The cost of a 28th row ticket for the Yankees 2011 home opener is $1,211.
Monthly Archives: February 2011
Raunchy Nintendo Wii game for kids as young as 12 | The Sun |News
Raunchy Nintendo Wii game for kids as young as 12 | The Sun |News.
Our children our constantly under assault by manufacturers offering ‘entertainment’ to 12+ age groups. Know what and where your kids are playing video games.
Motorists facing £6 a gallon at the pump due to Libya crisis – Telegraph
And we thought it was bad here – up, up and up . . .
Motorists facing £6 a gallon at the pump due to Libya crisis – Telegraph.
Crybabies
Gaddafi addresses crowd in Tripoli – Africa – Al Jazeera English
Obama, First Lady Get Their Groove On To Motown Hits
Favorite photo event – Remembering our Veterans
 |
 |
| This free photo collage made with Smilebox |
Grant’s Quotes of the Week
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK, FEBRUARY 20, 2011
“President George W. Bush has endorsed an increase in the minimum wage … Government wage-setting is supported by organized labor, and not for the purpose of helping poor people. Rather, the goal is to put out of work lesser-trained, low-wage competitors to union members. We need a Republican president to help organized labor do this?” . . . columnist Doug Bandow (2007) . . .
“The worst crime against working people is a company which fails to operate at a profit” . . . American labor union leader Samuel Gompers (1850-1924) . . .
“While General Motors recently announced that it will cut production by 150,000 a year, another automaker unveiled plans to open a new assembly plant. Guess which one is unionized?” . . . . Investor’s Business Daily (2007) . . .
“The employer [of government workers] is the whole people, [with] the obligation to serve the whole people, whose interests and welfare require orderliness and continuity in the conduct of Government activities. This obligation is paramount. Since their own services have to do with the functioning of the Government, a strike of public employees manifests nothing less than an intent on their part to prevent or obstruct the operations of Government until their demands are satisfied. Such action, looking toward the paralysis of Government by those who have sworn to support it, is unthinkable and intolerable.” . . . Franklin D. Roosevelt, predicting the consequences of monopoly bargaining in the government sector, in 1937. . . .
“[G]overnment employees should never, ever be allowed to organize. The need for a union comes down to this question: Do you have a boss who wants you to work harder for less money? In the private sector, the answer is yes. In the public sector, the answer is a big, fat NO. … Government unions have nothing in common with private sector unions because they don’t have hostile management on the other side of the bargaining table. To the contrary, the “bosses” of government employees are co-conspirators with them in bilking the taxpayers. … Far from being careful stewards of the taxpayers’ money, politicians are on the same side of the bargaining table as government employees — against the taxpayers, who aren’t allowed to be part of the negotiation. This is why the head of New York’s largest public union in the mid-’70s, Victor Gotbaum, gloated, ‘We have the ability to elect our own boss.’” . . . lawyer, journalist Ann Coulter . . .
“The power of the teachers unions is one of the best reasons to pursue the separation of school and state. There is no simple reform, no fancy political trick that will break the power of the teachers unions over the day-to-day activities of public schools. Given the realities of campaign contributions and organized greed, it will always be easier for teachers unions to exploit the education system for their own benefit than for parents to fight the eternal bureaucratic and political wars necessary to protect their children.” . . . writer and policy adviser James Bovard . . .
“Greece has cultural problems that contribute to its economic implosion. But there are similarities to the U.S. as well . . . One in three Greeks works for the government. . . . While [our] private employers were shedding jobs during the recession, state and local governments hired 110,000 new workers. Obama’s new spending will result in a 14.5 percent increase in the number of federal employees in just two years. . . . It’s no coincidence that the states with the most powerful public sector unions — New Jersey, California, and New York — are facing the most severe budget crises. Greece is in flames, but if you look around, you can smell the smoke here as well.” . . . columnist Mona Charen (2010) . . .
