I am sure).
They have a segment called "The Mountain Music Lounge" in which they have top performers come and play acoustical versions of their hit songs before a live audience. Every year they team up with Starbucks to put out a collection of songs from the lounge and we always made a point of picking up the new album.
Unfortunately, once we had moved back to San Diego, we were unable to do so. Our dear friends, the Days have faithfully sent us each year's new album since.
The most recent one arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago but I didn't have a chance to load it into the Itunes, sync the Ipod etc. Finally, I just grabbed the cd and jammed it into the player in the car on my way to work.
By the time I arrived at the office, I was fighting back the tears. I think it was a combination of missing our northwest friends, missing Seattle, sweater-weather etc. and then this song came on:
Sweet and Low by Augustana
Anywhere you go, anyone you meet
Remember that your eyes can be your enemy
I said, "Well hell is so close, and heaven's out of reach,
But I ain't giving up quite yet, I've got too much to lose",
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, and I'll carry you home,
The rain is gonna fall, the sun is gonna shine
The wind is gonna blow, the waters gonna rise
She said, "When that day comes look into my eyes,
Cuz' no one's giving up quite yet, we've got too much to lose",
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl,
So hold me down,
And I'll carry you all the way when you say you're fine
But you're still young and out of line,
When all I need is to turn around
To make it last, to make it count,
I ain't gonna make the same mistakes
That put my mama in her grave
I don't wanna be alone
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, and I'll carry you home.
I have no idea what the actual production version of the song sounds like but the relatively unvarnished version on the Mountain cd is sweet and plaintive.
Maybe you just had to be there . . . but you might want to check out the cd anyway . . .
They have a segment called "The Mountain Music Lounge" in which they have top performers come and play acoustical versions of their hit songs before a live audience. Every year they team up with Starbucks to put out a collection of songs from the lounge and we always made a point of picking up the new album.
Unfortunately, once we had moved back to San Diego, we were unable to do so. Our dear friends, the Days have faithfully sent us each year's new album since.
The most recent one arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago but I didn't have a chance to load it into the Itunes, sync the Ipod etc. Finally, I just grabbed the cd and jammed it into the player in the car on my way to work.
Sweet and Low by Augustana
Anywhere you go, anyone you meet
Remember that your eyes can be your enemy
I said, "Well hell is so close, and heaven's out of reach,
But I ain't giving up quite yet, I've got too much to lose",
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, and I'll carry you home,
The rain is gonna fall, the sun is gonna shine
The wind is gonna blow, the waters gonna rise
She said, "When that day comes look into my eyes,
Cuz' no one's giving up quite yet, we've got too much to lose",
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl,
So hold me down,
And I'll carry you all the way when you say you're fine
But you're still young and out of line,
When all I need is to turn around
To make it last, to make it count,
I ain't gonna make the same mistakes
That put my mama in her grave
I don't wanna be alone
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, sweet and low and I will carry you home,
Hold me down, sweet and low little girl
Hold me down, and I'll carry you home.
I have no idea what the actual production version of the song sounds like but the relatively unvarnished version on the Mountain cd is sweet and plaintive.
Maybe you just had to be there . . . but you might want to check out the cd anyway . . .
You Were Loved Into Existance
From Pastor Tod Bolsinger:
Teaser:
I looked at Charlie and we both had tears in our eyes.
While out on the Marathon run in the Ironman, I was more aware than ever that I was loved into existence.
I was running with one of my best friends, in a beautiful place, doing something that I barely dreamed I could do.
I was running into the arms of my family who loves me and cheers me on in all the crazy things I do.
I was running with the prayers and support of my friends back home, a couple who had even called me on my cell phone to assure me of their prayers for me, others who had emailed or posted on my blog to let me know that they were thinking of me.
I thought back to all that I had experienced in these past three months and all that I have experienced being at San Clemente Presbyterian Church these past nine years (I had plenty of time to think about all of this—it’s a long run!).
I found myself well up with tears again because without question, I could say that I know that I was loved into existence.
And without even intending to do so, I found myself thinking and praying for others.
HT: Evangelical Outpost
Teaser:
I looked at Charlie and we both had tears in our eyes.
While out on the Marathon run in the Ironman, I was more aware than ever that I was loved into existence.
I was running with one of my best friends, in a beautiful place, doing something that I barely dreamed I could do.
I was running into the arms of my family who loves me and cheers me on in all the crazy things I do.
I was running with the prayers and support of my friends back home, a couple who had even called me on my cell phone to assure me of their prayers for me, others who had emailed or posted on my blog to let me know that they were thinking of me.
I thought back to all that I had experienced in these past three months and all that I have experienced being at San Clemente Presbyterian Church these past nine years (I had plenty of time to think about all of this—it’s a long run!).
I found myself well up with tears again because without question, I could say that I know that I was loved into existence.
And without even intending to do so, I found myself thinking and praying for others.
HT: Evangelical Outpost
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Vote
I voted today! Which means I sat at my dining room table in my PJ's, filled out my absentee ballot, and mailed it in.
I vote absentee for the sake of convenience but once the wee-one is old enough, I think we will start going to the polls as an object lesson in civic responsibility. Maybe we will even take the day off every two years and have a mini Independence Day celebration!
I am a big believer in voting. Not only that - but I believe that every well-meaning citizen has a responsibility to vote.
I qualify that only because when I hear of all manner of people being paid to register and then being bussed to the polls in mass to vote the way the person buying them lunch that afternoon wants them to vote, I start to get a little twitchy.
Don't get me wrong - it is still their right to vote and no one should argue with that. But when people are voting for candidate (A) or (B) on the basis of a sandwich in their near future . . .well . . . they may have a right to vote but they may have a responsibility not to.
For instance, I generally read up on each candidate / proposition etc and vote accordingly. When I can't make heads or tails based on what I have read, I look at who is endorsing them for clues. There are some endorsements that make me warm and fuzzy and others that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot poll (pun intended).
But when I can't make heads or tails of who or what I am voting on after a reasonable amount of time spent, I feel I have a responsibility to leave the section blank and move on. Leave it to those who are better informed and have stronger feelings than I. That being said, I only skip a section or two every other election.
But in the end, everyone who has a right to vote - has a right to vote - no matter how ill informed or ill intentioned and so it is and so it should remain.
The whole rights vs responsibilities argument aside, I feel that every citizen who has the good of the country in mind, ought to take the time to vote - even if you totally disagree with the way I vote.
I have some friends and some family who are some of the kindest, most generous, thoughtful and most pleasant people you will ever meet - and they vote exactly opposite from the way I do.
We occasionally have our debates - and sometimes they are even vigorous debates - both sides usually make good points and then, failing to convince either side, we move onto matters of greater importance such as "Who wants dessert?" and "Should we open another bottle of wine?"
Because after all, no matter how much we cling to our opposing positions, we acknowledge that the other side is well intentioned (politically deranged as they may be). I feel sorry for those who are so small as to be unable to have relationships across the proverbial aisle. They may be missing out on friendships with some of the greatest people in their midst.
If the other side's guy wins this year, I say "Good for him for running an effective campaign and shame on our side for blowing it." He will be my President and I will pray for him and support him where I can.
He will be my President, yes. But he will not be "my guy". I will reserve that term for the appropriate time when I will be able to look across the dinner table with a twinkle in my eye, and say with a smile, "what's wrong with your guy?", to my friends who voted for him.
And I am sure all the reverse will be true should my side take the prize this year.
So get out there and vote. Vote your conscience. It is the responsibility of all well-meaning citizens of all political parties.
To paraphrase William Buckley who once said: "I would rather be governed by the first 2000 names in the Boston phone book than by the Harvard faculty."
I would rather be governed by my closest friends - regardless of their political leanings than the vast majority of the yahoos who are governing now.
Plus, as an added bonus, I will now be mostly tuning out all political jibber-jabber until election night when I get to sit back and watch the carnival!
God Bless America.
UPDATE:
The 2009 Demotivator Catalogue came in the mail yesterday. The first new image they have added?:
I vote absentee for the sake of convenience but once the wee-one is old enough, I think we will start going to the polls as an object lesson in civic responsibility. Maybe we will even take the day off every two years and have a mini Independence Day celebration!
I am a big believer in voting. Not only that - but I believe that every well-meaning citizen has a responsibility to vote.
I qualify that only because when I hear of all manner of people being paid to register and then being bussed to the polls in mass to vote the way the person buying them lunch that afternoon wants them to vote, I start to get a little twitchy.
Don't get me wrong - it is still their right to vote and no one should argue with that. But when people are voting for candidate (A) or (B) on the basis of a sandwich in their near future . . .well . . . they may have a right to vote but they may have a responsibility not to.
For instance, I generally read up on each candidate / proposition etc and vote accordingly. When I can't make heads or tails based on what I have read, I look at who is endorsing them for clues. There are some endorsements that make me warm and fuzzy and others that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot poll (pun intended).
But when I can't make heads or tails of who or what I am voting on after a reasonable amount of time spent, I feel I have a responsibility to leave the section blank and move on. Leave it to those who are better informed and have stronger feelings than I. That being said, I only skip a section or two every other election.
But in the end, everyone who has a right to vote - has a right to vote - no matter how ill informed or ill intentioned and so it is and so it should remain.
