Costume day at Lampo

Today those at Lampo who dressed up in costumes for Halloween got free doughnuts. So, I wore a mask.

Here we all are.

Here's me.

Bump Music from The Dave Ramsey Show

I've been meaning to post about this for a while now. Over at Dave Ramsey's web site, you can occasionally check out the bump music that producer Blake Thompson uses for The Dave Ramsey Show. There's a lot of people who enjoy his taste in music.

Here's the music he used from the show on 10.29.08. I've linked them to Amazon in case you are interested hearing the sample MP3 or purchasing it.

• U2 - Bullet the Blue Sky
  
• Cold War - Kids Something is Not Right with Me
  
• Drivin N Cryin - Fly Me Courageous
  
• Neil Young - Rockin' in the Free World
  
• Ryan Adams - If I'm a Stranger
  
• The Zombies - Time of the Season
  
• Rush - Limelight
  
• Black Crowes - Remedy
  
• Love is Noise
• The Verve - Love is Noise

Don't Vote from Hollywood

There is this little website that put out a video of celebrities telling us to not vote. It is actually a public service announcement encouraging you to vote. They've done 2 and below is the second.



It's effective. It's entertaining. For the most part it is well done.

Still, there is just something about a celebrity telling me what to do. Watching this almost makes me inclined not to vote. Ok, not really, but there is still something about this that I don't like. Do I feel like Hollywood thinks they can manipulate me? Is that it? I don't know...I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe it's this...

Image by Getty Images
via DaylifeWhen I was little, my mom would let me pick out my own cereal at the grocery store each week. I got one box to last me all week. Well, I was a big Michael Jordan fan and the day he was put on the Wheaties box I knew I would like that cereal if he liked it. Guess what, I felt like MJ lied to me. It was gross. I went a whole week without my beloved Count-Chocula cereal and my mom made me eat that entire box of Wheaties. You can't add enough sugar to make that stuff taste good.

I don't know, maybe I just don't trust celebrities after that. Look at him smoking that cigar and smiling from the money he made off me. Don't worry, I still like you MJ. I hope as a fellow North Carolinian, you'll keep reading my blog.

Offering Phone Support

Several months ago I signed up to beta test a Web site that I will allow to remain nameless. Then today they sent me an email letting me know that the site is out of beta and they are open for business. So, I clicked on over to see how things are going. I noticed that my beta account had to be downgraded to a free account or I had to pay to upgrade to a premium account. So, I decided to look at their sales matrix just to compare the features and something stood out to me that seemed a little steep. See if it stands out to you (I tried to help by drawing an arrow for you).Now, I am not accustom to using phone support and if I were I doubt I would ever pay for it. I can't imagine that I am in the minority of customers who feel this way, but maybe I am wrong. Anyway, it made me wonder "what is a fair price for phone support?" I just don't think $49 for phone support is worth the cost of a site that costs $12 a month.

I also wondered if this was just a way to say to customers "don't call us!"

Monday Night Football: Titans vs. Colts

Image by Getty Images
via DaylifeCooler weather is starting to set in here in Tennessee. Leaves are beginning to change color and that means football is in the prime of the season. Tonight on Monday Night Football, the Indianapolis Colts at 3-3 come to town to play the undefeated Tennessee Titans who are at 6-0.

There's no way I'll predict who is going to win, but I love watching this game. It's always a fun one to watch and the fact that it is on Monday night this year makes it even more special.

Oh...and to Troy who posted this a few months back enjoy this clip of Lendale White in the off season.



Whoops...I meant to show this one...

Am I entitled to healthcare?

Image by Army.mil via FlickrThis has been the issue that has irked me this election year (and well before that). Since when does my employer have an obligation to provide me health care benefits? Furthermore, when exactly did I become entitled to any benefits from my employer? Don't get me wrong, health care costs are ridiculous and those companies that provide it out of the goodness of their hearts and not because a union has kicked and screamed for it, I applaud you.

However, when the government and those running for office step in and say they are going to help the average Joe by making sure companies take care of their employees with health care benefits then I want to vomit. That's the road to socialism.

