Deadliest Hurricane?

Fox News has a List of the deadliest hurricane's recorded. They are now saying that the death toll from this hurricane will rival 9/11


foxnews.com:

Fast Facts: Deadliest U.S. Hurricanes
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
The deadliest hurricanes to hit the continental United States since 1900, listed by name or nickname, location, year, category and number of deaths, according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Hurricanes in the north Atlantic Ocean were first named in 1950. Categories range from 1, the least severe, to 5.

1. "Galveston" (Texas), 1900, 4, at least 8,000
2. "Lake Okeechobee" (South Florida), 1928, 4, at least 2,500
3. Unnamed (Florida Keys, South Texas), 1919, 4, estimated to be at least 600, most at sea
4. "New England" (New York, Rhode Island), 1938, 3, 600
5. "Labor Day" (Florida Keys), 1935, 5, 408
6. Audrey (Southwest Louisiana, North Texas), 1957, 4, 390
6. "Great Atlantic" (Northeast United States), 1944, 3, 390, most at sea
8. "Grand Isle" (Louisiana), 1909, 4, 350
9. Unnamed (New Orleans), 1915, 4, 275
9. Unnamed (Galveston, Texas), 1915, 4, 275
11. Camille (Mississippi, Louisiana), 1969, 5, 256
12. "Great Miami" (Florida, Mississippi, Alabama), 1926, 4, 243
13. Diane (Northeast United States), 1955, 1, 184
14. Unnamed (Southeast Florida), 1906, 2, 164
15. Unnamed (Mississippi, Alabama, Florida), 1906, 3, 134
16. Agnes (Northeast United States), 1972, 1, 122
17. Hazel (South Carolina, North Carolina), 1954, 4, 95
18. Betsy (Southeast Florida, Southeast Louisiana), 1965, 3, 75
19. Carol (Northeast United States), 1954, 3, 60
20. Floyd (Eastern United States), 1999, 2, 57

Why you shouldn't care about Gas Prices

Okay,

I admit

I'm frustrated paying more than $3.00 for a gallon of Gas. A lot of the price increase is seeming to be related to katrina. She has caused panic in the market (creating a partially artificial price hike) as well as knocking out some key refineries.


So does this impact you like it impacts me? Here in detroit we rely heavily on gasoline. With a majority of the workforce commuting from the suburbs to the city (or other suburbs) it is hard to find someone that can go without driving because they cannot afford to put gas in the car. Unfortunately, unlike other major metropolitan areas; Detroit still lacks a consistant and complete public transit system, Leaving even the lowest paid workers to shell out a high percentage of their income for merely getting themselves to work.


So you should be MAD right.... downright ANGRY --- correct?



While i struggle with these emotions personally I was convicted by a coworker today who nochallantly said 'at least we have some where to go'. I'm blown away by even my own selfishness. New Orleans, Louisiana: the city that has become a watery prison for many, and a grave for some; is possibly one of the depressing things to see.

We Really should not be focusing on out VERY MINOR problems, that present in our areas, when the world around us looks like this:

Patience in America

an Article over at Marriage Partnership talks about the importance of patience in marriage. On a more general note, I think that our society as a whole could benefit from a general increased level of patience.

The article also reminded me that patience is not just waiting for something. A lot of the time i spend waiting is not based on my own decision. (rather it is waiting over something i have no control of)

The truth is, we can't have patience without the waiting. But just because we're waiting doesn't necessarily mean we have patience. It's how we wait in marriage that's most important. Do we wait with a good attitude?

the article goes back to Isaiah 40:31 and argues that we should derive our patience as time waiting for God's plan

I've found one of the best ways to develop patience is to think of my waiting times as "waiting on the Lord." So instead of waiting on my husband to change, I think of waiting on the Lord to work changes in him. And in me! That whole mind adjustment makes it much easier to be patient with my spouse. Waiting on the Lord gives me the sense that something is going on, I just can't see it at the moment. But I wait with eager anticipation to see what God is going to do

Do you think that your patience could use a tune-up? Would it make a difference in any of your relationships and/or your effectiveness as a witness for Christ?

New Blog Link Added

I've added a new link to the right--- check it out www.audiovlog.com

Tom Cruise

A hoax website is apparently reporting that Tom Cruise believes that he was william shakespeare in a previous life (the site has since pulled the article. However--- what's really scary is that i have no problem thinking he actually said this---




it's amazing what lies people will believe

10 (Human) Years

**DISCLAIMER***
The Below post is excessively dorky, if you are prone to making fun of dorky people (including myself) please disregard this post
**DISCLAIMER***


If you havent already noticed, Computer technology has a timeline of it's own. Much like there is a conversion for 'dog' years--- i think there should be some conversion for 'computer years'. I think however instead of a simple algebraic equation to calculate the years (y=7x) i think we need to have some kind of an exponential equation (y = 10x^2 ) or something like that.


Here is a sampling of what pc magazine was reporting back in '95 when windows 95 was released. I especially like the part about "cable modems NEVER making it"

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

My "worklife toolbox" today was a short blurb on temptation. Not in your typical temptation fashion-- it spoke to our affinity toward independence.

As the "alpha male"(bringer of bacon, master of my domain, and all around head of household) i tend to think that my abilities should exceed anything that i would be required to do (in my personal and professional life). I also realize that God would have us depend on him far more than we want to, if we are not doing this--- then we are not properly reflecting Christ as he would have us.

