"Remembering a Dear Friend and Servant"
Around ten years ago a young fellow at work, who was also finishing up his degree at that famous "party school", the University of Colorado, came to me after turning his life over to the Lord. He wanted someone to mentor him, so he asked if we could meet weekly and talk about a variety of spiritual topics. We picked out subjects that interested him, and I gave him assignments to read each week, which included prayer, fasting, Bible study, missions, witnessing, godly behaviour,etc.
Sometime during that year of studying together he wanted me to meet a classmate of his at CU, who was a football player. So I had breakfast with Tennyson McCarty, a tight end, who wasn't moving too quickly in the cast set around his leg and foot. Coach Bill McCartney, founder of Promise Keepers, had been a great influence in Tennyson's life, and this young man was thrilled that God loved him and wanted to use him to serve others. Interestingly, Tennyson had written out some thoughts about his life and said that he wanted to write a book about all that had happened to him. I advised him at that time to wait, because so much more could be said later on in the future. He was barely 21 years old at the time.
It was a special treat when my friend at work got married to a lovely gal, serving with a high school campus ministry. Tennyson stood by Brian at the wedding as his best man. Already 8-9 years or so ago, Tennyson began serving with a university campus ministry, and was going to many schools sharing of his love of Jesus. His experience as a college football player helped to get him access to locker rooms and dorm situations, but his love for Christ was what radiated brilliantly.
Then, a few years later, Tennyson decided to add "magic and illusion" to his repertoire, gaining even more access to college venues. He and his buddy Jim Monroe challenged collegians to ask "what is real?" They always pointed to Jesus Christ as the true and only answer for the deep issues that face questioning hearts. My wife and I were glad to support him financially & in prayer all these years, and he would call & say that he was praying for us and our family situation.
In just the last 6 weeks, these fellows with Maze Ministries visited:
--Tulane U. and Southeastern Louisiana State
--Morehead State in Kentucky
--Boise State University
--Baylor U in Texas
--University of Texas, San Antonio
--and Purdue Univ. in Indiana
Thousands of college students came to these events, and hundreds accepted Christ as their Saviour. More campuses were scheduled for this fall in several other states. www.mazeimpact.com
Sadly, though, Tennyson's body was found up in the foothills in a river above Boulder County, CO last Friday. A young pastor friend noted that Tennyson was always giving & ministering to others, and sometimes he had nothing left for himself.
Please join me in praying for his family (survived by his father and brothers) and co-workers. And do remember to "encourage one another" in the Lord, and all those who do the work of ministering to others.
May God strengthen & lift you up,
Torrey Brinkley
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Youth Ministry Work Trips
What Did You Do This Summer?
from Torrey H. Brinkley
Students are soon back in school for the fall semester. Many went on vacations, some went to camps, others tried sports activities, and a few were able to work at summer jobs.
Would you be surprised to hear that no less than 26,000 youth participated in summer 2007 work camp projects in the USA and abroad organized by Group Workcamps Foundation, based in Loveland, Colorado?
Junior and Senior High students went to serve in 37 different states or foreign countries doing projects such as interior & exterior painting, building or repairing porches or wheelchair ramps, constructing or fixing stairs/steps, and winterizing homes. Some went to assist the elderly, tutored needy students, served at food banks, or helped at children's day camps.
One of the young fellows in our local men's Bible study went along on one of the Group Work trips this summer, as he photographed the teens at work in West Virginia. Matt Wade noted that the 400+ youth were able to complete repairs on 71 homes during one week, plus sharing their Christian faith with many isolated and/or elderly residents in one poor community of the US. There are nightly inspirational chapel services for the youth, who come from a variety of churches around the country. The tech people put together a nightly audio-visual presentation each night that highlighted the work experiences of the teens that very same day.
This labor of love (in serving others) reflects an American phenomenon that has characterized our society for generations: volunteerism. Perhaps this comes from our Christian forefathers who taught, believed and practiced verses such as Colossians 3:23:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from from the Lord as a reward."
Interestingly, the impetus for serving others in need started back in 1976 when the Big Thompson (River) flood just outside of Loveland, Colorado devastated small towns with many homes caught in the onrushing floodwaters. There now have been over 1000 work camps since that time, where each group of young people serves from 20 to 80 homes/sites. Group Publishing reports that total participants have been 266, 350 persons in these last 30 years.
Each church that brings their teens to serve also has their own sponsors/parents/youth pastors to guide & minister to the needs of the youth during the work week. Some churches have chosen to participate in this ministry for over 20 years now, and one cook that served in West Virginia this summer has helped prepare meals for over 33 camps!
When one considers the selfishness and indifference of the stereotypical teen, how refreshing it is to see youth and their sponsors choose to give back to some of the poorest communities of America in such a noble and selfless manner! Each church should at least contemplate a visit to www.GroupWorkcamps.com. Take a look at the photos of all their efforts, and see if your church teens would like to sign up for next summer's projects (start planning now!).
This is the same spirit of Christian compassion that has helped re-build the US Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck back in 2005, as hundreds of churches have sent steady streams of workers with hammers & saws. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter by trade, not a philosopher in a rocking chair.
from Torrey H. Brinkley
Students are soon back in school for the fall semester. Many went on vacations, some went to camps, others tried sports activities, and a few were able to work at summer jobs.
Would you be surprised to hear that no less than 26,000 youth participated in summer 2007 work camp projects in the USA and abroad organized by Group Workcamps Foundation, based in Loveland, Colorado?
Junior and Senior High students went to serve in 37 different states or foreign countries doing projects such as interior & exterior painting, building or repairing porches or wheelchair ramps, constructing or fixing stairs/steps, and winterizing homes. Some went to assist the elderly, tutored needy students, served at food banks, or helped at children's day camps.
One of the young fellows in our local men's Bible study went along on one of the Group Work trips this summer, as he photographed the teens at work in West Virginia. Matt Wade noted that the 400+ youth were able to complete repairs on 71 homes during one week, plus sharing their Christian faith with many isolated and/or elderly residents in one poor community of the US. There are nightly inspirational chapel services for the youth, who come from a variety of churches around the country. The tech people put together a nightly audio-visual presentation each night that highlighted the work experiences of the teens that very same day.
This labor of love (in serving others) reflects an American phenomenon that has characterized our society for generations: volunteerism. Perhaps this comes from our Christian forefathers who taught, believed and practiced verses such as Colossians 3:23:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from from the Lord as a reward."
Interestingly, the impetus for serving others in need started back in 1976 when the Big Thompson (River) flood just outside of Loveland, Colorado devastated small towns with many homes caught in the onrushing floodwaters. There now have been over 1000 work camps since that time, where each group of young people serves from 20 to 80 homes/sites. Group Publishing reports that total participants have been 266, 350 persons in these last 30 years.
Each church that brings their teens to serve also has their own sponsors/parents/youth pastors to guide & minister to the needs of the youth during the work week. Some churches have chosen to participate in this ministry for over 20 years now, and one cook that served in West Virginia this summer has helped prepare meals for over 33 camps!
When one considers the selfishness and indifference of the stereotypical teen, how refreshing it is to see youth and their sponsors choose to give back to some of the poorest communities of America in such a noble and selfless manner! Each church should at least contemplate a visit to www.GroupWorkcamps.com. Take a look at the photos of all their efforts, and see if your church teens would like to sign up for next summer's projects (start planning now!).
This is the same spirit of Christian compassion that has helped re-build the US Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck back in 2005, as hundreds of churches have sent steady streams of workers with hammers & saws. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter by trade, not a philosopher in a rocking chair.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Developing Christian Character
"Men of Character, and How to Be One."
a study prepared by Torrey H. Brinkley
1) What is Character?
A dictionary definition of the word gives us the following sense: The combined moral or ethical structure of a person; moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude. Reputation, as a description of a person's attributes, traits or abilities.
Do you have your own definition of character?
2) How Does God View Character?
One could say that our character is that part of us which God desires to mold to be in conformity to His will. Rick Warren in "The Purpose Driven Life" notes on p. 173:
"God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually & become like Christ. God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) , the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Paul's great chapter on love (I Corinthians 13), and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective & productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8).
*** If you have a copy of Warren's book handy, it would be good to review the ways God helps grow our character for:
.....Day 24 " Transformed by Truth"
.....Day 25 "Transformed by Trouble"
.....Day 26 "Growing Through Temptation"
3) How Is Our Character Formed?
One could say that our character is measured by the way we act when no one else is around; for that is how God sees us (and deals with us).
J.I. Packer in his famous devotional book "Knowing God" states that:
"God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough & perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on Him.. Therefore He takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in Himself.....to 'wait on the Lord. It is striking to see how much of the Bible deals with men of God making mistakes, and God chastening them for it." (pp. 227-8).
4) How Does God Measure our Character?
Some Christians think that God measures our Christian charcter & committment to Christ by examining our checkbook and our datebook. While that does show a lot about a person, especially "an organized human", God looks more for real character. As Tom Hovestol, a Longmont pastor, states in his 1997 book "Extreme Righteousness" (p. 177)
"Time and money are neither the only nor the truest tests of the heart. Justice, mercy and faithfulness are."
5) What Lessons Can We learn about Character from Noah? Read the story of Noah in Genesis 5:29 to 9:29.
---What did God say about Noah's character, one man living in a wicked world?
(Gen. 6:8-9)
---Note Noah's age right before starting to build the ark (Gen. 5:32) and the age when the rains finally started (Gen. 7:6). Could you do a 100-yr. building project? How long did Noah live after the flood (Gen. 9:28)?
--See God's trust of Noah, in making covenants with him (Gen. 6:18; 8:15-22; 9: 1-17). How might that have built character in Noah's life?
--What can we learn about "character" in observing Noah's disgraceful time and the behaviour of his sons in Gen. 9:18-27? (Relate this to Packer's comment above.) What can we do to preserve godly character when living among "family"?
a study prepared by Torrey H. Brinkley
1) What is Character?
A dictionary definition of the word gives us the following sense: The combined moral or ethical structure of a person; moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude. Reputation, as a description of a person's attributes, traits or abilities.
Do you have your own definition of character?
2) How Does God View Character?
One could say that our character is that part of us which God desires to mold to be in conformity to His will. Rick Warren in "The Purpose Driven Life" notes on p. 173:
"God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually & become like Christ. God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) , the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Paul's great chapter on love (I Corinthians 13), and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective & productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8).
*** If you have a copy of Warren's book handy, it would be good to review the ways God helps grow our character for:
.....Day 24 " Transformed by Truth"
.....Day 25 "Transformed by Trouble"
.....Day 26 "Growing Through Temptation"
3) How Is Our Character Formed?
One could say that our character is measured by the way we act when no one else is around; for that is how God sees us (and deals with us).
J.I. Packer in his famous devotional book "Knowing God" states that:
"God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough & perplexing, so that we may learn thankfully to lean on Him.. Therefore He takes steps to drive us out of self-confidence to trust in Himself.....to 'wait on the Lord. It is striking to see how much of the Bible deals with men of God making mistakes, and God chastening them for it." (pp. 227-8).
