DEMOCRACY VERSUS A REPUBLIC

It's extremely important to remember the U.S.A. is a Republic under our Constitution, not a Democracy!!  Following are brief descriptions of what each is as well as their DIFFERENCES:

Democracy

• Involves the government ruling and making laws for the "greater good" of all people, they may abolish personal rights in doing so.
• Democracy is government by and for the people. They may or may not be republics--that is, government limited by constitution or charter.
• The tricky part of "democracy" is defining "the people" and then deciding what counts as "by the people" and what counts as "for the people." In a sense, that could be considered the content of democratic practice.
• Citizens are expected to participate more actively in a democracy. 
  

Republic

• Involves the government using and abiding by the constitution heavily. Personal rights are respected and cannot be taken away. This helps to avoid tyranny and mobocracy (the majority makes laws and governs by passion, prejudice, or impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences).
• Republics are the common and "standard" type of governments found today, not democracies, despite what many people (who may not know the definition of either) think.
• Just as democracies may or may not be republics, republics may or may not be democracies. 
  

The difference between Democracy and Republic

Democracy and Republic are two forms of government which are distinguished by their treatment of the Minority, and the Individual, by the Majority. 

• In a Democracy, the Majority has unlimited power over the Minority. This system of government does not provide a legal safeguard of the rights of the Individual and the Minority. It has been referred to as "Majority over Man".

• In a Republic, the Majority is Limited and constrained by a written Constitution which protects the rights of the Individual and the Minority. The purpose of a Republic form of government is to control the Majority and to protect the God-given, inalienable rights and liberty of the Individual.
• The United States of America is founded as a Republic under the Constitution.

SUMMARY: Most of the world is headed towards a Democracy which is code for becoming a NEW WORLD GOVERNMENT/ORDER. 

Posted via email from Global Politics

MY SUGGESTIONS FOR A BETTER IMMIGRATION POLICY/LAW

President Ronald Reagan said this:   "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" 

If I were Romney, I would find a place along our Southern Border and give a speech on illegal immigration.   I would say THIS: 

I WILL SECURE OUR BORDER AND I WILL BUILD A FENCE FROM TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA; I WILL STOPPED THE FLOOD OF DRUGS AND ILLEGALS INTO OUR REPUBLIC. I WILL SUPPORT OUR AGENTS; I WILL NOT GIVE THEM OR ALLOW THEM TO USE 'BEAN BAG' BULLETS .... I WILL ORDER ALL AGENTS TO USE LETHAL FORCE JUDICIALLY, BUT IF YOU MUST USE IT, USE IT WITHOUT HESITATION....YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO FEAR BEING SENT TO JAIL/PRISON OR FIRED FOR DEFENDING THIS BORDER AGAINST TERRORIST, ILLEGALS OR DRUG TRAFFICKERS FROM ANY COUNTRY. 

TO ALL THE ILLEGALS IN AMERICA:: YOU HAVE 6 MONTHS TO LEAVE AMERICA .... GO BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY AND APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP/WORK VISA, LEGALLY!  MY ADMINISTRATION WILL IMPLEMENT A 'NEW' SYSTEM THAT WILL BE MORE EFFICIENT, COST LESS, WHILE REDUCING THE TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS.  ANY ILLEGAL THAT DOES NOT TAKE THIS OFFER, WHEN CAUGHT IN THIS REPUBLIC WILL BECOME A PART OF A 'NO ACCESS GROUP'. YOUR PIC, DNA, AND FINGER PRINTS WILL BECOME PART OF A NATION WIDE INSTANT ACCESS SYSTEM!!  IF YOU SHOULD DECIDE, LATER TO COME HERE LEGALLY, YOUR REQUEST WILL BE DENIED.  MY NEW POLICY ALLOWS EVERYONE AN EXPEDIENT PATH TO COME HERE LEGALLY, TO WORK OR APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP OR BOTH; TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS WITHOUT WORRYING IF OR WHEN YOU WILL BE CAUGHT AND DEPORTED.  

AMERICA IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO WORK AND BE PRODUCTIVE LEGAL CITIZENS. 

I WILL PRESENT A NEW BILL TO CONGRESS THAT ABOLISHES THE ANCHOR BABY LAW.  NO LONGER WILL ANYONE THINK THEY CAN COME HERE, ILLEGALLY, JUST TO HAVE KIDS THAT BECOME CITIZENS AT BIRTH.  ALL CHILDREN BIRTHED BY ILLEGALS WILL BE CONSIDERED ILLEGALS WITH NO MORE AUTOMATIC 'FOOTHOLD' INTO LEGALITY.  THEY WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER OUR CONSTITUTION, NOR WILL THEY HAVE ACCESS TO BENEFITS PAID FOR BY WORKING LEGAL TAXPAYERS. 

