Robert's (New) Land

9/11 Captured by NYPD Helicopter

2011-03-07T23:53:00.004-05:00

This is some of the more sobering footage I've seen of the towers falling.

Robert's (New) Land Returns (and so does Huckabee)!

2011-03-02T05:03:00.005-05:00

Hello one and all! I have not posted since the night Barak Obama won the election back in 2008, and did not plan to. However with the current state of the world around us, I figured being silent wasn't really an option. It is my hope to carve out the time to write about current events, their role in end time prophecy, and I will once again be focusing the attention of several posts on former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (and maybe every now and then I'll make some pointless observations). For now, let us begin with him and this article I found last night.

Huckabee has expressed his (possible) desire to run against Obama in 2012 which is wonderful. Huckabee is far removed from the candidate of 2008. His following and resources have both greatly increased. Is he poised for a longer, more successful run this time around??

"Mike Huckabee Dubbed Ronald Reagan's Heir"

The Death of a Blogsman

2008-11-04T23:30:00.001-05:00

I am sitting on the couch watching President-elect Obama's acceptance speech. They are playing music from The Patriot. I may throw out my soundtrack tomorrow because that kind of ruins it.

The results do not surprise me as I am sure many feel the same. I first must say that President Obama will have my prayers behind him as he leads our nation. Probably more so than any other leader. Prayer does not equal support. Prayer should be given because of the hope that God will lead Obama as he leads our Nation. Certainly I pray that God be with all of us now.

Many people are wondering what will happen next. Obviously "change" is coming! For some reason during this campaign the word change automatically meant "good". Not all change is good. Hitler brought great change, did he not? No, I am not comparing Obama to Hitler. Just making a point.

In all seriousness, I know many people are scared right now. Those who have wisdom and see past the glitter of the past year's campaign know that things aren't always as they are presented. Many fear for America's future. I can't not give a 100% prediction of what is to come, nor will I assume on this blog...but I do know that when/if things become bad we can find solace in Scripture.

This semester I had the pleasure of studying a book of the Bible that I have never looked at before - Habakkuk. It is a wonderful, short book of the Bible in which Habakkuk has a one-on-one conversation with God. Habukkuk was a prophet who came to God with a simple question: how much longer would He (God) allow Israel to get away with its sin. God answered Habakkuk's question by telling him not to worry, because He was going to send in Babylon to overthrow them.

This wasn't exactly what Habakkuk was hoping to hear. He becomes upset and asks God how He could allow a nation whose sins were greater than theirs to punish them. God calmly answers Habakkuk telling him that He knows Babylon's sins and that they will be given the due in time. Habakkuk is humbled and thinks back over God provision to Israel in the past and of all His great deeds.

Habakkuk states in chapter 3, verse 2 "Lord, I have heard the report about you and I fear O Lord, revive your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk went on to say at the end of the chapter that he trembles at knowing what is to come and in having to wait for it. Even though things were about to get really bad, Habakkuk says in verse 18 "Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." Despite the fact that Israel was about to be trampled and taken into captivity by Babylon, Habakkuk says that he will still praise his God. Why? Because God is sovereign. God is never changing. God knows all things that are to come and they all play into His plan. What might be seen as something really bad might is part of a bigger picture. God has been and always will be in control. Though sin has permeated this nation, though people are blind to His truth - God is still God. Regardless of what happens in the years to come, God is still God. Those who are faithful to Him, He will not desert. Take hold of that fact friends and continue with the mission that He has given us - to bring others into His grace. For answers on this topic, please visit this website.
--------------------------------------
Readers...it has been my extremely pleasure to create and author Robert's (New) Land. When it began I intended for it to be a means of updating family and friends after we moved from TX to MA. It soon became all too clear that only a few people I knew would constantly check for my updates. Regardless the blog became a book of my fondest memories of my time in New England. Over a year ago, I had the pleasure of joining the campaign for Mike Huckabee (HUCKABEE 2012!!!) and the blog quickly turned political. My final few posts took a more serious tone. I strongly felt that I needed to write these last three blogs which, in a manner, are political in nature. While they deal with biblical happenings, events of the world around us seem to indicate that they could be at hand. I wrote them because I know years from now people who are searching for answers will be able to find them on this blog. I hope that in doing so, they will find The Answer who is Christ Jesus.

I will continue blogging, but at a new address. It will be more of a relaxed place where I won't feel compelled to write such long, in-depth posts. I may even write a one liner here and there. One topic on my mind is those Glade commercials. For those who want the new address, you know how to reach me. For those who have no clue how to reach me, I am sure you can figure out another easy way to find it.

May God bless you all.

The Antichrist

2008-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

With the election looming, I have heard several people make mention of the Antichrist and Barrack Obama. There are even emails going around stating that he is the Antichrist. While no one can be certain, I thought I'd go through a few verses in the Bible that discuss The Antichrist.

Revelation 13:1 states that John "saw a beast coming out of the sea." Sea usually refers to a group of people around the Mediterranean meaning he will be a Gentile.

Daniel 8:8-9 suggests that he is the "small [horn]" that came out of the four Grecian horns, signifying that he is part Greek.

Daniel 9:26 says he is the ruler of the people to come. This indicates that he will be of the royal lineage that destroyed Israel which was Rome. So he should be predominately Roman.

Daniel 11:36-37 says that the Antichrist "does not regard the God of his fathers". If we take this in context then we'd have to assume he will also be Jewish. Much like Hitler (who was a prototype) the Antichrist will appear to be Gentile, but will have Jewish blood which he will probably keep a secret.

In the book Revelation Unveiled Dr. Lahaye states that, "[His identity] may be known only to God, but the Bible teaches that he will be a Roman-Grecian Jew, a composite man representing the peoples of the earth. The technically qualifies him to be the embodiment of all evil men."

So is Obama the Antichrist? Maybe, but probably not. As far as we are aware, he doesn't have all of the above mentioned blood coursing through him, but who knows what his true nationalities might be. Many (while misinformed) believe that his Muslim heritage makes him a candidate, but as we just read there is no mention of that in Scripture. I think he will be more of a precursor for the Antichrist and/or America's downfall.

The future activities of the Antichrist will include the following:
1. A rise to power - he will steadily gain control of all things through promises of peace (Revelation 6:2 and Daniel 8:25)

2. One-World Government - As seen in Daniel 2, the Antichrist will set up a government with 10 "Kings". Revelation 17:12-15 shows that these ten rulers will eventually believe that they can no longer govern themselves and will cede full power to the Antichrist. Verse 13 indicates that a world government will be created in the name of peace.

3. Domination of World Economy - When Revelation states that these rulers will give their power to the Antichrist, it is not just referring to their governments and armies, but also economic power. Think of the European Common Market as an example. In such a time of economic crisis, is it really that hard to picture this happening?

4. Atheistic Religion - Daniel 11:36-39 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 describe the religious beliefs of the Antichrist. They teach that he will place himself "over everything that is called God or worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." Revelation 17 shows that Antichrist will approve an ecumenical world church (also not hard to imagine today) which would merge all religions together, celebrating their differences. For a time, Antichrist will be dominated by the church's power (Revelation 17's "prostitute", the church, riding "the beast", Antichrist). Somewhere within the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period, though, Antichrist will destroy this ecumenical institution and set himself up as god. His true religion will be atheism.

5. A Covenant with Israel - As mentioned in my previous post dealing with Gog and Magog, there will be a covenant created with Israel for the length of seven years. This will promise her peace and protection during that time. After 3 1/2 years Antichrist will break this treaty and seek to wipe Israel off the map. This is found in Daniel 9:27.

6. Death and Resurrection - Revelation 17:8 states that "the beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come." Many believes that the verse indicates that the Antichrist will die during the 7 year tribulation (probably around the half way point). Be aware that it will not be the Antichrist himself to resurrect - Around the same time, Satan will be cast out of Heaven once and for all (he currently has access having to give an account for his deeds...read Job 1:6-7). Satan will indwell the body of Antichrist and contrast the actual, supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ. From that point on, Antichrist will have the power to perform "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders " (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) and he will deceive many. At that time, he will proclaim himself God, desecrate the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and unleash an attack against Israel. Anyone who doesn't declare him God and pledge allegiance to him (this is where the whole "mark of the beast" comes into play) they will be killed.

7. The Ultimate Destruction of Antichrist - Second Thessalonians 2:8 states that Antichrist (the "lawless one") will be overthrown by Jesus Christ. This is further discussed in Revelation 19:11-20.

There you have it. This is just a breif overview of the Antichrist who is to come. Chances are good that is he alive somewhere right now. I once read an interesting book (the title escapes me) stating that since Satan doesn't know when the end will come, he has had to have an antichrist ready/prepared during every generation. A chilling thought.

Regardless of who the Antichrist is, interesting days lay ahead...

Ezekiel's Prophecy of Gog and Magog

2008-08-18T10:51:00.018-05:00

There are several prophecies in the Bible that haven't been fulfilled. Most have to do with the 7 year tribulation, Christ's second coming and of course Israel. One of my favorite prophecies to study is found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. In these chapters we read about an attack on Israel led by countries known as Gog and Magog. In the following post, I will discuss this prophecy. The following information is from the Bible, various commentaries, dictionaries and other sources that will be sited at the end.

Beginning with chapter 38, Ezekiel names several nations that will join forces to attack Israel. These include: Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer and Beth Togarmah "from the far north". Of the above nine names, only one is not a geographical location - Gog. Instead it is a title like President or King. Gog will lead this invasion against Israel. From the New International Bible Commentary (F.F. Bruce) we read that "the chief prince" mentioned in verse 3 is "preferable to 'prince of Rosh' which adds another name to our geographical list.

Each of these countries was easily identified in Ezekiel's day, but most of the above names seem foriegn to us. Once you identify what countries inhabit these ancient lands, though, it is easier to piece together.

Rosh (ancient Sarmatians) was also known as Rashu, Rasapu, Ros and Rus. Today we call her Russia.

Magog (ancient Scythians) is present day Central Asia. "Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union with a population of 60 million Muslims. This territory could include modern Afghanistan." (M. Hitchcock)

Meshech included ancient Muschki and Musku in Cilicia and Capadocia. Tubal was in ancient Cappadocia. Today both are known as Turkey along with southern Russia and Iran.

Libya, the easiest, known as ancient Put and west of Egypt is known today as...Libya.

Persia is probably the second easiest of the list. Persia changed it's name to Iran in 1935.

Ethiopia in ancient Cush, south of Egypt is present day Sudan.

Finally, both Gomer and Beth-togarmah, both of which are present day Turkey.

So our list of key players will be Russia, Iran, Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries in Central Asia. Each will bring all of their military strength to the table for this attack. Led probably by either Russia or Iran, these countries will have one goal in mind: the complete and utter annihilation of Israel.

We know their target is Israel from verse 8 which states, "...In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety." Israel regathered "from many nations" and returned from a very long absence and became a nation in 1948.

An interesting side note - God has promised Israel that she will never again be removed from her land (Amos 9:14-15). Prior to the prophecy of Gog and Magog, Ezekiel 37:15-28 tells us that Israel will be one nation, no longer split into two (Israel and Judah). Despite all these nations (and others) who wish to destroy Israel, it will never happen.

Verses 8, 11 and 14 of Ezekiel 38 give hints as to when this attack may occur. All state that Israel will be "living securely". There is a chance that Israel could enter a brief time of peace, possibly reaching some type of agreement with Iran in the near future. No doubt this would be a false security, but it is possible. The other possibility is during the 7 year tribulation.

The tribulation will take place after the rapture of the church. Officially it will not begin until the Antichrist signs a peace treaty with Israel and all of her neighbors that is to last 7 years. However prophecy teaches that the 7 years of peace will only last 3 1/2 years before The Antichrist decides to destroy Israel.

There are some that assume that it is when The Antichrist retracts his peace agreement the attacks of Gog and Magog occur leading to the Great Tribulation (the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation). Others believe that this will be World War III and/or Armageddon. Others believe this to be inaccurate for several reasons (one being that Armageddon doesn't take place in Jerusalem, but Megiddo) but we'll focus on the strongest argument.

"Ezekiel 39:9-10 indicates that for seven winters the people of Israel will burn the leftover implements of [the] war" with Gog and Magog. "Since the Jews will be persecuted by the Antichrist for the last three and a half years of the Tribulation, that may suggest that Russia and her Arab allies will be destroyed at least three and a half years prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. It could, of course, be more." (Lahaye) Therefore, this attack is most likely to occur anytime between now and shortly before the signing of the seven year treaty (at the latest). Also, Armageddon occurs at the end of the Tribulation, so Israel wouldn't be living in peace as Scripture states, but in hiding.

It is not difficult to pick a reason on why this attack will take place. Iran has already stated that it would destroy Israel. Russia and Iran are close allies. All of the other nations listed above hate Israel. Ezekiel tells us that this attack will occur "so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes." It is sobering to think about the possible revival this will bring about across the globe, especially if it happens prior to the rapure.

With the exception of the final battles of the tribulation, this attack on Israel will be the largest in it's history. Verse 16 states, "You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land." In all likelyhood, Israel will stand alone when it occurs. In a recent post, FOX News reported that the U.S. denied Israel any help in the form of weapons to make a pre-emptive strike on Iran. Russia is also off everyones nice list after their attack on Georgia and refusal to leave. It wouldn't have any hinderance on attacking Israel. No one is quite sure what to do with Russia because of its recent actions. Throw in a war-weary United States and it all helps set the stage nicely.

UPDATE (August 20): MSNBC is reporting that Russia is "freezing" it's military ties with NATO and allied countries. This could also play into/set the stage futher for an attack on Israel. Click here for the article.

So how will little Israel withstand such a massive invasion? "This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Soverign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrah I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beast of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountians will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountians, declares the Lord. Every man's sword will be against his brother. I will execute poor judgement upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur on him and his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:18-23)

Ezekiel goes on to tell us that all the attacking troops will be destroyed and given over to animals to feast on them. There will be so much carnage that it will take Israel seven months to bury the dead and then "they will begin their search" (39:14). The cleanup will be so extensive that a town (Hamanoh meaning Horde) will be established in the valley at the gravesites to aid the cleanup crews. Fire will upon the actual attacking nations. Some believe this means that those nations coming against Israel will be completely destroyed. It is interesting to think that in our lifetime Russia, Iran and almost all (if not all) Islamic countries will cease to exist.

At the end of chapter 39, God once again states his purpose for this attack: "From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God." Ezekiel 39:22

There you have it, a quick run-down of Ezekiel 38-39. An attack led by Russia and Iran along with Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries will come upon Israel (more than likely) before the rapture or shortly there after. Though the odds will be greatly agaisnt her, God will supernaturally protect Israel -destroying her enemies. Then there will be a revival among Jews and Gentiles as they see that the Lord is God.

I hope this is informative. Some of you may disagree with it and that is fine. If nothing else, I wanted to write it so whenever it does occur there will be one more place for people look back and find it. In that way I hope it brings others to the Lord.

Forgive any scattered-brain(ness). It was not the easiest topic to write while chasing my 8 month old around the house. Soon I will work on my Antichrist post. May not be until next week though.

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1996.

Lahaye, Tim. Revelation Unveiled. Zondervan Publishing House. 1999.

Butler, Trent ed. Holman Bible Dictionary.Holman Bible Publishers. 1991.

Bruce, F.F. ed. New International Bible Commentary. Zondervan. 1979.

Lahaye, Tim & Ed Hindson ed. The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. Harvest House Pupblishers. 2004.

Steven Curtis Chapman Interviews

2008-08-15T10:34:00.003-05:00

Members of the Chapman family discussed the death of their daughter, marie Sue Chapman recently on Good Morning America, Larry King Live and in the newest edition of People Magazine (set to hit news stands Aug 15). To see these interviews and for other Chapman news, follow the links below:

Steven Curtis Chapman Homepage

Good Morning America Interview

The Larry King Live Interview can be seen through Jim Houser's (Chapman's manager) in six parts.

People Magazine sneak-peak.

Gospel Music Channel Report

U.S. Refuses Israel Weapons

2008-08-13T22:04:00.009-05:00

Taken from FOX News -

The United States has rejected an Israeli arms request that would have improved Israel's capability to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, a frontpage report in Israel's Haaretz newspaper said on Wednesday.

The U.S. warned Israel against attacking, saying such a strike would undermine American interests, the paper said. The unsourced report also says the U.S. demanded that Israel give it a heads-up if it decides to strike Iran.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak did not deny the Haaretz story and refused to discuss it in an interview with Israeli Army Radio,

"It would not be right to talk about these things," Barak said, according to Reuters.

Iran is a "threat to the whole world order, and there are many actions to be made in the realm of intelligence and preventive measures," Barak said.

The United States "does not see an action against Iran as the right thing to do at the moment," the defense minister said, but shared Israel's view that "no option should be removed from the table".

Israel believes Tehran will be capable of building a nuclear bomb by 2010, and has been pushing for greater international pressure on Iran to stop building nukes.

Both the U.S. and Israel have said they would prefer a diplomatic solution to the standoff but have not ruled out other options — including a military one.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Reminder to the United States of America:

“I will make you (Israel) a great nation;
I will bless you and make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
- Genesis 12:2-3

*Remind to talk about the prophecy of Gog and Magog (primarily, present day Russia and Iran) in Ezekiel 38-39 really soon

Obama Hates Superman!

2008-08-11T22:55:00.007-05:00

In case you need another reason to not vote for Obama, I have one for you. In a recent interview he was asked what superhero he'd like to be. Now I'm not saying everyone should want to be Superman, but to say that Superman isn't "really earning [his] superhero status" and that he has no inner turmoil is just a mis-educated statement. I could argue that you haven't really earned your politician status, but I won't. Shame on your Mr. Obama. Shame on you! Then again, why should I worry? I am sure if more people complain about his statement he will soon say "Superman is the greatest hero of all time! I would love to be him." Hmmmm why wait? I just found this picture!

What's this? Looks like a certain someone is trying to be like Superman...hmmm!

In more serious news, last week Obama revealed an energy plan. Most people focused on his statement regarding the filling up of our tires. McCain and others made fun of this fact so Obama later said in a speech that those people "take pride in being ignorant..." Look, we should all be responsible and change our oil regularly and keep our tires filled. However I believe the true ignorance belongs to Obama in believing that a large majority of Americans would be responsible enough to follow through with that. Just a few of us doing it isn't going to solve the problem. Sadly, this isn't a 'what can I do for my country' nation. To his credit, he didn't rule out drilling for oil - after a poll came out stating a majority of Americans favored it.

The Move and Other Items

2008-07-24T08:58:00.006-05:00

Obviously my plans to update this blog each night of my drive down to Texas didn't pan out. The first night there was no Internet connection...at a Holiday Inn. Go figure. The second night the hotel had wireless (but no free breakfast) but we had been on the road 14 hours so I could have cared less to update my handful of readers.

The drive itself was really fine. My father-in-law and I trekked through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia on our first day. All that was done in about 9 hours which included gas and food stops. The second day included the rest of Virginia, Tennessee, the smallest amount of Georgia (with the absolute worst Taco Bell establishment on the face of the Earth), Alabama and finally Mississippi. The final day was a short hop through the rest of Mississippi, Louisiana and finally Texas. It's hard to say just how long we drove (actual driving) since some of our stops were extended. Google Maps made the trip out to be 27 hours. Of course that is only if you drive 60 mph. I won't name names, but a member of the driving party enjoyed the 80 mph mark. I can't make assumptions as to why, but said member spent the prior days playing Need for Speed. a racing game, on my XBOX 360. So actual driving time was under 27 hours.

