University Blog 2.0

Merry Christmas - still!

2013-01-07T00:09:00.001-06:00

Like last year, we extended Christmas this time around... But it's actually supposed to last through tonight, as Adrienne had informed me some years ago!

However: Since I was somewhat-sick (it was bad, but then got better... through prayer + hope!) on this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday... Let's continue Christmas for a little while longer!

Merry CHRISTmas, to you and yours! :-)

Year-end Angst (2012 edition)

2013-01-01T00:48:00.001-06:00

See my prior post (and the one before that, if you want).

That only scratches the surface, and it's Blogosphere/web-related... I didn't even try to RECAP what went on with me, in 2012! :-) Some of that has been covered in the few entries of 2012 at this blog (unlike at my WordPress blog, which I'm simultaneously posting to right now - in the final hour of this year!)

After posting that tonight, I took care of some major financial transaction issues, that had been long-pending. I do feel better, now that that's taken care of.

Also, see my 2010 year-end piece.

As you may have imagined, I'm always in a flurry of sorts, at the end of the year (especially now, at the tail-end!). It didn't use to be this way... When angst did arise, it wasn't necessarily about things I wish I'd accomplished, in that year.

In recent years, I've been rushing to get as many e-mails, blog posts, etc... sent, before the year expires.

Last year (New Year's Eve 2011), I was rushing to send my CRNC recap piece to as many Illinois House Republicans and candidates as I could. I ended up sending it a bit after midnight - I was glad to have gotten a call a few days later, from Leader Tom Cross! (Social media was involved with that, too. ;-)

That was appreciated... I really wish I could've revised that piece, and sent it after the primary - or at least before the November 2012 election - since it mentions our interview with Congressman Paul Ryan!

After doing all of that, it sucks that I wasn't able to share that info with more people - and I especially regret not being more involved in the political arena, during 2012. I did give it a good shot though, especially in the home stretch.

Anyway...

YEAR-END ANGST
Different location, different circumstances... similar frustrations

One change that happened (in May of this year... It's still 2012 as I type this :-) is that I finally moved out. I'm typing this from my room at Capernaum House.

Interestingly, they mentioned the Holy Ground Coffee House - and invited me to come. I brought up this 2010 blog post, which mentioned that same location, and the same event, starting at 9pm!

I recall that on the night of 12/31/2010, I was taking care of these year-end tasks, and was upset about having missed out on everything. I did end up leaving the house after midnight though, and drove by that place... It had closed by then (and I've still never been there). I ended up going to Perkins (which has since shut down) - which was open 24 hours on Friday & Saturday nights.

That worked out great! Using my Blackberry while at Perkins, I started on The One-Year Bible via the YouVersion app. I'd known for AWHILE that I needed to be doing daily Bible reading, but had never maintained a plan. By using that app however, and by setting the rule that I had to do it each day, some time before midnight, I actually did! You can start a YouVersion Plan on any day, but it was neat starting that one on January 1st.

I started two more, in July this year.

This time, I'll probably finish up this blog (cross-posted at my main blog), and then go to Denny's.

Yes, that's what I will do... For a moment, I was thinking: I hope those were fireworks, and not gunshots, that rang out a few minutes ago (that type of thing does happen, though I think it's very rare, even in this area) - but then I realized that they came right at midnight... And in at least one prior year, I recall being on campus, when CSFers went to the Capitol, to see the fireworks! (I even blogged about it, I think... Or may have Tweet-mentioned it when reflecting on past years.) I guess I should've had more caffeine today - though that 5-Hour Energy should kick in soon. :-)

This House is not in Downtown, but somewhat nearby.

Anyway: Now that it's past that time (though not in Arizona - so I can still use that 99-cent GoDaddy deal!), nor in California, where my brother is - and where my current boss is - unless he's still back here in central Illinois... I mentioned him in that 2010 blog post too, for helping provide the boost I needed, to get moving & get things done!) - I should get going.

One good thing about this is that even though I didn't accomplish much of what I'd wanted to, before the year ended, at least the pressure is off!

And finally...

These blog entries are rather rough, and will need to be revised... I've hurriedly posted this one (and the one at my WordPress site), while so much else has been on my mind, and I've been regretfully reflecting on what I could have done in 2012 - but didn't. #fail

In contrast, 2011 was a GREAT year - especially the latter half of it... And I expect this new year to be #strong, as well.

But as I said at this point two years ago - and nine years ago (wow!!) ~ PLEASE DO NOT allow what’s happening on my end (both externally, and in) put a damper on your holiday spirit.

Please STOP reading this, right NOW, and head over to a church service (or church gathering) - if any are still going on.

At West Side, the Young Adult Group didn't have the annual party (I see that there wasn't in 2010, either), though they did have a Skate Night - I hope that went well.

