Ask, ask, ask!

After doing it my first November blogging, and then the next year, it's time to do it again! I didn't do it in '08 it would appear, and my reader base has almost entirely changed. (Hey, are any of the original crew lurking around any more?)

For those of you unfamiliar (most of you?), you get to ask Spencer any question you want, as many questions as you want! You can ask him about views, experiences, likes and dislikes, belongings, or anything your heart desires, and then Spencer will answer them in another post. The only rules are: you have ten days (until the 29th), all questions must be in the form of comments on this post, keep it clean, and I reserve the right to (possibly) decline to answer a certain question if I see fit.

So, if you're a loyal reader, you had better comment, or I'll...I'll...um...

Spencer

News Updates

Take a moment to check these out. All are important, some more than others.

Gary Glenn Responds to Regrettable Mormon Church Decision to Back ‘Gay Rights’ Laws
I am very, very dissappointed. They have backed down to the feminist onslaught. They backed down in the face of the Civil Rights movement (although that was rather an improvement). I remember when they helped us pass Proposition 8. Is this the beginning of their surrender to the sodomite hordes?

The Mysterious Island Rejected for Screening by The Huntsville Space Center Because It is 'Too Controversial' to Be Critical of Charles Darwin's Theory.
Well whaddya know, censorship of independent thinking? No!

4 Sheets of Parchment v. 2032 Pages of Government Control
Constitution vs. Obamacare. Didn't read it all, but the beginning had some good points at least.

Lt. Colonel Allen B. West On Political Correctness
Now here's one guy who talks some sense!

SurvivalBlog: Letter Re: Getting a Christian Wife Involved With Preparedness
Excellent advice on a difficult and all-too-common issue.

Naughty or Nice?: AFA's 2009 listing of top retailers and how they recognize Christmas
Very useful information; proposed boycott.

PETA: Important Brookstone News: Snails Will No Longer Suffer and Die
I got this in a PETA email (yes, I get emails from some really wacky groups, but it helps me keep up on their doings), and I couldn't help but be intensely amused. They mean to be serious, but all Spencer can do is laugh....

Muggers Return Wallet After Seeing Army ID
Just...weird?


Spencer

Book Review: The Bourne Identity, by Robert Ludlum

Well, it's been for quite some time that I have wanted to try out this book as well as Ludlum himself, and now I have finally done so.

First and foremost, I will need to mention the film (the Matt Damon version--yes, there were two). I may review both films at a later date (as well as the rest of the books and movies in the Bourne series) but for the time being will stick to the book. However, whether you liked the film or not doesn't matter. They should have said "inspired by" and not "based on" as the book was wildly different from the movie. The overarching plot base as well as some characters, events and places is about all that are the same. Very, very different. About the biggest issue of the whole book is completely missing from the film. While the film felt more like action, the book was more of a thriller.

So. This is one of those books you can't speak a word on what it really is all about until you've read the very last page. If you don't know, the premise of the story is a strange man with strange talents who has absolutely no memory of his past. This man, who discovers his name to be Jason Bourne, embarks upon a personal quest of identity that ends up being a little more perilous than he had first wagered. At every turn a new twist arises, and everything you thought was now seen in a new light. New events, new shocks, and a new way to look at all the information you thought you already had figured out. Topping out at 535 pages, I won't lie, this was one exciting book, and it kept me turning.

Ludlum's writing style is nothing to complain about--subtle, thankfully. I hate the try-too-hard, in-your-face junk. The first few pages felt too lyrical, but that faded quickly.

