MarkOvertSkilbred

SOCIALISM RE-VISITED

2011-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

SOCIALISM RE-VISITED
Although we are used to finding the USA on the top of GDP lists, followed by China, Japan, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Brazil, Italy, Canada, and India, why not have a look at another list that measures much more than economic output based on per-person production which is heavily-influenced by mechanization and ignores other more informative economic indicators.
On first inspection of a 2011 global quality-of-life-index, we aren’t surprised to find Scandinavia on the top of the list. We are also not surprised to find Afghanistan and Somalia at the bottom of the list, nor are we too surprised to find that the USA has fallen to #31 this year, considering the economic crisis. The overall list becomes a bit more uncomfortable, however, when we discover our place on the lists which include health, education, wealth, democracy, peace and environment. Here our rank falls to 39th in health, 22nd in education, 20th in wealth, 15th in democracy, 81st in peace, and 52nd in environment.
Of course, Scandinavia far outranks every country on every list, but now the British Commonwealth nations outrank the USA on every list, (remember that we gained our independence from them over 200 years ago, as any tea-party member will quickly point out to you), 24 European nations outrank us, we rank in the lower half of all western trading partners in overall quality-of- life, and Cuba outranks us in the areas of health, education, peace and environment. (Nation Ranking)
Although we claim to offer the most opportunity, democracy and wealth to our citizens, the facts just do not support this assertion. If we truly are the last best hope of the world, a bastion of freedom, a shining city on a hill, etc., why are we increasingly unsure of our position in the world?
Our overall world ranking is even more dismal when comparing the world’s most-livable cities. On a list of the top 21 best cities to live: Vienna, Melbourne, Vancouver, Sydney, Helsinki, Auckland, Zurich, Munich, Toronto, Calgary, Perth, Adelaide, Geneva, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Bern, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Stockholm, Paris and Madrid, the USA doesn’t even have a city on the list.
Congress and President Obama say that jobs need to be our top priority. You think? Lately all you see and read concerns jobs and unemployment. One list says that if you lose your job today, there’s a 70% chance you won’t find another job in the next month, that if you’ve been unemployed for a year, there’s a 91% chance you won’t find a job in the next month, that by the end of 2011 over 6 million people will have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits, that there was 0% job growth in the past decade—the worst in U.S. history, that 1 out of 4 jobs added last year was only temporary, and that when you count the unemployed and underemployed, less than half of the nation’s work force is fully employed. How bad does it have to get before our leaders learn to cooperate? Or as the Chinese have been saying for some time, is our government too dysfunctional to be saved in its present form?
So what are our options? What is to be done? Have you grown weary of hearing the same old, tired recipes that have not worked, but have added insult to injury? After World War II, The Employment Act of 1946 sought to head off rampant unemployment as a result of millions of soldiers returning from the war. (Sound familiar?) This act mandated in its original form that our government do everything in its authority to achieve full employment as a right guaranteed to the American people. The conservative coalition of Northern Republicans and Southern Democrats (Sound familiar?) controlling Congress objected to the guarantee of full employment and the order to engage in compensatory spending, so they amended the bill to remove these mandates, essentially making the bill nothing more than a set of suggestions. (Wikipedia)
In 1978, the Humphrey- Hawkins Full Employment Act instructed the nation to pursue full employment, price stability, balance of trade and budget through cooperation with private enterprise. Over time, Humphrey-Hawkins has in practice become little more than a semiannual report to Congress by the Federal Reserve Chairman. (Wikipedia)
Both The Employment Act of 1946 and The Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act of 1978 were steps in the right direction, but fell short. We’ll never know the results of these bills, since they were never fully implemented.
However, we do know that through an unwritten commitment between business and labor, relationships were formed which helped us to expand and thrive, despite the government’s failure to act. This was the result of nothing more or less than a willingness to cooperate between employer and employee at the grassroots level. It is essentially the “If you want something done right, then you must do it yourself” concept.
I think that time has now come in our national life. Since we are broken, and since none of our elected officials have a clue how to fix us, I suggest that we fix ourselves. We have over 28 million businesses, both small and large, which are already functioning. We have nearly 10% of our workforce who are unemployed. If every business in America with 10 employees or more would commit to increasing the number of their employees by 10% or more, we could solve this problem. Where would the money come from to accomplish this? With our government’s failure to agree on anything, much less on funding, the last thing we need is to suggest that we or our grandchildren pay for it. Instead, if tax incentives aren’t strong enough to spur the necessary hiring, reduce paychecks nationwide by 10% to cover this expense. Sharing this burden from top to bottom, from CEO to janitor, from President, Congressman and Judiciary to clerk and secretary would create the empathy, solidarity and optimism that will propel us out of this depression.
Wouldn’t lowering everyone’s pay by 10% cause another lag in spending? No--quite the opposite would occur, because the newly-employed would eagerly spend their checks, setting an example for the rest of us to fuel our economic recovery. The increase in production and new employee/customers that are created would fuel domestic demand, increase revenues, address infrastructure and other public needs, and buoy public, private and national interests in our economy. There is, however, one more necessary ingredient in this recipe for economic growth—the willingness to cooperate—between business and labor, between business and government, and between our fellow citizens, recognizing that what is good for the unemployed is also good for the rest of us, who are badly in need of a more vibrant economy and country.

Since there has already been one Republican speech suggesting remedies for our ailing economy, to be followed today by eight more nostrums, plus one more from President Obama tomorrow, maybe it’s time to observe some of our more successful fellow nations—the friends and neighbors who share this planet with us.
We often hear the word “socialism” derided as a poison which endangers free enterprise. If socialism is poisonous, then Scandinavia must be in great danger. But anyone who has been to Scandinavia knows that this is just not true. Rather than stifling the free enterprise system, socialism has strengthened and enhanced their quality-of-life, encouraged foreign investment and fostered an environment which is conducive to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Or did you think that the U.S. has a monopoly on these?)
In short, Scandinavia is on top of every list of superlatives for a very good reason—she belongs there! Why not send our politicians to Scandinavia to practice their speeches before trying them on us? They’ll discover they have a small audience for what they are selling. Why not pay closer attention to what actually works in the Scandinavian systems of government, instead of spouting our capitalist rhetoric to a world and nation that has grown weary of empty promises? Where is the proof that our governmental approach is superior? Our nation’s credibility is being questioned by all people everywhere who pay attention and have an ounce of common sense.
Scandinavian governments, as constitutional monarchies, are the most stable form of socialism the world has ever known. As such, they exemplify the best of the spirit of cooperation in the way that they care for and about each other. In doing so, there is no dilemma regarding private vs. public ownership or private enterprise. In fact, private enterprise is encouraged, is successful and has far fewer impediments than the U.S. does. Yet everyone is provided for, and Scandinavia has consistently ranked at the very top in surveys of citizen’s individual satisfaction for many years. There is national pride in Scandinavia which is based on actual quality-of-life rather than rhetoric.

MARK OVERT SKILBRED

SECOND-WORLD NATION STATUS FOR THE U.S.IS IMMINENT

2011-09-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

SECOND-WORLD NATION STATUS FOR THE U.S. IS IMMINENT

Just going by the numbers, the recent downgrade in ranking of the United States to the 31st position in the 2011 Quality-Of-Life Index recently released by Nation Ranking puts it dangerously close to 2nd World nation status. The 137 nations listed, when you divide by 4, shows the U.S. has fallen to within 5 positions of Second-World nation status. Currently 2nd World nation status begins with Costa Rica at #36 and ends with Paraguay at #69. Even this rating is controversial, since not everyone would agree that Costa Rica deserves 2nd World nation status more than the U.S., for example. On the same listing, 3rd World nation status begins with Botswana at #70 and ends with Equatorial Guinea at #104 and 4th World nation status begins with Kenya at #105 and ends with Somalia at #137. With the latest jobless figures and other economic indicators pointing south and an ongoing lack of cooperation in the U.S. Congress, it is increasingly likely that the 2012 QOL Survey will show that the U.S. has fallen into 2nd World nation status for the first time since quality-of-life data has been compiled and indexed worldwide.

Mark Overt Skilbred

A REALISTIC SOLUTION FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

2011-09-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

A REALISTIC SOLUTION FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

Everyone seems to agree that high unemployment is the most important item on the agenda in order to get our economy rolling again. This would increase production, income and tax revenues, as well as improve our national outlook. As we look forward to welcoming more of our military home later on this year and next year, as we consider the historically high unemployment figures, and as we look ahead to an election year full of promising and hopeful candidates, what could be more appropriate than focusing on job creation?
These jobs need not be created out of thin air, as if there were not already established businesses which are capable of increasing production, expanding internal and external infrastructures, and developing and promoting the goods and services which originate here. Provided positive business incentives, American business ingenuity would discover ways to create, develop and transform themselves to afford an increased labor force capable of accomplishing these goals.
Since overcoming inertia on a business, political and personal level has become a problem of epic proportions as this recession has continued, we will need to move out of our comfort zone, seize the bull by the horns, stop stonewalling and finger-pointing and stop waiting for someone else to do something about it. Let’s begin boldly with a requirement that every company with 10 employees or more in the U.S. increase their employees by 10%. Those who are able to do so within the first 6 months without reducing employee compensation should be offered investment incentives. Those who are unable or unwilling to continue paying employees at their current level may reduce their level of compensation in order to cover the increased costs of the 10% hiring increase. Those who are unable or unwilling to comply with this requirement within 12 months should either be assessed a penalty or have their equivalent tax deductions withheld until the terms of this requirement are met.
I am confident that as patriotic and compassionate Americans, we will find a way to accomplish the goal of full employment for those who have lost the means to participate in our economy. In doing so, many of our stagnating problems will disappear like a swamp which has been drained. The usable land which is then made available through this process will support and enrich our lives.

Mark Overt Skilbred

A FAILURE TO AGREE-ON DYSFUNCTIONAL GOVERNMENT

2011-09-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

A FAILURE TO AGREE—ON REPLACING DYSFUNCTIONAL GOVERNMENT
We are facing some tough and pertinent questions regarding the form and function of our federal government. Some questions that come to mind include: Is the U.S. suffering from too much government? Should the U.S. government get out of its own way? Have we become our own worst enemy? Shall we sacrifice our nation in order to preserve the status quo, or should we instead save our nation from itself? Is it really just a case of choosing a new President in November of 2012, whether a Democrat, Republican or Independent candidate, or does the root cause lie much deeper? Is it now time to choose a more effective form of government? Shall we choose a Scandinavian, European or Canadian model? After all, this is the country of we the people, and so we have a right to choose the form of government that best meets our needs.
What is the most effective form of government? Is more and larger government the answer to our predicament? How does our form of federal government compare with the rest of the world? Can our government change, and should our government change at this time? Can we just eliminate the federal government altogether? Can we continue to function as separate states? Going further, can we function as independent counties? Can we function as independent cities or city-states? Is it wise to do so? How independent are we really? Who would be hurt by independent states, counties and cities? Who is most helped by federal government? Who is least helped by federal government?
Why do we insist on crediting the federal government as the source of our supplemental funding when in reality we the people are the source of the wealth of our nation? If we the people really are the nation, and we are also the government by inference, does it really matter whether the government we support is at the city, county, state or national level, as long as it remains a viable, functional form of government? Why is it necessary to send our money off to Washington D.C., only to have it earmarked for the pet projects of those in Congress, who may or may not send some of it back to us? Aren’t we capable at the local level of choosing more necessary and appropriate uses for our own money? Isn’t it obvious that the reason cities, counties and states increasingly depend on the federal government as this depression deepens is that we have given them so much of our money in the first place, expecting them to provide quality goods and services in exchange for our trust and support?
If we hired a contractor and gave him money to build us a wonderful house that would stand up to scrutiny, protect us from the elements, provide comfort, safety and warmth for our inhabitants and not fail to impress the neighborhood with its design, functionality and hospitality, we would then expect to pay top dollar. But in return, we would expect him to build us a house that was worthy of our high expectations. Fellow citizens, we have a right to expect a decent house in exchange for our investment. What we have instead, for comparison’s sake, is an unkempt and dysfunctional, unsightly shack, with a leaky roof, backed-up plumbing and a broken-down fence that is an eyesore and an offense to the neighborhood. Given the circumstances, what should we do with the contractor we hired with our money and with the house that he built for us?
We have delegated OUR AUTHORITY to the federal government and trusted that they are good stewards of our money and resources. Well guess what? Since we the people ARE the government, it’s time to remind the federal government that we the people no longer will place our trust and finances under their control, and in fact are considering dissolving our less-than-perfect (to put it mildly) federal union in favor of more responsive and functional government.
Now for some practical suggestions: Instead of bankrolling the federal bureaucracy, let’s keep our revenues in the states, counties and cities where they can do the most good for all of us. (By the way, do you have any idea how much money could be saved and used to run local, state and city governments if we didn’t have to finance the federal government with its duplication of services, inefficiency and overlapping of jurisdictions? Our projected federal budget is $3.7 trillion per year. (Wikipedia) Our projected total state budgets are $1.7 trillion per year. (Deltek Information Systems) If that money were appropriately kept in state, county and city treasuries, what could they accomplish in terms of building infrastructure, training and preparing their citizens, and responding to our current economic challenges? The $3.7 trillion could be wisely and fairly apportioned, ensuring that all of our state, county and city governments would be able to meet budgets and there would still be plenty of money left to provide for national defense, emergency management and a rainy day fund.
Since we the people already own the properties, resources and the truly vast real estate holdings that make up our federal government, we can decide how best to use, protect and preserve our property. We can greatly improve our international diplomacy, revenue-share our military, concentrate on our national guard, coast guard, and first-strike capabilities, improve our existing defenses, technology, testing, satellites, aircraft, improve our information gathering as much as possible, do it better than anyone else, and keep a close watch on the world around us and here at home, too. We can keep plenty of boots on the ground here at home and far fewer boots abroad. By building stronger relationships and using better diplomacy with our neighbors both in this hemisphere and throughout the world, we will have ready, willing and able allies when they are most needed.
Let’s concentrate on improving our own domestic infrastructures, better-educating our citizens and creating larger markets for our goods and services here at home and abroad. Instead of exporting our ideas to countries with cheap labor, let’s create, produce and service our own technologies right here at home. Let’s improve the lives of all of our citizens by providing jobs and increasing wages and opportunities.
Unemployment, poverty and crime go hand-in-hand. Why would any nation perpetuate these evils by failing to act? Why should we here in the U.S. allow this to continue? We’re an accident just waiting to happen, unless we make some serious progress in these areas soon! If you want your own family to fail, a sure way to make that happen is to stop taking care of it. Why would it be any different for cities, counties, states and nations? We need to do more than cater to the wealthy and special corporate interests. We need to stop ignoring the problems and do the tough things necessary to improve the lives of American citizens so that they can in turn help to improve this country.
It is far cheaper and easier to fix a situation before it becomes a problem than to wait for a catastrophe. The time to prepare for a hurricane is while it is still developing. Once it arrives, it’s too late! All that can be done then is to save those who are still living, to run, swim or drive away, if that is still possible, and deal with the cleanup when the hurricane is finally over. (If there is still any money left to do that.) Standing around wringing our hands and crying won’t prevent the hurricane from coming, and ignoring it and pretending that everything will be okay won’t work either. The time for action is now, while cooler heads can still prevail. Leadership must stop fiddling while Rome burns, instead of acting now to prevent a disaster.
If leadership cannot agree and make a plan that will move us forward, it is time for new leadership, and probably time for a sea change in the way that we organize our federal government. The federal government is the most dysfunctional government in our country. Our most functional government begins at the local county level, followed by states and then cities. The degree to which any level of government is dependent on another level of government for its support and function, to that same degree is its level of dysfunction shown. Counties, states and cities which cannot survive independently should take steps to disband their present form of government in favor of smaller, stronger and more functional government. (As we know from hard experience, larger does not always mean stronger and more functional!) And just as this principle applies to smaller governmental units, so it also applies to the larger and more federalized versions.
If any form of government proves either by its misdeeds or inaction that it cannot be functional and productive, then it does not deserve to be a government at all. Leadership must discuss their failings openly with the citizens they represent and reach an agreement to remain as the smaller, more independent and functional units that they already are, or join together with other more capable forms of government. Why should we be satisfied to allow failure and mediocrity in government to be perpetuated?
Our constitution begins with “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union”…. In saying these words, we are saying that our goal is perfection, and I have to tell you folks, we sure are a long way from there! Why should the form of, or for that matter, the fact that a federal government exists blind us to the necessity of change? If the federal government is incapable of functioning in its present form, and if reasonable change is either rejected or found to be inadequate to the challenges we are facing, then it is time to dissolve the federal government and function as independent states, counties and cities. It’s time to decide whether to fix the roof or replace it! Better to have functional government at some level than to have dysfunction and chaos at the national level.
The inevitable questions arise: How about our national security? Who will speak on our behalf to the world community? Remember that we are still the same people with our city, local and state governments still in place, and we are still capable of taking action. We are probably also better-able to work together as properly-functioning governmental units than as a dysfunctional whole. You can believe that I personally hope it doesn’t come to this, although some would say that it already has! I hope that our federal leadership can prove itself worthy of existence.
If the elected and appointed leaders in federal offices cannot meet the current challenges and respond appropriately and in a timely fashion, then it is time to defer their authority to those who have proven themselves capable of leadership. You can lead, follow, or just get out of the way, because you are only holding up traffic and several other things at this point! Since we the people ARE the government in this nation at the local city, county, state AND national levels, and since our elected and appointed officials are merely our representatives, LET’S LET THEM KNOW THAT THEIR DAYS AS OUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE COMING TO AN END. We are better off without a federal government than with this dysfunction. It’s embarrassing and an insult to this great nation!
If the federal government cannot speak with one voice, then it is up to the American people to do it for them. We know how to get it right, even if our national leaders do not! It is the people of the United States speaking with one voice that will be heard above the noise of failed national government. And that one voice is calling out loudly for a fully-functioning and vibrant government which is capable of accomplishing the peoples’ will.

Mark Overt Skilbred

AGREEING WITH GOD IN OUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

2010-09-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

AGREEING WITH GOD IN OUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

Regardless of our political affiliations, nationalities, race, creed or color, one thing identifies us as humans beyond everything else. Regardless of public opinion or the results of recent elections, make certain that when your vote is counted, that you have voted on God’s side. If you aren’t sure how God would vote, then you need to familiarize yourself with the Bible as much as possible. Then ask yourself how God would feel about the issues and candidates being considered. Humanism can have a positive or negative connotation, depending on the circumstances involved. Choosing God’s way is always best for us, even when we cannot see the benefits. As the Divine Humanist, God created us in His Image, sustains us and will provide for our future joys more than any human method ever devised. Mankind’s best humanistic efforts always fall short of the Divine standard. Does this mean that we should abandon our efforts? Rather, we should adopt God’s standards of excellence, which alone will bring us into fellowship with Him. How is this possible? God’s Holy Spirit is given to us to bring about this transformation. Tell God today that you want to conform yourself to the image of His Son and ask Him to grant you fellowship into His kingdom. He will enable you to agree with Him in your thoughts and actions, and will one day usher you into His presence for evermore.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE CLEANSING DIET

2010-07-26T19:19:00.001-07:00

THE CLEANSING DIET

It has been nearly four months since I began a serious attempt to reduce my weight and improve my overall diet. Although I have been walking for 2-3 hours, five-days-a-week on a regular basis and have been on the low end of beef and general meat-consumption, I had trouble losing weight and I struggled with my overall wellness. I began at 220 lbs and lost weight rapidly, utilizing the Atkins reduced-carb approach. I successfully reduced to 186 lbs using a combination of Atkins and through gradually increasing my walking from 2 to 4 hours, 5 days-per-week, but was dissatisfied with the amount of meat, cheese, eggs and salt that is typically eaten on this diet. Seeking guidance, I have read more than 20 diet and health books since beginning this regimen, and most of them recommend a more-or-less vegetarian approach.

Natural Hygiene is explained in one of these books as another way to cleanse and reduce weight, so I began this cleansing diet after remaining on Atkins for 40 days. Basically, the Natural Hygiene diet is a method in which nothing but fruit is eaten upon arising and after that, eaten freely until lunchtime. Then after an hour or so, in the afternoon, you discontinue eating fruit and begin eating fresh salads, garnished with unprocessed, unroasted, unsalted, fresh seeds and nuts and olive oil, and you continue eating these small fresh salads freely until 8pm. Other vegetables are also permitted, but they should be eaten as fresh as possible, including fresh sprouts and other uncooked varieties, being careful to avoid adding salt and harmful commercial supplements. Because I began on the Atkins Diet, I had already eliminated bread from my diet, but I have now slowly begun to add in unprocessed whole wheat and sesame flatbread as well. I have found that I am not nearly as thirsty as I was on the Atkins diet, and that I have more energy.

Natural Hygiene is a vegetarian diet which had its origins in Europe several centuries ago and began to be spoken of and written about in this country beginning in about 1830. This diet plan has many adherents in this country, including physicians, health practitioners and educators. I am particularly interested in the cleansing aspect of this diet, as well as the improved energy which it provides. By eating fresh, living, vegetarian foods, which have about 70% water content, your body is able to cleanse itself beginning with the digestive tract and proceeding through your system at the cellular level and continuing to cleanse the liver, kidneys, intestines and colon. The more closely you adhere to this diet program and avoid meat, eggs, dairy and salt, the more quickly you will see beneficial results. After beginning this diet, I continued to lose about 3 lbs per week for 3 weeks to 177 lbs, and then I slowly regained to 186 lbs, where my weight has stabilized for the past 3 weeks. I plan to write more about this program later, when I have more information to share with you, but so far I am pleased with what the Natural Hygiene diet has done for me. If you are feeling run-down, have elimination problems, are seeking to lose weight, or are otherwise confronting other wellness issues, I recommend that you try the Natural Hygiene dietary approach.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SOLUTIONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

2010-07-11T00:51:00.000-07:00

SOLUTIONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

A well-known politico commented recently that she did not know any economists who are against continuing extension of benefits to the unemployed. This is because there is historical evidence of the efficiency of this particular form of economic stimulation, which pumps money into the system quickly and avoids the greater harms caused by allowing the unemployed to slip closer to the edge of economic and health disasters such as bankruptcy, malnutrition and exposure. There has been some question about the logic of the Senate’s rejection of the most recent unemployment benefits extensions. Perhaps they are concerned that any efforts to relieve the suffering of the unemployed will be viewed by some as an unnecessary increase in the national debt. It is more likely that Republican senators are more concerned about reelection than about anything else. Still other economic voices argue that without this crucial economic stimulus, we will enter a secondary phase of recession which diminishes our recovery efforts and further prolongs the misery and frustration of those who are most in need.

In an effort to stimulate job creation, banks have been given access to $15 billion in funds to make cheaper loans to small businesses who will agree to the creation of more jobs in exchange for lower interest rate loans. This is a step in the right direction, but will take longer because of the reluctance of small businesses to incur debt in such an uncertain business climate. Another approach which could be tried is to reduce payrolls nationally by 10%, and use that same 10% savings to hire the unemployed, which now represent about 10% of the nation. Employees who complain about the reduction of their income to 90% could be encouraged to show the same compassion for their unemployed neighbors as they would like to be shown to them under the same circumstances. If this logic fails to convince them, perhaps offering them an opportunity to exchange places with their less-fortunate neighbors would be more appropriate.

Whatever solutions ultimately prevail, this continues to be a learning experience more keenly felt by those recipients who have had the least to gain and the most to lose, through no fault of their own, since the Great Depression. Rather than bemoaning our sad fate as a nation, why not find a practical way to move forward and turn our dilemma into a fair solution which works now and sets a good historical example for generations to come?

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR JUNE 17, 2010

2010-06-18T11:35:00.001-07:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR JUNE 17, 2010

Well done, Lakers! Well done, Phil! Congratulations to Lakers fans everywhere on your 16th NBA Championship! As you enjoy your celebration and a much-deserved rest, take time to count your blessings and give yourselves a chance to heal from all of your many injuries. We look forward to another championship in 2011, and the only way that can happen is by having plenty of recovery time. Thanks for a great season, and we’ll see you again in the fall!

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR JUNE 8, 2010

2010-06-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR JUNE 8, 2010

As we look forward to game 3 of the finals in Boston, it is safe to say that all of those doom-and-gloom predictions about the Lakers were undeserved. I’ve been a Lakers fan for 33 years and I haven’t seen the Lakers play better basketball than game 1 against the Celtics. All of you played like a team, with the hearts of true champions, and I am confident that you have what it takes to bring home Championship #16. So here is wishing you all a great and successful road trip in Boston, and we look forward to the Lakers closing out the Celtics here at home when you return!

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR MAY 10, 2010

2010-05-11T17:11:00.001-07:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR MAY 10, 2010

WESTERN DIVISION

Round 2

Lakers swept the Jazz in 4 straight.
Suns swept the Spurs in 4 straight.

EASTERN DIVISION

Round 2

Magic swept the Hawks in 4 straight.
Celtics and Cavaliers all tied at 2-2.

As the divisional playoffs move toward their final round, things are all tied up between Boston and Cleveland as game 5 opens in Cleveland tomorrow night. Some are already saying that we may see a repeat of last season in several ways. In the meantime, the Lakers, Suns and Magic are enjoying a welcome break before round 3 begins. It is looking as though all that worrying about the Lakers was not really necessary after all, and that all will finally be well again in our Lakers universe. Here is wishing all of you players, coaches and fans the best of everything as we wrap up another season! Be safe in the games that still remain and have a great summer!

Mark Overt Skilbred

THIS POOR MAN CALLED

2010-05-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

THIS POOR MAN CALLED

Have you noticed how the Psalms are great summary statements for the issues of the heart? They express our inmost thoughts, teach us thankfulness and praise and they contain some of the most wonderful promises anywhere in the Bible. Some of our best moments are spent absorbing God’s Word as expressed in the Psalms. Read some of them every day!

