Ministry Writing, Baby Fighting And The Canucks

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Ministry Writing

Discussing ministry writing in a group with a friend and founder of a local ministry, the founder stated I could likely approach in a different forum than my blogs, dialogue, primarily in written form, with unbelievers as in seekers, as opposed to critics.

Writing more to seekers with potential questions and less in the context of academic apologetics, theology and philosophy of religion.

To some extent, this has been an aspect of my approach. One may notice that I do not debate on Facebook and Google+ leaving these for social media use as they are primarily intended, only promoting my blogs on these sites.  I have commented on this previously.

My ministry approach is to debate only when necessary and I do not seek it out.  I also attempt to debate respectfully, seeking the truth over an intellectual win. Therefore, in agreement with this founder that made a very good point,  I could reasonably write materials that are more seeker orientated and less critical and academic. It simply depends on the ministry context.

 

Baby Fighting

The Father seems very loving and concerned about his baby. The baby, a male I assume (not certain), appears to very much love the Father.

Some positives with the play fighting approach, in my opinion are the father bonding with his baby. The father is toughening up the child in a good way, as in life the use of physical force can be a necessary evil and it is good for a child to have some knowledge of this reality which he/she may face in the future.

As for negatives, personally I would never toss a baby around like the father does. I am not stating he is taking any serious risks here, but I would simply play fight with a son, daughter, nephew, niece or friend, in a more gentle manner. I am more conservative with my approach.

As a toddler I would play fight with family and it would hurt sometimes, but I was never hurt as in being bruised or injured. That was how I play battled with toddlers, more so my nephews, but sometimes nieces; where as with nieces and female children of friends, it is usually more mental battles as in pretending not to love me type of thing.  But then mysteriously they are still hovering around, sitting next to me, in my lap, etc...

I would handle a baby more softly than a toddler, simply because they are more delicate, but I admit I am not a medical expert on babies and toddlers.

The Canucks

Forbes National Hockey League list 2013 from Journal De Quebec

Canadian teams 2013 Forbes/Journal De Quebec 

Some surprises with this list, in my humble opinion. The Vancouver Canucks at number 4 and worth 700 million. Up 105% in value.

The Vancouver Canucks are now, if Forbes is correct in their evaluation, worth roughly equal to some of the top clubs in Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association.

With a salary cap there is some forced equality needed for smaller market franchises to survive with larger market franchises, but I reason the ownership, management, fans and casual observers should have even less toleration for lack of championships with Vancouver. The club should become more dominant in the League as they have more financial resources than most.

The Winnipeg Jets in the top twenty at 340 million. Up 70% in value.

I had read and heard the Jets were continuing to increase value since the move from Atlanta in 2011. This is Winnipeg Jets version two as the original franchise has been in Phoenix since 1996, and Phoenix is not doing financially as well. The Ottawa Senators are also version two. Winnipeg is still the smallest club in Canada and in the smallest Canadian market at present.

Interesting now that Colorado, formerly Quebec, is behind all the Canadian teams in this year's ranking.

Would the team be worth more today in Quebec City?

As noted on my sites previously, Quebec City is seeking a franchise as it is roughly the same market size of Winnipeg.

As well the new Rogers-NHL Canada national broadcasting deal for twelve years includes a French language part of the deal.

TVA/The National Post

'Part of the Rogers deal includes a sub-licensing agreement with TVA Sports, which is in turn owned by Quebecor Media. Pierre Karl Péladeau is chief executive of Quebecor, and has been involved in the drive to repatriate the NHL in Quebec City, where a new, NHL-ready facility is already under construction.'

This Forbes news demonstrates the NHL should primarily focus on Canada for new franchises, but because of Canadian corporate protectionism and the League obsession with becoming an American national sport with a large television deal; this will not happen. The philosophical approach of the last fifty years shall continue.

Real geniuses...

Version 1: Original

Version 2: Some work done...

Phony...at Bible School he flashed his oily bod Phony...his world was always really really small Oh now school days are done, and the mill days are here Yet the crisco grease shines so insincere Phony...though it's true, we still love you

Phony...thank you for the music which you play Phony...thank you for the laughs you brought our way You always give your all in all Even sitting with the family watching Hee-Haw Phony....yes it's true, we still love you

Phony...always want to stay in Maple Ridge Phony...nervous about crossing any bridge It's a big world out there, and lots of things change But sometimes your life has to get re-arranged Phony...yes it's true, we still love you

Rethinking Google+ & The Trialight Zone?

