Christmas Grace

During a recent after service discussion, our Pastor asked the question; "How will this Advent/Christmas season be different for you this year? Her question was relative to her Advent message series. But as I thought about the question I considered how the current economic crisis will affect most people this year.

For years we have heard the complaint that Christmas has become "too commercial", that most have lost focus of the true meaning and reason for the celebration. We all know that this is true and it truly saddens many. Could it be that the current economic situation may actually be good for our society? Could it be that people will be forced to leave behind the commercial aspect of Christmas and re-discover the spiritual side? Could this be the plan of Him whose birth we celebrate?

I don't believe that God is "punishing" us for any wrong doing. I do believe however that we all need to be humbled from time to time. These are definitely "humbling times" for many.

This Christmas, let's remember the simplicity of the birth of Jesus. Let's rejoice in the fact that we don't have as much money to spend this year so that we may instead focus on the "celebration of life" that was born in a stable.

The attached video was created for use at my church on Christmas Eve. For those of you who are in the area, I hope you will come by either at 5pm or 7:30pm to enjoy the video and the entire service. For those who are far away, please enjoy my electronic Christmas card; "Christmas Grace".
Merry Christmas to all!

Electronic Excuses

I am such a lousy friend.

Two days ago, my best friend celebrated his birthday. And I forgot.

Tom is several years younger than me and I have known him since he was about 8 years old. Despite the age difference we have so much in common that we have been friends for many years.

We share a of love of technology. He always has the latest in smartphones, projection systems, computers etc. There was a time when we would compete for who had the latest and greatest. I finally gave up. He is too quick for me.

So how did I forget his birthday? I blame technology. There was a time when I would take out my trusty Franklin Planner and write down important dates and events. Then several times a day I would turn to the appropriate day page to make notes and would view the reminders. Today, thanks to Tom, I carry a Blackberry. He got one so I had to get one. I keep my calendar on it. Of course as the day moves forward it advances the appointments. So if I have an "all day event" it disapears as the day wears on. Consequently, if I don't take action first thing in the morning, there is a pretty good chance that I will forget about the early reminder.

So you see, it is actually Tom's fault that I forgot his birthday.

Happy belated birthday Tom.

I am such a lousy friend.

Christmas Eating Tips

As we prepare for the greatest holiday of the year, I thought I would share some wisdom pertaining to that favorite holiday past-time...eating

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple , Pumpkin , Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over.

Merry Christmas...See you at the gym!

Veterans Day 2008

Something to think about...

In 1990, the U.S. government seized the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada after convicting the owners of tax evasion. The government as required by law, then attempted to operate the ranch. They failed and the ranch was closed with substantial losses.

As most of you know, that same government recently passed legislation to provide a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. This means that we are now trusting the economy of our country to the same geniuses that could not make money running a whore house and selling booze.

Experience vs. Real

I'm a little sick and tired...no wait, I am really disgusted and have had it with all of the political rhetoric about "experience" as it relates to certain candidates. Recently, Newsweek ran an article discussing the fact that Sarah Palin may be a really great mom but she is just a regular person with no real political experience. Personally, that is what I like about her. "A government of the people, by the people and for the people" should be just that. We need more "common" real people representing us.

Just for giggles, I thought I would put together some information about the "experience" the signers of the Declaration of Independence had. I have included some other interesting facts like birth and death dates, home state and religious affiliations.

I can't help myself...for those of you who want to argue that the U.S. is not and was not intended to be a "Judeo/Christian" country... note that NONE of the signers are listed as atheist, hindu or muslim. There also doesn't seem to be alot of "career politicians" here.

Whoops, there I go offending someone.

Signers of The Declaration of Independence: (religious key is at the bottom)

Adams, John
Massachusetts
Quincy, MA
10/30/1735-7/4/1826
Lawyer-UN

Adams, Samuel
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
9/27/1722-10/2/1803
Merchant-CO

Bartlett, Josiah
New Hampshire
Amesbury, MA
11/21/1729-5/19/1795
Physician-CO

Braxton, Carter
Virginia
Newington, VA
9/10/1736-10/10/1797
Plantation Owner-EP

Carroll of Carrollton, Charles
Maryland
Annapolis, MD
9/19/1737-11/14/1832
Merchant/Plantation Owner-RC