4) How Does God Measure our Character?
Some Christians think that God measures our Christian charcter & committment to Christ by examining our checkbook and our datebook. While that does show a lot about a person, especially "an organized human", God looks more for real character. As Tom Hovestol, a Longmont pastor, states in his 1997 book "Extreme Righteousness" (p. 177)
"Time and money are neither the only nor the truest tests of the heart. Justice, mercy and faithfulness are."
5) What Lessons Can We learn about Character from Noah? Read the story of Noah in Genesis 5:29 to 9:29.
---What did God say about Noah's character, one man living in a wicked world?
(Gen. 6:8-9)
---Note Noah's age right before starting to build the ark (Gen. 5:32) and the age when the rains finally started (Gen. 7:6). Could you do a 100-yr. building project? How long did Noah live after the flood (Gen. 9:28)?
--See God's trust of Noah, in making covenants with him (Gen. 6:18; 8:15-22; 9: 1-17). How might that have built character in Noah's life?
--What can we learn about "character" in observing Noah's disgraceful time and the behaviour of his sons in Gen. 9:18-27? (Relate this to Packer's comment above.) What can we do to preserve godly character when living among "family"?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Shooting Stars In The Night Sky
Making Your Mark in the Sky
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Have you ever seen a shooting star, and wondered where it comes from, or what composes such a celestial object? How come the shower of meteors burn up so suddenly? This week was one of the weeks to catch another glimpse of the Perseid Meteor Showers across the US skies. In certain localities it is possible to see up to 75 meteors per hour on a dark August night.
These meteors are named for the constellation of Persius, and the shower comes from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which visits our solar system every 130 years. Our earth passes through the dust of the comet, and they leave behind trails that are thousands of miles long, composed of very small particles of ice & dust. The particles burn up in our atmosphere, as their average speed is 160,000 mph (a speeding bullet goes 2240 mph).
When one thinks of space junk that the various nations have launched up in orbit, and which eventually come crashing down to earth, we recall hearing of car-sized parts of satellites, that could cause serious damage upon impact. How big do you think meteor shower pieces are? Surprsingly, we are told that they are typically smaller than a grain of sand. What we generally see as a bright flash of light in the sky is actually the "air" that is compressed and heated to 3000 degrees F by the meteor particle at supersonic speeds.
It takes a lot of patience, waiting, and undistracted gazing to actually see the shooting stars, whether one is alone or in a group, simply because the night sky is so big and vast, and full of other interesting stars, constellations and even airplanes & satellites. This waiting gives rise to some questions and life aplications:
a) A meteor is actually very small & insignificant in size relative to other objects, but look at the brilliant light that it gives off.
---We, too, may seem to be just one insignificant creature among billions on the planet, but our lives are singularly important to God, and hopefully, to others as well.
b) You have to turn off all the bright lights in your yard, house and neighborhood to effectively see stars & meteors in the night sky, but then the objects all glisten in the heavens.
---In our personal lives, we sometimes need to turn off all the distractions (radio, TV, electronic games, sports, investments, possessions,etc.) to fully appreciate important lessons about: truth, value, integrity, purpose, destiny, love & devotion.
c) A very brilliant meteor racing across the entire sky might last just a second or two, so don't miss it.
---God's working in one's life may also be swift and obscure to to "happy pagans". But the Word of God cautions us to always be alert, to pay attention and to be vigilant. (I Thess. 5:6)
d) A meteor shower only comes during a very few days of the summer, so one must plan one's calendar accordingly, or you'll miss it.
---Deep meaningful interaction with others or encounters with the Lord require planning, prayer & committment.
e) One grain of sand will rarely ever get noticed, but if it flies high in the night sky at blazing speed, it can attract lots of attention.
---One small action, word or deed can be very significant, when hooked up to God's eternal purposes.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ....For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." --I Corinthians 10: 31, 33 (the Apostle Paul)
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Have you ever seen a shooting star, and wondered where it comes from, or what composes such a celestial object? How come the shower of meteors burn up so suddenly? This week was one of the weeks to catch another glimpse of the Perseid Meteor Showers across the US skies. In certain localities it is possible to see up to 75 meteors per hour on a dark August night.
These meteors are named for the constellation of Persius, and the shower comes from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which visits our solar system every 130 years. Our earth passes through the dust of the comet, and they leave behind trails that are thousands of miles long, composed of very small particles of ice & dust. The particles burn up in our atmosphere, as their average speed is 160,000 mph (a speeding bullet goes 2240 mph).
When one thinks of space junk that the various nations have launched up in orbit, and which eventually come crashing down to earth, we recall hearing of car-sized parts of satellites, that could cause serious damage upon impact. How big do you think meteor shower pieces are? Surprsingly, we are told that they are typically smaller than a grain of sand. What we generally see as a bright flash of light in the sky is actually the "air" that is compressed and heated to 3000 degrees F by the meteor particle at supersonic speeds.
It takes a lot of patience, waiting, and undistracted gazing to actually see the shooting stars, whether one is alone or in a group, simply because the night sky is so big and vast, and full of other interesting stars, constellations and even airplanes & satellites. This waiting gives rise to some questions and life aplications:
a) A meteor is actually very small & insignificant in size relative to other objects, but look at the brilliant light that it gives off.
---We, too, may seem to be just one insignificant creature among billions on the planet, but our lives are singularly important to God, and hopefully, to others as well.
b) You have to turn off all the bright lights in your yard, house and neighborhood to effectively see stars & meteors in the night sky, but then the objects all glisten in the heavens.
---In our personal lives, we sometimes need to turn off all the distractions (radio, TV, electronic games, sports, investments, possessions,etc.) to fully appreciate important lessons about: truth, value, integrity, purpose, destiny, love & devotion.
c) A very brilliant meteor racing across the entire sky might last just a second or two, so don't miss it.
---God's working in one's life may also be swift and obscure to to "happy pagans". But the Word of God cautions us to always be alert, to pay attention and to be vigilant. (I Thess. 5:6)
d) A meteor shower only comes during a very few days of the summer, so one must plan one's calendar accordingly, or you'll miss it.
---Deep meaningful interaction with others or encounters with the Lord require planning, prayer & committment.
e) One grain of sand will rarely ever get noticed, but if it flies high in the night sky at blazing speed, it can attract lots of attention.
---One small action, word or deed can be very significant, when hooked up to God's eternal purposes.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ....For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." --I Corinthians 10: 31, 33 (the Apostle Paul)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Do We Treasure Our Hamilton?
Hamilton's Got All the Money
by Torrey Hamilton Brinkley
It has been fun recently to ask various (young) tellers at the local bank to name the person shown on the ten dollar bill. Many of them think that it would be a former president of the United States. Often they do not have a clue who the portrait features. A very few know that Alexander Hamilton was actually the first Treasurer of the United States of America.
Since he was a distant relative, it seems incumbant to share a few facts on the life of this man, who was very instrumental in the formation of our country, both in the approval of our Constitution and in the organization of our first Treasury Department (that is to say, levying & collecting taxes and seeing to the disbursement of funds for general needs).
Not every founding father of our country was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Alexander was born in 1755 in Nevis Island in the West Indies to a Scottish merchant and a married woman separated from her husband at the time. When Alex was ten years old, his father abandoned the family, and the young lad had to work for a trading firm on the island of St. Croix.
At age 17 his employers sent Hamilton off to study in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and finally studied at Kings College (now Columbia University). By the age of 21 Hamilton was named captain of a New York artillery company in the Revolutionary War, serving directly under General George Washington.
At the age of 25 Alexander married Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a wealthy New York family, and they together had 8 children. In 1782 Hamilton began practicing law in New York and then helped push the U.S. into forming a Constitutional Convention to strengthen the infant Federal Government (1787 in Philadelphia).
Along with James Madison and John Jay, Hamilton debated all the pros and cons of a strong federal government, having a constitution with checks & balances, separation of powers and having the financial means necessary to make such a new country work in a voluntary manner (a Republic was a new idea in the then known world) in a book we can read today called The Federalist.
Thus in 1787, Hamilton noted:
"It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."
Observation: Look how many countries today are still forced to act & believe due to cruel and/or powerful dictatorial leaders.
When considering the interplay of ideas in a multi-level government: executive, legislative & judicial, Hamilton noted:
"We are not always sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question."
Question: Have you noticed all the questioning of personal motives in the political debates of the day, here in 2007, as attacks come from the left, right & middle?
Even as freedom loving countries around the world today are under attack by militant religious zealots scattered in many places, intent on forcing their worldview on others, note Hamilton's warning from 220 years ago:
"For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution."
Two years after the adoption of the Constitution (1789), Hamilton became Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, under President George Washington. Thomas Jefferson opposed this idea of having a national bank to handle the government's finances, but the Supreme Court upheld the notion. Hamilton, as well wanted the US government to encourage manufacturing in our country. But Jefferson and Madison opposed this idea, too, thinking that farming was more important.
These differences of opinion served to cause Hamilton to form one political party, the Federalist Party, favoring a strong federal government. Jefferson and Madison, on the other hand, started the Democratic-Republican Party, which wanted a weaker national government.
By the time of the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson was named President, thanks, in part, to Hamilton supporting Jefferson over another candidate, Aaron Burr. Burr served 4 years as Vice President, and then ran for Governor of New York. Hamilton distrusted Burr's character and worked to cause his defeat. That prompted the infamous duel, in which Aaron Burr (former V.P) shot & killed Alexander Hamilton (former Treasurer), on July 11, 1804.
May we note Hamilton's concluding remarks to the Constitutional delegates in 1787, and be challenged to carry on the vision of such brave men:
"I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man. The result of the deliberations of all collective bodies must necessarily be a compound, as well of the errors and prejudices, as of the good sense and wisdom, of the individuals of whom they are composed. The compacts, which are to embrace 13 distinct States in a common bond of amity & union, must as necessarily be a compromise of as many dissimilar interests & inclinations. How can perfection spring from such materials?"
Note: We are not perfect. But, as Christians believe, we are forgiven. And, as well, we are to forgive others.
by Torrey Hamilton Brinkley
It has been fun recently to ask various (young) tellers at the local bank to name the person shown on the ten dollar bill. Many of them think that it would be a former president of the United States. Often they do not have a clue who the portrait features. A very few know that Alexander Hamilton was actually the first Treasurer of the United States of America.
Since he was a distant relative, it seems incumbant to share a few facts on the life of this man, who was very instrumental in the formation of our country, both in the approval of our Constitution and in the organization of our first Treasury Department (that is to say, levying & collecting taxes and seeing to the disbursement of funds for general needs).
Not every founding father of our country was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Alexander was born in 1755 in Nevis Island in the West Indies to a Scottish merchant and a married woman separated from her husband at the time. When Alex was ten years old, his father abandoned the family, and the young lad had to work for a trading firm on the island of St. Croix.
At age 17 his employers sent Hamilton off to study in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and finally studied at Kings College (now Columbia University). By the age of 21 Hamilton was named captain of a New York artillery company in the Revolutionary War, serving directly under General George Washington.
