tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85893242713531323702024-02-19T13:47:02.299-08:00Pursuing the TruthAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-43326735632248365882013-06-21T16:25:00.003-07:002013-06-21T16:25:50.311-07:00Nightmare Clinic - UpdateFor those who were curious to know the outcome of Gosnell's trial, the horrific abortion doctor I wrote about in my <a href="http://writersthoughts-brianna.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-nightmare-clinic-horrifying-true.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, he has been convicted of first-degree murder on three accounts, and has been sentenced to a lifetime in prison with no possibility of parole.<br />
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For more information, I recommend <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/kermit-gosnell-life-sentence_n_3275000.html" target="_blank">this article</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-10542608051125964892013-04-30T09:59:00.000-07:002013-04-30T10:06:31.161-07:00The Nightmare Clinic: The Horrifying True Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">AP Images</span></i></td></tr>
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<i>WARNING: This post contains graphic and disturbing content. Reader discretion is advised.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>It's inner-city Philadelphia. Towering over the narrow streets looms an old brick building with the faded, red letters: <i>"Family Planning.</i>"<br />
<br />
But what you find inside is far worse than the outside.<br />
<br />
You step through the door, and your nose wrinkles from the pungent smell of urine.<br />
<br />
Blood is on the floor.<br />
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A flea-infested cat brushes by you, defecating as it dashes up the stairs.<br />
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If you dare to venture deeper into the eerie clinic, the horrors only increase.<br />
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In the recovery room, you find semiconscious women moaning on dirty recliners, wrapped in blood-stained blankets. Those blankets have only been washed once this week.<br />
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You pass the operating rooms housing old, deteriorating, faulty equipment. The surgical instruments lying in the sink have never been sterilized. <br />
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But the worst of all horrors are hidden in the far back room and the dark basement below. Heart pounding, you cautiously push the door open and, with a wince of dread, flick on the light. You gasp at the horrid sight of shelves filled with jars of severed baby feet, boxes and bags of infant parts, and mangled aborted fetuses in bottles and in the open. An unearthly shriek startles you; it's one of the babies, lying on a glass tray; it's eyes and mouth are still not completely formed but it still made a noise. A shiver like cold ice creeps down your spine and your breath becomes short.<br />
<br />
You've had enough.<br />
<br />
You bolt out of the room, trying to escape this nightmare. But you are lost. How do you get out of this place? You find an emergency exit and slam your body weight against it, but it's padlocked. Twenty minutes later you find your way to the front and burst out the door, panting.<br />
<br />
Is this a scene from a horror movie?<br />
<br />
No, this is real life.<br />
<br />
This is Dr. Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQH6ZzA613jIU_Q1ATK2bGNMoVmz5vqE5jz5JJYrqMovPbliTw7Krwga5DvH3rp4uLJQMH9Jrz5ie4jm7cw3p6kvoQrDxhYaHqusO1C8-dNkBmqHwaIWlMdyxkkLL7vCuP9uwQdnwEp4C/s1600/23doctor-span-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQH6ZzA613jIU_Q1ATK2bGNMoVmz5vqE5jz5JJYrqMovPbliTw7Krwga5DvH3rp4uLJQMH9Jrz5ie4jm7cw3p6kvoQrDxhYaHqusO1C8-dNkBmqHwaIWlMdyxkkLL7vCuP9uwQdnwEp4C/s400/23doctor-span-articleLarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit Jessica Kourkounis, The New York Times</span></i></td></tr>
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Before reaching the spotlight today, Dr. Gosnell first received approval to open his clinic in 1979. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was not much in the practice of inspecting facilities like Gosnell's. It wasn't until ten years later that they reviewed his clinic again. Already the site had numerous violations, but Gosnell was allowed to continue operating on the promise that he would fix them. More reviews in 1992 and 1993 again yielded a discovery of violations, and again the department believed Gosnell's promises that would fix them. <br />
<br />
After 1993, for political reasons, the department stopped inspecting clinics at all. Even as disturbing complaints came in — patients leaving with the same venereal disease, illegal abortions on minors and late-term pregnancies, a 41-year old woman dying at Gosnell's hands — the department opted not to investigate the "house of horrors" operating under their noses. <br />
<br />
Finally, in 2011, the FBI raided Gosnell's facility on reports of "illegal drug activity". The uncertified "doctor" had been, in addition to running a grisly abortion mill at night, selling painkillers to drug dealers and addicts from his daytime office. The FBI, of course, found far more than drugs. Scattered throughout the nauseating conditions, they found stored body parts and fetuses; some which had been killed <i>after</i> they left the mother, and others far past the 24-week limit for legal abortions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dr. Kermit Gosnell (ABC News)</span></td></tr>
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"My grasp of the English language doesn't really allow me to fully describe how horrific this clinic was," said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams during the recent trial. "Rotting bodies, fetal remains, the smell of urine throughout, blood-stained." (7)<br />
<br />
According to the Washington Examiner, Dr. Gosnell was often behind in paying bills, and the disposal provider might delay picking up the dead babies for months. Sometimes the rotting corpses would be left out overnight. "You knew about it the next day when you opened the door..." One employee said. "Because you could smell it as soon as you opened the door." (7)<br />
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Reports also revealed that Gosnell allowed some of the newborn corpses to fall into the toilets, until it would clog up the plumbing. According to a handyman for the clinic, "I told the doc I would remove the toilet and lay it on its side, but somebody else would have to clean that out." (7)<br />
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But perhaps the most condemning and most news-stirring discovery of all was the shocking claim from a number of Gosnell's employees: His slaughtering of infants was not limited to within the womb.<br />
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According to his employees, if a baby was still moving when it left the mother, he would snip the spinal cord with scissors. "Ensuring fetal demise", as he called it. The media has been calling it "infant beheading." He taught many of his uncertified, unqualified employees how to do this. Several of his former employees have pleaded guilty to this kind of murder.<br />
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Dr. Gosnell himself was charged with seven original counts of first-degree murders of infants (although three of those have been thrown out). In addition, he was charged with third-degree murder of the 41-year-old patient who died in his hands from an overdose of anesthesia and painkillers.<br />
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He faces the death penalty if proven guilty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7DdbxgrjsxY9l9c-FKIiEfQ0D8s_ex3ZYG8vUd55eHJLtMo8KKuYP8JhVFjZv5_wTIYq1ICEaBAoYlJVXCD3NRZDxrU1Uo4T7Atx3kVVoKhLpyO3aAlUJJKelxOZmoDvVPLPTvBdDZsp/s1600/Kermit_Gosnell_mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7DdbxgrjsxY9l9c-FKIiEfQ0D8s_ex3ZYG8vUd55eHJLtMo8KKuYP8JhVFjZv5_wTIYq1ICEaBAoYlJVXCD3NRZDxrU1Uo4T7Atx3kVVoKhLpyO3aAlUJJKelxOZmoDvVPLPTvBdDZsp/s320/Kermit_Gosnell_mug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dr. Gosnell's mug shot</span></i></td></tr>
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Today, the deliberations begin for Dr. Gosnell's trial. I am praying for justice. I can't help but think that God gave Gosnell 30 years to change... 30 years since his clinic opened, three warnings from the health department, three chances to cease his sick and twisted practices. Even for a man like Dr. Gosnell — a man who made jokes as he plunged scissors into moving babies, a man who favored his white patients over his patients of color, a man who treated patients better according to how well they could pay, a man who ate dinner with still-bloody latex gloves while interviewed by the FBI, a man who made millions off of his disrespect for human life, both that of the babies he killed and the mothers he claimed to help — even for a man like this, God would show mercy... God would show grace... God would give him second and third chances to change his ways.<br />
<br />
But time's up.<br />
<br />
I can't speak for Dr. Gosnell's soul. But I pray that the courts will decide on the side of truth, and that, at least in this life, Gosnell will receive the punishment he deserves. People that like him that practice such evil should not be allowed to live in our society, or in any other.<br />
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May the truth be revealed and justice be served.<br />
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<b>For Comments</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Let me hear your thoughts. Do you think Gosnell deserves the death penalty? Do you think this story is just a pro-life issue, or is it a human rights issue that all ends of the political spectrum should be concerned with? How do you think the trial will conclude?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><b>Research and Further Reading</b></span><br />
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(1) http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/12/10-of-the-most-shocking-allegations-in-the-gruesome-house-of-horrors-that-was-dr-kermit-gosnells-abortion-clinic-warning-graphic/<br />
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(2) http://www.policymic.com/articles/34339/dr-kermit-gosnell-s-abortion-trial-why-isn-t-the-media-covering-it<br />
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(3) http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/abortion-doc-snipped-moving-babies-spines-witness-article-1.1314193<br />
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(4) http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/04/26/truth-about-kermit-gosnell-trial/<br />
<br />
(5) http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Gosnell-Defense-204050851.html<br />
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(6) http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2013/04/12/exp-erin-abortion-doctor-panel.cnn (video)<br />
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(7) http://washingtonexaminer.com/58-horrific-details-from-the-gosnell-trial-that-you-do-not-want-to-read/article/2527524<br />
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(8) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/23/us/23doctor.html (article from when story first broke out)<br />
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(9) http://www.phila.gov/districtattorney/PDFs/GrandJuryWomensMedical.pdf (full story: Grand Jury report)<br />
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(10) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/us/trial-abortion-doctor-kermit-gosnell.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-58310421066285918762013-04-21T22:18:00.001-07:002013-04-21T22:30:24.098-07:00The next Kendrick brothers movie: Involving you?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYisFB15edlnXhTcqbBIienN1YbXMqLjUT7fc6bsRe_sIeddP73Jc6EFOj5AB6TA0norBrkphZrre7ClwFqcx9N1xNtijxhrJmFaHgT3sU28JUtsT53GfcSVWxgUDr700XRwIXL4h3lfnW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+1.08.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYisFB15edlnXhTcqbBIienN1YbXMqLjUT7fc6bsRe_sIeddP73Jc6EFOj5AB6TA0norBrkphZrre7ClwFqcx9N1xNtijxhrJmFaHgT3sU28JUtsT53GfcSVWxgUDr700XRwIXL4h3lfnW/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+1.08.46+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from kendrickbrothers.com</td></tr>
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<br />
I am very excited to hear about a new direction that the Kendrick brothers are taking. According to Baptist Press, they are now launching their own production company, no longer under the umbrella of Sherwood Baptist Church. <br />