If you expect the book to have lots of action sequences like the film, then you are somewhat mistaken. While some events do occur as such, they are much less frequent. With the exception of the well-done scene with Bourne and his enemy fighting and attempting to kill each other in the dark, the few fight sequences felt a little off in my opinion, somewhat due to Bourne using too many fancy kicks in the hand-to-hand exchanges. Perhaps this is just me and my "reality-based" thinking coming through here, but Ludlum did not convince me when he described these few scenes. Then again, this was back in 1980, when the view of what was effective on the street was perhaps quite different from what it is today. (I haven't been able to verify it either way just yet, but Ludlum may have created his own versions of martial arts shouting (like kiai and kihap). "Tao", "che-sah", "mee-sah" and "kwa-sah" are used. Anyone know of these? Pages 27-28.) I had also heard, whether it be true or not, that Ludlum had a lacking in firearms knowledge. While I didn't notice anything really off, he didn't describe much either. Perhaps only the power of suggestion?

On the other hand, the intrigues of the book are utterly fascinating. This kind of material fills the book and is what carries and drives it. Bourne did not hold a particular interest for me, but the clandestine activities of spies, assassins and all their comrades did. Secret meetings, hidden agendas, banks, agencies.... Very well done, and masterful in scope. It must have taken poor Mr. Ludlum an eternity just to work out all the little plot nuances before even beginning writing! I'm guessing if I read it again, I'd catch something I had missed. (If you do choose to read it, I recommend not going out in public immediately after reading, otherwise you will dart your eyes about, think everyone is suspicious and therefore be suspicious yourself, and be tempted to drop false names. Ha!)

So, if it was just all of this, I would probably say it was one at least fairly spiffy book and give it a good review, but as is customary around here, unfortunately, I have something else to tell you.

[WARNING: SPOILERS!] I will do my best not to reveal too much of the plot here, but assuming you've seen the film, you know he meets and falls in love with a woman named Marie, right? 'Nuff said.

To escape the searching eyes of his pursuers, Bourne kidnaps a woman who turns out to be Marie. He threatens to kill her and is apparently prepared to do so (he says so), and he even strikes her numerous times as she struggles. He is intent on getting out of the building he is in with her help, forcing her to pose as his friend, or what have you, to make an inconspicuous exit. He had given his word that he would let her go, but after something of an injury, he breaks his word and forces her to drive him about. (At one point, when he obtains her compliance through force and threats, he is "...satisfied. Satisfied and revolted." P. 83.) What is the matter with you, Jason? What kind of a slime ball is he? While his actions come from the instincts of his past and many times disturb him ("revolted"), he still carries them out. Very, very unmanly, Bourne. Fight your way out, die if you must, but never, ever treat a lady in such manner. Bourne wins no points with Spencer!

[Warning: sexual issues to be discussed. Adults only, please.] After this, for some strange reason, Marie falls in love with Jason, and he with her. A few days after an ordeal wherein she was raped (Again, Jason's fault for putting her in that position!), Marie actually comes on to Jason and they sleep together. What gives?

So, they do it more than once (at least twice we read), and while not overtly explicit, we do get some descriptions. A reference to a sex act between them is later made, and as stated before Marie is raped (we "see" a little, and later she tells more--perhaps not good for female readers), Bourne purposely manipulates an important man by walking in on him and his prostitute (in the end to rob him), etc. I need not get into any more detail. As I said while not horrible, some descriptions were there. Yes, truly, the love story that develops between the two gets to the point where it was sweet and even a little touching in a scene or two, but do we really need anything more? Apparently Mr. Ludlum thought so.

References of varying degrees are found on pages 26, 37, 42, 121, 132, 144-145, 147, 160, 338, 362, and 488. Unnecessary! As my readers know, this will always get a bad mark with me.

However, I must admit that his treatment of her does improve, and the best of all, he did suddenly become protective and come to her aid during her rape/near-murder. Now that is manly, but what he did before was not. (It does appear that he feels guilt when he should--although not all the time--but anymore than that will spoil things for you way, way too much!)

And just when we think he might be learning the rudiments of chivalry, Bourne interrogates a woman, and while not hurting her, he is prepared to kill her if it is necessary in his mind (it isn't, and he doesn't actually get the chance either). ("He would break her, Bourne thought. Kill her if he had to. He would learn the truth.") An enemy? Yes, she most certainly is (long story short, she is on the side of those trying to kill Bourne), but it looks like Bourne needs to learn a few basic lessons in manliness.

