Life
Thirty Years – Grief does not end
Son, I have five brothers, four living. My younger brother David was killed in a motorcycle accident thirty years ago this week. Thirty years. And I still think of him. David was probably the most witty and clever of the bunch. Even as a young child he had the most developed sense of humor. Most […]
1Apr2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Obama with Ann Curry, 4-2008
Two people that I admire and respect, Ann Curry and Barack Obama. Both of these folks have disarming personalities – but Obama is careful. Curry asks if he is just being courteous or polite or something, Obama quickly qualifies his position. The cat and mouse game is subtle and these are two masters.
1Apr2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Anecdote – Stoking Flames of Conversation
The Fireside often presents reason in the form of anecdote. We are not alone. Anecdotes are the parables of modern discourse. They are not scientific, not products of statistical analysis. Anecdotes offer insight by personalizing issues. Anecdotes are used to wrench the gut, to appeal to the human emotion, to define issues in terms of […]
1Apr2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Anecdote – Stoking Flames of Conversation | Continued
Obama’s Big Oil Ad
I only took two courses in Economics in college – so I am no authority. But my 9 year old grandson understands the value of a nickel, some economic concepts are just plain old common sense. Barack Obama has a new television advertisement challenging the profits of Big Oil. My notion is that the advertisement […]
29Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama’s Big Oil Ad | Continued
Does God need Government Welfare?
I may not write well, but I know how to read. And I like to read the Washington Post section On Faith. The advent of evangelicals calling for a return to the moral values of the founding fathers is to be commended. I completely agree. Steve Waldman is “co-founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of Beliefnet.com, and […]
28Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Does God need Government Welfare? | Continued
This Time – The Tide is Turning
This time, this election, we must bridge the chasm of race, gender, politics – liberal and conservative, religion – fundamental, evangelical, literal, figurative, Christian or Islam. Real leadership is nuanced. It is not black and white. It is not rooted in the winning and losing mentality of pure capitalism. I believe it was Henry Ford […]
27Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Why Hillary Will Never Be President…
The level of ugly in the Democratic primary is reaching unbearable heights. In a time of excitement and hope for what this election cycle means, there is a collective sigh coming from the population over the way that the primaries are playing out. This weekend Bill Richardson drove another nail into the Clinton political coffin. […]
24Mar2008 | bryan | 3 comments | Continued
Woody Allen parodies Hillary
Woody Allen may be the best writer of parody – probably better than Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert. In this clip he is struggling with understanding lost love. The desperation of compromise, of willingness to assume any posture, struck me as quite similar to the methods of the Hillary Clinton campaign. Senator Clinton cannot believe […]
21Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Rev. Wright’s Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Here we go again. An angry man, whether justified or not, pokes a stick in the eye of the object of his anger. Then he wonders why the object of his anger does not like him. Barack Obama says, let us have a healthy dialogue. Well, get the stick out of my eye and maybe […]
20Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Rev. Wright’s Self-Fulfilling Prophecy | Continued
Political Bracketology by Pundits
We are coming out of the political semi-finals. The Old Man beat the Evangelical. Now the Old man is poised to face off with the winner of the Black Man versus White Woman contest. Are these useful characterizations? Personally, I don’t think so. But if we listen to the 24/7 cable news channels we […]
20Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Political Bracketology by Pundits | Continued
A Personal Experience with Prejudice
The winter of 1963-64 was a rough one. I was in the eighth grade. John F. Kennedy had just been assassinated. My school was becoming integrated (the authorities sent one African American boy to our school and called it good enough). It was code (sic) outside. And my teachers did not like me. (At least, […]
20Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Hillary’s Dignity Tank Is On Empty
John McCain is a sharp politician. Many people have criticized his decisions, his shifting allegances, and his fence-sitting positions in this primary. But he is winning. He has a lot of exerience winning and he has enough foresight to know that he has to make some smooth moves and some hard decisions to unite the […]
20Mar2008 | bryan | Comments Off on Hillary’s Dignity Tank Is On Empty | Continued
Obama’s Speech on Race, Video and Text
Thanks to the Huffington Post for distributing this profound message. [wp_youtube]pWe7wTVbLUU[/wp_youtube] “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.” Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers […]
20Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama’s Speech on Race, Video and Text | Continued
Big Oil holds Delta hostage
The oil industry is holding all of us hostage. Delta Air Lines is a recent example. The Associated Press reports Delta is offering ‘…voluntary severance payouts to roughly 30,000 employees…’ Delta hopes to cut 2,000 jobs. Why? Let’s define a scenario that makes our math easier to understand. For the sake of argument, let’s say […]
19Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Reporting on Reverend Wright – and Getting it Wrong
It is difficult to grapple with the complexities of faith and politics, and it is disheartening when the two meet like runaway trains in the night while the media circles above like a vulture. Our society is increasingly weary of the cult style theology of the conservative Christian political movement, and rightfully so. I find […]
18Mar2008 | bryan | 5 comments | Continued
Horton Hears A…What?
