Defense
There comes a time in your fantasy draft when you have your starting QB, two or three RBs, three or four WRs, and possibly your Tight End taken care of. Adding depth is very important, but don’t overlook the value of a top flight defense. The good thing about defenses are the elite ones don’t tend to change from year to year despite injuries and turnover. Take the Giants for example. Who would have figured they would have an elite defense after Strahan retired and Osi went down? Yet, they did. Philly has had players come and go without missing a beat. Think about how long Pittsburgh and Baltimore have been elite fantasy defenses.
The top fantasy defenses based on Average Draft Position are:
Pittsburgh – 8th round
Baltimore & NY Giants – 9th round
Minnesota – 10th round
You can chose to wait until the 11th or 12 round, assuming there isn’t a run on defenses, and land San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, NY Jets or Tennessee.
Don’t worry if you miss out on one of the top D’s. There are still great values to be had later like New England, Green Bay, Dallas, and Washington, but landing Pittsburgh D can be a difference maker. Some of the players going in the 8th round along with Pittsburgh D are Jamal Lewis, Julius Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Percy Harvin. Jamal and Julius have little upside. Ahmad and Julius have great potential, but can you really rely on them any given week? Meanwhile Pittsburgh is a plug and play. You don’t have to worry about matchups. You just use them every week.
Kickers
Yesterday we discussed being bold and taking a top defense early. Since the top defenses don’t tend to change from year-to-year, it’s a calculated risk. Kickers, on the other hand, are much more of a crap shoot. In fact, since 2002 there have only been two Kickers to be in the top five in points in consecutive seasons.
Stephen Gostkowski is one of the back-to-back Kickers so he may be the exception, although his average draft position is the 11th round. I see no reason why New England’s offense doesn’t continue to score in bunches, but personally I would rather secure a top flight defense or provide depth to another key position. Of course, I am not opposed to ditching the Kicker position all together, but that’s a topic for a different day. If you are drafting a Kicker based on last year, you’ll probably miss the boat. Here’s a look at the top five point scorers from 2002-2008.
2008
Stephen Gostkowski – 148
David Akers – 144
John Carney – 143
Matt Bryant – 131
John Kasay – 130
2007
Mason Crosby – 141
Stephen Gostkowski – 137
Rob Bironas – 133
Nick Folk – 131
Shayne Graham – 130
2006
Robbie Gould – 143
Nate Kaeding – 136
Jeff Wilkins – 131
Matt Stover – 121
Josh Scobee – 119
2005
Jay Feely -148
Neil Rackers – 140
Shayne Graham – 131
Lawrence Tynes – 125
Mike Vanderjagt – 121
2004
Adam Vinatieri – 141
Jason Elam – 129
Jeff Reed – 124
David Akers – 122
Shayne Graham – 122
2003
Jeff Wilkins – 163
Mike Vanderjagt – 157
Matt Stover – 134
John Kasay – 125
Gary Anderson – 123
2002
Jay Feely – 138
David Akers – 133
John Carney – 130
Martin Gramatica – 128
Sebastian Janikowski – 128
Ryan Longwell – 128
My advice is fill your roster with good depth at your key positions and grab a Kicker in the last round. Odds are you’re going to drop your Kicker in your bye week anyway. Unless you have an extremely deep roster, you don’t want to hold onto two Kickers at one time.
Defense
There comes a time in your fantasy draft when you have your starting QB, two or three RBs, three or four WRs, and possibly your Tight End taken care of. Adding depth is very important, but don’t overlook the value of a top flight defense. The good thing about defenses are the elite ones don’t tend to change from year to year despite injuries and turnover. Take the Giants for example. Who would have figured they would have an elite defense after Strahan retired and Osi went down? Yet, they did. Philly has had players come and go without missing a beat. Think about how long Pittsburgh and Baltimore have been elite fantasy defenses.
The top fantasy defenses based on Average Draft Position are:
Pittsburgh – 8th round
Baltimore & NY Giants – 9th round
Minnesota – 10th round
You can chose to wait until the 11th or 12 round, assuming there isn’t a run on defenses, and land San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, NY Jets or Tennessee.
Don’t worry if you miss out on one of the top D’s. There are still great values to be had later like New England, Green Bay, Dallas, sex ogłoszenia and Washington, but landing Pittsburgh D can be a difference maker. Some of the players going in the 8th round along with Pittsburgh D are Jamal Lewis, Julius Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Percy Harvin. Jamal and Julius have little upside. Ahmad and Julius have great potential, but can you really rely on them any given week? Meanwhile Pittsburgh is a plug and play. You don’t have to worry about matchups. You just use them every week.
Kickers
Yesterday we discussed being bold and taking a top defense early. Since the top defenses don’t tend to change from year-to-year, it’s a calculated risk. Kickers, on the other hand, are much more of a crap shoot. In fact, since 2002 there have only been two Kickers to be in the top five in points in consecutive seasons.
Stephen Gostkowski is one of the back-to-back Kickers so he may be the exception, although his average draft position is the 11th round. I see no reason why New England’s offense doesn’t continue to score in bunches, but personally I would rather secure a top flight defense or provide depth to another key position. Of course, I am not opposed to ditching the Kicker position all together, but that’s a topic for a different day. If you are drafting a Kicker based on last year, you’ll probably miss the boat. Here’s a look at the top five point scorers from 2002-2008.
2008
Stephen Gostkowski – 148
David Akers – 144
John Carney – 143
Matt Bryant – 131
John Kasay – 130
2007
Mason Crosby – 141
Stephen Gostkowski – 137
Rob Bironas – 133
Nick Folk – 131
Shayne Graham – 130
2006
Robbie Gould – 143
Nate Kaeding – 136
Jeff Wilkins – 131
Matt Stover – 121
Josh Scobee – 119
2005
Jay Feely -148
Neil Rackers – 140
Shayne Graham – 131
Lawrence Tynes – 125
Mike Vanderjagt – 121
2004
Adam Vinatieri – 141
Jason Elam – 129
Jeff Reed – 124
David Akers – 122
Shayne Graham – 122
2003
Jeff Wilkins – 163
Mike Vanderjagt – 157
Matt Stover – 134
John Kasay – 125
Gary Anderson – 123
2002
Jay Feely – 138
David Akers – 133
John Carney – 130
Martin Gramatica – 128
Sebastian Janikowski – 128
Ryan Longwell – 128
My advice is fill your roster with good depth at your key positions and grab a Kicker in the last round. Odds are you’re going to drop your Kicker in your bye week anyway. Unless you have an extremely deep roster, you don’t want to hold onto two Kickers at one time.
matt stover
cute ways to style medium sized hair
Curly hair is sexy and everyone can wear it. They have a look that goes with any occasion. If you have curly, frizzy hair, use a rich or relaxing hair product and let hair dry naturally. Curly hair with loops adds an extra touch to the hair that can’t be beat. Be careful because they may cause your hair frizzy, stressed, broken and damage especially at the ends. Do short and medium hairstyles for the look of beauty with a few curly strands.
Curly hair is completely different because of its structure and needs. Your curly hairstyle will look great because of a great cut and the best care. If you have long curly hair, do bouncy ringlets or try tightened loops for a new look. To give an appearance of style, try a few short casual cuts. Use a diffuser to give the look of a loop because it makes curly hair look bouncy and a curling iron will let you choose the size of the curls and adds texture as well. Never use a brush to style on curly haired people because it will make your hair frizz out. Use a comb or a „kidnapping”.
Light doesn’t reflect on curly hair, so a good idea to at least use a lighter shade or darker dimension to it. This slight change will create an illusion of shine. You can even don an up do, letting a few swifts on the side for a soft romantic look. You can even tie your hair into a clean ponytail mad liven it up with exciting accessories. For maintenance, use a shine spray or serum to reflect light. Use Rusk st8 for a straight look Comb it through and blow dry it straight using low heat.
Since curly hair is more susceptible to dryness, use a rich moisturizing shampoo following it up with conditioner. Using hair balm or shine spray, then blow dries using low heat. Use a barrel to add loops for a much more natural look.
Caring for hair that is curly needs a totally different approach than the rest. Since they tend to be More prone to being brittle and frizzy, a little care and maintenance goes a long way. Deep Conditioning once a month adds health and vibrancy to lifeless hair. Balms or shine serum Adds luster to almost mute out hair shine.
Curly hair is sexy and everyone can wear it. They have a look that goes with any occasion. If you have curly, frizzy hair, use a rich or relaxing hair product and let hair dry naturally. Curly hair with loops adds an extra touch to the hair that can’t be beat. Be careful because they may cause your hair frizzy, stressed, broken and damage especially at the ends. Do short and medium hairstyles for the look of beauty with zabawki a few curly strands.
Curly hair is completely different because of its structure and needs. Your curly hairstyle will look great because of a great cut and the best care. If you have long curly hair, do bouncy ringlets or try tightened loops for a new look. To give an appearance of style, try a few short casual cuts. Use a diffuser to give the look of a loop because it makes curly hair look bouncy and a curling iron will let you choose the size of the curls and adds texture as well. Never use a brush to style on curly haired people because it will make your hair frizz out. Use a comb or a „kidnapping”.
Light doesn’t reflect on curly hair, so a good idea to at least use a lighter shade or darker dimension to it. This slight change will create an illusion of shine. You can even don an up do, letting a few swifts on the side for a soft romantic look. You can even tie your hair into a clean ponytail mad liven it up with exciting accessories. For maintenance, use a shine spray or serum to reflect light. Use Rusk st8 for a straight look Comb it through and blow dry it straight using low heat.
Since curly hair is more susceptible to dryness, use a rich moisturizing shampoo following it up with conditioner. Using hair balm or shine spray, then blow dries using low heat. Use a barrel to add loops for a much more natural look.
Caring for hair that is curly needs a totally different approach than the rest. Since they tend to be More prone to being brittle and frizzy, a little care and maintenance goes a long way. Deep Conditioning once a month adds health and vibrancy to lifeless hair. Balms or shine serum Adds luster to almost mute out hair shine.
horse bits
I use a use a western horse bit for the same reason I use my spurs. To attain a more direct and defined response from the pressure I apply to my horse. A bit is similar to spurs because they are both used as motivational tools to get a response from your horse to make a certain change to a particular gait or a certain direction. When you apply pressure to the bit it is then transferred down to your horse’s mouth. When your horse makes the desired change then you immediately release that pressure. I have a saying „The quicker the release the faster the response” also meaning the quicker you release the pressure the faster your horse will understand what you are asking him to do.
Before introducing a Snaffle bit or western bit to my horse, I first teach my horse how to give to pressure in a rope halter though a lot of ground training. I apply pressure to each side of my horse by teaching him to bend also known as (flexion) and also yielding the hindquarters on the ground which simulates my one rein stop when I get in the saddle.
When I think my horse is ready to start as a 2 yr old. I use a personal method which has worked great for me I’ll put on a side pull with a snaffle on it on my horses let them where it around for a bit I turn them out in it in a round pen or something. I do this several times usually for a couple of days until I think they are comfortable with it in their mouth. This also gets them used to wearing a bridle and bit without freaking out every time you approach them with it. They associate the bridle and bit with playtime being turned out instead of work or something that’s going to harm them.
Now that my horse is comfortable, I do all the ground I did with the rope halter except this time I’m going to do it with the snaffle bit (please do this with a smooth western snaffle). Moving to the snaffle changes the pressure the horse feels, instead of applying pressure to the horses nose you’re now applying it to the mouth on each side of the cheek & on the bars of the mouth and tongue. (Caution your hands should be very light with this process).
My goal is to give my horse the idea that I can communicate to him with the bit through light pressure. I take baby steps with my horse & reward him for every little try to build confidence in my horse and assure him that he is doing the right thing.
