Four More Hours till AGB @ Karma Cafe!!!!

AGB will be at Karma Cafe from 7-10 tonight! Come see Bri, Steven, Alvin, Aaron, special guest Frank Scales and hopefully another special guest or two! DO NOT MISS US!

Karma Cafe 
727 Sutter St
Folsom, CA

What to do in Purple and Gold...

Stop talking about trading Pau Gasol and let the man play! Play defense. Get Nash healthy. Shore up the bench mob. And play some more defense. Nuf said? Thoughts?

Gasol Adjusting to Change

November 29, 2012 2:58 pm PST
Mike Trudell | @LakersReporter

As the seasons pass in the NBA, the league's players seem to get smaller and more agile in the frontcourt.


But the Lakers have not ascribed to the movement that has seen wings like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony start at power forward, instead putting 7-footer Pau Gasol in the PF slot next to centers Dwight Howard this season and Andrew Bynum last.


Gasol's best and most natural position remains in the pivot, where he can utilize his terrific hands, post moves over either shoulder, face-up game and passing ability at his leisure. The Spaniard spent the majority of his first several years in Los Angeles at center, with Andrew Bynum missing the 2007-08 season with injuries and playing fewer minutes than Gasol particularly in crunch time.


So unique for a true 7-footer — new coach Mike D'Antoni couldn't think of a comparison – Gasol's multiple skills allow him to play the high post as well, doing things that many power forwards do while remaining an extra rim protector on defense.


In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, with a new coach and a new system, Gasol played center less than ever before. That Bynum stayed healthy and played 35.2 minutes per game – a full eight more than the previous season – kept Gasol on the perimeter far more than in the past. Ditto for this season, with Howard coming to town and D'Antoni's system encouraging floor spacing from the power forward slot.

http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/111229gasoladjusting

I think he's got plenty of game left and it would really help if we actually let the man play. When Nash gets back he will get everybody in the flow and in their sweet spots. It's what he does. And did I mention play defense. D'Antoni has never had stellar defenders to coach and I think this will be different than the past...

A Match Made In Folsom: AGB and Karma Cafe Friday November 30 7-10PM

Just so you know. The crew will be throwin' down in Folsom again at the Karma Cafe 727 Sutter Street from 7-10 PM THIS FRIDAY

We had a great time a couple of weeks ago and we're very grateful that to get to come back for more. (THANKS JESS AND JESS!)

We have some Blues and Jazz and R&B and Rock and Lions and Tigers and Bears and Steven and Alvin and Bri (LATE NIGHT) and Aaron AND our very special guest, Frank Scales! Oh my!!!!

We hope to see YOU there! 

In the meantime,  CLICK IT! http://www.reverbnation.com/aarongayden/songs 

Karma Cafe
727 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA
(916) 293-8867 ‎

https://www.facebook.com/Karma.Cafe.Lounge

If I only had a brain...

Does it ever seem like you constatnly find yourself in a room of your house for no apparent reason. Or looking in the fridge for who knows what? That's because you're human. Humans do that all the time. I hope... Cause I do that all the time. In fact I'm sure I was going to say something of great importance today...  But...Uh... Hence the title. Well if I think of it I'll let you know.

Front and Center:

Bynum Out Indefinitely Due to Ongoing Knee Injuries

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 21 at 8:59 a.m. ET
A surgeon outside of the 76ers organization commenting on Andrew Bynum's situation believes the 76ers star could face season-ending knee surgery, according to The News Journal's Jason Wolf.

The truth is that the 7-foot, 285-pound former All-Star center who has yet to play a game as a Sixer may be out for the season and will learn in December, at the earliest, whether he’ll require surgery that could sideline him for up to a year...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1373608-andrew-bynum-injury-updates-on-76ers-stars-knee-injury?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nba


Not that it matters, but I told em' so....

I am a lifelong Laker fan. I grew up playing HS ball when Magic started showtime. I bleed purple and gold. And I never bought Andrew Bynum. I gave him his props for playing hurt against the Celtics in the revenge finals. But other than his rookie highlight throwing down on Shaq I just really never bought the guy. Before the 3 pointer stupidity and whatever else during and before his All-star year I always thought. Yeah when you can get him on the court he's great but how often is that going to happen. That is a lot of body to lug around and he never seemed serious enough about the game to do what he had to take care of said big body. I am not hating the guy or anything. But I am glad the 76er's didn't seem this coming and took the big man off our hands.

Dwight Howard
#12
Center





E-mail photo | Buy photos |Gallery

2012-13 StatisticsPPG18.0RPG10.60APG2.1EFF+ 21.79

Born: Dec 8, 1985
Height: 6-11 / 2.11
Weight: 265 lbs. / 120.2 kg.
Prior to NBA / Country:
SW Atlanta Christian Academy (GA) / USA
Years Pro: 8
SEASON AVERAGES

Season Team G GS MPG FG% 3p% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
12-13 LAL 14 14 36.5 0.588 0.000 0.497 3.4 7.3 10.6 2.1 1.4 2.7 3.3 3.7 18.0
Career 635 634 36.2 0.578 0.030 0.585 3.6 9.3 12.9 1.5 1.0 2.2 3.1 3.2 18.4

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/dwight_howard/index.html


Questions about Dwight coming back from back surgery seem pretty distant at this time. Without him at 100% he is still doing pretty well. Averaging 18-10 (only 2 boards under his career ave). I'll take it. He make like to have fun but he takes the game seriously and will only get better as he heals and when Steve Nash gets healthy. I am sorry for Bynum's continued knee problems. I wish him no ill. But as a Laker fan I am glad the 6'ers got the front and we got the center...