MY ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH ALL STATES BY SUPPORTING THEM UNCONDITIONALLY IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF ALL IMMIGRATION LAWS!! ALL FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS RESOURCES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO USE WHENEVER THEY NEED THEM.

FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CLEAR, MY ADMINISTRATION WILL AGGRESSIVELY ENFORCE ALL IMMIGRATION LAWS NOW ON THE BOOKS AND THOSE THAT WILL COME IN THE FUTURE.  

THE REPUBLIC WAS BUILT BY IMMIGRANTS AND IT WILL CONTINUE HONORING THAT GREAT TRADITION, AS LONG AS ALL IMMIGRANTS RESIDING ON THIS REPUBLIC'S SOIL ARE LEGAL.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Posted via email from Global Politics

Gun and Drugs

---from Natural News

Often in the wake of a big massacre such as what happened recently in Aurora, people are scared, sad and looking for answers. Unfortunately, the media ALWAYS distorts the problem; placing blame on the need for stricter gun laws, or gun bans altogether. The truth is the gun is hardly the problem as everyone knows; guns don't kill people, people kill people. When incidents like this occur, shouldn't people be focusing on what caused this senseless act to happen in the first place, rather than the weapons that were used to carry out these horrific acts? But don't expect the media to let you know that one of the biggest causes is the products of the pharmaceutical companies that just happen to bankroll the corporate gatekeepers.

When it comes to guns, the majority of gun owners are responsible, law abiding citizens. They go through a proper background check, licensing, and use the firearms appropriately. Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children about gun safety and making sure that guns are stored appropriately. Firearm safety for children removes the mystique around guns and teaches them that guns can be a useful tool and should not be treated as a toy.

The pharmaceutical drug pandemic

Most recent carnages have a common theme; the use of psychiatric drugs by the killer. With one in five adults taking psychiatric drugs and the push of these medications on children, shouldn't there be a cause for concern that we are paving the way for potential future incidents? These prescription drugs are altering the brain chemistry, which causes the person to feel distanced from reality. Ironically the antidepressants often cause side effects of depression, suicidal thoughts, and homicidal behavior, which as we have seen, can result in vicious tirades.

As these events become more widespread, the only way to try to prevent them from happening in the first place is to get to the root of the problem - The Drugs! Should the pharmaceutical drugs and doctors who write the prescriptions be held partially responsible for these acts of violence? After all, they are making profit on patented chemicals while destroying human lives in the process. It is estimated that over 500,000 school-age children are currently taking antidepressants. This leads to higher number of suicides and attempted suicides in the teenage and young adult years.

With very little research done on the long-term effects of these antidepressants on children why are so many receiving prescriptions? The pharmaceutical companies are making huge profits off the young now, and these children are set to be in the pharmaceutical cycle for life. The lack of information we have on how these medications influence adolescents demonstrates the true criminality of Big Pharma. They have absolutely no regard for their customers; or humanity in general, by continuing to allow these drugs to be given without having an idea of what it is doing to the person taking them.

Better alternatives to putting kids on antidepressants include keeping them away from violent TV shows and video games. Parents should also look at changing the diet to eliminate processed foods and getting them involved in mind-body exercises such as martial arts and yoga. Homeopathic options are also available that work with the body rather than suppress the symptoms. It is much safer and benefits everyone involved if these options are explored before putting young children on pharmaceutical drugs.

Posted via email from Global Politics

Chick-fil-A Kiss-In, Hollywood: The Pictures (Warning....Some Pics Not Suitable for Children!!!!

Disgrace and Evil on Display in America!!

[UPDATE: Many new photos have now been added since this post was first made. Scroll down to see them all!]

Ringo of Ringo’s Pictures is at the Chick-fil-A in Hollywood this evening, documenting the “kiss-in” of gay marriage supporters to protest statements by Chick-fil-A’s owners.

But you know about that already. What you want is the pictures, and Ringo’s got the goods!

Check out Ringo’s Facebook page for more images and ringospictures.com for a fuller report (hopefully tomorrow).

Meanwhile, here are the breaking pictures, taken just a short time ago:
[Credit all photos to Ringo of ringospictures.com.]

Good way to win converts to your cause: “Jesus Is a Cunt.”

“I had gay sex at Chick-fil-A.”

Let the kiss-in commence!

My name is Barack Obama, and I’m not yet sure if I approve of this message.

Meanwhile, some Chick-fil-A supporters looked askance at the protesters out on the sidewalk. The guy on the right is doing his best to act casual and observe Chick-fil-A Indifference Day.

Not sloppy enough. More sloppiness!

I’m not sure if this guy is trying to mock polygamy because it is historically associated with Mormonism, or if he is a polyamorous hipster who really truly loves polygamy. The modern world is so confusing!

