Home Blog Page 5774

KICK ME

0

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

0
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
By Susan Stamper Brown

What is it about Christmas that stirs hope in the hearts of even the most cynical?

We catch glimpses of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption, things we humans need most, while watching old Christmas classics like “Scrooge,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” — probably because we can easily relate to what is the best and worst of who we are while watching. Surely, even the doubters among us find reason for pause upon hearing the great line from “Miracle on 34th Street:” “If you can’t believe, if you can’t accept anything by faith…then you’re doomed for a life dominated by doubt.”

How true. Sometimes it just makes good sense to accept the unseen. Plugged in my basement is tiny device that I depend on with my life. It detects a toxic, invisible, and odorless gas I cannot see. Although I cannot see it, I believe carbon monoxide is real because of evidence proving its existence.

So it is with Christmas and its true meaning. In his book, “Science Speaks, An Evaluation of Certain Christian Evidences,” Professor Peter Stoner lays out the statistical odds that one man, Jesus, could fulfill every Old Testament Messianic prophecy.

Using only eight prophecies, Stoner found:

– Micah 5:2 foretold the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and calculated the odds at one in 2.8 x ten to the fifth power.

– Malachi 3:1 predicted the Bethlehem-born Messiah would have a “forerunner” sent to prepare the way, with odds at one in ten to the third power.

– Zechariah 9:9 predicted this ruler who had a forerunner was born in Bethlehem, but entered Jerusalem as a king riding on a donkey — at one in ten to the second power.

– Zechariah 11:12 said this ruler would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver — at one in ten to the third power.

– Zechariah 11:13 predicted that remorse would inspire the betrayer to return the silver and the priests would use it to purchase a field from a potter, rather than return the blood money to the temple treasury — at ten to the fifth power.

– Isaiah 53:7 predicted an innocent man who was betrayed, oppressed, and afflicted yet would remain silent during his trial — at one in ten to the third power.

– Psalm 22:16 predicted the death of this innocent man by crucifixion, an execution method not yet invented — at one in ten to the fourth power.

To illustrate the odds that all eight prophesies would be fulfilled in one man, Stoner translates the number, ten to the 17th power, in silver dollars, fully covering the state of Texas two feet deep. One silver dollar is then marked, dropped from an airplane, and stirred into the mass while a blindfolded man is instructed to travel the state for as long and far as he pleases, but at some point must pick up the marked silver dollar on his first try.

Although there are more than 300 Old Testament Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus’ birth, some still doubt. As Albert Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it,” so maybe we ask the wrong questions. Or, maybe our perception is so tainted with skepticism it’s impossible to believe historical and scientific facts.

But for those of us who refuse to be “doomed for a life dominated by doubt,” let us draw close in the silence of this sacred moment in humble reverence that after 400 years of deafening quiet, post Old Testament final writings, God broke through the silence with his love in action. As Luke 2 describes: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

Merry Christmas.

IS IT TRUE DECEMBER 25 and 26 2015

0
IS IT TRUE State officials will be reviewing IVY TECH Indiana’s statewide because of low graduation rates.  …full time students completing their classes within two years is around 5 percent? . ..this percentage is well below the national average?

IS IT TRUE IVY TECH is searching for a new president because of the upcoming retirement of Thomas Snyder?  …that we hear that Chancellor of IVY TECH, Evansville and former Mayor Jonathan Wienzapfel is interested in replacing retiring President Thomas Snyder?

IS IT TRUE Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann will be applying for the position of the next President of IVY TECH statewide?   …it looks like Lt. Governor Ellspermann shall be selected as the next President of IVY TECH because Governor Pence supports her move?

IS IT TRUE we felt that former Evansville Mayor and current Chancellor Wienzapfel would had been a good choice as the next President of IVY TECH?

IS IT TRUE we hear that Missy Mosby  and her search committee is passing out Christmas presents and Democratic Party Chairman Rob Faulkner didn’t get one?  …City Council President elect and her search committee has decided to give the City Council attorney job to a well respected and known Republican from Newburgh?

IS IT TRUE we hear that Democratic Party Chairman Faulkner supported everybody that won re-election on the “Winnecke Slate” ?  …the Democrats will control the 2016 City Council by a 5 to 4 margin?  …we wonder why the of the Democratically controlled City Council decided not to give Faulkner this political patronage appointment?

IS IT TRUE todays  “READERS POLL”  question is; Do you feel that George Lumley effort in exposing DMD and Brownsfields bad business decisions is worthwhile?

IS IT TRUE we wish you and yours a MERRY CHRISTMAS?

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

0
SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

First Security Inc. Announces the Hiring of Sarah Howard as Chief Financial Officer

0

Owensboro, Kentucky – First Security Inc., the bank holding company for First Security Bank, Inc., announced the hiring of Sarah Howard as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of First Security, Inc. and First Security Bank, Inc. She will replace Michael F. Beckwith who will become the President and CEO of First Security on January 1, 2016.

“I am very excited to have Sarah join our Company. Her community bank and public company experience will truly be an asset in helping lead the financial part of First Security,” stated Michael F. Beckwith, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Security. As First Security’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah will be responsible for its financial reporting, financial planning, investments and capital management, among other duties.

