Friday, November 26, 2010

H.E.L.P.S.,Chicago area Addictions in house recovery,Angelo Valdes founder

Praise God for people like Angelo Valdes for doing the good work of Christ Jesus!
May we all open our hearts and lives to those in need.
Elgin's officials aught to be ashamed for there actions against the HELPS homeless shelter.  We need to vote people like them out of office: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/130953/city_officials_in_elgin_illinois_sued.html?cat=17
For those in the Chicagoland and suburban area, I want to make you aware of a wonderful program for older teens and young adults and adults battling alcohol and drug addiction. H.E.L.P.S. Ministry which stands for (Help, Encouragement, Love,Prayer that leads to Salvation) is a Christian in house affordable program in St. Charles on Iowa Avenue- Kane County Illinois. The Director is Angelo Valdes of St. Charles, Illinois a former addict who over 15 years ago overcame his addiction through prayer and the help of God. Now He has dedicated his life to help those in addictions and their families. The most caring man and lovely family and ministry that truly care and love those who come under their care. The Valdes take in those open to addressing their addictions and have a Christian based focus and structured program including counseling, household chores, bible reading, prayer, serving the homeless . My relative was in this program for 8 mos after using hard drugs and is a transformed person. They also run a Sunday afternoon church service, a midweek service, a homeless shelter in Elgin IL and a transitional house for men who have left addictions and need some structure and accountability as they return to the working world.
I can't say enough things about what a wonderful program this is and its success rate is much higher than state run programs. Many changed lives observed here! 

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-25/news/ct-met-homeless-advocate-1126-20101124_1_homeless-shelter-mobile-shelter-addiction

Monday, November 22, 2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Work on the 2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited double cag 4x4 going well

The truck is over 10 years old now, so I thought I'd do some maintenance and extras to spice it up a bit. I've had the truck for about 6 years, and have only done the deck plate mod, gray wire mod and had to change the master brake cylinder at about 90k miles. Next step I'd like to put some decent suspension on it with about a 2" lift, probably OME stuff and Alcan rear leafs.


This past weekend I installed the URD 7th injector system with calibrator, 2.2" s/c pulley, and mounted a ScanGauge II.

Weekend before that I did a timing belt change, water-pump, thermostat, URD crank pulley, etc. and Flex-a-Lite fan (need to rewire this and change the control box location).

Weekend before that I installed a used TRD supercharger I got locally from an add off Craigslist. During this week I put a roof rack on the ARE cap that my brother (thanks Jason) gave me from his old full size Yukon. Did some cutting and mounted it on the cap with some stainless hardware.

Two weeks before that I needed new tires so I decided to get new rims too. Went with Method Racing rims and BFG Mud Terrains.

Two weeks before that I found a used matching ARE cap on Craigslist for $275, so I took my carpenter cap off and put on the ARE.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Toyota Tacoma timing belt replacement instructions - 5VZ-FE V6 motor

Since my truck is 10 years old (2001 Tacoma dc limited v6 4x4), I've wanted to do some maintenance on it.  It currently has about 106,000 miles on it.  I just installed new rims (Method Racing wheels) and tires (BFG Mud Terrains) on it at 103,000.  Just before I put the rims on, I found a ARE bed cap on Craigslist for $275 that matched my truck so I couldn't pass that up.  The truck looks pretty good and is running great.

I also found a TRD Supercharger on Craigslist for a good price and I installed that last week.  The install went relatively smooth and the truck performs rather well now.  I also ordered the URD 7th injector kit, URD crank pulley and a URD 2.2" supercharger pulley, but I haven't had the time to install that stuff yet.  I also have a Flex-a-Lite fan that I may install in place of the OE fan.  By reducing unnecessary power consumption, and reducing the rotational mass of the engine assembly we can fee up more power that can be used to propel the vehicle and increase the overall performance.

This weekend I'm going to attempt to change the timing belt, crank pulley, thermostat, water pump, etc.  I have some seemingly good instructions from others that have done the job, along with the factory service manual.
Here are the instructions I'll be using for the timing belt:
http://www.toy4x4.net/timing_belt/index.htm
http://4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timing_belt/
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/2003/index.html
http://www.lieblweb.com/waterpump.html

Fan install references:
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165032
http://www.gadgetonline.com/Fan.htm

Monday, October 25, 2010

How Obama Thinks from Dinesh D'Souza

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0927/politics-socialism-capitalism-private-enterprises-obama-business-problem.html
Barack Obama is the most antibusiness president in a generation, perhaps in American history. Thanks to him the era of big government is back. Obama runs up taxpayer debt not in the billions but in the trillions. He has expanded the federal government's control over home mortgages, investment banking, health care, autos and energy. The Weekly Standardsummarizes Obama's approach as omnipotence at home, impotence abroad.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Brian Dorian charges dropped

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/10/cop-released-in-honeybee-gunman-case.html
Earlier this week I was reading the Chicago Trib and it said that they had arrested Brian Dorian for a homicide... that name sounded so familiar. Ya, turns out I remember him from high school.
We graduated the same year. Now that I think about it, I remember him too. Always seemed like a good guy.

