As I sit here and listen to Pink Floyd’s Wish You were Here CD, I struggle to know if I’m traveling a path of righteousness or a path of destruction.
Perhaps it is both. I trust in the Lord to not only show me the path to take, but to clear it before and after me. I trust in the Lord to destroy the paths of wickedness before and after me so as to not deceive me, tempt me, fool me and lead me astray from the glory of following Him in His footsteps.
Our Lord is a humble Lord. By this I mean He would much rather follow you and see you shine in your own chosen legacy than to constantly have to lead the way. He would much rather be an unknown entity in the back of the room listening and watching, than stand in front of the room where His presence is obvious and glorified.
Recognition does not mean you have to be personally and physically known by the masses. But rather the knowledge the masses have that you are there…watching, listening, protecting and praying for them. When He walked this Earth He had to be a leader because many of His teachings were unknown to His followers. It was necessary that this “foundation” be cast so future generations could reflect on it and know its’ deeper meanings.
Now…we know these meanings, we know world history, we understand His teachings, we perceive clearly the prophesies of old and trust in the deliverance set before us.
Now… His gift to this world…the church…and the righteous who are part of it regardless of race or religion, has been opened and is pouring itself out all over the world so that we are the leaders, the teachers, the holy, the God fearing and most importantly God trusting chosen individuals that make up His promised New World.
As this unfolds He sits back and watches, listens and takes pride in the fact that His “students” are now the masters He hoped and prayed they one day would become.
Like I said He’s a proud professor. That being said He wants you to shine in not only His Glory but yours as well.
Let’s do our best to make Him and His Masterful Father and all the saints and angels in Heaven proud of us. Let’s show Him how we heard the message, we learned His wisdom and did our best to share it with others to teach the unknowing His Ways.
Let’s make our Creator cry with tears of joy and laugh with the breath of the ages as we forge into this New Age of discovery and deliverance.
Gods’ speed to that!!! Bless you and yours now and forever more.
In His Majesties Service:
© BAS …;}.… 9/8/08 7:00 PM EST
Luke Chapters 14 thru 18 AMEN
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
It's My Fun Day !
September 7th, Year of our Lord 2008 6:00 AM EST
Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It is a day of celebration to and for the Lord. It means faith, family and football and all that goes with it to me. Worshipping and fellowship, cook outs and playgrounds, sport and victory, what could be better. Some Sundays I feel like I’ve woke up in heaven. To have the ability to celebrate and enjoy my faith, my friends and family and sporting events both played and observed I am most grateful for. I hope and pray this glorious Sunday is as special to you as it is to me.
A few thoughts this day:
1) Isn’t the recent rash of fresh commercials on both TV and radio entertaining and educational ? Hat’s off to the dreamers and creators of these quips of information.
2) The “celebration” penalty at the end of the BYU vs. Washington game was a travesty. Why don’t we just see if these guys can play with hand cuffs on ? It is so drastic of a call that I feel the NCAA should get these two teams together again. Drop the penalty, re-try the extra point and if made go to OT. Or give Washington the chance to go for two instead if they choose. How can anyone associated with this game; the coaches, players, referees (and I use that term loosely), and fans rest with this decision. If I would’ve been the coach of BYU I would’ve dragged that ref to the side and told him that he either disregard that flag or I will strongly protest this “victory”. Who wants to win that way anyway ?
3) USA vs. Cuba soccer: great game but why does soccer have to be so offensively dull. 90 minutes to see one goal scored…BORING !
4) If I had five TV channels and five TV channels only these are the ones I would go with…not necessarily in this order: PBS, CNN, ESPN, EWTN, and one of the local (aerial) available channels for local info that has the best signal in my area. In my case it would be WJXT channel 4.
5) After watching the Republican party in Minnesota I came away encouraged, enlightened and excited. Wow what a ticket. I am a registered independent and to me this McCain, Palin ticket is just outstanding. It troubles me however when I have to listen to these morons call into or email the various news outlets with complaints about Governor Palin’s acceptance speech. To me it was one of the best I ever had the pleasure to watch. I hear these folks say, “she didn’t address the issues”… well she only had 30 – 40 minutes, the issues are what they are, her main goal was to introduce herself and her family to the republic which she did an outstanding job of. These upcoming debates will be fun to watch. Final score (maximum of 10) Republicans 5 / Democrats 2 / Independents 3.
6) I have been approached a couple times to publish in some form or fashion some of my writing. I have researched this extensively and I know I can self publish for around $1,500. But what many people don’t realize is the creation and documentation of your works and talent is less than half the battle. Before you even publish and certainly after you have to promote and publicize your efforts.
This is the intent of this blog, to set a foundation and garnish a bit of an interested following. That way when I do publish something I’ll have people wanting a copy fresh off the press. And besides this blog allows me to share my thoughts and opinions to the world for free and readily accessible anytime and anyplace.