OPC Worklife toolbox 8/18/2005:

When we’re in trouble, when sales are down, when we can’t see a way to get it all done in time, we may run to God. But what happens when the task looks well within the scope of our competence? The test of our dependency on Christ is not when we know we can’t, but when we think we can. . . .

What percentage of your present work tasks do you feel you can do without dependency on Christ?

things to ponder

"House"owner

Well we've finally done it. Yesterday We closed on our 'house'. I am super excited to have a yard, basement and garage. Now we just need to move in!!! the previous owners have up to 30 days to get out--- so be praying that their new house in fowlerville is finished quickly

Ministering Like Jesus

Leesburg, Florida

I found this EXCELLENT article that shows how a church in florida is meeting the communities needs, both physically and spirtiually.

I think this shows what can be done if we truely embrace the community in the manner that God intended us to. Just think what the Global church could do if we all set out to care for our communities in this manner.

Announcing ! ! !

Hey, for those of you who want to see some cute kids up on stage at oak pointe church we'll be dedicating the twins in the 9:30 service on september 18th, 2005


let me know if you're gonna come by--- i'll look for ya

Readership

I've heard many opinions on this whole blog thing. From 'a revolution in communication' to 'an excuse for people to tickle their own egos'

I have no problem admitting to my ego, but i also feel like I could have something to contribute to this new developing society----


that being said, i'd be interested to hear who is actually reading my blog, so comment to me and let me know (AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!)


I'm starting the Tell a friend, get a nickle plan. Refer someone, tell me about it and i'll give you a nickel *





*limit one nickel per referrer

Austrailian 'Jesus' Movement

Church Marketing Sucks' has a post regarding this new campaign in austrailia--very interesting, it's funded by a large assortment of church denominations (i'm currently digging to take a look at their theological stance [if any])

Randomality on Google

We've made headlines over at google



get your own here

You didn't REALLY have work to do, right?

i didn't think so--

check out this amazing dancing Skeleton---way cool. (f.y.i I got this from Terry Storch)

Apple Controversy

Before the rumors start flying--- yes i did help my brother obtain a new ibook and ipod, but trust me my intentions were purely profit (yea reward points!)

Apple on the Brink

As some of you know, I have some pretty specific feelings regarding the Apple corporation. For those of you that don't--- i'll fill you in.

I have a problem with how apple does business; specifically they have this socialistic approach to computing. they would contend that everything you use in your computing expierience should be Apple branded. The end result is mediocre performance and/or overpriced equipment. In today's age you can get a Windows based system with large capacity hard drive(s), large amounts of RAM, and everything else needed for gaming/video/mp3's for under a thousand dollars (in some cases WAY under). I would say that the mac mini, which attempts to corner this market is greatly underpowered. While it may serve a great purpose for very VERY tight quarters, i don't suggest it to be your primary computer.


Apple's Most recent buzz is the announcement of switching to Intel Processors. Upon first hearing this, i was impressed--- but it seems that macintosh will still not be selling their O.S for use on anything but Apple brand hardware. Steve Jobs continues to keep the socialistic feel as best he can.

An interesting article in PC Magazine today has another theory regarding the path of OSX (tiger). John Dvorak postulates that Jobs is being much more stealthy with his eventual jab at the microsoft giant.


check it out --- let me know what you think



Update: another example of the pc vs. mac discussion (from a seemingly lamen writer)

When is a Church "TOO BIG"

I was reading the blog over at "church marketing sucks" and they point to this NPR Article. It pulls out the eternal debate inside the church community; Big or Small??? Essentially there are pro's and con's to each side as in any situation.

With a large church you are almost automatically set as far as resources. If the church is big enough you will have a range of people from those willing to commit time to those with the ability to commit money. The down side to a large church is it's all to easy ability to create apathetic christians--"they won't miss me if i don't go this week" etc...

With a small/medium sized church you are more likely to produce either a primarily HOT congregation or a primarily COLD congregation. Jesus spoke to this in Revelation 3:16 The downside to a smaller church is that you are more likely to lack the ability to produce high quality worship/programming/outreach due to the lack of resources available.

I have always appreciated Pastor Bob Shirock's view's on keeping a small church feel. Oak pointe keeps emphasis on small groups and community that makes you feel less like you are going to a large church (for reference oakpointe is in the 1600-1800 range of attendance). The article points out that even larger churches are attempting to solve this problem by creating 'satellite campuses' and manufacturing a weekly dvd to provide the on stage ministries.

I have to give mad props to churches like willow creek based on the influence that they have on churches around the country. I also have to applaud their effort in this area, however i don't think that this situation will be without problems. as in the article i think that this may create a further disconnect between the people in the church. You may end up feeling more like you're going to a movie with a bunch of people rather than really fellowshipping with other and truely worshipping Jesus.

The Flip side is that you may be able to interface with those around you, returning some of that small/medium church feel. . .


so whats the right answer?


not my place to say--- let me know what you think

Brief Introduction

Well here it is: POST # 1!!! After prodding my wife into blogging, i decided that i may as well join her (although her's will be way more interesting)

My Name is Peter Webber, I have a beautiful wife and two kids (Matt and Kayla)---

I am currently working for the family business keeping the computer systems running, i also do some contract work if anyone is interested in some home/small business computer help. I am also attending the University of Phoenix, and am looking forward to graduating with a BSIT. Our family attends Oak Pointe Church in Novi, Michigan. I look forward to commenting on current events, engaging in spiritual discussions and looking at the latest technology trends. If you are looking for some other good blogs to check out, i recommend the one's in my link section.

Check back often