I need to get out more

After exercise class today I decided to go to Tuttle Mall—our conveniently located Macy’s closed this spring.  On my way there I glanced in my side mirror and thought the guy behind me was eating vigorously a candy bar.  But he wasn’t.  He was shaving with an electric shaver.  I’d seen jokes about it but had never seen it. Who doesn’t get up early enough to shave? And what happens to all those little stubbly hairs that drop on your clothes?

Then I missed the street into Tuttle, so I took the next one.  There was a huge apartment complex (not particularly attractive) that wasn’t there the last time I shopped up there.  Something Lofts.  I think that means a gathering place for single adults.  Then the older (maybe 5-6 years old) townhouses can be home when they mature a little.

So I was shopping for a red dress or blouse or sweater.  At our church we wear red for Pentecost, and the only red dress I had was too small and I gave it away about 3 years ago.  So I had a 20% off card, and some money left on a Christmas gift card, and I found just the dress I wanted at 65% off (probably a winter dress, but at 100% polyester it is hard to tell.  Then I got a surprise.  It had a built in girdle!  I tried it on—looked pretty good, but I thought I’d have to call for help to get out of it.

Anyway, with the sale, the discount and the gift card, the $60 dress cost me about $4.50.

For $4, I can be a bit uncomfortable.

Shock and Awe—Hillary has announced

A very wealthy white woman who came to prominence on her husband's reputation with no track record of personal accomplishment has announced she wants to be our next socialist president. I'm guessing that in part the campaign will be about gender. She may be the best example of the 20th century woman's movement failures.

http://theweek.com/speedreads/540672/hillary-clinton-paid-female-staff-72-cents-each-dollar-paid-men-when-senator

http://theweek.com/speedreads/540672/hillary-clinton-paid-female-staff-72-cents-each-dollar-paid-men-when-senator

At least on this blog, Hillary’s weight, age, pants suits and heavy legs are off limits!

Happiness is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iK9PLdVXK4

The General Social Survey (GSS) of the University of Chicago NORC  has been monitoring societal change and studying the growing complexity of American society since 1972. In his book “Coming Apart” (2012) Charles Murray uses its data on self-reported happiness.

For U.S. whites (which is the group to which he limits this discussion) between 30-49 from 1990-2008 31% described themselves as “very happy,” 59% “pretty happy,” and only 10% as “not too happy.” However, when it comes to our closest relationships, family, the currently married report the highest level of happiness—40%. Separated, 16%; divorced 17%; widowed 22%; and never married 9%.

Ladies, ready for this?  The happiest, most satisfied work/vocation category is homemakers at 57%, with paid employment at 44%. For attendance at religious services, those who attend more than weekly are at 49%, with weekly at 41%; those who attend once a year or less are at 26% and 25% (I call them Creasters if they attend at Christmas and Easter and then eat a holiday meal together). Also Murray reports that your involvement in your community contributes to your sense of happiness whether that is in a group, as a volunteer, in politics or even informal social interactions.

All of these relationships and activities add up to what Murray calls “social capital”—satisfying work, happy marriage, strong social relationships and strong religion. You can add to your capital and invest in your future and the future of your country.

And isn’t it interesting the very things that make us happy are those most maligned by media, Hollywood, pop culture and internet memes—it’s almost as though someone/something wants us to be miserable.

Mia Love says

“Now more than ever, the American people require a president with a proven record of honesty and integrity. A president who will be a champion for America because it is an exceptional nation built on a foundation of liberty and freedom. Unfortunately, Hillary Clinton is not that leader. This is not about party, it’s not about Washington, it's about us and what kind of country we want to leave for our children. If "our" United States of America is going to remain exceptional, we must demand more of those who wish to lead our nation.”

Household hacker-Salt tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPSb3Nzk0Og#t=176

Some of these I knew, some I’d forgotten.

