Cruelty

The recent allegations that Michael Vick sponsored dogfights have rekindled the outcry against animal cruelty.

What I fail to understand is why there isn't a louder voice for protecting the truly indefenseless, human babies. Millions of humans have died as a result of abortion and it remains legal? This is a sad fact and can be seen as the devaluation of human life.

Their blood is on our hands!

In His Image

I just finished reading James BeauSeigneur's "In His Image". This was written way back in 1988 and I truly recommend it solely for it's mindblowing take on the Shroud of Turin.

Wasn't it radiocarbon dated to be from 1260-1390 AD?

Did Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the Temple include what is known as the Wailing Wall?

There is a lot of political intrigue primarily with the United Nations' catastrophic dealings (Watchtower declares the UN is the scarlet-coloured beast from Revelation). A drawback though, the characters could have been better fleshed out, excuse the pun.

This is book one of three and I'm looking forward to the continuation!

Universe: Spaceship Earth

The History Channel's "Universe" episode "Spaceship Earth" cannot refrain itself from asserting mankind's ancestors are microbial organisms.

The television program shows images of microbes, followed by tadpoles, frogs, and then continues on to finally reveal humans as the newest animals on the block. The evolutionists on the program happily note how similar we are to bacteria.

"Spaceship Earth" comes to a close by incorporating the biggest threat to mankind, yes, global warming. The closing comments give the idea that it's been a good run for us humans. Perhaps we were the most complex organisms on the surface of this planet. Let's build a spaceship too!

I didn't see anything uplifting about how we just happened to evolve into who we are. This reminds me of a comment by an atheist on a message board. He posted, "We are chemically no different from a piece of [expletive removed]. Why should we be treated any differently?".

I wouldn't recommend that person to defend human rights. Obviously, certain themes in shows like the "Universe" do not help in this department.

We have an inherent value because we are made in the image of God. The universe is indeed beautiful and will become moreso.

Self-centered?

A few comments from a brother at a recent JW meeting.

"Out of all the billions of people whom ever lived, shouldn't we feel privileged that Jehovah saw something in us to become members of the organization that carries his name?"

This is precisely the attitude that will not take place before God.

1 Cor 1:29 As a result, no one can brag in God's presence

Only the Saviour will receive the glory, not us sinners.

Transformers

The movie that re-establishes the summer action movie! Spider-Man 3 didn't suffice and I haven't seen Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End yet, but this one I plan to buy!

Shia LaBeouf is so good in this one he makes up for the I, Robot travesty. Megan Fox and Rachael Taylor are simply gorgeous! Industrial Light & Magic are back on track with superior effects.

I only wish the "S" word wasn't used as much, but the giant robot action is what defines this film. Plus, Megatron's voice by Hugo Weaving is so cool!

A Joyful Independence Day

America! America!
God shed His Grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

As Witnesses we are told that even saying we liked Bush was being patriotic and should be discouraged. So is displaying our country's flag, pledging allegiance to the US (under God), singing anthems, and wearing the red, white, and blue on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day.

Yet they enjoy living in a country where freedom of religion is its cornerstone. They are mostly law-abiding citizens, yet they feel to be separate from this world means not voting for our leaders, holding a place of office, or even joining the armed forces. It also means not contributing to society in a meaningful way even when life itself is on the line (abortion and blood donation).

What liberty to express my gratitude to God for putting me here. Our first allegiance is to Christ, but we are to be stewards in the polity.

1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior.

To all my Christian brothers and sisters across the globe, I pray for your safety and well-being. Please keep us in your prayers.

Ratatouille

Pixar has come a long way since Toy Story and their newest offering left me wondering why I didn't expect as much to begin with.

A couple of scenes stood out in my mind.

Remy the main character is describing to another rat how superior a certain food is describing it as "godliness". The other rat doesn't understand what that means and so Remy equates it with "cleanliness".

Another is when the main human character is shown empathy for his recently deceased mother, he reacts something along the lines of "It's okay, she believed in heaven and so she's got that covered".

Another scene is when the father rat says, "Thank God".

Kind of interesting! Overall, the animation is superb and the story is entertaining.

Misinformation

From msn.com

After the right-wing blonde publicly wished John Edwards would be killed in a terror attack, Edwards' wife weighed in. Book sales and campaign donations to follow.

That's very dishonest reporting. Ann Coulter on Good Morning America was noting the media did not raise an uproar when Bill Maher actually said our Vice-President's assasination would have been a good thing.

Here's Coulter's full remark:

But about the same time, you know, Bill Maher was not joking and saying he wished Dick Cheney had been killed in a terrorist attack — so I've learned my lesson: If I'm going to say anything about John Edwards in the future, I'll just wish he had been killed in a terrorist assassination plot.

Her point is not wishing for Edwards' death, but that she may as well have said that because of the apparent double standard. She even predicted misinformation of this coverage to occur.