My Christmas Wish!

First of all, I would like to apologize for my month absence. A portion of my time MIA, was spent in Duck, NC for an extended Thanksgiving simply enjoying family and not being burdened by anything but eating and relaxing.

Recently, and I am sure like most of you, I've been caught in my annual Christmas rush... which for me begins actually before Thanksgiving. Yes that's right, I am one of those "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" types. I absolutley love and live the season. In fact, as far as I am concerned its not long enough. The lights, the merriment, the spending well beyond my means, the incredible cooking and of course the music all play their part. It just wouldn't be the holiday season if there wasn't Christmas music playing 24/7. Thank goodness for the local radio stations that feed my insatiable Christmas desire for non stop music. This particular subject, however, has driven me to my Christmas wish this season or should I say my plight.

You see for me, there's always been a standard when it came to what I beleive Christmas music ought to be. For as long as I can remeber the Christmas carol has always been the hallmark of the warm and traditional Christmas. Of course, a Christmas song without any hint of Christ is just that...a song, not a carol. Now don't get me wrong, I love many of those too. They are fun and play their part for inspiring the festive holiday mood. In fact, Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song may just be one of the greatest songs ever recorded (Mad props to Mel Torme', by the way, for penning such as classic, especially in Southern California during the middle of a Summer heat wave). But the holiday is saved specifically for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, plain and simple. I mean, His name is in the Holiday! Everything else is just twinkling lights on the artificial tree, so to speak.

But my beef or my issue as it were, runs deeper than just the lyrics of the songs we allow the radio to play all day. It really boils down to the artist. Some people just should not be allowed to sing Christmas carols or any holiday songs for that matter. There is nothing more annoying then thoroughly enjoying a nice 20 minute commercial-free run of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Burl Ives, Brenda Lee, June Chrisrty and so forth, to be interrupted by none other than John Lennon or even worse...Wham!

Seriously...Wham!?! Are you kidding me! Some of these broadcast directors should have their hats handed to them by their listening audience for playing such tripe! There should never be a reason to ever play a Christmas song recorded by Gloria Estefon, Dan Fogleberg, Elton John or Bruce Springsteen. There's nothing redeeming about their "cute" version of a timeless classic...nothing! Steel drums, blaring saxophone's, obnoxious vocal runs and depressing lyrics of loves lost have no place in any song at this time of year. Honestly, I can't turn the tuner fast enough. But the ultimate slap in the face is to have all my strategically preset channels playing the same garbage at the same time. Ugh! (My CD player is always primed for an emergency intervention, however). I guess its time for satellite radio, huh?

Any how, whether you agree with me or not, please have a safe and wonderful Christmas and never forget the real reason for the season. God Bless!

Dear US Auto Makers,

Now I hear rumblings that the US Government is pondering your possible bailout. This will, I am sure, be followed by the airlines, the electrical conglomerates and then the retail giants. I fear the "necessity to save our economy" as Henry Paulson put it, will continue to perpetuate itself until Uncle Sam is the majority shareholder or the outright owner of everything in this country. Maybe I am overstating things a bit, but here's my suggestion before you eagerly decide to accept your glorified stimulus checks.

1. Consolidate - Ford - you need to get rid of Mercury. I mean c'mon who are you really fooling with the Milan, Mariner and Mountaineer. I liked them better when they were called the Fusion, Escape and Explorer. This goes for you too GMC. Chevy can stay but I am sorry, GMC, you've gotta go. Look, I have no problem with your companies having a luxury brand, Ford has Lincoln and GMC has Cadillac. But these "so called" middle grade luxury names like Mercury and Buick are a waste of time, resources and of course...MONEY! Pontiac falls in this group as well...bye bye!

2. Design Research - First of all, fire your current design teams! Why, why, why is it taking you so long to design cars that actually look good. I know I am belaboring an already well documented point, but seriously are your current line of cars the best you have to compete with the Germans, Japanese and now even the Koreans? Or tell me truthfully, is it your lack of concern for us, the car buying public, that ultimately dictates your design production. I strongly believe in the latter. You guys have, for so long, just made what was practical and safe knowing that we would more than likely buy it. And shame on us because we have done just that. But that degree of presumptive idealism is what's ultimately killing you. Obviously, if we are talking about your bailout. Contrary to popular belief, most Americans love driving nice looking cars. Just look at the sales statistics for Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen as compared to you three numbskulls. There are some exceptions with your newer mode of design research, however. For example, Dodge has done very well with its designs of the Charger and Challenger. Chevy has excelled with the new Malibu and Camaro. Ford has done the same, to a lesser degree, with it's Edge and Flex. Follow than thought process!

