Free Music

Tags

Air1, free music, legal free download, Plumb

Air1 and Plumb are giving away free download of the new single Drifting.

Here’s the scoop:

1. Go to Air1 to get the code for the free demo
2. Click the  iTunes link  to claim your free download.
3. Hurry offer ends on October 10, 2011.

Church or Jail?

Tags

Bay Minette Alabama, crimes, jail, non-violent offenders

The town of Bay Minette, Alabama as developed an unusual alternative sentencing program for non-violent first time offenders. The program allows eligible offenders to choose one year of attendance at the church of their choosing.  So far 65 churches have agreed to participate in the program. According to Police Chief Mike Rowland the program is a part of Restore Our Community (ROC). A group of local churches developed the program to provide a community support system/intervention for non-violent offenders. Currently the program is on hold because of legal actions by the ACLU.

I am certainly in favor of alternative sentencing for non-violent and first time offenders. I think that jail or prison is not always the best option for those who pose no threat to the community. Consequences should be a logical result of the offense and in proportion to severity of the offense.  For example: Sentencing a teenager charged with destroying the swings at the local park to repairing the damage.

However, I’m not comfortable with sentencing someone to church. There are many unanswered questions. Are options available for those of different faiths or no-faith? Is one church going to be favored over the others?  I do commend the churches for taking the initiative to become a vital part of their community. I would certainly like to see the results of the program.

 

Review: Pazza Bistro

Tags

Gainesville Fl, pasta, Pasta Bistro, pizza, resturant reviews

Pazza Bistro may be one of my favorite places in Gainesville. It is a very simple concept: fresh food at a good price. I like that the sauces and many of the pastas are made in house.  They serve pasta, pizza, flatbread and salads.  Every entrée comes with either a salad or garlic bread.  The large pasta is large enough to share. We like to order 2 entrées and share. Oh, the salad and garlic bread is also large enough to share, as well.

I like how the pizza is cooked over an open flame. It makes the crust extra crispy.  Think I have had all of the pizzas and they are all good. Oh, I haven’t tried the inferno pizza.

The pizza is amazing but the pastas are may favorite.  I really like the almost endless combinations of pastas. You get to select the pasta, sauce and any extras. Each week they offer a chef’s special. I recommend the Carbonaro or Bolognese sauce with either fettuccine or gnocchi.

I do have a couple of complaints about Pazza Bistro. They are on the other side of town. When we moved I couldn’t convince them to relocate to the other side of town. The garlic bread has way to much garlic.

Rating:

• Food: Outstanding — except the garlic bread
• Selection: Excellent — A simple menu with unlimited combinations
• Staff:   Excellent — Friendly, professional,
• Atmosphere: Excellent — Open kitchen; clean; cool place
• Overall: Excellent.

Day 30: Self- Portrait

Tags

30 Day Photo Challenge, photography, self-portrait

I wanted the Big Guy in the shot.

The Big Guy  was ready to stop & I was still trying to get the perfect shot. This wasn’t the “perfect shot” but it was my favorite.

Day 29: Hands

Tags

30 Day Photo Challenge, hands, photography

This shot is a recreation of a shot from our wedding.

Lessons from the Road

Tags

Bible, God, instructions for life, life lessons, traffic, Warning sign

There was road construction this summer on my path to work.  It is a two lane state road. They were repaving the road. They would close down one side of the road and use the other side for traffic in both directions. A worker was stationed at both ends of the construction area to direct traffic. A pilot car was used to guide traffic.  Warning signs where placed along the road instructing drivers to wait for the pilot cars. While waiting for the pilot car I discovered the following:

God has provided a guide for me. God’s word is available to guide my path. I just have to be willing and open to leading. It doesn’t matter how many Bibles I have around the house unless I make time to dig into the word.

Read the signs. It is up to me to read the instructions for life and chose to follow them. Unfortunately, my brain doesn’t have a USB slot  to insert a jump drive loaded with the Word. I have to choose to take time to open God’s Word and study it.  It is easy to get caught up in life and not take time to read the “signs”.

  ¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp for my feet,    a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105, New International Version)

They Did it Again!!

Tags

AL West, baseball, MLB, Sports, Texas Rangers

For the second year in the a row the Texas Rangers have captured the AL West Crown.  It is the Ranger’s fifih division title.