Seems like it's been forever since I blogged. It has been too long and changes are afoot.
I've been enjoying time off of theatre and the coming births of Lydia and Rebekah, my granddaughters. It's gotten me knitting and crocheting and once again enjoying making baby things. So, along with making things for the girls, I've been making things to donate to Pregnancy Decision Health Center in Columbus, OH. I've even started a little group of KnitWits (AKA Happy Hookers) to make baby things to donate.
This idea not only comes from my burning desire to play with yarn, but from comments that "choicers" throw out that pro-lifers don't do anything to support the mother who chooses to keep their child. I know that's not true, but I decided to put my talent where my mouth is and help with material aid.
Our first drop will be April 19th at Columbus's Largest Baby Shower, sponsored by 104.9 The River. Our church is even holding a baby shower for PDHC to increase the donations. Just our way of helping. Pictures of the stash to follow.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Vanity Theatre
Community theatre is a strange animal. The mission is usually something about inviting the community to participate in theatre, whether as an actor, tech person, or audience member. For people who were part of theatre in high school and did nothing more with it, it sounds like fun. Sometimes it is. Sometimes you find yourself embroiled in what I call "Vanity Theatre."
Sounds almost redundant, doesn't it? Don't you have to be a little bit vain to be involved in theatre anyway? Maybe, but that's not the point. What I mean when I say "vanity theatre" is a theatre company started by one or more people who are disgruntled with the theatre company they were working for and who decide to start their own company. It's pretty common, at least in my neck of the woods. I can list off about five theatre companies who have branched off of just one in my area.
Sometimes it's really not a problem. The new company quickly gets past the hurt feelings, establishes its own identity and moves on. That's healthy growth. Other times, the connection is as clear as the plagiarized bylaws handed out to new board members. Spend enough time there and you'll know the real reason why the company was started. By the end of tech week, the entire cast and crew of the last show I directed knew the reason the company president left his previous company.
Here's my advice: If you find yourself at a vanity company to work on a show and you find that the founders haven't moved on from their past hurts, finish up the show and walk calmly to the nearest exit. If you are one of those founders, move on. Let it go. Community theatre has enough drama on its own.
Sounds almost redundant, doesn't it? Don't you have to be a little bit vain to be involved in theatre anyway? Maybe, but that's not the point. What I mean when I say "vanity theatre" is a theatre company started by one or more people who are disgruntled with the theatre company they were working for and who decide to start their own company. It's pretty common, at least in my neck of the woods. I can list off about five theatre companies who have branched off of just one in my area.
Sometimes it's really not a problem. The new company quickly gets past the hurt feelings, establishes its own identity and moves on. That's healthy growth. Other times, the connection is as clear as the plagiarized bylaws handed out to new board members. Spend enough time there and you'll know the real reason why the company was started. By the end of tech week, the entire cast and crew of the last show I directed knew the reason the company president left his previous company.
Here's my advice: If you find yourself at a vanity company to work on a show and you find that the founders haven't moved on from their past hurts, finish up the show and walk calmly to the nearest exit. If you are one of those founders, move on. Let it go. Community theatre has enough drama on its own.
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Lost Tomb of the Wilsons
As a child my father took us on regular trips to the family plot at the cemetery. On the right side of the plot lay my grandfather. Next to him lay his parents, George and Maggie Wilson. On the right, across from George and Maggie lay Francis Wilson and Ellen Boyer. All the stones identical, except Ellen Boyer's, which could make one question her relationship. One would assume, since this is a family plot, that there lay three generations of Wilsons. But without evidence, one would only be speculating.
That's what the Discovery Channel's program, "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" turns out to be: speculation. A tomb was discovered in Jerusalem in 1980 with 10 ossuaries, or small caskets for bones. Some of the ossuaries were labeled with the names of Jesus bar Joseph, Maria, Mariemene, Judah, Jose, and Matthew. Twenty some years later, filmakers Simcha Jacobovici and Titanic director James Cameron decided to "investigate." In the Ted Coppel interview following the program, Jacobovici admitted that the purpose of the documentary was to get scholars all in the same tent to investigate. Investigating evidentally wasn't his job.
Of course, for many Christians, finding the body of Christ is an impossibility. The Doctrine of the Resurrection precludes finding Christ's body on earth since He took it with him when he rose from the dead. Therefore, many Christians--myself included--find the beginning premise that the body of Christ could be found as impossible.
Another problem with Jacobovici's hypothesis is that he identifies Mariemene as the woman we know as Mary Magdalene. He uses as documentation The Gospel of Phillip, a 4th century text that recounts the story of Mary Magdalene from the point of view of her brother, Phillip. Phillip is one of the "sources" for the myth surrounding Dan Brown's book, The DaVinci Code. In The Gospel of Phillip, Mary Magdalene was called Mariemene. The problem with this source is The Gospel of Phillip is not part of the recognized canon of scripture. It was written centuries after the rest of the gospels and is not considered a trustworthy account. Other than the similarity of the name, there is no reason to connect these two women.
