Random Thoughts

Amazon Store

2009-12-29T17:49:00.004-06:00

Buy Harry Turtledove books from Amazon:

http://astore.amazon.com/randomthou0ef-20

No, No, and No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

President Obama:

GOVERNMENT WARRANTY
It is my hope that the steps I am announcing today will go a long way towards answering many of the questions people may have about the future of GM and Chrysler. But just in case there are still nagging doubts, let me say it as plainly as I can -- if you buy a car from Chrysler or General Motors, you will be able to get your car serviced and repaired, just like always. Your warrantee will be safe.
In fact, it will be safer than it's ever been. Because starting today, the United States government will stand behind your warrantee.

The founding fathers are rolling so fast in their graves that we should harness it as a green energy source

Should this blog make a comeback?

2007-07-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

I intentionally stopped posting for a while - to avoid being 'googled' by prospective employers when I was job-hunting. However that time has passed - so should I start posting again? I'll be very busy with things so it wouldn't be often, so I don't know if it's worth it.

Well, if you know me and are reading this, let me know what you think.

Terrorists

2006-08-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in over a month! I've been too busy with work and other things, plus not many people actually come here to read my posts so there is little motivation to write more.

Unfortunately, the news of this morning is the biggest story to occur in quite a while. Fortunately, it appears the plots of the UK based terrorists was thwarted and many are already in custody. So at least for the time being, UK and US intelligence have stopped another attack.

When will it stop? My guess would be that it won't until the terrorists are sucessful and we are wiped out (not my prefered choice!) or until they are eliminated. However, neither seem likely to happen in the near future (if ever). Maybe if everyone in the middle east converted to Christianity this could end sooner, then again many Americans wouldn't like that because they would come over here and try to convert them!

So in the mean time it means tighter security restrictions:

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Independence Day

2006-07-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

Remember it's not just the 4th of July, it's the day the United States of America was founded.

City to crackdown on illegal immigration

2006-06-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

This sounds good to me!

By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer Tue Jun 20, 5:10 AM ET

HAZLETON, Pa. - With tensions rising and its police department and municipal budget stretched thin, this small northeastern Pennsylvania city is about to begin what the mayor calls one of the toughest crackdowns on illegal immigrants in the United States.

"Illegal immigrants are destroying the city," said Mayor Lou Barletta, a Republican. "I don't want them here, period."

Last week Barletta introduced, and the City Council tentatively approved, a measure that would revoke the business licenses of companies that employ illegal immigrants; impose $1,000 fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants; and make English the city's official language.

As Congress debates changes to the nation's immigration policy, some cities are taking matters into their own hands, saying they have no choice but to crack down on illegal immigrants themselves.

Barletta said he had to act after two illegal immigrants from the Dominican Republic were charged last month with shooting and killing a man. Other recent incidents involving illegal immigrants have rattled this former coal town 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, including the arrest of a 14-year-old boy for firing a gun at a playground.

"This is crazy," said Barletta, who took office in 2000. "People are afraid to walk the streets. There's going to be law and order back in Hazleton and I'm going to use every tool I possibly can."

[more]

Saturday Morning

2006-06-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I just discovered that it has been nearly two months since I posted here! I'm better at keeping Maya's site up to date (although I still get behind on that). It's a rainy morning and we haven't gotten much rain recently--just lots of heat. Maya is sleeping now and she's been crabbier than normal the last few days too.

Anita worked last night and will work again tonight, so it's just me and Maya most of the weekend. I have to run into work a few hours this afternoon, so Anita will have to get up a few hours early from her nap.

Not much exciting has happened over the last few months, but next weekend we are heading to Iowa for my Brother-in-law's wedding. Which should be nice, but traveling with Maya can be a bit of pain. We'll fly into Omaha, NE then drive to Orange City, IA (about 2.5 hours), so I hope Maya is sleepy from the flight!

Ann Coulter

2006-04-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

She is so witty and in your face, which is probably why so many liberals are infuriated by her. After reading her most recent column and I thought I'd post a portion of it here, since it touches on some previous issues addressed on this blog. You can read the whole thing here.

In no area except morality would a sane person believe he can't criticize something stupid because he's done it. How about: If you've ever forgotten to fill up your car and run out of gas, you must forevermore defend a person's right to ignore the gas gauge. Or if you've ever forgotten to wear a coat in cold weather and caught a cold, henceforth you are obliged to encourage others not to dress appropriately in the winter.

This deep-seated societal fear of being accused of "hypocrisy" applies only to behavior touching on morals.

But we're all rotten sinners, incapable of redemption on our own. The liberal answer to sin is to say: I can never pay this back, so my argument will be I didn't do anything wrong.

The religion of peace's answer is: I've just beheaded an innocent man -- I'm off to meet Allah!

I don't know what the Jewish answer is, but I'm sure it's something other than, "therefore, what I did is no longer bad behavior" -- or the Talmud could be a lot shorter.

The Christian answer is: I can never pay this back, but luckily that Christ fellow has already paid my debt.

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T22:39:00.000-05:00

Immigration protests continue in California

2006-03-27T15:31:00.000-06:00

What don't people understand about the term ILLEGAL immigrant?

I know many of them came to have a better life for themselves and their families, but they broke the law to do so. Many businesses illegally hired them, should they get away with it? What about business that refused to hire illegals and couldn't compete?

When laws go unenforced they are ignored and people begin to break more laws.

I fully support immigration and even a guest worker program, but only for those who go about things leagally. Should people who broke the law be given amnesty? What is the point of border security if we just keep letting people in?

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Tens of thousands of students walked out of school in California and other states Monday, waving flags and chanting slogans in a second week of protests against legislation to crack down on illegal immigrants.
In Washington, 100 demonstrators wore handcuffs at the Capitol to protest a bill that would make it a felony to be in this country illegally and would make it crime to dispense aid to the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants.
Immigrant supporters also object to legislation that would also impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and would build fences along part of the U.S.-Mexican border. (Full story)

Q1: Heidelberg Catechism

2006-03-13T14:39:00.000-06:00

I recently began a Sunday School class studying the Heidelberg Catechism. Growing up, I memorized many of the questions and answers. While I don't remember many of the exact words, this process of catachesis has taught me much about Christianity.

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserve me that without the will of my Heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth to live unto Him.

Innocent Victims?

2006-02-21T22:37:00.000-06:00

I've been hearing that phrase a lot lately and it always bugs me a bit. After all, who truly is innocent? Certainly, people like to think of themselves in the best light. Many would probably say that humans are basically good. But are we? Are you perfect?

Certainly, it is sad when someone is hurt or their life cut short. It can be heartbreaking and seem unfair. However we must remember that no one is perfect, we are all sinners and deserve the worst. It is only by God's grace that not everyone suffers horrible pain and death. In the end we won't be victims, everyone will either get what they deserve or what they have been given by Christ.

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

I rarely have time to post anymore, but when I do I usually don't have anything to say.

In any case have a good Valentine's Day.

GK

2006-02-14T16:49:00.000-06:00

This wouldn't be funny if it weren't at least partially true:

"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected." - G.K. Chesterton

Cartoons?

2006-02-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

Political cartoons spark riots and deaths?

While I don't think the Danish Newspaper was very smart, it's silly to punish a whole country because of some cartoons.

I don't know how much the Muslim world buys from Denmark, but I may have to go out and buy some Danish ham this week.

Quotes to Note:

2006-02-01T20:05:00.000-06:00

"The purpose of Compulsory Education is to deprive the common people of their commonsense."

"Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions."

Gilbert K. Chesterton

UPS Driver Attacked By Middle School Students

2006-01-31T14:43:00.000-06:00

(CBS) BELLWOOD, Ill. A UPS driver was savagely beaten by middle school students while delivering packages in the western suburbs Friday. The attack happened in Bellwood along the 3200 block of St. Charles. A teenager was arrested Monday after admitting he was involved in the incident. Another juvenile is expected to turn himself in Tuesday to appear in a line-up. In a CBS 2 excusive, Joanie Lum talked to the man who was savagely beaten just trying to do his job. UPS driver Thomas Murphy says he was beaten by a group of school kids on busy St. Charles Road in Bellwood, the route he has driven for 12 years. He says a teenager walked out in front of his delivery truck Friday at about 3 p.m. When he stopped the truck, 15 to 20 youths surrounded him.

"Somebody clocked me with a pipe. I took kicks from my right. My eyes caked over. I tried to get up and defend myself as best I could," Murphy said. He was beaten from his head to his ankles. "I remember being down on one knee, falling to the ground with kids on top of me," Murphy said. He thinks a passing motorist called for help.

