sordid story
was it a gender neutral bathroom?
what's next?
what's next?
a grade school kid contends that she was raped and her grade school classmates say that it was consensual?
Montgomery County
People's Republic of Maryland
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Teen charged with rape contends incident in Rockville high school bathroom was consensual
Teen charged with rape contends incident in Rockville high school bathroom was consensual - Baltimore Sun
Monday, March 27, 2017
temporary fix for a noisy furnace
noisy furnace problem temporarily solved.
rubber tie down straps
aka rubber tarp straps or bungee cords
available in most general and auto stores
works like a charm. all the banging caused by the furnace fan (pressure changes when the fan turns on and off) in the return air duct and plenum is gone.
What caused the problem in the first place?
short answer: metal fatigue. Fatigue (material) - Wikipedia
a thin metal surface that undergoes repeated stress reversals (fan off = no pressure; fan on = pressure) is subject to metal fatigue (bend a wire coat hanger back and forth repeatedly and eventually it will break).
Dents in the metal surface (during or after manufacture and construction, e.g. a thrown ball or toy, rough-housing kids, etc.) create stress points that add to the metal fatigue. As pressure cycles increase (fan off/fan on), the metal gets weaker, and "popping" noises from the furnace metal worsens.
The furnace noise problem could have been prevented by:
What caused the problem in the first place?
short answer: metal fatigue. Fatigue (material) - Wikipedia
a thin metal surface that undergoes repeated stress reversals (fan off = no pressure; fan on = pressure) is subject to metal fatigue (bend a wire coat hanger back and forth repeatedly and eventually it will break).
Dents in the metal surface (during or after manufacture and construction, e.g. a thrown ball or toy, rough-housing kids, etc.) create stress points that add to the metal fatigue. As pressure cycles increase (fan off/fan on), the metal gets weaker, and "popping" noises from the furnace metal worsens.
The furnace noise problem could have been prevented by:
- providing thicker metal surfaces (during manufacture)
- providing bracing (during manufacture)
- providing a walled enclosure for the furnace (immediately following installation)
Thursday, March 23, 2017
why blame the russians?
While statistics aren't in for the 2016 election, the Bipartisan Policy Center has stated that turnout for 2012 was 57.5 percent of the eligible voters, which they claim was a decline from 2008. They estimate that as a percent of eligible voters, turn out was: 2000, 54.2%; in 2004 60.4%; 2008 62.3%; and 2012 57.5%.
Sy Syms (1926–2009), who was born Seymour Merinsky, was a former sports broadcaster and regularly appeared in the company's television and radio commercials. He is also credited with coining the company's slogan, "An Educated Consumer is our Best Customer".
The same applies to voters. If only half of eligible voters vote, and many in the other half don't educate themselves on the candidates and the issues, then how can you blame the outcome on the Russians, or anybody else, for that matter?
Walt Kelly, creator of the comic strip "Pogo" wrote: "we have met the enemy and he is us."
You are sooooo right, Mr. Kelly!
In the next election, vote. Before you vote, educate yourself on the issues and the candidates.
Then we won't have to listen to all this nonsense about the Russians, Jim Comey, etc. being to blame.
Sy Syms (1926–2009), who was born Seymour Merinsky, was a former sports broadcaster and regularly appeared in the company's television and radio commercials. He is also credited with coining the company's slogan, "An Educated Consumer is our Best Customer".
The same applies to voters. If only half of eligible voters vote, and many in the other half don't educate themselves on the candidates and the issues, then how can you blame the outcome on the Russians, or anybody else, for that matter?
Walt Kelly, creator of the comic strip "Pogo" wrote: "we have met the enemy and he is us."
You are sooooo right, Mr. Kelly!
In the next election, vote. Before you vote, educate yourself on the issues and the candidates.
