Darfur: No Signs of Peace

From CNN...U.S. envoy shouts at Darfur official

Anyone keeping up with the atrocities in Darfur, knows full well the human devastation taking place. Men, women, and children are murdered every day. No place is safe.

As much as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick is trying to uncover the truth behind why negotiatons aren't working, it's not helping. Why? No one wants to cooperate. A corrupt government and bands of thugs aren't going to negotiate. They would rather rape women, shoot each other, and starve children than work towards peace.

Sadly, I don't foresee a solution to this mess. Radical groups want all the power. They won't compromise. And just like the Sunnis and Shiites, words mean nothing. One says they'll work for peace while the other holds a gun to their head. It just doesn't work.

Let's pray God will show himself and end all this needless bloodshed. We need to have hope and faith in Him.

Republican Woes

From the NY Times...House Shelves Alaska Drilling in Budget Fight

This has been a tough couple of weeks on we Republicans. Let's review a series of foolish mistakes made by our wonderful politicians:

1. Tom DeLay is indicted on campaign finance charges. As much as I like DeLay, you should never, ever jeopardize yourself no matter your profession. Integrity, always.
2. I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby is indicted for leaking CIA information.
3. Both parties are to blame for outrageous government spending. Duh!
4. The American public is tiring of the war in Iraq.
5. President Bush's approval rating is sinking.
6. Harriet Miers. Need I say any more?

Pro-life Democrats, here is your charge: Start campaigning NOW! This is your time. Oh, and stay out of trouble...

P.S. If you're wondering if I'll vote for a pro-life Dem, you can bet your salary I will. The Republicans, as a whole, can't seem to get their act together regarding their morals, spending, and issues of importance. Now, does this mean there aren't any good Republicans left? No, it does not. They at least have a better stance on morals than many of their liberal-Democrat counterparts.

Slow Week

Aside from goofy cheerleaders, idiots burning France, and the research being done on Supreme Court Justice nominee, Alito, this week has been rather, well, boring.

Even Microsoft's news of it's game console, Xbox 360, seems rather weak. Microsoft is predicting sales to be rather skewed, due to the fact that their newest Xbox will be the only contender in this year's Christmas sales. What a shame. I believe in fierce competition and therefore wish Sony would get off their butts and sell Playstation 3. But alas, I'll have to wait.

This strategy, of avoiding direct console sales openings with Microsoft, may be beneficial. Besides, Christmas sales wane the week before Christmas day and might not be the bang Microsoft is looking for. Yet, and I do mean yet, stranger things have happened...

(Cue flashback...)

Remember the authentic cabbage patch dolls? People were stealing them from each other's trunks. And how about the first Power Ranger dolls? I can remember lines of people, in front of toy stores, just to get the "Red Ranger". Tickle-Me-Elmo? Nintendo Gameboy SP's? Microsoft Xbox? Halo? Halo2? Freaky how people act over a toy or game.

My piece of advice: Start shopping now before you lose your senses. You'll thank yourself, and Santa, later.

Elmo Knows Your Name...

In news of the weird, one of the hottest new toys to hit the market is the, "Elmo-Knows-Your-Name" doll. Apparently, the doll can be hooked up to your PC and, through software, programmed to know your child's name.

So, I gave it a try on Sunday at the Super Walmart. I programmed the Elmo to say, "Jesse Jackson", and, lo and behold, Elmo said his name.

"I love you, Jesse Jackson.", Elmo blurted.

Of course the downside, to this goofiness, was explaining to my two boys 'who' Jesse Jackson is. Ah, parenthood.

Third Day: All Access Tour

If you're a big fan of the Christian rock band, Third Day, then this tour is for you. However, there is a catch: You can only win tickets to these small-venue shows. I had the great honor of winning tickets to last night's kickoff tour, here in Atlanta, Georgia, at Earthlink Live.

Sparing a long post for now, my oldest son and I attended the event. It was first come, first get for the seats. My son, who is 8, ran like the wind to get seats on the front row. We were only about 3 or 4 feat away from the band.

Third Day played the first hour (?) for a live radio and Internet simulcast. What this basically means is that the crowd and band are instructed per radio time, i.e. when to cheer and when the band was to play.

The highlight of the concert (for me) came on their second song, "Come Together", when Mac Powell waved to my son. I was beaming while my son was in shock. Of course the concert as a whole was awesome!

After the performance, Third Day was very generous to stay around, sign autographs, and talk to us. I felt bad because I know they wanted to get home to their families. My son and I met and spoke with them.

Mac, David, Tai, Brad, and Mark are the nicest, most humble guys you would ever meet. We've met them twice now (I've even met David a couple of times), and they are always willing to talk and, most importantly, praise God. If I'm sounding mushy, it's because all this is true.

I'll post a more detailed evening event later with pictures.
Be at peace!