The Bellwood police believe the attackers came from Roosevelt Middle School, located a couple of blocks away. They have stepped up patrols in the area. [More]

From McGuffey Fifth Reader (designed for the ten-year-olds of our American frontier):

Erase all thought and fear of God from a community, and selfishness and sensuality would absorb the whole man. Appetite, knowing no restraint, and suffering, having no solace or hope, would trample in scorn on the restraints of human laws. Virtue, duty, principle, would be mocked as unmeaning sounds. A sordid self-interest would supplant every feeling; and man would become, in fact, what the theory of atheism declares him to be--a companion for brutes.

I wonder what things we be like if they still used the old textbooks...

MLK Day

2006-01-16T16:25:00.000-06:00

Today should be a day when people remember that America was a racially divided country. We should strive to a society where everyone is on a level playing field, where no one has an advantage based on race. Where it shouldn't matter whether one is white, black, or whatever.

Yet today I came across this on the internet:

Mayor Ray Nagin told a crowd gathered at City Hall on Monday for a march honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that New Orleans will be "chocolate" again.

and this . . .

The mayor of New Orleans is predicting that his city will once again be ''a majority African-American city. In a Martin Luther King Day speech to a crowd at City Hall, Mayor Ray Nagin said, "It's the way God wants it to be." He says you can't have New Orleans any other way.

If New Orleans is primarily black because it just works out that way, it is fine with me, but please New Orleans, elect a new mayor ASAP.

What might the future hold?

2006-01-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

I really like alternative history books, with Harry Turtledove being the best I know of in that genre. What would our history be like if the South had won the civil war? And questions like these are answered in several different books. However what might the future hold? If we project ourself years into the future and look back at today and the year to come what might we want to change on a global scale.

For an interesting take on what might happen with Iran

The origins of the Great War of 2007 - and how it could have been prevented
By Niall Ferguson
(Filed: 15/01/2006)

Are we living through the origins of the next world war? Certainly, it is easy to imagine how a future historian might deal with the next phase of events in the Middle East:

With every passing year after the turn of the century, the instability of the Gulf region grew. By the beginning of 2006, nearly all the combustible ingredients for a conflict - far bigger in its scale and scope than the wars of 1991 or 2003 - were in place.

The first underlying cause of the war was the increase in the region's relative importance as a source of petroleum. On the one hand, the rest of the world's oil reserves were being rapidly exhausted. On the other, the breakneck growth of the Asian economies had caused a huge surge in global demand for energy. It is hard to believe today, but for most of the 1990s the price of oil had averaged less than $20 a barrel.

A second precondition of war was demographic. While European fertility had fallen below the natural replacement rate in the 1970s, the decline in the Islamic world had been much slower. By the late 1990s the fertility rate in the eight Muslim countries to the south and east of the European Union was two and half times higher than the European figure.

This tendency was especially pronounced in Iran, where the social conservatism of the 1979 Revolution - which had lowered the age of marriage and prohibited contraception - combined with the high mortality of the Iran-Iraq War and the subsequent baby boom to produce, by the first decade of the new century, a quite extraordinary surplus of young men. More than two fifths of the population of Iran in 1995 had been aged 14 or younger. This was the generation that was ready to fight in 2007.

[Read more . . .]

Random Odd News

2006-01-06T10:33:00.000-06:00

British Woman Marries Dolphin - AP

JERUSALEM, Israel — Sharon Tendler met Cindy 15 years ago. She said it was love at first sight. Last week she finally took the plunge and proposed. The lucky "guy" plunged right back.

In a modest ceremony at Dolphin Reef in the southern Israeli port of Eilat, Tendler, a 41-year-old British citizen, apparently became the world's first person to "marry" a dolphin. Dressed in a white dress, a veil and pink flowers in her hair, Tendler got down on one knee on the dock and gave Cindy a kiss. And a piece of herring. "It's not a perverted thing. I do love this dolphin. He's the love of my life," she said yesterday, upon her return to London.Tendler, who said she imports clothes and promotes rock bands in England, has visited Israel several times a year since first meeting the dolphin.

I thought this was joke when I first heard it, now I know it's just a shame....

Merry Christmas: Trail of Lights at Zilker Park

2005-12-23T17:33:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas: Lights on 37th street in Austin

2005-12-23T17:22:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it's just not worth the effort

2005-12-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

As I occasionally skim blogs and articles across the web, I come across things that really annoy me. Most of them are when people say things that are just plain wrong. With it being the Christmas season, there is always a small number of very vocal people screaming SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Unfortunately the issue while somewhat complex is not understood by most people. Instead of ranting on each site and wasting the effort, I'll just say my peace here.

Amendment 1 -

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

That means the FEDERAL government cannot establish or prohibit a religion/religious exercise/speech.

Thomas Jefferson's Wall of separation letter (the basis of the terminology separation of Church and State).

The Wall was to protect the Church, not the State. Don't believe me read the letter!

What Jefferson and many today still struggle with, is what constitutes the Federal establishing a religion?

While I feel it would be inappropriate, an individual state in the USA could establish a state Church and it would not be unconstitutional (many states may prohibit it themselves, but the federal constitution does not prohibit states from doing so).

Does a public official reciting a prayer in public establish a religion? Probably not, perhaps if the President came on TV and led the nation in prayer that would--some literlists might even argue that would not be (the Legislature is the branch that is limited afterall).

If a mayor or state governor wants to say Merry Christmas, lead the public in prayer, or even conduct a Church service, there is nothing unconstitutional about it. You may not like it, that is your right, but that doesn't give you the right to squash the rights of others.

Did you know that there used to be Sunday worship services in the US Capitol building? And Jefferson was an attendee! So even Jefferson didn't feel such things established religion, so stop your jammering and have a Merry Christmas.

Churches: Closed on Christmas

2005-12-16T12:53:00.000-06:00

I thought maybe it was limited, but the phenomenon is all over. Many Churches will be closed on Christmas! Why? So people can spend time with their family is the main reason. Couldn't these people spend time with their families in, say, Church? From what I've read, many of the Churches that are closing are so-called Megachurches. They say they are having services on Saturday to make up for it, but isn't Christmas - the day Christ's birth is celebrated - a religous Holiday? Who knows maybe services for Easter will be canceled in the Spring, then why not nonreligous holidays too? New years day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentines day, Mother's day, Father's day, Independence day, etc. People want to be with their families or friends on those days too don't they?

Some churches offering only eve services, leaving day for families
By Eileen E. Flynn
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Lake Hills Church in West Austin is going all out on Christmas Eve with three services. In North Austin, PromiseLand Church will celebrate the birth of Jesus for two hours Dec. 24.

But come Christmas Day, the large thriving churches that normally shake on the sabbath with rocking praise music will be dark. The pastors and church staff will be home in their pajamas.
[More]

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! I still have a lot do beforehand, since I'll be taking off a week and half from work.

Here is a Christmas picuture of Anita, Maya, and myself:

Finally an update

2005-12-06T12:32:00.000-06:00

I am currently at work, waiting for some materials to arrive before I can do my experiments. So far life in Austin has been pretty good. Last Saturday, we went to the Capitol see the Austin Christmas Tree lighting, which was fun. We got there early and went to a Christmas concert in the Texas State House chamber (we were actually in the gallery as the chamber was reserved for House members). It was a pretty good diverse mix of Christmas music and Maya behaved most of the time.

.......

One of my packages just came, so back to work for me.

Up too early

2005-11-21T07:21:00.000-06:00

I had to get up just after 4 a.m. today to bring Anita and Maya to the airport. So now I am at work with almost nothing to do until the person I am working with gets here.

I have been in Austin now about 3 and half weeks. So far things are going pretty well, but not much excitement since getting moved in. I am STILL waiting to be put in the system as a University of Texas employee because they have a lot of red tape for incoming postdocs. Hopefully it will be resolved by the end of the month.

I am flying to Chicago on Wednesday for Thanksgiving and will meet up with Anita and Maya. It will be nice to be back with family on Thanksgiving, it's been seven years since I was in Illinois for the holiday.

New Template/Comments Changed

2005-11-16T09:43:00.000-06:00

Illinois -> Delaware -> Maryland -> Texas!

A new home and a new template (which should fix some issues) -- from blogger-templates.blogspot.com. I also switched to Bloggers comment system, since Haloscan started archiving old comments unless you paid them. Blogger's comments have gotten better, but I have added the word verification to stop spammers.

However this means the old comments aren't here, I could move them manually, but I think I'll just leave it.

Hopefully, I'll return to posting at least weekly soon.

2005-11-01T16:11:00.000-06:00

We really need to do something about this Bird Flu

You can call me Dr. Hamilton

2005-10-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

That's because I sucesfully defended my PhD disseration on Monday. I'm on the road now, but I'll post some updates once I get to Texas.

