Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
My World Tuesday
Right down the street from our home
North Hanover Twp., NJ
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
How Cluttered is Your Mind?
Your Mind is 75% Cluttered |
 Your mind is quite cluttered. And like most clutter, it's a bunch of crap you don't need. Try writing down your worst problems and fears. And then put them out of your mind for a while. |
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sky Watch Friday
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Copyright ©2004-2009 Jottings From Jersey© All Right’s reserved Jottings From Jersey.
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Tags: Sky Clouds Sky Watch Friday
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Camera Critters
We received almost 2 feet of snow! Obviously, this photo was taken earlier in the storm.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sky Watch Friday
Want to join in on the fun? Click here to see how you can be a part of Sky Watch Friday.
Copyright ©2004-2009 Jottings From Jersey© All Right’s reserved Jottings From Jersey.
This Feed is for personal non-commercial, non - derivative use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, or at http://jottingsfromjersey.blogspot.com/ the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement.
Tags: Sky Clouds Sky Watch Friday
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Nephew
LOGAN COUNTY, Ohio - Russell's Point Police Officer Joel Kranenburg was injured Friday night in an accident on State Route 235 just south of State Route 270. State troopers say Kranenburg was responding to a foot chase involving a wanted person when he lost control of his cruiser and hit a telephone pole. He was taken by Lifeflight to St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima. His condition was not available.
After a lot of sutures and staples to the head, he is recovering at home. Thank God~
After a lot of sutures and staples to the head, he is recovering at home. Thank God~
Monday, December 14, 2009
My World Tuesday
Click on photo for larger view
No this isn't our house. It's a house up the street from where we live.
Hey Animal Lovers!
Please do this for the SPCA - literally 15 seconds
Hi, all you animal lovers!
This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.
Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.
Hi, all you animal lovers!
This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.
Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Camera Critters
Click on photo to see image in full-size
Reticulated Python
Jacksonville Zoo
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville Zoo
Jacksonville, Florida
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Christians To Blame For Secular Christmas
by Rachel Campos-Duffy
When the now infamous White House social secretary Desiree Rogers revealed to The New York Times that the Obamas were planning a "non-religious" Christmas for the "people's house," she put herself at the center of an entirely different, but no less fiery, controversy -- the Christmas wars.
Early this year, during a luncheon with other former social secretaries, Rogers announced that part of the Obamas' new spirit of inclusiveness (ironically) would exclude references to Christianity during Christmas. Most notably, the Obamas would not be displaying the 18th century White House nativity scene. An Obama official confirmed that there were internal discussions regarding the manger display, but in the end, tradition (along with post-state dinner scandal fatigue) trumped, and the Holy Family was not banned from the East Room after all.
Meanwhile, Dr. James Dobson's influential conservative Christian organization, Focus on the Family, is promoting StandforChristmas.com, a Web site that helps shoppers rank "Christmas-friendly" retailers (most friendly: Bass Pro Shops; least friendly: American Eagle Outfitters). The site reminds visitors that retailers "want your patronage and your gift-shopping dollars" and then asks, "but do they openly recognize Christmas?"
Sadly, both approaches precisely miss the point of this sacred and beautiful holiday.
It makes zero sense to recruit retailers in this crusade when consumerism is the reason why Christmas has morphed into a hollow shopping ritual that, come January, leaves too many families with debt hangovers and an empty feeling inside. Demanding that store clerks cheerily proclaim "Merry Christmas" as they ring up your power tools and iPod does precious little to put the Christ-child back in Christmas.
To the Obamas and others pushing the ridiculous notion of a "non-religious" Christmas, it would do them well to consider that respect for other people's faith is not accomplished by hiding your own. If the goal of the White House is to remain neutral about part of our nation's heritage, Christianity, or, for that matter, about the religious beliefs held by many of its current residents, fine with me. But if that's the case, then please spare us the tab for the reported 50,000 visitors who will be cocktailed and dined this month in an endless succession of banal and meaningless "holiday" parties.
If Christians truly desire to bring sacredness and religious significance back to Christmas, then it's silly to look to retailers or the First Family. Instead, let it begin, as charity does, at home. Families can start by reintroducing the season of Advent and the spirit of reflection and spiritual preparation that once occupied the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Instead of allowing ourselves to get swept up in the whirlwind of "holiday" parties, useless gift exchanges and harried shopping, we can use those weeks to prepare our hearts and homes in meaningful ways for the Prince of Peace. Make time for family prayer, singing and the lighting of the Advent wreath. Choose cards and decorations that have religious significance.
