Jake Mabe

The most recent post Karl Rove - Cleared I made comments about media types, I would like to post that there is always one exception in every category. One in radio, one in television and one in print. The exception in print is my friend Jake Mabe.

Jake Mabe is a friend and one that happens to be a media type. He is a writer with two community newspaper's one in Halls and one in Powell both communities in Knox County.

Jake maintains a blog that is informative and covers many of his interest; baseball, movies, sports and politics.

It is great that you are the exception to the rule.

Karl Rove - Cleared

The "protected source" of Judith Miller was announced this morning. sidebar. So much for protection there Judith. Just a reminder, Keep media types at bay. Only tell them what you want everyone to know. They can't be trusted.

All you people conspiring and theorizing that Karl Rove was the leak, should be ashamed of yourselves. I can hear it already, "Libby is just the fall guy for Rove, Bush and Cheney." or "Libby is taking one for the team."

Get over yourselves and admit you were wrong about Karl Rove.

Mr. Chief Justice

John Roberts was confirmed and sworn-in as the youngest Chief Justice in more than 200 years, yesterday.

President Bush will now nominate someone for the associate justice position to be vacated by the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I have hopes of someone that will pass the scrutiny of the Senate and will interept the law, not make laws from the bench.

Timeline of Ronnie Earle's Witchhunt

Here is the Timeline of Ronnie Earle's Three-Year "Investigation"

2000 - Texas legislature begins redistricting after the U.S. Census

2002 - Democrats in the state legislature defeat redistricting map to hold on to key Democrat incumbents.

Texans for a Republican Majority (TRMPAC) is founded. Delay serves on advisory board along with four other Texas elected officials.

In the November elections, Republicans win a majority in the state legislature.

Earle immediately begins investigating TRMPAC.

2003 - The Republican legislature takes on their constitutionally mandated duty to reapportion the districts for the U.S. House of Representatives with the new U.S. Census numbers.

2004 - Republicans take control of the Texas delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in history.

Earle empanels Grand Jury after Grand Jury after Grand Jury.

2005 -

May 12

Ronnie Earle keynotes a Democrat fundraiser to take back the state legislature and personally attacks Delay in his prepared speech.

September 9th

Earle admits in an Austin American-Statesman article that he does not have jurisdiction on the case and that Delay is not a target of the investigation.

September 11th

Austin American-Statesman prints an editorial slamming Earle for wrapping up the investigation without "indicating" individuals.

September 28th

Earle caves under the pressure, invents new evidence to get around jurisdictional disputes and produces a frivolous indictment of Tom Delay tahtb will not hold up in court --- thereby forcing Delay to temporarily step down for his Leadership position.

This Timeline along with other facts of the case can be found at Tom Delay's website.

"The Hammer" Tom Delay

Ronnie Earle tried to take out Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,she was found to be innocent of his charges. The Democrats and liberals wanted to remove Delay from the leadership. They succeeded because the Republican's have a rule that if you are under indictment you must step down from leadership positions. The Democrats have NO rule, they can and do serve while under indictment.

In my Links there has always been a Tom Delay link, this is his Majority Leader webpage. In addition I am adding his website. At his website, you can sign up to support Tom Delay by listing your email address and zip code.

UT Wins In Spite Of The Naysayers

On Monday I was traveling back from a days work in North Georgia listening to Sports Talk Radio on the Sports Animal FM 99.1, FM 99.3 and Am 990. Also the Vol Network pre-game call-in show. Oh, how everybody said it couldn't be done, how Randy Sanders and Phillip Fulmer are too predictable. Pat Ryan said(I never understood what makes Pat an expert) they have to stay with Ainge.

Well, even as the second half started I believed that it could be done and Rick Clausen proved that it could be done. I also believe that Pat Ryan is wrong a two quarterback system can work. If Phillip Fulmer and Randy Sanders had listened to Pat Ryan Tennessee would have lost 48-7.

What you have to understand is that if things are not going for you in the first half, you must adjust in the second half or become a failure. That is true in every aspect of your life. You must make adjustments to win the ultimate prize or cross the finish line victorious.

I am sure all the naysayers will be back on the Sports Animal this morning, praising Coach Fulmer and Sanders, that's just part of the profession called coaching but especially true of coaching in the Orange Nation.

Ultimately for me this was sweeter than the Miracle at South Bend. Because they took the crowd of 91000 plus in tiger stadium and rendered them speechless and,the quickest exodus out of a football stadium that I have ever seen.

Coach Miles, Welcome to the SEC.