PSALM 34

I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him. NIV

Mark Overt Skilbred

DIETING FOR HEALTH--Where Is All Of This Leading Me? Many Questions Remain...

2010-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

DIETING FOR HEALTH—Where Is All Of This Leading Me? Many Questions Remain

Now that I have initiated lipolysis using the Atkins approach to reduce my carb intake below 20 carbs per day, in fact just slightly above 8 carbs per day as a 21-day average, I ask myself whether to continue on this low-carb flush-and-purge juice fast until I am at my target weight of 180, or should I continue well past that first goal to match my marriage weight of 160, or still further to 155, to match my high school athletic weight, or even further on a cleansing fast to surpass by one pound my previous adult low of 139? And what is accomplished by each of these objectives? At 180, I equal the weight I most recently reached in 1993, but only maintained briefly. Although the charts say that with my 6’3” height and medium frame, my ideal weight is 180, I tend to dispute that figure because I still had a slight potbelly at that weight that couldn’t be accounted for by lack-of-tone alone. At 160 I would at least equal my marriage weight at age 35 and be able to wear my wedding suit for the first time in 25 years. To attempt to complete my cleansing by finishing at 138 seems a bit ambitious for a 59-year-old, given that I completed that fruit fast when I was 33. There have been greater accomplishments than these, I am sure, but right now nothing comes to mind. I have begun to settle into a workout routine that incorporates walking and jogging into the same workout, with jogging gradually replacing walking by Christmas Eve, one-minute-at-a-time. If I am able to accomplish that, it will be my first time to consistently run since I was 31. Once the goal of jogging for 3 hours is accomplished, I will set my sights on improving my pace from a slow jog to a medium and then a fast jog. If all goes as planned, I hope to run for 3 hours per day, five days a week. Today I jogged for the second time in 28 years and was surprised how out-of-shape I felt to be running. Even after walking 2-3 hours 5 days per week for the past 27 months, I was still not prepared for the extra effort involved in jogging. I was feeling pretty down about it until I remembered that I was attempting the equivalent of jogging 2 city blocks while carrying a heavy suitcase. I am still over 200 lbs and attempting to regain my former training weight of 155 pounds. In high school I ran the 100 yard dash in 11.6, not fast enough for a medal. In the 220 yd dash, I ran a 25.1 in the relays and won a couple of medals. In the quarter-mile I did a little better, running the first lap of the mile in 56 seconds. I did still better in the half-mile, running a 2:06 when I was 25. I haven’t dared to dream of regaining those accomplishments, but it would be fun to try and see what I can do with a little determination, effort, and a closely and carefully-constructed incremental workout plan. My wife just bought me a membership at LA Fitness, which will encourage me to limber up, improve my overall posture and weight training, and offer me welcome relief from the hot sun of midsummer and some of the cooler and wetter days of winter. I cannot emphasize enough how important it will be to maintain a constant vigilance on my weight and fitness regimen, if I am to accomplish this ambitious plan by Christmas. I encourage myself by realizing how far I have come so far in toning and improving my overall conditioning. It does take a long time, just as it took a long time of inactivity and poorly-regulated diet to reach the bottom. Now, a slow, steady and sustained effort is needed to counteract the negative results of poor health choices. Once begun, however, every day becomes another day of improvement that brings me closer to vibrant health. Every improvement builds on the next one and is vital to the entire program. This mountain can definitely be moved, even if it has to be one spoonful at–a-time. The hardest thing of all is still the daily choice to keep moving forward or to allow myself to do nothing at all but maintain the status quo, which is the same thing as moving slowly backwards.

Mark Overt Skilbred

WHEN POISON TASTES GOOD--The Shortcomings Of Food Businesses

2010-04-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

WHEN POISON TASTES GOOD—The Shortcomings Of Food Businesses

The reasons that food businesses have kept themselves aloof from the verbal challenges that call for a change from a high carb-and-salt dietary nightmare to more healthy and wholesome natural juices, snacks and meals is that they are more concerned with flavor, packaging and marketing than about consumer health. As most of us have probably noticed, the food industry uses a lot of advertising and taste-testing to be sure to produce the most delicious and in-demand food. Food companies are more concerned about surviving the current recession than they are about offering us the most healthy snacks and foods that are available. Fish in its basic form has no carbs, but when breaded in a tasty batter can increase to over 20 carbs per fish fillet. Similarly, chicken in its basic form is carbless, but when glazed, breaded and cooked with high carb ingredients, can soar to as many as 60 carbs per portion. All of these unnecessary and harmful ingredients are contributing mightily to our national obesity epidemic. Food makers respond that they are only satisfying consumer demands for more delicious and satisfying meals, but the truth is that manufacturers have created demand through clever ads that appeal to taste buds instead of to our nutritional needs. This is not surprising when you consider that food companies’ primary motivation is their bottom-line profit margin. I am convinced that without firm limits set on carbs and salt, that companies will continue to create demand for even more unhealthy food than they currently create, hiding behind the excuse that they are only supplying the public’s demand for tasty food. If poison could be made delicious, would food manufacturers sell it to the public? I am afraid that all-too-often the answer is yes, so long as it increases corporate profits for the stockholders. Where this all leads ultimately is that manufacturers cannot be trusted to supply us with the basic foods that our bodies need to properly function. They have become so out-of-control regarding their manipulation of the facts regarding basic food, that their marketing techniques have created demand for food which is unfit for human consumption, despite its flavor, and is creating a huge national healthcare crisis due to their unwillingness to police their own nutritional policies. Rather than competing with other companies to produce the healthiest food possible, nearly 100% of their efforts are devoted to advertising, packaging, deceptive ads, flavorings, etc. Without government directives and supervision to reign-in these tactics, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health emergencies will only continue to worsen. When companies fail to police themselves and when government fails to respond to the obvious need for supervision, the responsibility falls on healthcare providers and the public to sound the alarm. Some organized boycotting might be the best way to move forward, but unless we agree on our tactics, nothing will happen and we will continue our downward trend towards an even greater healthcare crisis. This is all-out war and the stakes have never been greater. To do nothing is not an option if we are to rescue ourselves from future misery. The effects of this national decline in nutrition will have far-reaching implications for future generations who are depending on us to restore sanity to the market place. We cannot allow Wall Street to dictate healthcare policies, nor can we depend on a lobbyist-controlled congress to look out for the health of the average citizen. What is needed is for major healthcare organizations, agencies and providers to educate the public about the dangers of high-carb, high-sodium diets. The next step is to boycott those food manufacturers who refuse to police themselves until they produce and market healthful products to the public.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SAN ANTONIO HEIGHTS--DOWN THE MIDDLE CLOCKWISE (2 Hour Walk)

2010-04-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

SAN ANTONIO HEIGHTS—DOWN THE MIDDLE CLOCKWISE (2 Hour Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park in Upland, California, go E on Mildura Ave and TL on Mountain Ave. Go N on Mountain to the N side of San Antonio Park, where Mountain Ave bends to the R and Mtn Lane continues N. Follow Mountain Ave as it bends E and TL on Mesa Ter. TR and go E on 25th St, crossing Mountain Ave, Euclid Ave, and continuing to Vista Dr. You will continue straight E on 25th St, following the small path on the RS of the cul-de-sac straight ahead. Continue going E on 25th, crossing Cliff Rd and continue E on 25th to the end of the cul-de-sac. Pass through the entrance to Cucamonga Creek Trail and then TR and follow the trail down to the 24th St pass-through. TR and go W on 24th, crossing Campus and Euclid and TL on San Antonio Ave. Go S on San Antonio to 23rd St and TR. Go W on 23rd, cross Mountain and continue W on Mildura Ave to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR APRIL 4, 2010

2010-04-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR APRIL 4, 2010

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Lakers .714
2. Dallas .649
3. Denver .649
4. Phoenix .649
5. Utah .649
6. Oklahoma City .632
7. San Antonio .618
8. Portland .610
9. Memphis .513
10. Houston .500
11. New Orleans .449
12. Clippers .351
13. Sacramento .312
14. Golden State .303
15. Minnesota .195

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Cleveland .779
2. Orlando .701
3. Atlanta .645
4. Boston .632
5. Miami .558
6. Milwaukee .553
7. Charlotte .526
8. Toronto .500
9. Chicago .487
10. Indiana .377
11. New York .355
12. Philadelphia .342
13. Detroit .303
14. Washington .303
15. New Jersey .143

COMBINED STANDINGS

1. Cleveland .779
2. Lakers .714
3. Orlando .701
4. Dallas .649
5. Denver .649
6. Phoenix .649
7. Utah .649
8. Atlanta .645
9. Boston .632
10. Oklahoma City .632
11. San Antonio .618
12. Portland .610
13. Miami .558
14. Milwaukee .553
15. Charlotte .526
16. Memphis .513
17. Houston .500
18. Toronto .500
19. Chicago .487
20. New Orleans .449
21. Indiana .377
22. New York .355
23. Clippers .351
24. Philadelphia .342
25. Sacramento .312
26. Detroit .303
27. Golden State .303
28. Washington .303
29. Minnesota .195
30. New Jersey .143

As we move into April, the Western Conference has sorted themselves out with 8 teams already clinching playoff positions. The Eastern Conference is still up for grabs with only 4 teams clinching. Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and Utah are tied for second in the West and tied for 4th place in the overall NBA Standings, with Atlanta, Boston and Oklahoma City right at their heels, so it should be an interesting playoff. The Lakers are still on top of the West, and look to remain there, despite sporadic springtime play. Orlando is right at their heels, with Cleveland comfortably in the top spot in the overall standings. It’s anyone’s guess what will develop once the playoffs start, with so many able teams ready to make a run for the division championships. I always look first at overall bench strength to predict the winning team. Teams that have overlooked bench development in favor of win/loss standings during the season are now facing severe shortcomings with starter injuries and bench inexperience. With conventional wisdom still awarding the starting positions with
more than double the minutes given to the bench, the NBA as a whole still has not fully embraced the team concept of basketball, to their own detriment.

Mark Overt Skilbred

2010 WINTER OLYMPICS--WHO OWNS THE PODIUM?

2010-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

2010 WINTER OLYMPICS—WHO OWNS THE PODIUM?

First of all, congratulations to Canada on hosting a wonderful Winter Olympics! I grew up just across the border and have been across Canada several times. You have the friendliest people, wonderfully-maintained cities and you have a lot to be proud of in your beautiful country. It is a pleasure to have you as neighbors! You also have set a new Winter Olympics record for gold medals--so you own the podium, after all!

Country G S B T Population (2000) % of Combined Pop.

1. USA 9 15 13 37 281,421,906 12.096%
2. Germany 10 13 7 30 82,351,000 3.528%
3. Canada 14 7 5 26 31,902,000 1.356%
4. Norway 9 8 6 23 4,525,000 .177%
5. Austria 4 6 6 16 8,170,000 .334%
6. Russia 3 5 7 15 144,979,000 6.223%
7. South Korea 6 6 2 14 47,963,000 2.048%
8. China 5 2 4 11 1,279,161,000 55.038%
9. Sweden 5 2 4 11 8,877,000 .365%
10. France 2 3 6 11 59,925,000 2.563%
11. Switzerland 6 0 3 9 7,302,000 .297%
12. Netherlands 4 1 3 8 16,068,000 .674%
13. Czech Republic 2 0 4 6 10,257,000 .424%
14. Poland 1 3 2 6 38,625,000 1.646%
15. Italy 1 1 3 5 57,927,000 2.477%
16. Japan 0 3 2 5 127,066,000 5.452%
17. Finland 0 1 4 5 5,184,000 .206%
18. Australia 2 1 0 3 19,547,000 .824%
19. Belarus 1 1 1 3 10,335,000 .427%
20. Slovakia 1 1 1 3 5,422,000 .216%
21. Croatia 0 2 1 3 4,391,000 .171%
22. Slovenia 0 2 1 3 1,933,000 .066%
23. Latvia 0 2 0 2 2,367,000 .084%
24. Great Britain 1 0 0 1 59,912,000 2.562%
25. Estonia 0 1 0 1 1,416,000 .043%
26. Kazakhstan 0 1 0 1 16,742,000 .703%

Combined Totals 86 87 85 258 2,323,444,241 100.000%

There have been 21 Winter Olympics since they first began in 1924. Germany has won the overall medal count 9 times, Norway has won the overall medal count 7 times, Russia has won 3 times, the USA has won twice, and Sweden and Switzerland tied with Norway in 1948.

WINTER OLYMPICS THROUGH THE YEARS

YEAR WINNER MEDALS GOLD MOST GOLDS EVENTS

1924 Norway 11 4 Norway—4 17
4 Finland—4
1928 Norway 15 6 Norway—6 14
1932 USA 12 6 USA—6 14
1936 Norway 15 7 Norway—7 17
1948 Norway 10 4 Norway—4 22
Sweden 10 4 Sweden—4
Switzerland 10 3
1952 Norway 16 7 Norway—7 22
1956 Russia 16 7 Russia—7 25
1960 Russia 21 7 Russia—7 28
1964 Russia 25 11 Russia—11 34
1968 Norway 14 6 Norway—6 35
1972 Germany 19 7 Russia—8 36
1976 Germany 29 9 Russia—13 37
1980 Germany 28 9 Russia—10 38
1984 Germany 28 11 Germany—11 39
1988 Germany 33 11 Germany—11 46
Russia—11
1992 Germany 26 10 Germany—10 57
1994 Norway 26 10 Russia—11 61
1998 Germany 29 12 Germany—12 69
2002 Germany 36 12 Norway—13 80
2006 Germany 29 11 Germany—11 84
2010 USA 37 9 Canada—14 86

Although there have only been 6 countries that have won the overall medal count in the 21 Winter Olympics, there have been 39 countries plus a unified team which have won a total of 2570 medals since the first Winter Olympics began in 1924. The 6 winning countries have won more than 56% of all Winter Olympic medals, the top 10 countries have won over 80% of the medals, the top 14 countries have won over 90% of the medals, the top 18 countries have won over 95% of the medals, and the top 20 countries have won over 97% of the medals.

WINTER OLYMPIC OVERALL MEDAL COUNT SINCE THE BEGINNING

COUNTRY MEDALS PERCENT COUNTRY MEDALS

1. Germany 358 .139299610 21. Australia 9
2. Norway 303 .117898832 22. Belarus 9
3. Russia 285 .110894941 23. Liechtenstein 9
4. USA 253 .098443579 24. Estonia 7
5. Austria 201 .078210116 25. Slovenia 7
6. Finland 156 .060700389 26. Bulgaria 6
7. Canada 145 .056420233 27. Hungary 6
8. Sweden 129 .050194552 28. Kazakhstan 6
9. Switzerland 127 .049416342 29. Belgium 5
10. Italy 106 .041245136 30. Ukraine 5
11. France 94 .036575875 31. Slovakia 4
12. Netherlands 86 .033463035 32. Yugoslavia 4
13. South Korea 45 .017509727 33. Latvia 3
14. China 44 .017120622 34. Luxembourg 2
15. Czech Republic 41 .015953307 35. North Korea 2
16. Japan 37 .014396887 36. Spain 2
17. Unified Team 24 .009338521 37. Denmark 1
18. Great Britain 22 .008560311 38. New Zealand 1
19. Poland 14 .005447470 39. Romania 1
20. Croatia 10 .003891050 40. Uzbekistan 1

WINTER OLYMPICS GOLD MEDAL TOTALS SINCE 1924

COUNTRY GOLD MEDALS

1. Germany 128
2. Russia 114
3. Norway 107
4. USA 87
5. Austria 55
6. Canada 52
7. Sweden 48
8. Switzerland 44
9. Finland 41
10. Italy 37
11. Netherlands 29
12. France 27
13. South Korea 23
14. Unified Team 10
15. China 9
16. Great Britain 9
17. Japan 9
18. Czech Republic 7
19. Australia 5
20. Croatia 4
21. Estonia 4
22. Liechtenstein 2
23. Poland 2
24. Belarus 1
25. Belgium 1
26. Bulgaria 1
27. Kazakhstan 1
28. Slovakia 1
29. Spain 1
30. Ukraine 1
31. Uzbekistan 1

Total 861

WINNERS OF THE GOLD MEDAL COUNT

1. Russia 8 times
2. Norway 7 times
3. Germany 5 times
4. Canada 1 time
5. Finland 1 time
6. Sweden 1 time
7. USA 1 time

In a top-to-bottom comparison of medal counts based on population vs. actual medals awarded, Norway has over 56 times the number of per-capita medals as China. Although the forerunner of the Winter Olympics was the Nordic Games, over 100 winters and 21 Winter Olympics have come and gone since that time, and yet Norway’s consistent and unique dedication to Olympic excellence is still unmatched by any other country. Although the USA won the overall medal count in 2010, they only received a 19% higher medal count than the expected total that their population would indicate, while Canada received 846% more actual medals than the number of medals which could be expected based on their population. Canada also earned the largest number of gold medals ever awarded in a single Winter Olympics—over 1366% more gold medals than the expected total that their population would indicate. This is a job well done!

PER-CAPITA SUCCESS IN THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS

COUNTRIES MEDALS % EXPECTED MEDALS ACTUAL MEDALS

1. Norway +4331 % .531 23
2. Austria +1577 % 1.002 16
3. Slovenia +1515 % .198 3
4. Switzerland +1010 % .891 9
5. Sweden +1005 % 1.095 11
6. Canada +846 % 3.074 26
7. Finland +809 % .618 5
8. Latvia +794 % .252 2
9. Estonia +775 % .129 1
10. Croatia +585 % .513 3
11. Czech Republic +472 % 1.272 6
12. Slovakia +463 % .648 3
13. Netherlands +461 % 1.737 8
14. Germany +333 % 9 30
15. South Korea +280 % 5 14
16. Belarus +272 % 1.104 3
17. France +157 % 7 11
18. Poland +150 % 4 6
19. Australia +141 % 2.124 3
20. USA +119 % 31 37
21. Russia -7 % 16 15
22. Italy -20 % 6 5
23. Kazakhstan -81 % 1.812 1
24. Japan -280 % 14 5
25. Great Britain -700 % 7 1
26. China -1291 % 142 11

This medal count serves to point out what a tremendous achievement it is for countries with relatively low populations to accomplish so much, relative to average expectations based on their size. Where there is a will to excel in competition with other nations, population does not seem to be the leading indicator, but rather their dedication and long-term commitment to the goal of athletic greatness.

Questions answered in this analysis:

Q: Who won the 2010 Winter Olympics based on overall medal count?
A: USA—37 medals

Q: Who won the 2010 Winter Olympics gold medal count?
A: Canada—14 gold medals

Q: Who has won the most Winter Olympics based on overall medal count?
A: Germany—9 times

Q: Who has won the most Winter Olympics based on gold medal count?
A: Russia—8 times

Q: Who has won the most Winter Olympic medals since the beginning?
A: Germany—358

Q: Who has won the most Winter Olympic gold medals since the beginning?
A: Germany—128

Q: Who has achieved the greatest per-capita success in the Winter Olympics?
A: Norway--+4331 %

Q: Who owns the podium based on these 7 answers?
A: Germany x 3
Canada x 1
Norway x 1
Russia x 1
USA x 1

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS--MARCH 2, 2010

2010-03-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

1. Cleveland .770
2. Lakers .754
3. Orlando .672
4. Dallas .656
5. Denver .650
6. Atlanta .644
7. Boston .638
8. Utah .633
9. Phoenix .613
10. Oklahoma City .610
11. San Antonio .586
12. Portland .571
13. Toronto .525
14. Chicago .517
15. Houston .508
16. Milwaukee .508
17. New Orleans .508
18. Memphis .500
19. Miami .492
20. Charlotte .483
21. Clippers .417
22. Philadelphia .373
23. Washington .368
24. Detroit .350
25. New York .339
26. Indiana .333
27. Sacramento .333
28. Golden State .288
29. Minnesota .230
30. New Jersey .102

As March begins, the Cavaliers struggle to maintain their position atop the NBA. As Lebron James pointed out so clearly, basketball is a team effort, and it takes more than one great player to win a championship. The Lakers appear to have stabilized their offensive and defensive strategies well enough to maintain their position behind Cleveland. As both teams near the ¾ mark, the ability to maintain the discipline and concentration necessary to survive in the playoffs becomes more obvious to everyone. Championships are not maintained or won by wishful thinking, but by a determined team effort. Spring is almost here, so let’s try to get and stay healthy for the playoffs!

Mark Overt Skilbred

NORTH-CENTRAL EUCLID WALK (3 Hour Walk)

2010-02-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

NORTH-CENTRAL EUCLID WALK (3 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park in Upland, California, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. Cross Mountain and continue E on 23rd St to San Antonio Ave. TR and go S on San Antonio to McCarthy Park. TL and go E on 20th St to Euclid Ave. TR and go S on Euclid to Foothill Blvd (Route 66). Return N on Euclid to 24th St and TL. Go W on 24th to San Antonio and TR. Go N uphill on San Antonio until it splits, and take the LH fork on San Antonio Crest W to where it intersects with Mountain Ave. TL and follow Mountain W to San Antonio Park. Follow the perimeter sidewalk W at the N end of the park and then go S through the parking lot to 24th St. TR and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mountain View Park.

This is probably Upland’s favorite walk, with many hikers of all ages to be seen enjoying the weather and beautiful scenery every day and at any time of the year.

Mark Overt Skilbred

LAKERS MIDSEASON DOLDRUMS

2010-02-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

LAKERS MIDSEASON DOLDRUMS

Sometimes it is more than just the fans who are bewildered when a great team begins to struggle midway through the season. This is especially true when the team in question is long on talent and short on injuries, has a good mix of older and younger talent, and excellent playoff experience. When you add in the Lakers’ great record on the road, there just does not seem to be a good explanation for these midseason doldrums. Watching last night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, I couldn’t help feeling that the Lakers were allowing their opponents too much response-time, as if politely waiting for their answer to the latest maneuver. Normally when the Lakers are in attack mode, there isn’t much time for their opponents to respond effectively, and by the time they have it figured out, it is already too late for them. Maybe what is missing in our offensive game is the element of surprise. Does the NBA have us figured out to the extent that they are now anticipating our offense effectively and defending against our triangle system? Should we experiment with alternating systems of pick-and-roll, give-and-go, alley-oop and motion offense, making better use of our big men in the center post? It seems that our inside game has been rather inconsistent, as though we aren’t sure that our big guys can handle the assignment. I am of the opinion that we will never know for sure until we make the attempt. What better time than now to discover our strengths? I’m confident that Pau, Andrew, Lamar and Mbenga can handle whatever we throw at them. Sometimes in order to shake out of the doldrums, it becomes necessary to shake up the lineup a little with some different match-ups, as well as alternating style-of-play. But whatever we decide, let’s not wait much longer to make the needed changes. Let’s not wait until the playoffs to make good use of them.

Mark Overt Skilbred

A GROUNDHOG'S DAY LAKERS FORECAST

2010-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

A GROUNDHOG’S DAY LAKERS FORECAST

Punxsutawny Phil saw his shadow, predicting another 6 weeks of winter. As Lakers fans have watched their 1st place lead dwindle and have watched Cleveland steadily move ahead in the standings and into 1st place, they feel a bit like Phil, when it is revealed that winter will continue for at least a little longer. So we have stored our celebration plans on the shelf for now, awaiting the spring thaw, anticipating that all will be well at last in our Lakers universe.

NBA STANDINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2010

1. Cleveland .780
2. Lakers .755
3. Denver .688
4. Orlando .673
5. Boston .652
6. Atlanta .638
7. Dallas .625
8. Utah .617
9. San Antonio .587
10. Phoenix .580
11. Portland .580
12. Oklahoma City .563
13. Houston .542
14. Memphis .542
15. New Orleans .542
16. Toronto .531
17. Charlotte .511
18. Chicago .500
19. Miami .500
20. Milwaukee .447
21. Clippers .438
22. New York .383
23. Indiana .347
24. Detroit .340
25. Philadelphia .340
26. Sacramento .340
27. Washington .340
28. Golden State .277
29. Minnesota .224
30. New Jersey .085

Mark Overt Skilbred

SPECIAL INTERESTS

2010-01-29T12:30:00.001-08:00

SPECIAL INTERESTS

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.”

So begins “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America” on July 4, 1776. King George of Great Britain also had special interest in reducing and eliminating the power and influence of the thirteen colonies. The Supreme Court of the United States has once more granted power to the special interest groups of this nation, which has a direct bearing on the legislation which is passed by Congress, frequently to the detriment of the large majority of the people of the United States. Measures which are passed which grant additional financial power and influence to corporations, other entities and individuals, both foreign and domestic, are largely exclusionary for the public, advance the superiority of the rich and powerful, protect their interests and diminish the liberty, prosperity and happiness of the majority of Americans.

Such is the resolve for domination at any cost by these powerful corporate interests, who have most recently upset the world’s financial state to such a degree that the average global citizen has had his net worth reduced by more than half. We observe how our nation’s highest court seeks to improve the lives of her citizens by granting even more power to the already-powerful, trusting that these entities and individuals will maintain an active interest in the financial well-being and advancement of their fellow citizens. To their discredit, Republican voices in Congress are heard defending this judicial action and disparaging their Democratic counterparts for sounding the alarm.

Most recently, in his State of the Union address, President Obama denounced this judicial action to the chagrin of at least one of the Supreme Court justices and calling attention to a debate which has festered since governments began. Should the rich and powerful be granted special consideration? If so, how much should they be granted, and for how long? Should public policy protect the interests and grant special circumstances which advance the wealth and privilege of the powerful? Should the granting of these special interests and powers be allowed to have an increasingly-detrimental impact on the average citizen and have the effect of reducing their effectiveness, influence and authority? Does society benefit from diminishing the advantages and abilities of her citizens?