"Separation" Gone Mad

2005-10-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

Talk about going overboard!

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Show me where this says you can't sing The Devil Went Down to Georgia or even Amazing Grace for that matter!

'

Devil' Cast Out of Pr. William
Hylton High Band Pulls Song Over Resident's Letter

By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, October 16, 2005; Page C01

After the devil went down to Georgia, it seems, he got censored in Prince William County.

In preparation for a guest appearance at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, the marching band at C.D. Hylton High School had a logical and seemingly innocuous idea: play a Georgia-themed song. They decided on "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," by the Charlie Daniels Band.

But early this month, a local newspaper, the Potomac News, published a letter by a Woodbridge resident who, after having seen the C.D. Hylton Bulldawg Marching Band perform the country-western hit at a football game, wondered how a song about the devil could be played at school events, because of the separation of church and state.

Fearing bad public reaction, Hylton's longtime band director, Dennis Brown, pulled the song from the playlist. "I was just being protective of my students. I didn't want any negative publicity for C.D. Hylton High School," he said.

But Brown's strategy backfired. The decision has created a furor, and even Charlie Daniels has weighed in.

White Sox Win!!!!

2005-10-16T22:43:00.000-05:00

Awesome!

In other news, I finished writing my Ph.D. thesis, just need to prepare my defense now :-)

Updates

2005-09-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

I won't be posting too much over the next month or so as I finish up writing my PhD thesis. So until then, check out the links or leave a comment

Check out Maya's Photoblog

2005-09-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

mayaeh.blogspot.com

It's a girl!

2005-09-13T14:53:00.000-05:00

Maya
Originally uploaded by hichris.

Maya Elizabeth Hamilton

born at 11:21 a.m
7 lbs 14.5 oz

The federal response to Katrina was not as portrayed

2005-09-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

by Jack Kelly in the Post-Gazette

It is settled wisdom among journalists that the federal response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina was unconscionably slow.

"Mr. Bush's performance last week will rank as one of the worst ever during a dire national emergency," wrote New York Times columnist Bob Herbert in a somewhat more strident expression of the conventional wisdom.

But the conventional wisdom is the opposite of the truth.

Jason van Steenwyk is a Florida Army National Guardsman who has been mobilized six times for hurricane relief. He notes that:

"The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne."

For instance, it took five days for National Guard troops to arrive in strength on the scene in Homestead, Fla. after Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. But after Katrina, there was a significant National Guard presence in the afflicted region in three.

Journalists who are long on opinions and short on knowledge have no idea what is involved in moving hundreds of tons of relief supplies into an area the size of England in which power lines are down, telecommunications are out, no gasoline is available, bridges are damaged, roads and airports are covered with debris, and apparently have little interest in finding out.

So they libel as a "national disgrace" the most monumental and successful disaster relief operation in world history.

[more]

The Hurricane

2005-09-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

It's impossible to not see the news coverage or hear what happened due to Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans, the rest of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississipi, and all the other areas affected by the Hurricane will be feeling the effects for a long time.

For those that want to give please do so through the Salvation Army or your local Churches. The Salvation Army spends their money more efficiently (more goes directly to those in need) and have a better historical record of help than the other well known Agency that many are giving to. You can give directly to the Presbyterian Church in America Disater Relief fund here

I know many of us are feeling the Gas price crunch ($3.49 where I live!), but lets try to be thankful that we don't have larger worries.

If anyone has family or friends that were affected by the Hurricane, feel free to list them in the comments (along with any relevant info). I will be sure to pray for them and encourage anyone else to do the same.

It's not global warming; just a natural storm cycle

2005-09-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

By Kenneth Chang from The New York Times:

Because hurricanes form over warm ocean water, it is easy to assume that the recent rise in their number and ferocity is the result of global warming.

But that is not the case, scientists say. Instead, the severity of hurricane seasons changes with Atlantic Ocean temperatures in cycles that take several decades. The recent onslaught "is very much natural," said William Gray, a professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University who issues forecasts for the hurricane season.

[more]

I've heard more than one person try to blame this on Global Warming. Maybe this will keep them quiet for a little while.

Evolutionary consequences?

2005-08-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Secular society holds to the fact that evolution is the process whereby life changed from the simple to the complex, which includes us humans. Biologically speaking this means that random mutations occurred than changed one species to another in both a dispersive and progressive manners. If this is the case, then the human mind is merely an evolutionary advantage, that through natural selection came into being.

If the human mind is merely an evolutionary advantageous accident then where do good and evil come from? They must come from us or at least from our genes? If humanity decides what is good and evil and we are progressively evolving what does this mean of our concept of good and evil? It has to mean that they are fluid concepts, that can and must change if "better" or "more fit" ideas evolve.

Now comes the scary part; if good and evil are merely human concepts caused by evolution. We can only call Hitler evil because he died and his ideas were not carried out to any great extent after his death. During his life he was "good" he was the most "fit" leader. His concept of Jewish genocide is only "evil" in retrospect. He wanted a world without the Jewish genes around influencing evolution. Stalin can be viewed in the same light. However the concept of the evolution of the mind comes into a greater view here. He wanted those who disagreed with his politics to be killed off, because they had a different view or minutest. He wanted to preserve his set of beliefs as much as we wish to preserve our lives. If he was merely trying to follow his evolutionary destiny how could he be considered evil. How can someone's biology be considered evil especially if that the way they we born. Hitler and Stalin were just dead-ends on the evolutionary pathway. If someone with similar ideas arises and is more powerful then they were and their ideas persist, then the idea of good will evolve. People we now consider good (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr.) will become evil by evolutions standard.

The consequences Evolution are much larger than society wants to admit, but what I've said is nothing new. There are sociobiologists and psychologists who have said the same things in a much more scholarly way. Yet where is the outrage or disbelief?

I find that Science gives more reasons each and everyday to believe in God.

Thoughts

2005-08-27T13:25:00.000-05:00

I've been reading Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey (you can get it here). I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the Christian worldview. It is excellently written and her section on Intelligent Design is very thought provoking--even for a biochemist like me.

Things have been going better at work the last few days (Praise God!). I'm getting the data I need, plus my boss is actually going to work in the lab for a bit to finish some miscellanous things up so I don't have to. There is also a new student coming into the lab, who (while I have to train her) will take over some of the things that need to get done for the current project I'm working on. So now all I need to do is write up that thesis, prepare my defense, help Anita and the soon to arrive Baby, and move to Texas.

University of CA discrimnating against Christians?

2005-08-27T13:21:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES - A group representing religious schools in the state is suing the University of California admissions officials for allegedly discriminating against high schools that teach creationism and other conservative Christian viewpoints.
The Association of Christian Schools International, which represents more than 800 schools, filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court claiming UC officials have refused to certify high school science courses that use textbooks challenging Darwin's theory of evolution.
The suit said the Calvary Chapel Christian School in Murrieta, a co-plaintiff, was told its courses were rejected because they use textbooks printed by two Christian publishers, Bob Jones University Press and A Beka Books.
Wendell E. Bird, an Atlanta attorney who represents the association, said UC policy is violating of the rights of students and religious schools.
"A threat to one religion is a threat to all," he said. (more)

News to you! Unless you already heard this...

2005-08-09T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well here's what's new:

Anita and I found an Apartment in Austin. It's in the Northwest part of the city and the complex is a bit secluded, but close enough. Wanna see it? Link

My work is progressing, but I wish it would go faster! I have much more to do than I would like and I'm moving in October, so I don't have much time to finish.

Tomorrow I'm leaving for my brothers wedding in Michigan. He's getting married Saturday and I'm the best man. I think it should be good and while I'll enjoy the time away from work, I hope I can get some writing done.

And there's less than 8 weeks before Anita and I will be parents! She's hoping it will be closer to 4, if she knew everything would be fine she'd hope it were next week :-)

Random Update: Austin, TX

2005-07-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

I accepted the post-doc at the University of Texas, so I'm now in Austin with my wife looking for a place to live.

When will we move? Where will we live? What will happen to us in Texas?

These questions and more will be answered right here!

But not right now, since I don't know yet.

Sonrise Blog

2005-07-14T18:24:00.000-05:00

The Problem with Privitization

2005-07-14T17:57:00.000-05:00

I can remember when I was young and I used to go with my brother and play with all the kids in the neighborhood. My parents knew most of the people who lived around us and there was a real sense of community. However today I don't really have that sense anymore and rarely see it (I couldn't even name one of my current neighbors). People would rather stay at home with their families and watch TV than go over to their neighbors house to visit.