However, if Mariemene is Mary Magdalene, then the other Mary must certainly be Mary, the mother of Jesus. Jesus had a brother named Jose, so certainly the names are lining up. Jacobovici believes this is looking like it is the tomb of Jesus. Except, who are Matthew and Judah? Jesus had a brother named Judas, but no brother named Matthew. Jacobovici finds it's easiest to remove Matthew from the picture (after telling us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had Matthews in her family tree), and identifying Judah as the son of Jesus and Marimene. But this is all speculation. While he does do DNA testing between Jesus and Mariemene, he does no further testing. Jacobovici doesn't even bother to mention the other three unmarked ossuaries in the tomb. He does try to connect an ossuary that turned up with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus". This ossuary might be the missing 10th ossuary that was cataloged at the site in 1980, but never placed in the Israel Antiquities Authority archives. Except that ossuary was listed as having no inscription. The found ossuary is currently held up in litigation and cannot be examined, but that doesn't stop Jacobovici from using it as "evidence".
Evidence is the one thing that Jacobovici's documentary is lacking. His work is speculation. Without evidence, even genealogical information is suspect. When I ordered death certificates for the people in my family plot, I uncovered facts. My grandfather and his parents, George and Maggie, lay to the right, but on the left side of the plot lay Maggie's parents, Francis and Ellen Boyer Wilson. George's parents were buried several counties away. Because they were in the same plot, I assumed they were the same family. I was wrong. I found I had two Wilson families who had intermarried. This was my first lesson in making sure that I have evidence, not assumptions in historical research.
Jacobovici's "research" wouldn't hold up in genealogical circles. He has theories and no real way to prove them. Yet, he hopes that scholars will research these artifacts to uncover his version of the truth. So far, the scholars weighing in don't seem to be interested in the project.
To read about the problems with the statistical evidence read: Special Report: Has James Cameron Found Jesus's Tomb or Is It Just a Statistical Error?
That's what the Discovery Channel's program, "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" turns out to be: speculation. A tomb was discovered in Jerusalem in 1980 with 10 ossuaries, or small caskets for bones. Some of the ossuaries were labeled with the names of Jesus bar Joseph, Maria, Mariemene, Judah, Jose, and Matthew. Twenty some years later, filmakers Simcha Jacobovici and Titanic director James Cameron decided to "investigate." In the Ted Coppel interview following the program, Jacobovici admitted that the purpose of the documentary was to get scholars all in the same tent to investigate. Investigating evidentally wasn't his job.
Of course, for many Christians, finding the body of Christ is an impossibility. The Doctrine of the Resurrection precludes finding Christ's body on earth since He took it with him when he rose from the dead. Therefore, many Christians--myself included--find the beginning premise that the body of Christ could be found as impossible.
Another problem with Jacobovici's hypothesis is that he identifies Mariemene as the woman we know as Mary Magdalene. He uses as documentation The Gospel of Phillip, a 4th century text that recounts the story of Mary Magdalene from the point of view of her brother, Phillip. Phillip is one of the "sources" for the myth surrounding Dan Brown's book, The DaVinci Code. In The Gospel of Phillip, Mary Magdalene was called Mariemene. The problem with this source is The Gospel of Phillip is not part of the recognized canon of scripture. It was written centuries after the rest of the gospels and is not considered a trustworthy account. Other than the similarity of the name, there is no reason to connect these two women.
However, if Mariemene is Mary Magdalene, then the other Mary must certainly be Mary, the mother of Jesus. Jesus had a brother named Jose, so certainly the names are lining up. Jacobovici believes this is looking like it is the tomb of Jesus. Except, who are Matthew and Judah? Jesus had a brother named Judas, but no brother named Matthew. Jacobovici finds it's easiest to remove Matthew from the picture (after telling us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had Matthews in her family tree), and identifying Judah as the son of Jesus and Marimene. But this is all speculation. While he does do DNA testing between Jesus and Mariemene, he does no further testing. Jacobovici doesn't even bother to mention the other three unmarked ossuaries in the tomb. He does try to connect an ossuary that turned up with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus". This ossuary might be the missing 10th ossuary that was cataloged at the site in 1980, but never placed in the Israel Antiquities Authority archives. Except that ossuary was listed as having no inscription. The found ossuary is currently held up in litigation and cannot be examined, but that doesn't stop Jacobovici from using it as "evidence".
Evidence is the one thing that Jacobovici's documentary is lacking. His work is speculation. Without evidence, even genealogical information is suspect. When I ordered death certificates for the people in my family plot, I uncovered facts. My grandfather and his parents, George and Maggie, lay to the right, but on the left side of the plot lay Maggie's parents, Francis and Ellen Boyer Wilson. George's parents were buried several counties away. Because they were in the same plot, I assumed they were the same family. I was wrong. I found I had two Wilson families who had intermarried. This was my first lesson in making sure that I have evidence, not assumptions in historical research.
Jacobovici's "research" wouldn't hold up in genealogical circles. He has theories and no real way to prove them. Yet, he hopes that scholars will research these artifacts to uncover his version of the truth. So far, the scholars weighing in don't seem to be interested in the project.