How many homes have a prominently displayed nativity scene at Christmas time? My guess is not too many. The same goes for Christmas carols. Does your playlist include more Frosty and Santa Baby than Silent Night and Handel's Messiah? How about keeping those lights on and the tree in the house for the twelve days of Christmas - you know the twelve that follow Christmas day. Or consider caroling or having a Christmas gathering after December 25th? We have only ourselves to blame when we lose these beautiful traditions.
Should Christians be concerned about the secularization of Christmas? Sure they should. I resent school "winter" concerts, "holiday" parades, and the ridiculous fear that prevents people from wishing each other "Merry Christmas!" with total abandon.
But Christmas starts with us. In our hearts. In our homes. And in a very simple decision to reclaim the silence, joy, and quiet simplicity of that first Christmas in Bethlehem when God chose to speak to mankind in the small cry of a newborn baby.
When the now infamous White House social secretary Desiree Rogers revealed to The New York Times that the Obamas were planning a "non-religious" Christmas for the "people's house," she put herself at the center of an entirely different, but no less fiery, controversy -- the Christmas wars.
Early this year, during a luncheon with other former social secretaries, Rogers announced that part of the Obamas' new spirit of inclusiveness (ironically) would exclude references to Christianity during Christmas. Most notably, the Obamas would not be displaying the 18th century White House nativity scene. An Obama official confirmed that there were internal discussions regarding the manger display, but in the end, tradition (along with post-state dinner scandal fatigue) trumped, and the Holy Family was not banned from the East Room after all.
Meanwhile, Dr. James Dobson's influential conservative Christian organization, Focus on the Family, is promoting StandforChristmas.com, a Web site that helps shoppers rank "Christmas-friendly" retailers (most friendly: Bass Pro Shops; least friendly: American Eagle Outfitters). The site reminds visitors that retailers "want your patronage and your gift-shopping dollars" and then asks, "but do they openly recognize Christmas?"
Sadly, both approaches precisely miss the point of this sacred and beautiful holiday.
It makes zero sense to recruit retailers in this crusade when consumerism is the reason why Christmas has morphed into a hollow shopping ritual that, come January, leaves too many families with debt hangovers and an empty feeling inside. Demanding that store clerks cheerily proclaim "Merry Christmas" as they ring up your power tools and iPod does precious little to put the Christ-child back in Christmas.
To the Obamas and others pushing the ridiculous notion of a "non-religious" Christmas, it would do them well to consider that respect for other people's faith is not accomplished by hiding your own. If the goal of the White House is to remain neutral about part of our nation's heritage, Christianity, or, for that matter, about the religious beliefs held by many of its current residents, fine with me. But if that's the case, then please spare us the tab for the reported 50,000 visitors who will be cocktailed and dined this month in an endless succession of banal and meaningless "holiday" parties.
If Christians truly desire to bring sacredness and religious significance back to Christmas, then it's silly to look to retailers or the First Family. Instead, let it begin, as charity does, at home. Families can start by reintroducing the season of Advent and the spirit of reflection and spiritual preparation that once occupied the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Instead of allowing ourselves to get swept up in the whirlwind of "holiday" parties, useless gift exchanges and harried shopping, we can use those weeks to prepare our hearts and homes in meaningful ways for the Prince of Peace. Make time for family prayer, singing and the lighting of the Advent wreath. Choose cards and decorations that have religious significance.
How many homes have a prominently displayed nativity scene at Christmas time? My guess is not too many. The same goes for Christmas carols. Does your playlist include more Frosty and Santa Baby than Silent Night and Handel's Messiah? How about keeping those lights on and the tree in the house for the twelve days of Christmas - you know the twelve that follow Christmas day. Or consider caroling or having a Christmas gathering after December 25th? We have only ourselves to blame when we lose these beautiful traditions.
Should Christians be concerned about the secularization of Christmas? Sure they should. I resent school "winter" concerts, "holiday" parades, and the ridiculous fear that prevents people from wishing each other "Merry Christmas!" with total abandon.
But Christmas starts with us. In our hearts. In our homes. And in a very simple decision to reclaim the silence, joy, and quiet simplicity of that first Christmas in Bethlehem when God chose to speak to mankind in the small cry of a newborn baby.
Do You Talk Too Much?
You Don't Talk Too Much |
 You have mastered the art of conversation. You understand that listening is as important as talking. Like anyone else, you think that the things you have to say are important and interesting. You just know that not everyone is interested in hearing them. You wait your turn, speak your piece, and quickly turn the conversation back to your partner. You may choose your words carefully, but people consider you to be more of a brilliant conversationalist than some chatty know-it-all! |
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Let's forget Vick... when there's no longer a need to remember
By: Leslie Smith
I'm tired of Michael Vick.
On Saturday, my father told me that the rest of the country was tired of the Vick story too. The majority of Americans had moved on, he said. Neither angry protesters nor passionate fans were making much of a raucous anymore. It seems the shock of Vick's crimes had worn off. There were other societal ills in the spotlight, other scandals to follow and fallen athletes at whom to gawk.
