Friday, October 31, 2008

Bishop Responds to Governor

The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, issued the following statement on October 27, 2008 in response to recent comments by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm:

In a Sunday address in Grand Rapids, Governor Jennifer Granholm incredibly said of Proposal 2 "As a Catholic, I can say to be pro-cure is to be pro-life." Of course, Catholics and all other responsible citizens will continue to seek cures for disease and injury. But to imply that Proposal 2 is a valid expression of Catholic principles is shocking. Nothing could be further from the truth.


Proposal 2, which goes before Michigan voters in a week, would give an unrestricted license to those who perform destructive experiments on human embryos. While the Catholic Church strongly supports legitimate forms of stem cell research and all other proper forms of scientific inquiry, the Church also teaches that it is always immoral to destroy a human embryo. For that reason, the Catholic Bishops of Michigan have taken a strong position in opposition to this well-funded assault on human life.


Saint Paul reminds us that we must preach the Truth in season and out of season. The Truth will never go unspoken. To be in favor of Proposal 2 is not to be pro-life. A well-formed Catholic conscience would never lead a person to support Proposal 2 "as a Catholic."

Happy Halloween 2008

Remember, "Trick-or-Treating" is from 6 to 8 tonight in Troy!

Happy Reformation Day 2008!



Mark Hemingway writes:

Yes, everyone seems to be under the delusion that the significance of October 31 is that it's Halloween, but we Lutherans know better. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door in Wittenberg.



Read the rest of Mark's post at...
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Njk2Zjk3YmFhMjU2MTM1MjYzYThhYzY4OTc4NWIyNjQ=

Also, check his link to a YouTube rap about the 95 Theses at...
http://www.95thesesrap.com/

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Kids Unveils First TV Ad





Troy Community Coalition General Membership Meeting

Thursday, November 6, 2008
7:00 PM

Troy Police and Fire Training Center
4850 John R
(South of Long Lake)
Troy, MI 48085

Featuring
Agent Richard Isaacson
United States Department of Justice,
Drug Enforcement Administration

Monthly meetings are open to the public, light refreshments (popcorn this month) are served. Join us for an educational presentation, lively discussion, and information sharing.

Coalition President Tim Burns is providing a $50 gift certificate to the Clawson Steak House as a door prize. Each person who attends the monthly meeting will have one chance to win. If you are a Coalition member and bring a guest you will be entered for an additional chance for each guest you bring.

Amendment IV: Campaigning at Meetings
Since the Coalition is a non-partisan organization, members and guests are restricted from campaigning at Coalition meetings. Comments beyond identifying a person as a candidate for political office or current office holder will not be permitted.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Our Shepherd Lutheran School's 2008 Election Assembly

Yesterday, Our Shepherd Lutheran in Birmingham, held an election assembly to listen to speakers on behalf of Barack Obama and John McCain.  Oz Hazel, an Obama campaign staff person, represented Senator Obama.  State Representative Chuck Moss represented Senator McCain.

I helped recruit the two speakers, but the School staff and students did all of the hard work getting everything else organized.

The school is also participating in the National Student/Parent Mock Election. National and state presidential results will be available on the www.nationalmockelection.org site on the evening of October 30th. State races will be reported on the site the following day.

Here's a picture from the election assembly at Our Shepherd Lutheran School.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/28/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/27/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, October 27, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 10/27/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”


Attack Ads Hitting Knollenberg Misrepresent Michigan Humane Society

No, Joe Knollenberg doesn't kick dogs, or puppies. Seriously, he doesn't, but apparently there's an ad targeting Joe that has created confusion regarding its source.

Read the entire post on Oakland Politics at...
http://www.oaklandpolitics.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=469C9830AB4D831B43A9E6A7B79C7C6C?diaryId=250

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Fred Thompson on the 2008 Elections

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5131709281028019646&hl=en]

Saturday, October 25, 2008

MSU Senior Recital for Madison Root

We attended our niece's Senior Recital at Michigan State University last night.  Madison will be graduating in December from MSU.  You may remember Madison Root as the star of the Birmingham Seaholm High School production of "Oklahoma" back in 2004.

