tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223073212024-03-12T22:49:58.923-04:00The Christian DefenderSticking it to 'The Man' and Satan's minions for the glory of God.Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-29785540910633487752010-10-17T16:09:00.006-04:002010-10-17T16:23:32.866-04:00That's All Folks! - Oct 17<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/TLtYoxBDZyI/AAAAAAAAAcM/znwrIvdz9Xc/s1600/That%27s+All+Folks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/TLtYoxBDZyI/AAAAAAAAAcM/znwrIvdz9Xc/s400/That%27s+All+Folks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529110424903182114" border="0" /></a><br />Well, that's it folks. The Christian Defender is done. Great things are happening in my life. I'm now a licensed paralegal and a business owner in Brampton. As I'm now in my 40th year I figured it's time to step aside and let some younger folks take up the blogging challenge. It's been a wonderful four years and I don't regret a single post and I've enjoyed all of your comments. I'm leaving the Christian Defender up and running as there are still many of you who are finding my blog through Google and other various search engines. Signing off with lots of love,<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br />Licensed Paralegal<br />Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada<br />Founder of the Christian Defender<br />(and most importantly ...)<br />A Servant of Jesus ChristRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-57257543920823167792010-08-28T15:33:00.005-04:002010-08-28T15:46:55.548-04:00Happy 45th Birthday Shania! - Aug 28There is little doubt that Shania is the epitome of feminine beauty. She's rich, she's hot, and she's Canadian. She's also the quintessential girl-next-door who happened to make it very big. Here are a few of my favorite Shania pictures. Feel free to use them as screensavers!<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm4fqfVhI/AAAAAAAAAb8/zTS_ow153L8/s1600/Waterfront.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm4fqfVhI/AAAAAAAAAb8/zTS_ow153L8/s400/Waterfront.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510548739822933522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm3cmw0BI/AAAAAAAAAb0/DcVo9lp4SsA/s1600/Spaghetti+Strap+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm3cmw0BI/AAAAAAAAAb0/DcVo9lp4SsA/s400/Spaghetti+Strap+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510548721822126098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm2mt49tI/AAAAAAAAAbs/8xM0AAQlSKo/s1600/Silver+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlm2mt49tI/AAAAAAAAAbs/8xM0AAQlSKo/s400/Silver+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510548707356505810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmFMlBxDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/rTnGq9hvCUQ/s1600/Shania+-+2008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmFMlBxDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/rTnGq9hvCUQ/s400/Shania+-+2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510547858526422066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmE92m3LI/AAAAAAAAAbc/8OVvQnqPhl0/s1600/Halter+Top.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmE92m3LI/AAAAAAAAAbc/8OVvQnqPhl0/s400/Halter+Top.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510547854573624498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmEW2FQFI/AAAAAAAAAbU/flgKsHYyGRU/s1600/Crochet+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmEW2FQFI/AAAAAAAAAbU/flgKsHYyGRU/s400/Crochet+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510547844102438994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmDk0Y-cI/AAAAAAAAAbM/ekr1fIiURx8/s1600/Cow+Girl.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmDk0Y-cI/AAAAAAAAAbM/ekr1fIiURx8/s400/Cow+Girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510547830673570242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmDa8GGyI/AAAAAAAAAbE/6TGLRczWL9A/s1600/Black+Lace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/THlmDa8GGyI/AAAAAAAAAbE/6TGLRczWL9A/s400/Black+Lace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510547828021533474" border="0" /></a>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-50367921839581572652010-08-14T14:32:00.005-04:002010-08-14T16:01:45.056-04:00Islam - The World's Fastest Dying Religion - Aug 14Found this awesome little video for you. Turns out the hyperbole about Islam being the fastest growing religion is a bunch of horse feathers. According to this video:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Africa</span><br /><br />On a continent-wide basis, there are converts leaving Islam at a rate of:<br /><br />667 per hour<br />16,000 a day and;<br />6 million annually<br /><ul><li>In 1902 there were only one million Catholics in the Dark Continent. In the year 2000, that number has jumped to <span>330 million</span>. </li><li>Algeria has a growth rate of 10,000 new converts a year.</li><li>Morocco beats that with a growth rate of 45,000 new converts a year.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elsewhere in the world</span><br /><ul><li>In Kyrgyzstan there are reports of tens of thousands embracing Christ. </li><li>Pakistan had a mere 80,000 Christians in 1947. In 2000 that number has now swelled to six million believers.</li><li>Bangladesh boasts of ten million new believers who have added their name to the Book of Life. </li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Decline of Islam</span><br /><ul><li>Cambodia used to have 250,000 Muslims. They now have zero.</li><li>Russia used to have 24,321 mosques in 1927. That number has now dwindled down to 20.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">My own personal observations</span><br /><ul><li>All these numbers of new converts are ten years out of date and represent a low-ball conservative estimate. The case of Kyrgyzstan is a prime example of where the true number of converts is unknown.<br /></li><li>This doesn't even take into consideration the explosive growth of the church in China. When Christians not only get the attention of the the Communist Party of China but get them concerned and agitated you know something fantastic is happening.</li><li>Islam's time is running out. So is the Church Age - or the 'end of the age' as Jesus mentions in commanding His Great Commission (Mt 28: 16-20).</li><li>The new Leftists - those who wage the cultural jihad against the West and Judeo-Christian values - show themselves to be utterly bankrupt and on the wrong side of history. There will indeed be an 'end to history' but not the way the leftists envision.<br /></li><li>God's prophetic word is 100% trustworthy.<br /></li><li>The video mentions the explosion of new Catholics in Africa. The number of new converts created by Protestant churches and charismatics (Pentecostal) would also likely be a significant boost to the body of Christ.</li><li>Lastly, I concur with the videos conclusions. This process will advance human rights, nation-building and the rule of law over the cruel dictates of Islam. It will be a glorious victory for mankind.</li></ul>Johnny Cash<br /><br /><embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AYHioQ4C" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="440" height="390"></embed>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-9440482144154239182010-07-28T16:23:00.002-04:002010-07-28T17:02:04.158-04:00Wacky Church Bulletins - Jul 28You've seen them as you drive by a local church. Church bulletins written by someone who doesn't have the best grasp of English grammar. We're all guilty of that I suppose. Without further adieu, here are some howlers I'm sure you'll have fun reading.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><ul><li>The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.</li><li>The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on Water'. The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus'.</li><li>Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale.. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.</li><li>Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.</li><li>Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.</li><li>Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.</li><li>For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.</li><li>Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.</li><li>Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.</li><li>A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.</li><li>At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.</li><li>Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.</li><li>Scouts are saving sluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.</li><li>Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.