How the early church judged those who sought membership

Apostolic Traditions was written by Hippolytus who feared the church was straying from tradition and falling into heresy and false doctrine, so he wanted to record the right way to ordain leaders like bishops and deacons and how to bring in new members. Nothing of the original Greek remains, but there are translations.  This simplified version by Kevin P. Edgecomb  is based on the work of Bernard Botte (La Tradition Apostolique. Sources Chretiennes, 11 bis. Paris, Editions du Cerf, 1984) and of Gregory Dix (The Treatise on the Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. London: Alban Press, 1992)

15 Those who are newly brought forward to hear the Word shall first be brought before the teachers at the house, before all the people enter. ²Then they will be questioned concerning the reason that they have come forward to the faith. Those who bring them will bear witness concerning them as to whether they are able to hear. ³They shall be questioned concerning their life and occupation, marriage status, and whether they are slave or free. ⁴If they are the slaves of any of the faithful, and if their masters permit them, they may hear the Word. If their masters do not bear witness that they are good, let them be rejected. ⁵If their masters are pagans, teach them to please their masters, so that there will be no blasphemy.

⁶If a man has a wife, or a woman has a husband, let them be taught to be content, the husband with his wife, and the wife with her husband. ⁷If there is a man who does not live with a woman, let him be taught not to fornicate, but to either take a wife according to the law, or to remain as is.

⁸If there is someone who has a demon, such a one shall not hear the Word of the teacher until purified.

16 They will inquire concerning the works and occupations of those are who are brought forward for instruction. ²If someone is a pimp who supports prostitutes, he shall cease or shall be rejected. ³If someone is a sculptor or a painter, let them be taught not to make idols. Either let them cease or let them be rejected. ⁴If someone is an actor or does shows in the theater, either he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁵If someone teaches children (worldly knowledge), it is good that he cease. But if he has no (other) trade, let him be permitted. ⁶A charioteer, likewise, or one who takes part in the games, or one who goes to the games, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁷If someone is a gladiator, or one who teaches those among the gladiators how to fight, or a hunter who is in the wild beast shows in the arena, or a public official who is concerned with gladiator shows, either he shall cease, or he shall be rejected. ⁸If someone is a priest of idols, or an attendant of idols, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁹A military man in authority must not execute men. If he is ordered, he must not carry it out. Nor must he take military oath. If he refuses, he shall be rejected. ¹⁰If someone is a military governor,^a or the ruler of a city who wears the purple, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ¹¹The catechumen or faithful who wants to become a soldier is to be rejected, for he has despised God. ¹²The prostitute, the wanton man, the one who castrates himself, or one who does that which may not be mentioned, are to be rejected, for they are impure. ¹³A magus shall not even be brought forward for consideration. ¹⁴An enchanter, or astrologer, or diviner, or interpreter of dreams^b, or a charlatan^c, or one who makes amulets, either they shall cease or they shall be rejected. ¹⁵If someone's concubine is a slave, as long as she has raised her children and has clung only to him, let her hear. Otherwise, she shall be rejected. ¹⁶The man who has a concubine must cease and take a wife according to the law. If he will not, he shall be rejected.

17 Catechumens will hear the word for three years. ²Yet if someone is earnest^a and perseveres well in the matter, it is not the time that is judged, but the conduct.

^a Lit. has the authority of swords
^b Other ancient authorities add or one who clips the fringes of garments,
^c Lit., one who stirs up the people

---------------------

Given the lax standards of today it is amazing that the persecuted and outlawed church of the third century would not accept people who would not change their lifestyle or profession in preference for sinning. And they needed witnesses—which many churches still recommend . . such as a god parent or sponsor. Military leaders were to defy orders. Political leaders were not welcome to take instruction. Gladiators had to give up their jobs. Slaves, however, could become Christians and by their witness might convert their masters, but not magicians or those in the occult who wouldn’t give it up. Sexual immorality (prostitute, wanton man, the castrated, and one “who does that which may not be mentioned”) was enough to cause rejection—and I don’t see an exception for giving up the practice. A faithful concubine, however, could be accepted in the fellowship, but the man had to give up his concubine or make her a wife.

Dr. David Samadi on belly fat

There are five things that are essential in order to lose that unwanted belly fat: a clean diet, four to five days of moderate to vigorous exercise a week, proper rest, self-control, and determination.

