I have heard a lot of good things about the series "30 Days" on FX but haven't found the time to sit down and watch it. Well, this week I am going to make sure I at least record it.
A gun control activist spends 30 days living with a gun enthusiast and working in a gun store. I'm interested...
Here is a synopsis from their website.
PARTICIPANT - Pia Lalli, 39
RESIDES - Brockton, MA
OCCUPATION - Aerobics Instructor
AIRDATE - Tuesday, July 1, 2008
After Pia learned that her friend had been killed by a schizophrenic man wielding a gun in 1996, she became a gun control advocate who has fought to pass stricter gun laws in the U.S. Pia believes that the world would be free from gun violence only by prohibiting the sale of guns to anyone outside of law enforcement and armed services.
For 30 Days, Pia will live in the heart of gun culture in the rural town of Leesburg, Ohio with gun enthusiast Ken Ekermeyer, 39, and his 15-year-old son Zach. Ken is an avid gun collector and rarely leaves home without his gun strapped to his side. Ken believes carrying a gun is his right guaranteed to every American by the Second Amendment. As Pia struggles to understand the Ekermeyer's beliefs and somewhat isolated way of life, she will work at a local gun store and experience what it is like to carry a gun in public, learn to handle and fire weapons and will introduce Ken to other gun control activists who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Father of some preacher men
The boys attended a vacation bible school last week and since then we have been playing church every day.
Sometimes we are playing vacation bible school where Shelley and I are the students and Seth and Chase are our teachers. Other times the boys are just preaching. They both have a fire and brimstone style. We have even been party to some faith healing when Chase had "pains in my stomach" and seth laid hands on him.
Sometimes we are playing vacation bible school where Shelley and I are the students and Seth and Chase are our teachers. Other times the boys are just preaching. They both have a fire and brimstone style. We have even been party to some faith healing when Chase had "pains in my stomach" and seth laid hands on him.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Have you hugged your spouse today?
I used to see bumper stickers that would say "Have you hugged your kid today?" Obviously, it was implying that hugging your kids was good for them and who can argue with that? But, I have come to believe that the best thing you can give your kids is a solid marriage so I think a more important question is "Have you hugged your spouse today?"
See this post from my wife.
See this post from my wife.
5 to 4
I was a little disappointed that the Supreme Court decision was just 5 to 4. To me, it is obvious the founders always intended it to be an individual right and how 4 justices came to the conclusion they didn't is beyond me.
The Swimmer
There are a lot of things I love about being a father but one thing I really love is watching my boys learn and discover.
I love taking them to new places and watch as they see things they have never seen before. Now, sometimes their enthusiasm isn't as great as mine but I'm growing and it doesn't bother me like it used to.
I really love to watch them learn a new skill. Recently Chase started riding a bicycle and the thrill on his face was worth all the battles we had that day.
Well, last night Seth started swimming. He's taken lessons in the past but it just hadn't started taking. He loves water and getting in the pool but as recently as last week wouldn't put his head under the water. Last night I watched him throw himself into the water and swim a few feet under water. It is so cool to watch them when they finally get "it."
I asked him what made him try swimming under water and he replied, "Well, Daddy, I had been trying to swim on top of the water and it wasn't working so I thought I would try swimming under the water."
So cool...
I love taking them to new places and watch as they see things they have never seen before. Now, sometimes their enthusiasm isn't as great as mine but I'm growing and it doesn't bother me like it used to.
I really love to watch them learn a new skill. Recently Chase started riding a bicycle and the thrill on his face was worth all the battles we had that day.
Well, last night Seth started swimming. He's taken lessons in the past but it just hadn't started taking. He loves water and getting in the pool but as recently as last week wouldn't put his head under the water. Last night I watched him throw himself into the water and swim a few feet under water. It is so cool to watch them when they finally get "it."
I asked him what made him try swimming under water and he replied, "Well, Daddy, I had been trying to swim on top of the water and it wasn't working so I thought I would try swimming under the water."
So cool...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Brady Campaign
Here is some of the email I got from the Brady Campaign regarding the Supreme Court decision. (Yes, I get emails from the Brady Campaign. You have to keep an eye on the opposition).
Dear jeff,
Just hours ago, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling on the most significant Second Amendment case in our country's history, District of Columbia v. Heller.
I want you to know that we have hit the ground running. Our fight to enact and defend strong gun laws to save lives will be undiminished.
The Heller decision will no doubt embolden ideological extremists to file new legal attacks on existing gun laws. But with the help of the Brady Center’s legal team, those attacks can, and must, be successfully resisted in the interest of public safety.
I must be one of those "ideological extremists" they are talking about.
This is a big win but we can't stop fighting because I know the other side isn't going to stop.
Dear jeff,
Just hours ago, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling on the most significant Second Amendment case in our country's history, District of Columbia v. Heller.