</li><li>The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. </li><li>Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 p.m. - prayer and medication to follow</li><li>The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.</li><li>Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.</li><li>Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.</li><li>Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double door at the side entrance.</li><li>The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours". </li></ul>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-65514202480898304942010-06-03T21:22:00.004-04:002010-06-07T22:24:52.075-04:00Use a Torpedo Next Time! - Jun 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/TA2pxwrF2II/AAAAAAAAAa8/K1bZgEiQRCY/s1600/Fake+Flotilla.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/TA2pxwrF2II/AAAAAAAAAa8/K1bZgEiQRCY/s400/Fake+Flotilla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480222993924085890" border="0" /></a><br />Hello again readers. I'm still on my 'hiatus' but I've decided to break the silence surrounding the recent brouhaha over the 'Free Gaza' flotilla. This video explains it all. As for me, I have nothing but contempt for these 'activists' and all the brainless anti-Semites who crawl out from under their rocks whenever Israel has the audacity to protect its people and its sovereignty.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.</span><br />Zechariah 12:2,3<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jV6DVk04HkM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jV6DVk04HkM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-3445253426842947822010-04-26T23:44:00.004-04:002010-04-27T00:04:13.781-04:00Hiatus - April 26It's the waning hours of Monday evening and I've got a few minutes before I go to bed. This is to let you know that the Christian Defender will be taking a temporary hiatus until further notice. Don't know how long it's going to be but I have every intention of keeping the X-Def going. I'm working Saturday and Sunday (12 hour shifts) and Monday to Friday is an exercise in trying to balance school and rest. I have no life! *Sigh*<br /><br />I do have one request though. Whoever is sending those porn links from Japan is an asshole. As you can tell, all your efforts have been rejected so far. So please stop harassing me by sending these ridiculous comments. I'm sure there are plenty of porn sites out there that would appreciate your efforts. This blog is not one of them. So please stop. You're annoying me. Should you continue I will have no choice but to shut down the commenting feature altogether which hurts us all. Jerk!<br /><br />Mind you, seeing as this blog is basically a <a href="http://xtiandefence.blogspot.com/2006/06/number-666-777-jun-6.html">one-hit wonder</a> I doubt anyone really cares about the rest of my work. So we'll see what the future holds. Should my schedule clear up and my passion for writing remain I shall carry on posting. As always, the Lord knows best.<br /><br />Ta-ta for now!<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-4284581736353134482010-03-15T21:04:00.003-04:002010-03-15T21:27:36.115-04:00Break Out The Chainsaws! - Mar 15<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. </span><br />(Romans 1:22-23)<br /><br />Complete and utter bunch of nutters these 'Earth First' types are. They're not 'out in left field', they've left the ballpark altogether. I've included the tag 'humor' because I couldn't help but laugh at these eco-idiots. The woman bewailing the loss of old-growth trees in a Carolinian forest is priceless. Same for the woman letting loose with a scream at the end. God is to be given the glory for His wondrous creation. Man is not called to worship trees but to take custody of them! Sadly, these 'enlightened' tree-huggers will never understand such simple Biblical precepts. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ElJFYwRtrH4&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ElJFYwRtrH4&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-23796023125057995402010-02-23T18:16:00.003-05:002010-02-23T19:25:18.546-05:00Hooray! - Feb 23<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S4Rh-aOaCII/AAAAAAAAAa0/KRAwxu4A2J4/s1600-h/Hooray+Cat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S4Rh-aOaCII/AAAAAAAAAa0/KRAwxu4A2J4/s400/Hooray+Cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441581974589933698" border="0" /></a><br />It appears I've missed the actual anniversary date of the X-Def by eleven days. Still, better late than never! Yes, a long time ago (February 2006 to be exact) in a galaxy far, far away (Tottenham, Ontario to be precise) the Christian Defender was born four years ago. Month in and month out I've tried my best to glorify God and His wonderful plan of redemption.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Past 12 Months - Pain and Glory</span><br /><br />In March 2009 I lost my good friend Ian to a massive stroke. It was truly a heartbreaking event as his death came most unexpectedly (doesn't it always?). He had a stroke Tuesday night, was admitted to Brampton Civic Hospital Wednesday morning and left us on Sunday. The proverbial silver lining was when I had the utmost pleasure to meet Ian's two sisters, Susan and Cindy. It's funny how death brings together people you normally would never have the chance to meet.<br /><br />On the upside, I began my trek back to respectability by starting at triOS college for my paralegal studies. Pretty soon I'll be finished. Man how time flies! This past year has seen me grow on a personal level I never could have achieved had I stayed with Tipco. I've met some awesome instructors (Henry Lowi, Akua Carmichael, Michael Johnson and Syed Rizvi) and I've met lots of equally keen students who are just as passionate about the law as I am.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Road Ahead</span><br /><br />What lies ahead for me is anyone's guess. The near future is a murky one with no clear safe harbor in sight. That's usually how God works - He never tips His hand too far in advance. I've always managed somehow to land on my own two feet no matter the circumstance. All I can do at my end is be diligent and persistent. The rest I'll leave into His capable hands.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-23004247038224159762010-02-10T00:11:00.004-05:002010-02-10T00:19:54.037-05:00Dutch (Abomi) Nation - Feb 9Pat Condell hits another one out of the park with his assessment of the Geert Wilders trial. As Pat says, authoritarianism mixed with cowardice will have deadly consequences. I fear that the forces of darkness are winning the cultural and spritual battle. The time of the church age is about to close. Will you be ready when Jesus comes?<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/96ZUZ9CPZII&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/96ZUZ9CPZII&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-6673714498756769302010-02-04T23:37:00.002-05:002010-02-04T23:46:29.414-05:00Make Mine Freedom - Feb 4Saw this recently on <a href="http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/02/04/make-mine-freedom-a-prophetic-view-of-today/">newsrealblog.com</a> and decided to share it with you. The video was made in 1948 by Harding College during the height of the Cold War. The quality is a little iffy and the overall effect a bit hokey, sort of like the old projectors I saw in the 70's. However, the message is a timeless one for all people regardless of their political affiliation. Please do give it a viewing!<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mVh75ylAUXY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mVh75ylAUXY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-72733172125120462142010-01-25T21:48:00.011-05:002010-02-10T02:06:16.216-05:00Putting 4L Into a 5L Jug - Jan 25<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S15euRa24zI/AAAAAAAAAas/hovJkPeXtGY/s1600-h/Jug+and+Glass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S15euRa24zI/AAAAAAAAAas/hovJkPeXtGY/s320/Jug+and+Glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430882349698442034" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a little brain-teaser for you. Here's how it goes:<br /><br />You have two jugs. One jug has a 3 litre capacity (or gallon if you prefer) and the other has a 5 litre capacity. Question: How do you use only these two jugs to end up with 4 litres in the 5 litre jug without guessing?<br /><br />Give up? Here's Answer #1:<br /><ol><li>Fill the 3L jug first.</li><li>Dump contents into 5L jug.</li><li>Refill the 3L jug again.</li><li>Dump what you can (2L) into the 5L jug.</li><li>Empty the 5L jug. You should now have 1L in the 3L jug and an empty 5L jug.</li><li>Pour the 1L that you have in the 3L jug into the 5L jug.<br /></li><li>Refill the 3L jug for the third time.