I know that not many of my readers are MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight fans. It shows in the number of hits on my posts that deal with the fights.
No worries. Just move long.
None-the-less it is a UFC Fight Night and as I watch the post fight show, a few thoughts come to mind.
I think the UFC has changed in a major way since its big sale not long ago. The money has really become more of a factor in making fights than pairing top contenders. The UFC is becoming a circus like the fake wrestling circuit and some of the top fighters are leaving for other fight organizations.
There are several champions that haven't defended their belts against top contenders and are seeking big money super fights, instead. Top challengers are left in limbo or the UFC comes up with meaningless Interim Championships in an effort to satisfy the fans with main events that don't really satisfy anyone.
As a part of the fighter hype, the UFC and Fox have decided to put fighters on the broadcast desk and have greatly diminished the quality of their shows. The former fighters, Brian Stann and Kenny Florian have transitioned into quality broadcasters. Brian Stann is often octagon side and adds a great deal to the call of the fights. Kenny Florian is usually on the desk and brings a fighters perspetive to the pre-fight and post-fight shows.
Of the active fighters, Tyron Woodley is shaping up to be a great broadcaster/analyst. Of all the active fighters, he alone seems able to recognize that he is at the desk as an analyst and journalist and is able to set aside the champion fighter that is about self-talk and self-promotion. Dominic Cruz is a close second and I really do prefer to have him octagon side rather than at the desk. His fight knowledge is excellent and he adds so much to the actual calling of the fight.
Other active fighters that share time at the desk have no business as journalists. Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping are both great fighters, but they use too much of their broadcast time to talk about themselves more than to do the job of broadcasting and are more of the circus that the UFC has become.
The professional journalists, Karyn Bryant and Megan Olivi do an excellent job of interviewing athletes and keeping things on track. I'm always amazed at how you never really know which fighter Megan Olivi favors as she is always professional and positive as she conducts both pre-fight and post-fight interviews or hosts fighter Q&As.
Karyn Bryant not only anchors the Fox and UFC desks, but has an MMA podcast with her husband Wade Eck and fighter Alan Jouban. Although she has taken criticism from some uniformed listeners on twitter, she is one of the most well informed MMA journalists around.
I think that both Megan and Karyn have to deal with the fact that their journalistic abilities are often overlooked because they both happen to be super attractive women working in a male dominated sport.
Women's MMA is becoming more popular, but true to our sexist culture--even in fighting, the pretty women seen to get more promotion than the best fighters. I guess it's still about money -- selling PPV subscriptions and putting butts in the seats.
Next Saturday night's PPV fight card is a great card, maybe the best card of the year. I don't know how much (if any) of it I'll get to see as we have our family reunion next weekend. There are three belts on the line and two of the above mentioned fighter/broadcasters will be defending their titles. Maybe I'll at least get to see the last two fights ... maybe not.
I do enjoy watching the fights and learning about the fighting techniques used by the various fighters. I like watching competing styles and seeing fighters adapt to their situations.
Those are a few of my thoughts.
That's my rant.
John <><
Showing posts with label What I Like About .... Show all posts
Showing posts with label What I Like About .... Show all posts
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Friday, January 01, 2016
And ... We're Off!
It is a new year!
It is time to put the past where it belongs ... in the past!
You get to keep the consequences of the choices you've made, but you can ditch the guilt and the grudges that you have been carrying around. Forgive (including yourself), forget, move on.
The sun is up and shining brightly in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri this morning and it is shaping up to be a beautiful day (other than that part about Chris being called in to work)! Sunrise was at 7:26 today (so was I) and the days are slowly getting longer.
I donned my jacket and stepped out in the frosty morning to snap this pic of the first sunrise of 2016.
For my sky watching friends, one of the better meteor showers of 2016 will occur in the pre-dawn sky early Monday the 4th. The moon will set before 1 am (in the Midwest US) so you should have a nice, dark sky. Look to the north.
I'm thinking of brewing a thermos of coffee and heading out of town a little ways at around 3 AM. I'd say that us retired guys can do that sort of thing, but the truth is I did that same crazy stuff when I was working.
I find the order of our universe fascinating!
Even the simple things like the changing times of sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset, and the lengthening and shortening of daylight amaze me. Today's sunset is at 5:07 PM in Ozark and just before sunset tomorrow the Earth will reach its closest distance to the Sun in its slightly elliptical orbit.
I plan to pay better attention to the astronomical events of 2016 and I'll let you know about them as they are coming up or as I observe them. I may even try to post more sunrise/sunset photos this year. We'll see.
It's a new year!
Write a new story.
Be a new you ... if you want to be.
Find a new hobby.
Try a new food.
Go someplace you've never been.
Do something you've never done.
Make somebody smile.
Be a blessing.
And may you all have a blessed 2016!
John <><
It is time to put the past where it belongs ... in the past!
You get to keep the consequences of the choices you've made, but you can ditch the guilt and the grudges that you have been carrying around. Forgive (including yourself), forget, move on.
The sun is up and shining brightly in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri this morning and it is shaping up to be a beautiful day (other than that part about Chris being called in to work)! Sunrise was at 7:26 today (so was I) and the days are slowly getting longer.
I donned my jacket and stepped out in the frosty morning to snap this pic of the first sunrise of 2016.
For my sky watching friends, one of the better meteor showers of 2016 will occur in the pre-dawn sky early Monday the 4th. The moon will set before 1 am (in the Midwest US) so you should have a nice, dark sky. Look to the north.
I'm thinking of brewing a thermos of coffee and heading out of town a little ways at around 3 AM. I'd say that us retired guys can do that sort of thing, but the truth is I did that same crazy stuff when I was working.
I find the order of our universe fascinating!
Even the simple things like the changing times of sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset, and the lengthening and shortening of daylight amaze me. Today's sunset is at 5:07 PM in Ozark and just before sunset tomorrow the Earth will reach its closest distance to the Sun in its slightly elliptical orbit.
I plan to pay better attention to the astronomical events of 2016 and I'll let you know about them as they are coming up or as I observe them. I may even try to post more sunrise/sunset photos this year. We'll see.
It's a new year!
Write a new story.
Be a new you ... if you want to be.
Find a new hobby.
Try a new food.
Go someplace you've never been.
Do something you've never done.
Make somebody smile.
Be a blessing.
And may you all have a blessed 2016!
John <><
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Summer
It's an old song, but one that I think of every year as summer begins.
I love the words used to describe the early morning mist that hovers above the water and I often see this displayed as I drive home after a mid-shift and drive over the James River at Springfield Lake or the Finley River in Ozark.
Enjoy the song.
Enjoy your summer.
