St. Patrick's Day 2008 Changed to March 15th

A big thanks to Ronan from IrelandCostumes.com, who commented on my earlier post about celebrating St. Patrick's Day. He was kind enough to point out and bring to my attention that the the official date for St. Patrick's Day has been changed by an Irish Bishop to March 15, 2008. Because of the way that Easter falls this year, March 17th is on Holy Monday, and Catholic officials did not want the feast held in honor of Saint Patrick to interfere with holy week.

So whether you choose to celebrate St. Paddy's day on March 15th or March 17th (or even the entire weekend!), have a green blast!

Cute Easter Activity Site for Kids

If you've got little kids in your life, here's an adorable website called Happy-Easter.com, which has "egg-citing" ideas, crafts, activities, recipes, jokes, games and more.

Here's the text from their home page:

Welcome to Happy-Easter.com! Our egg-citing new site is packed full of cracking good ideas for the holiday season so roll up, roll up to join in the fun.

There are lots of craft ideas for little fingers to get stuck into as well as traditional recipes for your Easter eggs-travaganza! The origins and traditions of Easter are revealed in our special features and you can find out more with our eggs-traordinary Easter Facts.

Don't forget the fun with our side splitting Easter Jokes and easy to use Easter Games and you can spread the goodwill of the holiday season by sending cards, greetings and gifts to friends and family.

Have a Hoppy Easter!

(Remember, if you're looking for cute costumes for Easter, visit anniescostumes.com and EasterBunnyCostumes.com.)

Fes! Yes!

I’ve dabbled only casually in the Persona games over the years. Loved that it was a RPG set in modern Japan, but something about it never propelled me past the first few hours. I was sure P3 would finally be "the one" based on everything I had read and watched about it. Several time a Persona 3 purchase was very close, but a lack of time was always the big deterrent.

Up until a few days ago, P3 was still on my Amazon wishlist, but it has not been retired…only to get quickly replaced with the updated Fes (well, not yet since it’s not listed officially on Amazon yet)! To get the original game plus 30 extra hours of story and new costumes (and the ability to change into them regularly) for just $30 is just fantastic. It might take me a few months, even years even to get to though.

Feature on the Costume Designer for Stargate Atlantis

I am a big Stargate Fan and when this article about their costume designer and costumes made its way into my inbox last September, I was excited to see some behind the scenes info on one of my favorite shows. However, I was quite upset to find a major plot spoiler in the story! I like to find out things as they happen in the shows that I watch, so I have held onto the article and now that everyone else knows that my favorite tv doctor Carson Beckett is back, I can, in good conscience, tell you all about the costumes and the costume designer, Valerie Halverson.

Costume design is a key craft that helps to tell a story on film. Different from fashion design, a costume designer’s work first starts with the script. Designers have to possess an inherent sense of fashion, storytelling and being able to relate the actors with their assigned characters.

Resourcefulness is a key trait for many designers, who assemble skilled crew with every imaginable talent, jewelry and boot makers, leather smiths, ager-dyers, embroiderers, milliners, cutters, seamstresses and pattern-makers.

Shari Opens the ADSDAQ Market!

I feel like such a movie star!


ADSDAQ is an online contextual advertising exchange.

Oh - and our website is ExtremeHalloweenNetwork.NET

Ace of Cakes Halloween Cake

Hello, my name is Shari and I am a TV-aholic!

Ok, now that that's out, one of the many shows I watch on the FoodNetwork is Ace of Cakes. This is a show about an unconventional cake baker named Duff Goldman and his Charm City Cakes bakery crew. They make some obscene cakes that you really have to see to believe - not your every day cake in any shape or form (literally).

So what does this have to do with the Extreme Halloween costume blog? Last week's episode, was evidently shot last October, when they made a cake for an avid Halloween fan who throws a ginormously big and fun looking Halloween party in the Baltimore area near the Charm City Cakes Bakery.

This cake is the Exorcist cake. The base was the bed and sitting on the cake was Regan (Linda Blair's character) in her most possessed looking state, complete with the green puke dripping down. And the total kicker: her head spins around!

The amazing part, that other than the mechanical head spinner part, the entire cake is edible!

Now I have scoured the Internet looking for an image to share with you all and simply cannot find one, so if anyone finds one or has one, please share!

Thanks to "darkviolets" for finding the picture for me & leaving the comment.
So, here it is. . .

And the Costume Design Oscar Goes to. . .

2008 Oscar's Best Costume Design Nominees

'Across the Universe'

Albert Wolsky

'Atonement'

Jacqueline Durran

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'

Alexandra Byrne

'La Vie en Rose'

Marit Allen

'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'

Colleen Atwood

And the Oscar goes to: Alexandra Byrne for the elegantly designed costumes from Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for adding beautiful costumes to the movies!

Annies Costumes Affiliate Program at Affiliate Summit

Well, I am not able to be there personally, but stop by the TenGoldenRules.com booth to see about our ever expanding and profitable affiliate program. This one of a kind program gives our affiliates access to a variety of year long selling opportunities. The costumes and costume accessories we sell represent holidays and fun times. What better type of product to sell than one that represents fun and partying? Costumes made for an easy sell, which = affiliate profits!



Check out our generous affiliate program available through Commission Junction, where we are at the top of the Halloween category in sales and EPC. Payouts start at 10% and go up to 15% based on sales volume. We also feature contests with cash prizes, no reversals, custom terms for top performers, just to name a few affiliate program benefits.

The Annies Costume Affiliate Program is put on by Extreme Halloween, Inc. For more information on our affiliate program and to sign up, visit: www.ExtremeHaloweenNetwork.net/AffiliateProgram.htm

And remember, with Annie's Costumes, Affiliate Marketing IS MORE FUN IN COSTUME!

St. Patrick's Day Party-Goers Guide

Get into the Irish spirit by dressing up for St. Patrick's Day using Irish costumes, novelty t-shirts and fun Irish accessories.