Things became absolutely fabulous as evening began to fall.

Note the woman on the far left side of the picture, holding a sign that says…

…”Eat More Carpet.” Is this a carpet-munching protest, or a kiss-in?

Some guy showed up dressed as Jesus. I’m not sure whether he was a Christian counter-protester, or a protester mocking Christianity. Hopefully Ringo will clarify matters in his final report on Ringo’s Pictures.

This sign is meant to mock the “God Hates Fags” sign of Westboro Baptist Church. Gay activists often reference the Westboro signs, and intentionally conflate the virulently anti-gay sentiments of the Fred Phelps clan with any opposition to same sex marriage, completely unaware that conservatives despise the Westboro Baptist Church even more than liberals do.

“Freaking out the squares” is the goal: mission accomplished!

The protesters weren’t disruptive — but the media was!

At a Hollywood Chick-fil-A, Police Called To Escort Disruptive Protestors From Premises
Did I Say Disruptive Protestors? I Meant Disruptive Media

Posted via email from Global Politics

Obama's Continue Birth Certificate Controversy

----by Diana West

Now, imagine the laurels that would come to the hospital librarian who brandished a maternity log with Stanley Ann Dunham's name inscribed in 1961 in the investigators' faces -- the follow-up high-fives on "Good Morning America," the round of applause on David Letterman's "Late Show," maybe even a thank-you note from Barack and Michelle for finally putting Arpaio's Cold Case Posse on ice.

Instead, the reply to the posse's request from Kapi'olani was: The hospital wasn't in the business of investigating birth certificates but was in the business of saving lives. (How unrehearsed.) "They all but threw us out," Zullo recalled.

It was a similar story at the Hawaii Department of Health, where two uniformed policemen were called in after the investigators showed their credentials and asked to speak to state registrar Alvin Onaka. (The cops looked quite irritated at having been called, noted Zullo.) "Mr. Onaka doesn't speak to the public," the investigators were told. Translation: Mr. Onaka was hiding in his office. Fortunately, Deputy Attorney General Jill Nagamine deigned to give the posse 15 minutes.

Were the two certified copies of the birth certificate that Obama's personal attorney is said to have brought back to Washington identical to the image posted at the White House website? Nagamine wouldn't answer the question, repeatedly invoking a Hawaiian statute that she said prevented her from talking about the copy of the White House birth certificate Zullo had with him.

He tried a different tack. Say, for instance, he had to release his driver's license, Zullo said. And that Nagamine scanned his license into a computer. Before the public could view it, however, she changed or added information. "Is that still my driver's license?" he asked Nagamine.

Hawaii's deputy attorney general replied: "But you still have a driver's license."

No, you don't. You have a forgery.

    So what do we have in Hawaii -- and in the White House?
 

Diana West is the author of "The Death of the Grown-up: How America's Arrested Development Is Bringing Down Western Civilization," and blogs at dianawest.net. She can be contacted via dianawest@verizon.net. Follow her on Twitter @diana_west_.
 

Posted via email from Anointed One

Christian And A Patriot

A man can be a Christian or a patriot, but he can't legally be a Christian and a patriot -- except in the usual way: one of the two with the mouth, the other with the heart. The spirit of Christianity proclaims the brotherhood of the race and the meaning of that strong word has not been left to guesswork, but made tremendously definite -- the Christian must forgive his brother man all crimes he can imagine and commit, and all insults he can conceive and utter- forgive these injuries how many times? -- seventy times seven -- another way of saying there shall be no limit to this forgiveness. That is the spirit and the law of Christianity. Well -- Patriotism has its laws. And it also is a perfectly definite one, there are not vaguenesses about it. It commands that the brother over the border shall be sharply watched and brought to book every time he does us a hurt or offends us with an insult. Word it as softly as you please, the spirit of patriotism is the spirit of the dog and wolf. The moment there is a misunderstanding about a boundary line or a hamper of fish or some other squalid matter, see patriotism rise, and hear him split the universe with is war-whoop. The spirit of patriotism being in its nature jealous and selfish, is just in man's line, it comes natural to him -- he can live up to all its requirements to the letter; but the spirit of Christianity is not in its entirety possible to him.

The prayers concealed in what I have been saying is, not that patriotism should cease and not that the talk about universal brotherhood should cease, but that the incongruous firm be dissolved and each limb of it be required to transact business by itself, for the future.
- Mark Twain's Notebook

Posted via email from Global Politics

Chick-fil-A Bowl Sets New Record for Charitable Giving...Facts You May Not Know About.

