VinceTornero.com

Four Facebook Faux Pas.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:48:00 +0000

#1: "The Announcer."
"So, I've decided I'm getting off Facebook" Ever notice how people make a big announcement when they are or at least considering deleting their Facebook account? It's interesting to note how seriously people treat the "big decision." Just about everyone on Facebook has to recall that society functioned perfectly fine without the social networking site, right? In my mind, there's not really a need to announce you're deleting your account. But, is it common courtesy in the digital age?

#2: "The Mysterious One."
"OMG!!! Worst. Day. Everrrr!" I've noticed primarily "tweens" are a big offender on this one. Why can't you just come out and say what happened. If you can't do that, then why post it at all? Let's be real, you're just vying for cheap attention.


Mark Zuckerberg.

#3: "The Stupid Status Poster."
"All out of cereal sad day." You felt the need to tell your two-hundred-something Facebook friends you are out of cereal? Not sure what annoys me more: the fact you posted this or knowing I wasted 2.526 seconds reading it. Count Chocula is the bomb, FYI.

#4: "The Gamer."
So, you're playing "Pioneer Trail" and you need of hay or cedar incense? Perhaps it is that you are looking for neighbors in Farmville or running a crime syndicate in "Mafia Wars." Whatever it is, for the love of Mark Zuckerberg, find some way to keep that off the newsfeed. But, while you're feeding your sheep, could you figure out how to donate some of your time to me since you seem to have lots of it?

Etc: Few others left off the list.

"The Complainer." Person who always posts a status about how much they hate "the new Facebook."

"The Self Promoter." Person who promotes every detail of their life.

New year, new show.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

On July 3rd, 2010 - to be honest - was nearly a dream come true: I began a radio program titled "True Conviction." On February 12th, 2011: "True Conviction" was cancelled. It was a very angering and discouraging day. Two weeks later, I tried to provide life support for an already dead show by creating a weekly podcast with the same name. It was a futile effort as that fizzled out like Crystal Pepsi and New Coke.

However, on Monday, February 6th, the digital revolution begins. In 2012, it's True Conviction with a new year and new show.

True Conviction: honest, raw, uncensored.

Mondays at 9pm eastern (starting February 6th, 2012).

Live online via TrueConviction.net.

- LISTEN: More details HERE.

Top 11 of 2011.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Behold! The Coke Freestyle!

Favorite New Thing: The "Coca-Cola Freestyle."

The average soda fountain has about 7-8 beverage choices. But picture this – a machine with over 100 choices. Try Vanilla Sprite, Orange Coke, Raspberry Coke, Peach Fanta – just to name a few. Oh yeah, that’s the “Coke Freestyle” machine.

Best Follow on Twitter: Gavin Veasey (@gavinvz).
I always make it a point to read what Gavin has to say. While we do not agree on every issue, it is always refreshing to hear from the "master of chickens."

Runner Up: Chris Kinner (@thekinner). An edgy, deep thinker, passionate pastor, and loving father are a few things that come to mind with @thekinner. Chris is a personal friend who will not shy away from calling you out.

Most Favorite Personal Moment: Westboro, sign and interview.

Ha! Tim Phelps holds my custom sign (May 2011).

Early in March, I wanted to interview someone from Westboro Baptist Church. Social media came through as I contacted the spokeswoman, Shirley Phelps Roper, through Twitter. She quickly responded and the next day I had her on the phone with the recorder going. It was probably my most favorite interview as I had the opportunity to ask the questions that were never asked of this so-called “church.” The conversation was only supposed to last 30-minutes, but it lasted a whole hour (listen to the entire interview here).

After the interview, I noticed they make signs against the Pope, Lady GaGa, and many other public figures. So, why would they not make a sign with my name and face on it? I emailed Phelps-Roper and approximately a month later when the “church” visited Columbus, I had a “GOD H8S VINCE” Westboro sign, used in a protest and autographed by three church members.