We have heard the past ten years described as “the lost decade.” The average citizen has watched his assets erode, his income decline or disappear entirely, and has had his ability to effectively change his circumstances be reduced to the point of extinction. What has risen with the decline of the middle class is a newer version of the culture of the super-rich, whose mentality and influence threatens to submerge the former middle class under a barrage of measures which further limit their abilities to break-free from the economic and social constraints which imprison them. We are not only mired in the quicksand of economic stagnation, but those out-of-control elites who created this nightmare have now been given the blessings of our judicial branch, along with the power to recruit new congressional adherents. What more remains to the average person than to petition Congress for a redress of these actions? If Congress supports the Supreme Court in their action, President Obama has no choice but to veto this pending legislation. If Congress insists on punching this carte blanche ticket for the rich and powerful, ordinary citizens must call for a constitutional convention to ensure that the power of the majority is never usurped by a wealthy and powerful, self-serving and selfish minority again.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK NEIGHBORHOOD WALK (7 1/2 Hour Walk)

2010-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK NEIGHBORHOOD WALK (7 ½ Hour Walk)
Welcome to northwest Upland! This is the longest combination walk that I have completed, taking longer than a complete trip around Upland. That’s good news for those who are not faint-hearted and for those who prefer to stay closer to home. I find it easier to break this walk into three sections. Although this walk is longer than others you will encounter, I hope that you will enjoy it as thoroughly as I do and that you will recommend it to others. We are proud of this area that contributes so much to the health and vitality of its residents. Mountain View Park Neighborhood Walk is a combination walk comprised of the sixteen neighborhoods plus San Antonio Park, which are located in the farthest NW corner of Upland, CA, between 24th St on the N and the 210 freeway on the S, and between Mountain Ave on the E and San Antonio Creek on the W. Beginning from Mountain View Park East and proceeding in a counterclockwise direction through Mallorca, Orchard Park, San Antonio Park, Upland Summit, Mountain View Park West, Ashley Park, Lewis Homes North, Lewis Homes South, Acacia West, Evergreen Drive, Looking Glass and Acacia, and then curving NE on Mildura Ave and proceeding in a clockwise direction through Parc Chateau, Wentworth Way, South Mildura, Chelsea Park, and finishing at Mountain View Park East. All sixteen of these walks have been published, and can be done separately, or together as one unit, which is much shorter, by saving you sixteen separate return trips. This reduces your total walk-time by half. Here are the walk-times for the three sections, in the proper walk-sequence:
Section 1: Mildura, Orchard Park, San Antonio Park, Upland Summit, Mountain View West—2 ½ Hour Walk Time
Section 2: Ashley Park, Lewis Homes North, Lewis Homes South, Acacia West, Evergreen, Looking Glass—2 ¼ Hour Walk Time
Section 3: Acacia, Parc Chateau, Wentworth, South Mildura, Chelsea Park, Mountain View East—2 3/4 Hour Walk Time
For purposes of this particular combination walk, disregard the individual times-per-walk and assume that the combined total for the entire walk is more-or-less accurate. The following complete listing assumes that you are doing the walks in contiguous and consecutive order. Here’s to your health, and I’ll see you around the neighborhood!
MALLORCA NEIGHBORHOOD WALK (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, cross Mildura Ave to Mallorca on Cadiz Ave and TR on Mallorca St. Go E on Mallorca to the cul-de-sac, return W on Mallorca, go past the park and tennis courts on the R and continue W to the cul-de-sac. Return E to Alicante Ave and TL. Follow Alicante N to Granada St and TR. Go E on Granada to the cul-de-sac and then return W, passing Alicante to Naples Ave. TR and go N on Naples past the park, basketball court, picnic area and pool, and don’t miss the beautiful view of the mountains straight ahead. Go to where the street turns L on St Tropez St. Go W on St. Tropez, TR on Barcelona Ave and go N to Malaga St. TR and go E on Malaga to the cul-de-sac, return W, passing Barcelona, to the W cul-de-sac of Malaga. Return to Barcelona and go S to St. Tropez, turn R and follow St. Tropez W to where Palermo Ave goes S on the W side of the pool. TL and go E on Granada to Alicante and TR. Go S on Alicante to Mallorca and TL. Go E on Mallorca to Cadiz and TR. Go S on Cadiz to Mildura and TL.

ORCHARD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)
Go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TL. Go N on Mountain to the first and only street before 24th St and TL at the entrance gate to Orchard Park. Pass through the gate and TR on Walnut Ave. Follow Walnut N to the cul-de-sac, return and TR on Chestnut St. TR on Hickory Ave and then TR on Citrus St to the cul-de-sac. Go S on the sidewalk past the pool and TL to Walnut Ave. TR and go S on Walnut to the exit gate. TL and exit to Mountain Ave.

SAN ANTONIO PARK (1 Hour Walk)
Go N on Mountain Ave, cross 24th St and go past San Antonio Park to the perimeter sidewalk on the N side of the park. TL and go W on the sidewalk to where it turns S and follow through the parking lot to 24th St. Then go W on 24th St, cross Deakin Ave, continuing W to the deadend at San Antonio Creek. Return E on 24th to Parkcrest St and TR.

UPLAND SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)
Go S on Parkcrest St. TL on Highpoint St by the pool, go E to the cul-de-sac and return W to Starlight Ave. TL on Starlight, TR on Panorama St to the cul-de-sac and then return E on Panorama and go S past the basketball court and pool to Lookout Ct. TR and go W on Lookout to the cul-de-sac and return E to Crestview. Continue S on Crestview to Forest St. TR on Forest and go W, exploring Woodcrest Way, Ridgemont Way, Fairfield Way, Skyline Way, the basketball courts and Moonridge Court as Forest becomes Meadow Glen Way and goes N. TR on Grandview St to the cul-de-sac and return W to Birkdale St. TR on Birkdale and go N to Highpoint St. TL on Highpoint to the cul-de-sac, return and go E on Highpoint until you see the pool on the RHS. TL and go N on Parkcrest St, TR and go E on 24th St to Deakin Ave. TR and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave.

MOUNTAIN VIEW WEST (30 Minute Walk)
TR on Mildura Ave to Daylily St. TR and go W on Daylily, past the tennis courts and basketball court. Just before turning L, walk up the hill on the railroad tie steps to Marigold St and TL. Go W on Marigold and turn S on Poppy Ave, pass Ash Ave and TL on Tulip St. Follow Tulip S and TL on Carissa St. TL on Daisy St and follow around the park to Alyssum Ave. Go N on Alyssum, passing the pool, and TR on Wisteria Ave. TR on Daylily St and go E to Mildura Ave.

FIRST BREAK (2 ½ Hours to complete the first 4 neighborhoods+park)

ASHLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)
TR and go S on Mildura Ave on the W side of the street past Carissa St and TR on Amanda Pl, through the gate into Ashley Park. Follow Amanda W, Beverly Way N, Ashley Pl E and Sonya Ave S to the Amanda Pl exit. Exit Ashley Park and TR on Mildura Ave.

LEWIS HOMES NORTH (45 Minute Walk)
Go S on Mildura Ave to Somerset Way and TR. Go W on Somerset and TR on Oakhurst Ct to the cul-de-sac, return to Somerset and continue W to Wetherley Ct. TR on Wetherley to the cul-de-sac, return to Somerset and TR. Follow Somerset to the cul-de-sac and return to Hillcrest St. TR on Hillcrest and follow to the cul-de-sac. Return and TR on Morningside Ave. Continue and TR on Roxbury Ct and Mansfield Ct and follow these streets to their cul-de-sacs. Then return to Morningside and continue S to where the street bends L and becomes 21st St. Follow 21st E to Mildura, TR and follow Mildura S to Elmhurst Way.

LEWIS HOMES SOUTH (1 Hour Walk)
Go W on Elmhurst and TR on Redgrove. Follow Redgrove N, follow W on Oriole Place and then go S on Windemere to the cul-de-sac and return to 20th St. Go W on 20th to Birkdale Ave and TR. Go N on Birkdale to the cul-de-sac and return S on Birkdale to Benson Ave. TL and go NE on the N side of Benson to Muirfield Ave. TL and go N on Muirfield and TR into Windsong Court. Follow it around, return to Muirfield, TR and continue N to Wakefield Ct. Follow it around, return to Muirfield, TR and continue N to Elmhurst Way. Cross the street to Katrina Way. Follow Katrina around, return to Elmhurst and go E to Mildura Ave. TR on Mildura and go S to Benson Ave.

ACACIA WEST NEIGHBORHOOD (45 Minute Walk)
TR and go SW on Benson to Brookdale Dr. TR and go W on Brookdale to Sunny Creek Ct. TL on Sunnycreek and follow to the cul-de-sac and then return and follow Springland Lane E, past the park to Brookdale. TR and follow Brookdale E to Benson. TL and go NE on Benson, cross Mildura Ave. TR and use the crosswalk to cross Benson. TR and follow Benson SW to the 210 Freeway overpass.

EVERGREEN DRIVE NEIGHBORHOOD (1 1/2 Hour Walk)
AND
LOOKING GLASS NEIGHBORHOOD (65 Minute Walk)

Turn around and go back NE on Benson to the first opening in the soundwall and go E on Evergreen Drive all the way to the end. Return W on Evergreen and explore all the cul-de-sacs going W, beginning with Cheshire Way, Moonbeam Circle, White Rabbit Trail, then exploring the park, going past the gazebo, pool and tennis court, up the 22 steps of the embankment, then return S to Evergreen and continue W to Briar Path, Shady Brook Way, Looking Glass Way and Ridgemont Court. Then follow Muirfield Ave N to Benson and return S to Evergreen and TR. Follow Evergreen W to Mitzi Court, then continue W to Birkdale Ave. TR on Birkdale and go N to Benson. TR and go NE on Benson to Brookdale Dr.

SECOND BREAK (2 ¼ Hour Walk-Time)

ACACIA NEIGHBORHOOD (1 ¼ Hour Walk)
Follow Brookdale S past the pool to Willowbrook Lane and TR. Explore Clearwater Circle on the R on the way W to the cul-de-sac, then return E to Brookdale and follow it E. TL on Creekwood Lane, go N to Brookside St and follow Brookside E to the cul-de-sac and then return to the W cul-de-sac. Return S on Creekwood to Brookdale. Continue E on Brookdale, exploring Springcreek Circle on the R and then continue E and TR on Clearspring Dr. Go E on Clearspring, go N on Brookside Dr and TL into Creekside Court cul-de-sac. Return E to Brookside, TL and continue N, on the inside of the main gates, following the E perimeter sidewalk between the pool and basketball court to the north side of Acacia and then return S on Stonebrook Lane. TR on Running Creek Drive and go W to Creekwood Lane. TR and go N to Brookhaven Place. TR and follow E and then N on Bridgewood Way and continue W on Cloverbrook Lane to Brookhaven. TL on Brookhaven and then TR on Creekwood and follow S to Running Creek. TR on Running Creek and follow W past the basketball court and pool, TR on Brookdale Drive and TR on Benson. Cross Benson at the crosswalk and continue N on Mildura, passing Mountain View Park and continuing E to Mountain Ave.

PARC CHATEAU NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)
Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain, passing 22nd St and TR through the main gate of Parc Chateau on Cannes Ave. TR on Lorraine Dr and go N and then W to Eiffel Circle and then Paris Circle, continue W to the Mildura gate and then return E past Paris Circle to the first sidewalk going S between the houses. Follow it S to the Y and take the RH fork to the gazebo. Take the LH fork S to Charmaine Dr and TR. Go W to Pinot Circle, follow it around and continue W on the S perimeter sidewalk as it traces the W boundary past the tennis courts and heads N. Go past the gate to where the sidewalk heads E to the gazebo and continue E to the Y. Continue E to the park and follow the sidewalk around to the S side of the pool. Continue S to Charmaine Dr and TR to Malati Circle. Follow it around and then return E on Charmaine past the park and bend N to the main entrance. Exit on Cannes and TL on Mountain. Go N on Mountain to Mildura Ave and TL. Go W on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

WENTWORTH WAY (45 Minute Walk)
Go W on Benson to Wentworth Way and TR. Go N on Wentworth and TR on Miller Ct. Follow Miller to the cul-de-sac and return to Wentworth. TR and continue N on Wentworth to Meadow Ct and TR. Go E on Meadow to the cul-de-sac, return to Wentworth and TL. Go S on Wentworth to Benson and TR. Follow Benson to Mildura Ave and TR.

SOUTH MILDURA NEIGHBORHOOOD (45 Minute Walk)
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Upland CA history, Mildura is Upland’s sister-city in South Australia, whose city-planning was also carried out by the Chaffees. It is fitting that the street named after Mildura is an unusually beautiful and well-thought-out centerpiece of several intertwined neighborhoods in this northwestern area of Upland. Go N on Mildura and TR on Havenhurst Way to the cul-de-sac and return to Mildura. TR and follow Mildura N to Northstar Lane. TR and go E on Northstar to the cul-de-sac and then return to Mildura.

CHELSEA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)
Go N on Mildura to Somerset Way/Sunrise and TR. Enter Chelsea Park using the W entrance and follow Sunrise Circle all the way around the perimeter, walking past all of the homes, and then walk through the beautiful park that bears its name in the center of all the houses. This neighborhood is truly one of the jewels of Upland, and should not be missed! Exit the park through the W exit to Mildura and TR. Go N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

MOUNTAIN VIEW EAST (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go S on Jasmine Ave past the playground and tennis courts to Dogwood St and TL. Go E on Dogwood to the park and return to Zinnia. TL on Zinnia and W past the pool to the park. TL on Lobelia Ave, go past the park and TL on Fuchsia St. TL on Hibiscus St, go E to the last park and TL on Oleander Ave. Go N on Oleander to Dogwood and TR to Verbena Ave. TL and go N on Verbena to where Oak St goes L and W to Willow Ave. Go N on Willow to Mildura Ave. TL and go W and S on Mildura and TL on Fuchsia St. TL on Lobelia, cross Zinnia, go past the park and TR on Ajuga, continue S on the E side of the park to Zinnia, TL and go E to Jasmine, TL and go N to Mountain View Park.
THIRD BREAK (2 3/4 Hour Total Walk-Time)

Congratulations on your persistence! I hope that you have been rewarded for your efforts with an appreciation of northwest Upland’s beautiful and well-tended homes and landscapes. Return often, bring your friends, and tell others what our area has to offer those who enjoy our Upland walks.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE THEOLOGY OF DENIAL

2010-01-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

THE THEOLOGY OF DENIAL

I happened to pick up a paperback “theology” book dealing with some of the Old Testament prophets the other day, and I was struck by the degree to which the author depended on his human understanding to gain perspective on the spiritual realities of Biblical prophesy. Certainly God expects us to use our minds to reason with each other regarding matters of faith, but to anchor our theologies on human understanding must necessarily result in abysmal failure. This is so because prophetic reality is spiritually revealed to us as a gift from God. Attempts to understand Scripture from the human perspective relegates the Bible to the realm of historical accounts viewed through the biased human lens of the reader. If one wishes to understand the Bible in the fullness which God intends, he must first abandon his feeble efforts of human analysis and cast himself wholly on God, Who provides the Godly perspective necessary for the basic understanding of the things of God.

I will refrain from divulging the name of the author of the paperback because it really doesn’t matter who he is, what theological school-of-thought he represents, his state of mind while “interpreting” or any other details pertaining to him personally. What does matter is the degree to which God has revealed Himself to the author through the Person of the Holy Spirit, and the degree to which the author faithfully transmits God’s Revealed Truth to his readers. It is quite easy to spot flaws in the author’s “faith and testimony,” because God’s Revelation will never be self-contradictory and insights will never detract from the Message of Scripture. To the degree that the author disagrees with Scripture, to that same degree will his interpretation contain certain and inherent flaws. An example of the arrogance of this particular author is his blatant doubt of the validity of the prophets’ experience with God and the Revealed Truth transmitted through them. His preponderated thought is that the prophets based their assumptions and messages on the culture and the politics of the time period in which they lived rather than on any particular relationship with the Living God.

By beginning the study of Scripture with preconceived ideas about the nature of God and His chosen prophets, we essentially burden our “analysis” with our own biases which result from our education, background and culture. We then make pitiful efforts toward understanding based not on a relationship with the actual Author of Scripture, but based upon our knowledge of history and our own human experience. The Bible addresses this problem specifically when it says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) The reward is faith, and accompanying that faith is the Revealed Truth of God’s Word. Essentially, those who make an attempt to interpret and analyze Scripture before they have received the gift of faith are doomed to an inaccurate and a failed analysis based upon their own flawed human understanding.

Mark Overt Skilbred

FOX RIDGE WAY NEIGHBORHOOD (1 3/4 Hour Walk)

2010-01-15T16:54:00.001-08:00

FOX RIDGE WAY NEIGHBORHOOD (1 ¾ Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park in Upland, go E on Mildura, crossing Mountain Ave and continue E on 23rd St, crossing San Antonio , Euclid and Campus. TL and go N on Campus and then TR on Ridge View Ct to cul-de-sac and return to Campus. Continue N on Campus to Valley View Ct. and TR, follow to cul-de-sac and then return to Campus. Go N on Campus to 24th St and TR. Go E on 24th to Fox Ridge Way and TR. Go S on Fox Ridge to the cul-de-sac and then return to 24th. Go E on 24th to the cul-de-sac and then return on 24th going W. Continue W on 24th, crossing Campus and Euclid, and then turn L on San Antonio. Go S on San Antonio to 23rd St and TR. Go W on 23rd, crossing Mountain to Mildura Ave and then go W on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

LOOKING GLASS NEIGHBORHOOD (65 Minute Walk)

2010-01-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

LOOKING GLASS NEIGHBORHOOD (65 Minute Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain, crossing 21st St/Benson Ave and continue S on Mountain past the Acacia fountain to Evergreen Dr, which is the last street on the RHS before the 210 freeway. Enter through the pedestrian gate and go W on Evergreen and TR on all the cul-de-sacs going W , beginning with Cheshire Way, Moonbeam Circle, White Rabbit Trail, exploring the park, and then continuing W to Briar Path, Shady Brook Way, and ending with Looking Glass Way. Continue W on Evergreen, passing Ridgemont Court . TR and go N on Muirfield Ave to Benson Ave. TR and stay on the S side of Benson, walk NE to Mildura Ave, use the crosswalk, cross Benson and go N on Mildura. Follow Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

CHELSEA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

2010-01-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

CHELSEA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

From Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain to 21st St/Benson Ave and TR. Go W on Benson to Mildura and TR. Go N on Mildura to Somerset Way/Sunrise and TR. Enter Chelsea Park using the W entrance and follow Sunrise Circle all the way around the perimeter, walking past all of the homes, and then walk through the beautiful park that bears its name in the center of all the houses. This neighborhood is truly one of the jewels of Upland, and should not be missed! Exit the park through the W exit to Mildura and TR. Go N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NORTH UPLAND EUCLID WALK (1 1/2 Hour Walk)

2010-01-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

NORTH UPLAND EUCLID WALK (1 ½ Hour Walk)

Euclid is a wonderful neighborhood walk at anytime of the year, but it is especially beautiful at Christmastime, when the star is lighted on the hills north of Euclid. There are many houses in this area with exceptional Christmas decorations, and these can be seen from the sidewalks and from the hiking path that runs down the middle of Euclid Ave. Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave, cross Mountain Ave and go E on 23rd St, cross San Antonio and continue E to Euclid Ave. TR on Euclid and go S to the 210 freeway and then return N on Euclid to 24th St. Turn L and go W on 24th and TL on San Antonio Ave. Go S on San Antonio and cross 23rd St. TR and cross San Antonio and continue W on 23rd St, crossing Mountain to Mildura Ave and continuing W to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

LEWIS HOMES SOUTH (1 Hour Walk)

2010-01-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

LEWIS HOMES SOUTH (1 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go S on the W side of Mildura Ave and TR on Elmhurst Way. Go W on Elmhurst and TR on Redgrove. Follow Redgrove N, follow W on Oriole Place and then go S on Windemere to the cul-de-sac and return to 20th St. Go W on 20th to Birkdale Ave and TR. Go N on Birkdale to the cul-de-sac and return S on Birkdale to Benson Ave. TL and go NE on the N side of Benson to Muirfield Ave. TL and go N on Muirfield and TR into Windsong Court. Follow it around, return to Muirfield, TR and continue N to Wakefield Ct. Follow it around, return to Muirfield, TR and continue N to Elmhurst Way. Cross the street to Katrina Way. Follow Katrina around, return to Elmhurst and go E to Mildura Ave. TL on Mildura and go N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SOUTH MILDURA NEIGHBORHOOOD (45 Minute Walk)

2010-01-06T11:30:00.001-08:00

SOUTH MILDURA NEIGHBORHOOD (45 Minute Walk)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Upland CA history, Mildura is Upland’s sister-city in South Australia, whose city-planning was also carried out by the Chaffees. It is fitting that the street named after Mildura is an unusually beautiful and well-thought-out centerpiece of several intertwined neighborhoods in this northwestern area of Upland. Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain to 21st St/Benson Ave and TR. Go W and then SW on Benson to Mildura and TR. Go N on Mildura and TR on Havenhurst Way to the cul-de-sac and return to Mildura. TR and follow Mildura N to Northstar Lane. TR and go E on Northstar to the cul-de-sac and then return to Mildura. TR and go N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

WENTWORTH WAY (45 Minute Walk)

2010-01-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

WENTWORTH WAY (45 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park in NW Upland, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain to 21st St/Benson Ave and TR. Go W on Benson to Wentworth Way and TR. Go N on Wentworth and TR on Miller Ct. Follow Miller to the cul-de-sac and return to Wentworth. TR and continue N on Wentworth to Meadow Ct and TR. Go E on Meadow to the cul-de-sac and return to Wentworth and TL. Go S on Wentworth to Benson and TR. Follow Benson to Mildura Ave and TR. Go N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

EVERGREEN DRIVE NEIGHBORHOOD (1 1/2 Hour Walk)

2010-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

EVERGREEN DRIVE NEIGHBORHOOD (1 ½ Hour Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park in NW Upland, go S on Mildura Ave and cross over Benson Ave on the crosswalk. TR and follow Benson SW to the 210 overpass. Turn around and go back NE on Benson to the first opening in the soundwall and go E on Evergreen Drive all the way to the end. Return W on Evergreen and explore all the cul-de-sacs going W, beginning with Cheshire Way, Moonbeam Circle, White Rabbit Trail, then exploring the park and continuing W to Briar Path, Shady Brook Way, Looking Glass Way and Ridgemont Court. Then follow Muirfield Ave N to Benson and return S to Evergreen and TR. Follow Evergreen W to Mitzi Court, then continue W to Birkdale Ave. TR on Birkdale and go N to Benson. TR and go NE on Benson to the Mildura crosswalk. TL and go N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

LEWIS HOMES NORTH (45 Minute Walk)

2010-01-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

LEWIS HOMES NORTH (45 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go S on the W side of Mildura Ave to Somerset Way and TR. Go W on Somerset and TR on Oakhurst Ct to the cul-de-sac, return to Somerset and continue W to Wetherley Ct. TR on Wetherley to the cul-de-sac, return to Somerset and TR. Follow Somerset to the cul-de-sac and return to Hillcrest St. TR on Hillcrest and follow to the cul-de-sac. Return and TR on Morningside Ave. Continue and TR on Roxbury Ct and Mansfield Ct and follow these streets to their cul-de-sacs. Then return to Morningside and ontinue S to where the street bends L and becomes 21st St. Follow 21st E to Mildura, TL and follow Mildura N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

ACACIA WEST NEIGHBORHOOD (45 Minute Walk)

2010-01-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

ACACIA WEST NEIGHBORHOOD (45-Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go S on Mildura Ave and cross over to the W side of the street. Continue S on Mildura to Benson Ave, TR and go SW to Brookdale Dr. TR and go W on Brookdale to Sunny Creek Ct. TL on Sunnycreek and follow to the cul-de-sac and then return and follow Springland Lane E, past the park to Brookdale. TR and follow Brookdale E to Benson. TL and go NE on Benson to Mildura Ave. TL on Mildura and go N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

ACACIA NEIGHBORHOOD (1 1/4 HOUR WALK)

2010-01-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

ACACIA NEIGHBORHOOD (1 ¼ Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain, crossing 21st St/Benson Ave and continue S to Running Creek Drive, the main entrance to Acacia. TR on Running Creek and go through the gate, crossing Stonebrook Lane and Creekwood Lane before turning L by the pool on Brookdale Dr. Follow Brookdale SE to Willowbrook Lane and TR. Explore Clearwater Circle on the R on the way W to the cul-de-sac, then return E to Brookdale. TL on Creekwood Lane and go N to Brookside St and follow E to the cul-de-sac and then return to the W cul-de-sac. Return S on Creekwood to Brookdale. Continue E on Brookdale, exploring Springcreek Circle on the R and then continue E and TR on Clearspring Dr. Go E on Clearspring, go N on Brookside Dr and TL into Creekside Court cul-de-sac. Return E to Brookside, TL and continue N, following the E perimeter sidewalk between the pool and basketball court to the north side of Acacia and then return S on Stonebrook Lane. TR on Running Creek Drive and go W to Creekwood Lane. TR and go N to Brookhaven Place. TR and follow E and then N on Bridgewood Way and continue W on Cloverbrook Lane to Brookhaven and then TR on Creekwood and follow S to Running Creek. TR on Running Creek and follow W past the basketball court and pool, TR on Brookdale Drive and TR on Benson. Cross Benson at the crosswalk and continue N on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR JANUARY 2, 2010

2010-01-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR JANUARY 2, 2010

1. Lakers .813
2. Cleveland .771
3. Boston .750
4. Orlando .727
5. Dallas .697
6. Atlanta .656
7. San Antonio .645
8. Denver .636
9. Portland .629
10. Phoenix .618
11. Houston .588
12. Oklahoma City .545
13. Utah .545
14. Miami .516
15. Memphis .500
16. New Orleans .484
17. Toronto .471
18. Chicago .452
19. Clippers .438
20. Sacramento .424
21. Charlotte .419
22. Milwaukee .419
23. New York .394
24. Detroit .344
25. Washington .323
26. Indiana .313
27. Golden State .281
28. Philadelphia .281
29. Minnesota .200
30. New Jersey .091

As 2010 begins, after more than two full months of play, the Los Angeles Lakers still remain on top of the NBA as they continue their march towards their 16th NBA title and coach Phil Jackson’s 11’th championship team. Cleveland has roared to life and is threatening to overtake last year’s champions, while Phoenix and Miami struggle to maintain their positions.

