''Sith'' tops the box office again, Amusement Parks,

Kevin, Sith is still kicking "LOTR" butt!!! Long Live Order 66!!!

Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | Box Office Report: Surprise -- ''Sith'' tops the box office again

Here's an article on some of the new rides at different parks around the USA! If it's not Cedar Point, it's just second rate. Long Live the Point!!!

Salisbury Post | LIFESTYLE | For theme park fans, this summer promises to be the best in a while

I'm still waiting for Sneaky Ninja's Devotionals to resume. The Blog would be a great place to post your devotions. :)

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Well, as many of you know, for the first time in 22 weeks, the greatest show on TV, 24, will not be on :( I was wondering if any of you have some good advice on what I can do to replace this very important 45 minutes of my Monday evenings til Jan. 2006. Please leave your comments.

Monday's Notes and Things

Another article on Anna Kournakova at RaceFest.

Anna-mania takes over at Racefest - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis

Starbucks comes to Salisbury. Wasn't that company owned by Dr. Evil a few years ago???

Salisbury Post | LOCAL NEWS | Starbucks will soon be perkin'

Does anyone find it VERY INTERESTING how Jimmie Johnson has one the last three 600 races since it was named LOWE'S Motor Speedway??? I guess it is just one of those weird concidences in life.

Charlotte Observer | 05/30/2005 | Johnson won't give up chase

Christian's Only SIX Games from Ring!!!

Way to Go Christian!!!

USATODAY.com - Miami turns up the Heat in Detroit, winning Game 3

Scott Fowler vs. Anna: Not a pretty sight

Kevin and I were there, and I have to agree with Mr. Fowler on that :)

Charlotte Observer | 05/29/2005 | Me vs. Anna: Not a pretty sight

Sunday's Notes and Things

Kidkeeper, Welcome to "Scott and Friends". I hope you enjoy the site and I hope you are not just another hardheaded, stubborn, know it all, Canup :)

Here's an update on the "Koran" sign at the Baptist Church.

-- Beliefnet.com

U2 Voted Best Live Band!!! Is this really a surprise??? All they needed to do was call me and I could have given them the answer.

U2 news article - from @U2

What doth Bono and Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) author have in common?

Weblog: What Doth Bono Have to Do with Rick Warren? - Christianity Today Magazine

Lastly, I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day and that we remember the sacrifices that soldiers have made for our Freedoms.

God Bless,

Scott

Wesley Blog: Church Music & Your Soul

I'm sure many of you have already read this excellent column. I have to say that I agree with Shane's opinions and hope that many more of our churches would be willing to accept change, and not grow stagnant, eventually die. Seven last words of the church "We never did it that way before".

Wesley Blog: Church Music & Your Soul

Jeff Gordon donates $1M for hospital

This great man is making a great contribution to our area, and some of you will still HATE this man, and spread rumors and lies about him.
Shame on You :)

Jeff Gordon donates $1M for hospital - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis

Notes and Things

Finfan, glad to see you back on board. You were missed!!!

I'm sorry that I did not get around to posting yesterday, for I know there are people out there who need my opinion, or articles that interests me, on a daily basis :)
Yesterday, I was very busy. I went to see Sith for the third time with Michael, and yes, it's still a good movie and I saw a few things that I did not catch the first two times. I saw Obi Wan pick up the light sabre that he will give to Luke. Missed that the other times.

Last night, I was the commencement speaker at Harvest Christian's Graduation Service. I thought it was a really good graduation, even if I was a speaker, and I spoke on Proverbs 3:5-7. I have to admit, I was a nervous wreck before speaking.

Then, many of the students and former basketball players met at Patrick's house. I got to play basketball (I'm very out of shape, I have to work on that real soon), ping pong (still have it after all those years). It was a great night to get to see everyone again. It was like a family reunion and was a lot of fun.

Today, I'm off to see Anna play tennis at the Speedway in a few hours. I hope she doesn't get beat too bad by those Nascar Drivers she's playing.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day Weekend, and stay safe!!!