While in and of itself this shows a decline of our society, I think reveals a much larger problem. When there is a lack of community, there is a lack of friendship, a lack of responsibility, and a lack of shared morality. Even in most Churches there is a lack of fellowship. Sure we shake hands on Sunday and talk for a few minutes, maybe we even have a few good friends there, and maybe we even are a part of a small group, but do we really have a good fellowship our neighbors? Christians are supposed to love their neighbors, but how can we do that if we don't know our neighbors? If we don't know our neighbors how can we share Christ with them?

American society has become much more secular and pluralistic. We are told "It's great if you are a Christian, but it's also great if your not" and "You can believe whatever you want, just don't tell me what to believe". Religion is now supposed to be a private thing. If this is the case my morals are just as good as your morals and so on and so on, just so long as nobody tells somebody else that they are wrong or bad. America has become the Seinfeld society living by the "not that there's anything wrong with that" rule. Christians need to go out and love their neighbor, because there is something wrong with America.

Happy 4th of July!

2005-07-04T12:38:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July Everybody!

Howard Dean was right.....

2005-06-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well maybe just a little bit, but that title sure seemed like something I would never say. I saw Howard Dean on The Daily Show the other day and got to thinking about what he said. Basically he stated that the new "motto" of the Democratic party was "love thy neighbor as thyself." Which of course is the Biblical second great commandment.

So what does this mean for conservatives and Christians?

I have often said that the Government doesn't belong in social programs, personally I prefer a more libertarian style Federal Government. Smaller government leaves less chance for corruption and waste. It also means less money in taxes. However this doesn't appear likely to happen any time soon.

So what can be done to fix this? First of all, we need to stop relying on the Government or any particular party or person to solve the problem. Secondly, Howard Dean was right. We need to love our neighbors and ourselves. However his method of doing this and mine are different.
He would have the Democratic party start/fix social programs (health insurance, welfare, etc.). However, this just makes for a bigger government.

My solution? Christians need get up and do something (show some love)! The secular solution is for the government to throw money at a problem. This however is done without any real emotional ties. Christians need to get our and support Charities. If there aren't enough Christian shelters or food pantries around, then get more started. Tired of paying more in Medicare and taxes to fund the uninsured? Support or start Christian medical clinics. I could go on, but this can only work if there are a lot of people involved. Christ told us to love our neighbors, so why are we letting ourselves off? Paying someone else to do things, just isn't working well enough.

This sort of movement would have two initial affects. First, there would be less demand for government programs (making conservatives and libertarians happy) and second it would give Christians more opportunities for spreading the Gospel.

Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

My Picture from the Silver Symposium

2005-06-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

SilverSymp05_Hamilton_Mueller
Originally uploaded by hichris.

Here is the picture of me with my advisor after winning the 2005 Silver Symposium. It's annual award given to the top Graduate Student presenation in the annual Silver Memorial Symposium at the University of Delaware Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Denomination debates declaration of Jesus' divinity

2005-06-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

From NorthJersey.com

By JOHN CHADWICK
STAFF WRITER

It's a bedrock belief of Christianity - not a topic for debate.

Until now.

A venerable Protestant denomination - at the behest of some of its conservative members - is preparing to vote next month on a measure declaring that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and making it mandatory for clergy to accept his divinity.

It may seem like a slam dunk, but delegates for the 1.3 million-member United Church of Christ may reject the resolution. Several Bergen County pastors, who aren't delegates to the convention, said they expect the measure to fail.

"Religiously speaking, it sounds like apple pie," said the Rev. Raymond Kostulias of the First Congregational Church of Park Ridge. "But there is a judgmental quality to it that implies very strongly that those who do not agree with us are condemned or damned or hopeless - and that's exactly the thing that UCC is against."

Hmm... those that don't agree are condemed? Isn't that what the Bible teaches? Why bother going to Church and calling yourself a Christian if you don't believe the Bible is true? The UCC is considered a liberal denomination, so this story really isn't much of a surprise. Perhaps they should go back 1500 years when people had the same issue and see how they decided.

Any extra time you can send my way?

2005-06-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

Too busy to post anything lately. I need to get a lot of work done before I can finish up my Ph.D., so I've had little time for anything extra.

For now, posts will be pretty infrequent. Feel free to comment though!

Random News Story

2005-06-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

Wachovia apologizes for slavery ties. Bank's predecessors owned slaves; company hopes to further awareness of African-American history.
June 2, 2005: 9:31 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Wachovia Corporation has apologized for its ties to slavery after disclosing that two of its historical predecessors owned slaves and accepted them as payment.

"On behalf of Wachovia Corporation, I apologize to all Americans, and especially to African-Americans and people of African descent," said Ken Thompson, Wachovia chairman and chief executive officer, in the statement released late Wednesday. "We are deeply saddened by these findings."

What is the real point of doing this? I wholeheartedly agree that slavery was bad, but what good does apologizing more than 150 years after the fact really do? It seems like an exercise in futility to me; unless there is some pro-slavery movement afoot that they are trying to counter--but I doubt that's the case.

Spam Filter

2005-05-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

I just started using a new spam filter through the University last week. After optimizing it over one day it works great. Unfortunately, now I realize how few legitimate e-mails I actually receive each day--kind of sad.

Silver Symposium

2005-05-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

The Silver Symposium is annual event in the department of Chemisty and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware. Each year a number of Graduate Students present their research to the department and judged by a panel of scientists based on the quality of their research and their presentation. This year ten different students (including myself) presented their work.

My presentation went very well and apparently well liked by the judges. As a result I won first place!

They took pictures of the presenters/award winners so I'll post one in a few days.

Austin, TX

2005-05-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

I've had a really good trip to Austin. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it is a nice medium sized city with a lot to do. More importantly the research looked really, so I know I'd be happy with coming here to do a postdoc. The group is very friendly and low stress, which is bit difficult to find in really good groups.

I was formally offered a position last night over dinner, so now I just have to figure out if this is where I am supposed to come. Life would be a lot different out here, of course moving from Illinois to Delaware to Maryland was different too. The only major downfall I can see is being even further away from Anita's and my families. It would only be for a few years, so it is not too bad.

Off to Texas

2005-05-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

I'm preparing for an interview for a postdoc this Thursday and Friday in Austin, Texas. I am giving a talk about my recent research and checking out the group and the area. Hopefully it will all go well and I'll be able to figure out if it's the place for me.

Hopefully I'll get to have some good BBQ while I out there!

I probably won't post anything until I get back, so that's all for now.

Doesn't this make sense?

2005-05-08T14:36:00.000-05:00

When I said this, several people basically said that I was wrong. Maybe in some sort of extrememe one in a billion chance I could be wrong, but anyway this is what I said:

The athiestic worldview is supported by evolution, since a belief in evolution allows one to reject the notion of a creator or designer. Without a belief in evolution, it becomes difficult if not impossible to reject the idea of intelligent design or creation.

Is this so hard to follow? Those who disagreed with this statement are nearly always atheists who believe in evolution. It doesn't state that those who believe in evolution cannot believe in God--although the typical response is that it says just that.

Dad arrested over pro-gay book dispute

2005-04-29T16:26:00.000-05:00

Below is a story from The Boston Globe about a father who was arrested for tresspassing after the school refused to inform him when any sort of pro-gay discussions would be taking place in his son's classroom.

It is definately a sad day for America's public schools. I know there is no way that I'll send my future children to public schools with all that could go on.

Disputed school's lesson on diversity

By Maria Cramer and Ralph Ranalli, Globe Staff | April 29, 2005

CONCORD -- For David Parker, the first alarm went off in January, when his 5-year-old son came home from his kindergarten class at Lexington's Joseph Estabrook School with a bag of books promoting diversity.

Inside were books about foreign cultures and traditions, along with food recipes. There was also a copy of ''Who's In a Family?" by Robert Skutch, which depicts different kinds of families, including same-sex couples raising children.

The book's contents concerned Parker and prompted him to begin a series of e-mail exchanges with school officials on the subject that culminated in a meeting Wednesday night with Estabrook's principal and district director of instruction. The meeting ended with Parker's arrest after he refused to leave the school, and the Lexington man spent the night in jail.

For more

Illinois governor writes prescription for trouble, CLS and ADF file suit on behalf of pharmacist

2005-04-26T13:03:00.000-05:00

Just got an e-mail from the ADF at least someone is standing up for the Constitution!