Then we won't have to listen to all this nonsense about the Russians, Jim Comey, etc. being to blame.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
the problem with our nation
You know the type:
- overly opinionated
- argumentative
- quarrelsome
- insulting
- pugnacious
- divisive
- doesn't play well with others
like Congress.
These are some of the uncompromising extremists in Congress:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Caucus#Membership
This is not to say that there aren't other extremists in Congress, e.g. Chuck Schumer (a.k.a. Harry Reid Jr.), Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Warren, John Lewis, etc.
and let's not forget combatant-in-chief in the white house--trump.
We need leaders who can work together and compromise for the good of the country:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress#Powers_of_Congress
These are some of the uncompromising extremists in Congress:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Caucus#Membership
This is not to say that there aren't other extremists in Congress, e.g. Chuck Schumer (a.k.a. Harry Reid Jr.), Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Warren, John Lewis, etc.
and let's not forget combatant-in-chief in the white house--trump.
We need leaders who can work together and compromise for the good of the country:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress#Powers_of_Congress
There is a solution:
In the next election--national, state or local--vote for anyone except a democrat or a republican.
Our nation will be better off if you do.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
fake news and the dishonest media
As if we didn't know already, fake news is real. President Trump's first budget proposal to Congress last week specifically identified steep cuts to hundreds of domestic programs, but Meals on Wheels wasn't one of them. Here's the truth about Meals on Wheels in Trump's budget
Donald Trump schools dishonest media in freewheeling press conference - Washington Times
Donald Trump schools dishonest media in freewheeling press conference - Washington Times
Saturday, March 18, 2017
the high cost of featherbedding
federal budget deficit = $800 billion/yr.
national debt = $20 trillion.
how much of that is featherbedding? politicians funding agencies and federal programs that don't provide benefits comparable to their cost.
answer: a LOT.
/
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is concerned that a $73 million reduction in federal funding will negatively impact cleanup efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation shocked at elimination of funding
The federal budget deficit is $600 billion/yr. The national debt is $20 trillion.
Who pollutes the bay?
Here's a novel idea. Make those who pollute the bay clean it up. Enforce laws. Increase fines.
I'm as upset about the polluted Chesapeake Bay as anyone; but, I'm also upset with the federal budget deficit and the national debt. The time to renew social conscientiousness about pollution, littering, wasting our resources, recycling, etc. is WAY past due. Hit the polluters and the litterers where it really hurts--in their wallet!
Chesapeake Bay Foundation shocked at elimination of funding
The federal budget deficit is $600 billion/yr. The national debt is $20 trillion.
Who pollutes the bay?
Here's a novel idea. Make those who pollute the bay clean it up. Enforce laws. Increase fines.
I'm as upset about the polluted Chesapeake Bay as anyone; but, I'm also upset with the federal budget deficit and the national debt. The time to renew social conscientiousness about pollution, littering, wasting our resources, recycling, etc. is WAY past due. Hit the polluters and the litterers where it really hurts--in their wallet!
Cartoonist Walt Kelly of "Pogo" fame had it right--We have met the enemy and he is us." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comic_strip)#.22We_have_met_the_enemy_and_he_is_us..22
Friday, March 17, 2017
populism and abuse of authority
Those with authority have a responsibility to use it wisely.
Populism is people holding accountable those who abuse their power.
All authority comes from God.
Ultimately, God will hold accountable those who abuse their authority.
"Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered [him], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above.”
John 19: 10-11
Monday, March 13, 2017
Jesus is Truth
So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants [would] be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king.* For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
John chap. 18 verses 33-38
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017
tempest in a teapot
- politics
- news media
- grandstanding democrats
- grandstanding republicans
- constant rancor and turmoil
- character assassinations
- social media
- protests
are things really that bad?
or, do we live in a tempest in a teapot?
Monday, March 6, 2017
David
As a child in catholic school, I was taught that if you mess up badly, then you go to hell. The church says if we go to confession, confess our sins, are sorry, and the priest absolves us, then we won't go to hell. But, if you mess up badly, and die before you go to confession, then you go to hell. Is this true? or is this control? and perhaps arrogance (speaking for God)?