At the age of 25 Alexander married Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a wealthy New York family, and they together had 8 children. In 1782 Hamilton began practicing law in New York and then helped push the U.S. into forming a Constitutional Convention to strengthen the infant Federal Government (1787 in Philadelphia).
Along with James Madison and John Jay, Hamilton debated all the pros and cons of a strong federal government, having a constitution with checks & balances, separation of powers and having the financial means necessary to make such a new country work in a voluntary manner (a Republic was a new idea in the then known world) in a book we can read today called The Federalist.
Thus in 1787, Hamilton noted:
"It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."
Observation: Look how many countries today are still forced to act & believe due to cruel and/or powerful dictatorial leaders.
When considering the interplay of ideas in a multi-level government: executive, legislative & judicial, Hamilton noted:
"We are not always sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question."
Question: Have you noticed all the questioning of personal motives in the political debates of the day, here in 2007, as attacks come from the left, right & middle?
Even as freedom loving countries around the world today are under attack by militant religious zealots scattered in many places, intent on forcing their worldview on others, note Hamilton's warning from 220 years ago:
"For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution."
Two years after the adoption of the Constitution (1789), Hamilton became Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, under President George Washington. Thomas Jefferson opposed this idea of having a national bank to handle the government's finances, but the Supreme Court upheld the notion. Hamilton, as well wanted the US government to encourage manufacturing in our country. But Jefferson and Madison opposed this idea, too, thinking that farming was more important.
These differences of opinion served to cause Hamilton to form one political party, the Federalist Party, favoring a strong federal government. Jefferson and Madison, on the other hand, started the Democratic-Republican Party, which wanted a weaker national government.
By the time of the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson was named President, thanks, in part, to Hamilton supporting Jefferson over another candidate, Aaron Burr. Burr served 4 years as Vice President, and then ran for Governor of New York. Hamilton distrusted Burr's character and worked to cause his defeat. That prompted the infamous duel, in which Aaron Burr (former V.P) shot & killed Alexander Hamilton (former Treasurer), on July 11, 1804.
May we note Hamilton's concluding remarks to the Constitutional delegates in 1787, and be challenged to carry on the vision of such brave men:
"I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man. The result of the deliberations of all collective bodies must necessarily be a compound, as well of the errors and prejudices, as of the good sense and wisdom, of the individuals of whom they are composed. The compacts, which are to embrace 13 distinct States in a common bond of amity & union, must as necessarily be a compromise of as many dissimilar interests & inclinations. How can perfection spring from such materials?"
Note: We are not perfect. But, as Christians believe, we are forgiven. And, as well, we are to forgive others.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Someone's Watching Your Behavior
If Christians Behaved Like Muslims
by Torrey H. Brinkley
The recent set of terrorist threats and activities in Scotland & England have brought to the front again a potential threat from radical Muslims, who seemingly have designs set on killing & maiming westerners, just some of those who do not share their religious and political ideals.
The enemies of Bible-believing Christians in the West are many & varied, and often the liberal media accuse Evangelicals of being fanatical, extremist, and even dangerous. But, in fact, if Christ-followers did behave like Islamic extremists:
1) We would require all Christians to stop all work, school and recreation to pray to our Lord five times a day, and demand time/place for such from our employers, educators and recreation directors.
2) We would demand our rights to worship, teach, display our religious symbols, and enforce our morality, no matter what schools, governments, or opinionated liberal voices cried.
3) We not only would ask our people to witness and worship our God, but we'd call for the destruction & overthrow of all who disagreed with our message.
4) We would not only put Bibles in hotel rooms, but we'd force everyone in our country to believe and adhere to such ideals, or be jailed and/or executed.
5) We would keep all our women at home to raise children & clean house, while not allowing them in the workplace, to teach schools, be politicians, appear in popular media, or travel alone on public transportation.
6) We would call for the assasination of anyone who made fun of the Lord Jesus, or offended our view of Christianity.
7) We would establish secretive training schools (and, if necessary, to train in violent measures) for the young, never allowing them to know of other lifestyles or ideologies.
8) If Christians behaved as Muslims, we'd not just argue biblically that homosexuality is a sin against God, and that abortion offends God by taking a precious life, and that lewd open sexuality is a vulgar misrepresentation of God's image in man. No, we'd stone them all in public, flog them in the town square, or dismember their bodies mercilessly.
9) We wouldn't go and preach freedom & democracy around the world, we'd take our biggest bombs and blow our opposition off the map!
However, we are directed to be a different kind of people:
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
-- Ephesians 5:1 (Paul, who had stoned Christians to death, but who now writes, as a religious prisoner in jail)
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with insult, but with blessing. (You) must turn from evil and do good; (you) must seek peace & pursue it."
-- I Peter 3:8,9, 11 (Peter, who before the Cross, took his sword and cut off the high priest's servant's ear.)
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
--2 Corinthians 10:3-4. (Paul & Timothy, after traveling by land & sea, to share the good news about Jesus throughout the known world, to all the major cultural, philosophical & commerical centers)
What did the early followers of Christ preach & teach? They noted that Jesus is unique in claiming, not to be just a prophet of God. He actually claimed to be God, yet allowed Himself to be sacrificed for humankind's wickedness. Therefore, we know how God acts in human encounters:
....He speaks the truth in love, challenges all unrighteousness, heals the sick, raises the dead, feeds the hungry, calls all to a divine committment, and brings a godly peace & calm thru humble obedience & selflessness.
by Torrey H. Brinkley
The recent set of terrorist threats and activities in Scotland & England have brought to the front again a potential threat from radical Muslims, who seemingly have designs set on killing & maiming westerners, just some of those who do not share their religious and political ideals.
The enemies of Bible-believing Christians in the West are many & varied, and often the liberal media accuse Evangelicals of being fanatical, extremist, and even dangerous. But, in fact, if Christ-followers did behave like Islamic extremists:
1) We would require all Christians to stop all work, school and recreation to pray to our Lord five times a day, and demand time/place for such from our employers, educators and recreation directors.
2) We would demand our rights to worship, teach, display our religious symbols, and enforce our morality, no matter what schools, governments, or opinionated liberal voices cried.
3) We not only would ask our people to witness and worship our God, but we'd call for the destruction & overthrow of all who disagreed with our message.
4) We would not only put Bibles in hotel rooms, but we'd force everyone in our country to believe and adhere to such ideals, or be jailed and/or executed.
5) We would keep all our women at home to raise children & clean house, while not allowing them in the workplace, to teach schools, be politicians, appear in popular media, or travel alone on public transportation.
6) We would call for the assasination of anyone who made fun of the Lord Jesus, or offended our view of Christianity.
7) We would establish secretive training schools (and, if necessary, to train in violent measures) for the young, never allowing them to know of other lifestyles or ideologies.
8) If Christians behaved as Muslims, we'd not just argue biblically that homosexuality is a sin against God, and that abortion offends God by taking a precious life, and that lewd open sexuality is a vulgar misrepresentation of God's image in man. No, we'd stone them all in public, flog them in the town square, or dismember their bodies mercilessly.
9) We wouldn't go and preach freedom & democracy around the world, we'd take our biggest bombs and blow our opposition off the map!
However, we are directed to be a different kind of people:
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
-- Ephesians 5:1 (Paul, who had stoned Christians to death, but who now writes, as a religious prisoner in jail)
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with insult, but with blessing. (You) must turn from evil and do good; (you) must seek peace & pursue it."
-- I Peter 3:8,9, 11 (Peter, who before the Cross, took his sword and cut off the high priest's servant's ear.)
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
--2 Corinthians 10:3-4. (Paul & Timothy, after traveling by land & sea, to share the good news about Jesus throughout the known world, to all the major cultural, philosophical & commerical centers)
What did the early followers of Christ preach & teach? They noted that Jesus is unique in claiming, not to be just a prophet of God. He actually claimed to be God, yet allowed Himself to be sacrificed for humankind's wickedness. Therefore, we know how God acts in human encounters:
....He speaks the truth in love, challenges all unrighteousness, heals the sick, raises the dead, feeds the hungry, calls all to a divine committment, and brings a godly peace & calm thru humble obedience & selflessness.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
35 Miles Per Gallon Will Change Everything
WHO MAKES 35 MPG VEHICLES?
Our US government has just announced that vehicles sold in our country will have to meet 35 miles per gallon requirements within 15 years or so. The current crop of vehicles are lucky to average 25 mpg, with a host of people opting to buy large trucks & SUVs that barely get 15 mpg in city traffic, loaded with people and/ or purchases.
Some sports cars and heavy 7-passenger SUVs are guzzling gasoline at the rate of 11 miles per gallon. At today's current high gas prices, the owners of gas guzzlers must fork over $90 just to drive 275 miles, with many of the higher-performance models requiring premium fuel. Ouch!
Some questions come to mind when considering what our government has mandated:
1) Who can expect to meet these high standards?
Observation: Currently there are just a handful of Asian imports that can do this well, like Toyota Yaris & Prius, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit & Civic Hybrid, Kia Spectra and Chevy Aveo (from the Daewoo folk in Korea).
None of the 90 SUV offerings in the USA right now will make it.
The top 2 selling trucks & the two best selling cars in the USA don't hit anywhere near that (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Camry, & Chevy Malibu).
2) Can US manufacturers suddenly become economy car experts after 47 years of failed attempts?
Answer: Don't bet the family farm on it. You don't see many 1960 Ford Falcons, Chevy Corvairs, AMC Ramblers or Plymouth Valiants on the street today. Hardly any of the small economy cars produced by our US companies assembled up thru 1997 are still driveable today, and are even less desirable as used cars. Chevy Vegas, Ford Pintos and Dodge Omnis made such enemies of American consumers that the foreign car revolution took over in most big population centers.
3) Are our legislators deliberately sabotaging our own domestic auto industry in favor of foreign competitors?
You decide: If our government refuses to seal our borders & enforce existing laws against unwanted "human" intruders, why would we assume that they care about the US companies that have helped build up our economy for the last 100 years, including using our production plants to save our country during times of World Wars?
Many states (typically southern, but not always) have given sweetheart deals to foreign automobile manufacturers to set up assembly plants in the USA (in on-union areas) starting in 1980 (with the Honda Accord plant in Ohio).
One friend in the automotive business for over 20 years worries that the anticipated arrival of Chinese automobiles on our shores will be a bad omen, as the new products assembled there just are not good at all.
4) Will our streets soon become flooded with tiny, unsafe, unreliable cars from Third World countries?
Wondering out loud: We sure hope that vehicles like Smart cars are not going to be the norm on our roads. There is absolutely no front crash protection of 5-6 feet ahead of the driver, nor the 4-5 feet of steel structure behind the rear seat drivers in the tiny microcars that are made & sold in Asia and Europe.
When one ventures out on our roadways, have you noticed that every 5th vehicle seems to be a 18-wheel semi truck (80,000 pounds), every 4th vehicle is a large SUV (up to 6000 lbs), and every 3rd vehicle on our roads is a large pickup truck (5000 lbs unloaded), all whizzing along at 55 to 75 mph? If collisions today of normal cars against these massive vehicles are dangerous, what would happen if microcars tangle with such mountains of motorized metal?
