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Saturday, October 13, 2012

New York Comic-Com 2012

      Another year at NYCC and I was not thrilled, I usually stay for a good 8 hours or longer in the past and just did not have it in me and did not feel after 3 hours that there was anything really for me to see or catch my fancy. First off the bat I noticed Hasbro and other attendees of last year, Hasbro is a big part of the show for me so they were sorely missed. I did also hear a few negative comments by both the Con goers and the Exhibitors. A big complaint was about Hasbro, Intel and other Exhibitors not showing up for this years con all the way to the cos play at this years con. I was not happy with Marvel or D.C. and there booths in the least. Again Marvel handed out free preview books and not complete issues, the run of the mill stuff you expect on Free Comic Book Day. I subscribe to the D.C. way of handing out complete issues of there properties to try and get new readership, It does work. Problem is D.C. was handing out books from The New 52 from last year, some titles which me and many goers already got last year. Also for every good costume there was about 100 plus bad ones, at least I walked away with some good pictures last year. Almost nothing was picture worthy except one I could not get of the Black Widow at the Marvel stage. Hopefully all this is fixed for next year, so enough complaining and let me present what I feel was noteworthy and actually made my trip worth it.

1. D. C. Comics actually had some boss sculpts I will show since I feel they really deserve the exposure because of the work put into them.

     All in all I would say these are some sweet pieces, I do not collect myself due to lack of space provided to me to store my comic related material but there are a few here I would love to get my slimy paws on. It also took the sting out of not being so happy with this years show.

2. Dead Man's Party

     A second year in a row I get to meet up with the artist of Dead Man's Party Scott Barnett and talk shop. It is much appreciated and will use what I took away. If any one has missed the reviews on the first two issues I will attach the links here and trust me when I say this is a great read.

Dead Man's Party Issue #1 Review

Dead Man's Party Issue #2 Review

3. G.I. Joe A Real American Hero (Larry Hama Style)

     So I did a very bad thing when I was younger, for some strange reason I traded away my Marvel Larry Hama G.I. Joe A Real American Hero! collection. Well I am paying for it now, I have been trying hard to reacquire all the books I got rid of most stupidly for I have no clue what I did get in return for them to this day. So every year I make it a must to stop by one of the comic dealer booths to get more Joe books to complete this collection. I am now on my way to needing less than 20% of the 155 books and this made the Con to me 100% worth it. I hope NYCC does a better job next year and there is always room for improvement. Hopefully I will have a table next year and hope all comes to visit and support me.

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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Travel Back in Time - Vigan Tour - Day 1

“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”  ― Steve Maraboli

We left Partas Pasay Terminal at 1850H. Starving as I am, not so comfy at the backseat of the bus, MJ and I were excited to begin our adventure. Yeah, we do miss our travel buddies. It's good to have great friends who can join the blissful feel of journeying. But things come and go, everybody changes and so are friends. ----- my arteries just want to share:: that as we give a part of ourselves to people whom we shared our life, happiness, downfall, love and passion - that whatever happened in the past whether good or bad, they are still a part of us. Even if we try to avoid everything about them, they're like tattoos stuck with us no matter what. I guess, it's just because we still care for them. Long land travels lets my mind reminisce so much even if I don't want to. It's like an automatic button when I'm in idle mode, the memoirs just flickers in my head. Ah, enough of the this emo telling. :) Let's start with the adventure anyway!

Arrived at Vigan around 0400H super dooper early in the morning. Since Green R Hotel is near the terminal, we checked-in immediately so that we can rest and reserve some energy for today's quest.

Green R Hotel Entrance
The sun was shining brightly from the hotel window as if telling me to get up. It was 0700H and yeah, I'm in Vigan and I shouldn't waste any minute nestling in bed. So MJ and I prepared ourselves for the Vigan Tour with our scratched itinerary and ballpen to account our endeavor.

Since we don't have a specific location in mind, a city map nor unlimited phone internet, we asked a tricycle driver to bring us to Calle Crisologo. After 5 minutes or less, the tricycle stopped infront of Crisologo Museum. We were like, "Ang lapit naman pala! Manong Calle Crisologo na po ba to?" He said "Oo Crisologo na". Only to find out, it's the Museum not the Calle. It's a good start for this day anyway. The Museum was still closed so we roam around to find a restaurant or any carinderia.

We ended up in Abuelita's Restaurant in the corner of Calle Mabini and A. Reyes. There's no better way to stuff our rice loving bellies with Longsilog for me and Tapsilog for MJ. The food was just okay, similar to the usual silogs. Aside from the longganiza + sukang Vigan, there's nothing special.

After the very nice breakky, we headed back to Crisologo Museum. Since it's an old structure, expect it to be tattered. But I think they should renovate or atleast clean it always. There I found out that Floro Crisologo was the author and spearheaded SSS which we have right now. He was brutally assassinated inside the church! And the Lady Governor who was then pregnant was ambushed, but luckily survived! Imagine the political rivalry during that time. You can also find the Caruaje used by Carmina Villaroel and Rustom Padilla (now Bebe GandangHari) in their movie Maruja.

Crisologo Museum
Crisologo Clan...
The Car where the pregnant Lady Governor was ambushed
Subsequent to the historic experience in Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion was our next destination. We asked the passing tricycle driver to bring us to Syquia Mansion. Again, after 5 minutes or less, we reached the huge Mansion. Observing this Mansion turned Museum, it is very evident that the family who lived there was so rich and had a very luxurious life. Fortunately, museums are open during day time. I think this Mansion is eerie at night time. There were mirrors everywhere, large portraits and more mirrors! Even though someone is still living here (a family or caretaker lives in the other room prohibited to public), it still feels creepy. Alicia Syquia was married to the former President Elpidio Quirino, now I know! =)

Dining Hall in Syquia Mansion
One of the many huge portraits in Syquia Mansion
We hired the tricycle to roam us around Vigan. Sorry but the forgetful me cannot remember his name. :( All I know is his tricycle number VGN 1334 (as if it could help!). I think he is  good man for he never said the price for his services. He just said "Kayo n po bahala, basta ganito po ung pamasahe from ... to ...." . Unlike the not all but most taxi drivers here in Manila, when you jumped in the cab, they will hastily say "Ma'am dagdag na lang po ng 50pesos.." Hell yeah why do they always do that especially during wee hours. Just telling....

Anyway, Manong whom I forgot the name, took us to Loom Weaving - where the the colorful and beautiful cloth are meticulously made. This was not in our itinerary but Manong asked us if we want to see it. We're here to see everything so go lang Manong! =D

Loom Weaving

Baluarte - Owned by Gov. Chavit Singson is an enormous sort of zoo. It seems unfinished yet due to ongoing construction in various areas.

Baluarte ni Chavit
Pinagburnayan Jar Making House - both MJ and I tried to make a clay jar. The Manong who assisted us demonstrated how to do it first. Then MJ attempted to do the craft. And she was good for a first timer. For me, all I can say is wah! =) For people who doesn't know me well, I have a firm grip on everything. My hands just does it and can't hold anything on loose. Since the clay must be hold on delicately, I wasn't able to make it right. The shape just goes to any direction. Manong was instructing me "Ma'am, wag mo diinan ang hawak para tumaas.." Ah sorry naman po! I'm trying to ease my grip, but still the output was not so good at all. Well, what matters was the fun of doing it which was incredible!

MJ making her clay jar
her almost perfect masterpiece
Oh okay where is my Patrick Swayze (RIP+)?
i know I'm no Demi Moore but thought I was supposed to do
the Unchained Melody Pucca style haha! :D
Maybe Patrick Swayze should get back to life so

I can experience that! yay! @_@
So mine does not look like a jar eh? Hey that's an art piece!
Don't argue with that hehehe
Bantay Bell Tower - this was used during the Spanish era to look over the town. As it's name Bantay which means 'to guard'. The Tower has five bells with different  sizes and purpose. The bell used for the mass is different from the one used during weddings, baptism, funeral and defense alarm. According to the guide, the largest bell was then used by the late Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) on his movie Panday.

Bantay Bell Tower
The largest Bell in Bantay Tower. Notice the hole on the upper left?
 It is where Panday (FPJ) pierced his sword.
The Hidden Garden - Owned by the cheerful and friendly Architect Francis Flores, it is a huge garden where you can relax and feast your eyes with the wonderful plants and clay arts.

Chill at Hidden Garden
Burgos Plaza / Calle Crisologo - Antiquated pavements and houses with capiz windows was a fascinating sight. Even some establishments like Mcdo, Max's and Legacy disco house was holding an ancient aura. Wandering around Plazas Burgos / Salcedo and Calle Crisologo under the torrid heat of Mr. Sun, we decided to go back to the Hotel and come back later to experience Calle Crisologo at night.

Calle Crisologo

Numerous Calesas at Plaza Burgos
Calle Crisologo....
Vintage Calle Crisolgo
Truly that the famous Calle was stunning with lights. It is great that the old-fashioned style is being preserved here in Vigan. A wonderful experience to travel back in the time of our lolos and lolas :)

Dawn at Calle Crisologo
Delighted MJ

now playing: Everytime I Close My Eyes - Babyface feat Mariah - And every time I close my eyes I thank the lord that I've got you And you've got me too And every time I think of it I pinch myself 'cause I don't believe it's true That someone like you Loves me too♩♪

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Happy Easter!

