Part I - My Talk with God

[The following is the first part in a series of interviews I had with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My lawyer told me to say that nothing God [henceforth to be known as THE BIG GUY] says is representative of this blog or interviewer [henceforth to be known as ME]. All opinions, statements and assertions made by THE BIG GUY in no way represents this blog or ME. The opinions, comments and delusions of grander are THE BIG GUY's own, and no one shall hold this blog, or ME, liable for anything expressed.]

* * * ME: God --

THE BIG GUY: YES

ME: -- dammit! Sorry, I dropped my pencil.

THE BIG GUY: ....

ME: OK, sorry about that. Force of habit you know... THE BIG GUY: ....

ME: .... THE BIG GUY: .... ME: Ahem... Anyway, let's start right in then. There are a lot of people out there with all these different ideas of what -- oh, excuse me -- Who You are. Some think You're this kind of father figure who guides and protects us. Others seem to think You are a vengeful god Who takes vicious punishment out on people who disagree with You. So, who are you? Does anybody get it right? And if so, which ones?

THE BIG GUY: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

ME: Yeah, I know. That's how I found Your number. What I mean is, tell me something about Yourself. Are you kind and benevolent? Are you vengeful and angry? Let's set the record straight -- once and for all! Just tell me a little bit about what kind of person -- oh, sorry, -- I mean, what kind of god you are?

THE BIG GUY: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

ME: OK, how about ... are you male or female? Christians seem to think you're male -- the Holy Father; while others think of You as Mother Nature. Shouldn't you either be both -- male and female -- or neither?

THE BIG GUY: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

ME: ...

THE BIG GUY: ...

ME: Um, let's try another question, shall we? THE BIG GUY: .... ME: OK... Here's another one. Now this is one I think a lot of us have asked before. Why do you seem so angry and vengeful in the Old Testament, and then you're all like loving and forgiving in the New Testament? What gives? Which is it? THE BIG GUY: .... ME: All I'm saying here is that if you'd been a bit more specific, maybe created some billboard signs when you were doing the trees, then 3 there wouldn't be so many people fighting over their interpretation of You.

THE BIG GUY: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

ME: Uh-huh, I know. Um, don't you think it's strange that one of the most essential truths about our reality is that it can be understood, but You -- Who made this reality in the first place -- are so apparently impossible to understand?

THE BIG GUY: ... ME: You did a great job with the earth, but otherwise you seem quit disorganized. THE BIG GUY: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

ME: Hmmm, I think I'm starting to see what the problem is...

Tune in Next Week for the second part in this ongoing interview series when I Talk to Jesus!

Information About Electrical Installation and Wiring

Until recently the standards and regulation surrounding the electrical wiring and installation in the UK varied greatly from other European countries. However the standards and regulations in the UK no longer differ substantially from other European countries.

The current wring colours used in the UK are as follows:

o Protective Earth = Green

o Neutral = Blue

o Single Phase: live, three phase L1 = Brown

o Three Phase L2 = Black

o Three Phase L3 = Grey

When it comes to the UK electrical power circuits, they are normally described as either radial or ring. If a power circuit is radial the power is transmitted from point to point, which is conducted by a single length of cable that links each point to the next. This starts at the main switch or fuse and terminates at the last connected device. It may branch at a connection point. Lighting circuits are normally wired in this way, but it may also be used for low power socket circuits.

The ring circuit however is unknown in many other national wiring codes. With a ring circuit a cable starts at the supply point and then goes down to each device, the same way as in a radial circuit. The last device is connected back to the supply so that the whole circuit forms a continuous ring. The primary advantage is to allow more power to be supplied than could otherwise be carried with a given size of cable.

Going back to the standards and regulations, it should also be noted that there has been considerable change to the rules surrounding electrical installation. These changes mean that all electrical work within a domestic setting must be in compliance with British standards as a requirement of Part P. The building regulations, which are Part P, were introduced to England and Wales on 1st of January 2005.