Chase, Samuel
Maryland
Somerset Co., MD
4/17/1741-6/19/1811
Lawyer-EP

Clark, Abraham
New Jersey
Elizabethtown, NJ
2/15/1741-9/15/1794
Lawyer/Surveyor-PB

Clymer, George
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
3/16/1739-1/24/1813
Merchant-QU/EP

Ellery, William
Rhode Island
Newport, RI
12/22/1727-2/15/1820
Lawyer/Merchant-CO

Floyd, William
New York
Brookhaven, NY
12/17/1734-8/4/1821
Land Speculator-PB

Franklin, Benjamin
Pennsylvania
Boston, MA
1/17/1706-4/17/1790
Scientist/Printer-DE

Gerry, Elbridge
Massachusetts
Marblehead, MA
7/17/1744-11/23/1814
Merchant-EP

Gwinnett, Button
Georgia
Glouster, England
1735-5/15/1777
Merchant/Plantation Owner-EP

Hall, Lyman
Georgia
Wallingford, CT
4/12/1724-10/19/1790
Physician/Minister-CO

Hancock, John
Massachusetts
Quincy, MA
1/12/1737-10/8/1793
Merchant-CO

Harrisson, Benjamin
Virginia
Charles City Co., VA
4/7/1726-4/24/1791
Plantation Owner/Farmer-?

Hart, John
New Jersey
Hunterdon Co., NJ
1711-5/11/1779
Land Owner-PB

Hewes, Joseph
North Carolina
Kingston, NJ
1/23/1730-10/10/1779
Merchant-EP

Heyward Jr., Thomas
South Carolina
St. Helena Parrish, SC
7/28/1746-3/6/1809
Lawyer/Plantation Owner-?

Hooper, William
North Carolina
Boston, MA
6/17/1742-10/14/1790
Lawyer-EP

Hopkins, Stephen
Rhode Island
Providence, RI
3/7/1707-4/13/1785
Merchant-?

Hopkinson, Francis
New Jersey
Philadelphia, PA
10/2/1737-5/9/1791
Lawyer/Musician-EP

Huntington, Samuel
Connecticut
Windham, CT
7/3/1731-1/5/1796
Lawyer-CO

Jefferson, Thomas
Virginia
Albermarle Co., VA
4/13/1743-7/4/1826
Lawyer/Plantation Owner-DE

Lee, Francis Lightfoot
Virginia
Mt. Pleasant, VA
10/14/1734-1/11/1797
Plantation Owner-?

Lee, Richard Henry
Virginia
Stratford, VA
1/20/1732-6/19/1794
Plantation Owner/Merchant-?

Lewis, Francis
New York
Llandaff, Wales
3/21/1713-12/30/1802
Merchant-?

Livingston, Philip
New York
Albany, NY
1/15/1716-6/12/1778
Merchant-PB

Lynch Jr., Thomas
South Carolina
Prince George's Parrish, SC
8/5/1749-1779
Lawyer-?

McKean, Thomas
Delaware
Chester Co., PA
3/19/1735-6/24/1817
Lawyer-PB

Middleton, Arthur
South Carolina
Charleston, SC
6/26/1742-1/1/1787
Plantation Owner-?

Morris, Lewis
New York
West Chester Co., NY
4/8/1726-1/22/1798
Plantation Owner-?

Morris, Robert
Pennsylvania
Liverpool, England
1/31/1734-5/8/1806
Merchant/Land Speculator-EP

Morton, John
Pennsylvania
Ridley Township, PA
1724-1777
Farmer-?

Nelson Jr., Thomas
Virginia
Yorktown, VA
12/26/1738-1/4/1789
Merchant/Plantation Owner-?

Paca, William
Maryland
Abington, MD
10/31/1740-10/13/1799
Lawyer/Plantation Owner-EP

Paine, Robert Treat
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
3/11/1731-5/12/1814
Lawyer/Scientist-CO

Penn, John
North Carolina
Carolina Co., VA
5/6/1740-9/14/1788
Lawyer-?

Read, George
Delaware
Northeast MD
9/18/1733-9/21/1798
Lawyer-EP

Rodney, Caesar
Delaware
Dover, DE
10/7/1728-6/29/1784
Plantation Owner/Soldier-EP

Ross, George
Pennsylvania
New Castle, DE
5/10/1730-7/14/1779
Lawyer-?