We ran into bad weather only once. I felt like I was driving through a tropical storm. Most people pulled over and found cover, we plowed on through. "I can't see out my windshield" and "I'm not sure I'm still on the road" be darned! You will get two different stories on the traffic. I say we only ran into one bad traffic jam caused by an overturned truck. My father-in-law says we ran into a lot more. Of course when one takes our definitions of "traffic" into consideration, our difference of opinion makes more sense. Boston traffic versus Palestine, TX traffic is quite different. Since Boston is the bigger city with actual traffic, I win the argument so we ran into one traffic situation on the second day.

At one time I had a list of funny city names, gas prices, and things I saw...but much like the travel coffee mug I had when we left, it has vanished. I remember going near Scranton and Gettysburg, PA. I saw the University of Alabama and a few other big name schools which is cool. New Jersey, Virginia and Alabama were the best looking states. New Jersey also won the Rude Person Award (please notice that is singular). You'd think an employee for AAA would be more helpful than giving you a finger point. I really enjoyed the entire drive. I would love to drive all around the U.S. someday.

The most noticeable change while driving was the music. I was enjoying what I call "normal" stations on the radio (stations that play just your normal hits ranging from the 70's to today) all the way till Virginia. All of a sudden the normal station to country station percentage was 20 to 80 (before this it was 95 to 5). The further we went south, the more this percent went up. We were around 2/98 until we hit Mississippi. At this point I had to throw in another number for rap stations. Normal 5%, Country 30%, Rap 65%. The rap kept rising till Texas then things settled around 20%, 70% and 10%. Fuzzy math.

Gas wasn't too bad. For reference I looked at the gas price on my old blog when we arrived in MA. It was $2.60. The station I filled up at upon leaving was $4.08. I saw a high near $4.15 however at another MA station. The highest I spied was 4.60 or 70 something, but that was one of those interstate gas station where you have no choice but to pay out the bum. The lowest I saw was $3.70 something. I paid $3.86 here in Lewisville yesterday.

Off of the move, I have been able to knock a few more movies off my Summer Movie Wish List. Those that are italicized are those in bold are no longer playing whole those in bold are the ones I have seen.

1. Prince Caspian
2. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
3. The Dark Knight (pending Saturday night)
4. Iron Man
5. The Incredible Hulk (v)
6. The Happening
7. Get Smart
8. Hancock
9. Step Brothers
10. Tropic Thunder (v)
11. The Pineapple Express
(v) = I can wait for it on video

The best so far are Get Smart and Indiana Jones. Hancock was good. Language was a bit much. Everyone says the movie wasn't good anymore after Hancock (Will Smith) turns good, but I say that is when it finally took off. Could this be a sign of the world today? Do we really enjoy evil and wickedness so much that we dislike watching goodness being portrayed? People hate Superman because he is good, but dig Batman and Wolverine because they are dark and mean. Then again, girls in high school acted to same to me. "I think you are such a great, sweet and wonderful guy Robert, but we are just so compatible and too good of friends for this to ever work. I'd rather date the guy with tattoos who goes through girlfriends like a bag of Skittles."

Anyone keeping up with King Obama's World Tour? I was watching an interview with him on the evening news last night. Every time he is asked a question he side steps it or is vague. He was being asked about Iran and Israel and how he would handle situations there. He gave fluff answers like 'I don't feel I have the right at this time to accurately portray the situation of the scenario of the fiscal year but if you'll look deep into my eyes you will see puppy dogs, babies and the souls of the damned....yes Charlie....look into my eyes...follow me everywhere.' The whole time, the veteran news anchor sat and nodded. He did ask Obama if he had a plan after he danced around another question. Obama said yes, but he didn't feel it should be shared at this time. Ummm okay. So when? When you're president and its too late? His plan could be to supply Iran with whatever it needs to wipe Israel off the map. No worries though. The public think he is awesome. Who cares that we know nothing of what he is wanting to do. Dude looks great in suits.

Meanwhile John McCain (he's the other guy running for president) was being interviewed by some rookie anchor. McCain was trying to give an actual answer to a question and the anchor continuously interrupted him. Just think, it's only July!

Coming Soon

2008-07-22T22:11:00.003-05:00

I promise to post an update by the end of this week complete with moving highlights and other fantastic thoughts from the depths of my mind! I know you're all excited.

Huckabee on Dobson on Barack

2008-07-05T20:51:00.005-05:00

Former Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee appeared recently on FOX News' Hannity & Colmes to discuss Dr. James Dobson's comments on Barack Obama. While Allen Colmes is his annoying self, Gov. Huckabee soundly and calmly makes some wonderful points about the Democratic hopeful that all people should open their eyes to. Listening to Huckabee speak reminds me how great of an opportunity America missed at having a truly wonderful President.

This video was originally found at Massachusetts for Huckabee.

I will be heading down to Texas on Monday and hope to be able to post updates along the way...not while driving obviously, but at night. So be sure to check back!

Farewell New England

2008-06-30T21:16:00.013-05:00

This time next week, we will be on the road headed back to Texas! Jennifer and I greatly enjoyed our time here in the North East and will really miss it. We take with us numerous memories that are encapsulated in this blog, so instead of boring you all with a long recap, I decided to make a video with some of the pictures taken over the last 2 1/2 years.

For those who wonder about the song choice and how it relates to Boston, the reason for it can be found in an old blog...if you really want to know.

"Wuv...Sweet Wuv"

2008-06-27T16:07:00.011-05:00

Awww, Clinton and Obama are totally BFF! They sooooo showed up in Unity, NH today to promote not only unity, but PDA! OMG can't you totally see them taking this country in a new direction?? And they soooo totally matched!

...Sigh...

Get used to it. We'll be seeing these two together at least until November and longer if she is VP. The first question that came into my head while watching the news was "did they plan out their outfits together?" Obama sported a white dress shirt (sleeves rolled up for that casual, man-of-the-people, outdoor look) with light blue tie while lady Clinton wore a light blue lady suit. I can picture that coversation in my head.

Ring Ring

"Hello?"

"Hey Hil, it Barack!"

"Oh hi Bar Bar! What's up my brother?"

"Not much, just flipping through the newest Tiger Beat magazine. You?"

"Just chopping your head off pictures in Newsweek....JK!"

"Oh Hil, you so crazy! Listen, I was wondering what you're going to wear to Unity, NH tomorrow?"

"Oh my gosh! I bought the cutest little outfit!"

"It isn't another one of those lady jump suits is it?"

"Actually it is, but listen! This one is different! It's light blue!"

"Oh sweet! I have the perfect tie to go with that! We can totally be twinkies!"

"hehe!"

...Sigh...

Honestly, it was awkward to watch them on stage as "united friends". You know they hate one another. I figure when he kissed her cheek she was thinking "You disgust me...you should be kissing my butt, not me kissing yours." And when the crowd chanted her name instead of his, you can imagine that he was seething.

Again, get used to it because I have the feeling we are going to see a LOT more Barack and Clinton Variety Hours.

Notes for the not in the know:
BFF = best friends forever
PDA - public displays of affection
OMG = oh my gosh
JK = just kidding
VP = vice president

Dobson versus Obama

2008-06-24T19:55:00.004-05:00

Dr. James Dobson dissected a 2006 speech by Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama on his daily radio show today. In the speech Obama discussed some of his religious views and its role in government. He also compared Dr. Dobson to Rev. Al Sharpton.

To hear Tuesday's broadcast, click here.

Maria Sue Chapman Memorial Service - News Coverage

2008-06-22T14:57:00.005-05:00

Since almost every day people visit my blog (through a search) looking for video from Marie Chapman's funeral service, I decided to do some digging and post the news footage. This isn't meant in a morbid way. As I stated a while back, the service was a beautiful event celebrating the life (and new life) of this young little girl.

BEAT L.A. !!!!

2008-06-17T20:48:00.004-05:00

I am currently relaxing in our basement. I have my very healthy cheese dip, Fritos Scoops and Coke surrounding me (and Jacob's monitor) and I am enjoying game 6 of the NBA Finals.

I have been able to enjoy the last few years of the NBA Finals as my favorite team, the San Antonio Spurs, have won a handful of titles. Like some people, I could care less about sports if my team is not involved. Sometimes I could care less to watch even when they are. When the playoffs roll around though and teams I love are in, I am engrossed.

I wrote a blog shortly after moving out here about teams I enjoy, but here is a review:

NFL - 49ers & Colts for favorites followed by the Texans, Jets, Lions and a few others.

MLB - Astros & Red Sox for faves and that is all.

NHL - Dallas Stars for fave and the Colorado Avalanche

NCAA - Texas A&M for fave, TCU , Penn State and a few others...but mostly A&M is all I'll keep up with.

NBA - San Antonio Spurs & Celtics for fave and the Rockets and Mavs taking up 2nd and 3rd.

We'll focus on the NBA right now. I am sure many reading this will assume that the only reason the Celtics are on my list is because they are in the finals. Not so. I think basketball was the only sport I played competitively (go R.A.'s!) and so as a child Larry Bird stuck out to me for obvious reasons. I remember an old computer game a friend had that was Bird vs. Magic. For those who don't know, Bird played on the Celtics. Technically they were the first NBA team I knew. Living near Houston though, the Rockets replaced them. After moving out here though, I went to a Celts game and they sucked, but I really enjoyed it. Much like the Red Sox, it was easy to get swept up in fan nation. Some of you may wonder why I did not list the Patriots in the above list. I will get to that in a moment. There are teams that fall into my favorite categories too simply because of a player. For example, Jerry Rice (49ers WR) is my second favorite all time player. When he was traded to the Oakland Raiders, I developed some interest in the team only because he was there. After he left, they fell back into my least favorite category. Kevin Garnet is one of those players. I think he is a great player and kept up with him on the Timberwolves. He was one of those players, like Reggie Miller, who you wanted to see win it all. When he was traded to the Celts, it peeked my interest in the team that much more.

This NBA Finals is especially enjoyable though because I despise the L.A. Lakers with a passion. There are certain teams I loath. The reason for these dark feelings generally falls into one of three categories: 1) arrogant coach 2) cocky, self-centered, arrogant player 0r 3) they consistently spank my team. The Lakers fall into the first two of these. I don't like Phil Jackson or Kobe Bryant. I will quickly give props where it is due even for those I don't like. Jackson is a good coach and Kobe is a good player. Jackson seems to think he is perfect though and everyone falls all over Kobe for no reason. Wasn't he accused of raping a girl? No biggie, he bought his wife a huge diamond and everyone was thrilled. What a great fella. Much like Tom Brady. Sports Illustrated named him "God" in an editorial because of how wonderful he is. Yeah, I like to worship those who get a woman pregnant who he is no longer dating. He is awesome. Oh and the Patriots cheat. No problem. They are undefeated! Ummm they didn't win the Super Bowl so they are not undefeated...sigh...sorry, I still get worked up over that team.

I digress. My least favorite teams are:

NFL - New England Patriots tops the list (for all three reasons) followed by a rotation of other teams like the St. Louis Rams (used to be reason #1 and #3).

MLB - N.Y. Yankees. "Yankees suck". Nuff said.

NHL - ummm, don't care enough to have one. I'll say Ontario just because I know they have a team.

NCAA - T.U. (Texas University). Friggin' tea sippers.

NBA - Lakers, Nets and Suns.

So there it is. I am no longer sure what the point of this blog was. Maybe to mark the occasion of Game 6 which the Celts are leading 53-35 right now with a minute left in the 2nd. Though I will not get excited yet. The Lakers had a 21 point lead in game 4 and the Celts came back to win. Maybe I wanted to make the case that I am not a bandwagon fan (for instance, I rooted for the Giants in the Super Bowl, but they are not one of my faves...though I like Eli Manning). Either way, it is just a fun blog that only three people I personally know will read (props to Jen, Dad and Bryan).

For now, it is half time (58 to 35 baby!) and I need to reheat my dip and get another Coke...and some Tums for dessert.

Nash out.

*Final score : Celtics 131 Lakers 92

Huckabee Reporting

2008-06-13T12:58:00.002-05:00

Associated Press - June 13, 2008 12:23 PM ET
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Mike Huckabee is bringing his political expertise to Fox News Channel.

"The former Republican governor of Arkansas who ran for president this year will be a political commentator.

Bill Shine, the senior vice president of programming for FNC, calls Huckabee "a great addition" to the cable network's election coverage.

In a statement released by his daughter, Huckabee says he hopes to bring a "unique perspective from inside the dragon's belly," and to try to speak for millions of Americans who feel their voices are not being heard.

Huckabee is an ordained Baptist preacher who's been mentioned as a potential running mate for John McCain. Huckabee has formed a political action committee to raise money for McCain and other Republicans."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Robert's Mix Post

2008-06-11T08:57:00.012-05:00

Since I haven't posted a personal blog in over a month, this will be a mix of everything. It's long so I reccomend taking it in parts. So strap in and try and keep up!

I overheard one of those "what the heck..." comments at Target this week. A lady and her little boy walked by a woman in a wheelchair. The woman in the chair had a cup holder with a drink attached to her chair. The lady said to her boy (and this is a direct quote...I said it over and over to myself for this very moment), "She has a cup holder. It must be nice to ride around with that on. Sure would make my life easier." She wasn't far away from the woman in the wheelchair when she said it either. Now I will give the benefit of a doubt here and assume it was said without thinking, but sheeeeesh.

Over the past few weeks, I reacquainted myself with one of my all-time favorite shows, Arrested Development. This was one of the numerous FOX shows that was canceled before its time (3 seasons). This show won numerous awards and was a quick and smart comedy that would have you laughing through out. For whatever reason, the powers-that-be at FOX didn't advertise it well and even its most faithful viewers had a tough time knowing when to tune in. Anyway, Target had the first two seasons on sale for 9.99 the last few weeks (strangely season 3, which was a short season, was still 20.00), so I enjoyed watching them again.

While I am on the topic of FOX shows, have you seen the preview for Fringe? This Lost like drama will air in the fall and looks really interesting, but I can't decide if I will tune in. As stated above, FOX has a knack for cutting shows mid-way through the season (Reunion anyone) which leaves you wondering what would have happened. FOX also has a knack for keeping cruddy shows like Stacked which had Pamela Anderson as its lead. Go figure.

Speaking of entertainment, I saw the newest installment of Indiana Jones last week and LOVED IT. I'll go out on a limb and say it was my favorite of the four. This seems to be one of those movies that people either loved or hated. I can see why some were disappointed with it, but (without giving anything away) if you take the time period in which the story takes place, it really makes sense. As with all Jones flicks, there was plenty of comedy, action, and silly stunts. A lot of great references to the past 3 films too (I love continuity).

So that was the first of many summer movies I am hoping to see. That list includes in no particular order:
1. Prince Caspian
2. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
3. The Dark Knight
4. Iron Man (v)
5. The Incredible Hulk (v)
6. The Happening
7. Get Smart
8. Hancock
9. Step Brothers (v)
10. Tropic Thunder (v)
11. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (JOKING!)
(v) = I can wait for it on video

Since graduating in December, I have finally had the chance to catch up on some reading. My parents bought me a great book titled Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. This is a great story about a third string QB who can only find work in Italy. I am not a Grisham fan, for no other reason than I'm just not into legal stories, but this was a fun read. Part of the enjoyment came from learning about Italy. Lots of references about the countryside, food and some history too.

I finished up Ted Dekker's Lost Books series as well, which ties nicely into his Circle Trilogy and Project Showdown series. I can't wait till this fall when Sinner is released so I can see how it all plays out. I also read Adam by Dekker which I highly recommend. Great stuff that will keep you up at night.

My eyes aren't doing all the reading though. I listen to books on CD while feeding Jacob at night. I recently finished Dan Brown's Angels & Demons. This came out before The Da Vinci Code but still features the same lead character. It is an interesting FICTIONAL tale involving the Vatican and the ancient sect known as the Illuminati. A good read. As with Da Vinci, the story has a lot of cool locations an gives some good history and interesting facts on the papacy. The rest is just made up. Something to keep in mind when reading fiction.

Right now I am working on Twilight by Stephanie Myers. I believe it is a young adult book, but is still very good. There is a vampire in it and I always enjoy a good vampire story. The best though is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Pretty accurate as far as a fictional story can be.

My friend introduced me to a great site recently called Book Mooch. This free site connects you with people all over the world and allows you to find books for free. Here is how it works: after you sign up you begin listing books you own that you don't mind getting rid of. This gives you 1/10th of a point. When someone request one of your listed books, you get a full point. With these points you can mooch books off other people. You don't pay anything for them, you only pay to mail off the books others want which is cheap if you do it as media mail (I mailed 9 last week for $20...most of that was because I sent one to Finland which you don't have to do international if you don't want). If you can't find a book you want, you add it to your wish list and you will receive an email when someone does add it. Pretty cool. I have gotten rid of a load of books that I have been unable to sell on Amazon.

While mailing said books, I encountered a very rude postal worker. I placed the package going to Finland on the counter and she tossed at back at me and said (with a tone) that I forgot my return address and then was confused at to why I didn't know to fill out a customs type something. Then she quite visibly rolled her eyes and sighed when I placed the remaining packages on the table. You know, I understand that it must be a tough job. Yet I don't think its right that those in tough jobs are rude to others. You chose the job. I had to mail packages...sorry, but there is no reason to be rude towards me for it. Stamping my packages is your job. I also get that people have bad days, so maybe that's all it was.

The NBA Finals are under way and the Celtics lead 2-1 (best of 7). I guarantee that it will go to game 6 or 7. I have always felt that playoff series are fixed. Think about it. The longer the series goes the more money the players, coaches, teams, organization and networks make. I'm not quite sure how they work it out, but it makes sense. Might be something like, "Okay Boston wins at home, Lakers take 2 at home and then you both can duke it out." If anyone saw the game last night, it was a pathetic show by the Celtics. It was like watching first graders shooting...or players missing shots on purpose. Especially in a series featuring the Celtics and Lakers. That is a money maker. Plus, in recent years the NBA Finals has not been pulling in the viewers. A series like this is good for everyone.

Finally, there has been a heat wave in New England this week. Last time I looked around 2 pm yesterday it was 98 degrees with a heat index of 105. Very warm for this time of year and insanely humid. Anyway, the news stations were reporting school closings due to the heat as well as cooling centers. I found this interesting. Here, things shut down when it reaches 100 outside. In TX things shut down when it begins to sleet. As my sister said, "Can't we meet in the somewhere in the middle?"

Click here to see more.

Maria Chapman's Funeral Service

2008-05-27T11:06:00.006-05:00

UPDATE: Click here for videos.

Jim Houser, one of Steven Curtis Chapman's managers, posted a blog describing Maria's funeral service/celebration. On it you will read of God's love, the heart of family and friends, and see some pictures.

Please check it out at by clicking here and remember to keep the Chapman family in your prayers.

For those of you who wish to do more than offer up prayers (which is quite powerful in itself), the family is asking that donations be made through Shaohannah’s Hope, the foundation created by the Chapmans to assist people in the adoption of childrenb. Please visit Shaohannah’s Hope by clicking here. or visit the Official Steven Curtis Chapman website.

In My Prayers

2008-05-22T06:56:00.015-05:00

I had been planning many observations and reviews for my next blog posting on here, but after hearing the tragedy that struck one of the biggest names in Christian music...it all seemed irrelevent.

For those who haven't heard, Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter Marie Sue was killed in an auto accident this week. An article can be found at FOX News.

Other than his contribution to Christian music, the Chapman family have been active in missionary work in China which has included the adoption of three children. They have also formed Shaohannah's Hope, "a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption."

This tradegy hit me hard and I cannot imagine what this family is going through. My prayers are with them and the sole purpose of posting this blog is that you will stop and say a prayer for them as well.