John <><
I love the words used to describe the early morning mist that hovers above the water and I often see this displayed as I drive home after a mid-shift and drive over the James River at Springfield Lake or the Finley River in Ozark.
Enjoy the song.
Enjoy your summer.
John <><
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Thursdays are for Thanksgiving
I was sitting here this morning (relatively speaking--it's 1pm but I'm just up after working a mid) thinking about writing my Thursday post. I was thinking about writing about being thankful for coffee (hey!, it's morning--well sort of) but thought that I may have already done that. Checking shows that I have, here.
However, I'm still in the mood to write about coffee--or at least about taste. I don't know if it's the change in dietary habits or the simple desire to get a little more pleasure from simple things, but I am learning to taste. I am tasting coffee rather than just drinking coffee. I am learning to appreciate the subtleties of food combinations and spices more than I ever have in the past. I am experimenting with more flavors of teas--and enjoying them.
I've never had a real sensitive sense of smell, but I'm learning to use what I have to enjoy the flavors of food and drink more. Whether the differences are subtle (like between different roasts of coffee), noticeable (like different varieties of apples) or great (as in completely different food entrees); I am learning to sense and enjoy the differences.
Perhaps it's a matter of eating better and eating less that has encouraged me to better appreciate the flavors of life. Maybe it's the variety of foods. It could be that I'm paying more attention to what I eat and drink and the overall impact on my physical well being.
In any case, I am thankful that I've been given the ability to taste and enjoy the most basic things in life--our food and drink!
Bon appetit!
John <><
However, I'm still in the mood to write about coffee--or at least about taste. I don't know if it's the change in dietary habits or the simple desire to get a little more pleasure from simple things, but I am learning to taste. I am tasting coffee rather than just drinking coffee. I am learning to appreciate the subtleties of food combinations and spices more than I ever have in the past. I am experimenting with more flavors of teas--and enjoying them.
I've never had a real sensitive sense of smell, but I'm learning to use what I have to enjoy the flavors of food and drink more. Whether the differences are subtle (like between different roasts of coffee), noticeable (like different varieties of apples) or great (as in completely different food entrees); I am learning to sense and enjoy the differences.
Perhaps it's a matter of eating better and eating less that has encouraged me to better appreciate the flavors of life. Maybe it's the variety of foods. It could be that I'm paying more attention to what I eat and drink and the overall impact on my physical well being.
In any case, I am thankful that I've been given the ability to taste and enjoy the most basic things in life--our food and drink!
Bon appetit!
John <><
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Elixir of Life
It may seem like a waste of a good Thursday post to write about being thankful for a simple cup of coffee, but it is my blog and I get to write about what I like to write about and be thankful for the things that I choose.
It's easy to understand why early morning thankful thoughts might be about a good cup of coffee. However, coffee provides more than a physiological pick me up. It provides time to prepare to face the day. Later it provides me the time to sit with a friend or my daughter and converse over a hot cup with a little cream. The time it takes to prepare and enjoy a good cup of coffee is relaxing, therapeutic.
I've learned to taste coffee rather than to just drink coffee. The flavor subtleties of a light or medium roast can be very enjoyable. I'm not a flavored coffee fan. I enjoy coffee--black, no sweetener. Sometimes I add a little cream. I make my daily quart of espresso Americano with a stove top espresso maker and hot water. I may have a cup at work (K-cup) but usually have tea at work (less caffeine and easier to keep fresh).
I didn't set out to be a coffee snob; it just sort of happened when I realized that most store bought stuff is stale (and tastes stale) from way before it ever made it to the shelf. The thing about drinking good coffee is ... well, it's good!
Enjoy!
John <><
It's easy to understand why early morning thankful thoughts might be about a good cup of coffee. However, coffee provides more than a physiological pick me up. It provides time to prepare to face the day. Later it provides me the time to sit with a friend or my daughter and converse over a hot cup with a little cream. The time it takes to prepare and enjoy a good cup of coffee is relaxing, therapeutic.
I've learned to taste coffee rather than to just drink coffee. The flavor subtleties of a light or medium roast can be very enjoyable. I'm not a flavored coffee fan. I enjoy coffee--black, no sweetener. Sometimes I add a little cream. I make my daily quart of espresso Americano with a stove top espresso maker and hot water. I may have a cup at work (K-cup) but usually have tea at work (less caffeine and easier to keep fresh).
I didn't set out to be a coffee snob; it just sort of happened when I realized that most store bought stuff is stale (and tastes stale) from way before it ever made it to the shelf. The thing about drinking good coffee is ... well, it's good!
Enjoy!
John <><
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Storytime!
We all have a story to tell.
We are all living a story.
Sometimes it's easy to forget that our lives are simply stories that need to be shared.
It's certainly true that not every part of our life is a thing that needs to be shared, but we are natural story tellers and most of us love to hear a good story, as well.
Last weekend I had an opportunity to do something that I rarely get to do--walk around magic! Most of what I do in the way of magic would be considered "stand-up magic" or "parlor magic." It's a rare thing for me to get to do anything in the way of "close-up" magic and to have that kind of intimate relationship with my audiences.
One of the fun things about "walk around" magic is that it generally consists of ordinary things that you can carry in your pockets or that your audience has in their purse of pockets. You are also able to do the same few effects repeatedly as you move about and simply find a new audience!
Each mini show is done for a very small group of people and becomes personal as you are right there--talking to them or their close friends! I knew that my walk around audience included a good number of Haitian people. I also knew that magic has a special meaning to many Haitians as Voodoo and magic are a part of their religious culture. I remember a friend that used to do mission work in Haiti told me that he was always very careful about using "magic" because he was thought to have special powers. He generally did very simple effects and often revealed the "secrets" to show them that it was only a way to share his stories.
In the course of the afternoon, I found myself sharing a few simple effects with a small group of young Haitians. The moment wasn't any different than any of the other brief mini shows...at first. However, in only a few short minutes I was completely surrounded by young Haitians, demanding to see more. I really felt that I was being pressed in upon as everybody wanted to see, wanted to be closer, wanted to be the next person to participate. In retrospect, maybe the little mentalism effect wasn't the best choice. Mentalism is hard to explain away as slight of hand and has a way of appearing a little bit more like real magic. During that effect, one young man (obviously a popular guy and a bit of a leader in the group) began to speak in their native Haitian Creole. His repetitive words sounded like a chant or incantation. It kind of freaked me out. I know that he could have simply been saying something like, "I don't believe it. I don't believe it!" or "How is he doing that? How is he doing that?"
In any case, a few effects before moving on is the standard practice and it was time to move on! I think that they were all intrigued enough to attend the show that was held at the end of the afternoon. I always hope that the "story" I tell is remembered more than the way that I tell it. The story is of God's great love for us and of the great gift of salvation that He offers to each one of us.