Coolest Place to Eat: Buckeye Donuts (1998 North High Street, Columbus).
Bits of America are preserved in local diners scattered across the country. Buckeye Donuts, founded by Greek immigrants, has been in existence since 1969 and has the best donuts, gyros, and coffee in town. Jimmy Barouxis, the third-generation owner, is one of the nicest and hard-working guys I know. http://buckeye-donuts.com

Runner up: Jack's Diner (52 East Lynn Street, Columbus). Props to my friend Colton Henson (@coltonhenson) for introducing me to this place. Legit old-school diner feel with great food at killer prices (breakfast: less than $4 - lunch: less than $6). Jack’s is located just north east of the Broad and High intersection in downtown Columbus. http://www.jacksdowntowndiner.com

Least Favorite Moment of 2011: Herman Cain controversy.

Herman Cain and me (10/2011).

I enthusiastically supported Herman Cain for president. It angers me that the media, who groomed Obama for the presidency, destroyed Cain’s character through slanderous and libelous content they had the gall to call “news.” Still to this day, there is absolutely nothing besides hearsay, anonymous and sketchy sources that say Mr. Cain was a sexual pervert. Sadly, the media won this one. With no evidence whatsoever, they successfully duped the American public into thinking that Herman Cain was some kind of pimp.

Jackass of the Year: The "Occupy" Movement.
This group of people is nothing but a bunch of morons who forgot that personal responsibility is actually an admirable trait. Don’t forget they poop on cop cars, and are racist, antisemitic, violent, rapists, and sexual deviants.

Runner up: Ron Paul and the "Paulites." Ron Paul’s campaign is built on absolute fluff – stuffing straw polls in a cheap attempt to inflate his laughable run at a presidency.

Shaking hands with the enemy: Ron Paul and me in DC on October '11.

Favorite Read: "Decision Points" by George W. Bush.
Bottom line is, I had more respect for President Bush after reading this book. The 400+ pages are worth your time.

Best Newish Band of 2011: Company of Thieves. They hail out of Chicago and bring with them a unique vibe. Their new album, “Running from a Gamble,” has many tasty tunes: “Modern Waste,” “Death of Communication,” “Tallulah” amongst many others. They play from the heart and love making good music.

Runner up: Sleeper Agent. These young guns are from Bowling Green, Kentucky but carry a musically infectious punked-out vibe. Their website: http://sleeperagentmusic.com.

Best Album of 2011: "I'm With You" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The cover of "I'm With You."

Wow – what can I say. “I’m With You” is a gem of a record that puts the Chili Peppers’ staying power on display. Nearly every song on this record is absolutely fantastic. Faves: “Factory of Faith,” “Look Around,” and “Did I Let You Know.”

Runner up: "Celebrasion" by Sleeper Agent. I think we’ll be hearing more from these guys – hopefully so. Their delicious ditty “Get It Daddy” was named to Rolling Stone’s “50 Best Singles of 2011.” One of their sweetest songs – pun intended – is “Shuga Cane.”

Favorite Gadget: The Amazon Kindle.
The interface and convince is total brilliance. Hard to comprehend the hundred or so books on my shelf could be stored on this e-ink bad boy. I do have to admit that I still struggle with some technological cognitive dissonance since the e-reader is still making its way into the mainstream.

Most Annoying Thing on the Web: People on Facebook.
Dear People of the World, please stop posting dumb crap on Facebook. You know who you are and what you do.

Commentary 10-21-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Parents freaking out about a "too sexy Barbie. I don't give a crap about the dumb doll. Listen why.

Four voices from "Occupy Columbus."

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:43:00 +0000

While critical of the "occupy" movement, I am at the same time very curious. This curiosity drove me to visit a local group currently set up (with tents, etc) at the front of the Ohio Statehouse on High Street. The following are four conversations I had with members of "Occupy Columbus."

(Note: These individual conversations took place on Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 around 11:20am eastern and are completely unedited for the purpose of forming your own opinion. Audio may take a brief moment to load).

"Tom."

"Collin."

"Michelle."

"Roger."

Update at 9:25 on 10/19/11: Below are pictures of the protest signs on display at "Occupy Columbus."

Commentary 10-12-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Honesty and peace. I think they make good friends. You can't truly have one without first truly having the other.

Commentary 10-7-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:07:00 +0000

Today's commentary: My thoughts on day one of the 2011 Values Voter Summit.

Facebook and free rice.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Beginning today, Facebook is going to start changing the look of profiles to a "timeline" style (more info here). When changes happen to the social networking website, it's usually followed by a deluge of complaints by users. It's normal to see my news feed crammed full of whines and opines about another "update."