Dad, As with many issues today, there is conflict over the meaning of a story. Pro-Life activists are using the words of the late Theodore Geisel, Dr. Seuss, to promote their social and political agenda. It is entirely likely that the author was furthuring his own social and political views when he wrote the book, […]
17Mar2008 | bryan | Comments Off on Horton Hears A…What? | Continued
Defending Islam, defining faith
Sally Quinn serves the world community by offering intelligent insight with The Washington Post’s ‘On Faith.’ In this video she interviews Salman Ahmad. There is a great observation about the difference in defending a faith and defining a faith. There are many Christians who could learn from the Islamic experience.
16Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Defending Islam, defining faith | Continued
5 things to do with your stimulus check
Dad, We are in the midst of an economic stimulus program that promises to deliver some pretty big checks to American consumers. This program, however, is not going to be a fix, it is going to be a band-aid. The problems that we aer having are not founded in a lack of spending by our […]
13Mar2008 | bryan | 3 comments | Continued
Politicians dancing with Olberman
Live video entertainment is infecting the ranks of politicians. What are they to do? President Bush seems to enjoy a little frivolity – that may be an understatement. Barack Obama risks the rhythm of race. Hillary is careful singing – and she should be. The ability to speak eloquently is a given in today’s media […]
13Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Politicians dancing with Olberman | Continued
Bible Questions
Son, I found an old news paper advertisement for a non-denominational church. The paper is yellowed with age and I suspect it is many years old. The advertisement listed 14 ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. The purpose of the advertisement was to generate interest in the particular church. Their method was to show their theological teachings […]
13Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Olberman’s Elloquence – on Clinton and Ferraro
Keith Olberman is a two sport journalist. He works the circuit at ESPN has increasing popularity o MSNBC. Olberman has directed his intellect and wit at the atrocious behavior of the Hillary Clinton campaign. This journalism is refreshing. Olberman demonstrates the ability to report, analyze, and clarify important issues. This video clip show Olberman at […]
13Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Olberman’s Elloquence – on Clinton and Ferraro | Continued
The Bottom Billion – a Hungry World
Son, Shocked, but not surprised. That is often the reaction of intelligent people when bad things happen. A very bad thing is happening on our planet. Poverty and hunger have become so devastating that the statisticians now refer to a segment of the human population as ‘the bottom billion.’ We are talking about people who […]
12Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Bottom Billion – a Hungry World | Continued
Salem Witch Hunt – Ultimate Water Boarding
Son, The use of water boarding by the United States Government to ferret out ‘terrorists’ reminds me of the witch hunts of 1692 in Massachusetts. One of those dark moments in American history. It is a catch 22 for the person being tortured. Tell us what we want to hear or risk drowning – does […]
10Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
The Florida Michigan Vote Solution
Son, I am almost amused at the political posturing by party political party leaders in Florida and Michigan. Charlie Christ, the Governor of Florida, is particularly outspoken. These folks don’t do anything that does not have some political advantage. This 2008 election process has not gone according to anyone’s plan and everyone is posturing after-the-fact. […]
7Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The mythical nature of a child’s diet
I spent the weekend with fifth and sith grade students on a confirmation retreat. I enjoyed our time together, and we had many good conversations about life and faith. One of the conversations, however, was unexpected and revealed a great deal about the way that our children are learning about nutrition. We were at the […]
6Mar2008 | bryan | 2 comments | Continued
Declaration of Independence – 2008
Declaration of Independence 2008 (All comments in italics are direct quotes from the United States Declaration of Independence penned in 1776) “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the […]
4Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
Internet costs and Power Companies.
