Thoughts and opin(e)ions

A Century Turns. New Hopes, New Fears. William J. Bennett

2011-11-15T23:53:00.000-08:00

Let me start off the book is not a light read, it’s certainly not for the faint at heart, it is a solid historical look at the last 20 years of American politics.

The content of the book manly focuses on the term of the two President Bushes and President Clinton though he does touch on our current President. This period spans two Gulf wars, the troubles in the former Yugoslavia and the attacks of 9/11. But the book it a lot more than just the main events of the time. It really opens the blinds regarding what happen behind the scenes in some of the lesser know areas of American politics and give us new understanding of the most recent Presidents.

I would say that the author has done a good job of staying neutral and acting as an observer though-out the whole book. The author has the unique perspective of being involved in Washington politics but not being a central role in the stories he is presenting. The only issue that I have with the author is his lack of information with regard to his issues that occurred right at the end of the century. These "overstatements got him in no litle bit of trouble, however there is no mention of this even though it did have a direct effect on #43 as his term wound down.

On the whole I would thoroughly recommend this book if you are at all interested in current affair or politics as it paint a good picture of how we have got to where we are right now. I personally think the author has created a good follow up from his previous books, America: The Last Best Hope Vol 1&2.

Review of "Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage "

2010-02-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Rick and Bubba definitely do it again - their reverence for the institution of marriage and the ability to make us laugh at ourselves mix perfectly in this "guide." Sharing their memories of early married life and some very funny experiences put you at ease immediately. Deftly handing a sturdy rope to those who may be in need of earthly help and are having trouble, Rick and Bubba let the reader know that while things are not always wine & roses, things don't have to be vinegar and thorns either.
Above all they counsel patience and understanding - both valuable beyond price in any kind of relationship. With these gentlemen sharing their "Oops" moments and then their "repairs" - some of which worked as hoped, some didn't - hehe. These guys make us feel like "one of the guys" and feel lighter, smarter, and happier because of it. As a first step towards working on yourself and alongside your partner, this read will help to adjust the atitudes and blinders that exist...

The next book I'll be reviewing

2009-08-01T02:26:00.001-07:00


Buy		Read

Review of Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraff

2009-08-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

I am a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson publishers... The book I have received lately is "Christianity in Crisis" by Hank Hanegraff.

Full disclosure - I am a practicing Greek Orthodox Christian.

Mr. Hanegraff presents a well-written impassioned explanation of his view of the "fall" of Christianity today, specifically by evangelism. Unfortunately, he starts out with how the "Word" of God is being twisted by the prosperity ministers - those you see on TV. While I agree in principle that getting most of your religious information, advice and instruction from TV is dangerous and has caused some serious rifts between groups, I do not agree that the Bible is a literal representation of the Word.

He begins his tirade against the prosperity preachers by saying "error begets error" and "heresy begets heresy". Basically upbraiding these preachers because they follow more of a "words create reality" format. Meaning that Preachers such as Joel Osteen and Rhonda Byrne encourage their followers to follow the "if you think it, you can do it and it will become reality".
While I, myself am not comfotable with TV evangelism in any way - preferring the more traditional Sunday service rites attended in a church, I am a bit more open to think that if this will bring some people a measure of comfort that they cannot get elsewhere then it is worth it.

My major complaint of Mr. Hanegraff's writing is that he consistently refers to the Bible as the literal Word. In my opinion, this shows an extreme lack of research and knowledge of the wonderful history and biography of the Bible. If you take the Bible simply as it is, you will understand that most of it is comprised of letters written from from of the Apostles to a community or another group. These epistles are not then, the true and literal word of God, they are individual expressions of faithful men using the same avenues that the properity teachers currently do - without the glitz and glam.

The Bible, and those documents that came before it, are individual expressions of their views on faith - gentle coercion by example and thoughtful discourse. Over the centuries the Bible has endured many transformations and translations. Something is always lost going from one language to another, as are ideas turned round so as to make them more palatable to the intended audience.