What's your story?
John <><
We are all living a story.
Sometimes it's easy to forget that our lives are simply stories that need to be shared.
It's certainly true that not every part of our life is a thing that needs to be shared, but we are natural story tellers and most of us love to hear a good story, as well.
Last weekend I had an opportunity to do something that I rarely get to do--walk around magic! Most of what I do in the way of magic would be considered "stand-up magic" or "parlor magic." It's a rare thing for me to get to do anything in the way of "close-up" magic and to have that kind of intimate relationship with my audiences.
One of the fun things about "walk around" magic is that it generally consists of ordinary things that you can carry in your pockets or that your audience has in their purse of pockets. You are also able to do the same few effects repeatedly as you move about and simply find a new audience!
Each mini show is done for a very small group of people and becomes personal as you are right there--talking to them or their close friends! I knew that my walk around audience included a good number of Haitian people. I also knew that magic has a special meaning to many Haitians as Voodoo and magic are a part of their religious culture. I remember a friend that used to do mission work in Haiti told me that he was always very careful about using "magic" because he was thought to have special powers. He generally did very simple effects and often revealed the "secrets" to show them that it was only a way to share his stories.
In the course of the afternoon, I found myself sharing a few simple effects with a small group of young Haitians. The moment wasn't any different than any of the other brief mini shows...at first. However, in only a few short minutes I was completely surrounded by young Haitians, demanding to see more. I really felt that I was being pressed in upon as everybody wanted to see, wanted to be closer, wanted to be the next person to participate. In retrospect, maybe the little mentalism effect wasn't the best choice. Mentalism is hard to explain away as slight of hand and has a way of appearing a little bit more like real magic. During that effect, one young man (obviously a popular guy and a bit of a leader in the group) began to speak in their native Haitian Creole. His repetitive words sounded like a chant or incantation. It kind of freaked me out. I know that he could have simply been saying something like, "I don't believe it. I don't believe it!" or "How is he doing that? How is he doing that?"
In any case, a few effects before moving on is the standard practice and it was time to move on! I think that they were all intrigued enough to attend the show that was held at the end of the afternoon. I always hope that the "story" I tell is remembered more than the way that I tell it. The story is of God's great love for us and of the great gift of salvation that He offers to each one of us.
What's your story?
John <><
Saturday, November 02, 2013
A Not-so-random Act of Kindness
These young boys have learned lessons in life that many of us have missed. In this story, they teach them to all of us...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/olivet-middle-school-football-play_n_4182924.html
John <><
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/olivet-middle-school-football-play_n_4182924.html
John <><
Monday, October 21, 2013
Back to Characters
A short while back I initiated a new label for my blog with a post called Characters. I wanted to get back to that and write about some of the people and characters that I encounter. These Character posts might be about people in general, specific people, or behavioral tendencies that some people possess.
One character that I don't encounter often enough is my baby sister. I really love that girl. I know that she really isn't a "girl" any more. She's a woman. Although she'll always be a girl to me, I'll do my best to refer to her as the woman that she is.
When I see a mom that I can tell really enjoys being a mom, I smile and I think of her. Being "Mom" to her kids is what she really loves doing and being. I love getting texts or messages from her asking about the night sky. I love that she sits out in the cold with her oldest daughter to watch the late fall meteor showers. I love that she loves to laugh.
Li'l sis is incredibly mission minded. She sees needs and works to meet those needs. We have very different views when it comes to politics, so we just don't talk about that stuff much. She has always been a fan of her oldest brother. I don't think that there is any meanness in her. She has a gentle spirit, a strong will and a giant heart. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea that I am also a fan of hers.
I'm not sure why I started these character posts with her; maybe it's because she sent a friend to see my show last night in Milan MO and was on my mind this morning. Did I mention that she's a fan of mine? Thoughts of my little sister are good thoughts to start the week right.
Makes this big brother smile!
John <><
One character that I don't encounter often enough is my baby sister. I really love that girl. I know that she really isn't a "girl" any more. She's a woman. Although she'll always be a girl to me, I'll do my best to refer to her as the woman that she is.
When I see a mom that I can tell really enjoys being a mom, I smile and I think of her. Being "Mom" to her kids is what she really loves doing and being. I love getting texts or messages from her asking about the night sky. I love that she sits out in the cold with her oldest daughter to watch the late fall meteor showers. I love that she loves to laugh.
Li'l sis is incredibly mission minded. She sees needs and works to meet those needs. We have very different views when it comes to politics, so we just don't talk about that stuff much. She has always been a fan of her oldest brother. I don't think that there is any meanness in her. She has a gentle spirit, a strong will and a giant heart. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea that I am also a fan of hers.
I'm not sure why I started these character posts with her; maybe it's because she sent a friend to see my show last night in Milan MO and was on my mind this morning. Did I mention that she's a fan of mine? Thoughts of my little sister are good thoughts to start the week right.
Makes this big brother smile!
John <><
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Milan MO
That's MY-lan MO for those of you that would want to pronounce it as the European city Milan. In Missouri we try to keep all things Midwestern.
In any case, I'm typing on my laptop, using my Galaxy S-3 for internet since the small hotel wi-fi is a little bit lacking in its ability to provide my room with decent service.
I've taken the day off from exercise and will make up for it during the week. I also treated my self to a piece of pie (pumpkin) at the church luncheon earlier today. I'll probably skip an evening meal and make the drive back home on an empty stomach. A little bit of balance for a long day.
As always, my sermon always reminds me that I need to be more dedicated to living a life that is reflective of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Preaching the word has a way of speaking to the speaker as well as speaking through the speaker. I really enjoyed my morning at FBC Milan and will be back there in a little bit to share the Salvation story with a little bit of magic.
It still amazes me that God would choose such an unworthy vessel to carry the message of His love. It really is a blast to share in the different venues that I am called on to preach, teach and entertain.
However, I must remember that I am also called on (as you are) to share the gospel in the every day settings of life, as well. My work place and my neighborhood are as much my mission fields as the places where you find yourselves are your mission fields. We are all to talk about and share His great love.
So let us press onward! Paul says that we need to put the past behind us (I think the great Lion King philosopher, Pumba also said that!). Forget our failures. Forget our accomplishments. Put the past behind us and press on toward the prize of the upward calling in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So let's do that. Let's bring hope to the hopeless. Let's be a positive ray of light in a dark and negative place. Where there is gloom and doom, let's share joy and peace. I am challenging myself to counter every negative comment and attitude that I encounter this week with something positive; to counter every frown with a smile; to counter every bit of darkness with a little bit of light.
...And I'm inviting you to join me!
How about it? Any takers?