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Most intriguingly, this means that, instead of depending heavily on church volunteers as they have in the past, they will now use aspiring Christian filmmakers and students to work in their crews. They are shifting their vision more to the action of training up the next generation of filmmakers. Apparently this may include working alongside several Christian colleges, such as Liberty University and Bob Jones University. <br />
<br />
The Kendrick brothers will expand to film in locations beyond the Albany, Georgia area. Instead of using largely volunteer actors, they will pull auditions from all over the country, allowing people to send clips of their work through Youtube or DVD, in the hopes of bringing out the "undiscovered" talent they believe are out there.<br />
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This new direction is outstanding news for young (and mature!) Christians yearning to get involved in filmmaking. As hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of aspiring filmmakers have wished for years, there is finally an opportunity for outsiders to be personally involved in the renowned work of the Kendrick brothers.<br />
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The Kendricks are one example that things are beginning to change. God is stirring our nation... evermore he awakens His rising warriors, the Christian filmmakers that will band together to shake this culture. The ground is trembling... the rumbling grows louder... and louder.<br />
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The movement is coming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiQ_BU1B_wqwiD0T7oe3FKpbqrAKuRmDaG8NlCB9GY1oviDRviJOW0oGMRFjl58LiyxxHH_rr5ywMUk5nNgc7Iir_o8X1gFjodYrfAtmOhl5FxAJW5EqpV15OUnyLIPqV1pcFkdiHR4Y-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+1.15.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiQ_BU1B_wqwiD0T7oe3FKpbqrAKuRmDaG8NlCB9GY1oviDRviJOW0oGMRFjl58LiyxxHH_rr5ywMUk5nNgc7Iir_o8X1gFjodYrfAtmOhl5FxAJW5EqpV15OUnyLIPqV1pcFkdiHR4Y-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-22+at+1.15.27+AM.png" /></a></div>
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<i>To read more, visit: <a href="http://www.baptistpress.com/BPnews.asp?ID=40110">http://www.baptistpress.com/BPnews.asp?ID=40110</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>To get updates on the Kendrick brothers and to be <b><span style="font-size: large;">contacted for getting involved</span></b>, sign up at: <a href="http://kendrickbrothers.com/">http://kendrickbrothers.com</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-49395643677044403242013-04-13T06:45:00.001-07:002013-04-13T06:45:13.839-07:00Maybe it's good we elected Obama...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A common myth says that when you put a frog in boiling water, he will jump out; but if you heat up the water slowly, the frog will not realize the gradual change before he cooks to death.<br />
<br />
While the scientific validity of the story has been disputed, the old metaphor still rings true. Particularly with today's political climate in America.<br />
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There's no doubt that our democratic republic has been slowly veering toward socialism for a long time. Like a scientist gradually cranking up the heat on that stove, we've been inching closer to a new form of government... president by president, administration by administration, legislation by legislation. This has been largely under the guise of a term many politicians use: <i>"progressivism".</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
As quoted by Hillary Clinton, when asked to define the word "liberal":<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">"I prefer the word ‘<b>progressive</b>,’ which has a real American meaning, going back to the progressive era at the <b>beginning of the 20th century</b>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">I consider myself a modern progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms, who believes that we are better as a society when we're <b>working together</b> and when we find ways <b>to help those who may not have all the advantages in life</b> get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family." (1) (Emphases added)</span></blockquote>
In other words, "progressivism" is <a href="http://writersthoughts-brianna.blogspot.com/2010/05/fdrs-progressivism-warning-for-today.html" target="_blank">Franklin D. Roosevelt</a>... it's redistribution of wealth, it's a nanny state, it's leveling the playing field, it's the big ole government taking care of us helpless toddling citizens... it's socialism.<br />
<br />
Progressivism is rampant in both the Democratic and Republican parties. While the Democratic party is probably more well-known for its strong progressive members, the threatening ideology crops up in Republican circles as well... just maybe with more subtlety.<br />
<br />
For example?<br />
<br />
Barack Obama's opponents.<br />
<br />
Yes, both John McCain and Mitt Romney are progressives. Despite firm attempts to align themselves with right-wing values during their campaigns, had either of them been elected, we would have ultimately continued on the same, slow path path to socialism that we've been on for decades.<br />
<br />
Glenn Beck, a radio host and former Fox News personality, even thought "John McCain <i><b>would have been worse</b></i> for the country than Barack Obama." (3) (Emphasis added)<br />
<br />
If they're all progressives, what's the difference between Obama and his past opponents?<br />
<br />
I'd like to say that if most progressives are like horse-drawn carriages casually pattering off to socialism, Obama is like a super jet....<br />
<br />
...Careening into destruction.<br />
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<br />
The documentary, <a href="http://2016themovie.com/" target="_blank">2016: Obama's America</a><i>,</i> and many sources like it, have delved into the mire of Obama's covert past and questionable connections. If what the evidence implies is true, Obama is not just a progressive... he's a radical. And he wants to push his extreme agenda down America's throat as fast as he can, squeezing in as much as he can manage into his eight years of office.<br />
<br />
Kind of like dropping a frog in boiling water.<br />
<br />
I'm not glad Obama is our president. But maybe, in an unexpected way, Obama is exactly what our country needs. Maybe the startling changes he brings will wake us up to our dire situation... and we will finally realize, as a nation, that this collision course has got to stop. <br />
<br />
But will it be too late?<br />
<br />
Modern scientists have pointed out several inaccuracies with the frog-in-water myth. One of which is that, even if you dropped a frog in boiling liquid, the poor guy wouldn't be able to leap out because the heat would immediately damage his legs. Even though he would be aware of the danger and would try to escape it, once the damage is done, he's a goner.<br />
<br />
America's fate is uncertain now. Only time will tell if Obama will be the catalyst for an awakening... or the final, deadly note in our republic's waning song.<br />
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<br />
<b>Sources and Further Reading</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
(1) YouTube Debate: Hillary - Are You a Liberal? July 23, 2007. http://youtu.be/C2oOoCdFblc<br />
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(2) LeBoutillier, John. What Does John McCain Stand For? May 23, 2008. http://www.newsmax.com/JohnLeboutillier/john-mccain/2008/05/23/id/323771<br />
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(3) Glenn Beck: McCain Worse Than Obama. September 23, 2009. http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-504423_162-5328053.html<br />
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(4) Jessup, Meredith. Tea Party Vs. Progressive Republicans -- Battle For the Soul of the GOP. December 3, 2012. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/12/03/tea-party-vs-progressive-republicans-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-gop/<br />
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(5) Kruszelnichi, Dr. Karl S.. Frog Fable Brought to Boil. http://www.conservationmagazine.org/2011/03/frog-fable-brought-to-boil/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-4477645720180074082013-03-29T18:50:00.000-07:002013-03-29T18:50:00.018-07:00Red Dawn a reality?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI8E_xv6acNW09azWClaI9fLzFYgQwqTRs0cUfcSHhRAmz8UyWvAEDXzsNYXmr3jiYNUCRkrJNxFneMt5X7kX0coVPYQe7D12hK3tteVV6ghMyXnxUcj4fVENuewXd3u6T46YJdtsY4st/s1600/reddawninvasion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI8E_xv6acNW09azWClaI9fLzFYgQwqTRs0cUfcSHhRAmz8UyWvAEDXzsNYXmr3jiYNUCRkrJNxFneMt5X7kX0coVPYQe7D12hK3tteVV6ghMyXnxUcj4fVENuewXd3u6T46YJdtsY4st/s1600/reddawninvasion.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the latest <i>Red Dawn</i> movie, North Korean forces invade and gain control over portions of the United States.<br />
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Is this scenario a true possibility?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/9961610/North-Korea-outbreak-of-war-hours-away-as-Kim-Jong-un-plans-US-strike.html" target="_blank">Recent threats</a> from North Korea's young leader, Kim Jong Un, to launch long-range missiles to the U.S. mainland and "settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists", have stirred some concern, and not to mention media buzz. There's no doubt that tension is growing on the Korean peninsula. In the current climate, it is possible that a small, even accidental provocation from either side could spark war. But the idea of North Korea launching anything, especially a Red-Dawn-style invasion, to United States soil is far-fetched.<br />
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North Korea still has a long way to go before they could back up their lofty threats of attack against the U.S. They also know that, if they attacked South Korea, the retaliation from their southern neighbors would wipe out North Korea, even without the help of America.<br />
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The real concern, according to Jim Walsh, an international security expert and research associate at MIT, is that an "accidental war" could spiral out of control. A small provocation could launch an all-out conflict with chaotic consequences, even if most of the death toll is on North Korea's end. (1)<br />
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Maybe Kim Jong Un doesn't have the military advancements yet to back up his claims, but he sure does mean business. Maybe North Korea should be overlooked, or maybe it's just a matter of time. Should we take their threats seriously? What do you think?<br />
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Further reading:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) Fox News: "What Kind of Attack Could North Korea Launch?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/29/what-kind-attack-could-north-korea-launch/">http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/29/what-kind-attack-could-north-korea-launch/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2) The Telegraph: "North Korea: 'outbreak of war hours away' as Kim Jong-un plans US strike"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/9961610/North-Korea-outbreak-of-war-hours-away-as-Kim-Jong-un-plans-US-strike.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/9961610/North-Korea-outbreak-of-war-hours-away-as-Kim-Jong-un-plans-US-strike.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3) CNN: "No end in sight for North Korea tensions"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/29/no-end-in-sight-for-north-korea-tensions/?hpt=hp_t1">http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/29/no-end-in-sight-for-north-korea-tensions/?hpt=hp_t1</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-51294497133638972972013-03-22T08:49:00.001-07:002013-03-22T08:49:22.498-07:00Does all art need a purpose?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdhCKyNZ4EKcfLcNsis_wwrJhE9tIyslbP_XRE8JB-oVulIun67d_B5NlG2K1Ytc7TdqWURKecCT6XGn_G-P2R_gY1yE71T6L5_aRX95J6Jf4B2cMrzOk7sAS_NBFgv4L6XGJtI5Pvgoa/s1600/canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdhCKyNZ4EKcfLcNsis_wwrJhE9tIyslbP_XRE8JB-oVulIun67d_B5NlG2K1Ytc7TdqWURKecCT6XGn_G-P2R_gY1yE71T6L5_aRX95J6Jf4B2cMrzOk7sAS_NBFgv4L6XGJtI5Pvgoa/s320/canvas.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Thought of the day. Does all art need a purpose?<br />
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When God created the world, He said it was good. Not all that He made seems to have had a definitive purpose. With the exception of the heavenly bodies, which it says He created "for signs and for seasons, and for days and years... to give light upon the earth" (Gen 1:14-15, ESV), the only real commentary that is given on each facet of His creation is... "and it was good".<br />
