Fruit

I don't mean to brag but I've apparently got quite the green thumb. Check it out.

For those unfamiliar, these are pineapple plants. I know; I'm pretty awesome, right?

On the nightstand and in the queue

What am I reading......?

Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Jerry Bridges
-Our life group is rolling through this one right now. It is pretty good so far. Talks about the things we tend to overlook. Convicting and thought-provoking.

Letters To a Young Conservative by Dinesh D'Souza
-D'Souza was a policy aid to Ronald Reagan's White House (at the age of 26). Smart guy. Writes and speaks on the virtues of conservatism and the lunacy of liberalism. Naturally, I'm drawn to the man. This book is a series of letters written to a fictitious college student explaining the basic conservative principles. Good stuff.

Heroic Conservatism by Michael Gershon
-Gershon was a speechwriter for Pres. George W. Bush. He claims that the Republican party should back social programs similar to the things President Bush has pushed over the last 8 years. This book is about the Republican Party "regaining its soul by investing in the poor and social equality programs". This is what happens when journalists disregard economics. His claims are examples of out of control government spending. I'm not a fan. Aside from the short-sighted policies, this book is a defense of the character of George W. Bush. There are some touching stories about our 43rd President. The book is ok so far.

Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Kids Really Learn by a bunch of people with difficult names
-I haven't really started this one but it seems interesting. Looking forward to it.

What do I want to read next.........?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
-I was told I'd like this one. We'll see.

Tsar by Ted Bell
-Political fiction. This one sounds awesome.

The God Who Smokes: A Scandalous Meditation on Faith by Timothy Stoner
-Anything that challenges commonly held views is valuable even if it is complete nonsense. This one may be great but it also may be crap.

That's what I'm doing. How about you?

Election

Politics is communication. The vast majority of folks in this country vote one or two issues and disregard the rest. This is completely normal. The rest of life is this way. Most people get by with doing or knowing one or two things really well and are just mediocre at the rest. Example: That computer you're looking at. The best computers (Dell and Mac from what I hear) assemble parts from companies that specialize in each component of the machine. The company that makes the best microchip, does not worry about other pieces of hardware. In life, specialization works whereas general familiarity with all subjects gives you just enough knowledge to be dangerous. Your average voter instinctively gets this. The Evangelical votes based on abortion and gay marriage, the hunter votes on the second amendment rights, the soccer Mom votes education, the liberal votes blindly and arrogantly defends his nonsensical position. (Face!)

I vote taxes. There is a myth floating around the country that rich people don't pay "their fair share" of taxes. This is patently absurd. Rich people pay taxes. Poor folks on the other hand.......nevermind. Another myth floating around is that the "Bush tax cuts" only cut the taxes of the filthy rich and giant oil companies. Basic arithmetic coupled with an elementary understanding of taxation will bludgeon this argument to pieces. The average middle class family was left with additional disposable income because of the cuts as well as the opportunity for higher pay because their boss also had more disposable income. Allow these cuts to lapse in 2010 and we shall see who really benefitted because they will be the loudest screamers.

Here is the truth: Tax Cuts across the board are good but they must be accompanied by spending cuts. The forced removal of one man's property given to another man is inherently unfair. Adding insult to injury is the fact that the former man worked for his property while the latter man sat on his behind. High confiscatory tax rates kill the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic that has driven the last 200 years of our history. "Spreading the wealth" is theft clothed in platitude. John McCain is imperfect but he will keep taxes low and cut wasteful spending. He's got my heart.

(For the record, Alan predicts a McCain/Palin victory with exactly 270 electoral votes. Ohio and Florida will go red. Write it down.)

Ike

My mother has a beach house in Surfside Beach, Texas. Surfside is a nice little place to the immediate west of Galveston. It is one of my top 5 favorite places on the planet. This has less to do with the location and more to do with the fact that I see my favorite people when I'm there. Grandparents, Aunt and Uncle and cousins as well as the rest of the Brothers Gable are the usual suspects. It has meant much to me because it is a place that represents the entirety of my family. As I've gotten a little older, I've been confronted with a reality that never ocurred to me as a little dude; that as families grow, it becomes much more difficult to find times when everyone can get together. The beach house in Texas carries some rich memories of the times we were all together.

As you know, Hurricane Ike swept through recently and really jacked the entire area. Thought you might be interested in seeing some before and after pictures of the beach house.

This is Pre-Ike. Yeah, that's snow. That was a weird Christmas when it snowed in South Texas.

Rear View Pre-Ike. Notice the siding in tact as well as the lack of telephone poles on the ground.

View down the boardwalk from the deck.

Post Ike. The beachfront migrated closer to the house and the boardwalk (see above) is either underwater or taken somewhere else.

She may be leaning a bit here.

We're hopeful that repairs can be made but we still don't know much. Either way, the God of Heaven gave us some great times in the beach house and they are memories that I'll store away for the rest of my life.

Tacet

I had a music teacher in elementary school who used to yell "Tacet!" at us when she wanted us to be quiet. Apparently it was a music nerd joke so if you got it........sorry.


I have been quasi-silent on my blog for a little while. However, I have returned. In the next few days, I'll be adding some things over at my writings page so go over there and check out some of the new stuff if you so desire. Hope it is something you can enjoy. Perhaps I can convince some of the old readers to swing by once again...

America's Team

Been watching the latest HBO Sports series called Hard Knocks. It chronicles, in NFL Films documentary style, training camp for The Dallas Cowboys. So far, the first couple of episodes have reached the "ninja" level of awesomeness (which, as anyone knows, is about as awesome as anything gets). I have some thoughts about the Dallas Cowboys that I'd like to share.