It is also a compilation of epistles and psalms which have been moved around a bit, some taken out, others left in as the political or religious politics of the day held sway or broke down. My prime example is the number of different versions of the Bible as it exists today: The Bible began from the Torah, then there are the initial translations from latin into Greek and Aramaic. Then the books were arranged in to the Septuagint. Then came the Masoretic Texts (The Tanakh) wherein the Jewish scholars of the time introduced vowels into the translation which sometimes required the selection of an interpretation, since some words differ only in their vowels—their meaning can vary in accordance with the vowels chosen.

The Torah and the early books are, quite simply, the written down oral traditions of the rabbis and early leaders of the church. The use of numbered chapters and verses was not introduced until the Middle Ages and later. The system used in English was developed by Stephanus.
Early manuscripts of the letters of Paul and other New Testament writings show no punctuation whatsoever. The punctuation was added later by other editors, according to their own understanding of the text.

I shall not delve further into this history to spare the reader, they re many resources to consult on this matter should you wish further information.
Suffice to say that the oral traditions survive as they did from the beginning and each person of the faith continues this practice by changing it to suit the apparent needs of the faithful.

Basing his "crisis" squarely on the advent of new oral traditions and new versions (KJII, NIV, e.g.) starts the unwary reader down a path of outrage and prejudice, both of which are primarily founded in ignorance.

It is well-written and presents it's context well, but I do not recommend this book for the mainstream as the author intends. This book would be better served to be read and studied by those involved in liturgical studies.

Killer Angels

2009-04-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Was just reminded by my brother that I need to check out "Killer Angels" about the civil war - especially in and around Gettysburg - my daughter and I have made the trek to his home in DC several times but this will be the second time we go to Gettysburg. We are very much looking forward to it! Starting to plan our museum visits as well....it is soooo fun out there. Going to check out some histories of Alexandria too. Any suggestions?

Hello!

2009-04-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Wow - another long time.....the perils of having a blog along with tweeting and facebook and online gaming! LOL Having fun though and that's the important thing. Found a neat site that dovetails to me very well - anyone who knows me, knows that I consume books. Well, this site offers an opportunity to read books and give my humble opinion.....at least this way it'll get down semi-permanently instead of floating through the air and in emails to my friends and family about what I've read. They love to know because it helps me recover from my stroke and let's them know what I've read so that they don't buy it for me! LOL - the librarians shiver when I walk into the door carrying mt cloth bookbag to load up.
Working on some political books now - just want to read them to see what they have to say. Reading O'Reilly's "Bold Fresh" and "The 5,000 Year Leap - Principles of Freedom 101" recommended by Glenn Beck.
Yes, I am a fan of FOX and am a conservative, fiscally and otherwise. :)

Will start posating reviews of other books I've read here too - please add your comments or questions as you wish

2009-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

I know, long time - no post. Well, I keep forgetting that this is here and is safe from those who have stalked me before. Part whining, part confessional, part getting it out of my system so that the blackness can go away.