State Senator Terry Roland?

KnoxBlog has Terry Roland's letter to the Shelby County Election Commission. Terry Roland is the Republican candidate that lost by 13 votes to Democrat and sister to retired, indicted and under house arrest John Ford, Ophelia Ford.

Certainly 13 votes is reason enough for a close examination, however with everything that occurred in the course of this election, we all know that a close examination is necessary.

Good Luck Terry Roland. You represent the Republican Party well.

Quotes from Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr.

"My father taught me that the only helping hand you're ever going to be able to rely on is the one at the end of your sleeve"

"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."

"The government taxes you when you bring home a paycheck.
It taxes you when you make a phone call.
It taxes you when you turn on a light.
It taxes you when you sell a stock.
It taxes you when you fill your car with gas.
It taxes you when you ride a plane.
It taxes you when you get married.
Then it taxes you when you die.
This is taxual insanity and it must end."

J.C. Watts, Jr. former quarterback in the Canadian Football League and University of Oklahoma - Retired U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma (R)

Media Writers Contradict One Another?

In the Thursday edition of the Powell News located at the Halls News Website under the Thursday writer links there is a potential contradiction among two community writers.

Betty Bean writes

Hemlock all around

Then there’s that blogging boardinghouse guy, Stacey Campfield, who fired a shot across our bow when Bill Dunn got elected state House minority leader. Campfield, who serves in the legislature with Dunn predicted that “Sandra Clark, Betty Bean and most of the metro pulse (sic) staff were last spotted in search of a hemlock tree.”

Sorry to disappoint Rep. Campfield, but we were actually pretty tickled with Dunn’s election,since we predicted it was going to happen, and we enjoy being right.

So, thus encouraged, we’ll venture another prediction:

When Bill Dunn gets re-elected to his leadership post, the one-term-to-be Campfield won’t be there voting.

Contact Betty Bean at bbeanster@aol.com.

Sandra Clark writes

Dunn gets top job

Bill Dunn was elected House Republican leader this week in a closed conference in Crossville. The vote was by secret ballot, and Dunn’s competitor was, interestingly, his Knox County colleague Harry Brooks.

Dunn’s selection is a declaration of war against House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh and his friends, the lobbyists. House Republicans were embarrassed when their former leader, Tre Hargett, announced he would resign to become a lobbyist for the Viagra people. They were embarrassed when Chris Newton, the only Republican indicted in the Tennessee Waltz scandal, resigned, saying he had gotten caught up in “business as usual” in Nashville.

That remark even made Naifeh mad. It is not business as usual to get caught taking bribes.

I was surprised at Dunn’s selection. I will be even more surprised if he survives long-term as the GOP leader – whether the GOP is the minority or majority.

Leadership in Nashville (and Washington) is about raising money to preserve the power structure.

Bill Dunn is Sampson – the fellow setting out to fight the Philistines.

Hide in the weeds and watch.

Sandra Clark can be reached at 922-4136 or at sclark@hallsnews.com

Theodore Roosevelt

"Alone of human beings the good and wise mother stands on a plane of equal honor with the bravest soldier; for she has gladly gone down to the brink of the chasm of darkness to bring back the children in whose hands rests the future of the years"

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of The United States of America
1901-1909
The Great Adventure, 1918

Ole Miss AD In The Unemployment Line......Prayer Works

Let us review... Ole Miss AD Pete Boone decided to fire David Cutcliffe and said "We are hiring a coach that will take us to a consistent level of success" Well, Petey Coach O is doing a great job of putting Ole Miss under the heel of the SEC.

Coach O way to Go on that win against Vanderbilt.....Oh wait, Ole Miss couldn't beat Vandy today. SHOW YOUR BLACK AND GOLD.

Way to go Vandy, you may have helped put Petey Boone in the unemployment line.

Governor Phil Bredesen on His Inability To Govern With Fairness

There was a little event in Knoxville on Thursday, where the Governor put on "his dog and pony show" of "being the Governor Of All The People." As you can see from the notice put out Friday by the Third District Republican Chairman and the Republican Chairmen of Polk, Bradley and Meigs County. The Governor is FAILING in his ability to govern fairly and with consistency. Hat tip to KnoxBlog for this item.

The Third District Republican Party in cooperation with the Polk County, Meigs County and Bradley County Republican Parties call on Governor Bredesen to fulfill his obligation under the Tennessee Constitution Article II section 15 by setting the date for the special election to fill the State House District 22 seat vacated by Chris NewtonÂ’s September 1st resignation.