The whole rights vs responsibilities argument aside, I feel that every citizen who has the good of the country in mind, ought to take the time to vote - even if you totally disagree with the way I vote.
I have some friends and some family who are some of the kindest, most generous, thoughtful and most pleasant people you will ever meet - and they vote exactly opposite from the way I do.
We occasionally have our debates - and sometimes they are even vigorous debates - both sides usually make good points and then, failing to convince either side, we move onto matters of greater importance such as "Who wants dessert?" and "Should we open another bottle of wine?"
Because after all, no matter how much we cling to our opposing positions, we acknowledge that the other side is well intentioned (politically deranged as they may be). I feel sorry for those who are so small as to be unable to have relationships across the proverbial aisle. They may be missing out on friendships with some of the greatest people in their midst.
If the other side's guy wins this year, I say "Good for him for running an effective campaign and shame on our side for blowing it." He will be my President and I will pray for him and support him where I can.
He will be my President, yes. But he will not be "my guy". I will reserve that term for the appropriate time when I will be able to look across the dinner table with a twinkle in my eye, and say with a smile, "what's wrong with your guy?", to my friends who voted for him.
And I am sure all the reverse will be true should my side take the prize this year.
So get out there and vote. Vote your conscience. It is the responsibility of all well-meaning citizens of all political parties.
To paraphrase William Buckley who once said: "I would rather be governed by the first 2000 names in the Boston phone book than by the Harvard faculty."
I would rather be governed by my closest friends - regardless of their political leanings than the vast majority of the yahoos who are governing now.
Plus, as an added bonus, I will now be mostly tuning out all political jibber-jabber until election night when I get to sit back and watch the carnival!
God Bless America.
UPDATE:
The 2009 Demotivator Catalogue came in the mail yesterday. The first new image they have added?:
Dawg Saves Kittens in Burning House
From the Herald Sun:
A TENACIOUS terrier dubbed Leo the Lion-hearted is being lauded for staying loyally by the side of four helpless kittens trapped in a burning house.
The gutsy bitzer had to be resuscitated by firefighters after refusing to abandon the kittens even as thick smoke and flames filled a Seddon weatherboard home on Saturday night.
A TENACIOUS terrier dubbed Leo the Lion-hearted is being lauded for staying loyally by the side of four helpless kittens trapped in a burning house.
The gutsy bitzer had to be resuscitated by firefighters after refusing to abandon the kittens even as thick smoke and flames filled a Seddon weatherboard home on Saturday night.
Quote of the Day
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
122 Years Ago Today
Statue of Liberty dedicated
The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States, is dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland.
Originally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World," the statue was proposed by the French historian Edouard de Laboulaye to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States, is dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland.
Originally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World," the statue was proposed by the French historian Edouard de Laboulaye to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution.
A Door Just Opened on a Street
by Emily Dickinson
A door just opened on a street--
I, lost, was passing by--
An instant's width of warmth disclosed
And wealth, and company.
The door as sudden shut, and I,
I, lost, was passing by,--
Lost doubly, but by contrast most,
Enlightening misery.
A door just opened on a street--
I, lost, was passing by--
An instant's width of warmth disclosed
And wealth, and company.
The door as sudden shut, and I,
I, lost, was passing by,--
Lost doubly, but by contrast most,
Enlightening misery.
Public Service Announcment
All throughout 2009, people get into Disneyland for free on their birthday!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Support
One of the neat things that has happen to us through this site is the other families with SB that have contacted us to give us support and encouragement. There are a handful that have responded with helpful tips, advice and encouragement every step of the way and we just cannot adequately express what it has meant to us.
I hope that one day we will be able to "pass it on" as well.
A few weeks ago, we received a brown paper package with a child's drawing on the outside. Inside were a couple of blue and white home-made blankets with "Go Annabelle" embroidered on them.
Along with the blankets (which we LOVE btw and are now hanging on Annie's crib) there was a couple pieces of artwork from a little boy named Owen and his brother, Luke, who also has Spina Bifida. The first piece has some dictation put down my mom and the second has some helpful mom-pointers as well.
I hope that one day we will be able to "pass it on" as well.
A few weeks ago, we received a brown paper package with a child's drawing on the outside. Inside were a couple of blue and white home-made blankets with "Go Annabelle" embroidered on them.
My favorite parts?
"She is short because there wasn't enough paper"
"Dawg's seatbelt"
and
"I have a scar and Spina Bifida just like you, Annabelle. That's it. I think it makes us special and brave"
I think so too, Luke . . .
Click on the images to enlarge:
Thank you Luke and Owen!
Potato Salmon Patties
"My kids do not like anything fishy. I snuck this one by them and they loved it. I serve them as snacks, sandwiches, or as dinner with rice and a veggie on the side. Personally I like to dip them in horseradish and snack away!! Hope you like them."
RECIPE HERE
Thrill . . .er . . . . .
What do you do with all that extra time on your hands? Why, record your own version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" . . . using only your own voice . . . in 64 tracks . . . .on video . . . . of course . . .
François Macré - Thriller (reprise A'cappella 64 pistes)
That is, assuming you already have your blog entirely devoted to Candy Corn already up and running . . . .
HT: HT: Neatorama
François Macré - Thriller (reprise A'cappella 64 pistes)
That is, assuming you already have your blog entirely devoted to Candy Corn already up and running . . . .
HT: HT: Neatorama
Quote of the Day
Christians are actually, to me, anyway, as a Jew, much more interesting in America. And weirdly, much more misunderstood. Evangelical Christians are the most incompetently portrayed group in America, in TV, in fiction, in the news. When Christians say that the media gets them wrong, Christians are absolutely right. Christian life in this country is really horribly documented, and way more interesting than is done. Generally, in the media, very religious Christians are portrayed as hardheaded doctrinaire knuckleheads. But in fact, from my experience, the most religious Christians I know tend to be incredibly thoughtful, complicated, generous to a fault, very principled and not knuckleheads. Actually, they’re sort of weirdly the opposite of the stereotype, and that includes people from the hardcore fundamentalist faiths.
- Ira Glass, NPR's Host of "This American Life"
- Ira Glass, NPR's Host of "This American Life"
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Generation Kill
I have always been fascinated by the military and warfare. The discipline, the structure, the chain of command, the battle field strategies and the acts of heroism - everything except the part where people get killed, of course.
In high-school, I actually pre-enlisted with the army at age 17. My goal was to be an army airborne medic.
Prior to my 18th birthday (point of no return) I changed my mind, opted out, and went to college instead.
There are days that I have regretted that decision and thought "I would have been good in the army". After reading this book, I don't feel that way today.
"Generation Kill" was written by an author embedded with a Recon Marine Platoon during the invasion of Iraq. Much of the time, the Humvee the author was riding in was the northern-most tip of the spear in the invasion.
Their mission was to blaze north from Kuwait up the snaking highway 7, blasting through town after town, city after city. Their task was to purposely drive into enemy ambushes so that the larger force behind them would know where the ambushes were.
In my opinion, the author offers a clear and unbiased account of that experience. It is modern-day warfare from a first-person point of view. Full of humor as well as horror.
Of all the books and movies about war that I have read or watched, nothing has given me such a clear-eyed view of what modern warfare is really like.
If you are interested in a close-up view of what the invasion of Iraq was really like, pick this one up. But beware. It is unflinchingly truthful in its account.
Today I am glad I went to college instead.
Highly recommended with reservations.
BTW, I understand they made the book into an HBO mini-series. Due to the graphic nature of the portions of the book, I don't think I will be watching it anytime soon . . . .
This Day in History
244 Years Ago Today
John Adams marries Abigail Smith
On this day in 1764, future President John Adams marries Abigail Smith. This devoted couple’s prolific correspondence during their married life has provided entertainment and a glimpse of early American life for generations of history buffs.
234 Years Ago Today
Congress petitions English king to address grievances
On this day in 1774, the First Continental Congress sends a respectful petition to King George III to inform his majesty that if it had not been for the acts of oppression forced upon the colonies by the British Parliament, the American people would be standing behind British rule.
Despite the anger that the American public felt towards the United Kingdom after the British Parliament established the Coercive Acts—called the Intolerable Acts by the colonists--Congress was still willing to assert its loyalty to the king.
154 Years Ago Today
Charge of the Light Brigade
In an event alternately described as one of the most heroic or disastrous episodes in British military history, Lord James Cardigan leads a charge of the Light Brigade cavalry against well-defended Russian artillery during the Crimean War.
127 Years Ago Today
Pablo Picasso born
Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century, is born in Malaga, Spain.
John Adams marries Abigail Smith
On this day in 1764, future President John Adams marries Abigail Smith. This devoted couple’s prolific correspondence during their married life has provided entertainment and a glimpse of early American life for generations of history buffs.
234 Years Ago Today
Congress petitions English king to address grievances
On this day in 1774, the First Continental Congress sends a respectful petition to King George III to inform his majesty that if it had not been for the acts of oppression forced upon the colonies by the British Parliament, the American people would be standing behind British rule.
Despite the anger that the American public felt towards the United Kingdom after the British Parliament established the Coercive Acts—called the Intolerable Acts by the colonists--Congress was still willing to assert its loyalty to the king.
