For those who don't see the Ellen Degeneres show (I don't), this clip shows Ellen trying to call Rep Sally Kern on her talk show.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Shame on you, Rep. Sally Kern
She had the audacity to say all this crap in a room full of right-wing fundamentlists, thinking no one would listen. And then, when she was confronted about this speech, she wanted to use the old "this is a democracy" and "its free speech" to defend her hateful tirade.
During this speech, she said she was not "anti-gay" and she wasn't "gay-bashing." But its very clear to anyone that reads it, she is a hateful monster.
Not only did she attack the GLBT community, she also admitted that Islam was a big threat to our country. Not only is she a homophobe, she is a religious bigot.
She used really stupid arguments to defend the idea that homosexuals are a threat to society, including that gays are infiltrating our schools to recruit young people and that they are a "death mill."
I hope anyone who reads this blog will go to this link in the HRC website: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/ok_rep_sally_kern_cen/
The more people that stand up to bigots like her, the more power we have to make sure that hate doesn't plague our government and our society.
Lets make our voices heard! Why would you want an ignorant, fundamentalist woman as a rep for your state (in this case, OK), and its clear that her mind is stuck in the 1950s. Alot of current research shows quite the opposite of what she said. I would really like to see where she gets her "facts."
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What made my heart happy today...
I went to the SGA meeting for the University of Houston tonight. There were two issues that were brought to the student senate...a new bill that would introduce "Gender Identity/Expression" into the nondiscrimination bill at UH and benefits for student veterans. While making sure that our men and women in uniform are guaranteed a better educational experience at UH, the meeting was almost entirely about the new bill. I was amazed at the overwhelming support at the meeting for it. I am grateful to go to a school where alot of students support equality for all people in the UH community.
I think that we will be able to introduce this into our nondiscrimination statement. Rice U has it. Some UH campuses satellite campuses have it. Why not UH main campus? And with a large group of students, staff, and faculty supporting it, its only a matter of time.
I am noticing that, in spite of it being a large public school where you can get lost easily, there are alot of friendly people in this school. As I was picking up mail at the front desk of cougar place, the girl working the desk was quite pleasant and really friendly. And I noticied alot of the staff being friendly too. After I left the meeting, I was taking an elevator with on of the maintence staff members, and he started some small talk, saying what a beautiful day we had and how he wished he did not have to work today. He was really nice. Even the cafeteria staff is generally friendly here!
I think seeing the goodness present on this campus is a response to prayer...prayers that I had made to see God's love and goodness present whereever I am...and thanks to those who prayed for me as well :)
I think that we will be able to introduce this into our nondiscrimination statement. Rice U has it. Some UH campuses satellite campuses have it. Why not UH main campus? And with a large group of students, staff, and faculty supporting it, its only a matter of time.
I am noticing that, in spite of it being a large public school where you can get lost easily, there are alot of friendly people in this school. As I was picking up mail at the front desk of cougar place, the girl working the desk was quite pleasant and really friendly. And I noticied alot of the staff being friendly too. After I left the meeting, I was taking an elevator with on of the maintence staff members, and he started some small talk, saying what a beautiful day we had and how he wished he did not have to work today. He was really nice. Even the cafeteria staff is generally friendly here!
I think seeing the goodness present on this campus is a response to prayer...prayers that I had made to see God's love and goodness present whereever I am...and thanks to those who prayed for me as well :)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Palm Sunday: March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday is March 16, 2008. In Roman Catholic and some mainline Protestant churches, Palm Sunday will be celebrated by having a processional during the service. This usually involves palm branches. The observance of Palm Sunday is based in Matthew 21:1-11. So if you have time to read this scripture, I suggest that you do so. It is about Christ coming into Jerusalem on a donkey and colt, in fulfillment of prophetic scripture.
Palm Sunday also starts what is commonly called Holy Week, which is the week that leads to Christ's celebrating Passover and instituting the Lord's Supper (Maundy Thursday), His crucifixion (Good Friday), His time in the tomb (Easter Vigil), and his resurrection and triumph over death (Easter Sunday). So if you are a Christian, I would suggest you go to church this Sunday, next week, and Easter, if possible. At least make it to the Easter service. And if you are not a Christian and want to learn more about why Christians observe Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday….you can start by reading the lectionary readings for Palm Sunday, as well as some additional readings in Matthew that talk about Christ, his suffering, death, and resurrection. Then go to church and see how much God really loves you!