1. Physical inactivity. Losing belly fat is not impossible without exercise, however, it is much more difficult.
2. Eating or drinking too much sugar. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices and foods high in sugar. Drink water and eat naturally sweet fruits instead.
3. Eating too much fat. Cut back on desserts, fried and processed foods, etc. Load up on healthy carbohydrates and protein instead. It will make you feel fuller for longer.
4. Drinking too much alcohol. The liver does not burn fat when processing alcohol. Alcohol contains empty calories and increases your appetite, causing you to eat more. When drinking, stick to a low calorie wine or liquor.
5. Eating your feelings. People tend to eat more, and less healthy, when they are stressed out or feeling down. Stress can increase your cortisol level which increases belly fat.
6. Eating late at night. Our bodies don’t process food as quickly or effectively when we sleep, which makes it more likely to turn into fat. Avoid eating anything at least 2 hours before bedtime.
7. Not getting enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep increases our cortisol levels, which as we know, increases belly fat. The average adult should get around 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
8. Not eating enough protein. Protein helps us feel fuller for longer. It also helps balance our blood sugar levels and maintain a strong metabolism. Grilled chicken, hard boiled eggs, fish, and quinoa are all excellent sources of protein.

http://samadimd.com/latesthealth/8-bad-habits-that-give-you-belly-fat 

Dr. Samadi is a regular contributor to Fox News on health issues.

Obama is critical of Walker

Ben and Steven, happily ever after in Dearborn, Michigan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmdiqB_8l2k

Muslim bakery says no to same sex engagement and wedding service.  But where is the left?  Why no progressive TV coverage?

The backlash has nothing to do with love, commitment or marriage and everything to do with hate—hate for Christians.

Hillary for President?

Eating on $29 a week—Gwyneth Paltrow

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/gwyneth-paltrow-food-stamp_…? Gwyneth Paltrow is on a publicity stunt. This not the budget for SNAP, nor is it intended to be the only source of income, however, there's a wonderful on-line recipe book that shows it can be done with delicious, frugal and well balanced meals. “Good and Cheap is a gorgeous cookbook for people with limited income, particularly those on a $4/day food stamps budget.” http://www.leannebrown.com/cookbooks/

Gwyneth Paltrow is actually a very distant cousin on my mother's side (via the Danners).

How about asparagus pizza?

 

Did you know there are no goats in heaven?

Jesus explains in Matthew 25 why there are no goats in heaven; we are to love and help the poor, not so we will change their lives, but as a way to meet Jesus face to face. We are never instructed to close the gap between quintiles by reducing or taking the incomes of others, nor do we need to stand in the way of those who are trying to escape poverty--which many government programs do. We are not obligated to help the wealthy, fair-skinned Mexican government officials continue to be irresponsible and neglectful of their own brown citizens, by inviting people to cross the border to earn money to send home, and stay here illegally, decimating their culture and villages.

Another presidential campaign already?

The 2016 campaign is up and running. Here’s the score card since both Clinton and Rubio will probably toss in their hats this week.

The Democrats will again talk about

• the war on women, gender and sex issues, and tell us
• the economy is great except for the middle class,
• the solution being to take more money from the rich.

The Republicans will again talk about

• growing the economy,
• expanding the middle class and
• reducing the size of the government.

Neither party knows what to do about the poor—after all, the War on Poverty is over 50 years old and the only people it’s lifting are the government employees in the program and about $22,000 per poor person is being transferred and even government reports say Head Start creates no permanent gains and $20,000 roofs on $30,000 houses in bad neighborhoods doesn’t reduce crime. The poor are rarely mentioned these days. We have a good immigration law (Immigrant Reform and Control Act of 1986, 1990), but neither party wants to follow it because both unions and big business want more and cheaper workers and the Democrats want more voters.

But even I think the desire to help the poor during the LBJ years had a stronger moral footing affecting millions than fighting bakers and florists over gay weddings in the Obama years which might affect under a hundred.

Neither party seems to know what to do about the spreading wars among Muslims groups in the Middle East. Bush thought he could drag them into 21st century democracy and it was working until Democrats who supported the war started to fight him, and Obama thinks he can ignore terrorism, threats against Israel and the U.S. and wiping out Christianity, the oldest religion in the region.

If I sound discouraged, you’ve interpreted this correctly.

Coerced Abortion Awareness Week

Sunday, April 12 – Sunday, April 19, 2015

http://www.afterabortion.org/churchawarenessproject/coerced-abortion-awareness-week/

Still pro-life

I was listening to Mike Gallagher this morning (conservative talk show) and you would have thought not believing in the death penalty belongs only to the left.