To read about the problems with the statistical evidence read: Special Report: Has James Cameron Found Jesus's Tomb or Is It Just a Statistical Error?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Time and Chance
This was a big week for Life in the news. First, both sides of the abortion issue got the cover of Time Magazine. The article nicely features Asheville Pregnancy Support Services in Asheville, NC, and also mentions both Heartbeat International and OptionLine.
Having said that, I do have some concerns that the idea of both sides of the debate coming together is really a push toward Hillary Clinton's "safe, legal, and rare", where both sides find the common ground of focusing on the woman, decrease the number of abortions, yet keep abortion legal. The side for Life will have to do some serious thinking over the next couple of years as those who Peggy Hartshorn, President of Heartbeat International, calls "the mushy middle" most likely settles for fewer abortions, not an end to the practice. Will we settle or stay the course?
The next big story deals with little Amillia Taylor, the youngest known live birth. Even Charles Gibson of ABC News admits that Amillia's birth "may have an effect on the debate over abortion, and it may change the way people think about life." According to an article by LifeNews, Gibson teased the evening's top story, “A tiny miracle that raises big questions in the debate over abortion."
Amillia was born at 21 weeks, 6 days. Since the standard of care is not to try to save a child under 23 weeks, Amillia's mother lied about Amillia's age. Life News, quoting the ABC News story says, "Bio-ethicists we spoke with today argue that Amillia is a miracle baby, and that it's unwise to change public policy based on miracles." However, since it is policy NOT to save a child at fewer than 23 weeks, how do we know that Amillia really is a miracle baby? Perhaps the miracle is not that modern science can save a baby that is younger than 23 weeks. Perhaps the miracle is that a baby younger than 23 weeks got the chance to live.
Having said that, I do have some concerns that the idea of both sides of the debate coming together is really a push toward Hillary Clinton's "safe, legal, and rare", where both sides find the common ground of focusing on the woman, decrease the number of abortions, yet keep abortion legal. The side for Life will have to do some serious thinking over the next couple of years as those who Peggy Hartshorn, President of Heartbeat International, calls "the mushy middle" most likely settles for fewer abortions, not an end to the practice. Will we settle or stay the course?
The next big story deals with little Amillia Taylor, the youngest known live birth. Even Charles Gibson of ABC News admits that Amillia's birth "may have an effect on the debate over abortion, and it may change the way people think about life." According to an article by LifeNews, Gibson teased the evening's top story, “A tiny miracle that raises big questions in the debate over abortion."
Amillia was born at 21 weeks, 6 days. Since the standard of care is not to try to save a child under 23 weeks, Amillia's mother lied about Amillia's age. Life News, quoting the ABC News story says, "Bio-ethicists we spoke with today argue that Amillia is a miracle baby, and that it's unwise to change public policy based on miracles." However, since it is policy NOT to save a child at fewer than 23 weeks, how do we know that Amillia really is a miracle baby? Perhaps the miracle is not that modern science can save a baby that is younger than 23 weeks. Perhaps the miracle is that a baby younger than 23 weeks got the chance to live.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Flipsyde - Happy Birthday
| This is a powerful song from a post-abortive dad. He's learning from his mistakes and making a stand for life. We had some discussion at work about the line, "I won’t tell a woman what to do with her body; but if she don’t like children, we can’t party." Here's what I wrote: </p><p>"But at least he’s making a stand for what he finds important, and he’s taking the conversation in a different direction. He’s making the point of saying I’m not going to be involved in a woman who’s going to make a choice for abortion. Now, there are all kinds of issues there. He’s not saying he’s not going to stop sleeping around either. But for a member of the relativistic generation, he’s actually decided on a right and a wrong." | |
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Forced-abortions in the News
Don't be confused by the media stories about the rash of parents forcing abortion on their daughters. The stories are only news because Congress votes today on a bill to prevent the evasion of parental notification laws by taking minors across state lines for abortions.
First we were confronted by the story about a New England couple who kidnapped their adult daughter to force her to have an abortion. Today's story concerns a family who forced a teen to drink turpentine to induce abortion. These are NOT common tales. They are extraordinary. And they are brought to light only so we can see that parents cannot be trusted with the care of their daughters.
The pro-life argument for parental notification laws is that parents have the primary care for their minor children. They need to agree to any medical procedure being performed on their child, whether it be ear-piercing or surgery. Parents need to be involved in the decision-making process, especially since teens don't always make the best decisions. These news stories form a basis for the argument that parents don't make the best decisions either. Moreover, parents are not to be trusted.
Parental rights are continually being bombarded by our society, which believes that "it takes a village" to raise a child. That's a lie. It takes caring, commited parents who are not prohibited by rule from making decisions about their child's care. Special cases such as these two reported in the news are just that--special cases, and should be treated as such under the law. But they shouldn't be used as the wedge to further remove a parent's primary right to provide for their children.
First we were confronted by the story about a New England couple who kidnapped their adult daughter to force her to have an abortion. Today's story concerns a family who forced a teen to drink turpentine to induce abortion. These are NOT common tales. They are extraordinary. And they are brought to light only so we can see that parents cannot be trusted with the care of their daughters.