I want you to know that we have hit the ground running. Our fight to enact and defend strong gun laws to save lives will be undiminished.
The Heller decision will no doubt embolden ideological extremists to file new legal attacks on existing gun laws. But with the help of the Brady Center’s legal team, those attacks can, and must, be successfully resisted in the interest of public safety.
I must be one of those "ideological extremists" they are talking about.
This is a big win but we can't stop fighting because I know the other side isn't going to stop.
Supreme Court Rules DC Gun Ban is Unconstitutional
This is a big win. I'll have a lot more on this over the next few days but here is something from the Scotusblog.
Answering a 127-year old constitutional question, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to have a gun, at least in one’s home. The Court, splitting 5-4, struck down a District of Columbia ban on handgun possession.
Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion for the majority stressed that the Court was not casting doubt on long-standing bans on carrying a concealed gun or on gun possession by felons or the mentally retarded, on laws barring guns from schools or government buildings, and laws putting conditions on gun sales.
In District of Columbia v. Heller (07-290), the Court nullified two provisions of the city of Washington’s strict 1976 gun control law: a flat ban on possessing a gun in one’s home, and a requirement that any gun — except one kept at a business — must be unloaded and disassembled or have a trigger lock in place. The Court said it was not passing on a part of the law requiring that guns be licensed. It said that issuing a license to a handgun owner, so the weapon can be used at home, would be a sufficient remedy for the Second Amendment violatrion of denying any access to a handgun.
Answering a 127-year old constitutional question, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to have a gun, at least in one’s home. The Court, splitting 5-4, struck down a District of Columbia ban on handgun possession.
Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion for the majority stressed that the Court was not casting doubt on long-standing bans on carrying a concealed gun or on gun possession by felons or the mentally retarded, on laws barring guns from schools or government buildings, and laws putting conditions on gun sales.
In District of Columbia v. Heller (07-290), the Court nullified two provisions of the city of Washington’s strict 1976 gun control law: a flat ban on possessing a gun in one’s home, and a requirement that any gun — except one kept at a business — must be unloaded and disassembled or have a trigger lock in place. The Court said it was not passing on a part of the law requiring that guns be licensed. It said that issuing a license to a handgun owner, so the weapon can be used at home, would be a sufficient remedy for the Second Amendment violatrion of denying any access to a handgun.
Monday, June 23, 2008
R.I.P. George Carlin
On my way to work today I heard George Carlin had died and I instantly flashed back to being about 12 years old when my brother and I found a copy of our uncle's tape of "Class Clown" and we heard the routine "7 words that can't be said on TV." We laughed so hard I thought I might wet myself. Needless to say this was something a 12 and 9 year old didn't need to be listening to and that made it even better.
As I've "matured", I have drifted from listening to George Carlin but I will miss him. My boys will also remember him as the narrator of "Thomas the Tank Engine" and the voice of Fillmore in the movie Cars.
As I've "matured", I have drifted from listening to George Carlin but I will miss him. My boys will also remember him as the narrator of "Thomas the Tank Engine" and the voice of Fillmore in the movie Cars.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Vacation is Over
My vacation is over and I have to go to work tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day, more to come...
Monday, June 16, 2008
We Are Home
After 5 states, 4 bed and breakfasts and 1749 miles, we are home.
It was a great vacation but I'm glad to be home.
It was a great vacation but I'm glad to be home.
A Day At The Beach
Day 3 of our vacation was spent on the beach. We got to the beach around 9:30 AM and it was beautiful.
There was a gentle breeze and it wasn't too hot. And, the sand was as white as it was the last time we were here.
It was a day of adventure and discovery for the boys. While this wasn't their first trip to the beach, neither had ever really been in the ocean. It took a little convincing but we eventually got them both out there and Seth never wanted to leave.
You could walk out at least 300 yards into the ocean and it never got over 4 feet deep so Seth could journey out quite a ways and never have it over his head. His personal best was about 75 yards on his own and 300 yards on my shoulders. The water was warm and crystal clear so it made for a good time.
Chase was less impressed with the ocean and decided to spend his time playing in the sand.
After about 5 hours on the beach, an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in and it was the perfect excuse to go take a shower and that sure felt good.
There was a gentle breeze and it wasn't too hot. And, the sand was as white as it was the last time we were here.
It was a day of adventure and discovery for the boys. While this wasn't their first trip to the beach, neither had ever really been in the ocean. It took a little convincing but we eventually got them both out there and Seth never wanted to leave.
You could walk out at least 300 yards into the ocean and it never got over 4 feet deep so Seth could journey out quite a ways and never have it over his head. His personal best was about 75 yards on his own and 300 yards on my shoulders. The water was warm and crystal clear so it made for a good time.