Bowl disburses $1.24 million in charity and scholarship and makes a $5 million contribution to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010

ATLANTA (Dec. 30, 2010) – The Chick-fil-A Bowl today announced that its combined charitable and scholarship giving for 2010 has exceeded $6.2 million. This is an all-time record for bowl games and the fourth consecutive year the Chick-fil-A Bowl has surpassed the million dollar mark in giving.

The figure includes more than $1.24 million in charitable and scholarship donations and a one-time gift of $5 million to the non-profit organization managing the College Football Hall of Fame to help fund the new facility in Atlanta set to open in March 2013.

Having a positive impact on its community and among its partner conferences and participating teams has always been a priority for the Chick-fil-A Bowl and is a philosophy that has maintained the Bowl’s leadership position among all bowls in terms of giving.

“I really can’t even begin to express how proud we are to be able to give back at this level,” said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl president and CEO. “This is something we are passionate about and hope that we can set an example for all bowl games to follow in their own communities. This is a great way that bowls can proactively and positively impact the lives of so many who need help.”

Following is a breakdown of the Chick-fil-A Bowl’s charitable gifts in 2010.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament Scholarship Purse ($415,000) WinShape Homes ($135,000) Other Charities ($21,000)	$571,000
WinShape Homes Foundation	$245,000
National Football Foundation Play It Smart Program	$180,000
Endowed Scholarship at Florida State	$100,000
Endowed Scholarship at South Carolina	$100,000
Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation	$50,000
College Football Hall of Fame	$5,000,000
2010 RECORD TOTAL:	$6,246,000

WinShape Homes – $1,408,000
WinShape Homes is a long-term care alternative for children who desperately need a caring home environment. WinShape operates 11 homes; seven in Georgia, two in Tennessee and one each in Alabama and Brazil.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge golf event – $1,340,000
Created in 2007, this premier, made-for-TV golf tournament featured 12 two-man teams of NCAA head coaches and celebrities – representing universities from around the country – competing for a pool of $400,000 in scholarship money. The event was held April 25 – 27 at Reynolds Plantation and will be televised on Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.

College Scholarships – $1,070,000 
Prior to 2006, the Chick-fil-A Bowl contributed scholarship money to the general scholarship funds of the participating universities. Beginning in 2006, the Chick-fil-A Bowl began an endowed scholarship program to create $100,000 scholarships at each of the participating schools.

Play It Smart – $540,000
Beginning in 2007, the Chick-fil-A Bowl partnered with the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame to participate in the Play It Smart program. In 1998, The NFF created Play It Smart, an educational program targeted at high school football players from economically disadvantaged environments. The program, designed to transform student-athletes' passion for sport and intense dedication to their team into a force for greater good in their lives, provides an "Academic Coach" who is equal parts mentor, advocate, counselor, teacher, coach and friend to work with the students for the entire academic year.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – $370,000 
Proceeds from the Chick-fil-A Bowl's Classic for Kids men's basketball doubleheader have benefited Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which is dedicated to providing sick children with superior medical care.

High School Scholarships – $336,000
Dozens of high school football players and team managers from the state of Georgia receive $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships through an annualized program.

Georgia Lion's Lighthouse Foundation – $300,000 
An annual contribution program begun in 2006 to help support the Georgia Lion's Lighthouse, an organization dedicated to fostering sight conservation and restoration, and hearing conservation, with a particular emphasis on children.

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund – $100,000
Following the April 16 massacre on the Virginia Tech campus, the Chick-fil-A Bowl donated an additional $100,000 to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid relief efforts for the families of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

Georgia National Guard – $100,000
The Georgia National Guard received a donation to assist families affected by Georgians involved in the war in Iraq.

Louisiana State Hurricane Student Relief Fund – $100,000
The LSU Foundation has collaborated with entities campus-wide to establish the "Hurricane Katrina Student Relief Fund" to assist LSU students who have lost financial support or have been displaced due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

University Athletic Programs – $93,000
Participating teams in the Russell Athletic Shootout, the Chick-fil-A Bowl's women's college basketball doubleheader, received donations to their university's athletic programs.

Schools of Niger – $47,000
Through its sponsorship of the Chick-fil-A Bowl Duck N Dodge charity dodgeball tournament, some proceeds of the event go to help fund the building and equipping of schools in the impoverished African nation of Niger

Georgia Baptist Health Care System – $39,000
Proceeds from the ACC/SEC Golf Invitational, a Chick-fil-A Bowl event held each May prior to 2006, benefited the Georgia Baptist Health Care System's Mobile Unit, which travels the state providing health care to disadvantaged communities.

Atlanta Touchdown Club and Atlanta Tipoff Club – $15,000
These two local support organizations each received donations to help support initiatives in the Atlanta area.

New Orleans' Bowls Relief – $10,000
As part of a Football Bowl Association effort, funds were given to help relieve costs associated with hurricane damage to the two New Orleans bowls.