Have a safe and happy Sunday. Give a complete stranger a smile and a hug or handshake today. You may be surprised who you just touched !
Congratulations Gators and GO JAGUARS !!!
In His Majesties Service:
BAS …:}….9/7/08 7:15 AM EST
Leviticus Chapters 21, 22, 23, and 24
Ezra Chapter 5 and 6
Psalms 14 and Proverbs Chapter 20
Matthew Chapter 27
1st Corinthians Chapter 12
Revelations Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
AMEN
Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It is a day of celebration to and for the Lord. It means faith, family and football and all that goes with it to me. Worshipping and fellowship, cook outs and playgrounds, sport and victory, what could be better. Some Sundays I feel like I’ve woke up in heaven. To have the ability to celebrate and enjoy my faith, my friends and family and sporting events both played and observed I am most grateful for. I hope and pray this glorious Sunday is as special to you as it is to me.
A few thoughts this day:
1) Isn’t the recent rash of fresh commercials on both TV and radio entertaining and educational ? Hat’s off to the dreamers and creators of these quips of information.
2) The “celebration” penalty at the end of the BYU vs. Washington game was a travesty. Why don’t we just see if these guys can play with hand cuffs on ? It is so drastic of a call that I feel the NCAA should get these two teams together again. Drop the penalty, re-try the extra point and if made go to OT. Or give Washington the chance to go for two instead if they choose. How can anyone associated with this game; the coaches, players, referees (and I use that term loosely), and fans rest with this decision. If I would’ve been the coach of BYU I would’ve dragged that ref to the side and told him that he either disregard that flag or I will strongly protest this “victory”. Who wants to win that way anyway ?
3) USA vs. Cuba soccer: great game but why does soccer have to be so offensively dull. 90 minutes to see one goal scored…BORING !
4) If I had five TV channels and five TV channels only these are the ones I would go with…not necessarily in this order: PBS, CNN, ESPN, EWTN, and one of the local (aerial) available channels for local info that has the best signal in my area. In my case it would be WJXT channel 4.
5) After watching the Republican party in Minnesota I came away encouraged, enlightened and excited. Wow what a ticket. I am a registered independent and to me this McCain, Palin ticket is just outstanding. It troubles me however when I have to listen to these morons call into or email the various news outlets with complaints about Governor Palin’s acceptance speech. To me it was one of the best I ever had the pleasure to watch. I hear these folks say, “she didn’t address the issues”… well she only had 30 – 40 minutes, the issues are what they are, her main goal was to introduce herself and her family to the republic which she did an outstanding job of. These upcoming debates will be fun to watch. Final score (maximum of 10) Republicans 5 / Democrats 2 / Independents 3.
6) I have been approached a couple times to publish in some form or fashion some of my writing. I have researched this extensively and I know I can self publish for around $1,500. But what many people don’t realize is the creation and documentation of your works and talent is less than half the battle. Before you even publish and certainly after you have to promote and publicize your efforts.
This is the intent of this blog, to set a foundation and garnish a bit of an interested following. That way when I do publish something I’ll have people wanting a copy fresh off the press. And besides this blog allows me to share my thoughts and opinions to the world for free and readily accessible anytime and anyplace.
Have a safe and happy Sunday. Give a complete stranger a smile and a hug or handshake today. You may be surprised who you just touched !
Congratulations Gators and GO JAGUARS !!!
In His Majesties Service:
BAS …:}….9/7/08 7:15 AM EST
Leviticus Chapters 21, 22, 23, and 24
Ezra Chapter 5 and 6
Psalms 14 and Proverbs Chapter 20
Matthew Chapter 27
1st Corinthians Chapter 12
Revelations Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
AMEN
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Depression
Depression sets in from somewhere near
It lives in all of us, but for some it is true fear
Loneliness and despair are hard to overcome
Death and ruin robs the brightest of some
What is this pain that won’t go away?
What are these tears on my cheek that stay
No medication can cure it alone
You must reach beyond all the way to the bone
Get up and take control, life is to short
To spend it in a funk of sort
You must grab onto things that make you happy
Then you’ll find life’s outlook not so sadly
Difficult it is I know all to well
But have faith it will work better than any pill.
(c) B.A.S. ...:}.... 2008
In his Majesties Service:
The Book of Jude
2nd Chronicles Chapter 33
Psalms 13, Psalms 139
Proverbs 33 (Can you find it ?)
It lives in all of us, but for some it is true fear
Loneliness and despair are hard to overcome
Death and ruin robs the brightest of some
What is this pain that won’t go away?
What are these tears on my cheek that stay
No medication can cure it alone
You must reach beyond all the way to the bone
Get up and take control, life is to short
To spend it in a funk of sort
You must grab onto things that make you happy
Then you’ll find life’s outlook not so sadly
Difficult it is I know all to well
But have faith it will work better than any pill.