For more on what this could mean check out From the Morning

Gov. Blagojevich’s “emergency rule” at odds with state Right of Conscience law
Friday, April 15, 2005, 2:23 PM (MST)
ADF Media Relations | 480-444-0020

WAUKEGAN, Ill.—The Christian Legal Society and Alliance Defense Fund filed suit today against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on behalf of a Lake County pharmacist. Blagojevich’s “emergency rule” filed this month compels pharmacists to fill prescriptions for contraceptives, including abortion-inducing drugs, regardless of any moral objections they may have.

“The governor’s order is a bitter pill that no one should have to swallow,” said ADF Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb. “It is not legitimate to force a pharmacist to violate his conscience in this manner. A patient ordering ‘morning after’ pills can easily be referred to another pharmacist who has no moral objection to filling the prescription.”

The lawsuit, David Scimio v. Rod R. Blagojevich, et al., was filed in the Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit of Lake County, Illinois. Scimio, a Christian pharmacist whose conscience would be violated by filling prescriptions for abortifacients, decided to file suit after Blagojevich filed his “emergency rule.”

The lawsuit contends that the rule violates the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, which states that the public policy of Illinois is to “respect and protect the right of conscience” of health care professionals. The act also prohibits “all forms of discrimination, disqualification, coercion, disability, or imposition of liability” upon persons who refuse to deliver such services based upon a matter of conscience.

“Governor Blagojevich must not be allowed to ignore the law and elevate convenience over individual rights of religious belief and moral conscience,” said CLS Litigation Counsel Casey Mattox. “We are hopeful that the judicial department of the State of Illinois will fulfill its proper function by restraining the governor from remaking state law in the image of his own personal political viewpoints.”

The lawsuit also contends that Blagojevich also violated Illinois law by not allowing any public hearing on his rule and by failing to obtain proper authorization from a majority of the Board of Pharmacy. The suit additionally argues that the rule violates Scimio’s religious freedoms guaranteed under the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

ADF is America’s largest legal alliance defending religious liberty through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

www.telladf.org

2005-04-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

Interesting story, I grew up not too far from this high school. I'm glad the Christian students on campus stood up for themselves. It seems that it is fine for Gay groups to protest and show their "pride", but when Christians do so, they are viewed as hateful....

The NBC story at least is pretty neutral on topic, although they have a lot more pictures of the pro-gay T-shirts.

From NBC5

CHICAGO -- Several students at a suburban high school wore contrasting T-shirts Tuesday in support of and against gay tolerance, but some students and school officials had differing views on whether it created a problem.
Updated Images: T-Shirts Cause Controversy School spokesman David Thieman said the T-shirts did not create any problems."The day is off to a normal school. We're not expecting to have any major issues or disruptions. H.F. High School is a three-time blue ribbon award-winning school and we've been recognized nationally because we are diverse," Thieman said.There were no visible signs of conflict outside the school, Vatis reported, and security officers were posted on the campus. Students who tried to speak with the media were guided away, Vatis reported.Vatis spoke with two staff members of the student newspaper, Voyager, who gave a much different account of the scene inside the school."There was pretty much chaos in my first class -- students wearing the God T-shirts and students wearing the 'Gay Fine By Me' T-shirts," student Joe Maloney said. "Students (were) arguing with each other about the justification for wearing the T-shirts.""People who had gotten along in the past, and seeing each other in these different shirts saying, 'What's wrong with me? Do you have a problem with me?" student Sara McKee said.But school officials maintained that any disruptions would not be tolerated."Should there be a disruption we will immediately take the appropriate action to remedy it, but so far, normal school day, business as usual," Thieman said.Members of the Christian group said their campaign wasn't in opposition to the other campaign, but was instead a promotion of their own beliefs.

I passed!

2005-04-14T22:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I had my final committee meeting (aka preliminary oral exam for the PhD). Overall it went very well and I can move on to the next phase. Of course that means I'll going to have even more to do! I need to find a postdoc, finish my research, and write my Theisis. Oh what fun!

At least I can relax a little bit now and maybe post some more frequent updates.

A few minutes to spare...

2005-04-10T16:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I've had a busy year so far. I'm finally having my PhD committee meeting this week Thursday. So I've been busy preparing for that. My report is finally done, so now I just need to try and review everything I can, while practicing my presentation.

I'll post more at then end of the week....

Easter

2005-03-28T09:17:00.000-06:00

Well, I had hoped to do a nice post for Easter, but just didn't have the time.

My Brother-in-law Doug came down from New York on Saturday. So Anita and I got to spend some time with him over the weekend which was nice. He's an Illinois alum, so watching the Basketball game was a lot of fun -- that comeback was unbelievable!

After Church yesterday, I made the traditional Easter ham, which turned out pretty good. Of course I now what I'll be eating for the next week now. Especially since Anita left for her cruise with her Mom this morning and won't get back until Friday.

Hopefully, that will give me the time I need to get my committee paper written up.

It's late but Happy Easter from me!

Another Two Weeks...

2005-03-13T17:18:00.000-06:00

Well, I have indeed been busy lately but that is just normal right now. I have been making a good deal of progress with my research lately, so it looks like I will actually finish my PhD this year! I know my wife cannot wait, but we also need to know where we're going next. I need to focus on searching for a postdoc, hopefully once I finish up my current project (no revisions I hope) I'll have a bit more time to spend on the job hunt. Then it's basically do the experiment my committee tells me to do, write my thesis and defend.

Unfortunately that sounds a lot easier than it is.

I also came across a good Charles Spurgeon quote that really touched me last week. I know a number of individuals going through hard times and perhaps this thought might help them.

Faith's way of walking is to cast all care upon the Lord, and then to anticipate good results from the worst calamities.

Update?

2005-02-28T21:58:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been too long since I last posted for my faithful readers -- all three of you!

I have been extremely busy as of late, but I have made some headway with my project. I will hopefully have enough work done this week to schedule my 2nd committee meeting, unfortunately I'm also giving a Journal Club presentation this Friday, so I have to prepare for that as well! At least I've got a start on the slides, hopefully tomorrow I will have time to get most of it finished.

Sunday for Worship

2005-02-15T09:49:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been busy (again) so haven't posted in a while. But over the last few weeks something has been on my heart. That is Sunday being a day for Worship. This comes about for several reasons.

Firstly, I believe that Sunday should be set aside as a day of worship and rest from your work. Sunday as the day of worship is a tradition that was followed in the early Church, which was likely due to several early events in the Church. The resurrection (Easter) and Pentacost both occured on Sundays. After the resurrection Christ typically appeared on Sundays. Paul himself carried on this practice:

Acts 20:7 (ESV) On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.

Lately I have talked to a number of Christians who don't seem to have issue working or causing others to work on Sunday. Clearly from Christs example, necessary work on the Sabbath was allowed -- this would include medical, security, and Church related work. I also feel it is improper to cause others to work on Sunday (whether Christian or not). For this reason I don't shop, go out to eat, to see a movie, etc on Sunday (There have been exceptions, but I'm not perfect). I try to do everything in my power to allow others not to work. Why? If I want to share the Gospel with someone and they see me at a restuarant on Sunday what does that imply? Perhaps, well they won't work but it's okay for others or that they must not be real serious about their faith so why should I. In any case if I would go out to eat after Church, doesn't that mean someone was at the restuarant working while I was in Church? Shouldn't I be encouraging them to go to Church on Sunday?

The second thing that bugged me is related to this. A well known popular Christian singer is coming to the Baltimore area and perfoming on a Sunday evening at a public venue. I suppose you could consider it a worship event, but there are still a number of Churches with both morning and evening worship service. My Church has both and when possible my wife and I go to both. Doesn't this Christian singer realize this? What about all the people that work for him that will be selling T-Shirts and CDs afterward--it's a stretch to call that ministry. And how about the people who work for the concert venue are they all Christians trying to help minister the Gospel -- I would hope so, but most of them are probably just there to earn a paycheck.

Growing up, this wasn't really an issue for me. The town where I lived had mandatory Sunday closing laws, perhaps that is why I feel as strongly about it as I do. Ultimately, we all decide for ourselves clearly salvation doesn't come by keeping the sabbath.

Much to say not enough time

2005-02-06T13:48:00.000-06:00

I hope to be able to update more regularly over the coming weeks, but for now just a quick post and a news story. First, I've managed to solve a few of the problems I've had with my research so I may actually be able to get some real data soon!

I'm not sure how much of the SuperBowl I'll get to see tonight, as I have Church at 6:30 but I do hope the Eagles win, since many of the people I work with in Delaware are big fans.

I found this interesting News Story with another Illinois connection on "Franchise" churches. Which of course should work, since we're all exactly the same and every congregation needs to here the same message.