Look, I understand these two modest arguements are just a fraction of what you need to do to save your industry, but its a start. In fact, it seems to be the two most popular complaints among everyone I talk to. Maybe you guys should actually take a gander at your "suggestion boxes" occasionally and tackle these glaring weaknesses before signing up to be a government owned industry.

Yours Truly,

Fed Up Car Buying American

...Oh, and tell your pompous dealerships that when we come in to buy a car...don't be stupid. They should be bending over backwards to get our business. Haggling over a mere $1000, one way or the other, is why you're losing the race. Happy driving:)

"Hark!" - A Great Christmas Read!

I know it may be a little early to recommend a good Christmas book, but now is as good of a time as any. And if you're counting down the days, like I am, then you'll know there is about 51 days left until Christmas. So why not take a look at Hark! by Chris Breme and start shopping a little early.


I came across this book last year and enjoyed it thoroughly. It's a quick but easy read and will keep you turning the pages. If there was any complaint at all it would be that Hark! does follow the formula of a typical Christmas novel. However, it truly inspired me. It reminded me of the gospel, which is so clearly preached again and again in this novel. Topics such as sin, the law, grace, justification and forgiveness are all clearly detailed. There are verses relating the passages on just about every two or three pages - all 188 of them. This key element really drove home some of the points made through fiction, and showed that the main purpose in this book was more than just entertainment - it had a message that was clear, unlike many other pieces of Christmas fiction out on the market.


So grab yourself a copy of Hark! and awaken your Christmas spirit a little early this year. You really won't be disappointed. You can purchase Hark! on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Walmart.com and Target.com If you don't beleive me just read to what others had to say:



"No matter what the time of season, HARK! is a superb, heart-warming story that brings us back down to earth probing the real meaning of Christmas and our relationships with God and each other. " - K. Sully


"Inspiring, captivating, heartwarming. Hark is more than the story of a man finding faith in God while "lost". Chris Breme has created believable characters and placed them in realistic settings. Anyone who has waited for news of an overdue loved one will feel the fear and anxiety of Sam's family as they search for him. Breme masterfully interweaves the story of Sam and his journey with scripture and quietly leads the reader to examine their own faith. Hark is more than a reminder of the "true meaning of Christmas". It reminds us of the fragility of life and the need to cherish our relationships with God and family. " - Beth Sheffield

"When Charles Dickens wrote The Christmas Carol he was telling a story of salvation. The ghosts of Christmas saved Scrooge from his greatest nemesis: himself. In Hark!, Chris Breme tells us the salvation story of Sam Sargent, a man in love with the commercialized image of Christmas. Sam comes to realize what many like him realize, that all the decorations, the Christmas music, the trees, the presents and holiday cheer, are merely external decorations, the tinsel of life, glittering but worthless apart from the real meaning of Christmas. At the core of a man's true happiness is Christ's living presence. Breme is an excellent storyteller and writer. This is his first book with many more to follow. If you really want to be touched and reminded what Christmas is all about, then pick up Chris Breme's book. You won't be disappointed." - Jeff W.

Military Tactics 101 - Afghanistan

Over the last few years, there has been much debate as to why we didn't invade or concentrate our military efforts in Afghanistan as opposed to the current policy in Iraq. The pro-Afghanistan stance places our forces in a dangerous "snipe-hunt" for Osama Bin-laden and his remaining Taliban. Their strategy intends for the bulk of our military to engage an entrenched enemy in a vast and complexed mountainous region where no large military force has ever truly been successful in conquering (Soviets -1980's). As you may know, not all of our front-line forces are trained for combat in such treacherous terrain. Yes, we have outstanding divisions within our military that have been trained for this manner of fighting (10th Mountain Div.), but is it enough force to root out Bin-laden and the "dug-in" Taliban forces? Theirs is a belief that revolves around the idea by somehow eliminating Bin-laden, the threat of terrorism from around the free world will immediately come to an end. I disagree and here are my reasons why:

1. "We must appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend: march swiftly to places where we are not expected."