And I hear car doors closing... My Housemates must be back, from the Holy Ground Coffee House; I hope their Countdown to New Year’s tonight went well.

Or, if you’re in our neck of the state (and my neck of the City!), you could also head downtown, to First Night Springfield - if there's anything still left, at this point. I think that in the above-mentioned year (2006-2007), I did go to the Capitol, though things were over by then.

Anyway: Stop reading this, and go out! (Or if you’re staying at home, do something else.)
Be safe this season.

And also (like we advocated, for Thanksgiving), put aside the worry and angst, re: the issues/debates/problems that have been plaguing our minds… and enjoy!

Merry CHRISTmas (yes, still! ) and happy new year, to you and yours!!

Year-end Angst (2012 edition) - Or, before we get into that...

2012-12-31T22:33:00.002-06:00

I'm trying (though I've tried before!) to get back into the Blogosphere, and actually use it for semi-professional purposes.

That would probably require a reboot here (for me to stop worrying about my backlog, and the YEARS worth of content that would've been great to have posted about, but never was).

And while I think I'll probably keep this Blogger Classic Template (I'm one who does not like change!), the blogroll needs drastic revision - So many of those sites are alas no longer even up!

And my WordPress blog - which seemed like it had potential when I jump-started it in August 2010 - needs upgrading, as well. It was originally installed in 2007, and I recall reconnecting with Jeremy Clover - after I jump-started it in 2010 - about an upgrade. I still need to figure that out... WordPress has changed since then.

I'm glad to have posted a Christmas Eve entry here (below) - That was done quickly, amidst what's become my annual Christmas Eve blitz (like in 2010 and 2011)... It actually published wrong, because I didn't realize, with the new (newer, newer, new :-) Blogger format, the HTML field doesn't recognize line-breaks, like before.

ANYWAY:

Like in prior years, there was a bunch of Christmas-related content that I wish I could've posted, but didn't. And like in prior years, we've extended Christmas!

Like I did two years ago at my WordPress site (and I see I did here, too), I'm going to write and publish a "Year-end Angst" entry. And like year-after-year, I'm a few hours behind on everything tonight - Then again, I'm also a few days behind, at least. Maybe we can extend 2012, a little longer? :-)

That year-end post was going to go here, but it will be published next.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, to you and yours!!

Christmas Eve 2012

2012-12-24T19:10:00.001-06:00

Wow.

(Don't even have the time to mention my backlog or much background... I was hoping (see prior posts to reboot this weblog anyway, and not have to worry about that!)

When at West Side just a bit ago, I was thinking about how on Christmas Eve last year, I also missed (I think) the Christmas Eve church service - but I recall posting, via Twitlonger from my Android Samsung smartphone.

I was going to do so again... But haven't had the chance to post anything yet - except on FourSquare! I also remembered how I used my Droid to post a Blogger draft (or perhaps publish the entry?) - I really need to get back into all this!

I was glad to be in contact with Josh Sabo & Christi Walden (via Web2.0) earlier today - and I was easily able to find my Twitlonger piece from last year, and from the year before. [In 2010, I also posted at my WordPress blog!]

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/etbk6t || http://www.twitlonger.com/show/eteiig

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/7mmp8u

It's it neat being able to know what you were doing in Christmases past (without having to try & remember)? #lol

Last year, I was going to head to Central Baptist Church, but from the lobby (& then parking lot) of WestSide, I did a phone web search, and saw that my good friend from high school's church (Parkway Christian Church, where his father is the pastor) was having a Christmas Eve service. I called the church, to see if Ben was going to be there; she told me he was (and she let him know I was coming)! It was good to see Ben - we hadn't spoken since the Iraq War was starting, back in 2003.

I ended up going to CBC after that - for the end of their Candlelight Service. Not only did I see Josh, but I saw Christi Walden as well!

This time

Right now, I'm at Capernaum House, after leaving West Side's Fireside Cafe. After going somewhere with Mark, I'm going to CBC for their service... Parkway's isn't until 11pm tonight!

(As I said before: Wouldn't it be neat if church services were at 11pm, more often?! :-)

2012-04-14T23:09:00.077-05:00

This has been my personal weblog, since the Fall 2002 semester, when I first moved onto campus as an undergraduate student. Things seemed much better in the Blogosphere (and elsewhere) during those times.

I wish I'd been maintaining this blog, in more-recent years. I actually have been active in the Blogosphere (among other activities!) during much of that time. This particular weblog has been stalled, as I've had a backlog of thoughts, ideas, and half-written pieces that I've been meaning to publish, but so often don't get around to!

It was a little less than a year ago that I really felt the need to write about a contemporary issue in Illinois, being debated by the General Assembly - as well as another issue, being debated by the Minnesota Legislature. Both of those relate to bigger national issues, so I still hope to write about them. (I became somewhat sick around that time last year - though that thankfully didn't last too long.)