When these building regulations were introduced in 2005 they were met with a lot of controversy especially when it come to the rules surrounding work that is carried out by non-professional bodies such as DIY work. Under the new regulations, initiation of any work other than simple changes becomes notifiable to the local building control authority. What is meant by simple changes are aspects such as adding extra lights or sockets to an existing circuit. Work on a bigger scale than this should be carried out by a professional.

When the new Part P regulations were brought about in 2005 the government approved several professional bodies' awards to 'competent persons.' This allows these 'competent persons' to self-certify work they carry out.

The Building Control Authority must be informed of any work that is carried out by someone not qualified under this scheme, unless the work is done in an emergency.

Any electrical work carried out needs to be approved and when it is approved you will be granted a certificate, a Building Regulations Completion Certificate.

If you do have any electrical wiring or installation work that needs to be carried out on your property it is important that you hire a professional to not only make sure that your work is carried out in a professional manner but to ensure that your electrical installation or re-wiring etc meets the standards set out by the Part P regulations.

Rock Climbing Basics

Ready to take on Rock Climbing? It is one of the fastest growing sports around, indoor as well as outdoors a lot of people are now joining what seems to be the new way to work out, and to strengthen yourself both physically and mentally. Rock climbing is no longer reserved to the professionals, even thought they are very much respected and looked up because of their amazing achievements and skills the art of climbing now belongs to the masses and it seems they love it.

You will need to work hard and practice, keep a routine and workout plan, focus on the rock climbing skills but not neglect many other forms of workout to increase your muscle mass and you cardio power if you think of going out thee and climbing mountains, the climbing walls are only the beginning, but, as everything else in life, you will need to go through every step to reach your goal. There are many things to learn about rock climbing, first you will need to become familiar with the rock climbing equipment, you will surely need someone to walk you around the things the professionals use, the survival gear and all the right clothes that will make your life just a little easier when climbing to the top.

There are some people that love rock climbing because of everything but the physical side of it, it is a huge challenge and something that is looked upon as a task that belongs to each individual, a test of character and something that will challenge you in the most extreme way, you should think carefully before diving into the rock climbing world, it is highly addictive and you risk that chance that some people will regard your actions as of a madmen.

If you will choose to go with the rock climbing, you will probably discover a world of thrills and adventure, of passion and dedication, but also a world of hard work and training, planning and thinking about every step, rock climbing is not only climbing but it involves a lot of planning and thinking and working out many difficulties and obstacles.

You can start off by getting a book, a rock climbing book may give you all the basic things you want to know so you can start thinking about getting serious about climbing, it is the closest thing you can have to a manual, if you want to get a book, take a good look at the selection because there are quite a lot of rock climbing guides around, find the one you will be most comfortable for you, and remember you may want to take it with you when you go out so make sure it fits in your backpack.

If you are dedicated and a hard worker there is no reason that pretty soon you will outgrow your book and will need some professional hand to guide you around to jump a level, and this you can very easily find in the specialist gyms that have a climbing walls, you do not have to get a lesson every day, but a few tips and tricks from a person with real experience will do you a world of good, and increase your safety. Have fun, and stay safe.

Log Home Construction: Which Wood Is Best?

Which Wood is Best for Log Home Construction?

Much has been written about which wood species is best for log home construction. In this article I will draw on fifteen years experience to explain the pros and cons of some of the common wood species used commercially for log cabin construction.

Lodge pole pine is probably one of the most common and widely used wood species for log wall construction. It tends to be straight with low taper due to the slow growth associated with the dry climate where it is found. It is moderately strong and has low to moderate shrinkage during the seasoning process. Lodge pole Pine offers only moderate to low bug and decay resistance and great care must be take to ensure that the logs are treated for insects and decay.