 Corky Kell Classic – $10,000
As a part of its mission to support football at all levels, the Chick-fil-A Bowl has dedicated funds to help grow the Corky Kell Classic's series of high school football games held in the Georgia Dome.

National Kidney Foundation – $10,000
In 2008, the Chick-fil-A Bowl allocated funds to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of former Bowl chairman Chuck Fruit who passed away in 2008. Mr. Fruit had been involved with the organization for many years.

                                                         2002–2008 Total – $5,888,000

Posted via email from Kleerstreem's Posterous

Chick-fil-A Bowl Sets New Record for Charitable Giving...Facts You May Not Know About.

Bowl disburses $1.24 million in charity and scholarship and makes a $5 million contribution to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010

ATLANTA (Dec. 30, 2010) – The Chick-fil-A Bowl today announced that its combined charitable and scholarship giving for 2010 has exceeded $6.2 million. This is an all-time record for bowl games and the fourth consecutive year the Chick-fil-A Bowl has surpassed the million dollar mark in giving.

The figure includes more than $1.24 million in charitable and scholarship donations and a one-time gift of $5 million to the non-profit organization managing the College Football Hall of Fame to help fund the new facility in Atlanta set to open in March 2013.

Having a positive impact on its community and among its partner conferences and participating teams has always been a priority for the Chick-fil-A Bowl and is a philosophy that has maintained the Bowl’s leadership position among all bowls in terms of giving.

“I really can’t even begin to express how proud we are to be able to give back at this level,” said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl president and CEO. “This is something we are passionate about and hope that we can set an example for all bowl games to follow in their own communities. This is a great way that bowls can proactively and positively impact the lives of so many who need help.”

Following is a breakdown of the Chick-fil-A Bowl’s charitable gifts in 2010.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament Scholarship Purse ($415,000) WinShape Homes ($135,000) Other Charities ($21,000)	$571,000
WinShape Homes Foundation	$245,000
National Football Foundation Play It Smart Program	$180,000
Endowed Scholarship at Florida State	$100,000
Endowed Scholarship at South Carolina	$100,000
Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation	$50,000
College Football Hall of Fame	$5,000,000
2010 RECORD TOTAL:	$6,246,000

WinShape Homes – $1,408,000
WinShape Homes is a long-term care alternative for children who desperately need a caring home environment. WinShape operates 11 homes; seven in Georgia, two in Tennessee and one each in Alabama and Brazil.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge golf event – $1,340,000
Created in 2007, this premier, made-for-TV golf tournament featured 12 two-man teams of NCAA head coaches and celebrities – representing universities from around the country – competing for a pool of $400,000 in scholarship money. The event was held April 25 – 27 at Reynolds Plantation and will be televised on Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.

College Scholarships – $1,070,000 
Prior to 2006, the Chick-fil-A Bowl contributed scholarship money to the general scholarship funds of the participating universities. Beginning in 2006, the Chick-fil-A Bowl began an endowed scholarship program to create $100,000 scholarships at each of the participating schools.

Play It Smart – $540,000
Beginning in 2007, the Chick-fil-A Bowl partnered with the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame to participate in the Play It Smart program. In 1998, The NFF created Play It Smart, an educational program targeted at high school football players from economically disadvantaged environments. The program, designed to transform student-athletes' passion for sport and intense dedication to their team into a force for greater good in their lives, provides an "Academic Coach" who is equal parts mentor, advocate, counselor, teacher, coach and friend to work with the students for the entire academic year.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – $370,000 
Proceeds from the Chick-fil-A Bowl's Classic for Kids men's basketball doubleheader have benefited Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which is dedicated to providing sick children with superior medical care.

High School Scholarships – $336,000
Dozens of high school football players and team managers from the state of Georgia receive $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships through an annualized program.

Georgia Lion's Lighthouse Foundation – $300,000 
An annual contribution program begun in 2006 to help support the Georgia Lion's Lighthouse, an organization dedicated to fostering sight conservation and restoration, and hearing conservation, with a particular emphasis on children.

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund – $100,000
Following the April 16 massacre on the Virginia Tech campus, the Chick-fil-A Bowl donated an additional $100,000 to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid relief efforts for the families of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

Georgia National Guard – $100,000
The Georgia National Guard received a donation to assist families affected by Georgians involved in the war in Iraq.

Louisiana State Hurricane Student Relief Fund – $100,000
The LSU Foundation has collaborated with entities campus-wide to establish the "Hurricane Katrina Student Relief Fund" to assist LSU students who have lost financial support or have been displaced due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

University Athletic Programs – $93,000
Participating teams in the Russell Athletic Shootout, the Chick-fil-A Bowl's women's college basketball doubleheader, received donations to their university's athletic programs.