Bourne does do other things; he steals, lies, and acts according to his instincts, although as stated before he is often disturbed by his own actions. Other than that, mild violence and some language is present, but in the end, that isn't why I am forced to give a negative review. Because of how Bourne can and does treat women on occasion (and also because of the sexual content), I must give a thumbs-down.

"I cannot let that pass, and I need you to understand that please." --Bruce Wayne, Batman Begins

Spencer

Fight, fight, fight!

It's time to release my YouTube playlist. No, I didn't upload any of them, and I should warn you that not all of the songs are fully screened (as in the sense that I didn't analyze some lyrics that deeply--yet, however), still, take a peek.

If you like opera, country, or trickling stream music, then you should stay away. This playlist is for people who like music that gets them ready for war. :-)

The nearer the top on my list, the better.

Spencer

The Mysterious Islands, Film and Original Soundtrack: Now Available!

Releasing a soundtrack is always the way to go!

Who else is way excited to see this?

Spencer

A Confession

Okay, I just gotta say, readers. I pulled a prank. :-P

In this post, I claimed that a "beksa" was a rare Malaysian bovid. I pulled a description from the air, and then pulled a picture later on that fit the description to make my joke more believable. Well, olde-fashioned was right (at first)--I made it up! I managed to still fool at least one person, so I was pleased. :-P However, I expected my joke to be discovered, but it wasn't. Haha!

Two reasons you should have known:

1. The picture URL says "tapir". You missed it?

2. I claimed to misspell the name. Spencer doesn't misspell.


Heheh. Sometimes I am just so wrong. ;-P

Spencer

P.S. Gravelbelly, sorry to hijack your crosspost. I just had to do it. ;-P

Art of Manliness: How to Escape a Sinking Car

Interesting. What do you all think of the seatbelt thing?

My comment on the article:

I would like to point out that many quality knife-makers produce knives with built-in seatbelt cutters and glassbreakers, just like the Lifehammer. Two that come to mind are Boker’s Jim Wagner Reality-Based Rescue Blade, and Blackhawk’s Hawkhook. There are cheaper versions out there, though (Boker’s economy Magnum line has an orange EMT rescue knife as well), so don’t be discouraged.

I’ve never used or handled Lifehammer so have nothing negative to say, but I just had to step in and say, “Look, you can get three tools in one!”

http://www.boker.de/us/index.php?c=3000&a=01BO052&s1=wagner&s2=0&s3=9999&p=&pp=0
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/HawkHook,685,37.htm

Spencer

Also of interest is this Lifehammer thing. I've actually never heard of them, but I might be sold already on one or the other. I have some of the same tools on different products and also intend to buy others, but then again Spencer likes a layered defense. Eh?

Spencer

P.S. Post shall be dedicated to the fallen, wounded, missing and present of our warriors.

The House passed it

Gun Owners of America email:

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

It would have been nice if we were celebrating victory on ObamaCare today -- and could turn our attention to other issues.

This was not to be, however, thanks to House Democrats who campaigned as "moderates," but in the end, danced at the end of Nancy Pelosi's strings.

Saturday, the House passed ObamaCare by a 220-215 vote. The bill now goes to the Senate, where South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham -- hardly a staunch conservative -- has pronounced it "dead on arrival."

We remain convinced that we can and will kill ObamaCare, but only if the grassroots keep the pressure on.

ACTION: Write your Representative. Thank him -- or reprimand him -- for his vote on ObamaCare....

It's now or never, I guess. I suppose harassing our senators now is in order.

Isn't it about time you all signed up for the GOA's email updates on your own anyhow?

Spencer

Homosexual terrorism against Christians?

As is usual, I link articles. I do not make claims. Either way, the information is available for you to study yourself.