Valuable time has been lost in electing a new representative while Governor Bredesen plays partisan politics, disregarding the best interest of the people of Bradley, Meigs and Polk counties. When Senator Ford resigned in Memphis on May 28, 2005, the Governor set the date for that special election on June 7, 2005, basically a week’s time. The residents of District 22 are now in their third week of waiting for Governor Bredesen to fulfill his obligation to uphold the law for all of the people. Governor Bredesen, in his inaugural address, on the steps of the state capitol stated, “I want you to know that I hold to a fundamental principle. When I raised my hand and took the oath of office a few minutes ago, those differences - Democrat and Republican, political friend and foe, big city and small town, East, West, Middle - all faded away and I became simply, without fear or favor, the Governor of all the people of Tennessee.”

We call on Governor Bredesen to honor this commitment to all the people of Tennessee. The “Governor of all the people” can be reached at 615/741-2001.

The people of Bradley, Meigs and Polk counties are no less deserving of the full rights and privileges he has already shown Memphis residents on two previous occasions.

We call on Governor Bredesen to stop the partisan delays and set the date for the special election.

John S. Stanberry
3rd District Republican Chairman

Stephen Crump
Bradley County Republican Chairman

Pat May
Meigs County Republican Chairman

Frank Payne
Polk County Republican Chairman

National Quartet Convention Saturday Line-Up

Here are my favorites that will be appearing on the stage this evening in Louisville, Ky at the National Quartet Convention

Anchormen - Their latest project Living Out Our Dream has just been released. The are a traditional quartet with a new fresh sound.

Dixie Echoes - This is a quartet that has been in Southern Gospel for a number of years. The sound is consistent with the newest members of the Dixie Echoes.

Dixie Melody Boys - Ed O'Neal the owner of the quartet has kept consistency with the group and they are refreshing and carry the banner of Southern Gospel quartet's with style and professionalism.

Dove Brothers - They have a new project entitled Anything But Ordinary Everything But Typical. These guys are a traditional quartet with an unbelievable sound. Just watch them in concert on Didn't It Rain and all you can say is WOW!

LordSong - This group is a great mix of Southern Gospel with a touch of Contemporary. They have been impressing audiences all over the country and their projects are must haves for your collection.

Nelons - This group has a long history in Southern Gospel. Rex Nelon was the cornerstone of this group. It is in great hands today with the newest generation of Nelons.

National Quartet Convention Friday Line-Up

This evening is the biggest evening of the week. Many of my personal favorites are on stage tonight.

Crabb Family - Wow! This family has been a blessing. The father Gerald Crabb only travels with the kids in conjunction with his evangelistic message. In my opinion, Gerald Crabb is the best Songwriter in Southern Gospel today. The group has an unbelievable list of #1 hits. Through The Fire is their most popular along with The Lamb, The Lion, The King. Their Pray project from 1999 is by far my most favorite. I have the entire collection.

Florida Boys - A traditional quartet with a history of blessing and ministry that is second to none.

Greater Vision - As you can tell from the 2005 Singing News Fan Awards, Greater Vision walked away with the most hardware last night. Greater Vision headquartered out of Morristown, TN is blessed with Gerald Wolfe formally with Dumplin Valley Boys and Cathedrals. Rodney Griffin the most awarded Songwriter in Southern Gospel has an unbelievable talent. Jason Waldroup a fantastic young artist.

Hoppers - The Hoppers are family group out of North Carolina. Kim Hopper is one of the greatest sopranos in the industry. At the 2005 Singing News Fan Awards she received the 2005 Soprano award.

Kingsmen - The Kingsmen have a long storied tradition for years and years. The old group has passed on and the name went away for a while with the creation of The Carolina Boys, however, the sound did not change so for them to take back The Kingsmen name is rewarding as the legacy that the original kingsmen began can still carry on.

Legacy Five - The is a group formed three years ago with the retirement of George Younce and Glen Payne and The Cathedrals. Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett formally of The Cathedrals did not miss a beat with the creation of Legacy five and Roger Bennett's talent as a musician, songwriter and vocalist is noted as well as his ability to battle illness, all the while praising God. The songs that have blessed me are Strong In The Strength OF Someone Else and Hero's Of The Faith.

McKameys - This family group out of Clinton, TN are a favorite everywhere they go. The began in 1954 with a trio of sister's Dora, Peg and Carol In 1957 Reuben Bean began playing guitar. Peg and Reuben were later married. They had two daughter's Connie and Sheryl. Dora and Carol retired in 1971 and the daughters took their place. Sheryl then retired and Peg's sister Carol came back to fill the spot. The McKameys are blessed with Randall Hunley on piano. Randall was formally a member of
the 1980's Kingdom Heirs and Roger Fortner on Guitar.