I use a use a western horse bit for the same reason I use my spurs. To attain a more direct and defined response from the pressure I apply to my horse. A bit is similar to spurs because they are both used as motivational tools to get a response from your horse to make a certain change to a particular gait or a certain direction. When you apply pressure to the bit it is then transferred down to your horse’s mouth. When your horse makes the desired change then you immediately release that pressure. I have a saying „The quicker the release the faster the response” also meaning the quicker you release the pressure the faster your horse will understand what you are asking him to do.
Before introducing a Snaffle bit or western bit to my horse, I first teach my horse schody how to give to pressure in a rope halter though a lot of ground training. I apply pressure to each side of my horse by teaching him to bend also known as (flexion) and also yielding the hindquarters on the ground which simulates my one rein stop when I get in the saddle.
When I think my horse is ready to start as a 2 yr old. I use a personal method which has worked great for me I’ll put on a side pull with a snaffle on it on my horses let them where it around for a bit I turn them out in it in a round pen or something. I do this several times usually for a couple of days until I think they are comfortable with it in their mouth. This also gets them used to wearing a bridle and bit without freaking out every time you approach them with it. They associate the bridle and bit with playtime being turned out instead of work or something that’s going to harm them.
Now that my horse is comfortable, I do all the ground I did with the rope halter except this time I’m going to do it with the snaffle bit (please do this with a smooth western snaffle). Moving to the snaffle changes the pressure the horse feels, instead of applying pressure to the horses nose you’re now applying it to the mouth on each side of the cheek & on the bars of the mouth and tongue. (Caution your hands should be very light with this process).
My goal is to give my horse the idea that I can communicate to him with the bit through light pressure. I take baby steps with my horse & reward him for every little try to build confidence in my horse and assure him that he is doing the right thing.
museum employment chicago
Chicago, the „windy metropolis” is known for its multicultural inhabitants in addition to its dramatic architecture and love for the arts.
In detail, Chicago has:
1. At least three million people
2. Harbors, parks, beaches, golf equipment, and ethnic eating places
3. 29 miles of lakefront, museums, neighborhood festivals, and cultural sights
Folks visit the city as often as winds do. Also, tourists favor the mid-western hospitality of the people. In addition they share tales of their enjoyment in going to exhibits in museums like Degas, Monet, and the whimsical „Cows on Parade” of Summer time 1999.
The businesses blended with the multicultural features of the town are stated to be the driving „winds” that spur creativity among people who go to or examine in Chicago. As all the time, it is inevitable to have vogue colleges inside a metropolis that remember and help the arts and dynamism of culture.
The next are some featured fashion design colleges in Illinois:
1.The International Academy of Design and Technology is positioned in Chicago.
The institute gives the next diploma programs:
• Bachelor of Wonderful Arts, Major in Vogue Design and Marketing
• Associate of Utilized Science in Vogue Design and Advertising
The curriculum of Style and Design assimilates the examine of latest traits and improvements in the thriving worldwide industry of trend with the mastery of conventional abilities, thus providing a holistic background to both trend amateurs and masters alike relating to designing.
• Bachelor of Arts, Main in Merchandising Management
• Affiliate of Applied Science in Merchandising Management
The program of Merchandising Management gives college students and professionals in addition to with the chance to contend throughout the job market by integrating theoretical ideas with sensible implementations. However, college students can rest assured that after graduation their abilities on developing appropriate visible shows, and utilizing applicable business practices and scales are honed to assist them achieve profitability within the lengthy run.
2. The Illinois Institute of Art is primarily located in Schaumburg. The degree packages they provide vary by location.
The Illinois Institute of Artwork is, basically, an association of faculties in numerous locations. Collectively, the Artwork Institute is taken into account as a leader within the area of utilized science education.
Their programs similar to Vogue Advertising and Style Design are restructured regularly to reveal ideas garnered from industry advisors, leaders, and employers for relevance and practical applications within the marketplace.
The Artwork Institute also possesses seasoned faculty members who’re additionally affiliated to the area people of functions. Thus, this gives college students with plenty of events for consultation with industry professionals and practicing designers. As college students’ information and skills enhance by the packages, they are required to plan an initial design and execute it right into a finished product to cap their stay within the institution.
3. International Academy of Design and Expertise
The varsity has campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orlando. They supply program areas and quite a lot of diploma ranges designed to suit your distinctive career track. In detail, they provide:
• Diploma in Vogue Design
• Diploma in Merchandising and Vogue Advertising and marketing
These are only three among the many a lot checklist of schools on this city. The choice now lies in your hand. Inside the „windy city” are competitions and strict trainings from various places in the job arena. The place do you assume the „will of the wind inside you” will convey you and your high hopes of hitting it large within the fashion trade?
Chicago, the „windy metropolis” is known for its multicultural inhabitants in addition to its dramatic architecture and love for the arts.
In detail, Chicago has:
1. At least three million people
2. Harbors, parks, beaches, golf equipment, and ethnic eating places
3. 29 miles of lakefront, museums, neighborhood festivals, and cultural sights
Folks visit the city as often as winds do. Also, tourists favor the mid-western hospitality of the people. In addition they share tales of their enjoyment in going to exhibits in museums like Degas, Monet, and the whimsical „Cows on Parade” of Summer time 1999.
The businesses blended with the multicultural features of the town are stated to be the driving „winds” that spur creativity among people who go to or examine in Chicago. As all the time, it is inevitable to have vogue colleges inside regały metalowe a metropolis that remember and help the arts and dynamism of culture.
The next are some featured fashion design colleges in Illinois:
1.The International Academy of Design and Technology is positioned in Chicago.
The institute gives the next diploma programs:
• Bachelor of Wonderful Arts, Major in Vogue Design and Marketing
• Associate of Utilized Science in Vogue Design and Advertising
The curriculum of Style and Design assimilates the examine of latest traits and improvements in the thriving worldwide industry of trend with the mastery of conventional abilities, thus providing a holistic background to both trend amateurs and masters alike relating to designing.
• Bachelor of Arts, Main in Merchandising Management
• Affiliate of Applied Science in Merchandising Management
The program of Merchandising Management gives college students and professionals in addition to with the chance to contend throughout the job market by integrating theoretical ideas with sensible implementations. However, college students can rest assured that after graduation their abilities on developing appropriate visible shows, and utilizing applicable business practices and scales are honed to assist them achieve profitability within the lengthy run.
2. The Illinois Institute of Art is primarily located in Schaumburg. The degree packages they provide vary by location.
The Illinois Institute of Artwork is, basically, an association of faculties in numerous locations. Collectively, the Artwork Institute is taken into account as a leader within the area of utilized science education.
Their programs similar to Vogue Advertising and Style Design are restructured regularly to reveal ideas garnered from industry advisors, leaders, and employers for relevance and practical applications within the marketplace.
The Artwork Institute also possesses seasoned faculty members who’re additionally affiliated to the area people of functions. Thus, this gives college students with plenty of events for consultation with industry professionals and practicing designers. As college students’ information and skills enhance by the packages, they are required to plan an initial design and execute it right into a finished product to cap their stay within the institution.
3. International Academy of Design and Expertise
The varsity has campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orlando. They supply program areas and quite a lot of diploma ranges designed to suit your distinctive career track. In detail, they provide:
• Diploma in Vogue Design
• Diploma in Merchandising and Vogue Advertising and marketing
These are only three among the many a lot checklist of schools on this city. The choice now lies in your hand. Inside the „windy city” are competitions and strict trainings from various places in the job arena. The place do you assume the „will of the wind inside you” will convey you and your high hopes of hitting it large within the fashion trade?
the santuario de chimayo
Visiting in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico opens up the eyes of each individual. Over four hundred years of culture and history, a walk on the streets of Santa Fe is a walk through time. Early settlers from the East found their way via the Santa Fe Trail. Today you can arrive via plane, train and auto. Be aware that the streets around the main plaza are very narrow. Out lying ones have the mechanical coin meters at $1.00 per hour. A commuter train runs frequently during the day from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The bus transit system offers free rides to train ticket holders. The rate for seniors is only $0.50 or $1.00 all day. Remember this, flatlanders, when you walk around sightseeing. You are over 7,00 feet. Seeing Santa Fe takes your breath away in more ways than one.
Ask residents for „The Round House” and they will give you directions to the Capital building, a four-story circular building with a plaza in the form of the Zia Sun symbol, which also appears on the state flag. The three top floors are open for a self-guided tour. Check out the Visitor information desk on the main level and you might get lucky to meet Sarah Duran, a local resident with a font of knowledge. What she does not know, she will find out.
The Capital complex was dedicated in 1966. What is striking about the building is the use of space and the numerous art works hanging from all of the walls. The artists depict the many aspects of New Mexico: natural beauty, the beauty of the indigenous people, the Spanish colonialism, and modern New Mexico with all of its diversity.
The fourth floor houses the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Governor’s Gallery, started in 19+73, focuses on local art and artists as an outreach branch of the Museum of Fine Arts.
The third floor has many offices of the 42 Senators elected every four years and 70 Representatives elected every two years. They have to be citizens and residents of their district. Besides that they do not receive a salary, only a per diem and a mileage allowance. They meet for 60 days in odd-numbered years and 30 days in even-numbered years. Albuquerque and its environs comprise almost one-quarter of the legislators, because the districts are measured by population. Eat your hearts out other states with inflated salaries for their legislators.
The second floor, the main floor, houses the galleries for the Senate and Representative chambers. Both are up-to-date with modern technical innovations. Both have the Great seal of New Mexico behind the front desk. The rotunda floor also depicts the seal. Little has changed since 1851. The American bald eagle shields the smaller Mexican eagle. The bald eagle grasps three arrows in its talons. The harpy eagle has a snake in its mouth and a cactus in his talons. This goes back to an ancient Aztec story, in which the gods told the Aztecs to settle where they saw such an eagle portrayed. Under them the state motto reads „Crescit Eundo” (It Grows as it Goes).
Sarah recommended a restaurant down the street called The Upper Crust Pizza Parlor, which was voted best in Santa Fe. For under $5.00 Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM you can get a large slice of pizza with one topping of your choice, a small salad, and a beverage. The pizza was delicious. I had spicy Thai dressing on my salad. It lived up to its name. The sodas we had were great. My wife chose a Way2Cool Root Beer, made in Carrizozo, NM. Outstanding!! I chose a Blue Sky Lemon Lime Soda, made with natural ingredients. Outstanding too!!
The restaurant is directly across from San Miguel Mission Church, which dates back to Spanish Colonial times and rebuilt after the 1680s Pueblo Revolt. The church is still active for the people who live in the Barrio de Analco.
Next to the restaurant stands a building which claims to be „the oldest house in the USA”. The house dates back to the Analco People in the 1200s, then Spanish Colonization in 1607. Today the property houses a gallery, which happened to be closed at that time.
Continue walking down the old Santa Fe Trail. It ends at La Fonda, a luxury hotel. It was part of the Harvey House Empire during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The hotel has been there since the early 1800s as reflected the hotel’s stated roots: „The Inn at the End of the Santa Fe Trail”. La Fonda, which means inn, faces the Plaza. Some of the famous residents of the hotel were Captain William Becknell, who arrived in 1821 after a successful trading expedition from Missouri to Santa Fe opening the Santa Fe Trail and Ernie Pyle, the World War II journalist.
Directly across the street from the La Fonda Hotel on the Santa Fe Trail stands Loretto Chapel. This Gothic chapel features „the miraculous staircase”. Legend states that St. Joseph came to the chapel and built it in one night. This stand-alone spiral wooden staircase has no supporting beams. The woodcarvings are intricate in design. Whoever built it was a master carpenter and wood carver. A visit to Loretto Chapel is worth a trip to Santa Fe by itself.