Son, I am confused again. The world changes faster than I can keep up. This article is being written to an internet site that offers distribution to the world wide web. We don’t charge anything for people to come here and browse around. But someone does. I am trying to understand the complexity of costs […]
4Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Websites that give to others
Son, The internet is being skillfully used by several organizations to promote giving to others. Check these out. http://www.freerice.com – I enjoyed this site. I went there investigating and found myself participating. Rice is donated through the United Nations World Food Program for every click on their site. thehungersite.com – equally important but a little […]
2Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
SNL opens with Hillary Clinton
Saturday Night Live is back after the writer’s strike. What might have been trough this primary season we can only imagine – but the show is in full swing and Hillary Clinton opened the show last night…. Enjoy..
2Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on SNL opens with Hillary Clinton | Continued
Raymond Crowe does Louis Armstrong
Raymond Crowe is a shadow puppeteer from Australia. The idea seems trite – but trite in the hands of a master changes perspective. This shadowy rendition of Louis Armstrong is perfectly executed. Performed on David Letterman, Crowe demonstrates artistic integrity with light and shadow. Enjoy the video.
2Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Raymond Crowe does Louis Armstrong | Continued
American Gangster – Afghanistan
Son, The movie “American Gangster’ is based on a true story. The story of heroin being imported into this country from Southeast Asia. The mode of transportation was primarily aboard United States Military aircraft. This was not sanctioned in any way by the U. S. Government – but by individuals in the military serving in […]
1Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on American Gangster – Afghanistan | Continued
Rick Warren with Sally Quinn
Son, Sally Quinn, with the Washington Post, does the world a great service by promoting sane spirituality. We should be grateful:
1Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Rick Warren with Sally Quinn | Continued
Deepak Chopra, holy and healing
Son, “There is only God and nothing else,” Deepak Chopra. This wonderful man has true inspiration, in intellect, spirituality, and emotion…. The Washington Post, probably my favorite internet site, offers regular videos on spirituality – here is an interview with Deepak Chopra:
1Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Deepak Chopra, holy and healing | Continued
Politics and Laws of Association
The laws of association are very simple: If ‘a’ = ‘b’ and ‘b’ = ‘c’, then ‘a’ = ‘c’. Translated into politics: If John Hagee is a radical hate monger, and Osama Bin Laden is a radical hate monger, then John Hagee and Osama Bin Laden are the same creature. If John McCain is ‘very […]
1Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Politics and Laws of Association | Continued
Obama Dances with Ellen
Son, We are living in a new age of politics. The vast electronic media brings candidates into our living rooms throughout the day. Check out Obama dancing with Ellen Degeneres: [wp_youtube]RsWpvkLCvu4[/wp_youtube] Dad
29Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama Dances with Ellen | Continued
The Personal Presidency of George W. Bush
Son, The history of leadership is couched in government structure. Monarchy, Parliamentary, Republic, Dictator, or pure totalitarianism. Our country, The United States of America is a Republic – ruled by law. Laws are constructed by a Congress that answers to the people. Thus the idea that the people rule the country. George W. Bush has […]
28Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Personal Presidency of George W. Bush | Continued
William F. Buckley- dead, but not gone
Son, The country has lost one of the great minds of the 20th Century. William F. Buckley has died. Mr. Buckley was a prolific writer, journalist, commentator, debate host, and educator. I remember about twenty years ago, before laptops were functional, Buckey reported that he had eight computers. One for everywhere he would find himself […]
27Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Obama Clinton Ohio debate, 2-26-2008
6:30 PM CST at Cleveland State University. The debate should be interesting. We will open with a brief synopsis of the past few days and then have a running commentary during the debate – the post will be updated every 15 – 20 minutes, the first update at about 8:20 PM CST. I sit at […]
27Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Obama and McCain, Vice President options