Here's a picture from last night of Aunt Mary Ellyn and Madison.  Madison's on the right!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Wealth Preaching?

According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, pastor Joel Osteen of Houston, will speak today at the Palace of Auburn Hills in an event called A Night of Hope that's expected to draw thousands.  "He is one of America's most popular preachers, a charismatic pastor with a radiant smile who delivers a message of optimism."

While it may be a message of optimism, it surely is not the Gospel message. Where is Christ and Him crucified? I'd be very surprised if Pastor Osteen mentions this in his "message."

Teachers Union has Other Priorities Besides Education

Who's donated the most money to an effort in California to defeat Proposition 8, an initiative on the November 4 ballot that would define marriage as between a man and a woman in the state?

Find out by going to...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122480597946864923.html

I wonder if this use of union dues also occurs in Michigan?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Road Commission for Oakland County Projects in Troy

Intersection of John R and Maple roads
Project: Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and lasting through the weekend, Consumers Energy will replace concrete sections of the John R/Maple intersection. During the work, northbound and westbound left-turns will be prohibited at the intersection. It is anticipated that the intersection will be re-opened by rush hour Monday morning, Oct. 27.
Completion Date: By rush hour, Monday, Oct. 27

Intersection of Dequindre and Maple roads
Project: The city of Sterling Heights will replace concrete sections of the Dequindre/Maple intersection beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and lasting through Oct. 31. During the work, westbound left turns will be prohibited on Maple Road (15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights).
Completion Date: Oct. 31

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

CUNA Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist Certification

I'm still at the Credit Union National Association BSA Conference in Atlanta, GA.  Tonight I took the exam to be certified as a Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist. I'll find out tomorrow morning how I did.

I fly home tomorrow afternoon.

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/20/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, October 20, 2008

Monday, October 20, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 10/20/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”


Sunday, October 19, 2008

We Live in an Era of Deregulation?

I'm attending a training session on the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA ...and that doesn't stand for Boy Scouts of America) sponsored by the Credit Union National Association. At today's first session, there were over 100 credit union staffers in attendance.  While the BSA has an important purpose, it's a very burdensome regulation for many small financial institutions. Maybe some of those national politicians who claim that we live in an era of deregulation should sit in our class for a few hours!

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 10/21/08

The agenda can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20081021.pdf

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Friday, October 17, 2008

Nutmeg Can Now Rest in Peace

Nutmeg, Alex's pet guinea pig, became a part of the Lambert family 3 years ago. Today, due to numerous health issues, we put Nutmeg "to sleep."  While it was a painful decision for Alex to make, he did what was in Nutmeg's best interest. We'll always remember Nutmeg.

National Protect Your Identity Week 2008

National Protect Your Identity Week will take place from October 19-25, 2008. Spearheaded by the NFCC, this initiative is designed to bring Identity Theft awareness and prevention programs to consumers in communities across the country.

Read more at...
http://www.protectyouridnow.org/

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/16/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Thursday, October 16, 2008

International Credit Union Day 2008

Obama's Abortion Extremism

Robert George...

Barack Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion candidate ever to seek the office of President of the United States. He is the most extreme pro-abortion member of the United States Senate. Indeed, he is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator ever to serve in either house of the United States Congress. Yet there are Catholics and Evangelicals-even self-identified pro-life Catholics and Evangelicals - who aggressively promote Obama's candidacy and even declare him the preferred candidate from the pro-life point of view.


What is going on here?



Read the rest of the article at... The Public Discourse

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Give all U.S. Citizens Chance to be President

Here's a wonderful letter to the editor that I think merits discussion...

When I was 6 months old, I was adopted from Russia. My little sister was also adopted from Russia. One night, she told me that she wanted to be president. I told her that she couldn't be, even though she is an American citizen like me. A lot of American citizens were born elsewhere. Shouldn't all Americans have a chance to make history?