(c) B.A.S. ...:}.... 2008
In his Majesties Service:
The Book of Jude
2nd Chronicles Chapter 33
Psalms 13, Psalms 139
Proverbs 33 (Can you find it ?)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The fence and the arc
Good Morning….Beautiful moon last night wasn’t it.
I have many transcripts I have written over the years and I constantly have thoughts on current events that I will in short order start to comment on. I have already stated my opinions on several current issues in previous blog entries. However, I feel the biggest questions involve the mysteries of the world and the understanding of the Word.
Current issues are what they are. The majority of us know what the outcome will be on these issues and I have faith that the righteous and just decisions will be made by our leaders. Such as this fence and amnesty issue with the illegals. I have a simple solution to this mess…but I see multi-millionaires getting paid untold amounts of money and perks to spew their confused and twisted agendas on this issue.
I met my ex-wife by chance when I was on vacation in Germany many years ago. I spent thousands of dollars and in excess of three months filing the paperwork with Homeland Security to get her over here. It took over a year, but I eventually got a fiancé’ visa which was good for three months. We married within that time and now she was able to start her path to a formal green card. As the story goes she eventually got her green card about four years later….she left me that week. Yeah I know what it is like to be used and in this case I didn’t even get a proper good-bye or thank you.
Now, some in a position of power want to grant amnesty to millions who are here illegally. This is a cop out because they don’t want to spend the resources necessary to find and return these folks. Well here’s an idea. As I said it took well over a year to get my wife over here. If we increase staff, considerably, we can process this rush of applications in an efficient and timely manner. How can we even think of granting amnesty to people we don’t know and have no record of ? Amnesty is granted to certain individuals for certain transgressions that are outweighed by the over all good the person caused to occur by committing the transgression. So amnesty doesn’t apply in this case.
As far as the fence, what a joke. Fences do little other than disrupt the migration paths of millions of creatures whose lives will be cut in half by this stupid fence. Again, another mans’ unthoughtfull solution to a complex problem. With today’s technologies we can clear the land on either side of the border a short distance, then we shoot dual infared and microwave beams down it. We use other technologies to sense someone approaching “the clearing”. If we are fore warned we concentrate on that area. We have cameras and drones looking at every inch of the border. We have guard stations raised in the air to watch with human eye this border. We use radios to communicate to each other and we stop this free flow of humanity into our country. Our southern border needs to be closed like a vault, a fence has too many holes and is too expensive and will take to long to build. We can install infrared and microwave beams, cameras, guard stations, and drone ports now and now is what is needed. The only amnesty we should offer is say a 60 day period to get your paperwork together and file it correctly. If you are here and you have to go there to get the required information to file…so sorry…you will not be allowed to return. If however you were smart enough to bring that with you, then you file it, we process it, and hopefully you are legal within the window allowed.
In closing on this issue I’ll say this: If our government grants amnesty to these folks than I expect a full refund of the thousands of dollars I spent doing it the “legal” way. And I expect payment for lost wages on the many hours I spent researching the process, filling out the forms and waiting in line for hours to file it or ask a question. Page 1 of 2
Page 2. Years ago when you could come thru the Island and be registered and welcomed are long gone. These folks were generally good people coming here for a fresh start and the hope of the American Dream. Now this dream is a nightmare and if it is not sealed and processed correctly, we will suffer for years to come.
Well enough of that issue…the solution is doable…we just need people out there who will do it and not cop out just so their maid and yard guy can stay here with little to no expense or effort on their or their sponsors part.
A more challenging topic is one dear to my heart, the Arc of the Covenant. I have researched this in the past and continue to this day. My gut tells me it is not where common thinking leads us to, specifically the sites in Africa. It may be there but my sense is that it isn’t. I think I know the general area where it is. I will continue my studies and prayers for understanding on this, but I will share this much with you. The Levites were the most trusted tribe by God. They were generally thought of as priests with an undeniable understanding of His Word. What most of us do not know is that the Levites are also great warriors and defenders. They were taught to be masters of the strategy of defense, offense, and guardianship. Any one or any thing that tried to break their ranks were met with an often gruesome outcome. The Levites were masters of weaponry and the forging of metals. It was common for a small group of Levites to lay waste to thousands of their enemies with the quickness of a fading sun set. So now that we know a little about who was in charge of carrying it and protecting it where would you suppose it is?
Well let’s apply some logic. Let’s suppose you have a priceless heirloom. You need to stash it because you are about to go on a long journey. Put yourself in that time in history where there were not safety-deposit boxes etc. Well number one you would probably hide it in an area very familiar to you, but few others. You would hide it somewhere that you felt would not be disturbed for generations. You would hide it in a place surrounded with people who would appreciate it should it be discovered, And last but not least you would hide it in a place perhaps so obvious it would be overlooked even if glanced upon by the unknowing.