Easter is my (Johnny) favorite holiday. Searching back through my memories it seems that I have always loved this holiday. Certainly as a child it was more about candy, getting dressed up for church and egg hunts than any faith related event. There is just something about searching around the back yard for brightly dyed eggs and those oh so precious plastic ones full of jelly beans.

When I decided as a teenager to get serious about figuring this God thing out, which I still have not, the holiday became more about the resurrection of Jesus. Remembering the crucifixion and all the events leading up to it took precedence over the candy and eggs. I even adopted a few years back the practice of meditating on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Morning on the fact that the original followers of Jesus did not expect his resurrection. They would have been devastated at his murder by the state and trying to figure out whether or not it was worth following his teachings even though he had been so easily captured and executed. I like to think, or hope, I would have still followed his teachings and example, even without the hope of the resurrection. Guess I will never know, since I learned the end of the story first.

I know there is a lot of theological debate about the resurrection and the events leading up to it. There must be thousands of atonement theories out there. Many people, there are even some days I must admit I am one, cannot even accept the resurrection. It is just too big a magical leap for a good number of us educated folks. There are times when I get bogged down with the details and theology. I have to be honest and say that I do not mind getting lost in the story and trying to figure it out. I love that kind of stuff. However, that is all it is when you deconstruct it, stuff.

What really matters is what does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? How it works is just fun talk and speculation. Not a single person reading this was there in Jerusalem a couple of thousand years ago. No one wrote down details about the event; first century Palestinians did not write play by play accounts of events. If we are being honest, or at least honest enough, we have no way to know definitively what happened on that day.

I can already hear/read the response, "I know what happened on that day. It's in the Bible. If it's in the Bible it must be factual." Today we are celebrating Easter 2017. That is the year 2017. This year. We know stuff. We know stuff about stuff. Our stuff knows more stuff about stuff than the smartest person knew in the first century. There is no scientific evidence that the resurrection took place. None. Zip. Nada. Yet I still believe in the resurrection. Why? I choose to have faith.

Faith is not scientific. Faith is not black and white. Faith is not measurable with a scale or a ruler. Faith is believing in something unbelievable. Living for something bigger than understanding. Faith transcends science. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is not something provable, which is why it is called faith.

I believe in the resurrection because it gives me hope. I have hope in Jesus. In him. Not the religion that Paul and others founded in his name, but in the man Jesus who was from Nazareth. Jesus came and preached a radical anti-empire anti-religion and pro-people message. He did this knowing that the Empire regularly crucified people for doing that very thing. He continually admonished his followers and listeners to love their enemies knowing that these very people where longing to overthrow their oppressors and mete out justice on them. He willing went to the cross in faith that his message would be preserved and passed down the ages.

This brings me hope. The God I grew up with would never have endorsed the Sermon on the Mount. No sir. That god wanted to squash me for looking at girls. That all powerful god needed my money, or rather as I was taught in church he wanted his money back. The god I grew up with hated people so much that he created a place of everlasting torment just so he could watch them suffer. That god scared me; in fact that was the point. Hope dawned as I read the Gospels for myself. I was stunned. After that I read the entire protestant Bible front to back several times in a row. Then I parked myself in the sermon on the mount. This Jesus was a man that I did not have to fear. He did not want to stab out my eye, or deposit me in hell to be tortured day after day for all of eternity just because I forgot to dot an i or cross a t. He was lovable and full of love.

The resurrection is God's stamp of approval on Jesus. It is God's way of saying this guy is worth paying attention to and following. Easter brings hope. I have hope that if we can live the message of Jesus, our lives, the whole world, will become paradise.

“Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.”
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Not Just Words

Our monthly newsletter recently went out (if you are not getting it sign up here,) where I wrote about the passage in Matthew 25 concerning the sheep and the goats.

Here is the part I quoted in the newsletter:

Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

This is one of my favorite passages in the New Testament. Lovely little story that I decided to dare to believe one day. In fact Kate and I rearranged our entire lives in order to live out this story.

No fear, I have not gone off the deep end. My feet are firmly on the ground, and I am not keeping a tally of sheep or goat personality traits. This is not something to take literally. God is not actually sorting people out like they are sheep and/or goats. Nope. Stories do not have to be factual to be true.

We should care for one another, and we should care for those that society or culture has rejected or ignored. That is the truth.

I graduated from high school in 1992. Glad to be free of that indoctrination machine, I have not really spent much time since then reminiscing. Yet as I was thinking about this passage from Matthew yesterday a memory surfaced. I was reminded of a time when I failed to be there for one of those in my school who was bullied, oppressed, and rejected. Personally I was on the bottom of the social ladder. Fat and antisocial I just was not cool material. Honestly this did not bother me. I thrive by myself and loved all the free time to read. Bullies quickly learned that I fought back, and would leave me alone. Unfortunately not everyone can fight back. There was this one kid who was a complete outcast. Awkward to the nth degree, but always trying to be a part. He or she, I cannot remember now, used to come to school wearing Star Trek uniforms. Needless to say this was before cosplay was mainstream. I do remember thinking on more than one occasion that I should reach out and be a friend. I never did, and I regret it.

In each of our lives we have these "least of these" type of people. Kate and I decided to move to Kenya and work with orphans, especially orphaned girls, because they are overlooked and ignored in this culture. Each time we pay a school fee, buy a school uniform, buy food, or take one to the hospital we are reaffirming that they have value. We are saying "you are seen. "

Thank you to those who help us to love these children here in Kenya. We, meaning us and them, appreciate it dearly.

I cannot think of one aspect of us or our "mission" that is unorthodox. Almost from the beginning we chose to start down paths that would lead us into uncharted territory for missionaries. Do we dare go where no cross culture minister has gone before? Apparently we dared.

It all started with the feeling that we should not make our lives about fund raising. We worked up a budget, sent out a letter to everyone we knew, asked our church for funding (they said no,) and prayed. One is not supposed to set off for the foreign mission field without having raised a majority of the support needed. We had about two people committed to give monthly and $400 when we set off in January of 2005. Not a typical start.

We did not even know where we were going to live. Not that we did not have a house. We did not even know what city we would end up in. Just a vague idea and a couple of guys we know from the first time we were in Kenya. In fact almost as soon as we arrived our plans changed.

A lot of stuff happens (you will have to wait for the book,) and we decide to leave organized religion behind. This is by far the biggest departure from normal missionary behavior for us. Sure we have met others who are in between churches, but never someone who closed that door. We do not attend church meetings. We do not belong to any religious organization. (I, Johnny, am actually a member of a Christian Universalist group, but since paying my membership fee a few years ago I have not actually participated in the network.) We have no scheduled prayer times, Bible studies, or any other religious paraphernalia. We do not attempt to indoctrinate our children, nor yours.

It can be lonely, but we have found a way to survive. No, that's wrong. We have found a way to thrive. Freedom from religious obligation has been one of the greatest things to happen to us. Not only do we have more time, but not being afraid of failing a pastor, elders, or God is truly life changing. Should be required of all missionaries.

Not that all is rosy all the time outside of Christian institutions. Finding donors can be difficult, sometimes downright impossible. We do not have a system to rely on in times of trouble or crisis. Remembering all the forgotten religious language for the missionary fellowship is a challenge.

Actually now that I think about it the bad side is tiny, minuscule really, compared to the positive side. People help us financially. We sometimes have special campaigns that get funded, and folks (more than 2 now) give on a monthly or semi-monthly basis. (Of course we could always use help in this area.) We have made new friends here in Kenya, and across the internet. Not bad at all.

We are not typical missionaries, but then do you want the same old same old?

Sticks and stones will break my bones
But words will never harm me.

Remember that from way back when you were still a kid? I grew up as a fat kid, which means bullying was an everyday affair in elementary school. While I can't specifically remember throwing this phrase at a bully, I for sure thought it in his/her general direction. Thing is it's not true, the phrase that is.

Words mean a great deal to me, and others. Taunting, name calling, and verbal barrages do more damage to me than sticks or stones could ever. I am not sure if I am too sensitive, or have simply read too many words. However I became how I am, I am how I am now. Words hurt.

I am sure one of the reasons I sympathise with the homosexual community is that I have heard a lot of bad words thrown at them. When Kate and I argue over parenting issues, words are generally at the core. Funny thing is I don't really use many words myself. Not talkative, describes me fairly well. I am not shy, and can speak at length (just come hear one of my sermons.) I just like to preserve my words. Not that I always think before I speak. Kate can attest to that flaw in my life.

Not sure why I am writing this, but words do mean something. Labels we put on ourselves or others can either be freeing or restricting. On the other side of the coin some people do not put such value on words. Words do not harm them as much, and often they fail to see the impact their words have on others. I try to keep in mind that just because someone speaks something negative doesn't mean that that negativity is in their heart.

That big word that divides children from adults. The word that either excites or fills one with a sense of dread.

Parents at some point in a child's development start to try and instill a sense of responsibility in that tyke. Usually starts with picking up after yourself, or something like that. Works for most people. We learn how to be and that it is good to be responsible.

So who is responsible for problems like orphaned children? Sure we could draw a chart and place blame on that child's family, government, church, or community. Responsibility is easy to assign to someone else. Unfortunately at some point after we grow up some of us learn to shirk our responsibilities.

Justification is a terrible trait we humans possess. We can justify our bad behavior. Excuses can be found for not helping a child. Not helping a helpless child. Yes we can explain why they are not our problem. We are good at pointing fingers.