Read the entire letter at...
http://www.freep.com/article/20081015/OPINION02/810150336/1070/OPINION

My child was born overseas but became a legal American citiizen at the age of 1. Currently, he can never be elected President. However, a child who is born on our soil can be elected President even if his/her parents crossed our borders illegally.

The 'Great Commission' or Glorified Sightseeing?

Interesting article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122359398873721053.html that raises questions about short-term missionary efforts.

Here's an excerpt...

Short-term mission trips to Africa, South America and Southeast Asia have become very popular in the past few years. They are a keystone strategy of evangelical pastor Rick Warren's plans to help Rwanda. These trips, like Christian missionary endeavors overall, encompass a wide variety of activities, from evangelization and "church planting" to health care and economic development. The billion-dollar question, however, is whether they're worth the cost. Are short-term missions the best way to achieve the goals of Christians?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/13/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, October 13, 2008

U.S. Drug Czar Visits Metro Detroit

From the Troy Police...

Top federal drug policy officials to lead news conference on marijuana proposal.


WHAT: A news conference to discuss the dangers to communities and to Michigan teens as a result of Proposal 1, the issue on November’s ballot to legalize marijuana for so-called “medical” purposes.


WHEN: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008



WHERE: Southfield Public Library Auditorium
26300 Evergreen Rd., Southfield

WHO: John Walters, U.S. Drug Czar and Michigan native
Tommy LaNier, Executive Director of the National Marijuana Initiative
Michael Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff
Joe Thomas, Southfield Chief of Police
Robin Walsh, therapist, Henry Ford Health System

NOTE: This event will provide great visuals.

10/14/08 Fatality on I-75

From the Troy Police...

Officers of the Troy Police Department responded to a call of a female pedestrian attempting to flag down traffic on N.B. I-75 south of Adams. Responding Officers did not locate a pedestrian, but located a southbound vehicle with the flashers activated. Upon talking to the driver she stated that she had struck a female in the southbound lanes of traffic. Further investigation revealed a body of a black female under the median guardrail. EMS was dispatched and arrived at 0015 hours. The female was later identified as Millie Hammond D.O.B. 06-03-82. Preliminary information indicates a domestic disagreement occurred in the vehicle that the victim was riding in with her boyfriend on I-75 near Coolidge at which time she exited her vehicle. It is believed that after she departed from this vehicle she attempted to stop traffic to obtain a ride. A witness heard the victim scream something about having just been assaulted by her boyfriend as she ran into the southbound lanes of I-75 and was struck by a Ford Taurus. The driver of the Ford Taurus had not been drinking and was on her way home from work.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 10/13/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”


Columbus Day 2008

The first recorded celebration honoring the discovery of America by Europeans took place on October 12, 1792 in New York City.

If you have today off from work, enjoy the beautiful weather and take time to reflect on the contributions of Columbus and the other European explorers.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Stem Cell Committee Exporting Michigan Jobs

A review of the "Cure Michigan" ballot committee's qualification campaign finance filings with the Michigan Secretary of State indicates that while embryonic-stem-cell backers continue to spend major dollars advocating a Michigan job creation message, they've created plenty of new jobs already... in places like Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri and California.

Read the entire "Right Michigan" exclusive at...
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/10/10/13161/267

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/10/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Friday, October 10, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

UDM 2008 American Economy in Crisis Symposium

This symposium is timely!  It's open to the public, but seating is limited.  RSVP to Maryrose Patrick at 313-993-1589.

You are cordially invited to the American Economy in Crisis Symposium


9 a.m. - Noon


Saturday, November 1, 2008



Macomb University Center
44575 Garfield Road, UC-1
Clinton Township, Michigan

Featured speakers include:



Joseph A. Weglarz, senior lecturer at UDM on
"The Winners and the Losers"

Ryan Mackinder, financial associate at Thrivent Financial on
"Capital Based Macro-Economics"

David R. Breuhan, vice president and portfolio manager at Gregory J. Schwartz and Company, Inc. on
"Capital Markets: An Overview"

Harry C. Veryser, senior lecturer at UDM on
"A Program for Monetary Reform"

Paul M. Veryser, vice president of PMA on
"Manufacturing: Requirements for Recovery"

This event is sponsored by the University of Detroit Mercy, Department of Economics, Macomb University Center, Clinton Township, Michigan and the UDM Center, Michigan Council on Economic Education.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Kessie Kaltsounis: 2008 Troy Distinguished Citizen

Congratulations to Kessie!  In addition to all of her great accomplishments, she gave my daughter Jill her very first job.