Schools of Niger – $47,000
Through its sponsorship of the Chick-fil-A Bowl Duck N Dodge charity dodgeball tournament, some proceeds of the event go to help fund the building and equipping of schools in the impoverished African nation of Niger

Georgia Baptist Health Care System – $39,000
Proceeds from the ACC/SEC Golf Invitational, a Chick-fil-A Bowl event held each May prior to 2006, benefited the Georgia Baptist Health Care System's Mobile Unit, which travels the state providing health care to disadvantaged communities.

Atlanta Touchdown Club and Atlanta Tipoff Club – $15,000
These two local support organizations each received donations to help support initiatives in the Atlanta area.

New Orleans' Bowls Relief – $10,000
As part of a Football Bowl Association effort, funds were given to help relieve costs associated with hurricane damage to the two New Orleans bowls.

 Corky Kell Classic – $10,000
As a part of its mission to support football at all levels, the Chick-fil-A Bowl has dedicated funds to help grow the Corky Kell Classic's series of high school football games held in the Georgia Dome.

National Kidney Foundation – $10,000
In 2008, the Chick-fil-A Bowl allocated funds to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of former Bowl chairman Chuck Fruit who passed away in 2008. Mr. Fruit had been involved with the organization for many years.

                                                         2002–2008 Total – $5,888,000

Posted via email from Global Politics

Is the Bible Really the Divine Word of God?

Q: I find it inspiring to read the Bible, but I can't go along with those who say it's the divine Word of God, because frankly I find some of it kind of hard to swallow. Why can't we just choose the parts we agree with and leave the rest alone? -- L.K.  A: We could do this, of course; many people actually do exactly that -- picking and choosing what they'll believe in the Bible while rejecting the rest. They are like the people of whom Jesus said, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark 7:9).  But let me ask you a question: How will you decide what parts of the Bible you'll accept and what parts you'll reject? You see, what you're doing is setting yourself up as a judge over the Bible. But if you do that, you'll miss its main message -- and that would be tragic. The Bible has one message from one end to the other -- the message of God's love for us.  How do we know God loves us? We know it because the Bible tells us He created us and gave us the capacity to know Him. We know it too because the Bible tells us He takes care of us and provides for us. We know it most of all because the Bible tells us God sent His Son into the world to give His life for us, so our sins could be forgiven and we could be with Him in heaven forever.  Don't miss God's message for you. Instead, ask God to speak to you through the pages of the Bible -- and He will. And when He does, you'll want to humble yourself before Him, and open your heart and life to Jesus Christ.

Posted via email from Religion

Some of the Best Southern Food Blogs

If you enjoy cooking, Southern Style, one of these blogs/sites will surely meet your needs, expectations, with recipes you're sure to enjoy.....Happy Cooking!!

With 50 states and over 200 years of cooking under its belt, the United States of America is just as subject to regional cooking as any other nation. One of the most noted and recognizable areas of American remains the South. With states from Texas to Florida, the ideas and practices of Southern food are as complex as they are vast.

In order to make sense of it all, we have gathered the 50 best Southern food blogs. With everyone from professional chefs to plain old mom weighing in, you are sure to find a new family favorite or just something to make for dinner tonight.

Best Southern Food Blogs by a Woman

The First Ladies of Southern cooking have loads to share on their blogs.

1. Pioneer Woman Cooks : Ree is a “desperate housewife”with a touch of Lucille Ball, Vivian Leigh, and Ethel Merman. Check out her blog to see cooking pioneer style. Pizzas, breakfast burritos, and blackberry cheesecake are just some of the faves on this popular blog.

2. Paula Deen : She is the popular chef sporting down home eats on the Food Network. Get Paula’s very own recipes for everything from appetizers to kid friendly recipes. You can get a menu for the week, check out the audio blog, and much more on the massive site.

3. Biscuits and Such : Elena actually bases her Southern food blog out of Baltimore. She writes her own recipes as a mix of traditional and modern cooking. Entries such as a habanero grouper and bacon blue cheese burgers will get you interested.

4. Deep South Dish : This blog is about basic, country style Southern cooking with an emphasis on coastal South dishes and cooking from scratch. This mother has literally been dishing it out since the seventies and shares here. Summer favorites from fire ‘n ice pickles and boiled peanuts are featured.

5. Homesick Texan : Lisa left her home state of Texas to move to the Big City. As stated in the name of the blog, she dedicates her writings to the food she left behind. Favorites include biscuits, carnitas, chicken-fried steak, and more.

6. Southern Lady Cooks : This blogger believes that Southern cooking is a labor of love and shares timeless favorites such as buttermilk biscuits. Cooking tips, featured recipes, and delicious looking pictures greet everyone who visits. She even features the “Ten Commandments of Grits”for true Southerners.