154 Years Ago Today
Charge of the Light Brigade
In an event alternately described as one of the most heroic or disastrous episodes in British military history, Lord James Cardigan leads a charge of the Light Brigade cavalry against well-defended Russian artillery during the Crimean War.
127 Years Ago Today
Pablo Picasso born
Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century, is born in Malaga, Spain.
Quote of the Day
I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. The longer I live the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world.
- John Burroughs
- John Burroughs
Friday, October 24, 2008
Good Reads
I have been having trouble finding good books to read lately.
I recently stumbled across Good Reads. It is a social networking site centered around reading.
Although I have accounts with them (a photo and a blog address) I don't really go in for Facebook or MySpace mostly because my outlet is right here on the ol' blog - and I probably won't get too involved with Good Reads other than a place to organize my reading list.
But it is a pretty cool site and I certainly would be interested to see what my friends are reading and possibly get some recommendations.
Plus, they give you cool widgets for your blog like this one:
and this one:
(both now in the margin to the right)
Check it out - if you sign up, let me know!
BTW - many of the books on my "To Read" list are pretty hefty. I am sure some might be more than I can handle. But I figure I should at least make an effort to read the heavyweights - even if I do put them down before I get all the way through them.
Like it or not, my "read" shelf is a better indicator of my interests than my "to-read" shelf. But everyone's gotta have a goal, right?
I recently stumbled across Good Reads. It is a social networking site centered around reading.
Although I have accounts with them (a photo and a blog address) I don't really go in for Facebook or MySpace mostly because my outlet is right here on the ol' blog - and I probably won't get too involved with Good Reads other than a place to organize my reading list.
But it is a pretty cool site and I certainly would be interested to see what my friends are reading and possibly get some recommendations.
Plus, they give you cool widgets for your blog like this one:
and this one:
(both now in the margin to the right)
Check it out - if you sign up, let me know!
BTW - many of the books on my "To Read" list are pretty hefty. I am sure some might be more than I can handle. But I figure I should at least make an effort to read the heavyweights - even if I do put them down before I get all the way through them.
Like it or not, my "read" shelf is a better indicator of my interests than my "to-read" shelf. But everyone's gotta have a goal, right?
Bread
Be gentle when you touch bread. Let it not lie uncared for and unwanted. So often bread is taken for granted. There is so much beauty in bread: beauty of sun and soil, beauty of patient toil. Winds and rains have caressed it, Christ often blessed it. Be gentle when you touch bread.
- Unknown
- Unknown
Soul Food - 10/24/08
From today's reading: Isaiah 37-48, Psalm 76
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
Hedging Our Bets
I really appreciate the writing over at the Powerchair Diaries.
The other day, he had a post comparing hopeing for the future yet working for today that I thought was pretty insightful.
Teaser:
I know that some believe that making the most of what we have, not waiting for a cure to save us, lacks vision toward accomplishing the impossible. But, the opposite is actually true. In a literal sense, those with disabilities who are most influential toward promoting real potentials toward cures aren’t sitting around with their lives on hold wishing for a cure. Rather, those with true hope are out making the most of themselves in the here-and-now with disability, pursuing education and career, raising their families, engaging in community – accomplishing whatever they can with their individual potentials – all while lobbying for research and creating awareness toward cures. After all, cures don’t come from wishful thinking, but from actually doing.
The wife and I have definitely lived this tension this past year - hopeing and praying for a miracle while still trying to be responsible in the way we respond to the here and now.
We are definitely hopeing and praying that God bring miraculous healing and development to our little one. That being said, while we are waiting around for God's miracles, we are going to get on with making our own.
But I guess that's all of us in one way or another.
Wish, hope, pray - and while you are doing that, get on with the here and now.
Who knows? The miracle God provides tomorrow just might come through you and the actions you take today.
The other day, he had a post comparing hopeing for the future yet working for today that I thought was pretty insightful.
Teaser:
I know that some believe that making the most of what we have, not waiting for a cure to save us, lacks vision toward accomplishing the impossible. But, the opposite is actually true. In a literal sense, those with disabilities who are most influential toward promoting real potentials toward cures aren’t sitting around with their lives on hold wishing for a cure. Rather, those with true hope are out making the most of themselves in the here-and-now with disability, pursuing education and career, raising their families, engaging in community – accomplishing whatever they can with their individual potentials – all while lobbying for research and creating awareness toward cures. After all, cures don’t come from wishful thinking, but from actually doing.
The wife and I have definitely lived this tension this past year - hopeing and praying for a miracle while still trying to be responsible in the way we respond to the here and now.
We are definitely hopeing and praying that God bring miraculous healing and development to our little one. That being said, while we are waiting around for God's miracles, we are going to get on with making our own.
But I guess that's all of us in one way or another.
Wish, hope, pray - and while you are doing that, get on with the here and now.
Who knows? The miracle God provides tomorrow just might come through you and the actions you take today.
107 Years Ago Today
First barrel ride down Niagara Falls
On this day in 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
After her husband died in the Civil War, the New York-born Taylor moved all over the U. S. before settling in Bay City, Michigan, around 1898. In July 1901, while reading an article about the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, she learned of the growing popularity of two enormous waterfalls located on the border of upstate New York and Canada. Strapped for cash and seeking fame, Taylor came up with the perfect attention-getting stunt: She would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
On this day in 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
After her husband died in the Civil War, the New York-born Taylor moved all over the U. S. before settling in Bay City, Michigan, around 1898. In July 1901, while reading an article about the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, she learned of the growing popularity of two enormous waterfalls located on the border of upstate New York and Canada. Strapped for cash and seeking fame, Taylor came up with the perfect attention-getting stunt: She would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
Quote of the Day
"The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well."
BARON DE COUBERTIN, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games
BARON DE COUBERTIN, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Cheer Up!
Even if you find yourself at rock-bottom, keep on keepin' on and one day you just might find yourself on top of the world . . .
Famous People Who Have Been Homeless
Famous People Who Have Been Homeless
BACON!
Oh my goodness, someone has started a Bacon Blog!
My love affair with bacon is well-documented in my artwork. Living la vida loca of the Starving Art Student leads one to seek ever cheaper substitutes for proper nutrition. The local Cash & Carry willingly obliges by selling 15-lb flats of bacon for $0.87 a pound, making it the cheapest meat available in the region. Despite much eye-rolling and finger-shaking by my peers that I’d suffer eighty-seven heart attacks in a year with all the bacon I eat, I’ve actually lost ten pounds and my cholesterol is so depressingly normal that it’s too boring to write about. Meanwhile, my neighbors have dubbed my dwelling-place The House That Bacon Built.
Teaser Recipe:
My love affair with bacon is well-documented in my artwork. Living la vida loca of the Starving Art Student leads one to seek ever cheaper substitutes for proper nutrition. The local Cash & Carry willingly obliges by selling 15-lb flats of bacon for $0.87 a pound, making it the cheapest meat available in the region. Despite much eye-rolling and finger-shaking by my peers that I’d suffer eighty-seven heart attacks in a year with all the bacon I eat, I’ve actually lost ten pounds and my cholesterol is so depressingly normal that it’s too boring to write about. Meanwhile, my neighbors have dubbed my dwelling-place The House That Bacon Built.
Teaser Recipe:
Bacon Apple Pie: And Here's Another One!
PS Update
(Plastic Surgery)
We are VERY happy to report that the Plastic Surgeon gave Annabelle the "all clear" this past Thursday in regards to the spot on her back that has been difficult to heal.
For the first time in Annabelle's life, she is totally free of all medical supplies! No stitches! No bandages! No tubes! No wires! The best part is, we have 18 WHOLE DAYS between Dr. appointments! It feels like freedom.
Along with the "all clear", the doc says that Annabelle is free to be on her back - we just need to keep an eye on her to make sure her skin remains healthy. The PS wants to see us back in a month as a precautionary follow-up.
Throughout this whole process, I have wanted to share "medical" photos of Annie just because I know people are curious and I believe it actually helps people to pray when they have a visual to hang onto. The trouble is, the photos would have just been too gruesome and I felt that they "crossed the line" in some sort of nebulous way that I can't explain.
But now that we are stitches and bandage-free, I thought I would offer a brief photo-tour of all the points of interest for those who would like to take a look.
We really do appreciate your prayers and support more than you know and I hope these photos (when posted) not only give you encouragement in regards to how far we have come but that they also renew your passionate prayers on Annie Lucille's behalf.
I cannot fully explain how much this benchmark is changing our lives.
For one, we can now change Annie's diaper with her on her back so we no longer have to put her diapers on backwards (oh the public humiliation!). And of course, we no longer have to change dressings and bandages.
Also gone is much of the anxiety that comes with trying to hold little Lu-Belle without putting pressure on her back.
We were able to actually bathe her for the first time this past weekend with running water and everything as opposed to the sponge baths we have been doing up till now and she LOVED IT!
Now that Annabelle can be on her back, we can actually put her in the stroller sitting up instead of fully reclined all the time. We also went online and ordered the regular car seat and one of those little papazan chairs that vibrates!
Seriously, up to this point, we have only had two options in terms of Annie-placement:
1) Hold Annabelle in our arms
2) Lay her face down.
Sitting her somewhere was not an option due to her condition.
As you can imagine, there is a period of the day when "little-Annie-Lu-who" doesn't want to be face-down, thank-you-very-much, which means we are constantly holding her and trying to do everything else one handed.
