Saturday, May 30, 2009

Governor Mitch: Weekly Republican Address

Book ReviewIndiana Republican Governor Mitch Daniels delivers the Republican National Radio Message.


Direct video link.

Download audio only here.

Read transcript here.

Read more here.

Your comments?

Joe





FREE Rob Costlow Download TODAY ONLY!


Magnatune Song of the Day
for Saturday, May 30, 2009

Genre: New Age
Album: Reconstruction
Artist: Rob Costlow
Song: 8. Falling (for Her)

Listen to the album: hifi lofi

download

(only available today, Saturday)

           


 
Today's free song is from the album:

Rob Costlow
Reconstruction

Total time: 44:32
Release date: 8/5/08

Location of artist: IN, USA

This artist has 2 other albums

You will be able to download a high quality version of this artwork when you purchase this album.




Friday, May 29, 2009

Will NBC Be Surprised??

     

Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. NBC is  presently taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to  stay on our American currency.

Please send this
 to every person you know so they can vote on this important subject.

Please do it right  away, before NBC takes this off their  web page. Poll is still open so you can  vote:

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Posted via email from Average Joe American

Need I Say More?




Your comments?

Joe










Thursday, May 28, 2009

Best Barber Shop in Indianapolis!

Barber ShopSince moving to Indianapolis seventeen months ago, I have struggled with a dilemma that many, many men struggle with: where to get my haircut.

See, it is not the same for women as it is for men. Women can go anyplace. Really. They go to beauticians, or whatever they call them now, and get their hair "done." Not men. We get our hair "cut." And no two barbers are alike. It can take many, many years for a man to find a barber that he likes, who cuts his hair just right. Many years, and many bad haircuts. Don't believe me? Watch this: [more below the video]


Since moving to Indianapolis, I have lived in desperate fear of where to find the right barber. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but only a slight one. Instead of trekking out to one barber after another looking for one that I feel comfortable with, I have allowed my wife to cut my hair. She does an okay enough job, but it just isn't the same.

Today, feeling like I was wearing a mop on my head, I decided that it was time to take my life into my own hands, and to head out and find a real barber. For the sake of convenience -- and because I felt that the look of the place was promising -- I ventured to the nearest real barber shop to my home: Bob's Barber Shop in Cumberland, Indiana, on the very near east side of Indianapolis.

I want to share with you one of the most pleasant hair cut experiences I have had in my entire life -- perhaps the best ever. When I walked into Bob's, which is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5PM, there was one man in the chair and no one waiting. Bob (I at first presumed and was later confirmed) was cutting away at the hair of an elderly gentleman, chatting away. I sat and waited. Before my turn in the chair, another man came in for his cut, and Bob greeted him with a friendly greeting that made it clear that they knew each other (this turned out to be the way that Bob greeted everyone who came into the shop while I was there).

I took my turn in the chair and responded to the standard, "How you want it cut?" I must admit, I was a bit concerned for a time while Bob cut away at my hair so quickly that I was sure it couldn't possibly look good in the end. I don't believe Bob even touched my mop with a pair of scissors -- all clippers.

After cutting and trimming with the clippers, Bob picked up a smaller electric razor and shaved the hair at the back of my neck, trimmed my sideburns and over my ears -- he even zapped away the hairs that grow out of every man's ears as he gets older (yes, I admit that I have them). Most any barber would have been done at this time and offered his customer a mirror. Not Bob.

Next thing I know, Bob is lathering up the back of my neck, my sideburns, and over my ears with a soothing warm shaving creme and reaching for his straight razor. This, my friends, is what separates a real barber from a mere hair cutter. Using that straight razor, Bob expertly sliced and diced away the stubble that most so-called barbers would have left on the back of my neck, etc.

But that's not all. After wiping away the excess shaving creme, Bob fired up a little device that I have seen no barber ever use before. I'm not really sure what it's called, but when Bob touched the 14 inch by 5 inch device to my back, I knew exactly what it did, and it felt great! Bob quickly massaged my back and shoulders with this little gadget, and even placed it on the back of the chair so that the vibration of the device would emanate through the back of the barber chair down my spine. Unbelievable!

And when done, Bob never even offered me a mirror. Why? Because he has confidence in his work and knew that I would be pleased with the results of my haircut. And he was right! Bob's Barber Shop is where I will get my hair cut for as long as I live in Indy and he's still cutting hair. And with as rare as real barbers have become lately, I encourage you to pay him a visit. There is no way that you could possibly be disappointed!