John <><
In any case, I'm typing on my laptop, using my Galaxy S-3 for internet since the small hotel wi-fi is a little bit lacking in its ability to provide my room with decent service.
I've taken the day off from exercise and will make up for it during the week. I also treated my self to a piece of pie (pumpkin) at the church luncheon earlier today. I'll probably skip an evening meal and make the drive back home on an empty stomach. A little bit of balance for a long day.
As always, my sermon always reminds me that I need to be more dedicated to living a life that is reflective of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Preaching the word has a way of speaking to the speaker as well as speaking through the speaker. I really enjoyed my morning at FBC Milan and will be back there in a little bit to share the Salvation story with a little bit of magic.
It still amazes me that God would choose such an unworthy vessel to carry the message of His love. It really is a blast to share in the different venues that I am called on to preach, teach and entertain.
However, I must remember that I am also called on (as you are) to share the gospel in the every day settings of life, as well. My work place and my neighborhood are as much my mission fields as the places where you find yourselves are your mission fields. We are all to talk about and share His great love.
So let us press onward! Paul says that we need to put the past behind us (I think the great Lion King philosopher, Pumba also said that!). Forget our failures. Forget our accomplishments. Put the past behind us and press on toward the prize of the upward calling in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So let's do that. Let's bring hope to the hopeless. Let's be a positive ray of light in a dark and negative place. Where there is gloom and doom, let's share joy and peace. I am challenging myself to counter every negative comment and attitude that I encounter this week with something positive; to counter every frown with a smile; to counter every bit of darkness with a little bit of light.
...And I'm inviting you to join me!
How about it? Any takers?
John <><
Friday, October 18, 2013
It's a Good Weekend to be John Hill!
I am really looking forward to this weekend!
Tonight begins the Celebrate 125 festivities at Hopedale Baptist Church. I am blessed to be preaching the evening "Tent Revival" service. Put on a jacket at come on over!
There are more events tomorrow morning, afternoon and evening.
I'll miss the afternoon and evening events as I make my way north to Milan MO for a one-day revival event with two morning services and one evening service at First Baptist Milan.
Three days; four services. It's a good weekend to be John Hill!
Okay, the nine hours in the car won't be the highlight of the weekend, but it's not too bad and I really don't mind it. I'll miss some of The Cardinal's Game 6 tonight, but that's not a big deal. The hotel where I'm staying tomorrow night has wi-fi so I'll be able to watch the UFC 166 fights. I'll need to get my miles in on the exercise bike today and tomorrow because Sunday will be an off day. I'll try to get a long walk in on Sunday afternoon. That will be good before getting into the car for the trek homeward.
...And to make the weekend even better, I start getting paid again when I go to work on Monday!
I also have local shows on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Looks like it's gonna be more than a great weekend; it's gonna be a great week!
Be kind to one another this weekend. Offer an encouraging word, buy somebody a cup of coffee, just listen to somebody tells their story.
John <><
Tonight begins the Celebrate 125 festivities at Hopedale Baptist Church. I am blessed to be preaching the evening "Tent Revival" service. Put on a jacket at come on over!
There are more events tomorrow morning, afternoon and evening.
I'll miss the afternoon and evening events as I make my way north to Milan MO for a one-day revival event with two morning services and one evening service at First Baptist Milan.
Three days; four services. It's a good weekend to be John Hill!
Okay, the nine hours in the car won't be the highlight of the weekend, but it's not too bad and I really don't mind it. I'll miss some of The Cardinal's Game 6 tonight, but that's not a big deal. The hotel where I'm staying tomorrow night has wi-fi so I'll be able to watch the UFC 166 fights. I'll need to get my miles in on the exercise bike today and tomorrow because Sunday will be an off day. I'll try to get a long walk in on Sunday afternoon. That will be good before getting into the car for the trek homeward.
...And to make the weekend even better, I start getting paid again when I go to work on Monday!
I also have local shows on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Looks like it's gonna be more than a great weekend; it's gonna be a great week!
Be kind to one another this weekend. Offer an encouraging word, buy somebody a cup of coffee, just listen to somebody tells their story.
John <><
Friday, October 11, 2013
Good News (in spite of the government shutdown)
When my family first moved to the Springfield area, we set up our banking accounts at The Postal/Federal Employees Credit Union. Several years ago the Credit Union made the change to a "community" credit union and a name change followed. It is now BluCurrent Credit Union.
I give you the brief history because this particular credit union still has a large number of postal and federal employees; members that are being impacted by the antics of our elected reprehensatives in DC. In order to keep us federal employees from defaulting on our mortgages, car payments, credit cards, etc., and to allow us to put food on our tables, this little credit union is offering no interest loans in amounts that are based on our regular payroll deposits to its members. These no interest loans are expected to be paid back in lump sums once the shutdown has ended and we receive our pay.
I think that is pretty darn cool!
It sure relieves a lot of the stress that would normally accompany a short term furlough for many or working for an IOU as air traffic is currently doing.
Roses for BluCurrent.
Thorns to our legislators!
John <><
I give you the brief history because this particular credit union still has a large number of postal and federal employees; members that are being impacted by the antics of our elected reprehensatives in DC. In order to keep us federal employees from defaulting on our mortgages, car payments, credit cards, etc., and to allow us to put food on our tables, this little credit union is offering no interest loans in amounts that are based on our regular payroll deposits to its members. These no interest loans are expected to be paid back in lump sums once the shutdown has ended and we receive our pay.
I think that is pretty darn cool!
It sure relieves a lot of the stress that would normally accompany a short term furlough for many or working for an IOU as air traffic is currently doing.
Roses for BluCurrent.
Thorns to our legislators!
John <><
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Notes from 2013 Kids' Camp
Our weekend Children's Camp is now history--and a life changing history for some of the kids and adults that were there.
Every year that I've been blessed to be a part of Hopedale's camp, there have been kids that have made professions of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This year was no different. I frequently tell people the main reason for our success in this endeavor is that we arrive at camp fully expecting God to be with us, to work through us, and to accomplish great things.
This year's camp was a little bit different in a couple of ways.
For one thing, we were at an unfamiliar camp ground. A new location carries its own challenges as we scope out the areas for our activities and try to work with an unfamiliar staff. In the end, it was the camp logistics and staff that brought the greatest challenge to our having a successful weekend.
Another thing was that it was our first time at doing camp with another church. While we were very familiar with the camp director from the other church, the kids and other adult workers were all new. And it was their first time doing camp the "Hopedale" way. In the end, this brought some of the greatest blessings of the weekend.
While many camps are professional camps that host dozens of groups at a time and thousands of kids throughout the summer, ours is just us. Professional camps have their own activities staff, musicians, speakers/preachers, curriculum, cooking and cleaning staff, the whole range of people necessary for the week or weekend. We have us.