Rush, Benjamin
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
1/4/1746-4/19/1813
Physician-PB

Rutledge, Edward
South Carolina
Christ Church Parrish, SC
11/23/1749-1/23/1800
Lawyer/Plantation Owner-AN

Sherman, Roger
Connecticut
Newton, MA
4/19/1721-7/23/1793
Lawyer-CO

Smith, James
Pennsylvania
Northern Ireland
1719-7/11/1806
Lawyer-PB

Stockton, Richard
New Jersey
Princeton, NJ
10/1/1730-2/28/1781
Lawyer-PB

Stone, Thomas
Maryland
Charles Co., MD
1743-10/5/1787
Lawyer-EP

Taylor, George
Pennsylvania
Ireland
1716-2/23/1781
Merchant-PB

Thornton, Matthew
New Hampshire
Ireland
1714-6/24/1803
Physician-PB

Walton, George
Georgia
Cumberland Co., VA
1741-2/2/1804
Lawyer-AN

Whipple, William
New Hampshire
Kittery, ME
1/14/1730-11/28/1785
Merchant-CO

Williams, William
Connecticut
Lebannon, CT
4/18/1731-8/2/1811
Merchant-CO

Wilson, James
Pennsylvania
Carskerdo, Scotland
9/14/1742-8/21/1798
Lawyer-EP/DE

Witherspoon, John
New Jersey
Gifford, Scotland
2/5/1723-11/15/1794
Minister-PB

Wolcott, Oliver
Connecticut
Windsor, CT
11/20/1726-12/1/1797
Lawyer-CO

Wythe, George
Virginia
Elizabeth City Co., VA
1726-6/8/1806
Lawyer-EP

Religious key:
AN = Anglican CO = Congregationalist DE = Deist EP = Episcopal PB = Presbyterian QU = Quaker RC = Roman Catholic UN = Unitarian

Sources: Birth places, birth and death dates, and occupations: Declaration Signer's Factsheet from NARA. Religion: A Note on the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and God & Country.

My Wife For President

So, where have I been since February? That is what I intended to write about today. But, a more urgent issue has arisen and I must focus your attention on something that will have a profound impact on your personal and professional daily lives...

My wife is running for President of the United States as an independent. Or at least she should.

She was reading the paper this morning, specifically articles pertaining to the potential 700 billion dollar bail out of Wall Street. She looked up and said... "You know, if they merely gave 1 million dollars to each TAX PAYER, it would be much less expensive, it would solve the foreclosure crisis, stimulate the economy, AND help the banks."

Think about it. She is right on. President Bush sent us each $600. It was a nice gift, but it didn't quite do what it was supposed to do. Obama wants to give us each a $1000 tax credit. Again, nice gift, but not enough.

A million however... Pays off the house - no more worry of foreclosure.
Pays off the credit card debt - infuses a mountain of cash into the banks
Pays back the student loans - freeing up money to loan to new students
Purchases new cars - stimulating the auto industry
Purchases a new or second home - stimulating the real estate industry
Provides extra charitable opportunities - Helps people who still need help
Stimulates investments - rebuilding the market
Creates jobs due to a surge in purchasing of "stuff"


Now THERE is an economic stimulus package that really means something. Sure in 24 months most people will be back in debt and just as broke as they are now, but what of the tens of thousands of jobs that were created by the sudden surge in auto and home sales? What about all the ancillary purchases of furniture, boats, RV's, appliances, musical instruments, dining out, dining in, travel, entertainment?

Both Obama and McCain keep talking about change. They keep talking about doing things differently and really wanting to help the average American. My wife is the only person so far to come up with a plan that would really be different and that would really have an impact.

So when you get to the polls in November write her in. There's a million bucks in it for you.

By the way... She may be as unknown as Sarah Palin was, but she is just as hot.

I'm back!

As I was leaving church the other day, my cousins daughter Jessie informed me that she was "disappointed in me" as she checks my blog everyday, and I haven't posted since February. Well, if Jessie is checking my blog and even if she is the only one... I MUST RETURN! So Jessie and anyone else who might be reading, I am back. I will do my best to post something regularly.

I was taught to stay away from religion and politics...Yeah Right. My first new post will be political. I guarantee that the only people I am about to offend, are those who currently hold a political office....

This message was sent to me by email. Evidently it was written by a Mr. Terry Foose. I thought it made alot of sense. So with thanks and credit to Terry, here you go...