Really? Is evolution going backwards? If we can find any, any, excuse to not stop and pick up a hurting child, then we are no better than the lion who eats the orphaned cubs of the pride he just conquered.

The time has come for us to recoginize our responsibility. We, you and me, are responsible for each other. Which means we are responsible for the orphaned children of our world. No matter who actually made them orphans. We must understand that the excuses we give for not helping are moments where we deny our humanity and devolve into animals.

Not all of us can come to Africa and rescue nine girls, but all of us can do something somewhere.

Step number one: No more excuses.

Step number two: Be responsible.

Take the Time to Look

Every now and then I will find myself going through life looking at the ground. Just marching along looking at nothing but where to put my feet. In other words only  concerned with myself or those I live with. Interacting with others, but just barely. Or rather just enough to accomplish whatever set my feet into action.
Yes even us missionary types can ignore those around us. (I am talking about people other than the herd I live with. You know folks in the community, cashiers, public transportation guys, etc.) It is easy to get distracted by one's own life. Especially if it is a life like mine. I'm pretty sure that I've been watching my shoes since moving to The Shire (our new farm.) I know, I know I shouldn't be too harsh on myself. It has been a big transition full of lots of work. Good reason to be self absorbed. Yet I do not want to live this way, thinking of and seeing only Johnny and my immediate family.
It takes effort to look at people, especially for an introvert like me. The rewards are fantastic, if I can only get my eyes up.
This morning I came to town to pay the school fees for our girls in secondary school. The first walk is down the hill to the highway. It's just a path, not a road. Most times I don't meet anyone else during the half hour walk. Lonely, but pleasant. Once at the highway I flag down a public transit vehicle, once it stops the tout jumps out and lets me in.
It was during the forty five minutes to an hour ride that I came to realize that I was drifting through life not paying attention to those around me. Usually at some point during the trip the tout, who is the door opener and  closer, will ask you for the fare. All this happened this morning, just like every other time. Nothing unusual, meaning I was able to coast.
What shocked me out of my stupor was realizing, as we were nearing the end of the line, that our tout was a woman. Now before you say "so what" you should know that female touts are rare. In fact this may be the first time I have ever ridden with one. I was shocked to discover not her femininity, but how easy it was for me to not notice. (She was not a dude, didn't look like one, nor sound like one.)
Once out I made an effort to look at people. Which admittedly made my trip across town take longer, but it was worth it.

Following Jesus

When I started this journey I never imagined it would bring me to rural Kenya. My thoughts tended to sway towards me teaching the masses theology and preaching inspiring sermons which brought people to change. Building a hip, relevant, and smooth running church seemed like a grand place for my life to end up. Digging in the dirt, not what I had in mind. Living with fourteen children certainly had not occurred as a logical path for Johnny's life.

I made a mistake one day. I chose to believe Matthew 25:45 as true.

45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

Since this story conveyed truth to me then the pursuit of religion and my dreams of teaching and inspiring crowds of people were no longer relevant for my life.

Upto that moment I had belonged to a religion, Christianity, that had a vague resemblance to Jesus. From time to time my Christianity and Jesus walked the same road.

From time to time was not enough anymore. If I was to follow Jesus, I had to forsake all. Sounds easy, but the path has not always been so smooth.

Now, today, I have no religious practice as part of my faith. My faith is not orgainized around a meeting on Sunday, nor a man standing behind a lectern with a tiny mic stuck to the side of his face, nor a holy book. If you examine my life you will find no regularly scheduled prayers, rites, nor any other religious practice. Instead I am walking with Him. Trying to keep it fresh each and every day. I walked out of the building and into a slum. Out of the Book and onto a farm.

I am trying to follow Jesus. Feels good right now, tomorrow might be more of a struggle. I have committed to myself to keep walking.

This can look different for all of us. You might thrive with Him in a religious setting. Cool. Just do not spend too much time sitting in a pew. I did.

Good Friday

Thinking about Jesus this Easter holiday. Which does make sense, seeing as to how it is about Him and all. Easter is my favorite holiday. It is the only holiday I celebrate that remains strictly about Jesus, and for us it lasts three days starting with Good Friday.

When I think about the cross one passage from the Bible usually comes to mind:

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9

That is how I think about the cross, it's daily impact on my life.

image from
I was converted to Christianity at a young age, but it was not until about 12 or so years ago that I thought about what it really means to follow Jesus. I quickly realized that taking up my cross would lead me to uncomfortable, even painful places. When you are in a Good Friday, it is anything but good feeling.

Taking up my cross has meant different things to me at different times in my life. Sometimes the meaning can change day by day. Currently this season of my life finds my cross as primarily defined as noise from children, and fund raising.

Noise wears me down, bit by bit by bit. I become grumpy and snap quickly at the children. In fact `Eowyn was just in here trying to turn on some of Kate's showtunes at maximum volume. I snapped at her. Thankfully she gave up and left. In fact it has been days, weeks, years since I last had a moment of silence during the day. I know, doesn't sound like a heavy cross, but for me it is one of the hardest to bear.

The other one is fund raising. We need financial help to do our work. In fact the more work we do the less money we have available. Funny. Asking for help is not easy, but it is necessary. In fact I believe that needing help is spiritual. It is a way that God can teach me to rely on others and not go it alone. The other side is just as spiritual as well, giving. We have given our lives to save these children, and we are the ones who have been blessed the most.

Good Friday.

More Blessed to Give

There is a passage in the Bible that says this; "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Familar phrase from the book of Acts, but one that I abused myself with time and time again in my past.

Back when I still followed a religion instead of Jesus I used this passage to remind myself that I had to give. My interpretation was that if it was a blessing to give than certainly the reverse was true as well. If I failed to give God would curse me, or at least remove his protection from my life. I still did not understand that He loved me and would never reject me. Especially not for financial reasons.

Once I was free of the obligation to give I actually read the rest of the context. The writer talks of not coveting or lusting after silver and gold, and working with his hands to feed himself. He also admonished the reader to labor and support the weak.

This is what we are trying to do. Day in and day out we labor amongst the children. Working towards giving them hopeful futures. I am guilty of wanting a few new shiny tools. Like a newer car, computer, phone, etc. Yet we have managed to change our lifestyles sufficently enough to live without all the latest greatest and fashionable trends, and still be happy.

Beyond that I have learned the truth of "It is more blessed to give than to receive." My life has been transformed, no saved, because we have rescued these children. Without them I am not sure I could have continued on. I have been blessed.

Blessed with love.

Blessed with relationships.

Blessed with fullfillment.

Blessed with hope.

Giving is no longer an obligation for me, but instead has become a way of life. As I continue to follow and attempt to emulate Jesus, I find that giving of myself is more and more the spiritual path. These children do not live with us because we feel that we owe God. They are with us because we love and want to love more.


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Monday, December 27, 2010

Patty on the Cadillac

Single Leg Circles

Opening stretch on the push-through bar

Mermaid on the push-through

Front ballet stretch

Side ballet stretch

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Fun on the Wunda Chair with Kim

In perfect Criss-Cross form.

Making Pull-Ups look easy

And Pull-Ups to the side.  These are really hard!

Out for Twist

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Working out the Bugs

Thanks for your patience as we work through some kinks in importing from Blogger to Facebook!  We'll pushthru it...

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Happy Holidays

 The "snowbirds" have left for the winter, and the holidays are upon us.  It's a perfect time to catch up on our own workouts, a few videos and browse through those old certification notes (from way back when, but I always find something new).  Pam and I will be working through some archival material to bring some new work to our clients in the New Year.


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Thursday, 22 March 2012

Justin Bieber takes a Punch

When I saw the Cover Story in Complex Magazine's 10th Anniversary Issue, I couldn't help but give a little chuckle. I have never been a fan of Justin Bieber, but these Photo's did catch my attention and it's kinda cute the way he tries to portray a Bad Boy image ...

Turning 18 on March 1, Justin Bieber is all grown up now and therefore, the young star dares to show off his tougher side taking a punch in Complex's Editorial. With more than 12-million albums sold worldwide, a documentary raking over $98-million at the box office, and the Lovely Selena Gomez as his girlfriend, I can understand why Justin Bieber is such a Teen Sensation.

If you are Q-rious to read Justin's full interview, you can find it in the April/May 2012 issue of Complex Magazine or click here to read it online.

All Photos courtesy of Complex Magazine

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Quality Assurance Services - Product and production quality inspections and audits in Israel

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USACE Helps Israeli Air Force move to the Negev Desert

News Release No. 08120801. . . .25/9/2011

NEVATIM, Israel – Israel’s first prime minister David Ben-Gurion believed the future of this new Jewish State lay in its sparsely populated Negev Desert. Here Israel could sett le with minimal obstruction to the existingpopulation and establish plans to make the desert, in Ben-Gurion’s words, “bloom.”

Moving the military was also part of this settlement vision; and in 2002 the Israeli Air Force (IAF) published their strategy to transfer their “mother base,” collocated with the civilian airport near Tel Aviv, to Nevatim, a small town in the Negev.

The move would ease pressure the on the civilian airport’s airspace and diminish the chance of mid-air accidents. It would also swap old buildings in a pricey neighborhood for new buildings in a low-cost area and provide hundreds of new jobs to those in a region best known for its high unemployment.

The move was termed one of the largest and most important military projects in the history of Israel. Not only would engineers place all new facilities where very little infrastructure previously existed, but many of these facilities would also be the biggest in the Middle East. Operational facilities had to support about 20,000 troops. The runway – at 2.5 miles, the longest in the Middle East – was to be the first in the country to support both fighter jets and transport aircraft . About 100 new buildings and 10 miles of new roads were planned.