There's not much hope in believing that if you mess up badly, then you go to hell. There is hope in believing that it's all about how much we love God that determines whether or not we go to hell.
Look at King David. He messed up royally (excuse the pun). 2 Samuel, chapter 11
The bible tells us that David loved God and that God loves David. 10 Reasons David is Called “A Man After God’s Own Heart” - Ron Edmondson
David messed up badly; but, he loved God greatly. God loved David in return; He promised to send a Savior from David's descendants.
We all mess up badly. There's hope in believing that if we love God greatly, then all is not lost.
There's not much hope in believing that if you mess up badly, then you go to hell. There is hope in believing that it's all about how much we love God that determines whether or not we go to hell.
Look at King David. He messed up royally (excuse the pun). 2 Samuel, chapter 11
The bible tells us that David loved God and that God loves David. 10 Reasons David is Called “A Man After God’s Own Heart” - Ron Edmondson
David messed up badly; but, he loved God greatly. God loved David in return; He promised to send a Savior from David's descendants.
We all mess up badly. There's hope in believing that if we love God greatly, then all is not lost.
2 Samuel 6: 14-23
Saturday, March 4, 2017
children's storybook
I have an idea for a children's storybook. It's about a lamb and the Good Shepherd. John 10: 1-18
the story is also inspired by the music from "You are in control", and particularly the song "Under the waterfall". WORSHIP [TFH33: You are in Control] Vineyard - Under the Waterfall - YouTube
The story begins with a happy lamb. The lamb loves Jesus. The lamb wants to be close to Jesus. The lamb is always at Jesus' feet. When Jesus sits, the lamb sits in Jesus' lap and kisses (licks) him. When Jesus sleeps, the lamb cuddles next to Jesus. The lamb is very happy.
This is a wonderful image. I particularly like Jesus' dark complexion, which is more true to the place and time that Jesus lived. (I'm thinking that the illustrations in the book would show Jesus without the halo).
The next part of the book would show the lamb crying. In the distance would be three crosses and the city of Jerusalem beyond that. The lamb is inconsolable because Jesus is dying.
The next part of the book shows the lamb in the garden with risen Jesus. The lamb is happy again--even happier than before the crucifixion.
The last part of the book shows the lamb on a cloud with Jesus in heaven (maybe a waterfall and rainbow in the background). The lamb is happiest of all. The lamb and Jesus will be together forever.
the end
the story is also inspired by the music from "You are in control", and particularly the song "Under the waterfall". WORSHIP [TFH33: You are in Control] Vineyard - Under the Waterfall - YouTube
The story begins with a happy lamb. The lamb loves Jesus. The lamb wants to be close to Jesus. The lamb is always at Jesus' feet. When Jesus sits, the lamb sits in Jesus' lap and kisses (licks) him. When Jesus sleeps, the lamb cuddles next to Jesus. The lamb is very happy.
The next part of the book would show the lamb crying. In the distance would be three crosses and the city of Jerusalem beyond that. The lamb is inconsolable because Jesus is dying.
The next part of the book shows the lamb in the garden with risen Jesus. The lamb is happy again--even happier than before the crucifixion.
The last part of the book shows the lamb on a cloud with Jesus in heaven (maybe a waterfall and rainbow in the background). The lamb is happiest of all. The lamb and Jesus will be together forever.
the end
Friday, March 3, 2017
catholic church mismanagement
Pope Francis may be ‘backsliding’ on paedophile priest crackdown, senior Catholic official warns | The Independent
Does Pope Francis need to rethink improvisational management?
"improvisational management"?
mismanagement?
or no management?
The roman catholic church is in turmoil. The priests-sexually-abusing-minors-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal extends over the tenures of the last three popes (one of whom is a saint). The roman catholic church has done a horrible job managing this crisis when it is really quite simple:
perhaps he doesn't.