The pro-life argument for parental notification laws is that parents have the primary care for their minor children. They need to agree to any medical procedure being performed on their child, whether it be ear-piercing or surgery. Parents need to be involved in the decision-making process, especially since teens don't always make the best decisions. These news stories form a basis for the argument that parents don't make the best decisions either. Moreover, parents are not to be trusted.
Parental rights are continually being bombarded by our society, which believes that "it takes a village" to raise a child. That's a lie. It takes caring, commited parents who are not prohibited by rule from making decisions about their child's care. Special cases such as these two reported in the news are just that--special cases, and should be treated as such under the law. But they shouldn't be used as the wedge to further remove a parent's primary right to provide for their children.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
The Road Less Traveled
I have a son who is getting married in a few weeks. His life is about to change. Change is one of those things that is inherent in human life. And change is one thing that one can't plan for, but when it happens, well, everything changes. My son is a special guy who doesn't have his life planned to the nth degree. He waits. Things land in his lap. That's how his life works.
Most people have problems waiting for something to fall in their laps. In our society, we're taught to plan. From our earliest days we're told to get a good education so we can get a good job. Women, especially, are told to hold off getting married and having children until we've reached our goals. Men are expected to have a "good job", at least be on the career path. Together they should be able to marry so they can buy a nice house in a nice neighborhood, drive nice cars and live a nice life.
But what happens when real life enters into the equation? When changes happen to spoil our plans? We've been taught by society that the point of all this life stuff is to reach our financial goals, but is that really the point? My parents died when I was a child. That wasn't part of the plan. My aunt and uncle took me in. That wasn't part of their plan. Things change. Life happens, and our plans come to a screeching halt.
Interestingly, I think that the moment we make the decision to take our eyes off our goal is when we get off the merry-go-round that our culture expects. When something shakes up our foundation and we have to start looking for the best path through the treacherous ground, that's where the rubber meets the road.
I never would have chosen the path that my life has taken. I wouldn't have chosen to be orphaned at 13 and to move to another state to live with people I didn't know; but I also know now that my life would have been incredibly different if my parents had lived. In the middle of loss, I had no idea that there would be such blessings on the other side.
From that perspective, when I read blogs about abortion and a woman's right to choose, I wonder about the ferocity with which women hold onto their plans and their refusal to come to terms what life has handed them. I think they are missing the real opportunity to make something of themselves.
Robert Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in wood, and I--I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Taking the road less traveled may not be the easier road. There are undoubtably some unforeseen problems along the way, and some trails may need to be blazed, but this is the type of road that can define one's character. It's not the road that everyone else is taking. It's uncommon.
Like me, my son is on the divergent road. While I was forced onto the road, I made a choice to stay there, blazing trails in home education and now in pro-life. My son has made the conscious choice to live in the moment rather than follow the well-worn road to society's goals. Who knows where the road will lead him and his future wife? One thing's for sure. They will be better prepared for change when it happens, because their goal is something out of this world.
Most people have problems waiting for something to fall in their laps. In our society, we're taught to plan. From our earliest days we're told to get a good education so we can get a good job. Women, especially, are told to hold off getting married and having children until we've reached our goals. Men are expected to have a "good job", at least be on the career path. Together they should be able to marry so they can buy a nice house in a nice neighborhood, drive nice cars and live a nice life.
But what happens when real life enters into the equation? When changes happen to spoil our plans? We've been taught by society that the point of all this life stuff is to reach our financial goals, but is that really the point? My parents died when I was a child. That wasn't part of the plan. My aunt and uncle took me in. That wasn't part of their plan. Things change. Life happens, and our plans come to a screeching halt.
Interestingly, I think that the moment we make the decision to take our eyes off our goal is when we get off the merry-go-round that our culture expects. When something shakes up our foundation and we have to start looking for the best path through the treacherous ground, that's where the rubber meets the road.
I never would have chosen the path that my life has taken. I wouldn't have chosen to be orphaned at 13 and to move to another state to live with people I didn't know; but I also know now that my life would have been incredibly different if my parents had lived. In the middle of loss, I had no idea that there would be such blessings on the other side.
From that perspective, when I read blogs about abortion and a woman's right to choose, I wonder about the ferocity with which women hold onto their plans and their refusal to come to terms what life has handed them. I think they are missing the real opportunity to make something of themselves.
Robert Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in wood, and I--I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Taking the road less traveled may not be the easier road. There are undoubtably some unforeseen problems along the way, and some trails may need to be blazed, but this is the type of road that can define one's character. It's not the road that everyone else is taking. It's uncommon.
Like me, my son is on the divergent road. While I was forced onto the road, I made a choice to stay there, blazing trails in home education and now in pro-life. My son has made the conscious choice to live in the moment rather than follow the well-worn road to society's goals. Who knows where the road will lead him and his future wife? One thing's for sure. They will be better prepared for change when it happens, because their goal is something out of this world.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Abortion Rights Advocates Drop Lawsuit Over License Plates
Ohio News Network (ONN) is reporting, "Abortion rights activists in Ohio are dropping a lawsuit to block sales of license plates that say 'Choose Life' because of a Supreme Court decision in a Tennessee case." This is wonderful news for those who were concerned that they lose the right to support adoption programs in Ohio by buying a specialty license plate!