“Every consultant the Air Force talked to was saying it’s an impossible mission,” said Ofer Davidi, Europe District’s project engineer managing the Corps’ support to the IAF’s move. “No one thought it could be done within the timeframe.”

All told, the move would cost more than $650 million – a significant share of Israel’s military budget – not including future plans to build nearby training bases, transportation systems, education facilities, housing, and a gas-powered electricity station to handle the new load.

But, on August 27, despite the pessimism, the IAF unveiled for the first time their new installation, simply called “Nevatim,” now the largest air base in Israel. It couldn’t have been built without the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Help in the form of U.S. engineers
Europe District’s first support to the IAF’s move started just after the 2002 announcement, when engineers at the Corps’ Europe District accepted a project to construct a new $15 million jet fuel system at Nevatim. Other projects quickly followed, including a fast-paced $18 million squadron contract in late 2006 to design and construct four squadron operation complexes, two hardened alert barracks, a control tower, and a fire station by the time the base opened in August 2008.

“This was the biggest thing that I’ve done in my career as an engineer,” said Davidi, who estimated that the Corps supported about 20 percent of all new construction on base. “It was behind everything else that the Air Force is doing here in Israel. They called it the ‘mega project.’ ” Lawrence Ryan, resident engineer at the Israel Southern Resident Office, helped manage the construction of the squadron complex and said the desert’s vacant terrain made the construction even more difficult.

“Our job was to construct the buildings,” said Ryan. “But before we could do that, the utilities, roads, communication systems, and fire protection systems had to be installed because there was really nothing there before. So there were a lot of contractors working at once and it really had to be orchestrated well.” The most humbling aspect, said construction representative James Bramblett, was to see the projects bloom. “Here you had a whole landscape of hills and shrubs and desert,” said Bramblett. “Then slowly you start to notice roads, the airfield, hangars, everything taking shape at once. It’s amazing to see a whole city basically come out of the ground. Really amazing.”

Corps projects still in the works for Nevatim include a $28 million hangar complex, a “municipality” building for the base’s headquarters operations, a museum and remembrance building called the Heritage building, a dining facility, and a supply complex, including offices, warehouses, and an aerial delivery facility for what Davidi called “supplies
from the skies.”

Davidi said although these projects – expected to be turned over by summer 2009 – are the only ones left on the ledger, he anticipates the same consideration for future projects as he’s seen in the past from the IAF’s project management team – Col Zvi Twezer and May Dana Bazak.

“Quality is what’s important,” said Davidi. “That’s the most important thing for us and the customer. And that’s what will get us future contracts.”

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Ovenden Hypnosis Ovenden Hypnotherapy

You are here Home  > Hypnotherapists >  Ovenden Hypnosis Ovenden Hypnotherapy

Are you looking to find hypnosis near Ovenden, North Shields and Newcastle upon Tyne for help with smoking cessation or weight loss?. Quays Clinic can help you.

Clinical hypnotherapy is the ability of using the fantastic tool of hypnosis for smoking, weight loss, stress management and many other psychological problems. Clinical hypnotherapy integrates many elements of psychology and neuro-linguistic programming techniques.

If you are contemplating using hypnosis near Ovenden for eliminating anxiety, fat loss or stress management, contact hypnotherapist Ian Smith at Quays Clinic today.

Hypnosis Is Not Sleep

Unlike what many individuals think, self-hypnosis and hypnotherapy have absolutely nothing to do with being asleep. Clients most definitely do not lose any type of control or give up control to any hypnotherapist near Ovenden throughout a treatment session.

Clients know everything which is occurring during a therapy session.

Is Hypnotherapy Safe?

Hypnotherapy is completely safe when practiced by an experienced hypnotherapist near Ovenden. If you are considering using hypnotherapy for stopping smoking, loss of weight or managing anxiety, ensure that the therapist can show you proof of their experience and qualifications.

Hypnotherapy For Dieting Ovenden

Hypnotherapy for weight management and weight control has actually been covered by numerous newspapers and magazines recently. There likewise has been a bunch of chat shows on television discussing hypnotherapy for weight loss.

If you are looking out for ways to reduce your weight contact Quays Clinic.

Hypnosis is remarkable for weight reduction, however it must be integrated with healthy eating, routine daily exercise and your own personal determination to become successful. The change that takes place should be a gradual losing weight process which will help you to keep the weight off long-term.

Self-hypnosis should be used to motivate a person to exercise more, eat more healthy nutritious foods and to eliminate the desire for foods which contain an excessive amount of sugar or fat.

Hypnotherapy For Performance Anxiety Issues

Professional hypnotherapy is very reliable for removing lots of different kinds of performance stress and anxiety issues. Whatever your issue is with your individual performance, hypnotherapy near Ovenden will help you.

Many NLP techniques are very easy to learn which you can use to great effect both at a personal level or in a group setting.

Hypnotherapy For Confidence Issues

Many people will periodically experience some form of a self-confidence problem. Hypnotherapy near Ovenden will assist you with overcoming all your worries and fears. If you lack in confidence and require some assistance to boost your confidence, hypnotist Ian Smith can help you.

Hypnotherapy For Smoking Ovenden

Hypnotherapy for smoking is a typical issue which many hypnotherapists near Ovenden will be asked to assist people with. If you are looking to find hypnotherapy near Ovenden to quit smoking, its crucial to remember that you must want to quit smoking for yourself and not just for friends or family members.

You must stop smoking for YOU. Utilizing hypnotherapy near Ovenden to stop smoking will probably be one of among the most beneficial things that you will have ever done for enhancing your health and fitness.

Chat With Quays Clinic Today

If you are planning to find hypnotherapy near Ovenden, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland or County Durham for fat burning, quitting smoking or stress management, contact Quays Clinic today.

Click Here To Learn How To Master The Dave Elman Hypnosis Induction

Ian Smith (Distinction) D. Hyp  T.F.T  M.U.F.H

Quays Clinic of Hypnotherapy

Telephone: 0774 3353367

Our address

0774 3353367

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CONTESTS IN RENSSELAER.; Hearst Faction Is Defeated and the Republican Organization Wins.

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The Hon. Geo. Taylor and Mr. McCloskey.

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Tuesday, 23 September 2014

What I've been up to ...

... Last Saturday was a meeting of the Yorkshire Modern Quilt Group that I belong to.  We had a great demo from one of the members about how to do porthole applique.  I had a go and thought it was great.  I can see more of this sort of thing in my future.

The other thing that has been taking up my time for the past week is this.

Yes, I've started knitting again.  I haven't done any for years, but recently have had the urge to play with my knitting needles.  Of course, being me, I couldn't possibly start with an easy project could I? No, that's far too sensible.  Instead I chose a pattern with a 40-row repeat on it!  The trouble is that it's a very lacy pattern with lots of knitting stitches together, creating extra stitches, passing them around the room, standing on my head whilst doing it, etc.  I can tell you that when it went wrong it was easier to undo it all and start again than just trying to undo one row, so the first few rows were knitted more than once, twice, or even three times. My problem is that I was knitting in the evening, with the TV on, and was therefore being distracted. I think I've cracked it now though.  I've found that it's much easier to follow this pattern by using the chart that was provided rather than following the "words".  I've never used a chart before, so I'm feeling a bit proud of myself, and am up to row 30. Tonight I'll do some more so wish me luck.

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Falling over autumn

(this is a sponsored post)

Apparently, we're coming up to the start of fall (autumn to me in the UK) in the US, and so Craftsy have decided it's the perfect time for a sale.  I think I agree with them.  After all, if it's getting chilly and maybe wet or windy or even, heaven forbid, snowy, what can be better than learning something new?   (Apart from spending time with your sewing machine that is.)
So, the BIG Fall Course Sale is happening right now.  Remember, you can learn from the world's best instructors in the comfort of your home, and there's up to 50% off all ALL online classes! Once you enroll you can watch your classes anytime, anywhere, forever. Hurry, offer expires September 22, 2014 at 11:59 PM MT.

I've already decided on which classes I want to take, how about you?

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Pattern Testing again

One of the people who bravely volunteered to be a pattern tester for Tubix was Joanne who blogs over at Splitting Stitches,

I have stolen a couple of pictures from her blog to show you what a great job she did.  I hope she doesn't mind.

Joanne had quite an adventure during the making of her quilt and she has written a great post about what she learned about herself on the way. Fortunately, she loves the quilt, or at least, that's what she says in her post about it here. Do go and read what she had to say, and make sure you read right to the end - there might be a giveaway involved - just saying.

Don't forget about the Craftsy special offer I wrote about in my previous post.  You can save up to 50% off on Sewing, Quilting & Knitting classes until 15 September (that's Mrs Nomad's birthday).

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

It's sale time ...

Online Quilting Class ...
While I have been spending time with my foot up I have been having fun on the  Craftsy site.  I signed up for two classes, one called Designing Modern Quilts with Weeks Ringle as the tutor, and the other, which I have been watching, but not "doing" yet is Creative Quilting with your Walking Foot with Jacquie Gering as my tutor.  I have been enjoying both of these courses, and love that I can access them at any time at all, forever. Anyway, because I am about to put some of my patterns up for sale on the site and because I have been having such fun, I have signed up to be an affiliate of theirs. This means that I will be paid a small commission on any purchases made by people who click through to them from links on my blog.