Scott

My 24 Review, and EW.com ''24'': Jack's disappearing act

Now for what you all have been waiting for, my expert commentary on the greatest show on TV, 24. I believe that Cvlngnr has now watched the episode, so I can safely discuss the final hours.

First, I have to say on a scale of 1-10, I would give it an 8. I know it's not a ten, but I can be hard to please sometime. You can ask my ex players about a certain game at Comenius a few years ago.

Second, I am so glad that they have learned to give us a happy ending, for the first time in the series. I guess some may it's not a happy ending, with Jack on the run from the stupid Chinese. I hope this doesnt affect our importing of Chinese food, for I do love their food. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. The first season, we had the death of Terri, Jack's wife. That was not a happy ending. The second season, we had the infamous handshake with President Palmer and Mandy. The third season, Jack was just left crying in the car after the long day. Finally, the season ends with the great trio of Jack, Tony, and Michelle all alive and together. The only thing that could have been better, is if Chloe was there to give her support.

Third, I'm glad that Marwan will not be back to torment us. I guess that Jack will have a scar on his hand next season that will remind us of Marwan. Jack and Palmer now have a scar on their hand in common. I was a little disappointed that the missle was shot down so easily and it would not explode unless it hit it's target. I don't think they had mentioned that before, so that was a little disappointing.

Fourth, Mandy was something else. Killing her neighbors and being able to make them walk to a car to be blown up, WOW. She must have some amazing power of persuasion. I also liked how Tony cut his foot, to leave a trail for Jack to follow. Great thinking by Tony who I thought was just a dead man walking the entire episode. I'm disappointed that the previews showed Jack facing down Mandy with Tony her prisoner, so when the car blew up, I knew it wasnt them. If I had not seen the previews, I would have believed they were really dead. I also was afraid for a second that Michelle was about to be suicidal in the car. I'm glad she didn't stoop to that course of action.

I do have to say, it was a great season and I can hardly wait til Jan to see Day 5. I can't wait to see what Jack will have to deal with that day. Long Live 24!!!

Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | TV Watch: ''24'': Jack's disappearing act

"Holes will be 'SCARY'" says Roy

He's getting ready to have some kind of health problem. I just know it :)

newsobserver.com | College Sports

Laettner 7 Wins from Championship : )

Great Game Christian!!! Rasheed is a big baby!!!

FOXSports.com - NBA Playoffs- Scores

"Awesome God" banned from school's talent show!!!

Wow!!! People get upset on rumors of the Koran being flushed, but when Christians can't even seen a song at an elementary school's talent show, what a sad day in the USA!

News from Agape Press

Fantasy Football Mock Draft

I can't believe that it's only a few more months before I'm able to draft the greatest fantasy team of all time in the Aldridge Football League!!! Let's Go SledgeHammers!!!

SI.com - Writers - James Quintong: Football mock draft -- May edition - Thursday May 19, 2005 11:41AM

More Star Wars Funny Stories

Not only does Vader kill Jedi's, He robs banks!

ABC7Chicago.com: Person wearing Darth Vader mask robs Springfield theater

N.C. Church sign speaks the Truth? Would really like feedback on this one :)

What are your thoughts. I know that I do believe that the Bible is above every book, and that the Koran does not lead one to faith in Christ (or enter heaven).

But, is this the way to reach others with the gospel. I know some will say that Jesus sometimes took on people and used this time of approach. Jesus also was a friend of sinners and won them with love. Which one should we be doing?

The Digital Courier: Church sign sparks debate

Looks like the Democrats Won

"The more things change, the more they stay the same." I know someone said that many years ago.

News from Agape Press

Red Neck Star Wars

It had to happen eventually. Just glad it wasn't in NC.

Hillary Invites Iowa Supporters to D.C.?, Gas Prices Drop, and Wachovia & Bank of America News

I was wondering if anyone out there would have any idea why the senator from New York, formerly first lady from Arkansas, would be having people from Iowa over???? :)

Clinton Invites Iowa Supporters to D.C. - Yahoo! News

Good news at the pumps. Gas prices are falling.