Perry's - The Perry's are a blessing and last night were awarded several fan awards. Libby Stuffle - Favorite female Singer, Libby Stuffle - Favorite Alto, Favorite Mixed Quartet. They are a blessing.

National Quartet Convention Thursday Line-up

There are numerous groups on the stage every night. I am highlighting groups that I have blessed me over the years.

Chosen Few - A relatively new group. I came along this group with their 2001 CD. The Little Things. The songs Deliverance Has Come, The Little Things and I Will Carry On This Way.

Cumberland Quartet - Silver Dollar City's own quartet. Their project New Ship Sailing. With the songs The Unseen Hand and Go Tell The People.

Mark Trammell Trio - Mark Trammell formerly with Gold City. Their latest project This Time was released on August 16th. The cuts With God As My Witness and Keeper Of The Keys are must hear songs.

Naomi and The Segos - Naomi and The Segos have been around for a few years and continue to bless and minister. They are part of the foundation of Southern Gospel music.

Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet - This is a fantastic group, their home church is Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. They sit under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Falwell. This group has a great quartet sound and have worked collaboratively with groups like Gold City on The Dream of The Lamb Is The King project. Their delivery is unique and their ministry is blessed.

2005 Singing News Awards Presented Tonight

The 2005 Singing News Fan Awards were handed out tonight at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.

Of the awards given out at this evenings 35th edition of The Singing News Fan Awards. Two groups were BIG winners.

Members of Greater Vision were awarded Male Singer, Young Artist, Album, Songwriter, Song and favorite Trio

Members of The Perry's were awarded Female Singer, Alto and Mixed Quartet.

The Official list will be forthcoming and if I can post it, I will.

National Quartet Convention Wednesday Wrap-up

At the Convention there are numerous groups on stage each night. I am highlighting my personal favorites.

Jeff and Sheri Easter - This group led by a husband and wife team. Jeff is a talented musician and Sheri has a long history of ministry through song. Their latest project Sunshine has produced some incredible music. The cut that is currently in play rotation We Are Broken and the cut He can't See My Past are must hear songs.

Karen Peck and New River - Karen Peck is a talent that is rare. Her history in Southern Gospel are traced back to her appearance with the Nelons before her start of Karen Peck and New River. Their latest project Good To Be Free with cuts like My Lord and I, Give It To Jesus and Saved. Make this a must have CD.

The Greene's - This group headquartered in Boone, NC began as a brother team of Tim and Tony with a female mixed in. Then came along TaRanda. This group has been producing great music and over the past several years Tim has encountered a storm unlike anything most of us could with stand. Tim and his family have re-located to Ocean Isle, NC and God continues to use his talent and he continues to weather the storm.


Booth Brothers - A talented trio of gentlemen that have been on the scene for several years now. Their latest project entitled The Blind Man Saw It All has a couple of fantastic songs Eyes of Heaven and It Was The Blood.

Talley Trio - Roger and Deborah Talley with their daughter Lauren. Lauren has released some solo projects and is well on her way to establishing a solo ministry. Their So Thankful project from a few years ago contains one of my all time favorite songs On Time God. Their latest project is Praise For The Ages. This is a wonderful Praise and Worship CD.

Tomorrow Friday September 16 I will highlight my personal favorite groups from the Thursday night schedule.

Two Groups On The National Quartet Convention Stage Today

There were two Great Southern Gospel Groups scheduled to be on the stage today at the National Quartet Convention that I would like to recommend to you.

Gold City - Gold City is an excellent quartet with a long history of success. They appeared at my church First Baptist Church Concord several years ago and what a blessing these guys are. As members of the group move on to solo careers or to begin their own group like Brian Free of Brian Free and Assurancethe group just continues on with new ministers.

Kingdom Heirs - I have followed the ministry of this group since 1981. Steve (Baritone vocals and MC)and Kreis French (Bass Guitar and Band leader), brothers from Mascot, TN are the founding members. Arthur Rice (Lead Vocals)grew up in and around southern gospel music in Western North Carolina (The Kingsmen). The Kingdom Heirs are Dollywood's Southern Gospel Quartet. The remaining members of the group Adam Harman (Piano) Billy Hodges(Tenor vocals) and Jeff Chapman (Bass vocals)

Their two latest projects are some of their best work.

