Independent

For most of United States history our government has been run by 2 parties, the Democrats, and the Republicans (and various other names of the same parties). A growing number of people (including myself) are starting to realize that this 2 party system is not serving the interest of the people in this government that is "by the people and for the people". The 2 party system serves only the 2 parties.

But the political landscape is changing, and evidence of this can be seen in the Connecticut race for Senator where Joesph Lieberman (an Independent) is 17 points ahead of the nearest challenger Ned Lamont (Democrat). A 17 point lead in political terms is a landslide. This is good news for those who think a revitalization of our 2-party political system is needed.

Delirious?: Now Is The Time

Best live DVD/CD I've heard in a long time.

These guys know how to put on an amazing live show. I've seen a lot of great bands live, and alongside U2 these guys are the quintessential bringer of good music.

For those who are Christians, this is not just a "show" but an interaction with the living God. It's amazing.

Everything I've Always Wanted :)

New Sting Album

This past Tuesday one of my favorite artists Sting released his long-awaited collection of music titled: Songs From The Labyrinth.

In the interest of full disclosure I must say that most would find this particular recording odd. The record is a collection of music from a 17th century "pop" artist named John Dowland. The whole album is performed by Sting and a world-renowned lute player named Edin Karamazov. As a credit to Stings musicianship, Sting himself plays lute on a few tracks.

The album as a whole is quite easily said, refreshing. With post-grunge, and pop/rock filling the Tuesday releases week after week, a completely new (old) form of music done by a modern pop artist is very stimulating. If you are a lover of music you should enjoy this reservoir of audio candy.

North Korea

This past Sunday evening North Korea ran an underground test on it's highly controversial nuclear weapons program. According to most news sources the test was a least partially a success. With the current state of the world (Iraq War, Iranian threats, Israel-Lebanon) what should the United States/World community do with this threat of a nuclear North Korea? What should the response of a Christian be? Voice your opinion on the new poll question, or if you have another idea, make a comment.

For a brief history of North Korea click here.

On A Lighter Note

For those of you who are fans of the original Nintendo Entertainment Center your day has come. I have discovered one of the single best web gems of our time---an online NES system. Point your browser to this link and play all your favorites right from your computer. Can it get any better?

http://vnes.thatsanderskid.com/

Grace Again

Once again grace peaks its head around the corner.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/07/amish.mourners.ap/index.html

Grace Finds Goodness In Everything

There is a line in a U2 song titled Grace that states "grace finds goodness in everything", another line of the song says "grace finds beauty in ugly things". In the midst of the ugliness our world spews, goodness can still be found, and in fact, can flourish. This story gave me hope today.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/06/amish.girls.reut/index.html

You Too Can Walk On Water

Take a look at this new art exhibit. Looks cool.

http://www.spurgeonworld.com/blog/archives/2006/09/walk_on_water.html

A Quick Stop In Kansas City

I'm currently with Emily in Kansas City on a 2 hour lay-over on my way to Memphis, TN for a much needed hiatus with some friends. Since I have 2 hours to waste I thought I would comment on some of the happenings in the world this past week.

After a close inspection of the current top news stories one would assume that our world is degenerating by the minute. We had a pedophile in Congress (former Rep. Mark Foley), a man who slaughtered innocent lives at an Amish school of all places, and North Korea testing nuclear weapons.

What a world we find ourselves in. I find myself a little dismayed and perplexed by where we have landed as a civilization as of this October of 2006. Do you believe the world has had the same amount of evil (as if you can really measure it) since it's creation, or do you believe that humanity has progressively gotten worse over time. On one hand, it seems as if our world is falling apart as we know it, on another hand, there hasn't been a time in history where news (whether good or bad) has had the ability to be broadcasted instantaneously from anywhere at anytime. This instantaneous news phenomenon could be an opening of our eyes so to speak to evils that have always been, but have been brought to light. What do you think?

Rogue Squirrels Attacking People In California

I apologize that I have not posted anything of real value the past few weeks. Here's something quite comical that should tide you over as I get back into the swing of things.

http://www.nbc11.com/news/9946298/detail.html?rss=bay&psp=news

He's Not Very Happy

Don't...

Yesterday, September 20, 2006 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez used part of his time at the U.N. General Assembly to call the President of the United States "the devil". As a citizen of the United States I am outraged. I don't care who the President of the United States is at any time, whether I voted for him or not; do NOT come to my country and attack my President. Can I get a witness?

Jesus Camp Review

This past Saturday night I had the chance to view the documentary Jesus Camp. As expected, this film made me, an evangelical Christian, outraged. This outrage was not directed at the filmakers, in fact I thought the filmakers made an even-handed documentary, the outrage was directed at the focus of this documentary; radical, fundamentalist Christians. It saddens me to tears that there are people in my faith who contort scripture to fit their own beliefs to this degree. There were points during the movie where I felt physically ill as I watched young children being manuipulated and brainwashed. This movie can't be summed up in a small review like this, you may need to see it for yourself, although I don't reccomend it for everyone.

I would also like to calm some fears that this documentary was made to paint all Christians as wacko-fundamentalists. As an evangelical Christian, I was not in any way offended by the way the content was presented. I do not believe anyone will walk out of a viewing of Jesus Camp and believe that the whole of Christianity was represented. It is a clearly presented documentatry that makes great strides to ensure that you, the viewer, know that this is a radical branch of Christianity.

Positive News From Iraq?

I don't care what political party you affiliate with, or which side you are on, all Americans should see this commercial and be proud.

September 11, 2001

Courtesy of newsmax.com

Does God Want You To Be Rich

This saddens me.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/10/time.cover.tm/index.html

Jesus Camp

What do you think of this new documentary. It showcases a radical fundamentalist Christian church camp for kids.


Click here for more information about the documentary and to view the trailer.

High Value Detainees Will Be Given Prison-of-War Status

Sept. 6, 2006 — ABC News has learned that President Bush will announce that high-value detainees now being held at secret CIA prisons will be transferred to the Department of Defense and granted protections under the 1949 Geneva Conventions. It will be the first time the Administration publicly acknowledges the existence of the prisons.
A source familiar with the president's announcement says it will apply to all prisoners now being held by the CIA, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept.11 attacks, and senior al Qaeda leader Ramzi Binalshibh.
The source says there are "about a dozen" prisoners now being held by the CIA.
Until now, the U.S. government has not officially acknowledged the existence of CIA prisons.
The Bush administration has come under harsh criticism for its handling of detainees captured in the U.S.-led military campaign to root out al Qaeda terror cells abroad.
Many detainees have been given the legal status of "enemy combatant," which includes both lawful enemy combatants and unlawful enemy combatants.

Courtesty of abcnews.com 

Finding God On Your iPod

This is a video teaser for our next teaching series at Northview Community Church, Tune Your Walk.

Do you believe you can find God/Truth through the music of our culture?