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March 5, 2006 hot topics academy awards church sex abuse the da vinci code lent and easter resources writers on writing contents adultsite4adults [pg-13] articles - blog archives books - book reviews comedy/drama e-cards - email encouraging quotations heavy topics - humor newspaper column original music in .mp3 press room - reprints RSS speaking schedule spiritual resources top ten lists writing resources XarisCom about moi All that's really important to know is that I love God, my family, writing, speaking, and Chinese food— in that order. If you want to know more— or have a really bad case of insomnia—click here. Jim daily favorites Christianity Today CyberCast News Dilbert Drudge Report Frank and Ernest Google News GospelCom.net Robin Lee Hatcher Huffington Post Mallard Fillmore ThinkChristian.net weekly favorites Chuck Colson David Drury Keith Drury Dawn Eden Barbara Nicolosi Ken Schenk Lawrence W Wilson

thursday: speaking at richmond, va, writers' conference I'll be speaking at the American Christian Writers' conference in Richmond Friday and Saturday. This is a great (and economical) way to get an overview of opportunities in Christian publishing. Lin Johnson, editor of The Christian Communicator, is also speaking. - Click here for conference details - Click here for transcript of my keynote address: Keeping your dreams alive 10:20 am wednesday: 102 priests suspected of abuse CNN is reporting that the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Dublin suspects 102 priests of sexually or physically abusing at least 350 children since 1940. - Some thoughts on the church sex scandal - Some thoughts on the role of celibacy on sex scandal commercial interruption: jameswatkins.commissary Shop for one-of-a-kind T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, books and more. One-tenth of all proceeds go to our host gospelcom.net. And now, back to our program . . . - Click here to shop jameswatkins.commissary wednesday: new jersey to ban anonymous forum postings Bill 1327 before the New Jersey state legislature "would require an operator of any interactive computer service or an Internet service provider to establish, maintain and enforce a policy requiring an information content provider who posts messages on a public forum website either to be identified by legal name and address or to register a legal name and address with the operator or provider prior to posting messages on a public forum website." The intent of the law is to make "Internet service providers liable to persons injured by false or defamatory messages posted on public forum websites." Sounds good—initially—but what impact would this have on posters from politically and religiously repressive governments? (Google has allegedly turned in posters critical of the Chinese government.) What affect would this have on forums that deal with sensitive issues such as physical or sexual abuse? Would this stifle the expression of ideas, or simply require posters to take ownership and responsibility of their online comments? What do you think? (And, no, you don’t have to leave your name and address!) - Text of proposed law - Your anonymous comments tuesday: wow! we're 'web site of the month' Kathy Widenhouse of Professional Copywriting Services is critiquing this site in her monthly online newsletter, Word Wise Business Bulletin. As pluses she lists: • Engaging and entertaining writing style. Jim’s signature humor and energy are just two reasons you’ll want to bookmark this page. • Multiple resources and links. Jim’s focus? “Heavy topics with a light touch.” A 300-piece article archive, dozens of links and regularly updated weblog make this a must-read for surfers who want a fresh, encouraging view on current events. Two suggestions for improvement: • Explain the different purposes of the site. Once the website’s title and subhead came up on screen (on my third visit), I finally understood its primary slant—a blog of current events. But the site is also a compilation of topical resources, a summary of Jim’s services and an online store. Adding a box at the top of the homepage just above the blog, with one or two sentences of explanation, would help guide the reader through the toolbar. • Make navigation easier. Lower case fonts on the toolbar, blog captions and page titles create a relaxed mood. They also make the site confusing to navigate. Consider larger fonts or some first letter capitals to make the copy easier to read. - Agree or disagree? Email me your thoughts. Thanks! 