The Brand new CD Series One is a project with some familiar songs with a new Kingdom Heirs touch. One of my all time favorite songs, The Lighthouse is on the new CD.

The Brand new CD Give Me The Mountain has great music and three songs with my personal recommendation.

I don't wanna go back
Pray for me
Poorest man in heaven

State Representative Glen Casada

Casada 

State Representative Glen Casada withdrew his name (prior to voting on Monday evening) from consideration to led the House Republican Caucus of the General Assembly. Representative Casada has set himself apart from a majority of his colleagues for his conservative record and in his support of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. He is pictured here at a panel discussion that he sponsored on TABOR.

State Representative Harry Brooks

Brooks 

State Representative Harry Brooks of Knox County was a candidate for the leader of the Tennessee House of Representatives Republican Caucus. Representative Brooks is an excellent contributing member to the legislature that has an unbelievable work ethic.

Representative Brooks should be commended for stepping up to the plate and offering his leadership skills to the Republican members of the legislature.

State Representative Bill Dunn Elected To Lead

Bill Dunn 

State Representative Bill Dunn from Knox County has been selected to led the Tennessee House of Representatives Republican caucus. Representative Dunn has been a great member of the house, sometimes having to muster up the courage to stand alone and when he has had to do that. He has.

Bill will be an exceptional leader. Four more seats on the Republican side of the aisle and he can be House Speaker Dunn.

The Democrats have indicted under house arrest liberal former State Senator John Ford, the anti flag anti pledge Henri Brooks. Indicted Senator Ward Crutcfield, Indicated Senator Katherine Bowers, Indicated former Senator Roscoe Dixon.

Dunn will be a uniter, not a divider for the Republican House members. Update: Here is the story from Channel 5 in Nashville

State Senator Terry Roland

The Commercial Appeal on Saturday September 10th endorsed Terry Roland a 44 year old Republican from Millington, TN to replace indicted, under house arrest former Democrat State Senator John Ford.

I am pulling for Terry Roland for a few reasons 1) To rid this state of the Ford family - the democrat nominee is the the sister of indicted under house arrest former democrat state senator John Ford. 2) I am a Republican and the state needs more Republicans in office to counter the liberal leanings of Governor Phil. 3) Shelby County and in particular Memphis needs to know there is at least other viewpoints than that of the liberal democrats.

Hurricane Katrina Day of Prayer and Remembrance

President George W. Bush has declared September 16th, 2005 as a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Throughout our history in times of testing, Americans have come together in prayer to heal and ask for strength for the tasks ahead. So I've declared Friday, September the 16th, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that we pray -- as Americans have always prayed in times of trial -- with confidence in His purpose, with hope for a brighter future, and with the humility to ask God to keep us strong so that we can better serve our brothers and sisters in need.
--George W. Bush

Please visit the Presidential Prayer Team website.

Congratulations to the Admirals - Bearden Showed Poor Restraint

I attended the Battle of West Knoxville tonight at Bearden High School. Congratulations to the Farragut Admirals for an impressive win 27 - 17 but also for the commitment to the community by winning the Second Harvest Food Drive for donating in excess of 30 lbs of food per student. Way to go Admirals. Great Job Coach Courtney.

On a sad note was the behavior of the Bearden coaching staff. With less than two minutes reamining in the game and the successful 6 point touchdown the Farragut student body began making their way onto the outside of the field, in order to celebrate with their football team. The Bearden coaching staff forced the refrees to stop the action and began motioning the kids to move. Come on coaches, let the kids celebrate, they were not on the field. It was a special night for the Farragut seniors as they have beaten the bulldogs FOUR YEARS IN A ROW. YEAH. This is the only community rivalry Farragut has.

Congratulations to the Karns Beavers

High School Football in Knox County on a Friday Night is Memorable. But, What about them Beavers over in Karns. An impressive win over Austin-East 21-20. The players and coaches are to be commended for sticking the Road Runners with a loss. Amy Walker, Karns Athletic Director and Coach John Fulkerson have developed an unbelievable football program.

WAY TO GO.

Brian Free and Assurance Live in New York CD

Next week the National Quartet Convention will converge on Louisville, KY. In the music links section of my blog, you can find Brian Free and Assurance. They are a Southern Gospel group out of North Georgia. Their most recent project is a CD recorded live in New York City.