That being said I do not feel it is anywhere on the African continent, unless traditional history is different than expected, which is possible. I will say that if traditional history was not disturbed it is perhaps half a world away from there and that is all I can say on this issue right now. Remember…they were warrior priests…this is a clue.
Thought for the day:
When you sleep your mind is open for the Lord to work His magic. It is also a time for the dark side to influence your subconscious. Go to sleep with good thoughts and your dreams may very well one day come true.
In His Service:
May 20th, 2008 7:00 AM EST
BAS …;}…
Second Book of Samuel Chapter 24
I have many transcripts I have written over the years and I constantly have thoughts on current events that I will in short order start to comment on. I have already stated my opinions on several current issues in previous blog entries. However, I feel the biggest questions involve the mysteries of the world and the understanding of the Word.
Current issues are what they are. The majority of us know what the outcome will be on these issues and I have faith that the righteous and just decisions will be made by our leaders. Such as this fence and amnesty issue with the illegals. I have a simple solution to this mess…but I see multi-millionaires getting paid untold amounts of money and perks to spew their confused and twisted agendas on this issue.
I met my ex-wife by chance when I was on vacation in Germany many years ago. I spent thousands of dollars and in excess of three months filing the paperwork with Homeland Security to get her over here. It took over a year, but I eventually got a fiancé’ visa which was good for three months. We married within that time and now she was able to start her path to a formal green card. As the story goes she eventually got her green card about four years later….she left me that week. Yeah I know what it is like to be used and in this case I didn’t even get a proper good-bye or thank you.
Now, some in a position of power want to grant amnesty to millions who are here illegally. This is a cop out because they don’t want to spend the resources necessary to find and return these folks. Well here’s an idea. As I said it took well over a year to get my wife over here. If we increase staff, considerably, we can process this rush of applications in an efficient and timely manner. How can we even think of granting amnesty to people we don’t know and have no record of ? Amnesty is granted to certain individuals for certain transgressions that are outweighed by the over all good the person caused to occur by committing the transgression. So amnesty doesn’t apply in this case.
As far as the fence, what a joke. Fences do little other than disrupt the migration paths of millions of creatures whose lives will be cut in half by this stupid fence. Again, another mans’ unthoughtfull solution to a complex problem. With today’s technologies we can clear the land on either side of the border a short distance, then we shoot dual infared and microwave beams down it. We use other technologies to sense someone approaching “the clearing”. If we are fore warned we concentrate on that area. We have cameras and drones looking at every inch of the border. We have guard stations raised in the air to watch with human eye this border. We use radios to communicate to each other and we stop this free flow of humanity into our country. Our southern border needs to be closed like a vault, a fence has too many holes and is too expensive and will take to long to build. We can install infrared and microwave beams, cameras, guard stations, and drone ports now and now is what is needed. The only amnesty we should offer is say a 60 day period to get your paperwork together and file it correctly. If you are here and you have to go there to get the required information to file…so sorry…you will not be allowed to return. If however you were smart enough to bring that with you, then you file it, we process it, and hopefully you are legal within the window allowed.
In closing on this issue I’ll say this: If our government grants amnesty to these folks than I expect a full refund of the thousands of dollars I spent doing it the “legal” way. And I expect payment for lost wages on the many hours I spent researching the process, filling out the forms and waiting in line for hours to file it or ask a question. Page 1 of 2
Page 2. Years ago when you could come thru the Island and be registered and welcomed are long gone. These folks were generally good people coming here for a fresh start and the hope of the American Dream. Now this dream is a nightmare and if it is not sealed and processed correctly, we will suffer for years to come.
Well enough of that issue…the solution is doable…we just need people out there who will do it and not cop out just so their maid and yard guy can stay here with little to no expense or effort on their or their sponsors part.
A more challenging topic is one dear to my heart, the Arc of the Covenant. I have researched this in the past and continue to this day. My gut tells me it is not where common thinking leads us to, specifically the sites in Africa. It may be there but my sense is that it isn’t. I think I know the general area where it is. I will continue my studies and prayers for understanding on this, but I will share this much with you. The Levites were the most trusted tribe by God. They were generally thought of as priests with an undeniable understanding of His Word. What most of us do not know is that the Levites are also great warriors and defenders. They were taught to be masters of the strategy of defense, offense, and guardianship. Any one or any thing that tried to break their ranks were met with an often gruesome outcome. The Levites were masters of weaponry and the forging of metals. It was common for a small group of Levites to lay waste to thousands of their enemies with the quickness of a fading sun set. So now that we know a little about who was in charge of carrying it and protecting it where would you suppose it is?