</li><li>Empty contents of 3L jug into the 5L jug and there you have it. 1L + 3L = 4L</li></ol>In an equation it would look like 3+3-5+3=4.<br /><br />You'll need a minimum of six litres to complete this problem provided you have a large reservoir tank to draw from and dump in. Without that reservoir tank you'll need 9L of water. The problem with that is now you have an unacceptable attrition rate of 5 out of the 9 litres - 56% - being wasted (see step 5). There you go: a math quiz PLUS a conservation message to boot.<br /><br />Here's Answer #2:<br /><ol><li>Fill the 5L jug</li><li>Pour 3 of the 5L into the 3L jug</li><li>Empty the 3L jug</li><li>Pour the remaining 2L left in the 5L jug into the 3L jug</li><li>Refill the 5L jug</li><li>Pour 1L of the 5L jug into the 3L jug and there you have it</li></ol>The equation becomes 5-3+5 with an excess of a filled 3L jug. In an environmental scenario, only 3L would be wasted without a reservoir but you would need to use a minimum of 10 Litres in order to do it this way.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-13041396780782724052010-01-17T22:54:00.005-05:002010-01-18T01:04:36.033-05:00Where Do You Store Your Treasure? - Jan 17Happy New Year everyone! I'd like to apologize for not posting sooner. I had a good Christmas break even though I was busy with work and classes. Better that than just hanging around at home I guess. My studies are going well with my first win in moot court. Woo Hoo! I'm finding that the second time around was easier than the first. Isn't the way that it always works? It's going to take some time to get my legs under me as a new paralegal.<br /><br />I wanted to start the new year with the concept of treasure. What I'd like to talk about today is the consequences of leaving your worldly faith behind and following after Jesus. While our reward in eternity is beyond our comprehension, the consequences here on Earth are very real and understandable. Here are three points to consider if you want to follow Jesus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S1P5qdRLXpI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZVujtSgLSHA/s1600-h/Treasure+Chest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 323px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/S1P5qdRLXpI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZVujtSgLSHA/s400/Treasure+Chest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427956483718078098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. </span><br />(Matthew 6:19-21)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacrificing Your Most Valued Treasure: Your Sense of Self-Importance</span><br /><br />The number one obstacle without question is a person's sense of pride. After all, you're a good person. You donate to charity. You perform good deeds. You haven't done anything that bad, have you? You may even be a regular church-goer! All of that means nothing. When we try to substitute our works for grace we are fundamentally rejecting what Jesus did for us at the cross.<br /><br />Christianity isn't so much about religious doctrines, it's about a relationship with the Father by way of the Son. Without acknowledging His Lordship (and therefore His mastery over us) we become a narcissist and a sociopath. A narcissist only has space in their busy lives for themselves. All their relationships are a disaster because they cannot make room in their heart for anybody else. As far as the sociopath is concerned, the universe revolves around them and woe unto that individual that fails to acknowledge this salient point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your Second Most Valued Treasure: Your Position and Your Power</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.</span><br />(Matthew 6:5)<br /><br />Perhaps you're a person of influence and power. Maybe you have a reputation to protect. Or perhaps you're well thought of, a man about town as it were. Understand that all that can be taken away from you just like that. And if you're an unbeliever with position and you make that fateful decision to follow Christ, you better expect a sudden downgrade.<br /><br />Do you want to be a celebrity? If your dream is for the world to fall on their knees and follow after you, becoming a Christian would be the worst thing you could possibly do. We hear of stories of individuals who had the money, the social status, the cars, the clothes and all the material advantages. They had the things which are supposed to make a person happy. Then they turn to Christ and usually end up paying a heavy price for their conversion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your Third Most Valued Treasure: Your Comfort Zone</span><br /><br />Understand that God is not out to get you or to traumatize you with endless adversity. But what He is going to do is to take you out of your comfort zone in order for personal growth to occur. In short, God is going to take you on a path to discovery that few will ever tread. You can forget about people identifying with you because they won't. You've already surpassed them in godly knowledge and understanding. They're eating the dust of the trail that you're blazing and they don't like it. You've become a complete stranger to them.<br /><br />If you want to be a pro in anything, be it theological or secular, be prepared to lead a lonely existence. Because the more competent and knowledgeable you become, the fewer and fewer peers (and friends) you will have. If want to rise above mediocrity, you'd better be prepared to shed friends and gain enemies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span>(Matthew 6:24,25)<br /><br />Don't get this ridiculous idea that once you decide to follow Jesus everything is going to be sunshine and roses. You will still be buffeted by the storms of life. In all likelihood these storms will increase in intensity. But you will have something that an unbelieving world does not: A solid foundation upon which to stand. Nowhere does the Bible promise a life of ease for those who become a disciple of Jesus. What the Bible does promise is the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Can the mind comprehend such glorious wonders? It cannot. And that's the rub. We trust in God's promises, not Man's. A Christian would have it no other way.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-65087626331385122172009-12-25T12:13:00.002-05:002009-12-25T12:23:07.020-05:00The Light of the World - Dec 25Merry Christmas everyone! I'd like to give that to the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704782304574541923094045380.html">Wall Street Journal</a> and to the late Vermont Royster for this timely article.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><strong>In Hoc Anno Domini<br />So the light came into the world.</strong><br /><br />When Saul of Tarsus set out on his journey to Damascus the whole of the known world lay in bondage. There was one state, and it was Rome. There was one master for it all, and he was Tiberius Caesar.<br /><br />Everywhere there was civil order, for the arm of the Roman law was long. Everywhere there was stability, in government and in society, for the centurions saw that it was so.<br /><br />But everywhere there was something else, too. There was oppression—for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar. There was the tax gatherer to take the grain from the fields and the flax from the spindle to feed the legions or to fill the hungry treasury from which divine Caesar gave largess to the people. There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. There were executioners to quiet those whom the Emperor proscribed. What was a man for but to serve Caesar?<br /><br />There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?<br /><br />Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.<br /><br />And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new Kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. And he sent this gospel of the Kingdom of Man into the uttermost ends of the earth.<br />So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders.<br /><br />But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light. The voice said, Haste ye. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you, for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.<br /><br />Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.<br /><br />Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness.<br /><br />And so Paul, the apostle of the Son of Man, spoke to his brethren, the Galatians, the words he would have us remember afterward in each of the years of his Lord:<br />Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.<br /><br /><em>This editorial was written in 1949 by the late Vermont Royster and has been published annually since.