This past month the first annual Southern Gospel Music FanFair was held in Chattanooga, TN. Brian Free and Assurance were awarded the following;

Favorite Male Quartet
Favorite Male Tenor Brian Free
Favorite Video/DVD Live in New York City

Next week at the NQC they are nominated for the following awards; Favorite Tenor, Scott McDowell for Horizon Individual, Favorite Song "Long As I Got King Jesus", Favorite Video Live in New York City.

It is refreshing to see that "Long As I Got King Jesus" is nominated for Favorite Song. Some of the lyrics are; I've been lied on - cheated, talked about - mistreated, rebuked, scorned - talked about sure as you're born I've been up, down - almost to the ground Long as I got King Jesus I don't need, nobody else.

Evidence that Nagin is and will always be Incompetent

How many people could have been evacuated with these buses instead of being sent to the Superdome? I will repeat what I have said before Mayor Nagin is and continues to be incompetent. The responsibility starts with him.

The media likes him because he has a little John Kerrey, a little Howard Dean and a little Jesse Jackson.

Donate NOW for Hurricane Relief

I have added two links under a new heading Donate for Hurricane Katrina Survivors. The Knoxville Chapter of the American Red Cross link is provided for monetary donations and to stay up to date with the shelters and evacuees as they make Knox County their home.

My church First Baptist Concord is a collection point for supplies that the Red Cross is needing in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The Red Cross and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams work together. The Southern Baptist Relief teams normally clear away debris and cook meals while on site, which allows the Red Cross to work with the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the victims.

If you can't donate cash contributions, you maybe able to assist with the items that First Baptist Concord is collecting.

Do what you can and keep the evacuees in your prayers.

Casting Crowns - New CD

Casting Crowns new CD LifeSong was released on August 30th. I obtained a copy at the local Turkey Creek Lifeway store.

Casting Crowns is a Contemporary Christian group, my music taste varies from Southern Gospel (what I grew up on) to Contemporary/Praise and Worship to Christian Rock.

Casting Crowns released their first CD two years ago, there is not a bad song on their debut CD and for serious Casting Crowns fans we were ready for the next project.

Lifesong is not a disappointment. The title cut has been playing on stations like Love 89 for awhile and is an excellent praise and worship tune. There are three songs that I want to highlight.

Praise You In This Storm - This song is a moving song that approaches the subject of continuing to praise the father through the storms. As a storm passes through your life, if you stay with the father and praise him, he walks you through the storm.

Stained Glass Masquerade - This song deals with "organized" religion and how the "church" on many Sundays could just be "happy plastic people under pretty plastic steeples" and are not truly focused on the savior.

While You Were Sleeping - A few of the lines of this song speak for themselves -

Oh little town of Bethlehem what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today, Oh, Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a City with no room for its king.

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping, The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today. Jerusalem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its king.

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay. America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its king.

I encourage you to purchase this CD.

National Quartet Convention

Next week the annual National Quartet Convention will be held in Louisville, KY from September 12-17, 2005.

Over the next few days, I plan to highlight a few of my favorite groups that will be attending the Convention and are nominated for several awards. You can also check my music links here on my personal blog page for several of my favorite groups.

President Bush nominates John Roberts as Chief Justice

President George W. Bush announced this morning that his nominee for the Supreme Court John Roberts is now the nominee for the position of Chief Justice. Chief Justice William Rehnquist died around 4:00 am Sunday Morning creating the Chief Justice vacancy.

Judge John Roberts was nominated for the announced vacancy for Supreme Justice Associate Sandra Day o'Connor.

I personally would have preferred Anthony Scalia as Chief Justice, however, I support the President's selection.

New Orleans Mayor - Incompetent

Well, I wondered how long it would take for New Orleans Mayor Ron Nagin to start trying to cover-up for his incompetence. Here is the story from World Net Daily. Nagin is saying he could be a target for the CIA Central Intelligence Agency to take him out. Please.

He complains that it is the State of Louisiana and the federal government's fault that as the Mayor of New Orleans he had no exit strategy. There was at least 36 -48 hours notice of the level 5 hurricane headed for New Orleans, as Mayor he should have loaded every public transportation bus and school bus and headed these people out, instead of putting them in the Superdome.

By the way, he is such a "great" leader that he went to Baton Rouge instead of staying with his people. What a leader, protect your own butt and leave everyone else behind.

I am sure that he has the John Kerry plan for avoiding the storm and the Howard Dean plan for screaming absolute non-sense.

Please contribute aid for Hurricane Relief to the Knoxville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Knoxville chapter operated a shelter, the last several days at Central Baptist Church of Bearden. The shelter should move to First Baptist Church of Knoxville shortly.