Read more at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/NEWS22/810090555/1039/NEWs22

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/8/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Yom Kippur, 5769

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement and the most holy day in the Jewish faith. From the time the Kol Nidre is recited until the Shofar is sounded, Jews around the world will draw nearer to God through acts of atonement, fasting, and prayer.

Read the entire Presidential Proclamation at...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/10/20081007-1.html

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Is the Michigan Supreme Court Really the Worst in the Nation?

Advertisements are being paid for by a group called the Progressive Women's Alliance and their lies about Michigan's Supreme Court are being advanced and promoted by Rich Robinson at the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.

Read the rest of the story at...
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/10/6/105721/377

Monday, October 6, 2008

Spotlight on Troy — 10/6/08

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”


Who is the Troy Leadership Coalition?

According to a blog posting, "The Troy Leadership Coalition which consists of the Troy Area Republican Club, The Troy Democratic Club, the Troy Chamber of Commerce PAC, and other concerned Troy residents unanimously urges the residents of Troy to vote no on the Troy Charter Amendment ballot proposal on November 4."

Check it out at http://talkoftroy.org/?p=14 .

I joined the Troy Republican Club a few months ago but no one asked my opinion on this Charter amendment.  I wonder if the other groups consulted their members?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

2008 Troy Police and VFW Annual Holiday Food and Gift Drive

From the Troy Police...

With the holiday season just around the corner our annual food/gift drive is in the process of soliciting assistance throughout the Troy business, government and residential community in collecting food/gifts, financial donations and adopting families in Troy who require assistance.


Recent economic troubles have hit everyone in our area, but with disproportionate impact to those already experiencing economic hardships. Our well-organized groups of dedicated and caring Troy volunteers ensure that collected Food/Gift contributions are given directly to those persons needing assistance. Again we call upon our community volunteers to keep this annual program running smoothly.


This is my fourth year coordinating the food/gift drive along with Charlie Solis of the VFW and I look forward to assisting you in this worthwhile program. Please contact me with your point of contact person, any ideas, family adoption requests and coordination concerns.


If you would like to make a cash donation please write the check to: "VFW Post #4037" and forward to me.



Thank you!
Officer Andy Breidenich
Community Services Section
248-524-3464
a.breidenich@troymi.gov

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Friday, October 3, 2008

Issues, Etc. at the Amusement Park

Alex created this "Issues, Etc." information stand on his computer amusement park game seen below.

59% Agree With Reagan that Government is the Problem

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of voters agree with Reagan, and just 28% disagree.



Read more at...
http://tinyurl.com/4cvvsf

If John McCain wants to be elected President, he needs to appeal to these Americans. He also needs to promote a true middle-class tax cut.

Closure of the Wattles Road Overpass at I-75

According to today's Detroit Free Press...

The Wattles Road overpass above I-75 in Troy will close approximately three weeks beginning early Monday morning for repairs that are part of the larger bridge upgrade project along I-75 in the Troy and Auburn Hills areas. Traffic will be detoured to Long Lake or Big Beaver roads.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/2/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Thursday, October 2, 2008

Obama Kids: Sing for Change (Pyongyang Remix)

Watch this satire created by Reason TV.  However, some of the scenes were from an actual video created by Obama supporters.





Psalm 24 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Men's Bible Study

A couple of months ago, I started attending the Men's Bible Study on Thursday mornings (6:30 - 7:30) at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Birmingham.  Other than the early hour, I look forward to these studies every week.

This morning, Pastor Carl Gnewuch led us in a study of Psalm 24.

Here's the Psalm:



Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Troy Police Crime Report --- 10/1/08

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Credit Unions are Safe and Sound