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This brings up a question. Cannot art exist for the sole purpose of <i style="font-weight: bold;">being good?</i> A fruit nourishes us, the wind cools us, a river refreshes us... but do the vivid colors of fruits, flowers and sunsets serve any purpose other than to simply display beauty? Why did God create the flashy peacock, the odd giraffe, the grotesque anglerfish, and the magnificent blue whale? Does every creature serve a "purpose" like the stars do and vegetables do? Does it not seem that many aspects of creation exist simply to display His creativity, His majesty, and His personality... or to just <i style="font-weight: bold;">be beautiful</i> and <i style="font-weight: bold;">be good</i>? As Stasi Eldredge wrote,<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful." - <i>Captivating</i></blockquote>
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When God made man, He made us "in His image." That means we reflect Him, and bring glory to Him <i>by </i>reflecting Him. We all reflect His image in different ways. Man and woman, young and old, artist and mathematician... each of us, in our own unique ways, reflect different aspects of His vast person. It is part of <i>our purpose.</i> By simply reflecting Him, we are fulfilling part of our purpose in existing.</div>
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This is where the artist comes in. Artists reflect the creative aspect of God's image. It is why the need to <i>create</i> and to <i>make beautiful things</i> is so deeply rooted in our hearts. </div>
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Some people may wonder where the value is in a beautiful painting of flowers or a field or a completely imagined scene out of an artist's head. Does it serve any purpose? Is it worth spending the effort to create, the time to enjoy, or the funds to support? I would say <i style="font-weight: bold;">yes,</i> it is absolutely worth all those things and far more. Art is not something to belittle.<br />
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<i>When artists create, we are directly reflecting God's image, and we are bringing Him glory.</i><br />
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It is part of our purpose as artists. It doesn't matter what we are creating, and whether or not that creation may seem "useless" in the eyes of others. By simply <i>creating</i>, we are reflecting the God who created the universe. Creativity is not to be ignored. There is no small value in the "mere" pursuit of beauty and goodness. God wanted us to pursue these things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJUxFINHuAUTtHjswwB2kmMcy2ovTPNxInEjr-ULJkHI4KFnhyphenhyphenek7lhdm2BslPuoUd-pVgyYnsTDzPK_8jmNXuyFAUln8Buq7_ZKBucHEmfyOPoyFWkFXBIBkoSO-KSDcow7D3sRnCI1c/s1600/MP900382814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJUxFINHuAUTtHjswwB2kmMcy2ovTPNxInEjr-ULJkHI4KFnhyphenhyphenek7lhdm2BslPuoUd-pVgyYnsTDzPK_8jmNXuyFAUln8Buq7_ZKBucHEmfyOPoyFWkFXBIBkoSO-KSDcow7D3sRnCI1c/s320/MP900382814.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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But let's take this a step further. And this is where I may start stepping on some toes.<br />
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You see, art is not just limited to paintings and drawings.<br />
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What about music? Writing? Storytelling? Filmmaking? We all know that media is the most powerful influencer on our culture right now. (I wrote a <a href="http://writersthoughts-brianna.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-influence-culture.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a> on this.) This seems to place an obligation on Christians in the media world to create content that furthers God's kingdom and shines a light in the culture to combat all the darkness. While I fully acknowledge the immensely powerful position we have as media-makers, and whole-heartedly identify with all attempts to use that power for God's glory and for cultural reformation, I have to step back and say... is that <i>all</i> we are required to do?<br />
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I want to make movies that impacts culture. I want to tell stories that moves hearts and even, I pray, changes lives for Christ. But I've come to wonder, are we fully obligated to incorporate this kind of <i>purpose</i> into every single work of media art we create?<br />
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You see, media is art.<br />
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Is it a "waste" to write a song about our grandmother, or a poem about how much we love spring? Is it a "waste" to tell a story that never uses the name of Jesus, or a film that never shares the gospel or is, truly, hardly more than clean "entertainment"? Does the powerful potential of media obligate us to the restrictive purposes many Christians apply to it?<br />
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I'm not saying we should use this as an <i>excuse</i>... if God wants us to tell a story or write a song with a definitive purpose for His kingdom, we shouldn't use this reasoning as a cop-out from that calling.<br />
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But my question is, <i>does God always require us to make art with such evident "purposes"?</i><br />
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Or are we not already reflecting His image, bringing Him glory, and fulfilling part of our purpose by simply <b>making</b> <b>beauty... </b>and <b>making it good?</b><br />
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What do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-88251235595580700182013-03-21T20:09:00.002-07:002013-03-21T20:09:46.198-07:00I've responded to your comments!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6PKCdmG76yiALrth-lBcnyylUk9DzdVvSYd91XK2IOop2Yl6Lz6GQcPbJrlehDo3ns0nDQytuxyPaakTcyfAn3WpAzH9KoMYgQL5vSG4RS1FzaSlEpNohXU8mH1k-pQ_U6jYG4syOExn/s1600/MP900448599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6PKCdmG76yiALrth-lBcnyylUk9DzdVvSYd91XK2IOop2Yl6Lz6GQcPbJrlehDo3ns0nDQytuxyPaakTcyfAn3WpAzH9KoMYgQL5vSG4RS1FzaSlEpNohXU8mH1k-pQ_U6jYG4syOExn/s400/MP900448599.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Yay! I've had hardly any time for blogging, but tonight (at last!) I went through the remaining comments that were waiting for moderation. If you've been waiting for me to respond to a comment, your wait has ended. :-)<br />
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I no longer feel so negligent! My comments page is empty! I feel free!<br />
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Perhaps this warrants an actual blog post from me again. (Boy it's been a long time!) But what should I write about? *wonders*...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-78917516456250760812013-02-09T16:01:00.000-08:002013-02-09T16:01:49.095-08:00What if your art came alive?Imagine a world where your art came alive, and your words changed the world around you. Welcome to SKETCH, a YA fantasy novel by Sheila Nicole Renva. If you're prepared to be blown away, watch the trailer below... by far the most incredible book trailer I've ever seen.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_3YaPTGZ_vE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I know, you want to read this now, right? But before SKETCH can go out onto the shelves and into <b>your hands</b>, Sheila needs your help to get it published!<br />
<br />
Check out the IndieGoGo campaign for SKETCH below, and see how you can help get this book published... while receiving <b>cool rewards</b> along the way!<br />
<br />
I contributed to SKETCH. Will you?<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="486px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/320400/widget" width="224px"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-59372100420869599162013-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:002013-01-18T06:58:20.639-08:00Cinderella: The Modern Spy Version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjlF6zDHSgQG5N5Ag8FOFXHM84kH3sZRVBUQvlJQF0K-qI6nS8PBxZnsWNlpe1pbrewc5jRVO-acAmy6ASziJ9ZjDfqCzwy84ZhmPH9C-6d3RVY1WlPCK1l-h90G4P21Ib38JzReqy9d4/s1600/file0002072342028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjlF6zDHSgQG5N5Ag8FOFXHM84kH3sZRVBUQvlJQF0K-qI6nS8PBxZnsWNlpe1pbrewc5jRVO-acAmy6ASziJ9ZjDfqCzwy84ZhmPH9C-6d3RVY1WlPCK1l-h90G4P21Ib38JzReqy9d4/s400/file0002072342028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Last month in my Digital Storytelling class, I had the assignment to re-tell a classic story, changing the situations, POV, characters, setting, etc.. I turned Cinderella into a modern spy story about conspiracy and undercover intelligence. <br />
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<i>The concept of romance, you see, what a necessary pretense... Cinderella was a threat to the security of England all along.</i><br />
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I decided to share it with you for your own amusement. Hope you enjoy.<br />
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<i>(Click on the pages to make them bigger; then you can scroll through them and read them that way.)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9w1xDRA5n1RLJIDJ4B7s533284fMikONBiJYQP3UynP-JS8Q6Q252SExSv4gmVF_rL73bFAOnrm37P6_PnwGf7hxOtBgnqS3F7aAxsSrH5x7BTQyRU-qqu9vT_-Na3tjS4SqIu8J65Q-/s1600/Cinderella_pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9w1xDRA5n1RLJIDJ4B7s533284fMikONBiJYQP3UynP-JS8Q6Q252SExSv4gmVF_rL73bFAOnrm37P6_PnwGf7hxOtBgnqS3F7aAxsSrH5x7BTQyRU-qqu9vT_-Na3tjS4SqIu8J65Q-/s640/Cinderella_pg2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-56022431949569432222012-10-23T08:04:00.000-07:002012-10-23T08:04:15.040-07:00It's been a while...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I've posted last. I'm sorry to have neglected this blog for so long. The fact of the matter is, I simply haven't had time for blogging in months, but now that I may have more time again, I intend to actively turn my attention back to this blog.<br />
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Many of you have comments that have waiting my response. I am sorry, I have not ignored you; I have simply been away from Blogger. I will get back to each comment when I can. I appreciate your patience!<br />
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Meanwhile, here are some updates on what's happened in the last few months as I've been "away"...<br />
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<b>Filmmaking:</b><br />
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1. I have continued my internship with <a href="http://www.adventfilmgroup.com/" target="_blank">Advent Film Group</a>, and within that time, Advent has released a new film training site that I highly recommend: <a href="http://www.adventfilmmakers.org/" target="_blank">Advent Filmmakers</a>. Advent Filmmakers is a website that provides excellent training in all aspects of filmmaking for Christians, from the technical side to the artistic side, from business management to worldview, and from the craft of superb storytelling to education on the history of film. I even had the privilege to write one <a href="http://www.adventfilmmakers.org/filming-for-christ-and-profit/" target="_blank">blog post</a> for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9__aZrXo-lQdfc3hL4u5rer7RFcFWXXbCZy_lG6eaxqJOI-TTP7AJDhMfVHBHhGuFSZC9faxmJ8HLRynRmqcmrv2IBHSNzsDPjQEd4OZbHcuzOSKYet3U2dcIAsKbgFZEgcO7W1Aeg3MJ/s1600/AFC-Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9__aZrXo-lQdfc3hL4u5rer7RFcFWXXbCZy_lG6eaxqJOI-TTP7AJDhMfVHBHhGuFSZC9faxmJ8HLRynRmqcmrv2IBHSNzsDPjQEd4OZbHcuzOSKYet3U2dcIAsKbgFZEgcO7W1Aeg3MJ/s320/AFC-Square.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.adventfilmmakers.org</td></tr>
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2. In August I had the exciting opportunity to work on another <i>feature film!</i> I was a production assistant on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeniorPranktheMovie" target="_blank">The Senior Prank</a></i>, a Christian anti-bullying film about a group of popular high school students who elect a girl with Down syndrome to be their homecoming queen -- as a senior prank. See the film's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeniorPranktheMovie" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for more information, including behind-the-scenes photos and videos.<br />
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<b>Digital art:</b><br />
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My interest in digital art has now blossomed into a serious passion, and in just ten days, I am moving to Winter Park, Florida, to study <a href="http://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/digital-arts-design-bachelors" target="_blank">Digital Arts & Design</a> at <a href="http://www.fullsail.edu/" target="_blank">Full Sail University</a>. My program of study is intensively accelerated (four-year-equivalent degree completed in less than two years), allowing that I begin classes in my degree topic almost immediately. I have started taking online classes ahead of time, and I already have virtually all my general education requirements out of the way. I'm already learning digital art. This allows me to already start populating my <a href="http://completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">tutorial blog</a> with posts on what I'm learning.<br />