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all to soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Cinderella from This Moment by Steven Curtis Chapman

Observations from Atlanta International

2008-04-30T11:18:00.003-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of being stuck at the Atlanta Airport for over 24 hours. I have always been a fan of people watching and got my share of it while there. I also learned some valuable information that I will now pass on to you.

Overheard

"Well actually, Reagan was President until 1992 before he resigned for health reasons. Clinton took over after than then the Bushes."

"But daddy, other people peed on the floor!"

"In order for me to make things more organized, I need you all to do the following: please form two lines...one for Kansas City and one for Philadelphia. This will help move things along quickly. Thank you." - Delta Employee
Notice there is no mention of where these lines need to form.

"These Celtics are the greatest basketball team ever"
10 minutes (and an Atlanta lead) later ...
"This team [is horrible]. They will never win anything!"
Later in the game after Boston regains the lead...
"This team is wicked awesome! No one can stop them!"

Observations
Ever notice that those riding on those "people mover carts"are generally those with no luggage and no problems. Also, do those drivers have the right to run me over if need be?

It is entertaining to walk the wrong way on those moving sidewalks. Even more fun to look confused and proclaim "I can't seem to get anywhere" as people come by.

Walking briskly, I can make it from one end of Terminal C to the other in under 8 minutes. After that it takes much longer.

Little known fact - people eat the following at 7 am: seafood, Burger King (not breakfast food), and Chili's. Some do it with coffee.

It's shocking enough that airport shops sell adult content, but it is more surprising to see some on buy alot of it. Still more surprising to see him looking at it while waiting for his flight.

Never ask one of the "gate keepers" where you are on the standby list. They will get angry and say "it's on the screen".

Likewise, never tell a gate keeper that the aforementioned screen is black. This leads to instant death.

Simply having a baby at the airport equals worried looks from others. It is fun to sit near people at other gates to bring about that "oh please don't let them sit next to me" feeling.

Finally, being stuck in the airport is nothing like Tom Hank's movie The Terminal...though I swear I saw an over weight version of Catherine Zeta Jones.

The Next Step

2008-04-11T21:03:00.004-05:00

Former Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee isn't just fading into the background since his campaign came to a close. Awhile back it was even reported that he may consider running again in 4 (or 8 in McCain wins) years.

"What about now?" Huckabee supporters may be asking. For those who remember, Huckabee said that he would keep his website up and running to keep people informed of what he plans to do next (he stated his desire to stay involved). I just went by his site today and the countdown to its new unveiling has begun! Mike Huckabee's new site will be available on April 15 so be sure to run by and check it out at http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis

2008-04-09T07:46:00.008-05:00

None of my pointless ramblings and observations for this post. I have a wonderful friend (farrel) who was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Doctors told her family that she probably wouldn't make it past the age of 8. She is now 25 years old.

CF is a non-contagious, life-threatening chronic illness affecting 70,000 people worldwide (30,000 in the US). "A defective gene causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and often results in fatal lung infections. This mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing difficulty for us to absorb nutrients and grow in a healthy manner.

As with most costly illnesses, there is no known cure for CF, and maintaining the illness costs between $85,000-$100,000 a year, depending on drugs and treatments needed, as well as the frequency of hospital and doctor visits. However, continuous research has enabled the life expectancy of CF patients to improve dramatically...In 1955, it was rare for a child diagnosed with CF to make it to elementary school. Today, more than 40% of the CF population reaches 18 and older, and our average life expectancy is reaching into the mid-thirties. However, with the ever-expanding awareness and fund-raising, many are reaching their 30s, 40s, and beyond."

The Great Strides Walk is the CF Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. The 2008 Great Strides Walk will take place at Six Flags Over Texas on June 8. Farrel has set a goal of raising $5000 via sponsorship. 90 cents of every dollar raised is invested in vital CF programs to support research, education, care, and maintenance.

We all spend our money on pointless and passing things. We go out to eat when we could all save money (and weight) by eating at home. We buy the most expensive electronics and products when something cheaper would be just as effective. In the end, none of these things matter. Why not use just a few dollars toward something worthy that will make an impact in the lives of others? I urge you to watch the video below and then visit Farrel's Great Strides page. To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis vist http://www.cff.org/.

Farrel's 2008 Great Strides Walk Website

Rob's Ramblings

2008-04-08T06:03:00.009-05:00

I just finished what I consider my new favorite piece of (christian) fiction. "Dead Heat" is the final book in Joel Rosenberg's political series and is an outstanding book. If you haven't read any of the books in the series, that's not a problem. The book is great as a whole or a stand alone. If you have ever wondered what America's place is in end time events, this book does a great (and frightening) job of answering that question. Rosenberg's books have a knack of predicting the future. I won't take the time to address that on this post simply because I have done it twice before (search Rosenberg on my blog). Anyway, do yourself a favor and buy a copy today.

I saw that NBC will be airing episodes of the hit show Monk (Tony Shalhoub) on Sundays. I am very excited about this. Monk originally aired on the USA Network which we don't get (we are part of that select group that boast Basic Basic Cable...please don't be jealous). I have seen only two episodes in the past but enjoyed them. Of course Sunday night is one of those evenings that watching TV seems to be impossible, but maybe I can record it (again, select group -VCR User).

Finally after a trip to Japan, California, and Canada the Boston Red Sox are home and ready for Opening Day! This is like a national holiday here in MA. Seriously, they were showing the traffic on the morning news and no one is out. It is very exciting though. Jordan's Furniture is doing another promotional this year. Last year they made national headlines when any furniture bought between certain dates at the beginning of the season would be free if the Sox won the World Series. I did my best the convince the wife that we should partake. She wasn't for it. I am not hung up on it...sigh. Anyway, this year there is a new catch. First off not all furniture is up for grabs. More importantly, winning the World Series isn't enough anymore. This time they have to sweep (they swept the last two times). I think I will pass on this one.

Please be sure to check back later this week for an important update having to do with a Cystic Fibrosis fund raiser.

Random Thoughts

2008-03-20T18:09:00.003-05:00

So we couldn't find the remote this evening and Wheel of Fortune came on after King of Queens. Why do the contestants yell? Is Pat hard of hearing? Is it because Vanna is so far away? Then again, Vanna doesn't really have to hear what letter is said anyway because those little rectangles light up for her.

Speaking of game shows, Drew Carey is a horrible fit on The Price is Right. I kept hoping he would improve and grant it, he has slightly. It is just so akward to watch him. It is like he doesn't know what to say to people. Although, he did ask a contestant something I always wondered. Upon spinning the wheel (different from the wheel mentioned above) he asked if he thought it was heavy. The college kid stared at him and said "no". Drew, now at a loss for words stumbled and then said, "oh...I thought it was. Heavy." I always wondered if it was heavy too.

What is up with Michigan wanting to charge 50 cents/gallon tax on gasoline? One word, environment. Once again it is more important than what people need. It is meant to make people more aware. Very similar to what one lawmaker in MA is hoping to accomplish. He is wanting to charge 5 or 10 cents per plastic bag at stores to help the environment. No matter that we pay 3 or 4 dollars at the pump. No matter that milk and other groceries are through the roof. Lets charge people more so that we'll stop and think "Hey wait! I am destroying the environment! What is wrong with me? This bag won't decompose for a thousand years!! What on earth is wrong with me???!" Sigh.

And these are my random thoughts for the day.

Indiana Jones 4 Trailer

2008-03-16T17:53:00.007-05:00

He may look alot older and not be quite as fit, but this movie still looks pretty sweet (at least it does in the trailer)!

Harrison Ford returns in the Steven Spielberg directed
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Opening May 22, 2008

Fun with Google Earth

2008-03-12T19:28:00.008-05:00

I am sure many of you are farmilar with Google Earth (which can be downloaded by clicking here). The newest version allows the users to explore the universe and see stars, galaxies, planets and constellations (simply select "View" on the toolbar then "Switch to Sky").

In the same way that you search for a city or a road, you can type in a star or whatever and fly to its location. Just for fun I typed in "Nash" and there just happened to be a star with that name. But this isn't just any star, oh no. The Nash Star is part of the constellation Sagittarius (the star is on the most eastern point of the constellation). Useless news for anyone else out there, but still fun to play around with.

Creepy Picture of the Day

2008-03-10T21:32:00.005-05:00

As I am sure many of you saw/read today, Governor Spitzer resigned due to some unfavorable activities. The story doesn't interest me, but this picture did.

Huckabee 2012

2008-03-07T12:07:00.002-05:00

Thought you read the last about Mike Huckabee on my blog? Well guess again. I just received this news from the GOP USA Newsletter:

NewsMax
Just days after officially dropping out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Mike Huckabee is already making plans for a possible run for the White House in 2012.

“We want to stay in touch and start now building a platform to continue addressing issues that brought us together in the first place,” Huckabee said in an e-mail to supporters on Wednesday.
“We will keep our Web site up and as we transition, will want to create a way to keep in touch and continue the battle for our families, our freedom, and our future.”

Huckabee intends to use as a model Ronald Reagan’s efforts following his failed run in 1976 and leading up to his success in 1980, the Washington Post reports.

Huckabee Bows Out; My Endorsement

2008-03-05T09:24:00.006-05:00

With Republican Senator John McCain sweeping VT, RI, OH and TX in last night's primary, he is officially the Presidential nominee for the GOP. Congratulations to him. It is a nice thing for him because I know who tried for this eight years ago against our current President. He had a dream/goal and did not give up on it and now here he is.

For the past year, I have been working to support former governor Mike Huckabee. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve such a fun and upstanding man who has a tremendous faith. He too had a goal and refused to give up on it until the opposition had officially won. He did not drop out when everyone else said he should. He did not worry about the numbers. He continued to walk in faith and spread the message he felt was so important to America. I do not think it was wrong of him to stick around in the race. I think it showed his spirit and faith. He reminded us that we have a choice. Much like those pundits who said Huckabee should drop out, it seems that the media also tries to tell us who we should vote for (honestly, up until recently how many of you even knew about Huckabee?) by who they give the most air time to. So thank you Mike Huckabee for staying in the race until the end and giving us not only hope, but a choice.

Now the question for Huckabee supporters is "who do I want for President now"? Obviously most will automatically go to McCain since he is the GOP Nominee. That is fine. As I have said throughout the election though, I urge you to know your candidate. Research what they stand for, how they have voted on issues and what they want to do for our country. Do not just take the tidbits you hear on the news and go from there. Do not even just check out their official website. Research and vote for the best possible choice.

So then, who will I be endorsing? Well I am glad you asked. I am throwing my support behind a candidate who is virtually unknown compared to the others. He is young, good looking (according to some), charismatic, energetic and believes that we can change this nation for the better. I think you all know who I am talking about...

That's right. I am throwing my hat into the race. I will run as an independent for the To Be Named Later Party. I won't steal speeches from my friends. I won't say that I have never been proud of my country. I won't take my opponents pictures and make them darker or lighter. I don't have a wife whose eyes look like they will suck out your soul if you stare into them for too long (you know who I am talking about, though I suppose their are two possibilities). What will I do? I will have that information for you in the weeks to come. I think I will rent Air Force One, Dave, Independence Day and a few other films so that I can get some ideas. After all, we always like the President when they are in a movie. So until we speak again, God bless you and God bless America.

I am Robert of Robert's New Land and I approve this message.

Huckabee's Final Stand

2008-03-04T08:04:00.006-05:00

Today boast three Presidential Primaries: Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas. Most of the news is focusing on the Democratic nominees, but I wrote this post to remind everyone that there are still two Republican nominees. I know that many people will argue that Senator John McCain has the nomination wrapped up and Huckabee should have dropped out. I disagree with this. McCain has not yet officially won the nomination. Yes, odds are heavily against Huckabee. No one is disillusioned about that. However, the whole point of voting is to let your voice be heard. Do not think to yourself "well there is no point in voting because he won't win". Let your voice be heard. Where would we be if the Colonist said, "well Britain is so much bigger than us and chances are we won't win in a war against them. We better do what they tell us." Or for my Texas friends, what if those at the Alamo simply gave up because the odds were against them. Luckily they didn't. They stood up for what they wanted. For what they believed in. It could have so easily gone the other way, but didn't.

It is okay to say that "this candidate does not represent me" or "this isn't what I want/believe in". Make your own decision. No matter what state you're in, I urge you to go out and vote today. It does matter, because it will show others that there we still have a voice. How great would it be if there was an upset in anyone of these states...to know that your vote was a part of it. Know your candidates. Know their views. Know what you want. Go out and vote for who you want.

Democrat or Republican, please let your voice be heard today.

To learn more about Republican Candidate Mike Huckabee, click here.

The Lost Beatle?

2008-03-03T11:10:00.001-05:00

Okay, so this toddler may have come along too late to be part of the great band, but he may have a shot at American Idol one day. He does make Hey Jude his own which is something Simon always says to do. Paula would just say he is cute and would want to "hang him from [her] rear view mirror".

One thing is for sure, the kid has a better voice than I do!

SW Airlines Hates Pretty People?

2008-02-28T19:54:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: Just saw an interview with these two girls on FOX 25 News. The girls are saying that they never said that they were thrown off because they are "pretty...I said we were throw off because we are decent looking." Our mistake. Plus, they know that is the reason because one of the flight attendants, while talking to another attendant, said "the blond girl over there." I am pretty sure we can all understand and see how that translates into them being jealous of their "decent" looks. Per our news anchor, "these girls need a good talking to from their parents."

Original Post: Ah...what is the world coming to when even the beautiful are discriminated against? This article from FOX News (originally reported by Tampa Bays 10) is pretty funny. Notice that none of the workers on SW Airlines said anything about the girls looks, only the girls themselves made those comments.

No doubt these girls were on their best behavior and the flight attendants just wanted to risk their jobs because they were jealous. Read and decide for yourself. I italicized my favorite my part.
----------------------------------------
Two attractive 18-year-olds claim they were escorted off a Southwest Airlines flight for being too pretty, TampaBays10.com reported.

University of South Florida student Nisreen Swedberg and friend Sarah Williams said the flight crew was rude to them from the start of their flight from Tampa Bay to Los Angeles on Feb. 14, TampaBays10.com wrote:

“I think they were just discriminating against [us] because we were young decent-looking girls. I mean, nobody else on the plane looked like us except us,” Williams told TampaBays10.com. “[The flight attendants] were like older ladies. We were younger. Who knows, they could have been just jealous of us because we were younger.”

Southwest defended its actions, saying it was the women who caused a disruption on the flight. They were released about two hours after the plane landed, and no charges were filed.

President Bush Hits One Out of the Park Upon Meeting Red Sox

2008-02-28T09:15:00.003-05:00

Not sure how much coverage this received outside of MA, but President George W. Bush met the World Champion Boston Red Sox yesterday at the White House. This is a common tradition - the current President will usually meet with each championship sports team.

Anyway, one of the characteristics I love about President Bush (and in other people too) is that he can poke fun at himself. One of the players on the Red Sox is Daisuke Matsuzaka (nicknamed Dice K) and he is our pitcher from Japan. President Bush said about him, ""His press corps is bigger than mine, and we both have trouble answering questions in English."

CHA CHA Search Engine

2008-02-26T20:05:00.004-05:00

I’m working with a new company whose aim is to change the way people find answers on the go. This search engine is called ChaCha and you can find quick, accurate answers by searching.

Not by a computer? Try ChaCha on the go by texting your question to 242242. You’ll get an answer straight from me or one of my co-workers right on your phone.

Want to help? You can join me working with ChaCha - a revolutionary company that lets you decide your hours and workload! And you can work from home or anywhere you have a wireless Internet connection. Visit https://www.chacha.com/guidesignup and make sure you enter my email address in the referral box (robertnash17@gmail.com). After you fill out the “Become a Guide” page and HQ sends you an invite to continue, you will start the registration and screening process. This is a fun way to make some extra side money and find new information online.

Huckabee on Saturday Night Live

2008-02-24T19:19:00.003-05:00

Republican Presidential Canidate Mike Huckabee appeared on the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live on February 23. This was the first new episode of SNL since the strike began. Huckabee receved very good reviews for his appearance. Better yet, perhaps it will remind people that he is still in the race and can pull some upset on March 4 in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. Be sure to vote and enjoy the video!

Robert to Texas: "REMEMBER HUCKABEE!"

2008-02-21T11:09:00.004-05:00

I want to make a plea to all my fellow Texans (I am a Texan by birth, so I am trustworthy here): When you go to the polls on March 4, remember you have more than one choice for your Republican Candidate for President. Former Governor Mike Huckabee is still in this race and an victory in Texas would say that loud and clear to the rest of the United States. Know who you're voting for and what they believe in.

If John McCain is the "true conservative" then why is having to try so hard to prove it to people? If he is the only conservative, then why is the GOP still divided over him? You have a choice. I urge you to check out Mike Huckabee's website to learn more about him. The video below his from his rally in Plano, TX last night. They were expecting only 500 people but were surprised (and pleased) to have over 2000! Those Texans know a good candidate when they see one. I hope the rest of you will too.

Huckabee in the Cayman Islands

2008-02-19T10:23:00.005-05:00

GOP Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee was in the Cayman Islands over the weekend and delivered an inspiring speech to a group of college students. This video is about five minutes long and is well worth the listen.

Care Bear Story Correction & Self-Defense

2008-02-18T14:47:00.010-05:00

Slightly over two years ago, I re-posted an article that another blogger commented on. This article was about a child who accessed a pornographic web site while trying to find a Care Bears web site. The article (2/6/2006) from Yahoo states:

A metro area parent was shocked recently when her daughter stumbled across a pornographic Web site while looking for a cartoon site.

Tracy O'Neal said her daughter, Stephanie, was looking for the Web site of the Care Bears, the cuddly cartoon characters, but because of a missing hyphen, the daughter unexpectedly found a porn site.

"I was repulsed," Tracy O'Neal told KMBC's Martin Augustine.

"All of a sudden, here comes up a lady and her pants were pulled down, and she was showing her bottom ... I will probably never go back on that site again," Stephanie O'Neal said.

"If that Web site has predators behind it, they need to be stopped. These kids don't need to be in this type of business. They don't need to see it," Tracy O'Neal said.

The mother said she'll be watching her daughter's Internet activity more closely from now on.
---------------------------------------------------

Now, on the same day the other blogger posted their article (back in 2006, no typo) I was literally in school and did not have much time to write anything of my own (and it had been a while since I had). I stated that I was quite busy and would post an update soon. I then said that I wanted to repost this article found on this other blog. The person who posted the article made some comments about the family being rednecks because the mother said her daughter would "probably" never go back. In my copy and pasting of this other person's blog, I did not mean to take their comments as well. Yes, I should have double checked, but did not. My mistake.

Since then, I have been blaseted three time for this article. Once by the mother and another by a stranger. I wanted to contact these people directly but both hid their contact information making it impossible for me to do so. So I post this blog, almost two years after the fact to clear the air. As I already said, I was not the one who made the comments. I suppose that wasn't clear enough or that those who read skipped ahead from my update and went straight to the article.

First let me address the mother, Tracy O'Neal. As she so kindly reported, it was not her that said "will probably never go back" but he child. So that person who read the article misread and then judged. Fair enough and apologies. I too misread the article.

To the person who found the article while looking online for Care Bears and came across my site then posted under a totally unrelated article: I am sorry my re-posting upset you so much. However, you accused me of making assumptions, questioned what kind of Christian man" I am, said you were appalled by me, and then called me an "as*".

I found it sort of ironic since you called me out on making assumptions and then assumed a load about me. I only wanted to pass on the info about how easy it is to find garbage online. I did not mean to re-post another persons comments. Lesson learned: check and re-check posts. I never called you or your family a redneck, beacause I don't know you. I never said that rednecks aren't Christians. I do agree with you though. I too believe parents should closely monitor what their children do online. I believe no child should have their own computer in their room. I think it should be in an open area of the house so parents can know what their kids are up to. I used to teach and know all too well what trouble even kindergarteners can get into online.