If you are a staunch Republican or Democrat that considers your party line as gospel, you might as well stop reading right now. However, if you are an American that thinks for yourself and you are concerned with the direction our country is going you might want to read on.
Our Presidential election is less than eight weeks away. Far be it for me to try to tell anyone how to vote. Both candidates claim they will make changes in Washington . It will be up to you to determine which candidate is indeed sincere and not just trying to win a campaign with words.
However, it is doubtful that either of the candidates will have the power to turn this country around no matter how honorable their intentions are. Why, you ask? Because the elected members of Congress (House & Senate) are not doing the work of the people. Many are self serving, and as a consequence selling us out to corporations from both at home and abroad. Lobbyists from special interest groups are wining and dining our elected representatives and party heads. They are showering them with gifts for their votes and influence! ABC’s recent coverage of the national conventions of both the Democrat and Republican parties in their segments “following the money” really highlighted how flagrant the practice is.
Democrat and Republican dinosaurs in the House and Senate are directing the outcome of bills. These career politicians control the powerful committee chairs where actions on bills are determined. Even if a newly elected representative has integrity and the best intentions to do the work of the people they soon learn who has the power and who makes the decisions. If they don’t cower to the leadership of their party they find themselves without support and fall by the wayside.
As a result we have an infrastructure that is failing across America . We have an unprecedented national debt. An education system that needs to be turned around. Medical coverage that many can’t afford. A nation dependent on foreign oil. Jobs going overseas resulting in climbing unemployment. Prescription drugs that are not affordable to many. Millions of illegal immigrants. And, rising costs for food, goods, and services.
Many citizens are fed up with what is happening to our country. For the most part the actions of our 100 Senators and 435 Congressman are unconscionable. But, what can an individual do to correct the situation? You can’t take on the government. You can’t take on the political parties.
What can an individual do? This question has been pondered long and hard. We need to “flush” the deadwood out of Congress and replace them with people wanting to do the work of the people. That’s what our founding fathers expected them to do.
There is a way we can “flush” Congress. You don’t have to join anything. You don’t have to do anything illegal. You don’t have to contribute any money. You don’t even have to tell anyone what you are doing. But, you must be a registered voter.
This is how it works. When you go to the polls vote for anyone you want in your state that is running for Congress EXCEPT THE INCUMBENT. The Democrats will vote for their candidate. Republicans will vote their candidate. It does not matter which party the incumbent is from. By concerned citizens voting for a non-incumbent along with the votes from that candidate’s party there will be enough votes to “flush” the incumbent out of office. Sure it will get rid of the good ole boys from your state. But let’s face facts, the good ole boys haven’t been getting the job done!
A lot of them can be flushed in the upcoming election. And, even more in following elections. It won’t take long before elected representatives will start realizing that they better start doing the work of the people or they’re history! Once we get our representatives’ attention and they start working for the people we can stop flushing.
If you think this is a lot of hog wash then do nothing. If you are a concerned citizen that really wants to see change in our country copy and paste this message and forward it to as many people as possible. The rest can be accomplish in the voting booth.
Lets start Flushing ….

This Time of Year, Our Thoughts Turn To Fish

I was at a meeting at our church last night when the subject of our annual Lenten Fish Bakes came up. Our church webmaster was asked to place a promotional item on our website regarding the fishbakes which begin this Friday. Our church secretary provided him a copy of the flyer that our Chef had prepared. On the flyer it listed "Schrod" as one of the choices for this week. The discussion that followed centered on the correct spelling of the entree'. Is it schrod or scrod? Our chef provided an answer that forced us to the web for some research. What we found surprised us all...

Evidently, there is no such fish as a scrod/schrod. In reality, the entree' is referenced as Schrod when it is Halibut, and it is Scrod when it is Cod. There remains some debate as to whether or not this is factual, but I tend to side with Chef Mike, especially considering that there were several sources on the web that back him up. So there it is...

Now, for the best part. In our research, we stumbled on a scrod/schrod based joke...

A man exits a plane in Boston, and jumps immediately into a cab. He asks the cabbie..."Where can a guy get scrod around here?" The cabbie hesitates then says; "That's weird, I've never heard anyone use the pluperfect participle before."

Who says church meetings can't be both informative and fun?

Perspective...Again

Today's news reports that the government is considering taking action against a "possible" recession...(WAKE UP BOYS & GIRLS... WE'RE IN ONE NOW!), by creating a tax rebate that would average $500 per tax payer. This rebate would be distributed in the hope that recipients would spend the money thereby improving our economy. Sorry guys, the thought is admirable but will be as effective as removing a gallon of water from the Atlantic in order to prevent future flooding in New Orleans.