Son, The Washington Post is my favorite place to go for news and dialogue. They have produced a couple of compelling interviews in video form that are informative and interesting. I am compelled to share this information. These are good demonstrations of viable candidates for Vice President. Dad
27Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama and McCain, Vice President options | Continued
Lewis Black defends Huckabee
Son Leave Mike Huckabee alone! Lewis Black is an outrageous comedian who does this superb spoof of Huckabee’s campaign supporters. Not exactly in the mold of Chuck NOrris – but entertaining never the less. Black’s ‘Root of All Evil’ series premieres March 12th on Comedy Central. [wp_youtube]kGSoqfHfcL0[/wp_youtube] Dad
27Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Lewis Black defends Huckabee | Continued
vouchers and the public school dilemma
Dad, The debate about public school systems and what to do with them is complicated and seeped in emotion and personal experience. The program of offering vouchers has as broad a mix of public opinion as any of the publicly debated issues today. I have my own thoughts and feelings, and they are conflicting and […]
26Feb2008 | bryan | 4 comments | Continued
Pandemics: Colds, The Flu, and Individualism
Dad, The cold and flu season is in full swing, and my family and I are in the thick of it. My daughter has ear infections in both ears, I have a sinus infection, my son is coughing and sniffling, and my wife is congested but is limited in the medicines she can take because […]
26Feb2008 | bryan | 1 comment | Continued
McCain’s 100 year war
Son, John McCain has said, probably regretfully, that we may have to have troops in Iraq for a hundred years. He was at a town hall meeting today and tried to clarify his comments. McCain reminds us that we have had troops in Germany and Japan for over sixty years, and in Korea for over […]
26Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on McCain’s 100 year war | Continued
Jon Stewart at Oscars, on McCain
Son, Jon Stewart makes perfectly good sense to me. There are times when we need humor to best articulate the feelings and mood behind our thoughts. As Stewart mocks the Iraq War and John McCain’s positions on the war there is some resonance with truth. It is this ability to connect at the gut level […]
25Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Jon Stewart at Oscars, on McCain | Continued
Mike Huckabee on SNL
Son, I don’t know what Mike Huckabee is trying to accomplish. He has certainly become a national figure – but…. What I one say – he has a good sense of humor, if not a good sense of politics… [wp_youtube]xvSXpM5qGmg[/wp_youtube] I watched this clip with mixed feelings. This is a former Governor, a good man […]
24Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Mike Huckabee on SNL | Continued
Ralph Nader is a Beetle
Son, Ralph Nader is running for President – again. Well, he is not actually running for President – he is running for wackiest looney to have ever achieved notoriety. His sad story began with legitimate consumer safety studies that changed the way people view transportation. He changed the world of auto making – and in […]
24Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Best Picture Oscars, 1928 – 2005
Son, I am no film critic. But John Wayne once said, “My critics are the people who go see my movies.” He was not worried about the tabloid criticism of his work. These videos of reminders of the ‘best pictures’ and best actor and actresses brought back some fond memories for me. 1960, Jack Lemmon […]
24Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Best Picture Oscars, 1928 – 2005 | Continued
Boone Pickens – Money blowing in the wind
Included in this post are excerpts from a previous post. Added here are commentary from T. Boone Pickens on CNBS discussing the economics of energy. We can check the video and then discuss the harmony of wind energy with nature. [wp_youtube]ylI4iQ-5iXg[/wp_youtube] Pickens speaks economically of the great wind corridor stretching from Texas to Canada. I […]
23Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
Obama, faith, and Isaiah 40:31
Son, Isaiah 40:31 – but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. I was reminded of this verse of scripture as I watched the debate in Austin, Texas, last evening. Hillary […]
23Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Lockhorns and the Clintons
Son, I was reading about the Lockhorns today, and I was thinking of the parallels with the imaginary home life of the Clinton Family . Check this caricaturization: It’s four o’clock in the morning, Leroy(Bill), when will you concede? Leroy (Consider Bill): Loretta’s loudmouthed leering husband, Leroy is brash, opinionated and abrasive, but you can’t […]
22Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Lockhorns and the Clintons | Continued