I also agree with you that people spend way too much time online. With that comment one may wonder why I am taking the time to write this post. Well, I feel the need to defend myself when a stranger says I am not a good Christian man and when they say I am making assumptions when I didn't do anything to begin with. However, this article and it's comments clearly upset people so most of all I want to say I am sorry to them that they were offended. Those who know me or comes to this site often should know from other posts that I (hopefully) never say anything like what I was accused of. Since it was so confusing and and offensive, I have now deleted that other posts and put this one in its place. Since there was no way to contact those the blog offended, I have made this new post. Hopefully they will come across it again.

I think we should all take a cue from the Care Bear theme song and strive to "be a Care Bear and fill the world with love. To be a Care Bear is what I’m dreaming of. We’ll make a great pair. We’ll stick together through and through like glue."

Huckabee Video: Why He's In It

2008-02-15T12:05:00.004-05:00

Blog Note: I have turned off the auto-play feature on the music player. To listen to music, simply press the play button.

Huckabee explains to Neil Cavouto his thoughts on Romney's endorsement of McCain as well as why he is still in the race.

McCain Receives Funding From MoveOn's George Soros

2008-02-13T15:14:00.002-05:00

Receieved this article from another Huckabee blogger and wanted to pass it on to everyone. It is about "the true conservitive" John McCain.

"As Sen. John McCain assumes the GOP front-runner mantle, his long-standing, but little-noticed association with left-wing donors such as George Soros and Teresa Heinz Kerry is receiving new attention among his Republican critics.

In 2001, McCain founded the Alexandria, Va.-based Reform Institute as a vehicle to receive funding from George Soros' Open Society Institute and Teresa Heinz Kerry's Tides Foundation and several other prominent non-profit organizations.

McCain used the institute to promote his political agenda and provide compensation to key campaign operatives between elections."

To read the rest of this article, please visit Massachusetts for Huckabee.

The Writers Strike & Your Favorite Shows

2008-02-13T07:15:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: THE WRITERS STRIKE HAS COME TO AN END. MOST WRITERS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN WORK AS EARLY AS TODAY!!

Oringinally Posted 2/12/08 - So the end of the Writers Strike may finally be at hand and crews could go back to work as early as tomorrow. The question is though, what shows will be producing new episodes for the remainder of this season? What about fan favorites such as Lost, 24, House, Smallville, Supernatural, The Office, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, Two and a Half Men, ER, and so on?

TV Guide informs you of the fate of the above shows and many more. Check out the link by clicking on this sentence. This page is updated hourly so if you do not see your favorite show listed, check back later.

Also, the new deal for writers is not official yet, but looks extremely promising. It will be voted on today if the writers will go back to work ASAP and next week they will vote on the new deal. Stay tuned for updates.

Potomac Primary

2008-02-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

Though you may not know it from watching the news, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is still in the race for the GOP nomination. Last week after Mitt Romney dropped from the race, Arizona Senator John McCain was proclaimed the winner, but one can't be named "the winner" when other candidates are still in the race.

Yes McCain has a large lead on Huckabee, but the nomination can still go either way. I like the fact that Huckabee hasn't dropped out of the race. He believes he is the right man for the job and believes he can still win. He is sticking to his principles and his dream and I respect that. Today Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland vote and there are still many states after that. On Saturday Huckabee won 2 out of 3 states (lost Washington, won Louisiana and Kansas though LA didn't give out any delegates because it was close). This thing is still in reach. Though it can be argued that Huckabee has a few liberal tendencies, John McCain has many more. McCain is the one who has frolicked through the fields with the big named liberals such as Ted Kennedy. McCain tried to push amnesty for all illegal immigrants. And in this writers personal opinion, McCain is a bit of a loose cannon. I appreciate his service to our country and can't imagine what it is like to be a prisoner of war, but that doesn't automatically qualify a person to be President.

Before you go out to vote, please know all the facts. Know why you are voting for a candidate. Don't vote for someone "just because": you recognize their name better, of their gender or race, the news/media says the candidate is obvious conservative/liberal choice. Is any candidate flawless? Will you agree with everthing they say and do? No, but you don't go out and vote blindly for the other person "just because". Know where each person stands on the issues and then make your own choice.

I'm Robert of Robert's (New) Land and I approve this message.

Learn about Mike Huckabee by clicking on this sentence.

Prince Caspian

2008-02-11T15:08:00.001-05:00

You may have seen one preview during Super Bowl 42 or online, but here is the official trailer for the upcoming Prince Caspian film. Prince Caspian is the second book (the second one that was written) in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis.

Winston Churchill vs. Sherlock Holmes

2008-02-04T17:32:00.000-05:00

What is the main difference between Winston Churchill and Sherlock Holmes? Obviously one was a real person and one is ficticious. Aren't sure which one is real? You're not alone. FOX News featured this story on February 4, 2008:

One in four Britons don't believe wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill existed, according to a recent survey.

Churchill is compared to Florence Nightingale and Sir Walter Raleigh, seen by many survey respondents as a mythical person, the London Daily Mail reported Monday.

The survey, conducted with 3,000 respondents to test their general knowledge, reported other historical figures such as Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, Cleopatra and the Duke of Wellington were made up for books and films, the Mail reported.

The survey, by UKTV Gold, also found that Sherlock Holmes was a real person.

"This suggests a complete lack of common sense and respect for our greatest heroes of the past," Barnett said.

Well, at least Americans aren't alone now when it comes to a complete lack of common knowledge. It would be cool if Sherlock Holmes was an actual person, but that is a topic for a different time.

A Perfect Ending

2008-02-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

Well Super Bowl 42 is in the books and it is truely a perfect ending. Oh maybe not for the oh so wonderful and powerful Patriots who fall one game short of "pefection". They will end this season with an 18-1 record. It is perfect in terms of justice though.

At the beginning of the year the Patriots were caught cheating. They received a slap on the wrist through losing their draft pick (pick 31 out of 32), but that doesn't matter anyway because they will get a top ten pick via trade with the 49ers. Then it was discovered Coach Belichick had an entire library of video tapes spanning years (and their past Super Bowl victories) and those were simply destroyed.

As the season progressed, those "classy" Patriots began pounding teams. In one game in which the Pats had a huge lead, Belichick put "god-like" Brady back in because the other team scored a touchdown...even though the game was still way out of reach. No matter. The Patriots were amazing! Unstoppable! No matter that six of those wins came against the three other teams in their division. Those teams were a combined 12-36 on the season. In fact, the Patriots played only 4 playoff bound teams. Outside of those teams, their opponents were 50-46. Not exactly a tough mission. Impressive? Yes, they were good, but the greatest ever? Not in my opinion. Against teams with losing records and toward the end of the year the Pats seemed to crumble against these lesser teams. Nevertheless, the Patriots were hailed as perfect. In fact their destiny seemed to be written in stone. Media pundits hardly mentioned the Giants. All that mattered was the 19-0 mark. Perfection.

So for some of us (a very small group where I am at) this was a perfect ending. A team received exactly what it deserved. I think we all saw how classy Belichick and the Patriots were at the end of the game when they simply left the field. Yes there was that whole 1 second left on the clock, but they still left. Classless. Congrats to Eli Manning. I think its cool that both he and his brother Peyton have won (and back to back, what are the chances).

Cute Video:"Charlie Bit Me"

2008-02-01T19:39:00.000-05:00

FL Primary Results

2008-01-30T06:34:00.000-05:00

McCain won the Florida Primary with 36 % of the vote. Romney came in a close second with 31%. The real news is that former front runner Rudy Giuliani is planning on bowing out of the race and throwing his support behind McCain. Governor Mike Huckabee states that he plans on staying in the race, turning his attention now to next weeks Super Tuesday.

The Clintons won the fake Democrat FL Primary.

Looking Ahead: The Dark Knight

2008-01-20T15:24:00.001-05:00

Had a few spare moments today and was reading the review for Cloverfield on the Rotten Tomatoes site when my eye caught a wonderful site. A few movie posters for the upcoming The Dark Knight film.

I am looking forward to this film. Batman Begins did a great job bringing back the darker side of Batman. This film should add to that with the introduction of The Joker who in the comics is a vicious, insane, murderer (I know...with a name like "The Joker" you'd think he'd be more fun). There are a handful of posters that you can check out at Rotten Tomatoes Dark Knight page.

After that, be sure to check out the great new trailer for this film. Be sure to pause the music player above. The film won't seem as cool with Michael Jackson singing.

The Dark Knight opens this summer.

Huckabee Momentum

2008-01-09T16:48:00.000-05:00

I was notified by a few people about a new Huckabee site. It is a great resource on Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and is designed to gain support around this surprise politician. Have questions on Mike? Heard some questionable comments on his record as governor? This site can provide information and answers. Please take a few minutes to check it out.

http://huckabeemomentum.com/

Huckabee Wins!

2008-01-03T23:18:00.000-05:00

Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee won the Iowa Caucus tonight. He took 38, 605 of the votes compared to Romney's 28, 267 share. On the other side Obama topped Hilary with 37.6 of the vote. In fact, Hilary came in a close third to John Edwards.

Next up, New Hampshire (this coming Tuesday).

Congrats to Huckabee!

The Father's Gift

2007-12-24T04:13:00.000-05:00

Every human faces trails and adversities in their life. A week ago, my wife and I welcomed into this world our first child. He weighed in at only 5 lbs 8 oz but seemed healthy. About 14 hours after he was born though, he began to experience problems with his breathing. His respiratory rate would sky rocket and plummet in the course of one minute. He was eventually taken up to the neo-natal unit (the intensive care unit for babies) and hooked up to oxygen, an IV and monitors. Obviously a stressful site for any parent.

The next day as I was getting ready, I began/continued to pray that he would improve and be able to come home soon. I thought of him connected to all those different things and how much trouble he was having breathing. Then I began to think God for all the prayers He had already answered. For the baby, for a healthy pregnancy, for a fast delivery, for good doctors and nurses who were taking care of him.

It was then that I began to ponder how God let His son endure such pain. He sent Jesus into this world knowing the horrendous pain He would endure. I could no longer fathom how a Father would allow their son to face such suffering. Not just the agony of the cross, but to take on all the sin of the world and its punishment. The perfect Son of God....born so small and innocent would one day be ridiculed, beaten, whipped up to the point of death, had nails driven through his wrists and feet, spit upon, and hated. I prayed asking how God was able to do that. All I could think was if it were in my power I would never let any harm came to my child. I love him too and to see him in such pain would kill me. I would do anything to take his place.

Then my eyes were opened to a truth Ialready knew, but now could fully understand. God does love His son, yes. But God loves us too. We are God's sons and daughters as well, and He could no longer watch us live in such pain and darkness. God did what most parents can only think about doing in that situation...He took our place. He took our sin, our punishment and our death and gave us the opportunity to wipe the slate clean. That is how much God loves His children. He loved us enough to take our place.

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:11-13

See, while Christ's death and resurrection does cover everyone’s sin, not all will be forgiven. We all must choose to accept this gift. We choose through believing that Christ is God's son, that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross and rose from the grave three days later. Knowing that Christ paid the price for our sins, we must ask Him for forgiveness. He will freely give this gift; you must simply believe and trust in Him. I can offer anyone a free gift, but it doesn't mean you have to accept it.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that your greatest gift will be from your Father.

Holy Floating Crosses Mike!

2007-12-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

Huckabee has a way of using what little campaign money he has to turn short commericals into a media frenzy. A while back I posted his ad with Chuck Norris which everyone buzzed about. Now Huckabee has a commercial that is less of a campaignish commercial and more of a Christmas, excuse me, holiday card.

The commercial caused a stir up here because of a "fglowing, floating cross in the background" which is actually nothing more than his bookcase. Was it positioned that way on purpose? Who knows. If it was, brilliant! If not, even cooler!

Apparently though any one in public office (even though at this time he isn't) isn't allowed to say Merry Christmas. Even the Catholic League says he was wrong which I find disturbing. View the video for yourself below and then hope over the the Associated Press by clicking here to read the article. I can't repost it here due to copyright. No need to get sued this time of year. The article was written by Liz Austin Peterson.

Huckabee Left His Heart in San Francisco

2007-12-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

Article from Reuters.com

By Adam Tanner
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has made dramatic gains in California but still trails front-runner Rudy Giuliani, according to a poll released on Thursday.

The Field Poll conducted December 10-17 found 25 percent backing former New York Mayor Giuliani, unchanged from October, while former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee's support rose to 17 percent from 4 percent over the same two months in California, the biggest prize of all the primaries.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had 15 percent support, followed by Arizona Sen. John McCain at 12 percent, according to the poll of 322 likely Republican voters that had a margin of error of 5.7 percentage points.

Although Iowa and New Hampshire, which hold the first two presidential nominating contests early next month, have dominated the candidates' attention, California will select about one-fifth of the delegates needed to choose the Republican and Democratic candidates who will face off in the November 2008 election.

Californians go to the polls on February 5, so-called "Super Tuesday," when more than 20 states hold primaries.

Giuliani is considered more liberal on issues such as gay rights and abortion than many of his Republican primary rivals. He rose to wide prominence for his role leading New York City after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher who has been praised for his likable manner on the campaign trail, has risen dramatically in polls nationwide in recent weeks.

The Field Poll found a sharp drop in support for actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson to 6 percent from 12 percent over the past two months. Another 18 percent were undecided.

A Field Poll released on Wednesday found 36 percent of likely California Democratic voters back New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for the nomination, down from 49 percent in August.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama ran second with 22 percent, up from 19 percent in August. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards was third with 13 percent in the survey, which had a margin of error of 4.7 percentage points.

Most of those who defected from Clinton appear to have landed for now in the "undecided" column, which has grown to 20 percent from 12 percent in August.

In a state where Democrats are by far the strongest party, both Clinton and Obama were far ahead of the top Republican candidates in a theoretical match-up posed by the poll.

(Editing by Eric Beech)

Mike Huckabee Shines at Iowa Debate!

2007-12-12T17:39:00.000-05:00

Republican candidates had another debate today in Iowa and Mike Huckabee is receiving great reviews! This is awesome news since, in recent weeks, he has been hammered by opponents.

Read the article from ABC News by clicking here.

It's better to give...

2007-12-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well I am finished with my final semester at Curry College! As of 4:15 am on Saturday morning I put a period on my final research project. I decided Friday to just stay up and do it instead of spending an entire weekend working on it and everything else. Though tired the next day I was glad to be finished. I am still in the adjust mode...I feel like I should be doing something instead of knowing its okay to sit down and relax. Probably by the time I get used to it, Little Man will arrive (which is fine by me). The semester officially wraps up next week when finals end on the 21st. My last class will be Wednesday though...if I go. It is Senior Seminar which we don't get a grade in. I will probably chicken out and go anyway though. Either way, I have nothing else to turn in so as far as I am concerned, its all over. Sometime before Summer begins I hope to begin work on a Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Seminary. They have a wonderful online/from home program that will make it possible for me to work on since I will soon be a stay-at-home daddy.

So that is the current update from here. Weather has "warmed" back up to normal (highs are usually in the 40's this time of the year). We are supposed to get some snow/ice tonight which is always a fun Monday commute. I love the view out of our back window though. The small lake is frozen and all the bare trees have that cool blanket of snow on them. Very Winter Wonderlandish.

One more note before I head to dream land. The San Francisco 49ers are having a dismal season. They were the trendy pick to win the NFC West at the beginning of the season, and came out of the gate winning their first two. Since then they have gone 3-10. Talk of the coach being fired has begun as has rumors of their franchise QB (number 1 draft choice just a few years ago, Alex Smith) being let go. Now normally at this point fans get excited about a losing season because of a high draft choice. However this year we won't get that. You see, in the last draft we made a trade with a certain team. That trade included our first round draft pick. So we won't get our top pick. What is worse is who does receive that pick. A certain team caught cheating at the beginning of the season, who was slapped on the wrist and lost their pick, who plays smugly by pouring on the points will be receiving our draft choice. Yup, the Patriots will receive a (presumably) top 5 draft pick next April. Grant it they will probably trade it, but it still stinks.

And that is all I have to say about that! Sometime in the next two weeks I hope to write my Christmas Blog and then my annual Year-End-Review so be checking back for those!

Mike and Chris

2007-12-03T16:24:00.000-05:00

Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee (former Gov. Arkansas) was on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace a few weeks back. I am sure there are other postings of this already out there but found it worth sharing anyway.

Please click here to be taken to the link.

Props to my dad who emailed me the article!

Mike Sherman Hired

2007-11-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

Texas A&M hired former offensive line coach (1989-1993 & 1995-1996) Mike Sherman to replace the debacle of a coach that was Dennis Franchione.

I was wondering what others thought about this hire. I know Sherman more from his time with the Green Bay Packers, but know that coaching in the NFL and NCAA are two different worlds. As far as tradition goes, it is a great hire for A&M. Sherman coached under R.C. Slocum who is basically royalty in Aggieland (as it should be).

So will Coach Sherman be able to turn things around for the Aggies? Can he take them to the next level? Post a comment and let me know what you think (both Aggies and NCAA followers welcome)!

Best. Campaign. Video. Ever.

2007-11-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

Huckabee's first campaign video. Enjoy!

Huckabee and The Planet

2007-11-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

Just finished reading an interview in which Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee discusses his views on global warming and what should be done to curb it.
========================================================
Should you heart Huckabee? The jovial former Arkansas governor famously shed 100 pounds in two years and became an outspoken health and fitness advocate, and now he's focusing that can-do attitude on a much weightier problem: America's beleaguered energy system.

"The first thing I will do as president is send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence," he proclaims on his Web site. "We will achieve energy independence by the end of my second term." The goal may sound admirable, but even if it's achievable -- and many experts doubt that it is -- Huckabee's plan for getting there is light on specifics. Rather than spell out what steps he would take, he talks of creating a market environment that encourages innovation, and he praises just about every energy source you can think of -- nuclear, "clean coal," wind, solar, hydrogen, biomass, bio diesel, corn-based ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, oil from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other untapped domestic areas, and, yes, conservation too.

A conservative Republican and devout Christian, Huckabee believes he has a biblical responsibility to protect God's planet from climate change, even though he's not convinced that climate change is largely human-caused. But mandatory limits on greenhouse-gas emissions make him squeamish.

To read the rest of the interview from www.salon.com, click here.

=========================================

In another article from RTT News, Huckabee discusses his views on abortion:

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, who is gaining in the polls, said Sunday that he believes that individual states should not be able to decide if abortions should be legal in their jurisdictions, adding that the right to life is a moral issue.

"If morality is the point here, and if it's right or wrong, not just a political question, then you can't have 50 different versions of what's right and what's wrong," Huckabee said in an appearance on the “Fox News Sunday” program with Chris Wallace.

"For those of us for whom this is a moral question, you can't simply have 50 different versions of what's right," the former Arkansas governor added.

As for his rival Fred Thompson's endorsement from the National Right to Life Committee, Huckabee said he was puzzled by their choice.

"But my surprise was nothing compared to the surprise of people across America who had been faithful supporters of right to life," Huckabee said.

"Fred's never had a 100 percent record on right to life in his Senate career. The records reflect that. And he doesn't support the human life amendment which is most amazing because that's been a part of the Republican platform since 1980," Huckabee said.

Thompson on Sunday said that Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision allowing abortion, should be overturned, but states should be able to decide whether to allow the procedure.

"We need to remember what the status was before Roe v. Wade," the former Tennessee senator said in a pre-recorded interview on ABC's "This Week" program.