Mark Overt Skilbred

A PRAYER AS WE BEGIN NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-02T00:04:00.000-08:00

A PRAYER AS WE BEGIN NEW YEAR 2010

Dear Lord,

As we make our lists of new year’s resolutions, help us not to forget our dependence on You for everything that exists and the possibilities for good, which You alone have created: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the land we live in, the families that we have been given to understand, appreciate, love and serve, the world and all of its inhabitants, both great and small, the universe around us with all of its mysteries, wonders and possibilities. We know that You made us and all of these things for Your good pleasure and purposes, and that it has pleased You to share them with us, and for this we are truly grateful. We know that ultimately Your Will is accomplished and that “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Help us to further Your Kingdom by assisting You in every way possible. And as we look forward to this new year, help us to pursue the good in everything we do, look for ways to help each other and the vast world around us, to be a light of hope for those who are suffering and a beacon of truth for those who have lost their way. Help us to focus on the eternal realities which last when everything else has faded away. Most of all, help us to trust You in all of the small and large ways in which You have provided for all of our needs. Help us to help You in Your Kingdom. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

Mark Overt Skilbred

CUCAMONGA DAM (2 Hour Walk)

2009-12-31T23:29:00.001-08:00

CUCAMONGA DAM (2 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave, crossing Mountain and then continuing E on 23rd St, crossing San Antonio and Euclid and turning L on Campus. Go N on Campus to 24th St and TR. Go E on 24th to the cul-de-sac and then continue going E through the gate in the wall that leads to Cucamonga Creek Trail. Turn R and go S on the trail and follow the ramp SE and up on top of Cucamonga Dam and proceed E to the spillway. Return the same way that you came, exiting at the 24th St gate and continue W on 24th, crossing Euclid and turning L on San Antonio. TR and go W on 23rd St, cross Mountain, and go W on Mildura Ave to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

PARC CHATEAU NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

2009-12-31T23:05:00.000-08:00

PARC CHATEAU NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TR. Go S on Mountain, passing 22nd St and TR through the main gate of Parc Chateau on Cannes Ave. TR on Lorraine Dr and go N and then W to Eiffel Circle and then Paris Circle, continue W to the Mildura gate and then return E past Paris Circle to the first sidewalk going S between the houses. Follow it S to the Y and take the RH fork to the gazebo. Take the LH fork S to Charmaine Dr and TR. Go W to Pinot Circle, follow it around and continue W on the S perimeter sidewalk as it traces the W boundary past the tennis courts and heads N. Go past the gate to where the sidewalk heads E to the gazebo and continue E to the Y. Continue E to the park and follow the sidewalk around to the S side of the pool. Continue S to Charmaine Dr and TR to Malati Circle. Follow it around and then return E on Charmaine past the park and bend N to the main entrance. Exit on Cannes and TL on Mountain. Go N on Mountain to Mildura Ave and TL. Go W on Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

ASHLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-31T22:55:00.000-08:00

ASHLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go S on Mildura Ave on the W side of the street past Carissa St and TR on Amanda Pl, through the gate into Ashley Park. Follow Amanda W, Beverly Way N, Ashley Pl E and Sonya Ave S to the Amanda Pl exit. Go N on Mildura Ave to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MOUNTAIN VIEW WEST (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW WEST (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning at MountainView Park, cross Mildura Ave to the W side and go south to Daylily St. TR and go W on Daylily, past the tennis courts and basketball court. Just before turning L, walk up the hill on the railroad tie steps to Marigold St and TL. Go W on Marigold and turn S on Poppy Ave, pass Ash Ave and TL on Tulip St. Follow Tulip S and TL on Carissa St. TL on Daisy St and follow around the park to Alyssum Ave. Go N on Alyssum, passing the pool, and TR on Wisteria Ave. TR on Daylily St and go E to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

UPLAND SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

2009-12-31T22:28:00.000-08:00

UPLAND SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD (1 Hour Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park, cross Mildura Ave and go N on Deakin Ave to 24th St. TL and go W on 24th to the dead-end at San Antonio Creek. Return E on 24th and TR on Parkcrest St. TL on Highpoint St by the pool, go E to the cul-de-sac and return W to Starlight Ave. TL on Starlight and then TR on Panorama St to the cul-de-sac and then return E on Panorama and go S past the basketball court and pool to Lookout Ct. TR and go W on Lookout to the cul-de-sac and return E to Crestview. Continue S on Crestview to Forest St. TR on Forest and go W, exploring Woodcrest Way, Ridgemont Way, Fairfield Way, Skyline Way, the basketball courts and Moonridge Court as Forest becomes Meadow Glen Way and goes N. TR on Grandview St to the cul-de-sac and return W to Birkdale St. TR on Birkdale and go N to Highpoint St. TL on Highpoint to the cul-de-sac, return and go E on Highpoint until you see the pool on the RHS. TL and go N on Parkcrest St, TR and go E on 24th St to Deakin Ave. TR and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave, cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MOUNTAIN VIEW EAST (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW EAST (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go S on Jasmine Ave past the playground and tennis courts to Dogwood St and TL. Go E on Dogwood to the park and return to Zinnia. TL on Zinnia and W past the pool to the park. TL on Lobelia Ave, go past the park and TL on Fuchsia St. TL on Hibiscus St, go E to the last park and TL on Oleander Ave. Go N on Oleander to Dogwood and TR to Verbena Ave. TL and go N on Verbena to where Oak St goes L and W to Willow Ave. Go N on Willow to Mildura Ave. TL and go W and S on Mildura and TL on Fuchsia St. TL on Lobelia, cross Zinnia, go past the park and TR on Ajuga, continue S on the E side of the park to Zinnia, TL and go E to Jasmine, TL and go N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MALLORCA NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

MALLORCA NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, cross Mildura Ave to Mallorca on Cadiz Ave and TR on Mallorca St. Go E on Mallorca to the cul-de-sac, return W on Mallorca, go past the park and tennis courts on the R and continue W to the cul-de-sac. Return E to Alicante Ave and TL. Follow Alicante N to Granada St and TR. Go E on Granada to the cul-de-sac and then return W, passing Alicante to Naples Ave. TR and go N on Naples past the park, basketball court, picnic area and pool, and don’t miss the beautiful view of the mountains straight ahead. Go to where the street turns L on St Tropez St. Go W on St. Tropez, TR on Barcelona Ave and go N to Malaga St. TR and go E on Malaga to the cul-de-sac, return W, passing Barcelona, to the W cul-de-sac of Malaga. Return to Barcelona and go S to St. Tropez, turn R and follow St. Tropez W to where Palermo Ave goes S on the W side of the pool. TR and go W on Genoa St to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave and cross the street to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

ORCHARD TERRACE NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-31T21:18:00.001-08:00

ORCHARD TERRACE NEIGHBORHOOD (30 Minute Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave and TL. Go N on Mountain to the first street before 24th St and TL at the entrance gate to Orchard Park. Pass through the gate and TR on Walnut Ave. Follow Walnut N to the cul-de-sac, return and TR on Chestnut St. TR on Hickory Ave and then TR on Citrus St to the cul-de-sac. Go S on the sidewalk past the pool and TL to Walnut Ave. TR and go S on Walnut to the exit gate. TL and go N on Mountain to 24th St, TL and go W on 24th St to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

20th STREET NEIGHBORHOOD (3 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

20TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD (3 Hour Walk)

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave, cross Mountain, turn R and go S on Mountain, cross 22nd, 21st, Peppertree Lane, and TL through the opening in the soundwall that connects to 20th St. Going E on 20th, pass the new development on the RHS and then pass the orchard. TR on Rose Ave and follow S to Kenwood St. TR and go W on Kenwood to the orchard and then return E on Kenwood. Cross San Antonio and follow Kenwood E, next to the 210 soundwall, to where it turns L, becomes Quince Way and goes N to 20th St. TR and go E on 20th, crossing Euclid and then continuing E to the dead end. Turn around and head W on 20th St again, going up the following streets to their cul-de-sacs and then returning to 20th and continuing W: Winston Ct, Flower Ct, 2nd Ave/Muir Ct, Tapia Way, (cross Euclid), Palm Ave, Rita Ct, (return S to 20th), La Palma/Leah Ct, Redding Way, Ukiah Way, (pass McCarthy Park, cross San Antonio), Albright Ave to Rae Ct, return S to 20th and continue W to Coolcrest Ave. TR and go N to Solano St, TL and go W on Solano and follow around on Lucinda Ave and Pineridge St to Coolcrest again, then TL and go N on Coolcrest again, follow W on Driftwood St and then S on Shorewood Ave to rejoin 20th St again. TR and continue W on 20th to O’Malley Way. TR and go N on O’Malley to the interesting cul-de-sac-within-a-cul-de-sac and then return S to 20th. TR and go W on 20th to Kelly Ave. TR on Kelly, go N to explore Rae Ct on the L and then continue N to Peppertree Lane. TL on Peppertree and follow W to Mountain Ave. Go N on Mountain to 23rd St, (Mildura Ave), and TL. Follow Mildura W to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

PERIMETER CLUB 2009

2009-12-30T22:54:00.001-08:00

PERIMETER CLUB 2009

This has been a successful year for perimeter walking here in Upland, California. I was able to increase my average mileage from 7 to 8 miles per day, although I walked fewer days per week, averaging 5 days, compared with 6 days last year. I completed several perimeter walks in and around the city this year, and I plan to do even more in 2010. My goals remain similar to those from last year, as I look forward to another year. God bless each of you and may your new year be filled with good health and other blessings.

Mark Overt Skilbred

FOG IN THE UPLAND FOOTHILLS---AND SOME REASONS WE LIKE IT HERE

2009-12-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

FOG IN THE UPLAND FOOTHILLS—AND SOME REASONS WE LIKE IT HERE

We live in the foothills of Upland, California, on the southern slope of Mt. San Antonio, commonly referred to as Mt. Baldy, which has an elevation of more than 10,000 feet. This has many health benefits, including cooler temperatures, cleaner air, refreshing breezes, protection from gale winds, above-normal rainfall for this area with the resulting lush vegetation, and occasional snowfall. Our foothill weather is greatly influenced by the giant to the north, whose cooling afternoon breezes are so welcome in the summer heat and help to minimize the use of air conditioning. By driving north on Mt. Baldy Road, those who prefer to be at an even higher elevation are just a short drive from winter snow and the mountain chalet experience. We live at the 2000 foot level, where we have rain, drizzle, occasional fog and heavy dew, which sometimes freezes and delays our morning commute by requiring some windshield de-icing. I have learned to appreciate the benefits of cooler, moist weather, especially when walking. Early morning fog usually gives way to sunshine midway through most winter mornings and provides ideal walking temperatures, even for uphill climbs. The morning and evening zephyrs, combined with spectacular sunrises and sunsets supply ideal hiking conditions for a growing number of enthusiasts. Why not join us and experience the health benefits of Upland walks?

Mark Overt Skilbred

McCARTHY PARK (1 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

McCARTHY PARK (1 Hour Walk)

Note: This park is furnished with fine outdoor recreational facilities for both children and adults, including state-of-the-art playground equipment, basketball courts, exercise equipment, horseshoe pits, picnic facilities, clean restrooms, drinking fountains and a perimeter sidewalk for pedestrians and bicycles.

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. (Mildura becomes 23rd St at Mountain.) Continue E on 23rd to San Antonio Ave., cross the street, TR and go S on San Antonio, crossing 22nd and 21st St. McCarthy Park begins on the S side of the fire station on the E side of San Antonio and continues to 20th St. After exploring the park, go W on 20th St and pass through the soundwall opening to Mountain Ave. Cross Mountain to the W side of the street and go N on Mountain to Benson Ave/21st St. Cross over to the N side of Benson, TL and go W on Benson, passing Wentworth and turning R on Sunrise. TL and go W on Sunrise Circle South, follow it around and go out the W exit to Mildura Ave. TR and follow Mildura N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SAN ANTONIO PARK (30 Minute Walk)

2009-12-30T20:57:00.001-08:00

SAN ANTONIO PARK (30 Minute Walk)

Note: This park has two beautiful baseball fields with ample seating, state-of-the-art children’s playground equipment, clean restrooms and drinking fountains.

Beginning from Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. TL and go N on Mountain to the far end of San Antonio Park, TL and go W on the park perimeter sidewalk to where it bends S and continue through the parking lot to 24th St. TR and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross over Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

UPLAND WALKS--THE BEGINNING OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

2009-12-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

UPLAND WALKS—THE BEGINNING OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

There are more than 100 different walks I have documented in the Upland area, which I will share with you. Some of these are quite short and ideally suited to beginners and those with limitations caused by joint, back and other health factors. Other walks are more strenuous and much longer and should be undertaken in a methodical fashion.

I realize that there are several schools of thought regarding exercise, so here is the approach that works best for me, which you are free to make use of or disregard, as best suits your needs. Not everyone is athletic, but all of us can benefit from the right kinds of exercise, particularly low-impact routines such as walking. There are many who will testify about the benefits of walking, and I can certainly join my voice with theirs in giving my highest recommendation to this form of exercise!

Two years ago I began walking the length of Mildura Avenue and back, which is about 30 minutes for a beginning walker. Although I was about 50 pounds overweight, more importantly, I was desperately in need of a conditioning program that would steadily increase my endurance, tone-up my muscles, tendons and joints, increase my circulation, lower my blood pressure, improve my energy level, increase my resistance, and generally reverse the processes of aging that are common to all of us.

I am happy to report that two years later I have lost about half of my overweight amount and significantly improved my endurance, overall tone, circulation, blood pressure, energy level and resistance, and I have also begun to have some success in slowing down and, in some ways reversing, the aging process.

Walking has done all of this for me with a small investment of time and a modest amount of money spent for a few decent pairs of walking shoes. This is a spectacular bargain that should not be missed if you can muster the will to begin.

Don’t worry about the discipline—that will come naturally as a result of your training, because as you slowly and methodically increase the difficulty and duration of your walks, your energy level will continue to improve and motivate you to continue. There are some days when I can barely wait to go for my walk, and it seems to be unaffected by the weather and other conditions. There are other days when my energy level is lower, and I settle for a slower and shorter walk of more moderate difficulty.

I try to make it as easy as possible to say yes to my resolve and my body, by giving myself a variety of options to respond to whatever mind and emotions, body dynamics and energy are available to me on any given day. This is easier than it sounds, because there are a great variety of combinations available to me that encourage me to go outside and meet the day.

If the day is unusually busy, with lots of items on my to-do list, I will probably settle for a shorter distance that day. If my energy level is low, I will begin with a shorter-planned walk of a more horizontal nature. This is easily accomplished here in Upland by walking east and west instead of north and south, because of the terrain.

Upland is built on the south slope of Mt. San Antonio, (Mt. Baldy), which is over 10,000 feet above sea level. The height of San Antonio Dam is 2260 feet, and Mountain View Park is located at 2000 feet. The dam is about 3 blocks north of MVP, so you can see there is quite a steep rise when walking north. On a low-energy day, I may choose to walk east and west along the foothills, which has a more gradual ascent, and is level in several places. Knowing that this option is available greatly encourages me to begin, and still offers me the option to turn and go south and then north again, should my energy level improve during my walk.

I mention this because it is often the case that after walking for 30 minutes to 1 hour, my energy level is increased to the extent that I want to continue or even increase my level of activity. This led to the discovery that for me, at least, going uphill goes even faster than downhill and that longer strides are actually easier on the joints, even uphill, than shorter strides. This is just an example of what may work for you to increase your motivation and to work with your mind, body and emotions to increase your activity level and improve your overall energy and health.

What began as a feeble attempt, that was not highly motivated and lasted for only 30 minutes, has developed into a daily routine which typically lasts from 2-4 hours, depending on my energy level. I find that it is no longer as much of an effort to begin and continue my chosen route as it was just 2 years ago.

For most of the past 2 years I have averaged about 3 miles per hour, but after recently discovering that I can lengthen my uphill strides, I have improved my pace to between 3 ½ and 4 mph. When you do the math, I averaged walking about 7 miles per day my first year and about 8 miles per day the second year, with the average increasing rapidly for the last 2 months of 2009, by increasing the length of my uphill stride.

Sometimes I walk 6 days per week, but usually our weekends are busy, so I normally only walk Monday through Friday. Your abilities and needs may be different, and I am not telling you my results to persuade you that only my method is the correct one. Whatever motivates you and best suits your needs is the right routine for you.

I want to mention four interesting observations over the past two years: It is often imagined that it is thoughts and motivation which inspire activity and endurance. I have discovered that the opposite is actually more correct. You begin activity, not knowing the result of your effort, and through persistence discover the thoughts and motivation to continue. Action precedes thought and motivation, and not the reverse. In other words, “Just do it!” and everything else will follow.

A second observation is that exercise has a profound effect on your mood. You may begin your walk in a foul mood, thinking only negative thoughts about yourself and your fellowmen, and some time within the first hour, you will notice that not only are you feeling better, but you may not even remember what caused you to be in a bad mood in the first place. For some of us, this factor alone is worth the whole routine.

Another observation is that diet and exercise are often spoken of in that order, conveying the impression that a healthy diet must precede exercise. In fact, in my experience, when you begin to exercise, it is activity which has the greatest impact on your diet, and not the reverse. When my body begins to respond to exercise in beneficial ways, this creates a hunger and mental motivation for a healthier diet and lifestyle, which had not been there before beginning my exercise program.

Lastly, I cannot say enough about the overwhelming value of being methodical about whichever exercise routine you adopt. Your methodical pursuit of a healthy exercise routine begins slowly and increases daily and weekly, with occasional exceptions, until you are surprised with your progress. It is the good habits we get into that are life-changing, and you will be amazed when you look back in a couple of years at the progress you have made. I wish you the best as you begin whichever exercise program seems to work the best for you. Stay active and enjoy your Upland walks!

Mark Overt Skilbred

SAN ANTONIO DAM (1 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

SAN ANTONIO DAM (1 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. TL and go N on Mountain and go past San Antonio Park. Continue N on Mountain Lane instead of curving E on Mountain Ave and within a couple of blocks you will pass through the gate to San Antonio Dam. Go up the ramp to the top and go as far W as you can to the spillway. Return E along the top of the dam the same way you came, go back down the ramp and go back out the gate. Continue S on Mountain Lane to the N side of San Antonio Park and then TR and follow W on the perimeter sidewalk and then S through the parking lot to where it intersects with 24th St. TR and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura to MountainView Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MOUNTAIN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD (2 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD (2 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave, TL on Mountain Ave and go N to San Antonio Park. At the N end of the park, follow the perimeter sidewalk W and then S through the parking lot to where it intersects 24th St. Go W on 24th to Deakin Ave and go S to Mildura Ave. Turn R, follow Mildura S and turn R on Somerset Way, explore Oakhurst Ct, and Wetherly Ct, return to Somerset and follow to its cul-de-sac and then return to Hillcrest St. TR and follow Hillcrest to its cul-de-sac, return and TR on Morningside Ave. Go S to explore Roxbury Ct and Mansfield Ct and then follow Morningside Ave as it bends L on 21st St to return to Mildura Ave. Go S on Mildura and TR on Elmhurst Way. TR on Redgrove Way, which becomes Oriole Pl, which becomes Windemere Ave. Follow Windemere Ave S to 20th Ave, TR and go W to Birkdale Ave. TR and go N on Birkdale to its cul-de-sac and return S to Benson Ave. Cross over and go E on Benson to Muirfield Ave. TR and go S to Evergreen Dr and TL. Follow Evergreen Dr E through Looking Glass Neighborhood and pass through the gate to Mountain Ave. TL and go N on Mountain, passing Acacia Fountain, basketball and tennis courts on the LHS and crossing Benson Ave/21st St. Continue N on Mountain, TL on Mildura Ave/23rd St and follow W to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (1-3 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK NEIGHBORHOOD (1-3 Hour Walk)

Mountain View Park is the largest residential development in North Upland. It is situated on both sides of Mildura Avenue between Mountain Ave and Benson Ave. and contains many parks and recreational areas within its boundaries. There are several other smaller residential developments adjacent to Mountain View Park, and together they form a beautiful and park-like environment that encompasses the NW area of Upland, which is bounded by 24th St on the N, the 210 freeway on the S, Mountain Ave on the E, and San Antonio Creek on the W. Any who have not yet experienced this remarkably beautiful area are encouraged to make this a part of your daily exercise routine. See if you agree with others that Mountain View Park and the Mildura Avenue neighborhoods are certainly some of the finest in Upland and anywhere in southern California.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NORTH UPLAND PERIMETER (3 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

NORTH UPLAND PERIMETER (3 Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park (MVP), follow Mildura S to where it ends at Benson Ave. Cross over Benson, TR and follow Benson S to the 210 freeway. Return N to the first opening in the wall on the R, go E on Evergreen Drive and pass through the gate to Mountain Ave. Cross Mountain and enter through the opening in the soundwall to 20th St. Go E on 20th to Rose Ave. TR and go S on Rose to Kenwood St. TR on Kenwood to the end, then return and follow E on Kenwood, cross San Antonio and follow Kenwood E behind the 210 soundwall until it turns N on Quince Way and brings you to back to 20th. TR and go E on 20th, cross Euclid and continue E to the deadend. Pass through the fence and make a short, ½ block walk E to Campus Ave. TL and go N on Campus to where it ends at 24th St. TR and go E to the cul-de-sac and then return W on 24th. (24th St forms the northern boundary between Upland and San Antonio Heights.) Cross Euclid and continue W on 24th to San Antonio Ave. TR and go N uphill on San Antonio to where the road divides. Follow the LH fork on San Antonio Crest West to where it intersects Mountain Ave. Turn L and follow Mountain W until it begins to turn S at San Antonio Park. Cross Mountain and go W on the perimeter sidewalk on the N side of the park to where it bends S through the parking lot to 24th St. Turn R and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. Turn L and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NORTHEAST UPLAND PERIMETER (3 1/2 Hour Walk)

2009-12-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

NORTHEAST UPLAND PERIMETER (3 ½ Hour Walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. Mildura becomes 23rd St at this point, so continue E on 23rd to San Antonio Ave and go S to the S side of 16th St, (Baseline Rd). This is necessary, as there is no sidewalk on the N side of 16th between Campus and Tanglewood. Turn L on 16th and go E to Tanglewood Ave. Go N, crossing 16th, to Hummingbird Lane. Turn R and go E on Hummingbird to where it bends L and goes N on Eastgate Ave. Cross 19th St, where Eastgate becomes Sapphire St and crosses over the 210 freeway. TL immediately behind the 210 soundwall and go W on the bridle path to Cucamonga Creek Trail, turn R and go N, following the drainage canal to Confluence Park Trail Rest on the W side of the bridge. Then continue N alongside Cucamonga Wash until just before the spillway, where you will cross over the wash and continue N on the W side of the spillway to the upramp that takes you onto Cucamonga Dam. Continue NW on top of the dam until it joins back into Cucamonga Creek Trail and goes north to 24th St. TL and exit the trail W through the opening in the wall. Go W on 24th, cross Campus and Euclid and turn R on San Antonio Ave. Go N uphill on San Antonio until it splits and take the lefthand fork on San Antonio Crest West to where it intersects with Mountain Ave. TL and go W on Mountain to where it begins to curve S, cross Mountain to the N side of San Antonio Park, and follow the perimeter sidewalk W and then S through the parking lot to 24th St. TR and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. Turn L and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura Ave to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NORTHWEST UPLAND PERIMETER (3 1/2 HOUR WALK)

2009-12-29T21:35:00.001-08:00

NORTHWEST UPLAND PERIMETER (3 ½ HOUR WALK)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave. TL and go N on Mountain past San Antonio Park and continue N on Mountain Place to San Antonio Dam, walk up the ramp onto the dam and go W to the downramp just before the spillway. Go down the ramp and go past the spillway to the upramp that leads to the parking lot. Walk across the parking lot, going S on Mt. Baldy Rd to Padua Ave. Turn L and go S on Padua, crossing Baseline, (16th St), and the 210 freeway. Turn R on Shenandoah Dr and follow it around to where it intersects Claremont Blvd. Turn R and go S on Claremont to Foothill Blvd, (Route 66). Retrace your route by going back on Claremont Blvd and turning L on Shenandoah. When you reach Padua/Monte Vista TL and follow N to Baseline, (16th St). TR and go E on 16th to Benson Ave. TL on Benson and go N, crossing over the 210 freeway and then TL on Mildura Ave. Follow Mildura N to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred
n

THE NORTH UPLAND AREA (1-4 HOURS)

2009-12-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

THE NORTH UPLAND AREA (1-4 HOURS)

Including the North Upland Perimeter, I have listed several walks in the North Upland area with an assortment of walk-times to fit your schedule. Although I show the walks beginning and ending at Mountain View Park, you will want to adapt your own starting and stopping points to suit your needs. My purpose in separating North Upland into various neighborhoods is to offer variety and a comprehensive way to explore all the areas on separate days, depending on your available time. You will find that by completing each of the walks, you will have walked past every home in North Upland. Enjoy your neighborhood walks! Here’s the list:

North Upland Perimeter, San Antonio Dam, Cucamonga Dam and Reservoir, San Antonio Park, McCarthy Park, Mountain View Neighborhood, North Upland Euclid Walk, Fox Ridge Way Neighborhood, Mountain View Park Neighborhood, Mallorca Neighborhood, Upland Summit Neighborhood, Mountain View West, Mountain View East, Ashley Park Neighborhood, Parc Chateau Neighborhood, Lewis Homes North, Lewis Homes South, Evergreen Drive Neighborhood, Looking Glass Neighborhood, Acacia West Neighborhood, Acacia Neighborhood, Wentworth Way Neighborhood, South Mildura Neighborhood, Chelsea Park Neighborhood, Orchard Park Neighborhood, 20th St Neighborhood, 21st St Southside Neighborhood, 21st St Northside Neighborhood, 22nd St Southside Neighborhood, 22nd St Northside Neighborhood, 23rd St Southside Neighborhood, and 23rd St Northside Neighborhood.

