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Home Archives for 2005

Archives for 2005

11/21/2005 By Ben 1 Comment

Book Review: Clarity and Backbone for a Forgotten Resolution

Paul Coughlin, No More Christian Nice Guy: When Being Nice - Instead of Good - Hurts Men, Women, and Children, (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2005). 224 pages. Foreword by Dr. Laura Schlessinger When I was not too much younger, I made the same half-hearted New Year's resolution for several years running: "No more Mister Nice Guy." Certain friends balked at the expression, not sure they wanted to see one of my few favorable qualities evaporate. They always got their wish, as the resolution typically died about January 3. I have to say I didn't know quite what I was looking for until I forged my way through a new book recently. Packed with potent medicine for the timid male of faith, Paul Coughlin's No More Christian Nice Guy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Christianity and Faith, General, My Life

11/18/2005 By Ben 3 Comments

“Oh how we hate Ohio State”

On this day before the ultimate rivalry in sports, many thanks to Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News for for his sociological analysis of Buckeye fans. All true sons of Michigan could read such passages as the following with a mixture of pride, delight, and amusement: I'm here to study the Buckeyes, not denigrate them. Remember, this whole Michigan-Ohio battle started way back in 1835 when the states actually fought over Toledo, true story. Ohio won but took Toledo anyhow. In exchange, Michigan got the Upper Peninsula, Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and four free passes to Cedar Point. It's really not surprising that so many Ohio youngsters, such as Heisman Trophy winners Woodson and Howard, dream of coming to Michigan. This year's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, My Life, Sports and Leisure

11/16/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

Political Gold

There's a winning political issue waiting out there for Colorado's 2006 elections. Supporters of First Class Education have released the results of a nationwide survey by Harris Interactive, Inc., showing broad and deep support for their proposal to increase the percentage of K-12 education dollars spent in the classroom. The "65 percent solution" is headed for the ballot in Colorado in 2006. Candidates running for office might consider the following poll results: 79% of respondents would vote in favor of the "65 percent solution," including 56% responding "definitely for" and 23% "probably for," with only 17% against Support cut evenly in a few interesting demographics: Political party (81% for Democrats, 78% for Republicans, 77% … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, Education, General

11/14/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

Well, I’m certainly not a Hobbit…

Rohirrim To which race of Middle Earth do you belong? brought to you by Quizilla Hat tip to Hugh … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

11/14/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

Hugh in Hillsdale

Hugh Hewitt, self-ascribed "Warden of the Collegiate Peaks," is on the campus of my alma mater today to take part in a Center for Constructive Alternatives (CCA) Seminar on the "News Media Today." Hugh is scheduled to speak tomorrow evening on "The Political Significance of the Blogosphere." Other speakers include Brent Bozell, Nat Hentoff, P.J. O'Rourke, David Brooks, Joseph Epstein, and Bill Sammon. Were I a student at the Hills & Dales today, this would probably be a CCA in which I would enroll. Maybe this book will be required reading for the course. Two Hillsdale posts in a row... phew! They will have to suffice for now, as a book review and important political announcement both loom on the horizon. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, General

11/10/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

18-Year-Old Mayor

As a graduate of Hillsdale College, the one-time co-host of a weekly sports talk show on farm radio WCSR, and former sports editor of the Hillsdale Daily News, I was highly amused to read this story in today's Detroit News: Michael Sessions' political career had an inauspicious start: When he ran for student council this year, he lost. Now he's about to be mayor. Sessions, an 18-year-old high school student, won a long-shot write-in campaign this week to oust Hillsdale's 51-year-old mayor. "I just thought I'd give it a shot," Sessions said with a smile. "I hoped I'd win. But I didn't really know what would happen." Driving into the tiny Southern Michigan county seat from almost any direction, you'll encounter a sign that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, My Life, Random and Miscellaneous

11/9/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

Work in Progress

As you can see, the site has undergone some cosmetic change. It is a work in progress, with a new theme and revised template soon to come. Thanks for your patience, and as always, keep reading the work of the Rocky Mountain Alliance of Blogs. The site should look very different again soon. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

11/8/2005 By Ben Leave a Comment

Holtzman v Beauprez: Your One-Stop Online Shop

For any political junkies out there, especially those out there following developments and emerging opinions in Colorado for 2006, please visit and bookmark the new Holtzman v Beauprez site, a collaborative project of the Rocky Mountain Alliance. Its focus will be on issues directly and indirectly related to the 2006 Colorado gubernatorial campaign. Joshua has kicked things off well - look for more posts from myself and others in coming days. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

11/6/2005 By Ben 3 Comments

Governor’s Race Chatter and the RMA

Who knew our meeting with Marc Holtzman would create such a stir among political insiders? First, the honest observations of Mike, Joshua, and myself get quoted in the latest release from the Holtzman campaign. Then the Dead Governors feature us as the leading topic of weekend chatter. (I haven't always seen eye to eye with the anonymous, center-left proprietors of ColoradoPols, but I am grateful to them for providing a link to my site.) As for my comments? They're all real, folks. Take them for what they're worth. No detriment to Congressman Beauprez, just my genuinely positive impressions of his opponent's campaign. The three of us who met with Holtzman don't speak for the entire Rocky Mountain Alliance, but we represent a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Colorado Politics, General

11/4/2005 By Ben 7 Comments

Meeting with Marc Holtzman

Mike has already given a thoughtful description of our meeting yesterday with Republican gubernatorial hopeful Marc Holtzman. (I'm sure Joshua has one forthcoming as well.) Holtzman and his campaign adviser Laura Teal graciously gave us more than an hour of their time and of the candidate's vision, passion, and optimism. The former president of the University of Denver & state technology secretary talked with facility and command about how to solve the budget's structural problems in creative and courageous ways. He shared his plan for strengthening the state's Republican Party structure. He has concrete ideas to address the current and looming issues of illegal immigration, eminent domain abuse, energy dependence, and public health … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

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About Me

Ben DeGrow
Grateful and growing Christian, devoted husband and father of 3, public policy analyst, returned to Michigan by way of Colorado, conservative writer, lifelong learner, Detroit Tigers fan.

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