Intellectual Honesty

Does anyone have an opinion?

2007-06-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

I'm considering the purchase of instrument recording computer software and I do not now where to start. Does anyone have or now of a good program that will allow me to record/mix/re-mix/edit live music? Music like me playing a guitar, or harmonica, or something else. The program needs to allow multiple recordings to be layered in order to produce a final product.

Essentially I want to turn my computer in to a super functional, super quality music production studio.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Hopper

Wardrobe Malfunction

2007-04-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

If you remember, a while back I had a wardrobe malfunction at work. Everything turned out to be ok because nothing really happened.

Today, I had a wardrobe malfunction that was really more of a wardrobe annoyance. Here is the story.

I was walking along on the concrete, minding my own business, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere something felt weird on my shoe. I was wearing flip-flops. I looked down and thought that I had forgotten how to walk. With each step of my left foot, my shoe seemed to drag the ground. From the top, all looked well. The thong aspect of the flop looked to be in tact, my left foot was being elevated with the same amplitude from the ground as my right foot, but my shoe was still dragging on the ground.

Was something crazy going on? Did I suddenly loose some kind of depth perception, loose appropriate muscular response to neurotransmitters that should be traversing my neuromuscular junctions, or something else?

None of the above turned out to be the case. It turned out that the material on the go-between-the-first-and-second-toe aspect of the thong had frayed and therefore exponentially elongated.

I was glad that it turned out to be the shoe and not my health that had suffered insult.

I am gainfully employed...almost!

2007-04-02T16:57:00.000-05:00

Today I heard back from a prospective employer. The jury is back and ...I have a job! I will not start for a couple of weeks, but I know there is something out there!

Oh, no. Through all my excitement, I forgot to look into the blueberry cake donut availability!

For more details please email my personal email address.

I'm Done!

2007-04-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

That is right. I am officially finished with my schooling! Now, on to learning while I work!

In other news, these are some more cool instruments:

Remaining Business Days...

2007-03-15T16:15:00.000-05:00

T-11 and counting...get ready for the final count down!

Remaining Business Days...

2007-03-05T21:43:00.000-06:00

T-19 days and counting!!

A Beautiful Instrument...

2007-02-18T21:45:00.000-06:00

...to hear and look at!

I just like reading these in Spanish

2007-02-08T22:53:00.000-06:00

Si decimos que no tenemos pecado, nos engañamos a nosotros mismos, y la verdad no está en nosotros. Si confesamos nuestros pecados, él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados, y limpiarnos de toda maldad. Si decimos que no hemos pecado, le hacemos a él mentiroso, y su palabra no está en nosotros. Juan 1:8-10

Amados hermanos míos, no erréis. Toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto desciende de lo alto, del Padre de las luces, en el cual no hay mudanza, ni sombra de variación. Santiago 1:16-17

Porque no hay diferencia entre judío y griego, pues el mismo que es Señor de todos, es rico para con todos los que le invocan; porque todo aquel que invocare el nombre del Señor, será salvo. ¿Cómo, pues, invocarán a aquel en el cual no han creído? ¿Y cómo creerán en aquel de quien no han oído? ¿Y cómo oirán sin haber quien les predique? ¿Y cómo predicarán si no fueren enviados? Como está escrito: !Cuán hermosos son los pies de los que anuncian la paz, de los que anuncian buenas nuevas! Mas no todos obedecieron al evangelio; pues Isaías dice: Señor, ¿quién ha creído a nuestro anuncio? Romanos 10:12-16

Today I was in an outpatient clinic...

2007-02-05T17:40:00.000-06:00

#1 Ms. _____, here is your morning coffee from downstairs!
#2 Thank you, honey. That will do me real good! … What!! No, No. What is this?!?
#1 um…It is your coffee?…
#2 No it ain’t!! This is sweet! Like it have Nutrasweet in it or something! Girl, I ain’t gonna be drinkin this! You take it back…

Noticeable aura of confusion in the room because the nice lady was wanting to RETURN a USED coffee!

#1 Well mrs…I have to start working. Are you really going to return that coffee?
#2 You bet I am…I like my coffee like I like my men…dark AND strong!

Chuckling in the room but still an aura of confusion; did lady #2 really think she needed to return the coffee? Most people would just give it away or through it down the sink and go get another one…it is FREE!

2007-02-03T23:45:00.000-06:00

I AM MAN!!

Have you seen this commercial?

The rest of the interview

2007-01-31T05:49:00.000-06:00

Well, the rest of the day was pretty interesting. I talked to several people from different departments and liked most of what I saw. As for the group questioning, that went well too. The interviewers actually gave longer introductions than they intended. This took up some of the questioning time. When they did get to the questions it was very easy to answer because I was different from everyone else; they did seem to realize this fact.

Now I just wait until March, decide how much I really like the program or if I like it at all.

What do you think?

2007-01-30T05:56:00.000-06:00

Other blogs have played this game. I want to join. What do you make of this message?

1 small step for them, 1 giant step me!

2007-01-29T10:18:00.000-06:00

Well readers, today is the day. I am interviewing for ‘the next phase’. Actually I am currently in the middle of my interview day. Now some of you may be saying, "Hopper, why are you on the internet when you are at an interview?” There is a perfectly logical explanation to be revealed henseforth.

In my line of business the completion of training does not necessarily complete one’s training. Further training may be desired/required. I am applying for a PGY1/fellowship possition (PGY1=post graduate year 1). The thing is, the institution at which I am applying typically only accepts PGY2 applicants. Infact I am the only one here today that is applying for the PGY1/fellowship spot. The interviewing agenda includes going around to several departments and talking with many individuals. I am only applying to one, single program within the large instutitution. I really only need to impress one individual.

So, why I am blogging. Because I am the only one interviewing today for this spot, I get a break because some of the PGY2 ‘questioning’ does not apply to me. In a short while, I will reunite with the other interviewees and engage in the most strengent ‘questioning’ of the day. This is a rapid fire, group session ordeal.

I will be interested to see if the interviewers realize that I am seeking a PGY1 and not PGY2. If they do not…It will be fun to see how I answer their questions!!

Sing A Song

2007-01-15T20:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, as I am minding my own business throughout the day, songs pop into my head. Sometimes the songs are goofy and really have no meaning. Other times the songs ‘inadvertently’ remind me of the good things in life.

If you are reading my blog, chances are that you have nothing better to do. I greatly appreciate your time in checking for an update in “Intellectually Honest” and I hope that the remainder of your blog time allotment for today will afford you the opportunity to check out these great songs.

Above All Else
You Are The One
Everlasting
Meet With Me
Nothing But The Blood (Your Blood)

Funny things about my current workplace:

2007-01-10T17:44:00.000-06:00

1. I encounter Attendings (a ‘big cheese’ physician) from other services all the time; one of them talks like Hawkeye from M*A*S*H.

2. The building is broken up into ‘color zones’. If the room is in the ‘blue zone’ the room number may be “B2.1234”. If it is in the ‘yellow zone’ the number may be ‘Y4.1234’. Y=zone, 4=fourth floor, 1234=room number. I asked someone where R11.1623 was in the RED zone. After a puzzled look on their face they said, ‘boy, there IS no red zone’. I pointed to the color of the wall and said, ‘Are we not in the red zone currently?”. “No…this is the ROSE zone…but room 1623 is right around the corner.” Who would have guessed that R=rose and not red?

3. Today I saw an electrical outlet plug in the elevator. I thought that was kind of odd.

4. I introduced my self to the department medical chief. I said, “Hello, my name is OS Hopper, fourth year student.” He said, “I kind of guessed that you were a student. You are kind of shy and very polite.” I laughed and said “This only my second day.”

Interview With Chief Justice Roberts - ABC News

2007-01-09T22:56:00.000-06:00

The following is part of an interview by Crawford Greenburg of ABC's News program Nightline. I think this is one of the better aspects of the piece because this is a great example of an intellectually and historically honest view of the office of Cheif Justice.

original, full length interview

CRAWFORD GREENBURG: Now during your hearings, you said that you didn't think courts should solve all of society's problems, that they should have a more restrained view. Why not? You've got these smart people, you're up there on the bench and some of these are really hard questions.

CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: Well, you know, it gets back to something I mentioned earlier about last week when we voted. Think back to the framers who drafted the Constitution. These were people who literally risked everything to gain the right to govern themselves, certainly risked all their material well-being and risked their lives in the struggle for independence.
And the thought that the first thing they would do when they got around to drafting a Constitution would be to say, 'Let's take all the hard issues in our society and let's turn them over to nine unelected people who aren't politically accountable and let them decide,' that would have been the farthest thing from their mind.

I have enormous respect for the authority carried by the people across the street in Congress. Hundreds of thousands of people, millions of people have voted for them and put their confidence in their judgment.

Not a single person has voted for me and if we don't like what the people in Congress do, we can get rid of them, and if you don't like what I do, it's kind of too bad. And that is, to me, an important constraint. It means that I'm not there to make a judgment based on my personal policy preferences or my political preferences.

The only reason I'm protected from those political pressures is because I'm supposed to make a decision based on the law. And so I don't think it would be a good idea to turn all the hard issues over to the courts. Those hard issues belong in Congress, they belong in the Executive Branch.
The courts have the responsibility to make sure both of those branches abide by the legal limits in the Constitution, but that's it.

Update

2007-01-06T19:02:00.000-06:00

I did not listen to Adventures in Odyssey this morning but...wait for it...wait for it..."The Pond" was back on the air and I HEARD IT on my way to work!!

I learned two things today. First, I should be thankful for the name my parents gave me. They like it and I should be greatful. Second, (this is a 2 parter) we should always do our best at what ever we do and if we are working together with others, we should be kind and everyone should do their best work.