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Upon graduating in 2014, I intend to launch a digital arts, photography, and videography business. I will apply my newly-acquired digital art skills predominantly within the context of film (designing movie websites and DVD covers, working in special effects, doing on-set graphic design, etc.). The company I launch on the basis of digital arts will become the foundation for my eventual film production company. Lord willing, I would like to produce my first feature film by 2016.<br />
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<b>Writing:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Progress with my sci-fi/dystopian novel is still coming along slowly. I've passed the 50,000 mark for word-count, but I've still got a while to go; perhaps another 10-15,000 words. I do still very much intend to publish this book when it is completed, so I will continue to keep you updated about that.<br />
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<b>Blogging:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In my previous blog post, I mentioned potential changes coming for both of my blogs. After thinking it over, I decided not to change anything for this blog -- it will still continue as-is! The only difference is that, now that I am officially studying digital arts, I have more valuable content to share with my <a href="http://completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">second blog</a>, but this blog stays the same.<br />
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Well, that's all for now! Hopefully, you can expect to hear more from me soon.<br />
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God bless!<br />
BriannaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-47645411638136076492012-06-17T15:20:00.000-07:002012-06-17T15:20:24.640-07:00New horizons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, everyone! I must say, it's been a while since I've blogged. I'm truly sorry about that. Schedules have been hectic lately, and mournfully devoid of time for blogging. I hope to change that soon.<br />
<br />
I'm considering moving in some new directions. There are exciting developments underway in my life right now that could soon propel me closer to my vocational pursuits, in terms of entering the realms of film, entertainment, and media arts. As God seems to be drawing me to cross new horizons, I'm pondering a few changes that would accompany these developments. <br />
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For example, there is the possibility that I may transfer this blog to a new website. I may combine the <a href="http://completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">two blogs</a> I keep into a single site, which would also expand to serve other, newer purposes, besides blogging. <br />
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As I contemplate these ideas, I covet your thoughts and opinions -- <span style="font-size: large;"><b>you</b></span>, the faithful followers of this blog. If this blog were to be transferred to a new site, <b>which aspects of this blog</b> would you like to see continued? What have you found <b>most beneficial, interesting, and useful?</b> Which aspects of this blog would you <b><i>not </i></b>like to see continued? What are some things that you have enjoyed on this blog for a time, but perhaps would not serve a purpose on a newer, broader-purposed site?<br />
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<br />
I appreciate your comments very much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!<br />
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God bless!<br />
Brianna<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-37684444980428117872012-03-11T12:25:00.001-07:002012-03-11T12:25:57.556-07:00True beauty and the ethics of Photoshop<br />
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<i>I just posted this on my other blog for computer artists, <a href="http://completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Completely Free Tutorials</a>, and decided I might as well post it here as well...</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></div>
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I find it fascinating how <i>fake</i> the models are that we see in magazines and ads. Most models look like ordinary people before the makeup, lighting, and particularly the Photoshop adjustments, transform them into these artificial and flawless... what shall we call them? Gods and goddesses? Angels? Aliens? Whatever they are, they are not natural and they are not real. Here are a few examples I pulled from www.hemmy.net:</div>
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(The original image is first; the Photoshop image is shown after.)</div>
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Is it just me, or do these pictures make you feel sick? In each of these cases, I think the original model is physically attractive. None of these photo edits make sense to me, with the exception of the blemish that was removed in the second picture (with a blemish that obvious, I think I'd remove it, too!).</div>
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And yet, it is these edited, counterfeit pictures of models that so many people -- girls and women in particular -- subconsciously look up to as standards for attractiveness and beauty. According to a study in 2004, only 2% of women think they are beautiful (<a href="http://www.dove.co.uk/cfrb/articles/study-only-2-percent.html" target="_blank">www.dove.co.uk</a>). This is a shockingly low number, but should it really be surprising, with the repulsive way beauty has been contorted by our media?</div>
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"I wish I looked like such-and-such an actress!" a woman may moan. But I would plead in response: "<i>Please</i> understand that you probably <i style="font-weight: bold;">do</i>!!"</div>
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If you haven't seen Dove's video "Evolution", you need to. This is another excellent glimpse into the phony world of modeling:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/knEIM16NuPg?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
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Now, don't misunderstand me: I am not necessarily opposed to editing photos. I've done it myself on a small scale. I understand; sometimes the lighting of our photos isn't good. Sometimes models wake up on photo day with big zits on their foreheads (<i>GACK!!</i>). That isn't what I'm talking about.</div>
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What I <i>am</i> talking about is morphing someone into an unnatural, impossible non-human that no person could ever physically rival in real life. I'm talking about making <i>aliens</i> into our standard for beauty. I mean, you might as well make this our standard for beauty (I am talking about the left half of the picture, of course):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cJzUk1aSeP1BjXuRLsrw1MYzqyKTs2PRHj338zUwRLWzPFnNcqiaIK9jfPXEYcrbLtZBFisj8zo2Pl46tcxbRHRSHLnO0Am7mrYb5AhrSaysAd8MwczGK1-BM0cS1kUV8hYEJIfYpPA/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-11+at+3.05.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cJzUk1aSeP1BjXuRLsrw1MYzqyKTs2PRHj338zUwRLWzPFnNcqiaIK9jfPXEYcrbLtZBFisj8zo2Pl46tcxbRHRSHLnO0Am7mrYb5AhrSaysAd8MwczGK1-BM0cS1kUV8hYEJIfYpPA/s400/Screen+shot+2012-03-11+at+3.05.47+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="280" /></a></div>
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By the way, I have no idea what this book is about, I'm not endorsing it, and I couldn't tell you if it was extremely inappropriate or terribly written. I'm just borrowing the cover to emphasize my point... </div>
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As computer artists, we have these questions to ask ourselves: What is most important or valuable, as we make our computer art, or edit our photos? What is our highest priority in this matter? What <i>should</i> be our highest priority? What power do we wield, as computer artists and culture influencers, and what are we personally doing with that power? Let me be more specific: Are we doing more <i>harm</i> or more <i>good</i> with that power? And if we are doing more harm... what should we do differently so we are doing more good?</div>
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What do you think?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-15824262108931566472012-03-11T10:01:00.002-07:002012-03-11T10:02:26.460-07:00Writers' Block now THE SCREENWRITERS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k8tsEyrKAsEQnuZrRQqzpjnCiulSpjnBJgE7TIt6vQ8gE6SAu-osQYKWK3QY1LeR5A31-o8qBi6u5LPmhR9XuQJJqwTzqCT2q3_f9Vzqp6ocBpd7hdkJwIo1oufyutolLNhLiyicVhJ-/s1600/328934_312124252178428_310128629044657_896320_644019055_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k8tsEyrKAsEQnuZrRQqzpjnCiulSpjnBJgE7TIt6vQ8gE6SAu-osQYKWK3QY1LeR5A31-o8qBi6u5LPmhR9XuQJJqwTzqCT2q3_f9Vzqp6ocBpd7hdkJwIo1oufyutolLNhLiyicVhJ-/s400/328934_312124252178428_310128629044657_896320_644019055_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have exciting news! The film I interned on last October, previously known by the working title, <i>Writers' Block</i>, has now been given an official title: <i><b>The Screenwriters</b></i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Consequently, there is a new official movie site up: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.screenwritersmovie.com/">www.screenwritersmovie.com</a>. Check out the site -- even though there's much more to come, the design looks really nice so far! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The new site includes their latest 30-second teaser trailer; also, you can view the original teaser trailer (about a minute and a half long) below:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36923925?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=f0a800" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-90427173774699642332012-03-08T14:52:00.000-08:002012-03-08T14:52:12.085-08:00Is Romney's campaign copying Obama?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While visiting Mitt Romney's and Barack Obama's websites today, I couldn't help but realize how closely Romney's campaign design resembles Obama's. Their sites are nearly the exact same layout, and even their campaign symbols have suspicious similarities. I wonder if this is a purposeful campaign tactic on Romney's part. What do you think?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The campaign symbols</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Obama's symbol</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoutGETotkWt7P6JKVAeY5aACjmv4FJtSTK_LCtoLl3yvh7WNvCqtmzUKSKch-T9fRNrb_IJtJy4Mr-mnQ4WvilMQMvjUZEnEQKqQdrP99Q18maeRrOqfX5pVANiJufnxhKlU7TfjgzGZ/s1600/500px-Obama_logomark.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoutGETotkWt7P6JKVAeY5aACjmv4FJtSTK_LCtoLl3yvh7WNvCqtmzUKSKch-T9fRNrb_IJtJy4Mr-mnQ4WvilMQMvjUZEnEQKqQdrP99Q18maeRrOqfX5pVANiJufnxhKlU7TfjgzGZ/s200/500px-Obama_logomark.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Romney's symbol</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA6tIkUJcAFS06G3nW9faU_WvA9xvEWvmvhyphenhyphenZJqUSBCdduLJWeM1tg7lzHahIfDI91xOcIaxn8T4PO5NAc75OeQN-eRUHqsNPuNLZluKK9Fk5-LYKXdY_ndr_ztJTwYJUrgSIWC1d4VRZ/s1600/Romney.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA6tIkUJcAFS06G3nW9faU_WvA9xvEWvmvhyphenhyphenZJqUSBCdduLJWeM1tg7lzHahIfDI91xOcIaxn8T4PO5NAc75OeQN-eRUHqsNPuNLZluKK9Fk5-LYKXdY_ndr_ztJTwYJUrgSIWC1d4VRZ/s320/Romney.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Opening web page</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Barackobama.com</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU646iyhE8OIFJ5mIpp0kOcOU7IUIWRxFoPSvlXltFN_T5pnfjgMistH3sEnJsB0sae8y2tPf5cO0AiW1yQonIN30EYYEba-QA-LzxQQid1KTjJIUVAZ-neX2OeBBA5HUkzPGXwP9Xm13/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.20.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU646iyhE8OIFJ5mIpp0kOcOU7IUIWRxFoPSvlXltFN_T5pnfjgMistH3sEnJsB0sae8y2tPf5cO0AiW1yQonIN30EYYEba-QA-LzxQQid1KTjJIUVAZ-neX2OeBBA5HUkzPGXwP9Xm13/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.20.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mittromney.com</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu-hiGbA_Qng1ry9ZxncAn9Tf_ykR8Q5fG2pwvuD2glpjaysFbgBd64a4urameEe31Ie3Dg5eipSya6UUfor2z3PXma4kaM8QKBVI55G8Qyf19_ohJZgEvE4N9hFWvQmnEeg_40mUOu6g/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.20.