As for Huckabee, Thompson said: “He's pro-life, but he's liberal on everything else. Like taxes, illegal immigration enforcement.”
===============================================

Finally I find a cool website through msn.com this evening. It is a matrix that breaks down each candidates views on the issues. Check out this matrix by clicking here.

Happy Festivity Month and HA HA HA to You!

2007-11-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

Heard both of these unfortunate stories the last two mornings on my local FOX station's morning news show.

An employment company in Australia suggested that their Santa's say "HA HA HA" instead of the traditional "HO HO HO" because it may frighten children and offend women. It seems that the outcry against this possible change prompted the company to back track and state that they could say "HO HO HO".

The second report regards Lowe's. They are racing to fix their "holiday" catalog because they labeled their trees (gasp) "Christmas Trees"! The horror! (Yes, this is true and not some fake report. Click here if you doubt old Rob.)They decided it would be better to call them "Family Trees" as to not offend anyone. On my way to work though I couldn't help but wonder if these family trees might offend someone without a family. What about the single guy or girl who wants to buy one? Wouldn't they be offended by the use of "Family Tree"?

I was discussing this with my co-worker and she brought up a very obvious point that most people don't seem to get. What about all the other holidays? You never hear anyone saying that Kwanzaa or Hanukkah is offensive. "Maybe the word menorah offends me," as my co-worker said. I tried to explain that it is mostly related Christian things like holidays or people praying (see previous post) that get attacked. Say something about one of the above two holidays and you will be labeled a racists. Say something about Christians and no one bats an eye.

Here is the thing. I am cool with you celebrating your holiday, but don't tell me how to celebrate mine. Honestly it makes me sad. Was Jesus born in December? I have no clue, but this is when Christians (hopefully) celebrate his birth. It is sad that year after year a little bit of this celebration is chipped away. One day we will wake up and December 25 will be labeled "Festive Day", and some where down the road we will probably be arrested for going to church. I feel bad for those who don't understand it. So I decided that I will change my 'holiday terminology' as well. I am subtracting "mas" out of my Christmas related words. Next Friday I will put up our Christ tree so we can remember that Jesus paid for our sins on a tree. I will send out Christ cards to those I love sharing in the celebration of Jesus' birth. And on Christ Eve and Day I will celebrate the child who was born who would save mankind from the darkness.

Let It Rain

2007-11-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

Not sure if any of you have heard about GA Gov. Sonny Perdue praying for rain. Georgia has been in a drought for quite a while now, so Gov. Sonny decided to pray outside the state house for rain. Do a search online for Georgia + rain + pray and you'll find numerous articles related to this. Most are of course vicious because some one is praying. My favorite one is as follows from Wonkette.com:

"Did you know it hasn’t rained in Georgia in, like, a million years? It’s undergoing the biggest dry spell since prohibition, doggone it. And while most politicians offer practical solutions to major economy-crippling droughts — usually public statements to the effect of “suck it up and go to law school, farmers!” — Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is taking the more popular Jesus route to moisture. He has “called for Georgians to join in a prayer vigil on the steps of the state capitol, in the hopes that the heavens will unleash the rain.” Be warned, Sonny! Jesus may only give you locusts or cicadas, which are far worse.

While rabid atheists, who are the second most annoying political bloc behind rabid theists, are planning to protest the intrusion of Church into precious State, they’re completely ignoring the history at play here! As ABC News explains in its best 9th-grade science project tone, rain dances and other pagan rituals were not invented by Gov. Sonny Perdue:

Since the dawn of time, people have prayed for rain in some form — from the tribes of Africa to American Indians. And where prayer fails, science sometimes pulls through.

Prayer never fails, you lunatic ABCNews.com writer! Just look at how well things turned out for the tribes of Africa and American Indians."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

For a slightly less biased report, check out msnbc.com's report.

What you won't find (at least not as easily) is that some time after Gov. Sonny held his prayer crusade, it started raining in GA and as of this post, hasn't stopped. But don't worry, the media isn't biased. Oh and what is that high percentage of Americans that believe in God? Yet when one man has enough faith to believe God can and will bring rain, everyone scoffs. Go figure.

Week 9 NFL Selections

2007-11-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

Well this is it. The game that has been talked and speculated about for weeks now will finally occur. You can bet that we will be watching and that we may very well be the only two people in MA to be rooting for the Indianapolis Colts. Though you may not know, there are other games this week:

49ers at Falcons is a tough one. I keep picking my Niners thinking and hoping they will win. They are playing a team with one less victory than them Sunday and should win. Thus I should pick the Falcons to win.

In another "Who Cares Game", the Bills should handle the Bengals fairly easily.

The high powered offense of the Lions should overpower the reeling Broncos.

Still waiting for Vince Young to break out and have a huge game, but I suppose it doesn't matter much at this point for my poor fantasy team (he is my QB). Titans beat Panthers anyway.

Packers could be upset by the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, but I will give Farve the nod.

Both teams are up and down this season, but the Chargers should win against the Vikings.

Jaguars are a mystery because of their QB situation. They have a tough defense which will keep them in any game. They are also 3-0 on the road. Jags beat Saints.

Redskins should be hungry after last weeks loss to the Patriots. Skins beat Jets.

Here is another interesting game that will be overlooked. The Cardinals are a better team than their 3-4 record indicates. As are the Buccaneers (4-4). The Cards are young though and 1-3 on the road. Bucs win.

Browns have a good offense going this year. Seattle is in that crazy NFC West Division where up is down and black is white. I give the Browns a "W" in an upset.

Texans will have their 2nd string QB in as they face the Raiders. The Raiders will try out journeyman Josh McCown (I believe he is from Jacksonville, TX) at QB. Texans had a good game in their loss last week...Texans win in Oakland.

Will Tony Romo have a down week after signing a 6 year extension with Dallas? I doubt it. Cowboys spank Eagles.

Steelers hand Ravens another loss on Monday night.

Now, what about those two undefeated teams? Of course everyone is talking about the Patriots. I am pretty sick of listening to the radio news shows out here trying to justify the coach running up the score. Apparently it is okay because they used to be horrible so they earned it. Oh and because they were called cheaters, so the players are out to prove themselves so take that. Give me a break guys! Whether they cheated in that game or any game has nothing to do with being conceited and cocky. In the same way, their running up the score and being punks has nothing to do with their game versus the Colts, whom no one seems to be talking about. Most writers would agree that this Colts team is better than last years squad that won the Super Bowl.

The Colts have beat some tough defenses this year too. Have they put up as many points as the Pats? No, but winning is winning. The Colts opponents thus far have been much better than the Pats. The Colts have so far played and beaten: Saints (easy win), Titans, Texans, Broncos, Bucs, Jaguars and Panthers. A majority of those teams have a winning record and all except the Saints and Panthers have a wicked stingy defense. The Pats meanwhile have beat up on the Jets, Chargers (not nearly good as last year), Bills, Bengals, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins and Redskins. With the exception of the Redskins, all have cruddy defenses. The sad part is that the Pats schedule remains soft after this game, almost like the NFL is begging them to win.

I believe the game will mimic last years AFC Championship match. Could be "last team to score wins" game. And I believe that the Colts will be that team. One point to remember. Regardless of who wins, it doesn't decide anything. Despite what it is being called, the winner of this game will not be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the day. It is just another regular season game. If either of these teams had even one loss, it wouldn't be nearly as big of a deal.

There's Something about Hilary

2007-11-02T23:19:00.000-05:00

Most of you have probably heard about Hilary Clinton's debacle at the Democratic debate this week. The other male canidates "ganged up" on the Senator. The bigger issue of the night was her back and forth commitments. What does this woman stand for? Where does she stand on the issues? From her answers, it would appear to be both sides. Clinton of course insists that this is untrue and that the men are simply piling it on her because she is a woman and she is in the male run political race. In fact she said this (in a more drawn out fashion) at her old all girls college just the other day (along with stories about boys in her room, which we are all so interested in).

However, in in the smallest statements, Mrs. Clinton seems to flip flop.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCORD, N.H., Nov. 2 — Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama tangled on Friday over whether women should be treated equally to men in the boxing ring of presidential politics. At the same time, Mrs. Clinton backed away from her “pile-on politics” strategy that portrayed her as the lone woman under assault from the six male candidates at the Democratic debate on Tuesday.

“I don’t think they’re picking on me because I’m a woman; I think they’re picking on me because I’m winning,” Mrs. Clinton said at a news conference at the Capitol after filing papers to run in the New Hampshire primary.

For the full New York Times article by Elisabeth Bumiller, please click here.

World Champions!

2007-10-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the Boston Red Sox who completed a 4 game sweep of the Colorado Rockies last night. Bostonians can finally sleep easy again, and on time. Those late games kill, but the fans just couldn't turn it off.

My only regret is this: Jordan's Furniture had a promotional sale before the season started. Buy anything you want from their store (no limit) and if the Sox win it all it would be free. I pleaded that we should go for it, but my wife is the one of reason and is always right so I relented. Alas, it looks like I was right (for those keeping score, that is Jennifer 184 Robert 2). Some people really cleaned up. Someone where I work bought $3000 worth of furniture and at Jen's work they redid their entire home. Darned if you do... Regardless, Go Sox!!

Week 8 NFL Selections

2007-10-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

Lions over the bears...as it would be in the wild.
Steerlers bounce back against Bengals
Titans win over Raiders
Browns beat Rams...and what is a Brown anyway?
Giants one up Dolphins across the pond
Eagles beat Vikings...as it would not be in the wild.
Colts easily handle Panthers making Manning first player to beat all 31 teams
Bills over Jets
Chargers over Texans who seem now to just have been a tease much like the...
49ers fall against Saints
Bucs over Jaguars
Patriots over Redskins making Brady the SECOND player to beat all 31 teams and setting up a great week 9 matchup versus Colts
And in Monday's game, Packers over Broncos

How Time Goes By

2007-10-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

The Boston Red Sox are in the World Series. In honor of that, I have put "Red Sox Songs" at the top of my list. Why is "Sweet Caroline" a Red Sox Song? Click here to find out. They play it at the games and even have a version with the fans singing. The Sox are sort of winning 9-1 (and it is only the bottom of the 5th). In their last (I believe) 4 games, the Sox have outscored the Indians and now Rockies 39-6. There is a light rain falling over historic Fenway, and bases are now loaded. Sad since there have been 2 outs for the last 10 minutes and 3 runs scored. Insane. The AL is to baseball what the AFC is to football, a powerhouse. Take the best team in either the NFC or NL and they generally pale in comparison to to the AFC/AL. I originally said the Sox in 6, but they may pull it off in 5. I give at least one to the Rockies when they travel back to Denver. I'm thinking that thin air may cause some issues. Rocky Mountain high indeed.

An interesting World Series note for you: I have been to both Fenway to see the Sox and Coors Field to see the Rockies. Both are impressive stadiums for totally separate reasons. Coors is one of those newer stadiums with an amazing mountain view. Fenway though is one of those historic parks and unlike any other I have seen. Sox just scored again making it 10-1...time for a pitching change. I believe this is the first time I watched with such interest. The only other time I came close was when the Astros played 2 years ago. Didn't get to watch much of that because my wife and I were moving up here to Boston. October 23 was officially our 2 year anniversary (12-1, bases loaded and still 2 outs). I can't believe it really. Jen is still loving her position in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the hospital, I am in my last semester in the quest for the Bachelor's Degree, God blessed us with a beautiful home, and even more so we are just 9 weeks away from the birth of our son. People always ask me "do you miss your family?" I answer "well of course you numb nut"(okay maybe not exactly that way). We miss our family very much and wish we/they could be closer. However, we absolutely love it out here and know this is still where God wants us to be right now. Who knows the future, but at this time He has us here. So yes, we miss our family living here (13-1...a record for the Sox in the World Series, bases still loaded and still 2 outs) but we would miss living here like crazy if we were moved back. Kind of hard to explain.

Truly though, what an opportunity. Not everyone can say that they up and moved across the nation. I/we have been to a game at Fenway (something some people only talk about wanting to see), shopping in Martha's Vineyard, swimming on the Cape, Vermont to see the foliage, canoing and hiking in New Hampshire, rafting and lobster in Maine, apple picking western Mass, I met a 49er player for their glory days, I got a job as a teacher, I was sent to Georgia for a cool conference, and I met Ben Affleck! So one of those I made up, but you'll have to guess which one. Absolutely none of this is meant as bragging. Hardly. I am humbled if anything. I am just thankful that God has given us this experience and that through His peace and grace, He does take some of the sadness of being far away from loved ones away.

Also, I don't want to say our move is directly responsible, but the Sox are in the World Series and look pretty poised to win, the Patriots (whom I don't like but give recognition where it is due) are undefeated and wicked talents (still possibly cheaters) and undefeated, the Celtics look hot this year with some actual big name players, and Boston College has moved up to #2 in the latest NCAA rankings. Just saying is all.

A total side note: I watched High School Musical twice last week. I may need to check my man card, but it wasn't too bad. All my students talk about it so in an effort to know them better the lead teacher and I borrowed and watched it. Now I can't get the songs out of my head (Stick the Status Quo being my fav). Here is the thing, the acting was a nightmare. Worst I have ever seen. But the songs and dancing were well performed and more importantly, it is a good clean show for children. That is a rarity these days. No violence. No sex. No cursing. It even teaches some crazy lesson about being yourself and not going along with the crowd just to be cool. Whacky I know. The only unfortunate scandal are those pics of the lead actress, but at least that is something most of the children have no clue about (unlike say Britney Spears who some how makes the local news sometimes). All that to say if you have a child, this movie is great for them. There are preschool children where I work who know the songs and middle schoolers (and adults). That says a lot.

Just for fun, I wanted to repost this video my friend Bryan found on http://www.godtube.com/

Alright, I need sleep. Happy 2 years Boston.
And Go Sox!!!

Week 7 Picks

2007-10-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

Almost half way through the season and we still ahve two unbeatens. I expect the Patriots and Colts to stay that way until the two teams meet later in the season. Here are my picks this week:

Bills over Ravens
Bucs over Lions
Dolphins get the upset of the century against Patriots (totally joking, Patriots take it)
Saints over Falcons
Giants over 49ers
Redskins over Cardinals
Titans over Texans
Bengals over Jets
Raiders over Chiefs
Cowboys bounce back against Vikings
Eagles over Bears
Seahawks toast Rams
Steelers over Broncos
Colts over Jaguars in a close game

Last Week: 9-4 Overall: 62-25

Iowa Caucus

2007-10-17T21:44:00.000-05:00

Little Rock, AR – Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has continued his strong push toward the top of the polls in Iowa, moving into a statistical tie with former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and leading national frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by 6 percent, according to a poll released today by the Rasmussen Reports.

Rasmussen Reports, the nation's most accurate polling firm during the 2004 presidential election, indicated Romney attracts 25 percent of likely caucus participants, followed by Thompson at 19 percent and Huckabee at 18 percent, “virtually tied for second.”

Huckabee for President National Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman says these numbers are significant for many reasons, including the fact that Romney has spent far more money than other GOP candidates in Iowa.

“This poll is just the latest in a series that show Mike Huckabee gaining more support and momentum as the campaign progresses and reflects what we’re hearing across Iowa,” Saltsman said. “The surge that began with Gov. Huckabee’s stunning second-place finish in the Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll on Aug. 11 continues as the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses approach.”

The Rasmussen Reports Poll notes that the Iowa race remains “very fluid.”

“Iowans like Mike Huckabee and respect his stand for traditional values, ethical leadership and real reform,” Saltsman said. “They’re going to turn out for him in force on Jan. 3, 2008.”

According to the Rasmussen Report, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the only other Republican in double digits at 13 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain, once considered by some to be the GOP frontrunner, gets just 6 percent of the vote. Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (3 percent), rounds out the field with Congressmen Tom Tancredo (2 percent), Ron Paul (2 percent), and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Eleven percent (11 percent) are undecided.

A poll summary notes that Romney and Thompson are essentially even among men, but Thompson attracts only 10 percent of the vote from women. In fact, Romney, Huckabee, and Giuliani all outpoll Thompson for the female vote. Huckabee leads among evangelical Christians while Romney leads among those with other religious beliefs.

Huckabee Has Some Fun

2007-10-17T15:28:00.000-05:00

The Mind of Huckabee

2007-10-15T16:56:00.000-05:00

This may very well be my favorite article on Huckabee thus far. Religion & Ethics Newsweekly sat down with Govenor Huckabee to discuss faith, prayer, his life as a pastor, and why he thinks religious conservatives haven't rallied around him. It is a long one, but trust me, it is well worth your time. Side Note: this is a two post day so be sure to check out the previous post regarding a possible trend of the future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Well, I'm a little curious how your experience as a pastor is helping you on the campaign trail as you seek the presidency?

A: I think it's a great background in part because there's not any social pathology that exists today that I couldn't put a name and a face to. Doesn't matter whether it's a teen girl who's pregnant, hasn't told her parents, or an elderly couple dealing with one of them being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Those are real people to me. Those are the people I dealt with every single day. So that period of my life where I was literally touching people's lives from the cradle to grave is probably the best way I could have ever been prepared to deal with the job that ultimately is about dealing with people and understanding the incredible frailties and complexities of life.

Q: How does your faith inform your politics?

A: The best way is to say that as a Christian for me the essence of Christian faith is that you treat others as if you wish to be treated. That was the ultimate commandment of Jesus -- to love God with your whole heart, to love others as you would love yourself, and to treat others as you would wish to be treated. That's really the heart of the Gospel. So if a person is in public office your ultimate question is not how should this affect me, but if I were that person how would I want someone to deal with this issue in such a way as to best benefit that person? I think it gets easier for me. Public policy is pretty easy when you ask, you know, what would I have them do unto me?

Q: What role does prayer play in your decision-making process?

A: Prayer's important, not just as some kind of a metaphysical exercise, but I think it's a way to refresh one's own mind and motive. If you're praying, you're really looking beyond your own personal thoughts and the pressures that are around you. You're trying to get a focus on a perspective that's higher than your earthly one. You're trying to see things that are bigger than you, that are more important than you. You remind yourself that, you know, there was a world here before I came along, and there will be one after I leave. I'm not that important, but the decision I make may be, so I need to make the right one.

Q: Does it affect, though, how you come down? I mean, do you think that prayer has an impact on where you ultimately come down on your decision?

A: Oh, I would hope so. I would hope that prayer certainly lets me see things not so much from a selfish perspective. That's the main thing, to take it away from my own nature, which is that of every person, to look at things from one's own personal perspective as if the world's about me. Prayer reminds me it's not just about me. It's about all the people with whom I share this planet, and all of whom God has created, and all of whom he cares just as much about as he cares about me. He loves me no more than he does anybody else. He loves them no less than he does me. So if I'm a person of prayer, I'm going to be reminded of that because that ultimately is what prayer does. It just takes us to a level of higher thought than our own personal selfishness.

Q: What do you say to people who believe that a minister shouldn't -- a former minister -- shouldn't be president? How do you reach out to potential voters who say, "I can never see myself voting for a former Southern Baptist pastor"?

A: I can't imagine that there's still that much bigotry in this country as it relates to religion. I would hope not. It would be like saying Martin Luther King should have kept his mouth shut 'cause, after all, he should have stayed in the church and not preached justice and righteousness. Do we really say that about him? I've never heard it said. Interestingly, most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were ministers or were very active in their church, but many of them were actual ministers in their church. For us to somehow act like that people of faith are disenfranchised from being in the public square, again, I would find that disturbing, as if there is sort of a unspoken bigotry toward people of faith. And, furthermore, if that's the case then, you know, if I'm not going to be exempted from having to pay taxes and living in the real world like everybody else, then don't shove me to the side. In the case of my particular candidacy, it's not like I've just stepped from the pulpit to run for president. I was a lieutenant governor three years. I was a governor ten and a half. Among the Republicans, I actually have more executive government experience than any other single candidate running for president. Mayor Giuliani sometimes talks about his executive experience. He was a mayor eight years. I was in public office as an elected official for eleven and half, ten and a half of which was the chief executive of my state.