Chase was less impressed with the ocean and decided to spend his time playing in the sand.
After about 5 hours on the beach, an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in and it was the perfect excuse to go take a shower and that sure felt good.
A Highlands House
Nine years ago on June 14th, Shelley and I got married on a beach in Destin, Florida. We planned it all on the internet and didn't know anything about where we were going except for the pictures we had seen.
Shelley made arrangements for us and the entire family to stay in a bed and breakfast on the beach, A Highlands House. It was a wonderful experience full of great memories. Memories such as sitting on rocking chairs on a big porch and looking out over the ocean. Memories of a beach that was white as snow. Memories of being the only people on the beach in an otherwise crowded area. Memories of being secluded and almost alone.
Well, as we arrived, we realized some things had changed in 9 years. We weren't as secluded as we once were. There were houses and condos on all sides of The Highlands House. The rocking chairs on the porch were gone and replaced with adirondak chairs. And, our view of the ocean was a little obscured now because they had built houses between the house and the beach. And we were no longer the only ones on the beach.
Shelley and I expressed a little sadness to each other over some of these changes. But, then I was sitting alone and I realized it wasn't just the Highlands House that changed. I had changed a little myself. I am a few pounds heavier, have a few more gray hairs and on this trip I had a 5 year old and a 3 year old in tow.
I guess we are all due a little change now and then...
Shelley made arrangements for us and the entire family to stay in a bed and breakfast on the beach, A Highlands House. It was a wonderful experience full of great memories. Memories such as sitting on rocking chairs on a big porch and looking out over the ocean. Memories of a beach that was white as snow. Memories of being the only people on the beach in an otherwise crowded area. Memories of being secluded and almost alone.
Well, as we arrived, we realized some things had changed in 9 years. We weren't as secluded as we once were. There were houses and condos on all sides of The Highlands House. The rocking chairs on the porch were gone and replaced with adirondak chairs. And, our view of the ocean was a little obscured now because they had built houses between the house and the beach. And we were no longer the only ones on the beach.
Shelley and I expressed a little sadness to each other over some of these changes. But, then I was sitting alone and I realized it wasn't just the Highlands House that changed. I had changed a little myself. I am a few pounds heavier, have a few more gray hairs and on this trip I had a 5 year old and a 3 year old in tow.
I guess we are all due a little change now and then...
Biloxi
On the 3rd day of our vacation we made a stop in Biloxi, MS. We took a guided tour of some of Biloxi and I have to be honest, I was really affected by it.
Everyone heard and saw what Katrina did to New Orleans but to me it seems Biloxi was not mentioned. Well, after riding around and hearing the stories, I have a special respect for the people of Biloxi.
It is amazing what that storm did and 3 years later how Biloxi is still struggling to make it back. Where there were houses and businesses now are empty lots. Historic buildings are just gone and Biloxi's population is only about 60% of what it was prior to Katrina. But, the good news is they didn't give up and they are making it back.
I wonder if they will ever achieve what they are all seeking and that is for things to be back to normal.
Day 2 of Vacation
Day 2 of vacation consisted of a day spent in Lafayette Louisiana.
We took the boys to the Children's museum where they had several hours of fun playing in an ambulance, grocery shopping, working in a restaurant.
After leaving Lafayette we travelled through Baton Rouge and made a stop in Galvez, LA. Never heard of it? Well it is the home of the world famous Coleman Bed and Breakfast.
Upon arrival the boys donned their swimsuits and took a refreshing dip in the pool. We then dined on shrimp casserole, jambalaya, and hot dogs.
But, the best feature of the Coleman Bed and Breakfast is their toys. They had a playroom full of every toy a little boy could ever want and it kept our boys entertained for hours.
Also, we had very hospitable hosts and our thanks go out to Flint and Rani. We had a great time!
We took the boys to the Children's museum where they had several hours of fun playing in an ambulance, grocery shopping, working in a restaurant.
After leaving Lafayette we travelled through Baton Rouge and made a stop in Galvez, LA. Never heard of it? Well it is the home of the world famous Coleman Bed and Breakfast.
Upon arrival the boys donned their swimsuits and took a refreshing dip in the pool. We then dined on shrimp casserole, jambalaya, and hot dogs.
But, the best feature of the Coleman Bed and Breakfast is their toys. They had a playroom full of every toy a little boy could ever want and it kept our boys entertained for hours.
Also, we had very hospitable hosts and our thanks go out to Flint and Rani. We had a great time!
The Anti Fast
Our church family spent the last week participating in a fast. Shelley and I didn't particpate because we were going on vacation. So, while on vacation I had an anti-fast. I ate more fried food over the 5 days than I have eaten probably in 2 years.
But, we are going to be starting our own fast in a few days and I'm hoping it flushes everything out of my system.