The other day, after her early-morning feeding, I placed Annabelle sitting up in the stroller for the very first time, strapped her in and wheeled the stroller up to the computer desk while I typed away. She LOVED sitting up by herself and sat there smiling and cooing and watching me. It was a whole new experience for me to be up with her and sitting face-to-face instead of holding her.
When the wife got up, I announced that Annabelle and I had a new trick to show her. When Holly saw Annie sitting up happy as a clam in her stroller, and me standing there HANDS FREE, you could almost see the wheels of discovery clicking into place behind her astonished face.
"That IS a good trick . . . ." my wife whispered reverently.
It really is an amazing development. Definitely one of the top five progress events of her little life so far!
So what is next?
We have an orthopedic appointment the first week of November and I am almost positive they will start the casting process on both her little legs to straighten out her feet. The length of time varies but 4 to 6 weeks seems about the standard length of time.
That same week we also have a pediatric appointment and an appointment with the new urologist.
So those are the two big prayer requests currently - that the casting goes well and that her legs and feet are properly straightened - and that the uro. appointment confirms that she is not having any troubles in that department.
But for the time being, we have 18 days of freedom between Dr. appointments! And that's fine by me.
We are VERY happy to report that the Plastic Surgeon gave Annabelle the "all clear" this past Thursday in regards to the spot on her back that has been difficult to heal.
For the first time in Annabelle's life, she is totally free of all medical supplies! No stitches! No bandages! No tubes! No wires! The best part is, we have 18 WHOLE DAYS between Dr. appointments! It feels like freedom.
Along with the "all clear", the doc says that Annabelle is free to be on her back - we just need to keep an eye on her to make sure her skin remains healthy. The PS wants to see us back in a month as a precautionary follow-up.
Throughout this whole process, I have wanted to share "medical" photos of Annie just because I know people are curious and I believe it actually helps people to pray when they have a visual to hang onto. The trouble is, the photos would have just been too gruesome and I felt that they "crossed the line" in some sort of nebulous way that I can't explain.
But now that we are stitches and bandage-free, I thought I would offer a brief photo-tour of all the points of interest for those who would like to take a look.
Alas, with things being the way they are, I have not been home long enough to snap the photos and upload them to the 'puter. So for now, I will direct you to THIS.
I do plan on posting relevant photos sometime soon!
We really do appreciate your prayers and support more than you know and I hope these photos (when posted) not only give you encouragement in regards to how far we have come but that they also renew your passionate prayers on Annie Lucille's behalf.
I cannot fully explain how much this benchmark is changing our lives.
For one, we can now change Annie's diaper with her on her back so we no longer have to put her diapers on backwards (oh the public humiliation!). And of course, we no longer have to change dressings and bandages.
Also gone is much of the anxiety that comes with trying to hold little Lu-Belle without putting pressure on her back.
We were able to actually bathe her for the first time this past weekend with running water and everything as opposed to the sponge baths we have been doing up till now and she LOVED IT!
Now that Annabelle can be on her back, we can actually put her in the stroller sitting up instead of fully reclined all the time. We also went online and ordered the regular car seat and one of those little papazan chairs that vibrates!
Seriously, up to this point, we have only had two options in terms of Annie-placement:
1) Hold Annabelle in our arms
2) Lay her face down.
Sitting her somewhere was not an option due to her condition.
As you can imagine, there is a period of the day when "little-Annie-Lu-who" doesn't want to be face-down, thank-you-very-much, which means we are constantly holding her and trying to do everything else one handed.
The other day, after her early-morning feeding, I placed Annabelle sitting up in the stroller for the very first time, strapped her in and wheeled the stroller up to the computer desk while I typed away. She LOVED sitting up by herself and sat there smiling and cooing and watching me. It was a whole new experience for me to be up with her and sitting face-to-face instead of holding her.
When the wife got up, I announced that Annabelle and I had a new trick to show her. When Holly saw Annie sitting up happy as a clam in her stroller, and me standing there HANDS FREE, you could almost see the wheels of discovery clicking into place behind her astonished face.
"That IS a good trick . . . ." my wife whispered reverently.
It really is an amazing development. Definitely one of the top five progress events of her little life so far!
So what is next?
We have an orthopedic appointment the first week of November and I am almost positive they will start the casting process on both her little legs to straighten out her feet. The length of time varies but 4 to 6 weeks seems about the standard length of time.
That same week we also have a pediatric appointment and an appointment with the new urologist.
So those are the two big prayer requests currently - that the casting goes well and that her legs and feet are properly straightened - and that the uro. appointment confirms that she is not having any troubles in that department.
But for the time being, we have 18 days of freedom between Dr. appointments! And that's fine by me.
"I'm not dead yet . . . I'm feeling much better . . ."
I am still here.
Sorry about the meager gruel that I have been offering up lately.
If you have been paying attention to the twitters, the work world has been having it's way with me.
And then there are other a couple of life-altering prospects and one impending total disruption in the works that must remain nameless and yet which have been driving me to complete and total distraction.
In today's world there is probably no more useless excuse as "I have been busy" because no sooner does the phrase leave your lips than the listener thinks, "You think you're busy??!! . . . ." and on it goes . . . .
But there it is - I've been busy. Not as busy as everyone else, I am sure - but then again, I am not that smart or talented so it takes a lot less "busyness" to put me under than it does other people . . . . How's that?
I have not checked my voice mail in days . . . I have been checking e-mails but haven't had the time to grasp enough coherency to respond so I do apologize about that as well and I do intend to check vm and respond to e-mails soon!
Today is the first day where the air has cleared a bit so I might make some catch-up headway today.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued prayers and support!
The other day, someone asked me if it was hard to set up a blog . . . ironically, I read this that very same day . . . .
Blogging plant posts daily news on its mood
A potted plant that posts daily news on its mood and health is believed to be the world's first botanical blogger.
It's so easy the potted plants are doing it!
Where does it find the time??
Sorry about the meager gruel that I have been offering up lately.
If you have been paying attention to the twitters, the work world has been having it's way with me.
And then there are other a couple of life-altering prospects and one impending total disruption in the works that must remain nameless and yet which have been driving me to complete and total distraction.
In today's world there is probably no more useless excuse as "I have been busy" because no sooner does the phrase leave your lips than the listener thinks, "You think you're busy??!! . . . ." and on it goes . . . .
But there it is - I've been busy. Not as busy as everyone else, I am sure - but then again, I am not that smart or talented so it takes a lot less "busyness" to put me under than it does other people . . . . How's that?
I have not checked my voice mail in days . . . I have been checking e-mails but haven't had the time to grasp enough coherency to respond so I do apologize about that as well and I do intend to check vm and respond to e-mails soon!
Today is the first day where the air has cleared a bit so I might make some catch-up headway today.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued prayers and support!
The other day, someone asked me if it was hard to set up a blog . . . ironically, I read this that very same day . . . .
Blogging plant posts daily news on its mood
A potted plant that posts daily news on its mood and health is believed to be the world's first botanical blogger.
It's so easy the potted plants are doing it!
Where does it find the time??
2050 Years Ago Today
Brutus commits suicide
Marcus Junius Brutus, a leading conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar, commits suicide after his defeat at the second battle of Philippi.
Marcus Junius Brutus, a leading conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar, commits suicide after his defeat at the second battle of Philippi.
Quote of the Day
If Americans can be divorced for "incompatibility of temper" I cannot conceive why they are not all divorced. I have known many happy marriages, but never a compatible one. The whole aim of marriage is to fight through and survive the instant when incompatibility becomes unquestionable. For a man and a woman, as such, are incompatible.
- G. K. Chesterton
- G. K. Chesterton
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Late October Treasure Hunt
by Joye Lisk
This day is a late October treasure hunt....
Unexpectedly beautiful!
Reds, yellows, burnt orange,
The autumn leaves are brilliant.
"Look at me," they are saying,
"You took me for granted all summer,
sat beneath my shady branches without taking any notice.
So now, before I take a long winter's nap,
you must see the beauty I possess.....
you must pay attention."
I am listening to trees again!
Today I am going to the park to gather leaves,
that yearly treasure hunt to find the brightest,
most colorful collection of all sizes and shapes.
I will lay them out on the table, use them for a placemat
to dine upon. With candles glowing, and the aroma
of birch, oak, maple and sweet gum leaves,
I will feast and notice how beautiful trees are.
My senses are heightened....I trace their shapes with the tips of my fingers.
Rounded edges, serrated points, lacey patterns...I am paying attention.
Closing my eyes, I remember the delight of hiding in a big pile of leaves,
waiting to jump out and scare my Mom, and she being duly frieghtened,
chased me with her rake. Brothers stuffed my shirt full of leaves,
and once I covered my playhouse floor with them....a carpet that
has never had any competition for delight. Leaves have decorated mud pies,
been pressed dry between pages of a book, and framed for a
Minnesota winter so I
could remember what they looked like until spring.
I giggle at the memory of insisting my grandsons, Mason and Mitchell, get out of the
car on their way to school and stand under a tree of golden
leaves, the morning sun adding to it's brilliance. We stood
together, circling the tree, holding hands and looking up
through the pattern of golden light and leaves. School could wait
for just a minute while we honored that tree's request to
"Look at me...see me....be a part of me."