Wow. This is going to be a great year!

GREAT News!

2007-01-03T19:56:00.000-06:00

This afternoon, on my way home in the car, I heard the great news: Adventures in Odyssey returns to Saturday morning radio!! Everyone tune your radio to 88.3 FM at 8 am for a great programing. Now I just cannot wait until they wise up and put "The Pond" back on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am!

Stage 1: Almost complete!

2007-01-02T20:47:00.000-06:00

When I first received this guitar it had several ‘issues’, the least of which was it needed a cleaning. Over the break my goals are 3 fold: 1) build a new floating bridge; 2) look for a pickguard; 3) restore the face of the body because it is cracked x3 and the structural integrity of the face was reinforced with duct tape and glue.

Today I finished both the prototype (Pine) and final product (Birch). The problem was that I guessed wrong on the original type of wood used. The website I found suggested Birch. This is too soft for a bridge. Now that I have a good blueprint I just need to find some harder wood. I think I am going to go with either Ebony or White Oak. I have no idea what type of wood was used in the 1950s.

You Never Know Until You Ask

2006-12-29T15:37:00.000-06:00

During my vacation I am working to restore a vintage guitar. Does anyone have laying around your house a pickguard for a 1950-1951 Harmony H1214 - Archtone, Archtop guitar? I would like to find one with or without the hardware: bracket, screws, nut, and washer.

Do you know someone who may have one laying around the house?

If so, please email me.

Thanks,
Hopper

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-13T21:25:00.000-06:00

Real Men Knit

Post #80

2006-12-11T20:30:00.000-06:00

Every couple of months I get to watch/baby-sit a family friend that has recently turned 5 years old. She is great. We go to the park and play on the swings. I put her on my shoulders and we go through the mall until we get to the kiddie play area and then she wants down, excreta, excreta.

One time she saw me working on my computer and realized that I have nothing fun on it. After a rousing time of games on her grandmother’s computer at a later time she decided to let me borrow her Veggie Tales – The Mystery of Veggie Island game. So, currently I have on loan from a five year old, a stimulating yet educational multi-media extravaganza of a game.

Well, at least my computer is now more fun!

Day 3 - Seminars

2006-12-05T22:13:00.000-06:00

Thus far I have attended both interesting and not interesting seminars/symposiums, met lots of interesting people and fought off lots of zellous drug reps who cannot really back up their assertions with clinical significance. Below is a list of some of the seminars I have attended and the last one was the best!

1. Colorectal Cancer: Advances in Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
2. Optimizing Heparin Therapy through a Change in Paradigm
3. Improving the Management of Postoperative Ileus

Day 2 - Laguna Beach

2006-12-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

Really...I am working...

The O.C.

2006-12-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

That’s right; Hopper is traveling in Orange County, Cali for business. So far my journeys have included a flight packed to the brim with about 70 % of the individuals on the flight working in my field of business (that makes for an odd connection with everyone you talk to), car rental of a rather sporty and fun Saturn Ion, checking into my hotel (the street is lined with palm trees!), and eating at a local burger joint that serves ‘questionable’ materials. I assure you though that the dinner was delicious!

The only thing that concerns me so far is the notice posted at my hotel. A picture is given below.

Well, I will post as time permits.

Good evening…over and out.

My Roots

2006-11-20T21:59:00.000-06:00

Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America, those of us in Arkansas and Missouri will no longer be referred to as "HILLBILLIES."

You must now refer to us as: OZARK-AMERICANS.

Thank you!

Now if you'll excuse me, I got opossums to fry.

An Evening With Family!

2006-11-17T21:59:00.000-06:00

This evening my family decided to met up at a local mall for dinner and to try to start shopping around for Christmas gift ideas. After dinner and several clothing stores, we ended up at a book store. I started by looking at the CD section. Nothing sparked my interest. Then I went to various topic sections of books. As I was perusing the section on apologetics, I heard a faint but familiar sound coming from the children’s section. In no time I recognized the sound. It was the intro to a VeggieTales video.

I tried to ignore it because I was with a group of adults and I wasn’t sure if it was ok for me to go over to the children’s section and watch the currently playing video. Then I ran in to my any on the next isle over and we both commented on how we wanted to go watch the video.

We went over there and looked through all the Veggie Tales paraphernalia, all the while keeping the TV monitor in our peripheral vision. I found a VeggieTales nativity. This is by far the coolest, albeit least realistic, nativity scene I have ever seen!

A long story short…I walked out of the store having purchased “Bob & Larry Sing The 70s”. I highly recommend this CD. You too can be a normal, average this evening, various people in my family met up for dinner and hanging out at a mall to catch up.

This weekend was unique

2006-10-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

I was indirectly shocked by lightening.

On the way out to my car, after work one night a storm was brewing. There was a lot of lightening in the sky and heavy rain was eminent. I dismounted the bus that took me to the parking lot and made a B-line for my car when mid-way, lightening struck once again. This time, however I felt a strange gripping sensation in my right ‘big-toe’ joint. I also heard a crackling sound from the loose rocks in the parking lot and a small, quick flash emanating from the bottom of my right shoe. I am pretty sure that lightening struck somewhere and I am pretty sure because I felt, saw, heard it.

Facing The Giants (A GREAT movie!)

2006-09-24T16:58:00.000-05:00

I fancy myself a movie connoisseur and I have a recommendation for a movie that I anticipate will be one of the best (if not the ‘run-a-way’ best) movies of the year. This movie was produced by a church. That is right…not in Hollywood, but at a church. Below is a link to the webpage where you can view the trailer.

If you have not paid the crazy theater price to see a movie in sometime or if you, like myself, enjoy a movie whenever you get the chance…you will want to not only view but also support the work of this movie.

I hope you will find the time on opening weekend to see this great film.

http://www.facingthegiants.com/

ps. All actors in this film are volunteers. I have been told that no one was paid for their services.

PowerPoint®

2006-09-22T16:56:00.000-05:00

I am working on a PowerPoint® presentation and I need some help. I have a graphic that I have inserted into my presentation. The 'background' in my picture is white. Does anyone know how to make the white background transparent without making the contents of the picture transparent? My presentation color scheme does not include white and I think it looks kind of silly when I have a nice presentation and then all of a sudden I have a picture that is obviously imported.

Thanks for your help,
Hopper

Wardrobe Malfunction

2006-09-05T19:13:00.000-05:00

Today, I found myself in a situation in which I needed to zip up my pants so I decided to do just that. Then at mid-zip it happened…the zipper broke. It did not get stuck; it broke off! When I first held the zipper fragment in my hand the worst case scenario zoomed through my mind. I would no longer be able to zip up my pants, they were only half closed, and I was not finished for the day; not yet bound for home. (I wear my shirt tucked in.)

Right about the time zipper-terror was traipsing through my brain I realized that only the dangly, hangy-down part of the zipper had broken off. Fortunately this wardrobe malfunction is recoverable.

I hope nothing else falls off before I get home tonight!

Your spicy chicken strips may be too spicy if…

2006-08-27T20:31:00.000-05:00

1. If after placing a strip on your plate, you lick your fingers and the grease is too spicy…your spicy chicken strips…

2. If your chicken strips stain your fingers neon orange…your spicy chicken strips…

3. If you require half a glass of milk per strip eaten…your spicy chicken strips…

And finally…Your spicy chicken strips may be too spicy if…

4. You cannot taste your fries or desert because your taste buds have given up and called it a night.

FDA Bows to Politics

2006-08-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

The FDA came out with a statement and subsequent action this week and it is not in the best interest of the American public. This week the FDA approved the transition of PlanB® to over the counter status for women older than 16 years of age. I am unclear of how this program will be regulated or monitored but in my humble but accurate opinion this is a horrible move by the FDA for both moral and health/scientific reasons.

Explanation

Women older than 16 years of age will now be able to purchase this ‘emergency’ hormone contraceptive (EHC) ‘medicine’ with out a prescription. Women younger than 16 years of age will continue to require a prescription from a medical provider for access to it. The ‘necessity’ for this over the counter (OTC) transition has been purported to be previously hindered access to the ‘medication’ in a timely fashion. If this drug is not acquired and administered within 72 hours, its efficacy is dramatically reduced. If the realization of necessity is Friday night, for instance, and a provider is not consulted until Monday afternoon, it is possible that the 72 hour limit will be breached. This is the reason proponents, such as Planned Parrenthood, have pushed so hard for PlanB® OTC status.

In my humble but accurate assessment, there are at least 3 HUGH problems with this action. (1) Relaxing access to women > 16 and ‘restricting’ access to women < 16 is not likely to happen. Many women will, no doubt, purchase the product under the guise of personal use and then turn around and sell it to ‘ineligible’ patients. Just look at the tobacco market in America. Restrictions have been in place for the sale of tobacco to minors for decades yet the CDC currently reports (year 2004) that as many as 40.2 % of 6-12th graders have or currently use tobacco. The law says that minors may not have access to tobacco. This is obviously not found in practice.

(2) EHC will be used as a primary means of birth control. It is only indicated for ‘emergencies’, not continual use. In my humble but accurate opinion, women who either cannot afford the cost of visiting a medical provider or do not want to take the time out of their schedule will travel from pharmacy to pharmacy acquiring the OTC product. They will go to Walgreen’s the first time, CVS/Pharmacy the second, Wal-Mart the 3rd, Wal-Mart down the road the 4th, and then progress down the never ending list of grocery store pharmacies for each subsequent ‘need’. I guarantee that at each pharmacy visit they will be asked, “When was the last time that you used this product?” The answer will always be, “Oh, I have used it once before years ago.” This becomes a problem because it is unhealthy to consistently expose one’s self to this dose of hormones.

