AndyO Blog

Update 5/23/11 - 6:45 p.m.

Just saw this on the Huffington Post about Camping's broadcast about what happened on May 21:

Today 6:14 PM Camping says again that Judgment Day Came, "It Was Just Spiritual."

"The timing, the structures, the proofs, none of that has changed at all," says Camping.

He is sticking to the numerology he used to determine the May 21 and Oct. 21 dates.

"All I am is a humble teacher. I search the Bible. I search the Bible," he says.

Update: 5/23/11

Some people don't know when to quit. Looks like my prediction #2 has come true. According to AP:

California preacher Howard Camping says his prophecy that the world would end was off by five months because Judgment Day actually will come on Oct. 21.

Do you think God has a three-strikes policy?

Update: 5/22/11

Harold Camping is "flabbergasted" that the world didn't end, according to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle.

"I'm looking for answers," Camping said to reporters outside his home.

Well, though one of my predictions was that Camping would disappear -- I'm glad he didn't. He needs to answer for his false prophecy. Just look for a revised third date for the Rapture soon.

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OK, it's 12:02 a.m. The world didn't end, even though Harold Camping said "The Bible guarantees it!"

I'm not sure what's worse: Harold Camping's fear-mongering blasting out over billboards, the Internet, and airwaves -- or the media reporting on it. Why would they give this guy more free advertising when he was wrong once before?

Oh, right -- these are the same guys who gave Donald Trump a platform to talk about President Obama not being born in the United States.

Harold Camping - Civil Engineer for God

I don't know much about Harold Camping, except that he was a civil engineer (as if that makes his calculations for the rapture more precise) and he's president of Family Radio. But if you're wondering what the apocalypse is really about for Camping, check out Family Radio's $121 million in assets (2007). End of the world prophesies sure beat the hell out of civil engineering! Well, wait a minute. I guess he's never taken a penny of that $121 million dollars according to the Family Radio website:

Mr. Camping has been a full-time volunteer since Family Radio's infancy and has never received compensation for his service.

I wonder how he puts bread on the table? Oh, I forgot! He's a civil engineer.

If you're like me, you're probably wondering why Harold Camping is in a unique position to make this bold prediction about the end of the world. Here's what the Family Radio website says:

What Qualifies Mr. Camping to make the pronouncement of May 21, 2011?

Mr. Camping has been a tireless student of the Bible for over five decades. The tens of thousands of hours he has spent analyzing the Bible has given him a unique perspective of the entirety of Scripture. He has dedicated his life to prepare himself to answer questions raised concerning God's Word to man.

I hope Camping realizes now that those "tens of thousands of hours" were a complete waste. Think about what you can do in 10,000 hours.

Media anxiety

I have to wonder, when are we going to stop giving people like Camping a platform? I know for many people, it's obvious that this guy is a nut. But, unfortunately, there are a lot of gullible people out there. (And, yes, I realize I'm giving him more attention here in this small blog.)

I think the greater damage (as far as the media is concerned) is how reporting on this story helps spread or amplify anxiety. Take a look at Orson Wells's "War of the Worlds" 1938 radio broadcast to see how the media can amplify anxiety (even when it's in the name of entertainment). Take a look at the Bush administration's use of Terror Alerts to see another example.

So, what happens now?

According to Family Radio:

What if May 21 ends and nothing occurs?

The Biblical evidence is too overwhelming and specific to be wrong. Christ's people can look with great confidence to this date because God promises His "beloved" He will not come upon them as a thief in the night.

God in His mercy has revealed the vital information needed to know the day. Judgment Day on May 21, 2011 will occur because the bible declares it. Anyone whom God has not saved will arrive at that day with no hope for salvation. God warns simply the "door will be shut."

Here are my predictions:

1. Camping disappears (yes, I'm leaving that intentionally ambiguous)
2. Camping will explain that his calculations were off (again), and now he's sure of the date. (Spread the word! Send in your money!)

I'd love to see some good investigative journalism about Camping to find out what's really going on at Family Radio.

Labels: Events, I'm mad as hell

I'm a bit of a salsa connoisseur. When I go out to a Mexican restaurant (Rosita's is my favorite in Seattle), it's usually the salsa that brings me back (I actually love Azteca salsa, too). But I also like my salsa at home, and since I'm not very good at making it I have to buy it. So, I'm always looking for something new.

Recently, while shopping at Whole Foods in Seattle, I picked up a small tub of Seattle-made Salsa de Rosa. Let's just say this is some of the best salsa I've picked up in a store.

Why is this stuff so good? First, it's all natural--and you can taste it. It's like someone made fresh salsa in my kitchen. It's a chunkier, finely-diced salsa that delivers its tangy flavor with bits of tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, tomatillo and jalapeno. I've tried Salsa de Rosa on eggs, chips, and even a little on a hamburger, and it made everything taste better.

It's true that Salsa de Rosa costs a little more, but I think it's worth it. Here's what the folks at Salsa de Rosa had to say about why you should pay more:

Well, to modify a line from one of our favorite movies, "Tommy Boy", I guess we could "crap in a cup and slap a $2.99 label on it, but then you'd be paying $2.99 for a cup of crap wouldn't you?"

Why don't you spend the few extra cents and get a GREAT quality product like ours? It's worth it.

Besides, many of our competitors actually sell their salsa in 14oz sizes; whereas we use a 16oz in stores. Make sure you check the "cost per ounce" to get an accurate "apples to apples" comparison. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results!

If you like salsa, do yourself a favor and pick up a tub or two--and be sure to put it in the fridge right away, as there are no preservatives.You can even order it over the Internet.

According to the the frequently asked questions section of the Salsa de Rosa website, you can get their salsa in over 60 stores, including Safeway, QFC, and the aforementioned Whole Foods.

I've only tried the Mild Salsa, but I'm planning on trying some of the other varieties. I'm not sure I'm ready for Extreme Heat ("El Bombero"):

If you like to really feel the heat, then Extreme Heat is for you! Not only do we add a significant amount of jalapeno but we don't spare the habanero, either. It's what I like to call "a giant step in front of our Hot". We don't call it (el bombero) "the fireman" for nothing.

Let me know if you've tried Salsa de Rosa -- or if you have any others you'd like to recommend.

Labels: Food, Seattle