Surrounding the plaza are many specialty shops and a highly recommended restaurant, the Plaza Café, which has been in business for generations, serving local food at moderate prices. Thanks again to Sarah. Along the North side of the plaza is the Hall of Governors, closed on Mondays. Under the portico are numerous Natives selling their turquoise jewelry. They sit, waiting patiently for someone to show interest in their wares. Around the plaza are numerous food venders with local delicacies for sale.
Catty corner to the plaza is the Museum of Fine Arts with permanent and temporary exhibits. Between Palace and San Francisco Streets is Burro Alley. A bronze statue of a burdened burro guards the entrance to the alley. Next to it is Lensic Theater, in which concerts are held. On the wall of one of the buildings going back towards the Plaza along San Francisco Street stating that Billy the Kid was incarcerated there for a time awaiting trial and sentencing in Mesilla. At the East end of San Francisco Street is St. Francis Cathedral, which is surrounded by scaffolding for renovation.
Other interesting attractions in Santa Fe are the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, which features many of her works. Canyon Road has many galleries, exhibiting local artists. Going South along Cerrillos Street stands New Mexico School for the Deaf. They have a theater, in which plays are performed. North West of the city is the world famous Santa Fe Opera. Their season is in July and August at this beautiful venue set in the mountains.
Continue North on Rte 285 to Chimayo. Pilgrims have been making this trek since 1810 to The Santuario de Chimayo looking for physical and spiritual healing. Lourdes healing properties is from its water. Chimayo’s healing is from dirt found at the crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas. Pilgrims are instructed to rub the dirt on the parts of the body to be healed. The Church replaces to dirt, approximately twenty tons a year. The grounds are beautiful and a tributary of the Rio Grande River runs behind the property. The priest that the sanctuary is a member of the Sons of the Holy Family order. He is very friendly and personable.
The next destination is Bandelier National Monument high in the Jemez Mountains. The monument preserves to extensive ruins of the Pueblo People, who came into the region over 10,000 years ago. Adolph Bandelier traveled the area in 1880s and was shown the pueblo in the Frijoles Canyon by the natives. He wrote a novel, The Delight Makers, depicting Pueblo life before the Spanish incursion into the area. The park is named for him.
Archeological surveys record at least 3,00 sites in the Monument. An easy trail about one mile in length takes you to the Long House carved out of the volcanic rock on the cliff face. The Long House is an 800-foot stretch. Ladders lead inside the dwellings. On the cliff face are pictographs and petroglyphs, depicting faces and geometric designs. Many other ruins are below on the canyon floor.
The people were hunter-gatherers and farmers, planting corn, beans, squash and sunflowers. In the mid 1500s the people moved to different areas. The Pueblos of Cochiti, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, San Ildefonse, Santa Clara, and Zuni contribute to the preservation and interpretation of these historic sites.
All along Rte 4 you see signs that read LANL, keep out. The reason for this is Los Alamos is only a few miles away. Los Alamos was the home for The Manhattan Project during World War II. Today the major employer is the Department of Energy Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Laboratory is finding continuing uses for nuclear energy focusing on national security.
The town itself has all the amenities of a modern city with a wealthy employer. Visit the Bradbury Science Museum. It is not named for Ray, the famous science fiction author, but for Norris, the man who continued the work of the LANL after World War II.
The museum is a hands on experience about the discovery, use, misuse, and disposal of nuclear waste. Especially interesting are the movies. One tells the story of the town of Los Alamos called The Town that Never Was. The Manhattan Project was conceived in Manhattan, New York and enlisted scientists from many universities and private laboratories. Communication was marginal, if at all. The Government wanted a secret place far from either coast. Los Alamos was chosen. A private school for boys stood on the land. The government took it over and built the town. It looked more like a frontier town with muddy streets, prefab housing, and isolation. The mailing address was PO Box 1663, Santa Fe, NM. This appeared on the driver licenses and birth certificates. Top secret was the norm. After the first explosion at Trinity in White Sands, NM and after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the town of Los Alamos was unveiled.
Two other places of interest in town are The Fuller Lodge, which served as the dining hall during the Manhattan Project, and the Los Alamos Historical Museum, which interprets life in this region.
Leaving Los Alamos, we continued on Rte 4 through the Jimez Mountains. The crest is over 9,000 feet. This opens to the Valles Caldera, a twelve-mile diameter caldera left from the volcanic eruptions over one million years ago. The caldera is grassland surrounded by forests and mountains. Continue on through Jemez Pueblo and Rte 550 East. This takes you to Bernalillo and I-25. Going north will take you back to Santa Fe and South to Albuquerque.
Visiting in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico opens up the eyes of each individual. Over four hundred years of culture and history, a walk on the streets of Santa Fe is a walk through time. Early settlers from the East found their way via the Santa Fe Trail. Today you can arrive via plane, train and auto. Be aware that the streets around the main plaza are very narrow. Out lying ones have the mechanical coin meters at $1.00 per hour. A commuter train runs frequently during the day from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The bus transit system offers free rides to train ticket holders. The rate for seniors is only $0.50 or $1.00 all day. Remember this, flatlanders, when you walk around sightseeing. You are over 7,00 feet. Seeing Santa Fe Miód Manuka takes your breath away in more ways than one.
Ask residents for „The Round House” and they will give you directions to the Capital building, a four-story circular building with a plaza in the form of the Zia Sun symbol, which also appears on the state flag. The three top floors are open for a self-guided tour. Check out the Visitor information desk on the main level and you might get lucky to meet Sarah Duran, a local resident with a font of knowledge. What she does not know, she will find out.
The Capital complex was dedicated in 1966. What is striking about the building is the use of space and the numerous art works hanging from all of the walls. The artists depict the many aspects of New Mexico: natural beauty, the beauty of the indigenous people, the Spanish colonialism, and modern New Mexico with all of its diversity.
The fourth floor houses the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Governor’s Gallery, started in 19+73, focuses on local art and artists as an outreach branch of the Museum of Fine Arts.
The third floor has many offices of the 42 Senators elected every four years and 70 Representatives elected every two years. They have to be citizens and residents of their district. Besides that they do not receive a salary, only a per diem and a mileage allowance. They meet for 60 days in odd-numbered years and 30 days in even-numbered years. Albuquerque and its environs comprise almost one-quarter of the legislators, because the districts are measured by population. Eat your hearts out other states with inflated salaries for their legislators.
The second floor, the main floor, houses the galleries for the Senate and Representative chambers. Both are up-to-date with modern technical innovations. Both have the Great seal of New Mexico behind the front desk. The rotunda floor also depicts the seal. Little has changed since 1851. The American bald eagle shields the smaller Mexican eagle. The bald eagle grasps three arrows in its talons. The harpy eagle has a snake in its mouth and a cactus in his talons. This goes back to an ancient Aztec story, in which the gods told the Aztecs to settle where they saw such an eagle portrayed. Under them the state motto reads „Crescit Eundo” (It Grows as it Goes).
Sarah recommended a restaurant down the street called The Upper Crust Pizza Parlor, which was voted best in Santa Fe. For under $5.00 Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM you can get a large slice of pizza with one topping of your choice, a small salad, and a beverage. The pizza was delicious. I had spicy Thai dressing on my salad. It lived up to its name. The sodas we had were great. My wife chose a Way2Cool Root Beer, made in Carrizozo, NM. Outstanding!! I chose a Blue Sky Lemon Lime Soda, made with natural ingredients. Outstanding too!!
The restaurant is directly across from San Miguel Mission Church, which dates back to Spanish Colonial times and rebuilt after the 1680s Pueblo Revolt. The church is still active for the people who live in the Barrio de Analco.
Next to the restaurant stands a building which claims to be „the oldest house in the USA”. The house dates back to the Analco People in the 1200s, then Spanish Colonization in 1607. Today the property houses a gallery, which happened to be closed at that time.
Continue walking down the old Santa Fe Trail. It ends at La Fonda, a luxury hotel. It was part of the Harvey House Empire during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The hotel has been there since the early 1800s as reflected the hotel’s stated roots: „The Inn at the End of the Santa Fe Trail”. La Fonda, which means inn, faces the Plaza. Some of the famous residents of the hotel were Captain William Becknell, who arrived in 1821 after a successful trading expedition from Missouri to Santa Fe opening the Santa Fe Trail and Ernie Pyle, the World War II journalist.
Directly across the street from the La Fonda Hotel on the Santa Fe Trail stands Loretto Chapel. This Gothic chapel features „the miraculous staircase”. Legend states that St. Joseph came to the chapel and built it in one night. This stand-alone spiral wooden staircase has no supporting beams. The woodcarvings are intricate in design. Whoever built it was a master carpenter and wood carver. A visit to Loretto Chapel is worth a trip to Santa Fe by itself.
Surrounding the plaza are many specialty shops and a highly recommended restaurant, the Plaza Café, which has been in business for generations, serving local food at moderate prices. Thanks again to Sarah. Along the North side of the plaza is the Hall of Governors, closed on Mondays. Under the portico are numerous Natives selling their turquoise jewelry. They sit, waiting patiently for someone to show interest in their wares. Around the plaza are numerous food venders with local delicacies for sale.
Catty corner to the plaza is the Museum of Fine Arts with permanent and temporary exhibits. Between Palace and San Francisco Streets is Burro Alley. A bronze statue of a burdened burro guards the entrance to the alley. Next to it is Lensic Theater, in which concerts are held. On the wall of one of the buildings going back towards the Plaza along San Francisco Street stating that Billy the Kid was incarcerated there for a time awaiting trial and sentencing in Mesilla. At the East end of San Francisco Street is St. Francis Cathedral, which is surrounded by scaffolding for renovation.
Other interesting attractions in Santa Fe are the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, which features many of her works. Canyon Road has many galleries, exhibiting local artists. Going South along Cerrillos Street stands New Mexico School for the Deaf. They have a theater, in which plays are performed. North West of the city is the world famous Santa Fe Opera. Their season is in July and August at this beautiful venue set in the mountains.
Continue North on Rte 285 to Chimayo. Pilgrims have been making this trek since 1810 to The Santuario de Chimayo looking for physical and spiritual healing. Lourdes healing properties is from its water. Chimayo’s healing is from dirt found at the crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas. Pilgrims are instructed to rub the dirt on the parts of the body to be healed. The Church replaces to dirt, approximately twenty tons a year. The grounds are beautiful and a tributary of the Rio Grande River runs behind the property. The priest that the sanctuary is a member of the Sons of the Holy Family order. He is very friendly and personable.
The next destination is Bandelier National Monument high in the Jemez Mountains. The monument preserves to extensive ruins of the Pueblo People, who came into the region over 10,000 years ago. Adolph Bandelier traveled the area in 1880s and was shown the pueblo in the Frijoles Canyon by the natives. He wrote a novel, The Delight Makers, depicting Pueblo life before the Spanish incursion into the area. The park is named for him.
Archeological surveys record at least 3,00 sites in the Monument. An easy trail about one mile in length takes you to the Long House carved out of the volcanic rock on the cliff face. The Long House is an 800-foot stretch. Ladders lead inside the dwellings. On the cliff face are pictographs and petroglyphs, depicting faces and geometric designs. Many other ruins are below on the canyon floor.
The people were hunter-gatherers and farmers, planting corn, beans, squash and sunflowers. In the mid 1500s the people moved to different areas. The Pueblos of Cochiti, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, San Ildefonse, Santa Clara, and Zuni contribute to the preservation and interpretation of these historic sites.
All along Rte 4 you see signs that read LANL, keep out. The reason for this is Los Alamos is only a few miles away. Los Alamos was the home for The Manhattan Project during World War II. Today the major employer is the Department of Energy Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Laboratory is finding continuing uses for nuclear energy focusing on national security.
The town itself has all the amenities of a modern city with a wealthy employer. Visit the Bradbury Science Museum. It is not named for Ray, the famous science fiction author, but for Norris, the man who continued the work of the LANL after World War II.