Does Pope Francis need to rethink improvisational management?
"improvisational management"?
mismanagement?
or no management?
The roman catholic church is in turmoil. The priests-sexually-abusing-minors-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal extends over the tenures of the last three popes (one of whom is a saint). The roman catholic church has done a horrible job managing this crisis when it is really quite simple:
- IMMEDIATELY declare "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa", and MEAN IT.
- DO everything possible for the victims.
- IMMEDIATELY turn the allegations over to the proper government authorities for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution (given that sexually abusing minors, and covering it up, are crimes).
- If priests are found guilty of sexual abuse, and/or bishops are found guilty of covering it up, then purge them from the church IMMEDIATELY.
- Install every safeguard possible to prevent these crimes from ever happening again.
- If it ever happens again, then repeat steps 1 thru 5 IMMEDIATELY.
perhaps he doesn't.
or perhaps, like his two predecessors, he's just a lousy manager.
It isn't the catholic church's job to enforce government laws. It's government's job to enforce its laws. Matthew 22:21
It's the catholic church's job to protect, and to assist government authorities in protecting, the church's members and other members of society from predator priests and from bishops who protect predator priests.
The catholic church's hierarchy have done a terrible job of ridding the catholic church from priest and bishop criminals. What should have been done in the first days, weeks and months after the priests-sexually-abusing-children-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal became public (six simple steps) hasn't been done in the more than a decade since these horrible crimes became public. Shame on Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, and Pope John Paul II, and shame on the catholic church.
Pope Francis in his four years as leader of the roman catholic church has been critical of many, including young catholics for being too rigid.
Pope Francis: Factory Closures Are a 'Serious Sin'
None of those who Pope Francis has criticized meet the gravity of priests' criminal child molestation and higher-ups covering it up. Matthew 23
Breda O’Brien: Pope Francis must prioritise child safety
Slocum defrocked by Pope Francis | News | bradfordera.com
"Slocum was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Donald Trautman in March 2011 when the allegations came to light, Persico said.
“Once the authorities were involved in this, it’s our policy to step back and let it run its course,” he said. “As it progressed and came to trial, it was obvious, with what he did, that he could not go back to ministry.
“It only made sense to have him dismissed,” the bishop said. “In August 2011, Bishop Trautman sent the case over to Rome. We finally got a decision on it Nov. 8, 2016.”
5+ years later? "... finally ..." indeed!
Breda O'Brien and Bishops Donald Trautman and Lawrence Persico get it. Pope Francis doesn't, and neither did his two predecessors.
It isn't the catholic church's job to enforce government laws. It's government's job to enforce its laws. Matthew 22:21
It's the catholic church's job to protect, and to assist government authorities in protecting, the church's members and other members of society from predator priests and from bishops who protect predator priests.
The catholic church's hierarchy have done a terrible job of ridding the catholic church from priest and bishop criminals. What should have been done in the first days, weeks and months after the priests-sexually-abusing-children-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal became public (six simple steps) hasn't been done in the more than a decade since these horrible crimes became public. Shame on Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, and Pope John Paul II, and shame on the catholic church.
Pope Francis in his four years as leader of the roman catholic church has been critical of many, including young catholics for being too rigid.
Pope Francis: Factory Closures Are a 'Serious Sin'
None of those who Pope Francis has criticized meet the gravity of priests' criminal child molestation and higher-ups covering it up. Matthew 23
Breda O’Brien: Pope Francis must prioritise child safety
Slocum defrocked by Pope Francis | News | bradfordera.com
"Slocum was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Donald Trautman in March 2011 when the allegations came to light, Persico said.
“Once the authorities were involved in this, it’s our policy to step back and let it run its course,” he said. “As it progressed and came to trial, it was obvious, with what he did, that he could not go back to ministry.