5) Is there knowledge of, or a desire for, higher US gasoline prices and/or taxes on gasoline, so that fuel-efficient vehicles will seem all the more attractive?
Not sure: Let us hope that our government does not decide to collect taxes at the gasoline pump like the Europeans and Asians have done for decades. Who will enjoy paying $6.50 a gallon, like they do in northern Europe or Japan today? To be sure, none of us will see a rollback to 17c a gallon like Venezuelans or Kuwaitis pay today.
6) Might the used-car market suddenly become a more lucrative business operation, if tiny, low-profit vehicles will be the only future offerings for shoppers
Dreaming creatively: Look at how many folk today are idolizing the Muscle Cars of the 1960s, with some of the rarest models selling for over $1 million at auction (when they had a new sticker price of just $4500). Scores of mechanical and body shops are restoring and polishing up vehicles that were fun to drive and enjoyable visually.
There are many sporty cars on the market today, as well, which may become very high demand by the years that the new CAFE standards go into effect:
Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Cadillac XL-R, Dodge Viper, BMW M3, M5, M6 & Z4, Audi S4,S^,S8, Mercedes SL & AMG models, Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8, Infiniti V-8s, Lexus V-8s, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, etc.
Scores of 10-year old sporty cars (made in the 1990s), that are now out of production, may eventually become lovingly restored as well, for those who enjoy driving, as opposed to being forced to constrict themselves into future, tiny, bean cans by CAFE bureaucrats:
Toyota Supra & Celica, Ford Probe, Mazda RX-7 and MX-6, Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird & Fiero, Cadillac Allante, Buick Riviera, Nissan 240-SX, Acura NSX and Integra GS-R, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi 3000 GT, Dodge Stealth, Lexus SC300, Mercedes SL350/560, VW Corrado, BMW Z8, Z3, M5, M6.
What will you drive?
---Torrey H. Brinkley
Mead, Colorado
Our US government has just announced that vehicles sold in our country will have to meet 35 miles per gallon requirements within 15 years or so. The current crop of vehicles are lucky to average 25 mpg, with a host of people opting to buy large trucks & SUVs that barely get 15 mpg in city traffic, loaded with people and/ or purchases.
Some sports cars and heavy 7-passenger SUVs are guzzling gasoline at the rate of 11 miles per gallon. At today's current high gas prices, the owners of gas guzzlers must fork over $90 just to drive 275 miles, with many of the higher-performance models requiring premium fuel. Ouch!
Some questions come to mind when considering what our government has mandated:
1) Who can expect to meet these high standards?
Observation: Currently there are just a handful of Asian imports that can do this well, like Toyota Yaris & Prius, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit & Civic Hybrid, Kia Spectra and Chevy Aveo (from the Daewoo folk in Korea).
None of the 90 SUV offerings in the USA right now will make it.
The top 2 selling trucks & the two best selling cars in the USA don't hit anywhere near that (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Camry, & Chevy Malibu).
2) Can US manufacturers suddenly become economy car experts after 47 years of failed attempts?
Answer: Don't bet the family farm on it. You don't see many 1960 Ford Falcons, Chevy Corvairs, AMC Ramblers or Plymouth Valiants on the street today. Hardly any of the small economy cars produced by our US companies assembled up thru 1997 are still driveable today, and are even less desirable as used cars. Chevy Vegas, Ford Pintos and Dodge Omnis made such enemies of American consumers that the foreign car revolution took over in most big population centers.
3) Are our legislators deliberately sabotaging our own domestic auto industry in favor of foreign competitors?
You decide: If our government refuses to seal our borders & enforce existing laws against unwanted "human" intruders, why would we assume that they care about the US companies that have helped build up our economy for the last 100 years, including using our production plants to save our country during times of World Wars?
Many states (typically southern, but not always) have given sweetheart deals to foreign automobile manufacturers to set up assembly plants in the USA (in on-union areas) starting in 1980 (with the Honda Accord plant in Ohio).
One friend in the automotive business for over 20 years worries that the anticipated arrival of Chinese automobiles on our shores will be a bad omen, as the new products assembled there just are not good at all.
4) Will our streets soon become flooded with tiny, unsafe, unreliable cars from Third World countries?
Wondering out loud: We sure hope that vehicles like Smart cars are not going to be the norm on our roads. There is absolutely no front crash protection of 5-6 feet ahead of the driver, nor the 4-5 feet of steel structure behind the rear seat drivers in the tiny microcars that are made & sold in Asia and Europe.
When one ventures out on our roadways, have you noticed that every 5th vehicle seems to be a 18-wheel semi truck (80,000 pounds), every 4th vehicle is a large SUV (up to 6000 lbs), and every 3rd vehicle on our roads is a large pickup truck (5000 lbs unloaded), all whizzing along at 55 to 75 mph? If collisions today of normal cars against these massive vehicles are dangerous, what would happen if microcars tangle with such mountains of motorized metal?
5) Is there knowledge of, or a desire for, higher US gasoline prices and/or taxes on gasoline, so that fuel-efficient vehicles will seem all the more attractive?
Not sure: Let us hope that our government does not decide to collect taxes at the gasoline pump like the Europeans and Asians have done for decades. Who will enjoy paying $6.50 a gallon, like they do in northern Europe or Japan today? To be sure, none of us will see a rollback to 17c a gallon like Venezuelans or Kuwaitis pay today.
6) Might the used-car market suddenly become a more lucrative business operation, if tiny, low-profit vehicles will be the only future offerings for shoppers
Dreaming creatively: Look at how many folk today are idolizing the Muscle Cars of the 1960s, with some of the rarest models selling for over $1 million at auction (when they had a new sticker price of just $4500). Scores of mechanical and body shops are restoring and polishing up vehicles that were fun to drive and enjoyable visually.
There are many sporty cars on the market today, as well, which may become very high demand by the years that the new CAFE standards go into effect:
Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Cadillac XL-R, Dodge Viper, BMW M3, M5, M6 & Z4, Audi S4,S^,S8, Mercedes SL & AMG models, Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8, Infiniti V-8s, Lexus V-8s, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, etc.
Scores of 10-year old sporty cars (made in the 1990s), that are now out of production, may eventually become lovingly restored as well, for those who enjoy driving, as opposed to being forced to constrict themselves into future, tiny, bean cans by CAFE bureaucrats:
Toyota Supra & Celica, Ford Probe, Mazda RX-7 and MX-6, Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird & Fiero, Cadillac Allante, Buick Riviera, Nissan 240-SX, Acura NSX and Integra GS-R, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi 3000 GT, Dodge Stealth, Lexus SC300, Mercedes SL350/560, VW Corrado, BMW Z8, Z3, M5, M6.
What will you drive?
---Torrey H. Brinkley
Mead, Colorado
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Finding the Supernatural in Hollywood
Finding the Supernatural in Atheistic Hollywood
by Torrey H. Brinkley
A recently jailed Hollywood celebrity has claimed to have found religion while imprisoned. Another actor, part of a team of brothers, himself professes to be a preacher now. We all know of a certain vain and goofy Hollywood star, who likes to jump up & down off sofas, in between explaining his belief in the most bizarre religious hoax/scam of the last 50 years.
But, by and large, one rarely ever sees actors or actresses coming in or out of a church service (most likely because churches are not paved with red carpets, or lined with flashbulbs going off constantly). The multitude of self-serving interviews made with Hollywood types hardly ever talk about their spiriutality, and only a few actors, writers, producers and directors seek to give any glory to God in their acceptance speeches at award ceremonies.
In contrast, we almost always know about the political leanings of famous actors and actresses. They share articulate and passionate views on a multitude of national and international subjects, even if they have no training or expertise on any of these subjects. We also know how they view material possessions, consumption of legal and illegal substances, and what they view as moral or immoral behaviour.
It is rare to ever see a film, TV show or cartoon that might depict:
--a biblical view of the creation of the world,
--the moral dilema of humankind steeped in sin & selfishness,
--the need for a personal and global Saviour,
--the historical and biblical accounts of prophets of God who stood up to the evil in their societies,
--the workings of God's servants in Old & New Testaments, who performed miracles, to show the power of God over nature,
--and the factual accounts of Jesus of Nazareth, who was immaculately conceived , sinlessly ministered & performed miracles, suffered a cruel death on a Cross, and then suddenly arose from a rock solid tomb.
Nope, Hollywood truly tries to steer away from religious and supernatural stuff. It might be too controversial.
Yet, curiously, why is it that a large percentage of Hollywood offerings, whether in cartoon or dramatic forms, tries to show persons or creatures with supernatural abilities?
....A new box office release, showing currently in theaters, has 4 superheroes, each with special magical "powers", as they fly across the screen in glorious color (all a figment of some writer's imagaination).
....A popular TV series this past year, had more than a dozen characters, who all looked to be "normal", but each of them had a "special ability" to see or do things above & beyond human attributes (a Special Effects Consultant loves this kind of challenge).
....Children have loved their regular dose of Super Heroes for over 60 years of Superman, Batman, Spider Man, Wonder Woman, etc., who first appeared in comic book form, then cartoon TV series, and followed by major block buster movies (none of these special abilities were ever seen, verified or experienced by witnesses, as they were just figments of imagination of a writer or illustrator).
....Even though many actual villains have appeared throughout history performing grizzly deeds, certain authors and producers have decided to add a little more intrigue by giving strange, evil and extraordinary powers to:
-not die, unless shot with a silver bullet
-disappear from sight when pursued by authorities
-regenerate body parts after being blown up in an explosion
-survive even multiple gunshot wounds by police or "good guys."
-fly away from their pursuers right into the sky
-share certain characteristics with animals or other beasts.
A recent cartoon movie release even gave an old house the powers to eat people and their possessions when it felt it was being threatened.....and then get off its foundation and chase its enemies down the street. Oh well.
Should a wise, sane or relgious person worry about all the bizarre productions and emphases of abnormally wicked entertainment industry?
Wise King Solomon said over 3000 years ago:
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope." - Proverbs 24: 19-20
by Torrey H. Brinkley
A recently jailed Hollywood celebrity has claimed to have found religion while imprisoned. Another actor, part of a team of brothers, himself professes to be a preacher now. We all know of a certain vain and goofy Hollywood star, who likes to jump up & down off sofas, in between explaining his belief in the most bizarre religious hoax/scam of the last 50 years.
But, by and large, one rarely ever sees actors or actresses coming in or out of a church service (most likely because churches are not paved with red carpets, or lined with flashbulbs going off constantly). The multitude of self-serving interviews made with Hollywood types hardly ever talk about their spiriutality, and only a few actors, writers, producers and directors seek to give any glory to God in their acceptance speeches at award ceremonies.
In contrast, we almost always know about the political leanings of famous actors and actresses. They share articulate and passionate views on a multitude of national and international subjects, even if they have no training or expertise on any of these subjects. We also know how they view material possessions, consumption of legal and illegal substances, and what they view as moral or immoral behaviour.