Rough week, last week - my grandmother died. Actually she was my step-grandmother. And I knew it - even when I was only eight years old, I knew I didn't belong. No matter what I tried to do or how good I tried to be, I was never good enough. I still tried to love her and my step-grandfather because I so desperately wanted to be in a real family. My mother and father divorced when I was four(this was at the time when divorce and single mothers were NOT looked upon as something that was common). My father remarried a year after the divorce to a Greek woman. I thought it was great because there was a big family to come visit every summer and people who would want to take care of me and miss me when I was gone. Yeah well - stupid kid - you see people once a year, they know nothing about you and what happens to you when you go back home. They have their own lives and you live too far away and with a crazy woman who never lets you on the phone. Anyway, all abuse aside...nobody knew what anybody else did, because I was never with anybody long enough for them to really see me. Even my husband of thirteen years never really saw me.
All I wanted was to belong and be cared for. I think that's all anybody really wants, yes?
I came to this sudden realization after a week with my "so-called" family for her funeral and some of the other must-do activities. What I saw\and heard and felt disgusted me.My vague feelings of discontent and thoughts percolating all these years at the back of my head came hard into focus.
My step-mother treated me the same way her mother treated her (the grandmother that died last week) - never anything that you really wanted unless you saved up your own money to buy it and it could still be taken away, never to return. Clothes that were always unfashionable (boys' Sears & Roebuck jeans with boys plaid shirts) and never fit right. Not being a small chested woman since puberty occurred, being compared to her lack of curves constantly made me feel fat and ugly. I now realize that was a complete lie - okay, I wasn't a great beauty but neither was I hideous. Had someone given me a little guidance, my high school years would have been much more enjoyable. Her mother (grandmother) had done the same thing to her and her sister. Definitely nurture and not nature here - my Aunt is not like this at all! She is loving and caring and has come out swinging lately in my defense.....finally a piece of family. Her daughters, my cousins are also doing the same. Ah, acceptance is so sweet!

So, what brought on these realizations? Seeing my step-mother at work on her family up close and personal as an adult. Utter disbelief at her actions which would have earned me slaps, groundings and loss, she did without compunction. Her mother wasn't even in her grave and the viewing hadn't even occurred when my step-mother was going through the jewelry and giving my aunt crap about who got which pieces! Completely cold, calculating - unfeeling...she was doing this in front of her father as well.Her father who had just lost his wife of 62 years and was preparing to go to her viewing.

Okay more later, this is exhausting.

2008-09-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hurricanes, hurricanes, hurricanes everywhere;
we see them here, we seem there, we see them everywhere!

Why, though do we continue to support and subsidize those who continue to choose to live in a storm prone area? Every time a hurricane comes through and the damage is massive, they expect a government bailout because the insurance won't pay...this is ridiculous!!!! If you choose to live in a hurricane prone area, be it New Orleans, Florida, North Carolina on the beaches, Galveston(a city on an island with a 100 year old sea wall!! - please get a clue, and don't expect help when it is your choice to be there! New Orleans was a neat place to visit, but come on(!) it's below sea level - are ya just asking for trouble or what????
You don't hear the Keys or a lot of Floridians whining and moaning in the press - you know why??
They take care of them selves, they are prepared because they know they will get hit at least once a year.
We got hit hard here in Indiana - but are we whining? No, because we know that we can handle it and neighbor helps neighbor to clean up - we do it ourselves.

IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE COAST, GET OUT OF IT!!!!

2008-08-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Have I said how mu I ovr quotes? NO? Well get ready cause I am a fiend! The above is the current US threat level..

A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.: Benjamin Franklin
A good conscience is a continual Christmas.: Benjamin Franklin
A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.: Benjamin Franklin
All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse.: Benjamin Franklin
All would live long, but none would be old.: Benjamin Franklin
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.: Benjamin Franklin
Anger is never without Reason, but seldom with a good One.: Benjamin Franklin
At 20 years of age the will reigns, at 30 the wit, at 40 the judgment.: Benjamin Franklin
Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none.: Benjamin Franklin
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.: Benjamin Franklin
Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Age]
Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Happiness]
Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Worries]
Drive thy business or it will drive thee.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Business]
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Wealth] [Sleep]
Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.: Benjamin Franklin
Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to get leisure.: Benjamin Franklin
Energy and persistence conquer all things.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Energy] [Persistence]
Genius without education is like silver in the mine.: Benjamin Franklin
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended.: Benjamin Franklin
God heals, and the doctor takes the fees.: Benjamin Franklin
Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.: Benjamin Franklin
He is ill clothed that is bare of virtue.: Benjamin Franklin
He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face.: Benjamin Franklin
He that can have patience can have what he will.: Benjamin Franklin
He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.: Benjamin Franklin
He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.: Benjamin Franklin
He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Money]
He that lives upon hope will die fasting.: Benjamin Franklin
- More quotations on: [Hope]
He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows nor judge all he sees.: Benjamin Franklin

I've fallen, but I got up!