St. Patrick's Day, also known as St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is held annually on March 17 to honor Saint Patrick - the patron saint of Ireland. It is celebrated around the world by Irish people, people of Irish decent and almost anyone who wants to be "Irish for the Day". Celebrations are typically centered on all things green and revelers wear something green or traditional Irish costumes. Some of Annie's Costumes' popular Irish costumes include:

• Lucky Charms Leprechaun Costume
• Luscious Leprechaun Costume (as seen in the picture here)
• Irish Maiden Deluxe
• Deluxe Leprechaun Costume

If dressing up in an Irish costume isn't for you, there are several fun St. Patrick's Day Novelty t-shirts to choose from:

• Kiss Me! I Might Be Irish!! T-Shirt
• When Irish Eyes are Smiling..It Means FREE BEER!!! T-Shirt

Visit Annie's Costumes for more information on dressing up for St. Patrick's Day!

Free Printable Webkinz Coloring Pages

I have been working, working, working making free printable webkinz coloring pages! Here is the link to my freebies! Enjoy!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/621139/free_webkinz_coloring_pages.html

Chapter 73.1: Passing of a Forgotten Sports Legend

I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about baseball and its history, and even I had forgotten about Bob Howsam. [Billy Beane beware; this may be what happens to you 40-50 years from now.]

So when I saw Howsam's obituary the other day, I felt embarassed for demonstrating yet again how quickly people forget. It's easy to point to Howsam's successes building the Cincinnati Reds clubs of the 1970s -- the Big Red Machine.

He was the general manager who hired Sparky Anderson -- a basically unknown former entity in 1970 -- to manage the team. Even Anderson, who went on to become a Hall of Fame manager of World Series champions in both the National (Reds) and American (Tigers) leagues -- was surprised at being named manager. Together, Anderson and Howsam put together a team that was the best NL team of 1970s, and after the A's, the second best team of that decade.

Howsam also helped create the Denver Broncos in the old American Football League. That was before my time, but apparently they were known for having really ugly socks. Of course, they became known for much more than that. While Howsam was running the Big Red Machine, the Orange Crush Defense and quarterback Craig Morton were getting beaten in the Super Bowl by the Dallas Cowboys. Later, the Broncos became John Elway's team and won two championships after several disappointments. I don't know how much -- if at all -- Howsam's legacy fit into those achievements, but his is a name that should not have been forgotten.

An Easter Tradition: Marshmallow Peeps

Easter is right around the corner. And with it come many traditions: Coloring eggs, the Easter Bunny, egg hunts.

But another tradition is the consumption of that staple of Easter: Marshmallow Peeps!

Ever wonder where they come from? How are they made? Or do they just hatch? Are there adult peeps? These and more burning questions can be answered on the Peeps FAQ page at Wikifaq.com.

(One thing they won't tell you is the magical thing that happens to them when you put them in the microwave. But you didn't hear it from us.)

If you're looking for alternatives from the standard Easter Bunny Costumes, check out the Peeps costume at EasterBunnyCostumes.com.

Good Works For God's Glory

Disicple Makers Basic Training: Week 4

Q: What Good Works Am I To do?

A: All our efforts and resources are to be used in ways that glorify God, and should be in accordance to His Word.

Good works begin with humble submission and obedience to God’s commands. At the most fundamental level we are told to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:27-40). And since love is more of an action than a feeling, we are told to perform acts of kindness, care and charity.

We were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).
If we don’t do good works we are considered to be spiritually dead (James 2:17).
Faith produces good works (James 2:22).
We are told to do good works in public (Matthew 5:15).
We are commanded to inspire other people to do good works (Hebrews 10:24).

Some of the most basic good works include obeying and showing respect to those in authority over us. We are called to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4) before God, and to keep ourselves from being corrupted by the world. We are to honor our parents, submit to our husbands, and obey our masters.

We are also called to do good works for those who are in need of help. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, protect the orphan and care for the widow (James 1:27). And that’s not all. Right at home we are to help mom clear the dinner dishes and give little brother a hand with his shoe laces.

Since we are stewards of the life and resources God has given us, virtually everything that can be done as unto the Lord can be considered a good work. Here are some examples.

Worship is a good work.
Prayer is a good work.
Tithing is a good work.
Attending church gatherings is a good work.
Disciplining your children is a good work.
Voting wisely is a good work.
Checking your motor oil is a good work.
Saying thank you is a good work.
Controlling your temper is a good work.
Brushing your teeth is a good work.

Work and Vocation
In our current culture it is easy to view work as a means to an end, a way to earn money rather than a noble activity in and of itself. The primary vocation of believers, who are called to faith, is that of being children of God. But this includes serving the Lord through good works in the world. Theologian John Pless writes:

Luther understood that the Christian is genuinely bivocational. He is called first through the Gospel to faith in Jesus Christ and he is called to occupy a particular station or place in life. The second sense of this calling embraces all that the Christian does in service to the neighbor not only in a particular occupation but also as a member of the church, a citizen, a spouse, parent, or child, and worker. Here the Christian lives in love toward other human beings and is the instrument by which God does His work in the world.

Wisdom In Work
We need wisdom to perform good works, and it is important to do them in a way that honors God. It is easy to get distracted by competing allegiances for our energy and attention. The Bible warns about trying to serve two masters, because we will tend to favor one and despise (or neglect) the other( Matthew 6:24). Some things in life need to pruned, and others fertilized to produce the fruit of works. A man may need to give up his golf game to make time for serving someone. He may need to give up a costly habit to free up his resources to support ministries in his church.

Diligence In Work
While a sincere heart and good intentions are sufficient to start a good work, they might not finish it. It is wise to plan one’s work out carefully and to ask others for counsel (Proverbs 24:6). “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Each day is an opportunity to expand the Lord's Kingdom on earth through productive stewardship. It has been said that a failing to plan yields the same results as a planning to fail. I tell my children to make a plan, and then work the plan, revising things as necessary. If it is bad stewardship to waste food while feeding the hungry, it is bad stewardship to be careless while doing one’s work.

I’ll close with two views of stewardship, courtesy of my friend, Ron Strom.

