Photo Competition Update

Today is the day that judging begins on the photo competition. I took my photo over to the fairgrounds Friday and I hope things will turn out okay with it. I did see one guy bring in his picture and it was awesome. Let me put it this way, if he's in the amateur category, I'm doomed! Oh well, I gave it my best shot, so we'll see what happens.

At least this go-round, I'll know the results if I don't receive a call by Wednesday. Regardless of whether I win anything or not, my photo will still be on display throughout the fair so, if you're going, make sure you check it out in the Scott Building. I will update you guys here and on Twitter once I know the results.

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FORE

Oh, mini golf: who could live without it? I'm sure the bicyclist in this vid will never like it again...

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The Brickyard Preachers

An interesting site to see at almost any college are the preachers who stand out in a popular hang out place and preach to students. We have our own preachers in the Brickyard who are out there almost every day (or at least every time I pass through). Some do a good job in getting the Good News out, but others not so much. One famous preacher is Gary Birdsong, or the "Brickyard Preacher" as we like to call him. This guy is a fundamentalist Christian who takes an accusatory approach to lead others to Christ. In other words, he basically has that "everyone is going to Hell" mentality . I believe that he even yelled "You're going to Hell" to those who would walk by him and didn't stop to listen to him! He better hope he's never out there and says that to me if I pass by him. I'll say, "Actually, I am because I'm a Christian."

Just today, I witnessed another preacher who took almost the exact same approach. I think this guy, though, my have taken the cake. I was sitting on the picnic tables outside the Atrium listening to what this guy was saying. One thing that stuck out was his comments on going to football games. He said, "if you go to football games, you must repent." Are you kidding me? I have never heard that before in my life. I know a ton of Christian friends who go to football games. Heck, even Campus Crusade goes and tailgates at all the home football games here. He mentioned that we must repent if we've ever watched MTV or channels like it. Now, I know that's probably not the best channel to watch, but the fact of the matter is that I bet even Christians watch it anyway.

He also said "if you sin, you will go to Hell." I interpreted what he said as, if you sin, you will go to Hell no questions asked. I don't believe that fully. True, God does not let sin into his Kingdom, but we all sin. It doesn't matter if we're born again Christians or Atheists, we all still sin. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And that is exactly why there is a religion called Christianity. Due to our sinful nature, God sent his only son Jesus to die on a cross for us. Additionally, when we sin, we can ask God for forgiveness and He will forgive us. Like I heard on K-LOVE the other day, when you repent, God will give you a second chance.

One of the biggest things that stuck out to me (in addition to the above) was that, "if you're a Christian, you do not sin." This is completely false! True, we all strive to not sin but we all do anyway (Romans 3:23). The only one without sin is God Himself, no one else! When He sent his son, Jesus, down to Earth, He led a perfect (sinless) life which no one in all of history can ever say they've done. That preacher is not honestly going to sit there and tell me he has never sinned in his life. Give me a break!

Unfortunately, the Christian religion is being plagued by people like these two. I'm sure his intentions were good, but he definitely needs some training on how to tell people about the Good News. Many Christians wonder why do people not join the religion. It's because of things like this. I know that if I wasn't a Christian and heard this kind of talk from preachers, I probably wouldn't want to be a Christian either. We all have to do a better job at spreading the Good News to those who don't believe it.

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LCT 2010

I guess it's never too early to be talking about the Living Christmas Tree. Yep, it's that time again...can you believe it? This year's show is suppose to be like no other. Our worship pastor is reviving a LCT show from several years ago and is titling it "Christmas Reunion." The church is going to be decked out with decorations, limos, and maybe even race cars! 

The show will focus on a family who is holding a special reunion where this mysterious heirloom will finally be revealed after 125 years of secrecy. That's really all I'll tell you about the show. I don't want to give too much away! We have received our music, and it is filled with great songs. From classic holiday sing-a-longs and comical songs to very powerful tunes. It will be a Christmas show you won't want to miss!

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Perfect No More

Yesterday was a tough one for Wolfpack football. The Pack fell to Virginia Tech after starting out with a big 17-0 lead on the Hokies. In the end, the second half perfomance for VT simply overshadowed the great start by State. Russell Wilson had kind of an off game (even though he escaped about 50 or so tackles) throwing three interceptions during the game.

In addition, the refs didn't help our cause at all (which is typical of any VT game). Although State has hit a bump in the road, they still have a great team and will definitely bounce back. I could go on and on about how much I can't stand Virginia Tech (and their fans) but I'm going to save that for it's own post. Stay tuned!

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Big Game

Later on today (3:30pm on ABC), NC State will have its second big ACC test against Virginia Tech. Not only do the Hokies' fans travel well, it's Parent & Families Weekend here at State, and I'm sure tons of Wolfpack families won't miss this one. This marks the first time since I can remember that State is nationally ranked (#23 in the AP Poll) while Tech is not. It should be a classic game. I have always hated VT. I don't know why but I always have and always will. Kind of like with Duke but not quite as severe. Anyway, I will be going to the game (sitting right in the middle of the student section of course) so I will post again as soon as I can after the game with my own reaction and maybe even some pics as well. Oh yea, one more thing...GO PACK!

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You're Fired

Popular CNN host, Rick Sanchez, was fired from CNN after making comments about Jews in the media. He made the comments on a Sirius radio show, calling "The Daily Show" host, John Stewart (who is Jewish), a "bigot" and suggesting that "everybody who runs CNN" is Jewish. As result, the news network fired Sanchez and thanked him for his years of service. CNN did not disclose if the firing was based off of his comments alone, but this is just the lastest in a series of controversial comments from Sanchez. He has also come under fire for calling President Obama a "cotton-picking president", misquoting Rush Limbaugh, and apparently not understanding the metric system.

When will people learn? I always kind of liked Rick Sanchez. In fact, I used to watch his show ("CNN Newsroom" later turned into "Rick's List") where he addressed some big topics for debate and opened them up to the nation to respond through social networks, calling it the "National Conversation." It was a pretty cool show to watch. It goes to show you that you really have to watch what you say nowadays; and that is why I give Rick Sanchez my Oops Award for the week.

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