2. "If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is to attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve."

3."Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards."

4. "So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike what is weak."

5. "Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed upon him."

By the way, these reasons listed above are not just what I believe, but were written some 2400 years ago by the incisive Chinese military expert, Sun Tzu and his "blueprint for battlefield strategy" The Art of War. His teachings have been essential throughout history for wisdom and lessons learned to great military leaders who have adopted his strategies. More precisely, The Art of War is the basis for the Marine Corps Warfighting Manual as well as numerous other tactics currently applied by our Armed Forces.

It is my belief that military strategy should be left to those who have been trained in such expertise, those steeped in the knowledge and understanding of the fields of battle. Of course, I refer to our amazing Armed Forces and obviously trust all authority to their wisdom and experience.

"How victory may be produced for them out of the enemy's own tactics - that is what the multitude cannot comprehend."
-Sun Tzu

Where's the outcry for alternative fuels now?

It seems obvious to me that there is no legitimate immediate demand for alternative fuel sources. The "inconvenient" pressure from eco-left had everyone in the country feeling guilty about our energy consumption. At least over the past year and a half. So much so, that certain presidential candidates didn't want us to drive SUV's anymore (huh!?!) Even our #1 cash crop was ravaged for the sake of ethanol. All for the making energy cheaper and of course more eco-friendly. Well, my question is...where are the demands now? Where is the political and social outcry?

It's seems funny, with the current national average for a gallon of gas hovering around $2.92 and not $3.92 like it was at the peak of the inquisition, we don't hear the vitriolic pro-wind, pro-bio fuel rhetoric quite as much. What has happened? Where are all the T. Boone Pickens commercials that inundated the airways not so long ago? Where is Al Gore telling us that we are melting the Polar Bear population into extinction? Has the need for alternative fuels and the salvation of our planet suddenly disappeared now that gas prices have sunk below $3? Or is it the same old scare tactic from the eco-left that has been seen as transparent once again?

We do need energy independence, however. We need to tap our own resources (oil and natural gas) while seeking other forms of viable future energy. But we need to accomplish this intelligently and comprehensively. We don't need the knee jerk reaction "end of the world" scenarios forced down our throats every time the price of gas goes up.

Give it a rest Obama!

Sunday's are the first day of the week to some and the last day of the week to others. However, no matter how you look at it, most American families spend their mornings going to church. It's not a pastime but a devoted and timeless standard. The remaining portion of the day, especially this time of year, is spent watching football surrounded by family, friends and/or fellow fanatics. You know, enjoying some serious down time from the strenuous week to simply relax, gorge yourself on junk food and get lost in the roller coaster of emotions the three hour contest evokes. This is America's pastime. This is how we, sports loving Americans, take our mind off the troubles in our life, the monotony of the 40+ hour week and the general ills of our society. It's a time for us to put our worries on "hold" and let our grid-iron passion overflow in ritualistic "fist pumping" diversion.

For me, what I enjoy about this time between 1-3 pm (actually 1- 11pm), is not just the game itself, but the entire package...even the commercials. At preselected times during the pigskin tug-of-war, we are bombarded with advertisements filled with the accoutrement so necessary for the enjoyment of the game. Food, drink, cars, male enhancement and gym membership usually make up the proprietary blend of what we're forced to tolerate. Rightfully so, considering the audience. However, this past Sunday we were the unfortunate victims of what seems to be a bad joke. There before my eyes, immediately proceeding my favorite truck commercial, I was sucker-punched by an Obama political ad. I know, can you believe the "audacity?" And this doosey wasn't your basic 30 second spot either, it went on for well over a minute. "What was this nonsense!" For a moment my secure, testosterone-filled world of football was turned on it's ear. "Who would let this happen...what kind of bafoon would do such a thing?...Why? Why I ask you!?!" After my brief moment of shock escalated into blinding rage, I reluctantly found the inner peace to calm myself to realize I was watching NBC, which conveniently answered my first question. Then I watched Obama try to appeal to me with his socialistic, "rob from the rich and give to the poor" version of healthcare and I quickly understood what kind of "non-fan" would pull such a stunt.