As I paid my bill and prepared to leave, even in these tough economic times, I slipped Bob a small tip and said, "I'll be back." Just between you and me, I'm looking forward to it!

Your comments?

Joe










Monday, May 25, 2009

Average Joe Audio Blog



Average Joe Audio Blog

Link to averagejoe - Cinch

Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:26 AM

Posted: 24 May 2009 03:26 AM PDT

Download - Cinch from averagejoe on Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:26 AM

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now


 (feed) Subscribe to the feed version of averagejoe - Cinch in a feed reader.


Friday, May 22, 2009

FREE John Williams Download TODAY ONLY!

Magnatune Song of the Day
for Friday, May 22, 2009

Genre: Jazz
Album: Long Ride Home
Artist: John Williams
Song: 11. Anything at All

Listen to the album: hifi lofi

download

(only available today, Friday)

           


 
Today's free song is from the album:

John Williams
Long Ride Home

Total time: 72:08
Release date: 6/7/04

Location of artist: WA, USA

This artist has one other album

You will be able to download a high quality version of this artwork when you purchase this album.




Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Book Review: Martyr's Song by Ted Dekker

Book ReviewWhat would you die for?

That's the question suddenly thrust upon a small band of women and children in Bosnia at the close of World War II. When a group of bitter soldiers stumble upon their peaceful village, they suddenly face an insidious evil ... and the ultimate test.

It is then, in the midst of chaos and pain, that the Martyr's Song is first heard. It is then that the window into heaven first opens. It is then that love and beauty are shown in breathtaking reality.


One of Ted Dekker's shortest works at just 111 pages, The Martyr's Song is the ultimate story of love.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 [NIV]
Through this very eloquent story, Dekker tells not only a story of ultimate love, but one of ultimate beauty, delivering two very critical, timely messages for our time.

Young Marci is ridiculed by fellow students at her school for being ugly. When elderly Eve spies young Marci, she knows that she has to help. She knows that she has to share her story with Marci, to help Marci see her own beauty. Through Eve, we learn the story of thirteen year old Nadia, Father Michael, and how their deep love for Christ leads them both to make what for many would be an impossible decision.

At just 111 pages, Martyr's Song should be read by all. We see the brutality of war, the depth of true love, and the beauty of salvation all packed into those few short pages. Kudos to Dekker for penning this touching tale!

Your comments?

Joe




Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Movie Reivew: Paul Blart Mall Cop

MoviePaul Blart Mall Cop was released today on DVD and Blu-ray, and my wife and I have been looking forward to it. It isn't often that a movie comes out that actually makes me laugh out loud, but with Kevin James behind Paul Blart as creator and star, Mall Cop fulfills its promise to entertain.

Mall Cop isn't necessarily a movie intended for the entire family, as there is frequent use of mild profanity, but there was nothing else I could find of offense in the movie. About the first half of the movie is much like watching the Kevin James hit TV series, King of Queens, as Paul Blart is very much the same character as Doug Heffernan. At times during the first half of the movie, I found my mind wondering just a bit, or found myself not too disappointed when distracted by something my son would say or do. But about half way through the movie, when the action really kicked in and we get to see James playing the role of Paul Blart a la John McClane of Bruce Willis' Die Hard fame, I found myself engrossed.


Direct video link.

Imagine Die Hard meets Homer Simpson, and you'll get a pretty accurate picture of what Paul Blart lives through in his dedication to defend the people of his mall against the invading force of a band of Black Friday thugs out to steal thirty million dollars worth of the credit card transactions on the busiest shopping day of the year. And just like Homer Simpson, Paul Blart manages to pull through in the end.

While I don't recommend Paul Blart Mall Cop for the entire family, it is harmless and enjoyable fare for viewers over the age of twelve or thirteen. I haven't laughed so hard at a movie in I don't know how long.

Your comments?

Joe





Sunday, May 17, 2009

My Boy's First Day At Work (With Daddy)

My Boy Approving PayrollToday was a rare working Sunday for me. In my job, I have been quite lucky not to have to work most Sundays. It seems that might change soon, and today was the first of what will hopefully not be too many working Sundays.

In order to still attend church with my family, when I do have to work on Sundays, I'll go into work after church and work for the second half of the day. Today, because it was only a half day, I decided to take my son to work with me. It was one of the best things I've done!

