andrew dodson

Ever wonder why certain stories get so much air-time on television, radio, the internet, etc.? ESPN helps explain why, at least in the world of sports, they cover certain stories so much. You can apply this same logic to the world outside of sports, I assume. Kind of a long read, but it’s interesting. It’s all about the storyline.

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Here’s a rundown of a few random things:

• Jerry Falwell passed away today.  Shane did a short write up, and Challies chimed in as well.  I don’t know much about him, but I know that you either love him or hate him, judging by society’s opinion of him.  Not long ago, I watched a sermon of his on television, and actually took notes.  I have to admit that I didn’t agree with a lot of what he said in that sermon.
• I ended up leaving work at five.  I figured if I waited around and the system didn’t get fixed, I would’ve wasted my evening.  Instead, I’m enjoying a night at home.  I’ll just need to buckle down and be efficient tomorrow to catch up.
• I officially canceled my Verizon account today.  For the past several months, I’ve carried a Sprint Treo, but the cost to cancel my Verizon contract was more than it took to just pay the bill each month until the contract ran out.  I was pleasantly surprised that the call took less than five minutes.  They were extremely nice and didn’t question me at all.  No transfers to retention departments.  Easy as pie.

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I came across the “featured sermon” on John Piper’s website just now. It was from late 1986, and provided a glimpse into what was going on in my life when I was too young to pay attention, or understand. It turns out, the glimpse into the past is also a glimpse at the present. Seemingly, the world is no different now…

(it’s a long read, but worth it, if you have the time)

A Cause to Live for

I’d like to introduce everyone (and myself) to RSS. In a nutshell, the concept is this:

Instead of going to visit all of your favorite websites every day or every week (like this blog *wink*), you can use a news reader service or program to make life easier. I just downloaded NetNewsWire, and after fifteen minutes, I’m sold.

Waldo, creator of Nancies.org, gives us a nice run-down on all-things RSS:

Waldo Jaquith » Blog Archive » RSS for total newbies.

Last September, I had the opportunity to go to Florida to assist in the clean-up efforts from hurricanes. It was an amazing experience, and while I never hoped to see devastation like that again, I also knew that’d I’d do it again if I got the chance.

Now that Katrina has done her damage, I’ve realized it would be nearly impossible for me to go down to help out. September is the busiest month of the year at CLS, and we’re short an employee for the month (maternity leave). Not only is September the busiest month of the year, but we’re expecting September 2005 to be the busiest month in CLS history.

Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about going to Louisiana to help out. It seems victims of Katrina are coming to us – right here in Kentucky. Crestwood will be extremely busy over the next (insert amount of time here). We’re hosting at least one family, and possibly more. Churches all over are partnering with the Red Cross and local businesses to find families homes, jobs, schools, transportation – the works. We still don’t know a lot of the details, but we know people will start arriving to Kentucky at some point this next week. I know that I’m planning on helping out as much as I can.

Kentucky Baptist Assemblies has also offered up two of their properties – Jonathan Creek & Cedarmore – as a place for victims to stay. The Josh Martin Band is scheduled to perform at both of these places in the coming month, but I’ve yet to hear if the events will still take place.

I’d love to hear how others are planning on reaching out to help victims. If you’ve got a story, please post a comment and let me know.

I went to Georgetown College with the intentions of becoming a sports journalist. Thank God that idea changed pretty quick (although I stuck with my major and enjoyed it very much). I’m growing very tired of the media. Local, state, national, world. It doesn’t really matter.

In particular, I’m quite tired of the Karl Rove fiasco. How many people truly care about this? Democrats care because they consider it another black mark on President Bush’s tenure as our head hancho. Republicans care becuase they want to prove Democrats wrong, since the war in Iraq isn’t quite living up to its billing.

The only redeeming factor of the media? If it’s on TV, I can change the channel or turn it off. If it’s in the newspaper, I can put it down and open a book. If it’s on the internet, I can come to my blog and get on my soapbox.

*steps down*

We all know I’m a drummer (most of us, anyway). Several years ago, my mother would always say I should play drums for a Christian group. Me? Play drums in a Christian band? Yeah, right! Fast forward several years, and where can I be found? Playing drums for the Crestwood Baptist Church praise band.

Not only do my parents have an affinity for Christian music, they prefer southern gospel. When suggesting that I should play for a Christian group, I could tell they’d prefer it to be a southern gospel group. Me? Play drums for a southern gospel group? Yeah, right!

God had a different plan. This past week, I accepted the job as drummer for the Josh Martin Band. Not quite southern gospel – I’d call it Christian alt-country. Country music with an edge, and a Christian message.

My first gig with the band? Low and behold, a recording for a live worship album. Better git to practicin’!

AOL News – U.S. Coastlines May Be Next Frontier for Oil Drilling

Drilling in an Alaskan Wildlife Refuge? Not a good idea. Drilling off the coast, miles and miles away from existence? Yes!

Yeah, yeah. There’s still environmental issues with drilling in the ocean. Let’s give our forests and wildlife areas a rest though and explore elsewhere. After all:

An estimated 16 billion barrels of oil and 78 trillion cubic feet of natural gas lie in offshore areas currently off-limits, according to government and industry statistics. That’s enough oil to meet total U.S. demand for more than two years and enough natural gas to supply the country for three and a half years.

Let’s do it!

Most of the United States is caught up in the Terri Schiavo story right now. I figure I’ll add my two cents.

What’s happening to her right now is wrong. Who are we to play God and decide when this woman should die? There’s something wrong when the justice system can overrule her parents – the two people who brought her into this world. To all the people who would argue she has no chance of recovery, I pray you never have to experience a similar situation with a loved one. Then we’ll see how your feelings change.

While I’m on the subject (sort of)…

Over the past few years, my feelings about the death penalty have also changed. I used to believe anyone that committed murder should be put to death. Once again, humans would be playing God by flipping the switch or inserting the needle. This is wrong. While I’m in support of life sentences without parole, I don’t think we need to decide when a criminal should die.

Recently, the Supreme Court placed a ban on the death penalty for juveniles. While the following quote supports that decision, I believe it applies to criminals of all ages:

“(We encourage) … guidance that will lead young people away from violence and crime, but we do not turn our backs on those who commit criminal acts, including murder,” said Day, who leads the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, which prioritizes ministries to children and young people worldwide. “The Bible and the church teach love, forgiveness and the opportunity for restoration even in cases of the worst offenders.”

Ok – so what’s my opinion on war? After all, war involves humans killing other humans. Those who know me know that I’m a fan of President Bush and I’m pleased that Saddam Hussein is no longer in power (our pursuit of Osama bin Laden and whether or not we had a good strategy going into the war with Iraq are completely different subjects).

Bible.com has a nice response to the Christian viewpoint of war:

Where we find most of our problems with the military action of our government versus loving our enemies is that God’s law of justice for the taking of a life demands that life be taken; yet, God’s spiritual law of mercy and forgiveness grants that a murderer can be forgiven and restored. How can we reconcile this? We must understand that God instituted civil authorities to maintain order in the earth. God uses them to restrain evil and they should be obeyed for this purpose.

How can I be against the death penalty, but a supporter of war? It’s a touchy subject, for sure. I’m not sure I’ve thought up a good enough answer to put into words on this blog. Maybe we’ll revisit this post another day…

This week, my website turns three years old. To send your well-wishes, stop by, check it out, and post on my message board. Gifts and money can be sent directly to me