Well let’s apply some logic. Let’s suppose you have a priceless heirloom. You need to stash it because you are about to go on a long journey. Put yourself in that time in history where there were not safety-deposit boxes etc. Well number one you would probably hide it in an area very familiar to you, but few others. You would hide it somewhere that you felt would not be disturbed for generations. You would hide it in a place surrounded with people who would appreciate it should it be discovered, And last but not least you would hide it in a place perhaps so obvious it would be overlooked even if glanced upon by the unknowing.
That being said I do not feel it is anywhere on the African continent, unless traditional history is different than expected, which is possible. I will say that if traditional history was not disturbed it is perhaps half a world away from there and that is all I can say on this issue right now. Remember…they were warrior priests…this is a clue.
Thought for the day:
When you sleep your mind is open for the Lord to work His magic. It is also a time for the dark side to influence your subconscious. Go to sleep with good thoughts and your dreams may very well one day come true.
In His Service:
May 20th, 2008 7:00 AM EST
BAS …;}…
Second Book of Samuel Chapter 24
Has anyone seen my feather?
February 4, 2008
I hear people say all the time that there is nothing to do in Jacksonville, that the night life is boring and the arts are lacking. I also have people ask me all the time what I do with my time. Well the best way for me to comment on this statement and question is to tell you what I did this weekend.
First let me say wasn’t the weather beautiful! The skies were clear at night and one could’ve spent a fair amount of time just studying the night sky.
On Friday evening I went to The Landing. If you have not been there in a while you really need to check it out. I got there just before 9PM and caught the tail end of a live band on the outdoor stage called STR8 UP. A multiple piece rhythm and blues band with lead vocals by Lanora, a very powerful performance. At the break I went to a new club called 9th and Main. They have a “back stage” room that has live bands on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. Don’t let the parking fool you…there is plenty around back. And while you’re there they have an excellent restaurant of local flavor I’m sure you will enjoy. I went back to The Landing and a band called Matanzas was performing. They are a 3 piece band from St. Augustine. They played a lot of cover songs from Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few. They were very good. By the way folks that’s a 13,000 watt sound system you’re listening to. I also wandered over to Bourbon Bayou which is a Cajun Specialties restaurant and bar with bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Their chicken/eggplant parmesan is excellent. After the Bayou I checked out Mavericks, the new mainly country club on the second floor. The highlight there was watching the lovely ladies on the mechanical bull ride. You go cow girl! All of these bands were free for me to see. Sure I had to pay to park at The Landing but it was around four dollars for the evening and well worth it to be in a secured lot.
On Saturday my son was wrestling in the 3A District 1 finals. It was at Fletcher High School. There were eight schools there with Niceville being the powerhouse they usually are. My son and his best friend came in second place and qualified for the next round of finals in Orlando. This was an all day event with excellent sportsmanship and athleticism. Fletcher did themselves proud…congrats guys. I left there after my son’s last match just in time to get to the University of North Florida’s Fine Arts Center to see Aeros. Aeros is a choreographed rhythmatic gymnastics performance. They are from Romania with five Olympians in the performance. It was absolutely awesome. Those of us that were there were treated to a display of human grace and ability that…well you just have to see it to believe it. After Aeros I went to Bourbon Street on St. Johns Bluff Road.
Numerous venues there, met a nice bartender at Crazy Horse, but what was really was cool was a little bar in there called The Varsity Club. You have to look for it off in the corner of the Horse…but once you’re in there you’ll be treated to a smaller crowd, and some excellent karaoke. There were two female vocalists who, well to be honest, it was better than some of the stuff the Horse was playing. This ain’t your mamas karaoke…check it out. At about 12:30 am I went to Tera Nova on Phillips and Baymeadows. A techno club with an awesome sound system and visuals. I sat at the back bar which was being tended by Nicole. She took excellent care of me and even put up with my occasional coin flipping and tossing. I enjoyed a pleasant ride home with the stars out and a cool breeze pushing thin clouds to the northwest.
Sunday morning I woke up to a glorious sunshiny day. I went to church and was treated to a very special moment. At the end of the service I sparked up a conversation with the organist (who is nationally known by the way) as we talked I told him I played a little and to my surprise he invited me to try out the magnificent pipe organ. I have never played a pipe organ before. I don’t read music so I just do my own creations. I played for about 10 minutes and was lost in the crisp bellowing sound of the most influential instrument in religion. Thank you Reverend Lance…it was the highlight of my weekend.