GOD BLESS KEVIN McHALE AND FAMILY AS THEY MOURN THE LOSS OF SASHA McHALE

Let The Season Begin!!!!!!

I love Christmas and I love music and I love you all! I hope you enjoy this season as much as I do. Because, Baby, it's cold outside. And warm in my heart! I can't wait to see the rest of the family at Christmas! I am excited! Now it's after Thanksgiving and I can openly play all the Christmas music I want. I will soon find my way to Starbucks and have an Egg Nog Latte. The only other thing I want to say right now is... O Come O Come Emmanuel!

I-Kool Aid

It is now longer raining yet my Hughesnet and my mac do not appear to have any interest in working. Why am I not having a surprised feeling? Once again my mac friends, I am Spocked. And Sassy Starfish is also having a feeling of disapproval.. I AM NOT SAYING PC IS AWESOME AND PERFECT. I am not even saying I really believed the mac would do everything but my windows (PUN NOT INTENDED). I am saying I did expect more. I have never expected anything good from Hughesnet. So when things go cyber wrong in my world I try to make a point to blame Hughes.

But sometimes it really is the mac. It just kind of hurts you know. All my mac friends back in the day would always say. "Oh, your STILL on a PC?" And give me the look of "Oh, you poor thing." And granted it is the industry standard for music. The graphics are much better. I have had occasion to run programs side by side on both machines in the past. But when I was finally able to drink the Apple flavored Kool-Aid... I just didn't expect that there was such a thing as well it doesn't do that. It doesn't have enough RAM. You can't put more memory in it. I expected to be limited in PC land but this was not supposed to be the case in MAC WORLD!

Don't get me wrong. It looks great and when it does what I need it to do it's amazing. But for all those times I was looked down on by my Mac-Friends. Ya'll got some 'splaining to do... Yes, I am still down for the I Kool-Aid supplements. An Ipad, in particular could theoretically revolutionize how I work in gig mode... But enough already. I know what the Kool-Aid tastes like now and...well. Don't go around acting like the mac can do no wrong. It's just a machine. Admit it. Or hook a brotha' up with the cure for what ails him. I just want the Kool-Aid to quench my cyber thirst. I just want to be able to work. Is that so wrong?

Keep Working and Praying.

I pray this is still stands by the time this posts...


Israel and Hamas Agree to a Cease-Fire, After a U.S.-Egypt Push



Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and JODI RUDOREN
Published: November 21, 2012 1285 CommentsCAIRO — Under intense Egyptian and American pressure, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas halted eight days of bloody conflict on Wednesday, averting a full-scale Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip without resolving the underlying disputes.

Wissam Nassar for The New York Times

Gazans poured into the streets declaring victory against the far more powerful Israeli military. In Israel, the public reaction was far more subdued. Many residents in the south expressed doubt that the agreement would hold, partly because at least five Palestinian rockets thudded into southern Israel after the cease-fire began.

Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

Wissam Nassar for The New York Times

There were immediate questions about the durability of the deal. Hamas, which controls Gaza, has in the past not fulfilled less formal cease-fires by failing to halt all missile fire into Israel by breakaway Palestinian militants.

Andrea Bruce for The New York Times

Dan Balilty/Associated Press

Khaled Meshal, Hamas’s top leader, thanked Iran for its military support in a triumphal news conference in Cairo. “This is a point on the way to a great defeat for Israel,” he said. “Israel failed in all its objectives.”

Baz Ratner/Reuters

Although the memorandum of understanding did not clarify how Gaza’s borders might be opened, Egyptians, Israelis and Americans briefed on the talks said that Egypt had broached the possibility of expanding the traffic of people and goods at Rafah. Egypt has historically resisted a broader opening of the crossing, and Israel enforces its embargo on the other sides of Gaza, fearing that it would face an influx of refugees or end up with responsibility for the impoverished enclave.

Israel also fears that an open border crossing would become a conduit for weapons.

Dan Balilty/Associated PressIt seemed to be the fighting's first direct reach into Tel Aviv's streets.

Read more:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/22/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1353553521-4FYG8jUqgiVXreJNvgWheg


I hope that we have truly been an ally to Israel in this and that her security is at least temporarily enhanced. I hope we have not help back Israel into a corner. I pray we haven't shown terrorists and/or extremists that we have a "tell" or a tendency to retreat. Time will tell. But some of the same folks that applaud every defeat of Israel and hardly any more friendly about success for the United States. Hopefully, by the time you read this peace will still be in effect. I pray that ... you know I don't even know what to pray for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for...
so many things and people that I can't even begin for fear of never stopping. Thank you God for my family and for shelter and for music and food. Thank you for my churches and my pastors and great friends and bandmates... Thank you God for loving me. I thank you for my country and those who have given so much to protect it. I wasn't going to get started at all. So now I BETTER STOP... Happy Thanksgiving! Go find someone important to you and tell them thank you...

The Weird Kid

I am not sure why I am posting about this. Nothing happened recently or anything like that. But here's the thing. Be nice to the "weird kid". In school. At work. Etc. I AM a weirdo but I was never the weird kid, if you know what I mean. I hope and pray that I was never the one to make fun of the weird kid in school. I don't THINK I did. You may have been the weird kid and you bloomed later in life. IF so think back and teach your kids to respect and value and yes even befriend the weird kid. Just think, your kid might be the weird kid...