The World
Adolescence: rebellion, irresponsibility
Time is your own, waste it on yourself
Go for the gusto, you only live once
My life is my own to please myself

The Bible
Youth: time of preparation, fruitfulness
Time is God’s gift, use it to His glory
Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven
I was bought with a price to serve my Master

May the Lord bless you as you perform good works.

Chapter 73: One of the Greatest?

Roger Clemens, who's best known currently for being accused of having a pin cushion for a butt, is frequently described as one of baseball's all-time greatest pitchers. But I can't help but wonder what such accolades are based on. His seven Cy Young Awards, three more than anyone else? His 354 victories, eighth all time (for now)?

But this is exactly the point that anti-steroid people should be harping on: anything he achieved after he allegedly started using the drugs is tainted. The man was breaking down; steroids and HGH reportedly help speed up the healing process. His fastball was becoming less dominant, but suddenly he went to Toronto and was able to mow down the opposition, winning the Cy Young Award in both seasons north of the border. I believe he won almost 200 games for the Red Sox, so he surely would have topped 200 if he'd never taken any enhancements. He'd won two Cys in Boston with three 20-win seasons and a pair of 18-win years. And of course he had struck out thousands of batters and been the first to notch 20 Ks in a nine-inning game (twice).

In short, he was a probable Hall of Famer. Does it matter that at that point, he wasn't among the top five who could compete for "one of the greatest"?

You see, I don't care who is called "the greatest" of the past fifty years, because none of these guys is Cy Young or Walter Johnson. They're not even Christy Mathewson. In a big game, I'd take any of those guys over the Rocket. I'd lean toward Tom Seaver or possibly Warren Spahn over Clemens at any point during the regular season. [Spahn is one of those guys who never gets enough credit. He retired with 363 wins -- fifth all time -- and probably would have topped 400 if not for World War II.]

I am sick of hearing about Roger Clemens the pitcher. I'm far more interested in seeing his reputation sink lower. Remember when Roger was best known as a headhunter? Then he was a surly bugger who wasn't satisfied with earning his salary. Red Sox fans hate him.

No. This man is not one of the greatest pitchers, at least as I define them (top five). Take him away.

I don’t get the Kos-Mos thing

Is it because she is an android who wears skimpy clothing? Maybe it’s because she/it is supposed to be super powerful? Whatever “it” is I don’t get it. I never played any of the Xenogears games and probably never will. So for the two people who keep emailing me to profile Kos-Mos, this mini-rant is about all I’ve got.

I’m loving that the PS2 is still getting new games, especially when they are as niche as Arcana Heart. There isn’t much in the way of multiple costumes that I know of, but it will be relatively cheap and has a decent reputation as a fun game.

While we’re on the topic of fighters, there are more on the horizon than any in recent memory. Below is a handy GET! percentage of the multiple/edit costumes bonus. Massive GET!, Great GET!, So-so GET!, Poor GET!, Terrible GET!

Soul Calibur IV (360/PS3) – 70% GET!
Tekken 6 (PS3, Arcade) – 85% GET!
Street Fighter IV (Arcade, 360, PS3) – 35% GET!
King of Fighters XII (Arcade, 360, PS3) – 20% GET!
Fatal Fury Battle Archives 2 (PS2) – 10% GET!
World Heroes Anthology (PS2) – 5% GET!
Samurai Shodown Sen (Arcade) – 40% GET!
BluBlaze (Arcade) – 15% GET!
Super Smash Brothers Brawl (Wii) – 10% GET!
Virtua Fighter 5 R (Arcade) – 80% GET!
Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (360, PS3) – 5% GET!

New Indiana Jones Movie Trailer

For me, half the excitement of going to a movie is the previews!



2008 is a great year for movies and for the movie costumes as well. See a preview of the Top Halloween Costumes for 2008.

Star Wars Movie and TV Show in 2008!

For someone like me, who grew up determined to get my blond hair into braided buns on the side of my head, the news of not only the Star Wars TV Series but a NEW STAR WARS MOVIE is exhilarating!

The costume license department at Rubies Costume Co. just sent out an email last week updating us that not only will there be a Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV Series out this October, (we knew this already); but they just announced a movie to be released in theaters August 15, 2008. Also titled Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Both the movie and television series are CGI animation and both focus on a time period between Star Wars Episode II and Episode III. For a run down on The Clone Wars movie, check out the video featuring director Dave Filoni on StarWars.com. (Check out his Indiana Jones hat!) You can also catch The Clone Wars Movie Trailer there as well.



So for this generation, I believe that mastering Ahsoka's hair do will be even more difficult!

From StarWars.com:

A new era of Star Wars entertainment begins in 2008 when Star Wars: The Clone Wars, from creator George Lucas, premieres as an all-new feature film in August, followed by the television series debut in the fall, in a partnership announced today between Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes audiences on incredible new Star Wars adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style. Star Wars: The Clone Wars will open in North American theaters Friday, August 15.

As for th costumes, not to worry, AnniesCostumes.com will carry a full selection of Star Wars costumes for children and adults alike. We will have not only the classic styles, but also the brand new character costumes as well. For a preview of the 2008 Star Wars costume lineup checkout my Halloween Costume Preview Post.

Chapter 72.9: Jump In, The Movie's Fine!

Valentine's Day is a lot more enjoyable when you're past your twenties and happily married. A long day at work turned into a wonderful evening when I got home, because unbeknownst to me my wife had decided that if I ran late, we'd see a movie. Funny how fate works and time changes everything.

With that seemingly inoccuous item, I jump to my point: Jumper. The story of a young man who discovers that he has the ability to circumvent the laws of space (but not time, thankfully) and zip from here to there faster than I can type. A lot faster.

I suppose this type of thing has been done before, but I don't care. I also don't care that it's received mixed reviews. I enjoyed this film.

It has flaws, however. Hubris, for one. It's rather ballsy to assume you'll have an audience for a trilogy, which is what this film is proposing to do. But with its comic book feel (though it's based on a novel by Stephen Gould) perhaps developing an audience isn't so tough, I don't know. More importantly, the film feels incomplete. A good first episode of a trilogy -- see Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings -- needs to feel like a story was told. Jumper felt like a TV pilot.