“Politics being what it is, we are sure to hear all sorts of doomsday rhetoric at the thought of cutbacks in government spending. The poor will be starving in the streets, to hear the politicians and the media tell it. But the amount of money it would take to keep the poor from starving in the streets is chump change compared to how much it would take to keep on feeding unions, subsidized businesses and other special interests who are robbing the taxpayers blind. Letting armies of government employees retire in their fifties, to live for decades on pensions larger than they were making when they were working, costs a lot more than keeping the poor from starving in the streets. … Bankruptcy says: ‘We just don’t have the money.’ … Bailouts say: ‘Give the taxpayers a little rhetoric, and a little smoke and mirrors with the book-keeping, and we can keep the party rolling.’ One of the political games that is played during a budget crisis is to cut back on essential services like police departments and fire departments, in order to blackmail the public into accepting higher tax rates. Often, a lot more money could be saved by getting rid of runaway pension contracts with public sector unions. Bankruptcy can do that. Bailouts cannot.” . . . Stanford, Hoover Institute economist Thomas Sowell . . .
“Legalized corruption is widespread and that’s the job of 35,000 Washington, D.C., lobbyists earning millions upon millions of dollars. They represent America’s big and small corporations, big and small labor unions and even foreign corporations and unions. They are not spending billions of dollars in political contributions to encourage and assist the White House and Congress to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. They are spending that money in the expectations of favors that will be bestowed upon them at the expense of some other American or group of Americans. … The only way to reduce corruption and money in Washington is to reduce the power politicians have over our lives.” . . . George Mason University economics professor Walter E. Williams . . .
“I believe that what is wrong with our schools in this nation is that they have become unionized in the worst possible way. This unionization and life-time employment of K-12 teachers is off-the-charts crazy… What kind of person could you get to run a small business if you told them that when they came in they couldn’t get rid of people that they thought weren’t any good? Not really great ones because if you’re really smart you go, ‘I can’t win’.” . . . co-founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs . . .
“Unionism seldom, if ever, uses such power as it has to insure better work; almost always it devotes a large part of that power to safeguarding poor work.” . . . journalist H. L. Mencken (1880-1956) . . .
“There is not enough money because the production of rights and benefits has outstripped the production of wealth.” . . . Christopher Caldwell writing in the Weekly Standard . . .
Gaddafi: Barakeh Obama is friend
Gaddafi: Barakeh Obama is friend – Israel News, Ynetnews.
Libyan leader praises US president: ‘He is of Muslim descent, his policy should be supported, as he now leans towards peace’
Roee Nahmias
Published: 04.17.10, 15:15 / Israel News
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi considers the US president a blessing to the Muslim world. In a speech published in London-based al-Hayat newspaper on Saturday, Gaddafi praised Barack Obama, called him a “friend” and said there is no longer any dispute between his country and the US.
Speaking in the Libyan city of Sirt at an event marking the 24th anniversary of an American attack on Libya, he said, “At the time, we were the target of the American cannon, the American navy challenged us in the gulf of Sirt and attacked us all along Libya’s shores. America tested Libya, and the Libyan people resisted the large country, but today, thank God, the difference is great.”
Equality
Gaddafi: Palestinians should have nukes / AFP
Libyan leader says Arab nations and ‘even the Palestinians’ should be allowed nuclear weapons as long as Israel’s nuclear ambitions are tolerated. He adds he would oppose Iran acquiring nuclear weapons if it acknowledges such a goal
Full Story
He said, “Now, ruling America is a black man from our continent, an African from Arab descent, from Muslim descent, and this is something we never imagined – that from Reagan we would get to Barakeh Obama.”
Gaddafi stressed that Obama’s presidency is “a major historical gain” and said, “He is someone I consider a friend. He knows he is a son of Africa. Regardless of his African belonging, he is of Arab Sudanese descent, or of Muslim descent. He is a man whose policy should be supported, and he should be assisted in implementing it in any way possible, since he is now leaning towards peace.”
He continued, “I urge all peoples to give him this chance and to support this policy, because America is a country that, when its policy is bad – harms the world, and when it is good – it helps the world.”
The Libyan leader also expressed hopes that, “the dream that Obama has for a world free of nuclear weapons will come true. This is something that no previous American president has proposed. Obama is a man who opposes wars that previous American presidents were entangled in; he has declared that he will withdraw from Afghanistan and Iraq – something which has never been proposed before.”
Despite the warm sentiments towards the American leader, he stressed, “The Arabs hate America, there is no doubt. There is not an Arab that loves America, and even the leaders who the United States considers allies or friends – hate it. The external love is merely hypocrisy or pragmatism. The reason for this is clear – Palestine.”
In this context he said, “The Palestinians today are like the Jews of the past – dispersed in exile and persecuted. Now the Palestinians are at a point where they deserve to have the United States on their side and not on the side of the Israelis.”
