Check Your Reflectors...

Stories kind of strike me in a funny way when I read them. I have an odd sense of humor, and when I read something like this, I cant help but laugh at the bigger picture. Granted, I'm not making fun, but something like this hits me as funny. The idea of all this happening because someone didnt have their reflector on their bike. Thats it.... I am going out right now to make sure all my reflectors are shined up and am installing blinking lights on the seat and handlebars.

If people are lucky they will see me before they hit me and wont dent their car......that and I wont get tasered. See Ya.

HAMILTON CITY -- A man riding a bicycle with improper lighting equipment was shot with a Taser stun gun Wednesday night as he ran from a deputy who tried to stop him for the infraction.

After repeated attempts, Glenn County sheriff's deputy Cale Smith said he finally got the attention of the rider on Sierra Street, who jumped from the bike and began running. After a half-block chase and several warnings from Smith that he would use the Taser, he did. Sgt. Scott James said only one probe struck the man, identified as Omar Herrada Rivera, 39, and he received no shock.

Smith caught up with him near the garage of a home, and took him into custody after a brief struggle.

James said Smith was fully justified in firing his Taser, because Rivera was running toward a home, and could have endangered people inside.

"We consider the Taser as being at the same level of force as other weapons, including pepper spray and batons," James said.

He added that deputies don't deploy Tasers against subjects who are driving or riding a bike because of the risk factor.

Rivera was transported to Glenn Medical Center, where he was cleared for booking into the Glenn County Jail on suspicion of resisting arrest, riding a bicycle without proper lighting, riding under the influence of alcohol and use of false citizenship/government documents.

Flier

Here is a new flier I made for a fundraiser for our youth. I love the pictures.

Top Ten Ways to Harass a Telemarketer

10. When they ask "How are you today?" Tell them! "I'm so glad you asked because no one these days seems to care, and I have all these problems; my arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just died...."

9. If they say they're John Doe from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name. Then ask them to spell the company name. Then ask them where it is located. Continue asking them personal questions or questions about their company for as long as necessary.

8. Cry out in surprise, "Judy! Is that you? Oh my! Judy, how have you been?" Hopefully, this will give Judy a few brief moments of pause as she tries to figure out where she could know you from.

7. If MCI calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends plan, reply, in as SINISTER a voice as you can, "I don't have any friends... would you be my friend?"

6. If they want to loan you money, tell them you are just about to file for bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.

5. Tell the telemarketer you are on 'home incarceration' and ask if they could bring you a case of pepsi and some chips.

4. After the telemarketer gives their spiel, ask him/her to marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you could not just give your credit card number to a complete stranger.

3. Tell the telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask them if they will give you their HOME phone number so you can call them back. When the telemarketer explains that they cannot give out their HOME number, you say "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at home, right?" The telemarketer will agree and you say, "Now you know how I feel!"

2. Insist that the caller is really your buddy Leon, playing a joke. "Come on Leon, cut it out! Seriously, Leon, how's your momma?"

And, first and foremost: 1. Tell them to talk VERY SLOWLY, because you want to write EVERY WORD down...

State of THEIR Union

Rival Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama came within a foot of each other just before President Bush's State of the Union speech Monday night and managed not to acknowledge each other, and certainly not touch. Clinton crossed the aisle between their seats on the House floor and reached out a hand to greet Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Democratic icon whose endorsement she had courted only to lose it to Obama. Kennedy shook her hand while Obama turned away. The rivals then retreated to their seats, only the aisle and four senators between them. It was the latest chapter in the increasingly nasty fight between the two leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Hours earlier, Obama received the endorsements of Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, the brother and daughter, respectively, of President John F. Kennedy. They were joined by Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., the senator's son. On his way out of the chamber, Bush shook hands with Obama. The president and Clinton did not shake hands. The only Republican senator still running, John McCain of Arizona, skipped the address to campaign in Florida. Sorry folks if I seem to be chatting about what the Democrats are doing, but I can only just imagine the intensity between all of the candidates right now. What do you do when you come within 2 ft of a person you are running against for the most powerful office in the world? You have to be a little tense, especially when the whole world is watching every move you make. Above all, I thought Bush did a very nice job on his last State of the Union speech. He managed to fit so much into the 1 hour he was allowed. I haven't agreed with everything he has done, but one thing he has done was stick by his guns, and that is the other side doesn't like. They havent been able to shake him and he hasn't responded to what they have tried to shake him with. He just goes on. The most concentrated part last night was on Iraq. 20,000 troops will be coming home soon. This of course drew a standing ovation from both sides. Nice last speech. What do you think? Did you listen?