On this sunny fall day, I will gather leaves again
and notice their beauty before they fall from their skyward branches
and are covered with snow for the winter.
I will pay attention to the treasures.
Life is worth noticing...
remembering..
living.
This day is a late October treasure hunt....
Unexpectedly beautiful!
Reds, yellows, burnt orange,
The autumn leaves are brilliant.
"Look at me," they are saying,
"You took me for granted all summer,
sat beneath my shady branches without taking any notice.
So now, before I take a long winter's nap,
you must see the beauty I possess.....
you must pay attention."
I am listening to trees again!
Today I am going to the park to gather leaves,
that yearly treasure hunt to find the brightest,
most colorful collection of all sizes and shapes.
I will lay them out on the table, use them for a placemat
to dine upon. With candles glowing, and the aroma
of birch, oak, maple and sweet gum leaves,
I will feast and notice how beautiful trees are.
My senses are heightened....I trace their shapes with the tips of my fingers.
Rounded edges, serrated points, lacey patterns...I am paying attention.
Closing my eyes, I remember the delight of hiding in a big pile of leaves,
waiting to jump out and scare my Mom, and she being duly frieghtened,
chased me with her rake. Brothers stuffed my shirt full of leaves,
and once I covered my playhouse floor with them....a carpet that
has never had any competition for delight. Leaves have decorated mud pies,
been pressed dry between pages of a book, and framed for a
Minnesota winter so I
could remember what they looked like until spring.
I giggle at the memory of insisting my grandsons, Mason and Mitchell, get out of the
car on their way to school and stand under a tree of golden
leaves, the morning sun adding to it's brilliance. We stood
together, circling the tree, holding hands and looking up
through the pattern of golden light and leaves. School could wait
for just a minute while we honored that tree's request to
"Look at me...see me....be a part of me."
On this sunny fall day, I will gather leaves again
and notice their beauty before they fall from their skyward branches
and are covered with snow for the winter.
I will pay attention to the treasures.
Life is worth noticing...
remembering..
living.
Quote of the Day
We ought to hear at least one little song every day, read a good poem, see a first-rate painting, and if possible speak a few sensible words.
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Quote of the Day
Life is what we are alive to. It is not length but breadth. To be alive only to appetite, pleasure, pride, money-making, and not to goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God, and eternal hope is to be all but dead.
- Maltbie D. Babcock
- Maltbie D. Babcock
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Dawg's Tale
From the New York Times:
Every dog lover knows how a pooch expresses its feelings.
Ears close to the head, tense posture, and tail straight out from the body means “don’t mess with me.” Ears perked up, wriggly body and vigorously wagging tail means “I am sooo happy to see you!”
But there is another, newly discovered, feature of dog body language that may surprise attentive pet owners and experts in canine behavior. When dogs feel fundamentally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rumps. When they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left.
Every dog lover knows how a pooch expresses its feelings.
Ears close to the head, tense posture, and tail straight out from the body means “don’t mess with me.” Ears perked up, wriggly body and vigorously wagging tail means “I am sooo happy to see you!”
But there is another, newly discovered, feature of dog body language that may surprise attentive pet owners and experts in canine behavior. When dogs feel fundamentally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rumps. When they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left.
High Flight
by John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Quote of the Day
Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living.
- Thomas A. Kempis
- Thomas A. Kempis
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I Have Mostly Tried to Stay Away From Politics . . .
But I stumbled across this and it reminded me of a dozen conversations I have had with dear friends of mine in the kitchen (usually around a bottle of wine or a six-pack) . . .
i will leave it to you to guess if I am the Bill O'Rilley or the Dave Letterman . . . .
i will leave it to you to guess if I am the Bill O'Rilley or the Dave Letterman . . . .
PT / OT Update
(Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy)
So this past Wednesday morning, the wife and I took Annabelle in for her first PT / OT eval. For those of you who are unclear on the difference between the two, I have learned that Physical Therapy basically deals with the the big body movements (Arms, Legs, Trunk etc) while Occupational Therapy basically deals with finer body movements (Head, eyes, hands etc).
To make a long story short, the two therapists (Wendy = PT / Crystal = OT) sat on the padded floor with Annie and observed her with their checklists in hand. Starting from the top and working down, here is what they commented on:
- Annabelle has almost lost the infant head-bob and is holding her head nice and steady
- Annie is not having any troubles moving her head one way or another
- Both Therapists believe Annie is very social as she clearly focused on each of the Therapists and responded to them with smiles and coos
- Arm movement checks out fine
- When placed on her stomach, Annie can prop herself up and lift her head about 45 degrees
- Annie has also started wiggling forward on her stomach - not really crawling so much as wiggling with purpose - I call her the "wiggle worm"
- The PT remarked that she could feel Annie using her abdominal muscles as she wiggled and that she appeared to have a very strong trunk
- The PT was unable to determine if Annie was using her hip muscles
- Annbelle still has not moved her legs although she does wiggle her toes a little (especially on her right foot)
All in all, they said that Annabelle meets or exceeds all the benchmarks so far (with the exception of the legs). They gave us a list of exercises to do with her but we will probably hold off on that for now as we think that the orthopedic doc will be casting both her legs when we go in on November 3rd.
For now, the therapists plan on seeing us in December.
It was a great experience and it is such a relief as a first-time parent to take your child in and get the official "thumbs-up" on all her development.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
So this past Wednesday morning, the wife and I took Annabelle in for her first PT / OT eval. For those of you who are unclear on the difference between the two, I have learned that Physical Therapy basically deals with the the big body movements (Arms, Legs, Trunk etc) while Occupational Therapy basically deals with finer body movements (Head, eyes, hands etc).
To make a long story short, the two therapists (Wendy = PT / Crystal = OT) sat on the padded floor with Annie and observed her with their checklists in hand. Starting from the top and working down, here is what they commented on:
- Annabelle has almost lost the infant head-bob and is holding her head nice and steady
- Annie is not having any troubles moving her head one way or another
- Both Therapists believe Annie is very social as she clearly focused on each of the Therapists and responded to them with smiles and coos
- Arm movement checks out fine
- When placed on her stomach, Annie can prop herself up and lift her head about 45 degrees
- Annie has also started wiggling forward on her stomach - not really crawling so much as wiggling with purpose - I call her the "wiggle worm"
- The PT remarked that she could feel Annie using her abdominal muscles as she wiggled and that she appeared to have a very strong trunk
- The PT was unable to determine if Annie was using her hip muscles
- Annbelle still has not moved her legs although she does wiggle her toes a little (especially on her right foot)
All in all, they said that Annabelle meets or exceeds all the benchmarks so far (with the exception of the legs). They gave us a list of exercises to do with her but we will probably hold off on that for now as we think that the orthopedic doc will be casting both her legs when we go in on November 3rd.
For now, the therapists plan on seeing us in December.
It was a great experience and it is such a relief as a first-time parent to take your child in and get the official "thumbs-up" on all her development.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Let Me Grow Lovely
by Karle Wilson Baker
Let me grow lovely, growing old--
So many fine things do:
Laces, and ivory, and gold,
And silks need not be new;
And there is healing in old trees,
Old streets a glamour hold;
Why may not I, as well as these,
Grow lovely, growing old?
Let me grow lovely, growing old--
So many fine things do:
Laces, and ivory, and gold,
And silks need not be new;
And there is healing in old trees,
Old streets a glamour hold;
Why may not I, as well as these,
Grow lovely, growing old?
The Debate
For those of you who missed last night's debate, here it is:
McCain vs Obama - 10/15/08
For those of you who might like a debate that is possibly more substantive, here it is:
Batman vs The Penguin - (date uncertain)
HT: HT: Neatorama
McCain vs Obama - 10/15/08
For those of you who might like a debate that is possibly more substantive, here it is:
Batman vs The Penguin - (date uncertain)
HT: HT: Neatorama
Quote of the Day
All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
- James Russell Lowell
- James Russell Lowell
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
From Neatorama
I hope I never have to fight this guy . . . and it isn't just because he is bigger than me . . .
We now pause for a
Public Service Announcement:
We now pause for a
Public Service Announcement:
Good One
I normally don't go in for blonde jokes but this one made me laugh when someone sent it to me . . .
A blind man wanders into an all girls biker bar by mistake. He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a beer.
After sitting there for awhile, he yells to the bartender, 'Hey, You wanna hear a blonde joke?'
The bar immediately falls absolutely silent.
In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says, 'Before you tell that joke, Sir, I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:
1. The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat.
2. The bouncer is a blonde girl.
3. I'm a 6 foot tall, 175 lb. blonde woman with a black belt in Karate.
4. The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter.
5. The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler.
Now, think about it seriously, Mister. Do you still wanna tell that joke?'
The blind man thinks for a second, shakes his head, and mutters. 'No... Not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times.'
A blind man wanders into an all girls biker bar by mistake. He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a beer.
After sitting there for awhile, he yells to the bartender, 'Hey, You wanna hear a blonde joke?'
The bar immediately falls absolutely silent.
In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says, 'Before you tell that joke, Sir, I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:
1. The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat.
2. The bouncer is a blonde girl.
3. I'm a 6 foot tall, 175 lb. blonde woman with a black belt in Karate.
4. The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter.
5. The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler.
Now, think about it seriously, Mister. Do you still wanna tell that joke?'