I don't think I have ever gone 2 weeks in my life without someone calling me weird... Granted, I am ok with that, most of the time. Hmmmm, I guess I AM the "Weird Kid". Oh well.

This Train Is Bound For...Nowhere?

I am an Angeleno at heart and a musician by trade. I really couldn't do public transportation if I even WANTED to. But some where not born to live behind the wheel. And I'm ok with that. But let's not throw money down a whole California. I just heard this. Farmers in the Central Valley requested an environmental impact check before starting construction on the bullet train. The request was denied. on top of that most surveys seem to show that the train is unlikely to be widely used.



Buyers' remorse for California's 'bullet train to nowhere'

A new poll shows almost three fifths would oppose the bullet train and halt public borrowing if given another chance to vote.

Almost seven in 10 said that, if the train ever does run between Los Angeles and San Francisco, they would "never or hardly ever" use it.

Not a single person said they would use it more than once a week, and only 33 per cent said they would prefer the bullet train over a one hour plane journey or seven hour drive. The cost of a ticket, estimated at $123 each way, also put many off. Jerry Brown, California's Democrat governor, has championed the project as a way to create jobs and is backed by unions. The 74-year-old governor has been personally committed to a high speed rail link since the 1970s.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9310511/Buyers-remorse-for-Californias-bullet-train-to-nowhere.html

In California's Central Valley, farmers fight in their fields and court to block high-speed rail

By Mike Rosenberg

While Central Valley construction workers are eager for the high-speed train to come to town, a vocal anti-bullet train sentiment has spread across the farmlands of small, conservative Madera County, which now stands as the last barrier in the path of a groundbreaking next summer.

The farmers and the county here are suing to block the first 29 miles of high-speed rail from coming through the exact center of California, and a Sacramento judge on Friday is expected to rule on their request. It's a possible preview of battles to come in the Bay Area if the project moves forward.

The farmers argue the project doesn't meet standards set by California's environmental laws. While the lawsuit may be a long shot, the state concedes the case could cause delays that would force it to give back federal funding and essentially send the project back to the drawing board.

http://www.mercurynews.com/california-high-speed-rail/ci_22003475/californias-central-valley-farmers-fight-their-fields-and

Since when does California not bend over backwards to ensure there is no environmental impact? Why destroy all of these family farms? So Cali, let's get real. Do we need to spend that money on a service that most people don't want and WILL NOT USE? The budget is already going off the rails on a .... SHAAAAAARON!!!!

WHY DID MR. ROGERS WEAR A SWEATER?

I usually refuse to anything without being able to mess with something. Got just made me a tinkerer so to speak. But this was a rare email that I think needed to actually be shared. So I will stop tinkering now...

WHY DID MR. ROGERS WEAR A SWEATER?

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76, which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27 ) His death reminded me of the following story.

Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4-star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else.

Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time. Why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences.

In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor!

If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson"... His guest was Lee Marvin...

Johnny said,"Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima .. and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded."

"Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo, I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison.

That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important to him than his own life.

That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, "Where'd they get you Lee?"

"Well Bob.... if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!"

Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan.

You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo."






On another note, there was this wimpy little man on PBS,(who passed away), gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth.



But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal,combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat

After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and, therefore, a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life... He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.

America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.

Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.



Send this on, will you please? Nothing will happen to you if you don't, but you will be awakening others to what a HERO is made of...




Good stuff, right? I will only tinker this little bit. I wish I knew who to attribute this that to. Thank you whoever you are... I say once again. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED TO MAKE MY COUNTRY AND MY FAMILY FREE!

Do You Expect Me To Talk?

First off: I TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY. But this line from Goldfinger serves to wrap up the foreign policy ideology of most if not all Islamic states towards Israel. Bond says "Do you expect me to talk?" Goldfinger replies "No, Mr. Bond I expect you to die." Not a strong basis for negotiation...

Whenever Israel gives ground she is attacked. Whenever Israel fights back she is attacked. Israel is not perfect but Arabs enjoy more freedom in Israel that they do in Islamic countries. She is a stable, freedom loving, democracy and she is constantly fighting to survive in the most "hostile work environment" on the planet.

Israel: Do you expect us to withdraw?

Hamas:

"We plan to eliminate the State of Israel and establish a purely Palestinian state."
— Yasser Arafat on Palestine Radio in November 1995


In effect "No I expect you to die..."


The Gaza Blunder
What is motivating Israel?
by Dr. David R. Reagan





"We won't rest until we have Tel Aviv, Haifa, and all of Palestine, and the Jews are back in Poland."
— Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority

"We do not and will not recognize a state called Israel... This land is the property of all Muslims in all parts of the world... Let Israel die!"
— Mahmoud al-Zahar, senior Hamas leader


Read more: http://www.lamblion.com/articles/articles_mepolitics7.php


Yes, pray for peace. Work for peace. I am all for peace. But it seems that one side will only accept the complete extinction of the other as acceptable peace terms. Again, not a strong basis for negotiation

Perchance to dream...

In the last 7 hours I have been playing for the Lakers. 

I have been hanging out with Sting. I have been. . . DREAMING?!?!, AW, MAN!!!!