So, you're all wondering why my post header says it's sale time aren't you?  Well that's because I can now offer you the chance to buy some of the best-selling  Craftsy classes at bargain prices for one week only.  You can save up to 50% off on Sewing, Quilting & Knitting classes taught by some of the world's best instructors. Once you purchase a class, it's yours to enjoy forever. Every class comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee!

Now, stop hanging around here reading my witterings and hustle on over to  Craftsy to see what you fancy learning.

Disclosure:  The Creative Quilting course was supplied to me free of charge by Craftsy, and if you click through to them from my website and purchase something, I will receive commission.

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Cartoon illustration of young woman on couch with foot elevated and ice pack on her ankle.
I have just got back from the doctor who has confirmed that I have gout which is a form of arthritis apparently. After Friday my foot got worse and by Sunday was swollen to about twice it's size, bright red, and painful doesn't even begin to describe it!  He thinks it's caused by some other pills I've been taking, even though I've had those for years.  I have to stop those, but take the anti-inflamatories and the painkillers he's given me, keep off my foot and keep it raised for a week and that should clear it for now.  Then I start the pills again and we see what happens! I'm feeling sorry for myself!

09 10


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Ending Torture ...

Listen here: John Calvi: Ending Torture & Starting Healing

Northern Spirit Radio -- Spirit In Action

Illuminating the connections between the roots and fruits of the Spirit
From Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Each week, Spirit In Action brings you stories of people living lives of fruitful service, of peace, community, compassion, creative action and progressive efforts. We'll trace the spiritual roots that support and nourish them in their service. Above all, we'll seek out Light, Love and Helping Hands, being shared between our many neighbors on this planet, hoping to inspire and encourage you to sink deep roots and produce sacred fruit in your own life.

Spirit In Action is an hour of interviews with those providing leadership in peace, justice and "good works", interspersed with relevant music.

The theme music is "The Turning of the World" performed by Sara Thomsen (written by Ruth Pellham) and "I Have No Hands But Yours" by Carol Johnson

Listen! Ending Torture ... Watch! Jennifer Harbury Scott Horton John Calvi Speak! Appearances Petitions Groups Act! Donate Street Team Subscribe Organize
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Friday, August 28, 2009

Monochrome Ballerina

Here's a card I created for two different challenges:

The first challenge I'm joining with this card is a "Monochrome Challenge" with Serendipity Stamps Blog & Gallery. I had never made a monochrome card, so I actually really enjoyed this challenge! What do you think? Did I pull off the one color all right? I also joined Sketch Saturday by doing their great sketch:

Well, that's all I have to share for now! Thanks for visiting! :o)

1 comment:

  1. Hi Rachael! Great job on the Serendipity challenge! It was great for you to play along with us - I hope to see more from you in the future! :)

I love and appreciate getting comments, so thank you in advance! :)


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Monday, December 31, 2012

Hello world, Welcome to my blog "Rachael's Small Glimpse". I do not consider myself an accomplished writer nor someone who gives wonderful advice. To be completely honest I do not even know if blogging will be my forte. Nevertheless, I know that I have stories and experiences to share. God has used hard times and good times to shape my life and my desire is to tell anyone who wants to hear, what my Lord and Savior Jesus, has taught me. I cannot wait to make you a part of my life!

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Are you already insured?
Where are some companies have these bonuses at varying amounts which you will actually owe quite a bit of cash. Even a day into your budget and you are looking at here is no getting around it. This is because when they have teen policy holders.
My assumption is that there are two primary reasons that a list of car insurances in KY is simply not have a lender, you feel you won't feel the heat from welding recrystallizes the work required. This is silly, as you want to know that it is that they still do not get as much as possible. If the other hand, looking at other states. You may already know a little differently I would like to import beer. These incentives could include the choice to not take the time lines they provide in the market. The number of the more conventional fully comprehensive policy to pay for a quarter mile stretch. Merely the policy, even if it's traditional thinking or creative thinking that you do end up doing is buying your first car it is often better to have insurance. If you already know the types, cover, services.
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Sunday, October 15, 2017

The Age of Mysterious Newgrange

When traveling the countryside of Britain, you may come cross burial mounds (passage graves, cairns, barrows, tumuli, and other names). They are indeed mounds, and locals pay them no nevermind for the most part because they have a passel of them. Megalithic monuments in England such as Stonehenge and Rollright are famous, and it helps that they're out in the open and all. Head north of Stonehenge, then east, and cross the Irish Sea, and you'll eventually reach a somewhat newer entry into the category. In County Meath, Ireland, is a structure known as Newgrange. It was just another lump until the entrance was found in 1699.

New Agers are fond of these structures, which are found on the evidence-free "ley lines". The group Celtic Woman remade the song "Newgrange", originally recorded by Clannad. The song mentions Druids and a forgotten race, but there is really no way of knowing who built Newgrange, and why. The purpose is disputed as well. Burial chamber? Solstice observatory? Both? Something else? The discovery is rather fascinating.

Credit: Pixabay / hbieser
Something worthy of creationary research is the abundance of similar burial mounds all over the world, including stone chambers and mounds in New England. People are puzzled that there may have been communication between ancient Americas and Europe way back yonder. Mayhaps a creationary explanation is that this could be another example of people bringing their memories and legends after the dispersal at Babel? It may be worth a look.

Some archaeologists cogitate that Newgrange is a few hundred years older than Stonehenge. How do they know this? Radiocarbon dating. However, the selected age fits with secular opinions, and creationists want to know if radiocarbon dating is reliable, and how it was calibrated. (The unreliable orbital tuning to calibrate for ice cores method comes to mind.) When assumptions are made before testing, the results are predetermined, so the secular bias rules the day. That's how it works. In reality, a great deal of work needs to be done, without secular assumptions, to determine a more accurate date for Newgrange.
Clearly something is wrong with radiocarbon dates, but what? As an astronomer who analyzes how humans mark time by the regular movement of celestial bodies, I have long wondered whether different branches of science could work together to solve these questions. If we could somehow find a reliable, independent astronomical way to date stone structures, perhaps we could show how older radiocarbon “dates” must be revised to match these more accurate astronomical dates, which are certain to line up with the Bible’s timeline.
To read the entire article, click on "Uncovering Assumptions at Newgrange".

The barrow at Newgrange is a fascinating discovery, and it puzzles archaeologists. Another area of interest is whether the date assigned to it can be reconciled to biblical chronology.

Sunday, October 08, 2017

Languages Did Not Evolve

Proponents of microbes-to-man evolution have their naturalistic starting point for their presuppositions and the way they interpret evidence, and biblical creationists stand on the revelation of God's inerrant Word. Evolutionists have a simplistic view of the origin of language, which is essentially grunts and such to form words to communicate danger or various needs. Creationists believe that God created Adam and Eve as fully operational intelligent beings, which includes the ability to use languages. A serious examination of the languages after the confusion and dispersal at Babel strongly supports the creationary view.

Credit: Pixabay / Roger Casco Herrera
A simple way to see that, contrary to evolutionary viewpoints, languages have become less complicated over time. Ever read a book from the 19th century or earlier? Literature from back then is often more elegant, with a richer vocabulary.

Let's take a look at how language and spelling has changed in a few English language Bibles.

Most Bible readers are comfortable with modern translations, and have to slow down to read their King James Version (most commonly, it is the 1769 version). The actual 1677 KJV is considerably different. Let's look at Genesis 11:8-9 in that version: "So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence, vpon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the Citie. Therefore is the name of it called Babel, because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad vpon the face of all the earth".

The Geneva Bible of 1587 gives us: "So ye Lord scattered them from thence vpon all the earth, & they left off to build the citie. Therefore the name of it was called Babel, because the Lorde did there confounde the language of all the earth: from thence then did the Lord scatter them vpon all the earth".

Moving back 1526 Tyndale version: "Thus ye LORde skatered them from thence vppon all the erth. And they left of to buylde the cyte. Wherfore the name of it is called Babell because that the LORDE there confounded the tonge of all the world. And because that the LORde from thence skatered them abrode vppon all the erth."

You can see some differences, but let's add one more, the Wycliffe Bible from the late 1300s: " And so the Lord departide hem fro that place in to alle londis; and thei cessiden to bielde a cytee. And therfor the name therof was clepid Babel, for the langage of al erthe was confoundide there; and fro thennus the Lord scaterede hem on the face of alle cuntrees".

Just for fun, you can see and hear the Old English Beowulf (from about 975-1025) at this link. I have no problem admitting that I need the translation. Was the Grendel dragon a dinosaur? Just wondering.

Enough with the English history, and let's dig a bit deeper into languages themselves. There are language groups. Some of the ancient texts are exceptionally complex and difficult to categorize, let alone, translate. Ancient languages have deteriorated over the years (there are marked difference between New Testament koine Greek and modern Greek, including subtleties and tenses). Some languages have ceased to exist, which increases the difficulties of translation.

There is no evidence that languages evolved, conjectures presented as science notwithstanding. Actually, languages have devolved.
Evolutionary theory, when applied to origins of language, fails utterly to explain the phenomena of original complexity, subsequent loss and degeneration, and the array of unrelated languages in antiquity that even now are only partially understood due to that complexity. It is here contended that only a biblical approach can explain the complicated grammar, morphology, phonetics and syntax found in ancient texts. From what we in fact find from these texts, and because these phenomena could not arise spontaneously or gradually, a supernatural interruption near the beginning of post-diluvian history is the only explanation. The supernatural interruption which created these many complex languages is precisely what is related in Genesis 11:1–9.
To read the entire article (which I think may take the average reader about 45 minutes, so make yourself comfortable), click on "Languages of the post-Diluvian World". Also, for an article on using language as evidence for God's existence, click on "Language Itself Testifies of the Creator".