Spencer

News Update

Just two little things for you today.

So What Do We Do Now?

UK: Christian hotel owners hauled before court after defending beliefs in discussion with Muslim guests

Spencer

Revolution Muslim praises Ft. Hood terrorist

Well well. The article says it all; I need not comment. I am sure all of you know exactly what I would have to say anyhow.

Thanks goes to World Net Daily for the heads-up.

Spencer

Chris Brown forced to "take a bow"

I want this on the front pages of every newspaper and magazine and the top story on every entertainment segment on television. Rihanna is certainly a form of role model for many young ladies; it is time to tell those young ladies that even Rihanna will not stand for this anymore!

...although the pair briefly reunited, Rihanna said she now has "no desire at all to be with him."

Well, it took her some time, but I am happy that she has found her way out. And as to that sewer scum Brown, personally, I am reminded of that scene in the old, black-and-white version of Zorro. "Five minutes, five little minutes!!!"



See 10:17 and on.

Thanks to Lauren for the link.

Spencer

ADF's Alan Sears has written a novel

Now this appears to be one book I really want to read! Donate $10 or more and they will send you the book. Christians and fiction readers, unite!

Spencer

Fort Hood Shooting

'Tough woman' cop hailed Fort Hood hero
(Wait, guns can actually stop violence?)

I would also advise people to visit World Net Daily for a host of interesting information on the Ft. Hood killer.

May God watch over the victims and their families,

Spencer

Music Review: Poker Face, by Lady Gaga

Song: Poker Face
Artist: Lady Gaga
Album: The Fame

[WARNING: ADULTS ONLY! Explicit sexual issues discussed throughout review; foul lyrics contained, etc. If you are not an adult, or do not wish to read such material, please pass on this right now. I highly advise all to proceed with caution. Consider yourself well warned.]

Lady Gaga. Where does one start? From a relative unknown to overnight chart-topper, Lady Gaga has taken the world of music by storm. With her incredibly catchy tunes, unique, flamboyant style, and raunchy attitude, this little "lady" has garnered some real attention. You hear her name everywhere. She appears everywhere. Her music videos on YouTube have countless millions of views. Fans can adorn a wall with the Official Lady Gaga 2010 Calendar.1 Kelly Ripa went as the star just this past Halloween.2 Owners of the iPhone can even purchase the "Be Like Lady Gaga" app; take your picture, add some hair, face art, big shades, and--poof!--you can "be like Lady Gaga".3 So what's the big deal here?

Due to the massive nature of the material one must wade through to even get an accurate grasp of this quick-risen starlet, I will attempt to contain myself to one song, as is my usual custom. However, this unique case will lead me to discuss Lady Gaga as a larger issue. I have been watching her rise with interest, and I've also done a fair amount of research over a span of several weeks to write this review you see before you. Thus, this will be my deepest-dug review yet. If you appreciated my Katy Perry review, then you will most certainly want to read this one. Thus, all I can advise you now is to strap on your seatbelts, 'cause this is gonna be one perverted ride.

I first became acquainted with her upon hearing her song Just Dance. Fast and with a good beat (often called electropop), Spencer fully admits it, he was interested. With my usual caution, I didn't run out and buy the single. I later saw the album cover and thought, "Hmm, ok, not too crazy here" but neither did I buy it then. Something niggled at my head when I thought of Lady Gaga. Eventually, I would discover just exactly what that was and why.

Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986 to a New York Italian family.4 With an early interest in music and stage, Stefani found her niche in combining the two, which is what we see in her work today. A firm believer in music combined with what she calls art as well as a follower of pop culture (in the Poker Face music video her sunglasses flash "POP" and then "CULTURE" in green lettering), Lady G is known for her bizarre style and overtly sexual themes (perhaps learning one or both during her days as a burlesque performer). Her abilities were apparently noticed by the famous Akon, and soon Lady Gaga (who takes her name from the Queen song Radio Ga Ga5) would watch as her 2008 album and it's catchy singles soared to the top of the charts.6



Now, the lyrics:


Mu-mu-mu-mah
Mu-mu-mu-mah
Mu-mu-mu-mah
Mu-mu-mu-mah
Mu-mu-mu-mah

I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas Plays
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me (I love it)
Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart

Oh, woah, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-a-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, woah, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-a-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)

I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me (I love it)
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun (fun)

Oh, woah, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-a-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, woah, oh, oh, ohhhh, oh-a-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)
Mu-mu-mu-mah
Mu-mu-mu-mah

I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin' with my ******
I'm not lying I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunnin'
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous

Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mu-mu-mu-mah)


So...to all those who caught the references, I hope you're thinking, "Where do we begin?" because that's exactly what I'm thinking right now. I admit, although I have attempted to do my best, I will more than likely miss some of the references and meanings; this material has required some unusual research. So,that said let's start from the top, shall we?

Lady Gaga seems to be rather careless with the affection of her man, to put it lightly ("And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart", "I won't tell you that I love you/Kiss or hug you/Cause I'm bluffin'...").

The sexual references...well, they abound. "I'll get him hot, show him what I've got", "baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun", and "stunnin' with my love-glue-gunnin'" all refer to sex. Also, when Gaga sings "Cause I'm bluffin' with my ******", she leaves no room for debate on the meaning of the crude word she uses (via placing her hand on her groin area in the music video).7 [Note: I refuse to post the actual word here. Such sexually explicit innuendo does not belong on my blog; this whole post feels like it's pushing it enough.]

And while we're on the subject, the music video for Poker Face is, quite literally, disgusting. Appearing in various amounts of clothing, Lady G (unfortunately) dances with the expertise of a striptease artist. The details of the video are irrelevant; what is there is there and it is all out in the open, for all to see. (On another note, the video to her explicit song LoveGame was x-rated enough to be banned in Australia, while American kids can simply turn on MTV and see it in it's full glory, or rather lack thereof.) Her Paparazzi and Just Dance videos are relatively softer, but even they are still incredibly suggestive. Did I mention that the song Just Dance is apparently about being drunk (at the least)?

So, although she claims she is "not a promiscuous person", Lady Gaga produces such material, and personally, openly admits that she sleeps around (as they so call it) and also has told the world her one necessary quality in a male partner (no prize to he who answers correctly). What gives?8 And when we see all of this, we are compelled to ask, "Is this all?" Oh, no it isn't....



As well as said material, the song has numerous positive references to gambling (clearly). So, either you feel like screaming and running in the other direction, or you followed along with our dissection very well and are wondering what exactly "Poker Face" means. Initially, the phrase sounds appealing, at least to someone like me (I guess you could say I have my own "poker faces" that I put on if I really need to). Therefore, we just have to ask, why can't her boy "read [her] poker face"?

When dealing with such a subjective issue, it is always preferable to let the originator define the meaning, and, lucky for us, Lady Gaga has done just that. So...are you sure you really want to know?

In the wee hours one Sunday this past April, Lady Gaga told her adoring crowd just exactly what all that stuff about keeping a "poker face" was all about. Lady Gaga's "poker face" is the face she wears when she is with a man but is fantasizing about a woman. Don't believe me? Feel free to check my references.9

Gaga has made it more than clear that she is sexually interested in members of her own sex, on numerous occasions and in many different conversations. And if anyone doubted still, the x-rated photos of her cavorting with her friend Lady Starlight in a club surely settled it.10

Check your horror for a moment, readers, because it gets worse. While Katy Perry received scorn from the homosexual community for her song I Kissed a Girl, Lady Gaga is the champion of it. The singer makes a point of performing at sodomite clubs wherever she tours, she promotes the cause of "gay" rights, and at the recent 2009 VMA awards she strode onto stage in a see-through, face-covering, red dress (sans brassiere) to thank "God and the gays" (she was awarded for Best New Artist).11