He reiterated his demand to allow the millions of Palestinian refugees around the world to return to the land where, according to his vision, a nuke-free democratic state by the name of Isratine should be established.
Rebel with a Cause – Pastor Fred Z – Bikers for Christ International
I’m not your typical Christian Minister. My reddish-blond hair is long. I have a beard, earrings, tattoos, and I wear a black leather jacket with a patch on the back. The street people know me simply as Pastor Z, and when I tell them about my faith, many listen. I am the founder of Bikers for Christ, an international Christian biker ministry. I visit places few people would dare to go. I scan rock concert crowds for young people with a deadly attraction for the fast lane. I hang out with “all types” of bikers (MC members, 1%ers, social clubs, in-laws and outlaws), addicts, hookers and wayward teens. (2 Timothy 4:5)
My journey has been long and hard. From the time I was thirteen years old until I met the Lord, I used and sold drugs. Later in life, I rode choppers and chose my own lifestyle. Not many things slowed me down, not a drug bust in the 70s, a stint in the military, not even a drug overdose. In 1974, life as I knew it came to a halt, (literally) when I crashed my motorcycle into a stone wall! (1 Sam:15:22) For the next eight months, while recovering from my injuries, I began thinking about God and the meaning of life and about my youth and the life I had led. This became a turning point in my life.
Rebellion had been a way of life. At age thirteen, I started smoking pot and drinking beer. By age fourteen, I had graduated to speed, downers, and sex. Soon I was into LSD two or three times a week, even taking it while in classes at school. At fifteen I had my first experience with bikes. I was at a parade when more than a dozen outlaws pulled up and began to party, defying anyone who challenged them. When a fight broke out with a rival club, I found myself actually rooting for them . . . like a Roman cheering the gladiators. I was already hooked on living a wild lifestyle.
At seventeen, my dependence on drugs grew stronger. I started eating reds and qualudes like they were candy, and also tried snorting and shooting heroin. To support my habit I stole bike parts from a motorcycle shop I worked at and traded them to bikers for money and drugs. I even resorted to ripping off cars and breaking into homes.
I dropped out of school and hitch-hiked across the country, ending up at a large anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., where I took some LSD and watched the Washington Monument melt . . . or so I thought. (Proverbs 1:7-19) I was busted for selling drugs to an undercover cop, and the law gave me a choice – go to jail or join the military. I suddenly felt a burst of patriotism. I arrived at Great Lakes Naval Training Center less than two weeks later, but even the military became a joke to me. Within a few months, I was back to dealing drugs and getting into more trouble.
While in the Navy, I bought my first large street bike – an 850cc Norton Commando. I raced people for cases of beer and bags of dope and rode with a couple of bike clubs. It was during this time that I hit the wall (literally and figuratively). After being discharged from the Navy. I went home for a few months, but couldn’t handle being tied down. I headed up to Alaska, but I was soon back in the party mode. (Eccl. 1:3-9)
One day a Christian girl invited me to her church. I thought Christians were all geeks and hypocrites, but she was cute, so I decided to go to church with her, thinking she would later party with me. Before meeting her at church, I smoked a few joints and popped a couple of pills, figuring I would go there and tell those Christians how deceived they were.
Although I didn’t like preachers, this one seemed to be speaking directly to me. I was sure the Christian girl had told the pastor I was coming, because I didn’t know anything about the power of the Holy Spirit. As I listened to his message, my defenses slowly broke down. I could feel something tugging inside of me. So, when the altar call was given, I ran down the aisle, accepted the Lord, was baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit, all in the same night. (John 3:1-8)
My life changed radically. God had given me the gift of evangelism. In the next few months, the church people watched in wonder as this long-haired guy with Harley wings on his jacket herded his van full of young people into the church every week. I served the Lord at that church for more than a year and even tried going to Bible school. (Rev. 3:20) (John 1:12-13)
But something was wrong. The church was pretty legalistic and although I was filled with a lot of zeal, I wasn’t grounded in the Lord. Before I knew it, my ‘old nature’ started rearing its ugly head. For a few months I’d do great, then go back to partying, then make a comeback to the Lord. (2 Peter 2:22) My Christian experience seemed like a yo-yo.
