Author: jh staff

Franklin Graham Lends His Support to the Canadian Truckers

A recent state of emergency was declared by Canadian government entities relating to the truck drivers who have been protesting a number of mandates that continue to be imposed by Canada’s radically left-leaning leader Justin Trudeau.

Following the state of emergency declaration, riot police were dispatched to the scene. However, while the police were still on their way, something amazing was going on in Milk River, Alberta. The big rig drivers, who have been dubbed the Freedom Convoy, were engaged in a most poignant response to the imminent circumstances they were about to face.

The truckers assembled in a peaceful linking of arms. They then proceeded to sing their country’s national anthem and recite the Lord’s Prayer together.

At what was likely an intensely stressful moment, participants didn’t react with any kind of negativity. They didn’t push back with anger or its attendant emotions. Instead they turned to the Almighty for His help with their plight and countered with expressions of love for God, country, and neighbor.

This is what faith in action looks like.

The number of admirers of the truckers for the manner in which they have comported themselves is growing exponentially. Among those who have taken note is prominent and influential American evangelical leader Franklin Graham.

Son of Billy Graham, one of the most notable evangelists of all times, Franklin is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as well as Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization.

A classic version of the archetypical “preacher’s son,” Franklin went through a rebellious period in his youth, which manifested itself through the use of cigarettes and alcohol, and his vehicle of choice, the motorcycle.

His errant behavior resulted in his dropping out of high school and a later expulsion from college.

“I wanted to be a hell raiser that lived my own life,” Franklin said. “And if it made people mad, tough. If it disappointed people, tough. It’s my life, I’m going to live it the way I want to live it, and if you don’t like it, get out of my way. That was kind of my attitude.”

But like the parable of the Prodigal Son, he eventually made his way back home. At 22 years old, he remembers his famous dad telling him that he was going to have to choose. Will it be Path A or Path B?

“He looked at me, and he said, ‘Franklin, your mother and I sense that there is a struggle for the soul of your life. And there’s no halfway. Either you’re going to have to accept Jesus Christ and what he says and obey him and follow him, or you’ll have to reject him. There’s no middle ground,’” Franklin shared.

While on a trip to Jerusalem, Franklin repented and committed his life to Jesus while alone in a hotel room.

“My years of running and rebellion had ended,” Franklin wrote in his autobiography, which is aptly titled “Rebel With A Cause.”

The blue collar pastor recently used his Twitter account to send a message of support to the Canadian truckers. He compared them and their supporters to the man best known for his midnight ride prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord, alerting the colonial militia of the approaching enemy forces.

“Pray for our neighbors to the north,” Franklin wrote. “Freedom is precious. The issue isn’t primarily masks or vaccines—the issue is FREEDOM, the freedom to make our own choices. These truckers are a modern-day version of Paul Revere, riding against oppression.”

In a follow-up tweet, he asked, “Who would’ve thought you’d ever be arrested for delivering fuel or food to people in need?”

Additionally, he posted, “But that’s what’s happening in Canada. You might be arrested for bringing fuel or food to truckers who are a part of the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa.”

His answer to his own question points out the abysmal manner in which the Canadian government has handled the largest peaceful protest in Canadian history.

Fortunately, despite demagoguery and vilification by some, the truckers have already secured some significant victories. Most notably, several Canadian provinces have lifted their COVID restrictions.

Franklin was enthralled by the great news of mandates being dropped in Canadian jurisdictions. He extended gratitude to the truckers and to their supporters.

“Thank you to the Freedom Convoy & all those who made sure their voices were heard at the Canadian capital & around the world,” Franklin stated.

When the mayor of Ottawa first declared a state of emergency and began to crack down on the truckers and protestors, Franklin came up with a viable solution, which he offered to authorities

“Mr. Mayor, if PM @JustinTrudeau would back up on the mask & vaccine mandates & let individuals make those decisions, those trucks will be gone,” he wrote.

One part of the many organizations that he runs is the Billy Graham “Rapid Response Team.” The team is present in downtown Ottawa, recognizable due to members’ red jackets and yellow vests, ministering to the demonstrators and offering “the peace of Christ.”