At a professional camp, the adult leaders of a church are mostly responsible for getting kids to and from activities and then leading through the small group curriculum. At our camp, they are responsible for pretty much everything. They plan all of the lessons, the activities, the meals, the worship, even the free time so that each activity is supervised. They pack the trailer with the food (this year's camp did have its own cooks so we didn't do meals), with all of the necessary equipment for our games and everything for lessons and worship. We assemble all of the packages for the kids with their T-shirts, team bandanna, study material and pens and we make all of the teams, cabin assignments and small groups. Our leaders are very much a part of the kids' weekend. It is a working weekend for the adults.
As this was different from most camps, I think it was a little unexpected from some of the adults from the other church. BUT, it was very cool to watch them catch on and begin to really serve the kids. As they became the servant leaders, they began to reap the blessings of interacting with the campers and seeing the experience through their young eyes. One leader was able to talk to a child (friend of his daughter) as she made her profession of faith in Jesus. He was so blessed and so excited to be a part of that. I didn't think that anything could have topped his true joy until he came to tell me that he had another experience with one of their boys making that life changing declaration of trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior!
Sometimes, knowing ourselves and our ways can be a downer. He shared that his fear was that he was going to get home and go back to his old ways and forget the joy of sharing Jesus with others. "I don't want to do that," he told me. I gave him my card and told him to stay in touch so that we could encourage one another. I hope that he does.
We had one of our youngest campers raise her hand during worship, indicating that she wanted to talk to somebody about professing Jesus as savior. I asked one of our ladies to talk to her and received back a great testimony of a tender heart inside of the tough exterior of this little girl. The woman told me that the little girl understood very well and made a genuine acceptance of Jesus.
I found out that the guy that was doing all of the video (from the other church) was a professional videographer that had a ministry of doing videos for missionary organizations around the world. I don't know what that would normally cost for a weekend, but he gave of his time and professional skill to provide that to our churches for free. I'm really looking forward to seeing the end product.
In spite of the great blessings of the weekend, this was really the first time that I began to think that I'm getting too old for this. I often fear that one of the reasons that I get asked to pastor children's camp is that somebody is afraid that my feelings will be hurt if they ask somebody else. I know that there is a different John that stands before the kids during the message time. I know that God has given me an ability to speak to children in a way that they can really grasp the concept of how much He loves them. I don't know why He chose me. (As I've said before, "I don't even like being around kids that much.") And I know that I will continue to serve as I am called to serve. I just hope that when the time comes to call another person as camp pastor, we can all recognize that it is that time.
For today--I'm rejoicing! There are new members in the family of God! There are new workers in the kingdom! God continues to shower this servant with blessings that I do not deserve, could never earn and can never repay.
John <><
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
Every year that I've been blessed to be a part of Hopedale's camp, there have been kids that have made professions of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This year was no different. I frequently tell people the main reason for our success in this endeavor is that we arrive at camp fully expecting God to be with us, to work through us, and to accomplish great things.
This year's camp was a little bit different in a couple of ways.
For one thing, we were at an unfamiliar camp ground. A new location carries its own challenges as we scope out the areas for our activities and try to work with an unfamiliar staff. In the end, it was the camp logistics and staff that brought the greatest challenge to our having a successful weekend.
Another thing was that it was our first time at doing camp with another church. While we were very familiar with the camp director from the other church, the kids and other adult workers were all new. And it was their first time doing camp the "Hopedale" way. In the end, this brought some of the greatest blessings of the weekend.
While many camps are professional camps that host dozens of groups at a time and thousands of kids throughout the summer, ours is just us. Professional camps have their own activities staff, musicians, speakers/preachers, curriculum, cooking and cleaning staff, the whole range of people necessary for the week or weekend. We have us.
At a professional camp, the adult leaders of a church are mostly responsible for getting kids to and from activities and then leading through the small group curriculum. At our camp, they are responsible for pretty much everything. They plan all of the lessons, the activities, the meals, the worship, even the free time so that each activity is supervised. They pack the trailer with the food (this year's camp did have its own cooks so we didn't do meals), with all of the necessary equipment for our games and everything for lessons and worship. We assemble all of the packages for the kids with their T-shirts, team bandanna, study material and pens and we make all of the teams, cabin assignments and small groups. Our leaders are very much a part of the kids' weekend. It is a working weekend for the adults.
As this was different from most camps, I think it was a little unexpected from some of the adults from the other church. BUT, it was very cool to watch them catch on and begin to really serve the kids. As they became the servant leaders, they began to reap the blessings of interacting with the campers and seeing the experience through their young eyes. One leader was able to talk to a child (friend of his daughter) as she made her profession of faith in Jesus. He was so blessed and so excited to be a part of that. I didn't think that anything could have topped his true joy until he came to tell me that he had another experience with one of their boys making that life changing declaration of trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior!
Sometimes, knowing ourselves and our ways can be a downer. He shared that his fear was that he was going to get home and go back to his old ways and forget the joy of sharing Jesus with others. "I don't want to do that," he told me. I gave him my card and told him to stay in touch so that we could encourage one another. I hope that he does.
We had one of our youngest campers raise her hand during worship, indicating that she wanted to talk to somebody about professing Jesus as savior. I asked one of our ladies to talk to her and received back a great testimony of a tender heart inside of the tough exterior of this little girl. The woman told me that the little girl understood very well and made a genuine acceptance of Jesus.
I found out that the guy that was doing all of the video (from the other church) was a professional videographer that had a ministry of doing videos for missionary organizations around the world. I don't know what that would normally cost for a weekend, but he gave of his time and professional skill to provide that to our churches for free. I'm really looking forward to seeing the end product.
In spite of the great blessings of the weekend, this was really the first time that I began to think that I'm getting too old for this. I often fear that one of the reasons that I get asked to pastor children's camp is that somebody is afraid that my feelings will be hurt if they ask somebody else. I know that there is a different John that stands before the kids during the message time. I know that God has given me an ability to speak to children in a way that they can really grasp the concept of how much He loves them. I don't know why He chose me. (As I've said before, "I don't even like being around kids that much.") And I know that I will continue to serve as I am called to serve. I just hope that when the time comes to call another person as camp pastor, we can all recognize that it is that time.
For today--I'm rejoicing! There are new members in the family of God! There are new workers in the kingdom! God continues to shower this servant with blessings that I do not deserve, could never earn and can never repay.
John <><
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Moved by their generosity...
Maybe I'm just getting a little bit sentimental or soft as I age, but tonight I was fighting back tears as the generosity of the people of Hopedale overwhelmed me.