At the moment, there's another pressing issue, for which I didn't want any delay, before commenting.

Note: This is a working blog entry, which may be amended; I wanted to get something up about this ASAP, however.

Chik-fil-A, and false attacks

It was when visiting Brookens Library a few weeks ago that I came across prominently-posted flyers making certain claims about the popular Chik-fil-A restaurant. Apparently the University (UIS) is considering adding a Chik-fil-A to campus. (Chik-fil-A used to be at White Oaks Mall some years ago, but left... It had to do, I think, with the Mall not wanting to allow them to be closed on Sundays, which is Chik-fil-A policy.)

The complaints against Chik-fil-A (which are overviewed in this newspaper article, and have been raised, at some other campuses) allege that Chik-fil-A is a 'known anti-gay organization' and that its founder 'donated nearly $2 million in 2009 to anti-gay organizations.'

Fractured facts

In looking closer at the latter claim, it seems that this is a reference to the WinShape Foundation (a Christian charity that receives most of its funding from Chik-fil-A). WinShape was originally founded to provide student scholarships; it now has many functions, including the operation of foster homes in the U.S. and Brazil.

In the year 2009, WinShape contributed $1,733,699 to certain organizations - which are being labeled as "anti-gay."

-- However: The 2nd-highest recipient among these organizations is actually the FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES (FCA)!

FCA is a VERY mainstream organization.

Just a month ago, the Central Illinois chapter held their annual banquet here in Springfield, Illinois, at which star quarterback Colt McCoy was present.

Of all the issues addressed by FCA over its 57-year existence, the issue of homosexuality has probably been spoken of very rarely... It's not a major focus. If it is brought up, it's been done so in reflection of the Christian viewpoint.

FCA has long been recognized as a mainstream Christian organization. I don't know if they have a chapter at UIS, but they do at the larger state universities in Illinois - and throughout the country.

Fighting Illini (Univ. of IL) FCA: http://illinilandfca.org

-- And of these "anti-gay organizations," the 3rd-highest recipient was the NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION (NCF).

The NCF is the largest Christian grant-making foundation in the world, and has given over $3 BILLION in grants to churches, ministries, charities, and non-profits, across the globe. http://www.gfa.org/harvestfoundation/ncf

Among the many recipients of NCF grants include some non-profit organizations that are socially conservative (and which believe that homosexuality is wrong). But to say that because conservative organizations were among the (numerous) recipients of NCF grants - that that makes NCF an "anti-gay organization" - is very wrong.

NCF was featured just this week in an article in Philanthropy Roundtable magazine.

The Charity Navigator watchdog organization gives the National Christian Federation the highest (4/4 stars) rating.

-- Another of the supposedly "anti-gay organizations" that WinShape has donated to is CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST. This is one of the most major (and 'mainstream') Christian student organizations in the United States! They don't have a chapter at UIS, but they do at many larger universities, in Illinois and throughout the country.

University of IL chapter: http://uicru.com

Further resources:

-- Here is an OP-ED from this semester, when this issue arose at another university.

According to Rob Furia, NINETY-NINE PERCENT of that aforementioned $1,733,699 given in the year 2009 went to organizations whose only "fault" are that they are Christian.

-- Chik-fil-A & WinShape founder Truett "Bubba" Cathy with Bernice King (daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.)
http://cathyfamily.com/resources/videos/bubba-and-bernice.aspx

The Chik-fil-A company itself has NO POSITION on the current political issues.

2012-04-08T23:57:00.013-05:00

HAPPY EASTER!!

As mentioned in my entry below: I've now been blessed with an interim laptop computer (until I get a new one)... I also have a place to move into, and will finally be moving out of this house!

My productivity will hopefully skyrocket soon. I've also been needing to set up that 'home office' for awhile. Now, several of these issues are going to be resolved, I think.

Among these tasks I may finally make headway in is a blogging 'reboot.' (See prior entries.)

For now however: I wanted to say... HAPPY EASTER, to you and yours!!

Prior Easter entries, at this weblog: here and here.

But especially see the Easter entry I posted last year, at the CRNC Midwest site.

2012-04-08T23:45:00.033-05:00

Laptops, Backlogs, and Business

Thanks to Dave Rawlins (a new friend who I met, through iWorship Center church) for loaning me a laptop... That's one of the key items I've needed, during this period. I'm trying to make progress, in the career arena (including insofar as Web2.0 and blogging, which could be a part of that!) - There is so much I need to get done... and we're running behind!

It isn't because of the laptop lack that I haven't been blogging. That has become a struggle of sorts (as it has for many, who started blogging when I did - or even thereafter!).

My laptop (after having been repaired by Kiran, from the Young Adults group at West Side Christian Church) went back out-of-commission in December; that happened shortly after I participated in a 5Stone Marketing (I'm interning with them) Conference Call, and needed to e-mail the notes from it.