Personally, I've wondered if the whole lawsuit was a bit of sour grapes. I mean, abortion supporters might want plates of their own, but how does one market that? "Choose death"? Besides, how does a movement that wants to make abortion, "safe, legal, and rare" also fight in court funding for adoptions? They were in a no-win situation, and it's about time those abortion rights activists figured it out.
Personally, I've wondered if the whole lawsuit was a bit of sour grapes. I mean, abortion supporters might want plates of their own, but how does one market that? "Choose death"? Besides, how does a movement that wants to make abortion, "safe, legal, and rare" also fight in court funding for adoptions? They were in a no-win situation, and it's about time those abortion rights activists figured it out.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Planned Parenthood's response and my comeback
I should have posted this sooner. Planned Parenthood did respond. It can be seen here.
Of course, I had to respond to his response. We're rather using the Dispatch as a blog at this point. But the point has to be firmly made that Planned Parenthood is a business that rakes in taxpayers money. Here's my response: Planned Parenthood is big-business operation
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
In an Aug. 21 letter, Gary Dougherty, executive director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio, responded to my Aug. 6 letter by questioning my analysis of the organization’s annual report, calling it "fuzzy math." Yet, I reported only the bottom line, a $63 million profit, as also reported by numerous media.
Since 1987, Planned Parenthood has received $3.9 billion in taxpayers’ money. From 2004 to 2005, it performed 255,015 surgical abortions (a record number). Some sources estimate that it made $108 million from its abortion business alone, or 31 percent of its clinic income.
No matter how Dougherty cuts it, abortion is big business. It’s in Planned Parenthood’s best interests to keep its clients ignorant of the link between breast cancer and abortion, the risks of infertility after abortion and the reality of post-abortion trauma. Telling the truth cuts into its bottom line.
Of course, I had to respond to his response. We're rather using the Dispatch as a blog at this point. But the point has to be firmly made that Planned Parenthood is a business that rakes in taxpayers money. Here's my response: Planned Parenthood is big-business operation
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
In an Aug. 21 letter, Gary Dougherty, executive director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio, responded to my Aug. 6 letter by questioning my analysis of the organization’s annual report, calling it "fuzzy math." Yet, I reported only the bottom line, a $63 million profit, as also reported by numerous media.
Since 1987, Planned Parenthood has received $3.9 billion in taxpayers’ money. From 2004 to 2005, it performed 255,015 surgical abortions (a record number). Some sources estimate that it made $108 million from its abortion business alone, or 31 percent of its clinic income.
No matter how Dougherty cuts it, abortion is big business. It’s in Planned Parenthood’s best interests to keep its clients ignorant of the link between breast cancer and abortion, the risks of infertility after abortion and the reality of post-abortion trauma. Telling the truth cuts into its bottom line.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Weird Weekend
This was a weird weekend.
It started off with finding out that someone had tapped into my checkcard and helped themselves to a couple of thousand dollars worth of computer gear. I kinda feel like one of those commercials with the old woman talking with the voice of a hacker kid.
Yep, they've got web hosting and a notebook computer and who knows how much other digital equipment. And to top it off, they started the whole run with two donations to charity. I guess it eased their consciences.
After talking to the bank, I followed through with my plans to go to the Bluegrass Musicians Supply shop here in town. I got to play with a really nice electric autoharp, and then E and I listened to some jams in the basement. Next time I go, I'm taking a harp. I need to try out those new picks I bought.
Today was the family reunion in Wellston. Lots of good food and wacky family. It's one of those things that you don't necessarily want to do, but it's fun when you get there.
One of the family members mentioned being my inlaw's best man at their wedding. So, I asked him if he knew anything about the limburger cheese on the manifold of the wedding vehicle. He said, "Now, why would you think I would know anything about that? I don't know anything more than I know about the swiss cheese in the mailbox." I'd never heard about the swiss cheesed mailbox, so I figured I'd found the perp. The twinkle in his eyes told me I was right.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Planned Parenthood Capitalizes on Abortion
The fight against Pregnancy Resource Centers heated up a couple of notches when California Representative Henry Waxman issued his report last month. Editorials flew, accusing PRCs of misleading women by providing false information about the effects of abortion. In response to an editorial by Robyn Blumner that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch, I submitted this letter to the editor, which ran on the August 6, 2006.
Planned Parenthood capitalizes on abortion
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Robyn Blumner’s July 24 Forum column "Crisis Pregnancy Centers dole out misinformation in misuse of tax money," on California Rep. Henry Waxman’s recent report, did little more than pass on bad information.
While some pregnancy centers receive funding for abstinence education, in total about $30 million, state and local governments are doling out funding for Planned Parenthood to the tune of $272.7 million, according to its 2004-2005 annual report.
The abstinence programs that the pregnancy centers offer are free to clients. Planned Parenthood earned a profit of $63 million in 2004-05.
Planned Parenthood stands to lose millions if the American public learns that abortion is linked to breast cancer, infertility and abortion-related trauma.
