House of Representatives seeks to affirm America's faith-based history and social influence.

Whaddya mean, 'America is not a Christian nation'?

This is so exciting.  Finally... our government is showing some backbone in affirming that Judeo-Christian principles were at the heart of the founding of our country, and that faith has been a cornerstone of the conduct of our society.  What's even MORE incredible, is that this is a bi-partisan effort on behalf of the House of Representatives. 

It's not mandating that everyone go to church, or deciding that ever American should be counted as Christian or 'religious'.  It's simply affirming, at the congressional level, that our country's roots are in Judeo-Christian faith, and that it is a good thing... not to be scorned by the U.S. Government. 

It's about time! 

ZDNet's review: Clash of the Touch Titans... the iPhone comes in 3rd place!!!

Ok, all you iPhone-lovin' (or hatin'), fellow geeksters...

According to ZDNet's personal tech expert, the iPhone 3G 3.0 rates as #3 in the "Touch Titans" review results.  Personally, I'm not all that surprised because this comes from someone who really knows his tech, and very understandably pitted several different PDA phones against the iPhone.  In its defense, the iPhone has revolutionized the mobile experience, and everyone has been playing catch-up since it debuted a few years back.  It became the paradigm, as well as the bully on the block.  Read the review per the link below, and you'll see how this expert stacked it all up after trying everything out. 

In short, the iPhone lacks multi-tasking as well as a few other flexibilities that really change the day-to-day experience.  But there will always be iPhans out there, and they will always love their iPhones.


Clash of the Touch Titans; iPhone 3G 3.0 vs. Palm Pre | Smartphones and Cell Phones | ZDNet.com

The end of Sound-And-Spirit (BMG Music Club)

Do you remember the first time you saw a magazine article for joining a music club?  I remember when I was a preteen, I thought it was soooo cool that you could get 11 or 12 cassettes (yes, cassettes... CD's were still being popularized) for really cheap, if you agreed to buy a few more at the regular price (plus shipping) over the course of a year or more.  I thought, "WOW!  What a way to get a collection going!".  Anyway, that was a long time ago, but I know that "label-to-consumer direct" music clubs have been around for some time.  My college years were spent at a private Christian college, Bethany College (now University).  1996 was the year between my freshman and sophomore year, and since I loved music, I joined the new BMG affiliate called "Sound & Spirit", which cataloged & advertised their Christian music selection as it's own music club.  I cannot tell you how MANY times "Amy Grant" was featured.  Anyway....

After 13 years, and as a result of BMG going out of business, Sound-and-Spirit will be no more.  I just read the article on RollingStone.com and posted a comment about my experience with them.  Lots of memories... but we're in a new age of digital music, and CD distribution is a tricky thing nowadays. 

However, I think it's cool to note that Direct Brands, Inc. has started a new service called YourMusic.com, which of course has a Christian Music sub-genre.  If you go to a BMG music site, it will include ads promoting YourMusic.com.  The deal there is that after your initial free CD, you get one CD shipped to you per month, based on what CD's you tell them you want (known as your Queue).  They charge you $6.99 per month, and that includes the cost of the CD and the shipping.  The only catch is that you will be billed $6.99 (and possibly tax) every month, whether you want to have a CD that month or not.  But, you can cancel any time by email or through their website.  Not bad marketing when you figure it costs at least $9.99 for a full album on iTunes. 

So, while BMG is out of the direct to consumer sales business, at least there's still a viable option out there. 

Farewell Sound-And-Spirit and BMG Music Club... and thanks for the memories and the melodies!

Internet Explorer 8 is now available!

Hey tech junkies!  For those of you who weren't aware, Internet Explorer 8 is now available.  According to some online reviews I've read, this is not only the newest version, but it's truly the best release in a long time, and is actually FAST enough to compete with Firefox for once. 

Check it out.  Click the link below.

Internet Explorer 8: Home page

10 simple things that I appreciate about my Mom.

1. She appreciates good coffee, and so do I.
2. She's into vehicle maintenance, tools, home improvement, organization, and (get this...) firearms.  Yep, she's a tomboy!
   
3. She helps me maintain my vehicle when I need help.
   
4. She's an incredibly helpful and giving person.
   
5. She gets along GREAT with my wife (Blessing from GOD!)
   
6. She likes seafood.
7. She enjoys a good laugh.
8. She loves unconditionally.
9. She values having a relationship where we can talk openly.  
10. She's committed to God and her family, even when it's hard. 
    

Mom... thanks for being you!

Secular textbooks distorting religion in the US?

FOXNews.com - Authors Warn That Many Textbooks Distort Religion - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

Click the above link to read the story.  I think that this is a fair yet pointed story about how our schools are at the interpretive mercy from only 3 businesses in the US, when it comes to religion.  Further more, this shows that there is an anti-Jewish and anti-Christian bias in the textbooks, and that it shows up in freshmen as the show up for college. 

Not that I haven't been point this kind of thing out for a while now ;-) but this is definitely a tiny bit vindicating to read. 

For a country that prides itself on religious freedom and non-discrimination, we still see that there are many high-level agendas of directed discrimination toward the founding faiths of this nation. 

Maybe this kind of spotlighting will get people to see just how much anti-religious programming goes into the education system.  Maybe the 'political correctness' of religion will go by the wayside, and we can have honest open discussions about faith in the public arena.  After all, it is a part of most people's lives in some degree in our nation, and attempts to shut it out are shameful to the spirit of freedom and community. 

It's un-American to believe in God?

Exactly my point! We're seeing it more and more, and when the issue is addressed in the public arena, we (Christians) are summarily dismissed from any further discussions with the phrase "Separation of Church & State" (a phrase which is grossly misused against us).

This is one of the horrible stains on America today. Read the link below:

'God' - the new four-letter word in public schools (OneNewsNow.com)