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"Racism" is an illogical concept. It doesn't exist. Webster's dictionary defines "racism" as, "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race." However, the Human Genome Project has definitively shown that there is no distinct genetic basis to racial types. By mapping human DNA they have discovered what Depeche Mode already knew more than two decades ago. "People are people…"

Pigmentation is an inherited trait. It has to do with the concentration of certain types of melanin in the skin. So, "dermal melaninism" would be an accurate description of what is often labeled, "racism." Won't be seeing this term any time soon, however. For instance, the organization Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, or A.N.S.W.E.R., would become Act Now to Stop War and End Dermal Melaninism.

A.N.S.W.E.D.M., anyone? Doesn't make sense and you are going to have to change all those signs.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Like many of you, I absolutely love the movie, The Princess Bride. I am not a fan of "chick flix" (Confession: I have still not seen The Notebook from beginning to end), but, of course, The Princess Bride does have swords. Yet, there is something memorable about PB that keeps me going back to it again and again. One thing is so much wonderful dialogue.

For instance, when Vizzini (played by Wallace Shawn) keeps using the word, "inconceivable," in every situation, Imigo Montoya (played by Mandy Patinkin) has had enough. He finally tells Vizzini,

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

Being clear on the meaning of words is absoultely critical when it comes to having honest conversation. This is why "verbal manipulation" is one of the foundational sins that Jesus speaks against. 

Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.  (Matthew 5:37)

In the coming days, I will post on several words that 'I do not think mean what you think it means…'

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Susan Boyle is a YouTube phenom of major buzz. Who is she and what does she have to do with the good news of Jesus? Listen and find out!

The Gospel According To Susan Boyle by Dehanson  
Download now or listen on posterous

The gospel according to Susan Boyle.mp3 (9370 KB)

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Why are people keen on saying they are “spiritual” without specifying what they mean?

For Americans in 2009, here are 5 reasons that just may be below the surface of this phenomena.

1. “I want to be in control”- If I focus on a specific faith or philosophy and make it my own, I have given myself over to that belief system in some way. There will be things I want to do that I can’t because every system involves certain behavioral consequences. I also may have to place myself under the mentorship of another.
2. “I want to be liked”- To adhere to one faith or philosophy makes me appear narrow-minded and may offend someone who follows a different faith or philosophy (Personally, however, this is never a problem for me what faith or philosophy someone else follows, unless, of course, they are a conservative Christian!).
3. “I don’t want commitment”- If  follow a specific spiritual path, I will probably have to “join” other people in that belief system and there will be expectations placed upon me. They might expect my presence at events or my financial support.
4. “I am afraid of what I might discover”- On the surface, there appear to be weaknesses and strengths in every belief system, but I don’t want to study deep enough to find out if any is superior over the rest. You see, if I do discover a superior belief system, I can’t let you know. See #2 above. I like how I live my life, and I don’t really want to rock my own boat, where there is a possibility I might submit myself to any belief system. So, I am never really every going to examine a faith or philosophy in any depth, where I may end up being capable of making a logical and informed choice.
5. “I want to appear mysterious without having to explain it”- Let’s be honest, it’s cool right now to say I am “spiritual.” It has a relevant vibe to it and says I am skeptical of any “organized” system, and so I also appear to be an open and “tolerant” free-thinker- which just increases the “coolness” factor.

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Free From That Which Holds You Back by Dana Hanson  
Download now or listen on posterous

Free from that which holds you back.mp3 (8158 KB)

Buzz Brown shares how the Holy Spirit is taking hold of prisoners and setting them free; like He always does…
With a special testimony from Mario, one of the "stars"

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“I’m not a Christian, man, I’m a musician.”

These are words spoken by a British Virgin Island guitarist in a raggae band as he is cruising on a return ferry back to Virgin Gorda after spending the afternoon playing while Americans ate conch on the beach at the “Big Babuu,” an open air bar and only structure, on a small uninhabited island in the Caribbean.

This is the strangest sentence I have ever written, but it really did happen just that way. I know it because I am one of those Americans. What did he mean? What does anyone mean when they say, “_____________ (fill in this blank), but I am spiritual?”

“I don’t believe in organized religion, but I am spiritual.”

“I’m spiritual; I just don’t believe in organized religion.”

“‘m spiritual; I just don’t follow any specific religion. Right now, I am really interested in Native American drumming and Zen Bhuddism.”

All of these sentences spoken in America, probably mean one of these things.