You see, I am healthy. I pay my own insurance premium. [-Warning: Sarcasm Alert!-]
So, why doesn't the government make my employer pay for my auto insurance, or provide me with a home. Isn't every American entitled to own their home? Then let's make "big old greedy business" buy those homes and pay off those cars for employees. How about it? Also, it's not enough that you give me vacation...I demand you pay for the expenses of where ever I choose to go.[-Sarcasm Complete-]

Ronald Regan said something along these lines..."if someone knocks at your door and says they’re from the government and here to help, RUN!" I couldn't agree more.

uugh...I can't wait until the election is here and college basketball returns.

Logos Bible Software Ref Tagger

Image via Wikipedia

A few weeks ago, I learned about a new tool for blogs that I like a lot. It is a Bible reference tagger put out by Logos Bible Software. It is completely free and works great. Plus, if you have the actual Bible software on your computer it integrates with that as well.

Logos is by far the top of the line when it comes to Bible software. Any seminary student would be thrilled to have it as a resource. Anyway, the reference tagger is a script you add to your blog template, then if you were to type a scripture reference into your blog post, the script automatically links that reference. Below is an example of what it looks like.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

So, if you reference scriptures very often this is a great tool to have. It works great and it's free You can get the ref tagger code here.

Boasting in the law

Image via WikipediaMy personality likes to have rules. If I know what is expected of me then I can hold up my end of the bargain. However, that also means that I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain as well. I like to have things spelled out up front.

Unfortunately this can be a disadvantage at times. It's easy to find my identity in boasting (even if it is to myself) about how good I am at following rules. I try not to think about all the rules I fail to follow though.

Yesterday I had the privilege to speak at a small Tennessee congregation. I spoke on Romans 4:1-5:21. It's all about following rules. That was the problem. The Apostle Paul points out that too many people are boasting about how well they follow the law, which puts them at risk of thinking God owes them something (eternal life) in return. Entitlement thinking is dangerous. Especially when keeping the whole law is impossible.

Yesterday reinforced my thinking when it comes to pointing fingers. I have nothing to boast about. I couldn't keep the law. Thankfully, God still chose me anyway.

Experiencing grace is hard for a person who gives attention to detail.

Minimizing hurt in your life

Today is a rare Saturday post, but it is one I think you may enjoy. I am prepping for some sermons I am giving tomorrow so in order to get myself in that mindset, I'm going to do a quick warm up excercise and give you a small illustration with 3 points (which is not the way I typically preach).

The illustration...(fast forward to about 2:45 if you're in a hurry)



And your three points...

1. Work in your strengths. Do the things that you do best. Use the abilities God blessed you with.
2. Don't use things the way they should not be used. For example, don't stand on tables.
   
3. Plant your feet on solid ground. Trust in Jesus and not your own stage.

Zemanta - Nice Blog Tool

Image by Zemanta via CrunchBaseI try to be careful about the images I put on my blog, because I never know who is going to get upset about an image that might be theirs. I certainly don't infringe on copyrights, so rather than go out and search for images that are "legal" and free to use, I discovered this Firefox plug in called Zemanta.

It works great with Blogger. When you are editing a post, it has a display just to the right of the editor that allows you to drag and drop royalty free images into your post that are related to your content. You can also add feeds from your friends blogs and Zemanta will search for related content within those blogs. It also will make tag suggestions for you.

This is actually the first post I have done using the tool. I think I like it. I feel good about being legal and it saved me a lot of time.

Seth Godin's Tribes

Last night I finished up my advanced copy of Tribes by Seth Godin. It was great. This book isn't anything like his others because this one isn't about marketing. It's about leadership. It's full of one liners that will motivate the leader inside of you. If you read this book trying to figure out how it's going to make you more money...find another book. This book is about making you a success at those things you are passionate about and having people join you on your journey. It's good for motivation.

Its release date is today, so order up!

Balloon Release Gone Bad

This video is a great visualization of what Murphy's Law looks like. Just when you think you get your problem solved, something else happens. This is one of the funniest videos I've seen all year. This group is releasing balloons for some kind of event for orphans. It's sad...but hilarious.