Another flaw is that the main characters are left woefully undeveloped. You come out of Star Wars and the Fellowship of the Ring feeling like you know something about Darth Vader or Strider/Aragorn. But Jumper leaves you with two scenes of the lovely Diane Lane, who plays David's estranged mother. And you know virtually nothing. I'm sorry, that's lazy writing and directing. You needed a scene to establish some connection, some love, some something. Screw mystery, an audience needs to connect with the characters. All this did was set up film No. 2. Insert $10, press play. Go screw yourself. (Like I said, there are flaws.)

But there's enough potential in the first movie for me to see the second film. The cinematography is excellent, for one thing. The effects feel as natural as possible, and the exciting thrill ride aspect of the chase scenes is wonderful. You don't have to be twelve to think this film is cool.

And Jamie Bell, who plays Griffin -- David's mentor/friend -- is excellent (despite being occasionally incomprehensible, what with that thick accent of his). Film fans may know Bell best as Billy Elliot (Dance, Billy, dance!), but he's become quite a strong actor since then. Rachel Bilson's cute, of course, though I hope she's given more of a role to play in the future.

But the real thrill in this film comes from the always amazing Samuel L. Jackson. I truly believe this man could play just about anything, but he's best with an edgy character. And as Roland he plays a (potentially) complex role of the nemesis to Hayden Christensen's David; Roland claims to be moral, but the audience can't help but feel he's basically a cop, and who knows what morality means in a world where people flit from place to place without law.

I'll leave it at that, since that's the type of ending this film engenders. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed Jumper. I'll watch the second installment, but there needs to be some pay-off for this investment. I like the characters. Now show me something other than pleasant gimmicks.

Chapter 72.8: Long Live Signman!

In this era of throwback baseball stadiums, with their entertainment areas, swimming pools, and oh yeah baseball, one aspect that hasn't quite been retrofitted is the sense of continuity. Owners have tried, of course. They've incorporated elements of previous eras -- the little hill in deep center at the Astros park and the cut line from home to the pitchers' mound in Arizona, for instance -- but they come off as affectations. What really makes continuity and atmosphere in a stadium are the fans.

As a longtime Met fan, I still have many memories of the Signman (Karl Ehrhardt)who seemed to attend almost every game at Shea when I was growing up in the late '70s, when the team stank so bad fans almost needed masks. Only a kid could love a staff that included Craig Swan, Pat Zachary, and Nino Espinosa. The Signman was unique. You knew you were watching a Mets game (on WOR, Channel 9) when the camera showed him hoisting some clever commentary about a play or a player. Perhaps the most famous were associated with the '73 team that was in last place in September and went on to win the division with an 81-win season. "Ya Gotta Believe!" Tug McGraw exclaimed, and the Signman, in late September and early October, would reply "We Believe!"

The signman died this past week. He was 83. I for one have missed him. According to a 2006 article, the Signman had caught the message of the team's new ownership in the early '80s and stopped coming to Shea, where the stink of the late '70s teams lingered. Like Tom Seaver before him, Signman was no longer wanted by anyone but the fans.

I wish Signman had had a chance to move with the Mets into the new Citi Field, which is expected to open in about 13 months. I think there's reason to believe the Wilpons would have invited him. He'd been brought back before -- in 2002 to help celebrate the team's fortieth anniversary -- and I hope they do something to commemorate him this year.

The Wilpons designed the new stadium in the image of the old Ebbets Field where the Brooklyn Dodgers played. They seem to have some sense of history. If they know their fans, they'll recognize the late Ehrhardt's passing somehow this year. And if they hope to populate Citi Field with more than simply three million fans -- if they want to retain the best aspects of Mets history in the new home -- then they'll honor Signman in the new stadium. It's the right thing to do.

Free Hannah Montana Coloring Pages

I wrote a guide to finding links to free printable Hannah Montana coloring pages:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/592747/free_hannah_montana_coloring_pages.html

Immoral Unions - Letter To The Editor

Since I've been teaching on institutions of authority, I couldn't resist writing a response to a front page article in my local newspaper celebrating the legalization of homosexual unions. My goal is to engage the culture in its operations and inject elements of a biblical worldview whenever practicable. Here it is.

Dear Editor,

I was disappointed, but not surprised to see a photo of two lesbians getting hitched on the front page of the local newspaper recently. That’s because in Oregon, it’s hard to blush about women marrying women when we’ve gotten used to no-fault divorce, abortion on demand, and assisted suicide. Traditional morality in the Beaver State seems to have gone out of style, like polyester leisure suits. Our legislators prefer to be bold and cutting edge.

So what’s next? Will polygamy be legalized next year? After all, if two women can be united, why not three, or four? Can we, in good conscience, continue to deny consenting adults (maybe minors, too) the right to be joined into one big happy whatever-you-call-it? Then, what will be legalized after polygamy?

An ancient prophet once said, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” These words should be echoing in the chambers in Salem. Those citizens of Oregon, who still embrace biblical standards for marriage and family, are rightly alarmed when the state violates the public trust and legislates immorality. Fortunately, a ballot initiative process and an upcoming election is at their disposal. It is therefore fitting that the deeds of our bold legislators and governor be well remembered on election day.

Respectfully,

Pastor John Sleadd

Coram Deo Church

Chapter 72.7: God Speed, Columbus

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate lead into a post, but I missed the actual fiftieth anniversary of NASA last week, so I'm doing it anyway. Today, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched successfully into space, carrying with it the Columbus lab built by the European Space Agency. If all goes right, it will dock with the International Space Station on Saturday.

I refuse to be spooked by the backstory of how this launch was supposed to occur in December but was delayed due to malfunctioning fuel-tank sensors, and how rainy weather almost scuttled the flight today. I prefer to think of how fitting that after fifty years of American dominance in space (ok, the Russians have certainly proven they are quite capable, but we got to the Moon), we are venturing forward in a much more global endeavor. There are many detractors out there who believe spending tax money to ship people into space is a waste, but I disagree. I'm all for looking toward the future and supporting work that is designed to make the future something worth reaching.