Spruce is another species that is commonly used in log construction. Spruce is widely used in the Interior of British Columbia when many of North America's log homes come from. Spruce usually grows straight with very little taper making it a good candidate for log construction. However, it is common for Spruce to grow with a spiral grain. Spiral grain logs should not be used in construction and doing so can have disastrous results. Spruce, like Pine is moderately strong and has moderate shrinkage during the seasoning process; and like Pine it offers only low insect and decay resistance. Spruce logs tend to need more maintenance than some of the other species especially Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar.

Douglas fir is a great choice for log shell construction as it grows straight with low taper and is very strong. However, Douglas fir, like Spruce, can grow with a spiral grain. Spiral grain logs should not be used in log wall construction if possible. Douglas fir logs are very strong and are well suited for beams and purlins. Douglas fir has moderate shrinkage and moderate to high insect and decay resistance. Douglas fir log home tend to look more uniform than others because of the low taper.

Western Red Cedar (WRC) is the final and in my opinion the best choice for log home construction. Quality WRC logs have low to moderate taper and low moisture content. WRC logs will shrink the least of all species of wood during the seasoning process. WRC is almost always straight grained and offers high natural insect and decay resistance. WRC is moderately strong and thus ideal for log wall construction. WRC is also the only species that grows with the "butt flares" that are becoming increasing popular in log homes. The flares offer the customer a way of making their home unique and give it a more rustic and "hand-crafted" look that differentiates it from the cookie-cutter style of log homes found in many areas.

Before choosing the logs for your home, you should do some investigation into what is available in your area. The logs I mention above are by far the most widely used logs today but some may not be available in your area. Having said that, I recommend that your buy the best logs available for your home even if you have to have them shipped to you because remember "the logs are the only portion of your new home that you cannot upgrade later".

Operation Liberty Shield - Homeland Security Act

Operation Liberty Shield, Homeland Security Act and OSHA

Compliance can be made simple with a line of Anti-theft and Safety Lockout/tagout devices.

The TIME is NOW to protect your key company assets from future terrorist attacks and million dollar plus lawsuits that only produce huge losses. Operation Liberty Shield is a comprehensive National plan designed to increase protection for American citizens. Is your company doing it's part to protect our freedom? Mine is.

Title IV of the Homeland Security Act, covers security of all modes of transportation. This security effort is to "coordinate efforts to protect transportation systems within the United States, including railways, highways, shipping, ports and waterways, airports, and civilian aircraft, from terrorist attack." According to "Operation Liberty Shield"; to do your part, if you are one who carries "volatile cargo" or hazmat loads, a heightened attention to hazardous-material (hazmat) shipments and food shipments should be addressed to make these hazmat loads more secure from possible terrorist attacks.

When conducting your railroad engines, semi trucks and trailers that pull and carry hazmat loads, farm trucks that carry hazardous loads and other high end equipment, construction equipment, etc. are they at risk of theft from a terrorist attack? Most railroads, semi-trucks and construction equipment are easy targets for terrorist because they are not secure, not to mention expensive even if it does not have a hazmat load aboard and only needs protection from theft. If not secure, any company would stand to lose big from the theft of that equipment and we all lose from a terrorist attack.

Who do terrorist target?

Target industries are Trucking, Construction Equipment, Farming, Automotive, Rail Road Locomotives, RV motor coaches, cycles, boats and more. Here are some types of proper assessment of threats to consider: The type of hazardous material you transport, the frequency and quantity of shipments, the packageing typ and loose hazardous materials you may have on site.

Don't let some thief or terrorist ruin your livelihood or ours here inside the USA and don't let some lawsuit from an employee maybe cost you hundreds of thousands to millions. With certain products are installed onto your trucks, towmotors and different types of equipment and if lockout/tagou procedures are followed, you can minimize risk of loss from theft, accidents and even terrorist attacks.