From the News Sentinel (via SermonAudio.com)

It worked for burgers, now churches try franchising

CHICAGO - (KRT) - Scott and Michelle Knollenberg of Plainfield, Ill., can spend their Sundays letting national chains cater to their every need - physical, material and, now, spiritual.
They can grab an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's, a stylish lamp at Target, towels at Bed Bath & Beyond and a double tall non-fat mocha at Starbucks. But Sunday's highlight is the church service prepared by Naperville, Ill., pastor Dave Ferguson and his national staff, which will be virtually identical in music, sermon, videos and skits at 10 locations throughout the country.
The Knollenbergs are members of Community Christian Church, which has Chicago-area sites in Naperville, Shorewood, Romeoville and Montgomery. Nationally, the network started by Ferguson and his brother Jon also has churches in Denver, Detroit, New York and Bakersfield, Calif.
In the business world, they call this kind of thing franchising. In evangelicalism, it's known as the multisite church, and it is a growing trend with a similar aim: providing consistent quality and service wherever you go.
Dave Ferguson, co-founder and lead pastor of Community Christian, said his church was one of about 10 nationally that were taking a multisite approach in 1998. Six years later, upward of 1,000 churches have embraced the movement. (more)

February

2005-02-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

Well January flew by quickly.

I've at least made some progress at work, but things always take longer than I'd like and keep me busier than I'd like, hence the lack of posts recently. I haven't even had much time to read other blogs either. O well, that's life as a Grad Student. I'd go into more detail about the work, but I can't take the risk of a competitor reading it and figuring out what we are working on.

Hopefully, I'll figure thing out and get this project going soon!

The Hand of the LORD

2005-01-25T09:54:00.000-06:00

I listened to this sermon on Sunday, due to the fact that Church was cancelled due to the weather. It really enforced the need to read the Old Testament to get a better understanding of the New Testament. Many Christians focus almost entirely on the New Testament and you can miss out on so much if you fall into this trap.

Acts 11:19-21 (English Standard Version)

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Church in Antioch
¹⁹Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. ²⁰But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists^[a] also, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

You can find the sermon here. It is by Rev. Mark Gibson of Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Beaumont, TX.

Without the OT you can really miss out on how important the phrase "the hand of LORD" is and how often it is used throughout scripture. If you have the time I recommend you check it out.

Snow Day

2005-01-23T10:21:00.000-06:00

Well, Maryland and Delaware both got more snow than they can take. The roads were horrible yesterday, it took me well over an hour to get home. I had to stop twice, once just to clean off the ice on my wiper blades. The second time was to push the sand bags in the back up my pickup truck over the back wheels since the back end kept losing traction.

Nice thing was that a plow had been through our lot once (could have used more, but I'll take what I can get). So while I'm parked far from my building, I'm not stuck in a foot of snow like most people.

They've been plowing the main routes, so hopefully there won't be problems tomorrow. Unfortunately, Church services are cancelled for both morning and evening. I'll try to find something good on SermonAudio.com. At least I don't need to run to BlockBuster to return my DVD since they don't have real late fees anymore.

Illinois law forces churches to hire homosexuals

2005-01-23T00:39:00.000-06:00

As a former Illinois resident this really annoyed me. Things like this seem to be going on nearly everywhere now.

Isn't great when those who "promote tolerance" quote scripture to serve their point. Seems the Bible is just great when it's convienent to "use" against Christians, just reminds me that even Satan could quote from God's word.

From World Net Daily

Illinois churches are protesting a new state law that bars them from "discriminating" against homosexuals, contending it robs Christians of their First Amendment freedoms.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) signed the bill into law yesterday amid a demonstration led by the Illinois Family Institute, or IFI, a non-profit group affiliated with Focus on the Family, Family Research Council and Alliance Defense Fund.

The measure adds "sexual orientation" to the state law that bars discrimination based on race, religion and similar traits in areas such as jobs and housing.

The bill was signed to loud cheers and a standing ovation from about 150 homosexual-rights supporters who see it as a human-rights issue.

"This legislation sends a clear message that we will not allow our citizens to be discriminated against," Blagojevich said in a statement.

"What we're doing today is older than scripture: Love thy neighbor," the governor told the audience yesterday, according to the Associated Press. "It's what Jesus said when he gave his Sermon on the Mount: 'Do unto others what you would have others do unto you."' (more)

Do unto others? If I was stuck in a sinful lifestyle I would want someone to tell me and help me get out! Hey Gov. Rod -- Christians are standing up for what is right because we LOVE them -- you have it the wrong way around!

I hope the ADF or their allies can stop this law from be enforced agains Churches.

Inauguration Day

2005-01-20T12:49:00.000-06:00

Well, I did remember to wear my button today. I got to listen to the oath of office and then found out that C-Span was live streaming the video and got to watch Bush's speech. Of course it's always hard to listen to everything especially with the background noise, so you may want to read it. It was good overall and not very long.

So I've posted the text below (from the Federal News Service)

Vice President Cheney, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, members of the United States Congress, reverend, clergy, distinguished guests, fellow citizens -- (applause) -- on this day prescribed by law and marked by ceremony, we celebrate the durable wisdom of our Constitution and recall the deep commitments that unite our country. I am grateful for the honor of this hour, mindful of the consequential times in which we live, and determined to fulfill the oath that I have sworn and you have witnessed.

At this second gathering, our duties are defined not by the words I use, but by the history we have seen together. For a half a century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical. And then there came a day of fire.

We have seen our vulnerability, and we have seen its deepest source. For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny, prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder, violence will gather and multiply in destructive power and cross the most defended borders and raise a mortal threat. There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom. (Cheers, applause.)

We are led by events and common sense to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. (Applause.) The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world. (Cheers, applause.)

America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights and dignity and matchless value because they bear the image of the maker of heaven and earth. (Cheers, applause.) Across the generations, we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government because no one is fit to be a master and no one deserves to be a slave. (Applause.)

Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security and the calling of our time. So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. (Applause.)

This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom by its nature must be chosen and defended by citizens and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own.

America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal, instead, is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.

The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. (Cheers, applause.) America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause. (Cheers, applause.)

My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people from further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America's resolve and have found it firm. (Cheers, applause.)

We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation, the moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. (Cheers, applause.)

America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies. We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. (Applause.)

America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies. Yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators. They are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom and there can be no human rights without human liberty. (Cheers, applause.)

Some I know have questioned the global appeal of liberty, though this time in history -- four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen -- is an odd time for doubt.

Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals.

Eventually the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. (Applause.) Liberty will come to those who love it.

Today America speaks anew to the peoples of the world. All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know the United States will not ignore your oppression or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty we will stand with you. (Applause.)

Democratic reformers facing repression, prison or exile can know: America sees you for who you are, the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe, as Abraham Lincoln did, those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under the rule of a just God cannot long retain it.

The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know to serve your people, you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side. (Applause.)

And all the allies of the United States can know we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat.

Today I also speak anew to my fellow citizens. From all of you I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet, because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. (Cheers, applause.) And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts we have lit a fire as well, a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power; it burns those who fight its progress. And one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world. (Cheers, applause.)

A few Americans have accepted the hardest duties in this cause -- in the quiet work of intelligence and diplomacy, the idealistic work of helping raise up free governments, the dangerous and necessary work of fighting our enemies.

Some have shown their devotion to our country in deaths that honored their whole lives, and we will always honor their names and their sacrifice. (Applause.)

All Americans have witnessed this idealism, and some for the first time. I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile and evil is real and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself, and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character. (Cheers, applause.)

America has need of idealism and courage because we have essential work at home.

In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty.

In America's ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act, the Social Security Act and the GI Bill of Rights. And now we will extend this vision by reforming great institutions to serve the needs of our time.

To give every American a stake in the promise and future of our country, we will bring the highest standards to our schools and build an ownership society. (Applause.) We will widen the ownership of homes and businesses, retirement savings and health insurance, preparing our people for the challenges of life in a free society.

By making every citizen an agent of his or her own destiny we will give our fellow Americans greater freedom from want and fear and make our society more prosperous and just and equal. (Applause.)

In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character, on integrity and tolerance toward others and the rule of conscience in our own lives.

Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self. That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our nation life by the truths of Sinai, the sermon on the mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before, ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today and forever. (Cheers, applause.)

In America's ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service and mercy and a heart for the weak. Liberty for all does not mean independence from one another. Our nation relies on men and women who look after a neighbor and surround the lost with love. Americans, at our best, value the life we see in one another, and must always remember that even the unwanted have worth. (Cheers, applause.)

And our country must abandon all the habits of racism because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time. (Cheers, applause.)

From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many. From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom, and did our character bring credit to that cause?

These questions that judge us also unite us because Americans of every party and background, Americans, by choice and by birth, are bound to one another in the cause of freedom.