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Now that Google+ in template, design and presentation works much more like Facebook, it has become more useful for me as a blogger. For months I ignored Google+ for Facebook alone (although I was an early Google+ member when invited by English friend Mr. X), because its attempts at being original and distinct from Facebook seemed not useful and uninteresting. Overall, the website and related applications were not going to assist with blog ministry, career plans or socially.

Although I had the first stagnate account, the one associated with my other blog, eventually I signed up to Google+ with every Google related email address after being promoted to each time I would sign in. My second account was with this blog. The other accounts are basically a blank page and do not serve much purpose other than potential extra Google+ Friend or some other Circle for a web contact.

As noted in the post Google+ Followers via Wikipedia:

In regard to Google+

'As of May 2013, it had a total of 500 million registered users, of whom 235 million are active in a given month.'

'Facebook In regard to Facebook 'As of September 2012, Facebook has over one billion active users,[10] of which 8.7% are fake.'

Two to one is not a bad ratio for Google+ to be behind, considering Google+ are at roughly the 500 million mark.

Google+ recently has seemed to assist with my readership, probably as much as Facebook. Perhaps because Google and Blogger are connected it assists with finding other Google Bloggers, many that have Google+ accounts. Yes, I post article headers on Facebook, but persons there are not as likely bloggers.

I reason that Google+ is the possibly, philosophically and psychologically at times the social networking 'Friend' Twilight Zone, or 'Trialight Zone'.

In other words, if someone does not know one personally in the flesh but thinks another might be interesting professionally, as in blogging and career plans, and/or socially, with those many contexts, one may Friend or place them in some other Circle on Google+, also known as the Trialight Zone.

Facebook is only a future possibility...

Google+ = social networking probation...

I noticed almost immediately that not all of my Google+ Friends are ever listed. By this I mean those that have me in their Circles, not those I have in Circles. This is something I do not like about Google+, although of course like most bloggers I appreciate the numbers regardless, but I like to know what I am dealing with. More accurately, the person...

Looking at  Google+ 'Account' it appears one can select what type of Circles appear and if one appears in other Circles. So this would explain why in my case there are always less profiles appearing than my number of Friends.  I only have a Friends Circle.

There is a possibility that in some cases I am 'Trialight Zoned'...

Okay, yes I realize an account owner may have other reasons for Circles to not appear that have nothing to do with me...

I am not the centre of the Universe (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5), but the Trialight Zone angle is a reasonable possibility in some cases and probably more humourous and interesting.;)

My blog related accounts:

With my other blog:

RussellNormanMurray

With this blog:

RussellNormanMurray2



Brain Test-Left Or Right Brain

I scored 81% left brain, twice. This could explain some of my problems.;);> I can see the dancer rotate both ways, but usually clockwise.

Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, supposedly world's tallest.

Live from Vancouver, Mr. Matt with Dr. Russ

Ah...Matt, the video when you were editing did you switch/reverse the perspective or something?:) Klassic, man.

I am just home from Matt's apartment in Vancouver. I notice there are a few bugs with the video production, but note Mr. Matt did it with one take and did a fine job and with fine public speaking. He also did the editing under some production issues as in slow loading. I tried to be clean and satirical, but the man in the background humour is something I like, but some older folks, for example, like my Mother if she could hear well-enough might think it is pointless.;)

Matt's link is not translating properly at this time on Blogger in the main body, perhaps because it is new. But his URL can be found in comments and with a highlight and right click, one can be redirected.

Vancouver-trekearth

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Thoughts On New Casino

Facebook

Fascinating movement of floors, apartments and differing views. Thank you, Auntie Edna.



Photos from Google Images

Dubai

Dubai

Dubai

Dubai

Funny series of commercials. I do not drink Whisky, by the way.

Thoughts On New Casino

 

The new casino on a walk route. The through road is brand new as it used to be a dead end surrounded by forest. Red trees included for artistic purposes.

The building, road construction and eventual opening of the casino in Maple Ridge, almost in my neighbourhood and in that of Mr. B. Buff has brought about some dialogue between myself, Uncle Chuckles, Mr. B. Buff and JB.