Oh well. But this is good. If I have been dreaming I have been sleeping. And even though I have ways to combat insomnia at my disposal I don't use them.

Because SLEEP BORES ME! All I get out of it is physical and emotion rest most of the time. Not a fan. I don't like to sleep because usually nothing happens.

And I ALWAYS have something I need to be doing. I have a motto. "If I am awake I'm at work." Because my work is also my my hobby.

More music, more joy... But then there are those times when even I need to sleep. And I am so glad for the times when I wake up having known that I have dreamed...

If You Don't Have Something Nice To Say...

Virtually, everybody's Mom or Dad or... taught them " If you don't have anything nice to say..." and we all know the rest. Granted there are times when we have to speak truth and the truth is  not always nice. But the principle remains. Whenever you can. SPEAK LIFE! How many of us in a day get cut down by someone else or EVEN OURSELVES. We can often be our own wort enemy. We often bring about self-fullfilling prophecies in our lives. Life is hard enough dealing with people talking us down. Degrading our abilities and our dreams. We can all make the world a bit better by saying I can do this thing called life AND so can you!

I am not talking about going all Polyanna or anything like that. But take the opportunity to encourage or compliment whenever you can. And if a situation calls for critique you have a choice to make. You can either give the neccessary negative in an honest but non degrading manner or not. TRUTH is important. But as as possible try to apply it with love and respect. It will be better recieved anyway! AND THAT INCLUDES YOURSELF!!!!! Don't talk yourself down either. We tend to be our own worse critics but that need no be so. Give yourself a fighting chance!

There is a proverb that says "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences (GOOD OR BAD)." Words do matter. And they cannot always be happy and fun. That would not be reality. They words we say have the ability to help or hurt someone in virtually every situation. But at the very least if you can't bring yourself to speak life and least don't speak death. I love you all and I wish you the very best. See wasn't that nice?

2 more days...AGB Karma Cafe See you there!!!!

AARON GAYDEN BAND THIS SATURDAY NIGHT! 7-10PM


KARMA CAFE


727 Sutter Street in Folsom, CA


DO NOT MISS IT!


COME SEE KRISTA, STEVEN, ALVIN, AARON AND A SPECIAL GUEST OR TWO...


See you there!!!!
Blessings and thanks!!

Aaron Gayden Band


reverbnation.com/aarongayden

Today is beautiful

Today is beautiful and I thank God for it! I have daily and friends that love me. I belong to God and I know He LOVES me. There is not anyone He does not love. So we are all in good company. I am working on remembering that.

Balance: I am working on it...seriously

Life is about balance and both of these things are true.

That we are to stand by the president, right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. -Theodore Roosevelt

1 Timothy 2: Pray for Your Leaders

“1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 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…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3

Yes, we are also called in other places to pray for the salvation of others and for the wisdom of our leaders. These areas are also important. The key is to pray, not attack our nation’s leaders, whether verbally or otherwise. And lest we forget, Paul wrote these words under the reign of King Nero, a fellow historically much more difficult to live under than any president in America’s history.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/holywrit/2011/09/1-timothy-2-pray-for-your-leaders/

If I have crossed any line, caused any harm, I apologize. That is never, ever my intent. I view life through a very specific lens and desperately try to interpret what I see with truth and love.
My heartfelt conviction and compassion. I hope you all know my heart.

It's all about balance and I am working on it...seriously.

AGB in Folsom: AGB. Featuring Steven Randal, Briana Lee, Krista White, Alvin HenryAll music all the time!

Aaron Gayden Band at Karma Cafe & Lounge on Sat Nov 17  

7-10 PM at 727 Sutter St in Folsom from 7-10 pm   

 

The AGB Channel: All music all the time! Your music channel for R&B, Jazz and more! 

Don't miss it! 

AGB. Featuring Steven Randal, Briana Lee, Krista White, Alvin Henry and of course AG.
Good food! Good music! Good times!

Woke up this morning...

Did you ever notice how many blues songs start with. "Woke up this morning..." and then the myriad reasons for singing the blues. I really don't know how to continue from there. I woke up this morning to go pray and the sting of of defeat I've been feeling for the last week was pounding me like a sledgehammer. I've been given precious little to help me understand it. And that will probably continue to be the case. I've been given much to alleviate it. And thank you for that. Yes, I am moving on. I am still shocked beyond belief. I still believe God is in control. I still believe ALL politicians leave a lot to be desired. I still believe we can disagree without being disagreeable. I am trying not to let myself get all riled up or completely worn down... And it could be going better. I am somewhere between wanting to fire off a parting shot, then just shutting up forever and firing off an opening salvo. I am really trying to just let it go. But my heart is truly broken. For now I am going to just shut up and refer back to Friday...

and

Four More Years

In 2008, when it became evident the President Obama had been elected I started praying for him with my son. And now that he has been re-elected I will continue to do so. I will pray for all of our elected officials. And  in four years I will vote for whoever has the platform closest to my values. And will continue to draw my values from my understanding of the Bible. In the meantime, I will prayerfully try to do this.

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

 

http://neitherwegian.blogspot.com/2012/11/four-more-years.html

 

Hmmm. Can you be self referential to your own blog and still be walking humbly with your God? I sure hope so because the thought actually made me chuckle to myself. Making ones self chuckle can that be done humbly? Oh no I've caught myself in a closed loop... Well at least I can be silly again. That's a start. 