FOXNews.com - Business - DOE: Gasoline Price Falls, Still Memorial Day Record

OH NO!!! WACHOVIA IS MY BANK!!! I'VE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET!!! YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON YOUR ACCOUNT THE NEXT FEW MONTHS!!!

Data at Bank of America, Wachovia, others compromised - May. 23, 2005

Laettner still 8 Wins from Championship :(

FOXSports.com - NBA Playoffs- Pistons use late run to pull away from Heat

24

The best show has just ended, or at least just over a hour ago. I will not write my final review, because Cvlngnir will not be able to watch it until later. I'll write my "blog (emmy) winning" review later this week.

''Revenge of the Sith'' makes box office history

Star Wars crushes Lord of the Rings :)

No more debate from Mr. Kevin Blackburn!

I Hope ;)

Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | Box Office Report: ''Revenge of the Sith'' makes box office history

FOXNews.com - Foxlife - 'Sith' Sets Three- and Four-Day Records

Kevin, It looks like the Lord of the Rings is a Big Loser. : )
I guess that Sith is the greatest$$$ movie of all time!!!

FOXNews.com - Foxlife - 'Sith' Sets Three- and Four-Day Records

Season Five for 24, Star Wars Midnight Earnings and Opening Day, X3's Gambit

This is great news as the greatest TV show today returns for a new season in Jan 2006!

USATODAY.com - Fox loosens its grip on reality

Great New, Kevin Blackburn. Star Wars is the greatest Midnight Movie ever, making over 16 million dollars. It more than doubled the overrated, Lord of the Rings 3rd movie :) By the way, Kevin believes that a movie must make a lot of money to be great (something like that :) )

USATODAY.com - 'Star Wars' grosses $16.5M in midnight run

Largest Single Day in Movie History!!!

Box Office Mojo > News > 'Sith' Destroys Single Day Record

There will be a gambit in the new X3, but it doesnt say how big a role he'll have.

Unknown Actor for Gambit

Osama bin Laden on the run with a team, Pakistan says

Do you think we'll ever catch Bin Laden. 9-11 will be 4 years ago this year, and he's not been caught. What is your opinion on whether we ever catch him?

USATODAY.com - Osama bin Laden on the run with a team, Pakistan says

Duke-UNC rivalry hits new heights on recruiting trail!

I know this was written by, Gregg Doyle, but it is something worth reading. I do not agree with the end of his article, though. I pray that that would never happen. It would definetly "not bring balance to the Force."

NCAA Basketball Duke-UNC rivalry hits new heights on recruiting trail - CBS SportsLine.com

Scott's Review of Sith

I've now seen the movie twice, so I'm now ready to write my review. I agree with most of the reviews that this is the best one of the prequels (Phantom Menace, Clones). The movie starts as all of them, with amazing action and special effects.

Obi Wan and Anakin are sent to rescue the Chancellor. R2D2 steals the first 15 minutes with some of the best scenes of the movie. We learn that R2 must have some Jedi in his circuits. He takes out some very large robots, and even has a since of humor. He has to hide his "cell phone" to keep the robots from finding him as Obi Wan is talking to him. Anakin takes care of Dooku and they return home.

The middle part of the movie is showing us how evil the chancellor is as he manipulates events to win Anakin to the Dark Side. The movie quickly grows darker and more sinister as Palpatine is getting his way.

Anakin will fall for the lies of Palpatine, and then attack his very own Jedi's. Mace is the first to die at Anakin's hands, and then the children. I did enjoy that the command to take out the Jed's by Darth Sidius was "Order 66". As many of you know, "66 is the greatest year of the 20th century". It did bring a smile to my face, even though it meant the destruction of the Jedi's.

The end was shocking (not really) but we have the long awaited duel with Vader and Obi Wan. It was the best light sabre duel of the series. Yoda, as a side effect, is taking on the emperor. It basically ends in a draw. Vader will eventually lose the lower part of his legs and then catch on fire.