It is rare to ever see a film, TV show or cartoon that might depict:
--a biblical view of the creation of the world,
--the moral dilema of humankind steeped in sin & selfishness,
--the need for a personal and global Saviour,
--the historical and biblical accounts of prophets of God who stood up to the evil in their societies,
--the workings of God's servants in Old & New Testaments, who performed miracles, to show the power of God over nature,
--and the factual accounts of Jesus of Nazareth, who was immaculately conceived , sinlessly ministered & performed miracles, suffered a cruel death on a Cross, and then suddenly arose from a rock solid tomb.
Nope, Hollywood truly tries to steer away from religious and supernatural stuff. It might be too controversial.
Yet, curiously, why is it that a large percentage of Hollywood offerings, whether in cartoon or dramatic forms, tries to show persons or creatures with supernatural abilities?
....A new box office release, showing currently in theaters, has 4 superheroes, each with special magical "powers", as they fly across the screen in glorious color (all a figment of some writer's imagaination).
....A popular TV series this past year, had more than a dozen characters, who all looked to be "normal", but each of them had a "special ability" to see or do things above & beyond human attributes (a Special Effects Consultant loves this kind of challenge).
....Children have loved their regular dose of Super Heroes for over 60 years of Superman, Batman, Spider Man, Wonder Woman, etc., who first appeared in comic book form, then cartoon TV series, and followed by major block buster movies (none of these special abilities were ever seen, verified or experienced by witnesses, as they were just figments of imagination of a writer or illustrator).
....Even though many actual villains have appeared throughout history performing grizzly deeds, certain authors and producers have decided to add a little more intrigue by giving strange, evil and extraordinary powers to:
-not die, unless shot with a silver bullet
-disappear from sight when pursued by authorities
-regenerate body parts after being blown up in an explosion
-survive even multiple gunshot wounds by police or "good guys."
-fly away from their pursuers right into the sky
-share certain characteristics with animals or other beasts.
A recent cartoon movie release even gave an old house the powers to eat people and their possessions when it felt it was being threatened.....and then get off its foundation and chase its enemies down the street. Oh well.
Should a wise, sane or relgious person worry about all the bizarre productions and emphases of abnormally wicked entertainment industry?
Wise King Solomon said over 3000 years ago:
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope." - Proverbs 24: 19-20
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Who Plays Baseball?
Who Plays Baseball These Days?
by Torrey H. Brinkley
ESPN this past week has spent much time lamenting about the number of black players in professional baseball. Every ESPN radio show on June 6th was devoted to this subject, with every talk show host repeating the same tired arguments, hour after hour.
Gary Sheffield, the much traveled slugging outfielder, has given his commentary, which incensed many observers, when he opined that American blacks are too hard to control, while the newly recruited Latin ball players are more easily manipulated into co-operating with the rules & structure of the current baseball scene. Sheffield and the other "sports experts" claim that blacks in America have gravitated to football and basketball because they are easier to play in "the hood" and cheaper on the family's budget.
Hogwash. There are some very obvious distinctions between the major American sports, which Sheffield and his critics are missing:
1) Baseball is a difficult sport to master.
--Very few humans can throw a fastball at 95 mph+ accurately, plus a curve ball to deceive other players.
--Even fewer humans can see and hit a 98 mph fastball from 60'6" distance. They never could and never will have that skill.
--Slow pitch softball, which is enjoyed & played by millions, has little in common with the scary speed of major league baseball.
2) Climbing the ladder to the major leagues in baseball requires many steps: high school ball, college baseball experience, A-level ball, AA baseball, and then AAA experience are the typical stages which a player must endure. For some baseball players, that can be 11 long years of a grinding, boring existence, with little or no national recognition, riding on old buses, staying in cheap hotels, playing in small towns (before tiny crowds), and getting a low salary.
--In a society predicated on instant gratification that is no fun for young men which believe they are entitled to everything now.
--For the last 15 years or so, blacks in America's inner cities have seen talented, athletic basketball players skip college/university and jump immediately to the NBA, making millions without any of the requisite maturing and team-building skills deemed helpful in "playing sports."
3) Oddly, although baseball has been an American phenomenon for over 100 years, it is not glamorous as a sport anymore.
....Few stars in American baseball are idolized or seen/heard doing commercials for any kind of products. Certain young people feel that they need to pursue endeavors which get them lots of name recognition & TV face time.
....Many American colleges have dropped baseball from their scholarship-level athletics, under the Title 9 requirements to have an equal number of men's & women's sports available. Thus, if there were American blacks wanting to go to college 4 years, play baseball & then move on, there are fewer & fewer schools which would offer such opportunties. Being a top baseball star on campus also does not offer the same status as a recognizable football or basketball hero.
4) American baseball is undeniably a long grind. There are no other major sports that play 162 regular season contests, plus Spring Training games, plus post-season series of 7 games apiece. The schedule means that baseball players are away from home from February to almost November , if they're on contending teams. Only NASCAR has a similarly long schedule, but they only race on Sundays (unless they do truck or Saturday racing).
++This kind of grueling schedule would not be fun for whites, blacks, Asians, Latins or Europeans, who desire to have quality family time. Few baseball players would consciously wish to postpone marriage or family until after their playing career is over (potentially age 37 or so).
++Only half of all baseball games are played at the home town ballpark, and all of Spring Training takes place away from home in either Florida or Arizona. Many ethnic groups highly value being around family members and/or those who have meant much to them during their youth. Baseball tears away at that close family experience, and almost exclusively glorifies the individualism, which is so uniquely American.
5) One other observation: baseball is not violent in the normal course of its play.
#Americans seem to love the crashing, banging & slamming to the ground observed in football.
#Even basketball has become a bumping and slam-dunking kind of a sport. #Hockey has been labeled recently as a fist fight punctuated by occasional ice-skating exhibitions.
#NASCAR & other racing fans love to watch fender-banging, often following by "the big crash."
#But, lowly baseball is more of a gentleman's game, requiring good throwing, quick bursts of running speed, and tremendous eye-hand co-ordination, with lots of waiting time out in a lonely outfield, hundreds of feet away from one's team-mates.
---The author taught 150 teens in Spain how to play fast pitch baseball, after they had only known the sport of soccer. A few "imported" teens from Chile and Australia helped to jump-start the action for these European youth, who were more adept at using their feet than their hands.
by Torrey H. Brinkley
ESPN this past week has spent much time lamenting about the number of black players in professional baseball. Every ESPN radio show on June 6th was devoted to this subject, with every talk show host repeating the same tired arguments, hour after hour.
Gary Sheffield, the much traveled slugging outfielder, has given his commentary, which incensed many observers, when he opined that American blacks are too hard to control, while the newly recruited Latin ball players are more easily manipulated into co-operating with the rules & structure of the current baseball scene. Sheffield and the other "sports experts" claim that blacks in America have gravitated to football and basketball because they are easier to play in "the hood" and cheaper on the family's budget.
Hogwash. There are some very obvious distinctions between the major American sports, which Sheffield and his critics are missing:
1) Baseball is a difficult sport to master.
--Very few humans can throw a fastball at 95 mph+ accurately, plus a curve ball to deceive other players.
--Even fewer humans can see and hit a 98 mph fastball from 60'6" distance. They never could and never will have that skill.
--Slow pitch softball, which is enjoyed & played by millions, has little in common with the scary speed of major league baseball.
2) Climbing the ladder to the major leagues in baseball requires many steps: high school ball, college baseball experience, A-level ball, AA baseball, and then AAA experience are the typical stages which a player must endure. For some baseball players, that can be 11 long years of a grinding, boring existence, with little or no national recognition, riding on old buses, staying in cheap hotels, playing in small towns (before tiny crowds), and getting a low salary.
--In a society predicated on instant gratification that is no fun for young men which believe they are entitled to everything now.
--For the last 15 years or so, blacks in America's inner cities have seen talented, athletic basketball players skip college/university and jump immediately to the NBA, making millions without any of the requisite maturing and team-building skills deemed helpful in "playing sports."
3) Oddly, although baseball has been an American phenomenon for over 100 years, it is not glamorous as a sport anymore.
....Few stars in American baseball are idolized or seen/heard doing commercials for any kind of products. Certain young people feel that they need to pursue endeavors which get them lots of name recognition & TV face time.
....Many American colleges have dropped baseball from their scholarship-level athletics, under the Title 9 requirements to have an equal number of men's & women's sports available. Thus, if there were American blacks wanting to go to college 4 years, play baseball & then move on, there are fewer & fewer schools which would offer such opportunties. Being a top baseball star on campus also does not offer the same status as a recognizable football or basketball hero.
4) American baseball is undeniably a long grind. There are no other major sports that play 162 regular season contests, plus Spring Training games, plus post-season series of 7 games apiece. The schedule means that baseball players are away from home from February to almost November , if they're on contending teams. Only NASCAR has a similarly long schedule, but they only race on Sundays (unless they do truck or Saturday racing).
++This kind of grueling schedule would not be fun for whites, blacks, Asians, Latins or Europeans, who desire to have quality family time. Few baseball players would consciously wish to postpone marriage or family until after their playing career is over (potentially age 37 or so).
++Only half of all baseball games are played at the home town ballpark, and all of Spring Training takes place away from home in either Florida or Arizona. Many ethnic groups highly value being around family members and/or those who have meant much to them during their youth. Baseball tears away at that close family experience, and almost exclusively glorifies the individualism, which is so uniquely American.
5) One other observation: baseball is not violent in the normal course of its play.
#Americans seem to love the crashing, banging & slamming to the ground observed in football.
#Even basketball has become a bumping and slam-dunking kind of a sport. #Hockey has been labeled recently as a fist fight punctuated by occasional ice-skating exhibitions.
#NASCAR & other racing fans love to watch fender-banging, often following by "the big crash."
#But, lowly baseball is more of a gentleman's game, requiring good throwing, quick bursts of running speed, and tremendous eye-hand co-ordination, with lots of waiting time out in a lonely outfield, hundreds of feet away from one's team-mates.
---The author taught 150 teens in Spain how to play fast pitch baseball, after they had only known the sport of soccer. A few "imported" teens from Chile and Australia helped to jump-start the action for these European youth, who were more adept at using their feet than their hands.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Finding Wisdom in the Bible
Two Bible Characters Share Their Wisdom
from Torrey H. Brinkley
All of us need a little wisdom at one time or another. Personal circumstances get difficult, and we wonder where to turn for answers.
We see problems worldwide, and wonder who is in control of this planet.
There are groups of people who seem intent on destroying each other, and we ask ourselves how long this will continue.
One solid helpful place to turn is to the Bible, which has provided answers for humankind for thousands of years.
Some interesting wisdom writings, which are always valuable: Job and James (why not mix an Old Testament book with a New Testament epistle?). Try reading thru these 2 books from start to finish.
Job is one of the oldest books in the Bible, whose name appears as early as 2000 B.C. Some conservative Bible scholars place this writing during Solomon's time (c. 950 B.C).