I have long contended that we all might be able to escape the blues if we just slept till noon...

Shooooot! I promised you I was going to shut up. Well so much for that. But we are closer now. If you are a praying person pray for me. Because I don't think I am going to get a satisfactory answer to the questions burning through my soul at the moment. And that's ok. I know that it really doesn't matter what I understand or not.

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

 

(Cue generic blues riff)

I woke up this morning, to dead babies screaming in my head.

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

 

I woke up this morning, to dead babies screaming in my head.

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

 

 They said "Nobody cares about us because another seal is dead."

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Sorry I am just trying to remind myself. I know I should have just shut up. 

http://www.causes.com/causes/795803-save-the-unborn-babies/welcome

 

Or much more importantly:

http://www.care2.com/click-to-donate/seals/

 

(blues riff still playing)

I woke up this morning headed to prayer with a broken heart. 
Said I woke up this morning. Headed to prayer with a broken heart...

Lawd, I'm tryin' and now I'm crying 

Cause I woke up with a broken heart.

 

Please don't treat me, mama please don't treat me like an unborn child

I beggin, please don't treat me please don't treat me like an unborn child

I ain't even seen the light of day and I'm far too young

Far to young too die 

I woke up this morning headed to prayer with a broken heart. 
Said I woke up this morning. Headed to prayer with a broken heart...

Lawd, I'm tryin' and now I'm crying 

Cause I woke up with a broken heart

 

Oops, I got started again. I am trying. I really am trying. I am not really sure what I'm trying but I am trying... I am trying to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God. My heart is still broken. I think I am going to set my alarm for noon and go back to bed.

Common Knowledge?

It's common knowldege that Repblicans are racsits right? Well, common knowledge isn't always true. Personally, I have worked for and with Republicans all my life and as a black man with a white wife (and even when we were just friends) I have seen infinitely more racism from my own people. I am not saying I haven't enountered racism from whites conservatives. I am saying that the vast majority of the racsim I have experienced was from other blacks. I was taught that to treat people according to the content of their character and that is what I have done all my life. I respect everyone and I am usually well respected. I have been called "Sir" but white men older than than myself while with my wife in the South. We have been in Oregon, Florida, Idaho, Texas, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona.

The worst rascism we have experienced together was in San Diego 3 miles from our first home together. A black waitress and 3 patrons sitting behind talked smack about us being together through our entire meal. The waitress wouldn't even acknowledge Carol. We had just returned from Walt Disney World in Florida where nobody looked at us cross-eyed or anything else. I know there is secret rascism too. But as God is my witness white Republicans have generally been the least of our "worries". I don't walk around waiting for an offense to come my way and I treat every one with dignity and respect.
                                                                                                                                                                         I have been pulled over for DWB in my  South Pasdena back in the day with a car full of gear after gigs at 3 in the morning. And when I was respectful I was politely sent on my way. I have been drawn on by the Seal Beach police fixing my car... because white friends saw legs sticking out of my car from their window and called the police in an attempt to protect my property. They were mortified to find out it was actually me! They were crushed! And the officer thought he was stopping a robbery in progress. No one could tell it was me and that I was black. It was just a pair of legs sticking out of a car and they thought someone was stealing my car. The officer was totally professional. He spoke firmly and I complied. I explained that I worked just inside the building where my car was parked. I gave my name and he let me get my I.D.. He called in the liscense plate. Everything matched up end of story. In the words of Will Smith in MIB. Sometimes, even if you are black, "If you don't start nothin' there won't be nothin'!"

I KNOW this is not always the case. I am not naive. There are gigs I won't play willingly out in the backwoods at certain times cause it doesn't seem the wisest idea for a black man. That has been the exception in my life. And that might even be a little paranoid on my part. I GET IT! Not everybody loves black people. But again in my life I have not had a lot of problems. And there have been more than enough opportunities for racism to rear it's ugly head. I dare say it starts with respect and expectation. If you are disrespectful and suspicious you are more like to find your disrespect suspicious counterpart on the opposite side and the fur will stand up on the back of both of your necks and it's on... But that has not been my life. In South Central LA not the case. In La Puente. Not the case. In Atlanta not the case In Charlotte and so on... Again I am not naive. I KNOW THERE ARE RACISTS OUT THERE. But the more trouble you expect to find the more you will find.

EWB

For the first time I an utterly ashamed of my country. And saddened and angered. For the last month since 9/11 in the wake of Bengahzi I have watched President Obama's approval rating inch up. I kept thinking to myself what in the world is there to drive his approval rating UP right now? And now we have reelected him. And I still do not get it.

He promised to be a non partisan, a unifier. Yet it could be argued that he has been one of the if not the most divisive president we have ever had.  The unemployment rate is virtually the same as it was when he came into office. (The current  rate, 7.9% is slightly at 7.6% when he took office in 2009.) His first two years were somewhat gridlocked even though his party held the executive branch and both houses of Congress. He has gone around the world apologizing for our country and snubbing our allies while defending the bruised emotions of those who have murdered our citizens abroad. Coddling terrorists. On 9/11 in volatile countries our embassies did not have the additional security they requested. We saw an ambassador tortured, killed and dragged through the streets. Three other Americans were murdered and the military forces we had in the area were not allowed to come to their aid.  And so our first  black president who received the Nobel peace prize literally just for rising to the leadership of "racist" America is elected to a second term. (I truly hope some of the "American is so racist" rhetoric can be done away with now...It didn't seem to during our President's first term.)