My Boy In His Safety GlassesWe spent five hours at work today, helping customers, helping my Employees -- my son actually worked harder than most of my employees (true, I swear). He approved payroll, pulled merchandise for customers, helped to bring in merchandise from the sidewalk sale, even helped me to close down the store and lock up at the end of the day.

He did all of this with only one short five minute break, and with no complaining, no whining, and more energy and enthusiasm than anyone I have ever paid to do the job. I'm very proud of my son for his behavior today. He actually made working on a Sunday fun for me.

More pictures of my boy on his first day at work...

My Boy On BreakMy Boy Bringing In Merchandise



Your comments?

Joe










Working On A Sunday

Took my boy to work with me, and he made working on a Sunday fun!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

BOOK Review: The American Patriot's Bible [NKJV]

Book ReviewFor a nation that was founded on Biblical principles, America has fallen deep into a pit of moral decay. We, as a collective, have forgotten what the founding fathers meant when they said that we are endowed by [our] Creator with certain inalienable rights. We have misinterpreted the First Amendment of the Constitution to require the separation of church and state. We have forgotten why our country was established in the first place.

In The American Patriot's Bible, a study Bible, Editor Dr. Richard G. Lee weaves the very Word of God with principles upon which this great country was founded. This New King James Version of the Bible is peppered throughout the text with short study topics and full-length feature articles that serve as vivid reminders of what our founding fathers envisioned.

With a durable hardcover binding, a typeface that is easy on the eyes and full-color feature articles, The American Patriot's Bible is both a simple pleasure to read and an informative and authoritative voice on the founding of America and the Word of God. The only downfall, from this reviewer's perspective, is that the Bible is currently available only in the New King James Version. While much more readable than the traditional King James Version of the Bible, I find that the actual text of the Bible flows more smoothly in the New International Version, and it is my sincere desire that Thomas Nelson Publishers adapt Dr. Lee's insight to the NIV.

The American Patriot's Bible is a study tool that belongs in the library of every God-fearing, country-loving American. At a time when our country desperately needs reminded of the fabric from which we were cut, this text couldn't be more vital.

Your comments?

Joe




Armed Forces Day

MilitaryThank you to all American military -- past, present, and future -- for your selfless service to this, the greatest nation!


God bless you all!


Joe










Friday, May 15, 2009

FREE Robert Rich Download TODAY ONLY!

Magnatune Song of the Day
for Friday, May 15, 2009

Genre: Ambient
Album: Open Window
Artist: Robert Rich
Song: 7. Points Between

Listen to the album: hifi lofi

download

(only available today, Friday)

           


 
Today's free song is from the album:

Robert Rich
Open Window

Total time: 64:23
Release date: 8/14/07

Location of artist: CA, USA

This artist has 7 other albums

You will be able to download a high quality version of this artwork when you purchase this album.




Wednesday, May 13, 2009

SOAP: Changing Kings

SOAPSOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:
ABOUT SOAP

God appointed Samuel as Judge over Israel, just as he had Moses. When Samuel was old, his sons were tapped to replace him as Judges over Israel. But the people of Israel were unhappy with Samuel's sons. Samuel's sons weren't like Samuel. Israel was also jealous of other nations, and wanted to have a king like their neighbors. They asked Samuel for a king. Samuel consulted with God. At God's direction, Samuel told Israel what they could expect from a king. But the people of Israel still wanted a change. They still wanted a king.

11 He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 1 Samuel 8:11-15 [MSG]

Israel received their king in Saul.

13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God -- good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers. 16 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 17 Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king." 18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. 19 The people all said to Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king." 20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." 1 Samuel 12:13-25 [MSG]

And with Saul, Israel received a warning: to stay true on the path of obedience to Him, or the Hand of God would be against them. But with change comes more change. As a king, Saul went on to displease the Lord, and was removed from his throne by God.

When Israel chose to change kings -- from the Lord of all to the man Saul -- Israel suffered.

Our great American nation has chosen a new "king," of sorts -- in the election of our new president. In just over 100 days into his administration, we have seen an alarming rate of change that we, as Israel did, will likely suffer with for years and decades to come. Taxpayer funded stem-cell research. Taxpayer funded international abortion assistance. The nationalization of two-thirds of the American auto industry and the entire banking industry. And what next?

Now, more than ever, is the time for us to turn back to the One True King. For only by obeying and serving God can we have any hope for the future.