I like that governments -- as well as individuals -- support discovery, support adventure. Sure it can be risky, as the numerous deaths in our skies and closer to earth can attest to. In my eyes the tragedy isn't simply that these people died (of course, that's terrible), but that most Americans don't appreciate what these astronauts are striving to achieve and thus seem to die in vain. Such a comment begs the question: What are the astronauts trying to do? Obviously, the answer is different with each mission, but in a nutshell, they're trying to advance civilization, small step by small step.

I'm sure people could argue about how rockets and the satellites they carry can be automated, and high-placed officials with the right credentials argue about those very things and build informed trains of thought. But there's still something to be said for human adventure. And as it would have been tragic if other Europeans didn't follow Columbus to the newly discovered America, so too is it tragic if this Columbus is not followed by other laboratories, other astronauts, other human-based missions. To the Moon, Alice, and on to Mars. But not before we have an informed understanding of what is involved in getting there.

God Speed, Atlantis. Deliver Columbus to her destination. And come back safe. There's more to do in the future.

Autonomous Individualism and Disdain For Authority

There is widespread disdain for authority in America today. Children disrespect their parents. Employees resent their bosses. Politicians are lampooned on talk television. There seems to be more respect for athletes and celebrities than for our leaders.

Commercial advertising has helped shape the American individual. We have been told for so long that we can have anything we want, when we want it, that we’ve come to believe it. We fancy ourselves as independent-minded consumers, so we think we are in control of the ideas and beliefs we adopt as well. We therefore, tend to frame questions of truth and behavior in subjective, rather than absolute terms. We are attracted to relativism because it permits us to be the mark and measure of authority. It’s all about us.

Consumerism is not new, of course. Satan exploited Eve’s desire for self-fulfillment by advertising forbidden fruit way back in the garden. She was deceived. She bought the lie. Adam condoned it. Mankind has been in bondage to self-gratification ever since.

No one is truly autonomous, and no one can escape authority. As a creature, man is subject to God's natural laws (gravity for example) and God's moral laws, which are revealed in the Bible.

Liberty and self-restraint go hand in hand. Men who are self-controlled by moral conscience and obedience to God's laws have little need for external control. But those who lack self-control must be restrained by others. Thus, the need for systems of human government. This is no surprise. The Bible says that man has a perpetual moral problem. He has fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). He does not seek after God or care to know God's commands apart from the prompting of the Holy Spirit. He is not a sick man calling out for the help of a physician, or a drowning man crying for someone to rescue him. He is incapable of asking for help, because he is spiritually dead. And only God’s grace can save him. This is how we must view all individuals.

Americans love their liberty. Part of our national identity is the fact that we cast off the yoke of oppression by declaring our independence from England back in 1776. Our founding fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to defend the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all men. They reasoned from a thoroughly biblical worldview when they declared that these unalienable rights emanate directly from God alone.

Today, Americans think they can retain their rights, but deny the God who grants them. This is not only true of secularists, who want to expunge the Christian faith from the monuments and textbooks of history. It is also true of many so-called Christians, who think they can recast God in their own image. As such, He is not a God of might and justice, of holiness and pefect law. He is a wrathless sugar daddy who brings self-fulfillment to all who seek it. He winks at sin. He is a year round Sunday Santa Claus, who brings only good gifts to boys and girls.

Autonomous individualism is a malignant disease in American culture that has crept into the church. It has produced rampant immorality so that adultery (through no fault divorce), child murder (through abortion), and sexual perversion (through homosexual unions) are just a few of the unbiblical practices that are now legal in our land. Don't get too discouraged, though. God has sovereign authority over all circumstances. He is not taken aback by the emergence of humanistic relativism or the corruption it produces. He will, however, certainly judge such things.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) .

The good news is that God offers mercy and forgiveness to those who repent and believe in Christ. Perhaps if we humble ourselves, and embrace the truth and authority of the Bible, we will be restored. Under the authority of Christ's cross there is redemption and there is transformation. Expect it. Rejoice in it.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Amen.

The Bible Is The Highest Standard of Authority

Disciple Makers Basic Training: Week 3

Q: Who Has Authority Over Me?

A: God has authority over all of us, and what He declares in His Scriptures is authoritative. The Bible says we are to submit to the agents of authority in each of the God-ordained, earthly institutions of family, church and state. When there is conflict between the demands of the state and the commands of Scripture, we are to obey God rather than men.

The Law

The great English Reformer and Bible translator, John Wyclif wrote, “The Bible is for the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” God summed up His standard for human conduct in the Ten Commandments by declaring who He was, how He was to be worshipped, and how men were to rightly live together. The Ten Commandments encapsulate God’s moral and civil laws, which apply to all cultures, in all circumstances, and in all times.

God’s Law is eternal, authoritative and expansive. The Law is not limited to the Ten Commandments, either. All of Scripture is inspired by God, and given to man for his benefit (2 Timothy 3:16). The whole Bible, then, is our standard of truth and morality for all of life. There is therefore no legitimate authority apart from that which is established by Scripture.

The Bible commands us to love God and love our neighbors. One of the greatest acts of love we can perform is our humble submission to lawful authorities. As we show genuine compassion and respect for others, we demonstrate our submission to the Lord, and obedience to His Word. The light and momentary trials of living under the authority of imperfect people is part of God’s sanctifying process of making believers more like Christ. So rejoice as you submit.

Institutions Of Authority

God has ordained three institutions of earthly authority. They are (1) the family, (2) the church and (3) the state. Within each of these institutions there are agents who exercise God-given authority over us. Extending over these institutions is the Law of God, which is the highest standard of authority for all human conduct and relationships.

1. The Family

Submission to authority in your family is inescapable. Your parents have authority over you. Your husband has authority over you. Your spouse has authority over you. All this is God’s plan for couples to stay faithfully married and to train up well-behaved children. Individuals are produced in families and they are God’s possessions, bought with a price, and under obligation to give God glory (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Fathers are commanded to be servant leaders in their homes. They are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and they are to discipline and instruct their children. Wives are commanded to respect their husbands. Children are commanded to obey their parents (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). When authority is properly exercised and respected in a family, the home is a wonderful place of nurture and joy. Therefore, the first priority of every Christian family should be to unleash the authority of God’s sure and sufficient Word in our homes.