Look, I understand the election is less than a month away. I get it! I know these candidates are fighting for every last vote. But don't they have any morals? Is nothing sacred to them? If not for the sake of Sunday and a day of rest, then how about for the millions of football loving loyalists that don't want to be harrassed. Leave the political folly for primetime on the "main-stream media." Don't dare taint football Sunday with your disgraceful executive pandering. Trust me, the last thing we want to see is someone like Obama, especially Obama, take our time away from the nostalgic childlike diversion we expect to temporarily sustain us amid the woes of our society. And that goes for the brief and weightless commercials we've grown to expect, as well. Give me male enhancement! Give me SUV's! Give me fast-food! Just don't give me politics, at least not between the hours of 1 and 11pm on Sunday afternoons.

Who's Praying for Them?

In such uncertain times as these with 700 billion dollar "bailouts" looming over our (the taxpayer) heads, volatile markets wreaking havoc on our 401K's and our houses worth considerably less than when we bought them, it is easy to find ourselves praying to our heavenly Father for His amazing grace. President Lincoln said it best, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." Although the Lord calls us to "pray continually", we unfortunately and predictably find ourselves on our knees much more during trying times such as our current national climate. I think it's our transparent means of self-preservation, actually. A natural response for those who believe. But what is more divine? To pray for ourselves or to be selfless and pray for others. For the sake of this article "others" refers to our Legislative Branch, our Congress.

"The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results," reads the Book of James. So I ask you, who's praying for them? What righteous souls out there are praying for our leaders? I know during the midst of an election, party politics tend to blur or even aggravate our personal beliefs, so much so, that we pray with wrong intentions and greed. But trust me, prayer is needed! Even despite the "lack of faith" practiced by many of our elected officials, they still require our prayers. Some may even scoff at the notion, but they need the Lord's intervention to make the right decisions and to guide this country, the most blessed and free country in the world. So pray continually for them. Pray the Lord's will is done despite their personal beliefs.

The provision of the heavenly Father should be the only politics we, as believers, need concern ourselves with. Honestly, whose politics should we praise - Republicans, Democrats or our God? That's what I thought...the Lord and Savior. Cast your vote for His grace, mercy and wisdom by praying for "others."

Boldness

"Boldness" as defined by Von Clausewitz "must be granted a certain power over and above successful calculations involving space, time and the magnitude of forces, for wherever it is superior, it will take advantage of its opponent's weakness. In other words, it is a genuinely creative force". The outcome, when applied successfully, can lead the enemy into temporary psychological paralysis or confusion, ultimatley relegating them combat ineffective.

"Boldness" as interpreted by Jim Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator), blitz on 1st down, blitz on 2nd down and blitz on 3rd down. The result, as played out against the Pittsburgh Steelers offense and QB Ben Roethlisberger last Sunday - 9 sacks, 12 knock-downs, a safety, 2 forced fumbles, an interception, only 180 total yards of offense and 6 total points.

Johnson did not react with reckless force. In fact it was just the opposite. He understood and appreciated the opponent's strengths yet dictated the outcome of the game with calculated and creative (bold) attacks. Thus leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers confused, paralyzed and more or less combat ineffective.

Dear Mr. Obama

Political Warfare: Is it me or is this ad a torpedo into ship Obama. The soldier, the words, the music. Tough ad to counter.

Bush doctrine? Which one?

Governor Sarah Palin acquitted herself well the other night in her first real media interview since becoming McCain's VP pick. The Press and the Obama camp were salivating. This, they hoped, was the chance for the media to help bring down Palin. Well, Palin 1, Obama and the liberal media 0. Palin handled herself well. She was decisive and unafraid of the, at times, condescending Charlie Gibson of ABC.

There was one glimmer of hope for Obama and the Media. Gibson asked Palin if she agreed with the "Bush Doctrine." Palin replied: "In what respect." The one-uppers immediately jumped. "She doesn't know what the Bush doctrine is!....how pathetic." Of course today one in their own camp helped destroy this one little hope. Talking to at least 5 people myself I got 5 different answers. There is no officially written Bush doctrine to read about. And there are at least 7 possible Bush doctrines according to experts. Charlie Gibson should have done his homework. So Palin was right to ask for clarification. Maybe it should actually be Palin 2, Obama and the liberal media 0.

Here's a clip from the interview.