And just on October 11th, Lady Gaga spoke at the National Equality March (around this time a banner for the march was included on her official website12) for the "LGBT" cause. She demanded Obama heed their call for "equality" as they call it, screaming, "Are you listening?" Having actively campaigned for this event with relentless enthusiasm, the plight of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everwhere must be dearly important to miss Germanotta. She closed by saying, "Bless God, and bless the gays!" Again, don't believe me? Then please see the noted videos.13



And if that's not enough for you, then let the lady speak in her own words, and I quote: "My sister texted me and she was like, ‘Madonna is 15 feet away from me. And there are two guys having sex in the audience,’...I just remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is exactly what I wanted. I’ve got Madonna and I’ve got gay sex!’"14 (Events described occurred during one of her concerts apparently.)

At first you may have been reminded of Katy Perry (as long as you read my review last year), but I'm beginning to feel like miss Perry is almost tame, relatively, no? Regardless, it would appear that the young ladies of our day all too often drink from the bitter cup of homosexuality. On the one hand it makes me deeply sad, and on the other, it makes me determined to do what little I can. And that, my friends, starts today, here on these pages.

Does it sound like Lady Gaga has an agenda of some sort? Decide for yourself (and yet again I quote): "I almost want to trick people into hanging with something that is really cool with a pop song. It’s almost like the spoonful of sugar and I’m the medicine.... And, now, I’m just trying to change the world one sequin at a time."15 Is it just me, or is this just a little more than a bit of musical artistry?

Lady Gaga has entered into this great war, and she has entered on the wrong side. I regret this fact, because, besides the fact of another lost soul, I never relish conflict with a lady. Take it from me, no matter what I would protect and fight for Lady Gaga like any other woman, and if I were her bodyguard, you would see me just as ferocious as I would be protecting anyone else if it came down to it.( There seems to be a debate as to whether or not Lady Gaga is really a woman, or a man or perhaps a hermaphrodite. This question is fairly irrelevant to my review, and I remain unconvinced by those who claim her sex is other than what is already known.) But due to the identity of her Master, who I am sworn to war against, I must take my stand in opposition. So what can we do? Speak out.

Yes, it is true, Lady Gaga knows how to make some good music. But, in the end, we see that this is not her sole intention. Whether she is the Britney Spears Redux or Katy Perry 2.0 is now a moot question. It is clear that she is much more. As a Christian Warrior, I feel bound to respond.

Spencer

P.S. To those who may possibly have an issue with this review and what I am doing here, I say this: Did anyone ever win a war by hiding themselves from the strategies of their enemy? Can we as believers really expect to fight effectively while being oblivious to the issues of our day? Before writing this, I took a mini poll of sorts, and found that some of my regular readers had no idea who Lady Gaga was. Not that they were missing much, but on the other hand I thought it was time that they were alerted. While I wouldn't recommend this task of reviewing said material for every Christian, I have done it here so my brothers and sisters in Christ don't have to. The next time you hear about Lady Gaga, you will know what to think.


Endnotes
[Note: Caution recommended for any who choose to follow source links.]

1 Amazon.com: Official Lady Gaga 2010 Calendar

2 2 Kelly Ripa As Lady Gaga & Regis Phiblin as Susan Boyle On Regis & Kelly Halloween Show 2009 (Part 1)

3 YouTube: Be Like Lady Gaga and YouTube: Re: Be Like Lady Gaga

4 Wikipedia: Lady Gaga

5 The Origins of Lady Gaga's Name

6 Wikipedia: Lady Gaga

7 Rolling Stone Q&A: Lady Gaga

8 YouTube: Lady Gaga - Interview - about her Sexuality

9 Lady GaGa Entertains Thousands At Palm Springs White Party and Lady Gaga Says Kanye West Saw Past Her 'Poker Face'

10 Note: due to the explicit nature of said photos I will include no link. I recommend not searching for the pictures, but they are readily available should anyone wish to seek them out.