Sunday of the Passion
Palm Sunday
March 16, 2008
Procession with Palms: Matthew 21:1-11
Liturgy of the Passion:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2: 5-11
Matthew 26:14 - 27:66 or 27:11-54
Additional Readings in Matthew (read this during Holy Week, or whenever you want):
Sunday: Matthew 21:1-17
Monday: Matthew 26:1-16
Tuesday: Matthew 26:17-46
Wednesday: Matthew 26:47-75
Thursday: Matthew 27:1-26
Friday: Matthew 27:27-56
Saturday: Matthew 27:57-66
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thoughts on my life after graduating from HBU
Its almost going to be one academic year since I graduated from HBU. I miss my friends there, and I wish I had the time to go hang out with some of them. And maybe do some alumni networking too :)
So far, I am learning that time heals all wounds. Or, from my perspective, if I trust God with my heart and give him some time, He will definitely heal some emotional wounds.
I am thankful that I no longer go there, which is surprising. I don't hate the school, but I am realizing that it was time to move on. Going to another (secular) school and experiencing a different environment was what I needed. I have been at that school for five years. I needed something new in my life.
And I am now more aware of what I have been missing out on by going to a Christian school. I love HBU, but U of H is bigger and has alot of opportunities in research, academics, and student life. For example, the economics department here is alot bigger and we actually have a Ph.D program. There are hundreds of student organizations. This includes some liberal groups and different religious organizations, whereas HBU student groups are few, and most religious groups are Baptist in nature.
And so far, I am meeting alot if different people and they are actually quite friendly. I do miss the size of HBU, where I can actually get to know people better and have closer friendships. U of H is really huge, and it is hard making friends. I had little friends the entire fall semester, but through my involvement in some of the groups here, I am getting to know more people on a personal level. It took me a while to do this, however.
Well, in a nutshell, I am truly thankful that I am here. When I came to this school, I was worried that I would never adjust to going to a big public school. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to attend, and happier that God truly answers prayer.
In a letter written by Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer of Christian Science, there are some ideas that I am including in my prayers about finding my right place in the universe, and it is still helping me during this transition from HBU to U of H. So I leave you with these words, which I hope will help you if you are in the same boat:
"Who says, 'I have finished my work and must find another place'? God alone directs and outlines. You do not know whether it is right to stay here or to go there except as the steps are put before you day by day. Even if your desires are in line with progress, you must surrender all human will. There must be no personal sense, no material planning, no expression of such falsehood. All is patience, calm obedience, because God is all-in-all, and God is everywhere. All is quiet, loving, scientific harmony. God is right where you are. Stand still and lift your vision...We cannot change environment. We can only change our sense of environment and we can never do this in any way but through the elevation of our own thought about things.. God is the only environment. We have to clear our own vision, sweep away the rubbish of fear, impatience, and a false estimate of our fellow man and know that the one Mind shines through and governs all."
~Mary Baker Eddy
"Letter from Mary Baker Eddy to Adam H. Dickey"
Much Love to all,
Magdiel
So far, I am learning that time heals all wounds. Or, from my perspective, if I trust God with my heart and give him some time, He will definitely heal some emotional wounds.
I am thankful that I no longer go there, which is surprising. I don't hate the school, but I am realizing that it was time to move on. Going to another (secular) school and experiencing a different environment was what I needed. I have been at that school for five years. I needed something new in my life.
And I am now more aware of what I have been missing out on by going to a Christian school. I love HBU, but U of H is bigger and has alot of opportunities in research, academics, and student life. For example, the economics department here is alot bigger and we actually have a Ph.D program. There are hundreds of student organizations. This includes some liberal groups and different religious organizations, whereas HBU student groups are few, and most religious groups are Baptist in nature.
And so far, I am meeting alot if different people and they are actually quite friendly. I do miss the size of HBU, where I can actually get to know people better and have closer friendships. U of H is really huge, and it is hard making friends. I had little friends the entire fall semester, but through my involvement in some of the groups here, I am getting to know more people on a personal level. It took me a while to do this, however.
Well, in a nutshell, I am truly thankful that I am here. When I came to this school, I was worried that I would never adjust to going to a big public school. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to attend, and happier that God truly answers prayer.
In a letter written by Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer of Christian Science, there are some ideas that I am including in my prayers about finding my right place in the universe, and it is still helping me during this transition from HBU to U of H. So I leave you with these words, which I hope will help you if you are in the same boat:
"Who says, 'I have finished my work and must find another place'? God alone directs and outlines. You do not know whether it is right to stay here or to go there except as the steps are put before you day by day. Even if your desires are in line with progress, you must surrender all human will. There must be no personal sense, no material planning, no expression of such falsehood. All is patience, calm obedience, because God is all-in-all, and God is everywhere. All is quiet, loving, scientific harmony. God is right where you are. Stand still and lift your vision...We cannot change environment. We can only change our sense of environment and we can never do this in any way but through the elevation of our own thought about things.. God is the only environment. We have to clear our own vision, sweep away the rubbish of fear, impatience, and a false estimate of our fellow man and know that the one Mind shines through and governs all."