2008-08-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

I severely bruised my wrist and the top of my hand, but nothing broken :) All wrapped up in an Ace bandage and comfy. Just swollen and sore. At least I fell in the yard onto soft ground ;) LOL!
Healing slowly but surely.

Life and Death

2008-08-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

This week has been one of ups and downs. Have had three funerals so far this week, two babies and one wedding. It's funny how things come in threes, isn't it? Kind of weird? Makes me nervous sometimes, especially when it comes to health issues - I still have small seizures from the stroke - and they usually come in threes, each one worse....ah well, no whining. Today's visitation and tomorrow's funeral is harder than most too. Valeska was a well-loved woman and will be sorely missed. I know everyone says that, she did much volunteer work and was a teacher for over thirty years. To me that is one of the most important contributions one can make - helping to shape our young people. It is so sad to me that we have memorials to others who put their lives on the line for folks but we never really acknowledge our teachers.

Sorry - tired all of a sudden - more later.....

Blog- a- log

2008-08-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Opin(e)ions - correct spelling for me

2008-08-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the different spelling - this is not a mistake - every heard of the word opine?

v.tr.

To state as an opinion.

v.intr. To express an opinion:he opined that the navy would have to start again from the beginning [Latin opinari]

—Synonyms say, suggest, allow, guess, imagine.

;)

facebook

2008-08-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

2008-08-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a 2 1/1 year stroke survivor - some of my opinions include stuff about stroke:

http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3027431

Behavior Changes After Stroke

Excerpted from "Behavior changes After Stroke," appearing in the Stroke Connection Magazine January/February 2005.

Of all the areas of life that stroke affects, its impact on the survivor’s personality may be the most difficult for family and friends to understand and become accustomed to. “Emotional changes are typical after any type of stroke,” says Dr. Janet Spradlin, a rehabilitation psychologist at St. Anthony Rehabilitation Center in Oklahoma City. “Depression is very common after any life-changing health challenge, especially if it means a loss of independence.”

While depression is the most common emotional change after stroke, other psychological changes can be equally debilitating or frustrating.

Cognitive Challenges
Cognitive deficits are changes in thinking, like difficulty solving problems. This category also includes dementia and memory problems, as well as many kinds of communication challenges. more

Personality Changes
Some survivors experience apathy and don’t seem to care about anything. “People often mistake this for depression because survivors are content to sit and stare at the wall all day,” says Dr. Spradlin. “The best response is to get them active and moving. Give them a choice of what to do or where to go, but make it clear they have to choose to do something, they can’t just lie in bed.” more

Are These Changes Permanent?
Personality changes after stroke can be distressing to survivors and family members alike, but they are not always permanent. “It really depends on what the personality change is,” says Dr. Spradlin. “Sometimes they mellow out.” more

Additional Information
For details not included in the original article, choose a topic:

A thought and some opinions

2008-08-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

This blog is to introduce thoughts and opinions that may not be popular but will bring in information to light to hopefully get the word out there and have som discussionis. Blog ON!

(Thought) Did anybody catch the $$$$ amount that a LOT of the companies(Labor Unions) and wealthy donors are coming from - have the record of the lowest donations to social causes?
(Opiner) Not that I'm for everybody being on welfare. But come on - donating to candidates is all about pride and greed - those same donations for schools, kids and small communities would also bring back pride and actually a concept that popped in my head - their greed could come into it as well. The donationis would be more tax charitable efforts (Ha Ha - I give more than you do) (my plan looks better than yours to improve my areas) ( My donees are better off and for a longer time than yours!) Capitalism feeds on competition..wouldn't this kind of competition do more to inspire chsnge that everyone is screaming for???????
You thoughts and opinions:please