Worlds Largest Swimming Pool

If you like doing laps in the swimming pool, you might want to stock up on the energy drinks before diving in to this one. It is more than 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres, had a 115ft deep end and holds 66 million gallons of water. Yesterday the Guinness Book of Records named the vast pool beside the sea in Chile as the biggest in the world. Acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest swimming pool, the lagoon measures 1,013 metres in length and covers an area of eight hectares But if you fancy splashing out on one of your own – and you have the space to accommodate it – then beware: This one took five years to build, cost nearly £1billion and the annual maintenance bill will be £2million. The man-made saltwater lagoon has been attracting huge crowds to the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, on Chile's southern coast, since it opened last month. Its turquoise waters are so crystal clear that you can see the bottom even in the deep end. It dwarfs the world's second biggest pool, the Orthlieb – nicknamed the Big Splash – in Morocco, which is a mere 150 yards long and 100 yards wide. An Olympicsize pool measures some 50 yards by 25 yards. The saltwater pool contains 250,000 cubic metres of water and is navigable in small boats Children play in the clear waters of the 3,323 ft long pool Chile's monster pool uses a computer- controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other. The sun warms the water to 26c, nine degrees warmer than the adjoining sea. Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build "an impressive artificial paradise" even in inhospitable areas. "As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean."

Long Weekend

It's Monday, Jan 21st, 2008, which is MLK's official holiday, which means that it is nationwide, which means that schools are closed, which means, I AM OFF TODAY!! That's right I am off today and I got to sleep in. There is just something about sleeping in on Mondays that I love (although I rarely get the privilege). Especially after a long Sunday. Personally I think every Monday should be a Holiday so that we can sleep in. This was a long, fun weekend. Saturday, I went to a youth rally in Section 12 in Gridley, CA and was privileged to sing. Bro Nathan Hurst was the speaker and once again did an incredible job of preaching. Kind of an odd thing, the last 4 rallies I have sang at, he has been the speaker, so it was good to see him again. Sunday night was one of the most powerful services we have ever had at our church. WHAT A SERVICE!!! Dad preached on "There is going to be a Church". The enemy won't just whimper away when revival comes to the church but he will fight. And there will always be a church no matter how bad things get and no matter how far we go into the tribulation. From the start, a breakthrough service! One of the longest alter calls we have ever had. People jumping, dancing, singing all over the place. I posted a few pictures below from Saturday. See Ya!

Bro. Hurst Preaching.

The Gridley Church pastored by Bro. Tim Bledsoe.

Yours truly and Rev. Morgan Underwood

Bro. Marcus Bledsoe, Sectional Youth Director

Cloned Meat

Which One Is the Real One?

I read the other day on the big story about cloned meat. I started a poll on whether or not you would eat cloned meat when they start selling it in the grocery stores in about 3-4 years. Personally I think it is pretty weird and would probably taste a little different. I dont know though, they could get mad cow disease under control, they could lower the price of red meat and etc. When you really think about it, it sounds like it might do some good. But the question is, would you eat it? Is there a difference in eating real cow meat and realer cow meat? Would it taste different? Would it have the same smell when it is on the grill and has been marinated in Basque Norte Sauce for over 3 days? Would you even try it? Would it taste just like In n Out or like McDonalds? Well poll below and let's find out. What do you think?

Would You Eat Cloned Meat?

It Will Be Close!