It is unusual in many ways, in that all the key elements in life's drama are interacting:
--God with his servant Job;
--Satan accusing/tempting God;
--Job's friends pretending to share their "human wisdom or insights"
--Job questioning God, and then receiving the Lord's "big picture" answer.
a) Don't miss the setting of the story as found in Chapter 1 & 2. It shows how even God-fearing people will be put to the test in this life.
...See 1: 8 in contrast with 1: 10-12 to lay out the plot
...Can you reply like Job did in response to loss/tragedy 1:21-22, as well as 2: 9-10?
b) All of Job's friends come with their insights, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, starting with chap. 4. Always note who is doing the talking, as not all the "bright ideas" in this book are from God (many are just men's silly perceptions).
c) It might be helpful if you would make some columns, and list:
++ideas truly from the Lord.
++good thoughts that are manmade, but not universally true.
++dumb ideas that don't match up with the rest of Scripture, & which could lead one astray.
((Note: in life, we all will face messages which fit one of these 3 categories.))
d) Make sure you read all the way to the end of the book.
#What lesson do you get from the Lord's speech to Job & his friends in Chaps. 38-41.
#Why is Job's reply to God so brief in 42: 1-6?
#How did the Lord reward Job for all his pain, suffering & loss (42:10-17)?
#And what did God demand from Job's friends in 42: 7-9?
James comes to us in the New Testament, as one of the earliest books written (maybe 48 B.C.).
--It was penned by the brother of Jesus, a leader of the church in Jerusalem, and designed for Christians everywhere.
--Yet, how odd that Martin Luther considered it too "works-oriented" to be included in N.T. Scripture.
-As a study tool, you might list the major themes, in order, and then jot down the key thought you learn from each section:
** temptations, 1:2-18
**hearing vs. doing, 1:19-27
**favoritism, 2:1-13
**faith vs. works, 2:14-25
**taming the tongue, 3: 1-12
**godly wisdom, 3:1318
**submission, 4:1-12
**perils of wealth, 5:1-6
**suffering, 5: 7-12
**and prayer. 5:13-20
What key verses did you like from the study of the great little book?
Hope you enjoy the study and gain some wisdom for your circumstance.
---Torrey Brinkley
from Torrey H. Brinkley
All of us need a little wisdom at one time or another. Personal circumstances get difficult, and we wonder where to turn for answers.
We see problems worldwide, and wonder who is in control of this planet.
There are groups of people who seem intent on destroying each other, and we ask ourselves how long this will continue.
One solid helpful place to turn is to the Bible, which has provided answers for humankind for thousands of years.
Some interesting wisdom writings, which are always valuable: Job and James (why not mix an Old Testament book with a New Testament epistle?). Try reading thru these 2 books from start to finish.
Job is one of the oldest books in the Bible, whose name appears as early as 2000 B.C. Some conservative Bible scholars place this writing during Solomon's time (c. 950 B.C).
It is unusual in many ways, in that all the key elements in life's drama are interacting:
--God with his servant Job;
--Satan accusing/tempting God;
--Job's friends pretending to share their "human wisdom or insights"
--Job questioning God, and then receiving the Lord's "big picture" answer.
a) Don't miss the setting of the story as found in Chapter 1 & 2. It shows how even God-fearing people will be put to the test in this life.
...See 1: 8 in contrast with 1: 10-12 to lay out the plot
...Can you reply like Job did in response to loss/tragedy 1:21-22, as well as 2: 9-10?
b) All of Job's friends come with their insights, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, starting with chap. 4. Always note who is doing the talking, as not all the "bright ideas" in this book are from God (many are just men's silly perceptions).
c) It might be helpful if you would make some columns, and list:
++ideas truly from the Lord.
++good thoughts that are manmade, but not universally true.
++dumb ideas that don't match up with the rest of Scripture, & which could lead one astray.
((Note: in life, we all will face messages which fit one of these 3 categories.))
d) Make sure you read all the way to the end of the book.
#What lesson do you get from the Lord's speech to Job & his friends in Chaps. 38-41.
#Why is Job's reply to God so brief in 42: 1-6?
#How did the Lord reward Job for all his pain, suffering & loss (42:10-17)?
#And what did God demand from Job's friends in 42: 7-9?
James comes to us in the New Testament, as one of the earliest books written (maybe 48 B.C.).
--It was penned by the brother of Jesus, a leader of the church in Jerusalem, and designed for Christians everywhere.
--Yet, how odd that Martin Luther considered it too "works-oriented" to be included in N.T. Scripture.
-As a study tool, you might list the major themes, in order, and then jot down the key thought you learn from each section:
** temptations, 1:2-18
**hearing vs. doing, 1:19-27
**favoritism, 2:1-13
**faith vs. works, 2:14-25
**taming the tongue, 3: 1-12
**godly wisdom, 3:1318
**submission, 4:1-12
**perils of wealth, 5:1-6
**suffering, 5: 7-12
**and prayer. 5:13-20
What key verses did you like from the study of the great little book?
Hope you enjoy the study and gain some wisdom for your circumstance.
---Torrey Brinkley
Thursday, May 17, 2007
1st Century Church Outreach Programs
How The Early Church Did Outreach
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Many modern churches today have unique forms of ministry which attempt to reach out to the "seekers" in their communities. From a multitude of musical presentations, coffee bars, sports activities, etc., there seems to be a never-ending number of ways that Christians look to touch and then talk of their faith to non-believers.
Until recently it was not known how the First Century Church also extended an olive branch to its pagan neighbors, those philosophical Greeks, the empire-building Romans, and tradition-bound Jews.But recently unearthed scrolls have given us marvelous insights into what the early church tried to reach the world apart from Christ.
1) Fishing lessons for boys and their dads. This weekend session was taught by Peter and James.
2) Mending tents and repairing fish nets. The Apostle Paul led this class, often just outside the town gate, where he could add theological tips to the exercise.
3) St. Peter's Sword Fighting Skills. This shows young men how to successfully wield this valuable weapon against fierce enemies. Discussion about the Christian's armor follows.
4) Living in the Catacombs. Early church women display their tasteful Christian art decorations in dull, drab, underground living situations, so as to make a warm, pleasant Christian home environment.
5) First Century Hymn Writing. How to create peppy, upbeat songs to remember fun times with Jesus, that will attract Jews and Greeks alike.
6) Christmas Drama Workshops. Teaching local church drama teams how to keep your donkeys, cows and camels from eating all the hay that you've placed in the manger scene.
7) Guided Tours to where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. For those who stay for the re-reading of the message, free fish and loaves of bread will be served.
8) Easter Dramatization Plans. Practicing moving the heavy stone from the rock tombs.
9) Plan Your Wedding With Early Church Wedding Planners: We will turn water you bring into wine, for a small donation.
10) Home Builder's Club meets at the seashore. Watch disciples attempting to build a house upon the rocks. Roman sceptics will concurrently be invited to build their house upon the sandy soil.
11) Free Tax Preparation Seminars. Taught by Matthew and Zachias.
12) Boat rides on the Sea of Galilee. See where Jesus calmed the storm, and hear the Disciples re-tell the thrilling adventure.
If you say, "Impossible! The early church founders, who often were martyred for their faith, would never do such things." Then, why not? And, if such activity would not be acceptable for the Early Church, well, are we not thinking clearly & carefully what our activities our churches today perform?
by Torrey H. Brinkley
Many modern churches today have unique forms of ministry which attempt to reach out to the "seekers" in their communities. From a multitude of musical presentations, coffee bars, sports activities, etc., there seems to be a never-ending number of ways that Christians look to touch and then talk of their faith to non-believers.
Until recently it was not known how the First Century Church also extended an olive branch to its pagan neighbors, those philosophical Greeks, the empire-building Romans, and tradition-bound Jews.But recently unearthed scrolls have given us marvelous insights into what the early church tried to reach the world apart from Christ.
1) Fishing lessons for boys and their dads. This weekend session was taught by Peter and James.
2) Mending tents and repairing fish nets. The Apostle Paul led this class, often just outside the town gate, where he could add theological tips to the exercise.
3) St. Peter's Sword Fighting Skills. This shows young men how to successfully wield this valuable weapon against fierce enemies. Discussion about the Christian's armor follows.
4) Living in the Catacombs. Early church women display their tasteful Christian art decorations in dull, drab, underground living situations, so as to make a warm, pleasant Christian home environment.
5) First Century Hymn Writing. How to create peppy, upbeat songs to remember fun times with Jesus, that will attract Jews and Greeks alike.
6) Christmas Drama Workshops. Teaching local church drama teams how to keep your donkeys, cows and camels from eating all the hay that you've placed in the manger scene.
7) Guided Tours to where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. For those who stay for the re-reading of the message, free fish and loaves of bread will be served.
8) Easter Dramatization Plans. Practicing moving the heavy stone from the rock tombs.
9) Plan Your Wedding With Early Church Wedding Planners: We will turn water you bring into wine, for a small donation.
10) Home Builder's Club meets at the seashore. Watch disciples attempting to build a house upon the rocks. Roman sceptics will concurrently be invited to build their house upon the sandy soil.
11) Free Tax Preparation Seminars. Taught by Matthew and Zachias.
12) Boat rides on the Sea of Galilee. See where Jesus calmed the storm, and hear the Disciples re-tell the thrilling adventure.
If you say, "Impossible! The early church founders, who often were martyred for their faith, would never do such things." Then, why not? And, if such activity would not be acceptable for the Early Church, well, are we not thinking clearly & carefully what our activities our churches today perform?
Loneliness Is a Real Problem
THE BACK SEAT FILM
This film project started almost as soon as I arrived as Associate Pastor of the Wichita Mennonite Brethren Church back in Summer 1974. The 3 major groups of Mennonites were about to celebrate their 100 year Anniversary of arrival in North America. So, they were commissioning various projects:
---Special conventions
----Some commemorative books
---Special musical numbers
----Ladies making quilts, etc. etc.
Our church was one of the host churches in Wichita, so one of our key young laymen got the task of helping cast and direct a missionary play, which also mentioned the arrival of the Mennonites by boat (from Russia--the Crimea) to the shores of the US. They all did a great job!
A new convert to our church was the ABC-TV news cameraman and President of the National Press Photographers' Association. He and I found lots in common from the beginning. The Sr. Pastor, Rev.Dale Warkentin (who later went off to serve as a missionary to Indonesia) asked if we could come up with a way to help add something special to the Centennial Celebration, that might be sort of a gift from our church.
Larry Hatteberg of ABC-TV, Wichita (now their evening news anchor) and I brainstormed along with the pastor and identified "Loneliness" as a key need in the society that we were facing. The church needed to speak to that issue and give a biblical response.
We drew up a tentative script, auditioned for local actors to help us out and got the major Kansas City Film Studio (that edited the big TV film series "Roots") to edit our film. The local ABC affiliate donated all the camera equipment, lighting, editing rooms, etc.We made a semi-documentary film, where we interviewed lots of people on tape, then used some actors visually where we couldn't put the live story-tellers on film.We hired a university professor who had done some acting and local commercials to be our thread for connecting all the people.
