08/16/2007 Professionals with Impact Interview
Carol Carmichael of Carol's Restaurant
Historic West End, Temperanceville, Pittsburgh, Pa.
The historic West End also known as Temperanceville is revitalizing and at the core of that with many innovative ideas is Carol Carmichael of Carol’s Restaurant and Hometown Sports Deli. Carol is a die-hard Steeler’s Fan and her local color restaurant’s walls are decked with Sports Memorabilia from Steeler’s history. Walking in to Carol’s fifty occupancy restaurant is like walking in to grandma’s kitchen or your best friend’s sports den.
Energy, personality, a genuine concern for her guests automatically emanates from Carol. It’s so easy to discern that she has a love for the West End of Pittsburgh and all of the organizations that comprise it and she has a heart for those less fortunate who are right in her back yard. Carol is dedicated to the revitalization of the West End as a viable local community.
Keeping with the theme of the movie line, “If you build it they will come," Carol has invented the Man Sandwich and the West End Club. These sandwiches are literally two-fers. They are large enough to satisfy a quarter back or a line backer and average size eaters will take home half for the next day. Each sandwich has two to two and a half pounds of ingredient and takes up a large plate. Carol’s dream is for some of the Steeler’s to lumber in and sample her hearty fare.
A local Pittsburgh tour guide told me that it’s a rite of passage for locals to bring their out of town relatives and newbies to Carol’s for one of her famous ginormous sandwiches just so that they can see the look on the surprised novice at Carol’s Restaurant.
Carol is open from 7 AM to 3 PM but is always eager to offer her restaurant in the evenings to be used for fundraisers and parties for her local clients and community organizations. She has opened for spaghetti dinner and hoagie fundraisers for many local organizations.
You have not lived in Pittsburgh really until you have rode the incline, quacked like a duck on our local “Just Ducky” tour and eaten one of the famous man-size two pound sandwiches at Carol’s. You may also want to check out Carol’s homemade soup and her homemade meatloaf and chicken parmesan
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
EPISODE 14 La Vette Smith, Volunteer and Voyager, November 13, 2007
SHOW NOTES SUBMITTED BY LAVETTE SMITH
Cherished Journeys is a Travel Concierge Service that serves all categories of travelers to destinations all over the world. We specialize in Family & Group Leisure Travel, Special Events & Charity Cruises with a special focus on tropical destinations. Our unique Concierge Service offers the perfect recommendations and makes all the necessary arrangements from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Biography:
LaVette Malloy Smith an early transplant to Pittsburgh from Camden New Jersey completed her Undergrad and Graduate Studies at Duquesne University.
LaVette’s extensive business background is diverse and includes: 11 years as the cofounder and President of A&L Rentals a real estate investment co, 5 years as the Executive Director of UMOJA African Arts Company, 5 years as the Manager of the Multimedia Dept. with ANSYS, Inc. and a lifetime of experience as an entrepreneur.
Passionate about children, LaVette has dedicated her time to organizations such as: Court Appointed Special Advocates and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. A graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, LaVette knows the importance of civic involvement and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners and Court Appointed Special Advocates.
LaVette has been married for 13 years to Alvin Smith, and she is the mother to her three boys - Soleil, Amari and Landis.
On Professionals with Impact, we discussed La Vette’s work with non-profits to help them organize cruises and earn money. We also discussed La Vette’s niche specialization of group and family travel and her pod cast “Family Chatter.” La vette also is in planning phases for: The Burgh’s Family Cruise for June 2008
Wishing you Blissful Travels & Cherished Journeys,
TravelConcierge@CherishedJourneys.com
412-856-0502
Cherished Journeys is a Travel Concierge Service that serves all categories of travelers to destinations all over the world. We specialize in Family & Group Leisure Travel, Special Events & Charity Cruises with a special focus on tropical destinations. Our unique Concierge Service offers the perfect recommendations and makes all the necessary arrangements from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Biography:
LaVette Malloy Smith an early transplant to Pittsburgh from Camden New Jersey completed her Undergrad and Graduate Studies at Duquesne University.
