DennisMansfield.com

Opening Ceremony of the Chinese Olympics

Not sure what we have opened....

But my gut feeling is that China's triumph on the world stage may well lull folks into believing that China is, actually, sort of like America - some parts "blue", some parts "red" and some other parts...well... "REALLY red".

The homogenization caused by globalization can give us all a false sense of security, can't it?

Yet, when we WANT to strip away all the economic factors that create clear and divisive distinctives, and we WANT to reduce ourselves all down to people-groups desiring to simply improve our individual family's lot in life, there can be a tendency to believe that every government really only wants what is well for its countrymen.

Not so.....because words mean things. "Communism" has a meaning.

Many national governments were birthed with the clear fear-based understanding that "we" must strike first, before "they" strike us. The we and the they are outside of their country and inside it, as well.

China is such a country. Fear is a national vibe there.

China, being so desirous of wanting global acceptance, while at the same time living a fear-based life, full of lies and fantasies about human nature, makes me hearken back to another Olympics - one that gained the international attention, soothed fears and opened up economic borders for a season.

Guess the date.
Den

PS: Found this controversial flag for your consideration:

What does "it" matter? - 50,000 page views later

Get this, on September 2nd of 2006 we launched this blog with the following text:

What is "it"? There have been a lot of "its" in the past and many quotes like "it's the economy stupid" and many others. For this website the "it" for now is an attempt in fusing politics, culture, business, personality, religion, you and me.

No longer will there be a perceived hidden agenda - you'll get the straight scoop right here. There has never been a hidden agenda in my life; I like to lay myself right out there. Along with some friends there is a plan to bring many thoughts and plans to help businesses succeed, to help people reach their true potential and see a fusion of different perspectives become a stronger entity.

You'll see video, documents to download, links to other sites and people that speak into this dream - hang on & hope you like "it"!

Well....it's been 23 months since that first post (and 50,000 pageviews later as well - we hit that today.)


I'm sure that's not a big deal for some folks, but on this blog, it's fun to see us tip the scales at 50,000. ( I think that's more than the total number of election votes I've ever received - tee hee)


We've had a bunch of posts and we'll have a bunch more....

Keep hangin' on...and thanks for joining us, lo these many , many days/weeks/months and now years.

Den

 PS: Let me know which ones may have been "favorites", ok?
I just may sprinkle this month of August with a few "Best Of's"

Band on the run...

Goin' to Kansas City... Headed to see my son, who's doing great. Livin' life there w/pro teams, real diverse neighborhoods and a great gal. In my place these next few days I've asked Lee Gaupp to blog. He's my webmaster and bosom friend (to quote Anne of Green Gables...hmm). Please feel free slap him around...tee hee. BTW: I've had too much fun lately, w/Zombies, Hancock and Obama.

I will leave you with the words that often greet visitors in KC: " get outta da car...this is a carjack..." Den

The Niagara of the West? Heck yeah!

My bride and I spent this morning in Twin Falls speaking at a small monthly Prayer Breakfast. We spoke on the effects of drug addiction on our family - hopefully wer encouraged those in attendance that loved ones can be released from the grip of addiction AND that Christ is every bit involved in the reclamation of an addict's body and spirit.

While in Twin, we had to visit (again!) Shosone Falls. I was once more struck by the beauty of these falls...but something made me chuckle.

See, a hundred years ago a photographer named Mr. Bisbee charmed America with amazing photos of the Falls and the founding fathers of Twin began to market the town through these photos...as the city that had "The Niagara Falls of the West".

Here's his shop....up at the top, in stone is his motto: Life follows art.

So, the question is: Did Mr. Bisbee (et al) "create an artful way" of selling Twin Falls...way back when...that sold Idaho to a bunch of Easterners....and after they made the loooong trek here...were they let down?

Just saying it doesn't make it so. Or does it?

So, Mr. Bisbee, were you one of the first land salesmen who began helping people by bringing them to Idaho...way back when....for sheer profit?

Hmmm...what if he was? Did the people who were "sold a bill of goods" actually prosper because someone with a for-profit motive made his case for the beauty of Shoshone Falls...and Twin Falls itself?

I say, Thank you, Br. Bisbee.

100 years later the falls are every bit as beautiful as Niagara...and truly even more pure.

Imagine that....all from a for-profit motive....

Den

Carmen Sandiego's replacement?

 

Ok, it's not Carmen Sandiego. Maybe it's Where's Waldo. No, no that's  not it. Ok how about this? Where in the World is Barack Obama? No, still not right. I know...