I got home just in time to change and high tail it to the Clay County Fairgrounds to see the Hunter Jumpers Equestrian event. This was a free event with five dollar parking. There were numerous shops and trade tents, a silent auction, a luncheon by Outback (there was a charge for that of course) pony rides, and tours. There was a celebrity horse race that was very entertaining. There were eight teams of four riders that had to do things like ride with an egg in a spoon, ride while putting on lipstick etc. etc. the Sheriff was there, 96.1FM and 99.9 FM had teams, there was a sports celebrity entry, elected officials, news media and the Zoo were all represented. The order of finish: 8th 99.9FM, 7th Fox TV 47, 6th Sports Team, 5th Elected Officials, 4th Times Union, 3rd 96.1 FM, 2nd The Zoo, and first place went to (once again) the channel 4 news crew. You had to see the glow on Mary’s face when she got that champions silver plate. Well she’s got bragging rights…at least til next year! Hey Mary I got it all on tape if you want a copy.
The main event was the third event in the 2008 series. This was a Grand Prix event with horses and riders from all over the world. Olympians, Pan Am games winners, last years champion, and several up and comers. Seven horses qualified for the jump off. I went to the practice area before the jump off to get a closer look at these magnificent animals. I got some excellent close up video of these practice jumps. During this time I picked my favorite and wished her luck on her way out to the ring. A local entry from Rolling Acres farm in Ocala the horse was Gerona 92 ridden by Mary Nicholson-Leffler. She had an excellent clean run and ended up coming in third. The winner was Polygraff from Winsor Farm Sales ridden by Bill Lowry. I have the whole jump off on tape so I can show it to my son later. What a special afternoon in glorious northeast Florida.
If that wasn’t enough I stopped by Chicago pizza on Phillips and Baymeadows and had an excellent thin crust pizza and enjoyed watching the beginning of the Super Bowl. Hey I don’t know about you but that tribute to our Declaration and Bill of Rights done by so many influential NFL figures before kick off was very emotional. Followed by the anthem which was done to perfection, I couldn’t help but realize again what a blessed and wonderful country we live, work and play in. What a capper to a perfect weekend, watching the Giants take out those egotistical, obnoxious and rude Patriots with their stuffy fan base. Congratulations Coach Coughlin you deserved this. I guess Tiki Barber picked the wrong year to retire. That catch and throw by Eli to David Tyree (you know the one, Eli was almost sacked and David caught the ball off his head) was the best in the moment play I seen all year. Of course Plaxico’s TD was very special too. How cool for a guy to catch the winning ball in the Super Bowl after fighting an ankle injury all year. Tom Petty’s half time performance was awesome wasn’t it? Even without a boob.
So that was my weekend and it was really special all in the quest of making memories and adding to the story line. So don’t tell me there is nothing to do here. Pick up the latest copy of EU, Buzz, or Folio…check out the newspaper, listen to TV and radio and open your eyes and ears to all the wondrous events coming here this year. We don’t need to see the world…the world is coming here to see us. Support your local arts and entertainment venues and they will continue to come and perform for your pleasure.
There was one downer this weekend for me. I had an eagle feather above my visor. It is very sentimental to me. I found it on the tarmac of the New International Airport in Ft. Myers when I was there during construction prior to its’ opening a couple years ago. Somehow it must have fallen out of my truck. I’ve already checked the area that I parked at Tera Nova and it was not there. I do plan on retracing my path today to look for it. But in the meantime if you should find it please contact me. It is about 20 inches long, slightly weathered and it has three or four blood spots on it. There is no reward, just a good feeling you helped someone. So as I started this story I have to ask again…
Has anyone seen my feather?
Have a great week and enjoy your City…it’s trying to enjoy you.
Bryan A. Stross
Owner/Operator Sensory Solutions LLC
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Email: strossba@sensoryllc.com
Blog: http://bryanastross.blogspot.com
Website: www.sensoryllc.com
(3)
I hear people say all the time that there is nothing to do in Jacksonville, that the night life is boring and the arts are lacking. I also have people ask me all the time what I do with my time. Well the best way for me to comment on this statement and question is to tell you what I did this weekend.
First let me say wasn’t the weather beautiful! The skies were clear at night and one could’ve spent a fair amount of time just studying the night sky.
On Friday evening I went to The Landing. If you have not been there in a while you really need to check it out. I got there just before 9PM and caught the tail end of a live band on the outdoor stage called STR8 UP. A multiple piece rhythm and blues band with lead vocals by Lanora, a very powerful performance. At the break I went to a new club called 9th and Main. They have a “back stage” room that has live bands on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. Don’t let the parking fool you…there is plenty around back. And while you’re there they have an excellent restaurant of local flavor I’m sure you will enjoy. I went back to The Landing and a band called Matanzas was performing. They are a 3 piece band from St. Augustine. They played a lot of cover songs from Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few. They were very good. By the way folks that’s a 13,000 watt sound system you’re listening to. I also wandered over to Bourbon Bayou which is a Cajun Specialties restaurant and bar with bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Their chicken/eggplant parmesan is excellent. After the Bayou I checked out Mavericks, the new mainly country club on the second floor. The highlight there was watching the lovely ladies on the mechanical bull ride. You go cow girl! All of these bands were free for me to see. Sure I had to pay to park at The Landing but it was around four dollars for the evening and well worth it to be in a secured lot.