LaVette’s extensive business background is diverse and includes: 11 years as the cofounder and President of A&L Rentals a real estate investment co, 5 years as the Executive Director of UMOJA African Arts Company, 5 years as the Manager of the Multimedia Dept. with ANSYS, Inc. and a lifetime of experience as an entrepreneur.
Passionate about children, LaVette has dedicated her time to organizations such as: Court Appointed Special Advocates and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. A graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, LaVette knows the importance of civic involvement and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners and Court Appointed Special Advocates.
LaVette has been married for 13 years to Alvin Smith, and she is the mother to her three boys - Soleil, Amari and Landis.
On Professionals with Impact, we discussed La Vette’s work with non-profits to help them organize cruises and earn money. We also discussed La Vette’s niche specialization of group and family travel and her pod cast “Family Chatter.” La vette also is in planning phases for: The Burgh’s Family Cruise for June 2008
Wishing you Blissful Travels & Cherished Journeys,
TravelConcierge@CherishedJourneys.com
412-856-0502
Monday, November 12, 2007
Episode 6--Professionals with Impact Profile--Deborah Levine--American Diversity Report
Deborah Levine
Deborah Levine is Editor of the American Diversity Report, President of Communication Prose Ink and Founder of the Women’s Council on Diversity. Deborah is a facilitator, coach, and trainer specializing in communications, leadership development, and cross-cultural team building. Ms. Levine specializes in environments experiencing change; where cultural groups based on race, gender, generation, ethnicity, and company longevity are in flux. With more than 25 years experience, Ms. Levine has applied her expertise across a wide variety of industries.
Deborah is . . .
An award-winning author of books and articles in national publications including The American Journal of Community Psychology, The Journal of Public Management & Social Policy, The On-Line Facilitator and The Harvard Divinity School Bulletin. Her training strategies and collaborative style have been the topic of reports in The On-Line Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune.
A product of Harvard and New York Universities (BS, Cultural Anthropology), the University of Illinois at Chicago (MA, Urban Planning & Policy) and the recipient of a UCLA post-doctoral research fellowship.
A management consultant providing an array of services including, board development, change management, networking, and fundraising planning. Often deployed by the United Way, her local clients include First Tennessee Bank, the Urban League, Siskin Hospital, Barking Legs Theater, and Community Impact of Chattanooga.
A diversity trainer and multicultural educator. Her Global Leadership Program is designed for decision makers. The training deals with issues in business, the workplace, the community, and social services. Her approach is applicable to management, civic leaders, nonprofit executives and trainers.
An executive coach providing troubleshooter expertise to workplace challenges. She has provided coaching expertise to corporate managers, nonprofit executives, and community leaders. The combination of communication skills, conflict management strategies and leadership development tutorials has proven to be both flexible and effective.
A curriculum consultant to the Institute of Ethical Leadership of the Business School of Southern Adventist University and adjunct faculty to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Elmhurst College. Ms. Levine is a frequent guest lecturer at numerous colleges, public and private high schools.
A popular speaker in the media and at conferences and for a wide-range of civic, religious and business associations including the Huntsville, Birmingham area, and North Chattanooga Chambers of Commerce, United Way, ASTD, International Women Executives Association, Kiwanis, Storytelling in Organizations Association.
The recipient of the 2004 “E” Award for Excellence by the Tennessee Economic Council on Women. Nominee for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Ms. Levine has mentored more than 100 men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds and spearheaded numerous networking projects including Chicago’s Black-Jewish Dialogue, Oklahoma’s Say-No-to-Hate Coalition, and Chattanooga’s Diversity & Economics Think Tank/Women’s Council on Diversity.
http://www.americandiversityreport.com/
Deborah Levine is Editor of the American Diversity Report, President of Communication Prose Ink and Founder of the Women’s Council on Diversity. Deborah is a facilitator, coach, and trainer specializing in communications, leadership development, and cross-cultural team building. Ms. Levine specializes in environments experiencing change; where cultural groups based on race, gender, generation, ethnicity, and company longevity are in flux. With more than 25 years experience, Ms. Levine has applied her expertise across a wide variety of industries.
Deborah is . . .