The history of liberty is the history of resistance. The history of liberty is a history of the limitation of governmental power, not the increase of it. When we resist the concentration of power, we are resisting the powers of death. Concentration of power precedes the destruction of human liberties. -- Woodrow Wilson

Your comments?

Joe




Monday, May 11, 2009

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Comes A Horseman by Robert Liparulo

Book ReviewYou can be the proud winner of an autographed copy of Robert Liparulo's Comes A Horseman, absolutely one of the best novels I have ever read (click the link for my review).

I will be giving away several autographed copies of this awesome book over the next couple of weeks. To be one of the first three winners, simply send me an email and tell me the date I reviewed the book on Average Joe American.

Include your name, email, and mailing address. I'll draw three winners at random on Friday morning. Winners will also receive a link to download the audiobook for free (provided Liparulo and Nelson continue to provide the free download).

Learn more about Liparulo and his books at RobertLiparulo.com.

Your comments?

Joe










Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day, Mom!

MusicToday I'll be spending Mothers Day with my wife, my kids, and my wife's family. Happy Mothers Day to all who have done (or are doing) the hardest and most important job of all: Mothering.

To my own, Mother, who went to be with the Lord several years ago, a very special Happy Mothers Day.

I love you, Mom!



Your comments?

Joe










Saturday, May 9, 2009

Contact #Indiana Congressman Now About HR 2014

Indiana voters, ask your Congressman (mine, is 7th District Representative Andre Carson) to join in supporting House Resolution 2014. Click here for more on the bill.

Contact Representative Carson now!

A suggested form letter follows:
Congressman Carson:

I am an Indiana voter in the 7th District, writing to ask you to join as a co-sponser of House Resolution 2014, recognizing the service of the Womens Airforce Service Pilots with a Congressional Gold Medal. These brave women were pioneers in the this country, as they blew the doors wide open for women to serve in the military in all aspects.

Women today would not have the freedom to proudly serve their country if not for the courage and spirit of women such as America's WASPs. It is the very pioneering attitude of these brave women that made America a free country 233 years ago.

These women deserve much, much more than a mere Congressional Gold Medal, but this is a simple first step that you can take to thank these brave American patriots for their service to our country.

Your comments?

Joe





Friday, May 8, 2009

Contact #Indiana Senator Bayh About Senate Bill 614

Indiana voters, ask Senator Evan Bayh to join Senator Richard Lugar in supporting Senate Bill 614. Click here for more on the bill.

Contact Senator Bayh now!

A suggested form letter follows:
Senator Bayh:

I am an Indiana voter writing to ask you to join Senator Lugar as a co-sponser of Senate Bill 614, recognizing the service of the Womens Airforce Service Pilots with a Congressional Gold Medal. These brave women were pioneers in the this country, as they blew the doors wide open for women to serve in the military in all aspects.

Women today would not have the freedom to proudly serve their country if not for the courage and spirit of women such as America's WASPs. It is the very pioneering attitude of these brave women that made America a free country 233 years ago.

These women deserve much, much more than a mere Congressional Gold Medal, but this is a simple first step that you can take to thank these brave American patriots for their service to our country.

Your comments?

Joe





Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Support Senate Bill 614 for WASPs

WASP Tweet
I received a question today on Twitter I feel compelled to share. The question was what does an Average Joe think about Senate Bill 614, a proposal to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War Two. These women flew all types of planes in every non-combat mission one can imagine in support of our fighting troops in WWII, and have gone essentially unrecognized for their bravery and their pioneering spirit.

Having reviewed the bill, to include a list of past recipients of Congressional Gold Medals, I find it hard to imagine how there could be much debate about whether these brave women are deserving of this special recognition (in fact, so much more, really). I encourage you to speak out in support of recognizing these women by supporting Senate Bill 614.

See WASP members speak out:

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe










Saturday, May 2, 2009

Book Review: Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

Book ReviewPier 1, Home Depot, GAP, Footlocker, Macy's, KB Toys, Linens 'N Things, Circuit City. What do all of these companies have in common? Sure, they're all retailers. But more than that. They have all closed some or all of their stores in the past several months. And for what reason? Because the economy is bad? Because the country is in a recession? Because the value of the dollar is slipping? Because unemployment is climbing?