Well folks I guess we are underway to a new future. I was just reading on the news how Mitt Romney took Michigan along with Hilary. Well she didn't really take it, but she was the only one on the ballot so they had to get her in somewhere...lol. This doesn't say what will happen in the rest of the primaries, but it is interesting nonetheless.

I think this could be one of the most interesting elections we have ever had. It is the first time a women could become President, it could be the first time a Mormon could be elected President, it could be the first time an African American is elected President, and it is the first time that we could have the oldest President in office. A very intriguing election I must say!

Like I said, I have been watching and there is really no one that I want to vote for this time. There isn't really someone who stands out to me, that really wants to make me vote for them. Alot of them have Christian principles and morals, but what else do they have?

Huckabee and McCain seem to be the leaders on the Republican side as of now. Clinton and Obama seem to be leading above Edwards in the Democratic field. Here is my prediction. I see Romney, Thompson, and Giuliani all losing. I see McCain winning the republican vote and Huckabee going as VP. Huckabee's conservatism balances McCain out. As for the Democrats, I see Hilary going ahead of Obama and Obama as VP. I don't think Hilary will take VP is Obama were to get elected.

OK, OK maybe I am wrong, but I do know it will be close whatever the end result is. Right now I am just sitting back waiting for one of them to persuade me.....

See ya!!

A Powerful Statement

I read this and I was thinking how powerful and true this really is. What more can you say. The writer says it all in this story about life.

Paddle Your Own Canoe

Voyager upon life's sea,

To yourself be true,

And whatever your lot may be,

Paddle your own canoe.

Never, though the winds may rave,

Falter or look back;

But upon the darkest wave

Leave a shining track. Paddle your own canoe.

Nobly dare the wildest storm,

Stem the hardest gale,

Brave of heart and strong of arm

You will never fail. When the world is cold and dark,

Keep your aim in view;

And toward the beacon work,

Paddle your own canoe. ..

...Would you crush the giant wrong,

In the world's free fight?

With a spirit brave and strong,

Battle for the right.

And to break the chains that bind

The many to the few

To enfranchise slavish mind,-

Paddle your own canoe.

Nothing great is lightly won,

Nothing won is lost,

Every good deed, nobly done,

Will repay the cost.

Leave to Heaven, in humble trust,

All you will to do:But if succeed, you must

Paddle your own canoe.

by Sarah Bolton, written in 1851.

Adventures with Sully

Every Friday at our school we have Chapel services. It's something the kids look forward too and its a great outreach program. Parents and church people come and we just have a good time. We have already won one lady to the church through this. After we sing, show some pics of the week on the screen, I try to teach a lesson and we try to make it as close as we can get it to a church atmosphere. It has been awesome!! Anyway, I started doing something fun, once a month for the kids. Every month, I will go visit a place of history and or signifigance(if that is how you spell it) and make a fun adventure. We showed the first one a while back and the kids seemed to love it. We werent sure what to call it, so we just came up with "Adventures with Sully". So here for your enjoyment is the first "Adventures with Sully"!!! Let me know what you think! I am still perfecting my editing capabilities so bear with me. See ya!!

Interesting - Most Dangerous Animals

These are the top ten most dangerous animals in the world ranked by estimated number of human fatalities per year. I thought this was interesting when I saw it. Check it out.

Animal Fatalities per year

10. Shark - 30-100 people killed per year

9. Jellyfish - 100 people killed per year

8. Hippopotamus - 200 people killed each year

7. Lion - 250 people killed each year

6. Bee - 400 people killed each year

5. Elephant - 600 people killed each year

4. Crocodile - 2,000 people killed each year

3. Scorpion - 5,000 people killed each year

2. Snake - 100,000 people killed each year

And last but not least, Yes the Mosquito is the worlds

most deadliest animal killing over 2 million people per year.

Its not the big things in life that brings you down, its the small things.