A certified public accountant, Sarah’s experience includes positions at PBI Bank, a $1 billion bank, and Crowe Horwath, a public accounting firm specializing in serving the financial services industry. Early in Sarah’s career, she worked at a public relations consulting firm located in Washington, DC. Most recently, Sarah was the Financial Reporting Manager at PBI Bank located in Louisville, Kentucky. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Centre College and postgraduate degree from Bellarmine University.

“Our senior management team met with numerous candidates over the past few months. Sarah is someone that has great experiences along with sound technical knowledge. What really set her apart is her character, passion and enthusiasm that will compliment our team now and for many years to come,” stated Mr. Beckwith.

First Security, Inc. is a $590 million asset one-bank holding company with offices in Owensboro, Bowling Green, Franklin, and Lexington, Kentucky as well as Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana. The Company is traded over the counter, ticker symbol FIIT.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

0
We want to wish you and your family all the happiness and joy of Christmas
from all of us at The City County Observer.

CHRISTAMAS TRADITIONS

0

 Christmas Traditions

Gift giving

Exchanging gifts is probably the most popular Christmas tradition. This represents the ‘spirit of giving’ for which Christmas is known. As well as giving to friends and family, it is important to think of people less fortunate than ourselves at this time of year. Many people choose to donate to charities that support work with families who will not receive gifts at Christmas.

Sharing A Meal

Another common Christmas tradition is sharing a meal with family or friends. A traditional Christmas meal might consist of a cooked turkey or ham, roasted vegetables and Christmas pudding. This meal originated in countries where December is in winter. In Australia, because December is in summer, many people choose to eat meals that include BBQs (which can be cooked outside), seafood, salads and other things that are great to eat in summer.

There are also other treats to enjoy at Christmas, such as mince pies, candy canes and marshmallow-filled chocolate Santas.

Putting Up Decorations

Many people decorate their house at Christmas time. The most popular decoration would definitely be a Christmas tree with tinsel, ornaments and maybe even lights. Some people even decorate their whole front yard with lights and encourage people to walk past at night to enjoy them. You will also see lots of decorations in shops and sometimes on the streets in busy areas.

Another interesting Christmas decoration is mistletoe. Have you heard of it? The original mistletoe custom says that if you find yourself and someone else standing under the mistletoe you have to give them a kiss. Traditionally, if a man wanted to kiss a woman beneath the mistletoe he would have to pluck a berry from the sprig. However, if there were no more berries left, there would be no more kisses!

Christmas In Other Countries

Christmas is traditionally a Christian holiday, but in modern times it has been embraced by people of all faiths and cultures around the world. Although there are many differences between the ways in which cultures celebrate Christmas, there are also many similarities too.

Discover how Christmas is celebrated in some other parts of the world, below.

India

The Christian community in India has many Christmas traditions that would be familiar to us, such as attending church services, singing carols and exchanging gifts.

However, they do not decorate a traditional Christmas tree: instead they decorate banana or mango trees. They also make sure that they have a large stock of home-made sweets for visiting family and friends and often place clay lamps on the roof of their house to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Greece

In Greece, Christmas Eve marks the end of 40 days of fasting. It is celebrated with the baking of ‘Christopsomo’ or ‘Christ bread’. Families decorate the crust of the large, sweet loaves with symbols of their professions.

Christmas trees are not traditional in Greece. Instead, most houses have a bowl with a piece of wire across it. They tie a piece of basil to the wire and fill the bowl with water to keep the basil alive. Sprinkling the water from the bowl around the house is thought to keep bad spirits away.

Egypt

Did you know that in Egypt (and some other countries) Christmas is celebrated on January 7, not December 25?

Egyptian Christians will fast for the 40 days before Christmas (eating no meat, poultry or dairy). They break their fast after midnight mass on Christmas Eve with a meal known as ‘Fata’ (bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat).

Denmark

In Denmark, and many other European countries, presents are exchanged on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The presents are opened after a big meal has been shared and everyone has danced around the Christmas tree. In Denmark, children know Father Christmas as ‘Julemanden’ which means ‘Christmas man’.

Ethiopia

Ethiopians call the Christmas celebrations ‘Ganna’ and celebrate Christmas Day on January 7. Traditionally, Ethiopians fast completely on Christmas Eve (January 6) and then get dressed in a special white garment called a ‘shamma’ at dawn and go to a church service to celebrate.

Christmas food in Ethiopia includes a traditional dish called ‘wat’, which is a thick and spicy stew containing meat, vegetables and sometimes eggs.

Venezuela

Traditional nativity scenes, depicting the birth of Jesus, are set up in many countries. In Venezuela, a ‘pesebre’ is built out of a frame and canvas before being painted. Like a nativity scene, it depicts the birth of Jesus, including the entire landscape, hills, mountains and valleys, with Bethlehem and the manger at its centre.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, about two weeks before Christmas, children plant seeds in cotton wool. They water them every day leading up to Christmas and when the seeds have sprouted and grown green stems, they add them to a nativity scene, surrounding the manger with grass.