I'm pro-life and consistent--no death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The same reasons you hear for killing a fetus are used for him--cost, inconvenience, kinder in the long run, etc. Of course, babies aren't guilty of a crime, but at least we don't need to participate.

Depending on how you count, it’s close to a million

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_good_word/2006/04/word_count.html

Global Language Monitor estimates * that—as of this writing—there are exactly 988,968 words in English. GLM has done a remarkable job suckering even the respectable press into believing that we're on the verge of adding the millionth word to English—at which point we'll presumably see another flurry of articles about GLM. Even so, its claim is a bogus one.

Child porn in Niles, Illinois libraries

From the Chicago Tribune: Anti-pornography activist Megan Fox created a 2:30 video urging Niles IL residents to vote against incumbent trustee Linda Ryan.

In the video, which was posted on Fox's YouTube channel on March 11, she accuses Ryan of voting to allow child pornography on library computers. On Nov. 19, the library board voted to add content filters on adult computers that would block all nudity and pornography. At the time, viewing pornography was already against library policy.

During the meeting, Ryan was one of the trustees who voted against the filtering policy, arguing that it went too far, getting in the way of patrons' ability to access information. Fox used the clips from the meeting to suggest that Ryan would be fine with child pornography. In the video, she also insisted that American Library Association's policy were putting children in danger. 

That was reported at the LIS web site (discussion site for librarians).  Then a comment from “SafeLibraries” on March 25:

Chicago Tribune got the story wrong. That paper has for over a year of reporting on Megan Fox consistently and obviously intentionally left out that the issue is child porn. Leaving out that the issue is child porn puts a spin on every story Chicago Tribune writes. The spin is that Megan Fox is a prude and libraries are perfectly fine when they make porn available. The reality is that Megan Fox is exposing child porn, and besides, libraries are breaking the law when they make porn available, depending on the state law applicable. In Illinois, they are breaking the law.

"In the video, she also insisted that American Library Association's policy were putting children in danger." You do understand that ALA policy is that librarians are not judges so they may not determine what is child pornography, right? Chicago Tribune never reports that even though it is written in ALA's guidelines for how libraries should write policy.

If a library trustee supports ALA diktat on allowing child porn over her own state's law that precludes all porn in public libraries, then that is someone who is violating the public trust, correct? Megan Fox is allowed to speak out on that, correct? It's wrong for Chicago Tribune to spin stories to hide the child porn issue, correct?

Finally. Justice at Ft. Hood

"On Friday at the central Texas base, 42 of Hasan’s victims will receive a Purple Heart and two will get the Defense of Freedom medal: former Ft. Hood Police Sgt. Kimberly Munley and the late Army Reserve Capt. John Gaffaney, a former colleague of Platoni’s."

Wonder where all the protesters were when this injustice was going on for all these years?

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83250862/

There really is a war against women

George W. Bush freed more Muslim women than Lincoln did slaves, but most of those gains have now been lost under this president. And the people who have been helping them like doctors, teachers, and lawyers are now at risk. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa11/1279/2015/en/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/laura-bush-afghan-womens-gains-are-at-risk/2013/11/14/0c105688-4bed-11e3-9890-a1e0997fb0c0_story.html

http://www.cfr.org/afghanistan/looming-threat-afghan-womens-rights/p26124

“Before the Taliban came, women played an incredibly important part of that society. Seventy percent of the nation's teachers were women. Half of the government workers in Afghanistan were women, and 40 percent of the doctors in the capital of Kabul were women.

The Taliban destroyed that progress. And in the process, they offered us a clear image of the world they and the terrorists would like to impose on the rest of us.

The central goal of the terrorists is the brutal oppression of women -- and not only the women of Afghanistan. The terrorists who help rule Afghanistan are found in dozens and dozens of countries around the world. And that is the reason this great nation, with our friends and allies, will not rest until we bring them all to justice.”  George W. Bush, Dec. 2001

The Maya Angelou stamp

The words on the stamp, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song,” were written by Joan Walsh Anglund in her children’s book “A Cup of Sun.”

She had 18 books of poetry, essays, plays, short stories—and the Postal Service couldn’t find even one line of hers that fit?