</em>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-82936920566460110612009-12-22T23:51:00.013-05:002009-12-23T01:36:14.459-05:00Unbelief and God's Perfect Law - Dec 22Section 469 of the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html">Criminal Code of Canada</a> (CCC) contains a list of the most serious offences. These are not charges that anyone should minimize. They are included below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">469. Every court of criminal jurisdiction has jurisdiction to try an indictable offence other than</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(a) an offence under any of the following sections:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(i) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#47.-1">section 47</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (treason),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(ii) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#49.">section 49</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (alarming Her Majesty),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(iii) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#51.">section 51</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (intimidating Parliament or a legislature),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(iv) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#53.">section 53</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (inciting to mutiny),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(v) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#61.">section 61</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (seditious offences),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(vi) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#74.-1">section 74</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (piracy),</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(vii) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#75.">section 75</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (piratical acts), or</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(viii) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#229.">section 235</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (murder)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God's Perfect Holiness and Man's Sin</span><br /><br />The reality is that until we truly repent and turn our lives over to Jesus, we are very much in that category of s. 469 of the CCC. When we are in a state of unbelief, we are that person committing treason, alarming Her Majesty, intimidating Parliament, inciting to mutiny, committing seditious offences, piracy and murder. Understand this is not a case of 'just missing the mark'. It is a serious indictable offence against God to be found in a state of unbelief.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salvation is by The Sacrificial Blood of Christ Alone</span><br /><br />Furthermore it can be found no other way. Not by tithing or perfect church attendance. Not by works or by acts of charity. It is only by the blood and through the blood that a person can be saved from the horrors of hell. God does not joke around when it comes to sin. While God is a God of love, mercy and compassion - and praise Him for that! - God takes His laws, commandments and statutes seriously.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What Must I Do To Avoid Such Condemnation?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.</span><br />(Romans 2:13)<br /><br />More to the point, how can you know you're saved? Here are five points to consider.<br /><ul><li>Have you laid your pride to rest? If I dare hear pride and self-sufficiency <span style="font-style: italic;">that person is not saved</span>.<br /></li><li>Is there a clear distinction between the 'old you' and the 'new you'? If you're still behaving just as the way you were before I would seriously question your eternal destiny.<br /></li><li>Have you become wiser and more discerning? A sure sign of salvation is when you are 'locked in' to the mindset of God.</li><li>Do you have a Biblical worldview or a secular one? More to the point, are you able to tell the difference?<br /></li><li>Are you kinder, gentler, more merciful and patient with those who constantly test us? A heart of love is a sign that you've been reborn.</li></ul>If you can honestly answer yes to all these questions you're well on your way to spending eternity with God. Christ is your only hope. Please choose Him today.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-41498017080860598972009-12-12T23:33:00.006-05:002009-12-13T00:36:01.367-05:00It Was A Year Ago Today - Dec 12The memory of it is still fresh in my mind. On a Friday afternoon after coming back from my run I was called into the office and told my truck was to be taken off the road. After 11 years of faithful service, I was laid off.<br /><br />While my previous employment gave me the stability I needed, the reality was that I was being left behind both in terms of personal and financial growth. When you can't remember the last time you got a raise it's probably best to move on - or get gently shoved through the door as was with my case.<br /><br />Hard to believe how far I've come since then. I really feel good about where I'm at right now. The future is indeed a bright one. My paralegal studies have gone swimmingly. Having passed all my courses with an A average, I have flourished in my new environment as a legal student.<br /><br />As I look forward to the new year, 2010 looks to be both exciting and somewhat terrifying. In May I'll be celebrating my 40th birthday. By that time my classes will have come to an end and I'll be smack dab in the middle of my internship. On August 11th I write my paralegal exam. What happens beyond that is a mystery.<br /><br />2010 is a year which has as its theme, 'Finish What You Started'. All my travails at getting into school (which I detailed in the first half of this year) came to fruition in June. By May 2010 my tenure at TriOS will have come to its completion. In a way, it's like leaving the womb. You may be safe and protected there, but there comes a point when its time to leave and start growing.<br /><br />God has indeed provided for me. Mind you, it hasn't been easy. I've had to make some withdrawals from my RRSP's and on more than one occasion I've been totally broke - usually at the end of the month. My commissionaires pay and EI still managed to sustain me throughout. Despite my delicate financial position, I still had the chance to do all my regular summer stuff, including:<br /><ul><li>CHIN Picnic Bikini Pageant (never get tired of that!)</li><li>Carabram (All pavilions visited like a trooper should)</li><li>Taste of the Danforth (The food! The crowds! The music! Did I mention the food?)</li><li>And as always, the CNE (twice!)<br /></li></ul>I've also had the chance to see at least five OHL hockey games this season. Life has been good despite the necessary penny-pinching when you're on a budget. I've met all my financial obligations and by March my car will be paid off. Does God still answer prayer? Does He still take care of His children? You better believe He does!<br /><br />I firmly believe God has sent me this adversity for a reason. Much like the Israelites being driven from Egypt, this has happened to me at the precise moment of God's choosing. Like the Israelites, I too moaned and complained when things weren't going my way. Only now do I appreciate His divine wisdom as He has set me upon this path. God is still in the business of weaving small miracles into my life. I feel blessed and fortunate to be given this second chance. May His name be glorified through my scholarly efforts.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-87793455859960583122009-12-08T21:02:00.006-05:002009-12-08T21:43:20.486-05:00Twas The Night Before Christmas (The Curious Case of R. v. Claus) - Dec 8Ever wonder what one of the most well-known stories of the Christmas season would look like if translated into legalese? Well look no further! <a href="http://www.duhaime.org/LegalResources/LawFun/LawArticle-506/The-Night-Before-Christmas-Legally-Speaking.aspx">You can view the original here</a>. Mr. Lloyd Duhame is a lawyer out in Victoria, B.C. and is one seriously funny dude. His website is a must-see for all lawyers, paralegals (to be) and others working and living in the legal field.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">R. v MR. NICHOLAS CLAUS</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Also known as "Santa Claus", "Kris Kringle", "Saint Nicolas" or "Father Christmas"</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />STATEMENT<br /><br />I, Occular. W. Itness, of 174 Main Street, Whoville, do solemnly affirm and swear to the truth of this, my sworn statement:</span><br /><br />1. Whereas, on or about the night prior to the 25th of December, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to, a mouse.