1. Tony Romo is pretty talented. I think his quick throwing motion is a necessity in the modern speed-rich NFL game.
2. Jason Witten tops my list of "favorite dudes I'm not important enough to hang out with".
3. Felix Jones-RB, the Cowboys' 2008 first round draft pick and former Razorback, gives an already stacked offense, just one more explosive weapon.
4. Martellus Bennett-TE, the Cowboys' 2nd round pick, needs a good kick in the rear. Totally worthless. His attitude makes me want to either puke or throw some blunt object at him. Maybe Witten can show him what's up.
5. Jason Garrett, offensive coordinator, really is that smart.
6. Zach Thomas is no fool...(That's for you Donoho!)
7. As a general rule, nepotism is one of the worst practices of any organization. Jerry Jones's son works for the Cowboys. Wade Phillips's son works for the Cowboys. Jason Garrett's 2 brothers work for the Cowboys. Cowboys' 2008 Motto - "We promote family values almost as much as we promote family members."
8. Still on the fence about Adam Jones. I'm cautiously optimistic. Although, TO has smoked him several times. Then again, TO smokes everyone.
9. 2009-New Cowboys' Stadium is going to be a good place for America's Team to defend their Super Bowl title.
10. I think Leonard Davis ate an entire camel. The man is large.

M.S., CCC-SLP/CBIS

Krisi is awesome. She continues to increase in general awesomeness. I'm glad she's with me and I'm incredibly proud of her.

Look at all that credentialing. My wife is now a certified brain injury specialist. Congrats, baby.

Radical Idea

Recently, I was told by some dependable sources to listen to a few lessons from a guy in Knoxville named Greg Pinkner. I've been listening to his series on the Gospel of John and, although I've read this particular book about a bagillion times, Pinkner has opened up to me a fairly simple yet radical idea that has, before now, never fully occured to me. Since I was a little guy, I've understood the facts surrounding the arrival of Jesus but I've never camped out in its meaning. The idea that God lived as a human being is the highest idea in all humanity. John says that if there is a God and he has walked among us, then nothing else matters. All else is framed in that concept. I am still chewing on what this means.

If you want a good and really deep survey of John, you may want to check out Pinkner's series on itunes at the Crossroads Service of Fellowship Church in Knoxville. If you're a "notes in your Bible" type person, then you may want to find a Bible like 17 inch margins...

Shorn Domes and Anti-Inflammation

A few weeks ago, I was priviledged to be able to shave my brother's head. This ritual cleansing was necessary for Jared for many reasons including but not limited to peace in the Middle East and as a protest against global deforestation. Here are a few pictures of the sexy devil.

As payment for allowing me to weild the pet clippers, Jared has forced me to follow the "Anti-Inflammatory Diet" for 4 weeks. Dr. Asa Andrew of Nashville, TN is the author of the diet as well as his book Empowering Your Health. The basic premises of the anti-inflammatory diet are that large portions of the American diet cause inflammation in the digestive tract which manifests itself throughout the body in the form of different ailments and many well known diseases. The main culprets, according to Dr. Asa, are processed sugars (duh), cow's milk dairy products, and wheat. All meals on the anti-inflammatory diet consist of equal portions of good healthy fats, low glycemic carbohydrates, and lean proteins. Good foods include eggs(yolk and all), lean organic meats, vegetables, low glycemic fruits(berries), goat's milk products, nuts (except for peanuts). Bad foods include breads, pasta, peanuts, soy of any kind, pork, shellfish, potatoes, corn, twinkies. In addition to diet alterations, the anti-inflammatory diet includes the foundational 4 supplements: cod liver oil(liquid form), whole food multivitamin, digestive enzymes, and something called Probiotic. Dr. Asa's claims are sometimes wild and extreme which originally lead me to question his medical legitimacy. But, to argue with results is generally unwise. After 2 weeks, I've lost weight, my moods have stabilized to where I am generally happy, my concentration level has increased, I sleep more soundly, and I've had no problems with my allergies even after mowing the yard. Perhaps this man is on to something. If you have a health concern from arthritis to fibromyalgia, the anti-inflammatory diet is at least worth looking into. I feel great.

P.S. You can find out more by getting the doctor's book or listening to his podcast, Dr. Asa On Call. Very interesting radio show...

Let me know if you have any questions.

I posted this a few days ago in a different location but I thought I post it here as well.

It seems to me...that every man has at least one vice that continually beats the trash out of him. Once he becomes self aware enough to recognize it, he can then begin to try to conquer. However, he must exercise extreme caution because his pursuit of abolishing his one great flaw will leave him vulnerable to a multitude of corresponding demons. Personal example: My great flaw is overindulgence. This mainly pertains to food, but can and does bleed over into other aspects of life. Increased discipline can pretty much control this habit, but this discipline (usually in the form of a restricted diet and exercise) usually gives way to anger (because my comfort mechanism is taken away), pride (because I think myself awesome for being able to slay the foe) and laziness (because my battle with gluttony becomes an excuse to neglect other things). There are a few places in scripture that reference this principle saying that when a demon is cast out of a man, the place is swept clean. But when the demon returns, which he always does, he sees that there is room for 7 of his closest demon friends and the man is worse off now than in the beginning.I think this may be a more subtle portion of man's share of "the curse". God talked about him working the ground by the sweat of his brow which would only produce fruit along with some painful thorns. Maybe the man's heart works in a similar way. The more he works to clear away all the junk, the more weed-like things will take root and just keep working him over. May your fight produce good fruit, and may those thorns be small.