Mark Overt Skilbred

UPLAND WESTERN PERIMETER (4 HOUR WALK)

2009-12-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

UPLAND WESTERN PERIMETER (4 HOUR WALK)

Begin at Mountain View Park and go E on Mildura Ave, TL and go N on Mountain, pass San Antonio Park and continue N on Mountain Place to San Antonio Dam. Pass through the gate, walk up onto the dam and go W to the downramp just before the spillway. Go down the ramp past the spillway and then up the ramp to the parking lot. Go S on Mt. Baldy Rd to Padua Ave. Go S on Padua, cross Baseline Rd, (16th St), cross over the 210 freeway and TR on Shenandoah Dr. Follow Shenandoah around to Claremont Bl, TR and go S on Claremont, cross Foothill Bl, (Route 66), continue past the Claremont Colleges, RRxing, cross Arrow Hwy, (where Claremont becomes Mills), continue S on Mills to Moreno St. TL and go E on Moreno to Benson Ave. TL on Benson and go N, crossing Arrow Hwy, Foothill Bl, pass Cable Airport, cross 16th St, (Baseline Rd), and continue N on Benson across the 210 freeway and follow Benson as it turns E. Turn L and go N on Mildura Ave until it turns E and brings you back to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

UPLAND COUNTERCLOCKWISE PERIMETER (7 HOUR WALK)

2009-12-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

UPLAND COUNTERCLOCKWISE PERIMETER (7 hour walk)

Beginning at Mountain View Park, go E on Mildura Ave to Mountain Ave, TL on Mountain, go N past San Antonio Park and continue N on Mountain Place through the gate and go up the ramp until you are on top of San Antonio Dam. TL and go W until just before the spillway, take the downramp, walk past the spillway and go up the ramp leading to the parking lot. Cross the parking lot, going S on Mt. Baldy Rd to Padua Ave. Go S on Padua, crossing Baseline (16th St) and the 210 freeway and TR on Shenandoah Dr. Follow Shenandoah around to Claremont Blvd and TR. Go S on Claremont, crossing Foothill Bl (Route 66), 6th St (Arrow Route), Huntington Dr, RRxing, Arrow Hwy and Oakdale St and TL on Moreno St. Go E on Moreno, crossing Monte Vista, Central and Benson, (here Moreno becomes 7th St), continue E on 7th to Mountain Ave. Continue E, crossing Mountain and go E through the parking lot and past the locksmith shop and continue E on 7th. Continue E, crossing San Antonio, Euclid and Campus to Grove Ave. TL and go N on Grove, crossing 8th, RRxing, 9th, Arrow Route, San Bernardino Rd and Foothill Bl. Go E on Foothill Bl, (Route 66), turning left on Red Hill. Follow Red Hill uphill past the golf course and TR on Calle Carabe Ave. TL on Valle Vista and continue uphill over the top of Red Hill, passing the school and then passing Cucamonga Creek Trail on the RHS. Continue N to Baseline Rd, (16th St), TL and go W on Baseline to Tanglewood Ave. TR, cross Baseline, go N on Tanglewood to Hummingbird Lane. TR and go E on Hummingbird to where it bends L and goes N on Eastgate Ave. Cross 19th St and follow Sapphire St across the 210 freeway. Turn L behind the 210 soundwall and follow the bridle trail path W to Cucamonga Creek Trail. TR and go N on Cucamonga Creek Trail to Confluence Park Trail Rest. Cross the bridge to the rest area and then go N along the wash until just before the spillway. Cross over the bridge to the W side of the wash and continue N up the ramp onto Cucamonga Dam, and follow NW along the top of the dam until you are on the W side of Cucamonga Reservoir. Follow Cucamonga Creek Trail N to 24th St. TL and go W through the opening in the wall and go W on 24th, crossing Campus and Euclid. TR and go N on San Antonio Ave uphill to where the road divides. Take the LH fork on San Antonio Crest W to where it intersects Mountain Ave. TL and go W on Mountain to where it begins to turn S at the N end of San Antonio Park. Cross Mountain and walk W on the park perimeter sidewalk and then follow the sidewalk S through the parking lot to 24th St. TR and go W on 24th to Deakin Ave. TL and go S on Deakin to Mildura Ave. Cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

Mark Overt Skilbred

UPLAND CLOCKWISE PERIMETER

2009-12-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

UPLAND CLOCKWISE PERIMETER Hours: 7

From Mountain View Park, E Mldura Ave, N Mountain Ave, follow Mountain Ave E to where N Mountain Dr leads you to Euclid Crest W and follow NW to 26th St, follow 26th E to where it curves S and joins with Cucamonga Creek Trail, go SE across the top of Cucamonga Dam and take the last downramp and continue S on Cucamonga Creek Trail to the 210 freeway, follow the bridlepath behind the soundwall E to Sapphire St and go S on Sapphire, cross 19th St, go S on Eastgate, W on Hummingbird Lane, S on Tanglewood Ave, E on 16th St, S Alta Cuesta, S Red Hill, W Foothill Blvd, S Grove Ave, W 7th Ave, through the shopping center, cross Mountain Ave, continue W on 7th Ave until it becomes Moreno St, N Mills Ave, becomes Claremont Blvd, W Shenandoah Drive, N Monte Vista, becomes Padua Ave, NE Mt. Baldy Rd to San Antonio Dam, cross parking lot, enter gate, take downramp to spillway, then upramp to top of W side of dam, walk along top of dam E to the last downramp and S to the gate that leads to Mountain Lane, S to the N side of San Antonio Park, follow the perimeter sidewalk W and then S to 24th St and then go W to Deakin Ave, follow Deakin S to Mildura Ave, cross Mildura to Mountain View Park.

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT--THANK YOU GOD, AND THANK YOU CHARLES SCHULZ!

2009-12-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT—THANK YOU GOD, AND THANK YOU CHARLES SCHULZ!

I was reminded today of how much I like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” while I was running an errand in the van. I was listening to Christmas music on KOST, Los Angeles, and the opening song “Oh Tannenbaum” came on the radio—if you are familiar with that jazz version. Before the musicians really get started, Charlie Brown asks a question, “Can someone tell me what Christmas is all about?” and either Lucy or Charlie’s little sister reads him the Christmas story, which I have repeated for you below, and then tells Charlie, “See Charlie, that’s what Christmas is all about.” If we could just believe this simple, but transformational truth, what a profound effect it would have on our lives. I am sure that those shepherds were never the same after experiencing the heavenly host! I invite you to experience that first Christmas with me this year as we remember the joy and wonder of God’s incredible Gift to mankind!

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, Who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:8-16 NIV

So let’s receive this free gift from God! The angel of the Lord says this good news of great joy is for ALL THE PEOPLE, but I wonder how many will truly believe that this really happened, and that this “good news of great joy” is for THEM? Begin today believing this great truth in the depths of your being, and ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010 to you and all of your families from us and our family.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SATISFACTION WITH MANNA

2009-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

SATISFACTION WITH MANNA

O Bread of Life from heaven,
To weary pilgrims given,
O Manna from above:
The souls that hunger feed Thou,
The hearts that seek Thee lead Thou,
With Thy most sweet and tender love.

O Fount of Grace redeeming,
O River ever streaming
From Jesus’ holy side:
Come Thou, Thyself bestowing
On thirsting souls, and flowing
Till all their wants are satisfied.

O Lord, this feast receiving,
Thy Word of Truth believing,
We Thee unseen adore:
Grant, when our race is ended,
That we, to heav’n ascended,
May see Thy glory evermore.

--Author unknown, but You, oh Lord, know, and You will reward!

Manna represents our daily needs that are satisfied by God, but as this beautiful hymn points out, Manna also represents God’s unspeakable Gift to us in sending the Bread of Life—His Son Jesus, to earth. Christians celebrate this event at Christmastime as they remember the events leading up to Christ’s coming, His announcement by the angels, His humble birth and the humble witnesses who saw Him lying in a manger. Notice that Jesus has been given to weary pilgrims, hungry souls and hearts that are seeking Him. Notice too that Jesus is called a Fount of Grace for those who will accept it from Him, an unending River ever streaming from Jesus holy side, remembering that He shed His precious blood to pay for our sins and that He is continually giving Himself to thirsty souls, and continues giving of Himself until all their wants are satisfied in Him. Notice too the response of those who receive this unspeakable Gift—they believe this Truth, they adore the One Who is yet unseen, and they ask to live in heaven with Jesus for evermore. May we all diligently seek Christ Jesus, Who forgives our sins and grants us eternal life with Him. Merry Christmas to all of you!

{Note: I wasn’t able to find this hymn in a current hymnal. It is becoming difficult to find hymnals at all, anymore. I did finally manage to find it in an old Concordia hymnal that credits Heinrich Isaac with the melody in 1490, and F. Melius Christiansen with the arrangement in 1907. I hope you agree that these old hymns are too precious to be lost and forgotten and that a united effort should be made not only to preserve them for the present and future, but to increasingly restore them to common usage.}

Mark Overt Skilbred

YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN--YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE! CHOOSE LIFE--BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS!

2009-12-15T16:10:00.001-08:00

YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN—YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE! CHOOSE LIFE—BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS!

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s Mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices—holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s Will is—His Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:1-3

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN. YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE. Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20

“Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE; do not become slaves of men.” I Corinthians 7:21-23

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV

With these words, St. Paul introduces us to an entirely new way of relating to the world around us. Instead of being slaves to our own selfish motives and agendas, evil desires and bad habits, Christ invites us to a life of freedom under His Lordship. We are no longer to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but instead must understand that we have become slaves of Christ through His death on the cross. The price of our redemption is that we give up our freedom to do whatever we choose in order to belong to Christ. “Those who BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galations 5:24 NIV This is true liberation! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 NIV Instead of making a fruitless attempt to gain what we cannot keep, we are called to gain that which we cannot lose—eternal life with Christ. But in order to receive this free gift from God, we must sacrifice our personal wills and be willing to endure whatever our service to Christ demands. From the world’s perspective, it looks as though Christians are being deprived of their natural freedoms, but from the Christian perspective, we are really giving up that which we cannot hold onto anyway. From a practical and eternal standpoint, we are exchanging the temporal for the eternal. God tells us to choose life, and it is really this choice that is at the heart of the Gospel. We belong to Christ, and therefore have given up our “rights of ownership” in order to follow Christ’s leadership. It is also true that all of creation belongs to Christ, since He made it, and that no part of creation can legitimately claim to be independent of Him at all. But this is especially true of Christians, since by declaring that we are followers of Christ, we have agreed that we no longer answer to ourselves, but to Him. Why act as if we are free to do whatever we please, instead of pleasing God? Since we do not belong to ourselves, but to God through Christ Jesus, we have been set free from the bondage of our own wills, and have become the servants of Christ. Why not ask Jesus to come and live inside of you and transform you completely, from the inside. Ask Him to show you what “His Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will” is for your life, and then move forward, trusting that “He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV

Mark Overt Skilbred

IMPROVING BASKETBALL--PROGRESSIVE TEAM-SPORT REGULATIONS

2009-12-04T15:57:00.001-08:00

IMPROVING BASKETBALL—PROGRESSIVE TEAM-SPORT REGULATIONS

I mentioned in a previous article that a worthy goal should be a .500 average for every team in the league, because worthy opponents create more competitive and exciting environments for players and fans and generate greater interest and team profits at the box office and concession stands.

Everyone will reap the benefits and rewards of more balanced competition, so why not begin to even the odds by increasing team-size, limiting players to 16 minutes per game, and requiring that every player who is not sick, injured, ejected or serving a suspension play a minimum of 12 mpg? In the NBA, this would mean increasing the average team size from 13 to 15 members, just to accommodate the 48-minute game total, plus the necessary substitutes for injuries, fouls and ejections. Overtime minutes would also need to be rotationally shared and limited. The net effect of these changes will be to level the talent pools available on the floor at any given moment, whether through the rotation of 5-man units or another substitution strategy which suits the coaching staffs’ preference.

This will have the added benefits of increased levels of game-play, morale, and skill- development for substitutes, the ability to include more high-speed offensive game techniques, full-court press defense, and other methods which previously had limited use to avoid player fatigue. By limiting game-time for regulars and increasing minutes for substitutes, more realistic and balanced demands per player will mean lower stress and injury averages and potential career-extensions for players, more options for coaching staffs and management, and an overall increase in fan support and interest. Additionally, rookies will immediately see service, resulting in accelerating their learning curves, to the advantage of both these new players and their teams.

As a team sport, basketball has proven to be highly successful, primarily because of the emphasis placed on offensive and defensive strategies, assists, rapid-response maneuvers and other team-generated efforts. Predictable objections may include those who fear that lowered stats for regulars will result in the inability to compare year-by-year stat totals, but these can be overcome by the increasingly favorable stats compiled by the entire team. Lowering yearly output-per-player may also extend careers which might otherwise be cut short by depending too heavily on massive short-term production by the regulars, and increasing the chances for fatigue-related injury.

More than any other reasons given, this is an idea worth trying in order to boost every team’s chances to make it to the playoffs, the benchmark by which success in the league is measured, and thereby increasing fan interest and support and ultimately benefiting the entire NBA organization.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NBA STANDINGS FOR DECEMBER 2, 2009

2009-12-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

NBA STANDINGS FOR DECEMBER 2, 2009

1. Los Angeles Lakers .824
2. Orlando Magic .789
3. Boston Celtics .778
4. Dallas Mavericks .737
5. Phoenix Suns .737
6. Atlanta Hawks .722
7. Cleveland Cavaliers .722
8. Denver Nuggets .722
9. Portland Trail Blazers .600
10. San Antonio Spurs .600
11. Miami Heat .588
12. Utah Jazz .588
13. Houston Rockets .556
14. Oklahoma City Thunder .556
15. Milwaukee Bucks .529
16. Sacramento Kings .529
17. Chicago Bulls .438
18. Los Angeles Clippers .421
19. Charlotte Bobcats .412
20. Washington Wizards .412
21. New Orleans Hornets .389
22. Indiana Pacers .375
23. Memphis Grizzlies .368
24. Golden State Warriors .353
25. Toronto Raptors .350
26. Detroit Pistons .333
27. Philadelphia 76ers .263
28. New York Knicks .211
29. Minnesota Timberwolves .111
30. New Jersey Nets .000

As December begins, the Lakers are all alone on
top of the NBA, followed by Orlando in second,
the Celtics in third, Dallas and Phoenix tied for
fourth, Atlanta-Cleveland-Denver tied for fifth,
Portland and San Antonio tied for sixth, Miami
and Utah tied for seventh, Houston and Oklahoma
City tied for eighth, Milwaukee and Sacramento tied
for ninth and Chicago in tenth. All of these top-level
teams except Chicago are averaging over .500.
There is no real surprise with the first three positions,
but there is still lots of room to maneuver as we get
closer to the first quarter-stop of the season.

Mark Overt Skilbred

DETOXING THE SYSTEM--FOCUSING ON CURE INSTEAD OF SYMPTOMS

2009-12-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

DETOXING THE SYSTEM—FOCUSING ON CURE INSTEAD OF SYMPTOMS

The problem with many addictions and unhealthy lifestyles is that too often we become so preoccupied with the problem that we lose perspective on the solution. The body is frequently cheated of nutritional and exercise necessities which then leads to unhealthy cravings and contributes to further bodily dysfunction. By focusing on ways in which we are able to contribute to our health rather than continuing in an unhealthy lifestyle, we will make changes in our diet and exercise programs and in our entire mental and social attitudes which will support our goals. If you are one of the many in society who feel powerless to meaningfully change the negatives which directly or indirectly contribute to your addictions, what is needed is a methodical transformation of your customary routine.

The next time you are participating in an unhealthy lifestyle, or reaching for alcohol, nicotine, or any other addictive drug, try eating and drinking some of the many nutritionally-helpful foods which will repair damage done to your system. You will be rewarded with actual improvements in your health, which will lead to further progress in your physical and emotional health. It was a step-by-step process which led to your addiction, and it is step-by-step development that will lead you to good health. It is these small changes in habit that will add up to the winning lifestyle you are seeking.

The world is also full of solutions, just as it has been full of problems, when we are willing to seek help. You know that your attitude affects your health, but did you know that your health affects your attitude? When you make those one-step-at-a-time changes in your lifestyle, you will be amazed at the improvement in your whole outlook on life. There are many who will help you attain your goals when they see that you are willing to make the changes that lead to good health. I recommend seeking those who are already well-on-their-way to a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition and health spa instructors and mentors, life coaches, and workout partners who will be patient with your development.

As you know, negativity is all around us, and can easily lead to self-doubt and attempts to sabotage all of our efforts to improve. Usually the negativity focuses on large, impossible tasks such as trying to change the past, instant transformations, impossible expectations, and other large and difficult solutions. In order to reclaim your progress and stay focused on the goals which lie ahead, you must always do the little, methodical things which lead to good health, by asking yourself, “What can I do today to help myself to get healthy?” Then simply do those daily diet and exercise routines which support a healthy lifestyle.

Accept the challenge to transform your life by taking the small steps that are needed to bring about this change. Start making the small daily changes which lead to good health, and stop worrying about all the other stuff which has kept you a prisoner of your own self-doubt. You will discover that many of your problems are smaller than they were before and that you are no longer bothered by their solution. Just live your life and be grateful for that day’s accomplishments. I and many others send our best wishes!

Mark Overt Skilbred

BASKETBALL--WHO IS USING THEIR BENCH TO FULLEST ADVANTAGE?

2009-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

BASKETBALL—WHO IS USING THEIR BENCH TO FULLEST ADVANTAGE?

With nearly 20 % of the season over, the Lakers are in a 4-way tie for 1st place with Atlanta, Orlando and Phoenix, followed by a 4-way tie for 2nd place between Boston, Cleveland, Dallas and Denver. It looks like the season is off to a great start with lots of competition to keep our skills honed. The Lakers are scheduled to play at Golden State Saturday night. Currently, the Lakers regulars are averaging 29.33 mpg, and the subs are averaging 9.72 mpg, compared with an NBA regulars average of 28.37 mpg and NBA subs average of 9.21 mpg. Golden State is averaging 26.16 mpg for regulars and 14.65 mpg for their subs. Since the Lakers regulars average playing over 3 times as many minutes as Lakers subs do, there is plenty of game time to be shared. Now would be a great time to increase playing time for our substitutes, so they have a chance to develop their game early in the season. The playoffs will be here before we know it, and we’ll need all the help we can get.

Mark Overt Skilbred

(Source: NBA team stats from 11-22-09 and available standings from 11-24-09)

OVERHEARD ON C-SPAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2009: CONGRESSIONAL BICKERING HAS GOTTEN THE WORLD'S ATTENTION

2009-11-23T01:34:00.000-08:00

OVERHEARD ON C-SPAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2009: CONGRESSIONAL BICKERING HAS GOTTEN THE WORLD’S ATTENTION

Senator Kent Conrad, D-ND, and Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee says that we need to appoint a bipartisan “special process” panel if we are to avert an imminent and catastrophic budgetary meltdown. Estimates are that we are currently collecting only 76% of the necessary revenue to maintain our current budget, and if remedial efforts are not begun quickly to reduce spending and raise needed taxes, we will ensure our further decline and inability to respond economically or otherwise as a nation.

There was a recent comment overheard in Chinese government circles to the effect that leadership in the United States is now too dysfunctional to prevent us from becoming a second-class nation. Chairman Conrad acknowledges that there is some truth to that rumor, because there is increasingly less hope for congressional agreement on key issues which affect our current budget and our status as a nation.

Our nearly-insurmountable debt-load now amounts on a per-family basis to over ten times what the average family earns per year, and it strains credibility to believe that we will be able to legislate our way out of this crisis. The suggestion of the Senate Budget Committee is that we grant special emergency powers to a bipartisan panel which is granted the ability to act for and with the full support of the congress to reduce budgets across a full spectrum of government services and to increase taxes as needed.

I applaud Chairman Conrad and the Senate Budget Committee for saying what needs to be said regarding the level of dysfunction in Congress. Do we really need to wait for the world to tell us that it is our inability to agree on important issues which is causing the further collapse of our system of government? I will go one step further and say that if Congress cannot find a way to agree and move towards a workable solution that they should all resign and go home and let a special bipartisan commission be appointed to do the job that they were supposed to do. Further, I suggest that Chairman Conrad and the current Senate Budget Committee BE THAT COMMISSION, and be granted all of the necessary powers to accomplish this task.

Mark Overt Skilbred

BASKETBALL MPG--HOW MINUTES PER GAME CAN IMPROVE AVERAGES

2009-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

BASKETBALL MPG—HOW MINUTES PER GAME CAN IMPROVE AVERAGES

A quick glance at today’s NBA player statistics for the Lakers shows that Shannon Brown is averaging 16 mpg, which is the perfect average mpg per player for a 15-man team. This roster currently shows only 13 men, but it could show 15, and the 16-minute average would then apply. The starters and regulars who average greater than 16 mpg and the substitutes who average less than 16 mpg have similar stats in many respects, but the one we will concentrate on for the moment will be mpg.

The closer a team gets to an average player mpg of 16 minutes, the more experience that team will be able to present to an opponent, and the entire team will be stronger as an offensive and defensive unit than a team with lopsided player mpg averages. Players who observe their opponent from the sidelines are able to bring that knowledgeable response to the court when given an opportunity to increase their mpg to a more equitable average.

Adam Morrison currently has the lowest mpg for the Lakers, which I believe is going to be increased throughout the season, as he works into the rotation. We expect great things from this young player, as he showed great promise in the Las Vegas summer league as well as a fabulous college career at Gonzaga.

I believe that increasing average mpg for reserve players will greatly improve the ability of the entire team to function as a cohesive unit and present a more formidable offensive and defensive capability to opponents. Some will worry about the effect this will have on individual and divisional standings, but I think this strategy is worth the effort, despite the initial reaction that may result from its implementation.

When fans realize that the goal is building a better team which is more experienced and better prepared to defend our national title, they will enthusiastically support the coaches and team as they increase the average mpg of the reserves, thereby improving the Laker’s chances to repeat as NBA champions in 2010. Let’s all work together to make it happen!

Mark Overt Skilbred

GLOBAL WARMING--LOGICAL CONCERNS AND RESPONSES

2009-11-22T21:28:00.001-08:00

GLOBAL WARMING—LOGICAL CONCERNS AND RESPONSES

Scientists, politicians and citizens disagree about many aspects of the current global warming debate, but there seem to be some areas of commonality that allow for a constructive and progressive timetable. There are those who deny that carbon emissions are responsible for polar ice melt and various climate changes, but who support efforts to clean up the environment and various clean air initiatives. Although we may not agree on all of the possible causes, consequences and timeframes of environmental degradation, the world agrees that united efforts to improve overall air quality and the environment as soon as possible are a very good idea. In many ways, regardless of the outcome of current debate, we are all better off because of the attention given to global warming.

In seeking to pinpoint causes of environmental changes and their various consequences, we frequently lose sight of opportunities for meaningful improvement in our ability to cooperate environmentally with each other in all of our various interactions. How can we make meaningful progress which will avoid the unproductive debate over contentious issues that have little to do with real solutions for environmental degradation?

All of us face health risks associated with the quality of the air we breathe, whether or not air pollution ultimately results in catastrophic polar melting. Given the sense of urgency associated with real and perceived dangers from global warming, this is a perfect time to get our environmental houses in order and to focus on the prevention of future pollution through proactive legislation and agreements which call attention to various obstacles to a clean environment for us all.

By calling attention to pollution and environmental issues through various educational programs, we can teach our fellow citizens much that has already been discovered about the prevention of environmental degradation and about the many improvements which are now possible. By working together as citizens and nations of the world, we can pass along a cleaner and environmentally safer world to our grandchildren with much greater authority, by building on the knowledge and experiences we have already encountered.

Mark Overt Skilbred

TECHNIQUES OF BASKETBALL SUBSTITUTION

2009-11-15T19:33:00.001-08:00

TECHNIQUES OF BASKETBALL SUBSTITUTION

We are all familiar with typical substitution protocols for fouls, injuries, height and weight matchups, and various other as-need-basis practices. Although there is merit in individual substitution, there are many occasions when the instant-shock factor of unit-substitution will provide the quickest and most stabilizing effect of “righting-the-ship” when facing an unexpected onslaught from an opponent. The preparation of 5-man units who have been prepared to meet various attack-and-response challenges and who are able to mount successful skirmishes appropriate to the occasion can effectively respond to the various offensive and defensive strategies of opponents. Instead of relying on individuals with appropriate tactical-response skills, the use of entire units prepared for immediate response to specific offense and defense tactics will offer a more complete and effective alternative than any single player can provide. Coaching staffs skilled in the recognition of various offensive and defensive strategies combined with three sets of 5-man, alert and prepared tactical units intent on their mission of disrupting any strategy their opponent throws at them will revolutionize the game of basketball as we know it. The element of surprise combined with prepared and fresh units in lock-and-load position can respond and wreak havoc on any line of attack and prevent any meaningful attempts at recovery by staying a step ahead of the opponent. Readiness is the key to a program of this kind, so full-on scrimmages should replace warm-up drills and shoot-around routines as a better method of pregame preparation. Timing rotations effectively will ensure that all units are able to stay in contest-ready condition throughout the game. Dividing game-time minutes equitably among units will allow full-scale warm-up routines without fear of fatigue and pre-game slump. Coaching staff skilled in the identification of unusual offensive and defensive strategies must have the ability to instantly inform units of their detection and appropriate responses. The element of surprise is critical in overcoming the opposition, both in readiness to fully-engage in full-court defensive and offensive strategies from the opening tipoff and in the advantage gained through unannounced rotations of units, timed to keep the opposition off-balance and unable to appropriately respond before the rotation is completed again, assuring that the opposition is unable to recover their equilibrium.