The laptop going down actually wasn't entirely a bad thing (same with when it had happened, in August)... I needed the respite, from all that! Around the same time my laptop most-recently had that issue, my Android had one as well... which is definitely not always a bad thing. ;-)

So I've had access to my laptop, and did do some blogging (here and elsewhere) around Thanksgiving and Christmastime. In November, I was thinking that it's time for a 'reboot' at this site. "University Blog 2.0"?? :-)

...Even while I haven't had access to my own laptop, I was using my dad's (which I just returned tonight). So that wasn't the issue.

But now that I have one (thanks to Dave), I really need to get through these pending tasks: There are a bunch that I've been needing to do, after the 2012 Illinois primary... and insofar as setting up a freelance political & technology consulting "business" (or applying for other jobs, and/or joining an existing firm).

I'm doing tasks for my 5Stone internship, and need to do take up some freelane Web Design, as well.

And I hope I can get something underway, insofar as blogging/ad-revenue, etc.

For now... Happy Easter!

2012-01-06T23:25:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!

I'm still behind on things (it's been hard to focus & concentrate, this winter... though perhaps it's been slightly betfer this time?).

But before it's finally over: Merry Christmas to you and yours!! ☞☞☞ http://t.co/1FH1HIDa ☞☞☞ http://t.co/n1oQIrmC ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓

(I think maybe we should observe an extra day this time, due to the weekend. :-)

2011-12-25T23:57:00.002-06:00

Christmas continued...

As mentioned on Twitter yesterday (and recognized, a few days ago)... I'm going to need another of those Christmas continuances... :-)

2011-12-25T23:56:00.001-06:00

Merry CHRISTmas, to you and yours!

2011-11-24T22:01:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, all!!

As just said [here + here], I hadn't even started on the Thanksgiving bloggage I wanted to do, for this occasion.

I recalled doing a blog entry for Thanksgiving last year, at the CRNC-Midwest blog. I'm surprised at how thorough it was - even including that 'message' part at the bottom, which I'd included in my first WatchBlog post, years ago.

I just posted a quick note at the CRNC Midwest blog, for Thanksgiving 2011.

I wanted to post something quick here, as well (hence the above).

But with respect to this blog, I'm thinking it's probably time for a 'reboot' ("University Blog 2.0"). I've been hamstrung, in regards to updating this blog, because of a backlog of planned entries, which I felt the need to do, in a particular order. However, most people blog on a whim - based on what comes up, day-to-day. That's how I should be doing things. I likely will revisit some of those past posts/ideas, and clear some of that 'backlog,' but it's time to ditch the OCD-like blogging mindset... I also need to implement some better linking and formatting practices. And I also need to stop saving so many entries as drafts, with time stamps for particular dates, for supposedly filling out and publishing later. After all, I rarely get those filled out and published. I can do some of that still, but should probably reduce it.

And there's also probably a way to organize & collate the ideas for potential blog entries, and keep them together, until posted. Maybe there's an app for that? :-)

As I was planning to do last fall, but quite get around to, I can use blogging and web-writing,etc. as a part-time (maybe part-part-time :-) career. That's one reason I got that 'Clinton Calendar' site up and running last fall. I really need to (finally!) set up that home office, and then FOCUS on these projects, and really get the job done - on a daily basis.

[I think that I'll add social media managing and other 'consulting'-type areas of operation... I really need to get this organized, and underway. #Freelance]

For today's occasion, I wanted to cross-post (though this is a bit longer than what I just posted at CRNC-Midwest :-) a quick entry here.

I may do one or two other Thanksgiving blog entres here (which may come after midnight, so not exactly on Thanksgiving Day - but that's okay... At least I'm not camped outside Best Buy or Toys 'R Us... like many people already are :-).

Or, I may not do those additional entries.

Right now, I'm going downstairs, to have the remaining part of last night's Head West vegetarian turkey sub sandwich (which will actually be my first real meal of the day - can you believe that?)... and then do my YouVersion readings, before midnight.

Best wishes to you and yours, for a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!!

2011-05-21T17:32:00.006-05:00

What I just posted, on Facebook & TwitLonger & LinkedIn:

IT WILL COME

While Judgement Day most-likely won't be today, I pray that the [very-rational, and NECESSARY] fear, of the End Times, has shaken some people up, and will prompt some, to GET SERIOUS about this.

I pray that this very-real fear - &/or whatever else it takes - will prompt them, to get TRULY-SAVED.

http://ow.ly/4ZDc0

#Jesus #truth #salvation <===

===> Whatever day it ends up being... the Day of Judgement WILL ARRIVE.

#QuitPlaying! #BeforeItsTooLate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Be0qJw9ZE

2011-05-20T18:14:00.061-05:00

Is JUDGEMENT DAY tomorrow?!
Harold Camping says so.