Brian became a local cop in Lansing and then in Lynwood and has served on the forces for many years.

Today I read the the charges against Brian have been dropped and that they had the wrong guy. Great to hear.

Honestly, I first thought, wow, he may have just lost it (mentally or something). I haven't seen or heard about him since high school, so you never know the path that 20 years can lead you down. It's great to hear that Brian has been exonerated of the charges and I'm happy for him and his family.

Chalk another one up for the overzealous news industry for making an innocent guy look like a criminal. I guess your guilty till proven otherwise.  Hope they catch the shooter.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Monday, August 30, 2010

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Interesting thoughts about the controversy of gay-marriage.

Thoughts from the peanut gallery:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/same-sex_marriage.html

97. The start of Gay marriage will be the end of freedom of religion.
Churches everywhere that oppose gay marriage will be forced by law to perform marriages for same sex couples. When they refuse they will be sued for discrimination. Legally. They will be legally sued for practicing their religion.
Choose your battle.

78. God did not create gay people and heterosexual people??? He created PEOPLE. That is like saying he created murderers and rapists and non-muderers and non-rapists as if they were a class or race of people?
But what would I expect, you seem to hold that all people who hold to a value of truth are "freaks" and full of hatred. Anyone that thinks Christians are full of hatred only see what they want to see. If they are right, then the individual is not reflective of what the bible, Christ, or God teaches. I do not hate gay people, never have, but you can only see Christians in a stereotypical secular view of anti-gay, not anti-sin.
You by your very words show yourself to be a hypocrite, but then again, it's ok to be a hypocrite if you aren't a Christian... only Christians are held to that by society. Find me a person who is not a hypocrite... I know of only One.

98. Homosexuality, pedophilia, beastiality, and any other sexuality are all the same. They all reflect a desire for sexual gratification. It just so happens that somewhere in a persons makeup or experiences a person is swayed towards any of these preferences. We live in a fallen world where all things are permitted somewhere or another and it's not going to made right until God returns. No matter what you believe in, whether you think we evolved from some goo in a pond, dropped off by some alien, or created by mother nature, gaiya, or God you can see the way we are made. It's obvious that man was made for woman and visa versa. Our bodily makeup shows this. Procreation can only be done this way between two mature partners of the opposite sex. Any sexual union, other than between man and women, woman and man, is unnatural. Do what you need to to fulfill your desires just don't expect everyone to accept it as natural.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Friday, June 4, 2010

Bravura Drums

I ran into an old friend (Joe Meyer) I used to work with at Galyans before they got bought out and ruined.  He's working another retail job for now till he works some stuff out and we got to talking and it turns out he's also running a small custom drum manufacturing company called Bravura Drums.  His drums look super good and it's great to see a philosophy major doing some really cool stuff.  Good luck Joe, and good luck with the new house, wedding, and all the other stuff you have going on.  Joe was one of the really chill cool folks I worked with at a pretty fun job, back in the days.  If you're a drummer, check out his stuff. http://www.bravuradrums.com/

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Sweet Tomatoes coupons expire May 30 and early June

I post these mostly for my convenience, and because this is one of my favorite restaurants.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Comedy show

The wife and I went out to a comedy show tonight starring Tracy DeGraaf and Michael Issac at our local restaurant Little Joes.  The comedy routine was hilarious and even better than I expected.  If you get a chance to see this show, definitely go.  It's a great night out with some great clean humor.  Tracy also has a new book out called Laugh Anyway Mom, which is made up of stories about being a mother of five boys.  YIKES!

Sweet Tomatoes Coupons for May 2010 part 2

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

another deck check ;)

My wakeskates for this year.

My skates:

Oak Team, LF Anthem, '03 Cassette McGuckin 43, Butter 42 
I just refinished the Cassette, again (3rd time). It's still in great shape. I haven't even ridden the other three boards. I just got them over the winter because I thought it'd be nice to try some new boards.