The blind man thinks for a second, shakes his head, and mutters. 'No... Not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times.'
Senility Prayer
Grant me the senility to forget the people
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
The eyesight to tell the difference.
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
The eyesight to tell the difference.
Quote of the Day
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.
- Booker T. Washington
- Booker T. Washington
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Dress Codes
So last week, I received the following e-mail from the management at my office:
To All Employees
From: Management
Please observe the following dress code guidelines at all times:
All men must wear ties and long sleeve shirts (suit jackets are optional), all women must wear dresses that cover the knees along with nylon stockings and closed toed shoes, and long pants are an option for women but must be worn with a turtle neck.
These guidelines must be followed at all time during (winter, spring, summer & fall months) NO EXCEPTIONS!
If dress code is not followed by employee they will be sent home to change without pay, by your department manager.
Thank you, and enjoy your day.
I could feel my face starting to get hot and I started a reply e-mail but stopped short of writing it. "The ladies have it much worse than the men. No need to make a stink about it because one of the gals will." (I had a couple of the ladies specifically in mind) . . . .
A few minutes later, I received the following e-mail entitled, "Now that I have your attention, here is the REAL dress code"
To: All Employees
From: Management
Please observe the following dress code guidelines at all times:
1. No Beach type footwear or attire
2. No sheer, low cut or thin strapped tops
3. No tops that reveal the midriff area
4. Undergarments must be worn at all times, but not
visible
5. Shoes must be worn at all times
6. No shorts
7. No sweat outfits of any kind
8. No miniskirts
9. No jeans that are frayed or with holes.
Please observe the following guidelines on “Business Dress” days, Monday thru Thursday:
1. No jeans, denim skirts, corduroy, fringe or tennis shoes
Please use good judgment on “Casual Day”. (If you are not sure an item is appropriate, then it probably isn’t).
Thank you for creating a professional, yet comfortable image.
The first e-mail was a joke but also served to provide some perspective. Not funny, man. Not funny . . . . (I'm still not clear how they plan on enforcing #4 . . .)
To All Employees
From: Management
Please observe the following dress code guidelines at all times:
All men must wear ties and long sleeve shirts (suit jackets are optional), all women must wear dresses that cover the knees along with nylon stockings and closed toed shoes, and long pants are an option for women but must be worn with a turtle neck.
These guidelines must be followed at all time during (winter, spring, summer & fall months) NO EXCEPTIONS!
If dress code is not followed by employee they will be sent home to change without pay, by your department manager.
Thank you, and enjoy your day.
I could feel my face starting to get hot and I started a reply e-mail but stopped short of writing it. "The ladies have it much worse than the men. No need to make a stink about it because one of the gals will." (I had a couple of the ladies specifically in mind) . . . .
A few minutes later, I received the following e-mail entitled, "Now that I have your attention, here is the REAL dress code"
To: All Employees
From: Management
Please observe the following dress code guidelines at all times:
1. No Beach type footwear or attire
2. No sheer, low cut or thin strapped tops
3. No tops that reveal the midriff area
4. Undergarments must be worn at all times, but not
visible
5. Shoes must be worn at all times
6. No shorts
7. No sweat outfits of any kind
8. No miniskirts
9. No jeans that are frayed or with holes.
Please observe the following guidelines on “Business Dress” days, Monday thru Thursday:
1. No jeans, denim skirts, corduroy, fringe or tennis shoes
Please use good judgment on “Casual Day”. (If you are not sure an item is appropriate, then it probably isn’t).
Thank you for creating a professional, yet comfortable image.
The first e-mail was a joke but also served to provide some perspective. Not funny, man. Not funny . . . . (I'm still not clear how they plan on enforcing #4 . . .)
At Eighty-three
by Thomas Durley Landels
Thank God for life, with all its endless store
Of great experiences, of hill and dale,
Of cloud and sunshine, tempest, snow and hail.
Thank God for straining sinews, panting breast,
No less for weary slumber, peaceful rest;
Thank God for home and parents, children, friends,
For sweet companionship that never ends:
Thank God for all the splendor of the earth,
For nature teeming with prolific birth:
Thank God for sea and sky, for changing hours,
For trees and singing birds and fragrant flowers.
And so in looking back at eighty-three
My final word to you, my friends, shall be:
Thank God for life; and when the gift's withdrawn,
Thank God for twilight bell, and coming dawn.
Thank God for life, with all its endless store
Of great experiences, of hill and dale,
Of cloud and sunshine, tempest, snow and hail.
Thank God for straining sinews, panting breast,
No less for weary slumber, peaceful rest;
Thank God for home and parents, children, friends,
For sweet companionship that never ends:
Thank God for all the splendor of the earth,
For nature teeming with prolific birth:
Thank God for sea and sky, for changing hours,
For trees and singing birds and fragrant flowers.
And so in looking back at eighty-three
My final word to you, my friends, shall be:
Thank God for life; and when the gift's withdrawn,
Thank God for twilight bell, and coming dawn.
Monday, October 13, 2008
216 Years Ago Today
White House cornerstone laid
The cornerstone is laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the "White House" because its white-gray Virginia freestone contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby buildings.
The cornerstone is laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the "White House" because its white-gray Virginia freestone contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby buildings.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta
RECIPE HERE
Quote of the Day
At the stroke of five, though, I’m done, providing I don’t have a stroke at four.
- Lileks
- Lileks
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Quote of the Day
Christianity, and nothing else, is the ultimate foundation of liberty, conscience, human rights, and democracy, the benchmarks of Western civilization. To this day, we have no other options [than Christianity]. We continue to nourish ourselves from this source. Everything else is postmodern chatter.
- Jürgen Habermas, a veteran leftist German philosopher and former professed secularist who spent nearly half a century arguing against religiously informed moral argument
- Jürgen Habermas, a veteran leftist German philosopher and former professed secularist who spent nearly half a century arguing against religiously informed moral argument
Parental Guidance Suggested
death (3x) pain (2x) knife (1x)
Find out what your blog is rated.
Naming of Parts
by Henry Reed
To-day we have naming of parts. Yesterday,
We had daily cleaning. And to-morrow morning,
We shall have what to do after firing. But to-day,
To-day we have naming of parts. Japonica
Glistens like coral in all of the neighboring gardens,
And to-day we have naming of parts.
This is the lower sling swivel. And this
Is the upper sling swivel, whose use you will see,
When you are given your slings. And this is the piling swivel,
Which in your case you have not got. The branches
Hold in the gardens their silent, eloquent gestures,
Which in our case we have not got.
This is the safety-catch, which is always released
With an easy flick of the thumb. And please do not let me
See anyone using his finger. You can do it quite easy
If you have any strength in your thumb. The blossoms
Are fragile and motionless, never letting anyone see
Any of them using their finger.
And this you can see is the bolt. The purpose of this
Is to open the breech, as you see. We can slide it
Rapidly backwards and forwards: we call this
Easing the spring. And rapidly backwards and forwards
The early bees are assaulting and fumbling the flowers:
They call it easing the Spring.
They call it easing the Spring: it is perfectly easy
If you have any strength in your thumb: like the bolt,
And the breech, and the cocking-piece, and the point of balance,
Which in our case we have not got; and the almond-blossom
Silent in all of the gardens and the bees going backwards and forwards,
For to-day we have naming of parts.
To-day we have naming of parts. Yesterday,
We had daily cleaning. And to-morrow morning,
We shall have what to do after firing. But to-day,
To-day we have naming of parts. Japonica
Glistens like coral in all of the neighboring gardens,
And to-day we have naming of parts.
This is the lower sling swivel. And this
Is the upper sling swivel, whose use you will see,
When you are given your slings. And this is the piling swivel,
Which in your case you have not got. The branches
Hold in the gardens their silent, eloquent gestures,
Which in our case we have not got.
This is the safety-catch, which is always released
With an easy flick of the thumb. And please do not let me
See anyone using his finger. You can do it quite easy
If you have any strength in your thumb. The blossoms
Are fragile and motionless, never letting anyone see
Any of them using their finger.
And this you can see is the bolt. The purpose of this
Is to open the breech, as you see. We can slide it
Rapidly backwards and forwards: we call this
Easing the spring. And rapidly backwards and forwards
The early bees are assaulting and fumbling the flowers:
They call it easing the Spring.
They call it easing the Spring: it is perfectly easy
If you have any strength in your thumb: like the bolt,
And the breech, and the cocking-piece, and the point of balance,
Which in our case we have not got; and the almond-blossom
Silent in all of the gardens and the bees going backwards and forwards,
For to-day we have naming of parts.
516 Years Ago Today
Columbus reaches the New World
After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island, believing he has reached East Asia. His expedition went ashore the same day and claimed the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, who sponsored his attempt to find a western ocean route to China, India, and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.
After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island, believing he has reached East Asia. His expedition went ashore the same day and claimed the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, who sponsored his attempt to find a western ocean route to China, India, and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.
Hey, Wait a Second, I Used to be a Waiter . . .
So don't tell me they are only doing jobs American's won't do . . . .
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hard Core
Reading Marc's articles make me feel a little bit better . . .