I think it was when driving back home, from SamsSphere 2009 (in northern IL) that I heard Family Radio, for the first time. It would've been in May of that year, because Harold Camping noted that that month was the two-year-mark, from when the Rapture would take place.

Mr. Camping asserts that Judgement Day is Saturday, MAY 21st, 2011 ...which is now only ONE DAY AWAY [tomorrow].

And, here is Family Radio's response, to those who cite a certain Biblical verse, against their claim.

NO MAN KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR? ~ [PDF] ~ [.mp3]

And, see ==> http://may-212011.com
"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." - Ecclesiastes 8:5

www.wecanknow.com
www.ebiblefellowship.com
http://2011judgementday.com

The Bottom Line

I've done several Tweets & Facebook posts about this (and we've had some discussions, over the last few months).

I've mentioned that I really don't know, re: Harold Camping's claims...
...but the Japan earthquake, global unrest ...and other anomalies: http://j.mp/flteOw

...show that we should take this issue seriously.

Aside from Harold Camping's date: It's BEST (& VITAL) to ALWAYS be PREPARED!!

*** We need to do ALL WE CAN, to get others saved, and to BE SURE we ourselves are saved.

==> Whether or not it's on MAY 21st, or some other date, Judgement Day is coming!!

And the time is likely not too far off.

2011-05-15T01:01:00.036-05:00

"Hope and CHANGE" comes to UIS Commencement 2011 - Obama appointee Martin Castro delivers speech

Around this time of the year, we often see reports, from universities throughout the country, about Graduation ceremonies dominated with liberal (& in some cases, ULTRA-liberal) Commencement speakers.

Fortunately, the capital-city university in our state (UIS) has been able to avoid overly-politicized (re: current affairs) Commencement speeches. Last year's UIS Commencement speaker is a former Republican elected official, but she avoided promoting her personal viewpoints, regarding the contemporary controversial national topics.

The Hon. Karen Hasara is now a member of the statewide University of Illinois Board of Trustees (BOT), and an alumna of our university (the University of IL at Springfield) was on stage again, this year, but the Commencement speaker was Martin Castro, a member of the Obama Administration, serving as Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights ("USCCR"), and a Chicago Democrat.

Still, I was expecting a motivational talk at this afternoon's Commencement ceremony, reflecting on his life & career experience, and dealing with certain topics, but not pushing his personal opinions, regarding current, national-level hot-button issues. (The latter type of speech is common at other university Commencements, but not for the University of Illinois at Springfield [UIS].)

I was surprised therefore, at the topics Martin Castro chose to inject, within his speech. He praised the "Illinois Dream Act" - and said that Interim UIS Chancellor Harry Berman supports this measure, to help "undocumented immigrant students" (who may include some of those, "here" in the audience!). I was surprised to hear that the UIS administration was supporting the "IL Dream Act"... This may have been decided upon, at a "Campus Senate" meeting (of which most UIS students are unaware). I see that the UIS Student Government Association (SGA) did vote to approve this. However: Other than a representative of a student group, supporting that proposal (& the reporter the UIS Journal sends), I doubt anyone else was at the meeting! I'm almost-sure the SGA members heard no differing viewpoints, and were most-likely unaware that this bill would, in fact, require taxpayer-funding of new services, for illegal aliens. [The podcast of the meeting might make interesting - or uninteresting, that is! - listening.] Despite these circumstances, the supporters of this state legislation can (supposedly) now claim that "the University supports" the Illinois Dream Act.

[I will be doing a separate post, about the aforementioned issue.]

Castro blasted efforts to change the 14th Amendment; How many of those here, he said, would be so-dramatically hurt, by that?

He praised affirmative action, and discussed how he successfully helped stop the University of Michigan lawsuit, that sought to end those programs, in collegiate admissions.

He heaped praise on the President, and repeated several other hot-button issue talking points.

I wonder if this was the most politicized Commencement Address that the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) has ever had.

Maybe that's just the "Chicago way"?! ;-)

2011-01-14T17:59:00.005-06:00

I'm glad I started following [and live-Tweeting] the #RNCChair race, before there was any clear winner.

A hearty congratulations to REINCE PRIEBUS, on winning Chairman of the Republican National Committee!!

Thanks so much, also, to Chairman Michael Steele, for his service, to our party, and our conservative GOP causes.

There are other #RNC11 races still taking place, however. Congratulations to Sharon Day, for being elected National Co-Chair!!

Right now, incumbent RNC Treasurer Randy Pullen (of Arizona; who, when running for AZGOP Chairman, had the same webmaster - the incredible Fred Elbel, as I did, on my first CRNC race) is seeking re-election, against challenges from Ron Nehring (CA) and Tony Parker (DC).