Abortion is big business. Why are our tax dollars going to fund a multimillion dollar business that is making money by harming the women it claims to protect?
SANDY BARTON
Columbus
Planned Parenthood capitalizes on abortion
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Robyn Blumner’s July 24 Forum column "Crisis Pregnancy Centers dole out misinformation in misuse of tax money," on California Rep. Henry Waxman’s recent report, did little more than pass on bad information.
While some pregnancy centers receive funding for abstinence education, in total about $30 million, state and local governments are doling out funding for Planned Parenthood to the tune of $272.7 million, according to its 2004-2005 annual report.
The abstinence programs that the pregnancy centers offer are free to clients. Planned Parenthood earned a profit of $63 million in 2004-05.
Planned Parenthood stands to lose millions if the American public learns that abortion is linked to breast cancer, infertility and abortion-related trauma.
Abortion is big business. Why are our tax dollars going to fund a multimillion dollar business that is making money by harming the women it claims to protect?
SANDY BARTON
Columbus
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Bluegrass Jam
No, that's not something you spread on bread. It's an event at New Song Church in Reynoldsburg. On the second and fourth Fridays from 7-10, they hold a Bluegrass/gospel jam session. They welcome acoustic stringed instruments and the harmonica. I've gotta say, I've never seen so many banjo pickers in one room. There is a section for the audience, a section for the musicians, and the stage in the center. They rotate through the musician section and everyone gets a turn at the mic.
I took my autoharp out for a test drive on Friday, and while I didn't get up on stage, I did play along. But, I've been informed that you only get one time on the bench. Next time I have to get up and play with the rest. I'll be ready.
It's kind of weird going to an activity at a different church. It was fortunate to run across some people that I know. There is a family who was there that I know from baseball; one of the kids was on a team with one of my sons. Another older sibling worked with the other son. Turns out the kids have a bluegrass band including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Really, everyone there was friendly, and I had a good time. I'm planning on going next time, and I'll be ready to play.
Something like this might be fun at Logos--without the bluegrass. But I don't feel comfortable trying to start a group right now. Maybe down the road. Right now at Logos, I find myself doing a whole lot of sitting on the outside and looking in. Not necessarily because I want to, but because that's apparently where I need to be right now. It's kind of nice going to a new place where I'm not tempted to do anything more than show up. I know that sounds weird. But the things at Logos that I really feel a burden to be involved with, I've not been able to do. By hanging out somewhere as a guest, I'm not part of the community, and I have no responsibility to be involved at a deeper level. It goes against what I've been taught about using my spiritual gifts, but seems to be where I am supposed to be right now.
In the meantime, I'm learning some bluegrass / gospel tunes and getting ready for next time.
I took my autoharp out for a test drive on Friday, and while I didn't get up on stage, I did play along. But, I've been informed that you only get one time on the bench. Next time I have to get up and play with the rest. I'll be ready.
It's kind of weird going to an activity at a different church. It was fortunate to run across some people that I know. There is a family who was there that I know from baseball; one of the kids was on a team with one of my sons. Another older sibling worked with the other son. Turns out the kids have a bluegrass band including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Really, everyone there was friendly, and I had a good time. I'm planning on going next time, and I'll be ready to play.
Something like this might be fun at Logos--without the bluegrass. But I don't feel comfortable trying to start a group right now. Maybe down the road. Right now at Logos, I find myself doing a whole lot of sitting on the outside and looking in. Not necessarily because I want to, but because that's apparently where I need to be right now. It's kind of nice going to a new place where I'm not tempted to do anything more than show up. I know that sounds weird. But the things at Logos that I really feel a burden to be involved with, I've not been able to do. By hanging out somewhere as a guest, I'm not part of the community, and I have no responsibility to be involved at a deeper level. It goes against what I've been taught about using my spiritual gifts, but seems to be where I am supposed to be right now.
In the meantime, I'm learning some bluegrass / gospel tunes and getting ready for next time.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Music to Keep the boredom away.
One of the things about the boredom of my job is that I can listen to music. My autoharping led me to CD Baby, where I purchased my Brobdingnagian Bards CDs. CD Baby lets you listen to clips from CDs, and there are pages by theme, style, etc. So, I'll find something interesting and listen while I work. Some of it has been just a little weird, but here are some of my favorites--with or without the autoharp.
Graphic Recliner
ECOSSE: The Auld Alliance
Gene Moore: I Give Up
Graphic Recliner
ECOSSE: The Auld Alliance
Gene Moore: I Give Up
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Sound-bites
When I first got online _________ years ago, I discovered email lists. What's more, I discovered the fun to be had debating a topic on a list, for me usually on the topic of education/homeschooling. Well, I haven't done it for several years, but I got to jump into the fray this week on, of all things, a puppetry email list.
Someone posted an article about PBS funds possibly being cut, and the conversation turned to all things education. I just couldn't sit back and allow the idea float in cyberspace that education is the responsibility of the government, could I?