“I have never experienced Christianity, but from what I know is is really narrow and has a lot of rules.”

“I tried Christianity as a kid,  but I found it too judgmental and hyporitical.”

“I studied Christianity and it didn’t ring true with me.”

Think of what all of this means over the weekend. I will comment on Monday.

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I last posted on the top 5 excuses you have for not working out at a gym (conscious mind). Now here are five more your unconscious mind is working on. You can’t give these reasons to anyone else, but they are waiting to be used by you subconscious telling your conscious to take a break and go have another cookie then…

#5
“I am too fat”

This goes along with #1 from yesterday. If you are a woman, unless you are Angelina or Lindsay, you will always be saying this (Unfortunately, so too, will Angelina and Lindsay, unfortunately).  Just find someone who is bigger than you, take the treadmill next to him/her, and enjoy the walk. If you are a guy, just look in the mirror…The belly is hanging over the belt like a soft, round, cliff, but hey, I think you are getting some definition on those biceps, aren’t you?

#4
“I don’t know how to use any of that equipment”

Start with the treadmill. Step up on it. Press the button that says “Quick Start.” Set the speed button to 3.0. Take your left foot and move it forward with your right foot moving forward immediately following…Repeat

#3
“I am afraid of catching a disease from the equipment.”

Wear weightlifters gloves, use lots of hand sanitizer, take a shower with soap and hot water, and don’t pick your nose.

#2
“I don’t want to get too thin.”

This is a “guys only.” Don’t worry. You won’t.

#1
“I am afraid of getting hit on.”

99% of us don’t need to worry about that. 1% of us, and you know who you are, that’s the whole idea isn’t it, and you are not reading this anyway.

www.danahanson.org
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Everyone has a gym story. It is a good chance yours started on January 2, ______.

A gym story. It goes like this.

You finally join a health club and you are ready to go. These things you know:

1. You know exercise is absolutely necessary for you to get healthier.
   
2. You know exercise is absolutely necessary for you to lose weight.
3. You know if you exercise you will feel better.
4. You know if you exercise you will look better.

So, this is pretty easy, huh? You just go for it, right? Wrong. If you simply say, “O.K. I am going to start the new year going to the gym now,” and then show up, you will make it to about January 6th. Here you go…Excuse time….

# 5
I have an important presentation today, so I better sleep in and get enough rest. (Exercising will help you be more alert and focused)
# 4
I can’t believe how sore my arms are, I am going to give my body a rest. (Give your arms a rest and work on your legs or cardio)
# 3
I don’t have time today because I have to _______. (You need about an hour to get to the gym, work out, shower and you are out of there. You can’t find 60 minutes in a day when you aren’t doing something that’s absolutely necessary? You can’t take those 60 minutes for a workout?)
# 2
I need to spend more time with my ______. (“spouse, kids, friends, dog”…Just fill in the blank)

And the number one reason I consciously have a hard time going to the gym is…
#1
Whenever I get there, I look at myself in the mirror and I think…(Woman’s version- O God, help me!/ Man’s version- What more can I do to improve on that Adonis looking back at me?)

Tomorrow? Top 5 excuses…Subconscious mind!

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After the attack on 9/11, an online prayer team was formed to pray for the President, his cabinet, the nation and our Armed Forces, The Presidential Prayer Team. The team has been praying ever since. Originating as a non-partisan group, the prayers on the website would be seen as coming from a “moderate/ conservative” perspective. Quotes from the Founding Fathers concerning our nation being founded on biblical principles and such, are just one example. Not a strongly held viewpoint of those who self-identify as “liberal.”

One of the things that many people wondered is what would happen if we had a “liberal” president elected? Would the PPT continue as before? Well, we do have a president who comes out of a “liberal” worldview, so we can see if PPT holds true to its principles. I went to the site today, because it was just “National Day of Prayer.” Sure enough, prayer continues as before.  The treatment of the President is respectful and the prayers that are lifted up on the pages don’t appear to be agenda-driven. Here is an example.

Supreme Court Justice Douglas Souter is retiring in June. President Obama will nominate a new justice. The PPT prays:

Pray also for President Obama and his advisors as they consider possible replacements for Supreme Court Justice David Souter who is expected to retire at the end of the Court’s term in June. Pray for God’s best choice for this important appointment…

Note there is no petition for a specific kind of Justice or character traits they ought to look for in a Justice. I am impressed…

Pray for President Obama and pray for blessings on all who pray for him.

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