A Dirty Story - Quote for the Day

"Many years ago there lived a scholar who asked an old rabbi what could be learned from the Talmud. The rabbi told him of two men who fell down a chimney. One man arrived at the bottom dirty, while the other arrived clean. Is that the lesson of the Talmud? the scholar asked. No, replied the old rabbi, listen to me: the dirty man looked at the clean man and thought himself clean. Is that the lesson of the Talmud? asked the scholar. No, replied the rabbi, for the dirted man looked at his own hands and seeing them sooty knew he'd been dirted. This then is the lesson of the Talmud? said the scholar. No, said the rabbi. Then what am I to learn from the Talmud? asked the scholar. The rabbi told him: You will learn nothing from the Talmud if you start by believing that two men can fall down a chimney and not both be dirtied."

-- Len Deighton City of Gold

Quote for the Day

"We were taught, as much by example as precept, to respect our minds and to use them; to examine the evidence before rushing in with our opinions; to distinguish between fact and theory; to see history through the eyes of the poor and vanquished, not merely those of the powerful and the conquerors; not to believe that something is true simply because it would be pleasant or convenient if it were and, when exposed to propaganda, to ask ourselves, 'In whose interest is it that I should believe this?'"

-- P. D. James Time To Be In Earnest

Unfortunately, this lesson has not been taught or learned by the majority of citizens of the U.S.A. today. We are too quick to voice opinions and too ready to view history through the eyes of the powerful and conquerors rather than consider the view from the eyes of the poor and vanquished. (This is a complete departure from the attitude of God revealed in the Bible and especially in Jesus. Ironic for a nation which so many claim to be a Christian Nation. Especially since those voicing the claim tend to be the ones least likely to empathize with the poor and vanquished.)

A good place to begin practicing to learn this lesson is the current health care debate. When confronted with the TV ads and proclamations of the politicians and lobbyists, let us ask ourselves, "In whose interest is it that I should believe this?" There is clearly a divide between those seeking to maximize profits and those seeking to maximize "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" of the citizens of this country.

Sick Leaders

Southern Baptists have had some spiritually and morally sick leaders in recent years. There is nothing of the Imitation of Christ about them. They are more the antithesis of Christ. The following is an example: Ex-Southern Baptist Leader: Abortion Doctor’s Murder Answer To Prayer

Is it any wonder that people fail to know the love of God in their lives?

I couldn't have said it better.

(Click on image to view full size for easier reading.)

Actually, he did tend to have harsh words for the religious leaders, too.

Another Old Photo - Colourized

Here is another family photo (belonging to the family not OF the family) I've worked on. Click on it to see it full size -- it's definitely nicer.

Today's Photoshop Project

(Click to enlarge and view details)

Tried out a new technique for making a panorama. This is using photos from last year's Corvette show here in Hot Springs.

Today's Photoshop Project

Today's project was to restore and colourize an old family photo left by my mother-in-law.

Luke and I went to the Hot Springs Cruisers' car show Saturday before between rains. I've begun processing the pictures and here they are. More to be added later.

(For a better slide show, click on the icon to go to the gallery.)

Proud Father Keep On Braggin'

Last night was Awards Night at Hot Springs National Park Community College. My son, Luke. was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and won the Outstanding Work Ethic award. He's lucky. When I was in school you either did vo-tech or college prep. He's getting to study Automotive Service Technology while doing college prep and AP courses at Lakeside High School. Smart kid. Good kid. Must take after his mother.

Survey: Support for terror suspect torture differs among the faithful

"The more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists, according to a new survey."

This is the most revolting news I've read in some time. How is it that in the U.S.A., church goers are the most likely to deny the teaching and commands of the one they claim to follow? The U.S. churches are becoming the most anti-christian organizations around. Whatever became of "love your enemy?" "Do good to those who hate you?" "Lose you life for my sake?" "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good?"

It seems the anti-christ has mounted the pulpit and the sheep are devoured by wolves. We need a national year of repentance. (A day won't do.)

Read: Survey: Support for terror suspect torture differs among the faithful and weep.

Hot Springs Fly-In 04 April 2009

A quick look at last week's RC Airplane Fly-In

For a more interesting slide show, click on the blue icon on the right and be transported to the world of Adobe.

Quote for the Day

"It would be wonderful one day to meet an American whose God has made his life harder, not easier."

—Leon Wieseltier, commenting on Barack Obama's statement about people clinging to religion out of economic frustration (New Republic, May 7).

-- From the June 3, 2008 Century Marks, The Christian Century

McConnell: I'm 'disappointed' in Obama's lack of bipartisanship

The Republican's definition of "bipartisanship" is "you buy everything we propose or we part company."

Their idea of compromise is "we both state our positions, you capitulate, and we proceed with our ideas."

They sing a different song now that they don't have a slim majority.

Quote for the Day

"Better give your path to a dog, than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite."

-- Abraham Lincoln
Quoted by Doris Kearns Goodwin in Team of Rivals