The museum is a hands on experience about the discovery, use, misuse, and disposal of nuclear waste. Especially interesting are the movies. One tells the story of the town of Los Alamos called The Town that Never Was. The Manhattan Project was conceived in Manhattan, New York and enlisted scientists from many universities and private laboratories. Communication was marginal, if at all. The Government wanted a secret place far from either coast. Los Alamos was chosen. A private school for boys stood on the land. The government took it over and built the town. It looked more like a frontier town with muddy streets, prefab housing, and isolation. The mailing address was PO Box 1663, Santa Fe, NM. This appeared on the driver licenses and birth certificates. Top secret was the norm. After the first explosion at Trinity in White Sands, NM and after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the town of Los Alamos was unveiled.
Two other places of interest in town are The Fuller Lodge, which served as the dining hall during the Manhattan Project, and the Los Alamos Historical Museum, which interprets life in this region.
Leaving Los Alamos, we continued on Rte 4 through the Jimez Mountains. The crest is over 9,000 feet. This opens to the Valles Caldera, a twelve-mile diameter caldera left from the volcanic eruptions over one million years ago. The caldera is grassland surrounded by forests and mountains. Continue on through Jemez Pueblo and Rte 550 East. This takes you to Bernalillo and I-25. Going north will take you back to Santa Fe and South to Albuquerque.
half-way covenant
Membership on a puppet team takes commitment and dedication. Without it, you won’t have a successful team or ministry. Your puppeteers, if they’re like most people, have a lot going on in their lives and tend to stretch themselves too thin. When that happens and other things take on a higher priority than the team, commitments falter, attendance becomes sporadic, and they eventually leave the team.
While you can’t stop that from happening, you can reduce it with a simple tool called a team covenant. A Puppet Team Covenant is a document where you list what the team can expect from the director and what the director expects from the team. It includes a sentence or two stating that you are in agreement with the covenant and will abide by it as long as you’re a member and finishes with a place to sign and date.
This doesn’t have to cover pages of information; the shorter the better. The last one I made covered a half sheet of paper.
Some commitments you might consider using for the team director are:
1. The team will be a high priority. If the team is a low priority in the director’s life, it will show in practices and performances and the team will catch on quickly. It is important for the director to set the example.
2. They will properly prepare for each practice so they don’t waste the team’s time. This was driven home to me early in ministry when we almost lost a great puppeteer because we were wasting his time with unorganized practices.
3. They will seek to be as fair as possible when assigning parts for each play.
4. Provide training and helps for each team member.
5. Work with the team to develop the best ministry possible.
6. They will take into account puppeteer’s needs and schedules when planning shows and activities.
Some commitments you might consider for the puppet team members are:
1. To attend and be on time for each practice and performance. Let them know you will start right on time and if they’re late it will be up to them to find out what they missed.
2. They will help set up and take down equipment for each performance.
3. They will come to practices ready and willing to work.
4. Give advance notice if they can’t make a practice or performance.
5. Understand that during performance opportunities they represent the team, the organization, and God and as a result, will seek to make sure their behavior reflects well on each one.
The covenant helps provide accountability for both directors and team members and shows you are serious about your team. It allows each team member know what is expected of them and helps when it comes to prioritizing their busy schedules. A simple covenant like this goes a long way in building stability with your team.
Membership on a puppet team takes commitment and dedication. Without it, you won’t have a successful team or ministry. Your puppeteers, if they’re like most people, have a lot going on in their lives and tend to stretch themselves too thin. When that happens and other things take on a higher priority than the team, commitments falter, attendance becomes sporadic, and they eventually leave the team.
While you can’t stop that from happening, you can reduce it with a simple tool called a team covenant. A Puppet Team Covenant is a document where you list what the team can expect from the director and what the director expects from the team. It includes a sentence or two stating that you are in agreement with the covenant and noclegi mazury will abide by it as long as you’re a member and finishes with a place to sign and date.
This doesn’t have to cover pages of information; the shorter the better. The last one I made covered a half sheet of paper.
Some commitments you might consider using for the team director are:
1. The team will be a high priority. If the team is a low priority in the director’s life, it will show in practices and performances and the team will catch on quickly. It is important for the director to set the example.
2. They will properly prepare for each practice so they don’t waste the team’s time. This was driven home to me early in ministry when we almost lost a great puppeteer because we were wasting his time with unorganized practices.
3. They will seek to be as fair as possible when assigning parts for each play.
4. Provide training and helps for each team member.
5. Work with the team to develop the best ministry possible.
6. They will take into account puppeteer’s needs and schedules when planning shows and activities.
Some commitments you might consider for the puppet team members are:
1. To attend and be on time for each practice and performance. Let them know you will start right on time and if they’re late it will be up to them to find out what they missed.
2. They will help set up and take down equipment for each performance.
3. They will come to practices ready and willing to work.
4. Give advance notice if they can’t make a practice or performance.
5. Understand that during performance opportunities they represent the team, the organization, and God and as a result, will seek to make sure their behavior reflects well on each one.
The covenant helps provide accountability for both directors and team members and shows you are serious about your team. It allows each team member know what is expected of them and helps when it comes to prioritizing their busy schedules. A simple covenant like this goes a long way in building stability with your team.
capitals team report
Using Reverse Mergers Instead of Venture Capital for Venture Funding
The more you look at reverse mergers the more you start to understand that reverse mergers compare favorably with the classic venture capital model for venture funding.
Venture funding is obviously key to the success of any new or growing venture. The classic venture capital model seems to work like this: The entrepreneur and his team formulate a business plan and try to get it in front of a venture capital firm. If they are well connected, they may succeed, but most venture capital firms are overloaded with funding requests.
If the entrepreneur is not in a business that is the latest fad among venture capitalists, he may not be able to find funding.
If the entrepreneur is very lucky, he will be invited to pitch the VC. If the venture survives this trial, it will receive a venture capital terms sheets. After prolonged and adversarial negotiations, a deal is struck and the venture company signs hundreds of pages of documents. In these documents, the entrepreneur and his team give up most of the control of the company and usually most of the equity in the deal. Their stock is locked up and if they want to sell to get some cash, they probably have to offer the buyer to the VC first. Time from start to finish – 90 days or more.
If the company needs more money, it must negotiate with the VC and the entrepreneurial team may lose ground in the deal. The company may have to reach certain set milestones to get funds. If the company falls behind of schedule, it may lose equity share.
As the venture develops, the venture capitalists may or may not add value, and most likely will second-guess the entrepreneur and his team. If the venture succeeds, the venture capital firm will reap most of the rewards. If the venture does not succeed, most of the capital will be lost forever. Some ventures wind up in the land of the living dead – not bad enough to end, not good enough to succeed.
Worst case scenario, the venture capitalists take control at the outset, become dissatisfied with management, and oust the original management which loses most of not all of their position and their jobs.
The Reverse Merger Model
The entrepreneur finds a public shell. He has to come up with some cash to do this and pay the legal and accounting bills.
He buys control and merges into the shell on terms he determines. He keeps control but he has the burdens of a public company.
He determines how to run his company, including salaries. He can offer stock options to attract talent. He can acquire others companies for stock. He determines when he cashes out.
Instead of having to report to the venture fund, he has to report to the shareholders.
Subject to the limitations of the securities laws, he can sell part of his stock for cash.
He can seek money whenever he wants; he is in control.
Problems: He may be attacked by short sellers. He may buy a shell with a hidden defect. He has to pay for the shell.
From the Investors’ Point of View
Venture capital funds are typically funding by institutional investors seeking professional management. They do not have the time to manage a number of small companies and delegate this task to the venture capital partners. Small investors are rarely permitted. Venture capital funds allow the institutional investors to diversify.
Venture capital fund investors are locked in over a period of years. If they make 30% per year returns, they have done very well.
The venture capital model encourages the venture capital firm to negotiate hard for a low price and harsh terms. A venture team seeking funding that knows it has a big future may not submit to such terms. However, for a weak company that is just looking to collect salaries for a few years before folding, in other words a company that is a bad investment, can accept any terms, no matter how harsh. Thus, the venture capital model is skewed toward selecting out the worst investments and repelling the best.
Small investors can buy stock in reverse merger companies. They must take the time to investigate these companies but may lack the resources to do so intensively. Most small investors lose money. If they win, they can win big. They can, if they choose do so, diversify their investments. They have no influence on management, except to sell when they are displeased.
Summary
The reverse merger model compares very favorably with venture capital. Whereas venture capital is perpetually in scarce supply, reverse mergers are always out there for any company that can interest investors. The company can usually raise money on better terms from the public than from venture capitalists.
Overall, the big advantage of the reverse merger is that the company has total control over its destiny. The team can be assured of being rewarded well for success. The company sets the terms, can sell stock whenever it sees fit on whatever terms it merits, the insiders can sell too, and the venture team is not second-guessed by amateurs in their field, and the venture team does not have to fear losing equity or jobs.
Another advantage is less risk to the investor. The investor is in a publicly trading stock. If the investor does not like what is happening, he can sell. He may sell at a loss, but he can get out. The investor can also pick and choose companies himself, instead of making only one investment decision – the decision to back the VC company which then takes control of the rest of the decisions.
Using Reverse Mergers Instead of Venture Capital for Venture Funding
The more you look at reverse mergers the more you start to understand that reverse mergers compare favorably with the classic venture capital model for venture funding.
Venture funding is obviously key to the success of any new or growing venture. The classic venture capital model seems to work like this: The entrepreneur and his team formulate a business plan and try to get it in front of a venture capital firm. If they are well connected, they may succeed, but most venture capital firms are overloaded with funding requests.
If the entrepreneur is not in a business that is the latest fad among venture capitalists, he may not be able to find funding.
If the entrepreneur is very lucky, he will be invited to pitch the Przeprowadzki Warszawa VC. If the venture survives this trial, it will receive a venture capital terms sheets. After prolonged and adversarial negotiations, a deal is struck and the venture company signs hundreds of pages of documents. In these documents, the entrepreneur and his team give up most of the control of the company and usually most of the equity in the deal. Their stock is locked up and if they want to sell to get some cash, they probably have to offer the buyer to the VC first. Time from start to finish – 90 days or more.
If the company needs more money, it must negotiate with the VC and the entrepreneurial team may lose ground in the deal. The company may have to reach certain set milestones to get funds. If the company falls behind of schedule, it may lose equity share.
As the venture develops, the venture capitalists may or may not add value, and most likely will second-guess the entrepreneur and his team. If the venture succeeds, the venture capital firm will reap most of the rewards. If the venture does not succeed, most of the capital will be lost forever. Some ventures wind up in the land of the living dead – not bad enough to end, not good enough to succeed.
Worst case scenario, the venture capitalists take control at the outset, become dissatisfied with management, and oust the original management which loses most of not all of their position and their jobs.
The Reverse Merger Model
The entrepreneur finds a public shell. He has to come up with some cash to do this and pay the legal and accounting bills.
He buys control and merges into the shell on terms he determines. He keeps control but he has the burdens of a public company.
He determines how to run his company, including salaries. He can offer stock options to attract talent. He can acquire others companies for stock. He determines when he cashes out.
Instead of having to report to the venture fund, he has to report to the shareholders.
Subject to the limitations of the securities laws, he can sell part of his stock for cash.
He can seek money whenever he wants; he is in control.
Problems: He may be attacked by short sellers. He may buy a shell with a hidden defect. He has to pay for the shell.
From the Investors’ Point of View
Venture capital funds are typically funding by institutional investors seeking professional management. They do not have the time to manage a number of small companies and delegate this task to the venture capital partners. Small investors are rarely permitted. Venture capital funds allow the institutional investors to diversify.
Venture capital fund investors are locked in over a period of years. If they make 30% per year returns, they have done very well.