Osama Bin Laden was sent to his reward on this President's watch for which I am grateful. But I have been much more distressed by our president than impressed so far. I am sorry but I do not see this as the shining hour of our country. I see it as the day a scandalous supporter of baby killing  gets a pass on every at every turn of policy, diplomacy and morality. (He does not support the rescue of infants that survive abortion or even partial birth abortion.)And why? The BEST answer I can hope for and still have faith in my country is he has been given a boost because being president is really difficult and culturally biased standards for governing should not apply to him.


And by the way, I have a theory or maybe an epiphany on why some of us conservatives always devolve into the abortion arguments. I think it comes down too this. Deep in our hearts we truly believe that if you are willing to kill an innocent baby because you are unwilling to have your life forcibly sidetracked or if you don't believe that that which is destined to become a human being in a month or three etc is worth protecting we are scared of what could possibly outside of your own self-interest be of value. Where would you draw the line? I really don't mean to be harsh. But to some of us that just seems ghoulish and frightening for society itself.

54,559,615 Abortions Since Roe vs. Wade Decision in 1973

by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 1/23/12 6:37 PM

A new estimate published by the National Right to Life Committee indicates there have been an estimated 54,559,615 abortions since the Supreme Court handed down its 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision allowing virtually unlimited abortions.
Although the March for Life took place today, yesterday was the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions — companion cases from Texas and Georgia that struck down pro-life laws protecting unborn children across the country.
In a new document, “Abortion Statistics: United States Data and Trends,” NRLC education director Dr. Randall K. O’Bannon estimates that there have been 54,559,615 abortions since 1973 based on data from both the Centers for Disease Control and the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, a former Planned Parenthood research arm. Guttmacher receives numbers directly from abortion centers themselves and is the prime source for more current figures because the Centers for Disease Control has never tabulated accurate numbers of abortions. The CDC relies on figures from state health departments, some of which rely on voluntary reporting — and it hasn’t had data from some states such as California and New Hampshire for more than a decade.
“Because of these different methods of data collection, GI has consistently obtained higher counts than the CDC. CDC researchers have admitted it probably undercounts the total number of abortions because reporting laws vary from state to state and some abortionists probably do not report or under-report the abortions they perform,” O’Bannon says.
The number means there are more than 3,300 abortions daily and 137 abortions per hour every hour in the United States. Translated another way, an abortion is done about every 30 seconds in the United States.

Read more:http://www.lifenews.com/2012/01/23/54559615-abortions-since-roe-vs-wade-decision-in-1973/

Why is that ok?


And yes with a traditional family unit as an ideal. It does scare me that it may well be that America may really have already been completely transformed morally. Kill babies. Save trees, whales and the convicted murderers. I love nature but the thought that one of my three kids or one of YOUR kids has less meaning and value than a seal or a plant... I just cannot wrap either my heart or my brain around that.  And to assume that a child has no use for both a mother and father since men and women are the same and  there could not possibly be any benefit to a traditional family structure. A black man, woman, boy or girl could not possibly pass a test written in standard "bigoted" "white"English. Leveling the playing field is one thing. Degrading the entire game is another.

 Forgive me if I sound bitter. I really did not expect any better of him. I expected better of us. I thought  more Americans would stand up for the truly innocent and helpless. And who is more innocent than an an unborn child? Forgive me, my liberal friends out there. I promise you that I am not hating. But abandoning the values and yes the faith in many cases of most of our founders is not a triumph. I think citizens should look out for each other at the community level starting with the youngest.  The government should not be promoting infanticide. And despite the claims of Safe-Legal and as rare as possible- that has been around 55 million lives snuffed out since 1973. Again I am sorry for being bitter.  I really don't mean to offend, guilt or belittle anyone. This just does not seem like progress to me. Looking at the President's record and agenda leaves me thoroughly depressed. And it is just a heartbreaking thought that the BEST I can believe is that the Presidency has degenerated to blind affirmative action. In America, it is a great time to be EWB: Elected While Black. (Unless you're a conservative.)

P.S.
To my liberal friends out there. I really don't want to pick I fight. I desperately want a dialogue with you. If I have been disrespectful that is not my intent. I just can't find a way to sugar coat some things. If I have crossed the line please let me know respectfully. I WILL listen. I will try harder.

Four More Years

In 2008, when it became evident the President Obama had been elected I started praying for him with my son. And now that he has been re-elected I will continue to do so. I will pray for all of our elected officials. And  in four years I will vote for whoever has the platform closest to my values. And will continue to draw my values from my understanding of the Bible. In the meantime, I will prayfully try to do this.

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

For Bible Believing Supporters of the President Only Please

For my bible believing brothers and sisters in Christ who support the President. Congratulations. I have had a day to recover and I can face you now. That said, I have a question for you all. And I desperately want honest answers. I was extremely conflicted about voting for Governor Romney as I have serious issues with Mormon doctrine. Ultimately, I vote the way I vote because I believe the platform of the Republican party is more alligned with biblical values than that of the Democratic party. As always, lay aside what each party claims about the other. All the mud that has been slung back and forth across the aisle is more than enough. I am talking ONLY about what each party claims as it's own values. Here a a few social issues with I believe biblical instruction directly or closely related to them.