Q: How have you learned as a politician, or what guidelines do you try to employ in your language when you speak about religion so as to include or not alienate people who don't share your particular beliefs?

A: I understand that there's somewhat of an anxiety with certain people because I have an outspoken view on faith. I think I try to disarm people on the front side rather than wait on them to ask the question "how does it affect you?" And sometimes I'll begin speeches in front of audiences that I can sense the tension by just sort of getting it out of the way and talking about look, don't let this be something that you fear, and I'll explain why it's not to be feared, and that is, is because like every other person I'm being honest and open about my faith and how it impacts and how it affects me. I don't worry about people who talk about their faith. I worry about people who say they have it but they refuse to say that it affects them. To me that's disingenuous, or it's somehow indicative of a person who's almost ashamed of his or her faith. If it's real faith it's a part of our lives. We should be comfortable talking about it, just like I'd be comfortable talking about my allegiance to the Arkansas Razorback football team. That's not difficult for me. Why should religion be so difficult for me to talk about? It doesn't bother me if the person says, "I just don't find it important to me. I'm running for office, but I'm an atheist." You know what? I would rather a person be honest and be an atheist than claim to be a Christian but then act like they can't talk about it 'cause they're almost embarrassed to bring it up. That's troubling. If a person says here's a part of my life, it's fundamental to every breath I take, that really defines my world view, and yet I'm uncomfortable discussing it with anybody, I'd worry about a person whose faith is so shallow or so insignificant that they can compartmentalize their entire faith as if it doesn't matter to them.

Q: There actually has been a lot of God talk this campaign season. We're hearing a lot from the Democrats who in the recent past have been a little maybe skittish about dealing with issues of faith. How do you assess the role religion's been playing in this campaign, especially maybe compared to, you know, others in recent history?

A: I think it's healthy. I'm glad to see that Democrats are talking openly about faith, and I don't think it's dishonest or disingenuous. I think it's, frankly, refreshing. In the past it seems the Democrats were afraid to talk about faith from a personal perspective, and I don't know why. I would think that it's something, again, that helps people to get to know you. And whether a person says, "Look, here's my faith and here's what I believe and here's how it affects me" or even to say, "I don't really have much of a faith, so it's not a big issue for me," I think what people look for is candor out of their candidates. They just want somebody to be honest with them. So if a Democrat has faith, and they really personally practice prayer, and they're regular church goers, why shouldn't they tell us that? I think they should, and not a matter of that we ought to vote for them because of that, but just so that we get to know them a little bit. But I welcome it. I think it's a healthy part of the discourse in this campaign.

Q: Does it -- is there a danger that it might hurt some of the Republican base of religious voters?

A: I don't think so, and if it does, it does. It's still a good thing. You know, I was asked early on when there was a discussion that Hillary Clinton had about her faith, and someone asked me about that and did I think it was genuine and I said why wouldn't I think that? She was candid enough to discuss it. I think it plays a very important part of her life, and I respect that and, you know, her faith is practiced in a Methodist Church and mine is in a more contemporary Baptist congregation where we're in some ways more charismatic. But, as I said, some people eat their soup louder than others. It doesn't mean that the soup tastes any better. It's just a matter of how we approach it. That's why I think sometimes it's important for us to talk about it openly. Let people see that there are different, maybe, viewpoints and theologies and worship styles. The key thing, though, is being refreshingly candid so that we can let people look in on us, and if they decide that that makes us a nut because we believe there's a God, so be it. Let them believe that. I'm more than willing to be laughed at for my faith if that's what people wish to do. I've been laughed at before. But what I would, I guess, be more pained by would not be to be laughed at for my faith, but would be to be ignored for it.

Q: What do you -- what does learning about a politician's faith teach the voters? You know, why is that important information for a voter?

A: Mostly to let them know what their value system is. Where do they get their values? Is it from the latest opinion poll? Is it from an academic study which would change with every few years in terms of a new academic study? Or are there some things in a person's life that they believe are inherently right, or things that are inherently wrong? And if so, why are they right or wrong? And what's the basis of believing that? You know, if a person doesn't have some type of sense of moral absolutes and everything is relative, that's a signal to a potential voter that here's a person that no matter what he tells you, just remember that he's willing to adjust as culture and society adjust. If a person has a God-centered view of the world and believes that we really do have accountability ultimately not just to each other but to a Creator God who was here before us and will be here after us, then that does shape, in fact, how we look at life, and I think that's important for voters to know.

Q: Why do you think religious conservatives haven't rallied around you stronger than they have, given that you share so much of what they believe?

A: I think that in some ways the Christian conservative movement has maybe gotten off the track. I think that some of them, frankly, are more intoxicated with power than principle, and I know that's a pretty outrageous if not rather bold statement to make, but I think it's the truth. Some have become so acquainted now with power and have been so close to it that they forget that the purpose for which they got involved in politics was not to be close to power; it was to speak the truth to power. It was to hold those in power, to hold their feet to the fire over issues they said got them involved and motivated. Now I hear some of the so-called Christian leaders say, "Well, we love Huckabee. He really agrees with us, and he's one of us in terms of views. But, you know, we're looking for somebody that we're confident is going to win." Well, two things. First, a lot of these people if they would get behind me I'd be winning right now, and I think I will ultimately without them. But secondly, if they really are principled, it's not about who might win, it's about who stands with us. And, frankly, it's a little disturbing, if not frightening, that some have forgotten the essence of what Jesus taught, and that is if you gain the whole world but lose your soul what does it profit you? And, frankly, some who would say, "Well, the presidency is so important." You know, well, so what? The presidency is not as important as are your values and as are your deep principles from the heart. And I worry about people who have come to this sort of "it's about winning." No. It's about standing for your convictions. And if it's not about that, then I'm afraid that many people got involved for all the wrong reasons.

Q: Do you think they're afraid of losing their place at the table?

A: Yeah, and the tragedy is that what place at the table is there if the people who are elected don't share your convictions and therefore may give you some lip service in order to get elected? They're not going to waste any of their time and capital and energy trying to accomplish your agenda, because it's not their agenda, and that's what's happened to conservative Christians in the past. They worked real hard to get someone elected because the person knows how to go speak to them, but the person doesn't know how to speak for them. A person maybe runs for office, and he goes and presents himself to that Christian community for votes. But there's a difference if that person comes from that Christian community in really understanding it. It comes down to whether the language of the church is a second language for the candidate or if it's the native tongue.

Q: Some of the issues that are so important to that community -- abortion and gay marriage are two that seem to be up there. Are they as important in this election? Should they be that important?

A: They're important from the standpoint of giving people an understanding of where your values are and where your convictions come from. Again, if you believe that there are certain moral absolutes in the universe, then you have to believe that to take an innocent human life for one's own convenience sake would be immoral. And yet I think also the pro-life community of which I'm a part has to grow up and also articulate that being pro-life is not just saying that we care about a child as long as it's the womb, but as soon as it comes out, "Hey, kid you're on your own, and if you're sleeping in the back of a car, if you're getting the daylights whacked out of you by an abusive parent, well, that's not of issue to us." Well, it better be, because pro-life means more than just life inside the womb and during the gestation period. It means whether that child is living in a safe neighborhood, whether its schools are properly preparing him for a world out there, whether he's hungry, whether he's got a blanket over him at night. And so in many ways one of the things that I try to do is to articulate that being pro-life is not just about being anti-abortion. It's being pro-life. It's not articulating what we're against but more focusing on that for which we are for, and that is the worth and the value and the importance of every single human life -- that each person has intrinsic worth in and of themselves not tied to somebody else's worth, but their own unique worth and value. That's what separates us as a culture, as a people. It's what makes us care about six miners in the womb of a coal mine in Huntington, Utah. But it also ought to make us care about that unborn child in the womb of a mother.

Q: Some evangelicals are trying to broaden the political agenda to include more than these issues and you've -- sometimes a lot of your language seems like you're doing that as well. Where do you see that, you know, broadening the values agenda?

A: Well, we had better broaden, 'cause I think Jesus did. Jesus was more concerned about people being impoverished and people being mistreated and exploited. Those are real issues, and if we as Christian believers, particularly those of us who get involved in public policy, if we turn a deaf ear to people whose lives are being exploited, whether it's in some easy credit scheme, whether it's in the fact they're exploited for their labor and they work real hard for a company only to see the CEO take off with a $200 million bonus while they lose their paycheck and pension, for me that's a moral issue. How can you justify a hedge manager making 2200 times that of the average worker or a CEO making 500 times that of an average worker? You know, I'm a capitalist, but capitalism doesn't have to also equate with greed. And what we see in some cases today is not simply the good kind of capitalism that built a strong American economy. But it's the raw, unadulterated, sheer greed that says I'm going to be a super winner, and I don't care if all the people who help me get there are going to be super losers and can't even feed their families. That ought to be a moral issue. And there are other things. We ought to be, as Christian believers, we ought to be concerned about the environment. I think, frankly, the Christian community has a lot to answer for, for not being stronger advocates of better care of the planet for the simple reason that if I'm true to my faith, I don't believe this world belongs to me. Last time I checked it wasn't mine. It belongs to the Creator, and I get to live here. I'm, let's say, a guest, a visitor, but I don't have the right to tear it up, not leave it in good shape for the next generation.

Q: I'll move overseas. I know you've talked about the value -- the war against Al Qaeda in Iraq has a real, you've said, theological aspect to it. What do you mean by that?

A: Well, part of this war is not geopolitical. Most wars are fought over borders and boundaries and maybe over political leadership --who's going to get to be the king or who's going to get to be the, you know, the dictator? This is not fought that way. This is really a war without national boundaries. We're not fighting in a particular geographical location. Al Qaeda's alive and well in cells all over the world, on every continent and in every country. And what I mean by a theological war, it's been driven not by a goal simply to establish a geopolitical base for a country and a constitution, it's being fought over by religious fanatics and jihadists who believe that there is total marriage between religion and state and that to implement one is to implement the other. That's quite foreign to the American who doesn't really sometimes understand what we're up against and what the nature of the fight is about. Because they tend to want to westernize this whole war and make it like we would understand a war. Well, it isn't, and if we don't get that, it's going to be a long and painful process for us.

Q: Some American Muslims are a little uncomfortable when they hear language about "the jihadists." You know, they worry about how -- the impact of that language on them in their community. Well, you know, how do you -- what do you say to them?

A: Right after 9/11, I was governor [of Arkansas], and I called all the religious leaders of the Muslim faith to come and join me at the capitol for a meeting at the governor's conference room, and I held a press conference, and I asked the people of Arkansas don't hold these people responsible for what radicals within their greater umbrella of faith are about. I think you'd find an incredible of level of support in my home state among Islamic leaders because they know that no one was quicker nor more strong to their defense after 9/11 than I was. What I think that the Islamic leaders need to do -- the legitimate and serious and moderate leaders -- is to take a very bold and public stand against the jihadists. Nobody can do it with more credibility. No one can better help to show that there is a real difference between the radical jihadists and people who practice Islam as a matter of personal preference than could the imams and others who can articulate that.

Q: I'm wondering what you miss most about Beach Street Baptist Church [in Texarkana]?

A: I think probably the, just the sort of closeness of the community that one has in a local church. And as a pastor you really were such a part of the fabric of people's lives, the best and the worst of moments. And there was a sense of belonging that was based not on people who are questioning your every statement and every move, but who loved and wanted you to be a part of their life. The big difference between politics and pastoral ministry is that in both cases you're on a pedestal. But my wife once said it best when she said that you're on a pedestal both places, but in the church they want you to be on that pedestal. They appreciate you're being there, and they fight to keep you there. They want you to do well. In politics you're on the pedestal, and all kinds of interests are doing everything they can to knock you off of it, so you're constantly sort of having to be on your guard or fear of what's out there.

Q: Are you able to get to church very often on a campaign trail? How do you try to do that?

A: Yeah. I try to always make it a point to be in worship. When I travel, I typically will try to make sure that I can be in a church on Sunday. If for some reason I'm traveling on Sunday and can't, you know, there are times it's unavoidable. But if I'm home in Little Rock I'm always in my own home church [The Church at Rock Creek], which I wish I could be at more often, because I absolutely love my church. We have a magnificent congregation. It's only about 11 years old. It started with 25 people. It now has over 5,000 people worshiping there every weekend and just a phenomenal group of people who reach out to about everybody imaginable. And it's quite a homogeneous church of people that I often say you just will find the greatest level of diversity there, and that's what I think attracts me to it so.

Q: When you're on the campaign trail and there's so much pressure and everything, how do you keep your own spiritual fires burning?

A: I try to maintain a daily time of devotion in my own life, prayer and meditation, and try to read a chapter in the Bible every day. One thing I've done since I was 18 is read a chapter in Proverbs every day, and with 31 chapters you go through the whole book each month, and it's a great source of wisdom to stimulate your thought and to make you think thoughts higher than what you're going to get from the front page of the paper. But I also find that it's just important to be surrounded, too, by people to whom you're accountable, and there are several close friends that have been my friends long before I ever got into politics who have a sort of unfettered access to me and the right to challenge me personally, who will contact me either by phone or by e-mail or however they can get a hold of me and just to check up on me, and that's important.

Q: What has running for president taught you spiritually?

A: Well, I guess the main thing I've learned spiritually is that it requires an extraordinary level of stamina that I don't naturally have, and I don't think anybody does. But the other thing I've learned maybe from a spiritual standpoint in running for president is that nobody has all the answers. People sometimes expect if you're running for president you can answer every question about everything -- that you're going to know everything. The truth is no one of us do, and I think rather than fake it sometimes it's just important to say I don't know. I don't know. And that's the best answer, because it's the most honest one.

Copyright 2007 Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1106/interview.html#right

Old Fashioned Robot Lovin'

2007-10-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

I really figured animals would be legalized before this, but hey I'm the old fashioned guy who likes marriage between a (biological) man a woman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sex and marriage with robots? It could happen!
Robots soon will become more human-like in appearance, researcher says.

By Charles Q. Choi
Special to LiveScience
Updated: 6:05 p.m. ET Oct 12, 2007

Humans could marry robots within the century. And consummate those vows.

"My forecast is that around 2050, the state of Massachusetts will be the first jurisdiction to legalize marriages with robots," artificial intelligence researcher David Levy at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands told LiveScience. Levy recently completed his Ph.D. work on the subject of human-robot relationships, covering many of the privileges and practices that generally come with marriage as well as outside of it.

At first, sex with robots might be considered geeky, "but once you have a story like 'I had sex with a robot, and it was great!' appear someplace like Cosmo magazine, I'd expect many people to jump on the bandwagon," Levy said.

The idea of romance between humanity and our artistic and/or mechanical creations dates back to ancient times, with the Greek myth of the sculptor Pygmalion falling in love with the ivory statue he made named Galatea, to which the goddess Venus eventually granted life.

This notion persists in modern times. Not only has science fiction explored this idea, but 40 years ago, scientists noticed that students at times became unusually attracted to ELIZA, a computer program designed to ask questions and mimic a psychotherapist.

"There's a trend of robots becoming more human-like in appearance and coming more in contact with humans," Levy said. "At first robots were used impersonally, in factories where they helped build automobiles, for instance. Then they were used in offices to deliver mail, or to show visitors around museums, or in homes as vacuum cleaners, such as with the Roomba. Now you have robot toys, like Sony's Aibo robot dog, or Tickle Me Elmos, or digital pets like Tamagotchis."

In his thesis, "Intimate Relationships with Artificial Partners," Levy conjectures that robots will become so human-like in appearance, function and personality that many people will fall in love with them, have sex with them and even marry them.

"It may sound a little weird, but it isn't," Levy said. "Love and sex with robots are inevitable."

Sex with robots in 5 years
Levy argues that psychologists have identified roughly a dozen basic reasons why people fall in love, "and almost all of them could apply to human-robot relationships. For instance, one thing that prompts people to fall in love are similarities in personality and knowledge, and all of this is programmable. Another reason people are more likely to fall in love is if they know the other person likes them, and that's programmable too."

In 2006, Henrik Christensen, founder of the European Robotics Research Network, predicted that people will be having sex with robots within five years, and Levy thinks that's quite likely. There are companies that already sell realistic sex dolls, "and it's just a matter of adding some electronics to them to add some vibration," he said, or endowing the robots with a few audio responses. "That's fairly primitive in terms of robotics, but the technology is already there."

As software becomes more advanced and the relationship between humans and robots becomes more personal, marriage could result. "One hundred years ago, interracial marriage and same-sex marriages were illegal in the United States. Interracial marriage has been legal now for 50 years, and same-sex marriage is legal in some parts of the states," Levy said. "There has been this trend in marriage where each partner gets to make their own choice of who they want to be with."

"The question is not if this will happen, but when," Levy said. "I am convinced the answer is much earlier than you think."

When and where it'll happen Levy predicts Massachusetts will be the first jurisdiction to legalize human-robot marriage. "Massachusetts is more liberal than most other jurisdictions in the United States and has been at the forefront of same-sex marriage," Levy said. "There's also a lot of high-tech research there at places like MIT."

Although roboticist Ronald Arkin at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta does not think human-robot marriages will be legal anywhere by 2050, "anything's possible. And just because it's not legal doesn't mean people won't try it," he told LiveScience.

"Humans are very unusual creatures," Arkin said. "If you ask me if every human will want to marry a robot, my answer is probably not. But will there be a subset of people? There are people ready right now to marry sex toys."

The main benefit of human-robot marriage could be to make people who otherwise could not get married happier, "people who find it hard to form relationships, because they are extremely shy, or have psychological problems, or are just plain ugly or have unpleasant personalities," Levy said. "Of course, such people who completely give up the idea of forming relationships with other people are going to be few and far between, but they will be out there."

Ethical questions
The possibility of sex with robots could prove a mixed bag for humanity. For instance, robot sex could provide an outlet for criminal sexual urges. "If you have pedophiles and you let them use a robotic child, will that reduce the incidence of them abusing real children, or will it increase it?" Arkin asked. "I don't think anyone has the answers for that yet — that's where future research needs to be done."

Keeping a robot for sex could reduce human prostitution and the problems that come with it. However, "in a marriage or other relationship, one partner could be jealous or consider it infidelity if the other used a robot," Levy said. "But who knows, maybe some other relationships could welcome a robot. Instead of a woman saying, 'Darling, not tonight, I have a headache,' you could get 'Darling, I have a headache, why not use your robot?' "

Arkin noted that "if we allow robots to become a part of everyday life and bond with them, we'll have to ask questions about what's going to happen to our social fabric. How will they change humanity and civilization? I don't have any answers, but I think it's something we need to study. There's a real potential for intimacy here, where humans become psychologically and emotionally attached to these devices in ways we wouldn't to a vibrator."

Levy is currently writing a paper on the ethical treatment of robots. When it comes to sex and love with robots, "the ethical issues on how to treat them are something we'll have to consider very seriously, and they're very complicated issues," Levy said.

Levy successfully defended his thesis Oct. 11.

© 2007 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.