We see the costume placed on Vader, and get to hear his famous breathing. At the same time, Luke and Leia are being born. Vader's wife unfortunately dies, after Vader puts a jedi choke hold on her, and Vader is lied to by the emperor once more. Vader believes he killed her and has no idea that his children were born.

X-Men 3, U2, and #1 Duke Basketball

I was asking a few people about a new X-MEN movie. I found this last night. Kelsey Grammar (aka Fraser Crane) has been signed to play Hank McCoy (Beast). I can't believe that, but it may work. I'm glad there working on this, and it'll be out next year.

Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | News: Kelsey Grammer to play Beast in ''X-Men 3''

This is an article about the upcoming concerts this Summer. Of course, U2 is the greatest tour that's going to be out there. It's only 206 days til Vertigo hits the Queen City :)

USATODAY.com - Tours de force

Duke Basketball continues to Dominate!!! I guess it must have been those commercials during "Matt's Boys" run to the championship. I guess the holes will have one championship in the 00's, and Duke may end up with three (01, 06, 07). Let's Go DUKE!!!


Winston-Salem Journal | Duke lands third commitment in three days

Calvin Klein's Newest Model

Watch out Marky Mark and Cosmo Kramer :)


U.S. Military Upset with Picture!

USATODAY.com - U.S. military upset as tabloids show Saddam in underwear

At least Saddam wasn't at Abu Ghraib!!!

Latest 'Star Wars' Movie Is Quickly Politicized

I wish we could go and enjoy a movie without looking for political or politically correct stuff. I've just got home from seeing "Sith" for the second time, and I just see it as good storytelling. I believe that we all know that most of hollywood is Democratic (or independent to make themself sound superior, cvngnir)and usually anti Christian values. We know that. If the movie is not Farenheidt 911, just go and have a good time. I'll have my review of Sith up later today, or tomorrow since I'll be going to bed soon.

Superstitions

I know that we just had "friday the 13th" last week, and that we are sometimes people who are very supersitious about things. I know that there is nothing to any of them, and that they are definetly not of God. I know the article that goes along with the title, brings in the aspect of Sovereignity and Calvinism, but I don't want to get into that tonight. What are some of the things that you have done that could be considered superstitous.

I know that I have the "habit" that I will wear the same thing everytime my team win. It's usually nothing more than a shirt (DUKE). When I was coaching basketball, I would try to have the same "routines" (especially if we were winning). Wear the same clothes, the same pre-game routines, music, etc. One season, we even had a special "Bioncle Bird" that joined our pre-game "habit". The team even had victory "routines" after a win. I always put the starters in the same order, unless there was a new starter (see the last NKCA season).

Do you have any "habits" "routines" "superstitions"?

Get US out of the UN

I think we need to get out of the United Nations. It is nothing but a welfare program for the world. We are the law abiding taxpayers and countries that want kill us are the welfare lords. I know FINSFAN touched a little on this "Capitalism" but what do you think? The UN is a waste of our time, money and some very good real estate in NYC. I say "Get US our of the UN!!"

Are you ready for this?

The one and only CVLNGNIR has finally got a place to let people know what he thinks, even if it just scott and darell. Anyway i will posting cool articals and my opinon (the right opinion) on other items posted as well. Hope you can handle it.

To filibuseter or not to filibuster??

Ok, lets get this thing rolling?? Lets get some opinions on this. Should the democrats filibuster the presidents nominees or not?? If so, should the Rep. use the "Nuclear Option", (and no Scotty, before you ask, no this has nothing to do with the missle on 24)? What would happen if the "nuclear option" was exercised?? Would the world explode, or the government, or even just the senate?? What if the Rep. party used the rule change to outlaw filibusters in general, not just those reguarding judicial nominations?? What if ALL senate filibusters were outlawed? The house doesn't even have them and they seem to be getting along just fine. Last time I checked they had not been blown up by some "NUCLEAR EXPLOSION".

So come on guys this is a very important decision for our nation, so lets get some feedback. (Also nobody has written on any of my threads....even if this is just my 2nd, so write anything....even if it is just Scotty saying he doesn't understand what us grown ups are talking about).