The venture capital model encourages the venture capital firm to negotiate hard for a low price and harsh terms. A venture team seeking funding that knows it has a big future may not submit to such terms. However, for a weak company that is just looking to collect salaries for a few years before folding, in other words a company that is a bad investment, can accept any terms, no matter how harsh. Thus, the venture capital model is skewed toward selecting out the worst investments and repelling the best.
Small investors can buy stock in reverse merger companies. They must take the time to investigate these companies but may lack the resources to do so intensively. Most small investors lose money. If they win, they can win big. They can, if they choose do so, diversify their investments. They have no influence on management, except to sell when they are displeased.
Summary
The reverse merger model compares very favorably with venture capital. Whereas venture capital is perpetually in scarce supply, reverse mergers are always out there for any company that can interest investors. The company can usually raise money on better terms from the public than from venture capitalists.
Overall, the big advantage of the reverse merger is that the company has total control over its destiny. The team can be assured of being rewarded well for success. The company sets the terms, can sell stock whenever it sees fit on whatever terms it merits, the insiders can sell too, and the venture team is not second-guessed by amateurs in their field, and the venture team does not have to fear losing equity or jobs.
Another advantage is less risk to the investor. The investor is in a publicly trading stock. If the investor does not like what is happening, he can sell. He may sell at a loss, but he can get out. The investor can also pick and choose companies himself, instead of making only one investment decision – the decision to back the VC company which then takes control of the rest of the decisions.
personal trainer salary in seattle
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Lou Dubose and Jan Reid’s new book, THE HAMMER, a biography on House of Representatives Majority Whip Tom DeLay, is allegedly a story of God, Money, and the Rise of the Republican Congress–and just how Tom DeLay took advantage of Newt Gingrich and fellow Texan Dick Armey’s Republican ascendancy and became himself the most powerful man in the House of Representatives. We’ll get into the „God part” a lot more than the money and political parts for now–but just to warn you, the King of Tyre (money) and the King of Babylon (political power) have a whole lot to do about this most interesting story.
This is all the more fascinating now that the powerful Congressman has collected a whole lot of chips from fellow Reps. for past support and, consequently, has gotten the House GOP caucus (Nov. 18, 2004) to vote to end its rule requiring leaders to step down if indicted (which it now appears that DeLay will be for past indiscretions brought against him in Texas). The political intrigue is mounting, big time!
Now, the plot of this political-religious thriller intensifies as the „moral of the story” is discovered–enter Tim LaHaye (kind of a neat little rhyme going on here with Tom and Tim, DeLay and LaHaye). You see, DeLay eventually walked right into an evangelical church that had gotten a whole lot more „politicized” by folks like LaHaye–so, when we get into the „God part” of DeLay, you’ll understand why we brought LaHaye along.
Now, LaHaye will act as Chairman of the Board for Jerry Falwell’s newly energized FAITH AND VALUES COALITION. The Faith and Values Coalition, according to the most beloved Baptist brother on the planet, the Rev. Barry Lynn (mouth for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State), is nothing more than „just another fund-raising vehicle.” Furthermore, Lynn so abhors these religious/political efforts that he likens them to „an old horror movie–every time they bring Frankenstein’s monster back, it just gets worse!”
One might be hearing „sour grapes” a bit–check out Barry’s remarks, and comments on his remarks:
„Some things should be left dead and buried,” Lynn said. He noted that recent analysis of election results debunked early claims that „values voters” re-elected President Bush. In fact, Lynn pointed out, voter’s main concerns were terrorism, national security and the war in Iraq.
„The people do not share Jerry Falwell’s repressive vision of an America where church and state are merged and the views of intolerant TV preachers form the basis of our laws,” Lynn said. „I welcome Falwell’s new organization to the debate. I feel confident it will meet the same fate as the Moral Majority.” (see above for source)
Sure, I bet Lynn welcomes Falwell and LaHaye to the debate–I bet he just can’t wait! Apparently, Falwell believes in the resurrection–I wonder if Barry does? But then, again, nothing like another „Son of Frankenstein” movie!
THE BOBSIE TWINS – FIRST, LaHAYE
DeLay and LaHaye do have some interesting things in common. For one, they know how to wield political clout and marshal conservative religious forces in America, while amassing vast sums of money for their causes (most of which are mutual). LaHaye co-founded Falwell’s original Moral Majority back in the late ’70s. He and his wife, Beverly, started campaigning for pro-life causes through their Baptist marriage counseling company, Family Life Seminars. In 1979 Bev founded Concerned Women for America–a sort of counter weight to the National Organization for Women (NOW). Furthermore, LaHaye’s famous „Left Behind” series–whose sales are off the charts, approaching (if not surpassing) over 100 million copies (and, catapulting the LaHaye’s literary fortunes close to that same figure)–makes him one of the wealthiest evangelicals in America, if not the world.
Although Falwell held center stage in galvanizing conservative Christians to the polls and, ipso facto, to the Republican cause, LaHaye (as Falwell puts it) „ran under the radar.” In 1981 LaHaye founded the Council for National Policy–claiming, at one time, some 600,000 members. In the 1980s, the CNP was quite the political/religious machine; spawning countless campaigns and organizations. Included among its members were Ed Meese, John Ashcroft, Pat Robertson and, of course Falwell–as well as key think tanks, and activists like Grover Norquist and Oliver North. A lot of the „right-wing jihad” against President Clinton in the 1990s was funded by CNP supporters like Texas oilman and silver manipulator, Nelson Bunker Hunt, Richard DeVos of Amway and beer magnate Joseph Coors (the same crowd that funded the contras in Central America).
Impeaching Clinton was allegedly conceived by the CNP in Montreal in June of 1997. Falwell touts the CNP for helping raise hundreds of millions for ventures like Liberty University (the second largest Evangelical Christian University in America–surpassed only by Baylor (Baptist) University in Waco, TX). President Bush attended a CNP meeting at the start of his 1999 presidential campaign, and Rumsfeld took part in the group’s gathering last April in Washington, D.C. Republican political strategist, Paul Weyrich, once said: „Without [LaHaye], what we call the religious right would not have developed the way it did, and as quickly as it did.”
Brother LaHaye took a severe fall when he was linked, along with wife Bev, in taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from the wacky would-be messiah Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his Unification Church cult (which most Christians really do view as laughably heretical). When Moon got entangled with tax evasion charges, LaHaye came to his rescue. Then the „pay off monies” came out into the public–so, LaHaye tried to back off–but it was too late. By the time LaHaye tried to regroup, his reputation–along with another one of his organizations founded in the 1970s, The American Coalition for Traditional Values, flopped! But LaHaye did regroup–thanks to the multi-million dollar sales of Left Behind (see, he wasn’t about to be Left Behind).
LaHaye’s agenda mirrors that of Falwell’s; and is the heart and passion of the so-called Religious Right in America. Restoring the Nation back to Absolute Values–family, pro-life (a.k.a., „the culture of life”), anti-abortion (just so you know what pro-life is), anti-gay agenda (the whole thing), pro-marriage (between Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve), pro-prayer in the public schools, pro-displaying of religious symbols and artifacts like the Ten Commandments wherever and whenever, strong „national defense” (as defined as „whatever it takes to get destroy the barbaric infidels”), etc., etc., etc.
NOT LEFT BEHIND – JUST DeLAY (BOBSIE TWIN #2)
A little evangelical background on Rep. DeLay would be helpful . . . so, after a couple of terms in the Texas Legislature (after a rather lackluster business life as a pest control operator), DeLay made a move on the US Congress, running in the suburbs of Houston, TX and winning! He headed off to Washington as a freshman Rep. and led the charge against the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)–and got a whole lot of fame for DEFUNDING THE LEFT (especially with the NEA’s propensity to spend huge sums of money on absurd and even pornographic „art”).
Notwithstanding the crusading efforts to purge the Left of its immoral efforts, DeLay himself had his own demons to corral. It was in the mid-1980s when the booze-drinkin’ (similar to President Bush’s story) DeLay rediscovered his Baptist roots and through a fellow Republican colleague, Frank Wolfe, was handed a tape by Dr. James Dobson–and the rest is evangelical history. DeLay claims he had a real born-again experience–much like President Bush. And, like Bush, eventually got involved in an „accountability group” compliments of the Promise Keepers; then, on to the Southern Baptist, avant-garde, Sugar Land First Baptist Church, where DeLay’s A-A-mens could be easily heard, as Pastor Scott Rambo (who, as Dubose describes was „as charismatic and engaging as Bill Clinton at a town hall meeting”) preached to the thousands who’d come each week to hear his „seeker-friendly” messages.
Yep, like President Bush, DeLay’s faith has utterly energized his politics. Listen to DeLay’s „mission statement” for America:
„To bring us back to the Constitution and to Absolute Truth that has been manipulated and destroyed by a liberal worldview.” (p. 58 – The Hammer)
BUSH, THE PATRICIAN vs. DeLAY, THE PLEBEIAN or
THE OIL MAN vs. THE BUG MAN
Continuing on with DeLay’s evangelical roots (his political evolution and machinations are also really interesting–but later on those) . . .
Like Clinton, DeLay grew up in a dysfunctional home where his father was an alcoholic. He hailed from the „roughneck camps of the Texas oil patch–home to the guys who drilled the wells and ran the casing for the bullies who owned the royalties and ran the state. His patrimony was the sort of dysfunction that is the psychological and biological inheritance of the children of alcoholics.” (p. 9 – The Hammer).
On the other hand, Bush picked up the Texan drawl, but, let’s face it, his family richly provided him an East Coast prep school, bachelor’s degree from Yale, an MBA from Harvard–and, being the grandson of a U.S. senator and son of a vice president and president–man, maybe, after all, he was born with a „silver spoon” in his mouth. Whereas DeLay’s background couldn’t hold a candle to the patrician Bush. Nope, DeLay was through and through a plebeian (Roman for „dirt poor” compared to the aristocrats among the Romans called patricians.).
Bush was an oilman–and, frankly, not a very good one (so everyone knows)–but he had a deep well of never-ending resources through family-related investment capital. On the other hand, DeLay was a bug man. And, like Bush, not a very good one at that. Eventually, the rules and regs. of the EPA just about wiped out his business–and, that did it. „It’s off to Congress I go”–so you wonder why the „counter-revolution” against the EPA, et al, continues to this day?
Right about the same time that DeLay was „finding Jesus” – President Bush was doing the same–but under very different „evangelical environments.” First of all, Bush’s drinking habits were getting the best of him–and Laura had had it.
The time was ripe! However, Bush’s „conversion experience” differed from DeLay’s. When Bush, the prodigal son, returned home to the Maine compound in 1985, there was the Revered Billy Graham. They walked the grounds of Walker Point–the Bush family estate on the coast of Maine. Bush prayed with Graham and he „surrendered himself to Jesus.” Returning back home in Midland, Bush joined a Bible Study „accountability group” that Laura also attended–eventually, he quit drinking.
In sum, Dubose describes the Bush and DeLay religious encounters as follows:
„DeLay had come up harder in all ways, all his life. He had absorbed enough Baptist teaching and upbringing to call himself a Christian, yet as he neared forty he knew he was a sinner. His road to Damascus was plebeian, and he choked in the dust of patricians like George Bush.” (p. 53)
„When Tom DeLay fell to his knees before a video clip of James Dobson, he was not only born again in Christ, he was born again in Republican electoral politics. This is not to suggest that his motives were anything less than spiritual, but the result was political. Not only did his return to the church provide him the focus and discipline he lacked when he had been ‘Hot Tub Tom’ of ‘Macho Manor’ in Austin (you’ll have to read the book to understand), DeLay immediately became part of a religious community that is also a political community. As a high-profile evangelical Christian, Tom DeLay connected to the Christian base without which the Republican Party cannot win national elections–and many state elections. Like George W. Bush, DeLay found Jesus at the precise moment in American political history when Jesus became a political asset. THE TIMING WAS SO PERFECT THAT THE NONBELIEVR IS LEFT TO WONDER IF IT JUST MIGHT HAVE BEEN GOD’S PLAN. (pp. 58-59 – The Hammer) (Note: My emphasis upon the „secularist’s remarks.)