We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes. And I will strive in good faith to heal them. Yet those divisions do not define America. We felt the unity and fellowship of our nation when freedom came under attack and our response came like a single hand over a single heart. And we can feel that same unity and pride whenever America acts for good and the victims of disaster are given hope, and the unjust encounter justice, and the captives are set free. (Cheers, applause.)

We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom, not because history runs on the wheels of inevitability; it is human choices that move events. Not because we consider ourselves a chosen nation; God moves and chooses as He wills. We have confidence because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind, the hunger in dark places, the longing of the soul.

When our Founders declared a new order of the ages, when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty, when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now," they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled.

History has an ebb and flow of justice, but history also has a visible direction set by liberty and the author of liberty. (Cheers, applause.)

When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said it rang as if it meant something. In our time, it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world and to all the inhabitants thereof. (Cheers, applause.) Renewed in our strength, tested but not weary, we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom. (Cheers, applause.)

May God bless you, and may he watch over the United States of America. (Cheers, applause.)

Inauguration Time

2005-01-19T21:23:00.000-06:00

Ugh I haven't posted anything in a Week! That's too long -- I've gotten very busy with work lately and it doesn't look like it will let up any time soon. So I guess I better get used to it.

I haven't posted anything political in a while either, maybe I was just fatigued from the election. In any case the Inauguration is only hours away. I'll be at work, but I'll listen to the radio if possible. I actually got an Inauguration 2005 button when I was in DC before Christmas, if I remember I'll wear it tomorrow -- I'm sure all the liberal professors will enjoy it.

Nation's eyes on Christian protesters

2005-01-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer
By Larry Eichel
Inquirer Staff Writer

A Philadelphia criminal case is getting considerable national attention. And it's not about political corruption.

Four members of a local Christian group, Repent America, are facing felony charges in connection with their behavior in the fall during the gay and lesbian community's annual Outfest celebration in Center City.

For allegedly trying to disrupt the event with their bullhorn-amplified, Scripture-based denunciations of homosexuality, they have been accused of criminal conspiracy, incitement to riot, and violating the state's law against hate crimes.

Several conservative Christian groups, including the American Family Association and Concerned Women for America, say the "Philadelphia Four" are being prosecuted solely for voicing their religious beliefs.

For more click here

Vicki & Justin Spencer

2005-01-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

Vicki&JustinS
Originally uploaded by hichris.

As promised, here is a picture from my cousin Vicki's wedding last Saturday in Oklahoma

What's your Nerd Score?

2005-01-11T11:30:00.000-06:00

Finally Back

2005-01-10T14:59:00.000-06:00

Well I'm finally back at work. I went to my cousin Vicki's wedding in Tulsa, OK on Saturday. Anita and I left Saturday night and drove to Rolla, MO then got up early Sunday and drove all the way back home (only 16 hours in the car yesterday).

I have some pictures so I'll put one up soon. It was a good wedding and I think Vicki and her new husband Justin will be happy together. Now I just need to get my research finished!

Happy New Year!

2005-01-01T12:00:00.001-06:00

I'm blogging from Illinois right now. Visiting family for belated Christmas gatherings and gift giving. So I'll be fairly busy this next week and won't be posting too much.

I found out everyone I knew in Sri Lanka and their families is doing fine. Getting back to the US may take a while longer than they expected, but that is a rather minor inconvenience compared to the devastation others suffered.

I wish everyone a Happy and Joyous New Year!

I'd rather be..... Blogging

2004-12-28T19:00:00.000-06:00

Well maybe not always, but I thought it would be a good idea for a T-Shirt or Bumper Sticker. Well now it can be both! I added a link in the side bar





Just go to http://cafepress.com/hichris to check them out



E-Sword
2004-12-27T14:22:00.000-06:00
I just found this Bible utility for Windows. You can read the Bible in many different formats (a few are missing like the NIV) -- you can download the various formats as modules and compare them side by side (I've already got about 5 installed, but I'll probably use the ESV most).



You can also download additional commentaries, dictionaries, maps, studies, and even classical Christian texts by Calvin, Bunyan, and Spurgeon. As your reading a passage you just need to click on a word or verse and a little symbol pops up on the commentary and dictionary tabs. I've just started using it, but so far I think it's great.



Go to http://www.e-sword.net/ to check it out!




Christmas Day!
2004-12-25T15:12:00.000-06:00
Here's a link to a shockwave movie about the real meaning of Christmas: click here



Thanks to Laila at Blogshares for that one



 Merry Christmas One and All!





Merry Christmas!
2004-12-24T10:52:00.000-06:00
I've been busy and haven't been able to post much lately.  I've been trying to get some things working in the lab and haven't been able to.  It appears I will move on to a new project, so that I can finish up my degree next year.  I'm at work today working on a presentation that I'm giving in January at my alma mater North Central College.  If I finish that up, I can read up on the new work I'll be doing.



I'm ushering at Church tonight for our Candelight service, which should be very good.  Anita and I will go out to dinner and open our gifts afterward.  Anita has to work tomorrow, so I'll be spending the day relaxing and preparing our Christmas dinner.



Once Again



Merry Christmas!






Ministers in Austrailia convicted of Hate Crime
2004-12-19T17:32:00.000-06:00
Australia Christians found guilty of "hate"

"In the landmark ruling, Catch the Fire Ministries pastors Daniel Nalliah and Daniel Scot were found guilty of religious vilification, making them the first under Victoria's new race and religion hate laws.



Pastor Scot told a congregation in a 2002 seminar that Muslims were training to take over Australia and encouraged domestic violence, and that Islam was an inherently violent religion.



Shortly after, the Islamic Council of Victoria filed legal action against Catch the Fire Ministries and the two pastors.



Yesterday in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Judge Michael Higgins found that throughout the seminar Pastor Scot had made fun of Muslim beliefs and conduct."



I'm not sure what exactly these guys said or what their ministry is all about, but these types of laws are certain to be abused by those against Christianity.




My new laptop!
2004-12-13T11:26:00.000-06:00
  
   laptop  
  Originally uploaded by hichris. 
This obviously is my new laptop.  It was an early Christmas present from Anita that I picked out and ordered myself :-)



Much to do and little time
2004-12-07T21:32:00.000-06:00
I haven't had time to post anything for a few days.  Just too busy with the semester winding down.   I have to finish up my teaching duties -- grading, review session, more grading.  I also need to try and get my research progressing.  I've been having some problems getting things to work and some things just take a lot of time.  I may end up changing my current project, so that I can finish next year.



Good news is that my Archives of Biochemistry & Biophysics paper is finally in print! 



The roles of the essential Asp-48 and highly conserved His-43 elucidated by the pH dependence of the pseudouridine synthase TruB



C.S. Hamilton, C.J. Spedaliere, J.M. Ginter, M.V. Johnston, E.G. Mueller pp 322-334



Full text via ScienceDirect (if you have access): here




In Denver, you cannot say Merry Christmas at a Christmastime event.
2004-12-02T10:22:00.000-06:00
From Worldnet Daily



Christmastime event is no-Christian zone: Santa, 'holy homosexuals' OK for parade, but no floats with direct religious themes.



In the latest skirmish over Christmas in America, a Christian group is not allowed to participate in Denver's annual Parade of Lights, because church members sought to sing yuletide hymns and proclaim a "Merry Christmas" message on their float.



However, the event, now in its 30th year, will include homosexual American Indians, Kung Fu artisans, belly dancers and, of course, Santa Claus.



What is this world coming to! A religious Holiday has gotten so watered down that now people are not allowed to express their religious beliefs at a public event. We are guaranteed freedom of religion and speech, but somehow it's okay to be silenced? Yet another reason I support the Alliance Defense Fund.  Next thing you know people will try to ban the Declaration of Independece.  Oh wait, they already are...






December = More work and less time
2004-12-02T10:13:00.000-06:00
It's been a while longer than I would have liked since my last post.  Been busy with teaching and research.  I have a lot to get done before I head back to Illinois at the end of the month.  Anita and I aren't leaving until Dec. 30, since she has to work and we are going to stay out to go to my cousin Vicki's wedding the first weekend in January.



Anita and I are going to a Christmas party this Friday at our Church's Associate Pastors house, so that should be a lot of fun.  We have been going to a married couples Study this fall and have gotten to know him and others in our Church a lot better.  So it should be a lot of fun, I just hope I can get done with my work early so I won't have to be late.


Christmas Tree
2004-11-28T14:06:00.000-06:00
  
   trees  
  Originally uploaded by hichris. 
We put up our little Christmas Tree last night after making the chocolates.  You can see what it looks like in the light and in the dark.

I know it's almost a month a way, but Merry Christmas.  Of course that reminds me, that I still have a lot to do at work before the end of the year!