Abortion/Abstinence vs "Sex Education"/Deity of Jesus/Support of Israel

 Leviticus 18:21 "'Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

President Obama

1997: opposed bill preventing partial-birth abortion

In 1997, Obama voted in the Illinois Senate against SB 230, a bill designed to prevent partial-birth abortions. In the US Senate, Obama has consistently voted to expand embryonic stem cell research. He has voted against requiring minors who get out-of-state abortions to notify their parents. The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) gives Obama a 100% score on his pro-choice voting record in the Senate for 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Ok for state to restrict late-term partial birth abortion On an issue like partial birth abortion, I strongly believe that the state can properly restrict late-term abortions. I have said so repeatedly. All I’ve said is we should have a provision to protect the health of the mother, and many of the bills that came before me didn’t have that.

Part of the reason they didn’t have it was purposeful, because those who are opposed to abortion have a moral calling to try to oppose what they think is immoral. Oftentimes what they were trying to do was to polarize the debate and make it more difficult for people, so that they could try to bring an end to abortions overall.

1 Corinthians 7:2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Teach teens about abstinence and also about contraception We’ve actually made progress over the last several years in reducing teen pregnancies, for example. And what I have consistently talked about is to take a comprehensive approach where we focus on abstinence, where we are teaching the sacredness of sexuality to our children.

But we also recognize the importance of good medical care for women, that we’re also recognizing the importance of age-appropriate education to reduce risks. I do believe that contraception has to be part of that education process.

Read more: http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm


 John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son

Obama: Jesus Is ‘A Son of God’
By Fred Lucas
April 4, 2012
."

(CNSNews.com) - Speaking to a group of Christian clergy at the Easter Prayer Breakfast he hosted at the White House on Wednesday, President Barack Obama referred to Jesus Christ as “a son of God.”

“It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace,” Obama said of Easter, which is this Sunday. “And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured--not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.”

Read more: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god

Genesis 12:2-3.  “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Ari Fleischer, Norm Coleman, Expose Obama’s Record on Israel, But Leave Too Much Hidden

Obama's proposed budget DECREASED funding for the much bragged about Israeli anti-missile systems. it was Congress which, in the end, practically doubled the President's proposed funding.

By: Lori Lowenthal Marcus

The evening began with a “preview” of a new RJC ad featuring Bryna Franklin, an American who now lives in Israel and who was, until recently, chair of “Democrats Abroad, Israel,” and was a past Democrat National Convention delegate. Franklin explained why she is voting for Romney, even though “she’s never voted for a Republican before in my life.” Franklin’s words seemed to resonate for many in the audience.

This was the RJC traveling trio’s ninth stop in 5 days. They had already appeared in Denver, Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, Reno, Las Vegas, Detroit, Boca Raton and Miami, Florida, with Philly as the caboose.

President George W. Bush’s press secretary Ari Fleischer re-introduced the theme of an earlier RJC ad campaign, the one called “Buyer’s Remorse,” which featured voters who had voted for Obama in 2008, but who were voting against him in 2012. Fleischer obviously was already a Republican, but he talked about why “Buyer’s Remorse” was such an apt meme for this campaign.

Why? “Because,” Fleischer said, “Obama earned it, he earned it by his actions, he had the Jewish community,” but he lost it. He ticked off a litany of missteps, including the President’s reversal of the commitment he made to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in 2008, when he called Jerusalem, “Israel’s undivided capital,” but on which he reversed himself. Fleischer said, “he caved, within 24 hours, he caved because of the pressure of ‘Palestinians.’”

Fleischer pointed out something that had been lost on most listeners. As someone whose job it was to manage the message coming out of the W. Bush White House, Fleischer realized what it meant when Vice President Joe Biden in March, 2010, used the word “condemned” when he criticized Israel for building in Jerusalem. “That word is the most severe word in the political lexicon,” Fleischer said. To put as fine a point as possible on it, he said, “during the Bush administration, we used the word ‘condemned’ to criticize terrorist attacks,” not the building of homes in Jerusalem.

Read More: http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/ari-fleischer-norm-coleman-expose-obamas-record-on-israel-but-leave-so-much-hidden/2012/11/05/


Genesis 2:24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Leviticus 18:22 “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.


Obama Reaffirms Same-Sex Marriage Platform As Election Closes

WASHINGTON -- An Obama administration official on Saturday confirmed the president's support for legislation that prevents the federal government from denying same-sex couples the same protections received by their straight counterparts. The same official also repeated that the president supports three ballot initiatives in separate states legalizing gay marriage, and opposes a constitutional amendment in Minnesota that would ban it.

The reiteration of the president's gay marriage plank comes at a time when neither campaign is actually litigating the issue (at least not publicly). But on Friday, the president was pressed on the matter during an interview with MTV. According to ABC News, he "demurred" when pressed as to whether he saw a federal role in advancing gay marriage during his second term.

The full transcript of the MTV interview tells a somewhat different story. While the president did say that to "try to legislate federally in this area is probably the wrong way to go," he also noted his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act, federal legislation that defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman.

"Obviously, the president has also supported a legislative appeal of the Defense of Marriage Act," added the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

The president has also instructed his Justice Department to stop defending DOMA in court, with hopes that the Supreme Court will eventually rule it unconstitutional. Finally, Obama has come out in support for the Respect For Marriage Act, which is a legislative repeal of DOMA. Absent that, there are few legislative or legal vehicles for Obama to push to affirm gay marriage on a federal level.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/27/obama-same-sex-marriage_n_2031258.html

If you know me Hopefully you  know that I AM NOT A HATER. I am not a mean-spirited person. 