Teaser Graph:
I stepped out the door and braced against the cold and clapped the socks together and hopped in place and felt totally hard-core. "I am so hard-core!" I shouted to my wife and kids who were watching me through the door window. I gave a thumbs-up under the sock. My wife cracked the door and leaned out. "What's that?" she said. "I am so hard-core," I said again, but the collar of the jacket muffled my voice. She motioned for me to pull it down, but I only waved her off. The more times you say you are so hard-core, the less hard-core you become. I had to save something for the run.
Teaser Graph:
I stepped out the door and braced against the cold and clapped the socks together and hopped in place and felt totally hard-core. "I am so hard-core!" I shouted to my wife and kids who were watching me through the door window. I gave a thumbs-up under the sock. My wife cracked the door and leaned out. "What's that?" she said. "I am so hard-core," I said again, but the collar of the jacket muffled my voice. She motioned for me to pull it down, but I only waved her off. The more times you say you are so hard-core, the less hard-core you become. I had to save something for the run.
To Paraphrase Vanilla Ice . . .
Mice, Mice, Baby . . .
We gots mice.
How do I know? because the last two times I have opened the doors to the cupboard under the sink, I have found the bird seed scattered everywhere. Actually, not the bird seed, the chaff of the bird seed . . .
I have never had mice before. In fact, it has been about 15 years since we have had vermin of any kind (except the occasional ant). I had cockroaches once in college. There was a period of about a year or two when I had fleas but in my defence they weren't my fleas, they were the cat's fleas. AND THEY WERE EVERYWHERE.
But those day are long since behind us. Mice. That's a new one.
This does not bode well.
I can see her now, standing in the kitchen, lip quivering . . . "You're not gonna kill it are you? . . . ."
And no, I am not talking about Annabelle - I am talking about my dear wife, lover of all creatures great and small. You know, the one who I have to schedule the yard work around so that she is out of the house when I take the pruning shears to the hedge because Allah forbid that anything green should be "mercilessly be hacked as if we had orcs for gardeners".
I exaggerate. But not by much . . .
So there it is, perhaps we can just store the seed elsewhere and the mice will take the hint and we can avoid momentary bloodshed followed by hours of marital strife. Anyone out there have any tips regarding reasoning with vermin?
How about reasoning with a wife that won't speak to you because you ridded the house of a diseased-infested pest that would like nothing more than to spread it's plagues to the new baby?
Hey, that's a good line . . .
Maybe it will work . . .
Wish me (the mouse and the wife) good luck!
We gots mice.
How do I know? because the last two times I have opened the doors to the cupboard under the sink, I have found the bird seed scattered everywhere. Actually, not the bird seed, the chaff of the bird seed . . .
I have never had mice before. In fact, it has been about 15 years since we have had vermin of any kind (except the occasional ant). I had cockroaches once in college. There was a period of about a year or two when I had fleas but in my defence they weren't my fleas, they were the cat's fleas. AND THEY WERE EVERYWHERE.
But those day are long since behind us. Mice. That's a new one.
This does not bode well.
I can see her now, standing in the kitchen, lip quivering . . . "You're not gonna kill it are you? . . . ."
And no, I am not talking about Annabelle - I am talking about my dear wife, lover of all creatures great and small. You know, the one who I have to schedule the yard work around so that she is out of the house when I take the pruning shears to the hedge because Allah forbid that anything green should be "mercilessly be hacked as if we had orcs for gardeners".
I exaggerate. But not by much . . .
So there it is, perhaps we can just store the seed elsewhere and the mice will take the hint and we can avoid momentary bloodshed followed by hours of marital strife. Anyone out there have any tips regarding reasoning with vermin?
How about reasoning with a wife that won't speak to you because you ridded the house of a diseased-infested pest that would like nothing more than to spread it's plagues to the new baby?
Hey, that's a good line . . .
Maybe it will work . . .
Wish me (the mouse and the wife) good luck!
Little Lamb
By William Blake
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Pediatric Update
"The Wife" here, sitting in for Pops. He asked me to post this as it was just Annie and I at this appointment.
We love going to see Dr. Pickering. He just really seems to CARE about his little patients. He's pretty much our headquarters for all the other specialists. He follows up on all of their work with us. He asks all of his questions, and then we ask ours. Then he gives Annie Lu the once over, checking eyes, ears, weighing ( 9 lbs 4 oz!! ) , measuring , etc...
I had three main questions for him. 1-Does he think it's o.k., with all Annie has going on, for us to go to Washington for Christmas to visit our family? 2-What does he think of this diaper rash that doesn't seem to want to go away? and 3-What does he think of this startle episode she's gone through a couple of times after feeding her in the middle of the night?
His responses: 1-it's great 2-here's a new cream and 3-a list of questions that finally made me ask him ,( noticing he didn't take this question lightly ) "what are you trying to rule out here Doc?" and he said "seizures, which can occur in children with a shunt." He told me that from what I'd described it didn't sound like a seizure. I told him that she didn't seem off or strange, just frightened. Very frightened and it broke my heart and concerned me. She would get this terrified look on her face, eyes all wide, start tensely shaking , and cry. Not her normal everything else cry. The "I'm scared to death" cry. But I didn't think it seemed like a seizure either. He said to really watch her, an that he wanted to see her in another month instead of two months because of this.
Then it was time to immunize the Pumpkin. There were four immunizations to be done. The first one was taken orally. She got her first flavor other than milk ( cherries! ) out of a tiny syringe. She was so cute about it. Took it really well. Then she got two shots in one leg, and one in the other with matching Charlie Brown bandaids . She smiled through the whole thing, and I fell apart. This is where most parents hurt to watch their child in pain from the sting of the needle, my pain was that as I prayed she might feel something, she seemed to feel nothing. We will keep praying.
Dr. Pickering was very pleased with how well Annie is progressing. We are too!
We love going to see Dr. Pickering. He just really seems to CARE about his little patients. He's pretty much our headquarters for all the other specialists. He follows up on all of their work with us. He asks all of his questions, and then we ask ours. Then he gives Annie Lu the once over, checking eyes, ears, weighing ( 9 lbs 4 oz!! ) , measuring , etc...
I had three main questions for him. 1-Does he think it's o.k., with all Annie has going on, for us to go to Washington for Christmas to visit our family? 2-What does he think of this diaper rash that doesn't seem to want to go away? and 3-What does he think of this startle episode she's gone through a couple of times after feeding her in the middle of the night?
His responses: 1-it's great 2-here's a new cream and 3-a list of questions that finally made me ask him ,( noticing he didn't take this question lightly ) "what are you trying to rule out here Doc?" and he said "seizures, which can occur in children with a shunt." He told me that from what I'd described it didn't sound like a seizure. I told him that she didn't seem off or strange, just frightened. Very frightened and it broke my heart and concerned me. She would get this terrified look on her face, eyes all wide, start tensely shaking , and cry. Not her normal everything else cry. The "I'm scared to death" cry. But I didn't think it seemed like a seizure either. He said to really watch her, an that he wanted to see her in another month instead of two months because of this.
Then it was time to immunize the Pumpkin. There were four immunizations to be done. The first one was taken orally. She got her first flavor other than milk ( cherries! ) out of a tiny syringe. She was so cute about it. Took it really well. Then she got two shots in one leg, and one in the other with matching Charlie Brown bandaids . She smiled through the whole thing, and I fell apart. This is where most parents hurt to watch their child in pain from the sting of the needle, my pain was that as I prayed she might feel something, she seemed to feel nothing. We will keep praying.
Dr. Pickering was very pleased with how well Annie is progressing. We are too!
Soul Food - 10/10/08
From today's reading: Isaiah 28-36
And these also stagger from wine
and reel from beer:
Priests and prophets stagger from beer
and are befuddled with wine;
they reel from beer,
they stagger when seeing visions,
they stumble when rendering decisions.
All the tables are covered with vomit
and there is not a spot without filth.
"Who is it he is trying to teach?
To whom is he explaining his message?
To children weaned from their milk,
to those just taken from the breast?
For it is:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule [a] ;
a little here, a little there."
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues
God will speak to this people,
to whom he said,
"This is the resting place, let the weary rest";
and, "This is the place of repose"—
but they would not listen.
So then, the word of the LORD to them will become:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule;
a little here, a little there—
so that they will go and fall backward,
be injured and snared and captured.
Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers
who rule this people in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 28:7-14
The Lord says:
"These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."
- Isaiah 29:13-14
And these also stagger from wine
and reel from beer:
Priests and prophets stagger from beer
and are befuddled with wine;
they reel from beer,
they stagger when seeing visions,
they stumble when rendering decisions.
All the tables are covered with vomit
and there is not a spot without filth.
"Who is it he is trying to teach?
To whom is he explaining his message?
To children weaned from their milk,
to those just taken from the breast?
For it is:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule [a] ;
a little here, a little there."
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues
God will speak to this people,
to whom he said,
"This is the resting place, let the weary rest";
and, "This is the place of repose"—
but they would not listen.
So then, the word of the LORD to them will become:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule;
a little here, a little there—
so that they will go and fall backward,
be injured and snared and captured.
Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers
who rule this people in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 28:7-14
The Lord says:
"These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."
- Isaiah 29:13-14
FINALLY Someone is Thinking Straight (for the rest of us who aren't). . .
`Mail Goggles' might prevent e-mail regrets
Here's the scenario: It's Friday night, and what began as an innocent happy-hour margarita morphed into a few pitchers. After all, those tacos were salty.