Mark Overt Skilbred

BASKETBALL---WHEN SUBSTITUTES BECOME THE MAIN ATTRACTION

2009-11-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

BASKETBALL---WHEN SUBSTITUTES BECOME THE MAIN ATTRACTION

Basketball team excellence has always depended on bench strength and depth. It has long been understood that organizations wishing to develop their franchises most effectively must recruit the strongest and most talented offensive and defensive players which are available at the high school and college level. Once this has been accomplished, the long process begins of improving their chances to play through scrimmaging each other and with the “regulars” in practice and throughout the season, by being substituted for those with injuries or foul trouble, to gain height or weight advantage, or to take advantage of certain offensive and defensive skills which become necessary as conditions demand. This often becomes a long development process, with occasional exceptions for those with superstar talents, or for those with the necessary skill-sets who are fortunate enough to be acquired at just the right time.

This can be a delicate balancing act for owners and management, who are pressured to attract and keep the most talented veterans and at the same time offer recruits opportunity for advancement within their organizations. Often talented players run out of the patience needed to endure delays caused perhaps by management, but also by various other factors including the inability to fit neatly into the rotation pattern which has been established. It may be that coaching staffs intend to eventually make use of certain individuals, but that day just doesn’t arrive quickly enough to satisfy everyone. Injuries may cause a coaching staff to temporarily substitute players whose talents are then given proper recognition.

At the high school level, B-teams allow players to develop their talents within a game setting, serving to enhance the skills of younger players, increase their endurance, and assist in the development of coaching staffs. When B-team players are allowed to play on a regular and consistent basis, their skill levels increase rapidly through exposure brought about by the regular number of minutes played, the opportunity to fit into a regular rotational flow with players whose skills match their own, and through experiencing the level of intensity which only an actual game provides. Although scrimmaging is the next-best thing to playing, it is no substitute for regular seasonal play, and especially playoff experience, where pressure is greatly increased.

How can owners, management and coaching staffs optimize the use of their teams so that everyone benefits through the development of skilled players, increased fan-support, and the resulting financial advantages which result from a more competitive environment? The rotation of 5-man units which are used to strategically impact the game through the pony-express ability to increase speed and endurance and reduce fatigue and injury will not only add the element of surprise, but will increase player-skills, scores, fan-interest, coaching options, and ultimately player and team health and attitude. When all players equitably share minutes, mental and physical abilities are enhanced. Realizing that on a systematic and strategic basis, their full attention and participation is required will have the effect of greater involvement. The endurance which is currently demanded of players on an individual basis can be shared as 5-man units more efficiently, resulting in higher scores, more productive rotations, greater fan interest and increased revenues.

Options which now depend on endurance factors, such as full-court press, run-and-gun, fast-break, various isolation and interception techniques, as well as every offensive and defensive weapon in the coaching arsenal will be improved when 5-man rotation units share available minutes and strategies on a more equitable basis and when player-usage is maximized rather than minimized. Consider which team will prevail season-by-season—one which is optimized through the use of all of its players, or one which makes ruthless demands on 7 or 8 players, to the virtual exclusion and ultimately the lack of consistent development of the balance of the team. Teams which consistently depend on the same few players unwittingly are developing themselves into desperate, needy and dependent organizations lacking the necessary options for the long haul. I know which team I would rather be a part of, and I think I know which team will win more championships.

Initial objections to a more balanced 5-man-unit rotational approach may include those who feel that individual scoring results will suffer as a result of balancing efforts, but the increase in stamina, reduction in injuries, and the increase in overall team performance and fan support will eventually overcome these objections. Careers may actually be extended by making more reasonable seasonal demands on players. Concerns that win-loss percentages and their divisional standings may suffer while these changes are being implemented can be offset ultimately by overall team improvement in skills and attitude.

Consider the following scenario: Superstar X on Team A is carrying the team because they have no other current option available to them, through lack of development. Superstar X sustains a season-altering injury or condition, forcing the substitution of a player who has limited game-exposure and rotational experience. Now begins the long process of development which may or may not lead to limited, but ineffective results for the team. Contrast this with Team B, which has consistently developed 5-man rotational units: A fresh rotational unit is immediately exchanged for the disabled unit and the game continues with minimal impact. Efforts to immediately replace or retrain a substitute have been greatly reduced. Which team option seems better for owner, management, coaching staff, players and fans? Consider well your options and plan appropriately.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SOME BASKETBALL SUGGESTIONS REGARDING 5-MAN ROTATIONS

2009-11-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

SOME BASKETBALL SUGGESTIONS REGARDING 5-MAN ROTATIONS

1. Three 5-man units per 15-member team.
2. 16 minutes average per player per game.
3. Full-court press for 48 minutes.
4. Ideal rules for the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, NAIA, HS, YMCA, YWCA, Junior High, Grade School & Intramural Basketball, both nationally and internationally, etc.
5. Everyone has the same number of minutes to improve their game averages, players can play harder and faster, knowing that they will only play 1/3 as much as usual. Playing for fewer minutes will also reduce chances for injuries caused by fatigue. Chances are that fewer fouls will be committed per player, reducing necessary substitutions and lowering stress levels for players and coaching staffs. Players can play for more years, realizing less stress per year. As the three 5-man teams interchange within their rotation, their performance statistics will aid coaches in evaluating which of the three performance units per team maintains the strongest offensive and defensive presence, and can adjust rotations accordingly.
6. Rotating 5-man units simultaneously will save time and improve player readiness to hit-the-floor running.
7. Teams which effectively manage their 5-man rotations to optimize their attack and response times will eventually lead their conferences and ultimately prevail in the playoffs.

As you know, the ideal leagues strive for team-equality regarding talent-level, which leads to loyal fan-base support at the box office and concession windows as well as on television, video-gaming and various other fan-support mechanisms and products. This technique has the potential to increase fan interest by offering a faster-paced game with fewer potential hazards and game-delays, by increasing the profiles and game-time averages of typical bench-warmers and offering fans a wider base of player-recognition, rather than the usual level of player-familiarity established by longer play-time practices. By promoting a more equitable usage of minutes-per-player, the long-term effect is to increase overall team-performance, energy level, speed and accuracy, fan-interest and support. Rather than relying on 7 or 8 key players per team, by using all 15 players, everyone profits—management, coaches, players and fans. Ideally, we should strive to have every team in each conference win 50% of their games and have every playoff series go 7 games. The closer we get to achieving this goal, the more interest we will generate and the more profits will be realized for everyone. Have a great season!

Mark Overt Skilbred

IT'S TIME TO LEAVE AFGHANISTAN

2009-10-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW HOH, IT IS TIME TO LEAVE AFGHANISTAN

According to a riveting Washington Post article published Tuesday, October 27, 2009, by Karen DeYoung, Matthew Hoh just became the first U.S. official to resign his post in protest over the Afghan war. A 36-year-old foreign service officer in Afghanistan and former Marine captain who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hoh received citations for uncommon bravery and respectful words of praise from his fellow foreign service officers, even as he tendered his resignation. In his own words, Matthew Hoh said, "but the truth is that the majority" [of insurgents] are residents with "loyalties to their families, villages, valleys and to their financial supporters.” Hoh's doubts increased with Afghanistan's Aug. 20 presidential election, marked by low turnout and widespread fraud. He concluded, he said in his resignation letter, that the war "has violently and savagely pitted the urban, secular, educated and modern of Afghanistan against the rural, religious, illiterate and traditional. It is this latter group that composes and supports the Pashtun insurgency." With "multiple, seemingly infinite, local groups," he wrote, the insurgency "is fed by what is perceived by the Pashtun people as a continued and sustained assault, going back centuries, on Pashtun land, culture, traditions and religion by internal and external enemies. The U.S. and NATO presence in Pashtun valleys and villages, as well as Afghan army and police units that are led and composed of non-Pashtun soldiers and police, provide an occupation force against which the insurgency is justified." American families, he said at the end of the letter, "must be reassured their dead have sacrificed for a purpose worthy of futures lost, love vanished, and promised dreams unkept. I have lost confidence such assurances can be made any more." You can now add my name to the list of Americans who have profound respect and admiration for the courage and dedication shown by Matthew Hoh in calling attention to the intractable issues involved in sustaining an armed conflict in Afghanistan. If it is patriotism that you want, look no further than this man who unselfishly proclaims that "I have lost understanding of and confidence in the strategic purposes of the United States' presence in Afghanistan." Hear, Hear, Matthew! May you live long and prosper! Thank you for saying what needed to be said with a credible, precise and wise voice.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE V.A.--AN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT WORKS

2009-10-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

THE V.A.--AN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT WORKS

I just finished watching the video “Health, Money and Fear” that was made by members of the U.S. healthcare system who are presenting some viable alternatives to the notion that the solution to our healthcare crisis is to simply throw more money at the system we already have in place. They quite rightly point out that this would only reward a failing system and ensure that conditions will go from bad to worse. I was especially intrigued with the high praise that is given to the Veterans Administration, as presenting a viable alternative to the current healthcare system. As the video points out, the VA gets much higher marks than our current healthcare system in several areas—quality of primary care, medical-record-keeping, affordability, accessibility, patient satisfaction, and other areas. This flies in the face of those who assure us that only our current system can provide the level of care demanded by our citizens, and offers credible evidence that existing government-administered VA care is far better and more affordable than what currently passes for healthcare among the civilian population. Those who claim that government cannot properly administer or provide a high quality healthcare alternative to our current healthcare system should carefully study the VA model and acquaint themselves with the reality of VA healthcare across this country. Certainly, if Medicare were to require all of its recipients to seek care in VA-provided healthcare facilities, it would strain that system beyond its current abilities. However, a government healthcare option which patterned itself after the VA system and made use of VA administrative models and parameters would certainly present a better and more viable alternative than our current system provides. Let’s encourage our government to pursue efforts to model our healthcare system after a system which has proven its ability to provide better and higher-quality care at a more reasonable cost than its counterparts in the civilian-administered and profit-driven healthcare system. Any who doubt that government is capable of providing high-quality healthcare should ask friends in the military which system they prefer—the VA, or ours—and listen carefully to their responses. You will be amazed by their answers and better-able to dialogue with government-detractors. Give government-administered healthcare a chance—it deserves a chance, based on its record with the VA system, as so many of our veterans will gladly testify.

Mark Overt Skilbred

GOD AND MORALITY

2009-09-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

GOD AND MORALITY

We all desire a moral code because ultimately we want others to treat us fairly and not take advantage of us. Those who tend to favor anarchy usually change their mind when they become the victim of someone else’s freedom. There are various ways of expressing this desire for moral order—laws, justice, karma, etc. Those who faithfully adhere to moral codes become good examples for others who may have doubted the values of morality or had basic misunderstandings about freedom. Maturity brings wisdom and reconciliation to chaotic, dissipative and retributive patterns of life. Repentance and forgiveness lead to acceptance of responsibility and changes which reform our thoughts and actions and conform us to morality. It has been said that if there were no God, that it would be necessary to invent Him, because of our more-or-less intense desires for leadership, accountability, order and progressive existence. When we believe in God, we accept His moral order, follow His Leadership, and look forward to being His servants in the perfect Kingdom which He is creating for us. There are many who are already participating in this Kingdom and have realized it, and there are others who are becoming aware of its existence and being drawn towards it. God is always planting Godly seeds which will ultimately result in a bountiful harvest. God’s servants will share in the labor and fruit of the harvest when they diligently perform God’s work. Let us seek to know God’s Will for our lives and conform our wills and efforts toward the development of God’s Kingdom.

Mark Overt Skilbred

SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

2009-08-31T13:27:00.001-07:00

SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

California needs to solicit companies and individuals willing to terrace and place under agricultural development those areas which form the perimeter around the metro areas in California. In exchange for providing this service to California, those willing to assume the cultivation and care of these perimeter areas should be granted 99-year renewable and performance-based leases, access to all perimeter areas, land for the development of rain and runoff catch-basins and irrigation, cooperation from all governmental entities to include expertise, planning, permitting and conflict-resolution.

These greenbelt areas will help to relocate wildfire concentrations to remoter locations where aerial and ground-based efforts of containment will be more effectively managed without the expenditure of such high percentages of manpower and resources within and adjacent to our population centers.

Even in Southern California, where rainfall is the lowest, we allow millions of gallons of precious water to drain into the ocean with minimal attempts to catch and store it for our immediate and future use. Combinations of wind and solar power used in conjunction with terracing, catch-basins, reservoirs, irrigation and drip-irrigation technologies can turn acres of highly combustible chaparral into safe, productive and manageable orchards and cropland.

Even in the heart of the recession, green expenditures on our agricultural infrastructure in California are justified, particularly when opportunities exist for both agri-business and private individuals to develop local cropland acreage in the heart of some of the nation’s largest population centers.

Let’s encourage our government to take the necessary steps to ensure the development of our metro perimeters. This will reduce risks from wildfires, develop valuable agricultural resources and help us to beautify our California landscapes.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 12

2009-07-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 12

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s Mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s Will Is—His Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one Body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s Wrath, for it is written: ‘It Is Mine to avenge; I Will repay,’(Deut.32:35) says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’(Prov. 25: 21-22) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12—NIV

Paul describes for us a four-step transformational process: First we offer ourselves as a sacrificial gift to God, releasing control of our minds and bodies to Him; then we stop conforming to the world’s pattern; then being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we are able to test and approve God’s Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will. Paul reminds us that we are to remember our position as servants in the Body of Christ, by not acting like the world around us, and not thinking of ourselves as more important than our fellow members in Christ’s Church, but rather with understanding that is consistent with the faith that God has given to us, we are to use God’s gifts to the best of our ability. We are to love sincerely, hate evil, hold onto the good, be committed to each other in brotherly love, show more respect for each other than we do towards ourselves, be enthusiastic, maintain our religious passion in serving the Lord, have joyful expectations, be patient in our troubles, be faithful in our prayers, share with God’s needy people, make a habit of being hospitable, bless rather than curse those who mistreat us, express joy with those who are celebrating, grieve with those who are in sorrow, live agreeably with each other, be humble and willing to fellowship with those who have a lower position or status in life, choose not to be snobs, decide not to retaliate, be certain to follow the rule of law, live peacefully with everyone, refuse to settle our own scores, but instead allow God to dispense His Justice, because that’s His job, and not ours. Instead, God wants us to give food and drink to our enemies just like He does, because that will really get their attention. In conclusion, Paul says that we can defeat evil by doing and by being good. This is a tall order, to say the least, and none of us are able to accomplish all of this by ourselves. But with the help of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us, all of these things are possible. So don’t give up, because God is ready, willing and able to help us!

Mark Overt Skilbred

HIPPOCRATES, MECHANICS AND YOU--A HEALTHCARE REBUTTAL

2009-07-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

HIPPOCRATES, MECHANICS AND YOU—A HEALTHCARE REBUTTAL

Humans are not like automobiles, which only need oil changes and occasional tune-ups and repairs, and we definitely should not wait until we break down before consulting our doctors. We also are not helped much by policies which offer limited assistance, since often what is needed are major repairs which may exhaust our resources and force us into an early retirement. Enter national healthcare, whose proponents offer all-of-the-above, including the pound-of-cure, but then forgetting all about the ounce of prevention.

Hippocrates, a successful herbologist and the father of modern medicine, told us that we should make food our medicine. By doing this, we avoid many health problems before they begin by providing our bodies what they require for optimum function without the burden of excess. If our government and citizens would pay closer attention to the kinds of foods that we consume, we would eliminate most of our healthcare problems.

Fitness gurus tell us that healthy exercise programs add many years to the average lifespan, revitalize and increase energy, metabolism and endurance, improve overall body and brain function, keep joints supple and improve overall quality of life. So why is it that we have allowed ourselves to get so out-of-shape as a nation? Have we and our government failed to consider our physical exercise and conditioning a national priority? Is this why we look to science and technology for our healthcare solutions?

We are expecting insurance to solve our healthcare crisis, which is something it cannot do! Even if every man, woman and child has insurance and access to affordable health care, we are still left with the ongoing dilemma of how to maintain our daily quality of life. Healthcare needs to be more than a facility where you have scheduled maintenance and repairs. If healthcare peace of mind could be purchased like roadside assistance policies, we would still have everyday maintenance to consider.

Money can fix our cars, but can it buy us good health? It can buy us good food, but we still must eat it. Money can buy us gym memberships, but we must still use them on a regular basis. Healthcare workers can often provide temporary relief and needed repairs, but they rely on us to do our part to aid in our own recovery. In fact, our daily diet and exercise routines are the most important areas affecting our overall health and wellbeing, because as any mechanic and doctor will tell you, it is our daily maintenance habits that will ultimately determine how long our vehicles and our good health will last.

National health indicators show that we are slipping fast into decline and are no longer considered a healthy nation, when compared with other nations of the West. Obesity and diabetes have joined the ranks of heart disease and cancer as leading indicators of the low priority with which we regard our personal healthcare. Why not begin today to evaluate your diet and exercise program to see if you are doing everything you can to optimize your health and wellbeing? Stop expecting someone else to fix and improve your health for you. That’s YOUR job, and it is time that YOU begin to take charge of it. Don’t expect your government, doctor, insurance company, family or someone else to take the responsibility for what belongs to YOU—your health!

So alright, you are already broken and need repairs, and you need someone to help you because you cannot do it on your own. I do understand that not everyone is in a position to solve their own problems and that government does have a role in protecting those of us who need temporary or permanent assistance. I also know that some of us are victims of diseases and conditions beyond our control, and that governmental intervention is there to help facilitate healthcare that is warranted. I really do believe that safety nets serve a necessary and commendable role in every society, and I consider them indispensible in helping to safeguard the healthcare of civilization generally.

But what about the rest of us that are still able to affect the quality of our lives through our daily programs of diet and exercise? This includes by far the majority of us who are still able to change our patterns of life to include healthy alternatives to our diet and exercise programs, avoid the national malaise and dysfunction and get restarted in a new direction. Can’t we have enough consideration for our own health, the health of our families and the healthy future of our nation to do our part in helping to make prevention the largest and most important part of our national healthcare program? Begin today to improve your diet and exercise program and encourage others to do the same!

Mark Overt Skilbred

HEALTHCARE FOR A NATION

2009-07-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

HEALTHCARE FOR A NATION

There are those who feel that the best way to approach healthcare is from the top down, rather than from the bottom up. Using money to solve our healthcare problems is like using a band-aid to cure cancer. It creates the impression that we are doing something about it, while enabling the cancer to go untreated. The healthcare crisis in this nation will not go away because we fund another program and create another bureaucracy.

By focusing on the fire, we ignore its main cause—bad dietary and exercise habits. If we approach healthcare proactively in the first place and change our diets and our exercise efforts to include much healthier eating habits and physical conditioning which lasts for our entire lifetimes instead of just the formative years, we can greatly improve the length and quality of our lives.

Some will suggest that reversing a nation’s habits will take several lifetimes and cost more than it is worth, but this is to ignore plain facts which suggest otherwise. Our government’s anti-smoking campaign has been highly successful in a very short time, has been worth every penny spent, saved trillions of dollars in present and future healthcare costs and improved the environmental quality of life immeasurably for every citizen.

When there is a healthcare concern, such as the swine flu outbreak, which threatens to become a worldwide pandemic unless we proactively introduce preventive measures and safeguards to immediately thwart its advance, we find that we are quite capable of addressing the issues in a timely and effective manner. Why should a healthcare plan be perceived as any less urgent when it involves the health and safety of our entire nation?

When a salmonella outbreak is perceived, there is an immediate response focused on the discovery and quarantine of the offending source, and these guidelines have well-known and established protocols familiar to the general public. We expect our government to respond aggressively to threats to our health and safety and correctly assume that these proactive guidelines to safeguard the nation’s health and food supply are properly within the jurisdiction of government.

Government has a vital role in the establishment of healthcare guidelines because the public has increasingly demanded that publicly funded programs assume the collection, distribution and supervision of the associated costs of such a system. If the government assumes a more active role in healthcare, it must also mandate guidelines that increase health and reduce disease. The government must supervise this critical area holistically by demanding that proactive health education, diet and exercise programs be established nationwide before increasing levels of tax-and-spend programs which mistakenly focus on damage-control and post-disease response. Prioritizing the cure rather than the prevention of disease can only lead to the financial collapse of our healthcare system, because it becomes infinitely more expensive to cure than to prevent disease.

Our government has learned expensive lessons about delayed-response to emergencies and disease, and it is clearly in our best interest to be certain that we establish correct wellness priorities focused on improved and sustainable health. This issue presents twin opportunities for the advancement or decline of national healthcare, with the associated benefits and disadvantages, both for the improvement and further deterioration of our national culture.

What can be done while this transformational healthcare is being implemented? How will we continue to provide efficient healthcare to those whose habits are ingrained, so that the maximum benefit can be derived? There is no better time than now to improve our diet and exercise plans. Those with ingrained habits will discover how much better they will feel by participating in major positive changes to their lifestyles.

By improving our health first, we will be able to think more clearly about priorities in healthcare, be able to redirect trillions of dollars of disease-response treatment into much- less expensive pre-disease prevention programs and be able to fund necessary research and treatment for those diseases which have no present cure. Improvements in diet and exercise have a profound effect on everyone, regardless of age or circumstances.

Let us devote our limited healthcare budget to the development of advanced education, superior diet and exercise programs which will effectively reverse the effects of our bad habits and drastically improve the health of our nation. Age and condition-sensitive wellness programs which mandate dramatic improvements in lifestyle and establish higher health standards will raise the bar on expectations and results.

Incentives which offer equal opportunities for verifiable progress must be instituted for students, employees, self-employed and retirees whose healthcare rates are lowered and raised to correspond with the degree of compliance which is commensurate with positive and negative results. Those whose health is compromised by circumstances beyond their control must receive the full resources of a sympathetic nation whose stated goal is the elimination of those diseases for which, as yet, there is no cure.

Those who continue to make unhealthy lifestyle choices will soon discover that the costs of preserving the health of poorly maintained bodies becomes unmanageable when those costs are passed along to the perpetrators and enablers by way of increased premiums and denied coverage. Healthy lifestyle programs will attract an ever-increasing majority when undeniable wellness advantages are coupled with lowered premiums.

Ultimately, the costs of treating diseases which have no cure are far less than the costs of treatment for diseases brought on by poor habits of nutrition and exercise. Members of the inactive public who are waiting for the government to rescue them and assume the supervision of their healthcare consciousness, responses, discipline and self-enabled disease-prone routines will discover an ever-increasing majority who oppose funding cures for self-inflicted illnesses. Ignorance and laziness are not easy problems to solve, but they can be addressed and cured once they are recognized, with educational programs and monetary incentives which enable verifiable results, financial benefits and improved health in appropriate doses.

Over the years governmental agencies and businesses working together have helped to lower rates of work-related injuries, disease and death through accountability and employee education programs, inspections and various requirements which encourage and reward safety reform and innovation and punish non-compliance. This shared relationship between government and businesses invites a closer association focused on improved health and lowered costs through managed-care and wellness programs that reward proactive and verifiable healthy lifestyle choices by employees with reduced rates and bonus incentives. These same incentive programs can be adapted to fit the improved lifestyles of the self-employed and retired by offering similar rate reductions and incentives.

Victims of legitimately contracted disease will receive the empathetic treatment and priority status which their conditions demand, and their care will be fully-funded from those ample capital reserves which result from a proactively-preventive approach to health and wellness. We must all bear the burden of increased vigilance, research, safety, prevention and cures for those diseases which are the result of unforeseen circumstance and unpreventable illness.

Rather than devising plans for raising revenues to combat rising healthcare costs, we should concentrate on a healthcare plan which will reduce costs by focusing efforts on prevention, health-improvement and wellness programs that raise the bar on existing standards and offer sustainable and improved healthcare for the present and future generations of our nation. Responding in a suitable way to our healthcare crisis in the midst of the worst global recession since the Great Depression requires that we both implement a program which can realistically address the challenges and respond with a budget-sensitive program which considers our financial hardship and plans appropriately.

Mark Overt Skilbred

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE--A BETTER WAY TO HEAL THE NATION

2009-07-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE--A BETTER WAY TO HEAL THE NATION

(Our efforts toward improving our national healthcare system are often misguided—focusing on financial solutions rather than concentrating on the improvement of our diets and our exercise programs, we have essentially placed the cart before the horse, and then are perplexed and amazed when the horse refuses to budge, or worse yet, responds by pushing the cart into the ditch. If the object in healthcare is to provide adequate coverage for our citizenry while keeping costs at a reasonable level, our focus must be toward the development of newer/older dietary and exercise programs which can holistically be improved, modified and sustained for our lifetimes. Attempting financial solutions for what are essentially health-based problems only encourages unnecessary bickering, inaction and dysfunction within a system already burdened with inconsistencies.)