It was a simple event; a fund raiser for our kids' camp. Last year we held our first ever "pie auction" and had our most successful fund raiser ever. This year's event (dessert auction) was so much better! I was especially moved by our senior adults that greatly supported our kids and their families by spending hundreds of dollars on cakes and pies! I know that several families bought desserts that they will end up giving away. One woman offered me a piece of pie that they bought for $90 (I think) because it was made with sugar and they can't eat it! Another man out bid our pastor for a cake by topping a $90 bid and then gave the cake to him! These are just a couple of the stories from the evening.
All-in-all, 43 desserts brought over $2000 to help pay the way for our adult volunteers and reduce the cost for kids and their friends to go to camp.
I wonder if these generous people realize the eternal implications of their giving. Every year, there are kids and adults that have their lives changed by events at camp. Over the past decade+, I've had the opportunity to serve as camp pastor at a number of camps. I've also attended many camps for a one night event.
Yes, I know that I am from Hopedale and little bit biased. Even so, I believe that Hopedale does children's camp better than anybody else.
Do we have better programs? Not necessarily.
Better worship time? Maybe; Maybe not.
Do our kids have more fun? Probably, but that doesn't make our camp better.
Do we love our kids more than other camps? We do love our kids; and God loves our kids, but He loves your kids, too. And I know that all of the camps love their kids.
So what is the difference?
I believe that our people--the people working at camp, the parents that send their kids to camp, the church that prays for camp, and the generous people that support our camp--all have a faithful expectation of the Holy Spirit of God moving at our camp.
We all know that it is not by our efforts that life changing decisions are made. Though we prepare for camp and for each day's events, it is only by Divine intervention that our lives and the lives of our young charges can be changed.
Why do have great camps with great results?
Because we fully expect God to show up and glorify His name through His Son Jesus.
To everybody that brought a dessert; to everybody that bought a dessert; and to all of the people that helped during the evening -- THANK YOU!
Thanks from me, from the camp staff and from all of the kids and parents! You are the best.
May God bless you greatly for your service.
John <><
It was a simple event; a fund raiser for our kids' camp. Last year we held our first ever "pie auction" and had our most successful fund raiser ever. This year's event (dessert auction) was so much better! I was especially moved by our senior adults that greatly supported our kids and their families by spending hundreds of dollars on cakes and pies! I know that several families bought desserts that they will end up giving away. One woman offered me a piece of pie that they bought for $90 (I think) because it was made with sugar and they can't eat it! Another man out bid our pastor for a cake by topping a $90 bid and then gave the cake to him! These are just a couple of the stories from the evening.
All-in-all, 43 desserts brought over $2000 to help pay the way for our adult volunteers and reduce the cost for kids and their friends to go to camp.
I wonder if these generous people realize the eternal implications of their giving. Every year, there are kids and adults that have their lives changed by events at camp. Over the past decade+, I've had the opportunity to serve as camp pastor at a number of camps. I've also attended many camps for a one night event.
Yes, I know that I am from Hopedale and little bit biased. Even so, I believe that Hopedale does children's camp better than anybody else.
Do we have better programs? Not necessarily.
Better worship time? Maybe; Maybe not.
Do our kids have more fun? Probably, but that doesn't make our camp better.
Do we love our kids more than other camps? We do love our kids; and God loves our kids, but He loves your kids, too. And I know that all of the camps love their kids.
So what is the difference?
I believe that our people--the people working at camp, the parents that send their kids to camp, the church that prays for camp, and the generous people that support our camp--all have a faithful expectation of the Holy Spirit of God moving at our camp.
We all know that it is not by our efforts that life changing decisions are made. Though we prepare for camp and for each day's events, it is only by Divine intervention that our lives and the lives of our young charges can be changed.
Why do have great camps with great results?
Because we fully expect God to show up and glorify His name through His Son Jesus.
To everybody that brought a dessert; to everybody that bought a dessert; and to all of the people that helped during the evening -- THANK YOU!
Thanks from me, from the camp staff and from all of the kids and parents! You are the best.
May God bless you greatly for your service.
John <><
Sunday, February 10, 2013
One of My Favorite Things...
I suppose that a pair of warm, woolen mittens would come in handy if it was so cold that the snowflakes were staying on my nose and eye lashes, but none of these things would number in "My Favorite Things" list as they did for Maria, the young governess/nanny of the Von Trapp family.*
I imagine that each of us has that unwritten list of things that can make you smile to yourself at any moment and brighten up an otherwise dreary day.
I was thinking about that the other day when I was talking to my baby sister on the phone. (She is far from being a baby, but I had mention it after her "favorite oldest brother" comment on Facebook.) Yeah, she is one of those people that makes me smile.
I smile because it is so obvious that she really loves being a mom (even on days when she is looking forward to being alone are foiled by a sick child).
I smile when I hear that she and my niece (her oldest) are out late at night, bundled in blankets, watching a meteor shower.
I smile when I hear her laugh or when she has a story to tell about her kids.
I smile when I get a text from her that says, "He said goodbye." (sorry for the inside joke on an outside forum)
I even smile when I see other ladies that are all into being moms. They remind me of my baby sister.
Face it, the kid makes me smile.
It really is too bad that many miles separate me from all of my siblings. I love hearing about what they're up to through e-mails (I guess that dates us), Facebook and the occasional text message. I love getting together with them on the rare occasions that we are able to manage to coordinate our schedules. I love them all, but it's baby sister that seems to be able to make me smile the most often.
Who (or what) makes you smile?
One of your favorite people? One of your favorite things?
Share with me in the comments.
John <><
* The Sound of Music
I imagine that each of us has that unwritten list of things that can make you smile to yourself at any moment and brighten up an otherwise dreary day.
I was thinking about that the other day when I was talking to my baby sister on the phone. (She is far from being a baby, but I had mention it after her "favorite oldest brother" comment on Facebook.) Yeah, she is one of those people that makes me smile.
I smile because it is so obvious that she really loves being a mom (even on days when she is looking forward to being alone are foiled by a sick child).
I smile when I hear that she and my niece (her oldest) are out late at night, bundled in blankets, watching a meteor shower.
I smile when I hear her laugh or when she has a story to tell about her kids.
I smile when I get a text from her that says, "He said goodbye." (sorry for the inside joke on an outside forum)
I even smile when I see other ladies that are all into being moms. They remind me of my baby sister.
Face it, the kid makes me smile.
It really is too bad that many miles separate me from all of my siblings. I love hearing about what they're up to through e-mails (I guess that dates us), Facebook and the occasional text message. I love getting together with them on the rare occasions that we are able to manage to coordinate our schedules. I love them all, but it's baby sister that seems to be able to make me smile the most often.
Who (or what) makes you smile?
One of your favorite people? One of your favorite things?
Share with me in the comments.