On Saturday my son was wrestling in the 3A District 1 finals. It was at Fletcher High School. There were eight schools there with Niceville being the powerhouse they usually are. My son and his best friend came in second place and qualified for the next round of finals in Orlando. This was an all day event with excellent sportsmanship and athleticism. Fletcher did themselves proud…congrats guys. I left there after my son’s last match just in time to get to the University of North Florida’s Fine Arts Center to see Aeros. Aeros is a choreographed rhythmatic gymnastics performance. They are from Romania with five Olympians in the performance. It was absolutely awesome. Those of us that were there were treated to a display of human grace and ability that…well you just have to see it to believe it. After Aeros I went to Bourbon Street on St. Johns Bluff Road.
Numerous venues there, met a nice bartender at Crazy Horse, but what was really was cool was a little bar in there called The Varsity Club. You have to look for it off in the corner of the Horse…but once you’re in there you’ll be treated to a smaller crowd, and some excellent karaoke. There were two female vocalists who, well to be honest, it was better than some of the stuff the Horse was playing. This ain’t your mamas karaoke…check it out. At about 12:30 am I went to Tera Nova on Phillips and Baymeadows. A techno club with an awesome sound system and visuals. I sat at the back bar which was being tended by Nicole. She took excellent care of me and even put up with my occasional coin flipping and tossing. I enjoyed a pleasant ride home with the stars out and a cool breeze pushing thin clouds to the northwest.
Sunday morning I woke up to a glorious sunshiny day. I went to church and was treated to a very special moment. At the end of the service I sparked up a conversation with the organist (who is nationally known by the way) as we talked I told him I played a little and to my surprise he invited me to try out the magnificent pipe organ. I have never played a pipe organ before. I don’t read music so I just do my own creations. I played for about 10 minutes and was lost in the crisp bellowing sound of the most influential instrument in religion. Thank you Reverend Lance…it was the highlight of my weekend.
I got home just in time to change and high tail it to the Clay County Fairgrounds to see the Hunter Jumpers Equestrian event. This was a free event with five dollar parking. There were numerous shops and trade tents, a silent auction, a luncheon by Outback (there was a charge for that of course) pony rides, and tours. There was a celebrity horse race that was very entertaining. There were eight teams of four riders that had to do things like ride with an egg in a spoon, ride while putting on lipstick etc. etc. the Sheriff was there, 96.1FM and 99.9 FM had teams, there was a sports celebrity entry, elected officials, news media and the Zoo were all represented. The order of finish: 8th 99.9FM, 7th Fox TV 47, 6th Sports Team, 5th Elected Officials, 4th Times Union, 3rd 96.1 FM, 2nd The Zoo, and first place went to (once again) the channel 4 news crew. You had to see the glow on Mary’s face when she got that champions silver plate. Well she’s got bragging rights…at least til next year! Hey Mary I got it all on tape if you want a copy.
The main event was the third event in the 2008 series. This was a Grand Prix event with horses and riders from all over the world. Olympians, Pan Am games winners, last years champion, and several up and comers. Seven horses qualified for the jump off. I went to the practice area before the jump off to get a closer look at these magnificent animals. I got some excellent close up video of these practice jumps. During this time I picked my favorite and wished her luck on her way out to the ring. A local entry from Rolling Acres farm in Ocala the horse was Gerona 92 ridden by Mary Nicholson-Leffler. She had an excellent clean run and ended up coming in third. The winner was Polygraff from Winsor Farm Sales ridden by Bill Lowry. I have the whole jump off on tape so I can show it to my son later. What a special afternoon in glorious northeast Florida.
If that wasn’t enough I stopped by Chicago pizza on Phillips and Baymeadows and had an excellent thin crust pizza and enjoyed watching the beginning of the Super Bowl. Hey I don’t know about you but that tribute to our Declaration and Bill of Rights done by so many influential NFL figures before kick off was very emotional. Followed by the anthem which was done to perfection, I couldn’t help but realize again what a blessed and wonderful country we live, work and play in. What a capper to a perfect weekend, watching the Giants take out those egotistical, obnoxious and rude Patriots with their stuffy fan base. Congratulations Coach Coughlin you deserved this. I guess Tiki Barber picked the wrong year to retire. That catch and throw by Eli to David Tyree (you know the one, Eli was almost sacked and David caught the ball off his head) was the best in the moment play I seen all year. Of course Plaxico’s TD was very special too. How cool for a guy to catch the winning ball in the Super Bowl after fighting an ankle injury all year. Tom Petty’s half time performance was awesome wasn’t it? Even without a boob.