I am most-concerned however, about the RNC National Secretary election, in which (my candidate) Demetra Demonte, is running. Her opponent is Dee Dee Benkie of Indiana.

I assume that one will be voted on, next!

2011-01-12T00:53:00.006-06:00

Note: I started composing this blog entry (at the CRNC-Midwest blog) at 12:38 AM. I'd turned the sound off, on my computer, while doing so. When I turned it back on, nothing was showing, on the live video-feed (though it did say "Senator Radogno" [the speaker] & had the "SB" bill number).

I assumed that this must be due to web-streaming problems, on my end.

But in looking at @SJRthedome, on Twitter, it said that someone collapsed!! (which stopped the proceedings)

Update: Just saw: It's State Rep. David Miller....

======

Re-posted, from Midwest CRNC blog:

Amidst the blizzard (which started yesterday, as unfortunate-Governor Pat Quinn's Inaugural Ball was wrapping up!), and has continued, through now...
...the Illinois General Assembly is still in session.

Today (well, now yesterday!) is the last day of the lame-duck session.

While we failed (which I'm reminded of, about every day!) to win the Governor office, and also failed to win enough seats, to take control of the State Senate, nor the State House, we did make significant gains, in both of those Chambers.

During the fall veto session, the IL Dems passed some horrid legislation. They've had another lame-duck session, this week and last, in which they helped screw our state some more (like with that "Amazon.com tax" - for which they had some GOP assistance)... and are now staying up late, to push through the crown jewel of their wreckage - a massive INCOME TAX HIKE!

They are trying to get this rammed through, before the new Republicans are sworn in tomorrow (which would now be today!) at noon, on our capital-city (UIS) campus.

Earlier this evening, the tax-hike plan passed the Illinois House, by a vote of 60 to 57.

The debate, in the State Senate, is still underway.

Follow it (audio or video) live:
www.ilga.gov/senate/audvid.asp

And follow:
http://twitter.com/ILSenateGOP
http://twitter.com/SJRthedome

2011-01-11T01:11:00.001-06:00

It (was just) 01:11:11 on 01/11/11 !

(Not long ago, it was 10:10:10, on 10/10/10 !

2011-01-06T22:12:00.003-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

In response to some angst (a few years ago, which seems to come up now, almost every year during this time!), the lovely Adrienne Truett had reminded me that today (January 6th) is still CHRISTMAS!! :-)

So, Merry CHRISTmas, to you and yours!!

2010-12-31T20:14:00.001-06:00

Year-End Angst
...of a different color

As usual, I have a ton of things to do, before the year ends (and feel like I'm FAILing, to get them done).

This time, it's kind of unique, because they involve additional areas. But also, I recently picked up steam, and actually got some tasks completed (despite being sleep-deprived, etc...) - Anyway: It's all covered, on my Twitter stream.

http://twitter.com/AakashRaut

Right now, there's a mixture of:
The seasonal angst, the repeated regrets, the cabin fever, the agony of time slipping away (and passing), the fear of missing this key opportunity (the end of the year!) to get things done, which I should've earlier this year, but for which this could be a good time to take care of them...

There's that, plus the fear I'm forgetting something.

And also: The regret that I'm not out right now (the regular West Side Young Adult NewYear'sEve gathering isn't there today... I was glad to have been at those, in 2002, last year, and the year before (though in both of the latter cases, I didn't arrive till shortly after midnight, as I was doing... Well, THIS type of thing! ;-).

On the up side, however...

Thanks to the incredible Tyler Sickmeyer (via Twitter), along with a boost from Joyce Meyer, for providing the inspiration, to break out of the rut this early-evening.

I've gotten the ball rolling, and am now going to start sending the year-end [e-mail] thank-you notes! (Really wish I'd gotten the snail-mail ones in the mail earlier, but they will be going out soon.)

And who knows... I may actually get a chance to go out tonight (or will it be next year, before I get out of the house?), after all!

In any case...

As I said, seven years ago (wow!!) ~ PLEASE DO NOT allow what's happening on my end (both externally, and in) put a damper on your holiday spirit.

Please STOP reading this, right NOW, and head over to a church service (or church gathering).

At West Side, the Singles Groups is having their gathering (which some of the Young Adults will be at), despite there not being the WS YA annual party, as is usually done.

In nearby Mt. Pulaski, there's a public, community-wide event, sponsored by a local church.

[I've never been to Holy Ground Coffee House; I really wish I had been. They kick of the Countdown to New Year's at 9:00 PM tonight.]

Or, if you're in our neck of the state, you could also head downtown, to First Night Springfield, or perhaps to Mt. Pulaski, for their community-wide festivities!!

[Also: From what I've heard, those tornados have passed away, from this area at least, by now.]

So, stop reading this, and go out! (Or if you're staying at home, do something else.)

Be safe this season.

And also (like we advocated, for Thanksgiving), put aside the worry and angst, re: the issues/debates/problems that have been plaguing our minds... and enjoy!