But, we are going to be starting our own fast in a few days and I'm hoping it flushes everything out of my system.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 5 of Vacation
Day five of our vacation marked our departure from the Highlands House and Destin. But, we didn't leave without one last stint on the beach. We then had breakfast and headed to church.
We found a church that was also participating in the One Prayer series so we thought we would give it a shot. Shorline Church is an interesting church because it meets each Sunday in a Destin movie theater. The boys didn't quite ever figure out why they would do this. But, they pulled it off. One interesting thing about having church in a movie theater is that it forces you do church in a non-traditional way. Also, it forces you to stay on schedule because you have to get done before the Sunday matinees start.
Next stop was Mobile, Alabama and a visit to the USS Alabama. The area where the USS Alabama is located is also full of a variety of Navy and Air Force planes andthe USS Drum submarine. There is so much that you can't see it in just a few hours so we had to do an abbreviated tour of the USS Alabama.
After leaving the USS Alabama we headed to our next stop, Natchez, Mississippi. The trip was uneventful until the last 5 miles when Shelley, yes Shelley, got pulled over by one of Mississippi's finest. She was doing 58 in a 45 but I don't think the State Trooper was expecting to find a mother, a grandmother and 2 boys in car seats when he approached the car and he let us go on our way.
When we arrived at The Briars in Natchez, we all made an audible sigh. This was because it is an amazing place and second because the area we originally thought it was in is probably the worst area of Natchez. But, luckily we were in the wrong place. But The Briars is an amazing place.
The Briars was built between 1814 and 1818 by a wealthy planter by the name of John Perkins. It has a long history which included hosting the wedding of Jefferson Davis.
We found a church that was also participating in the One Prayer series so we thought we would give it a shot. Shorline Church is an interesting church because it meets each Sunday in a Destin movie theater. The boys didn't quite ever figure out why they would do this. But, they pulled it off. One interesting thing about having church in a movie theater is that it forces you do church in a non-traditional way. Also, it forces you to stay on schedule because you have to get done before the Sunday matinees start.
Next stop was Mobile, Alabama and a visit to the USS Alabama. The area where the USS Alabama is located is also full of a variety of Navy and Air Force planes andthe USS Drum submarine. There is so much that you can't see it in just a few hours so we had to do an abbreviated tour of the USS Alabama.
After leaving the USS Alabama we headed to our next stop, Natchez, Mississippi. The trip was uneventful until the last 5 miles when Shelley, yes Shelley, got pulled over by one of Mississippi's finest. She was doing 58 in a 45 but I don't think the State Trooper was expecting to find a mother, a grandmother and 2 boys in car seats when he approached the car and he let us go on our way.
When we arrived at The Briars in Natchez, we all made an audible sigh. This was because it is an amazing place and second because the area we originally thought it was in is probably the worst area of Natchez. But, luckily we were in the wrong place. But The Briars is an amazing place.
The Briars was built between 1814 and 1818 by a wealthy planter by the name of John Perkins. It has a long history which included hosting the wedding of Jefferson Davis.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Chase
I am now the father of a three year old. It sure has been a wild ride with this one.
Happy Birthday Chase!
(today is also Flag Day so Chase's birthday is always commemorated with the Flag.)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Happy Anniversary
Today is my 9th wedding anniversary. Little did I know that day when I stood on that beach and said "I do", how much my life would change. I was blessed that day and I can't thank God enough for my wife.
Tomorrow I will get to stand in the exact spot where we said our vows and I am very excited.
Tomorrow I will get to stand in the exact spot where we said our vows and I am very excited.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
R.I.P Jim McKay
Jim McKay has passed away.
I can't tell you how many hours I watched and listened to Jim McKay on Wide World of Sports. He will be missed.
I can't tell you how many hours I watched and listened to Jim McKay on Wide World of Sports. He will be missed.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Celtics and Lakers
I am watching the first game of the NBA playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers and it is bringing back a lot of memories.
As a kid I was a Boston Celtics fan, primarily because of Larry Bird. So, I watched a lot of Celtics and Lakers games. I grew to hate the Lakers and that dislike has never lessened. I'm not as big a fan of the Celtics anymore but when it comes to Celtics and Lakers, I just have one thing to say. GO CELTICS!!!
As a kid I was a Boston Celtics fan, primarily because of Larry Bird. So, I watched a lot of Celtics and Lakers games. I grew to hate the Lakers and that dislike has never lessened. I'm not as big a fan of the Celtics anymore but when it comes to Celtics and Lakers, I just have one thing to say. GO CELTICS!!!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Full Armor of God
The boys are learning about the Full Armor of God in Vacation Bible School. I find it a very powerful visual when you think about wearing the armor of God to battle evil. Below is the verse they are learning and will be reciting to tonight.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