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu-hiGbA_Qng1ry9ZxncAn9Tf_ykR8Q5fG2pwvuD2glpjaysFbgBd64a4urameEe31Ie3Dg5eipSya6UUfor2z3PXma4kaM8QKBVI55G8Qyf19_ohJZgEvE4N9hFWvQmnEeg_40mUOu6g/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.20.25+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Home page</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Barackobama.com</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9plAN37MBi5yq63YDVkIuMFuj3lHyf0KIzDxtdw85FfmmRFPDSvXDKbsjM1-EuQtbpd_6Ab3SjKJWIrVaewvvnnfXDH2KZJtzaB8qquTNdupnSmtWm-88WZCcwTm29lleFYGysU_n0HY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.29.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9plAN37MBi5yq63YDVkIuMFuj3lHyf0KIzDxtdw85FfmmRFPDSvXDKbsjM1-EuQtbpd_6Ab3SjKJWIrVaewvvnnfXDH2KZJtzaB8qquTNdupnSmtWm-88WZCcwTm29lleFYGysU_n0HY/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.29.40+PM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mittromney.com</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6VfEvWLWNupW-uRDtxtVt9l2Z9LeQwocSjJRZFY3qIvSObebAKIh-S5hBhO38OQ3j2hWwG0GjTP6y4dKbVFIZX8Yqcl1emQilT-qbYn3KEIvcPDg-MEKaL1JYJfAt4GYVUIi69C7RGGA/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.30.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6VfEvWLWNupW-uRDtxtVt9l2Z9LeQwocSjJRZFY3qIvSObebAKIh-S5hBhO38OQ3j2hWwG0GjTP6y4dKbVFIZX8Yqcl1emQilT-qbYn3KEIvcPDg-MEKaL1JYJfAt4GYVUIi69C7RGGA/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.30.13+PM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here you can see another small similarity in their website designs:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CT8-iY1QMeE8wNeFGKJ7FQQ_Hc6kvM620Qs_drZkJaEndsAOUntBxamVc6gCEhwdIJUhwDXqzYO4DoOHQREWSVb8cD7LpeYNpGqvByXLaL6gIXYvcaGh0EAZkpXpS5aRYRLSKpYY9SP7/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.31.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CT8-iY1QMeE8wNeFGKJ7FQQ_Hc6kvM620Qs_drZkJaEndsAOUntBxamVc6gCEhwdIJUhwDXqzYO4DoOHQREWSVb8cD7LpeYNpGqvByXLaL6gIXYvcaGh0EAZkpXpS5aRYRLSKpYY9SP7/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-08+at+4.31.10+PM.png" /></span></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-39209912173623875622012-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:002012-03-05T19:50:21.552-08:00Who should I vote for?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EW_pj2Ztw2W5ZTMgvSRHDK24xrkUkuE5LxeOyjGveFxVoeTsXwEZlu1R6qPWMu4OZp3Gm5PsPRwgHHE3jv-0LRCAxnMryEwQ4IbU22Q3jXsdhK895oznBcKPoE3nWLUgsqqL-BEzqb60/s1600/220px-Newt_Gingrich_by_Gage_Skidmore_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EW_pj2Ztw2W5ZTMgvSRHDK24xrkUkuE5LxeOyjGveFxVoeTsXwEZlu1R6qPWMu4OZp3Gm5PsPRwgHHE3jv-0LRCAxnMryEwQ4IbU22Q3jXsdhK895oznBcKPoE3nWLUgsqqL-BEzqb60/s200/220px-Newt_Gingrich_by_Gage_Skidmore_6.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLU_I_Jyt4MENSCbKLBTv9-BiSUFtRg9F54_yWs1nprxc5s3Nwvso-T74UlfF4GEJqN8f9QuT9bZGFtqIBMLrZj_Du9ujb8jsrYNhBawbIbbX4ZgNhru-oGrRrtdDSRGCc_S8gzPpsfgi/s1600/220px-Rick_Santorum_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLU_I_Jyt4MENSCbKLBTv9-BiSUFtRg9F54_yWs1nprxc5s3Nwvso-T74UlfF4GEJqN8f9QuT9bZGFtqIBMLrZj_Du9ujb8jsrYNhBawbIbbX4ZgNhru-oGrRrtdDSRGCc_S8gzPpsfgi/s200/220px-Rick_Santorum_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg" width="136" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLZM4Caev-4qM-qSRi0ux7LAgfsHZAdSMaPcD02t3vafyzmbXCIbXtg2cYTcl6pRDeALskhzYqpEOPa6OKB6RSdy1IOwZsHFryF7QnWcB8zE8rppUBSrmUfTD64Aw2Rl_GzuGxr0OVl8c/s1600/220px-Ron_Paul,_official_Congressional_photo_portrait,_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLZM4Caev-4qM-qSRi0ux7LAgfsHZAdSMaPcD02t3vafyzmbXCIbXtg2cYTcl6pRDeALskhzYqpEOPa6OKB6RSdy1IOwZsHFryF7QnWcB8zE8rppUBSrmUfTD64Aw2Rl_GzuGxr0OVl8c/s200/220px-Ron_Paul,_official_Congressional_photo_portrait,_2007.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Undecided who to vote for in the primaries? Here are a few resources that will get you started in learning more about the candidates. In this blog post, I'll list everything I personally considered when deciding which candidate to vote for; perhaps this will help you draw closer to deciding, as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a <b>list of general information</b> about the candidates and their political views, <a href="http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/" target="_blank">click here</a>. </span></div>
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If you're looking for the <b><i>constitutional</i></b> leanings of the Republican presidential candidates, a good resource I'd recommend is the <a href="http://adv.visionforum.com/email/2011/09/22_reportcard/reportcard.pdf" target="_blank">Constitutional Report Card</a> issued by Vision Forum.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In this report, Vision Forum rated the answers of all the Republican candidates during the 9/12/2011 CNN/Tea Party Republican Presidential Debate. Their answers were rated according to strict constitutional criteria. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The final grades for the candidates that are still on the ballot today were:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ron Paul:</b> A</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Rick Santorum:</b> D</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mitt Romney:</b> D</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Newt Gingrich:</b> D</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the entire report card, <a href="http://adv.visionforum.com/email/2011/09/22_reportcard/reportcard.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course, there are other things to consider in addition to constitutionality. Some Christians consider the <b>religious leanings</b> of a candidate to be important for determining whether or not to vote for him. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are also<b> side issues</b> about certain candidates, other than constitutionality, that bother many voters. For example, a large number of Americans are disturbed by Ron Paul's radical foreign policy views. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other voters are so sick and tired of Obama in the White House, that they will vote for nearly anyone that can beat him; these voters' main concern is a candidate's ultimate <b>electability</b>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What <i>should</i> we look for?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As for the<b> religious beliefs</b> of a candidate, I wonder if, as Christians, this should matter in our voting decisions? We are supposed to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-14), and we should certainly be involved in politics as Christians, but should Christianity and politics be interwoven to the extent that we shouldn't vote for a non-Christian candidate? In other words, is it appropriate to vote for the most capable political leader, even if the most capable political leader is not a Christian? I am not sure I completely know the answer yet myself; I'm just throwing the question out there for pondering. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As for some of the <b>side issues</b>, (I call them side issues, but for some people they are rightly much more than "side" issues), I just want to briefly say that we should compare the various negative issues of different candidates, and measure what the<i> worst thing is at stake. </i>Which issues are most important, according to your personal values? For example, is foreign policy or the constitution most important to you? Or, consider what other issues you may find pressing: Marriage, pro-life, economy, spending, etc. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you can answer these questions, you can decide which candidate represents the most risk according to <i>your values.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then, there is the issue of <b>electability</b>. I can understand the desire for strategy, for choosing the most electable candidate that can beat Obama. But should we ever compromise principle for so-called "strategy"? As I see it, the act of choosing to vote for the candidate that is most popular or that is most likely to win, over choosing the candidate that is closer to your personal <i>principles</i>, sounds less like <i>strategy, </i>and more like caving into a kind of peer pressure. Think about it: If we <i>all</i> voted purely for principle, would we ever have to worry about strategy or electability?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will conclude with this quote from John Quincy Adams:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”</span></span></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-76404780712879437872012-02-11T19:21:00.000-08:002012-02-11T19:36:32.854-08:00FREE! DAZ Studio Pro, Bryce Pro, & Hexagon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're interested in getting started with 3D art, there are some excellent softwares being offered for <b>free!</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">explain the whole situation in more detail in my <a href="http://completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-daz-studio-pro-bryce-pro-hexagon.html" target="_blank">blog post here</a>. </span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-80944802001028646262012-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:30:52.864-08:00When God Writes Your Love Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've read two books recently that I want to recommend. These are probably the most powerful books on relationships I've ever read (granted, I haven't read many, but these books were still tremendously powerful). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are looking for authentic, highly practical, and radical books on Christian relationships -- or really, if you're looking for books on Christian relationships at all -- these are for you: <i>When Dreams Come True </i>and <i>When God Writes Your Love Story</i>, both by Eric and Leslie Ludy. (Eric Ludy is the same author of another book I reviewed recently, <i><a href="http://writersthoughts-brianna.blogspot.com/2011/09/book-review-bravehearted-gospel.html" target="_blank">The Bravehearted Gospel</a>.</i>) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When Dreams Come True</i> is the inspiring, entirely true love story of Eric and Leslie Ludy. This book is a gripping read; it is written like a novel, and I found it impossible to put down. It chronicles a beautiful, emotional love story that "only God could write"; one that flies in the face of modern Hollywood's twisted misconceptions on romance. This book is an amazing example of how <i>God</i> can write a love story infinitely better than <i>any</i> fictional book or movie we could ever slap together. If you want to witness a moving, eye-opening romance that defies our culture, then read <i>When Dreams Come True.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When God Writes Your Love Story</i> is a perfect companion to <i>When Dreams Come True.</i> In it, the authors dive much deeper into the themes touched in <i>When Dreams Come True.</i> It is filled to the brim with challenging, thought-provoking, and practical advise, applicable regardless of your age, or if you're years away from entering a serious relationship. All in all, I highly recommend it; read it, and then let your friends read it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HSfKSmkq7-OkxvLobm8UKvLb7FQlfic6n2STvZsTHwiwj-duT3rqFwBIsdaNajqzAjgldFYcCkd8_t1r1NMyQKDn9r8uz9tKfZeYYBZmPiL8ZNPEWcMZIqc_9zXtybA96qP0Ffwr5Pho/s1600/101_3865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HSfKSmkq7-OkxvLobm8UKvLb7FQlfic6n2STvZsTHwiwj-duT3rqFwBIsdaNajqzAjgldFYcCkd8_t1r1NMyQKDn9r8uz9tKfZeYYBZmPiL8ZNPEWcMZIqc_9zXtybA96qP0Ffwr5Pho/s320/101_3865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Learn more about the Ludys' books by checking out these links:</div>
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<a href="http://www.setapartgirl.com/my-books.html">http://www.setapartgirl.com/my-books.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://ericludy.com/Erics_Book_Bios.html">http://ericludy.com/Erics_Book_Bios.html</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-56467043578806406222012-01-21T10:32:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:32:23.457-08:00Nightmare Academy<div style="text-align: center;">
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A couple days ago, I finished <i>Nightmare Academy</i> by Frank Peretti. I just want to briefly say that this was an excellent book. It's been a long time since I read a novel and thought, "This is why I want to write!" It was also one of the best examples I've seen of how a <i>story</i> can be the best way to express a <i>message</i>. </div>
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In <i>Nightmare Academy,</i> Peretti paints a disturbing picture of a society stripped of its standards for <b>truth.</b> What would it be like to live without right and wrong? Without good and evil? With a morality that is relative? Also, this book deals with a chilling take on communism and world domination. And if you're wondering what the connection is between truth, morality, communism, and world domination... well, you're just going to have to read this book.</div>