There you have it–somehow, evangelicalism and politics–along with this guy, Tim LaHaye–found fertile ground in the Baptist soils of Texas. Two men from two completely different walks of life–at about the same time–got the „old time religion” and it has shaped how they look at America and the world–BIG TIME! Likewise, it has shaped how „Liberal America” thinks about them and about most „old time religion” in America–just in case you can’t see where I’m going with this!
To be continued . . . but first, contemplate what John saw in the Revelation:
„I was astonished beyond astonishment (i.e. ‘who would have ever thought it’) when I saw the woman. And the angel said to me, ‘Why are you flabbergasted, floored, amazed, and astonished beyond astonishment? Let me tell you about the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that supports her, who has the seven heads and the ten horns’” (Revelation 17:6b-7).
Tom & Tim
DeLay And LaHaye
Or
„Creatine Christianity”
Part II
By Doug Krieger
POLITICAL-RELIGIOUS CONVERGENCE–Delay … Bush … LaHaye … Falwell & Rove
In the first part of our two-part series on TOM & TIM, we discussed a little about the history of Tom’s evangelical background, and how his „evangelical conversion experience” turned his political journey in Republican Politics into a RELIGIOUS CRUSADE–i.e., his „conversion” had immediate political consequences.
Likewise, we discussed how President George Bush–also in the mid-1980s–received Christ through a variety of experiences, most importantly a time of prayer with Billy Graham at the Bush estate in Maine, and subsequent deliverance from alcoholism while attending a similar Charles Dobson-style accountability group (e.g., Promise Keepers), as did Tom DeLay at another „accountability group” and/or „Bible Study.”
Incidentally, President Bush’s conversion galvanized his lack-luster political career into a similar CRUSADE that ultimately landed him the White House in 2000 and a second term (2004) with the support-base he cultivated (as did/does DeLay) of the Religious Right. In particular–we drew attention to the special meeting with Bush and evangelical leaders who anointed him in the Texas Governor’s mansion to pursue this „calling” on his life (please read the November Blog article).
Now, I brought in Tim LaHaye into this mix–introducing him with DeLay (not that they have any immediate „working relationship”)–however, Tim’s religious beginnings as „already converted to evangelical Christianity” are significant in that his journey into RELIGIOUS-POLITICS is the reverse of DeLay/Bush. LaHaye moves in power POLITICS from the POWER RELIGION perspective (LaHaye’s one of the wealthiest evangelicals in the world); whereas, DeLay/Bush come into RELIGIOUS-POLITICS from the power POLITICS angle.
If you would–DeLay/Bush are „representative” of numerous politicians (including recent „convert” Karl Rove, Bush’s political strategist par excel lance) who have entered POWER RELIGION (i.e., Meta-Churches and Ministries, like Liberty Baptist (Falwell), and Second Baptist in Houston, TX). Falwell said of Rove: „I have known Karl Rove for many years and I am greatly impressed with his wisdom, dedication to President Bush and his love for Jesus Christ.” (Interesting? Bush first, Jesus second?)
APOSTASY – „CREATINE CHRISTIANITY MIXED WITH GLUTAMINE GOVERNMENT”
Recent scandals of anabolic steroid use by professional sports in the USA and abroad is tricky business. For one, if you’re going to super-size your capabilities, you’ve got to do it on the sly, viz., hire a personal trainer who knows how to use „designer” drugs which can enhance your so-called performance on the field. These growth hormones that Barry Bonds and other athletes are accused of using, are, figuratively, a lot like the current stream of „Creatine Christianity” and its muscle enhancer, „Glutamine Government.” (Note: Creatine and Glutamine „enhance” muscle strength, stamina and size.)
I’m not saying that it’s ultimate product is Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I am saying that when you „inflate” Christianity with spiritually „illegal drugs” in your game, you’re going to get a beefed up brand of Christianity that, with „Glutamine Government” enhancers, will slamdunk the scrawniest Arab into the sand.
Now, what makes American Creatine Christianity and Glutamine Government so „illegal” in the eyes of the Almighty is that ALMIGHTY DOLLAR; i.e., the ultimate intoxicant or the CATALYST/STIMULANT where the two find common ground (without which neither Religion and Politics could ever merge and/or find common cause).
Again, in its purest form–i.e., the best „creatine” and the best „glutamine” that can be ASSIMILATED by the „Religio-Body Politic” will result in what the Bible calls APOSTASY. Yes, you’ll get results (e.g., home runs, olympic records, etc.) if „results” is what you’re looking for. So, today’s Christianity has, again and again–though they would vehemently deny it–injested this „witches’ brew” of Apostasy because it works; results are awesom and the fans love it (e.g., attendance is up, salaries are up, scores are up, and the money’s rollin’ in). And, best of all, turns out that BIGGER IS BETTER! Bigger Churches, bigger salaries, bigger programs, and, as it turns out, more patriotism to boot!
THE MORAL HIGH GROUND–WHO’S GOT IT?
Ronnie Earle, the district attorney for Travis County, Texas, recently came out with a strident op. ed. piece in the New York Times entitled: „Tom DeLay: A moral indictment.”
Earle, a Democrat, has tried some 15 elected officials in his 26-year tenure (12 Democrats and three Republicans)–DeLay appears to be the next if the local Grand Jury finds sufficient evidence to bring DeLay’s indiscretions to court.
Earle’s Times’ piece hits on the issue of „MORAL VALUES.” Humm . . . I wonder what Earle’s alluding to here? Could it possibly be that Tom DeLay’s „moral crusade” to purge the Republican Party of those compromising moderate Republicans and them Democrats (the whole bunch of them) bears a casual allusion to DeLay’s evangelical zeal to rid the Congress of all who aspire to gay marriage, pro-choice (a.k.a., „abortion on demand”), „In God We Trust,” school prayer, creationism in the curriculum, etc.?
This little cactus critter from Texas is not about to have „moral issues” the exclusive purview of the Republican Party:
„Last week Congressional Republicans voted to change their rule that required an indicted leader to relinquish his post (Earle’s op.ed. is dated 23 Nov. 04). They were responding to an investigation by the Travis County grand jury into political contributions by corporations that has already resulted in the indictments of three associates of Mr. DeLay, the House majority leader.
„Every law enforcement officer depends on the moral values and integrity of society for backup; they are like body armor. The cynical destruction of moral values at the top makes it hard for law enforcement to do its job.
„In terms of moral values, this is where the rubber meets the road. The rules you apply to yourself are the true test of your moral values.
„There is no limit to what you can do if you have the power to change the rules. Congress may make its own rules, but the public makes the rule of law, and depends for its peace on the enforcement of the law. Hypocrisy at the highest levels of government is toxic to the moral fiber that holds our communities together.
„The open contempt for moral values by our elected officials has a corrosive effect. It is a sad day for law enforcement when Congress offers such poor leadership on moral values and ethical behavior. We are a moral people, and the first lesson of democracy is not to hold the public in contempt.” (Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company)
DeLay’s „Creatine-style Christianity” (a.k.a., „POWER RELIGION” or „MORAL VALUES” – so-called) has apparently gotten Earle’s goat.
Like DeLay, Karl Rove, et. al., have cleverly inserted these „designer enhancers” into the religio-political system to produce today’s Republican majority–to the chagrin of the Democrats, who, for the life of them, can’t figure out how it works (or from time to time they think they’ve spotted these anabolic steroids and are about to unleash scores of trial lawyers in pursuit of this phony and SHAMLESS grab for power!).
In desperation some Democrats are actually recommending a „come to Jesus” campaign on the part of the outflanked Democrats. I mean, it works, right?
„First, when a candidate stresses moral values in every speech, every television commercial, every day for a year, it should be no surprise that when voters are asked why they voted for him, they will reply ‘moral values.’ If George W. Bush had put as much effort into ‘eat your spinach,’ some people would have given that reason for supporting the president.
„Second, Republican strategists began in 2000 and continued in 2004 a skillful effort to equate moral values to Christian values, and within that category to mean conservative Christianity, largely of the evangelical brand.
„The Republican Party captured the Cross in 2000 and the Flag on 9/11, two of the three classic American values – the third, Mom’s Apple Pie, is now available at Wal-Mart.” („Christians and Karl Rove hold no monopoly on values” – Floyd J. McKay, The Seattle Times Company)
(Please link to: http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/delay_lahay.htm for graphics/links/remainder of article.)
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Lou Dubose and Jan Reid’s new book, THE HAMMER, a biography on House of Representatives Majority Whip Tom DeLay, is allegedly a story of God, Money, and the Rise of the Republican Congress–and just how Tom DeLay took advantage of Newt Gingrich and fellow Texan Dick Armey’s Republican ascendancy and became himself the most powerful man in the House of Representatives. We’ll get into the „God part” a lot more than the money and political parts for now–but just to warn you, the King of Tyre (money) and the King of Babylon (political power) have a whole lot to do about this most interesting story.
This is all the more fascinating now that the powerful Congressman has collected a whole lot of chips from fellow Reps. for past support and, consequently, has gotten the House GOP caucus (Nov. taśmy led 18, 2004) to vote to end its rule requiring leaders to step down if indicted (which it now appears that DeLay will be for past indiscretions brought against him in Texas). The political intrigue is mounting, big time!
Now, the plot of this political-religious thriller intensifies as the „moral of the story” is discovered–enter Tim LaHaye (kind of a neat little rhyme going on here with Tom and Tim, DeLay and LaHaye). You see, DeLay eventually walked right into an evangelical church that had gotten a whole lot more „politicized” by folks like LaHaye–so, when we get into the „God part” of DeLay, you’ll understand why we brought LaHaye along.
Now, LaHaye will act as Chairman of the Board for Jerry Falwell’s newly energized FAITH AND VALUES COALITION. The Faith and Values Coalition, according to the most beloved Baptist brother on the planet, the Rev. Barry Lynn (mouth for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State), is nothing more than „just another fund-raising vehicle.” Furthermore, Lynn so abhors these religious/political efforts that he likens them to „an old horror movie–every time they bring Frankenstein’s monster back, it just gets worse!”
One might be hearing „sour grapes” a bit–check out Barry’s remarks, and comments on his remarks:
„Some things should be left dead and buried,” Lynn said. He noted that recent analysis of election results debunked early claims that „values voters” re-elected President Bush. In fact, Lynn pointed out, voter’s main concerns were terrorism, national security and the war in Iraq.
„The people do not share Jerry Falwell’s repressive vision of an America where church and state are merged and the views of intolerant TV preachers form the basis of our laws,” Lynn said. „I welcome Falwell’s new organization to the debate. I feel confident it will meet the same fate as the Moral Majority.” (see above for source)
Sure, I bet Lynn welcomes Falwell and LaHaye to the debate–I bet he just can’t wait! Apparently, Falwell believes in the resurrection–I wonder if Barry does? But then, again, nothing like another „Son of Frankenstein” movie!
THE BOBSIE TWINS – FIRST, LaHAYE
DeLay and LaHaye do have some interesting things in common. For one, they know how to wield political clout and marshal conservative religious forces in America, while amassing vast sums of money for their causes (most of which are mutual). LaHaye co-founded Falwell’s original Moral Majority back in the late ’70s. He and his wife, Beverly, started campaigning for pro-life causes through their Baptist marriage counseling company, Family Life Seminars. In 1979 Bev founded Concerned Women for America–a sort of counter weight to the National Organization for Women (NOW). Furthermore, LaHaye’s famous „Left Behind” series–whose sales are off the charts, approaching (if not surpassing) over 100 million copies (and, catapulting the LaHaye’s literary fortunes close to that same figure)–makes him one of the wealthiest evangelicals in America, if not the world.