* Deuteronomy 6:5-9 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

* Colossians 3:16-21 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Private Enterprise

The institution of the family does more than make marriages and babies. It is also the engine of economics and free enterprise. It is the realm of commerce, business contracts, personal industry and the creation of material wealth. The family populates the planet with productive workers, ministers of mercy and shapers of culture. The other institutions are completely dependent on the family for their personnel. All business dealing must be subject to the rule of God’s Law which regulates fair contracts and transactions.

2. The Church

Submission to the leaders of the your local church is required. Your church elders have authority over you, and they must give account for your spiritual condition directly to the Lord. Your proper submission to them allows you to grow in your knowledge of the Bible and to walk more faithfully as a follower of Christ. As you respond to their teaching and preaching of sound Biblical doctrine, you mature in faith and are better able to do good deeds. The Bible calls you to honor and obey them so that they consider it a joy as they watch over you (Hebrews 13:17).

The Church is God’s divinely appointed guardian of Truth. The Bible refers to the church as the Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23), the Bride of Christ (Matthew 25:1-13), and the Household of Faith (Galatians 6:10). Although the church cannot produce children, it certainly helps shape them. Church leaders are charged with the responsibility of proclaiming God’s Word to edify the body and equip them for the works of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16). Christians are commanded to maintain regular fellowship with one another and stir one another up to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-24). The Church plays a significant role in cultural transformation through the ministry of God’s Word made active and alive in the other institutions of family and state.

3. The State

Submission to the authority of human government is mandatory. Or else! You know this when you speed past a parked police cruiser on the highway with an officer inside pointing a radar gun at you. Your lead foot on the accelerator may have just cost you a hefty fine. And when you are pulled over, you know that the club, handcuffs and pistol on the officer’s belt are not merely ornaments. They are instruments of law enforcement, and he is authorized to use them if you decide to pitch a fit.

Human governments are ordained by God to execute justice and punish evil behavior. They regulate human conduct by justly enforcing God’s moral and civic laws. They ensure that individual rights are protected and that contractual agreements can be enforced. Because man is sinful by nature, human governments are necessary to protect the innocent and to punish the guilty. The need for the external law enforcement is directly proportional to the lack of self-restraint exercised by individuals in society. Therefore, obey the laws of the land and be respectful to those in serve in the government.

* Romans 13:1-7 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

* 1 Peter 2:13-17 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Application

In order for us to have a right perspective on living under authority in a fallen world, we should look to Jesus as our example. The King of Glory submitted himself to birth in a lowly manger. He was submissive to his earthly parents as boy (Luke 2:51). He humbled himself even unto death on a cross in obedience to His Father's will (Philippians 2:4-8). Christ, our Lord and savior came to serve, rather than to be served (Matthew 20:28).

We should do likewise.

Follow Up Assignments

1. On as many pages as necessary, write a list of good works that will get you into heaven :)

2. Listen to audio file on "Myth of Adolescence"

Chapter 72.6: Giants!!!

They did it!

The Giants have won the Super Bowl, defeating the heavily favored New England Patriots. This truly was one of the most exhilerating sports experiences of my life. Not quite as thrilling as Game 6 of the 1986 World Series or as satisfying as the Mets victory in that same series.

This game was even more thrilling than the Giants last Super Bowl victory, over the Buffalo Bills, because that was largely due to Scott Norwood's failure to make a field goal.

Eli to Tyree! Eli to Plaxico. Fantastic memories that every Giants fan will cherish for generations.

Thanks guys. Enjoy the much deserved accolades!

Chapter 72.55: So Begins the Santana Era

It is official, Johan Santana is a Met (ok, pending a physical. So shoot me.)

I found it very interesting that there were multiple reports that the Players Union was pushing Santana's agents to make sure the contract at least reached the $150 million barrier. From what's being reported, he will earn that much from the Mets; the only difference the team might argue is that part of it was due to bonus, but that's a semantic difference in my non-legal opinion. The union's stake in this is irritating to say the least. I realize they're trying to establish new standards to enable their members to maximize their career earnings, and that's what they're supposed to do. But a big part of that comes out of the wallets of the already frustrated fans.

I'll be lucky to afford to attend one game next year. I just can't throw money for a game these days. But I'll want to visit Shea one last time (though if I don't, then Tom Glavine's 298th win would be my final visit.) And when they go to the new ballpark in 2009, the tickets will be even more expensive.

But that's for another time. Right now, I am happy. My favorite team has improved itself. Spring training will start (for the Mets) on Valentine's Day. And like the lovestruck fool that I am, I return to the one who hurt me not so long ago. Ah, frailty, thy name is Mets fan.

Knowing Your Main Purposes In Life

Disciple Makers Basic Training: Week 2

Q: What is my main purpose in life?

A: A Christian’s main purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Additionally, we have purposes determined by our gender and by our individual giftings and interests.

Why Am I Here?
Most of us have wondered why we’re here. After getting squeezed, toothless and witless into the atmosphere as infants, we soon begin to wonder about our purpose here on the surface. I know I did. After a while we might think about our exit. Then what to do in between. Willy Shakespeare wrote about such things in As You Like It.

Jacques: All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the canon's mouth. And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

Life is more than advancing through stages, like an elevator rising up through the stories to return to the basement. It’s more than living to “eat, drink, and be merry” (Ecclesiastes 8:15) The Bible says that believers were chosen (predestined) even before the creation of the world to do good works (Ephesians 1:4). Amazing. It sounds like God has a purpose for us in mind.

In order to help you not waste your life, I offer three basic types of purposes that every Christian must consider. This information is an adaptation of a Vision Forum Ministries message by Doug Phillips on life purpose.