7. Y’all Come On! : With a name like that, the blog has to be good. Christy Clark is a misplaced Southern belle who moved to Florida. She brought her cooking with her and shares loads of it here.

8. Backyard Southern Gourmet : Armadillo Pepper is a virtual blogger in the world of Southern food. Listen to the latest audio entry or even get entries on how to make food overseas with a Southern flare. Simple and easy recipes are often the topic of each post.

9. Fabulous Southern Foodie : Ann Margaret is from Georgia where she enjoys the best of Southern food. She often features pre-prepared meals as well as her own. The blog also stands out for those looking to lose weight.

Best Southern Food Blogs by a Man

The men weigh in via blog on their Southern cooking favorites.

10. New Orleans Cuisine : Danno dedicates his Southern food blog to New Orleans and Louisiana cooking. Recipes are ideal for the Creole or Cajun and include many Southern favorites. Recent ones include praline bacon and peach salsa pork chops.

11. Sugar Pies Food : Buck is originally from South Carolina and now lives in Tucson. His mother was a Southern cook and continues the tradition in the blog. A good choice if desserts are your thing.

12. Blackened Out : Peter and Rene believe New Orleans is one of the staple cities of America. Check out the latest happenings in food in the area with a visit. The top 20 post Katrina offerings are often shared.

13. Hushpuppy Nation : Rick McDaniel is a food historian, chef, and writer who specializes in Southern food. He devotes his blog to the history and culture of Southern food. A while can pass between posts but if entries such as lemon sherbet and beaten biscuits intrigue you, be sure to visit.

14. Slim Pickins Pork : Andrew explores the nuances of the pig in this blog. He hopes to elevate rustic cuisine to a high art. Burgers were the topic of a recent entry.

15. Chef Rick’s Southern Cooking : Click here to get loads of Southern recipes. Rick keeps this as more of a database than blog but offers loads of entries on appetizers, drinks, and pickles. Be sure not to miss the part on soul food.

Best Southern Food Blogs by a Site

These sites devote part or all of their blogs to Southern cooking.

16. Southern Plate : Christy Jordan had economics inspirations until she developed this site specializing in recipes below the Mason-Dixon Line. Targeting cooks of all ages and skills, she hopes to share Southern cooking with people all over the world. Useful videos, classics, and much more await with just a click.

17. Eating My Words : The secret food adventures of the staff at “Southern Living”magazine are featured here. Categories include the test kitchen, restaurants, and even wine. You can also get loads of other tools and resources for food and other ways to live a Southern life.

18. Southern Food : About.com is a site where many experts stop by to blog and Southern food is not excluded. Diana Tattray has been blogging on the topic since 1997 and offers many entries. Must reads include crockpot recipes, mac and cheese, and easy chicken.

19. Southern USA : Many culinary classics of the American South are shared on Allrecipes.com. Favorites include fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet potato pie. Visit to check out the featured cook or even share your own recipe.

20. Southern Recipes : Ol’ South Recipes has a list for authentic recipes. Current entries include fried green tomatoes. You can also get entries that use avocado, chili, omelets, and much more.

21. Easy Southern Cooking : Quick recipes for the beginner are the focus here. Choose from soup, sides, beverages, and much more. You can even learn to make complex foods the easy way such as jelly, jam, and preserves.

22. Mama’s Southern Cooking Blog : If mom was a big part of your Southern cooking experience, this is the blog for you. It features recipes commonly associated with parents of Southerners. Favorites such as casseroles and potato salad are all here.

23. Southern : More of a database than a blog, this is a must visit. The Food Network has over two thousand recipes listed as Southern. Current top entries include a Southern shrimp boil, deviled eggs, and fried chicken.

24. Southern Foodways Alliance : This organizations documents, studies, and celebrates the culture of Southern cooking. The blog lets you know what they are up to, as well as shares award winning recipes. With entries dating back to 2003, make time for this one.

Best Barbeque Southern Food Blogs

Because loads of Southern food is cooked outdoors, check out these blogs.

25. Boy Meets Grill : Bobby Flay is the host of a show on the Food Network of the same name. Get recipes, tips, and even videos by visiting. Be sure not to miss “Killer Grilling Tips”with everything from the master griller to newbie.

26. BBQ Hub : The world of barbeque is featured on this popular blog. Choose from topics such as contests, restaurants, teams, and more. They even did a recent entry on fried chicken.

27. Barbeques & Grilling : Derrick Riches writes all about these topics in another entry from About.com. Must reads include the best gas grills and recipe of the week. One of the latest entries was on the top ten accessories for the grill.

28. Livefire : The Beringer Great Steak Challenge is the topic of concern currently on this blog. However, you can get tips and pictures on how to pit BBQ or even make lobster on the grill. Be sure not to miss the Friday Food Faves with more.