One method of attacking key vulnerable assets such as nuclear power plants, major airports, financial centers, dams, national icons, monuments and historical attractions as well as all types of major sporting events such as ball games, Nascar race tracks, etc. is to crash a vehicle bringing explosive material, such as propane or fuel oil, in to a crowd or facility. Much stronger transportation protection is needed to protect us from terrorist attacks from this volatile cargo.

Railroad Safety Engineers, please read this next paragraph. Why? It could save your RR from a huge hazmat wreck in the future.

From a safety standpoint, certain hazmat products can cause injury and even life no matter what industry above you fall under. These physical assets must be protected according to HM-232 of the hazmat security regulation.

When certain products are placed onto RR construction equipment for example and also attacted the same to every locomotive, certain products could even prevent a future major de-railment. If you have one it could surely cost your RR millions depending upon what hazmat load was targeted and spilled. The correctly targeted terrorist attack could affect millions of people. Prevention of these hazmat loads that travel into our major cities on a daily basis must be taken very serious.

Here is an example: Say some kids or (terrorist) hop onto a backhoe or dozer sitting beside your RR track, get it running (maybe with a stardarized stamped key easily obtained) and then park that dozer onto your RR tracks just for kicks just after the daily RR inspection crew goes bye.

The bottom line? Your RR is at high risk. Better business practices can and should be in place with a one step prevention of putting the correct anti-terrorist products onto all your locomotives today. That could save your RR millions of dollars in potential damages from future lawsuits. It could also save tens of thousands of life's if these certain products are used to prevent a hazmat load from de-railing and exploding killing untold numbers into a major city. Only your RR can protect US citizens for pennies on the dollar and its stupid easy to do. All products used should mount permenent to be more effective. Only your RR can not let these terrorist win!

What you can derive from the preceding discussion on the RR industry requires specific knowledge in order to be successful in preventing terrorist attacks.

Reviewing your own hazmat operations is vital to everyone's success.

Securing Your Business Success With Postcard Printing

The secret of being famous and top sales grosser in the market is being competitive and keeping client's in tact. Taking hold of your clients is a big means of keeping your business on the roll. Clients are the main portal of business success because they are the one that brings more sales and profits.

To secure your business success it is a must to keep a good networking communication among your clients and prospects. So how can you do this?

Basically with the strategies used at present it is now easier to keep in touch with clients. Advertising media and printed materials had kept a good conversation for both advertisers and prospects. Television and radio became the number one source of keeping clients reminded of the good services and quality products that can be provided. However this may not be enough, people still needs a piece of paper to hold on to.

The postcards are one of the most valuable tools that you can use for your advertising and promotions. It can significantly portray a role of keeping your clients aware of the latest products available. It can be ideally used for follow up purposes, business reply, coupon cards, greeting cards and invitations. Thus constantly reminding your clients of what capabilities your business can do.

Utilizing postcards is an ideal business strategy used this is because it highlights the marketing message you would want to impart. Through postcard printing services plus the advancement in technology you can work out to print the best out of your cards.

With postcard printing you are able to produce compelling postcard prints that will catch the attention of your clients. However a good print and readable text is not enough in printing your cards you can add up colors to make them livelier and brilliant. The application of color printing through postcard printing gives life to your marketing image that makes you noticeable to your market.

Primarily to successfully secure your business success there may be some factors that you need to consider during your postcard printing jobs:

1.Always see to it that your materials are done with personal touch. Making your recipients feel your presence even without your existence.

2.Grab their attention with the catchy phrases that you use.

3.Make them feel why there is a need to patronize your business and what good benefits they can get from you.

4.Treat them as a king - giving them an assurance that they are on the right tract.

5.Always provide them accurate information regarding your business. Never ever confuse your clients.

With the advances that printing technology had given in it is easier to achieve and secure your business. With the appropriate tool to use and right equipments utilized you are well assured that you are on the right tract of winning your clients.

Generally keeping your clients reminded of the good services that you provide, keeping them informed and aware of the good thing you can give will surely save you in keeping your business on top.