So I got home really late last night, and when I walked in the front door, my wife said "you aren't going to believe this." So she pushes play on the TIVO and I hear Ryan Seacrest say "with 'shout to the Lord' it's your top 8 ladies and gentlemen." She was right I didn't believe it. They started the music and I was shocked as the words "MY JESUS MY SAVIOR" came out clear as a bell on the most watched show in America (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6G0U8Vg6nY). Now, I've since heard (and seen) that they also performed the song at the conclusion of Wednesday night's show, but that part didn't air due to time constraints. Interestingly, that Wednesday night version had them saying "My Sheppard, My Savior", (http://www.idolstalker.com/american-idol-top-8-shout-to-the-lord/) and then the one that actually aired changed to Jesus.
Scarlet and I discussed for a minute about whether any of them even understood or meant any of the words. Then we both realized that it didn't matter. Millions of people (lot's of un-churched folks) were hearing a blatant praise song to Jesus my Savior. What a powerful moment. I don't know if they were throwing us a bone, patronizing us, or trying to capitolize on the popularity of Praise and Worship music; but I am so glad they chose the song and performed it well.
Praise the Lord!
That is my Shock and Awe 2 cents!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
China Olympic Noise
OK, let me start by saying that I in no way condone the Civil Rights practices of the Chinese Government. Actually, I condemn both those practices and their oppressive form of government as well. I do however find it comical that politicians and crazy protesters take an event like the Olympics and the Torch run to make a point.
The issues with China’s treatment of their citizens and Tibetan citizens are not anything new. It is the same as it has been since the Communist Regime first took power. Yet we choose to not punish them properly, and we reward them every day. This country as a whole has already been treating China as if they have had favored nation status for years. We have free and open trade with China. As a matter of fact it is very difficult these days to find anything in America that isn’t made in China. It is an absolute embarrassment as an American how difficult it is to buy American. I did this for years, but find it almost impossible now. Just looking right here around me now most everything is made in China: Mouse, Cell Phone, Coffee Mug, Watch, you name it. Heads of state for years have made cordial visits to China, and acted like everything is just fine thank you. Anything negative in any way is really a little tap on the wrist. Money flows every day from our country (and yes our government) to China. Everyone has stood by for years and condoned China’s human rights failures but not flat out condemning them.
So now all of a sudden we’re supposed to be outraged but things that have been going on for quite some time because the Olympics are in China? Give me a break! This is only done by Hillary’s Campaign and these Left wing groups to either forward an agenda or get free publicity. I assure you they are not really outraged at China. I am so sick and tired of Folks putting a faux opinion out there when it serves their purpose instead of really trying to change things for the better. Also, this is the Olympics for Pete’s sake. It’s a bunch of games and competition between countries and it has very little real impact on any thing of substance diplomatically. If President Bush boycotts the Opening ceremonies, I guarantee you that China will not “Free Tibet”.
If we really want China to change things, we need a long term plan to hurt them where it counts, in the wallet. Anything short of real economic threats, are nothing but a big joke.
That’s my 2.5 cents, so there!
The issues with China’s treatment of their citizens and Tibetan citizens are not anything new. It is the same as it has been since the Communist Regime first took power. Yet we choose to not punish them properly, and we reward them every day. This country as a whole has already been treating China as if they have had favored nation status for years. We have free and open trade with China. As a matter of fact it is very difficult these days to find anything in America that isn’t made in China. It is an absolute embarrassment as an American how difficult it is to buy American. I did this for years, but find it almost impossible now. Just looking right here around me now most everything is made in China: Mouse, Cell Phone, Coffee Mug, Watch, you name it. Heads of state for years have made cordial visits to China, and acted like everything is just fine thank you. Anything negative in any way is really a little tap on the wrist. Money flows every day from our country (and yes our government) to China. Everyone has stood by for years and condoned China’s human rights failures but not flat out condemning them.
So now all of a sudden we’re supposed to be outraged but things that have been going on for quite some time because the Olympics are in China? Give me a break! This is only done by Hillary’s Campaign and these Left wing groups to either forward an agenda or get free publicity. I assure you they are not really outraged at China. I am so sick and tired of Folks putting a faux opinion out there when it serves their purpose instead of really trying to change things for the better. Also, this is the Olympics for Pete’s sake. It’s a bunch of games and competition between countries and it has very little real impact on any thing of substance diplomatically. If President Bush boycotts the Opening ceremonies, I guarantee you that China will not “Free Tibet”.
If we really want China to change things, we need a long term plan to hurt them where it counts, in the wallet. Anything short of real economic threats, are nothing but a big joke.
That’s my 2.5 cents, so there!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
You might be a redneck if. . .
You are nearly as uncomfortable as me when in a High Class Resort hotel. You can see me letting my hair down (ha) here after 2 straight nights of wearing the same suit to dinner. The Homestead is a very nice place and I enjoyed it, but I'm just not so good in High-society settings. After the Bellboy took my luggage up to the room I came up and spent 5 minutes trying to open my door with the card. It turned out when he walked back by that I was trying to open the door with a card that was attached to the useless mini-bar key.So, maybe this California boy IS a redneck after all.
Homestead April 2008
These are a few of my favorite shots from a business trip to the Homestead resort (Hot Springs, Va.) last week.
Enjoy and see the rest at: http://picasaweb.google.com/knuckleheadva/Homestead
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