Many Christians gave a wonderful perspective on how God helps them thru lonely times such as death of a spouse, being single, getting old, going off to college, etc. There was enough diversity in the film that secular groups used the film in nursing schools, high schools &community groups besides lots of churches all over the country. Catholic media folk gave it a special award before it was even released. Netherlands National Television asked that we send copies over to them for airing in their country.
Our project involved free weekends for us, and received co-operation from other Mennonite media agencies, plus a little funding help. We did not finish until 1977, but ABC was thrilled to premier the movie The Back Seat (30 minutes), which got an excellent newspaper review right at air time.We took our Spanish translation copy (done while we were missionaries in Spain) and the English version over to the 1984 Mennonite World Conference in Strasborg, France for congregations that came from all the different continents.
A helpful addition for our Spain debut was when a wonderful gifted Spanish psychologist, Dr. Pablo Martinez, developed a series of seminars and audio tapes that he used in conjunction with our Loneliness Film in inter-church group meetings in the major population centers. Film was available in both 16mm reel-to-reel as well as video cassette version. One of the neat things was that, because of all the donated labor and equipment, we spent less than $7000 for the English version and maybe $3500 for the Spanish translation.
God Is Close, and He is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother,
Torrey Brinkley
Mead, CO
This film project started almost as soon as I arrived as Associate Pastor of the Wichita Mennonite Brethren Church back in Summer 1974. The 3 major groups of Mennonites were about to celebrate their 100 year Anniversary of arrival in North America. So, they were commissioning various projects:
---Special conventions
----Some commemorative books
---Special musical numbers
----Ladies making quilts, etc. etc.
Our church was one of the host churches in Wichita, so one of our key young laymen got the task of helping cast and direct a missionary play, which also mentioned the arrival of the Mennonites by boat (from Russia--the Crimea) to the shores of the US. They all did a great job!
A new convert to our church was the ABC-TV news cameraman and President of the National Press Photographers' Association. He and I found lots in common from the beginning. The Sr. Pastor, Rev.Dale Warkentin (who later went off to serve as a missionary to Indonesia) asked if we could come up with a way to help add something special to the Centennial Celebration, that might be sort of a gift from our church.
Larry Hatteberg of ABC-TV, Wichita (now their evening news anchor) and I brainstormed along with the pastor and identified "Loneliness" as a key need in the society that we were facing. The church needed to speak to that issue and give a biblical response.
We drew up a tentative script, auditioned for local actors to help us out and got the major Kansas City Film Studio (that edited the big TV film series "Roots") to edit our film. The local ABC affiliate donated all the camera equipment, lighting, editing rooms, etc.We made a semi-documentary film, where we interviewed lots of people on tape, then used some actors visually where we couldn't put the live story-tellers on film.We hired a university professor who had done some acting and local commercials to be our thread for connecting all the people.
Many Christians gave a wonderful perspective on how God helps them thru lonely times such as death of a spouse, being single, getting old, going off to college, etc. There was enough diversity in the film that secular groups used the film in nursing schools, high schools &community groups besides lots of churches all over the country. Catholic media folk gave it a special award before it was even released. Netherlands National Television asked that we send copies over to them for airing in their country.
Our project involved free weekends for us, and received co-operation from other Mennonite media agencies, plus a little funding help. We did not finish until 1977, but ABC was thrilled to premier the movie The Back Seat (30 minutes), which got an excellent newspaper review right at air time.We took our Spanish translation copy (done while we were missionaries in Spain) and the English version over to the 1984 Mennonite World Conference in Strasborg, France for congregations that came from all the different continents.
A helpful addition for our Spain debut was when a wonderful gifted Spanish psychologist, Dr. Pablo Martinez, developed a series of seminars and audio tapes that he used in conjunction with our Loneliness Film in inter-church group meetings in the major population centers. Film was available in both 16mm reel-to-reel as well as video cassette version. One of the neat things was that, because of all the donated labor and equipment, we spent less than $7000 for the English version and maybe $3500 for the Spanish translation.
God Is Close, and He is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother,
Torrey Brinkley
Mead, CO
Who Is Buying those Toyotas?
We Don't Sell Toyotas--But Many Folk Buy Them
DId you see in the news on Tuesday that Toyota has surpassed GM as #1 automaker in the world for the 1st quarter of 2007? It just seemed yesterday that they past Ford for #2. Was not too long ago that they passed up Chrysler. Yikes!
In watching the automotive scene for the last 50 years, while both living abroad & in the USA, this observer notes that:
++Toyota takes seriously the design & execution of every new product model.Not sure if GM, Ford or Chrysler were that on-the-ball.
++They want to make a quality vehicle, with good economy, clean styling & able to sell well. Our American counterparts have been more concerned with impressive styling & lots of torque.
++Somehow Toyota builds vehicles that don't make the Top Ten Recall list. GM and Ford & MOPAR work hard to be there every month.
++Clearly Toyota & Lexus have models that are desirable and/or within reason for various countries around the world. GM, Ford & Chrysler have built huge pickup trucks, larger & larger SUVs and big vans that are only comfortable on US roads (but less & less so for our ever-shrinking parking spaces).
++Not that it would have made any difference, but the US opened its borders (and wallets) to foreign imports starting 45 years ago. Japan particularly shut out all foreign (US specifically) cars from its shores, with weird rules & regulations....as well as distain for our products. Hmmmm.
++Even though Toyota is involved in some racing series (open-wheel racing, the off-road truck series, Craftsmen Truck NASCAR races, the sports prototype series, and now NASCAR Nextel cup racing), they still are not worried about selling hot muscle cars off their showroom floors. Ford is still stuck on pushing high-HP Mustangs, and GM & MOPAR seem intent to follow with marketing Corvettes, re-born Camaros and a re-invented Challenger, to go along with Hemi-V-8s, etc.). Muscle car sales in the USA alone do not top 150,000 a year, when weighed against 17 million total sales.Worldwide, the disparity would be even greater. Well.........
++Since I have driven them for my work since 1998, I know that Toyota knows how to make a great small economy car. Ever since Ford, Chevy and Plymouth tried back in 1960, our American manufacturers have failed to come up w/ good engines & trannys that are reliable & economical or appealing. Period. End of story. Americans cringe at the mention of words like: Vega, Pinto, Chevette, Maverick, Valiant, Reliant, Fiesta, Citation, Cavalier, etc.
++Toyota (and most other multi-national manufacturers) sees that gasoline costs $6 a gallon in Europe, and also costly in places like Asia.....so cars have to be very fuel efficient and of high quality. GM must not read international fuel cost reports.
++Don't think it affects car sales, but it sure impacts the bottom line: GM & Ford particularly are being killed by the (collective) long-term indebtedness to health care provisions for current & retired unionized workers that may reach $100 billion total. That puts a damper on R&D, advertising, hiring practices, new plants, etc. etc. Toyota has chosen to set up shop in non-union states, thus keeping costs down. Guess they want to spend their money elsewhere than on employee benefits.
Holler if you have any opinions or observations about Toyotas. I will share them with a friend, who is a 20-year Toyota salesman, featured in one of their insider magazines.
TORREY
DId you see in the news on Tuesday that Toyota has surpassed GM as #1 automaker in the world for the 1st quarter of 2007? It just seemed yesterday that they past Ford for #2. Was not too long ago that they passed up Chrysler. Yikes!
In watching the automotive scene for the last 50 years, while both living abroad & in the USA, this observer notes that:
++Toyota takes seriously the design & execution of every new product model.Not sure if GM, Ford or Chrysler were that on-the-ball.
++They want to make a quality vehicle, with good economy, clean styling & able to sell well. Our American counterparts have been more concerned with impressive styling & lots of torque.
++Somehow Toyota builds vehicles that don't make the Top Ten Recall list. GM and Ford & MOPAR work hard to be there every month.
++Clearly Toyota & Lexus have models that are desirable and/or within reason for various countries around the world. GM, Ford & Chrysler have built huge pickup trucks, larger & larger SUVs and big vans that are only comfortable on US roads (but less & less so for our ever-shrinking parking spaces).
++Not that it would have made any difference, but the US opened its borders (and wallets) to foreign imports starting 45 years ago. Japan particularly shut out all foreign (US specifically) cars from its shores, with weird rules & regulations....as well as distain for our products. Hmmmm.
++Even though Toyota is involved in some racing series (open-wheel racing, the off-road truck series, Craftsmen Truck NASCAR races, the sports prototype series, and now NASCAR Nextel cup racing), they still are not worried about selling hot muscle cars off their showroom floors. Ford is still stuck on pushing high-HP Mustangs, and GM & MOPAR seem intent to follow with marketing Corvettes, re-born Camaros and a re-invented Challenger, to go along with Hemi-V-8s, etc.). Muscle car sales in the USA alone do not top 150,000 a year, when weighed against 17 million total sales.Worldwide, the disparity would be even greater. Well.........
++Since I have driven them for my work since 1998, I know that Toyota knows how to make a great small economy car. Ever since Ford, Chevy and Plymouth tried back in 1960, our American manufacturers have failed to come up w/ good engines & trannys that are reliable & economical or appealing. Period. End of story. Americans cringe at the mention of words like: Vega, Pinto, Chevette, Maverick, Valiant, Reliant, Fiesta, Citation, Cavalier, etc.
++Toyota (and most other multi-national manufacturers) sees that gasoline costs $6 a gallon in Europe, and also costly in places like Asia.....so cars have to be very fuel efficient and of high quality. GM must not read international fuel cost reports.
++Don't think it affects car sales, but it sure impacts the bottom line: GM & Ford particularly are being killed by the (collective) long-term indebtedness to health care provisions for current & retired unionized workers that may reach $100 billion total. That puts a damper on R&D, advertising, hiring practices, new plants, etc. etc. Toyota has chosen to set up shop in non-union states, thus keeping costs down. Guess they want to spend their money elsewhere than on employee benefits.
Holler if you have any opinions or observations about Toyotas. I will share them with a friend, who is a 20-year Toyota salesman, featured in one of their insider magazines.
TORREY
Auto Sales Figures 2007
Auto Industry Sales a Mixed Bag
This observer was hearing that auto sales have been down, especially in the month of April 2007, with only MOPAR having a boost in showroom sales. At the dealership where I serve it was apparent that our 2 Japanese marques had seen a slump as well (Acura and Subaru). One begins to wonder if only the more affluent buyers can afford new cars anymore, with average prices at $25,000 for even the more basic cars, SUVs, vans and pickups. Most every showroom today has sticker prices approaching $40,000 for various models (where the profits truly kick in).
So a perusal of the Automotive News first quarter sales figures noted a few things for January thru April sales:
++There were American products that showed sales gains, as well as some European makes, and several Asian car/truck lines.
++But, among products that lost sales compared to a year ago, there were American, Asian and European losers.
++I find a surprise nameplate in each category (do you find it amazing, as well?). ++Sales in the magazine break down cars, trucks & SUVs by model, but I lumped together total sales (as that is what affects the bottom line for companies, dealerships & each salesperson).
Lower priced vehicles:
Gainers: Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and, surprise: Saturn.
Losers: Chevy, Dodge, Ford and, oddly, Hyundai.