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As with all Peretti's novels, <i>Nightmare Academy</i> is a thrilling and intriguing read, that will grip you and keep you turning the pages way past bedtime. But, I wouldn't recommend reading it at night...</div>
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...Because this nightmare is real.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-57702206711473211982012-01-15T12:59:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:59:44.180-08:00New blog!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those of you that are interested in computer art, graphic design, animation, 3D modeling, filmmaking, or anything in between, come join me on my new blog -- <b>"<a href="http://www.completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Completely Free Tutorials</a>"</b> -- as I embark on a journey to learn more about computer art! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm more or less a "beginner" in this area of computer art, and I have much to learn. Nonetheless, a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">s I traverse this adventurous road of learning, I'll share with you the skills I pick up along the way. And who knows; maybe you'll have nuggets of advice to share with me, as well! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Visit my new blog my clicking the image below...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lQtMHmWY00YB63aBmoOhIf6XZoE7mmobgQvAuuylRg4Icxypy5KY8ngJxU_deoxGErJ3AGhRIN6v8D75evy5avRIqBY94QhAGHCeHlBV0kI6vn5haWXM6JfAZaSUTDYKw3kUJAD-89LL/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-15+at+2.27.00+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">... or by going to: <a href="http://www.completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com/">www.completelyfreetutorials.blogspot.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Note: I'm not discontinuing this blog! "Pursuing the Truth" will go on as before. "Completely Free Tutorials" is just for tutorials on computer art; "Pursuing the Truth" is for everything else!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-30970740216852153332012-01-07T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:42:58.309-08:00Sherlock Holmes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few days ago I saw <a href="http://www.sherlockholmes2.warnerbros.com/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</a>. I just want to briefly say that it was a good movie; I recommend it to anyone who enjoys action movies that are not polluted with unnecessary violence and language. I was able to thoroughly enjoy it, without flinching because of inappropriate content.<br />
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This movie was my introduction to Sherlock Holmes; I had not read any of the books or seen the other movie beforehand. It definitely was a good introduction; I really liked the character, the thrill of the plot, and the cool special effects (especially the slowing/speeding-up effect used whenever Sherlock solved a clue or remembered something crucial).<br />
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My favorite part was the ending, including the Chess scene and the very last scene. But, you'll have to watch it to find out what was so epic about it. :-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-54179992040915178122011-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:30:25.096-08:00Courageous Movie<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I may be too late for a review on <i><a href="http://www.courageousthemovie.com/home" target="_blank">Courageous</a>,</i> but I can't let a movie like that come out without at least saying something; despite how late I may be. All I have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">to say is that if you have not seen <i>Courageous</i> yet, <b style="font-style: italic;">please do!</b> I wish there were more movies like <i>Courageous.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It made me cry <i>and</i> laugh (which is quite unusual for me when I watch movies!), and its powerful and passionate message is one our culture desperately needs. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The acting was good; the aesthetics were good; the story was action-packed, dramatic, and intensely moving. <i>Courageous</i> just felt like a "movie", and not the low-budget, amateur, stereotypical "Christian" film you might expect. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It is amazing to see how Sherwood Pictures (the makers of <i>Courageous</i>) has improved exponentially with every film: beginning with <i><a href="http://www.flywheelthemovie.com/index2.php" target="_blank">Flywheel</a></i>, then <i><a href="http://www.facingthegiants.com/home.php" target="_blank">Facing the Giants</a></i>, then <i><a href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/main.php" target="_blank">Fireproof</a></i>, and now <i><a href="http://www.courageousthemovie.com/home" target="_blank">Courageous</a></i>. The money they make with one film allows them to improve with the next. We must support their films, so they can make their next ones even better!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To my surprise, some Christians have had some negative reviews on the film. In response, I would say that perhaps <i>Courageous</i> isn't perfect, but please support the movie so Sherwood Pictures can continue to improve; and maybe their next film <i>will</i> be perfect! Considering how far they've come, this movie is impressive.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">As I understand it, some of these negative reviews said that parts of <i>Courageous</i> were not realistic, in regards to how the police force behaves, or how crime is dealt with. Personally I wouldn't have known if it was realistic or not, because I don't know anything about the police force; so, for me, it was perfectly believable. But their point stands; if you are part of the police force, maybe the movie would seem unbelievable to you. I don't know.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To me, however, the movie seemed perfect. All in all, it felt like a "real movie".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Conclusion:</b> I give <i>Courageous</i> 5 out of 5 stars. If you want to see more quality Christian films made, watch <i>Courageous</i> and support Sherwood Pictures!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-81512494932995424582011-12-11T11:30:00.001-08:002011-12-11T13:19:24.140-08:00The Truth About Global Warming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This post is from a speech given on December 8, 2011.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rising sea levels! Savage storms! Starvation! Disease, extinction, death! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The world is going to end soon, and it's all our fault. Or is it? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have been taught that if we don't stop global warming, the world will quickly burn to a crisp, and it will become uninhabitable for the billions of people and animals that call it home. But is global warming really all that our political and scientific authorities portray it as?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The book <i>Climatism!</i> by Steve Goreham states: "..the scientific evidence for man-made global warming is thin and… global warming has become a political agenda driven by fear." While the propaganda for global warming is all around us, little-circulated evidence shows that global warming is not what authorities are telling us it is.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Today, we're going to look at three things: First, evidence that CO2 does not cause global warming; second, evidence for a naturally-caused climate cycle; and third, evidence that authorities portray global warming deceptively in order to grab power.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To begin, let's look at the evidence that <b>CO2, or carbon dioxide, does not cause global warming</b>. CO2 is allegedly one of the largest "greenhouse" gases; a gas emitted by humans that is causing global warming. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>First</b>, CO2 has risen over the past decade, but the earth has not. As stated in a dailytech.com article by Jason Mick, published last month: "… researchers are struggling to explain why warming has stalled in the last decade even as levels of carbon dioxide -- supposedly the most important greenhouse gas have [risen]."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Second</b>, according to <i>Unstoppable Global Warming</i> by environmental scientists S. Fred Singer and Dennis T. Avery, the current warming has been ongoing since 1850, long before human-generated CO2 was entering the atmosphere.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Third</b>, CO2 levels do not explain the many warming/cooling cycles in earth's previous history, when humans were not emitting CO2 (which I'll get to in a second.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Fourth</b> -- and this one is important -- in August 2009, MIT Professor Richard Lindzen published a paper proving that CO2's affect on global temperatures is less than 1/6th of what the UN says it is. His research showed that CO2 is escaping into space, like it always has before levels began rising, and it is not causing the greenhouse affect. His work was peer-reviewed, and no one argued with it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Fifth</b>, evidence shows that CO2 has been a lagging indicator, not a cause, of global warming during earth's past warming periods, which I'll explain momentarily.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Now that we've seen some evidence that CO2 is not the cause of global warming, let's explore some evidence that global warming is part of a natural climate cycle.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">According to the book <i>Unstoppable Global Warming</i>, new yet convincing evidence indicates that the earth has been experiencing a <b>warming/cooling cycle for thousands of years</b>. Evidence for this cycle has been retrieved from ice cores, tree rings, seabed sediments, stalagmites from caves, coral reefs, and many other sources. It appears that this cycle repeats itself about every 1500 years. From 600 BC to the present, there have been at least six major warming/cooling periods, including the modern "global warming" (see the image below). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Slide from my speech's PowerPoint. (Data from <i>Unstoppable Global Warming.</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">What causes these climate cycles? In a word, <b>the sun.</b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">In 2001, Gerard Bond and a team from Columbia University published a report in the journal <i>Scientist.</i> This report revealed a solar cycle that corresponds to earth's climate cycle. In other words, as the sun's power waxes and wanes, the earth's temperature warms and cools. This link between earth's climate and the sun has actually been known for over four centuries, so this is not new science; it is just that scientists finally know how this link works.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, you're hearing me say all this -- that CO2 does not cause global warming, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that it's part of a natural cycle -- and you're maybe wondering: But, what about </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the UN's climate change body, AKA t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">? Didn't they make some official report, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">saying there was a consensus worldwide among scientists that human-caused </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">global warming was a fact? The answer is yes; but this leads us into our third </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">point: that authorities portray global warming <b>deceptively in order to gain power</b>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>First</b>, there was false science in IPCC's report. Now, listen to this: According </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to <i>Unstoppable Global Warming,</i> IPCC's 1996 report was edited to include </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the statement about a "human fingerprint" on global warming. The original </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scientific summary said specifically, in five different statements, <i>that no such </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"human fingerprint" had been found</i>, but these statements were removed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The author of this document publicly admitted making these changes; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he was under pressure from U.S. government officials to do so.