How about this... We are spending BILLIONS on a DAILY basis to defend and rebuild Iraq. Putting things into perspective...If the US government borrowed just a few more dollars from China, we could give EVERY PERSON in the US $1,000,000 (equalling approximately $300,000,000. Shifting the rebate to tax payers only would reduce the amount significantly.) and our national debt would barely notice a ripple. On the other hand, this type of real money would not only allow people to pay off their consumer debts, but also to stop the foreclosures on their homes, and still have enough left over to fill their gas tanks a few times.

Let's face it, whether the government gives away $500 per tax payer or $1,000,000 per tax payer, the concept is the same. The difference in results would be staggering and have a real impact on improving spending. Why, it might even encourage some to open a savings account!

Come on Washington... give some of it up for the homeboys.

Call me...

I just read an article regarding "bad voice-mail etiquette". The article focused on people who leave rambling "way too long" messages, or who don't identify themselves and merely say; "Call me..."

The article asked the question; "when did we lose control of voice-mail"? I think the writer was really off the mark.

I for one am very conscious about not leaving long rambling messages, and have always tried to leave quick, informative messages with a clearly stated number to call. I have found however that the real issues with voice-mail have less to do with the caller and more with the receiver.

It has become increasingly rare to have someone actually answer their phone ( particularly in the business world, where just the opposite should be the case). This fact alone is frustrating in that the caller is now put into the recipients time-line. If you are leaving a message for someone like me, you will get a call as soon as I hear the message. Unfortunately most people either take forever and a day to return calls, or they simply don't bother.

So the bigger question isn't one of when did we lose control of voice-mail but rather, when did we become so discourteous as a society that we can't answer a call, return a call, respond to a request, reply to an invitation, say thank you, you're welcome etc.

With all the communication avenues available to us, it has become increasingly difficult to communicate with people. I still hear people say; "I don't check my email very often." That was fine 5 years ago, but today it is like not breathing but once a month. Worse yet, is the stubborn individual who refuses to join the 21st century by saying; " I hate computers, I won't get e-mail." I believe I've seen these folks on a Geico commercial.

Anyhow back to voice-mail... If you have a phone with the capability of accepting voice-mail messages... here is a novel idea; When someone leaves you a message...answer it. Even if it is someone you don't want to speak to, have the decency to answer their call and tell them you don't want to speak with them!

If you are as frustrated with this as I am... Call me. We'll talk.

Welcome 2008!

I have never been one to be terribly excited about the changing of the year. New Year's Eve celebrations always seemed like a frivolous reason for people who spend too much time partying, to have another reason to tie one on.

Don't get me wrong, the anticipation of a better year certainly provides a sense of calm mixed with excitement. I also do enjoy the extension of the Christmas holiday. I just have never felt the need to say "good riddance" to a year before. That was until 2007.

In retrospect, it wasn't that bad. But it was a year to survive not to thrive.

It began with my mother recovering from an aneurysm. It rambled feebly along with limited income, saw the closing of our 15 year old business, and ended with my Aunt Rose clinging to life. The good news is that Mom did recover, we survived the worst financial year of our married life, our Son got a new job and moved to a beautiful new apartment, Our youngest daughter finished school and is working in a field she loves. Our oldest daughter still struggles financially, but all in all has a pretty blessed life; ( terrific boyfriend, nice apartment, and a decent (although low paying ) job. My wife loves her job, and my consulting business has finally started to take off. As of this writing, Aunt Rose continues to fight the dark angel.

We spent NYE together. Just the two of us, we had a wonderful evening eating, watching movies and the festivities on Times Square. It was bittersweet to see post-stroke Dick Clark hosting the show. Sad to see this icon aged and weakened by the frailties that ultimately come with growing old. But triumphant in his rising to the challenge and leading the nation into the new year with vigor and anticipation.

New Years is a time of reflection and a time of hope. As much as I think it is overdone, I guess it is cathartic for us all.

And so, in typical Silverbulletsandrust style, I give you this New Year poem...
I know a man
his name is Lang
and he has a neon sign.
Now Mr. Lang is very old
So they call it; Old Lang's Sign.
with thanks to the late, great Alan Sherman

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, & prosperous 2008!