Southwest Airlines Hallelujah

I find it interesting in our day and age how people get so upset on the issues of prayer in the school, 10 commandments being displayed on public property and the other constant bickering that takes place about religious tolerance. That's why the Southwest Airlines Hallelujah commercial that is currently running on TV stands out to me.



There's no question that Southwest is the top airlines right now. Their story is remarkable. I wonder if they considered how "Hallelujah" is transliterated as "praise Yah[weh]" the Judeo and Christian God and if it would have an impact on their business. If anyone knows what they are doing, I bet it's Southwest.

Why I love Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover

There are several reasons why I like to use Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover (MyTMMO), but yesterday I was reminded of one the reasons I like it most. I have over 35,000 researchers at my fingertips. They help me find information on topics that pertain to more than just money. The members give insight into life. The message boards are second to none on the internet. The quality and caliber of people who interact at MyTMMO are simply incredible. They're a sharp group. Ask them anything and I bet you get your answer.

For weeks I had been looking for a quote I had seen long ago. I could not remember who said it and exactly what they said. I gave a few clues and within minutes I had the answer I was looking for from a kind person in Minnesota. I'd use this over Yahoo Answers anyday.

MyTMMO - I love it.

Washington's Farewell Address in 1796

The 2008 Presidential race and the timing of other events in Washington and politics have left me in disgust. The more the candidates talk, the more I dislike the idea of either one (Obama or McCain) becoming our next President.

I wonder how George Washington would have faced these times today. In Washington's farewell address as President in 1796 he said the following:

...They [political parties] serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community;...

As I have mentioned to others already, I think one of the most patriotic things I can do as an American today is to disassociate with any and all political parties. I am going independent.

Ah...it feels good.

The Dave Ramsey Show Conspiracy Theory

About 2 months ago a lady called into The Dave Ramsey Show to let Dave know that he has no clue about what he is talking about when it comes to United First Financial and their money merge accounts. Needless to say, Rhonda from Mobile AL and Dave did not see eye to eye. The call was heated.

Then, yesterday we were listening to the show and Melanie from Jackson MS, calls Dave to let him know that she doesn't like him. Only I thought she sounded strangely familiar.

Listen to the two calls below, provided by Dave Ramsey's My Total Money Makeover , and tell me they are not the same lady...

Rhonda's Call vs. Melanie's Call

National Pet Peeve Week

Thanks to a man named Ed, I learned here that it is National Pet Peeve Week (October 5-11). Since my blog is known as Pet Peeving, it seems fitting that we celebrate, right? So, let's get the ball rolling by everyone who visits Pet Peeving or reads this post in a reader today, leave their peeves in the comments.

The Christmas Sweater

I was privy to a galley copy of Glenn Beck's The Christmas Sweater. The book is scheduled to release in stores November 11, 2008.

The book follows several years of a young boy after struggling with his family during one particular Christmas in the 70's. The story actually brought out thoughts and emotions from my own life that at times literally had me in tears. The story is an inspiring one and very timely. As Americans worry about the current state of our economy and in the next month begin to wonder what Christmas will look like, this book will have you counting your blessings. Seriously, I would pre-order this book and have it surprise you in November. It will make Christmas this year so much better for you.

As far as a critique...I doubt the writer's out there will find this as a literary masterpiece. Still, the story was good. Also, some might hesitate reading the book because Glenn Beck is Mormon. I actually had forgotten he was Mormon until after I had finished the book. Nothing in the book tipped me off.

It's a good time to run for office

After last night's vote by the Senate to pass the economic "bailout", I am left to wonder who will get my vote in any upcoming elections. When a vast majority of Americans are telling their representatives to vote "no" and they don't....geez. As for Bob Corker and Lamar Alexandar of TN...pack your bags. We voted you in and then you betrayed your constituents.

Nice.

"I have a decided heart" and nothing either man does between now and the next election will convince me to vote for them.

It's been awhile since I've had a pet peeve. This is it - politicians.

More Dave Ramsey on Economic Bailout

This is Dave Ramsey on Fox News this morning.



Congress is working to vote on another ridiculous package today. I wonder if those in Washington are familiar with the phrase "a new broom sweeps clean".

Did you hear in this segment that Donald Trump agreed with Dave Ramsey? That doesn't happen everyday.