I wish I could tell you that I’ve always made good choices in life or have always done the right thing, but I haven’t. Choosing to cling to the pain and hurt from my past, I’ve made some terrible life decisions. One of the most painful was divorce. I can only tell you that God hates divorce! It devastates families. (Malachi 2:14-16)
I am thankful that our God is good, full of grace and mercy. He is able to take the worst situations and make things new. After coming to the end of myself, I realized that serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, mind and strength, was the only way to have peace and fulfillment in my life. It was and is my desire to have Him rule and reign in my life everyday. He continually changes me, helping me grow in the knowledge and grace that He promises. (2 Cor. 5:17)
I have a beautiful wife named, Esther. She is my soul-mate and partner in the Lord’s work. I have three beautiful daughters, Melody, Sandra and Andrea and grandchildren whom I love with all my heart, and who love me. I am also thankful for the close friends, brothers and sisters in Christ that are literally all over the world. Serving God and being in His presence are the ultimate high that anyone can experience. (Proverbs 18:22) (Psalms 127:3)
God has given me the gift of evangelism and teaching. I have had the privilege of sharing His love and truths with many different types of people, on the streets, in churches and at outreaches. It’s an exciting thing to be able to witness to people about the awesome things God has done and continues to do in my life. In 1987 I was licensed as a minister, and in 1990 I was ordained as a pastor. I am able to perform weddings, help with funerals and memorial services and share the gospel in hospitals, juvenile halls and in the jails. (Psalms 104:4) God has done many miracles, and incredible things in my life, family, and ministries.
In 1990, I founded BIKERS FOR CHRIST International Motorcycle Ministry. Since then it has grown to thousands of members in the U.S. and overseas. The Lord Jesus Christ has given our members a burden to reach out to all types of people, including “normal” folks, outlaw and independent bikers, drug addicts, alcoholics, rebellious teens, rock n’ rollers, punkers, satanists, and others to whom God leads us. We use our motorcycles as tools for evangelism, sharing the gospel with everyone we meet. We’ve promoted Christian rock bands that offer an alternative for young people. We’ve seen many souls saved and backsliders reconciled. It’s very rewarding to see the Lord change people’s lives as they yield themselves to Him. (John 15:4-10)
From 1990 TO 2001, I served as a Calvary Chapel pastor in Northern California. In 2003, I began a church in a bike shop and called it “Rushing Wind Ministries”, also known as the “Biker Church”. We now hold our Sunday service, Bible studies and events in a rented space that also is home to our BFC Headquarters and offices. I am the senior pastor and am blessed to say that we have started over a dozen other ‘Rushing Wind Ministry” biker churches since 2003.
God is truly a God of second chances and mighty miracles. In addition to being the pastor at the church in Oceanside, California I travel as an evangelist all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico and parts of Europe, and I have had the pleasure of leading thousands of people to faith in Christ. (Rom. 10:13-15)
God has also given me the opportunity to share the Gospel message with people like Jay Leno, Charlie Hunnam, Emilio Rivera, Lorenzo Lamas, Peter Fonda, Mick Fleetwood, Billy Idol, Robert Patrick, Brett Michaels, the guys in Motley Crue, the artists at LA Ink, plus bike builders Jesse James, Billy Lane, Arlen Ness, Paul Yaffee and others. I’ve also been able to share with many of the leaders of most of the hard-core motorcycle clubs in the U.S. and abroad. Matthew 9:10-13
Jesus freed me from the bondage of drug addiction and other sins, and I’ve found that living for Jesus and serving Him is the only way to have real peace and true purpose in life. Life is short, and we need to live life with eternity in mind. The Bible says that “life is a vapor” and we are only here for a short time. (James 4:14)
Those who are Christians will enter heaven for an eternity. Those who die in their sins will face an eternity away from God. We each choose the road we’ll take. Some take the road that leads to destruction and death; but everyone can make a U-turn and get on the road that leads to life. Make the most of your time on earth by loving God, loving your family and friends, and trusting Him who died for your sins – Jesus Christ. (Matt. 7:13-14) (Joshua 24:15)
Love and Respect, Pastor Fred Z.
If you’d like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then pray this prayer – and mean it: ‘Dear Father, please forgive my sins and wash them clean by the precious blood of Your Son. I ask you to come into my heart and change me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to be a better person as You lead and guide me. Write my name in Your Book of Life so I may have the hope of heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The Next Step:
Continue reading
Trailblazer1 - going beyond . . . 
You must be logged in to post a comment.