~Mary Baker Eddy
"Letter from Mary Baker Eddy to Adam H. Dickey"
Much Love to all,
Magdiel
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Thoughts on the demolition of Cougar Place
I read in The Daily Cougar that Cougar Place will be torn down around August 2009 and will be replaced with another dormitory.
Apparently the apartment complex was not made to last more than 15 years. Cougar Place was built in 1981, which means that this place has been around for about 27 years. That is WAY MORE than the amount of time the complex was supposed to last. And it shows...Cougar Place has alot of problems and needs alot of renovations.
I was actually forced to live here. I applied late for housing, and there were no more rooms in any of the dormitories or apartments on campus. So, they place me in temporary housing in Moody Towers. I hated it there and I hated the community bathrooms. Luckily, I was reassigned to Cougar Place.
And Cougar Place has been a blessing to me. Its right across the street from my classes and the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. I am not forced to buy a meal plan. I have ALOT of privacy, and the people here are generally nice. And let us not forget that it is pretty economical compared to the dorms and apartments.
If they build another dormitory here, the only thing I am worried about is losing the privacy, the freedom of having my own apartment, and having to buy a meal plan (I do not like the cafeteria food here, ick).
So, if they tear down this place, I might move to Couhln Lofts, which is geared to professional and graduate students. It will be close to Melcher Hall, so I will be living around Business majors. However, its a longer walk to my classes. Which I do not like either.
Oh well, personally I like Cougar Place because of convenience, that is it. Its sad to see this place go, but I think its for the best. I will lose alot of the benefits of living here, but I think I would like living in Couhln Lofts (I don't know if that is spelled correctly, I apologize for any misspellings). I like the idea of living in a loft, even though it will cost a lot more. And I think I will only be living there for about a year, since I am planning to get my PH.D somewhere else. I shall see what happens. God always has something good in store, and I can't wait to see his plan unfold for my life :)
Apparently the apartment complex was not made to last more than 15 years. Cougar Place was built in 1981, which means that this place has been around for about 27 years. That is WAY MORE than the amount of time the complex was supposed to last. And it shows...Cougar Place has alot of problems and needs alot of renovations.
I was actually forced to live here. I applied late for housing, and there were no more rooms in any of the dormitories or apartments on campus. So, they place me in temporary housing in Moody Towers. I hated it there and I hated the community bathrooms. Luckily, I was reassigned to Cougar Place.
And Cougar Place has been a blessing to me. Its right across the street from my classes and the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. I am not forced to buy a meal plan. I have ALOT of privacy, and the people here are generally nice. And let us not forget that it is pretty economical compared to the dorms and apartments.
If they build another dormitory here, the only thing I am worried about is losing the privacy, the freedom of having my own apartment, and having to buy a meal plan (I do not like the cafeteria food here, ick).
So, if they tear down this place, I might move to Couhln Lofts, which is geared to professional and graduate students. It will be close to Melcher Hall, so I will be living around Business majors. However, its a longer walk to my classes. Which I do not like either.
Oh well, personally I like Cougar Place because of convenience, that is it. Its sad to see this place go, but I think its for the best. I will lose alot of the benefits of living here, but I think I would like living in Couhln Lofts (I don't know if that is spelled correctly, I apologize for any misspellings). I like the idea of living in a loft, even though it will cost a lot more. And I think I will only be living there for about a year, since I am planning to get my PH.D somewhere else. I shall see what happens. God always has something good in store, and I can't wait to see his plan unfold for my life :)
Project Vote Smart
I was at the UC at U of H and ran into a group of people that represent an organization called Project Vote Smart. It is a non-partisan, independent group, whose goal is to provide the American public with information for all elected officials in every level of government (state, local, federal). They don't accept any funds from any political or special interest groups, so they depend largely on the public for money and volunteers.
If you are interested in learning more about people who are running for office, especially those who would like to fill the highest office in the land, visit their website: www.vote-smart.org. They gather information on bills that they helped pass, statements they have made, issues and where they stand, etc. Their sources come from government, transcripts, speeches, the candidates themselves, newspapers and magazine, etc. And they seek to be objective as possible, so that the average American can be informed about who they are voting for.
And feel free to check the other website links on my blog, called "Favorite Websites." They might have information that is beneficial to you or others.
And I have been slacking on my blogging, but I shall fix that :) Promise LoL.
If you are interested in learning more about people who are running for office, especially those who would like to fill the highest office in the land, visit their website: www.vote-smart.org. They gather information on bills that they helped pass, statements they have made, issues and where they stand, etc. Their sources come from government, transcripts, speeches, the candidates themselves, newspapers and magazine, etc. And they seek to be objective as possible, so that the average American can be informed about who they are voting for.
And feel free to check the other website links on my blog, called "Favorite Websites." They might have information that is beneficial to you or others.
And I have been slacking on my blogging, but I shall fix that :) Promise LoL.
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