(3) EHC do not cause abortion but they do provide the possibility for terminating (aka ‘killing’ for those not offended by politically incorrect terms) the life of a human. The ease of access to this drug will decrease the time spent in contemplation prior to its use and increase total financial health care burden to society because of the likely side effects caused by continual use and abuse.

The FDA usually acts in the best interest of the American public. This time they gave way to political and health care activists at the cost of harming the public. Let’s be vigilant to watch the ‘post marketing’ research and see how long it takes for the first ‘continual’ user detrimental effects of this decision. It will arrive sooner than later, mark my words.

Most Interesting Page

2006-08-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

Today I just finished with the morning patients at the clinic when my pager went off again. I called and was a little annoyed because the number was for a recorded message. It sounded kind of official so I gave it another 3 seconds to win me over. It asked for an extension (provided on my pager) so I typed it in.

Something similar to the following was the message, “Attention bomb technician…please contact Sergeant X at dispatch as soon as possible, code xxxx (some numeric code)…repeating…Attention bomb technician…please contact Sergeant X at dispatch as soon as possible, code xxxx. This concludes this message from the Houston Metro Police Department, Goodbye.”

What!! They are calling ME to dismantle a bomb?!? This can not be right. So I called ‘dispatch’ and asked for Sergeant X. The nice lady that answered the phone sounded kind of put off by my call, however when I gave her the code given by the automated message, she quickly said, “One minute.” Half a second later Sergeant X was on the phone.

Apparently HMPD uses an outside company to send pages to its technicians. Somehow my number got in their database.

About 20-30 minutes later I received another page. I did not return that page.

I am disappointed

2006-08-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, on the way to work, I was disappointed by the absence of a certain program on the radio. I enjoy my Saturday morning commute to work because I am able to listen to “The Pond” on 88.3 FM. I learn valuable lessons and hear application of Biblical principals in everyday events; events such as being nice to foreign exchange students, sharing my favorite toy with others, and dealing with bullies on the playground.

It happened again this week. Bill the duck, Mathuselah the alligator, Tony the frog, Floyd the turtle, and Dr. Holstein (who is actually a chicken) were noticeably absent from my radio dial this past Saturday morning. I must say that I am disappointed with the programming change at 88.3 FM ~ KAFR.

Paging Mr. Hopper

2006-08-14T13:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, it finally happened. Today I received my first page. Until this rotation, I have been at institutions that did not use/need pagers (they ‘know' how to find you!). Not so any longer!

This is how it went down:
Immersed in conversation with a colleague and deep in though, out of no where my pager goes off. Oh wow, I thought. I need to respond to this! It is probably a life or death situation that needs my special attention right now! I will not keep the profession / patient waiting…’somebody, where is a phone? I need to answer a page!’

Dialing…’Hello, this is OS Hopper returning a page.’
The other side of the phone, ‘Um you left a message on my voice mail saying that you need a password so you can use the computer?’

Ok, so it was not important. But hey, someone actually paged me!

Efficiency...

2006-08-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Now this is a good idea...

No, a last day of work cannot start any better.

2006-08-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

I think that I immensely enjoy ‘last days’ at work. Today was my last day at a particular location and when I arrived I was greeted with, ‘Good morning Mr. Hopper. There are some donuts over there for you.’

To my delight there was a box of 1 dozen cake donuts (only 4 Blueberry because ‘they’ did not have 12 the morning my preceptor picked them up). I shared them with the others throughout the day and at the end of the day I was able to bring the remaining pastry jewels home!! What a great day!

The Year of Taste Bud Jubliee

2006-08-08T23:51:00.000-05:00

Have you ever refused to eat something for years and years on end? Coleslaw is one example of this in my book. Today I gave it a second trial run. It was not bad. The flavor was great but the substance left something to be desired. While it is not my favorite side dish, I believe that a little coleslaw will be good every now and then.

In conclusion, I recommend considering the possibility of a ‘taste bud year of jubilee’. Every seven years or so, try something that you have previously and accurately labeled: disgusting. You may have changed your mind and if this is the case your taste buds will have a glorious time of jubilee as they encounter a new food and taste!

Presidential Trivia

2006-08-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

We have had only 4 presidents with a full beard. Three of them served consecutive terms:
1. Grant: 1869-1877
2. Hayes: 1877-1881
3. Garfield: 1881-1881
4. B. Harrison: 1889-1893

We have had 5 others with various facial accoutrements:
1. Lincoln: 1861-1865 (beard minus mustache)
2. Arthur: 1881-1885 (beard minus chin)
3. Cleveland: 1885-1889 & 1893-1897 (mustache)
4. T. Roosevelt: 1901-1909 (mustache)
5. Taft: 1909-1913 (mustache)

I know someone famous!

2006-07-30T18:58:00.000-05:00

A while back I was talking to a friend and up walked someone new (to me). I stuck out my hand for the customary 'welcome' handshake and greeting when I realized I was in the presence of someone famous. I said, "You are THE Laurie Johnson? How is the TV business!" Unfortunately I had one mass media venue confused with another and Ms. Johnson replied, "I have no idea. I'm in radio. Who are you?"

This was the beginning an interesting friendship. Oh, but there is one great perk! I got a head shot photo autographed to ME out of the deal.

Thanks Laurie!

Breaking News...

2006-07-29T19:23:00.000-05:00

This afternoon when I got home from work I received a message from my sister …Hopper, you shall henceforth be known as … wait for it… UNCLE Hopper.

Jesus, The Master

2006-07-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

Well it was battered and scared,
And the auctioneer felt it was hardly worth his while,
To waste much time on the old violin but he held it up with a smile,
Well it sure ain’t much but its all we got left I guess we aught to sell it to,
Oh, now who’ll start the bid on this old violin?
Just one more and we’ll be through.

And then he cried one give me one dollar,
Who’ll make it two only two dollars who’ll make it three,
Three dollars twice now that’s a good price,
Now who’s gonna bid for me?
Raise up your hand now don’t wait any longer the auctions about to end,
Who’s got four Just one dollar more to bid on this old violin?

Well the air was hot and the people stood around as the sun was setting low,
From the back of the crowd a gray haired man,
Came forward and picked up the bow,
He wiped the dust from the old violin then he tightened up the strings,
Then he played out a melody pure and sweet,
sweeter than the Angels sing,

And then the music stopped and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low he said now what am I bid,
For this old violin and he held it up with a bow.
And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that’s a good price,
Common who’s gonna to bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch of the Master’s hand.

You know there's many a man with his life out of tune,
Battered and scared with sin and he’s auctioned cheap,
To a thankless world much like that old violin,
Oh, but then the Master comes,
And that old foolish crowd they never understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is rought,
Just by one touch of the Masters hand.

And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that’s a good price,
Common who’s gonna bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch, that’s all it was; it was the touch of the Master’s hand,
It was the touch of the Master’s hand;
oh, it was the touch of the Master’s hand.

The Touch of the Master's Hand
Wayne Watson

Picture

2006-07-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

This discussion of Intellectual Honest started with the laying of ground rules and a discription topics to be discussed. Some of the readership also speculated as to my identity. In order to put to rest some of your thoughts and concerns, I have decided to post my head shot.

Baylor University

2006-07-13T00:05:00.000-05:00

I have a beef with Baylor University. Years ago, when I was preparing for college I was very excited about attending BU and studying science in the Biology and Chemistry departments. I applied, visited the campus and was accepted. As the story goes, I did not attend Baylor; I graduated from a state school after studying in both aforementioned departments. Looking back, I am glad that I did not attend Baylor.

If you are not aware, BU is funded in part by one of the largest Christian denominations in America. One reason for wanting to attend this school was that Baylor has a great reputation for turning out good scientists. I was also intrigued by the opportunity of learning at an institution with a spiritual background similar to my own.

The taste of Baylor turned bitter in my mouth after contacting the biology department dean and talking with other professors in the biology and chemistry departments. The esteemed professors at this religious institution not only preached Darwinian Evolution (a theory denounced by their founders and currently affiliated base) they preached only DE and actually ridiculed me when I asked about alternative theories such as Intelligent Design and Creationism (fewer holes than DE theory). DE is a theory not proven fact. Holding on to this or any other theory so tightly when there are so many unanswered questions is Intellectually Dishonest and ignorant.

In my book, Baylor University's Biology and Chemistry departments are a disgrace to their respective disciplines (sciences, in which all possible theories should be analyzed). My opinion is that the religious denomination that supports BU is betraying their own doctrines and should either push for PhD professors that are more open-minded or withdrawal affiliation from this secular university.

ps. If you have more recent or further first hand experiences with BU I would love to hear from you; either here or via my personal email address.

I stand corrected.

2006-07-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

In a previous discussion on the topic of hormone contraception (HC) there was much discussion on the detailed mechanism by which these medications do their intended job: prevent pregnancy. I would like to make a comment on the subject as it has been brought to my attention that my vocabulary remained wanting.
Lesson No. 3a – birth control
Lesson No. 3b – birth control

I originally proposed that within a typical calendar year any HC method would have the possibility of actually preventing pregnancy by causing an abortion 2-3 times. I was incorrect in my use of vocabulary. Below is a corrected discussion.

Pregnancy: a defined period if time when an offspring is physically attached to and developing as a result of physical interaction with his/her mother.
Abortion: the termination of pregnancy by which a developing fetus or embryo is no longer allowed to mature through his/her attachment to the mother. The offspring is no longer viable.
Contraception: the process or act of preventing pregnancy.

There is much discussion in the medical community as to whether or not HC causes abortion as a part of its contraceptive efficacy. One side vehemently denies this position and while the other embraces it (This was me).