I am not trying to pick a fight. I am not trying to sway anyone. (It's obviously too late for that.) I just read in the word of God that certain things are not alright with God as far as I can understand scripture. All I want to do  is ask one question. If you are a Christian and supported President Obama. Particularly, if you knew his positions on these biblically signifigant issues. I don't want to hear about your views on Romney/Republicans for this particular discussion. All I want to know is why, with your knowledge of the Presidents view and the Democratic positions on these issues, why do you support him/them? I am literally begging you to stay on task and explain to me why these positions are acceptable for a bible believing Christian. I REALLY want to know. Not why you can't vote for Republicans. Again that is for another discussion. But how do you justify voting for the President and the Democratic platform scripturally. Economics, defense, energy, etc. Let's keep all of that off the table. Just for now. PLEASE, help me to understand THESE issues ONLY. I don't want to argue. I just have to know. I will even bar non-Obama voters, including myself, from the discussion. I thank you in advance for your honest and thoughtful answers. Bible believing supporters of the President, you have the floor. 

My 90 Minute Plan For Peace

Up with Pixar: In these days of political porcupineyness we can all use a little pick me up. Ours Sunday was Up. As I said on Facebook while we watched, the first 11mins 37 secs contains the most touching love story in cinematic history.







The Incredibles is your typical super hero, family, interacial buddy, redemption odyssey. Monster's Inc, Finding Nemo et al each a masterpiece in it's own right. John Lassetter and company have dedication to story, character, creativity, detail and problem solving without equal.








And all that in a world that they have to create in it's entirety each time. And each film gives me GEEK TIME with my aspiring filmmaker son. The fact that they had to dial back how photoreal the water looked in Nemo.





Genius and dedication to craft. Up: Capturing the amazing natural beauty of the Tepui of Venezuela stunning, breathtaking.

 


They typically go on location to live and breathe the places they animate. So they can take us there. Toy Story 3: I found myself tearing up at the plight of TOYS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! My guts hurt from laughing them they went and broke my heart! I love it!

In fact, I love them all! So, whether your side won or lost in this epic political battle maybe we can all just grab someone from across the aisle and sit down together with a 90 minute peace offering of one of these shared American treasures.

I WISH US ALL THE BEST.  In the words of a famous cousin from across the pond. We made up with the Brits and now share a "special relationship" and please forgive me if you don't believe in Him. I am just wishing you the best according to my beliefs. God bless us everyone. God bless America. All of America.

Electioneering much?

Forget about the "Vote The Bible" T-shirt... 

Here's electioneering at it's best!

 

 

http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/fraud-intimidation-dirty-tricks-outrages/

Judge Orders Obama Mural At Philly Polling Place Covered - Forbes

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2012/11/06/judge-orders-obama-mural-at-philly-polling-place-covered/

The Obama Mural in a Philadelphia Polling Place IMAGE CREDIT: http://dailycaller.com/2012/11/06/photo-shows-obama-mural-at-philadelphia-poll/ In ...

Obama's Face Covered at Polling Place - Local News - Philadelphia ...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49713796/ns/local_news-philadelphia_pa/

NBC10 has a crew on the scene that snapped this picture, showing three sheets of paper covering the President's face. ... Obama's Face Covered at Polling Place.

Judge Orders Obama Mural Covered At Northeast Philadelphia Polling ...

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/11/06/judge-orders-obama-mural-covered-at-northeast-philadelphia-polling-place/

PHOTOS: Before And After: Celebrity Weight Changes; ... link) Related stories: Obama Mural in Philadelphia Polling Place…Obama Poster Hanging in Florida [...]

Live: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney in final stretch of election 2012 ...

http://www.news.com.au/world/live-barack-obama-mitt-romney-in-final-stretch-of-election-2012/story-fndir2ev-1226511582131

Bruce Springsteen performs at the grassroots rally in support of President Barack Obama. Picture: AP Source: AP. ... By the time all polling places close, ...

Weird Polling Place: LA McDonalds Playroom Serves Hollywood Residents

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/05/weird-polling-place-la-mcdonalds_n_2077820.html

The Polling Cake Is Baked: Obama Lead Holds In Battleground States, ... If strict photo ID measures were implemented, ... you head to your polling place, ...

Right Coast: Unreal: Obama mural inside polling place in Philly.

http://rightcoastconservative.blogspot.com/2012/11/nreal-obama-mural-inside-polling-place.html

A photo has surfaced of a large mural of President Barack Obama inside a polling location in Pennsylvania. “Unreal: Obama mural inside polling place in Philly.

Obama Mural Ordered Covered at Philadelphia Polling Place | NBC ...

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/Obamas-Face-Covered-at-Polling-Place-After-Court-Order-177520591.html

A Philadelphia court judge ordered poll workers to cover up a mural of President Barack Obama that was inside a polling place at ... NBC10 snapped a picture showing ...

Obama Mural in Philadelphia Polling Place - Blogrunner

http://www.blogrunner.com/snapshot/D/1/7/obama_mural_in_philadelphia_polling_place/

Here's a picture of an Obama mural at a Philadelphia polling place: Unreal: Obama mural inside polling place in Philly. No wonder they are kicking out GOP officials. ..