<br /><br />2. A variety of foot apparel, e.g. stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus" or "the subject") would arrive at sometime thereafter.<br /><br />3. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.<br /><br />4. Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as "I"), being a tenant-by-the-entirety in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep (at such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, to wit: kerchief and cap).<br /><br />5. Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved portion of real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e. the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance.<br /><br />6. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance. At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer.<br /><br />7. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus, as more specifically identified below.<br /><br />8. Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the aforementioned eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"; upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co-conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved).<br /><br />9. The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature.<br /><br />10. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, specifically on the rooftop thereof, causing unspecified damage thereto by means of the hooves of said animal co-conspirators.<br /><br />11. Whereupon Claus entered said House via the chimney.<br /><br />12. The party of the first part positively identified said Claus from the following appearance: The subject was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. Claus' face was identifiable by certain cherry-like and bow-like features and he was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations, the fumes of which assumed a wreathiform shape around the subject's head.<br /><br />13. Said Claus made no utterances or admissions, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts (said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minors pursuant to the applicable provisions of the tax statute or any applicable or relevant Gifts to Minors legislation).<br /><br />14. Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts".<br /><br />15. After vaulting in the Vehicle, signaling his co-conspirators and abettors with a whistle, Claus abruptly departed for an unknown destination. However, prior to the disappearance of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" (or words to that effect...).<br /><br /><strong>SWORN BEFORE ON THIS 24TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2008.</strong>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-26943322209334620852009-11-09T21:45:00.006-05:002009-11-09T22:49:45.186-05:00For The Love of Cars - Nov 9We all love cars and our mobility. From time to time we do the strangest things to our vehicles that defy reason and safety. From <a href="http://thereifixedit.com/">there I fixed it.com</a> comes some real knee-slappers. I hope you get as much a laugh out of these pics as I did.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br />Is Red Green this guy's mechanic or does he have a duct tape fetish?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZeMWaTFI/AAAAAAAAAZk/67Jp2uFypHY/s1600-h/Duct+Tape+Car.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZeMWaTFI/AAAAAAAAAZk/67Jp2uFypHY/s400/Duct+Tape+Car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402306865765436498" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a taxicab that has no business being on the road:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ3ebuVbI/AAAAAAAAAaU/X1ZjPPGIjZg/s1600-h/Unsafe+Taxicab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ3ebuVbI/AAAAAAAAAaU/X1ZjPPGIjZg/s400/Unsafe+Taxicab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402307300116288946" border="0" /></a><br />An accident waiting to happen:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ2Fa8iQI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Ryf-cfkwiBM/s1600-h/Insurance+Claim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ2Fa8iQI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Ryf-cfkwiBM/s400/Insurance+Claim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402307276222269698" border="0" /></a><br />I'd avoid bridges and overpasses if I were you:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ1xiOLWI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/FlRl2mGGDrg/s1600-h/Big+Load.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ1xiOLWI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/FlRl2mGGDrg/s400/Big+Load.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402307270884076898" border="0" /></a><br />No worries about the summer heat here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ1u5b_fI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/7Md-RPgy--8/s1600-h/Air+Conditioner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvjZ1u5b_fI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/7Md-RPgy--8/s400/Air+Conditioner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402307270176144882" border="0" /></a>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-49788339350191262812009-11-06T19:37:00.007-05:002009-11-06T20:35:33.025-05:00The Rosetta Stone of Bible Prophecy - Nov 6Leviticus 23 is without question the most important chapter in the Bible. Not Isaiah 53. Not Daniel 9. Not even the book of Revelation. These prophecy faves are meaningless unless you delve into Leviticus 23 first. This chapter contains in detail the seven feasts of the Lord and is a must read. The seven feasts of the LORD are:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://xtiandefence.blogspot.com/2006/05/prophecy-of-sabbath-may-14.html">The Sabbath</a></li><li>The Passover and Unleavened Bread</li><li>Firstfruits</li><li>Feast of Weeks (<a href="http://xtiandefence.blogspot.com/2008/05/pentecost-2017-may-10.html">Pentecost</a>)</li><li>Feast of Trumpets</li><li>Day of Atonement</li><li>Feast of Tabernacles<br /></li></ol>I have pasted the entire chapter below (in NIV format) for your consideration.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sabbath</span><br /><br />" 'There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Passover and Unleavened Bread</span><br /><br />" 'These are the LORD's appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: The LORD's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of that month the LORD's Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present an offering made to the LORD by fire. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.' "<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Firstfruits</span><br /><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old without defect, together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil—an offering made to the LORD by fire, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter of a hin of wine. You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feast of Weeks</span><br /><br />" 'From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the priest. On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.<br /><br />" 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' "<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feast of Trumpets</span><br /><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the LORD by fire.' "<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day of Atonement</span><br /><br />The LORD said to Moses, "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire. Do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. Anyone who does not deny himself on that day must be cut off from his people. I will destroy from among his people anyone who does any work on that day. You shall do no work at all. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live. It is a sabbath of rest for you, and you must deny yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to observe your sabbath."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feast of Tabernacles</span><br /><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites: 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings made to the LORD by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the LORD by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work.<br /><br />(" 'These are the LORD's appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing offerings made to the LORD by fire—the burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings required for each day. These offerings are in addition to those for the LORD's Sabbaths and in addition to your gifts and whatever you have vowed and all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD.)