When terms are accurately defined, we come to the conclusion that HC dose not cause an abortion when used at customary pregnancy prevention doses. One of their prominent mechanisms of action DOES HOWEVER TERMINATE LIFE.

Why do I say this? As previously discussed, HCs act by (1) Preventing ovulation; (2) Preventing implantation (sometimes incorrectly called a chemical abortion); (3) Preventing travel of the egg to the uterus for implantation; and (4) Preventing travel of the sperm to the egg.

Prevention of implantation is not abortion. Why? Because abortion requires a pregnancy and pregnancy is defined as the attachment of the offspring to the mother. Prior to implantation there is no pregnancy. Prevention of implantation DOES HOWEVER terminate the life of the embryo by disallowing his/her implantation.

Some may see this as arguing semantics but I now realize why some HC proponents get frustrated with dissenting voices that cry 'abortion'. The argument that HCs may cause abortion at usual pregnancy prevention doses is intellectually inaccurate. Proponents see the fallacy in this argument and choose to label the begining of life at some point after fertilization and implantation.

I now defend my view of the unethical nature of HCs with the understanding that hormones cause the termination of life not the abortion of life.

Girl peach, boy peach

2006-07-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

Today I ate what I thought think was a peach. The question comes in dealing with the ‘fuzziness’ of the fruit. I know it was not a nectarine because it was not completely ‘bald’. I was originally not too sure of its ‘peachy-ness’ either because it did not have that much ‘hair’.

Maybe there is a gender difference within the peach family. I think I am used to eating boy peaches (hairy) and today I must have eaten a girl peach (less hairy). Girls are typically less hairy than boys when talking about people, so this is the only explanation I am able to generate concerning this less hairy peach.

Thanks!

2006-07-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago a friend gave me a Veggie Tales video: The Ballad of Little Joe.

It tells the story of Joseph and his brothers and how God used something that was originally bad to become something that was good.

I recommend the new Veggie Tales video for kids and adults alike! The kids will enjoy a vegetable salad of story telling and the adults will enjoy the witty humor of ‘Dodge Ball City’, the Belly Button song, and ‘Little Joe’ himself.

Well I did it.

2006-07-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

I am a PC user. I do not like MACs. What is at the root of my distaste for Apples? As is the case with many dislikes today, mine is rooted in ignorance. I have never used a MAC for longer than 10 minutes and for 2 consecutive days. I do not understand MACs and I therefore do not like to try to use them.

Well, yesterday I was given some free downloads on iTunes so I broke down and downloaded the program intended for MACs (just as bad in my book as actually using a MAC).

It was not as bad as I thought, except for the fact that iTunes is so conceded that it will not save music as mp3. It has its own format requiring me to convert my songs to mp3 by way of a rather long process.

I sill prefer PCs to MACs, any day of the week and twice on Sundays, but I know have peeked into the other side.

Some of the songs I downloaded were new and some old. I really recommend checking into some of the classic Imperials’ work.

Trumpet of Jesus – Imperials
I’m Forgiven – Imperials
Heaven – Salvador
So Long Self – Mercy Me
The Chasing Song – Andrew Peterson

Hum:

2006-07-03T23:05:00.000-05:00

You have heard these remarks before but maybe on this platform we can come upon a consensus.

1. Why do you drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
2. Why is brail on the drive up ATM?
3. Why was a group of guys launching 50 -100ft, colorful fireworks less than 100 ft from a gas station on my way home this evening?
4. What color do you think the sky appeared prior to "The Flood"?
5. Prior to "The Flood" people were recorded to have lived 700-900 years. After "The Flood" the number seemed to start dwindling to the current day mid 70-ish years. Why did the number decrease? Did the 'post-flood' people start to 'rust'? (ha ha)

'Volun-told' Free Will Offering

2006-07-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

While on my adventure out west an opportunity was made available to me. I was afforded the occasion to donate some money to a small town city counsel! Today I am working through the second opportunity this little town has provided me; a chance to waste 6 hours of my life!!

I am wasting my life away at home, on the computer. This is the best possible situation because while maneuvering through all the rig-a-ma-roll of the boring website, I am working on other projects.

So here is how the situation went down. I was excited to be traveling out west and a nice Texas State Trooper police officer man did not fully appreciate my creative interpretation of the posted speed ‘limit’. So he got real excited, turned on lots of pretty lights that were strategically mounted on top of his cruiser, and began to tailgate me. When I pulled off the road (into a pasture), he explained the situation to me along with his distaste for my creative interpretation of the white and black metal signs. This initiated my generous bonus offering to his retirement fund.

I am still not too sure as to the purpose of all the excitement (I was in the middle of nowhere and I think there was one other car on the road, 200 yards ahead of me). I do, however, appreciate all the ‘important’ work that this nice young man provides via public service so this takes some of the sting out of my donation of money and time to ‘The Cause’.

"Utah" is Indian for "ironic"?

2006-06-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

I drove through Utah this past weekend. There were ‘Open Range’ warning signs on the highway; the periodic horse, cow, or sheep on the highway or near by; and, get this, fences! Yes, fences! Just like driving across any rural country, there were fences. I would think that these fences would be used to keep animals off the road. Apparently, this is not the case in Utah. In UT, it seems that ‘Open Range’ means, ‘We are going to put up this fence so that the animals do not come on the reservation property. We want them in the road so that passersby can hit them with their cars. (take heart, no animal was actually harmed emotionally or physically on the duration of this excursion nor during the story's re-dramatization herein). I was just laughing at the irony of the ‘open range’ and fence combination.

Things that make me say ‘hummm’.

ps. I went to Monument Valley, fun!

Poll

2006-06-22T18:47:00.000-05:00

Today I worked with a guy that is VERY skeptical of my profession. It was good because I got to see the other side of some issues.

I need to take a poll:

I went camping my first weekend here. I found some hotdogs in the fridge from this event. They were drenched in water (from the ice originally in the cooler) and in a Gladware® re-sealable container. They still look/smell good. Should I eat one???

Listing (corrected)

2006-06-21T17:10:00.000-05:00

I have realized a few things this week.

In about 5-6 months I will need to be able to shoot the breeze with people I do not know. I guess I need to start practicing.

From start to finish, the sun can disappear on the horizon in about 2.5 minutes.

Gas is cheaper in Flagstaff, AZ.

The guy that towed my car looks like my brother-in-law.

I love peanut butter and bologna sandwiches.

My time is soon coming to a close here.

Girl was HOT!

2006-06-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

I learned about the inner workings of a radiator!

On the way ‘home’ through the Arizona desert, Betsy (my car) started getting a fever. Not long into the trip she was downright HOT. I had to stop for a while on the side of the road to let her cool down. There was only one problem: high noon in the middle of the dessert is not a good place to cool down. So I gave ol’ girl one more chance to make it to the next town. She made it! Then I had phone reception and I was able to call a tow truck. Fortunately the tow was covered by the dealer. Unfortunately the maintenance was not.

Come to find out, Betsy did not have a simple low-grade fever. She was overheating secondary to a ka-put hypothalamus (I think the automotive term is thermostat). The ‘gland’ was sticking so that the coolant was unable to flow properly.

After a hypothalamectomy and subsequent transplant, Betsy is functioning as well as before. And now I have my A/C back too!!

Today I fell in love.

2006-06-19T12:59:00.000-05:00

Today I am waiting for the work to be completed on my car so I would like to take this time to tell you more about my weekend travels.

The Grand Canyon was GREAT; turns out it is pretty big too. I learned that in the desert the nights are cold and the days are hot. It is funny because you start the day in many layers of clothes and by mid day you are wearing only a t-shirt and shorts. While there I hiked 3-5 miles along the Southern Rim, visited a watch tower, watched the sun set on canyon and then attended an astronomy talk. There was a group in ‘town’ that gave a short talk about space and then about 24-ish high powered telescopes were available for public viewing. I saw lots of stuff, including planets; they all just looked like stars to me.

Now for the love story.

This morning, while waiting on the car, I went for a walk downtown. Minding my own business, doing the usual touristy march through town I saw a store of interest. I walked in, started to look around and then I saw her; ordinary in every outward appearance but extraordinarily unique when I heard her. She is a Taylor 314 CE cut-a-way guitar. By far the best sounding guitar I have ever played. As I took it off the display and started to play, I was in awe. It was ‘love at first sound’. Like many out of town love stories there was a problem however: price. $1500 of a problem to be exact. For a product this great, you are going to have to pay but this is about $1499 out of my price range. So I said a quick farewell to cut-away Taylor 314 CE. Though it was short, we had a treat time.

Special Edition

2006-06-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

On location: Flagstaff, AZ

This weekend has been mostly great so far. I went to the Grand Canyon, camped 2 nights, and now I am stuck in Flagstaff. On the way home (5-6 hour drive) my car almost overheated. I was 'stranded' in the middle of a desert in AZ. After waiting a while I decided to give it one more try and make a run for the next town (<10 miles away). Yea!! I made it! Long story short, I was towed 1.5 hours and now I am awaiting the morning when I can go to the auto shop. (I am about 7-8 hours away from 'home')

I have seen some cool stuff this weekend, I hope it ends quickly!

Long, Short Week

2006-06-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

Overall this week has been a little slow. I was at the hospital for 11+ hours everyday but nothing really exciting has happened. This is good for the patient population but it made my week seem long. Tomorrow is a short day though! I am headed off to the Grand Canyon. It will be a drive but I am sure that it will be worth the time invested.

Also, since last we spoke, I have purchased a flute (recorder) and will be adding it to my repertoire of musical instruments! I set on the porch and play it in the evenings!

Finally, I am reading Dr. D. Jeremiah’s book very slowly so I am still working my way through it. As I have mentioned before, I am simultaneously reading the book of Acts. Spectacular combination! Again, I recommend them both.