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? Let's go to the movies and find out. (Maybe we'll go by McDonalds on our way there, and say "super size me"

Click here and check it out.

Den and Colin

Technorati Tags: Osama Bin Laden,movies

Blogging from within the Lincoln Tunnel

There's an AP story by John Miller (Idaho Statesman link) that I thought you'd like to read. Primary reason is not because my name is listed as many of you might believe, but it talks about the growing topic of how WE are going to effectively deal with people coming out of incarceration. Some of you may or may not agree how I'm trying to deal with former convicts, but if you have a better idea I'm open to it, as long as the ideas are real and you consider the lives that your idea would impact.

btw, We were at the World Trade Center/Ground Zero. Very moving experience. We shot these pics while there. Something surprised both of us-very little to do with the day of the attack. No photos with the exception of those from street merchants and peddlers. It's as if in the desire to move forward, the Political Correctness Police of NYC have scrubbed the sight of all Islamo-fascist fingerprints. Sad. Sadder for the families. Kinda looks like they were killed by the Invisible Men. Check out the pics.

Also ate at Amici's II in Little Italy (<--). Dennis' favorite :) (as well as the noted political scientist, Jeff Anderson). On the way out of the city, we stopped by to have a look at Broadway (^)

Driving in and through the Lincoln Tunnel at this moment - click the link or this one from Wikipedia if you're into learning cool factoids. Read on further if you cannot get to the Idaho Statesman's link to read John Miller's complete piece.

Dennis and Colin

Ocean's 11? No, Ocean's 3.

After leaving the miserable loss at the football game, we headed "down the shore" (Ocean City, New Jersey.) You can't lose down the shore. See, 60 years ago William E. Mansfield married Virginia Maguire here. From that union came seven children, one of whom is William D. Mansfield (uh, me.) Then, 30 years ago, Susan Rampenthal was asked to be the wife of William D. Where? Down the shore (see picture below.)

Spent the afternoon looking for a New Jersey girl for Colin. No luck. Nobody could understand what they were saying (ey, 'ow u doin? hows 'bout u 'n me g' dwn to my uncle Tony's place?)

Dennis' grandfather, Colin's great-grandfather, lived here in the 40's. Bill Mansfield was married here in '47. The house below is a house of legacy. Virginia Maguire Mansfield's family continues to visit Ocean City, NJ.

And for fun, we threw in a few more West Point photos! (click 'em to enlarge)

Dennis, Colin, and Bill.

 

P.S. Thought the below sign was funny!

A picture from USMA

11.08
Today we visited USMA! This self-pic was taken in front of the protistant chapel at West Point. Looking forward to the game tomorrow! Keep checking for updates!

Colin

GO ARMY! BEAT...RUTGERS!

 

And if that doesn't go so well, go Rutgers, beat Army. Why would I say such a thing? Well, for one thing my dad, Bill, my son, Colin, and I are on the East coast getting ready for the game (on ESPN Friday night) and there happens to  be mixed loyalties. For example, look at my dad's photo (left). He's WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam era Veteran- was in the Navy, Army, and USAF. So, GO ARMY, BEAT ANYBODY! Now, on the other hand, look at the other picture (right). This is my old partner, Willis Herbert  Wood IV. His son, Jeremy, is the long-snapper for Rutgers (and Woody bought the tickets to the game.)

So, mixed loyalties to be generous, let's hope it's a tie.

Den

PS- apart from dwelling on the above, we're also looking forward to a day at USMA tomorrow and on Friday to prologue the football game. More pictures to come! -Colin

Aloha!

Mansfield update:

This week my parents are vacationing (without me!) in Hawaii! Heres a few pics and comments from my dad. Also, check out the links! These are all in chronological order of their trip so far btw.

9/29

Having a fantastic time in Hawaii! What a beautful place!

9/30

 
Met Rick and Dominique, the owners and founders of the famous Koloan "Puka Dog". They started it seven years ago, and since have been featured on TV programs such as the travel channel. Rick's a Christian, and I had a great talk with him about New Hope, and about Christ.
Awesome food and awesome talk about amazing possibilities from an amazing God. Jesus must vacation in Hawaii.

10/1
Had a great day snorkling. Hawaii is truly amazing.

10/2

 
Susan and I had a great time today on our first helicopter ride! Hawaii is beautiful.

10/3
(Texted from Den's phone)
WE R HEADING THRU A RAINSHOWER OF TORRENTIAL PERPORTIONS! Headed to a Broadway play 'South Pacific'.