Back to School

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Well it is Tuesday and Christmas break is over. School started on Monday and it is back to the grind. The first day was like walking onto a distant planet. The kids minds were so far away that they acted like they have never been in a school before. All the chocolate and hype wore off today though. Everybody was actually really good. It is almost finals week so they had better be! Our school has been in operation since 1970 and runs right now 128 kids. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are my specialties. Every day grading almost 100 papers sometimes drives you nuts. But I seriously love it though. (Except when they bring grease stained, chocolate covered, dropped in water papers that you just look at never wanting to touch). Getting to be a part of these kids lives is so awesome. If I can affect them in any way at all in life, my job will have been totally worth it. I have really learned to listen a lot better, because they LOVE to talk.

The math we are learning is getting a little difficult for them though. I was looking at it and I was like whhooooaaaa. We are learning about quarterly compound interest in 7th grade. I think when I was in 7th grade I was counting " how many donuts are in the box", or who could multiply the fastest. lol. Today they are finding out how much they would profit from 4% interest per quarter if they had $50,000 in the saving account. I was like "wow". If I had this when I was a kid I would be a millionare now. Wishful thinking anyway. Here are some pics of a class I teach after school that helps kids with math problems, health and whatever they are stuck on. Right now I hear another donut calling.

See ya!!

A lot of Time

I just got back to my office from having lunch at . (Sorry Than). Chicken Burrito, nothing but chicken, rice, cheese and a tortilla. It was BOMB! The place is so good. Its right by a Panda Express, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, Coldstone, Jamba, and anything else you can think of that will make you fat.

If some of you are wondering why I have been posting so much, it is because I am on Christmas break from teaching school and I have TIME. Posting will probably slow down in about a week because I will be back to the teaching grind. The new quarter is getting ready to start in a couple of weeks so I have to get ready for report cards so forth so on. It has been so nice this week to be able to catch up on stuff. A typical day in the classroom will be from about 6-5 and by the end of the day, you have to go home and everything is closed so you don't have time to do much.

Actually becoming a teacher has helped me a whole lot because I have learned to budget my time better. You can't just show up at 12:00, come in and say "Whats up students"? You actually have to use your brain, get up and come to work. And after the 8th cup of coffee I am ready to go for the day. Seriously It has helped a whole lot though. I will be honest with everybody. Since I have started teaching, I have started to care more for people. I have actually started listening more to what people have to say. I didn't realize how important some stuff is to people when it may be small to you and you just shut them off. Now please don't get me wrong, I know when somebody comes up to you and starts telling you how thick their eyeglass lens's are that it is kind of hard to stay focused, but still it is important to them and I need to pay attention to what they are saying.

Isn't that kind of like when God talks to us? He talks and talks and talks and sometimes it takes him saying it for the third time for us to wake up and say "Huh what was that?" I think we go through so many problems sometimes, and God is just sitting up there speaking in that still small voice saying " Just listen and I will tell you what to do".

My dad preached an awesome message last night that when you hear and listen to the voice of God, the word of God becomes active in your life and begins building a house he can dwell in. What is the difference between the voice of God and the Word of God? The Bible in Genesis says the voice of God walked in the garden. Isn't that awesome? In John it says that " In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God". Since the word is God, when God speaks and we listen, his progressive word and plan becomes established in our life and begins to build Gods house. That is one thing I want to improve on this year. I want to listen every time God says something as best I can. I guess life sometimes has a way of blocking the voice from coming in clear, but no matter what comes or goes, Gods voice is always there.

Have an awesome night!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everybody out there!! I hope this year is filled with great expectations and exciting things for you, your familys, churches, and etc. You may have had a bad year last year. I can't tell you why, but I can tell you that seasons change!! Thats one great thing about life - is that no matter who you are, seasons change. Someone once said, "no one is an exception to life". That is so true. Did you have a bad year last year? Hold on, the seasons changing. Did you have a good year last year?....... Try not to think about that to much....lol

Brian Allard I am still praying that you guys get a Starbucks there this year sometime. Dustin, Kary's is gonna be doing awesome this year. And to everybody else, have an awesome and great new year!

Funny

I laughed when I saw this. Thought I would share.

New Flier Design

Here is something I am currently working on for our church's young mens leader group. Mighty Men of Valor.