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Second</b>, other evidence exists that fraud and deception exists in the climate </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">science community. For example, in the infamous "Climategate" email leaks, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in 2009 and again just two weeks ago, thousands of emails showed climate </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scientists manipulating data and covering up information. In one such email, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scientist Tom Wigley said to a colleague:</span></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Mike, The Figure you sent is very </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>deceptive</b>… there have been a number of <b>dishonest</b> presentations of model </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">results by individual authors and by IPCC." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's another interesting quote:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Observations do not show rising temperatures throughout the tropical troposphere unless you accept one single study and approach and discount a wealth of others. This is just downright dangerous. We need to communicate the uncertainty and be honest. Phil, hopefully we can find time to discuss these further if necessary.<b> I also think the science is being manipulated to put a political spin on it which for all our sakes might not be too clever in the long run.</b>" - Peter Thorne of the UK Met Office</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Read more email quotes <a href="http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/11/22/climategate-2-0/" target="_blank">here</a>, and download a torrent of the emails <a href="https://remote.utorrent.com/send?btih=EBD36AFC51AFEF4486028C1940739E6112964629&dn=FOIA2011.zip&message=&sid=e0c7873&cid=6592169267" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, please note: there is much, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>much</i> more I could say, in regards to evidence for deception among the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">climate science community, but I don't have time or room here. I recommend looking it up yourself; you may be surprised what you find. Here are a few resources to get you started:</span></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Hot-Lies-Alarmists-Misinformed/dp/1596985380/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323636211&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><i>Red Hot Lies</i> by Christopher C. Horner</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/11/22/climategate-2-0/" target="_blank">Wattsupwiththat.com article: Climategate 2.0</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2011/11/23/climategate-2-0-new-e-mails-rock-the-global-warming-debate/" target="_blank">Forbes.com article: Climategate 2.0</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/11/22/climategate-2-0/" target="_blank">Wattsupwiththat.com Climategate 2.0</a></span></i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.dailytech.com/Climategate+Stunning+Deception+and+Misconduct+at+UK+Warming+Research+Center+Revealed/article16889.htm" target="_blank">Dailytech.com article: Climategate 1.0</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dailytech.com/Climatologists+Trade+Tips+on+Destroying+Evidence+Evangelizing+Warming/article23368.htm" target="_blank">Dailytech.com article: Climategate 2.0</a> (This article was very interesting and useful for my research... note especially the emails about "covering up" information, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the paragraphs at the end of the article about the <i>billions of dollars</i> at stake if global warming is proven false. See also the part about global warming supporters blasting a comprehensive climate change study -- done by the University of California -- because it suggested that temperatures were not rising, and that global warming could have natural causes.)</span></span></i></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What disturbs me is how much political power, on a national and international scale, could be gained in the name of "fighting global warming". Politicians are asking for power to regulate this and control that. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It looks like a good cause on the surface, absolutely, but when we see evidence that the science might be skewed, doesn't it make you just a little suspicious about why they are so adamant about getting this power? We need to be careful and check our politicians' sources, and never let them grab power on the base of a lie.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">In the words of Al Gore: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span>"I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it is."</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Today, we have looked at three things. First, CO2 does not cause global warming. Second, global warming is part of a natural, sun-caused climate cycle. And third, there are authorities who portray global warming deceptively in order to gain power. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">As you can see, global warming is not what authorities are telling us it is. So, next time you see a policymaker asking for you to vote or support something to give him or her more power to "fight global warming", be careful. Check to see if his or her motives are pure. Because while it's good to be green, beware of when green becomes greed.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41U-I0JZKFz3sYUSSy26-bPse7P1eABfrAl0p17x5SohXK3Gy8RUhF0kJ-kNMzPboxnF4947f2tBSofVbaX8fUqsTpuDMk9HzAtKo-cD4y6EhwtOZCOhgFRBeDJwDnH4-68y7UXe_qpSe/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-11+at+2.38.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41U-I0JZKFz3sYUSSy26-bPse7P1eABfrAl0p17x5SohXK3Gy8RUhF0kJ-kNMzPboxnF4947f2tBSofVbaX8fUqsTpuDMk9HzAtKo-cD4y6EhwtOZCOhgFRBeDJwDnH4-68y7UXe_qpSe/s400/Screen+shot+2011-12-11+at+2.38.16+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slide from my speech's PowerPoint</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Cotter, Dianna. "Carbon Dioxide irrelevant in climate debate says MIT Scientist." <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Examiner.com.</i> 18 August 2009. Web. 3 December 2011.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Global Warming 101." <i>Ucsusa.org.</i> 27 January 2011. Web. 30 November 2011. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Goreham, Steve. <i>Climatism!: Science, Common Sense, and the 21st Century's <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hottest Topic. </i> New Lenox: New Lenox Books, 2010. Print.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Horner, Christopher C. <i>Red Hot Lies: How Global Warming Alarmists Use Threats, Fraud, and Deception to Keep You Misinformed.</i> Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2008. Print.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Is there a connection between the ozone hole and global warming?" <i>Ucsusa.org.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">13 July 2009. Web. 30 November 2011.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mick, Jason. "Climatologists Trade Tips on Destroying Evidence, Evangelizing <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Warming." <i>Dailytech.com.</i> 25 November 2011. Web. 30 November 2011.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Singer, S. Fred and Dennis T. Avery. <i>Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1,500 Years.</i> Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. 2007. Print.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Unstoppable Solar Cycles." <i>Youtube.com.</i> 13 March 2008. Web. 1 December 2011</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>More recommended reading/viewing</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703939404574567423917025400.html" target="_blank">Lindzen, Richard S. "The Climate Science Isn't Settled."</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/fn_HQujQewI" target="_blank">Lord Christopher Monckton on Climate Change: YouTube video </a></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-64772188278693899512011-12-11T07:09:00.001-08:002011-12-20T14:35:52.235-08:00Multi-Million Dollar Christian Film - Needs Your Prayers!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">© In Jesus' Name Productions, from www.IJNP.org</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am thrilled beyond words about this upcoming Christian film, "THE MESSIAH". With a budget of $100 million, and the professionalism of Hollywood, it could become the next big name in Christian films, with a potential to impact global audiences like no Christian film has done in years. This could go beyond "The Passion of the Christ."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I copied and pasted the following from an email newsletter. (You can get newsletters about "THE MESSIAH" <a href="http://www.injesusnameproductions.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=121868">here</a>.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR <strong><em>THE MESSIAH</em></strong> MOVIE</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the past 3 1/2 years, a team of Christian filmmakers in Hollywood have been working diligently on developing plans for a feature film that has the potential to be the most spiritually significant movie ever made. The film is called <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong> and it picks up where The Passion left off (planned release Christmas 2013 or Easter 2014). It naturally and powerfully communicates the Gospel message of Jesus Christ -- from the Cross, through the Resurrection, to Pentecost.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Budgeted at an estimated $100 million USD, with state-of-the-art special effects, including being shot in 3D, <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong> will be an epic film that will wow audiences (by comparison <strong><em>The Passion's</em></strong> budget was $30 million USD). And for the first time in history, the born-again experience, what it means to have a personal relationship with God, will be shown on screen. This means the Gospel message will be communicated in a way that everyone can understand regardless of education or language, and because it will be a mainstream blockbuster movie, it truly will reach everywhere in the world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong> is in the final stages of funding. A number of investors are currently reviewing our plans and making their final decision on whether to fund the movie.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are calling on Christians throughout the world to pray for <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong> and this unprecedented opportunity to leverage a state-of-the-art feature film to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING:</span></div>
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<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God would move the hearts of the potential investors to fund <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong>.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God would lead the team involved to make the highest quality, God-honoring, God-glorifying, feature film ever made.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God would leverage <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong> once it is released to take the Gospel message to the ends of the Earth and 100’s of millions of people would be saved, and would trigger a worldwide Revival.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God would raise up more than a million people to pray regularly for <strong><em>The Messiah</em></strong>.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To learn more, please see <i><b>The Messiah</b></i> movie page at <a href="http://www.IJNP.org/">www.IJNP.org</a>. We also encourage you to read the <a href="http://www.injesusnameproductions.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=100539">quotes</a> from Christian leaders and prominent Hollywood filmmakers who have read the script and have been involved with guiding the project.</span></div>
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)</span></em></blockquote>