Facebook is a free website where we have the luxury and freedom to use to communicate instantly with friends and family. If you don't like the changes to the website, just remember Mark Zuckerberg is not holding a gun to your head and forcing you to continue accessing his social network.

When you do see the switch and feel like complaining, remember 925,000,000 men, women, and children around the world still live in daily poverty and hunger.

Before you take the time to write an annoyed status update, maybe visit the website FreeRice.com and first do something about a greater problem.

Commentary 9-15-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:59:00 +0000

Today's commentary: I do not support any gay marriage ban because I do not believe the government should be involved in marriage at any level. Marriage is between man and God - not man, God, and state.

Commentary 9-9-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:02:00 +0000

Today's commentary: There is nothing wrong with commemorating September 11th, but we should not wallow in and relive the events year after year.

Commentary 9-6-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Chaz Bono and Dancing with the Stars. A woman is still a woman no matter what surgery she may have.

Commentary 9-2-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Four different "fun" stories. Being arrested and NASCAR.

Commentary 9-1-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Political debates should be completely honest and done with class. When heated discussions are done right, they can create a better unity among diverse opinions.

Commentary 8-31-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:53:00 +0000

Today's commentary: Really, Republicans are racist?

Commentary 8-30-11

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Today's commentary: While the viability of a candidate may be of some concern, we need to ask: "Is this candidate a selfless or selfish servant?"

Herman Cain for President.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Herman Cain for President: Why I've decided to support him.

Commentary 5-11-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:06:00 +0000

Son of Bin Laden says he will sue America over his dad's death.

Commentary 5-10-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:30:00 +0000

For those who've asked: the story behind my custom Westboro picket sign.

Commentary 5-9-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Why I cannot support Ron Paul.

Commentary 4-27-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Obama supposedly releases birth certificate. Is it legit? "Birther" issue is worth of discussion and investigation but it is not worthy of obsession.

Pastor Pimp.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:52:00 +0000

I've noticed a disturbing trend of churches who host giveaways bribing people to come to church on Easter Sunday (read: here, here, here, and here).

Churches all across America will be giving away prizes like 3D TVs, cars, Apple iPads, computers, and furniture sets in hopes to fill their worship services. One congregation gave away sixteen cars, fifteen flat-screen TVs, and other prizes totaling up to $2Million.

One pastor said: "I have no problem bribing people with crap in order to meet Christ." Frankly, I have a problem. Bribing people to pack the pews on Easter Sunday is a prostitution of God's house. Pastors are pimping their churches by turning them into gaudy game shows when it should be a service about God - not about cars, iPads, bikes, and bunnies.

Many attending these types of services will not have Christ on their minds. Rather, they will be thinking about the cash and other loot they could snag. Many will walk out with jubilation, not because of Jesus, but because of what they just won.

Pastors should stick to one giveaway: giving the gift of the Gospel.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Commentary 4-19-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:52:00 +0000

In the "culture wars," we need to do more than just treat the symptoms of a sick culture. Christ on the cross is the cure.

Protestant Popes.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Pope Benedict XVI is "the Holy Father" of the Catholic denomination and is the subject of adoration of fervent followers worldwide.

Many times, Protestants will criticize Catholics for "worshiping the pope."

I think that some of the fans of "His Holiness" may take their dedication too far. But, I also think that some protestants can take their dedication too far as well.

John MacArthur, James MacDonald, Mark Driscoll, Charles Stanley, Al Mohler, John Piper and Matt Chandler are just a few of the well known protestant preachers. These guys have massive amounts of followers - many of which (like some Catholics to the Pope) are dedicated to absorbing the words that come from their favorite preacher's mouths. It's almost as if these men are "protestant popes."

There is nothing wrong with being a fan of a particular preacher (nationally or locally known). But, it is wrong and a sin to turn your enjoyment of their preaching into adoration of that man (Exodus 20:3).

All Catholics don't worship the Pope. All protestants don't worship a preacher. But, it is critically important that the denominations get their priorities straight.

It's about the message - not the man.

Commentary 4-15-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:08:00 +0000

"Cut taxes. It'll do the country good."

Commentary 4-14-11.

noreply@blogger.com (Vince Tornero) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Gavin Veasey and I preview a discussion we'll have on this week's edition of True Conviction. Libertarianism and role of the church.