Mid-priced makes:
Gaining: None!
Losing: Mercury, Pontiac, Saab, VW, and noteworthy, Subaru.
Luxury nameplates:
Going up: Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes, and surprisingly, Lincoln.
Going down: Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Jaguar, Volvo and interestingly, Acura.
Truck Categories:
Up: Dodge, GMC, Jeep, and noteworthy, Mitsubishi.
Down: Chevy, Ford, Hummer, Isuzu, and oddly, Land Rover.
**As we have all seen in the headlines, the biggest sales gains, both in total number of sales and % sales boost, belongs to Toyota (60,000 and 10% respectively; with a similar bump up for their Lexus line).
**One American product, the Saturn, saw its total sales go up 20% in the 1st quarter, overtaking Buick & Cadillac in total sales (not a good thing for GM's bottom line).
**Generally speaking the most expensive vehicles saw the boosts in sales from Jan. to April 2007, but so did 70% of all the showrooms who sold the cheapest vehicles.
**This observer sees no correlation between brand new models on the showroom floors, nor expensive public advertising, nor proliferation of models available, affecting sales upwards or downwards from one year to the next.
**However, when one takes a look at the J.D. Powers and Consumer Reports quality control and repair problem issues, then one sees that better-perceived quality truly affects sales, at least in this sales period in question, with some few exceptions .
--Torrey Brinkley
The Literature Exchange
Mead, Colorado
This observer was hearing that auto sales have been down, especially in the month of April 2007, with only MOPAR having a boost in showroom sales. At the dealership where I serve it was apparent that our 2 Japanese marques had seen a slump as well (Acura and Subaru). One begins to wonder if only the more affluent buyers can afford new cars anymore, with average prices at $25,000 for even the more basic cars, SUVs, vans and pickups. Most every showroom today has sticker prices approaching $40,000 for various models (where the profits truly kick in).
So a perusal of the Automotive News first quarter sales figures noted a few things for January thru April sales:
++There were American products that showed sales gains, as well as some European makes, and several Asian car/truck lines.
++But, among products that lost sales compared to a year ago, there were American, Asian and European losers.
++I find a surprise nameplate in each category (do you find it amazing, as well?). ++Sales in the magazine break down cars, trucks & SUVs by model, but I lumped together total sales (as that is what affects the bottom line for companies, dealerships & each salesperson).
Lower priced vehicles:
Gainers: Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and, surprise: Saturn.
Losers: Chevy, Dodge, Ford and, oddly, Hyundai.
Mid-priced makes:
Gaining: None!
Losing: Mercury, Pontiac, Saab, VW, and noteworthy, Subaru.
Luxury nameplates:
Going up: Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes, and surprisingly, Lincoln.
Going down: Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Jaguar, Volvo and interestingly, Acura.
Truck Categories:
Up: Dodge, GMC, Jeep, and noteworthy, Mitsubishi.
Down: Chevy, Ford, Hummer, Isuzu, and oddly, Land Rover.
**As we have all seen in the headlines, the biggest sales gains, both in total number of sales and % sales boost, belongs to Toyota (60,000 and 10% respectively; with a similar bump up for their Lexus line).
**One American product, the Saturn, saw its total sales go up 20% in the 1st quarter, overtaking Buick & Cadillac in total sales (not a good thing for GM's bottom line).
**Generally speaking the most expensive vehicles saw the boosts in sales from Jan. to April 2007, but so did 70% of all the showrooms who sold the cheapest vehicles.
**This observer sees no correlation between brand new models on the showroom floors, nor expensive public advertising, nor proliferation of models available, affecting sales upwards or downwards from one year to the next.
**However, when one takes a look at the J.D. Powers and Consumer Reports quality control and repair problem issues, then one sees that better-perceived quality truly affects sales, at least in this sales period in question, with some few exceptions .
--Torrey Brinkley
The Literature Exchange
Mead, Colorado
Gas Boycott a Joke
Saving Money During a Gas Price Hike
Many folk today are calling for a boycott of the gasoline stations, to try to "punish" the oil companies for raising our fuel prices a dollar from the nice low figure of $2.00 a gallon five months ago. There are so many reasons that such a boycott is a bit short-sighted and will just not work......and you will hear many of those reasons explained today by economic experts.
Once again, this observer will offer another list of things that one can do to save money while gas companies and local gas stations keep raising prices at the pump on almost a daily basis. One should keep in mind that we cannot hurt the oil companies, but we can help ourselves.
The vehicle itself:
1) Drive an economy model that gets the best fuel mileage, if you have such a vehicle in the garage. Otherwise, consider buying one.
2) Park your big SUV or large pickup or heavy van, if you do not need them for work, recreation or moving large objects.
3) Always make sure that you have tires inflated high enough to get low rolling resistance, and check to see that tires are not worn out.
4) See that your vehicle is well-tuned, with fresh oil, clean air filter, and not clogged in the fuel delivery systems & spark plugs.
5) Drive slowly! If you barrel along at 75-80 mph, you are wasting 20% more fuel than if you go 60-65 mph.
6) Don't do jack-rabbit starts from stop light to stop light. That's hard on engine, transmission, tires, and eventually, your brake systems.
7) You don't need to be pressured into buying a hybrid vehicle, unless you also are capable of buying $20,000+ replacement battery systems!
8) Watch out for being tempted to buy new vehicles that require Premium fuel, as that will cost you easily 10% more every fillup.
9) Vehicle weight affects fuel mileage. You might be surprised to note that some 2-seat sports cars weigh as much as 4000 pounds (the same as a lightweight small sport utiltiy). Compact sedans and coupes made back in the '60s and early '90s were featherweight 2500 pounds.
10) Make sure that you take out thiose heavy sandbags from the back of the pickup, the extra golf clubs in the trunk, or loads of books/magazines, etc. that might be adding weight to your vehicle.
11) Those high-end sound systems that Junior has mounted in the trunk & back seat might be ading 500 pounds to a car's weight, as they also slowly produce major hearing loss for driver, passengers & neighbors.
12) You do know that those ski and bike racks mounted on the roof of your vehicle take away about 2 mpg from your fuel mileage, don't you?
Other cost saving considerations:
13) If you buy fuel at a gas station, just buy the amount of gasoline you need for the next 4-5 days. Don't spend $80 to fill up a pickup truck all at once, so you'll be forced to be more frugal with what's in the tank.
14) Definitely, do not buy anything else at a gas station!!!
15) All food in there costs 50-100% more than it does at a discount grocery store.
16) Any oil, washer fluid, wipers, fuel additives likewise have a big markup there.
17) If you smoke, don't go inside to buy cigarettes; you can add years to your life!
18) If you tend to gamble, don't waste your money on lottery tickets. Keep food on your family's table, instead of worthless lottery ticket stubs.
19) Please don't buy alcohol at a gas station. Gasoline and liquor are not a good mix anyway.
20) Don't throw your money away at gas station car washes. Most of the time they do not do a good job, while you need the exercise at home anyway.
21) If your car suggests "Premium Fuel only" you might try buying Mid-Grade Fuel for a tankful or so. Mechanics have stated that many cars can do fine on this.
22) Can you ride a bike somewhere instead of having to drive a gas-guzzler?
23) Also, do some walking, especially from one stop closeby another.
24) Plan ahead all your travel ventures, so as to prolong the life of your vehicle, and to preserve your own sanity.
25) If you can wisely do such, try to get all your shopping done on one day a week, and thus avoid a lot of impulse buying.
Best of luck in all this.
Torrey Brinkley
Mead, CO
Many folk today are calling for a boycott of the gasoline stations, to try to "punish" the oil companies for raising our fuel prices a dollar from the nice low figure of $2.00 a gallon five months ago. There are so many reasons that such a boycott is a bit short-sighted and will just not work......and you will hear many of those reasons explained today by economic experts.
Once again, this observer will offer another list of things that one can do to save money while gas companies and local gas stations keep raising prices at the pump on almost a daily basis. One should keep in mind that we cannot hurt the oil companies, but we can help ourselves.
The vehicle itself:
1) Drive an economy model that gets the best fuel mileage, if you have such a vehicle in the garage. Otherwise, consider buying one.
2) Park your big SUV or large pickup or heavy van, if you do not need them for work, recreation or moving large objects.
3) Always make sure that you have tires inflated high enough to get low rolling resistance, and check to see that tires are not worn out.
4) See that your vehicle is well-tuned, with fresh oil, clean air filter, and not clogged in the fuel delivery systems & spark plugs.
5) Drive slowly! If you barrel along at 75-80 mph, you are wasting 20% more fuel than if you go 60-65 mph.
6) Don't do jack-rabbit starts from stop light to stop light. That's hard on engine, transmission, tires, and eventually, your brake systems.
7) You don't need to be pressured into buying a hybrid vehicle, unless you also are capable of buying $20,000+ replacement battery systems!
8) Watch out for being tempted to buy new vehicles that require Premium fuel, as that will cost you easily 10% more every fillup.
9) Vehicle weight affects fuel mileage. You might be surprised to note that some 2-seat sports cars weigh as much as 4000 pounds (the same as a lightweight small sport utiltiy). Compact sedans and coupes made back in the '60s and early '90s were featherweight 2500 pounds.
10) Make sure that you take out thiose heavy sandbags from the back of the pickup, the extra golf clubs in the trunk, or loads of books/magazines, etc. that might be adding weight to your vehicle.
11) Those high-end sound systems that Junior has mounted in the trunk & back seat might be ading 500 pounds to a car's weight, as they also slowly produce major hearing loss for driver, passengers & neighbors.
12) You do know that those ski and bike racks mounted on the roof of your vehicle take away about 2 mpg from your fuel mileage, don't you?
Other cost saving considerations:
13) If you buy fuel at a gas station, just buy the amount of gasoline you need for the next 4-5 days. Don't spend $80 to fill up a pickup truck all at once, so you'll be forced to be more frugal with what's in the tank.
14) Definitely, do not buy anything else at a gas station!!!
15) All food in there costs 50-100% more than it does at a discount grocery store.
16) Any oil, washer fluid, wipers, fuel additives likewise have a big markup there.
17) If you smoke, don't go inside to buy cigarettes; you can add years to your life!
18) If you tend to gamble, don't waste your money on lottery tickets. Keep food on your family's table, instead of worthless lottery ticket stubs.
19) Please don't buy alcohol at a gas station. Gasoline and liquor are not a good mix anyway.
20) Don't throw your money away at gas station car washes. Most of the time they do not do a good job, while you need the exercise at home anyway.
21) If your car suggests "Premium Fuel only" you might try buying Mid-Grade Fuel for a tankful or so. Mechanics have stated that many cars can do fine on this.
22) Can you ride a bike somewhere instead of having to drive a gas-guzzler?
23) Also, do some walking, especially from one stop closeby another.
24) Plan ahead all your travel ventures, so as to prolong the life of your vehicle, and to preserve your own sanity.
25) If you can wisely do such, try to get all your shopping done on one day a week, and thus avoid a lot of impulse buying.
Best of luck in all this.
Torrey Brinkley
Mead, CO
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