11 Gaga Jumps The Shark For 'God & Gays'

12 Lady Gaga: Official Site

13 Lady Gaga and Obama for Gay America, YouTube: Lady Gaga speech at the National Equality March - Oct. 11, 2009 and YouTube: Lada GaGa's speech @ Bootleg 09-04-09

14 Lady Gaga is happy Madonna is a fan

15 Lady Gaga: Official Site: Bio


Other Sources

Lady Gaga: ready for her close-up

Wikipedia: Poker Face (Lady Gaga song)

Plugged In Online Album Reviews: The Fame

RARE PHOTOS: Giant Squid Eaten by Sperm Whale

Well, this is certainly interesting!

Spencer

News that may be of interest to you

Heads up.

U.S. sponsors plan to restrict free speech

White House boasts: We 'control' news media

Spencer

Lizzy's Giveaway!!

Get in line to receive prizes from the soon-to-be-world-famous authoress!

*gets points*

Spencer

N.J. Court Says Americans Have No Right To Buy Handguns

Who wants to vomit along with me?

Spencer

Reformation Day

Yes, for all who are new readers and do not know, I don't celebrate Halloween, k? Reformation Day is much, much better!

So, that aside, anyone see any spiffy costumes while out and about? Second place would have to be the two little boys dressed as Confederate and Union soldiers, respectively (Strangely, the bluecoat kept on backing up...as in, retreating? :-P) but first had to go to this other guy, hands down. He was with three other friends, but I actually didn't even notice them (except one lady dressed in a medieval-esque costume, and that's only because I saw her some time before). It looked a lot like this thingy here. I was wowed, and said as much. Ooooh...Imma buy!

Anything interesting to tell?

Spencer

Book Review: Redemption: Throne Redeemed, by Prudence Elizabeth Brown

Some time ago, I was asked by a good friend of mine, Lizzy Brown of Tinker Girl's Blog to read her unpublished manuscript. I was delighted to do so, and soon I embarked upon my own journey through her work. Some time later, I finished, and just now I am writing the review.

The first in what we are told will be a five-part series called "Sagas of the Truth Seekers", the book is a form of fantasy, set in a fictional medieval world. We get castles, kings, swords, and knights. But why this isn't your usual fantasy, we can tell by what we don't get. No wizards or witches, no strange little creatures or magic objects. Perfectly realistic (to be sure, as the authoress herself created the genre "Christian Realistic Fiction" to describe her subject matter!). And what's more, the only spirituality we see is a positive Christian leaning, or a negative depiction of pagan practices. So much "fantasy" nowadays is such trash, I was both delighted and excited for such a breath of fresh air. This won instant points with me.

Even better than this, though, was the main thrust behind the book. So says the authoress in the Author's Note, "In truth, the plot and the characters that make up the plot are a “last hoorah” to honor, true loyalty, love and real Christianity." As I read the massive work (it is quite long, but in the end I usually think of that in terms of work put into it, therefore it is a positive thing), I was immovably convinced that this was indeed so. (And I had better stop before I quote the author again and again here. Sorry, I just got excited at such an introduction!)

So, before I begin my raptures I guess I should actually review it first, right? I found the book to be a very strong character story, very character-driven. Personally this is not entirely my thing but appears to be popular with fiction readers. (In the end I'm not the best person to review a piece of fiction, I might add.) I would have loved a battle but there wasn't one to be found--however, to be fair, this is book one. The near entirety of the pages practically are all setting up the characters and the events to come--a necessity. To my excitement, near the end of the book a war begins, but I was insanely upset when the book ended before the fighting actually got under way! (Primarily, the book deals with the Christian Caidnor kingdom and their enemies, the pagan Aclenor.)