That's a Fact - Language Families from Institute for Creation Research on Vimeo.
Genesis 10 documents about 70 different language families in its Table of Nations. About how many language families are there today? How does science confirm the number?

Darwinists say language evolved from grunts for communication. Creationists say man was created intelligent and had the capacity for language from the beginning. Here is a very interesting examination of languages from the dispersal and confusion at Babel.

Sunday, October 01, 2017

Rewriting the Human Evolution Story — Again

The piffle of human evolution is becoming more risible with the passage of time. New members are hurridedly added to the ancestral parade with great fanfare, only to be quietly removed when sufficient data is collected. Darwinian mythology is presented as science, and timelines frequently need substantial revision, whether in human or other life forms. It happened again.

Source: The Passion of Creation, Leonid Pasternak, 1880s

Tools and tools were discovered that sent repercussions through the "out of Africa" scenario, both with the dating and location of our putative origins. One of the main problems with evolutionism is the presuppositions that control the story.

Seems like they'd have themselves a confab and say, "This ain't happening. Mayhaps we should take a serious look at the true human history of creation as recorded in Genesis. After all, creationists don't have these problems!" Not likely, since they're committed to naturalism, and there is no room for the Creator in their historical fictions.
Evolutionary scientists recently announced that fossils from Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, dated at around 300,000 years old, are the oldest Homo sapiens fossils ever discovered. This claim is based on the shape of a skull and the presence of stone tools at the site. This represents a potential rewrite to the human evolution story that pushes back the origin of “modern” humans by 100,000 years. It would also suggest that the “cradle of civilization” included the entire African continent rather than just eastern Africa, as long claimed by evolutionists.
Even the pro-evolution magazine Scientific American acknowledged that these Moroccan fossils “mess up” the accepted human evolution story. Why?
To read the rest of their consternation, click on "The Ever-Evolving Human Evolution Story".

The story of human evolution needs to be rewritten again. This time, fossils and tools mess up the timeline and the alleged location of our ancestral origins.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Biology and Information

When we see the design in living things and want to know how they have their characteristics, we have to think small. Very small, but with big concepts, all the way down to the molecular level. It's a matter of information. DNA, RNA, chromosomes, and so on are communicating information to not only in the building of an organism, but to keep it going. The information must have a source.

Credit: Freeimages / Krzysztof (Kriss) Szkurlatowski
Those believing in muck-to-man evolution are constantly dealing with the source and uses of information in living things. They try and fail to conjure up plausible origin of life scenarios, including the desperate "RNA world" for self-replicating systems concept, and then try to explain how living things are encoded with the ability to self-adapt to changing situations. They don't give us anything real to hang our hats on in their efforts to deny the reality of our Creator who gave us life.
The greatest challenge for evolutionary biology is to account for the information found in codes in DNA, RNA, proteins, and more recently in the epigenome. The mutation/selection mechanism of neo-Darwinism, although still taught in biology textbooks, has been shown inadequate by creation and intelligent design scientists. Indeed, even some leading evolutionists are seeking alternative mechanisms such as self-organization. Much evidence has been found against neo-Darwinism (and all related stochastic processes) and for intelligent design (ID) in recent years. Intelligent design advocates have found ways to detect design. Much evidence has been found against the macroevolution of Homo sapiens and for the biblical origin of mankind.
Evolutionists must account for the origin of life, the Cambrian Explosion in the fossil record, living fossils, the lack of transitional forms, the origin of sexuality, the origin of consciousness, the origin of information in macroevolution, the origin of irreducibly complex molecular machines, convergent evolution, and the information found in the epigenome.
To read the rest, click on "The Origin of Information in Biology".

Information is vital to the origin, design, and function of living things. Believers in muck-to-man evolution are unable to present plausible ideas and models for these things, yet they persist in denying the obvious evidence of our Creator's work.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Disingenuous Search for Truth in Evolutionary Science

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen

There are many double standards seen in evolutionary science, not the least of which is anti-creationist censorship. I'll allow that many of the articles seen by the public are written on the lay level (as are many secular science articles), so anti-creationists point to those and mischaracterize creationary scientists as simplistic. Not hardly!

In reality, there are also many that appeal to those with a strong science background. Want three? "A Review of Mitoribosome Structure and Function Does not Support the Serial Endosymbiotic Theory",  "A 5D spherically symmetric expanding universe is young", and a PDF, "Could Magnetic Monopoles Cause Accelerated Decay?" (I seldom share articles of this nature on weblogs and social media because most of my readers are reg'lar folk like me.) Yes, creationists do get published in scientific journals. The point is that creationary scientists are just as qualified as their secular counterparts. Unfortunately, creationists and Intelligent Design advocates are blackballed from publishing material that challenges evolution.

Credit: Pixabay / Charnchai
In a tremendous stroke of irony, when Darwin's Flying Monkeys© swarm social media, they are generally obstreperous, chock full o' logical fallacies — and get their curly tails banned. Then they shriek about "censorship", and commence to using fake accounts for trolling, deception, and criminal impersonation to ferret out personal information from other people. This is done to silence those of us who present the truth.

Used under Fair Use provisions for educational purposes
Click for larger
Yet, creationists are censored in the public arena, so we need to set up our own areas so our side of the story can be told — which often includes information that secularists do not want known because it threatens evolutionism. Interesting that those decrying "censorship" ignore real censorship against creationary scientists. Essentially, they want their pie, and they want a big chunk of ours, too! Quite a bit of effort to silence the opposition to promote "science" and deny the reality of the Creator, isn't it?

The well-heeled evolutionary science industry promotes and protects their worldview, and they don't cotton to actually seeking and spreading truth. Let's look at an example of hypocrisy and non-science from the evolution industry.
When your view has been falsified by evidence but you prohibit other views, you are not engaged in truth-based inquiry.
In a book review in Science, Marcos Huerta enjoys a fact-free suggestion about the Cambrian Explosion he found in Wallace Arthur’s new book of sweeping generalities about evolution, Life through Time and Space. Shutting his eyes to fossil data, he switches on his imagination:
To read the rest, click on "Evolution Is Not Truth-Based Inquiry".

Advocates of evolutionism disingenuously say that they want to search for the truth, then shut out creationary scientists and ID advocates. Then they hypocritically complain about "censorship" while approving of scientific censorship in their favor: they want their pie, and they want ours as well.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Archaeology, Same-Sex Relationships, and the Apostle Paul

In AD 79. an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius suddenly wiped out the inhabitants of the Roman town of Pompeii, among others. That bad boy has not remained silent, and could be devastating to the 3,000,000 people in the area, who ignored the idea of not living near an active volcano. Didn't work for people in 79. (Useless trivia: Pompeii is pronounced pom-PAY, but a small community in Gratiot County, Michigan has the same spelling, and locals pronounce it POM-pay-eye. I was laughed at for using that pronunciation because as a kid, I lived near there, and did not know the real way.) So anyway, the tons of ash that fell on Pompeii was an effective preservative, and archaeologists have made many interesting discoveries.

Pompeii destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius, archaeology used to justify same-sex relationships
The Last Day of Pompeii / Karl Bryullov, 1833
Apostate clergyman Steve Chalke, who denies original sin in Genesis 3 and affirms the Pelagian heresy, believes that "erotic art" excavated by archaeologists at Pompeii refutes established Christian understandings of Paul's teachings about homosexuality. How Chalke diagrams his logic on the blackboard is unknown. He is joining in with other owlhoots who say that in Romans 1, Paul was only speaking of sexual abuse, but thought that same-sex "marriage" was acceptable. Such a claim impugns the integrity of God, the establishment of marriage in Genesis, its affirmation by Jesus, and implies that God is willing to let people misunderstand his word for 2,000 years.
In a recent lecture, a professing evangelical pastor in the UK, Steve Chalke argued1 that ancient erotic art from Pompeii, an ancient Roman town buried by a volcanic eruption in AD 79, shows that “New Testament verses that are used routinely to label same-sex activity as sinful were, in fact” not doing so.
Christians “Throw Bible Verses Around Without . . . Context”
Chalke reportedly asserted that “because of widespread ignorance of the ancient world and Graeco-Roman culture in churches across the West, we throw Bible verses around without understanding their context.” These pieces of explicit artwork supposedly provide the context to show that the New Testament is “condemning the abusive and exploitative sexual activity common in the world that Paul’s recipients lived in” rather than forbidding “faithful gay relationships” among Christians.
To finish reading, click on "Does Ancient Art from Pompeii Prove the Bible Supports Gay 'Marriage'?"
Excavated items from Pompeii are being used to justify same-sex relationships. Not only is the logic poor, but the theology in play is outrageous.

Sunday, September 03, 2017

Teaching Evolutionary Falsehoods to Children

It's natural for parents to try to shield their children from harmful things, but that can to too far and turn into "smother love". Some Christian parents have the incorrect notion that their kids should never learn about evolution. That's unrealistic, since the owlhoots at the Darwin Ranch control government-run indoctrination centers (schools), the media, secular science, public opinion, and much more. They're going to learn about it, so what can Bible-believing parents do?