Fox Renews 24 for 5th Day :)

Fox is renewing the best show on TV, regardless of what Finrules believe. This is really good news!!!

Fox re-ups '24,' 'Arrested'

24

I've just finished watching another episode of the biggest adrenaline rush on TV. I sometimes if it's worth putting my "heart" through such emotions. I still don't see how they will tie all the lose ends together in two more hours, but I don't care as long as they don't kill Tony. It seems every season that Tony is going to either be a "mole" or die. I'm afraid that he is going to suffer the latter (for Darel, that means the last choice in the previous sentence). I will be more mad if they do this to Tony, than even season 1, when they killed off Terry. This show has a way of making sure that no couple ever survives.

The show has a missle that we have not been able to find on some kind of satellite, or radar for the past hour. The show has a habit of using so much technology, but they can't find this thing on any of our NORAD stuff. I guess that's another reason that we need a "STAR WARS" missle defense system (thanks, Ronald Reagan). It's amazing that we can track tornadoes, lightning strikes, size of hail, etc with Doppler Nine, but we can't find a nuclear missle in the last hour. :(

Mandy, I still have trouble remembering her from the past seasons (except the famous Palmer handshake) but she's quite interesting. I think she must be Nina's sister or cousin. She's just cold and heartless.

I'm glad to see Michelle and Tony get together, but that will doom Tony, I'm afraid. As I said earlier, the show will not allow couples to survive. If they would not have made up, he would be safe from being killed by Mandy, or even Jack. Jack has been known to sacrifice a few of his "friends". I like Jack, but I don't think he would make a good friend.

Palmer needs to have a cage match with the Speaker of the House. It would not last long, for sure.

Well, Next week promises to be another great episode, but I may be very angry by 10:00pm. I may need to go and drown my sorrows next Monday with a cold, delicious, ..... Sonic shake :)

FAVORITE SITCOMS ALL TIME

What is your all time favorite sitcom? I love Seinfield, but have to admit The Andy Griffin Show probably sent a better message. I loved both of them as well as The 70 show and a few other shows. What are some of the other good ones? And don't say The Simpsons, cartoons should be saved for Saturday morning.

USATODAY's Review "Revenge of the Sith"

It's getting closes and closer. The 24 clock is ticking down to Thursday, 12:01am.

Above-average Atlantic Hurricane season expected

I just hope that the places that got hit hard last year, Florida and even Western NC are spared this year, but at least it will give Jim Cantore something to do. It will also give me something to watch, because I am glued to the Weather Channel and the Hurricane Center Website during a Hurricane.

Christian's Only Eight Games from Ring!!!

The greatest college basketball player of all time is only 8 more wins from his first NBA ring. Let's Go Heat!!!

P.S. Finfan, I was wondering if you may not be a true Hole fan, but really a Duke fan. You do have a dog named, .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
.................CHRISTIAN!!! People usually name their dogs or even children (Cameron) after something that means a lot to them in a positive way. WOW!!! Finfan is a closet DUKE and Laettnar Fan. Amazing!!!

Kentucky Fans = Hole Fans

I saw this online, and it reminds me that the Holes are not the only people who are obsessed with DUKE. If you read the very last paragraph on this article, you will see the problem that Kentucky fans have. The article is about our very own, Duke Power Company.

Devils wouldn't be losing much

An update on the loss of Shav and how it will impact OUR DUKE BLUE DEVILS in 05-06 ;)

Spurrier is right about USC-UNC

This would be a great idea, but we all know that the tar holes would never play this game. Spurrier dominated them when he was coaching DUKE Football, so you can imagine how bad the Holes would lose with Spurrier coaching at a real football school. I sure hope this game takes place, but I'm not going to be holding my breath. :)

Anakin Skywalker = Darth Vader

Top 10 Amusement Parks in America

Cedar Point made the list, which did not surprise me, but Carowinds also was a top 10 park. I'm shocked. What do you think??? It beat out Six Flags over Georgia, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Universal Island of Adventures. I don't get it.