Have a good weekend,
OS Hopper

Ps. I discovered today that sheep come with long tails. You have to lop off the tail to get the typical short style.

Weekend Wrap-Up

2006-06-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend was great! If you were trying to guess as to the nature of the side job of the individual at the hospital, I am sure you guessed correctly. I went sheep herding! There was horse riding, sheep penning, sheep feeding and much more involved. I have never seen sheep up close and in person (or at least I cannot remember such an event).

I was a little concerned at the beginning because every time I would walk up to a group of sheep they would run away. They did not know me. So, if I wanted to touch/pet one I had to pen her down (grab 2 legs, force her on her side and then grab the other 2 legs). This was really funny because one sheep continued eating even after I penned her on the ground. I am not sure if she was trying to calm herself from the experience of being held or if she just did not care what I was doing. Either way, after I penned her down, she just kept eating! (I have some good pictures!)

Also, I went driving through the mountains of CO. I went through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway, Telluride, and Cortez. I started to forget what green looks like outdoors; everything is brown here. The trip was VERY pretty and there was still snow on the tops of the mountain and tons of green Aspen and Spruce trees! If you ever get the opportunity to drive the Million Dollar Highway and see this part of the country, I recommend it.

That was my weekend, lots of fun!
Hopper

Weekend!!

2006-06-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

This week has been interesting. I spent way to much time at the hospital for starters. But there was some good that came out of it! First, a Black Hawk helicopter had to come and perform a med. evac. I got to see the chopper and take a picture! Second, I met a guy that has a 'special' side job. I am going with him this weekend and it promises to be a great time (way out of the norm but lots of fun nonetheless.) Provided that my anticipations are met with actualization I should have a great weekend to blog about on Monday or early next week. Finally, I hope to visit a village in the mountains. No I will not be taking a car to this village. I will be parking in one town and taking a gondala to the 'village in the mountains'. This too sounds cool.

Day 17!

2006-06-06T18:09:00.000-05:00

Hello again,
I have discovered a public library that is hidden away in a building across the street from the hospital! This is the reason for the second weekly blog. There are a couple of items I would like to discuss today.

First, the icon which must be double clicked for internet access is titled, “Enternet Explorer”. Ummmmm.

Second, the cable guy came yesterday and I now have many channels to pick from on the TV. They are all in English, save CNN-China. This is a blessing and a curse. It is good because I now have TV. It is a curse because I now have something to waste my time.

Third, I have been reading Romans as well as Dr. David Jeremiah’s book, Captured by Grace. I really like the way Jeremiah points out the intellectual challenges that Saul had to deal with as he was forced to come face to face with the one he had been unknowingly persecuting while trying to drive ‘blasphemers’ out of the synagogue and the state. I recommend Dr. Jeremiah’s book.

Good evening,
Hopper

Day 16!

2006-06-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

1. People that walk slowly on rounds bug me.
2. In New Mexico, it is not called a ‘speed trap’ it is called a ‘safety corridor’.
3. I went 13 days without purchasing gasoline!!
4. TV is overrated. Not having a tv can be a good thing. (ok, I have CNN China but I do not speak Chinese)
5. Having 2 fighter jets ‘buzz’ the field clinic may not be normal but it is surly not abnormal.
6. I am down to only 1 light in the bathroom with the A/C in the shower.
7. Placing the central A/C on the roof is a good idea when you are surrounded by dirt.
8. I went walking yesterday around my ‘neighborhood’. Out of approximately 150 – 200 domiciles, 1 had grass. I bet their water bill is HUGE!
And finally,
9. I am not sure if Prairie Dogs are cute, funny or scary looking but I cannot stop staring at them every time I see one.

I'm back...

2006-05-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I found a computer that will let me blog, however, my time is very short. So, here is a list of the happenings thusfar.

1) My window unit A/C is in the shower (yes, in the shower just below the shower head).
2) The only TV channel I can get is CNN-China (yes, China)
3) I have been mistaken for a man of questionable sexual orientation. (really, it was NOT my fault)
4) There is some GREAT landscape that I sit infront of as I do my evening studying.
5) The phrase, "It's good enough for government work" applies here in particular situations.
6) I have great preceptors.
7) I just found a radio station that I like!
8) I have lived through a dust storm.
9) When camping in CO, use 3 pairs of socks. It gets cold at night.

I am not sure about my next blogging time so stay tuned.

Extra bonus blog…

2006-05-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

I did not realize that I would have access to a computer this evening but I had a good start to my adventure today and I wanted to share.

A friend gave me a CD with some silly songs on it, thanks doc, and I was almost crying as I was driving down the road listening and laughing to/with it. Then the song “If The Devil Was A Man” by Chris Tomlin and Ross King came on. This too is a silly song but it had a catchy tune so I let the song repeat and I listened to it again.

The song talks about sins we just cannot seem to ‘kick’. If we claim to be a Christian the Bible tells us to conform our minds (ie. thoughts & motives leading to actions) to the mind of Christ. As we spend time studying the Bible, praying, and listening to God through prayer and medication on His Word, we come to understand more about God’s character.

This song talks about cursing, gossip, lust and pride. These and other sins (yes they are sins not just character flaws) can at times seem to overwhelm us. Even at times appearing as ‘unbeatable’. I realized however, that when I come to this feeling of inadequacy and defeat by the devil or my own sin, I need to remember that God is full of grace and mercy. If I will correct my unrepentant heart/attitude (make an attitudinal adjustment—that’s just for the pharmacy students!) God is consistent/reliable to forgive my sin and to clean my heart once again. I also realized I need to remember that in the final evaluation, a Christian will not be defeated by a reoccurring or lingering sin nor by any temptation the devil may consistently hurl our way. In the end, the devil will be defeated and my shortfalls will be corrected by Jesus; either now as my mind is being conformed to the likeness of Christ or in the final evaluation when I am unshackled from my fleshly nature once an for all.

Whatever our reoccuring sin, when it creeps up on us or stares us in the face, right then, we need to press into our relationship with Jesus through prayer or scripture and ask God to help us resist the current temptation. Doing this will not be for the sole purpose of avoiding the current sin and obtaining yet another gold star on our 'heavenly good works' classroom pictogram. Doing this will enrich our relationship with God and mature us as believers.

On the road!

2006-05-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

Well, today I packed Bessie (aka: Betsey, ole gal) and she is taking it like at trooper. I did not hear any complaining. It could be that I gave her an oil change and new breaks earlier this week and today I gave her a new battery. She’s a whole new gal!

Tomorrow I set out for my ‘extended academic adventure’! I’ll start bright and early around 11 - 11:30 am. I am not sure of my computer access outside the country (Texas) so I will try to up date you as best I can. I will be traveling through the weekend so this is likely to be the last post until at least Monday.

Thanks for staying tuned, I look forward to posting about my adventures and interacting with you, the reader, via email as permitted.

Good evening,
Hopper

The New On-Star!

2006-05-15T18:28:00.000-05:00

Today I discovered (in a test situation) that one does not have to pay the exorbitant On-Star fees for the service of unlocking one's car! If you give an extra 'beeper' to someone you trust, you can call them, hold your cell phone close to your car and have them punch the 'open' button. Your car will open! Just like the On-Star service and without the fee!

Here's to willing parents that will hold on to my extra set of keys while I am on my extended academic adventure; just in cast as I am traveling across the country and lock my keys in my car. I have only done this once in my life but now I will not have to wave $20 around and give it to the first teen-aged passerby that can break into my car in less then 30 seconds!

Road Trip!!

2006-05-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

I am starting a new blogging series. In a few days I will embark on an extended academic and educational endeavor that will stretch my current knowledge and no doubt broaden my understanding of healthcare. So in preparation I’m starting a list of a few essentials. Please make mention of anything you think I have forgotten.

1. Work related mumbo-jumbo...check.
2. Hiking boots, tent, and mountain bike…check, check, and pending check!
3. Harmonicas, juice harp, axe…triple check!
4. Snacks for the road...check!

The Pond No. 5

2006-05-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

This morning while doing some things around the house I decided to take a listen to The Pond. This was the lesson I learned.

Whining is annoying. No one likes to hear it. One can not always get what one wants.

Woodchuck

2006-05-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

My Will

2006-05-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

D.C. Talk has a song called, “My Will”. The first look—or listen—at this title might make us inclined to think that we need to give up our will so that we can accomplish God’s will. This is sometimes true. But what if our will is to praise our God? Read carefully the chorus lyrics to this song, ‘It’s my will, and I’m not moving. And if it’s Your will, nothing can shake me. It’s my will to bow and praise you. Now I have a will to praise my God.’ Now read Psalm 148. We need to praise our God. As Psalm also says in chapter 67, ‘let all the peoples praise You.’

Why, you say, should we praise God? That’s easy: he bought us on the cross at Calvary; He judges the people righteously; He created everything around us; He first loved us; He provides for our every need, and sometimes our wants; the list goes on forever.

The important thing is that we align our will with God’s. When we do this, what D.C. Talk said is really true: ‘Nothing can shake me.’

Read Hebrews 2

My treasure is _______.

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

A while back I was reading in Luke 12 when I came upon this verse, ‘For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ At first I just quickly read over this but later I tried to apply it to me. I asked myself, “Self, where if your treasure?” After thinking for a while I had to reply in honesty and I did not like my new realization.

“Self,” I said, “My treasure has been to excel at playing the French horn.” I love God and I loved reading His word but whenever I had a free moment to think I always thought how good I could become if I was practicing more or about music I had recently played.

I am far from where I want to be but now any free thought time is used to reflect on more memorize the Bible. This change in thought has caused my music to plummet (though it did not necessarily have to) but my thought life to focus on God.