So that was my weekend and it was really special all in the quest of making memories and adding to the story line. So don’t tell me there is nothing to do here. Pick up the latest copy of EU, Buzz, or Folio…check out the newspaper, listen to TV and radio and open your eyes and ears to all the wondrous events coming here this year. We don’t need to see the world…the world is coming here to see us. Support your local arts and entertainment venues and they will continue to come and perform for your pleasure.
There was one downer this weekend for me. I had an eagle feather above my visor. It is very sentimental to me. I found it on the tarmac of the New International Airport in Ft. Myers when I was there during construction prior to its’ opening a couple years ago. Somehow it must have fallen out of my truck. I’ve already checked the area that I parked at Tera Nova and it was not there. I do plan on retracing my path today to look for it. But in the meantime if you should find it please contact me. It is about 20 inches long, slightly weathered and it has three or four blood spots on it. There is no reward, just a good feeling you helped someone. So as I started this story I have to ask again…
Has anyone seen my feather?
Have a great week and enjoy your City…it’s trying to enjoy you.
Bryan A. Stross
Owner/Operator Sensory Solutions LLC
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Email: strossba@sensoryllc.com
Blog: http://bryanastross.blogspot.com
Website: www.sensoryllc.com
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The Chariot Pup
Thunder Clouds
Originally written in 2008....As I rewrite this, I am watching a historical recount of the STAX festival and record organization on the local Public Broadcasting Channel (WJCT). It is programming like this that educates and inspires me. On another note, why does the black generation of today continue to produce music that degrades humanity and erodes moral integrity. It is not rap…it is crap. All these gangsta crappers should watch this documentary, maybe it will touch a part of their soul that is clouded and corrupted. I hope and pray so for music that is more than a string of foul and tasteless words. It is harmony and its’ history lies deep within all of our roots. Return to the spirit of music, and it will take you places unknown.
Thunder Clouds
Off in the distance storm clouds gather
To do their destruction of The Father.
Thunder clasps and lightning bolts
The wild horses call for their colts.
The rain holds back as darkness sets
All the world in one panic they get.
Flashes of light and sounds that rumble
The mud slides where trees stood humble.
The valley awash in a sea of dirt
No survivors of this washed away hurt.
Another example of the foolishness of man
Rape the hillsides so no rock can stand.
In time when the storms release their fury
Everyone & everything will be in such a hurry.
Only then it will be too late and we’ll all have to answer
At Heavens Holy and Mystical Gates.
© BAS …;}… 9/4/08 3:00 AM EST
In His Majesties Service: 1st Samuel Chapter 24
P.S. Earlier I mentioned several ancient historical leaders who were bipolar.
Well there are many I didn’t mention but one comes to mind now…
Achilles was multi-polared !!! Imagine what went thru his head on any given day.
“It is only strange if you make it so
It is only real if you believe it so
It is what it is, and it is no more”
Revision 11/28/2017 As I read something the Lord delivered to me in 2008 I am listening to Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits, the song "The Greatest Love of All" is on. Now this is classic Whitney but I have a problem with this CD.....where is our National Anthem she sang at the Super Bowl....the greatest rendition ever....I don't care who you are....Thank you Whitney for being a shining light in the darkness of human kind....miss your wonderful voice ...sing a song to Him for all of us down here....til we meet again...BAS 5:05 PM EST
Thunder Clouds
Off in the distance storm clouds gather
To do their destruction of The Father.
Thunder clasps and lightning bolts
The wild horses call for their colts.
The rain holds back as darkness sets
All the world in one panic they get.
Flashes of light and sounds that rumble
The mud slides where trees stood humble.
The valley awash in a sea of dirt
No survivors of this washed away hurt.
Another example of the foolishness of man
Rape the hillsides so no rock can stand.
In time when the storms release their fury
Everyone & everything will be in such a hurry.
Only then it will be too late and we’ll all have to answer
At Heavens Holy and Mystical Gates.
© BAS …;}… 9/4/08 3:00 AM EST
In His Majesties Service: 1st Samuel Chapter 24
P.S. Earlier I mentioned several ancient historical leaders who were bipolar.
Well there are many I didn’t mention but one comes to mind now…
Achilles was multi-polared !!! Imagine what went thru his head on any given day.
“It is only strange if you make it so
It is only real if you believe it so
It is what it is, and it is no more”
Revision 11/28/2017 As I read something the Lord delivered to me in 2008 I am listening to Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits, the song "The Greatest Love of All" is on. Now this is classic Whitney but I have a problem with this CD.....where is our National Anthem she sang at the Super Bowl....the greatest rendition ever....I don't care who you are....Thank you Whitney for being a shining light in the darkness of human kind....miss your wonderful voice ...sing a song to Him for all of us down here....til we meet again...BAS 5:05 PM EST
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