Vick isn't playing that much or that well, Dad said. Soon he'll be out of the NFL for good, his "second chance" little more than a cameo appearance. And while I never, ever want people to forgot that dog fighting is a horrific, barbaric activity, I felt slightly relieved to think I could soon forget about Vick.
On Sunday, Vick played, arguably, his best game of the season. Two touchdowns and fans chanting his name. Then this morning, I saw the CNN headline "Vick protesters still vocal." Maybe Vick wasn't fading quite so fast after all.
That's when I made the mistake of clicking on the news clip, which was actually covereing the reaction to the protesters. I became confused and disheartened and fired up all over again.
One woman interviewed said she supports Vick "no matter what." Was she honestly saying that no matter what he does, be it torture or killing or lying to authorities, how well he throws a football is more important?
Another fan sneered, "Go protest child molesters," and again my blood began boiling. You go protest child protesters, if it's important to you. As for me, acting as a voice for those that don't have one is infinitely as important. (By the way, haven't we covered this issue already? Suffering is suffering, no matter the species.)
My father had asked me what it would take for me to forgive Vick. A good question, and one I didn't have a great answer for. Real remorse, genuine action - none of which I'd felt I'd seen, but how could I know for sure? Maybe he is a changed man. Maybe it is time to move on.
I decided to watch another news clip. This one, Vick's most recent talk to a group of New Jersey school kids. At first I was optimistic: He admitted he hadn't cared about how animals feel. It was the first time I heard him take ownership of his actions, the first unrehearsed answer I felt he'd offered.
But a moment later, the profundity and sincerity seemed to disappear. Take care of your animals because they can't speak or do sign language, he advised. Michael, did you really need those dogs to tell you that they're feeling pain? Were their cries not loud enough? The blood and carnage not clear enough? Don't pretend you didn't know they were in agony. Read the rest of the article here.
I'm tired of Michael Vick.
On Saturday, my father told me that the rest of the country was tired of the Vick story too. The majority of Americans had moved on, he said. Neither angry protesters nor passionate fans were making much of a raucous anymore. It seems the shock of Vick's crimes had worn off. There were other societal ills in the spotlight, other scandals to follow and fallen athletes at whom to gawk.
Vick isn't playing that much or that well, Dad said. Soon he'll be out of the NFL for good, his "second chance" little more than a cameo appearance. And while I never, ever want people to forgot that dog fighting is a horrific, barbaric activity, I felt slightly relieved to think I could soon forget about Vick.
On Sunday, Vick played, arguably, his best game of the season. Two touchdowns and fans chanting his name. Then this morning, I saw the CNN headline "Vick protesters still vocal." Maybe Vick wasn't fading quite so fast after all.
That's when I made the mistake of clicking on the news clip, which was actually covereing the reaction to the protesters. I became confused and disheartened and fired up all over again.
One woman interviewed said she supports Vick "no matter what." Was she honestly saying that no matter what he does, be it torture or killing or lying to authorities, how well he throws a football is more important?
Another fan sneered, "Go protest child molesters," and again my blood began boiling. You go protest child protesters, if it's important to you. As for me, acting as a voice for those that don't have one is infinitely as important. (By the way, haven't we covered this issue already? Suffering is suffering, no matter the species.)
My father had asked me what it would take for me to forgive Vick. A good question, and one I didn't have a great answer for. Real remorse, genuine action - none of which I'd felt I'd seen, but how could I know for sure? Maybe he is a changed man. Maybe it is time to move on.
I decided to watch another news clip. This one, Vick's most recent talk to a group of New Jersey school kids. At first I was optimistic: He admitted he hadn't cared about how animals feel. It was the first time I heard him take ownership of his actions, the first unrehearsed answer I felt he'd offered.
But a moment later, the profundity and sincerity seemed to disappear. Take care of your animals because they can't speak or do sign language, he advised. Michael, did you really need those dogs to tell you that they're feeling pain? Were their cries not loud enough? The blood and carnage not clear enough? Don't pretend you didn't know they were in agony. Read the rest of the article here.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Music Monday
PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
What Language Are You?
You Are Swedish |
 You are a very unique and interesting person. There aren't many like you, and your kind is a bit of a dying breed. While you fit inside the mainstream, you are an outlier. You have your own unique words and expressions that many people don't understand. You wish more people appreciate you for who you are. You are like an undiscovered indie rock band or an underrated type of cuisine. You are beautiful, fascinating, and expressive in your own way... if only people would stop and take the time to listen. |
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
My World Tuesday
Click on photo for larger view
Yep, our Christmas Decorating is done both inside and out.
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