<br /><br />" 'So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the LORD for seven days; the first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day also is a day of rest. On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. Celebrate this as a festival to the LORD for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month. Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.' "<br /><br />So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the LORD.Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-58829423289978248082009-11-05T22:11:00.004-05:002009-11-05T22:33:15.243-05:00America's Callous Children - Nov 5Found <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703363704574503631430926354.html">this great WSJ article from Peggy Noonan</a>. I have posted on the problems that America (and by logical extension, Western civilization). As America goes, so goes the rest of the free world. Those of us living here in the Union of Soviet Canadian Republic should take no comfort in the problems that are afflicting the U.S.. Indeed they are worrisome. Let us continue to pray for our nation - assuming it isn't too late!<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br />(Please note the <span style="font-weight: bold;">emphasis in bold</span> is mine and not the author's)<br /><br />The new economic statistics put growth at a healthy 3.5% for the third quarter. We should be dancing in the streets. No one is, because no one has any faith in these numbers. Waves of money are sloshing through the system, creating a false rising tide that lifts all boats for the moment. The tide will recede. The boats aren't rising, they're bobbing, and will settle. No one believes the bad time is over. No one thinks we're entering a new age of abundance. No one thinks it will ever be the same as before 2008. Economists, statisticians, forecasters and market specialists will argue about what the new numbers mean, but no one believes them, either. Among the things swept away in 2008 was public confidence in the experts. The experts missed the crash. They'll miss the meaning of this moment, too.<br /><br />The biggest threat to America right now is not government spending, huge deficits, foreign ownership of our debt, world terrorism, two wars, potential epidemics or nuts with nukes. The biggest long-term threat is that people are becoming and have become disheartened, that this condition is reaching critical mass, and that it afflicts most broadly and deeply those members of the American leadership class who are not in Washington, most especially those in business.<br /><br />It is a story in two parts. The first:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> "They do not think they can make it better."</span><br /><br />I talked this week with a guy from Big Pharma, which we used to call "the drug companies" until we decided that didn't sound menacing enough. He is middle-aged, works in a significant position, and our conversation turned to the last great recession, in the late mid- to late 1970s and early '80s. We talked about how, in terms of numbers, that recession was in some ways worse than the one we're experiencing now. Interest rates were over 20%, and inflation and unemployment hit double digits. America was in what might be called a functional depression, yet there was still a prevalent feeling of hope. Here's why. Everyone thought they could figure a way through. We knew we could find a path through the mess. In 1982 there were people saying, "If only we get rid of this guy Reagan, we can make it better!" Others said, "If we follow Reagan, he'll squeeze out inflation and lower taxes and we'll be America again, we'll be acting like Americans again." Everyone had a path through.<br /><br />Now they don't. The most sophisticated Americans, experienced in how the country works on the ground, can't figure a way out. Have you heard, "If only we follow Obama and the Democrats, it will all get better"? Or, "If only we follow the Republicans, they'll make it all work again"? I bet you haven't, or not much.<br /><br />This is historic. This is something new in modern political history, and I'm not sure we're fully noticing it. Americans are starting to think the problems we are facing cannot be solved.<br /><br />Part of the reason is that the problems—debt, spending, war—seem too big. But a larger part is that our government, from the White House through Congress and so many state and local governments, seems to be demonstrating every day that they cannot make things better. They are not offering a new path, they are only offering old paths—spend more, regulate more, tax more in an attempt to make us more healthy locally and nationally. And in the long term everyone—well, not those in government, but most everyone else—seems to know that won't work. It's not a way out. It's not a path through.<br /><br />And so the disheartenedness of the leadership class, of those in business, of those who have something. This week the New York Post carried a report that 1.5 million people had left high-tax New York state between 2000 and 2008, more than a million of them from even higher-tax New York City. They took their tax dollars with them—in 2006 alone more than $4 billion.<br /><br />You know what New York, both state and city, will do to make up for the lost money. They'll raise taxes.<br /><br />I talked with an executive this week with what we still call "the insurance companies" and will no doubt soon be calling Big Insura. (Take it away, Democratic National Committee.) He was thoughtful, reflective about the big picture. He talked about all the new proposed regulations on the industry. Rep. Barney Frank had just said on some cable show that the Democrats of the White House and Congress "are trying on every front to increase the role of government in the regulatory area." The executive said of Washington: "They don't understand that people can just stop, get out. I have friends and colleagues who've said to me 'I'm done.' " He spoke of his own increasing tax burden and said, "They don't understand that if they start to tax me so that I'm paying 60%, 55%, I'll stop."<br /><br />He felt government doesn't understand that business in America is run by people, by human beings. Mr. Frank must believe America is populated by high-achieving robots who will obey whatever command he and his friends issue. But of course they're human, and they can become disheartened. They can pack it in, go elsewhere, quit what used to be called the rat race and might as well be called that again since the government seems to think they're all rats. (That would be you, Chamber of Commerce.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And here is the second part of the story</span>. While Americans feel increasingly disheartened, their leaders evince a mindless . . . one almost calls it optimism, but it is not that.<br /><br />It is a curious thing that those who feel most mistily affectionate toward America, and most protective toward it, are the most aware of its vulnerabilities, the most aware that it can be harmed. They don't see it as all-powerful, impregnable, unharmable. The loving have a sense of its limits.<br /><br />When I see those in government, both locally and in Washington, spend and tax and come up each day with new ways to spend and tax—health care, cap and trade, etc.—I think: Why aren't they worried about the impact of what they're doing? Why do they think America is so strong it can take endless abuse?<br /><br />I think I know part of the answer. It is that they've never seen things go dark. They came of age during the great abundance, circa 1980-2008 (or 1950-2008, take your pick), and they don't have the habit of worry. They talk about their "concerns"—they're big on that word. But they're not really concerned. They think America is the goose that lays the golden egg. Why not? She laid it in their laps. She laid it in grandpa's lap.<br /><br />They don't feel anxious, because they never had anything to be anxious about. They grew up in an America surrounded by phrases—"strongest nation in the world," "indispensable nation," "unipolar power," "highest standard of living"—and are not bright enough, or serious enough, to imagine that they can damage that, hurt it, even fatally.<br /><br />We are governed at all levels by America's luckiest children, sons and daughters of the abundance, and they call themselves optimists but they're not optimists—they're unimaginative. They don't have faith, they've just never been foreclosed on. They are stupid and they are callous, and they don't mind it when people become disheartened. They don't even notice.Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-3349887041265498962009-11-03T21:04:00.007-05:002009-11-04T00:18:00.916-05:00Thoughts on Morality - Nov 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvDiJoAPyXI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Vu50MKazPIk/s1600-h/Rodin+-+Thinker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SvDiJoAPyXI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Vu50MKazPIk/s400/Rodin+-+Thinker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400064608202377586" border="0" /></a><br />Thinking is an art form, just like Rodin's well known piece of sculpture. In like fashion, a flash of inspiration hits me and seeing as I have time, I decided to attend forthwith my train of thought and write it down for posterity's sake.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Trouble with Humanism and Morality</span><br /><br />I have a quarrel with those who reject Christ yet still claim a high moral ground. I have no problem conceding the obvious: That it is possible to be in a state of unbelief and yet still be a moral person. There are many Atheists/Muslims/Pagans/Hindus/Sikhs etc. in Canadian society that would be regarded as 'moral' persons by average secular standards. So yes, both a Christian and a non-Christian can be moral. The question then becomes: Who will be more faithful over the long haul in their morality and ethical conduct?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Limits of Earthly Sanctions</span><br /><br />We intrinsically know that certain things are wrong. Our parents instructed us so when we were little. We regard others who likewise hold to the same common beliefs in a positive light. For those of us in the legal field, we familiarize ourselves with the laws that govern Canadian society. We are warned not to break the law or to engage in unacceptable behavior. Once those moral boundaries are breached, certain penalties or sanctions will be levied against us. Seems fair enough to the rational and reasonable person. But what of the classic case where temptation comes along (which invariably catches us in a position of weakness) and we have every reason to believe that any sanction(s) has been momentarily lifted. What do we do then?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is a Cost/Benefit Analysis Sufficient?</span><br /><br />Can a moral society which believes in the rule of law prescribe acceptable behaviors to its citizens and regard that on its face to be wholly sufficient? Would it be enough to ask those committing unlawful acts to give pause because of public moral sentiments? In a business setting, decisions are made based on the cost involved and the benefit that will be the reward. Profit is the key motivation for that businessperson in their decision-making process. Taking care of the bottom line is indeed critical. However, can the same approach be used for the individual in all cases? That is do we refrain from 'bad things' merely due to cost considerations and carry out 'good things' because of the benefits it confers?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Superficiality of such an Assumption</span><br /><br />Here lies the problem of such thinking. On the face of it, we engage in approved behavior because we fear being ostracized. We do good in order to gain the advantage over others (a sort of 'pay it forward' tribalism) in order to 'cash in' the favor at a later date. <span style="font-style: italic;">The 'good' that we do for the most part is based on self interest and is rather narrow in its scope and effect</span>. This is precisely where the humanist model falls apart. There has to be something substantive in our morality that guides us in our everyday lives.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God and Man</span><br /><br />Here we enter the crux of the argument. Morality that is divorced from God is a cynical and cruel one. A God-fearing Christian will not cause harm simply because statutory and common law forbids it. He will faithfully seek out goodness because he knows who he is ultimately accountable to. The impetus towards godliness and the desire to uphold the law is significantly higher for those who believe in a just and holy God. That is why such criminal acts as murder are seen in a particularly harsh light. The taking of life is not the problem per se. After all, we routinely slaughter livestock and think nothing of it. No, the murder of a person is special, because of the unique relationship that God has with Man. Plants and animals were created 'according to their kinds' but in the unique case of Man it is God who makes him in His image and gives him special custodial privileges over His creation. If there is no God (and therefore no superior relationship with Man to speak of) than Man becomes nothing more than a clever ape.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Man Apart From God is a Sorry Lot</span><br /><br />So what do the ungodly do with these 'clever apes' who do not wish to conform? The totalitarian impulse to 'wipe them off the face of the earth' has never really left us. A godless man might be moral, but he will not stay moral for long if sanctions are removed. A Christian nation such as Germany learned the hard way when it chose the promises of a false messiah over God's unfailing love. Even in hard times, God is still with us. A sobering thought for those who wish to embrace morality apart from divine guidance.<br /><br />Johnny CashRichard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-39353483353354489532009-10-22T23:57:00.007-04:002009-10-23T00:38:40.772-04:00Stick It Where The Sun DOES Shine! - Oct 22I cannot help but think the next major crisis surrounding Israel will involve some kind of energy breakthrough. Will space-based solar energy be that breakthrough? The idea is simple enough: Have a bunch of photovoltaic mirrors reflect to a collecting satellite which sends it to a ground-based receiver who then feed such energy into the grid. Such a capital-intensive investment would need major government (meaning American) backing before it even gets off the ground. Not only is such an endeavor expensive, the technology and ingenuity involved will be daunting. I envision some bright bulb from Israel stepping onto the world stage to solve these technical dilemmas inadvertently setting the stage for the Gog-Magog battle foretold in Ezekiel 38-39. You can read the full <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703746604574461342682276898.html">Wall Street Journal article</a> here. Here's a pasting of the relevant paragraphs.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER</span><br /><br />For more than three decades, visionaries have imagined tapping solar power where the sun always shines—in space. If we could place giant solar panels in orbit around the Earth, and beam even a fraction of the available energy back to Earth, they could deliver nonstop electricity to any place on the planet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SuEtSlsbvrI/AAAAAAAAAZU/fuZpgyzzdHQ/s1600-h/Space-based+Solar+Power.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/SuEtSlsbvrI/AAAAAAAAAZU/fuZpgyzzdHQ/s400/Space-based+Solar+Power.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395643625945939634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Text for picture shown)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sunlight is reflected off giant orbiting mirrors to an array of photovoltaic cells; the light is converted to electricity and then changed into microwaves, which are beamed to earth. Ground-based antennas capture the microwave energy and convert it back to electricity, which is sent to the grid. </span><br /><br />The technology may sound like science fiction, but it's simple: Solar panels in orbit about 22,000 miles up beam energy in the form of microwaves to earth, where it's turned into electricity and plugged into the grid. (The low-powered beams are considered safe.) A ground receiving station a mile in diameter could deliver about 1,000 megawatts—enough to power on average about a million U.S. homes.<br /><br />The cost of sending solar collectors into space is the biggest obstacle, so it's necessary to design a system lightweight enough to require only a few launches. A handful of countries and companies aim to deliver space-based power as early as a decade from now.Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-80041125911201513962009-10-20T21:09:00.002-04:002009-10-20T21:20:26.959-04:00Thank You America, You Were the Beacon of Freedom in the World - Oct 20On October 14th 2009, Lord Christopher Monckton, a noted climate change expert, gave a presentation at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN in which he issued a dire warning regarding the United Nations Climate Change Treaty which is scheduled to be signed in Copenhagen in December 2009.