Bidding friends adieu, you jump in a cab, head home and decide a quick e-mail check is in order. And there it is: a message from your ex. Or your boss. Or that friend you're secretly mad at.
If you're the kind of person who types tipsy and regrets it in the morning, Google's "Mail Goggles," a new test-phase feature in the free Gmail service, might save you some angst.
The Goggles can kick in late at night on weekends. The feature requires you to solve a few easy math problems in short order before hitting "send." If your logical thinking skills are intact, Google is betting you're sober enough to work out the repercussions of sending that screed you just drafted.
Here's the scenario: It's Friday night, and what began as an innocent happy-hour margarita morphed into a few pitchers. After all, those tacos were salty.
Bidding friends adieu, you jump in a cab, head home and decide a quick e-mail check is in order. And there it is: a message from your ex. Or your boss. Or that friend you're secretly mad at.
If you're the kind of person who types tipsy and regrets it in the morning, Google's "Mail Goggles," a new test-phase feature in the free Gmail service, might save you some angst.
The Goggles can kick in late at night on weekends. The feature requires you to solve a few easy math problems in short order before hitting "send." If your logical thinking skills are intact, Google is betting you're sober enough to work out the repercussions of sending that screed you just drafted.
Martin Luther on Changing Diapers
Yes, THAT Martin Luther.
Yes, I said diapers.
From the Evangelical Outpost (scroll down to #15):
Teaser Graph:
Now you tell me, when a father goes ahead and washes diapers or performs some other mean task for his child, and someone ridicules him as an effeminate fool, though that father is acting in the spirit just described and in Christian faith, my dear fellow you tell me, which of the two is most keenly ridiculing the other? God, with all his angels and creatures, is smiling, not because that father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith. Those who sneer at him and see only the task but not the faith are ridiculing God with all his creatures, as the biggest fool on earth. Indeed, they are only ridiculing themselves; with all their cleverness they are nothing but devil's fools.
Yes, I said diapers.
From the Evangelical Outpost (scroll down to #15):
Teaser Graph:
Now you tell me, when a father goes ahead and washes diapers or performs some other mean task for his child, and someone ridicules him as an effeminate fool, though that father is acting in the spirit just described and in Christian faith, my dear fellow you tell me, which of the two is most keenly ridiculing the other? God, with all his angels and creatures, is smiling, not because that father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith. Those who sneer at him and see only the task but not the faith are ridiculing God with all his creatures, as the biggest fool on earth. Indeed, they are only ridiculing themselves; with all their cleverness they are nothing but devil's fools.
Sonnet to My Mother
by George Baker
Most near, most dear, most loved, and most far,
Under the huge window where I often found her
Sitting as huge as Asia, seismic with laughter,
Gin and chicken helpless in her Irish hand,
Irresistible as Rabelais but most tender for
The lame dogs and hurt birds that surround her,-
She is a procession no one can follow after
But be like a little dog following a brass band.
She will not glance up at the bomber or condescend
To drop her gin and scuttle to a cellar,
But lean on the mahogany table like a mountain
Whom only faith can move, and so I send
O all her faith and all my love to tell her
That she will move from mourning into morning.
Most near, most dear, most loved, and most far,
Under the huge window where I often found her
Sitting as huge as Asia, seismic with laughter,
Gin and chicken helpless in her Irish hand,
Irresistible as Rabelais but most tender for
The lame dogs and hurt birds that surround her,-
She is a procession no one can follow after
But be like a little dog following a brass band.
She will not glance up at the bomber or condescend
To drop her gin and scuttle to a cellar,
But lean on the mahogany table like a mountain
Whom only faith can move, and so I send
O all her faith and all my love to tell her
That she will move from mourning into morning.
Quote of the Day
Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Debates
Just in case you have missed the debates so far . . . here are the three debates-to-date in order of occurance:
#1) McCain / Obama - 9/26
#2) Biden / Palin - 10/2
#3) McCain / Obama - 10/7
#1) McCain / Obama - 9/26
#2) Biden / Palin - 10/2
#3) McCain / Obama - 10/7
Song
by Esther Matthews
I can't be talkin' of love, dear,
I can't be talkin' of love.
If there be one thing I can't talk of
That one thing do be love.
But that's not sayin' that I'm not lovin' -
Still water, you know, runs deep,
And I do be lovin' so deep, dear,
I be lovin' you in my sleep.
But I can't be talkin' of love, dear,
I can't be talkin' of love.
If there be one thing I can't talk of
That one thing do be love.
I can't be talkin' of love, dear,
I can't be talkin' of love.
If there be one thing I can't talk of
That one thing do be love.
But that's not sayin' that I'm not lovin' -
Still water, you know, runs deep,
And I do be lovin' so deep, dear,
I be lovin' you in my sleep.
But I can't be talkin' of love, dear,
I can't be talkin' of love.
If there be one thing I can't talk of
That one thing do be love.
Soul Food - 10/9/8
From today's reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29-31, Psalm 48, Hosea 1-14
They sow the wind
and reap the whirlwind.
The stalk has no head;
it will produce no flour.
Were it to yield grain,
foreigners would swallow it up.
- Hosea 8:7
They sow the wind
and reap the whirlwind.
The stalk has no head;
it will produce no flour.
Were it to yield grain,
foreigners would swallow it up.
- Hosea 8:7
Quote of the Day
A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Third Month
So little Annabelle turned two months yesterday (does it matter that she was three weeks early).
According to the owner's manual (What to Expect the First Year), here is what we should have in store this month:
By three months, your baby
should be able to:
- on stomach, lift head up 45 degrees (check)
will probably be able to:
- laugh out loud
- on stomach, lift head up 90 degrees
- squeal in delight (close)
- bring both hands together (close)
- smile spontaneously (check)
- follow an object held 6 inches above baby's face and moved 180 degrees - from one side to the other, with baby watching all the way (close)
may possibly be able to
- hold head steady when upright (close)
- on stomach, raise chest, supported by arms (check)
- roll over (one way)
- grasp a rattle held to backs or tips of fingers (close)
- pay attention to an object as small as a raisin
may even be able to:
- bear some weight on legs when held upright
- reach for an object
- keep head level with body when pulled to sitting
- turn in the direction of a voice, particularly mommy's (check)
- say "ah-goo" or similar vowel-consonant combination
- razz (make a wet razzing sound) (close)
According to the owner's manual (What to Expect the First Year), here is what we should have in store this month:
By three months, your baby
should be able to:
- on stomach, lift head up 45 degrees (check)
will probably be able to:
- laugh out loud
- on stomach, lift head up 90 degrees
- squeal in delight (close)
- bring both hands together (close)
- smile spontaneously (check)
- follow an object held 6 inches above baby's face and moved 180 degrees - from one side to the other, with baby watching all the way (close)
may possibly be able to
- hold head steady when upright (close)
- on stomach, raise chest, supported by arms (check)
- roll over (one way)
- grasp a rattle held to backs or tips of fingers (close)
- pay attention to an object as small as a raisin
may even be able to:
- bear some weight on legs when held upright
- reach for an object
- keep head level with body when pulled to sitting
- turn in the direction of a voice, particularly mommy's (check)
- say "ah-goo" or similar vowel-consonant combination
- razz (make a wet razzing sound) (close)
137 Years Ago Today . . .
Great Chicago Fire begins
On this day in 1871, flames spark in the Chicago barn of Patrick and Catherine O'Leary, igniting a 2-day blaze that kills between 200 and 300 people, destroys 17,450 buildings,leaves 100,000 homeless and causes an estimated $200 million (in 1871 dollars; $3 billion in 2007 dollars) in damages. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in the O'Leary barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a comet may have been responsible for the event that left four square miles of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins.
So THAT's where the song came from . . .
One dark night,
when we were all in bed,
ol' mother Leary took,
a lantern to the shed.
And when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said,
"It'll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight."
fire! fire! fire!
On this day in 1871, flames spark in the Chicago barn of Patrick and Catherine O'Leary, igniting a 2-day blaze that kills between 200 and 300 people, destroys 17,450 buildings,leaves 100,000 homeless and causes an estimated $200 million (in 1871 dollars; $3 billion in 2007 dollars) in damages. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in the O'Leary barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a comet may have been responsible for the event that left four square miles of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins.
So THAT's where the song came from . . .
One dark night,
when we were all in bed,
ol' mother Leary took,
a lantern to the shed.
And when the cow kicked it over,
she winked her eye and said,
"It'll be a hot time, in the old town, tonight."
fire! fire! fire!
The Charge of the Light Brigade
by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!” he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’ the soldier knew
Some one had blunder’d.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash’d all their sabres bare,
Flash’d as they turn’d in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wonder’d.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro’ the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel’d from the sabre-stroke
Shatter’d and sunder’d.
Then they rode back, but not,
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder’d.
Honor the charge they made!
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!” he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’ the soldier knew
Some one had blunder’d.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash’d all their sabres bare,
Flash’d as they turn’d in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wonder’d.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro’ the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel’d from the sabre-stroke
Shatter’d and sunder’d.
Then they rode back, but not,
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder’d.
Honor the charge they made!
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Birdies
This story was forwarded to me yesterday. It is called "When the Birdies Came" if you do not find it at this link, you may have to look for it in the archives here.
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