Bible-believing parents can educate children correctly about evolution.
Credit: Pixabay / 7854
Out there in the real world (with a passel of help from the internet), there are sidewinders who actively attack God, the Bible, the Resurrection, creation, and other Christian beliefs. They will selectively cite data, misquote the Bible, use fake science (such as the "Canaanites disprove the Bible" fiasco or the "family tomb of Jesus" nonsense), and especially evolution. Evolution is foundational to atheism and many (if not most) secularist views.

Other attacks on our faith can be investigated and dealt with (often by simply waiting for more information), so let's focus on evolution. Christians need to be proactive. We know kids are going to learn about evolution, and some parents teach it to their own children. The difference is that the wise parent will teach it properly. In schools and such, the sanitized version of evolution is given, where flaws in the theory are ignored, and fanciful tales are presented as if they were science.

Take the kids to the natural history museums, and show them just how unnatural they are. As before, stories are presented as facts, our putative evolutionary apelike ancestors have suspiciously human-looking eyes when no scientist has any idea what the eyes actually looked like, so people are seeing opinions presented as scientific fact. I've read about parents and Christian teachers that took children to museums, and they troubled the guides' propaganda by raising points and asking questions.

Schools are dreadful at teaching critical thinking skills nowadays, and creation science ministries emphasize those skills. When presented with claims, the properly educated student or adult can ask probing questions, consider the theory of knowledge behind the claims, realize that most evolutionists have a materialist atheistic worldview that rejects facts that they dislike, and so on. We can prepare children for the lies they are going to be told, and how to deal with them.
Some parents are afraid that teaching their children unbiblical ideas like evolution or atheistic arguments would cause them to stumble in their faith, but the opposite is true. Our children are going to be exposed to evolution whether we like it or not. It’s not a matter of ‘if’; it’s a matter of ‘when’. Knowing this, one of the best things we can do for our children is to teach them unbiblical ideas, or in short, how the world thinks. Because if we do not, others will provide seeming explanations that might seem more plausible.
I'd be much obliged if you'd read the entire article. Just click on "'What?… Teach my children unbiblical ideas?' — Inoculate your children against compromise by teaching them the answers". IN ADDITION, I hope you'll read this informative article as well, "Seven ways to build a lighthouse — How Christian parents can help their kids navigate evolutionary education".
Bible-believing parents cannot, and should not, shield their children from evolution and other attacks on their faith. Proper education can help them deal with such matters.


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Under the Gun: Excerpt

Under the Gun
by John Vorhaus

Chapter 1: Apostrophe Catastrophe

under the gun little

The IM that Guy Harris sent Hal Harris that Friday told his brother to drop everything and come to Las Vegas right away. It didn’t say and bring money, but in Hal’s long experience with Guy that was pretty much a given. Hal ignored the message. He figured if it were truly urgent – or even if it weren’t, for Guy was no take no answer for an answer guy – there’d be a follow up phone call. Sure enough, ten minutes later the phone rang, and Guy’s manic voice came down the line, boasting how by dint of skill, native intelligence, and “balls the size of boxcars, Hal!” he had won something to do with some big deal poker tournament. This was, Guy assured his brother, an event of such cosmic consequence that it definitely required glorifying in high Vegas fashion, which for Guy Harris usually meant too much to eat, too much to drink, and a liberal application of strippers.

“Come to Vegas now, Hal. You’ve got to help me celebrate.”

“Guy, I’ve got a ton of work to do.”

“So do I, man. I’m supposed to be playing poker.”

“That’s work?”

“You know it is. It’s my job. But look…” and here his voice changed, “we really need to talk.”

“So talk.”

“On the phone? Screw that. I miss your shining face, sunny Jim.”

Hal sighed. Peel back the histrionics and you arrived at the same old subtext: bring money. “Look,” he said, “if you need cash…” He didn’t know what he was going to say next. Call Western Union? Get a real job? He used to could tell Guy to hit up their parents for it, but with them long dead, the only soft touch left dangling on the family tree is me.

“I don’t need money, Hal. I need to fucking celebrate!”

Once, long ago, Guy had tried to explain to Hal about tells, the mysterious psychic (or merely observational) means by which poker players detect lies in one another’s play. Like how they act strong when they’re weak, or weak when they’re strong, or how they’ll look you in the eye in a threatening manner when they’re bluffing and don’t want you to call. Sometimes, Guy would tell him, it’s like this rift in the fabric of space. You just know they’re not telling the truth. A rift in the fabric of space? Like almost everything Guy ever told Hal about poker, it went in one ear and died there. But for some reason just now Hal thought he heard something in Guy’s voice that, well, felt like a rift in the fabric of space.

“Guy,” he said, “are you scared?”

“Scared? Why should I be scared.”

“I don’t know. You sound weird.”

“Just come to Vegas, will you?”

“I can’t, Guy. Really. I’m in the middle of my crunch.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right: taxes. Feeding the maw of Uncle Sammy.”

“Hey, just because you don’t – ”

“Don’t start with me, Hal.” This was a well-chewed bone of contention between them. As an accountant and what Guy called with no little contempt a citizen, Hal scrupulously declared every cent he earned, whereas Guy by his own admission took a more “creative” approach to tax filing. How he’d never gotten audited was beyond Hal’s comprehension, but it was only ever a brother’s love that kept Hal from personally dropping a dime.

So Hal didn’t start. Then there was this long silence, like Guy was searching for another avenue of attack but coming up empty. At last he said with kind of a shrug in his voice, “Whatever, bruz. Look, I have some things to take care of. You change your mind you know where I live. I’ll leave a key under the mat.”

“Why would I change my mind?”

“Ah, you won’t. You’re in the middle of your crunch.” He fired off an angry last word – “This wasn’t about money, Hal” – and then hung up.

Hal Harris had no illusions about his brother. Guy was selfish, manipulative, narcissistic to an extreme degree, genially corrupt and gently degenerate, a fan of every casual vice from masturbating in the dark in the room they shared as boys to smoking the kind of noxious cigars that make people gag. He was utterly without self-discipline, other-awareness, or the vaguest sense of social responsibility. But he could charm the pleats off a Girl Scout’s skirt, and he’d get your back in a bar fight. And he wasn’t afraid. Of nothing was he ever afraid. He said that’s what made him such a good poker player. More than once Hal had watched him shove wads of hundred dollar bills into a pot, smiling over his shoulder at Hal and saying, “What are they gonna do, kill me?”

So though Hal tried to forget about the phone call and bury himself in his work – even as it threatened to bury him in it – he kept coming back to the sound of Guy’s voice on the phone. No matter how many coats of bravado-colored paint Guy slapped on, Hal could still see the fear bleeding through. He knew it was real.

What are they gonna do, kill me?

Hal kicked himself for his stupid sentimentality, but what could he do? Blood was thicker than rational thought. So he blazed through a bunch of returns, farmed the rest out, booked a flight online, and cabbed it out to the airport in time to catch a six o’clock nonstop, Pittsburgh to Vegas. With the time change he’d be there before eight, in plenty of time to… well, in time to do what? Even as he boarded the plane he wasn’t sure why he was going or what he thought he was going to do or find. He supposed Guy was having some sort of a meltdown, and the white knight in him – there was a fair bit of white knight in Hal Harris – maybe hoped this was a chance to drag Guy out of chaos and into some semblance of a regular life. He knew that Guy had no patience for dull normals, and Hal frankly couldn’t imagine Guy holding down a job like his, or even any job of any kind, not if it meant reporting to someone or showing up on time or doing things by rote. But maybe Guy had gone so thoroughly broke that he was ready for the narrow and straight at last.

Probably not, thought Hal. Probably he’d just figured out a new way to play me.

With a brother who lived there and denizened its cardrooms, Hal was no stranger to Las Vegas. He’d served his time in casinos. He knew them well enough: the saturated colors and overloud sounds; the cocktail waitresses with the low cut this and high cut that; the grim grins plastered on the gamblers’ faces as they watched their stake slip away; the way everyone affected the devil-may-care attitude of happy sailors dancing on a sinking ship. For his part, Hal had always held the city of sin at arm’s length. He’d long ago figured out that if you could actually beat Vegas, Vegas wouldn’t be there, which realization dimmed his actuarial enthusiasm for craps, slots, blackjack, all of it. As for poker, he was a dead loss there. Hold a gun to his head and he could recite the ranks of hands –

high card

two pair

three of a kind

full house

four of a kind

straight flush

royal flush

– but that’s about as far as it went. Some people have card sense and others don’t, that’s all. Or rather: Some people have the gamble in them and others don’t. Hal never did. While Guy was pitching nickels with his thug buddies against the back wall of their junior high school, Hal was nerding off in the library or doing supplemental sets of math problems for extra credit. Math always came easy to Hal, like gambling came easy to Guy. “They come, they go,” Guy would say. “Fuck it.” And then hit up his bruz for a loan. Which loan of course he never paid back. It had occurred to Hal that he probably chose a career in accounting just to get some control over numbers, since he could never get control over his brother, who had no control at all. It may also have been why he never learned to play poker. Guy always wanted him to, so he’d have someone to play against when he’d busted everyone else, but Hal never took the bait. Either he was playing dumb or just was dumb, but he figured if Guy couldn’t get decent competition out of him, he’d leave him alone about it, and eventually Guy did. So Hal’s understanding of poker never extended past what beats what, and whenever he watched Guy play he let his mind wander to other things.