So now that I have confessed to having an incorrect treasure, why don’t you check out your own treasure chest? What is in there? Something temporal, or something in Heaven where Christ is?

Read Luke 12:13-34

Focus...

2006-05-02T23:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever started something, maybe a sport just for fun or because you like doing it? Playing for this reason makes the sport so much fun! And when you play for fun winning usually follows, even if not you still had fun, right? After a while, when you start to succeed, winning becomes the main goal and purpose. This pushes fun aside if necessary. At this stage in the game the sport may start to loose its appeal. Why? Because your focus changed from having fun to only being satisfied with winning.

In Genesis 11, the story of the Tower of Babel is told. The people stopped going west and settled in the land of Shinar. There the people started building a city, but more importantly, a tower whose top was to be in the heavens. Later in the story God confuses their language to make them stop. The problem was that the people were building a tower to the heavens to glorify themselves instead of for God and His glory.

As we go through life, let us remember to love and do things for God not to Him or because we love the thing we are doing.

Read Genesis 11:1-9

Willy-nilly stance? I hope not!

2006-05-01T18:41:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been in a huge open field with tall green grass? The top of the grass barely reaches your finger tips as you stand still and the grass dances and sways in the wind. You feel strong standing there because while the grass subjects itself to every ebb and flow of the breeze, you just stand there enjoying the wind and warm sun.

When I think of scenes like this it reminds me of what we are supposed to be as Christians. Read today’s scripture reference several times and let it soak in.

The Psalmist is telling us what it takes to be godly and how we can stand firm against issues that we may and will face.

With the many wavering people in today’s world, let us refuse to be moved, changed, in the area of godliness and righteousness. Even when winds and trials come, do not be moved.

Read Psalm 15

What Kind of Deodorant Do You Use?

2006-04-30T20:29:00.000-05:00

A while back I was riding down the rode with a friend and the subject of deodorant came up (he is a close friend). First I told him what kind I used and then he told me what kind he used. Then he told me that he left his at school [in the gym] the day before and as a substitute, today he used a lot of cologne to cover up the smell.

Amazingly, it worked wonderfully. Nobody, all day, said or did anything to him. The only problem was he knew. He could tell and he hated the difference.

This story reminds me of 2 Corinthians 2:14. Here Paul tells us that 'through us [God] diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.' This means that God uses you and me to spread the ‘smell’ of Him to others.

This fact should be enough to make us always willing and ready to be used of God. But what happens when we do not let God use us? What happens when we put something else before God? It is possible that other people will not even notice, like my friend’s deodorant incident. God will and it will grieve Him that we chose something other than His plan for our life. The good news is, however, if we repent and ask Him to forgive us, He will be ready and willing to use us once again.

So, lets check our own lives; what do you smell like? Do you like it?

Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-17

Lesson No. 5d - Origin of Species, Life's Application (continued)

2006-04-29T19:56:00.000-05:00

Either way, one must choose a belief and form future theories from this ground work. Once this is finished, one may proceed to current day science which is ‘explanation by observation’.

So what are the implications, if any, of either predetermined idea? Idea one says that naturalistic evolution is the most likely cause of the origin of species. Shackled to this theory, however, is the proposal that (1) The Bible has the possibility for error, (2) The ability of deciphering said errors is reliant upon the enlightenment of man and therefore further possible errors may be accepted as truth while they are in reality a farce (The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is now only right until proven wrong.) and (3) God does not exist or at least He did not do what He said He did in creating the earth and all it’s inhabitants.

Disregarding future implications, today, proposal (3) is the most important. If one does not accept the existence of God, the Bible calls this one a fool. Regardless of the number of academic achievements, diplomas, recognitions and number of individuals lauding one as the most knowledgeable in the field of biology, this one is in fact not wise but a fool (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1, Proverbs 15: 7 & 14, Romans 1:18-22). Observation of nature, science, proclaims the presence of God (Psalm 19:1-6)and one that chooses to disregard this flashing neon sign should not be mistaken for a genius but rightly labeled a fool.

‘I believe in God; I just think that I should have an open mind to the possibility of God allowing evolution to be the venue of choice as an explanation for today’s immense variety of animals,’ one might be saying. Darwin, his contemporaries, and great thinkers in ID alike all find this argument wanting. Darwin was a naturalist; he never would have accepted the idea of an esoteric, metaphysical divine creator. Ask any biology department chair in any number of universities typically regarded with esteem, including some ‘Christian’ schools like Baylor University in Waco Texas. They will have no patience with this argument either. Finally, deists, creationists, Christians and ID proponents alike will too disregard this comment either because of its inconsistency with the Genesis account or because it provides for a creationist but has no use for Him.

I hope this series on the origin of species has sparked some interest for further personal research and has helped us rethink the infant two century theory of Darwinian Evolution. If along the way you would like to discuss a topic please send me a comment.

Let us never become so satisfied with spoon-fed ideologies we forget to consider their origins and count the cost of holding on to them.

Good evening.

Lesson No. 5d - Origin of Species, Life's Application

2006-04-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

For scientists and non-scientists alike, jumping through the mental hoops of deciphering the most correct theory of the origin of species may seem on the surface to have little use in practical day-to-day living. Hopefully we will come to see, however, that after pealing back the superficial covering of the matter we will come to understand the profound implications that lie beneath.

To begin, we need to understand the core, fundamental purposes and values of the two previously discussed theories. Darwin’s theory of evolution and speciation is at the core dissatisfied with the recorded account of divine biologic creation that preceded it, described in Genesis. Naturalists of the day (1800s), Darwin prided himself as one, approached science from the vantage point of ‘only what is seen can be real’. This approach disregards the possibility of a divine creator and seeks to explain physical bioprocesses from the preconceived notion that they created themselves.

Intelligent Design, on the other hand, was first introduced by Phillip Johnson, in the late 1900s. Johnson, neither of his Ph.D.s held in biology, was convinced that nature is too complex to have created itself and must have been created by a divine creator. Johnson sought out the most convincing arguments for and against the Darwinian Evolutionary theory and concluded that there are too many items that did not ‘seem probable’—to use the words of Darwin—enough to support the deeply held beliefs originating from Darwin.

Now to daily life application; both of these theories require a subscription to a belief that will never be proven in a lab. It is just that: a belief that either Moses, the Jewish patriarch, was inspired by the original Creator Himself and wrote as he was instructed by the Creator, or a belief that no such Creator exists and the origin of species must have necessarily happened without His intervention. It is my estimation that if one subscribes to the theory of DE it is because, like Darwin himself, that one has a preconceived notion that Genesis is insufficient or in error. If one holds to either creationism or ID that one has the belief that Genesis is sufficient and a reputable source for such information.

I aim to post the final part of Lesson No. 5 this weekend...

Lesson No. 5c - Introduction to Intelligent Design

2006-04-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

Intelligent Design (ID), first coined by Philip Johnson, is an explanation for the origin of species and current day variation found therein. Other notable scientists, see Recommended Reading selection, have since joined Johnson in an Intellectually Honest refute to the long held ‘theory of fact’ touted by many high school and college professors. The basic premise of ID is 2 fold:

1. Life as we understand and as we can observe has been created; a discussion of the creator(s) is reserved for philosophers. Current day life (human, animal, plant, fungus, protozoan) is much too complex to have evolved by undirected, random, happenings of chance regardless of any amount of time allotted for the transformation.

a. Life is intrinsically irreducibly complex (MJ Behe). If it cannot be reduced to a more simple state, it cannot have evolved from such a state to one more complex. It was designed complex.

2. Observation of nature provides all required information for statistical and biological validation of point number one.

No specific examples have been given here as they require detailed discussion to flesh out. The purpose of this posting is to spark interest and offer supplemental reading for individual or live group discussion. For more information about ID please read:

• Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution (MJ Behe)
• Dismantling Evolution: Building the case for Intelligent Design (RO Muncaster)
• Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science & Theology (WA Dembski)
• Darwin's God: Evolution and the Problem of Evil (CG Hunter)

For questions about a specific topic please post under the comment section and a the topic will be discussed or a future post will be used for further discussion.

Thanks for stopping by.

Lesson No. 5b - Flaws in the Darwinian Evolution Theory

2006-04-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

Darwinian Evolution: n, a theory that explains current day biological / cosmic variation as a product of unguided, random happenings that is leading toward both speciation of the living and their concurrent genetic improvement.

Below are some snippets of erroneous examples for Darwinian Evolution that I ran across while in college. Once I understood their argument, I was dumbfounded by the blatant, gross academic leaps that are required to accept them as valid theory.

During this time of enlightenment, I also decided to visit some local Jr. High and High School science classrooms; I was afforded the opportunity to peruse current texts. I was again taken aback when I found these same examples littering secondary school text books.

Again, these are just a few examples that are currently used by Darwinians in an attempt to capture the minds of young budding (pardon the ‘yeast’ reference!) scientists. The problem with them is that following in-depth discussion, they do not come close to ‘holding water’ yet they continue to appear in text books at all levels of education.

Inaccurate examples classically used in high school and college textbooks to support DE.

1. Peppered Moth – discovered to be erroneous and flawed, published in Nature, 1998.

2. Beak Variation in Galapagos Finches – this is at best a microevolution issue and therefore does not support DE’s theory of speciation.

3. Resistance in Bacteria to Antibiotics in Humans – this is a microevolution issue. Bacteria that posses resistance to 1 antibiotic are not killed while all the others that are susceptible do die. The ‘bug’ population then micro evolves to a resistant population.

4. Viruses – the reason that you have to get a yearly flu vaccine is that the virus or virus population micro-evolves. In this way, viruses typically start to express the variation found in their RNA (or DNA). The viruses remain however a virus containing both H and N protein (these are how flu viruses are identified as different).