An award-winning author of books and articles in national publications including The American Journal of Community Psychology, The Journal of Public Management & Social Policy, The On-Line Facilitator and The Harvard Divinity School Bulletin. Her training strategies and collaborative style have been the topic of reports in The On-Line Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune.
A product of Harvard and New York Universities (BS, Cultural Anthropology), the University of Illinois at Chicago (MA, Urban Planning & Policy) and the recipient of a UCLA post-doctoral research fellowship.
A management consultant providing an array of services including, board development, change management, networking, and fundraising planning. Often deployed by the United Way, her local clients include First Tennessee Bank, the Urban League, Siskin Hospital, Barking Legs Theater, and Community Impact of Chattanooga.
A diversity trainer and multicultural educator. Her Global Leadership Program is designed for decision makers. The training deals with issues in business, the workplace, the community, and social services. Her approach is applicable to management, civic leaders, nonprofit executives and trainers.
An executive coach providing troubleshooter expertise to workplace challenges. She has provided coaching expertise to corporate managers, nonprofit executives, and community leaders. The combination of communication skills, conflict management strategies and leadership development tutorials has proven to be both flexible and effective.
A curriculum consultant to the Institute of Ethical Leadership of the Business School of Southern Adventist University and adjunct faculty to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Elmhurst College. Ms. Levine is a frequent guest lecturer at numerous colleges, public and private high schools.
A popular speaker in the media and at conferences and for a wide-range of civic, religious and business associations including the Huntsville, Birmingham area, and North Chattanooga Chambers of Commerce, United Way, ASTD, International Women Executives Association, Kiwanis, Storytelling in Organizations Association.
The recipient of the 2004 “E” Award for Excellence by the Tennessee Economic Council on Women. Nominee for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Ms. Levine has mentored more than 100 men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds and spearheaded numerous networking projects including Chicago’s Black-Jewish Dialogue, Oklahoma’s Say-No-to-Hate Coalition, and Chattanooga’s Diversity & Economics Think Tank/Women’s Council on Diversity.
http://www.americandiversityreport.com/
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Episode 4: Dan Friedman of Optimum Realty
EPISODE 4 - -Professionals with Impact--Dan Friedman of Optimum Realty Corporation
Daniel J. Friedman
236 Illinois Street
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 530-9728
dan@taxlien.com
October, 1991 - OPTIMUM REALTY CORPORATION
Present Elmhurst, Illinois
President
Optimum Realty Corporation manages an investment fund which specializes in tax-distressed real estate. Dan’s direct reports are as a portfolio manager and an accounting manager. Though he is responsible for portfolio management, banking relations and related treasury functions, he is also personally responsible for investor relations including presiding at stockholders meetings and making presentations to prospective investors, overseeing the legal and compliance functions, and interfacing with attorneys, investment bankers and broker/dealers. From 1996 to 1998 Dan was an adjunct professor of management at the Southern California campus of the University of Phoenix in addition to his responsibilities for Optimum.. From 1991 through 1996 he managed Optimum Realty Corporation’s predecessor companies. Dan was also formerly the Director of Credit and Treasury for KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC. in Glendale, California.
Dan is also a Member of the Board of Directors, Center for Speech & Language Disorders, Elmhurst, IL.
taxlien.com is the home page of Optimum Realty Corporation, a leader in tax-distressed real estate investing since 1991. We manage a private tax lien investment pool and we operate taxdeed.com®, America's leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate. We also provide tax lien acquisition and servicing to hedge funds. Click on our Land Available page for information about prime investment real estate for sale. We are not a broker of tax liens and cannot help you find or buy tax liens. We are not an educational organization and do not offer books, tapes or seminars on tax lien investing. To connect with other sites where you can learn about tax lien investing, go to our links page. We are closed to new investors.
From E-Bay Advertisement;
Maintained by: taxdeeds.inc ( 405 )
We are the leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate in the United States. Never a reserve. No "Bid for Down Payment" auctions. Low closing fees; fast deed processing. We are also a registered eBay Trading Assistant and can help you sell your real estate on eBay. www.taxlien.com.