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddQvhdCyhe4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddQvhdCyhe4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-2627920895434756312009-10-16T00:45:00.003-04:002009-10-16T00:51:49.645-04:00The Differences Between Men and Women - Oct 16I thought these two circle graphs were hilarious and pretty much bang-on. You can view the original <a href="http://mrmudphud.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/my-thoughts-on-the-differences-between-men-and-women/">here</a>.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/Stf7U5WnL2I/AAAAAAAAAZE/i3rqOdqBAEU/s1600-h/Men+Think+Graph.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/Stf7U5WnL2I/AAAAAAAAAZE/i3rqOdqBAEU/s400/Men+Think+Graph.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393055415211077474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/Stf7VJht8AI/AAAAAAAAAZM/0fsP7y95Tg8/s1600-h/Women+Think+Graph.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/Stf7VJht8AI/AAAAAAAAAZM/0fsP7y95Tg8/s400/Women+Think+Graph.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393055419552624642" border="0" /></a>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-6083321431966203892009-10-12T20:34:00.004-04:002009-10-13T12:22:19.130-04:00Catholic Humor - Oct 12I saw this and had to add it to my blog. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/StPLa5GZlFI/AAAAAAAAAY8/hIPnwRRJuew/s1600-h/Group+B+Penance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C7sYvBvpzrI/StPLa5GZlFI/AAAAAAAAAY8/hIPnwRRJuew/s400/Group+B+Penance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391876841757316178" border="0" /></a>Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22307321.post-20478174692426745402009-10-08T21:54:00.003-04:002009-10-08T22:10:15.870-04:00The Demise of the Dollar - Oct 8Bible prophecy is proceeding rapidly. Once the rapture hits, America's preeminence in the world will come to an end. An age of lawlessness (more on that later) and darkness will overcome the world in a seven-year period known as the Tribulation (Daniel's 70th week). Pray now to receive the free gift that Jesus paid for you on the cross. There's not much time left.<br /><br />Johnny Cash<br /><br />Read the article from <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-demise-of-the-dollar-1798175.html">The Independent in its original form here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Demise of the Dollar </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Robert Fisk</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In a graphic illustration of the new world order, Arab states have launched secret moves with China, Russia and France to stop using the US currency for oil trading </span><br /><br />In the most profound financial change in recent Middle East history, Gulf Arabs are planning - along with China, Russia, Japan and France - to end dollar dealings for oil, moving instead to a basket of currencies including the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan, the euro, gold and a new, unified currency planned for nations in the Gulf Co-operation Council, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar.<br /><br />Secret meetings have already been held by finance ministers and central bank governors in Russia, China, Japan and Brazil to work on the scheme, which will mean that oil will no longer be priced in dollars.<br /><br />The plans, confirmed to The Independent by both Gulf Arab and Chinese banking sources in Hong Kong, may help to explain the sudden rise in gold prices, but it also augurs an extraordinary transition from dollar markets within nine years.<br /><br />The Americans, who are aware the meetings have taken place - although they have not discovered the details - are sure to fight this international cabal which will include hitherto loyal allies Japan and the Gulf Arabs. Against the background to these currency meetings, Sun Bigan, China's former special envoy to the Middle East, has warned there is a risk of deepening divisions between China and the US over influence and oil in the Middle East. "Bilateral quarrels and clashes are unavoidable," he told the Asia and Africa Review. "We cannot lower vigilance against hostility in the Middle East over energy interests and security." <br /><br />This sounds like a dangerous prediction of a future economic war between the US and China over Middle East oil - yet again turning the region's conflicts into a battle for great power supremacy. China uses more oil incrementally than the US because its growth is less energy efficient. The transitional currency in the move away from dollars, according to Chinese banking sources, may well be gold. An indication of the huge amounts involved can be gained from the wealth of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar who together hold an estimated $2.1 trillion in dollar reserves. <br /><br />The decline of American economic power linked to the current global recession was implicitly acknowledged by the World Bank president Robert Zoellick. "One of the legacies of this crisis may be a recognition of changed economic power relations," he said in Istanbul ahead of meetings this week of the IMF and World Bank. But it is China's extraordinary new financial power - along with past anger among oil-producing and oil-consuming nations at America's power to interfere in the international financial system - which has prompted the latest discussions involving the Gulf states. <br /><br />Brazil has shown interest in collaborating in non-dollar oil payments, along with India. Indeed, China appears to be the most enthusiastic of all the financial powers involved, not least because of its enormous trade with the Middle East. <br /><br />China imports 60 per cent of its oil, much of it from the Middle East and Russia. The Chinese have oil production concessions in Iraq - blocked by the US until this year - and since 2008 have held an $8bn agreement with Iran to develop refining capacity and gas resources. China has oil deals in Sudan (where it has substituted for US interests) and has been negotiating for oil concessions with Libya, where all such contracts are joint ventures. <br /><br />Furthermore, Chinese exports to the region now account for no fewer than 10 per cent of the imports of every country in the Middle East, including a huge range of products from cars to weapon systems, food, clothes, even dolls. In a clear sign of China's growing financial muscle, the president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, yesterday pleaded with Beijing to let the yuan appreciate against a sliding dollar and, by extension, loosen China's reliance on US monetary policy, to help re-balance the world economy and ease upward pressure on the euro. <br /><br />Ever since the Bretton Woods agreements - the accords after the Second World War which bequeathed the architecture for the modern international financial system - America's trading partners have been left to cope with the impact of Washington's control and, in more recent years, the hegemony of the dollar as the dominant global reserve currency. <br /><br />The Chinese believe, for example, that the Americans persuaded Britain to stay out of the euro in order to prevent an earlier move away from the dollar. But Chinese banking sources say their discussions have gone too far to be blocked now. "The Russians will eventually bring in the rouble to the basket of currencies," a prominent Hong Kong broker told The Independent. "The Brits are stuck in the middle and will come into the euro. They have no choice because they won't be able to use the US dollar."<br /><br />Chinese financial sources believe President Barack Obama is too busy fixing the US economy to concentrate on the extraordinary implications of the transition from the dollar in nine years' time. The current deadline for the currency transition is 2018. <br /><br />The US discussed the trend briefly at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh; the Chinese Central Bank governor and other officials have been worrying aloud about the dollar for years. Their problem is that much of their national wealth is tied up in dollar assets. <br /><br />"These plans will change the face of international financial transactions," one Chinese banker said. "America and Britain must be very worried. You will know how worried by the thunder of denials this news will generate."<br /><br />Iran announced late last month that its foreign currency reserves would henceforth be held in euros rather than dollars. Bankers remember, of course, what happened to the last Middle East oil producer to sell its oil in euros rather than dollars. A few months after Saddam Hussein trumpeted his decision, the Americans and British invaded Iraq.Richard Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307951579975727516noreply@blogger.com0