Although Falwell held center stage in galvanizing conservative Christians to the polls and, ipso facto, to the Republican cause, LaHaye (as Falwell puts it) „ran under the radar.” In 1981 LaHaye founded the Council for National Policy–claiming, at one time, some 600,000 members. In the 1980s, the CNP was quite the political/religious machine; spawning countless campaigns and organizations. Included among its members were Ed Meese, John Ashcroft, Pat Robertson and, of course Falwell–as well as key think tanks, and activists like Grover Norquist and Oliver North. A lot of the „right-wing jihad” against President Clinton in the 1990s was funded by CNP supporters like Texas oilman and silver manipulator, Nelson Bunker Hunt, Richard DeVos of Amway and beer magnate Joseph Coors (the same crowd that funded the contras in Central America).
Impeaching Clinton was allegedly conceived by the CNP in Montreal in June of 1997. Falwell touts the CNP for helping raise hundreds of millions for ventures like Liberty University (the second largest Evangelical Christian University in America–surpassed only by Baylor (Baptist) University in Waco, TX). President Bush attended a CNP meeting at the start of his 1999 presidential campaign, and Rumsfeld took part in the group’s gathering last April in Washington, D.C. Republican political strategist, Paul Weyrich, once said: „Without [LaHaye], what we call the religious right would not have developed the way it did, and as quickly as it did.”
Brother LaHaye took a severe fall when he was linked, along with wife Bev, in taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from the wacky would-be messiah Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his Unification Church cult (which most Christians really do view as laughably heretical). When Moon got entangled with tax evasion charges, LaHaye came to his rescue. Then the „pay off monies” came out into the public–so, LaHaye tried to back off–but it was too late. By the time LaHaye tried to regroup, his reputation–along with another one of his organizations founded in the 1970s, The American Coalition for Traditional Values, flopped! But LaHaye did regroup–thanks to the multi-million dollar sales of Left Behind (see, he wasn’t about to be Left Behind).
LaHaye’s agenda mirrors that of Falwell’s; and is the heart and passion of the so-called Religious Right in America. Restoring the Nation back to Absolute Values–family, pro-life (a.k.a., „the culture of life”), anti-abortion (just so you know what pro-life is), anti-gay agenda (the whole thing), pro-marriage (between Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve), pro-prayer in the public schools, pro-displaying of religious symbols and artifacts like the Ten Commandments wherever and whenever, strong „national defense” (as defined as „whatever it takes to get destroy the barbaric infidels”), etc., etc., etc.
NOT LEFT BEHIND – JUST DeLAY (BOBSIE TWIN #2)
A little evangelical background on Rep. DeLay would be helpful . . . so, after a couple of terms in the Texas Legislature (after a rather lackluster business life as a pest control operator), DeLay made a move on the US Congress, running in the suburbs of Houston, TX and winning! He headed off to Washington as a freshman Rep. and led the charge against the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)–and got a whole lot of fame for DEFUNDING THE LEFT (especially with the NEA’s propensity to spend huge sums of money on absurd and even pornographic „art”).
Notwithstanding the crusading efforts to purge the Left of its immoral efforts, DeLay himself had his own demons to corral. It was in the mid-1980s when the booze-drinkin’ (similar to President Bush’s story) DeLay rediscovered his Baptist roots and through a fellow Republican colleague, Frank Wolfe, was handed a tape by Dr. James Dobson–and the rest is evangelical history. DeLay claims he had a real born-again experience–much like President Bush. And, like Bush, eventually got involved in an „accountability group” compliments of the Promise Keepers; then, on to the Southern Baptist, avant-garde, Sugar Land First Baptist Church, where DeLay’s A-A-mens could be easily heard, as Pastor Scott Rambo (who, as Dubose describes was „as charismatic and engaging as Bill Clinton at a town hall meeting”) preached to the thousands who’d come each week to hear his „seeker-friendly” messages.
Yep, like President Bush, DeLay’s faith has utterly energized his politics. Listen to DeLay’s „mission statement” for America:
„To bring us back to the Constitution and to Absolute Truth that has been manipulated and destroyed by a liberal worldview.” (p. 58 – The Hammer)
BUSH, THE PATRICIAN vs. DeLAY, THE PLEBEIAN or
THE OIL MAN vs. THE BUG MAN
Continuing on with DeLay’s evangelical roots (his political evolution and machinations are also really interesting–but later on those) . . .
Like Clinton, DeLay grew up in a dysfunctional home where his father was an alcoholic. He hailed from the „roughneck camps of the Texas oil patch–home to the guys who drilled the wells and ran the casing for the bullies who owned the royalties and ran the state. His patrimony was the sort of dysfunction that is the psychological and biological inheritance of the children of alcoholics.” (p. 9 – The Hammer).
On the other hand, Bush picked up the Texan drawl, but, let’s face it, his family richly provided him an East Coast prep school, bachelor’s degree from Yale, an MBA from Harvard–and, being the grandson of a U.S. senator and son of a vice president and president–man, maybe, after all, he was born with a „silver spoon” in his mouth. Whereas DeLay’s background couldn’t hold a candle to the patrician Bush. Nope, DeLay was through and through a plebeian (Roman for „dirt poor” compared to the aristocrats among the Romans called patricians.).
Bush was an oilman–and, frankly, not a very good one (so everyone knows)–but he had a deep well of never-ending resources through family-related investment capital. On the other hand, DeLay was a bug man. And, like Bush, not a very good one at that. Eventually, the rules and regs. of the EPA just about wiped out his business–and, that did it. „It’s off to Congress I go”–so you wonder why the „counter-revolution” against the EPA, et al, continues to this day?
Right about the same time that DeLay was „finding Jesus” – President Bush was doing the same–but under very different „evangelical environments.” First of all, Bush’s drinking habits were getting the best of him–and Laura had had it.
The time was ripe! However, Bush’s „conversion experience” differed from DeLay’s. When Bush, the prodigal son, returned home to the Maine compound in 1985, there was the Revered Billy Graham. They walked the grounds of Walker Point–the Bush family estate on the coast of Maine. Bush prayed with Graham and he „surrendered himself to Jesus.” Returning back home in Midland, Bush joined a Bible Study „accountability group” that Laura also attended–eventually, he quit drinking.
In sum, Dubose describes the Bush and DeLay religious encounters as follows:
„DeLay had come up harder in all ways, all his life. He had absorbed enough Baptist teaching and upbringing to call himself a Christian, yet as he neared forty he knew he was a sinner. His road to Damascus was plebeian, and he choked in the dust of patricians like George Bush.” (p. 53)
„When Tom DeLay fell to his knees before a video clip of James Dobson, he was not only born again in Christ, he was born again in Republican electoral politics. This is not to suggest that his motives were anything less than spiritual, but the result was political. Not only did his return to the church provide him the focus and discipline he lacked when he had been ‘Hot Tub Tom’ of ‘Macho Manor’ in Austin (you’ll have to read the book to understand), DeLay immediately became part of a religious community that is also a political community. As a high-profile evangelical Christian, Tom DeLay connected to the Christian base without which the Republican Party cannot win national elections–and many state elections. Like George W. Bush, DeLay found Jesus at the precise moment in American political history when Jesus became a political asset. THE TIMING WAS SO PERFECT THAT THE NONBELIEVR IS LEFT TO WONDER IF IT JUST MIGHT HAVE BEEN GOD’S PLAN. (pp. 58-59 – The Hammer) (Note: My emphasis upon the „secularist’s remarks.)
There you have it–somehow, evangelicalism and politics–along with this guy, Tim LaHaye–found fertile ground in the Baptist soils of Texas. Two men from two completely different walks of life–at about the same time–got the „old time religion” and it has shaped how they look at America and the world–BIG TIME! Likewise, it has shaped how „Liberal America” thinks about them and about most „old time religion” in America–just in case you can’t see where I’m going with this!
To be continued . . . but first, contemplate what John saw in the Revelation:
„I was astonished beyond astonishment (i.e. ‘who would have ever thought it’) when I saw the woman. And the angel said to me, ‘Why are you flabbergasted, floored, amazed, and astonished beyond astonishment? Let me tell you about the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that supports her, who has the seven heads and the ten horns’” (Revelation 17:6b-7).
Tom & Tim
DeLay And LaHaye
Or
„Creatine Christianity”
Part II
By Doug Krieger
POLITICAL-RELIGIOUS CONVERGENCE–Delay … Bush … LaHaye … Falwell & Rove
In the first part of our two-part series on TOM & TIM, we discussed a little about the history of Tom’s evangelical background, and how his „evangelical conversion experience” turned his political journey in Republican Politics into a RELIGIOUS CRUSADE–i.e., his „conversion” had immediate political consequences.
Likewise, we discussed how President George Bush–also in the mid-1980s–received Christ through a variety of experiences, most importantly a time of prayer with Billy Graham at the Bush estate in Maine, and subsequent deliverance from alcoholism while attending a similar Charles Dobson-style accountability group (e.g., Promise Keepers), as did Tom DeLay at another „accountability group” and/or „Bible Study.”
Incidentally, President Bush’s conversion galvanized his lack-luster political career into a similar CRUSADE that ultimately landed him the White House in 2000 and a second term (2004) with the support-base he cultivated (as did/does DeLay) of the Religious Right. In particular–we drew attention to the special meeting with Bush and evangelical leaders who anointed him in the Texas Governor’s mansion to pursue this „calling” on his life (please read the November Blog article).
Now, I brought in Tim LaHaye into this mix–introducing him with DeLay (not that they have any immediate „working relationship”)–however, Tim’s religious beginnings as „already converted to evangelical Christianity” are significant in that his journey into RELIGIOUS-POLITICS is the reverse of DeLay/Bush. LaHaye moves in power POLITICS from the POWER RELIGION perspective (LaHaye’s one of the wealthiest evangelicals in the world); whereas, DeLay/Bush come into RELIGIOUS-POLITICS from the power POLITICS angle.
If you would–DeLay/Bush are „representative” of numerous politicians (including recent „convert” Karl Rove, Bush’s political strategist par excel lance) who have entered POWER RELIGION (i.e., Meta-Churches and Ministries, like Liberty Baptist (Falwell), and Second Baptist in Houston, TX). Falwell said of Rove: „I have known Karl Rove for many years and I am greatly impressed with his wisdom, dedication to President Bush and his love for Jesus Christ.” (Interesting? Bush first, Jesus second?)
APOSTASY – „CREATINE CHRISTIANITY MIXED WITH GLUTAMINE GOVERNMENT”
Recent scandals of anabolic steroid use by professional sports in the USA and abroad is tricky business. For one, if you’re going to super-size your capabilities, you’ve got to do it on the sly, viz., hire a personal trainer who knows how to use „designer” drugs which can enhance your so-called performance on the field. These growth hormones that Barry Bonds and other athletes are accused of using, are, figuratively, a lot like the current stream of „Creatine Christianity” and its muscle enhancer, „Glutamine Government.” (Note: Creatine and Glutamine „enhance” muscle strength, stamina and size.)
I’m not saying that it’s ultimate product is Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I am saying that when you „inflate” Christianity with spiritually „illegal drugs” in your game, you’re going to get a beefed up brand of Christianity that, with „Glutamine Government” enhancers, will slamdunk the scrawniest Arab into the sand.
Now, what makes American Creatine Christianity and Glutamine Government so „illegal” in the eyes of the Almighty is that ALMIGHTY DOLLAR; i.e., the ultimate intoxicant or the CATALYST/STIMULANT where the two find common ground (without which neither Religion and Politics could ever merge and/or find common cause).