1. Universal Purposes
* Love God and love your neighbor (Matt 22:37-40)
* Glorify God and enjoy Him forever. (This is man’s chief end according to the Westminster Catechism question #1)
* Obey God and make disciples (1 Jn 5:2-3; Matt 28:19-20)

2. Gender Purposes
* Man is made in God’s image, yet they were made male and female (Gen 1:27)
* Man and wife are to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28; 9:1)
* Men are to be providers (1 Tim. 5:8), protectors (Pr 5:22-23; Pr 22:15; Pr 23:13-14; Matt 18:6), instructors of their children (Eph 6:4), and heads of households (Eph 5:22-23)
* Women are to be helpers (Gen 2:18; Pr 31) nurturers (Mal 2:15; 1 Tim 2:15) instructors of women & children (Pr 1:8-9; Titus 2:3-5)

3. Individual Purposes
* Children are to honor and obey their parents (Col 3:20)
* Children are be trained, instructed and discipled at home (Dt 6:7; Pr 22:6; Eph 6:4)
* Individuals are given a variety of gifts by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:4)
* Individuals must remain faithful to the Scriptures and to their relational commitments as they pursue their purposes
* Parents must be committed to the purposes of raising godly children, which should supersede and modify their desires for career advancement and personal status

It’s important to recognize that one’s individual purposes are subordinate to the gender and universal purposes established by God. A child may not justify a life purpose that denies the authority that is placed over him by his parents. An individual may not justify a life purpose that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Therefore, practices such as homosexuality, adultery and transgender identity cannot be legitimate life purposes for Christians, because these things are prohibited by Scripture (1 Cor 6:9; Ro 1:24-27). Women may not justify their desire to serve as leaders in the church as a life purpose for the same reasons, since Scripture forbids it (1 Tim 2:12).

If you find yourself resenting the call to submit your individuality to greater purposes, remember that being a disciple of Jesus means taking up your cross daily. It does not include carrying the your cultural tote bag of American individualism and feminism along with you. If you are to be a true disciple, you must let the Word of Christ dwell in you until you are willing to utterly trust the Lord at His Word and obey Him.

Here's a last word of encouragement. The sovereign God who has called you into His kingdom as a man, or woman, or child is faithful to complete the purposeful work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).

Follow Up Assignments
1. Memorize the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission: (Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:19-20)
2. Make a list of three things you'd like to accomplish in the next three years and why. Be ready to share your responses.

DISCIPLESHIP REFORMATION

Disciple Makers Basic Training: Week 1

Q: What is a disciple and why should we make them?

A: A disciple is a Christian who is fully devoted to Jesus Christ, living daily in His Word and by His Spirit, making other disciples. We make them because Christ commands it.

INEFFECTIVE DISCIPLESHIP

According to Christian researcher, George Barna, most parents abdicate their responsibility to spiritually nurture their children (Barna 2000), a majority of youth abandon their faith when they leave home (Barna 2000), and most church discipleship activities are ineffective in producing disciples (Barna 2003). Ouch. Since I’ve criticized the consumer-driven church model in previous posts, I’ll cut straight to the chase. Radical reformation is in order. The modern evangelical church needs to prune the programmatic individualism and start cultivating DISCIPLESHIP REFORMATION.

DISCIPLESHIP REFORMATION

I believe that adequate reformation in discipleship will only occur when we return to Biblical orthodoxy (right beliefs) and orthopraxy (right practices). Here are some flash points.

• God is sovereign and His Word is sure and sufficient


• We must read obey the Scriptures pertaining to discipleship


• We must return to the Biblical, home discipleship model of child training and youth preparation


• We must relationally train followers of Christ to make disciples through systematic instruction
  

The marks of a disciple include bearing one’s cross (Luke 14:27), suffering as Christ suffered (1 Peter 2:21), loving the brethren (John 13:35), bearing much fruit (John 15:8), being chosen by God (John 15:16), making disciples ( Matthew 28:19-20), and expecting reward (Luke 18:29-30).

Disciples are known for their:

• Faithfulness (commitment to the person and Word of Christ in obedience)


• Fellowship (commitment to love and serve other believers)


• Fruitfulness (commitment to do good works, share the gospel and make disciples)
  

To sum things up, DISCIPLESHIP REFORMATION means Christians must be committed to the long term process of systematic, relational training. Churches must emphasize the equipping of parents to disciple their children for multigenerational faithfulness. Churches must train and equip followers of Christ to invest their lives in making disciple makers.

Follow Up Assignments:
Prepare to share your testimony of faith (When did you repent and believe?), including the event of your baptism.

Disciple Makers Basic Training - Overview

The following questions and topics show the content of the Disciple Makers Basic Training Course. Subsequent posts will deal with each topic in greater detail. Remember that if you have questions, comments and suggestions you can contact me at pastorjohnsleadd@gmail.com.

Week 1: What is a disciple and why should we make them?
Knowing What A Disciple Is And Does (understanding the marks and goals of a disciple of Jesus)

Week 2: What is my main purpose in life?
Knowing Your Purpose In Life (understanding God’s sovereignty, the chief end of man and one’s individual calling)

Week 3: Who has authority over me?
Honoring Authority (understanding God’s reign over family, church, and state)

Week 4: What good works am I to do?
Doing Good Works (renouncing adolescence; gaining wisdom in work, study, spiritual growth and productivity)

Week 5: What is in the Bible?
Knowing Your Bible (understanding the Bible’s contents and the basics of doctrine)

Week 6: How can I grow closer to God?
Establishing Devotional Habits (getting the most out of Bible study and prayer)

Week 7: How can I stay pure and focused?
Practicing Purity (gaining wisdom in an exploitive, materialistic, self-absorbed, sensual culture)

Week 8: How can I resolve conflict?
Being a Peace Maker (learning to listen, love, reconcile, deal with discipline, and bless others)
Week 9: How do I share the gospel?
Knowing and Sharing the Gospel (preparing and sharing a powerful testimony of faith)

Week 10: What is a Biblical Worldview?
Understanding Worldviews (examining religion and philosophy through the lens of orthodox Christianity)

Week 11: How can I help transform the culture around me?
Being An Ambassador (engaging the culture with an accurate and informed mind, an artful method and an attractive manner)

Week 12: What career and ministry should I pursue?
Your Kingdom Gifts (choosing a career for influence in family, church, marketplace and public square)

Week 13: How should I handle money?
Managing Money (understanding Biblical economics and private enterprise for family and Kingdom expansion)

Week 14: How should I prepare for marriage?
Looking For A Husband Or Wife (understanding marriage & Biblical roles, planning for marriage, family & ministry)

Celebrities in New Orleans for Carnival

According to an article on Mardi Gras at the MercuryNews.com, stars will be flocking to New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities:

For parade goers, celebrity watching will be as fun as grabbing the throws tossed from the floats as Carnival goes into high gear this weekend with Fat Tuesday just days away.