Healthcare seeks to promote healthier lifestyles for people of all ages because the quality of our lives can be drastically improved and lengthened when we live according to principles which enhance our ability to resist disease and increase our vitality. A proactive approach that builds a proper foundation through a healthy diet and regular exercise program has been shown to provide the best health results and avoid premature aging and disease. It is in the interest of individuals, healthcare providers, insurers, taxpayers and governments to promote our physical welfare, because in doing this we greatly improve our health, reduce costs, and prolong the length and quality of our lives. Throughout the 20th Century, healthcare workers increased our ability to resist disease with scientific breakthroughs which greatly reduced the effects of epidemics and helped to prevent their occurrence, yet our lifestyles during this same period tended to become much more leisurely and undisciplined. We seem to have improved our health in some key areas, only to fall short in other ways. Obesity and diabetes have increased to levels of epidemic proportion and seem especially to afflict wealthier nations. Careers in the military and law enforcement which generally require strict physical fitness standards set good examples for the rest of society, which we would do well to emulate, but have failed to replicate. Exercise programs which are well-begun during school years, unfortunately often fall victim to leisure and entertainment pursuits which have negligible long-term benefits in sustaining our health. The cost of maintaining physical conditioning is relatively inexpensive and the outlay for a healthy diet is often less-costly than for unhealthy diets which are linked to even more costly healthcare later on. What appears to be lacking is the establishment of good discipline in the formative years, followed by strict dietary guidelines and physical exercise standards throughout the educational process and continuing all the way through life. Those habits of diet and exercise which are established in early life often set the stage for our success or failure during the course of our lives. Maintaining good habits is far easier than attempting to regain a healthy lifestyle which has been forgotten or allowed to lapse. What roles can be undertaken by the government, businesses and the family which would encourage us to persevere in our efforts to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles? Perhaps by increasing the quality, variety and duration of our diet and exercise programs, and by requiring the achievement and verification of high standards of excellence in our homes, schools, businesses, and workplaces, which can be established and maintained throughout life, we can accomplish an increase in overall health and productivity, reduce healthcare expense and improve quality of life as well as lifespan. Rather than focusing on creative financial solutions for this healthcare crisis, we should concentrate our attention on the prevention of disease and its costly treatment by proactively pursuing a unified plan of diet and exercise improvement. It has been shown that even at an advanced age, improvements in diet and exercise can have a profound impact on overall health and longevity. Instead of throwing money at the problem, we should concentrate our efforts on creative ways to encourage all age-groups to improve their quality of diet and exercise, thereby improving our health and reducing our expense. Some would argue that there are perpetually those diseases and conditions which resist our best efforts to find a solution and that inevitably there is a financial burden which must be passed-along to the taxpayers—essentially, the healthy paying for the unhealthy and the younger paying for the older. Admittedly, this is true, but virtually everyone’s health can be greatly improved through the development of healthier lifestyles. Instead of conducting studies based on current and projected costs of healthcare based on inherently flawed information which is outdated before the ink dries, our research efforts should concentrate on the collaborative examination of various methods of improving diet, exercise and wellness programs. The unavoidable costs resulting from diseases which have no cure are diminutive when compared with costs for diseases which have preventable causes. Succumbing to preventable diseases prematurely and for no other reasons than ignorance and poor discipline, in a wealthy and educated society is not only bad stewardship of our national health resource, but a waste of taxpayer dollars as well. Sometimes it takes a crisis to make us realize that another type of solution will provide better long term results. Perhaps this economic depression will force us to take healthcare action in a direction that will ultimately change the way we approach the prevention and treatment of disease. Some will say that people are just too lazy to implement a prevention plan and that it is too late for some to see any benefit from a formalized health program. I have never met a healthcare professional who will say it is too late to begin the improvement of our diet and exercise. Even those in their “declining years” are helped greatly by these improvements. There is still inertia that must be overcome, primarily by those who haven’t yet experienced the benefits of these improvements in their own lives. We must not settle for easy transitional changes that allow hard-core skeptics to ignore the benefits experienced by those who participate. Although we can immediately improve the health of our children, both now while they are still in school and later when they work in businesses which provide incentives for maintaining healthy standards throughout their careers by assisting in the improvement of their diet and exercise habits, we must offer further incentives for the self-employed and retirees who maintain healthy lifestyles. By actively encouraging citizens to participate in wellness programs by providing inducements which motivate a positive response, we can improve the health of the entire nation. In so doing, our healthcare costs will be drastically reduced, allowing further incentives and available funding for still more improvements. I have been greatly encouraged by the success of advertising campaigns which discourage smoking. Who would have envisioned that smoking could be so drastically reduced across all segments of society through the implementation of this program? Funding for these health-based programs can be funded by those who reap the benefits of good health, as well as by those who are penalized by non-compliance. There will always be those who argue that their freedoms include the right to choose an unhealthy lifestyle. Often they seek to blame others for their poor choices and still more often demand that the rest of us pay to fix the diseases which result from these same choices. These same people are not as willing to pay the individual costs of their so-called freedom-to-choose an unhealthy lifestyle. These individuals will be more likely to comply with healthy lifestyle choices when they realize that unhealthy lifestyle choices carry financial penalties which they must bear. Perhaps those protesting loudest anticipate that the growing majority are no longer willing to absorb the increased costs associated with the treatment of unhealthy lifestyle diseases. When various healthcare warnings are frequently ignored and deliberately disregarded, there must be consequences which affect the individual financially and deter further non-compliance. Employer-based programs which reward employees for maintaining and improving overall fitness markers and that penalize non-compliant workers by deducting larger portions for healthcare benefits can influence large segments of the population to take supervision of their health. Those who are self-employed and retired can qualify for programs which similarly reward diligence with low rates. Those who are non-compliant and couldn’t be bothered with maintaining and improving their health will face steeper rates and coverage limitations. Those who are truly victims of misfortune and diseases beyond their control will be eligible for the appropriate benefits which government services provide. There is no substitute for health which is sustained by proper diet, exercise and rest. Those who make a habit of practices that improve and maintain healthy lifestyles over the generations will reap physical and financial rewards for themselves and their families which raise the bar on acceptable healthcare standards. We should be satisfied with no less than our best proactive efforts to increase the health-portion of our standard of living quotient. Improving our standard of national health will result in greater financial ability to fund research and prevent disease for our nation and the world.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 14

2009-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 14

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only
vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers everyday alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before god’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ “
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14 NIV

It is refreshing to hear someone be more concerned about what might offend another person than about themselves. We so often hear the old song, “Do whatever feels good to you,” and we seldom hear of those who care more about others than about themselves. There are those in the 21st Century who might say it is an unhealthy self-image which seeks to put others ahead of themselves, and that this will surely lead to physical and mental poverty of one form or another. Yet God’s Story from first to last is one of Self-Sacrifice for the sake of others. The One Who made us all and paid for our redemption with His own bodily death has set an example for us to bear each other’s burdens. In so doing, we show by the self-sacrificing love that we display that we are disciples of Christ. Although Jesus is the Righteous Judge Who will one day judge the world in perfection, Paul here cautions us against judging our brothers, because they are someone else’s servant--that is, Christ’s. Why shouldn’t we judge? Because our brothers are a work in progress, today is not judgment day and we are not wise enough to be impartial and perfect judges. He says they will stand because Christ is able to make His servant’s stand. This is important to remember because we also are told to help each other to stand, as for example, when we assist our children in learning to walk, speak, read, write and drive. But we never actually MAKE them do these things. We only assist them in learning to do these things for themselves. Christ is able to make them stand and many other things as well, because He is our Creator. Just as any parent knows, it is by our good example and our assistance that our children are able to develop into responsible adults. In this same way, we are to help each other to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we are able to obtain righteousness, peace and joy and if we choose to serve God and our fellowman in this way, we are pleasing to God and will be approved by men. Paul then exhorts us to do whatever is necessary to promote peace and instruction which helps us all to know God better. And certainly, we do not want to place anything in front of our brothers which would cause them to stumble—this is the very least we can do as brothers. As we all learn together, we fulfill the command of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 15 AND 16

2009-07-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 15 AND 16

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.’ (Ref: Psalm 69:9 NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May The God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a Spirit of Unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a Servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s Truth, to confirm the Promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His Mercy, as it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your Name.’ Again, it says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to Him, all you peoples.’ And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, One Who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.’ May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the Grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done by the Power of signs and miracles, through the Power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’ “Romans 15: 1-21 NIV

“Now to Him Who is able to establish you by my Gospel and Proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the Revelation of Mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the Prophetic Writings by the Command of the Eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him—to the Only Wise God be Glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16: 25-27 NIV

In the final two chapters of Romans, Paul exultantly proclaims that the Gentiles have been included among the redeemed, and that he himself has been chosen to take part in the Revelation and has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal the Mystery of Jesus Christ to them by God’s Command, so that now ALL nations “might believe and obey Him.” He says this with a sense of awe, that even after all these years of preaching, as a Jew he still almost cannot fathom the truth that God has now opened wide the gates of heaven for Gentiles to “become an offering acceptable to God,” through the Holy Spirit’s Power. Indeed, Paul says that Christ Himself has become “a Servant of the Jews” by empowering Paul with His Holy Spirit “to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known.” Although God chose the Jews to be His witnesses to the Gentile nations around them, it has been true throughout the Bible that it is always God Who accomplishes what His servants are both unwilling and unable to do by themselves. Jonah was first swallowed by a whale and Paul was struck blind before they would begin to obey their Lord’s Will for their lives. Which of us has ever by our own nature willingly done the Will of God in our lives? Paul strikes at the heart of the matter when he says that we are to bear with our neighbor’s failings, not for our OWN good and not to please OUR selves, but “for our NEIGHBOR’S good, to build HIM up.” When we seek to please ourselves, and ignore or fail to encourage our neighbors, Christ takes it as a personal insult against Him and His Church. “For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” Matthew 25: 42-43 NIV. Paul references David’s suffering the insults which are intended for God, but which also fall on him and on Christ and all believers who share in the fellowship of His sufferings. Christ identifies with His servants whose sufferings are compared with Christ’s Own condemnation by those whose insults continue to harm His Church, reminiscent of the priest and Levite who couldn’t be bothered to come to the aid of a fellow Jew who had fallen among thieves. Christ asked “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10: 25-37 NIV. And why should we bear with the failings of the weak and show mercy to our fellow believers? Because Christ has shown US mercy! We are told to accept each other and bring encouragement and hope to one another, just as Christ accepted us as Gentile believers, “grafted us in” and included us along with Abraham’s children of the promise, in order to bring praise to God and to glorify Him for the Mercy He Has shown to us. So for what reason would we continue to be impatient, unloving, judgmental, unforgiving, envious of and boastful towards each other? How have we DESERVED God’s Mercy? Since Christ is a servant to us, shows us great mercy and welcomes us into His banquet hall, dare we ignore, discourage or exclude each other? We are to be servants to each other, just as our Lord is a servant to us, and by doing so we show that we are servants of Christ. Remember that Christ said that the world would recognize us as His servants if we have love for one another. Evidently this is not the usual way of the world, or this love Christ speaks of would not be noticed by the world around us. How are we able to be the kind of believers that God requires? Paul says that we are encouraged by the Scriptures and that God gives endurance, encouragement and a Spirit of Unity as we follow Christ Jesus. May we then “overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit!”

Mark Overt Skilbred

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 13

2009-07-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 13

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13- NIV

In speaking to his fellow Roman citizens, both Jew and Gentile believers, Paul has already assumed that they are fellow believers in and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he urges them to submit to the earthly authorities. Why is this so important? The answer is found in the second sentence, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” And if they are established by God, who are we to question or disobey them? God is well able to establish leaders who are useful to Him and to remove those who have outlived their usefulness. What about leaders who from our Christian perspective fall short of what leadership demands? We are to obey them, speak well of them, (insofar as this is possible), and put the most charitable construction on all they do, pray for them and grow in patience and love for them and our fellowman. In so doing, we fulfill the demands of the law, grow in grace and favor with those in authority, and in so doing, advance the Kingdom of God in their midst. This seems to be contrary to the way that the Church has behaved towards the government in recent years, with the result being certain prejudices against people of faith. There are those within government who are unwilling to cooperate with Church leadership when there is Christian consensus which requires governmental approval for passage of key legislative bills. Christians can accomplish much greater ends when they work together with the government and create a lasting impression that we are loyal and obedient citizens, than when we fight tooth-and-nail for our “Christian rights.” As our pro-life hopes begin to fade in the face of opposition from government leadership, we need to remember that God is still in charge and is still watching over His people. We must faithfully persist in our defense of the unborn, while assisting the government in upholding the rule of law. Furthermore, as children of the Light, we are called to uphold God’s standards of decency and morality, even when our nation and the world around us goes their own way. All the rules of the law have been summarized in the commandment to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” This assumes that we are no longer slaves to sin, and have submitted ourselves not only to the authority of Christ, but to our nation and fellowman as well.

Mark Overt Skilbred

CONGRATULATIONS, PHIL! CONGRATULATIONS, LAKERS!

2009-06-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, PHIL! CONGRATULATIONS, LAKERS!

Congratulations, Phil, on your 10th --the most NBA championships in coaching history! Congratulations, Lakers, on your 15th NBA championship trophy! Now let’s go home and celebrate! What a great run you had! You showed us all that you are the greatest team in the world! I hope you can all come back again next year and do it all over again! Thanks!

Mark Overt Skilbred

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!

2009-06-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!

President Barack Hussein Obama gave a brave speech in Cairo yesterday that was breathtaking in scope, hopeful in tone and passionate in leadership, that calls for a renewed commitment to Middle-Eastern peace, increased dialog and sustained efforts between Western and Muslim nations to build new relationships based on tolerance, common faith and shared dreams of peaceful coexistence and development. Skeptics will argue that “talk is cheap, but action is more difficult,” but this was a heroic start to the process of forging a new diplomatic framework in a region which has for so long stagnated under the weight of harmful and unproductive rhetoric and political and military strife. The interim prospect of a two-state solution for Palestinians who have suffered from the lack of a welcoming homeland and a regional development plan can perhaps pave the way for an integrated and holistic society where contentious boundaries give way to increased regional development of border-neutral pursuits such as education, infrastructure and regional prosperity. This is a wonderful beginning of a new era of diplomatic relations between the United States, her Western partners and all of those Middle-Eastern nations who share our dreams of reconciliation and a brighter tomorrow.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

2009-06-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Well said, Teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)

Here we have the whole duty of man summed up for us in a few verses by the Creator of the universe. Can it be that mankind’s problems are the result of our failure to follow these two basic commands? The apostle John emphasizes their importance when he says “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV) How, then is it possible to have hatred toward our fellow human beings and treat them in such UNGODLY ways, and then claim that we love God? Any religion that teaches hatred cannot be from God!

Mark Overt Skilbred

FIND THE OPEN MAN!

2009-06-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

FIND THE OPEN MAN!

The Lakers team that showed up in Denver last Friday night is arguably the greatest Lakers team in history, and there is certainly no team on the planet capable of defeating them. We know that Gasol, Odem, Ariza, Fisher and Bynum are capable of 20+ points per game when they show up, not to mention the bench, when they are mobbing. If Kobe delivers his usual output on Thursday, and the rest of the Lakers are already warmed up, the Lakers will win the first two games at home and the next two in Orlando. Maybe the Laker starters should scrimmage the bench mob somewhere for about 15 minutes just before tipoff time so they can hit the floor running and make that triangle offense really smoke! Then just look for the open man and get about 10 guys in double figures! This has been a great season! Great job, Phil! Here comes your 10th championship and the Lakers 15th!

Mark Overt Skilbred

GUANTANAMO VS. HARDIN, MONTANA

2009-05-26T17:21:00.001-07:00

GUANTANAMO VS. HARDIN, MONTANA

Hardin, Montana made the news recently by offering its high security prison as a possible relocation facility for Guantanamo detainees. I have been through Hardin several times and recommend it as an ideal location which will furnish much-needed employment and economic stimulus for the State of Montana, as well as present a viable alternative to the facility at Guantanamo. This would be a “perfect fit” for the dilemma confronting our government, and we should move quickly toward the implementation of this much-needed change. Bipartisan support in Congress for this solution will go a long ways toward restoring our international image and show the world that we intend to right the wrongs committed in our handling of prisoners-of-war. Let’s help President Obama to fulfill his commitment to close Guantanamo prison by moving ahead in a bipartisan manner!

Mark Overt Skilbred

SPECTER AND BIPARTISANSHIP

2009-05-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

SPECTER AND BIPARTISANSHIP

Now we’ll have bipartisanship, whether the Republicans like it or not. The lack of bipartisan support for the Obama administration, particularly regarding the fiscal stimulus package has exasperated both Democrat and Republican voters at a time when cooperation and expediency are urgently needed to prevent even more economic damage from being done. I applaud Senator Specter’s candid remarks which were addressed to both houses of Congress and the American public. Now is the time to work together on programs which can quickly turn this economy around and head it in a new direction. The whole world is hoping for signs of improvement and depending on us to lead the way forward. Doing nothing is the worst thing we can do in this present moment, so my hope is that other Senate and House Republicans will join Senator Specter in supporting the Obama administration’s efforts to make the economic corrections which are necessary to move us forward quickly.

Mark Overt Skilbred

COUNTERCLOCKWISE

2009-05-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

COUNTERCLOCKWISE

1. Turn back the clock.
2. Think younger.
3. Act younger.
4. Commit to a healthy diet for your whole life.
5. Commit to a realistic exercise program for your whole life.
6. Make use of your renewed energy to help others.
7. Set a great example.

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE DANIEL DIET

2009-05-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

THE DANIEL DIET

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age: The king would then have my head because of you’ Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.” Daniel 1:8-21 NIV

Many people would be helped by a change to a vegetarian diet. I have learned to make the most of illness to reform my diet. On April 5th I awoke realizing that my stomach was upset by what I had eaten the night before. I had a piece of lemon meringue pie which soon caused further upset and loss of appetite. Rather than fight the symptoms, I decided to study them and see where they led me. It took three days for my appetite to return, and I ate an apple to celebrate. I then ate an orange and followed that with a banana. I followed this order and fruit diet, eating only fruit and juice and one salad and one vegetable soup for the next 3 weeks. Then I switched to only vegetable salad for one week and this week I alternated, eating first fruit and then a vegetable salad, as my appetite allowed me. The logic was that by eating freely of fruits and vegetables, I could minimize my cravings and maximize the internal cleansing process. Ultimately, I would like to lose 50 lbs, but my main concern is to eliminate any potential for health crises by improving my body’s ability to defend itself. I feel that by July 5th I will have reached my weight-loss goal and established a good foundation for a better diet. Tomorrow begins my 6th week and I have already reduced by one full pants size. I have also increased my walking routine by one mile per day, and I hope to increase from 7 to 14 miles per day by the end of September. My energy level has improved and so I have eliminated caffeine from my diet, with the hope of deriving my energy from a combination of a vegetarian diet and a regular program of exercise. I added a multi-vitamin to my diet this week and this helped to increase my energy still further. I plan to add some forms of omega-3 in a modest amount, in order to supply other ingredients that my body starts craving. If you have any other recommendations for me, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE WATCHMEN--THOUGHTS FROM EZEKIEL 33

2009-04-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

THE WATCHMEN--THOUGHTS FROM EZEKIEL 33

The Word of The Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your countrymen and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not take warning and the sword comes and takes his life, his blood will be on his own head. Since he heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had taken warning, he would have saved himself. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself. “Son of man, say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’ “Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, and wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.’ If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. And if I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right—if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live. “Yet your countrymen say ‘The Way of The Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. If a righteous man turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live by doing so. Yet, O house of Israel, you say, ‘The way of The Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his own ways.” Ezekiel 33:1-20 (NIV)

God wants us to live for Him in the present moment! There are those who have lived for Him in the past, but they have become disloyal followers and have stopped living for Him in the present. There are also those who did not live for God in the past, but are now living for Him. And there are those who did not live for God in the past or in the present, but who will live for God in the future. God is patient, not wishing that any should perish, but He is also warning us that we cannot depend on our past relationship with Him to excuse our present evil. God wants us to follow Him in the here and now, and He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us and give us victory over sin in our present reality. There is a war going on between the forces of good and evil in the here and now, and just as soldiers must daily prove their loyalty in their service to the king, so we must daily show whose side we are on by supporting God in the here and now. Never mind that you gave excellent service in previous battles, because our kingdom is endangered right now, this very day. What good is it that you helped God win previous battles, if you prove to be a traitor today? What sort of reward should you expect when your good actions are followed by the betrayal of your fellow soldiers and rebellion against the God you serve? Lucifer had been exalted to a prominent position in heaven before his betrayal and open rebellion against God. Should God praise and reward you for sitting on the sidelines while the enemy wreaks havoc on humanity? If you are only a spectator in the conflict, you could easily become a traitor or an enemy soldier. Jesus said that He wishes we were hot or cold, but because we are lukewarm instead, He will spit us out. In a similar fashion, God welcomes those who have deserted Satan’s army and are now seeking admission into the Army of The Lord. God says very plainly that those who turn away from evil are welcomed into His Kingdom, and their sins will be remembered no more. God is interested in the here and now because this is where the action takes place. Yesterday and tomorrow have their proper places, but both are constantly being affected by our present choices. Jesus gave us examples of those who were invited to the banquet, but gave excuses for not attending. Their places in the banquet hall were given to former outsiders in the highways and byways who were now compelled to come. The foolish bridesmaids who allowed their lamps to go out were refused admission for their failure to prepare. God has appointed some as watchmen, to warn us when we are doing evil and to show us the proper pathway to heaven, but it has become rare to hear God’s watchmen speaking the necessary words of warning. There are certain sins which recently are considered too controversial to mention, such as abortion and homosexuality. The supporters of these two sins are not afraid to speak in favor of them, and their representatives fight hard in state and federal legislatures and courts to win their approval, while God’s watchmen, soldiers and representatives are afraid to even bring the subject up! Why is this? God has given us His guidelines in the Bible so that we will have a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. In the Bible we find God’s rules for living in harmony with Him and with our fellow man. Why then do we not exhort each other to avoid these two sins and hundreds of other sins and evils that assault us on an hourly and daily basis? Are we more concerned with not offending others than we are about obeying God? Furthermore, God has told His prophets to speak the truth to us whether we will listen or not. Paul told Timothy to preach the Word both in and out of season. That sort of preaching has always been unpopular, except when the world is in the midst of a revival. You periodically hear nostalgic calls for revival preaching, and there are some who yearn for true revival, but the majority seem to be content to have their ears tickled week after week with the latest clever teaching, historical Bible commentary, theological debate, humanistic rhetoric, creation vs. scientific argument, ecumenical-political backslapping, pop-culture-hyped, frenzied and repetitious praise choruses, and whatever else currently passes for partially-religious entertainment, which seems to be more concerned about emulating the world than worshipping God. Even when there is nothing inherently wrong with our method of worship, if our main concern is to appear attractive to the world, we risk sacrificing our main purpose, which is to lead others to Christ and assist them in their pursuit of a Godly life. But for many churches, any extraneous activity which remotely resembles religiosity, which will not offend anyone and will attract new membership is considered acceptable, while warnings are considered too harsh. Many of today’s churches have elements within them who are more concerned about their finances than about their mission. So whatever happened to exhortational preaching? Where are the watchmen on the walls who warn us of ever-present dangers both without and within the Kingdom of God? The world says that it is a personal choice whether we practice abortion and homosexuality and that no one has a right to tell us what to do on these and many other issues. God says that murdering and willfully causing the death of innocent children and homosexual perversion of God’s plan of procreation are sins which are punishable by death. The lack of exhortation from the pulpit regarding these issues is so palpable that laymen are forced to scream in the streets, online and otherwise and are called religious wackos and right-wing zealots for defending, supporting and recommending the God they serve. When the Church refuses to do its duty in defending God and His Kingdom, God is well-able to raise up servants and soldiers who will do what is required. You will recall that Lucifer began his great fall from his self-exalted platform within heaven itself, and for this reason he and those who rebelled with him were cast down from that great height and made an eternal example of the end result of our rebellion against God. Our watchmen need to wake up, warn us to turn from our evil ways and make preparations for the Bridegroom Who is certainly coming soon. When their messages are passionless religious drivel that totally miss the mark of exhortation and leave us without motivation in our quest for a vibrant and living relationship with our Creator, we are in danger of becoming irrelevant and unproductive Christians who lack the necessary zeal to be good soldiers. If our watchmen have become complacent, who will recognize the voice of our Bridegroom when He arrives and be prepared to follow his instructions? Jesus says that we “diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life” John 5:39-40. Watchmen must do more than warn us of our failures—they must point us toward a relationship with Christ Himself. Only God can provide the zeal which will sustain us both in our battles with apathy and complacency and in our eternal conflicts with the forces of evil that surround us. Let us earnestly pray that God will provide us with watchmen who are worthy of their high calling, who will warn us about our many sins, preach the Word both in and out of season, and exhort us to fight the good fight of faith while there is still time.

Mark Overt Skilbred

PROCRASTINATION IS EXPENSIVE!

2009-04-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

PROCRASTINATION IS EXPENSIVE!
I attended Concordia Moorhead from 1968-1972 and we helped with the sandbagging in those years just like they are doing again this year. Question: Since these periodic floods are cyclical to the extent that their recurrence is guaranteed for the future, what long-term plans have South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota made for the future? Have you asked the Army Corp of Engineers or some other agency to look at long-term solutions for the area from Big Stone Lake to the Pembina area, including dredging, reservoirs, agricultural diversion channels which could double as irrigation infrastructure, permanent dikes, levees, catch-basins, pumps, etc. with an eye to both the prevention of flooding and the enhancement of controlled irrigation of the fertile Red River Valley? Since future flooding is guaranteed if there aren't substantial changes made, why not begin now to put in place an infrastructure which will plan for future flooding, take advantage of precious water resources, and increase and broaden the further development of the region's vast agricultural potential. Rather than viewing this flooding as a temporary inconvenience, why not prepare for what is a predictable certainty and make use of this water resource for future generations? I know there will need to be several versions of environmental impact reports and political discourse between the states impacted and our Canadian neighbors, so this process should begin soon, so that we don't continue to pass this problem along to our grandchildren without addressing the issue and making an attempt to improve the existing infrastructures. I believe that the long-term savings and benefits are worth the costs involved and will more than repay future generations through enhancements to safety, agriculture, transportation, parks and recreation. By proactively pursuing a program which considers long-term savings through the prevention of future floods, such as the one which devastated the Grand Forks region in recent memory, we can make a compelling case for improvements which will be supported by all the federal and state agencies which are impacted. There will also be near-term benefits of employment and financial incentives which should attract business, capital and investment to the region. Since the Fargo-Moorhead area is centrally located in the heart of the Red River Valley, it is the logical place to regionally locate the solutions for this shared problem in an area which is best able to implement solutions. Sandbagging and other equivalent temporary solutions only serve to postpone the inevitable solutions for future generations, when costs will have certainly increased due to more-extensive redevelopment and infrastructure. It is not too soon to begin this process, and we should start now before another year and its attendant problems demand our attention.