Merry CHRISTmas (yes, still! ;-) and happy new year, to you and yours!!

2010-12-24T22:14:00.008-06:00

Here is Pieter Friedrich's Christmas Eve 2003 entry from the now-retired 'Deux Ego' weblog:

12/24/2003: "December 24th: Spurgeon's Evening Devotional"

"'The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.'--Isaiah 40:5

"We anticipate the happy day when the whole world shall be converted to Christ; when the gods of the heathen shall be cast to the moles and the bats; when Romanism shall be exploded, and the crescent of Mohammed shall wane, never again to cast its baleful rays upon the nations; when kings shall bow down before the Prince of Peace, and all nations shall call their Redeemer blessed. Some despair of this. They look upon the world as a vessel breaking up and going to pieces, never to float again. We know that the world and all that is therein is one day to be burnt up, and afterwards we look for new heavens and for a new earth; but we cannot read our Bibles without the conviction that-

"'Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run.'

"We are not discouraged by the length of his delays; we are not disheartened by the long period which he allots to the church in which to struggle with little success and much defeat. We believe that God will never suffer this world, which has once seen Christ's blood shed upon it, to be always the devil's stronghold. Christ came hither to deliver this world from the detested sway of the powers of darkness. What a shout shall that be when men and angels shall unite to cry 'Hallelujah, hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!' What a satisfaction will it be in that day to have had a share in the fight, to have helped to break the arrows of the bow, and to have aided in winning the victory for our Lord! Happy are they who trust themselves with this conquering Lord, and who fight side by side with him, doing their little in his name and by his strength! How unhappy are those on the side of evil! It is a losing side, and it is a matter wherein to lose is to lose and to be lost for ever. On whose side are you?"--Charles Spurgeon

2010-12-24T22:03:00.000-06:00

Blast the Backlog (Christmastime!)

In an entry below (re: Mayor Davlin's passing), I mentioned how major events will break through the "backlog" of planned entries that I have here, which has caused me to feel bad about posting new content (when there's so much other stuff, pending).

While tragic events will break through the backlog, and create new content, joyous events can also do this.

I know that I shouldn't have this type of hang-up, when it comes to posting here (and should be blogging more on-a-whim, as most people do); It does make me feel bad though, having so much good content, that isn't completed or published. I am thinking of a reboot-type thing, on this weblog (perhaps "University Blog 2.0" - like we have Web2.0 :-). In any case, I need to do something, to jump-start things here (and I have other blogs, as well), especially since I may be using blogging as a part-time revenue 'job'.

I am actually at home, between Christmas Eve services right now (and still need to have dinner, with the RedBull!), but I am saving a few drafts here, which I plan to publish this time (like the year before last).

Merry CHRISTmas Eve, all!!

2010-12-20T16:44:00.001-06:00

16 minutes till the filing deadline, for local races (here in Springfield, IL, and probably the other places in Illinois, as well).

I'm wondering whether I should've run for an office, this time around.

[I'm about to make a list of offices that are up, so as to at least assuage my conscience.]

(I know which offices are up, but am about to compile a full list, with the candidates, for each position... That should help clear things up.)

2010-12-14T22:22:00.058-06:00

Mayor Tim Davlin

Though I missed a friend's call this morning (which I'm assuming was regarding this same news), I woke up today (after sleeping in too late, once again!), as a couple of service workers were at home, one of whom asked the other if he'd heard the news today, regarding Mayor Tim Davlin; he said he'd been getting messages about that, all day. "That's crazy," they remarked.

I thought that the news may be regarding some policy or personal-based development (several such items had recently been in the news). When doing a web search on my Blackberry however, I was shocked at what it actually was.

Our Mayor, here in the (Illinois) capital city, was found dead today, of an apparent suicide (though the cause of death is uncertain, at this point). The Illinois State Police, from what I've read/heard, called a press conference, but didn't reveal any information.

I have been a critic of the Mayor (and our successful actions in the last Municipal elections probably didn't make him too happy!), but he was a decent guy, who had tough decisions to make, and faced a lot of heat, from his fellow Democrats, in addition to Republicans. The Mayor was also respected by those, across the board.

I will post more on this, as the situation develops...

For now, please keep the Davlin family in your prayers.

===========================
Update: From daughter Tara Davlin (via Rich Miller's Capitol Fax)

Note: As mentioned numerous times before, I've had a backlog of blog entries (many miles long, and going back years!), of potential [or partially-constructed!] entries here. It is so frustrating that I haven't been able to make progress, insofar as that... Looking back, I realized that even more-recently, I've never published recaps from Right Nation 2010, as I was supposed to.

(I shouldn't be so OCD-like & conscientious about this, and should instead blog more on a whim, like most people do. That's been quite a challenge though; Also, busy-ness, + 'blogging fatigue,' interferes with blogging, not to mention other tasks!)