Duke's Shavlik Randolph Declares Himself Eligible For The NBA Draft

Now I know how all you tar hole fans feel. It's a terrible feeling to lose a basketball star to the NBA. I need to apologize for all the joy I felt when the "jailbreak" occurred a few weeks ago. I was not very nice to y'all, so please forgive me. After the lost of Shav, I guess we may be battling y'all to stay out of the ACC cellar. I sure hope coach K will be able to put a good team on the floor without Shav. I don't want to be bitter (see Dunleavy Jr. :) ), so I'll wish Shav the best of luck when he ends up with Ed Cota in the CBA, or the NBDL.

Die-hard fans pay $500 to see 'Star Wars'

That's a little out of my range to get to see the movie before next week. I can wait a few more days and save $490.

Star Wars' Generation flap

I know some of you may not care much, but I just can't get enough Star Wars Previews and articles. Less than one week, Let the Countdown begin. "Rise, Lord Vader".

Scott & Friends

I just wanted you, my faithful readers, to know that I've changed the name of my blog. The web address is still the same. I have decided to allow a few "friends" to be able to make posts on this site as well, and we can rip their opinions to shreds when they post (Darel). If you would like to als0 become a "friend" and make posts, let me know.

P.S. Dont let the people on "Fox and Friends" know the new title. They may own a copyright, trademark, or something like that.

Magnum XL & Millenium Force tie for #1

I saw where Magnum and Millenium Force tied for the #1 rollercoaster on the planet. That's pretty cool that Cedar Point would have the top two coasters on the entire planet. Way to Go, Cedar Point, from your biggest fan in N.C. I am disappointed that I did not get to place my vote, because I believe that Millenium Force is the best coaster. I believe the height (300+feet) and speed (93mph) make it Number One.

I'm shocked that the park was named the third best amusement park in the world. The article did not list who the top two are, but I find it hard to believe that anyone beats Cedar Point. CP is the "bomb" :)

Millenium Force

Luke Skywalker reminisces on 'Star Wars'

Only one week from tonight!!! :) Amen

Duke vs. UNC end date reserved / Schedules for growing ACC will focus on equity

I'm glad to here those two important details for next year's ACC Basketball. I'm glad that there keeping DUKE-unc the final game of the year for each school (unlike the new SPC that would not let Brown-Concord be the final game in their "new" league).

I'm also glad to see the league finally admit that last year's schedule was a joke. I said all year how the "tar holes" had the easiest schedule possible, and Duke's was outrageously difficult. I hope that they are sincere in making the schedule equal this year. I still think that unc will, once again, play most of the JV teams in the ACC this year. Of course, the JV teams will be able to beat the 2006 tar holes :)

Happy 45th Birthday Bono :)

Happy Birthday to the lead singer of the greatest band on earth: U2

ACC in Charlotte? Not looking good

I sure hate to here this. I knew there was a good reason that Duke and UNC were opposed to Expansion!!! It would hurt our area. I was hoping we would get the football championship game, STRIKE!!! Now this, we may not even get a chance for the Basketball Tournament. That's sad.

24

I don't see how they are going to tie up all these lose ends in the next three hours. The writers on this show seem to enjoy stretching everything to the EXTREME, but it sure is fun to watch. I know the body count tonight was one of the lowest for an episode, but the tension with the Chinese now, that was worth watching. I hope we don't put an enbargo on Chinese food. That would be a disaster and what this "jimmy carter" president would do. Palmer needs to slap him around a little bit.

I'm glad to see that Chloe and Jack could become an item. Chloe will be there for Jack at 8:00am. I know she would be better than Audrey. I don't like her at all. I'm also upset that Chloe was told she had a "personality disorder". That was not nice. Audrey has more of an disorder than "Commando Chloe".

I don't see how they're going to resolve this missile (unless we shoot it down over the great lakes, or it misfires into the Atlantic). It doesn't look good for some city on the east coast. I hope it's not Kannapolis that is the target.