Quick Picks

2007-10-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

WEEK 6 Picks

Vikings over Bears
Browns over Dolphins
Packers upset Redskins
Bengals over Chiefs
Bucs over Titans
Eagles over Jets
Jaguars over Texans (too much defense for this young squad)
Ravens over Rams (make this a formula "x over Rams = always)
Cardinals over Panthers
Cowboys over Patriots (really more of a who I want to win selection. will it happen?)
Chargers over Raiders
Seahawks over Saints
Giants over Falcons

Last Week: 11-2 Overall: 53-21

Huckabee in Newsweek

2007-10-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

Huckabee was interview by Newsweek in their latest web edition. Because of the length I will not repost the entire article here, but will include some of the Q&A. In the article, Govenor Huckabee talks about his campaign finances, Hilary Clinton, and why he is in the race against such tough competition. As always, Mike Huckabee answers the questions amazingly well.
Be sure to check out the full article here.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Oct. 11, 2007 - Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee seems well-suited to win a core Republican constituency: conservative Christians and other “values” voters. The Arkansas preacher and former governor is pro-life and opposes same-sex marriage. He’s also articulate and amiable, and he plays a mean bass guitar. So why doesn’t he get more backing from hard-core conservatives? Even as his poll numbers inch up—he’s at 12 percent in Iowa, and has 7 percent support nationwide in a recent Gallup poll, up from 4 percent in August—he hasn’t attracted significant financing. He raised only $1 million in the last quarter, compared to $11 million for the front runner, Rudy Giuliani. Recently, Huckabee met with a group of correspondents and editors in NEWSWEEK’s Washington bureau to make his case. Excerpts:

Why don’t you seem to be doing better with the Christian conservative crowd?
They’re out there saying they are desperate for a candidate; they don’t like Giuliani or other people. You seem to fit in most ways what their ideal candidate might look like. And yet when we raise your name with them, they say, “Well, he can’t win.”Well, you keep telling them that and that will help a lot. [Laughs.] It’s beginning to change: In Iowa I’m tied with [Fred] Thompson; I’m several points ahead of [John] McCain. People are beginning to realize that with a very limited level of resources, we’re in the same hunt as these guys ... Sometimes people will pose the question to me: is it disappointing about the money you’ve raised? And I say, “No, from my perspective, I’m amazed at how far we’ve gotten. When I look at how much money some of these guys have spent, if I were them, I’d have to be on a couch getting some serious counseling, because it would be very depressing to [have spent] tens of millions of dollars …” In some cases they’ve written checks out of their own accounts for a bunch of dough, and they’re barely polling ahead of a guy who has been tagged as "he’s not raising much money."

What were your dealings with Hillary?
Personally, I didn’t have a lot of dealings with her; I had more with her husband. And even those were somewhat limited, because it wasn’t like we were hanging out together. But I understand something about some of her passions and priorities. I know a lot of the people she was very close to. Arkansas is a small enough state so that everybody knows everybody. Heck, most everybody is kin to everybody, so it even gets more intimate than that. So, I know her to be a person of incredible discipline, extraordinary focus. Very different from her husband, who is the ultimate accommodator. She is not a natural accommodator. She may evolve into that for the campaign, but it is not her basic nature to accommodate the opposition … You know I always had, frankly, a decent and good relationship with her and with Bill Clinton and see no reason that I wouldn’t continue to, even if we were opponents. It doesn’t have to be uncivil. But I do think the Republicans tend to underestimate her, because I hear a lot of them say things like, “I hope she’s the nominee; boy, that will energize the base.” What they don’t understand is it will energize her base, too, and that’s a pretty good-sized base.

You’re behind in money and polls in a big way: what is your path to leapfrog past Romney and Giuliani and McCain and everybody else.
You say you’d be great against Hillary Clinton, but how do you get there?First of all, people forget: four years ago it was Howard Dean and Dick Gephardt duking it out for first and second place in Iowa, and when A and B start fighting, C often wins. And so, I like being C. It’s a much better position than being the dead carcass of A or B … I mean I’ve got as much cash on hand right now as John McCain and no debt. Has he raised more money than me? Sure he has. But he’s spent more money, and I’m ahead of him in many of the national polls and certainly in the Iowa polls. So am I better off or worse off than he is? I’d say I’m better off. I haven’t laid anybody off, I haven’t fired anybody. I didn’t have to borrow money.

Read the full article here.

Huckabee and the Debate

2007-10-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

Since the debate's always seem to focus more on three other canidates, here are some remarks regading Huckabee's performance last night:

Steven Pearlstein of the Washington Post: "Judged by who can offer a serious approach to economic policy, the hands-down winner in the Republican race so far is Huckabee, who combines intelligence, candor and comfortable familiarity with the issues and a practical approach anchored in solid conservative beliefs."

Amber Arellano of the Detroit News: "Huckabee offered up sensible policy ideas on energy and terrorism. He also scored major points among many of us in the Rustbelt -- and anyone concerned about the downward economic pressure on the Middle Class -- when he pointed out the future need for unionism."

Blogger Bull Dog Pundit from Ankle Biting Pundits: "Mike Huckabee: Another good performance. Like McCain he really taps into the economic anxiety that many people feel, especially in Michigan. I almost wish Huckabee had more money, because I think he could compete with the big boys and give them a run."

Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone: "That Mike Huckabee hasn’t caught just a little bit of fire is a mystery to me. He’s charming and funny, and always seems reasonable..."

David Brody, CBNNews.com: "Mike Huckabee was good tonight. He struck many populist themes and his trademark humor was on display. What may have been the key moment tonight for him though was his answer on congressional war approval. He made clear that he would be decisive in determining what to do if war was imminent. Huckabee was forceful in his answer."

--------------------------------------

I posted two other articles in the past 24 hours so please be sure to check those out as well!

Texas Tech Bans Shirt

2007-10-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech has banned the sale of a T-shirt bearing the likeness of Michael Vick hanging the dog mascot of rival Texas A&M.

The red and black shirts, with text that says "VICK 'EM" on the front in an apparent reference to the Aggies' slogan "Gig 'em," was created by a Tech student who was trying to sell them before Saturday's game in Lubbock.

The back of the shirt shows a football player wearing the No. 7 Vick jersey holding a rope with an image of the mascot Reveille at the end of a noose. Vick, who faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal dogfighting charge, is suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

Tech officials late Tuesday announced the fraternity that sold the shirts was suspended temporarily and will face judicial review for allegedly violating the solicitation section of the students' code of conduct.

The school said it wouldn't allow the sale on campus of items that are "derogatory, inflammatory, insensitive, or in such bad taste."

No more shirts are being produced, the school said in a release.

A&M officials, in a statement, thanked Tech administrators for "their response and action regarding this matter."

To read the rest of this article click here

Huckabee Knows What He Likes and Likes What He Knows

2007-10-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

Below is an article on Huckabee's website about this weekends Iowa Poll. It is probably something that news stations/sites will neglect to mention, but that is what we're here for! Congrats Huckabee!
------------------------
Little Rock, AR - Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today "welcomed news" that a new Des Moines Register poll ranks him No. 1 among registered Republican voters in Iowa who have "made up their mind" in the 2008 presidential election - and No. 3 among GOP candidates overall.

"This victory is really good news," said Huckabee about the October 7 poll of likely caucus participants. "This poll confirms that the field is wide open - and that my campaign continues to surge among likely voters."

Huckabee scored first among the voters (about one-fourth of those polled) who have made up their mind, with 19 percent, and third place among all potential Republican voters, with 12 percent. The former Arkansas governor also scored very well among religious conservatives, coming in third with 18 percent.

Huckabee has surged since his strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll. Support for the other GOP presidential contenders who were included in a Des Moines Register poll taken last May has essentially flat-lined or eroded.

"Voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina - and all across America - are looking for a strong conservative leader with a consistent message, results-driven record and positive vision for America's future," said Huckabee. "This new poll reflects what we're feeling on the ground: that my campaign is on an upward trajectory in Iowa and other key battleground states."

---------------------------------------------
In other Robert Land News, we returned today from our three day trip to beautiful Jackson, NH. The trees had begun to turn brilliant colors and we had a great time there as we always do. We stayed again at he Snowflake Inn which is by far the nicest place I have ever been. The owners take care of everything you could possibly need. Saturday, we walked across the street to a restaurant and the hostess was uber rude so we left. When we returned, the front desk lady asked how our meal was so I told her what happened and then turned my attention to their swell DVD selection. As I was looking, the front desk lady went and told the owners (who live on site). Momma Owner quickly stormed out and placed a call to the mean restaurant and chewed them a new one. I only felt slightly bad that someone may have gotten in trouble (though the hostess at the mean restaurant was an older lady who should know better) these feelings quickly passed as I watched Robin Williams in "Man of the Year".

Another great thing about Jackson/Conway, NH is the gluten free restaurants. Rafferty's has an entire gluten-free menu identical to the "normal" menu. We went there 3 times and I was able to order pizza, chicken tenders, onion rings, dessert....ahh to feel normal again. There was also an Italian restaurant, but we didn't make it there due to being so full from Rafferty's.

We also went canoing (sp) and on a short hike to Glen Ellis Falls, both of which were a lot of fun. I will post pics later this week!

And congrats to the Boston Red Sox who wicked embarrassed the Angels this week. It is really funny. I was never a major baseball fan. I liked the Astros (still do) but was never obsessed wit them. I had interests if they made the playoffs, but just watched for a score on the news. Loved going to the actual games though. Since moving here though, I have turned into a huge Sox fan. I know the player's names, I keep up with their rotations, I checked the scores everyday, watched the games online (not live, but that little updater thing sites have) and this Wednesday I did the unthinkable...I listened to the first playoff game on the radio as I drove home from school. Even honked when they hit a homer. What has become of me? Red Sox fever, like I said back when we went to the game. Maybe it is from being exposed to it on a daily basis or because people are so into it here or because Bryan bought me a hat before a moved. Either way, I hope they win it all.

Week 5 Picks

2007-10-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

Week 5 Picks

Houston wins in Miami
Jaguars stop pathetic Chiefs
Patriots bring Browns back to reality
Manning 2 and the Giants win over Jets
Steelers manhandle Seahawks
Cardinals keep Rams winless in whacky NFC West
Skins over Lions
Titans spank Falcons
Colts beat Bucs despite injuries
Broncos continues Chargers woes
Ravens defense beats Niners defense
Packers keep the dream season going against Bears
and Cowboys toy around with Bill on Monday Night Football

Last Week: 10-4 Overall: 42-19

Huckabee & Robert's Land Join Forces!

2007-10-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

Robert's new Land has officially become a "Mike Huckabee Blog"! Don't believe me? Go to his site and select "Blogs". Scroll down and you will eventually see Robert's New Land on the right side bar. And while you're there, why not look around and see what Mike Huckabee is all about.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Since Governor Huckabee's people were so kind to add me, I thought I'd post another video. This video states his views on the Sanctity of Life. Also, check out the post from September 27. I put in a link to numerous Huckabee stance videos, but posted my NFL picks kind of quickly so a lot of you may not have seen it. Enjoy!

NFL Week 4 Picks

2007-09-29T18:12:00.000-05:00

Here are my Week 4 picks -

Harrington will want to prove they made the right choice -Falcons surprise Texans
Jets top Bills
Anderson and Browns keep it going against disappointing Ravens
Cowboys light up the Rams
Griese to save Bears? Hardly. Lions out score Bears.
Raiders take Dolphins
Packers beat Vikings and Farve gets another record
49ers improve against Seahawks
Bucs beat up on injured Delhome (or Carr) and the Panthers
Colts beat Broncos in what could be an exciting game
Steelers over Cardinals
Chargers return to form against Chiefs
Giants over Eagles
Patriots beat Bengals

Last week: 11-5 Overall: 32-14

Huckabee Video Bonanza!

2007-09-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

I had planned on posting these, but thought it would be easier to just provide the link. The videos found there have Presidential canidate Mike Huckabee answering some frequently asked questions (Iraq, Hilary, Healthcare, Fair Tax, and Working with Congress). Click here to view them.

I heard a blurb from Huckabee regarding Hilary on the Sean Hannity show on my way home from the doctor that I loved. As reported by the Washington Post Huckabee said on Hilary, "If you can't get your lips off the backside of George Soros long enough to use those lips to say it's wrong to declare a sitting general ... guilty of treason, how would you ever expect to have the support of the very military you might have to send into deadly battle?" The man has a backbone too! I love it! Click here to read the article.

Just heard on the above mentioned show that Monday, Newt is going to look in and see if he has $30 million in pledges. If so he indicates that that is enough of a indication that he should run for President.

And on an even more important note, this is my 9th post for the month of September. Why is this important? Because it ties my previous high for posts in a month which was May 2006 (and some of those were quick filler posts). And I know I will have one more before Sunday. Very exciting times. And you should all feel special since I had to go to the doctor today and get 2 persriptions for my tension headaches that I developed from being overly busy! It just shows how much I enjoy keepin you all informed and slightly entertained. Speaking of drugs, I feel happy and think it may do me well to lay down!

Super Huckabee!

2007-09-26T21:28:00.000-05:00

Two topics in one blog. I just read this article on CBS and found it pretty interesting. Huckabee showing up to all these events that the other candidates seem too lazy to do themselves says a lot about the former Governor. Read the article here.

I also wanted to share part of his email that I received:
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Mitt Romney seems to think being "top tier" is about money. He recently made a comment suggesting that our campaign was going to need to raise $20,000,000 this quarter to be considered top tier. Well let me break the news to everyone, we aren't going to raise anywhere near that and frankly that suits us just fine.

Let me ask you though, do you think being a top tier candidate should be based on raising money a lot of money?

I know I don't. In fact if I weren't running, I would want the candidate I am supporting to say "Top Tier" should be about what you stand for and how the rest of the Republican Party feels about your positions.

Here are some of my top tier ideas:
1. I support and have always supported passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. My convictions regarding the sanctity of life have always been clear and consistent, without equivocation or wavering. I believe that Roe v. Wade should be over-turned.

2. I support the FairTax.

3. We have to know who is coming into our country, where they are going, and why they are here. We need a fence along our border with Mexico, electronic in some places, and more highly-trained border agents.

4. I believe that we are currently engaged in a world war. Radical Islamic fascists have declared war on our country and our way of life. They have sworn to annihilate each of us who believe in a free society, all in the name of a perversion of religion and an impersonal god. We go to great extremes to save lives, they go to great extremes to take them. This war is not a conventional war, and these terrorists are not a conventional enemy. I will fight the war on terror with the intensity and single-mindedness that it deserves.

As I said, we aren't going to raise a bunch of money. What we want to raise is a bunch of support for our ideas. Ames, Iowa proved that we could be outspent and out raised and still turn folks out to the polls.
--------------------------------------------
To learn more on and support Mike Huckabee for President, visit his site (link found on my sidebar).

Secondly, tonight is one of my favorites nights of the year! It is when Smallville returns from summer hiatus!! This is one of those shows that seems to grow stronger ever year. The creators are hoping for one more season after this, but that depends on how well ratings are this year. Hopefully they will be just as good as previous years!

Now is it's seventh (!!!) season, Clark finds himself ever closer to stepping into those red boots. Likewise, Lex has officially been seduced by the darkness. The season looks to be a great one with the return of Green Arrow as well as another Justice League episode, the introduction of Supergirl (though it would seem they are hoping for a spin off from this), Brainiac's return, and Clark being on his own.

When the season ended, Lex's experiment went extremely wrong resulting in the creating of Bizzaro (one of my favorite villains). For those who don't know, this is an imperfect clone of Superman (though Smallville has it's own unique twist). Bizzaro basically beat the tar out of Clark before flying off. Lana was in a truck that blew up, Chloe and Lionel were knocked out in a building that was caving in, and Lex was arrested. The season premiere promises to be a good one as they generally have been. Catch Smallville on the CW Thursday nights at 8/7 c! And for more news, visit the Krypton Site!

NFL picks to come later!

"I Believe in Evolution"

2007-09-20T15:38:00.000-05:00

No need to fear, I am not changing my beliefs. A video that will be posted further down made me think of a song by the old school Christian band Geoff Moore and the Distance: "I believe in evolution: the changing of the heart, renewing of the mind." Ahh the early 90's...so campy.

The last few weeks have been tough for me. Oh sure, I appear all happy and thrilled on here, but I have been struggling. Nothing horrible. There is just a lot going on all at once and I lost my focus a bit and started struggling with some things. Easiest way to sum it up: we are all called to step out of the boat and walk on water but, like Peter, we generally all take our eyes off Him and begin to sink. We are all involved in several conflicts while we're on this Earth. The spiritual conflict we face often becomes a struggle against ourselves. Long story short: I am trying to get my focus back where it belongs. Just need to liten to the Voice of Truth who "tells me a different story. The Voice of Truth says 'Do not be afriad.'"

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict."
- William Ellery Channing.

I have a new video on Mike Huckabee from a recent debate in New Hampshire. Being a Christian, he was naturally asked an unrelated political question. As always, Huckabee was poised and gave a fantastic answer that even made some of the other candidates raise their hand (in a praise like manner).

School is going okay. Had a test today I wasn't prepared for. The first day of class we were told that our tests would all be take home. Apparently the professor forgot these words. Luckily I B.S. well on tests. I am still digging my two computer courses. I can actually understand some HTML now. HTML is the language that all Internet is written in for those who may not know. When all is said and down I should have a web page to show for it. I was even able to read the HTML for this blog and make it not bold since my button wouldn't work. Fancy I know.

Jen was away this week so I rented "Remember Marshall". A movie about the Marshall 70's NCAA football team. Good movie that did well at presenting the history of this tradegy, but the lead actor could have been chosen better. Still worth the watch.

I had a good week NFL-wise in Week 2. The Niners are 2-0 for the first time since 1997 I believe despite a struggling offense. The Texans seem to be on the right track finally and Peyton and Company won a tough one against the team formerly known as the Oilers. There are some tough games this week so here are my picks:

Chargers finally win against Packers
Vikings top Chiefs (if their first string QB plays)
Patriots dominate Bills
Jets beat Dolphins
Lions shock struggling Eagles
Steelers beat Niners...unless the 49ers offense come alive
Rams put one in the win column against Buccaneers
Ravens smack Cardinals
Will the Texans go 3-0 versus Colts? I'd pick an upset here, but WR Andre Johnson is out so Colts have the advantage. Though, the Texans are the last team to beat Peyton.
Broncos run out of luck against Jaguars
Raiders beat confusing Browns
Seahawks take out Bengals
Panthers beat Falcons
Surprising Redskins keep Tom Coughlin's Giants winless
Dominating Cowboys defeat Bears
And in what should be an interesting Monday Night Game, the Titans beat the Saints at home.

Last Week 12-4 Overall 21-9

Added a few more songs up above. Put in some Neil Diamond (though I couldn't find my favorite "Cherry, Cherry") and Simon and Garfunkle cause I rock like that (don't you miss our lunch car rides with my choice of music Bryan?). I will take requests if anyone has a song they want on here. The one that should play first is one of my favorites. It's "Beautiful Savior" by Casting Corwns. In fact, my aforementioned struggles are put into perspective by a verse in that song: "I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer. I will sing of The Lamb that never fails...of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared, of death defeated and life without end!" Amazing how easily we can lose faith when everything is already taken care of...beautiful Savior indeed.

I Can't Think of a Title!

2007-09-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

I saw this in the September 2 Sunday Edition of the Boston Globe. I have noticed that most comic strips are now overtly politcal - making fun of republicans and even Christians. So you can imagine my surprise when I read "Get Fuzzy" by Darby Conley.

School is off to a fast start. I still haven't managed to get into the swing of things though. It will be a long semester, but at the same time should go by quickly. I am really looking forward to my video editing course. Besides being a cake walk, it also sounds like a lot of fun. We'll have to make a music video, newscast, put together a scene from Desperate Housewives and I can't remember the other thing. The worst part of this semester will be the late nights. Being at school till 10 and getting up at 5am is no fun. Yes, I know hwen Jacob is born I won't sleep anyway, but that and this are different. Will I be tired in both? Yes. But there is that certian mental exhuastion that comes from getting stuff done for school and work and prepering for baby and church and maintaining a marriage. All will be well though.