“It only made sense to have him dismissed,” the bishop said. “In August 2011, Bishop Trautman sent the case over to Rome. We finally got a decision on it Nov. 8, 2016.”
5+ years later? "... finally ..." indeed!
Breda O'Brien and Bishops Donald Trautman and Lawrence Persico get it. Pope Francis doesn't, and neither did his two predecessors.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
cyberbully
They gave Pope Francis four years to ‘make the Church over again.’ Here’s how he’s tried. | Blogs | Lifesitenews
Facts:
"The church is in turmoil. The priests-sexually-abusing-minors-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal extends over the tenures of the last three popes (one of whom is a saint). The church has done a horrible job managing this crisis when it is really quite simple: (1) IMMEDIATELY declare "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa", and MEAN IT; (2) DO everything possible for the victims; (3) IMMEDIATELY turn the allegations over to the proper government authorities for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution (given that sexually abusing minors, and covering it up, are crimes); (4) If priests are found guilty of sexual abuse, and/or bishops are found guilty of covering it up, then purge them from the church IMMEDIATELY; (5) install every safeguard possible to prevent these crimes from ever happening again; and (6) if it ever happens again, then repeat steps 1 thru 5 IMMEDIATELY."
replies to my comment from a cyberbully:
not only is geo a cyberbully, but he's also a hypocrite.
and here's what the pathetic cyberbully/hypocrite geo said:
geo
lol.. What are you babbling about.? Are you so hurt by my words that you felt the need to investigate me? You are a very sad person.
12:34 p.m., Friday March 3
pathetic.
another gratuitous reply to my comment, while not a personal attack, is troubling:
I would add that all homosexual priests, nuns, bishops and cardinals need to be purged from the church.
my comments (not posted on lifesitenews.com):
I doubt that I will ever visit lifesitenews.com again.
Facts:
- the church is in turmoil
- the priests-sexually-abusing-minors-and-bishops-covering-it-up is a horrible scandal that extends over the tenures of the last three popes (one of whom is a saint)
- the church has done a horrible job managing this crisis
"The church is in turmoil. The priests-sexually-abusing-minors-and-bishops-covering-it-up scandal extends over the tenures of the last three popes (one of whom is a saint). The church has done a horrible job managing this crisis when it is really quite simple: (1) IMMEDIATELY declare "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa", and MEAN IT; (2) DO everything possible for the victims; (3) IMMEDIATELY turn the allegations over to the proper government authorities for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution (given that sexually abusing minors, and covering it up, are crimes); (4) If priests are found guilty of sexual abuse, and/or bishops are found guilty of covering it up, then purge them from the church IMMEDIATELY; (5) install every safeguard possible to prevent these crimes from ever happening again; and (6) if it ever happens again, then repeat steps 1 thru 5 IMMEDIATELY."
replies to my comment from a cyberbully:
not only is geo a cyberbully, but he's also a hypocrite.
and here's what the pathetic cyberbully/hypocrite geo said:
geo
lol.. What are you babbling about.? Are you so hurt by my words that you felt the need to investigate me? You are a very sad person.
12:34 p.m., Friday March 3
pathetic.
another gratuitous reply to my comment, while not a personal attack, is troubling:
I would add that all homosexual priests, nuns, bishops and cardinals need to be purged from the church.
my comments (not posted on lifesitenews.com):
- homosexuality, in and of itself, is not a sin.*
- a sexual act with a child is not only a sin, but also, it's a crime. priests who sexually violate children, and bishops who cover it up, commit crimes. Violations of our laws should, and must, be investigated, and prosecuted by our government, if warranted.
- excommunication is a church process.
- we are all sinners.
* homosexuality is no more a sin than being bisexual.
- a married man who has relations with a woman other than his wife commits a grave sin.
- a priest who has sexual contact with a child commits a grave sin. A bishop who covers it up also commits a grave sin.
sin is in the act.
I doubt that I will ever visit lifesitenews.com again.
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