They include actor/director Kevin Costner as grand marshal of the Krewe of Endymion, one of the largest and glitziest parades. He'll be joined by the Doobie Brothers and Belinda Carlisle, former lead singer of the Go-Gos.

On Sunday, wrestler and reality TV star Hulk Hogan will reign as king of the Krewe of Bacchus. NBC's "Today" morning talk show correspondent Hoda Kotb and weatherman Al Roker will be grand marshals of the Krewe of Argus on Fat Tuesday in suburban Metairie. Also on Mardi Gras (which means Fat Tuesday), clarinetist Pete Fountain will lead a cadre of locals and celebrities for the annual trek of the Half-Fast Marching Club.

Orpheus, the glittery parade founded in 1993 by singer Harry Connick Jr., has one of the longest list of celebs. Besides Salt-N-Pepa, Lance Bass and Kevin Meaney—stars of the Broadway musical "Hairspray"—daytime television star Christian LeBlanc and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will ride.

Among them Monday night will be Bridget Marquardt, Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson, stars of E! cable network's Playboy-based reality show "The Girls Next Door." They'll be throwing a fundraiser on Lundi Gras, or Mardi Gras eve, for actor Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation at the House of Blues in the French Quarter. Pitt's charity is rebuilding homes in the Lower 9th Ward destroyed by Katrina in 2005.

But celebrities didn't become a regular highlight until the first Bacchus parade in 1969, when dancer/actor Danny Kaye reigned.

Since then, dozens have gotten into the spirit. "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, for example, was last year's king of Bacchus and followed in the footsteps of such big names as Bob Hope and Ron Howard. John Goodman, Chuck Norris, Jason Alexander, Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd have served as past grand marshals for Endymion, and Glenn Close, Sandra Bullock, Forest Whitaker and Whoopi Goldberg are among those who've ridden in Orpheus.

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Get in on the fun of Mardis Gras this year! Check out the huge selection of Mardi Gras costumes and masks at mardigrascostumes.com.

Chapter 72.5: Is Inspiration Enough?

I wasn't alive during the time of John F. Kennedy, and during brother Robert's tragically short campaign I was too young to understand anything that didn't mean "food." So I don't know exactly what it's like to have lived while a politician was able to inspire us. The closest thing to an inspirational leader was the fictional Jed Bartlet during the West Wing years, and even that wasn't really inspirational.

So I read George Packer's story in the New Yorker with great interest. So too, Paul Krugman's essay on the lasting effect of John Edwards on the campaign.

Packer outlined differences between Sens. Obama and Clinton and their presumed approaches to the presidency. Obama would be an 'Inspirer in Chief' and offer hope to the masses. Not a bad goal at all, and I could subscribe to that. But if he's as disorganized as Packer suggests, then we'll all pray to God that he has an excellent team of staff to pick up after him. All presidents need that, but a President Obama might need it more. President Hillary Clinton would be a leader that "would have to use unifying rhetoric and reach across partisan lines. But ... she is readier to march ahead and let those who will follow her do so." As Packer adds, "These rival conceptions of the Presidency—Clinton as executive, Obama as visionary—reflect a deeper difference in how the two candidates analyze what ails the country."

I have said in this blog and in conversations with friends of various political persuasions, I consider myself a moderate but I also found the populism espoused by John Edwards to make the most sense. I respect that he said, in effect, to have the healthcare system most of us believe we need (i.e., one that covers all Americans), we're going to have to raise taxes. This would be difficult to carry out, admittedly. Clinton's suggested health plan is very much like Edwards' plan. [Which makes me wonder, would he be a good choice to fill the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services, or lead the healthcare charge as Vice President, or should he be Attorney General, where his talents seem best suited? And if he had any of those roles, would a President Clinton or a President Obama be concerned about the prospect of cabinet member Edwards trying to draw too much credit and run against the sitting president?] I have no doubt that a President Clinton would have an active role in shaping that national discussion. How would a President Obama inject his vision of national healthcare? It could be a wonderful plan, and I'm willing to hear him discuss it. But Edwards' plan sounded best to me.

New Jersey is among the nearly two dozen states that will hold a primary on Super Tuesday (soon after the Super Bowl. Go Giants!), and I'm still unsure who I'll vote for. I'm probably leaning toward Clinton at the moment, she seems more able to step in and lead. But Obama is an inspiring figure. So I'm left wondering, Is Inspiration Enough? Sen. Obama's comments about Iran earlier in the campaign concerned me. Is he so naive to think that having a simple conversation with the Iranians will actually be perceived as a simple conversation? Good God! People who can honestly say the met the president at the White House -- any president -- seem to others as if they've reached a pinnacle. That's why photo ops are considered important. They lend credibility to the poor schmoe next to the hot shot.

The wife of a friend of mine ran for public office in their home town; she used a photo of her with then Sen. Jon Corzine in her publicity. It made her look like she had connections, which was the point. She'd never met him before the evening when the photo was taken. I suspect the other candidates in line after her to get their photo taken were similarly unfamiliar with Sen. Corzine. At a certain level, it's all about appearances.

So publically speaking with a high-ranking official of a nation we publically accuse of sponsoring international terrorism is a mistake. No ifs ands or buts about it. Would a President Obama agree with campaigning Obama? I don't know. And I see it as something that would create tension in an Obama White House. Like the fictional President Bartlet, his administration would make a lot of early mistakes. I'm not sure we can afford to let him struggle so much.

But I also don't know that we can afford to have a Republican continue in the office for the next four years. So can Sen. Clinton defeat Sen. McCain? That's a subject for another day. If I'm so inspired.