Mark Overt Skilbred

PICTURE THIS GEOGRAPHY PERSPECTIVE SUMMARY

2009-03-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

PICTURE THIS GEOGRAPHY PERSPECTIVE SUMMARY

The following list serves as a comparison of geographical and political divisions of the world. Its purpose is a comparison, to give perspective to some regions that are not usually treated together in the same analysis. These include: acquisitions, arable lands, bays, boroughs, accessions, channels, continents, counties, departments, deserts, disputed areas, federal lands, gulfs, hemispheres, islands, lakes, national monuments, national parks, national preserves, oceans, parishes, provinces, seas, states, straits, territories, territorial seas, and other areas. Usually, islands less than 10 sq. mi. are not included on most lists. There are actually thousands more individual islands, landforms and political divisions than those listed, but this list includes those normally shown in similar form elsewhere, plus some comparisons never seen anywhere else. Any errors you may discover are probably mine, as the combinations necessary for building the list make errors more likely. The world’s arable lands, if consolidated into one place, would occupy an area approximately equal to the size of Russia. As a global average, there are approximately .5554 arable acres-per-person. There are 3098 boroughs-counties- parishes and other similar political units within the 50 states of the United States. They are an average of 1140 sq. mi. each. The average U.S. county is therefore larger than the 29 smallest countries in the world, and the smallest U.S. county, San Francisco, is still larger than 5 countries. The first 286 U.S. “county” divisions shown on this list, if regarded as individual countries, would comprise an area between the 60th position and the 163rd position out of the 193 nations of the world. So that a mental picture of the global areas becomes more easily recalled and grasped, the following examples are given: Did you know that Iceland is larger than Virginia? Did you know that Indiana, Hungary, Jordan and Portugal are the same size? You probably know that San Bernardino is the largest county in the U.S., but did you know that it is also larger than over 100 countries? The Yukon division in Alaska is larger than Japan. San Bernardino County in California is larger than Bosnia. Long Island NY is larger than Rhode Island. Perhaps it is better to think of this list as a helpful way to picture some of the more well-known political and geographical areas, whose sizes may compare with areas more familiar to you. This is a very short list of political and geographical areas of the earth. There is no complete list in existence, as that would encompass hundreds of thousands of entries, and not suit our purposes. This shortened version allows comparisons to be made with familiar North American and other world areas. Only the largest 318 counties/divisions are shown on this list. It should be noted that there are about 2780 “county” divisions in the U.S. which are not on this list, of which each is less than 2000 square miles in area, but which still are much larger than 18 countries and other autonomous regions. In addition, only a few of the largest political divisions within countries are shown for comparison, while in-fact, these various political and geographical subdivisions number into the thousands, and of course, there are several hundred thousand individual islands, groups, islets, reefs, etc. that are too numerous to mention. My intention is to provide a reference tool beneficial to the student, traveler and historian. Perspective, then, is the worthy goal toward which this study is aiming. As the list grows, and the sizes become smaller, the temptation is to write-off such seemingly inconsequential areas, until you remember that areas which comprise only a few acres or square miles may contain vibrant countries, cities and political infrastructures such as Liechtenstein, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Hong Kong, Monaco and Vatican City. Imagine then, if you will, that someday even smaller areas than these will contain similar entities, and it follows that every area should be considered on its own merits as well as for its potentialities. When you see, for example, that Sumba is approximately the size of more well-known locations, such as Jamaica, Kosovo and Ellef Ringnes, this should awaken the sleeping geographer within you to discover something about Sumba, its location, etc. Although there are currently only 194 countries recognized, there are 233 shown with asterisks, indicating 39 additional autonomous regions in varying stages of political independence, and which may, in our lifetimes, be recognized as independent nations. Most of Los Angeles County has a low-density population when compared with Tokyo, Seoul and Mumbai. Still, if North America had an average population density like Los Angeles County, it would hold the entire population of the world, leaving the rest of the planet available for growing food. For those who are still not convinced that our planet is large enough to provide for our nutritional needs, I offer the following example—if all of the world’s people lived in a place with a population density like San Francisco County, they would all fit within Venezuela, leaving the rest of the world available for agriculture. A further example for the unconvinced would be Hong Kong. If the entire population of the world were to live in an area with a population density equal to that of Hong Kong, they would easily fit into an area the size of Panama. Are you picturing this yet? For the record, I would never wish for all of us to live in North America, Venezuela, or Panama, but I hope that these examples serve to explain why I feel that we can solve our nutritional shortages. To help keep things straight, the following designations will apply: countries=*, states=^, “counties”=+. The Sahara Desert is approximately the size of Canada. Do any of you look at the Sahara and see vast agricultural opportunity? Depending on how you look at it, U.S. federal land holdings, if considered as a separate country, would be the world’s 10th largest nation, or Western Australia, by itself, would be the world’s 10th largest country. Let’s not just make better use of the arable land we already have, but let’s increase the amount of arable land through zoning, desalinization plants, soil amendments, wind breaks, catch-basins, land conservation, irrigation, green-housing, terracing, trellising, rooftop, patio and home gardening. By the way, let’s stop building on top of our best agricultural lands, and let’s stop building on river bottoms, flood plains and coastal flood zones that are at obvious risk of flooding. These are obviously much-better-used for agriculture. I tend to favor more populist governmental policies of land-distribution, such as that practiced in the settlement of the Midwest in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and in other places like Australia in the mid-1960’s. For example, the 1,020,780 square miles of U.S. land currently under the control of the federal government could be equally divided among the nation's 305,000,000 people, (which works out to about 2 acres per man, woman and child), and the revenues derived from this land as well as the ultimate control could be assigned to the people of the United States on a per-family-unit sectional basis. There are those who would argue that governments are better-able to decide issues of land-usage, and there are some cases where that is true, but far more often, governmental ownership of the land discourages progress, independence and accountability. Globally, there are about 5 acres per person, which when evenly divided by family group, would encourage the development and diversity of land that would otherwise remain unusable and unused. Whether the land is developed individually or governmentally, the object is to make the best possible use of the land that is available, and at least so far, the current policy of landholding has left billions of acres under and undeveloped, while there is domestic poverty and global starvation, while Nero fiddles and Rome burns, and everyone sits around waiting for someone else to do something about it. Let’s examine this problem and make some plans to deal with it! While we are addressing the problem of population versus land area, it is often stated that there are too many people and not enough land to go around, and that this situation is only getting worse. One of the suggestions for dealing with this problem has been population control, which we are told will solve the problem of food-shortage. Fewer mouths to feed sounds alright until we consider that there will also be fewer hands and brains to accomplish the task. Those mechanistic infrastructures which are necessary for the accomplishment of agricultural improvements require the human ingenuity and manpower necessary for their implementation. What about the ever-present dangers of plague and climate change, which until very recently in human history were responsible for the annihilation of huge portions of humanity? Those who suggest and fund studies of population control should direct their efforts toward more equitable distribution of land and capital development and stop throwing a risky monkey wrench into global biology. (Note: This comparative summary list will follow as soon as formatting is completed.)

Mark Overt Skilbred

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES: 28-Gram Daily Maximum Of Added-Sugar Intake Per Person?

2009-03-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES: 28-GRAM DAILY MAXIMUM OF ADDED-SUGAR INTAKE PER PERSON?

CBS News had an interview this morning with a diet expert who was discussing the differences between sugar and high fructose corn syrup. It seems that experts are trying to discover the reasons for the recent increases in obesity and diabetes, and corn syrup is their number one suspect. Recently, American food corporations have begun to reduce their usage of high fructose corn syrup and are substituting other forms of sugar which have not received as much negative publicity as corn syrup. 28 grams has been fixed as the current maximum daily amount of added sugar in any form and for any diet, a level beyond which obesity and diabetes are possible and even likely. Current U.S. levels are nearing 4 times that rate of sugar consumption, causing widespread fears of dire consequences amongst leading health authorities. Experience seems to validate this figure based on current estimates, and certainly there needs to be a benchmark number established so that future studies will have a comparison reference point. We know that there was little obesity at the turn of the 20th Century, when far lower amounts of sugar were consumed and a higher level of exercise and physical work in that predominantly agrarian society were normal. Returns to those same levels of sugar consumption and physical activity have been rare in the past century, with notable exceptions being in the cases of those who pursue a much more physical and health-conscious life style. It has also been pointed out that at least there was no obesity in concentration camps during wartime, although there were other more serious health concerns, for obvious reasons. All other circumstances being equal, apparently levels of sugar consumption and exercise have a great deal to do with health and obesity issues. Walking continues to be the most highly recommended form of exercise, due to its adaptability to various lifestyle regimens and its historically low negative-impact rate. Other forms of aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, jogging, running, dancing, calisthenics, weight-lifting and various other workout regimens help to round out the list of other recommended exercise programs. Those who are just beginning to reverse their bad eating and exercise habits must proceed cautiously, particularly in the beginning, to avoid setbacks and delays to their progress. Consistency is the best friend of those who practice improvements of any kind, and will reward those who are most diligent. Slowly and gradually increasing the level and difficulty of exercise programs is far better than drastic changes, and of course, the older you are when you begin to make these lifestyle changes makes this even more imperative. Depression is a frequent cause and result of negative physical lifestyles, but can be reversed and eliminated by positive changes in diet and exercise programs. Examination of one’s diet should be the first step when seeking reasons for depression, and exercise is often referred to as “the poor man’s anti-depressant” because so many have reported the reduction and elimination of anti-depression medications as a result of exercise. As always, a holistic approach to health must include healthy diet and exercise choices accompanied by improved attitudes toward one’s fellow man, surroundings, and Creator. Vibrant and creative lifestyles can be found at all levels and ages of society, regardless of circumstances, so make the most of this life which we have been given!

Mark Overt Skilbred

THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH

2009-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH

There should be serious consideration given to a flood control project in the Red River Valley aimed at improving the management of one of America’s premier waterways and its environs. A similar project in Canada, undertaken to prevent a recurrence of the flood which damaged Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1950, which has now grown into a metropolitan area of about 700,000 people, has saved the Canadian government an estimated $10 billion in damage repairs just since 1969, when it was completed. The 1997 flood alone caused approximately $3.5 billion in damage on both sides of the border, including widespread devastation in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a city with a metro population of approximately 100,000 people. To give you some idea of the potential for devastation, residents in the Wahpeton-Breckenridge and the Fargo-Moorhead metro areas, along with thousands of volunteers and the National Guard are expecting river levels to surpass the record of 40 feet over flood stage, on Monday, March 23, 2009, while Grand Forks is preparing for levels above 52 feet. Forecasts of rain and snow are expected to further complicate sandbagging efforts surpassing one million bags, with calls for an additional second million or more bags as volunteers and responses increase to protect the lives and property of the Fargo-Moorhead area, a metro region of approximately 200,000 people. The states of Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, which contain the Red River of the North have managed to survive numerous floods in the past through diligence, persistence and often massive relief efforts and capital expenditures. Thoughtful regional cooperation amongst the various states and Canada should develop a flood-control plan aimed at the protection of the lives and valuable agricultural lands and infrastructure which surround the Red River from its origin in Big Stone Lake in South Dakota along the shared boundary line of North Dakota and Minnesota and to its terminus in Lake Winnipeg in Canada. Various governmental entities, including the Army Corp of Engineers and environmental agencies, as well as the equivalent Canadian representatives should undertake a fact-finding study to determine environmental impact and the changes in infrastructure which are necessary to adequately address the needs of the various entities impacted by the Red River of the North and its environs. A proactive discovery team must consider the issues of safety, agriculture, transportation, parks and recreational use which are affected by a project of this magnitude. A proactive approach should consider the greater and lasting human and economic benefits of a venture that has the ability to transform the region by providing jobs and business related to the building of levees, dikes, catch-basins, dams, pipes, pumps, overflow and irrigation waterways, various connecting roadways and parkways and their maintenance and support networks. A prompt and inclusive strategy which focuses on areas of immediate need as well as future development is certainly long past due and necessary to safeguard and minimize future catastrophic flooding in the region. (Writer’s Note: Having grown up in the region, attended college at Concordia Moorhead and worked in the area, I know that due to the stoic nature of Midwesterners generally, and particularly those who live in this region, it is unlikely that the rest of the country and world would hear of this ongoing need for infrastructural change, were it not for the welcome, but intermittent reporting from news agencies.) For this reason, the rest of us need to be made aware of a situation that will not improve on its own with time alone. And because the best time to repair a leaking roof is before it begins to rain again, I recommend that we quickly employ much-needed stimulus dollars in a region which knows well how to stretch dollars, make the most out of gainful employment and has one of the best records of volunteer relief effort in the nation. Executive and bipartisan stimulus support for those improvements which create dollar-for-dollar savings in the long run and which will make up for the investment many times over in years to come are dollars well-spent, as we can clearly see from the example of our forward-thinking Canadian neighbors to the north, whose investments in infrastructure have been repaid many times over in real savings of human and financial capital.

Mark Overt Skilbred

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS--THOUGHTS FROM LAMENTATIONS 3

2009-03-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS—THOUGHTS FROM LAMENTATIONS 3

“I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, He has turned His hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, He shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; He has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, He dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew His bow and made me the target for His arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from His quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; He has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your Faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (The Lamentations Of Jeremiah, Chapter 3:1-40)

This remarkable passage records one of the darkest periods in the history of the Jewish nation, when the Jews had forsaken God, their rulers had perverted justice, and God sent Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem and take Judah captive to Babylon. Jeremiah, who was God’s prophet in Jerusalem before, during and after the final invasion by Nebuchadnezzar and who witnessed some of the most horrific suffering by his people as a punishment for their sins, was placed there by God to warn the Jews, participate in their suffering and faithfully record the consequences of their sin for posterity. Lamentations is an extreme example of the lengths to which God goes in pursuing His chosen people. He remains faithful to them in their punishment until the bitter end, and even then cares for those in Babylon and those who remain behind in the land surrounding the ruins of Jerusalem. In the midst of lament there is hope and reassurance that our God is faithful! Even when His chosen people had been unfaithful to Him and deserved His punishment, God promised them that there would come a day when He would bring them back and restore them in Jerusalem. A much different example from the Book of Job shows God’s Omniscience and provision before, during and after a time of testing. In this case, God proves to Job and his friends that He is faithful in preserving Job’s life and restoring him to health and prosperity. This example of testing a faithful man for the purpose of increasing his faith and relationship with his Heavenly Father shows another extreme example of God’s faithfulness in the further improvement of an exemplary man. Although most of us never experience anything like the extreme tests of Jeremiah and Job, we still endure those difficult and particular tests which address areas of our lives which need improvement. “For I know the plans I have for you—plans to prosper you and do you good.” God wants us to realize that if He has remained faithful in the most extreme cases in history, that He will also remain faithful to us. We who are but dust have had the breath of life breathed into us by a God Who Is Faithful! Our lives are a gift of creation from a loving and Faithful God Who understands our sorrows and is acquainted with our grief. Maybe it has been awhile since you have talked with God. Perhaps you feel that He is no longer listening to you and you think that God has abandoned you. God asked Abraham and Sarah a rhetorical question, “Is anything too hard for God?” to which the answer is a resounding NO! Paul tells us, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Jeremiah and Job both questioned where God was in their circumstances and doubted that God was listening to their cries for help, and yet God was patient with their complaints and lack of trust and granted them eternal life with Him. God will reward us for our trust and faithfulness towards Him and has provided us with His Holy Spirit, Who will provide the strength and endurance that is needed for each day until we are reunited with Him in heaven. Life is difficult, and designed to be just as hard as necessary to bring us to the end of ourselves and to the realization of our need for a Savior. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) These familiar words provide assurance to us in our darkest hours that our God is faithful and committed to our salvation, if we will only trust and follow Him.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1-7)

May God grant you the patient endurance which is needed as you confront your daily obstacles and may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Mark Overt Skilbred

SKILBRED COMPARATIVE WEATHER CALENDAR

2009-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

SKILBRED COMPARATIVE WEATHER CALENDAR

This is a useful tool for comparing weather data based on
angle from the sun. Try checking Google weather by city
for that date and see how similar they are! Note the
following example:

23rd and Mountain, Upland, CA — Current Conditions

Daily Summary for March 18, 2009

Current: High: Low: Average:
Temperature: 87.1 °F 87.1 °F 54.2 °F 65.5 °F
Dew Point: 43.7 °F 48.5 °F 31.3 °F 39.2 °F
Humidity: 22% 58% 22% 39%
Wind Speed: 0.0mph 0.0mph - 0.0mph
Wind Gust: 0.0mph 0.0mph - -
Wind: North - - South
Pressure: 29.97in 30.06in 29.97in -
Precipitation: 0.00in

(By scrolling down and entering the corresponding date
in the weather history date selector, you will see
the following comparison history:)

23rd and Mountain, Upland, CA
Daily Summary for September 24, 2008

Current: High: Low: Average:
Temperature: 86.7 °F 99.0 °F 65.1 °F 80.2 °F
Dew Point: 44.5 °F 59.8 °F 34.0 °F 46.6 °F
Humidity: 23% 48% 22% 31%
Wind Speed: 0.0mph 0.0mph - 0.0mph
Wind Gust: 0.0mph 0.0mph - -
Wind: North - - South
Pressure: 29.97in 29.98in 29.78in -
Precipitation: 0.00in

The following list shows the corresponding
angle-distance date based on proximity to
winter and summer solstices.

COMPARATIVE WEATHER CALENDAR:

December 21 ----- December 20
December 22 ----- December 19
December 23 ----- December 18
December 24 ----- December 17
December 25 ----- December 16
December 26 ----- December 15
December 27 ----- December 14
December 28 ----- December 13
December 29 ----- December 12
December 30 ----- December 11
December 31 ----- December 10
January 1 ------- December 9
January 2 ------- December 8
January 3 ------- December 7
January 4 ------- December 6
January 5 ------- December 5
January 6 ------- December 4
January 7 ------- December 3
January 8 ------- December 2
January 9 ------- December 1
January 10 ------ November 30
January 11 ------ November 29
January 12 ------ November 28
January 13 ------ November 27
January 14 ------ November 26
January 15 ------ November 25
January 16 ------ November 24
January 17 ------ November 23
January 18 ------ November 22
January 19 ------ November 21
January 20 ------ November 20
January 21 ------ November 19
January 22 ------ November 18
January 23 ------ November 17
January 24 ------ November 16
January 25 ------ November 15
January 26 ------ November 14
January 27 ------ November 13
January 28 ------ November 12
January 29 ------ November 11
January 30 ------ November 10
January 31 ------ November 9
February 1 ------ November 8
February 2 ------ November 7
February 3 ------ November 6
February 4 ------ November 5
February 5 ------ November 4
February 6 ------ November 3
February 7 ------ November 2
February 8 ------ November 1
February 9 ------ October 31
February 10 ----- October 30
February 11 ----- October 29
February 12 ----- October 28
February 13 ----- October 27
February 14 ----- October 26
February 15 ----- October 25
February 16 ----- October 24
February 17 ----- October 23
February 18 ----- October 22
February 19 ----- October 21
February 20 ----- October 20
February 21 ----- October 19
February 22 ----- October 18
February 23 ----- October 17
February 24 ----- October 16
February 25 ----- October 15
February 26 ----- October 14
February 27 ----- October 13
February 28 ----- October 12
March 1 --------- October 11
March 2 --------- October 10
March 3 --------- October 9
March 4 --------- October 8
March 5 --------- October 7
March 6 --------- October 6
March 7 --------- October 5
March 8 --------- October 4
March 9 --------- October 3
March 10 -------- October 2
March 11 -------- October 1
March 12 -------- September 30
March 13 -------- September 29
March 14 -------- September 28
March 15 -------- September 27
March 16 -------- September 26
March 17 -------- September 25
March 18 -------- September 24
March 19 -------- September 23
March 20 -------- September 22
March 21 -------- September 21
March 22 -------- September 20
March 23 -------- September 19
March 24 -------- September 18
March 25 -------- September 17
March 26 -------- September 16
March 27 -------- September 15
March 28 -------- September 14
March 29 -------- September 13
March 30 -------- September 12
March 31 -------- September 11
April 1 --------- September 10
April 2 --------- September 9
April 3 --------- September 8
April 4 --------- September 7
April 5 --------- September 6
April 6 --------- September 5
April 7 --------- September 4
April 8 --------- September 3
April 9 --------- September 2
April 10 -------- September 1
April 11 -------- August 31
April 12 -------- August 30
April 13 -------- August 29
April 14 -------- August 28
April 15 -------- August 27
April 16 -------- August 26
April 17 -------- August 25
April 18 -------- August 24
April 19 -------- August 23
April 20 -------- August 22
April 21 -------- August 21
April 22 -------- August 20
April 23 -------- August 19
April 24 -------- August 18
April 25 -------- August 17
April 26 -------- August 16
April 27 -------- August 15
April 28 -------- August 14
April 29--------- August 13
April 30 -------- August 12
May 1 ----------- August 11
May 2 ----------- August 10
May 3 ----------- August 9
May 4 ----------- August 8
May 5 ----------- August 7
May 6 ----------- August 6
May 7 ----------- August 5
May 8 ----------- August 4
May 9 ----------- August 3
May 10 ---------- August 2
May 11 ---------- August 1
May 12 ---------- July 31
May 13 ---------- July 30
May 14 ---------- July 29
May 15 ---------- July 28
May 16 ---------- July 27
May 17 ---------- July 26
May 18 ---------- July 25
May 19 ---------- July 24
May 20 ---------- July 23
May 21 ---------- July 22
May 22 ---------- July 21
May 23 ---------- July 20
May 24 ---------- July 19
May 25 ---------- July 18
May 26 ---------- July 17
May 27 ---------- July 16
May 28 ---------- July 15
May 29 ---------- July 14
May 30 ---------- July 13
May 31 ---------- July 12
June 1 ---------- July 11
June 2 ---------- July 10
June 3 ---------- July 9
June 4 ---------- July 8
June 5 ---------- July 7
June 6 ---------- July 6
June 7 ---------- July 5
June 8 ---------- July 4
June 9 ---------- July 3
June 10 --------- July 2
June 11 --------- July 1
June 12 --------- June 30
June 13 --------- June 29
June 14 --------- June 28
June 15 --------- June 27
June 16 --------- June 26
June 17 --------- June 25
June 18 --------- June 24
June 19 --------- June 23
June 20 --------- June 22
June 21 --------- June 21

I hope that this proves to
be of some help in your
weather predictions!

Mark Overt Skilbred

TOO BIG TO FAIL?

2009-03-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The banks want less governmental oversight? According to a comment in today’s news, someone in the treasury department, who is a holdover from the Bush administration, is requesting less governmental interference regarding how the bailout money should or should not be spent, including whether it should be loaned to foreign companies or withheld from domestic consumers. First of all, how appropriate that an administration which prided itself on fiscal non-intervention should seek to reinsert itself with more of the same failed rhetoric that got us into this mess in the first place! The notion of deregulation which led to our fiscal collapse is making another attempt to steer us away from the real culprits in this fiasco—the banks themselves. This Bush appointee essentially argues that no matter how well-intentioned the government may be in its oversight, that it is in no position to make requirements of banks, which are in a much better position to judge credit-worthiness, etc. If that were really the case, there would be no demand for governmental oversight in the first place! The banks—especially the large insolvent ones, lost their opportunity for less governmental oversight when they accepted the first bailout dollars. Does it really need to be explained to them that the American public is unwillingly loaning them money which they don’t have and passing along higher taxes to their grandchildren to bail out banks which were fundamentally under-regulated and were allowed to grow so large that they pose a threat to the stability of the national and world economy? Banks should be nationalized and broken up into small independent banks which are much easier to regulate and far easier to take over and recapitalize or sell in case of failure, without jeopardizing our banking system and our economy. The theory of “too big to fail” has sustained another torpedo strike in this latest congressional hearing, and now Gulliver finds himself protesting by way of his spokesperson that the Lilliputians have restrained him without cause and are seeking to govern his free exercise. Furthermore, Gulliver claims that he knows a lot more about his business than the Lilliputians do, and therefore deserves to proceed unimpeded to conduct business which he feels is more beneficial to his interests. Additionally, Gulliver feels that the Lilliputians have no rights in their own domain to restrict his movements or to make demands regarding his care and maintenance, including the cleanup and removal of waste generated by himself. The scale of Gulliver’s corporate ego is only matched by his disdain of the little people around him who are desperately attempting to go about their daily lives unimpeded by the giant in their midst. Similarly, the Spanish Armada considered itself too big to fail until it encountered a much more maneuverable British Navy. We Lilliputians have witnessed the rise of big business, big banking, corporate greed and mismanagement, and we know when Gulliver has overstepped his bounds and is in need of restraint. Indeed, the whole world agrees with us that a day of reckoning has come for those who endanger the fragile lives of Lilliputians and many of their companions throughout the world. There are those who argue that the use of the term “nationalize” is too harsh and polarizing, when in-fact it is prudent and necessary for the legal representatives of the Lilliputians to make it clear to Gulliver that he is an unwieldy giant who is trying to maneuver in a land where he is devouring more than his share of the land’s abundance, that he is bankrupt and no longer welcome in his present form, and that it is not okay with the Lilliputians for him to bribe and corrupt their government officials in order to curry their favor and influence their voting and to make-off with any additional resources, nor is it alright to enslave their children and grandchildren with false promises of easy credit and beneficial results to ensure another round of banking and wall street bailouts. Too big to fail? Better to ask “how are the mighty fallen?” and proceed with the governmental oversight which is now necessary to restrain Gulliver before he continues to maim and destroy any more of our precious national resources and citizens. If it were possible to find a mirror large enough to reflect the image of Gulliver, perhaps he would realize that he has been shipwrecked in a storm of his own creation, that he has been beached in a land where giants are not welcome, and that he is now restrained by the cords of the people who live here in order to protect the land and her citizens from further encroachments. Nationalize the banks!

Mark Overt Skilbred