Sometimes, however, major events [whether Blagojevich-based, urgency-based, or in some cases, people's sudden passings], break through this backlog. This is one of those cases.

2010-11-30T23:28:00.002-06:00

When November Ends

I cannot believe that November is only half an hour from being over!

(Why haven't I gotten more accomplished, this month? #epicfail)

2010-10-29T02:49:00.071-05:00

Convicted by Governor Chris Christie

The stakes are too high.

I've noticed that some people (often due to very-legitimate alternative commitments) have been limiting their involvement in this year's bellwether Illinois elections.

And (due to a series of developments), I was thinking that I may be one of them, as well. While I knew I would definitely be involved, due to my roles as a GOP volunteer leader, Precinct Committeeman, and CRNC [low-level] Regional officer, I am not "on staff" of any campaign...

There were many, many good reasons for me to sharply-limit my political volunteerism (as I know some have been doing, due to other commitments, and busy-ness) this year; In fact, me doing so might seem to make the most sense:

- I've been heavily-involved (mostly unpaid*) in election campaigns since the year 2000, and have put in so much time, effort, money, and... [headaches, etc...] and other personal sacrifices over the past decade.

[*Note: I don't like terms like "unpaid" - While a position may not be monetarily paid, they payment often comes in other forms... The bottom part of this blog entry is also pertinent, in re: that.]

- I was hoping, this year, to be on staff (either full- or part-time) for a 2010 ILGOP election campaign. My efforts to do so did not pan out (which has been problematic, for other reasons, but that's a topic for another time). I did not want get into a situation (as has been somewhat the case, in the past), in which I work at a level that's close to what someone on campaign staff would do (while nonetheless not being on staff). While that type of thing may have been fine, in the past, in more-recent years, I've definitely needed to be on [someone's!] staff (if not on a campaign, then elsewhere).

- Though I haven't been employed by a campaign this year, I've had other occupational commitments. (After finishing a position with a national consulting group, I worked this summer full-time for a state bureau, and have now been working part-time, for a department within the university; I've also had several web design & "New Media" projects pending, which I've barely been able to make a dent in [due to my current campaign involvement, etc.]!)

- Also: While I have helped out a great deal in the past, and while some [especially at the County level!!] have indeed been very appreciative, there are some in the political scene (and I've heard this from others, as well) for whom there is "no reciprocity." Certain leaders (young & old, past & present) have benefited from my prior work & sacrifices, and have then mostly-ignored my [attempted!] contacts, when I have needed something. This is something I noticed, awhile back (and I've heard similar accounts, from other people).

- There are other factors (personal matters, interpersonal conflicts, etc.) as well, due to which it would make most sense for me to NOT be greatly-involved in this year's election season.

To greatly-limit my [volunteer, non-staff] involvement in all of that, at this point of my life/career (due to aforesaid, and other factors) is what would appear to make the most sense.

But while there are many solid, valid reasons to limit aforesaid involvement, there is one exceptionally-good reason not to - and to do everything we can, to push our candidates (especially Brady-Plummer 2010) to victory:

Don't put much stock the (publicly-accessible) polls. If they were credible, then why would campaigns be spending money on their own ("internal") polling?

I was there, right before the 2002 elections, when President George W. Bush came into Springfield, to help our ILGOP ticket. Gubernatorial nominee Jim Ryan, who up till that point was viewed as being behind the Democrat nominee, emphasized the respected Zogby poll (which was also being splashed around the web, by the State Party, et. al.), showing that he was actually slightly ahead of Blagojevich! (Most polls before then had showed him behind.) Furthermore, Jim Ryan had received the nomination of just about every single major newspaper in Illinois.

End Result:
Jim Ryan ~ 45%
Blago ~ 52 %

I recall, shortly before the 2006 election (by this time, almost all of Illinois was aware that Blago was scum), a poll that excited Illinois Republicans, showing our nominee within striking distance.

End Result:
Judy Barr Topinka ~ 39%
Blago ~ 50%

WE COULD STILL LOSE this race.

But here's the thing (many Republicans realize this, and I heard it again from a prominent GOP leader, just tonight):

If we don't win [at the statewide level] this time, there may NEVER be another chance.

A victory for the Brady-Plummer ticket is VITAL. A win for them would end not only the corrupt Democratic control of our state, but would also undermine the "moderate" (liberal) "Combine" ideology, that has been plaguing our own party. Both Bill Brady and Jason Plummer are downstate and independent-minded conservative GOP leaders.

So, I know that many of us have legitimate and sensible reasons to limit our volunteer involvement, during this election period. (I've only briefly touched on mine; Yours might be solid, as well.) It might make sense, to put this low, on your priority list.

****But the stakes, this time, are just too d*mn high, to do so.