5. Mitochondria – mitochondria provide the ‘energy currency’ for human cells to function & are hypothesized to have been originally independent cells that were engulfed by a larger cell. The theory says that the current day mitochondria then lost all of its ancillary abilities, focusing solely on producing energy. One major problem with this theory is that DNA / functionality did not increase; it decreased as the engulfed cell lost all of its previous abilities. The ‘energy currency’ is similar to that of gasoline used to power an automobile. This theory has never, to my knowledge, been displayed in a lab (this of all DE theories ought to be recreated in the lab) and in my opinion is not likely to have happened. There are too many biochemical anomalies that would not favor such an event. Also the DE theory requires gained DNA; here it is only lost.

If any of these topics, or another, interests you, please speak up and we will have a more in depth discussion about the intricacies involved. You can also search your local library for publications concerning these issues or you can look through the 'Recommended Reading' list here, on the right side of this blog

Lesson No. 5a - A Definition of Terms

2006-04-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

In a discussion such as this, there may be several definitions to important words. Below are some such words and the definitions that will be used henceforth.

1. Evolution – a process of continual change including both MACRO- and MICROevolution; from a less ordered, more simplistic state toward a more ordered, more functional, more complex state.

2. Macroevolution – evolution at species level; speciation; the formation of new, survivable species from previously nonexistent species; the formation of a new entity from a previous nothingness.

3. Microevolution – a change in frequency of genes within a population (ie. if the most prevalent eye color world wide is currently brown and this changes to green because of any number of events that resulted in the death/extinction of humans with brown eye color)

4. Natural Selection – a process by which organisms expressing favorable traits are better suited for survival (and subsequently propagating this trait to progeny) than those organisms not expressing the favorable trait.

5. Intelligent Design – the theory that an intelligent, directed process best explains the ‘Origin of Life’, no identification of this ‘intelligence’ is provided.

Lesson No. 5 - Evolution & the Origin of Species

2006-03-30T18:48:00.000-06:00

This will start what is planned to be a four part series on the subject of the ‘Origin of Species’. As one can imagine, this subject is quite involved and many individuals usually just stick to what they have been told and fail to see the necessity of fleshing out a theory that seems to have very little to do with the common, everyday life. The purpose of this series will be four fold:

1. A definition of terms.
2. A discussion of major flaws in the Darwinian Evolution (DE) Theory.
3. A discussion of a counter argument to DE, Intelligent Design (ID).
4. How does discussion of the ‘Origin of Species’ relate to an individual that is neither a science researcher nor holds a PhD in Evolutionary Biology?

The only way one can truly learn is by doing research about a topic and then receiving criticism about the taken position. Criticism should make the position holder take an even harder look at the evidence and force him/her to either through off the shackles of former familiar ideologies or to reaffirm one’s current understanding of the subject at hand.

We will attempt to follow this format for the discussion of the ‘Origin of Species’. If you have a preliminary comment or example that you would like to see discussed, please post it to this syllabus and I will do my best to work it into future discussions.

Interesting

2006-03-27T18:57:00.000-06:00

I do not monitor the bottling practices of the American bottled water industry but I found this 'spot check' interesting:

Product: Ozarka (R) 0.5 L (lot: HA0124062115L1)
Company: Ozarka Spring Water Company (a division of a huge conglomerate)
Company Address: Greenwch, Conneticut
Water Source: Piney Woods Springs, Wood County, Texas

Effects of Abortion - from primary literature

2006-03-25T23:01:00.000-06:00

This is an interesting article that was published earlier this year in the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry. The title of the research is Abortion in Young Women and Subsequent Mental Health.

Life is a never ending adventure of education. Feel free to post your thoughts on the article. Happy reading!

www.chmeds.ac.nz/research/chds/view1.pdf

Rescue the Perishing

2006-03-02T13:29:00.000-06:00

Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying.
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.

Weep ore the erring one, Life up the fallen.
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying.
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Church, open your eyes once more
And see what Christ died for.
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Down in the human heart, Crushed by the tempter
Feelings lie buried, that grace can restore.
Touched by a loving heart, Waken by kindness
Chords that are broken will vibrate once more.

chorus

As we’re playing our songs, While were sing them well,
Have we forgotten the lost, the reality of hell?
If we say we love God, want to see His will done,
Will we offer our lives or just the songs we have sung?
Do we even care…when will we care?

Fanny Crosby

Billy Foote, arr.

The Pond (No. 4)

2006-02-05T07:08:00.000-06:00

1. Making new friends is good but neglecting old friends to spend all your time with one friend just because he/she is popular is not good.

2. You should not be bossy when playing with your friends.

History Lesson No. 1

2006-02-02T11:12:00.000-06:00

Does the ACLU have a historical basis for its current day litigation to ‘separate’ the church from the state? In my humble but accurate opinion: No. The ACLU has redefined the phrase “separation of church and state” from a separation of state mandated/sponsored religion to a complete eradication of religion from state matters. There is a drastic difference between the two. In the first definition, religion and God are allowed into state documents and affairs by the people. In the second definition, religion and God are banned all together from all state documents and affairs.

As you know the Constitution of the United States does not contain the phrase, “separation of church and state”. This history of this phrase and its use is interesting and worth our investigation. For now, please view below a few examples from important state documents that support my original claim.

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance .. establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of_the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... establish this Constitution ...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those .
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty . establish this ..
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator . can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other .
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.

William Penn said, "Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."

Lesson No. 4 - Daily Intellectual Honesty

2006-01-29T21:28:00.000-06:00

One very important aspect of one’s Intellectual Honesty is that individual’s religion, or in the case of Christianity, that individual’s relationship with God. I am sure we have all pondered this point before—I have myself—but today I was struck again with the simplicity of its meaning: Worship, singing, & emotions on Sunday without worship, service (to others because of guidance by the Holy Spirit) & integrity throughout the week is useless. James writes it like this, If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

When we attend a service of our choosing to learn about and worship God, do we sing words that only rhyme or are cleverly transcribed? Or do we sing with a heart, attitude and life-lived-last-week that supports the words coming out of our mouths.

Today, my favorite song and reminder was penned by David Glenn.

We come before You Lord, to sing Your praise
You are our everything, the Ancient of Days
Take joy in what You hear as we lift up Your name
We come to glorify Your name

We come to glorify, glorify
Glorify Your name
We come to glorify, glorify
Glorify Your name

We are Your people and we come before Your throne
We come to worship You, to worship You alone…

Kids do the funniest things!

2006-01-23T18:28:00.000-06:00

I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that its purpose is to explore controversial topics and discuss children's radio programming. Hopefully for just this one time only I am taking artistic license and broadening the scope of this page. ...

While working over the weekend a mom and her little daughter came in. (I don’t remember how old she was but she was young about 2.5 feet tall) The little girl seemed to be right on the brink of swinging really far toward smiling or throwing a tantrum. So, I thought I would smile, say hello, and wave to try to keep her occupied.

She broke into a huge smile and started waving back! The mother was now ready to go; she looked at her little girl and smiled in relief that the emotional ambiguity had resolved itself in a positive manner. Mom then commented that she appreciated my time in occupying her child and said something to the effect of, “Oh, she is a little flirt”.

About this time the little girl started to wave goodbye with one hand and to pick her nose with a finger on the other… … …Now guys, how many of you can say that you have so dazzled a young lady that she started picking her nose for you?

Vocabulary

2006-01-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

There has recently been much debate on the validity of the word 'irregardless'. The following is a direct quote from the Meriam Webster Dictionary:

Main Entry: irÂ·reÂ·gardÂ·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gÃ¤rd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

Quote No. 2

2006-01-18T10:40:00.000-06:00

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~ Jim Elliot, died 01.08.1956 at the hands of the Quechua natives of Equador trying to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus.

The Pond (No. 3)

2006-01-16T09:55:00.000-06:00

This week I learned that I need to be nice to and befriend new kids that move into my neighborhood. It is difficult to transition to a new location where you do not know anyone and sometimes it can be hard to make new friends. There was a second lesson that involved celebrety appearances on the program (like the CA govenator) but I do not remember that story. Sorry.

Lesson No. 3b - Birth Control

2006-01-14T18:18:00.000-06:00

1. Abstinence – This method has 100 % efficacy in preventing the sperm from meeting the egg. If you understand this mile-marker to be the point at which life begins, this is an appropriate form of contraception. If birth control is for a non-married female, the typical response is, “That just is not possible”. I submit that it IS possible; it may not be convenient or preferred but it IS possible.

2. Barrier methods – This method has a high rate of efficacy (not 100 %) in preventing the sperm from meeting the egg. Again if sperm-meets-egg is the point at which you understand life to begin, this too is an appropriate form of birth control.

3. Hormones – there has been some misunderstanding on this topic. ALL hormone contraception medications (pills, shots, patches) function in a similar manner. The only difference with regard to how they function as contraceptives is in what proportion they exhibit these characteristics. Hormone medications function as follows:

a. Prevent ovulation – this prevents the sperm from meeting the egg
b. Prevent implantation – this happens after fertilization. If you understand life to begin when a sperm meets an egg, you must consider this mechanism of action (MOA) to be a chemical abortion.
c. Prevent travel of the egg to the uterus for implantation.
d. Prevent travel of the sperm to the egg..