The book is very well-written, and we get at least something of a feel of old-style language (since this is a work of fantasy we get some leeway here, but a little bit was still nice to see). I suppose it may just be me, but I thought I could tell a lady had written it. (Not a bad thing, again--you usually can tell. On a side note, it would appear that Miss Brown knows more about being a man than most men do, judging from her Author's Note. Told you I got excited at that part.) We get a variety of interesting and compelling characters. Our main man, Aidan, is young yet manly. He has much to learn and it was of interest to me to see him learn under his mentor, the amazing, stalwart Liam (who just may well be my favorite character from the book--why can't he be real?). The main lady of the book, Shanley, is also lovable--lady-like, sweet, and all of the above--also a very interesting character. I found the difficulties between Ashler and Aidan rather humorous by way of personal anecdotes (Ashler is something of a, shall we say, jerk?). And did I mention that the book opening from the point-of-view of a "bad" character was an excellent opening?

Even more important, however, was the warrior-woman, Brina McTearnan. Now, don't sigh, roll your eyes and think it's Xena all over again, because it's so much better than that. Throughout the book we watch as her story progresses. We see the issues of a woman in command, and a woman in combat, arise (separate issues, really). We see them dealt with by Brina and by the Christian believers around her. A fascinating study for our day, dealt with via a strong exegesis of scripture. Excellent!

Some of the middle of the book was rather slow, but very necessary at the same time. How can you write a story without explaining it? Besides, Spencer gets bored with even his favorite books in certain parts. I admit I did get a little confused in parts; having to learn a new history, new peoples, places and everything, is not easy, but is something fans of fiction and fantasy are already familiar with (i.e, not me!). It felt something like when I used to watch period Korean dramas, and even then I had some sort of historical framework to guess with. Not necessarily a downside, however--I also should say that during the time of reading I was very busy and often read just a page at a time. Not very helpful for this kind of thing.

Also depicted are the observance of feasts (what might be called Jewish observances) in a Christian light, and also spiritual visions. I am not entirely sold on Christians observing the feasts myself, but in the end am not directly opposed to it. If we are to answer these questions, they must be answered by deep studies in Scripture. Running away from them will not help anyone. (Also raised slightly is the idea of betrothal, although, as Miss Brown has confirmed, my feeling that this was a peculiar case and not the norm is indeed correct. Besides, it is a medieval thing, now isn't it?)

On the other hand, the authoress also raises issues such as having to fight women in combat (the Chameleons), women having to engage in a form of work to even survive (Enola the scribe), etc., and deals with them in what I believe to be the correct manner. Pack all of this in with a relentlessly Christian worldview all the way around, nonstop, a good story and some seriously fascinating intrigue to boot (No way, I'm not going to tell you!), and we have one compelling book.

We do have several instances of the d-word, surprisingly, but only used by a "bad" character. Understandable to me, and it also generates discussion. Always a good thing. No sex whatsoever (only a few kisses between married couples)--again excellent!

So, no real issues here. Issues raised? Yes, but all within the framework of a strong Christian worldview. Excellent, excellent, excellent. (Should I stop saying excellent?) I can personally attest to the character of she who wrote this great work, and after reading it I can see and understand the purpose of the book. There is plenty of "Christian fiction" out there today, but hardly any different from the world's works and hardly conducive to serious thought, at least in my limited experience. Reformed Christians such as myself have a real piece of fiction to go to now.

Prudence Elizabeth Brown has provided us with a good book, but not only that, this is the most spiritually-guided, biblically-grounded modern work of fiction I have read. Her book is not yet published, and I am excited to read the final work (and yes it should be noted that my review is not of the final draft and my endorsement refers only to what I have read). Something tells me that you will surely know when it is published, because I might just decide to offer it in my Amazon store.

If you want a book for the reformed, for the Christian, for us, we can look to this one. If you like fiction, if you like good books and also believe, you can go to this. In the end, this is something we should all get behind.

Spencer

The Warrior

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Spencer