Chocolate Candy Making
2004-11-28T14:03:00.000-06:00
  
   Chocolates  
  Originally uploaded by hichris. 
Anita and I made some chocolates to bring to a Christmas party next weekend.  We're going to make more for Christmas gifts soon.



Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
2004-11-25T00:46:00.000-06:00
Happy Thanksgiving! I think people all to often forget the real purpose of Thanksgiving. I hope you will read this and thank God for all he has done in your life and for the United States.  Feel free to share any thoughts in the comments.



George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation





Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"



Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.



And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.



Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d dy of October, A.D. 1789.



(signed) G. Washington








Back from Ohio!
2004-11-23T21:05:00.000-06:00
Here's a picture from the Rustbelt RNA meeting this past weekend. Chappie, Chris Spedaliere, Maggie, and myself all attended. We stayed in Columbus Saturday night and watched the OSU game from right outside the stadium.












My week!
2004-11-17T10:33:00.000-06:00
Well, it started busy and will probably stay that way.  I've been working on my poster for my presentation this Friday.  I'm just about done, and will print out the "big" version this afternoon.  Hopefully I won't run into any problems with that.  I also need to grade a Chem exam tonight, so I'll be working late again (3 days in a row!).



A few other things:



Listened to a great C. Spurgeon sermon this Sunday on the Holy Spirit you can find it here



I've noticed that my Links don't show up for people using older versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape, I'm not exactly sure why.  They are from a Blogroll using javascript, so it's possible there may be an incompatability or perhaps security issue.  If you don't see a list of real links, change your browser or upgrade--if that doesn't work check your security settings.  In the mean time I've put a compressed list of links, it looks like . . . . . . , almost all the links are there--each one is a period.




Busy day!
2004-11-13T20:19:00.000-06:00
Well besides posting to this blog, I've been working on my poster presentation for the upcoming Rustbelt RNA meeting in Ohio.  I have to finish it up by Monday evening, so I have time to print it before we leave on Thursday.  It's a lot more work than you'd think, and sitting in front of a computer for hours designing, writing, and reworking it really drain you.  The conference should be good though--as long as I can get over this cold I'm coming down with. 




InterGrad Group Photo
2004-11-13T20:15:00.000-06:00




This a photo of the Wednesday InterGrad group at the University of Delaware. InterGrad is the Graduate Student chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.  This was taken a few days ago and was the last day for Steve Tait--who headed back to Australia today!



To see more pictures go here




Why does America think Christians are Stupid?
2004-11-10T17:08:00.000-06:00
I've pondered this question lately and had several discussions on the topic. I'm sure there are many reasons, but here are a few. They all deal with things (both positive and negative) Christians (or those portraying Christians) have done and/or they deal with non-Christians misunderstanding what "real" Christians believe and why.



Christians are called to spread the good news, which when done properly with the Holy Spirit can bring about wonderful things. However, when people become overzealous and try to shove religion down peoples throats, they are left with a sour taste for Christianity. There are those TV evangelists who beg for money and shout fire and brimstone, what is a non-Christian going to think when they see these people on TV? They think who can be so stupid that they believe these guys and send them money. They think that's what Christians believe, send a minister some money and you're saved. Praise Jesus on camera and you'll be healed. Christians know that this isn't the way to Christ and that 90% of those guys on TV are there to exploit people for money.



Christians can be a vocal group, protesting abortion, fighting gay marriage, etc. These are things that Christians believe are sinful and don't belong in our society. However, many non-Christians don't understand why, and telling them it goes against God's law doesn't convice them. They look at Christians and probably think they are stupid for believing some 2000 year old book could be relevant to people's morals today. I've heard some express they believe Christians just do what their preachers tell them to, because they don't know any better. This also relates to the recent election. Many non-Christians on the left are blaming the Evangelical Christians for giving Bush the election. They just don't understand that morals and faith are things which are very important to Christians. I know Bush isn't perfect, he has a number of ideas I don't agree with. However, I as well as many Christians see him as man willing to ask God for help and to stick to his convictions.



Non-Christians only see this world when they make their decisions and live their life, while Christians look to the life ahead. Non-Christians don't know the truth, so when Christians live by the truth and share the truth with nonbelievers, it is seen as silly and stupid. They don't see the consequences of their life and the punishment ahead or understand the reward that awaits them if only they would come to Christ.



The short answer to my question is that most of America doesn't understand Christianity. America forget how most of our founders were devout Christians. The American revolution only happened because a corrupt government abused its colonies, which Christians knew was wrong. They had faith in God and were led by the Holy Spirit to declare and fight for Independence, because their God-given rights were impeded by the authorities. Few Americans think of the founding fathers as stupid.



Christians need to come together and remind America of its roots and let people know what Christians really believe and pray that the Holy Spirit might work in the hearts of Americans to bring them to Christ.


Working hard, but accomplishing little
2004-11-09T13:19:00.000-06:00
Or at least it seems that way.  My week always starts off with my teaching duties, so I never get much research done on Mondays or Tuesdays.  Which means I try to cramm a weeks worth of work into 3 or 4 days.  Well, I'll keep on working--I know Anita would like to know when I'll be done or at least know where I'll be working next.  Unfortunately, I don't know either of them. 



Barring a failure of congress to pass a spending bill by then end of January, I should finally get off my Teaching Assistantship and move to a Research Assistantship which means I can devote more time to research.  If my research takes off, I should be able to wrap up this PhD in the not too distant future.



This past Sunday evening in Church, the sermon was on Colossians 3.  Two verses stuck out to me:



 ⁸But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.



²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.



I thought of my sister with verse 8, she can definately have a temper and doesn't watch her lips all the time -- which has come back to haunt her more than once.



Verse 23 is a reminder to me to work hard and do my best in everything.  It's somthing I've always known and believed, but it's still good to find some encouragement--especially when things are taking longer than you'd like.




Some links from across the Blogosphere
2004-11-06T16:41:00.000-06:00
Not much to report from here, but here's some interesting finds



You know your a liberal if:

http://whereismichaelmoore.blogspot.com/   <-funny address  Did I ever tell you I met Bob Dole about ten years ago?  Well check out this blog to see a Taxi Driver who met him recently:

http://joannrides.blogspot.com/



Want to know the favorites for the 2008 presidential race:

http://www.davidwissing.com/






4 more years!
2004-11-04T14:52:00.000-06:00
Kerry conceded, Bush declared victory and now we can move on and I can get some work done!  I hope over the next few years that America will grow stronger and the rest of the world will begin to realize we were right all along. George Washington, our first president said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible".  Unfortunately, the left and most of the world do not follow Washington's advice.



As for me, following the election consumed much of my time and October sure went by fast. Now I have a lot to get done research-wise and prepare for a presentation in two weeks!  


Bush 286 Electoral Votes
2004-11-03T09:31:00.000-06:00
While the Media may be afraid to call it, I have no problem seeing the result.  Bush receives 286 electoral votes--I guess my brother was better at predicting than I.  Ohio should have been called and Iowa and New Mexico will both go to Bush.  There are rumors of a Kerry concession today--since it is obvious to everyone that Kerry can't win Ohio.



Bush has also received more votes than any other Presidential canidate in history -- let's see if the liberals will talk about that!  He has done what Clinton couldn't do and won more than 50% of the popular vote, which hasn't happened sine 1988 with the first Bush!



The Senate has an even larger margain now and Tom Daschle went down!  This is a great opportunity for America, so don't screw it up Republicans!


11:30 PM
2004-11-02T22:29:00.000-06:00
Well it's not over yet, BUT things are looking great for BUSH.  I'll have to wait and see.  If Florida and Ohio go to Bush I think it's all over! 



Too bad I'm not a gambler, tradesports.com had Bush at ~2:1 odds this afternoon.  Could have trippled up!  Well, I'd rather have Bush re-elected than to make some money.




Election day -- Vote BUSH!
2004-11-02T12:11:00.000-06:00
Well, it is way too early to tell where things are going to end up. Bush definately has the advantage, but it doesn't mean anything until the votes are counted. I stand by my predictions on the presidential race, but I think the Senate may be 53 or better for the GOP.  My brother predictied 284 EV for Bush. He said it was just a random number that sounded good and gave Bush enough to win, but who know he could be right.



I voted at about 7:50 this morning. Cast my ballot for Bush/Cheney, EJ Pipkin, and Jane Brooks. The electronic ballot was so easy--why did they spend so much on training people to use them? They actually had a video on public access cable demonstrating it. Maryland won't go to Bush unless there was a massive surge last night and I missed it.



I hope I can get to bed by Midnight tonight!