3:15 pm monday: governor signs anti-abortion bill The Associated Press is reporting that governor Mike Rounds has signed legislation banning nearly all abortions in South Dakota. The move will virtually guarantee an eventual Supreme Court ruling on the 1973 decision that legalized abortion on demand. - Text of "South Dakota Women’s Health and Human Life Protection Act" (HB 1215) - My thoughts on the issue monday: missouri resolution supports school prayers, religious displays; recognizes 'christian God' A proposed Missouri House resolution would support prayer in schools and religious displays on public property, plus state that the country's forefathers "recognized a Christian God and used the principles afforded to us by Him as the founding principles of our nation. ... As elected officials we should protect the majority's right to express their religious beliefs while showing respect for those who object." While the resolution does not have the power of a law, it is creating some powerful reactions. Here are some thoughts from a "conservative Christian" who isn't always comfortable with conservative Christian campaigns . . . - Were founding fathers "Christian"? - Is prayer in public school in Christians' best interest? - Is displaying Ten Commandments the most effective strategy? - Is this this best way to "fight the good fight"? - Should Christians take over America and make it a Christian nation? (A very thorough exploration by Keith Drury) [off site] - St. Louis Post Dispatch commentary, pro and con [off site] sunday: did God tell tony blair to invade iraq? The British prime minister told an interviewer this weekend, "That decision has to be taken and has to be lived with, and in the end there is a judgment that—well, I think if you have faith about these things then you realise that judgment is made by other people." The strong Christian went on to clarify, "If you believe in God, it's made by God as well." British politicians are attacking Blair arguing going to war isn't just an act of faith, but requires legal analysis and a close look at the consequences. Another Englishman, John Wesley, took a balanced approach with his "quadrilateral" for decision-making: 1) Scripture, 2) tradition, 3) reason and 4) experience. Faith must be tempered with 2-4. - How does one determine "God's will"? - Who's side is God on? last week: da vinci code, academy awards, lent and easter . . . . . . resources, latest pics of granddaughter, writing from my soul brother James Robert and attacks by "Christians" on Muslims. - Click here last month: top ten sites for February - 1 Home page - 2 Blog for week of September 4, 2005 - 3 Is it a life or a choice? - 4 "Jim Shorts" on sex - 5 "Adult site" for adults - 6 Articles, books, comedy/drama, music - 7 Quips and quotes of encouragement - 8 Mr. Playtpus' billabong page - 9 Top ten reasons I'm not divorcing my wife - 10 Writers' resources but wait, there's more . . . Here are 300 articles, book excerpts, humor . . . archives book reviews comedy/drama devotions ecards Espanol forums health holidays humor issues kid's page love and sex media music parenting polls quotations spirituality top ten lists travel writing tips more Read a book excerpt, then go to amazon.com and buy them for yourself, family, friends, co-workers, next door neighbor, paperboy, dentist, pastor, . . . and now a word from our sponsor . . . Thanks for stopping by! Hi, I'm Jim Watkins. Each week I try to bring my guests "heavy topics with a light touch" in articles and editorials on a variety of subjects—everything from sex to sects. Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com and let me know how I can better serve you. And, if you enjoyed your visit, please save it as a bookmark or favorites and come back for new material each week. Link it from your site. Then tell all your family, friends, and email pals about it! Thanks! Okay, I admit that RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is not simple enough for me to undestand, so presenting Ridiculously Stupid Syndication. Simply email me at jim@jameswatkins.com with "RSS" in the subject line and I'll sign you up for my weekly SPAM-O-GRAM email newsletter which will include my latest rants, raves and reactions to current events. Now that's "really simple." Finally (this is the last commercial, I promise), you can be a Pal and help Pay expenses for this site by contributing securely using any major credit card with PayPal: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John 2). fine print © James Watkins. All text and graphics on my sites, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted © in my name, James N. Watkins, and are protected by United States copyright law and international copyright law under the Berne Convention. Please visit the press room for information on reprinting any text or graphics. Thanks! WARNING: Reader assumes full responsibility for the proper and prescribed use of this site. For external use only. Discontinue if rash, redness, irritation, or swelling develops. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Side-effects may include drowsiness or mild to severe agitation. Do not read while operating heavy machinery. Keep away from open flame. Do not store above 475 degrees. Do not use near or place in water. Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of XarisCom.com, GospelCom.net, any other person using the name James Watkins, or any other person real or fictitious, living or dead. Void where prohibited. This site is brought to you by XarisCom.com and hosted by . . . We support . . .