The Oak is just a sweet board.  I can tell that'll be awesome to ride.  I rode a LF Anthem when we were down in Florida at the Noah's Ark water park cables and I had a great time. I actually liked it more than the old Cassette.  The Butter was something I wanted when they came out in '03 or '04 before LF bought them and i never had a chance to get one.  I just found this one on Ebay and bought it for $57, so I thought I'd try it and if I don't like it, no biggie.   I'd still like to ride an Integrity and I'd like to buy a LF Mod and a Arson when they start producing boards again.


Monday, April 26, 2010

Deck... Check!

got the deck at the lake done a couple weeks ago. it'll be nice to sit out there this summer.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Tourists in Chicago

My wife and I took Alyssa and Jaclyn to Chicago last weekend for some fun touristy type activities.  We took the day off work on Friday and headed there via train on Thursday night.  My wife pricelined.com a room at the Hyatt for $50.  Got downtown, checked in, and then went to 10 pin for some bowling.  Next day it was about 75 degrees out and we took a river architectural tour down the Chicago river.  It was fun and great to be out on such a lovely day.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Rode my bicycle in to work today

That was a quick reminder how out-of-shape I am.  It's really only about 5 miles, but it seemed like it was all uphill today.  I live in the flat lands, but for some reason where I work is at an elevation of 12,000 feet above sea level!  I never realized I drove straight up a 45 degree pitch while driving to work.  Hope the ride home is easier and that I can get into a little better shape quickly.  It was fun though and a bit on the chilly side (34 degrees), but I was overdressed so I was hot and sweating by the time I got here.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Awesomeness! Happy music!

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home (live @ kcrw)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Tasterschoice takes a shot at Fivebucks instant coffee with free samples

Try It On Us

I sent for my free sample, so we'll see.

The iPad is available for pre-order today, but...

but I'd want some questions answered first.

from an infoworld.com article:

The iPad questions Apple won't answer

iPad question No. 1: Can you save and transfer documents to the iPad?

iPad question No. 2: Does the iPad support Microsoft Exchange email?

iPad question No. 3: Does the iPad support VPN and configuration management?

iPad question No. 4: Can you use media services other than iTunes on the iPad?

iPad question No. 5: Can the iPad be used for videoconferencing?

iPad question No. 6: Will the iPad's internal storage be upgradable?

iPad question No. 7: Will the iPad allow multiple apps to run simultaneously?

iPad question No. 8: Will Apple allow the use of Flash on the iPad?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Went snowboarding this past weekend

It was my first and only time out this season.  What the?

Picked up Mike E and another Mike in the city and drove up on Saturday morning.  It was an absolute beautiful day.  Temps were around 47 degrees and it was blue-bird skies all day.  We rode most of the day in the park, then at night did the Chinese downhill.  Later that night we headed to the bar/restaurant were the Midwest Snowfest was doing their raffle.  Ate some great pizza, hung out with everyone, listened to a fun band and had a great end to the day.  Woke up the next day, got some breakfast and headed home.  It rained on Sunday and was gloomy but Saturday was great.  Great to see everyone too.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Brian Moore

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class.. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last. Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County.

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it.. "You feel like you are there," Mr... Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian.... I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.

Here is Brian's essay entitled "The Room." Page 1 In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards.. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived...

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting.. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes..... No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him... Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response... And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Harbor Freight 20%off coupon


This one expires 3-24-2010

Monday, February 15, 2010

Great weekend

My wife and I had a date night this past Friday so we headed downtown Chicago to some fancy restaurant called Spring that she had a $75 coupon for.  We got there and is wreaked of snooty snobbery.  I had the instant impression that this place and the people there were not really the kind of people I like being around.  The man at the check-in area was dressed in a suit and the women working there seemed way to serious for life.  We got seated and they gave us our menus. The menu was for a special meal they were serving for the "Valentine" weekend... We didn't want to order off that and asked for the normal menus.  No such luck.  OK, so I specifically remember looking on their website and it DID NOT say that we could only order off their Valentines menu.  The Valentine menu was $80 a plate.  The guy at the next table over just ordered a Chardinay and one of the girls next to him said, "Hey, that's what I normally order!"  I wanted to laugh at him for ordering a girls wine, but I didn't.  Even with our $75 off our meal, I really didn't want to stay there.  Even at $85 for the two of us, well, I thought it was just ridiculous.  So I asked my wife if we could leave.  The waitress (who came off more as a mortician than a waitress) came over and I said we were probably leaving, so she said she'd get the maitradee.  It's not like he was going to make our meal cheaper or make it so we wouldn't have to order off their special menu, so we left.  I felt an air of freedom just by getting out of that stuffy place. It seriously was not my kind of place.