None of us are personally interested in gambling.

We all agree contrary to some fundamentalistic and conservative evangelical Christians, gambling in itself is not necessarily sinful, but that would be in strict philosophical terms.

It is socially and philosophically connected to many sinful practices. I think I can safely also state that none of us would place gambling on equal unethical, immoral terms as partaking at a house of prostitution, or partaking at an illegal drug house.

The consensus theologically and philosophically being that gambling can be reasonably and very cautiously approached in a similar way as video games, that being a certain amount of money may be spent with the idea being primarily for entertainment purposes and not primarily financial gain purposes. Noting there is no typical financial gain associated with video games unless one is in a major tournament. and earning money there would be unlikely.

I do realize one could be a paid game tester which is reasonable work.

A profession Uncle Chucklins has suggested to me more than once! And I have not played many video games since I left for the United Kingdom.

'Unjust gain', is a term I have seen and read from Mennonite and Baptist North American sources in regard to gambling and is attempting to profit financially with gambling as a career or hobby financially when one can statistically and philosophically reason that the odds are against him/her and always in the favour of the 'house'. And in favour of the State.

I have seen and heard of persons that reason they have a system to beat the odds. But if this is true, I reason he/she will soon be barred by gaming establishments.

Blackburn warns against the 'Gambler's Fallacy' as in the probability of some outcome always remaining the same, and a 'roulette wheel has no memory'. Therefore if patterns appear to change it is not because the wheel is hot and it is also not the law of averages as in things will become more in the favour of the gambler. Blackburn (1996: 133).

Therefore, unjust gain and attempts at such should be avoided within the context of gambling. Is is misdirected use of time and money.

I have seen and read the implied argument that if one supports a casino in any way shape or form, one is supporting a form of government abuse and tax of the people.

Therefore even playing one slot machine or having dinner at the restaurant would be sinful, it seems to follow.

Also that by supporting the casino one is contributing to the sin of others and is therefore sinning.

This reminds of somewhat, although not a perfect or near perfect comparison of persons that purchase products from a company/corporation that has some unethical practices and/or supports some unethical, anti-Biblical views.

I reason here one in Christ needs to seek truth and balance in prayer, asking for the best and good finite motives and related actions and acts.

I have only gambled once and that was in the late 1990s when my brother gave Pope Chucklins and I money and we tried slot machines in Reno. We were both very frustrated by the gaming culture in Reno and lack of intellectual, artistic options. I made sure I did not lose any of the money I was given and so obviously I did not play very many slot machines!

I reason we did not sin.

Generally, I would not gamble and support the industry and have within my conscience, no desire to lose money, or have unjust gain. This is not a claim of being sinless, however.

With a talk/drive the other night, my one friend wanted to see the casino, not to gamble. The building and outside presentation are an improvement to Maple Ridge, my friend and I both admitted. I was impressed by the friendly and professional looking security staff. This being on my mind as the legality, licensing and security of a casino is under the regulation of the Ministry of Finance, Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch in British Columbia, and most of my Justice Institute course dealt with legal issues.

The establishment was clean and professional looking.

When I first discussed work possibilities with my Work BC agent, that was very helpful, she suggested applying, once I have my license as a security worker, at the newly opened casino.

I am opposed to this for some primary reasons:

1. I wish to use my license for other work such as by-laws and not security work. I wish to have set hours which would allow me a second career, perhaps on the weekend in ministry.

2. I do not wish to be involved with work in a casino because of other ethical and moral considerations. Mainly because of potential fights with drunk patrons, and I do not wish to hurt someone with my martial arts target training approach, be hurt, face legal issues, or have to use first aid, as that was part of my recent EST course as well.

3. Being an employee means I would be very committed to the industry and the negatives such as the taxation by the State, and the addictions of others. It is questionable if it would be a greater good with that level of involvement.

I do acknowledge it is possible that it could be a greater good for me to work at a casino due to Christian witness.

4. I do not wish to expose myself to the noise pollution.

This being stated, I like all Christians am to always be a witness, if I am called by family or friends to visit at that casinos restaurant, which in the case of the new casino in the mind of my friend and I looked like a very good restaurant, would I be sinning in eating at the restaurant?

I reason not because the greater good is to eat with friends and family. The lesser evil would be supporting the industry with payment for a meal.