The situation with China, and it looks like on the previews that they were firing a missle into Jack's car, if I saw that correctly. I also wonder if the show will have a special commercial reminding people that Chinese people are not all bad as they did with Muslims earlier in the season???

It looks like Tony and Michelle may get back together, but I read that two people are going to die in the final episode. I hope it's not like the first season, with Jack's wife being killed after getting back together.

The previews finally show Sec. Heller and his son from the beginning of the day. I was wondering what had happened to them. I have a bad feeling about those two and their possible involvement with Marwan. I wonder if Marwan will suffer the same fate as Nina, at the hands of Jack Bauer.

Hoping for a Fifth Day in 2006!

STEVEN SPIELBERG - SPIELBERG WEEPS AT STAR WARS SCREENING

Wow!!! Do You think you'll cry???

Mountain Preacher

I know that this story is making the rounds on a lot of blogs and here in the local news in the Charlotte, N.C. area. This story brings out the following opinions in me.

First, I do not believe that church membership should ever be based on anyone besides Jesus Christ. I believe that you have to be a Christian, which includes a profession of faith and to be baptized as a sign of that covenant, is the only qualifications for church membership that I believe is taught.

Second, I agree that a pastor in the pulpit on Sunday should not publicly endorse a specific candidate, but that pastors should preach the Word of God. If the things that the Bible teaches tend to favor one candidate over the other, so be it. I know there are issues that are taught in the Bible that fall into the platforms for both parties, so the priority of the individual will help shape his political opinions. If someone feels that Abortion is the most important Biblical teaching, then they will probably vote Republican. If someone feels that "Helping the Poor and Widows" is the most important Biblical teaching, then they will probably vote democrat.

Third, the threat of taking away a church's "tax exempt" status over this, and see how the democrats used churches in the past campaign, just seems very Hypocritical to me. I remember John Edwards came and spoke to an African American church in the Charlotte region, and no one screamed for that church to lose their "tax exempt" status. I have seen both parties do this, and it does not really bother me or will not sway me one way of the other in an election. I believe that there are people in the IRS that would love to see this begin, and the dominoe effect that this would have on churches is very scary to me.

Capitalism

Last night, I had dinner (or supper) with an old friend who many of you know, Darel Canup : )

We met at O'Charley's in Salisbury and as usual, had some very insightful topics. If you've ever seen the ESPN show, PTI, sometimes that's what it is like. The topics can range from, usually sports and his sorry teams : Tar Holes and the Dolphins. What a LOSER!!! to religion, politics, etc.

Last night, we got discussing the current state of gas prices. I was complaining, of course, that the oil companies are in cohoots to keep prices high and to continue to have record breaking profits, as they are having right now. Oil prices have dropped under $50.00 a barrel, but the cost at the pump has only come down, like 4 cents. He, of course, was taking the side and begin to espouse the "gospel of capitalism".

Now, dont get me wrong, I'm not saying that capitalism is not a good system, but I find it funny how some people think that Capitalism was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Rush Limbaugh, Most Republicans, and Darel Canup :) sometimes act as if Capitalism is from God and I was thinking about what does the Bible say about economic systems.

I know in the Old Testament, there was the year of Jubilee where all debt was canceled and slaves were free. It was a time to "start over" and was a demonstration of God's forgiveness to us. I know that our "Capitalist" system would definitely not be in favor of this. Banks would oppose it, and we just pass a law to make it more difficult for people to declare bankruptcy.

The early church was seen as a group who share all they had. You find that in Acts as the church is starting out. It seemed that there was not a "make as much money as I can" philosophy, but to do what was good for everyone.

Jesus taught a few parables that taught us to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us and to help the poor, widows, orphans, etc.

I dont think that the Bible really teaches either capitalism, communism, socialism, etc. but it clearly teaches us to be people who are forgiving of others (debts, sins, etc.), so share and help with our Christian brothers and sisters, and to be good stewards.

What do you think???