In Collapse of Distinction, author, business expert, and fellow Hoosier Scott McKain explains what these seemingly great American successes seem to have forgotten: if you want to succeed in business, you must develop a business of distinction. The above companies all failed to differentiate themselves in a market where everyone offers the same thing for the best possible price because they have forgotten that different is better.

In his 2001 best seller Good to Great, author Jim Collins praises Circuit City among others for achieving greatness in their respective industries. Why, then, is Circuit City no more? Scott McKain explains that Circuit City "evidently did not know how to differentiate from a competitor such as Best Buy." From dropping the major appliance business to dropping most commissioned sales associates for hourly associates, Circuit City struggled for it's last six years trying (unsuccessfully) to emulate the success of Best Buy.

Having lived through the beginning of the end for Circuit City as a Manager there six years ago, I found McKain's explanation of the importance of building a business of distinction to be compelling, informative, and educational. Through colorful comparisons to Apple, Nordstrom, Les Schwab Tires, and others, McKain paints a portrait of how the cloning of American business has led to the failure of so many once "great" companies.

As a Retail Manager with a company struggling to get back on the road to profitability after nearly a century in business, I found myself with a red pencil making notes throughout Collapse, planning on how to use the principles McKain discusses in my location to build the Ultimate Customer Experience. This book should be mandatory reading for Managers at all levels of business, new and experienced alike. McKain knows business, as his own success has shown, and the business world could stand to gain a great deal by putting his principles into practice.

Your comments?

Joe




Friday, May 1, 2009

F.O.R.D. - The "Acronym" Has A New Meaning

FordThere was a time not so long ago when I called myself a "Buick Man." You know, a guy that prefers a particular make of vehicle is a "Chevy Man," or "Ford Man," etc. Well, I was a "Buick Man." Some of the best cars I've ever owned were Buicks. And some of the worst cars I've ever owned were Fords. I would never have referred to myself as a "Ford Man," regardless of the fact that my father is a staunch "Ford Man."

GM
But the parent corporation of Buick, General Motors, has gone through some very significant changes over the past four months. Changes that, for one, I find quite disturbing. Changes that would have William C. Durant, founder of General Motors Corporation and pioneer of the Buick badge, rolling in his grave. Changes such as GM CEO Rick Wagoner resigning at the request of Barack Obama. PontiacChanges like the Pontiac Division of General Motors being scrapped as part of the Obama-forced restructuring plan intended to keep the struggling automaker from going out of business. OldsmobileIt wasn't that long ago that General Motors dropped the Oldsmobile badge from their lineup for good, and the demise of the Pontiac line -- home of the famed GTO and Grand Prix -- has many car fans crying foul. As General Motors has announced the expected demise of both the Saturn and Hummer lines as well, American roads may never be the same.

ChryslerThe latest reports in this seemingly never-ending auto collapse is that Chrysler will be filing (and may have already done so by now) for bankruptcy, as they were unable to come to terms with many creditors. FiatBut bankruptcy isn't the only news for Chrysler. The American car company that for a brief period was held by Germany's Daimler-Benz before being spun off due to lagging sales may once again become a foreign company, as the Obama administration (for reasons I simply cannot understand) is forcing the number three U.S. automaker to strike a merger deal with Italian company Fiat. The bankruptcy and Fiat deal earn Chrysler an additional eight hundred billion dollars of American taxpayer money from the Obama administration to help them emerge as a stronger car company. A foreign car company, but stronger (maybe).

As a long-time "Buick Man," I find myself struggling with the current situation of the American auto industry. I have never owned a Chrysler product, and never will. For many reasons, most recent of which is the company's willingness to be taken over by the U.S. government. Which is the same reason that I can no longer consider myself a "Buick Man." As sad as it is to turn my back on this auto badge that I have long admired, I must say that, going forward, I guess I'm a "Ford Man" like my father.

Why? For the same reason that I didn't vote for the man who currently resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I'm not an Obama man.

O MotorsSeems to me that not only is the Pontiac line dying, but also the entire General Motors Corporation, as well as Chrysler. Seems to me that they should just replace the badge on almost every vehicle to roll out of Detroit to Obama Motors. After all, the federal government owns more of General Motors than anyone else now, and soon Italy will own most of Chrysler.

But Ford, God love them, made the tough decision to get through these tough times on their own cash reserves. Found On the Road Dead is no longer the best way to describe the Ford brand. The FORD "acronym" has a new meaning.



FORDForbid Obama's Regressive Doctrine


Your comments?

Joe










Average Joe's Review Store