Australia

In Australia we enjoy a hot summer Christmas rather than the cold European and North American white Christmas. Instead of sitting inside by the fire, Australians enjoy the sun by having pool parties and barbeques, or by going to the beach, where we build sandcastles instead of snowmen. Seafood is also very popular, instead of a hot roast turkey.

Christmas Facts

Did you know that the song ‘Jingle Bells’ was written in the American town of Massachusetts by James Lord Pierpont? It was originally sung to celebrate Thanksgiving, not Christmas!

Officially, there is still a law in Britain which makes it illegal not to attend church on Christmas Day. It also states that you cannot use a vehicle to travel to the church. Of course, even though this law still exists on paper, it is no longer enforced.

Until 1939, Rudolph (the red-nosed reindeer) was known as Rollo.

Did you know that in the United Kingdom, there is an old wives’ tale that says that bread baked on Christmas Eve will never go moldy.

The inventor of strings of electric Christmas lights got the idea from the string lights used in telephone switchboards in the late 1800s.

In England, Christmas celebrations were banned from 1644 until 1660 by an Act of Parliament. Some politicians thought that Christmas was a wasteful festival and the celebrations were against Christian beliefs.

In the Middle Ages, housewives spread rosemary on the floor at Christmas time, so that the leaves would release a fragrant scent when stepped on and crushed.

The first-ever nativity scene was set up in a cave by Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy around 1224. He had to gain permission directly from the Pope before he could proceed.

New year, new opportunities: Indiana Page Program

0

I am proud to announce the House Page Program is now accepting applications for the 2016 legislative session. This is a unique educational experience, and I would encourage our local students to apply.

The House Page Program is open for students ages 13 to 18 to visit Indiana’s Capitol for a day and see the legislative process firsthand. Students who serve as pages are excused from school for the day and will get a behind the scenes look at how their state government works.

House pages tour the governor’s office, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the House and Senate Chambers. They will also have the opportunity to join me during session and assist my legislative staff.

Being able to see and experience the Statehouse and its immense size, grand rotunda and the buzz that fills its hallways during a day of session.

This experience allows for the pages to learn the ins- and-outs of the General Assembly. The Indiana Statehouse is one of a rare few in the country to house all three branches of government- the executive, judicial and legislative.

While pages are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Statehouse, I assure you, this is a trip worth making. If you are interested in applying to the program, please visit www.indianahouserepublicans.com/page-program/.

Daily Off Topic Forum December 25, 2015

1

Nonprofit Ambulance Service Not Entitled To ITCA Protection

0
NONPROFIT AMBULANCE SERVICE NOT ENTITLED TO ITCA PROTECTION

The volunteer emergency ambulance service provider in Sharpsville is not entitled to the protections of the Indiana Tort Claims Act, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed, because it is a private company rather than a governmental entity.

Sharpsville Community Ambulance Inc. entered into a contract with Tipton County to serve as the community’s primary emergency ambulance provider. Per the contract, Sharpsville is paid $16,000 by the county and its services are not open for hire by the public. It can only be contacted through the 911 dispatch system.

The ambulance company was responding to a call when the ambulance collided with Cynthia Gilbert’s car on U.S. 31. Gilbert and her husband filed a tort claim notice and sued Sharpsville Community Ambulance, seeking damages as a result of the accident. The trial court granted the couple’s motion for partial summary judgment that Sharpsville is not entitled to the protections of the ITCA because it is not a governmental entity.

On interlocutory appeal, the COA affirmed in Sharpsville Community Ambulance, Inc. v. Cynthia Gilbert and Randall Gilbert, 34A05-1503-CT-101.

The Indiana Supreme Court held in Ayres v. Indian Heights Volunteer Fire Dept., 493 N.E.2d 1229 (Ind. 1986), that the volunteer fire department is entitled to protections of the ITCA as the Legislature clearly intended to recognize volunteer fire departments as instrumentalities of local governments. In fact, after Ayers was decided, the Legislature added volunteer fire departments under the statutory definition of “political subdivisions” under the ITCA.

Given that the Legislature has not specifically included a definition that would include Sharpsville as a “political subdivision” for ITCA purposes, the COA was inclined to conclude that it is not entitled to ITCA protection, Judge John Baker wrote. It relied on Greater Hammond CmtyServs. V. Mutka, 735 N.E.2d 780, 782, to confirm its inclination.

“It is true that Sharpsville provides only emergency medical services, is comprised of volunteers, is a non-profit entity, can be reached only through 911, provides its services to a specific geographic area, and provides its services at the behest of the government for a nominal fee. These limitations, however, are self-imposed by Sharpsville’s voluntary decision to enter into the contract with Tipton County,” Baker wrote.

“There are no statutes, rules, or regulations that compel Sharpsville to adhere to any of these restrictions. Pursuant to Mutka, therefore, these facts do not support a finding that Sharpsville is a governmental entity. Sharpsville cannot voluntarily contract its way into the status of ‘governmental entity.’”

1...5,7735,7745,775...7,238Page 5,774 of 7,238