We walked down North ave a little to a place called Piece (a pizza place that our friend Jim likes), so we thought we'd try it.  Turns out that it was much more my style and the food was great!  We started out with a mixed green salad and then had a pizza without mozzarellas (forgot what they called it), spinach and feta on it.  The salad was fantastic and the pizza was great... SCORE!

We then headed over to the Patagonia store to see if they'd exchange or do anything about my down Patagonia jackets zipper, which keeps splitting open.  No luck.  My wife really likes Patagonia, but it doesn't fit me well at all.  As I walked around the store I just got the feeling of their clothes being on par with Gap except Patagonia is expensive and more technical.  Sorry just not impressed and I can't get aboard with their clothes.  It's also the only line of clothes and jackets that fit like hefty bags on me.  I'm a size large in all other brands that I can think of, but not with Patagonia.  Their size large shirts fit like xl and their mediums don't fit me.  One good thing I'll say about the brand is their shoes are fantastic.  I simply love them!  They are stylish, comfortable and fit me great.

We left the store and drove back to New Lenox to watch Dear Joe, the movie.  Katie hated it, and I thought it was just ok.  Definitely worth skipping in our opinions.

Saturday we baby sitted for my sister-in-law.  We watched her three girls and their new dog.  The girls are all sweet as pie. It was a fun day.  We took them to church that night where Don Piper spoke about his death experience and how we need to prepare for our next life in heaven and realize that this world is not what we were created for.  It was a very good night.

Sunday my wife and I went to Moody Church in Chicago to listen to Pastor Lutser speak.  Katie really likes him.  I like the old school way of worship were the instrumental music is background for all the singing which is the main focus.  I think with our current church that our voices always get drown out by the band and that it's more entertainment than worship.

We met a couple at Moody that invited us to the Sunday school right after church so we went with Beth  and Neil to it.  It was nice to see so many younger couples in the city taking God's word seriously.  I'm not sure I got on board what they were talking about, as I had a different opinion of what God cares about most.  They said His Glory, I say it's his relationship to us.  Without a relationship there isn't any Glory to be given... but I digressed as I didn't want to be the new guy that was telling them they weren't on the right track. :)

We went to the Bongo Room for lunch after words and it may have been one of the best breakfast meals I've ever had.   The food there is awesome and worth the 45 minute wait.  We'll be going back there for sure.  We left there, drove home, and took a nap when we got back (for 2 hours).  After that my wife made us do P90X back and legs work out (I wasn't feeling it), but glad we did it.  We then watched a episode or two of Friends and then went to bed.

Great weekend with my lovely wife.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Illinois Primary Election - tomorrow Feb 2, 2010

I'm voting in the IL primary tomorrow as a Republican, since I think IL really needs a change.

This link will tell you who's on the primary ballot for the Republicans:
http://www.evoter.com/ballot?party=r

My votes will go like this:

U.S. Senator - Patrick Hughes

U.S. Representative, 11th Congressional District  - Adam Kinzinger
--
David McAloon is also a strong candidate for this position

Governor - Andy McKenna
Lt. Governor  - Matt Murphy

Attorney General - Steve Kim

Secretary of State - Robert Enriquez

State Comptroller - William J. Kelly

Sheriff, Will County - Steve Egan

Judge, 12th Circuit Court, 5th Subcircuit, Additional Judgeship B - Raymond Rossi

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Apple's iPad

Looks really cool.  Not  sure what I'd need it for though if I already have an iPhone (which I don't yet).
Maybe the book reader will be impressive.


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Gary Colemen

I really feel for Gary.  He's got it rough and people just won't and don't leave him alone.  It's got to be hard being the subject of everyone's jokes.  I mean it would be like being the kid in high school that all the bullies picked on, but Gary has had to deal with that for his entire life, not just four years.  I read on one web site where they are betting on when he'll commit suicide.  How pathetic are people these days that they can actually not care about another man's life at all and even make jokes about their death.    I truly hope Gary finds some peace in this life and most importantly the Love of God.  I think his whole world would change if he understood that God loves him no matter what people say or do to him, and that he can find his self-worth in Him.  Hang in there Gary.

