Everybody hates going to the mall to do their Christmas shopping, don't they? Well, not everyone. No, I'm not thinking about the shoplifters, taking their five finger discounts. I'm thinking about some people simply enjoying their lunch in the mall food court. Recently such a gathering was blessed at lunch to hear a "flash mob" give a short performance virtually guaranteed to uplift one's spirits this year during the holidays. If the video embedded below doesn't elevate your soul after watching this "impromptu" concert, you may wish to make an attitude adjustment. Maybe you need to check and see if you still have one. The performers in the video aren't the only people smiling; just look at the faces of their "audience." Especially in these troubled economic times, always remember "the reason for the season." Merry Christmas, everyone. … [Read more...]
Choosing one’s words carefully
Albert Haynesworth is a physical giant of a man at 6' 6" and 335 pounds. Only last year the two-time All Pro defensive tackle signed a contract for a cool $100 million to play football for the Washington Redskins. After Haynesworth's addition failed to improve the team's record his first season, there was a coaching change. Mike Shanahan was hired to right the ship. The former coach of the two time Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos immediately installed a 3-4 defense as opposed to the 4-3 defense the lineman was more accustomed to play. The change meant that Haynesworth would no longer be one of two defensive tackles free to wreak havoc on the defense. It meant instead his job required him to line up directly across from the center and clog the middle of the field. The scheme change meant his primary role would be to hopefully occupy two or three blockers, freeing his defensive teammates to make plays. His new role is arguably much more important to the team as a whole, but it requires personal sacrifice and loss of prestige to fans less knowledgeable about the importance of the nose tackle. Football is a team sport. The scheme change might improve the team's chances of winning, but it diminishes the probability that Haynesworth would achieve the same notoriety he enjoyed while playing for the Tennessee Titans. The giant man pouted. In spite of the fact he received a bonus payment of $21 million dollars in a lump sum as recently as April 1, Haynesworth skipped a mandatory team mini-camp and showed up out-of-shape when he did finally arrive. … [Read more...]
Hollywood Jesus website reviews Divine Evolution
Mark Sommer from the website hollywoodjesus.com recently reviewed my book Divine Evolution: a hybrid theory reconciling creationism and evolution. He previewed the book prior to publication and now the book is officially available he published a review that seems fair and even handed. He didn't suggest the book wasn't worth buying, which was good. He suggested the reader decide, implying you should buy my book. … [Read more...]
Wisdom from a child – the fateful finger incident
A number of years ago, our preteen daughter Stephanie was having an emotional meltdown. She had been arguing with her mother over a pair of obscenely overpriced jeans from retailers Abercrombie and Fitch and losing the battle. The scene moved into the parking lot. Mom's resolve never wavered. Stephanie was leaving the mall without a new pair of jeans. In anger, she slammed the car door behind her. Unfortunately, younger brother Matt was following close behind and had just reached inside the door frame when the door completely closed on his hand, smashing his little fingers. Fearing broken bones, Mom rushed Matt to the "doc in the box" emergency pediatric care clinic, where a physician examined him. A kindly female doctor looked into his ears and mumbled surprise before informing my wife, "He has an ear infection." She made eye contact with Matt and asked, "Sweetie, do your ears hurt?" For a moment or two he simply stared at her incredulously through still watering eyes. Then, holding up his injured hand for all to see, slowly and deliberately he said, "No -- it's my FINGERS!" … [Read more...]
A very special announcement
I am extremely pleased to announce the formation of the Writer's Alliance of Georgia, LLC (WAG). I am a member and Vice President of the group, led by President (and editor extraordinaire) Donna Sundblad. We are an organization of professional and budding writers who meet twice a month to encourage one another and grow in our craft. More than a year ago, WAG collaborated to write a collection of short stories about animals and pets. We are currently in the final stages of polishing the manuscript before we submit to epress-online, who has expressed an interest. When the anthology is available for purchase, one of my short stories from the collection will be made available on the website. In the interim, if you'd like to read an example of a story that didn't fit quite the book's theme, "The Hummingbird" is available for reading from my media page. The members of WAG are very excited about this project and hope you will share our enthusiasm and love of animals. Keep following my blog for news updates. This terrific collection of tender, humorous and touching stories is about people and their pets, or those special moments when humans and wildlife connect in a life-changing experience. It's almost ready to share with you! … [Read more...]