Thoughts on "Sith"

It's less than two weeks until the highly anticipated release of "Star Wars III (or VI, depending on your frame of reference) Revenge of the Sith." I am really excited to see how Anakin finally becomes the evil Vader. I know I'm really old, in some people's eyes, but Star Wars was one of the first movies that I ever saw at a movie theater. It was 1977, and I was only 10 years old. It was the days of Jimmy Carter ("Panama, you can have the panama canal back") and high gas prices ("somethings never change"). I remember my aunt Linda coming and taking me to the Gem Theater in Kannapolis. The price (I don't remember since when your 10 years old, you hardly pay for anything) was probably not much more than what a ticket to the Gem is today ("somethings never change"). I also believe some of the sticky places on the floor are the same today as back in 1977 :) When your 10, you still have a great imagination and everything seems larger than life. The movie was an incredible thing to see on the big screen. Videos on a TV, regardless how large your TV is (darel), does not do these movies justice.

I remember the opening scene, with the scroll telling about "A New Hope" but here was this space ship being attacked and taken over by these "storm troopers." Even at the age of 10, I thought that only Adolph Hitler had these soldiers, and that was 30+ years earlier. There was this firefight on board the ship, and throught the smoke came this creature, Darth Vader. For a 10 year old in the Gem Theater, He was really scary. The voice was the worse thing about him. He definetly sounded like he needed to sit down to talk to Oprah or Larry King, but they were not around in 1977. When and where was this "New Hope" going to come from. The movie did have a happy ending with the Death Star destroyed and, I thought, Vader spinning out of control in his ship to never be seen again. Boy, I was wrong about that in 1977. Vader and company would come back for more, in 1980 (Ronald Reagan, enough said) and in 1983 (U2 becoming popular, Amen). He came back in 1999 (NKCA basketball sucked, "let's be honest here") then in 2002 (NKCA basketball was conference champions!!!).

It's 2005, and I'm really excited about going to see how this will end up with Anakin putting on one of the most famous costumes, and getting "that voice" back. I hope to see it at Midnight when it opens and maybe a couple of more times that first weekend. "May the Force be with You."

Happy Anniversary unc

I just wanted to wish all my tar hole friends a happy, one month anniversary on their National Championship. I am really proud of the progress that Doherty's boys showed from their freshmen year to their senior year. It is truly a great, Hoosiers style movie. I cant wait for the movie, that I'm sure will be on ESPN within the year. It will be a huge night this fall when they play the movies Junction Boys, 3, and Roy's Boys. I cant wait to see who the actors to play our heroes.

Dean Smith, Marlon Brando if he was still alive, but i guess it will have to be Al Pacino.
Matt Doherty, it has to be George Clooney.
Roy Williams, I think Bruce Willis, with a toupee.
The Players, anyone from a Spike Lee Movie.

Well, I hope you all enjoy today. I'm sorry that the "jailbreak" occurred so fast, that it has taken some of the joy away from their great accomplishment, but enjoy the next 5 months as National Champions. The Joy will quickly once they take the court in October.

Let's Go DUKE!!!

24

Once again, 24 has to be the best show on TV. I know that you have to forget that some of the things that occur would never happen in real life (invading the Chinese embassy within 30 minutes, but it makes for exciting TV. I thought the end last night, with Jack storming into the ER and forcing the Doctors to leave Paul, and then watch him die, was a little "over the top". I can't wait to see how these last 4 hours are going to play out. President Palmer seems to answer to no one now, so He can really call all the shots. That should be interesting. The previews show the missle being loaded, so next Monday should be a "blast" :)

Doyle Duke Bashing

Greg Doyle has such a hard time saying anything nice about Duke. :) You can tell it was very hard for him to even write this article. He has to be a Tar Hole fan!!!

Hi! Welcome to my Blog

Hi, I've discoverd a site to begin blogging. It's amazing to me the things that we can do online. I hope that this blog will be something that you will like to come back to and see what's happening in the world of Aldridge. I'll try to keep you up to date on some important things, like what's going on in my life, 24, U2, GCTS, and life in general.

Scott