29. Patio Daddio BBQ : Musings on barbeque, cooking, and life are served here. Popular recipes here include seasoning and classic drumsticks. You can even get random recipes on items such as Hungarian entries and rattlesnake tails.

30. BBQ Blog : Brian Pearcy has published over 750 articles on the topic and has won awards for his spice rub. Learn more by visiting. He recently posted the results of a reader poll on smokers.

31. Ribs Within : This is the blog of an actual and professional BBQ team. See where they are traveling, what contest they are entering, and most of all, what they are making. There is also a special section for recipes.

32. White Trash BBQ : Stop here for real pit barbeque straight from New York City. He actually competes in the KCBS Championship and shares more here. Contest and grilling tips are often shared.

33. BBQ Addicts : Visit for the home of “America’s Hottest Barbeque Recipe.” Featured on Good Morning American and CNN, they get around. A recent entry was on the best of bacon.

34. A BBQ Nation : Get the official blog of Smoke in ‘Da Eye here. One of their most recent entries was on how to barbeque a breakfast. Specifically, it was a waffle cheese burger.

35. BBQ Sauce Reviews : Need something to go with all that food? Then stop here to get reviews for BBQ sauce before you buy. Choose from one to five star sauces and even get random entries for fruit or gluten free sauce.

Best Cajun Southern Food Blogs

Because the French also influenced Southern food, have a look at these blogs.

36. Real Cajun Cooking : Jacques Gaspard is your host to everything Cajun in this blog. He shows readers how to cook like a Cajun and even develop their own style. The latest recipe is on creamy chicken and oyster stew.

37. New Orleans Food and Recipe News : The site NOLA.com hosts this blog. Food and recipes are shared as well as the latest dining news. Food related happenings around the city are also shared.

38. The Bear Growls : Arthur “The Bear”shares dining habits, rants, and diatribes. The world of Southern Louisiana is focused on but he can occasionally wander. The interesting back story of a restaurant he recently visited is also shared.

39. Roux B Doo’s Cajun and Creole Food Blog : Learn the difference between the two in this blog. Tim often features the best in Southern food and offers links to favorite restaurants and more. He also has the option to download recipe books.

40. NOLA Cuisine : The food of New Orleans, Louisiana is celebrated here. Get the most popular entries such as shrimp etouffee and creole with a click. They also have reviews for restaurants in the area.

41. The Boudin Link : Learn more about the Cajun style of sausage here. Get a virtual guide to it by visiting here. Maps to recommendations, recipes, and more are detailed.

42. Peanut Butter Etouffee : This recipe and other oddities are featured on the blog. Art projects and more off topic picks are also shared. You can even learn how to make steam driven cookies with a visit.

43. The Creole and Cajun Recipe Page : This is a good first stop for newbies to Cajun cooking. Chuck Taggart is a native from New Orleans and shares the basics and beyond of this type of Southern food. Appetizers, Po-Boys, and many others are shared.

44. Gumbo and Other Tales : Sara has not been active in posting lately but is still worth a look. With two blogs to choose from, she has loads about gumbo. See where she has been and what was cooked on the blog.

Best Specialty Southern Food Blogs

These food blogs have a Southern specialty in mind.

45. Southern Savers : Get information on coupons, deals, giveaways, and more for the Southerner on this site. Stores such as Target and Walgreens are often the subject of entries. There are even guides for getting started.

46. Mommy’s Kitchen : This mother knows that the best childhood memories often take place in the kitchen. With that and Southern food in mind, she blogs a virtual kitchen of recipes and tips. The current feature is cake mix dinner rolls.

47. Soul Fusion Kitchen : Sylvie believes the kitchen is the hub of all social events in the home. Holiday parties, outdoor BBQ, luncheons, dinner, and brunch with a soulful look are featured here. A recent post was on a BBQ competition.

48. Madame Monaco’s Moreish Menus and Morsels : What does a French Canadian know about Southern food? Visit her blog to find out. Although recipes reach across both countries, she still features a few recipes from her native South. Cooking tags are on everything from African to vegetables.

49. Soul Food and Southern Cooking : Visit here to get the soul in the South. Loads of recipes are available with a click and are for everyone from the meat lover to the diabetic. They also offer cooking tips.

50. The Chicken Fried Blog : A Southern favorite, the blog makes no apologies for being about its favorite dish. Get reviews for fried chicken from all over the country. Entries are sparse but worth it if you love fried chicken as much as they do.

No matter your cooking knowledge, skill, or even location, there is loads to learn in the above 50 best Southern food blogs. With growing interest and no signs of slowing, there is a reason it is so popular.

Posted via email from Grillin and Smokin