Daniel J. Friedman
236 Illinois Street
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 530-9728
dan@taxlien.com
October, 1991 - OPTIMUM REALTY CORPORATION
Present Elmhurst, Illinois
President
Optimum Realty Corporation manages an investment fund which specializes in tax-distressed real estate. Dan’s direct reports are as a portfolio manager and an accounting manager. Though he is responsible for portfolio management, banking relations and related treasury functions, he is also personally responsible for investor relations including presiding at stockholders meetings and making presentations to prospective investors, overseeing the legal and compliance functions, and interfacing with attorneys, investment bankers and broker/dealers. From 1996 to 1998 Dan was an adjunct professor of management at the Southern California campus of the University of Phoenix in addition to his responsibilities for Optimum.. From 1991 through 1996 he managed Optimum Realty Corporation’s predecessor companies. Dan was also formerly the Director of Credit and Treasury for KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC. in Glendale, California.
Dan is also a Member of the Board of Directors, Center for Speech & Language Disorders, Elmhurst, IL.
taxlien.com is the home page of Optimum Realty Corporation, a leader in tax-distressed real estate investing since 1991. We manage a private tax lien investment pool and we operate taxdeed.com®, America's leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate. We also provide tax lien acquisition and servicing to hedge funds. Click on our Land Available page for information about prime investment real estate for sale. We are not a broker of tax liens and cannot help you find or buy tax liens. We are not an educational organization and do not offer books, tapes or seminars on tax lien investing. To connect with other sites where you can learn about tax lien investing, go to our links page. We are closed to new investors.
From E-Bay Advertisement;
Maintained by: taxdeeds.inc ( 405 )
We are the leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate in the United States. Never a reserve. No "Bid for Down Payment" auctions. Low closing fees; fast deed processing. We are also a registered eBay Trading Assistant and can help you sell your real estate on eBay. www.taxlien.com.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Weston Lyon--King of the Functional Fitness Jungle
My very first guest was Weston Lyon whom I met when he was a guest speaker with the National Associaiton of Women Business Owners in Pittsburgh and created quite a stir on the front of our website swinging through the trees without his shirt on. Weston actually specializes in helping busy business women keep in shape.
This is Weston's profile in his own words.
Forget the Excuses! It’s Time for YOU to Achieve the Results You’re Looking for. It’s Time for YOU to Become Healthy, Fit, & Sexy! Weston Lyon’s Functional Fitness Programs Are the Answer.
On Weston's Website: you’ll find the answers you’ve been looking for to help you achieve the healthy, fit, & sexy body you’ve always dreamed of having.
As you look around my information filled website you’ll know why people call me the King of the Functional Fitness Jungle. However, unlike most KING’s I’m here to serve YOU. I’m not here for you to serve me. My goal is to help YOU achieve your health & fitness goals by giving you results oriented information that is simple, effective, and efficient.
There are several tools to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, and sexy that I want you to know about.
1. I send out FREE Functional Fitness Tips several times a week. These tips are jam packed with valuable information (usually in storybook form so they’re easy to read). Information like how to burn fat fast, how to build functional muscle, and how to increase your strength, flexibility, & endurance simultaneously.
I encourage you to use this tool by signing up either at the TOP RIGHT part of this screen or the BOTTOM MIDDLE part of this screen. Yes, I’ve placed it in two different places. Why? Simply because it’s that important.
And to show you just how important it is if you sign up NOW I’ll even throw in my NEW Confidential Special Report 17 Mistakes to Avoid “Like the Plague” If You Want to Look Healthy, Fit, & Sexy Every Day of Your Life absolutely FREE. These Functional Fitness Tips will, without a doubt, change your life.
2. I also publish a BLOG called The Lyon’s Roar. This BLOG contains my uncensored opinions and like my fitness tips is filled with valuable information to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, & sexy. You can take a sneak peek at this BLOG by scrolling down the page and looking for The Lyon’s Roar.
3. The last tool I have for you to take advantage of I’ve bundled together for simplicity. This tool consists of my products and services. If you’re interested in taking a deeper look into my services check out www.functionalfitnesscoach.com
For a list of my products scroll down to check them out or simply click on Products on the top bar and this will allow you to see The KING’s Treasure Room.