4. Surgery – This method is usually very efficacious in preventing the sperm from meeting the egg.

One reason that I am posting this topic is because of a conversation I had last fall with a colleague. We discussed the beginning of life and discovered that we both had very convincing information for calling fertilization (sperm meets egg) the most appropriate marker for the beginning of life. We then turned the conversation to how we practice our professions. After discussing the various MOAs we decided that we had a difficult decision to make. Do we hold to our current understanding of biology and science, calling the beginning of life fertilization? Or do we change our understanding for the sole purpose of making our practices less controversial and more convenient. My friend decided that refusing a patient hormone birth control in clinic or elsewhere would create more problems than it is worth. She said it was just the most convenient item available with such high rates of efficacy.

I agree with this last statement. I take issue with her blatant Intellectual Dishonesty. My colleague still holds that life begins at fertilization and human life is above all other to be most treasured and protected. She is, however, transparently hypocritical when she continues to champion hormone contraception as an appropriate method of birth control.

I hope this posting will spark conversation on this topic and that as we all become more enlightened on any issue we will not hide behind the statement, “my religion prevents me from doing this” but instead focus on obtaining the best possible information and then standing for your own position regardless of convenience.

If you have a difference of opinion on the marker for the beginning of life and are able to successfully use your argument in defending the use of hormonal contraception I urge you to speak up!

I propose that if one says they have a stance on an issue, maintain that stance and function against that stance they are Intellectually Dishonest.

Lesson No. 3a - Birth Control

2006-01-12T19:23:00.000-06:00

Opening statement: Human life is, above all other life, to be most treasured and protected. It is important for one to define when one understands life to begin so that said one can appropriately defend, honor, dignify and protect human life.

To my knowledge there are 4 available methods of contraception:
1. abstinence
2. barrier methods
3. hormone medications (“birth control pill, patch, shot”)
4. surgical methods

It is important for anyone choosing to use a form of birth control to first determine when they understand life to begin; it is paramount that this decision be made without regard for personal convenience or preference. Making this decision will allow the individual to choose a method of contraception that does not disrupt development prior to the determined point. If an individual is ignorant or not concerned about how a particular method functions and yet holds firm a conviction about the beginning of life, that one is in danger of Intellectual Dishonesty and committing a crime, not defined by public law but by that one’s own definition and conviction.

We earlier discussed various time points for arguing when life begins.
1. The point that the sperm meets the egg
2. The point that the zygote (the new cell created by the sperm / egg union) implants in the uterus.
3. The point of birth, when the new baby is physically separated from the mother.

In order to maintain a readable post length, the next posting will discuss the points found herein.

Quote No. 1

2006-01-09T22:01:00.000-06:00

If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself. ~ St. Augustine

Adventures in Odyssey - The Kingdom of Heaven

2006-01-04T20:16:00.000-06:00

Today on the way home, Adventures in Odyssey was talking about The Kingdom of Heaven. I learned that sometimes as we go through this life, we can make the incorrect but logical conclusion that what we can see is all that is real. We forget or are not aware that there is something more that we cannot currently see or physically experience. Some people call this the Kingdom of God. It is eternal, not temporal; spiritual, not physical; mysterious yet very authentic and quite factual.

How does one discover this Kingdom of Heaven? It is accomplished by having faith in the Word of God, the Bible, that describes and offers assurance of its existence. This type of faith is based on one’s belief that Jesus, described in the Bible, is in fact God and came to the Earth in the form of a man to live among us and later go to the cross. Here Jesus willing accepted the penalty of our sin so that those who believe would no longer be obligated to this debt. He died, was buried and then rose again just as Scripture predicted and is currently in Heaven.

Simple acceptance / belief of this will initiate one’s personal relationship with Jesus and opens one’s eyes to the ever present, very real, Kingdom of Heaven.

Adventures in Odyssey can be heard on the radio in Houston, Texas every Saturday morning at 8am on 89.3FM or anytime on the internet at whitsend.org.

Adventures in Odyssey

2006-01-03T21:38:00.000-06:00

Today on Adventures in Odyssey, Whit and the gang started working through the Lord’s example prayer. They take a work or phrase and generate a story about it. I heard 2 today in the car on the way to work/school.

Our Father in heaven – Unlike some earthly fathers, God, our heavenly Father will never disappoint us or make promises that He cannot keep!

Hallowed be Your name – God has many names to describe Himself and describe His character to us. We need to be careful to hallow or revere/respect his name and never use it flippantly or disrespectfully. Example names and addresses include:
Elohim – in Genesis
Adonai – in Genesis (Used when Abraham is promised descendants)
Ela – in Ezra and Daniel
Jesus/Immanuel – Luke
Yahweh – in Exodus, speaks of the Faithfulness of God
I AM – in John 18 & Mark 14

May we always honor and give the utmost respect to the Names of the Lord and the God whom they describe!

Lesson No. 2 - Absolute Truth

2006-01-02T13:33:00.000-06:00

I propose that there IS Absolute Truth.

I originally started this post with a more extensive argument for my position but I soon realized that it is not all that difficult a position to defend. So I will defend my statement with 2 arguments; the first will explain fault with the counter-theory and the second will substantiate my own statement.

First, the statement, “There is no such thing as absolute truth.” is itself an absolute statement. If one wants to say that this statement is the only exception to the rule then that one would still in fact subscribe to my position. The relativism that follows this single absolute statement would not in fact be truth, it would be opinion. Opinions may and do vary between individuals. A single individual may even change their own opinion many times.

Second, Webster defines ‘truth’ as (1) the state of being the case (2) the body of real things, events, and facts. Furthermore, Webster defines ‘opinion’ as (1) a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter (2) a belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge (3) a generally held view.

When we use words in conversations or debate we need to be sure that we are using the appropriate definition. If a word is used inappropriately, it shows the user to be either ignorant—which is acceptable given that he/she is open to correction—or it shows them to be Intellectually Dishonest. The user has not displayed a straightforwardness of conduct developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience. Such a person has allowed their emotions and desire to prove a point to override their intellect. To finish the argument, this individual has not maintained adherence to the facts nor given him/herself to intellectually honest study.

Lesson No. 1 - recap

2005-12-31T00:29:00.000-06:00

There seems to be no ground breaking information to change my position on exactly when life begins. So, to recap…we have decided that life begins when a sperm meets an egg. Why, you might ask? New DNA is generated at this point and the new cell is now distinguishable from every other living cell. The other possible view points either rely on location of the ‘newbie’ not its inherent characteristics or secondly, modern science can validate that a baby in the womb can express him/herself quite similarly to a baby out side of the womb. There is emotion, response, and volition.

Thanks for checking in. More fun topics are coming soon!

The Pond (No. 2)

2005-12-27T12:29:00.000-06:00

This week, due to the Christmas holiday, there was only one story on ‘The Pond’. You guessed it: the birth of Jesus!

Methuselah, an alligator, told a story that has been passed down in his family for generations. The story happened to a group of army ants that were ‘stationed’ in the manger area on the first Christmas night. The story starts by a message from the queen ant being delivered to the general with instructions to prevent enemy insects from entering the manger (mosquitoes, flies, beetles, etc.) because the King of kings would soon be arriving. Honored and inspired with the mission, the general rallied his troops and they trained and prepared for the coming royalty.

The most humorous preparation included infiltrating the mosquito camp and attaching ‘low-jack’ to each of them. This would allow the army ants to monitor the nasty mosquitoes and attack should one of them enter the ‘no fly zone’.

Anyway, 2 adult humans and 1 baby human ended up ‘invading’ the manger and the ants had to wrestle with following the original orders (only prevent insects from entering the manger). Come to find out the army ant general was expecting loud trumpets and a large entourage to escort the King of kings into Bethlehem. Through a series of events, the ants realized that this Baby was indeed the anticipated King of Kings!! They learned that God gives clear instruction as we need it. They also learned that we should not be beholden to our own ideas of how God’s workings will come to pass.

I am doing a poor job of relaying the great story told this week, but hey…you can always tune in next week for more great children’s radio programming!!

Lesson No. 1 - When Does Life Begin?

2005-12-23T23:08:00.000-06:00

Before we get started with 'deep philosophical questions' it is important that we position some foundations. First, we need to answer the question, “When does human life begin?”. The answer to this question needs to be predetermined because as I have witnessed in my own life and in others’, ambiguity here may very quickly lead to Intellectual Dishonesty in later discussions.

In the most simple of terms, I understand there to be basically 3 points at which one could argue that life begins.
1. The point that the sperm meets the egg.
2. The point that the zygote (the new cell created by the sperm / egg union) implants in the uterus.
3. The point of birth, when the new baby is physically separated from the mother.

I will argue that the point at which the sperm meets the egg is the best place to call the ‘beginning of life’. My reasons are two fold. First, this formation of unique, novel DNA is unlike any other DNA on the planet. There is enough unique DNA in this new cell to separate this new cell from every other collection of cells on the planet. Finally the death of this new cell would terminate the possibility of re-generating an exact duplicate by natural causes (you could probably replicate it with lots of time and a science lab).

Others would argue that implantation is the best point of reference. The two major arguments that I have come across for this position are: (1) After implantation the likely hood of a mother’s inability to carry baby to term decreases, and (2) implantation sparks exponential growth in the zygote. I propose that the quality of exponential cell growth is a poor indicator for initial formation of life because children continue to replicate / generate exponential cell growth through adolescence, post-partum. The former argument is equally poor because it has nothing to do with the zygote itself and everything to do with the mother. We are trying to measure life in the ‘newbie’ not the mother.

Others would argue that birth is the best point of reference for designating the beginning of life. The major argument for this position has been dismantled by ultrasound: the baby does not display emotion, volition, or characterization pre-birth. Another argument states that at this point the baby is no longer obligated to require assistance from the mother; it is autonomous. This is clearly intellectually dishonest because the baby requires milk for feeding (from the mother or formula usually provided by the mother). Without assistance from others (usually the mother) the baby would deplete the intrinsic energy stores and eventually die of starvation.