I have added a playlist to my blog. Not quite sure how well it will work, but hopefully it will be a nice addition. If you see one you want to hear, just select it. You can also turn it off using the controls. Songs I enjoy are on it (obviously) and I will add to it as we ride along in this journey called life. Ooooh! I should add some Journey on there too!

So the big story this week was all about those pesky New England Patriots. They were caught cheating at their season opener. I wish you guys could hear the fans out here talk about it. Apparently, since everyone cheats, its not a big deal. I stopped a guy cold in his tracks when I responded with, "so if your girlfriend cheats on you it's not a biggie because almost everyone does it?" There are a few people here who are not happy about it. My favorite agruments have been "the Patriots are a talented team, they don't need to cheat" and "Our coach is a genius, we don't need to cheat". Then why did they/he? The biggest reach are the ones (yes, plural) saying that the caoch did it on purpose in order to motivate the team because he is a genius. Riiiight. At least the NFL punished the team. I was pulling for a suspension on the coach. I never understand fining rich people. It's like going to McDonals and buying a few items for them. It will cost them draft picks too though.

It is at this point that I need to clarify something. A few posts back I stated that I "hate" the Patriots. I try and never use that word, but apparently I did and I apologize. I do not like the Pats though. I greatly respect their player talent and no doubt they are a good team that will make a run for the Super Bowl, but I am not a fan. I will even talk about them and watch a game here and there (like their big game versus the Chargers tonight). I just find some of their players and def. their coach arrogant. They are therefore far from my favorite team. Sorry that there was confusion.

Speaking of the NFL, here are my picks as well as a video from Peyton's stint on SNL. I emailed it to a few of you back when it came out, but it's funny enough for a second view.

NFL Picks (Week 2)

Bengals over Browns
Colts over Titans
49ers over Rams (I hope)
Packers over Giants
Steelers over Bills
Saints over Bucs
Texans over Panthers (my trendy pic of the week)
Jaguars over Falcons
Lions over Vikings
Cowboys over Miami
Seahawks over Cardinals
Bears over Chiefs
Broncos over Raiders
Ravens over Jets
Patriots over Chargers (this should be a great game)
Redskins over Eagles.

Last Week: 9-5

More on Huckabee

2007-09-07T15:58:00.000-05:00

Wanting to do all I can to support Mike Huckabee for President, I try to post what I can about him to help inform others. Being at work and school all day can make staying up-to-date difficult however. I found this blog that keeps close tabs on the former pastor turned govenor.
Please visit Massachusetts for Huckabee for additional Huckabee news. I will post this under "Other Blogs" on my sidebar which also include's his homepage link.

I am also including two new videos in which Huckabee discusses health care after the debate.

Do not simply blow off this candiate because he is not a "big name". He will soon be as well known as the others and is a much better choice.

2 Post Topics

2007-09-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

I had two things I wanted to post today, but they are such total opposites that instead of writing one giant blog, I will just do two separate, so be sure to see the one underneath this post too!

Since earlier this year, I have talked about former Governor Mike Huckabee. He started off as one of the lesser known candidates, but has quickly gained steam and support. Though I didn't see it last night (I don't have FOX News), I saw this clip on the local morning news and thought he stood his ground and answered a question regarding Iraq well against Congressman Paul...who seems to be at the wrong debate. The first clip is of that exchange, and the second is a quick post debate interview.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2007-09-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, one of my favorite times of the year! The NFL season will officially be underway tonight as the Colts take on the Saints. The following ad was in the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated and I wanted to share it.

I thought I would share my picks for the week. Not sure why, just felt like it. Will I be wrong? Possibly, but that is why I don't do it for a living. Actually a number of years back, Jennifer and I started picking for fun. It was actually a great way for her to become interested in the game and learn about it so husbands take note. It then spilled over to the law firm I worked at. It morphed from a simple "pick the winner" game to a battle of supremacy. Bonus choices were made for preseason which led to predictions for divisional winners the following year. For anyone who must know (because I am secure enough to say it), Jenn has a slight edge over me, winning the last few (all) years. Last year I lost by one game though so I feel pretty confident.

Colts over Saints
Broncos over Bills
Steelers over Browns
Eagles over Packers
Rams over Panthers
Falcons over Vikings
Jets over Patriots (I am wrong on this one, I just don't like the Pats)
Redskins over Dolphins
Titans over Jaguars
Chargers over Bears
Seahawks over Bucs
Cowboys over Giants
Ravens over Bengals
49ers over Cardinals

Enjoy the games!

Figures...

2007-09-04T16:48:00.000-05:00

Came across this story. I bolded (if that is a word) the more interesting parts.
------------------
AP: NOTTINGHAM, Md. — Elwood "Bunky" Bartlett says a New Age book store made it possible for him to become an overnight multimillionaire.

He and his wife, Denise, were on their way to the shop where he occasionally teaches Wicca and Reiki (RAY'kee) healing when they stopped at a liquor store and bought two $5 Mega Millions tickets for Friday night's estimated $330 million jackpot. On Sunday, he said one ticket was a winner.

"If it wasn't for this place I wouldn't have won the lottery," Bartlett said Sunday at Mystickal Voyage, the New Age shop.

"There's no reason to believe it's not legitimate, but it has to go through security," said Maryland State Lottery Director Buddy Roogow, who said he has spoken with Bartlett.

Bartlett, an accountant from Dundalk, said he made a bargain with the multiple gods associated with his Wiccan beliefs: "You let me win the lottery and I'll teach." Both tickets he purchased had numbers chosen randomly from the computer.

Bartlett had not decided if he will accept his winnings as an annuity or choose the lump sum cash option. The jackpot could get larger once ticket sales are tallied, Roogow said, but the lump sum payment would be at least $48.7 million, or about $32 million after taxes.

According to preliminary calculations, each ticket would be worth about $82 million if the prize were taken in 26 annual payments.

Bartlett said the money won't change him, although he plans to invest in Mystickal Voyage. "I'm going to live my life like I have been," he said.

----------------------------
I am sure the "multiple gods" (or demons) are thrilled. What is truly sad is that because of this, he will continue in his beliefs because he will think they are validated. Praying to demons can have results. Just keep this difference in mind. What God does for a person is the best possible thing (good or bad). He has a set plan for each of us that is to help us. Demons and Satan have one goal in mind, get your focus off the true God. They may promise you things, but he is the Father of Lies and could care less about your best interest. Not trying to be preachy, just felt like I needed to say it.

The Mom We All Wished For

2007-09-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

ONTARIO, Calif. — An 8-month-old boy has died after his mother told police she accidentally cleaned his nose with a cotton swab used earlier to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

Samuel Reta of Ontario was declared dead Friday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner's office.

Reta had been in a coma since police responding to a child-not-breathing emergency call early Thursday found him in full cardiac arrest. The baby also has a fractured skull, broken arm and pneumonia, police said.

Elizabeth Reta, 27, was arrested Thursday and booked for investigation of felony child abuse.

Her boyfriend Juan Antonio Sanchez Jr., who surrendered to police later that night, was also arrested on suspicion of abusing the child, officials said.

It was not immediately known if Reta and Sanchez faced additional charges now that they boy had died, police Sgt. Joseph Giallo said Monday.

Reta had told police she gave the baby a bath, and then used the cotton swab to clean his nose because it was itching, police said. She said she didn't know the swab had been used to clean a methamphetamine pipe.

It wasn't clear when the baby suffered the broken bones. Police said some of the injuries may be the result of Sanchez's attempt to rouse the baby from his seizure.

Colorado Student Files Lawsuit Over Commencement Speech That Mentioned Jesus

2007-08-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

AP DENVER — A student who said she was told she wouldn't get her diploma unless she apologized for a commencement speech in which she mentioned Jesus has filed a lawsuit alleging her free speech rights were violated.

The school district contends its actions were "constitutionally appropriate."

Erica Corder was one of 15 valedictorians at Lewis-Palmer High School in 2006. All were invited to speak for 30 seconds at the graduation ceremony. When it was Corder's turn, she encouraged the audience to get to know Jesus Christ.

Corder had not included those remarks during rehearsals.

Corder's lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, said Principal Mark Brewer told her to prepare a public apology or she would not receive her diploma. She was still allowed to graduate.

The lawsuit said Brewer would not give Corder her diploma until she included a sentence saying, "I realize that, had I asked ahead of time, I would not have been allowed to say what I did." Corder received her diploma after complying.

The school district released a statement Wednesday saying officials reviewed Corder's case when it happened in 2006 and also met several times with Corder and her parents.

"While we are disappointed that this matter has resulted in litigation, we are confident that all actions taken by school officials were constitutionally appropriate," the statement said. "As a result, we intend to vigorously defend the claims. Beyond that, it is the district's policy not to comment on pending litigation."

Brewer, who now works for Douglas County schools, declined to comment Wednesday.

Corder is represented by attorneys affiliated with Liberty Counsel, an Orlando, Fla.-based group that says it is dedicated to advancing religious freedom.

Heroes: Season 2

2007-08-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

Just a quick preview for the second season of Heroes.

If you missed season one, be sure to grab the DVD set!

Love that Triple-Pane Action!

2007-08-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

We finally have our new windows installed! That should be it on major 'repairs' to our new home for a while. I felt bad for the guy doing them. We had nine windows replaced and he was all by himself doing the job. His help had called in sick. He got here around nine on Friday and left after six. He was able to take out all the windows and put the new ones in.

He came back Saturday at eight and worked till about 5:30 installing the trim inside and out as well as caulking and all that stuff. Not bad work really for one person. I was quite impressed with Newpro. They cleaned up everything nicely, cut some wood for me to use on a different project, scrubbed the windows down before leaving...all that good stuff. It is nice to be able to lock the windows now as well as not have every bug of the night sky come in to mate with our lights. It's also nice in the bathroom - we don't have ventilation in there so it can be rather hot after a shower and of course the other more obvious problem. The window in there before wouldn't stay open. I can tell a huge difference in the whole house as far as temperature goes. All that to say it was money well spent...or borrowed, whatever.

The only real snag was having to take our A/C out. I took it out Thursday night which wasn't a problem. We hadn't used it for almost a week because it had been in the 60's. Friday was 80's...warm but bearable. Saturday however was in the upper 90's. It was nasty hot in here (and nothing like a 30 degree temperature jump to make you sick FYI). So by the time the guy left, Jennifer was more than ready for me to put the A/C back in. One look told me we had a problem I didn't want to say out loud. Yep - wouldn't fit in the window anymore. Yes it is the same size window, but I think the sill or some other part raises up high...whatever the problem, the unit was now too tall to fit in the window.

Now Jennifer and I never really have fights. If we do they last maybe 5 minutes before one of us laughs. This basically sent *everyone* off the deep end. Let's just say it was my fault that I didn't predict the future and I do take full responsibility for that. We went to our corners for a while and I went to work on a solution. I ended up putting the A/C at the dining room window. Not the ideal location, but it does work. Actually it was a better fit there, easier to install and is less of an eye sore for the living room as well as curb appeal. Once the cool air was flowing again and the furniture was put back in place, *everyone* was happy again.

All in all a loooong weekend, but things look nice now!

I love the comic strip "Zits". I started reading it at Adams & Coker and then asked Santa for the book collections after we moved here. Anyway, I came across one I wanted to share. This is also the last week of summer camp at work. Things will go back to normal finally next week. My final semester begins September 5! I ordered my books on Amazon and all too late realized I didn't change my default shipping address :(

Hope everyone has a great week!

Sorry Tyler, TX

2007-08-24T07:28:00.000-05:00

Just read a very shocking article reporting that the brilliantly created reality FOX show Anchor Woman would be canceled after only one airing. I know, I know - it's very upsetting and most of us won't be able to sleep at night. I mean seriously, what are these people thinking? A woman who has no acting much less anchoring (that a word?) experience gets a job at a struggling news station in Tyler, TX. Maybe the woman had nothing to lose, but I have to figure that it would harm the station more than help it. I would find it hard to take them seriously afterwards.

It all works out though. I think Tyler is better off with out this show. No offense (because they do this in every town) but the people they spoke with off the street weren't exactly the brightest in the box. I know Tyler is not a hick town, but FOX was advertising it like it was. Saves me a lot of heat at work and school too. Didn't want to get into any fights defending family and friends (though I would have if need be).

Speaking of getting into fights - I had an alteration at work this week with a very tall man. This guy, who will go unnamed, works at the same place I do with the older children (I am with kindergarten). We have two buses at work: one has a CD player/radio the other does not. Whoever the site coordinator is that day tells everyone which bus to get on. This particular day we got the "fun" bus. I use quotes because quite honestly I'd rather the none radio bus. I generally have to find a happy place when the radio is involved. Scary some of the songs these young children know and even scarier the dance moves they do, but that is a different post.

Anywho, as we were loading up to leave and head back from our trip, this co-worker began yelling at me for getting on the bus with the radio. Literally yelling and in front of all the students (which is a pet peeve of mine). He kept saying all this stuff about us not being fair and that our kids always get the bus (which we hadn't in over a week). I calmly told him that the boss man told us to get on this bus and he should talk to him. This really set him off. He began saying that this wasn't about the boss and it was about me and him and the fact that I am not fair. Now in print, this seems like a fairly simple conversation, but it was anything but. This guy was not going to listen to reason, he wanted his way or nothing and was basically trying intimidate me. I don't get angry very easily, but I was set off this day. Probably because I was being accused for no reason and he wouldn't listen. I finally walked away and then he began yelling at other teachers about me.

As I said this guy is tall. He is a professional basketball player (though not pro) and has played for the Harlem Globetrotters. I think I reach his mid chest region. No teaching experience, but his agent (seriously) got him the job here. He never follows the rules the rest of the teachers have to and he also finds screaming in the face of children and threatening them with jail time a good teaching method (he makes most of the kids cry which gets them yelled at more). I figured if it came down to throws, I'd make a punch for the crotch which is near my shoulder and then run. Remember kids, you don't have to run the fastest...you just can't be the slowest.

We're getting our windows replaced today so I am hanging in the basement. Pray that the guy finishes today. He said it may take till tomorrow (his help is sick) but I would love for Jennifer's sake for it to be finished today. The noise is quite amplified down here. I may take some Ambien to make it through the bulk of the day. Joking. Or am I?

More to come.

Pastors and Pews Conference: Huckabee

2007-08-16T21:52:00.001-05:00

Stole this from my best friend Bryan's blog. Glad to be able to share it with everyone. I know it's long, but at least listen to the first 2 or so minutes. You'll quickly understand why I support this man for President.

PS - I have finally changed my background colors again. As excited as I was for the Spurs to win again, it is time to turn my attention to the 49ers upcoming season.

Movie Previews

2007-08-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

This seems to be the new norm in Robert's Land: political posts followed by a movie teaser post. 10 hour days = lack of creativity. Anywho, the last one looks really good and I hope to see it before little Jacob arrives.

1-18-08

Opens 01-18-08
----------------------------

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Opens 12-21-07
------------------------------

I Am Legend

Opens 12-14-07

Huckabee Suprise!!

2007-08-11T22:38:00.000-05:00

Romney Wins, as Huckabee Takes Second in Iowa Poll (Update1)
By Hans Nichols

Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, won the Iowa straw poll, securing his status as the leading Republican in a state that has dashed the ambitions of many would-be presidents.

``This important victory sends a signal to grassroots Republican activists across the country that we are working hard to earn their support,'' said Romney, who received 4,516 of the 14,302 ballots cast, for 31 percent.

He was followed by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who secured a surprising 2,587 votes, at 18 percent. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas came in third place, with 2,197 votes at 15 percent.

With former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain skipping the event, and Romney the presumed winner, the race was largely about who would come in second.

``For all practical purposes, we won the Iowa straw poll,'' Huckabee said. ``No one gets more mileage for their money,'' he said, referring to his shoestring campaign.

Brownback, Huckabee's main competitor for second place, had a more organized Ames operation, complete an air-conditioned tent for his supporters. By contrast, Huckabee's effort was a ragtag affair in the sweltering heat. His campaign could only afford to purchase 1,800 tickets, far fewer than he needed to come in second.

Early Indication
In fourth place was Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado at 13 percent, followed by Representative Ron Paul of Texas at 9 percent and former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson at 7 percent. Representative Duncan Hunter of California, Giuliani, McCain and Fred Thompson all received a little over 1 percent.

Part political rally, part summer festival, part fund- raiser, the event on the campus of Iowa State University won't award any of the delegates that will determine the 2008 Republican presidential nominee. Nonetheless, it gives an early indication of Iowa Republican sentiment before the state caucuses traditionally held in January, mainly by determining who leaves the stage.

All week, analysts and campaign advisers have predicted that the event in Ames, Iowa, would winnow the crowded field of nine candidates. Days after the 1999 contest, Republican Senators Elizabeth Dole and Lamar Alexander and former Vice President Dan Quayle all ended their quests.

Romney had a distinct advantage in cash and organization, having raised the most money among all the Republican presidential candidates this year. The money helped Romney blanket Iowa with advertising. It also bought plenty of the $35 tickets needed for each supporter to vote and pay for buses to get them to Ames.

A strong showing in Ames doesn't guarantee success in the delegate-selection caucus, traditionally the first contest in the presidential nomination race. In 1996, then-Senator Phil Gramm of Texas tied fellow Senator Bob Dole of Kansas in the straw poll, only to finish fifth at the caucus in January. Dole went on to win the Republican nomination.

In 1979, George H.W. Bush, the president's father, won the straw poll, only to lose the nomination to Ronald Reagan, who went on to win the presidency.

To contact the reporter on this story: Hans Nichols in Ames, Iowa, at Hnichols2@bloomberg.net . Last Updated: August 11, 2007 23:26 EDT

My Favorite Comedian - Brian Regan

2007-07-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

Check out this video: Comedian Brian Regan (Live on Comedy Central).mpg

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Brief Update

2007-07-09T19:23:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update since I see that people are checking in often.

We returned from our vacation in Maine with Jennifer's parent's last week. It was good time and I have plenty of pictures that I will share later this week. I am still going through them and organizing. I threw in one to tide you all over.

We closed on our new home a week ago. We are working hard getting it cleaned up before we officially move in. I have been busy painting the basement all weekend. Next up is the bedroom, then possibly the baby's room. House warming gifts are welcome ;)

Speaking of the baby, we found out Friday that we are having a boy! Very exciting! Now we can finally register and all that fun stuff!

Finally, I wanted to post the new website for Mike Huckabee. I spoke of him a while back. He is the former Governor of Arkansas and a real stand up, Christian man who is truly humble and an overall good guy. He is the one I always bring up and people will respond with, "who?" He is quite possibly the best candidate out there for President of the United States. One of the best things he says regards pro-life. He believes that pro-life isn't just about protecting the baby in the womb. He wants us to be pro-life through out the child's life...in education, health and so on. Good point. This is one of the first candidates that I have found myself passionate about and interested in doing what I can to help. Please visit his website at http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Check back soon for all our vacation pictures!

House (redux)

2007-07-02T19:19:00.000-05:00

A few posts back I blogged the trailer poster for House, the upcoming film based on the book by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti. I came across something even better today.

House opens October 2007.
Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!

The Dark Knight

2007-06-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

Seeing as how I had nothing better to do today after being released from the ER at 2am Sunday morning, I spent some of today surfing the web. I checked into the sequel to Batman Begins and was able to find a picture of the movie's villian The Joker (played by Heath Ledger). While Jack Nicholson is a great actor, I wasn't crazy about his take on The Joker. Hopefully Heath will play the guy with a more truely insane, murdering, physcopath take. The picture does make him look pretty spooky. The Dark Knight opens July 18, 2008.