A couple of things I want you to know from my heart. I will not lie to you. I will tell you the facts as I see them. It’s easy for people who don’t care to soft serve you information or lie to you. I do care. I’m here to serve you. Are you up for the challenge? If so, welcome aboard. Also, make sure you bookmark this page because I will be constantly updating it with new material, new products, and new stories from successful clients.
I look forward to helping you and serving you in anyway I can…let's rock!
PS – If you want to change something in your life, you gotta change something in your life. Don’t delay or procrastinate – take MASSIVE ACTION NOW!!! Life is yours for the taking, don’t miss out.
The Lyon’s Roar
The Lyon’s Roar is the KING’s Uncensored BLOG, where Weston Lyon spills his guts to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Today there are a lot of people putting up BLOG’s, but none like this one. The Lyon’s Roar is a place where you can come to be touched, motivated, and inspired so you too can achieve a healthy, fit, & sexy body. Let the KING serve YOU…
Sneak Peek at the KING’s BLOG:
Scooby Doo and Dancing
This past Saturday I took my son, Haven, to see Scooby Doo Live at the Benedum (a Pittsburgh Theater). It was AWESOME! You should've seen his face when Scooby Doo came on stage riding a scooter (to give the gliding effect). It was priceless. And the rest of the kids in the audience went bonkers too. It was a mad house...but a lot of fun. The play lasted about 90 minutes with a break in the middle. And the actors/actresses were all over the place for the entire play. They were singing and dancing and running around. What a great workout! Do you like to sing and dance? ...click for more
(c) Weston Lyon, King of the Functional Fitness Jungle
This is Weston's profile in his own words.
Forget the Excuses! It’s Time for YOU to Achieve the Results You’re Looking for. It’s Time for YOU to Become Healthy, Fit, & Sexy! Weston Lyon’s Functional Fitness Programs Are the Answer.
On Weston's Website: you’ll find the answers you’ve been looking for to help you achieve the healthy, fit, & sexy body you’ve always dreamed of having.
As you look around my information filled website you’ll know why people call me the King of the Functional Fitness Jungle. However, unlike most KING’s I’m here to serve YOU. I’m not here for you to serve me. My goal is to help YOU achieve your health & fitness goals by giving you results oriented information that is simple, effective, and efficient.
There are several tools to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, and sexy that I want you to know about.
1. I send out FREE Functional Fitness Tips several times a week. These tips are jam packed with valuable information (usually in storybook form so they’re easy to read). Information like how to burn fat fast, how to build functional muscle, and how to increase your strength, flexibility, & endurance simultaneously.
I encourage you to use this tool by signing up either at the TOP RIGHT part of this screen or the BOTTOM MIDDLE part of this screen. Yes, I’ve placed it in two different places. Why? Simply because it’s that important.
And to show you just how important it is if you sign up NOW I’ll even throw in my NEW Confidential Special Report 17 Mistakes to Avoid “Like the Plague” If You Want to Look Healthy, Fit, & Sexy Every Day of Your Life absolutely FREE. These Functional Fitness Tips will, without a doubt, change your life.
2. I also publish a BLOG called The Lyon’s Roar. This BLOG contains my uncensored opinions and like my fitness tips is filled with valuable information to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, & sexy. You can take a sneak peek at this BLOG by scrolling down the page and looking for The Lyon’s Roar.
3. The last tool I have for you to take advantage of I’ve bundled together for simplicity. This tool consists of my products and services. If you’re interested in taking a deeper look into my services check out www.functionalfitnesscoach.com
For a list of my products scroll down to check them out or simply click on Products on the top bar and this will allow you to see The KING’s Treasure Room.
A couple of things I want you to know from my heart. I will not lie to you. I will tell you the facts as I see them. It’s easy for people who don’t care to soft serve you information or lie to you. I do care. I’m here to serve you. Are you up for the challenge? If so, welcome aboard. Also, make sure you bookmark this page because I will be constantly updating it with new material, new products, and new stories from successful clients.
I look forward to helping you and serving you in anyway I can…let's rock!