You can clearly see the despair on is face.  Why in the world would anyone ever want to kick him when he's down?  Hang in there Gary and get out of Hollywood and that business asap.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Winter Jam 2010

Went to a fantastic concert last night.  Third Day, Newsboy, Newsong, Tenth Ave North, Fireflight, Tony Nolan, Sidewalk Profits, Revive and Robet Peire all performed.  The music was great, the messages were great, and most of all God was praised and honored all day and night long.  I thank the Lord for safe travel with my family to and from the concert and for the great seats (on the floor!).  Hope to go to the next one in March.

http://www.hearitfirst.com/WinterJam/default.aspx

Friday, January 22, 2010

Vote Pat Hughes for U.S. Senate in Illinois

http://www.patrickhughesforsenate.com/How_Pat_Compares.aspx

How Pat Compares To Mark Kirk

Patrick Hughes opposes Cap and Trade
It will be the largest tax increase in American History - and the largest transfer of power to the federal government since the New Deal. Mark Kirk was one of 8 Republicans who voted for it.(http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll477.xml)

Patrick Hughes does not support the expansion of government or increased regulation
Mark Kirk’s vote for Cap and Trade legislation supports an increase of government regulation in the lives of American families. His near decisive vote on the Cap and Trade bill also helped Democrats gain the legislative cover needed to pass the health care bill which, if put into law, would be a massive expansion of the federal government.

Patrick Hughes supports America’s progress towards energy independence
Mark Kirk opposes using America’s resources to gain energy independence. He voted for prohibiting oil drilling and development in ANWR. (http://www.ontheissues.org/HouseVote/Party_2001-317.htm)

Patrick Hughes believes in “Peace through Strength”; a strong national defense
Mark Kirk says he does too,

Monday, January 18, 2010

Food Inc. will get you thinking

My wife and I watched the movie Food Inc. over the past weekend. Honestly that movie will change the way you think about food and the food industry. I hadn't given much thought about where our food comes from but after seeing what big industry has done to the corn, beef and chicken farms, I don't think I'll be buying or eating food without thinking about where it comes from first. I always hear about people who only will eat free range food products, drink organic milk, etc. and I thought that was all good, but I never realized how evil these big companies are and how they've change the way Americans and the world eats. It seems greed is more important than the health of people these days.

It's disgusting to see how big corporations have changed cows diets from grass to corn. Cows aren't meant to eat corn products and it greatly increases the chance of them creating e coli, which gets into humans food sources, which in turn, has cause human deaths. I doesn't seem that the corporations that do this care though, since they continue the practice. I think a lot of this is cause by our own government by subsidizing corn production to make it so cheap, which in turn, allows the food industry to produce corn products at much cheaper costs than it would normally cost. This allows fast food companies to produce cheaper food, etc., which flips the food industry upside down so that the "bad for you" food is far cheaper than the natural unprocessed food. Why else would organic milk be 2-3 times more expensive than the other milk?

We've decided to vote with our wallets and not support companies like Monsanto, Tyson, fast food businesses, etc.
Watch Food Inc.
http://www.takepart.com/

1. Buy organic or sustainable food.
2. Go without meat once a week.
3. Read labels—know where your food comes from.
4. Drink more water, fewer sugary beverages.
5. Support companies that treat workers, animals, and the environment with respect.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Relations matter the most.

This is truely sad, but makes you appreciate the people and things the matter in life.  A dog can teach someone to love.


Last Minutes with ODEN from phos pictures on Vimeo.


God is Love.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Klipsch LightSpeaker System Architectural Speaker

What a great idea.  Low watt LED lighting combined with a wireless speaker.  Pretty pricey though.
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/lightspeaker-system-overview/

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Dugout Dick: lives in a cave

I think this guy has a lot of things right in this life.
He didn't get caught up going to school or college so he could get a great job so he could buy things he doesn't need and live in a big house with a big mortgage, etc... I think the less we have in life the freer we are in life.  It's encouraging to me that even if life gets really rough, we can always build a cave and live in it.  Maybe that's how God intended it, instead of this consumer driven world we live in. Although I don't think my wife would go for this nor would my step-daughter, I'd like to live in a cave like that.  Then again, I've always been a little off in the things I like.



The article is on http://blog.yert.com/2007/12/24/yertpod19-diggin%E2%80%99-dugout-dick-in-idaho/
Dugout Dick is quite possibly the most simple, self-sufficient homeowner in the United States. Also known as Dick Zimmerman, Dick built his home—a cave—inside of a rocky hillside overlooking the Salmon River near Elk Bend, Idaho. At the ripe ol’ age of 92, Dugout isn’t quite as agile as he used to be, but he’ll certainly tell stories of the sheep and garden he had developed on the land. He might even sing a song or two for you…

Dugout lives among other modern cave-dwellers who rent mini-caverns from him, forming an eclectic but caring community that doesn’t give a damn about the electrical grid, running water, or cable TV. Dugout doesn’t even have a phone. But he has friends and fans the world over who visit him in person, YERT included. Mark even spent a night in one of the caves. Check it out in YERTpod19…