What I discovered was that over time the art of discussion as turned into the art of creating a sound bite. According to Wikipedia,
It is characterized by a short phrase or sentence that deftly captures the essence of what the speaker is trying to say. Such key moments in dialogue (or monologue) stand out better in the audience's memory and thus become the "taste" that best represents the entire "meal" of the larger message or conversation. Sound bites are a natural consequence of people placing ever greater emphasis on summarizing ever-increasing amounts of information in their lives.
Every post has to wrap up the conversation in as few words as possible, the more cleverly stated the better. What's more every post has to end with some Fox News-ish, CNN-like barb about someone's character rather than actually discussing the topic itself. Instead of having a gourmet meal, we're having nuggets through the drive through--extra sauce, please.
I don't know that there is a point to this post other than to "point" out the phenomenon. I think maybe we could all lay off the news shows a little and try reading a book. A big one. One with lots of words. Pithy, yeah, a pithy book. Read one and get back to me.
Someone posted an article about PBS funds possibly being cut, and the conversation turned to all things education. I just couldn't sit back and allow the idea float in cyberspace that education is the responsibility of the government, could I?
What I discovered was that over time the art of discussion as turned into the art of creating a sound bite. According to Wikipedia,
It is characterized by a short phrase or sentence that deftly captures the essence of what the speaker is trying to say. Such key moments in dialogue (or monologue) stand out better in the audience's memory and thus become the "taste" that best represents the entire "meal" of the larger message or conversation. Sound bites are a natural consequence of people placing ever greater emphasis on summarizing ever-increasing amounts of information in their lives.
Every post has to wrap up the conversation in as few words as possible, the more cleverly stated the better. What's more every post has to end with some Fox News-ish, CNN-like barb about someone's character rather than actually discussing the topic itself. Instead of having a gourmet meal, we're having nuggets through the drive through--extra sauce, please.
I don't know that there is a point to this post other than to "point" out the phenomenon. I think maybe we could all lay off the news shows a little and try reading a book. A big one. One with lots of words. Pithy, yeah, a pithy book. Read one and get back to me.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Musings of the Harper
Sometimes the Internet is a wonderful thing. If you need a little information about something, you just Google or Ask and there it is--more information than you ever thought you'd want to have. Today I'm sharing with you my latest discovery:
Autoharp Radio
Now, you might wonder what I was looking for that I discovered Autoharp Radio. In fact, I was looking for strings for my autoharp. Yes, indeed. I own an autoharp. It's an older 12-bar Oscar Schmidt, but it's in pretty good condition (although it could use some new felt along with the new strings.)
But I digress. As I was looking for strings, I ran across Autoharp Radio, which is broadcast online on Live 365. After listening to it for a few days at work, I discovered a couple of things: 1) my playing drastically improved as I heard accomplished harpers play; 2) there are some really weird songs out there that should be shared.
I've heard songs from A Mighty Wind, quite a bit of bluegrass, folk, and gospel, some really interesting jazz, and even a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody". Oh, yeah!
So far, my favorite of the weird is the Brobdingnagian Bards
These guys are a Celtic Renaissance duo out of Austin, TX. Their songs are played on the autoharp, mandolin, and recorder. They play some classics and some of their own works. One of my favorites so far is "Do Virgins Taste Better?" Just think about that in the context of a song about dragons. You'll understand. But they've done parodies from Star Wars and School House Rock. Their Lord of the Rings CD was so popular that they were the headliners at the LOR Oscar party.
Things get a little weirder when you check out Marc Gunn's site. Marc is the autoharpist in of the group, and he seems to have a fetish for felines and drinking songs. But he's a good harpist, and he's the reason that Autoharp Radio exists.
So, sit back at your 'puter and take listen to the dulcet strains of the autoharp. You'll be wanting to own one too.
But I digress. As I was looking for strings, I ran across Autoharp Radio, which is broadcast online on Live 365. After listening to it for a few days at work, I discovered a couple of things: 1) my playing drastically improved as I heard accomplished harpers play; 2) there are some really weird songs out there that should be shared.
I've heard songs from A Mighty Wind, quite a bit of bluegrass, folk, and gospel, some really interesting jazz, and even a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody". Oh, yeah!
So far, my favorite of the weird is the Brobdingnagian Bards
These guys are a Celtic Renaissance duo out of Austin, TX. Their songs are played on the autoharp, mandolin, and recorder. They play some classics and some of their own works. One of my favorites so far is "Do Virgins Taste Better?" Just think about that in the context of a song about dragons. You'll understand. But they've done parodies from Star Wars and School House Rock. Their Lord of the Rings CD was so popular that they were the headliners at the LOR Oscar party.
Things get a little weirder when you check out Marc Gunn's site. Marc is the autoharpist in of the group, and he seems to have a fetish for felines and drinking songs. But he's a good harpist, and he's the reason that Autoharp Radio exists.
So, sit back at your 'puter and take listen to the dulcet strains of the autoharp. You'll be wanting to own one too.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Kids Say the Darnedest Things
So, I had a puppet show today at Heritage Park in Groveport. They were having their first Nature Fair and I did a 20 minute show with the help of my "stage hand", Ethan. We've got the stage all set up, the audience sits down, the excitement continues to build. I come around the corner for my curtain speech and to start off things with a tongue twister, a song, and some antics with the "stage hand." Before I get a word out, a little girl in the front row blurts out:
Those who know me, know that I'm not often at a loss for words, but honestly, the first thing that came to mind was, "Is my hair sticking up or something?"