John <><
* The Sound of Music
Friday, January 25, 2013
UFC on Fox 6
I've been told that it's out of character for me to be a UFC fan. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe it's because I'm old and fat and could never actually participate in a mixed martial arts competition of any kind. Maybe it's because it's such a violent sport and a preacher shouldn't have anything to do with watching or promoting that kind of brutality. Maybe it's just the most base level of human competition and we should have managed to evolve past the point of determining the best hand-to-hand combatant.
What ever the case may be, I happen to enjoy watching the fights.
It has been different since Aaron moved away. We used to enjoy fight nights at Buffalo Wild Wings. Sometimes Jenny would join us. Later, Hannah (and maybe a boyfriend) would watch the fights with me. I'm not sure that they really wanted to watch the fights with me, but it was a cheap date with dad buying all of the food, soft drinks and desserts for the several hours of the fights!
Maybe I'm just too old to be a fan since none of my contemporaries are ever interested, just the younger guys.
Well this weekend, I'm in Chicago to go to the UFC on Fox 6 with Aaron! It was my Christmas gift from Aaron and Jenny and I am really looking forward to it. I drove from Springfield MO to Chicago today and made it in time to go to the weigh-ins with Aaron. I left right after working the mid and grabbing a quick breakfast and a Starbucks Americano with an extra shot of espresso. I stopped for gas and White Castles (that's fuel for the car and ...well, if you're familiar with White Castles...) in St. Louis, caught a 20 minute nap and another Starbucks about an hour into Illinois, topped off the tank again before hitting Chicago and we made the 4 o'clock weigh in just before the first fighters came out!
We'll catch all of the preliminary fights tomorrow, too! The Facebook fights, the Fuel TV fights and the main card on Fox! I am really looking forward to this!
I don't know if I'll be blogging any more this weekend or not. I didn't bring my computer and I'm using one of the kids' computers while Aaron is out to pick up Jenny from a work party. I may text a status to Facebook from my dumb phone...then again, I may not.
I hope that you have a great weekend. I know that I will.
John <><
What ever the case may be, I happen to enjoy watching the fights.
It has been different since Aaron moved away. We used to enjoy fight nights at Buffalo Wild Wings. Sometimes Jenny would join us. Later, Hannah (and maybe a boyfriend) would watch the fights with me. I'm not sure that they really wanted to watch the fights with me, but it was a cheap date with dad buying all of the food, soft drinks and desserts for the several hours of the fights!
Maybe I'm just too old to be a fan since none of my contemporaries are ever interested, just the younger guys.
Well this weekend, I'm in Chicago to go to the UFC on Fox 6 with Aaron! It was my Christmas gift from Aaron and Jenny and I am really looking forward to it. I drove from Springfield MO to Chicago today and made it in time to go to the weigh-ins with Aaron. I left right after working the mid and grabbing a quick breakfast and a Starbucks Americano with an extra shot of espresso. I stopped for gas and White Castles (that's fuel for the car and ...well, if you're familiar with White Castles...) in St. Louis, caught a 20 minute nap and another Starbucks about an hour into Illinois, topped off the tank again before hitting Chicago and we made the 4 o'clock weigh in just before the first fighters came out!
We'll catch all of the preliminary fights tomorrow, too! The Facebook fights, the Fuel TV fights and the main card on Fox! I am really looking forward to this!
I don't know if I'll be blogging any more this weekend or not. I didn't bring my computer and I'm using one of the kids' computers while Aaron is out to pick up Jenny from a work party. I may text a status to Facebook from my dumb phone...then again, I may not.
I hope that you have a great weekend. I know that I will.
John <><
Friday, January 18, 2013
Out of My Hat(s)!
In an internet meme that was going around my blogging circle four years ago calling for Ten Honest Things About John, I wrote that I like hats--not caps, hats.
For post number 800, I thought I would write about my hat--my favorite hat. The idea for a post about my hat came to me last Saturday at our Writers' meeting.
I stopped for a coffee at Starbucks on the way and the girl at the drive-up window made a comment about how she liked my hat. When I arrived at the meeting, one of the members also made a comment about it. Of course, I like getting compliments on my hat--especially from strangers, and I get them pretty often. Maybe the compliments are extra nice since Chris doesn't really care for my hat.
It is unusual in that it is a whole-hide leather cowboy hat. I bought it in Mexico over a decade ago and I have never seen another hat like it--even on subsequent trips to Mexico.
It is not a summer hat. One of the few things that I look forward to as fall approaches each year, is breaking out the "awesome hat" (a name given to it by one of Hannah's friends).
I have a variety of summer hats, too. They range from the rough, wear to the lake (and in the lake!) hat...
...to the everyday keep the sun off my face...
...to a little nicer straw.
I also have a winter felt dress hat.
And of course, the show prop wool top hat!
As always, thanks for stopping by at Out of My Hat.
And now you know what my hats look like!
John <><
For post number 800, I thought I would write about my hat--my favorite hat. The idea for a post about my hat came to me last Saturday at our Writers' meeting.
I stopped for a coffee at Starbucks on the way and the girl at the drive-up window made a comment about how she liked my hat. When I arrived at the meeting, one of the members also made a comment about it. Of course, I like getting compliments on my hat--especially from strangers, and I get them pretty often. Maybe the compliments are extra nice since Chris doesn't really care for my hat.
It is unusual in that it is a whole-hide leather cowboy hat. I bought it in Mexico over a decade ago and I have never seen another hat like it--even on subsequent trips to Mexico.
It is not a summer hat. One of the few things that I look forward to as fall approaches each year, is breaking out the "awesome hat" (a name given to it by one of Hannah's friends).
I have a variety of summer hats, too. They range from the rough, wear to the lake (and in the lake!) hat...
...to the everyday keep the sun off my face...
...to a little nicer straw.
I also have a winter felt dress hat.
And of course, the show prop wool top hat!
As always, thanks for stopping by at Out of My Hat.
And now you know what my hats look like!
John <><
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Sunday! Sunday! SONday!
There is something about Sunday.
I look forward to Sunday mornings. This day, the first Sunday of 2013, was no exception.
Sundays are more than just a day off of work. Sundays are days set aside to express our love for God and to worship Him. Most Sundays I am at Hopedale. I am privileged to be to able share the Bible with our high school boys during our Bible study time. I am honored to be able to worship our God with a few hundred other believers. And I am humbled that God chooses to speak to me through the preaching of His Word.
Sometime this week I will share with you our Bible study lesson. I think it's a good lesson and needs to be shared with more than a dozen or so teen aged boys. But that will be for another post.
One of the things that made today an exceptional day was that I got to hear a second great message preached--another one from my son, Aaron.
Click here to take you to the link and on the speaker icon to hear the message (or arrow to download it).