Yes, similar type of reasoning could be used in taking children to Disneyland or Disney World, even though ones disagrees with some of Disney's corporate policies and/or entertainment produced. One is considering greater goods and lesser evils. The fulfillment of children being a greater good outweighing supporting a corporation with some lesser evils, in that context.

These are considerations in a fallen world in light of the problem of evil.

For one to gamble in moderation, and not in unjust gain, without sinning there would need to be a greater good that outweighs the bad in supporting the industry and its negatives, supporting the government tax, and supporting the addition of others (some may be addicts).

In the most strict philosophical sense I would reason this would be possible. Perhaps for example, it is a stress relief for a worker for 15 minutes after work some days and the person overall stays in the black or close to it. It may, I have to philosophically admit, for the sake of stress mean a greater good is for the person to participate in this form of entertainment moderately.

However, personally ethically and philosophically, I would look elsewhere for entertainment and stress relief, but I am acknowledging that this issue is not black and white, but gray/grey.

Therefore, once again as is my general intellectual approach, I favour in regard to gambling and casinos a moderate conservative philosophical and theological position as opposed to a radical liberal or conservative view.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Most Valuable Canadian Sports Franchises

Vancouver-Google Images

An EST classmate, football fan and Chelsea supporter from Côte d’Ivoire asked me what the most valuable sports teams in Canada were. I have not viewed a list, but this is my deduced compilation from Forbes.com and the logos are from Google Images.

Toronto Maple Leafs/1 Billion/November 2012. Admittedly better of late. 

No Stanley Cup since 1967 and worth 1 Billion dollars USD; amazing. I reason the billion dollar empire is a reason the Leafs apparently wish to hold on to their Southern Ontario monopoly. Likely no teams for Hamilton or Markham in the near future, but based on reading I think that if Hamilton and Markham would have franchises both would be in the top half of this list.

A logo based on the era when the Leaf were champions.

I like these better, but would the team still win zip and make millions? At this point they do seem serious about winning.

Montreal Canadiens/575 Million/November 2012. Classic logo from the greatest hockey team in the world, which has recently been in decline. No Stanley Cup since 1993.

Perhaps one logo is enough for the Canadiens?

Toronto Blue Jays/568 M/March 2012. All promise and media hype and no recent deliver. Do not order a pizza from the Blue Jays...

Toronto Raptors/405 M/2013?. The nagging question is why bother? Is that Dino from the Flintstones? Or it is Barney. Lame logo and team at this point. Even still, impressive to be number four in Canada. (Edited: Yes, they eventually did well, 2019).

Owned by MLSE, aka the Toronto Maple Leafs basketball club. 

Vancouver Canucks/342 M/November 2012. Much better logo with this colour scheme change. The darker version with the dark red and dark blue did not match up to my fine blog colour selections...

No Stanley Cup since entering the League in 1970, but heck they have made more radical logo and uniform changes than likely anyone in the League. Is there a trophy for that at least?

Modern version of original logo.

I will be honest; this logo and the one below reminds me of bars of soap.

Irish Spring?

Calgary Flames/245 M/November 2012. I admit the black looks good, not as good as the red and white versions though, in my opinion. It also looks like a burnt out flame. Sort of like the franchise on the ice...

Should be the main logo, classic from the Stanley Cup win.

My favourite.

Edmonton Oilers/225 M/November 2012. Classic logo, now primary logo again from when Oilers were not Spoilers...

Unneeded update copy of original with one too many rings, sort of like some rappers. 

Ottawa Senator/220 M/November 2012. I have heard and read this logo compared to that of Trojan Condoms. But I only have use for the Senators logo...

Based on the original Senators.

Winnipeg Jets/200 M/November 2012- Classic modern logo of the new Jets and this version looks like it is from a jersey, perhaps.

Reminds me of cereal box hockey when I was a kid. One had to blow a paper puck into the goal with a straw. Last logo before original Jets moved to Phoenix.

Decent logo from the early World Hockey Association day and National Hockey League.  I saw Bobby Hull play for the Jets with this logo in the WHA. Balding blonde sniper in cool dark blue uniform. He kind of reminded me of a classic neighbourhood Dad.

Not as good as the original version, but used as alternate. Potential cereal box material..
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