I had nothing. No pithy comeback. Nothing other than, "This from a girl with a snake painted on her face." So, I laughed it off and moved on with the show.
I told a lady at BestBuy about the girl's comment and her response was, "That's exactly the look I was going for--Jerk!" Okay, I like it without the jerk. What about you? What would you have said to the little girl? You know, in case that ever happens again.
"You look weird."
Those who know me, know that I'm not often at a loss for words, but honestly, the first thing that came to mind was, "Is my hair sticking up or something?"
I had nothing. No pithy comeback. Nothing other than, "This from a girl with a snake painted on her face." So, I laughed it off and moved on with the show.
I told a lady at BestBuy about the girl's comment and her response was, "That's exactly the look I was going for--Jerk!" Okay, I like it without the jerk. What about you? What would you have said to the little girl? You know, in case that ever happens again.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
My wacky Great Grandfather
You may have discovered the new link in the Link section called "Meet my wacky Great Grandfather". If you've known me for any length of time, you know that I like to dabble in genealogy. Over the years I've discovered connections to English royalty (like most of the cast of Shakespeare's histories), Robert Jemison Van de Graff, the creator of the Van de Graff generator (that thing at COSI that makes your hair stand up), and that whole bunch of Boisfeuillet's who left a castle to my uncle (he didn't take it). Well, now I've started a blog (with the help of my cousin Peggy) to record what we've learned about Dr. James Charles Oakshette.
Dr. O is one of those people who don't really seem real. The legends are amazing. We grew up hearing that his second wife was related to Nathan Hale; that he was a missionary to the Dakotas; that he was Oxford-educated and continued his education until his death. Well some of this is just family legend. Mary Hale isn't related to Nathan Hale. Oxford has no record of his attending school there. But he was a missionary. He did start the Baha'i congregation in Atlanta. He was a homeopathic physician and later studied law to save his medical practice.
So, check in on Dr. O's blog from time to time to see what other fun Dr. O has gotten himself into. You might discover more about me and my family than you'd ever want to know.
Dr. O is one of those people who don't really seem real. The legends are amazing. We grew up hearing that his second wife was related to Nathan Hale; that he was a missionary to the Dakotas; that he was Oxford-educated and continued his education until his death. Well some of this is just family legend. Mary Hale isn't related to Nathan Hale. Oxford has no record of his attending school there. But he was a missionary. He did start the Baha'i congregation in Atlanta. He was a homeopathic physician and later studied law to save his medical practice.
So, check in on Dr. O's blog from time to time to see what other fun Dr. O has gotten himself into. You might discover more about me and my family than you'd ever want to know.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The New and Improved Bar
It's spring and time for a little house cleaning. I put a new coat of paint on the blog, a new template that reflects my "sandbar"ness, so to speak. Expect to see some of the more morose, SAD-afflicted posts deleted. I'm considering starting another blog for my puppetry/theatre/sewing interests and leaving this one for rambling. But, I like "Crossing the Bar", so maybe I'll just pull up an adirondack chair and push my toes down in the sand for a spell.
I'm hoping to get some pictures from "The Lion in Winter". The you can see how well the costuming turned out. Meanwhile, here's a little something from the puppetry files. This is me with Feathers LaBoa and the Goose of Christmas Past.
So, pardon me now while I pour a glass of Aunt Pearl's Sweet Tea and relax.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
One week later. . .
I'm trying to find the balance between staying involved and running for cover. A big part of me wants to just let everything drop while I sink into the slough of despond. The logical part, however, knows that I have to keep on keeping on. I do need to reassess some of my involvement in some areas. I was gone every night last week, except for Friday when I couldn't make the retreat meeting because I needed to take the dog to the vet. I'm just overly busy right now and it's my fault.
I did spend some much needed time writing the press release for the National Day of Puppetry and a script for "The Three Billy Goats Gruff". I've been wanting to create a puppet show that I can do solo. TBGG is the first attempt.
I'm also costuming and set dressing "The Lion in Winter" for Bread and Circus. I get to play with medieval costuming and that's always fun. I will have to build some things from scratch.
So, after writing this three times and having it crash twice when I put in the html code for the links, I'm hoping to press publish and go to bed.
SDG
I did spend some much needed time writing the press release for the National Day of Puppetry and a script for "The Three Billy Goats Gruff". I've been wanting to create a puppet show that I can do solo. TBGG is the first attempt.
I'm also costuming and set dressing "The Lion in Winter" for Bread and Circus. I get to play with medieval costuming and that's always fun. I will have to build some things from scratch.
So, after writing this three times and having it crash twice when I put in the html code for the links, I'm hoping to press publish and go to bed.
SDG
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
How Old Are You?
With all my aches and pains and having it hard to stay up late, I've been worried about starting to act my age. Of course I'm hanging out with people my age, but I don't want to act my age. So, I just took this test and here are the results. Let me know how old you are.
| You Are 22 Years Old |
 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
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