Again, in its purest form–i.e., the best „creatine” and the best „glutamine” that can be ASSIMILATED by the „Religio-Body Politic” will result in what the Bible calls APOSTASY. Yes, you’ll get results (e.g., home runs, olympic records, etc.) if „results” is what you’re looking for. So, today’s Christianity has, again and again–though they would vehemently deny it–injested this „witches’ brew” of Apostasy because it works; results are awesom and the fans love it (e.g., attendance is up, salaries are up, scores are up, and the money’s rollin’ in). And, best of all, turns out that BIGGER IS BETTER! Bigger Churches, bigger salaries, bigger programs, and, as it turns out, more patriotism to boot!
THE MORAL HIGH GROUND–WHO’S GOT IT?
Ronnie Earle, the district attorney for Travis County, Texas, recently came out with a strident op. ed. piece in the New York Times entitled: „Tom DeLay: A moral indictment.”
Earle, a Democrat, has tried some 15 elected officials in his 26-year tenure (12 Democrats and three Republicans)–DeLay appears to be the next if the local Grand Jury finds sufficient evidence to bring DeLay’s indiscretions to court.
Earle’s Times’ piece hits on the issue of „MORAL VALUES.” Humm . . . I wonder what Earle’s alluding to here? Could it possibly be that Tom DeLay’s „moral crusade” to purge the Republican Party of those compromising moderate Republicans and them Democrats (the whole bunch of them) bears a casual allusion to DeLay’s evangelical zeal to rid the Congress of all who aspire to gay marriage, pro-choice (a.k.a., „abortion on demand”), „In God We Trust,” school prayer, creationism in the curriculum, etc.?
This little cactus critter from Texas is not about to have „moral issues” the exclusive purview of the Republican Party:
„Last week Congressional Republicans voted to change their rule that required an indicted leader to relinquish his post (Earle’s op.ed. is dated 23 Nov. 04). They were responding to an investigation by the Travis County grand jury into political contributions by corporations that has already resulted in the indictments of three associates of Mr. DeLay, the House majority leader.
„Every law enforcement officer depends on the moral values and integrity of society for backup; they are like body armor. The cynical destruction of moral values at the top makes it hard for law enforcement to do its job.
„In terms of moral values, this is where the rubber meets the road. The rules you apply to yourself are the true test of your moral values.
„There is no limit to what you can do if you have the power to change the rules. Congress may make its own rules, but the public makes the rule of law, and depends for its peace on the enforcement of the law. Hypocrisy at the highest levels of government is toxic to the moral fiber that holds our communities together.
„The open contempt for moral values by our elected officials has a corrosive effect. It is a sad day for law enforcement when Congress offers such poor leadership on moral values and ethical behavior. We are a moral people, and the first lesson of democracy is not to hold the public in contempt.” (Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company)
DeLay’s „Creatine-style Christianity” (a.k.a., „POWER RELIGION” or „MORAL VALUES” – so-called) has apparently gotten Earle’s goat.
Like DeLay, Karl Rove, et. al., have cleverly inserted these „designer enhancers” into the religio-political system to produce today’s Republican majority–to the chagrin of the Democrats, who, for the life of them, can’t figure out how it works (or from time to time they think they’ve spotted these anabolic steroids and are about to unleash scores of trial lawyers in pursuit of this phony and SHAMLESS grab for power!).
In desperation some Democrats are actually recommending a „come to Jesus” campaign on the part of the outflanked Democrats. I mean, it works, right?
„First, when a candidate stresses moral values in every speech, every television commercial, every day for a year, it should be no surprise that when voters are asked why they voted for him, they will reply ‘moral values.’ If George W. Bush had put as much effort into ‘eat your spinach,’ some people would have given that reason for supporting the president.
„Second, Republican strategists began in 2000 and continued in 2004 a skillful effort to equate moral values to Christian values, and within that category to mean conservative Christianity, largely of the evangelical brand.
„The Republican Party captured the Cross in 2000 and the Flag on 9/11, two of the three classic American values – the third, Mom’s Apple Pie, is now available at Wal-Mart.” („Christians and Karl Rove hold no monopoly on values” – Floyd J. McKay, The Seattle Times Company)
(Please link to: http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/delay_lahay.htm for graphics/links/remainder of article.)
microsoft desktop-search windows-7
Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack of competition, has released Google Desktop Search. With Microsoft’s MSN in the lead position and nipping at Google’s heels, and Google’s new shareholders to please, Google has more incentive than ever to deploy technology both better than the other guy’s, and sooner. After all, the first to get loaded to the desktop is more likely to build and retain user loyalty.
Google Desktop Search allows you to search within various types of files on your computer. It’s still in beta, but is available for download by anyone. It requires Windows XP or Windows 2000 with at least Service Pack 3. It runs as a memory-resident application, with a system tray icon, so that it can index new documents as they are created.
For example, if you know a certain word or phrase was in a Word document, but you don’t remember which one, you can easily locate all documents on your computer that contain that word. Desktop Search can search through email, text, and HTML files, your cached web pages, and MS Office Documents (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint only).
By way of comparison, there is a competing application, also free, from Copernic, not surprisingly called Copernic Desktop Search. At the moment, it is perhaps more advanced than Google’s. For example, Copernic’s software scans the same type of files as does Google’s, but also scans music and video files and PDF documents, while Google does not. Both products can only scan Outlook or Outlook Express email at present.
But don’t count Google out. Webmasters know it’s never wise to do that! After all, they’re still in beta with Desktop Search, and they are as surely aware of Copernic’s product as they are of MSN. Google has both the resources and motivation to not only keep but expand their market leadership.
Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack of competition, has released Google Desktop Search. With Microsoft’s MSN in the lead position and nipping at Google’s heels, and Google’s new shareholders to please, Google has more incentive than ever to deploy technology both better than the other guy’s, and sooner. After all, the first to get loaded to the desktop is more likely to build and retain user loyalty.
Google Desktop Search allows you to search within various types of files on your computer. It’s still in beta, but is available for download by anyone. program do wystawiania faktur It requires Windows XP or Windows 2000 with at least Service Pack 3. It runs as a memory-resident application, with a system tray icon, so that it can index new documents as they are created.
For example, if you know a certain word or phrase was in a Word document, but you don’t remember which one, you can easily locate all documents on your computer that contain that word. Desktop Search can search through email, text, and HTML files, your cached web pages, and MS Office Documents (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint only).
By way of comparison, there is a competing application, also free, from Copernic, not surprisingly called Copernic Desktop Search. At the moment, it is perhaps more advanced than Google’s. For example, Copernic’s software scans the same type of files as does Google’s, but also scans music and video files and PDF documents, while Google does not. Both products can only scan Outlook or Outlook Express email at present.
But don’t count Google out. Webmasters know it’s never wise to do that! After all, they’re still in beta with Desktop Search, and they are as surely aware of Copernic’s product as they are of MSN. Google has both the resources and motivation to not only keep but expand their market leadership.
meteorite in wisconsin
Treasures are falling from the sky. A natural object originating in outer space that survives the impact with the earth’s surface is called a meteorite. Most meteoroids burn up when entering the Earth’s atmosphere. However, it has been estimated that over 500 meteorites do reach the surface each year and they will range in size of a marble to basketball size or larger. Only about five or six will be recovered each year and pound for pound, meteorites are move valuable than gold.
If you are lucky enough to have discovered a meteorite you could get about $4.00 a gram or $125.00 an ounce. Meteorites have been found all over the world but some of the best hunting places to start looking for them include deserts and dry lake beds. Known meteorite impact areas like Barringer Meteor Craterin in Arizona and Odessa Meteor Crater in Texas can also produce good results. Meteorites have also been found in California, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nevada.
Meteorite Types
Chondrules meteorites is composed mostly of silicate and small amounts of organic matter. They are believed to have originated in the asteroid belt and are considered to be the building blocks of the planets. 86% of the meteorites that fall to the earths surface are Chondrites.
Achondrites meteorites is composed of igneous rocks that is believed to be the remains of the asteroid crust. Meteorites that have hit Mars and our Moon and have blown off material that has later found its way to earth fall into this category. 8% of the meteorites that fall to the earth are Achondrites.
An iron meteorite is thought to have been the core of asteroid that were once molted. The denser metal separated from the silicate and sank to the center of the asteroid. Later the asteroid collided with another asteroid and was broken up into smaller fragments. 5% of the recovered meteorites recovered fill into this category.
The last 1% is composed of iron and silicate materials.
Professional meteorite hunters will use custom designed and expensive tools. As a hobbyist you can hunt for meteorites with a metal detector, rock hammer, shovel, gloves and a rare earth magnet. Be very careful with rare earth magnets because they will damage credit cards, cell phones, computers, PDAs and other electronic equipment. Never care one near your wallet or in your pocket.
After finding a likely rock with your metal detector check your find with the rare earth magnet. If the magnet sticks, and the rock looks like it has been melted and some rust spots are evident then you may have found a Meteorite.
One final note. Always be on the lookout for crystals in your meteorites because it could be a diamond. The study published in 2006 analyzed the hydrogen in black diamond samples using infrared-detection instruments and found that the quantity indicated that the mineral formed in a supernova explosion prior to the formation of the Solar System. These diamonds were formed by carbon-rich cosmic dust in an environment near carbon stars. The diamonds were incorporated into solid bodies that subsequently fell to Earth as meteorites. If you really want a piece of history then consider looking for meteorites. You may end up with something as the solar system itself.
Happy Treasure Hunting.
Treasures are falling from the sky. A natural object originating in domy z bali outer space that survives the impact with the earth’s surface is called a meteorite. Most meteoroids burn up when entering the Earth’s atmosphere. However, it has been estimated that over 500 meteorites do reach the surface each year and they will range in size of a marble to basketball size or larger. Only about five or six will be recovered each year and pound for pound, meteorites are move valuable than gold.
If you are lucky enough to have discovered a meteorite you could get about $4.00 a gram or $125.00 an ounce. Meteorites have been found all over the world but some of the best hunting places to start looking for them include deserts and dry lake beds. Known meteorite impact areas like Barringer Meteor Craterin in Arizona and Odessa Meteor Crater in Texas can also produce good results. Meteorites have also been found in California, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Nevada.
Meteorite Types
Chondrules meteorites is composed mostly of silicate and small amounts of organic matter. They are believed to have originated in the asteroid belt and are considered to be the building blocks of the planets. 86% of the meteorites that fall to the earths surface are Chondrites.
Achondrites meteorites is composed of igneous rocks that is believed to be the remains of the asteroid crust. Meteorites that have hit Mars and our Moon and have blown off material that has later found its way to earth fall into this category. 8% of the meteorites that fall to the earth are Achondrites.
An iron meteorite is thought to have been the core of asteroid that were once molted. The denser metal separated from the silicate and sank to the center of the asteroid. Later the asteroid collided with another asteroid and was broken up into smaller fragments. 5% of the recovered meteorites recovered fill into this category.
The last 1% is composed of iron and silicate materials.
Professional meteorite hunters will use custom designed and expensive tools. As a hobbyist you can hunt for meteorites with a metal detector, rock hammer, shovel, gloves and a rare earth magnet. Be very careful with rare earth magnets because they will damage credit cards, cell phones, computers, PDAs and other electronic equipment. Never care one near your wallet or in your pocket.
After finding a likely rock with your metal detector check your find with the rare earth magnet. If the magnet sticks, and the rock looks like it has been melted and some rust spots are evident then you may have found a Meteorite.
One final note. Always be on the lookout for crystals in your meteorites because it could be a diamond. The study published in 2006 analyzed the hydrogen in black diamond samples using infrared-detection instruments and found that the quantity indicated that the mineral formed in a supernova explosion prior to the formation of the Solar System. These diamonds were formed by carbon-rich cosmic dust in an environment near carbon stars. The diamonds were incorporated into solid bodies that subsequently fell to Earth as meteorites. If you really want a piece of history then consider looking for meteorites. You may end up with something as the solar system itself.
Happy Treasure Hunting.