Please take the time (a whole 24 min) to listen.
Where is your heart? Where is your treasure?
John <><
I look forward to Sunday mornings. This day, the first Sunday of 2013, was no exception.
Sundays are more than just a day off of work. Sundays are days set aside to express our love for God and to worship Him. Most Sundays I am at Hopedale. I am privileged to be to able share the Bible with our high school boys during our Bible study time. I am honored to be able to worship our God with a few hundred other believers. And I am humbled that God chooses to speak to me through the preaching of His Word.
Sometime this week I will share with you our Bible study lesson. I think it's a good lesson and needs to be shared with more than a dozen or so teen aged boys. But that will be for another post.
One of the things that made today an exceptional day was that I got to hear a second great message preached--another one from my son, Aaron.
Click here to take you to the link and on the speaker icon to hear the message (or arrow to download it).
Please take the time (a whole 24 min) to listen.
Where is your heart? Where is your treasure?
John <><
Saturday, January 05, 2013
The Curse of the Bambino...
It was January 5, 1920 when the New York Yankees purchased Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for $125,000. This was after The Babe broke the major league home run record in 1919 with 29. As a Yankee, he broke the record again in 1920 (54) and 1921 (59).
After the deal, the Yankees went on to win 26 World Series titles and the Sox went 86 years before beating the St. Louis Cardinals for the Series Championship in 2004, thereby breaking the long lived curse.
Pitchers and catchers report to camp in 38 days.
Cardinal Season Opener is April 1st in Arizona--no fooling!
I'm getting baseball fever.
John <><
After the deal, the Yankees went on to win 26 World Series titles and the Sox went 86 years before beating the St. Louis Cardinals for the Series Championship in 2004, thereby breaking the long lived curse.
Pitchers and catchers report to camp in 38 days.
Cardinal Season Opener is April 1st in Arizona--no fooling!
I'm getting baseball fever.
John <><
Monday, December 31, 2012
Incredible Kicking Exhibition
Rather than wrap up the year with a post about the impending fiscal cliff or rant about the past year, I've decided to post a video that I saw on TV the other day that is an incredible feat of kicking (pardon the bad pun).
The ESPN program I was watching at the time (and I don't recall which program it was) featured this video and said the Norwegian soccer player is getting a look by the NFL's New York Jets.
This post also makes two consecutive months of posting everyday! It's a personal record that I don't foresee breaking in 2013...but who knows?
Enjoy...
John <><
Happy 2013!
The ESPN program I was watching at the time (and I don't recall which program it was) featured this video and said the Norwegian soccer player is getting a look by the NFL's New York Jets.
This post also makes two consecutive months of posting everyday! It's a personal record that I don't foresee breaking in 2013...but who knows?
Enjoy...
John <><
Happy 2013!
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Old Farmer's Almanac
I know that The Old Farmer's Almanac is one of those outdated publications that just keeps hanging on. I would guess that the information in the annual publication is available through the online site, but I've never been to their website.
On the one hand, they still have the hole punched in the upper left-hand corner of their printed publication so that you can hang it on a nail in your barn or gardening shed. On the other hand, they have mobile apps, a website and are on social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Something for everyone!
I am perusing my 2013 traditional printed edition now. Although each year's Almanac comes out in the fall, my copy has been a stocking stuffer for more than twenty years. Over the past two decades I have managed to misplace a couple of editions but have most of them since 1991.
Even before 1991, The Old Farmer's Almanac was my source of information for finding the visible planets, knowing when the principle meteor showers were taking place, watching an eclipse or finding a particular star or constellation in the night sky.
Maybe it seems strange not to have the "app" or that I haven't "liked" them on Facebook or followed them on Twitter (Actually, it's more strange that I don't have a smart phone that can even get the app!), but I happen to like the old fashioned printed edition.
...And I like the information that it contains--the regular movement of the stars across the night sky, the predictability of the planetary dance within our solar system, the effect of the moon on the tides--this is science in its purest form. The Almanac contains valuable information on plants and their growing seasons, the climates they thrive in and the amount of sun, water and warmth that they need. It is full of information and experience that has been distilled over more than two hundred years.
It is funny how some can look to science and say, "See, there is no god. It's just nature." But when I look to the heavens, when I see the life on Earth, I say, "See, there has to be a God! This is no accident!"
In case you were wondering:
On Jan. 1st, the Earth will be at perihelion--that's the closest to the Sun in its slightly elliptical orbit. We will be just 91,402,639 miles from the Sun. On July 5th the distance will be more than 3 million miles greater at 94,501,041!
Spring comes early this year as the Earth reaches the vernal equinox at 7:02am EDT on the 20th of March. The first full moon of Spring is on the 27th, making Easter Sunday the 31st of March.
I'll keep you posted as more of 2013's celestial events take place.
John <><
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not figures on a dial." --from an 18th century edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac
On the one hand, they still have the hole punched in the upper left-hand corner of their printed publication so that you can hang it on a nail in your barn or gardening shed. On the other hand, they have mobile apps, a website and are on social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Something for everyone!
I am perusing my 2013 traditional printed edition now. Although each year's Almanac comes out in the fall, my copy has been a stocking stuffer for more than twenty years. Over the past two decades I have managed to misplace a couple of editions but have most of them since 1991.
Even before 1991, The Old Farmer's Almanac was my source of information for finding the visible planets, knowing when the principle meteor showers were taking place, watching an eclipse or finding a particular star or constellation in the night sky.
Maybe it seems strange not to have the "app" or that I haven't "liked" them on Facebook or followed them on Twitter (Actually, it's more strange that I don't have a smart phone that can even get the app!), but I happen to like the old fashioned printed edition.
...And I like the information that it contains--the regular movement of the stars across the night sky, the predictability of the planetary dance within our solar system, the effect of the moon on the tides--this is science in its purest form. The Almanac contains valuable information on plants and their growing seasons, the climates they thrive in and the amount of sun, water and warmth that they need. It is full of information and experience that has been distilled over more than two hundred years.
It is funny how some can look to science and say, "See, there is no god. It's just nature." But when I look to the heavens, when I see the life on Earth, I say, "See, there has to be a God! This is no accident!"
In case you were wondering:
On Jan. 1st, the Earth will be at perihelion--that's the closest to the Sun in its slightly elliptical orbit. We will be just 91,402,639 miles from the Sun. On July 5th the distance will be more than 3 million miles greater at 94,501,041!
Spring comes early this year as the Earth reaches the vernal equinox at 7:02am EDT on the 20th of March. The first full moon of Spring is on the 27th, making Easter Sunday the 31st of March.
I'll keep you posted as more of 2013's celestial events take place.
John <><
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not figures on a dial." --from an 18th century edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac
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