PS – If you want to change something in your life, you gotta change something in your life. Don’t delay or procrastinate – take MASSIVE ACTION NOW!!! Life is yours for the taking, don’t miss out.
The Lyon’s Roar
The Lyon’s Roar is the KING’s Uncensored BLOG, where Weston Lyon spills his guts to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Today there are a lot of people putting up BLOG’s, but none like this one. The Lyon’s Roar is a place where you can come to be touched, motivated, and inspired so you too can achieve a healthy, fit, & sexy body. Let the KING serve YOU…
Sneak Peek at the KING’s BLOG:
Scooby Doo and Dancing
This past Saturday I took my son, Haven, to see Scooby Doo Live at the Benedum (a Pittsburgh Theater). It was AWESOME! You should've seen his face when Scooby Doo came on stage riding a scooter (to give the gliding effect). It was priceless. And the rest of the kids in the audience went bonkers too. It was a mad house...but a lot of fun. The play lasted about 90 minutes with a break in the middle. And the actors/actresses were all over the place for the entire play. They were singing and dancing and running around. What a great workout! Do you like to sing and dance? ...click for more
(c) Weston Lyon, King of the Functional Fitness Jungle
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Are You Offended by Christmas Trees?
This article is atributed to Ben Stein. I am not sure if he wrote it, could just be an urban legend passed around on e-mail but it was sent to me by Jo Ann Forrester of SI Business Associates and I know she is a Professional with Impact. I don't know if Ben Stein wrote this article but I do know that whoever wrote it is also a "Professional with Impact."
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBSSunday Morning Commentary.My confession:I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it doesnot bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up,bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feeldiscriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don'tthink they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact,I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebratingthis happy time of year.
It doesn't bother me at all that there is a mangerscene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. Ifpeople want a cr裨e, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a fewhundred yards away.I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't thinkChristians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think peoplewho believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. Ihave no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old too. But thereare a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it'sintended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regardingKatrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her bodyfound recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said "OK." Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. (TheBible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.) And we said "OK." Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said, "OK." Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.
Ithink it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many ony our address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what theywill think of you for sending it.
Techno Granny addendum: I don't personally care what anyone thinks. This is my blog and as the obstinate "covered over" grey grandmother that I am, I believe that I can express my beliefs freely on "my Blog." This is America and we need to take it back from those who would steal it from us. We need to celebrate all of our ethnicities, all of our faiths and all of our differences. That is what has made this country great. I will never condemn an atheist for his or her beliefs or tell him he cannot express them. If he has a "higher power" he can worship that higher power. If the atheist depends on himself, that's okay, too. I think he or she is going to be pretty lonely, but that's his business.
Many of our ancestors came here for religious freedom. What I object to is "Bullying." I object to the kid who says, "I don't like your game so not only am I not playing but I am going to make sure you don't play either."
If you have a comment, I would welcome it, after all, THIS IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBSSunday Morning Commentary.My confession:I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it doesnot bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up,bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feeldiscriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don'tthink they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact,I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebratingthis happy time of year.
It doesn't bother me at all that there is a mangerscene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. Ifpeople want a cr裨e, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a fewhundred yards away.I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't thinkChristians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think peoplewho believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. Ihave no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old too. But thereare a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it'sintended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regardingKatrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her bodyfound recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said "OK." Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. (TheBible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.) And we said "OK." Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said, "OK." Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.
Ithink it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many ony our address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what theywill think of you for sending it.
Techno Granny addendum: I don't personally care what anyone thinks. This is my blog and as the obstinate "covered over" grey grandmother that I am, I believe that I can express my beliefs freely on "my Blog." This is America and we need to take it back from those who would steal it from us. We need to celebrate all of our ethnicities, all of our faiths and all of our differences. That is what has made this country great. I will never condemn an atheist for his or her beliefs or tell him he cannot express them. If he has a "higher power" he can worship that higher power. If the atheist depends on himself, that's okay, too. I think he or she is going to be pretty lonely, but that's his business.
Many of our ancestors came here for religious freedom. What I object to is "Bullying." I object to the kid who says, "I don't like your game so not only am I not playing but I am going to make sure you don't play either."
If you have a comment, I would welcome it, after all, THIS IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY.
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