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<tr><td align="center" style="color: #626262; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; vertical-align: top;"><span class="style1" style="color: #333333;">©2011 In Jesus' Name Productions. All Rights Reserved.<br />In Jesus' Name Productions Is A Non-Profit, 501(c)(3) Organization.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-73856804995279582542011-11-22T14:39:00.001-08:002011-12-20T14:36:22.258-08:00Lessons Learned on Set<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A month ago, I had the opportunity to work on the film set for "<a href="http://writersblockmovie.com/">Writers' Block</a>". While this post may be a little belated, I wanted to share a few random, interesting things about filmmaking I learned while on set, for those who are curious for a few "insider" nuggets. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Lesson #1</i></b>: On a low-budget, short-schedule production (like "Writers' Block", shot in two weeks in under $20,000), it takes about <b>one hour</b> to film every <b>minute</b> of the movie (or, every page of the script). On the other hand, on a big-budget production with many millions of dollars, filmmakers will film about half a page a day; a page is pushing it. Can you imagine that? That means that for every <b>thirty to sixty seconds</b> you watch on a movie, the filmmakers spent <b>hours and hours</b> filming it! This allows the wealthy filmmaker to make every shot "perfect". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Lesson #2</i></b>: Low-budget movie trick: You can make a room look like it's nighttime in the middle of the day... with a <b>trash bag</b>. Tape a black trash bag over the window, throw in a light that resembles moonlight, and there you have it: a convincing nighttime effect.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Lesson #3</i></b>: The difference between normal makeup and movie makeup: Movie makeup is thicker, ideally easy to apply on set, and usually has a slight yellowish tint. (The yellow tint has a better appearance on camera.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Lesson #4:</b></i> Filmmakers almost have their own language. It seems like they have an acronym or nickname for everything. For example:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>MOS</i>: Stands for "Minus Optical Sound". Meaning: If a shot is filmed "MOS", that means they're not recording sound for this shot. (Implications: The crew is allowed to breath for a few seconds, and the craft services back stage can quickly wash a few dishes and chop a few turkey wraps until the next shot begins, preceded by: "QUIET ON THE SET!!!")</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Talent</i>: Actors and actresses are referred to as "talent". I'm not exactly sure why, but the term "talent" is used more often than "cast" or "actor/actress".</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>BTS</i>: Stands for "behind the scenes". I'm not sure if I ever heard someone on set say "behind the scenes"; it was always "BTS". It seems everything becomes an acronym in film culture; "1st AD", "2nd AD", "PA", "PO", and many more. It takes a while to learn what all the acronyms mean. (The four above are, respectively: First Assistant Director, Second Assistant Director, Production Assistant, and Production Office.)</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Lesson #5</i></b>: I found it surprising how many "technical" things go into every shot. What I mean is that the director has so much more to be concerned about than simply what the audience will see; such as, the way the actors speak a line or perform an action, or the lighting, or the framing. So much of the discussions had before every shot involve things that the audience will never see. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For an example, the script supervisor is communicating with the sound guy, and with the camera assistant doing slates, to make sure they're all on the same page with which scene, shot, and take they're on. "This is twenty-two charlie, take two?" "No, this is twenty-two charlie, take three." The script supervisor writes this down, and sound guy puts this in his records, and the camera assistant writes it on the slate. None of these things effect the audience, but they are vital during post-production (editing, etc.).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are many other important technical things that the crew needs to discuss; is video village working? How should the sound/light equipment be best arranged, to allow room for important crew to stand by and watch? How's the temperature of the room; is the equipment getting too hot? All these things are very important and time-consuming; and yet, most of their results never impact the finished movie.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Lesson #6</b></i>: Last but not least: When on a set, always bring clothespins for weapons. You'll find out why soon enough. :-)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8589324271353132370.post-56818546369190154212011-10-30T14:02:00.000-07:002011-12-20T14:37:05.662-08:00Should Christians Be "Intolerant"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just a quick thought I wanted to share. I was writing about this in a comment (on my <a href="http://writersthoughts-brianna.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-puritans-are-portrayed-in-scarlet.html">post from two years ago</a> about Puritans and <i>The Scarlet Letter</i>), and I decided to share it here with everyone as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Tolerance" is a word that is used a lot in conversations about religion. "The Puritans were intolerant of other beliefs." "Christians need to be more tolerant." "We need a religion that calls for global tolerance." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, what <i>is</i> tolerance?</span><br />
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According to dictionary.com:</div>
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<b>tol·er·ance</b><span class="hwc"> </span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron"><span class="boldface">tol</span>-er-<span class="ital-inline">uh</span><img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" />ns</span><span class="prondelim">]</span><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span class="pg"><span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">noun</span> <span class="hwc"></span></span></i> </div>
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1. <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">fair,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">objective,</span> <span class="hwc">and</span> <span class="hwc">permissive</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">attitude</span> <span class="hwc">toward</span> <span class="hwc">those</span> <span class="hwc">whose</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">opinions,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">practices,</span> <span class="hwc"></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/race">race</a><span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">,</span> <span class="hwc"></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion">religion</a><span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">nationality,</span> <span class="hwc">etc.,</span> <span class="hwc">differ</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">from</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">one's</span> <span class="hwc">own;</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">freedom</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">from</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">bigotry.</span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span class="hwc">2.</span></span><span class="hwc"> a</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">fair,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">objective,</span> <span class="hwc">and</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">permissive</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">attitude</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">toward</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">opinions</span> <span class="hwc">and</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">practices</span> <span class="hwc">that</span> <span class="hwc">differ</span> <span class="hwc">from</span> <span class="hwc">one's</span> <span class="hwc">own.</span><span class="dnindex"><span class="hwc"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="dnindex"><span class="hwc">3.</span></span><span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"> interest</span> <span class="hwc">in</span> <span class="hwc">and</span> <span class="hwc">concern</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">for</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">ideas,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">opinions,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">practices,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">etc.,</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">foreign</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">one's</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">own;</span> <span class="hwc">a</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">liberal,</span> <span class="hwc">undogmatic</span> <span class="hwc" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">viewpoint.</span></div>
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So, what does it mean to be "tolerant" of another religion or belief? As Christians, we need to be very careful with that word. Being <i>respectful</i> or <i>loving</i> toward another person is one thing; but treating that other person's religion or belief system as if it is <i>just as</i> true or correct as Christianity is another thing.</div>
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<b>John 14:6</b></div>
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"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As Christians, we shouldn't "tolerate" sin and untruths,
in a manner of speaking, but we still should love the people who are
sinning, and who are living outside of the truth. In other words, being
"intolerant" to sin isn't wrong... it's "intolerance" without <i>love</i> that's wrong. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
sin isn't okay, but, alluding to what some Christians have done in the past,<i> </i>we're not going to hang or burn the other person
because of their sin. It is because we love the other person so much
that we might gently, lovingly persuade them to leave their sin, for
their own good. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a big difference between "intolerance" with
judgement (<i>The Scarlet Letter</i>, for an example), and a gentle "intolerance" that exists because
we love someone! God never tolerates sin in the Bible, but he<b><i> always
</i></b>does everything he can to convince people to come out of their sin, so
they don't have to be judged. </span><br />
<br />
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Here are a few verses to ponder:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Jeremiah 31:3</b></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">"The LORD appeared to us in
the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have
drawn you with loving-kindness.' "</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"></span><b>Ezekial 18:23,32</b></div>
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">" 'Do
I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?' says the Lord
GOD, 'and not that he should turn from his ways and live?... For I have
no pleasure in the death of one who dies,' says the Lord GOD. 'Therefore
turn and live!' "</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Ezekial
33:11</b></div>
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">"Say
to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the
death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.
Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of
Israel?' "</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Lamentations 3:31-36</b></div>
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "For the Lord will not cast
off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion
according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict
willingly, nor grieve t<span class="text_exposed_show">he children of
men. To crush under one's feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn
aside the justice due a man before the face of the Most High, or subvert
a man in his cause-- the Lord does not approve."</span></span></blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4eada15610caa5960975237">
Also, read <b><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/hosea/11.html">Hosea 11</a></b>, especially <b>verse 8</b>, which shows the heart of God when he has to bring
judgment on someone: </div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4eada15610caa5960975237">
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you
over, Israel? How can I make <span class="text_exposed_show">you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred."</span></span></div>
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</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13625073730187413747noreply@blogger.com