After a turbulent childhood and adolescence in which their divergent worldviews ground against each other like tectonic plates, Hal and Guy had settled into an amiable “you go your way, I’ll go mine” adulthood, and saw each other sufficiently infrequently to keep their clashing passions on low boil. While they viewed themselves as chronic opposites, in fact they complemented each other quite well. Being with Guy was a high for Hal: pleasant enough in measured doses but not to be overdone. Hal in return gave Guy the sort of plain, gray background against which bright colors shine in high relief. Measuring himself against his brother’s straightforward (and to Guy’s eyes bland) way of life made Guy feel superior and sharp. In the sense that each other’s flaws just reinforced their own cherished beliefs, they were perfect companions. Opposites don’t merely attract; they validate and confirm.

They were now in their late twenties, and the shape of their lives seemed to be set. Hal, thirteen months his brother’s senior, had taken his accounting degree and immediately put it to work in the sort of company where sensible sensibilities were positively reinforced and wearing a Hawaiian shirt on Casual Friday was the acceptable limit of outrageous behavior. Guy, meanwhile, had given college a scattershot failed attempt, kicked around for a while, burdened neither by focus nor fixed address, and finally come to rest in Las Vegas. When he discovered cardroom poker, he knew he’d found his home.

Romance had eluded both Harris boys, for Hal was too cautious to give his heart away without a clearly calculated and gauged return, and Guy kept renewing his girl-of-the-month club membership for mortal fear that the subscription would lapse. Hal supposed the time would come when he would marry and breed according to the well defined suburban script. Guy had no such illusions. There was no settle in him, as anyone who’d ever watched him fidget in his seat in a poker game would quickly attest. Hal worried for his brother: for the poverty of his spirit, for his wastrel ways, and for his tangible lack of desire to build something lasting in his life. But whenever he voiced these concerns to Guy, his brother would fire back with an existential, “What’s the point, bruz? You can’t take it with you.” This passed for thoughtfulness in Guy’s don’t-ask-don’t-tell philosophy, and was the seawall upon which the waves of both Hal’s logic and his compassion inevitably broke.

The plane descended toward the setting sun, with the mountains on fire behind and the city in shadows and loud neon below. In the crowd around him Hal could feel the quickening pulse of anticipation. Soon these eager revelers would be scattered around town, hunting and chasing the Vegas buzz wherever they could find it: in the free drinks that the house so generously provided; in the stage shows presenting larger than life spectacles at larger than life prices; in the “escorts sent directly to your door”; in the all- night pub crawls that held out the tantalizing promise of real human contact (or anyway sex) but ultimately seemed to deliver only a big bar tab and a hangover of storied proportion. Vegas was like that. It stole so much: sleep, discipline, sobriety, time, common sense; and after it softened you up, it picked you clean. What got Hal was how they never stopped coming back, no matter how many times they went home broke. Insanity, he’d been told, was doing the same thing over and over again in hopes of a different outcome. He didn’t think they were all insane, just victims of selective memory – gamnesia, Guy called it – a bettor’s confirmation bias that filters out the losses and overstates the wins.

Then again, here he was, landing in Vegas again, trying to save his brother’s lost soul again. Insanity, they say…

Hal thought he would cab it to Guy’s apartment, but Friday night at McCarran Airport was impossible for cabs, with a line that snaked through switchbacks like Disneyland on Labor Day. He didn’t feel like waiting, so he went to the rentacar desk with the shortest queue and paid way too much for one of those new cheap Chinese imports, a subcompact Song Serenade with fine vinyl seat covers and all the pep of a narcoleptic rider mower.

Guy lived in a rundown housing complex called the Evergreen Apartments, a name which always amused Hal because there was never ever anything evergreen about the apartments or grounds – except possibly the pool, which was ever green with algae – or the surrounding avenues and streets. It took Hal an hour to get there, a slow, aching grind up the I-15 in an accordion crush of trucks, commuters, minivan cabs, and out-of-state platers. Frazzled and edgy by the time he arrived, he parked behind Guy’s building and made his way up the outside stairs to the second floor rear corner flat that Guy called home. He knocked on the door but got no answer. Not that he expected one. Guy had said that he had some things to take care of. Hal took this to mean harvesting the poker tourists, whose toxic cocktail of eagerness, impatience, and jet lag made Friday Guy’s big money night of the week. He had, he told Hal, made a study of this, and found Friday more profitable than, say, Saturday, because Friday was when most tourists blew into town and hit the poker tables all over-amped and under-skilled. By Saturday the good ones had found their feet and the bad ones had gone broke, leaving the tables top-heavy with locals who, like some latter day Donner Party, spent the evening more or less gnawing on one another’s legs. Floridly put, but Guy was florid like that.

Hal lifted the welcome mat to find Guy’s key. On the mat he read the words, The Sivapathasundaram’s. He couldn’t imagine where Guy had gotten this cheesy artifact – probably stole it off the Sivapathasundarams’ doorstep – but he knew it was the gratuitous possessive that tickled Guy. Words were to Guy what numbers were to Hal. They moved and delighted him, and sang to him in a way. But he was indignant about ignorant assaults on the language. As outlaw as Guy was in his lifestyle, he had a mocking contempt for anyone who couldn’t follow simple rules of grammar, and apostrophe catastrophes were his pettest pet peeve.

“Yoo hoo! Mr. Sivapathasundaram? Anybody home?” Hal stepped across the threshold into a living room littered with beer bottles, chips, coins, cash, playing cards, porno magazines, and promotional discs for online poker sites. An Australian flag draped over the back of a threadbare brown couch served as… what?… upholstery? Style? Above it hung a frameless print of dogs playing poker, staple-gunned to the drywall at an odd angle. Guy had taken a Sharpie and given the dogs dialogue balloons. “That’s not a hand, that’s a paw!” said one. “Call if you don’t like kibble,” said another, and, “Shut up, bitches,” snarled a third. Through an open archway Hal could see the kitchen, cluttered with the flotsam of Guy’s bad food habits: empty pizza boxes, a can of aerosol cheese… and a giant bag of dry dog food? Hal didn’t know Guy to have a dog, but couldn’t imagine his circumstances to have been that reduced, so he assumed dog, somewhere.

Hal went into the bedroom. On Guy’s night table stood an empty bottle of Jack Daniel’s with a candle jammed into it. This, along with a John Coltrane CD case and some empty condom wrappers, suggested a night of well I suppose you’d call it romance. Per the condom wrappers, Hal didn’t search too hard for further evidence.

There was a bathroom off the bedroom, and as he hadn’t had a pee since Pittsburgh, Hal decided to avail himself. A sign on the door – another purloined apostrophe catastrophe – proclaimed this the mens’ room. Hal walked in and squared up in front of the toilet. As he unzipped, a rustle of shower curtain caught his ear. Given the tiny, close nature of Guy’s flat, Hal couldn’t credit a refreshing cross breeze. Curious, he turned toward the sound – just in time to take a thick brick of crystal to the face.

He went down like a drunken co-ed, smashed his head against the sink, and remembered no more.

Visit Amazon to order.

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text:
Show 207: Sparkles

This is a joint effort from several artists, some pieces made for Soundart Radio’s “First Spark” festival in February 2009, remixed here for Radia.
We thought we’d celebrate switching on our new transmitter (1000 times more powerful than the old one) by remembering the forgotten festival of Imbolc, and the first stirrings of light and warm weather. You’ll hear me going on about this in the introduction to the show and making some excuse about being a rural station.
So this show starts with Chris Mockridge’s recording of building and lighting a fire in their (old, cold) home… then an Imbolc piece by Jackie Juno, like me she’s interested in new ways of engaging with these ancient festivals
Then there’s quite a big chunk of our new neighbour Ergo Phizmiz‘s “The invention of Birds” which was an installation in the Dartington Gallery. Actually this bit is from the opening night so it’s Ergo and DJ Salinger together sort of DJing along to the installed piece. I didn’t intend to use quite so much of it but it was hard to choose a short bit. There’s a bit more of it later on.
Then there’s “For Emma” a spoken word thing by Isobel Anderson, who used to be a student.
There’s a thing by Joe Prosser, a writing student here at Dartington… does it have a title? I don’t know.
Lastly “For Bridget” by Graham Burchell. Bridget is St. Bridget and a goddess too, the “Bridie” that Jackie mentioned earlier in the show and Imbolc is her time.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2016

NCI (Native Communications Inc.) is a large public radio network covering 98% of Manitoba via 57 transmitters.  They began broadcasting in the northern part of the province in 1971.  Programming is designed for and by Native people and consists of Country music mixed with Aboriginal artists.  105.5 FM is CICY, a 100,000-watt station licensed to Selkirk, MB near the capital of Winnipeg.

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Housing Trends

Number of Housing Units
The number of housing units in the township increased by 11.6% from 1980 to 1990 (growing from 9,481 to 10,580 units, including apartments). All housing units in Delaware County increased by 4.7% over the same period (up from 201,474 units in 1980 to 211,024 in 1990).

About 90% of residential units in the township were owner occupied as of 1992; roughly 2/3 of units in all of Delaware County are owner occupied.

Estimated Values
The estimated median market value of township residential units in 1990 was $266,700 compared with $113,200 for all residential units in Delaware County. The average price of homes sold in the township in 2004 was $488,591, more than twice the average of $210,308 for all homes sold in Delaware County.