Rob Cockerham is the genius behind the website Cockeyed.com, which answers all kinds of questions. I first became a fan of the site back in 2004 when I was trying to visualize the size of an acre. Since then, I’ve been amazed at Rob’s “High Profile Sculpture Replacement” experiments, and American Idol Judges costume and groundbreaking…
Calif. Initiative Round-up – Outlawing Divorce, Legalizing Pot, and Christmas Music
In California, voters are allowed to promote ballot initiatives on almost any subject, including those that can fundamentally change the state constitution. Here are some initatives that are currently in circulation as of November 18, 2009. Only a few will make it to the ballot, but it is interesting to see what changes some want to…
US court rules against “I Believe” car license plates (APD)
A US federal judge has ordered South Carolina not to issue cross-adorned ”I believe” car number plates, ruling it violates the constitutional separation of church and state. US District Court judge, Cameron Currie, ruled that the state legislature – which voted unanimously last year to approve the number plates that include a cross in front of a stained glass window – had clearly given favoured government treatment to a single faith, and ordered to halt its issue.
UK – Health and safety
Health insurance works by protecting your assets from the high cost of medical care. Without it, your entire life savings could be wiped out by a $300,000 medical bill. It’s very complicated, and many people are overwhelmed and annoyed with the process. Here’s an explanation of health insurance, and how it got to be the…
Washington DC – New Turn in Debate Over Law on Marriage (The New York Times)
EXCERPT from New York Times: New Turn in Debate Over Law on Marriage By IAN URBINA Published: November 12, 2009 WASHINGTON – The fight over a proposed same-sex marriage law here heated up this week as the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said that if the law passed, the church would cut its social service…
House Healthcare Vote – A Huge Triumph for the Catholic Church (America Magazine)
EXCERPTS from America Magazine Blog – 11/8/09 The House Vote: A Huge Triumph for the Church Posted at: 2009-11-08 08:02:54.0 Author: Michael Sean Winters It is difficult to over-estimate the degree to which last night’s vote in the House, passing a comprehensive health care reform bill, was a huge victory for the Catholic Church. Yes,…
A Church Scorned: Church, State, Marriage, and the Quest for Power
“And so, by the power vested in me by the State of ___ and Almighty God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.“ This pronouncement is the point in a religious wedding ceremony where the power of the state and the power of the Almighty…
Scholarship contest asks high school students to revisit JFK speech on separation of church and state
The Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee on its website announced the 5th annual Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest, which is open to all high school students in the graduating classes of 2010 and 2011. According to the BJC, “this year’s contest will commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s landmark speech about…
Religious freedom requires Baptists to hold in tension certain principles (The Baptist Standard)
EXCERPT: DALLAS-Baptists must hold in tension three sets of paradoxical ideas if they are to remain faithful to their heritage and champion freedom, Brent Walker told participants at the T.B. Maston Christian Ethics Award Dinner Oct. 30 in Dallas. … – The two religion clauses in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. – Religious…
PBS Series “Liberty’s Kids” Now on YouTube
An excellent educational cartoon series for kids (and adults) starring Walter Cronkite as Ben Franklin is now on YouTube. In this episode, Ben Franklin, Moses, and James discover disguised colonists raiding the tea-laden ship that Sarah is aboard. To watch the entire series, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/LibertysKidsTV The official website, which includes activities and information for parents and teachers is located at http://www.libertyskids.com/