Franklin posted a plea to his following, and to all those who care about the cause of freedom.

“Continue to pray for the men and women who are standing strong for FREEDOM,” he said.

A plea that will hopefully be heard around the world.

Cooper Kupp’s Uplifting Presence On and Off the Field

Folks watching the action-packed National Football League playoff games got to see a stellar performance by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

No. 10 and his team are now headed to the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 13.

The story of how Kupp got to the point where he’s at is one that inspires all those who dream of achieving greatness.

After graduating from high school, his hopes of receiving a scholarship offer from college football’s top division were shattered. Not a single one came his way.

He opted to continue pursuing the sport he loved at Eastern Washington University, where he worked hard and established himself as a first-rate receiver.

Back when Kupp was still in high school and was about to begin his first year of college, he made a decision to be baptized first.

Carla shared the reasoning of her grandson’s faith priority. “He wanted to make a statement to God about his commitment,” she said.

Prior to the NFL draft that would forever change life’s course for him, Kupp tweeted, “No gift I could give that would be worthy of Him…but I can play. To the very best of the ability He gave me. And He will be well pleased.”

In 2017 Kupp’s dream of getting the chance to play at the top professional level came true. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Los Angeles Rams, just in time for the team’s second season in the City of Angels, having just returned from a multi-year stay as the home team in St. Louis.

The skills and self-discipline that Kupp developed at a smaller university, a division, incidentally, that is often overlooked, quickly catapulted him in the NFL.

He rose to the highest level a wide receiver can attain at the pro level, with the most receptions, most receiving yards, and most receiving touchdowns during a regular season, commonly known as the “triple crown” for those who play this position.

During the playoffs, he set yet another record by becoming the first player to exceed 2,000 yards in pass receptions as well as the first to catch 170 passes.

And he still has another huge game to play. His biggest ever.

Kupp has become a bright light for those who call the Left Coast home.

The most significant factors that relate to his gift of perseverance are expressed on his website in three short words: “Faith, family, and football.”

Kupp’s relatives include two previous generations of athletic prowess. Dad Craig was a quarterback who was drafted in the fifth round by the New York Giants, and also played for the Phoenix Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys.

And Grandpa Jake was picked in the ninth round of the draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played as an offensive lineman with the Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints.

However, it is something much greater than sports that binds this family together. All share a genuinely vibrant living faith.

Dad Craig sums it up in a single phrase. “…Our relationship with Jesus is the center of our life,” he says.

Kupp’s life story wouldn’t be complete without talking about his bride Anna. The two met at a track meet when they were seniors in high school. It was the proverbial love at first sight. Kupp knew she was the one he would marry, and told this to his mother on the same day that he and Anna met.

The couple tried a long distance relationship for a brief spell, with Anna going away to the University of Arkansas to compete in track and field. Not being able to withstand being apart, though, Anna soon transferred to Eastern Washington. She lost almost two years of college credits in the process, but at least they were together once again.

Marriage soon followed, and they have been blessed with two beautiful sons. The family lives a God-centered life, which has had a positive influence on other young couples who seek to have the same.

It wasn’t long after Kupp began playing professional football that he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It was Anna who assisted him in his recovery. And, of course, he sought help from above.

“I needed God,” he said in a 2019 interview. “I needed to trust in what my faith was. Just my wife and son, being able to push me through this, teammates, the coaching staff, training staff, strength staff. I just had a team around me that encouraged me. It really showed me how important it was to have the people that God has really placed in my life.”

The wide receiver’s priorities remain clear. His relationship with his Lord and Savior are foremost in his life.

“…If it wasn’t for my faith, if it wasn’t for knowing that Christ has told me who I am in His eyes…He’s bridged every gap,” he said.

Never seeming to shy away from talking about his convictions, Kupp speaks out even in the face of the bright media spotlight that perpetually shines on celebrity athletes.

After his team defeated Tom Brady’s defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kupp shared his faith feelings by sporting a hat from his own apparel line. The attire encouraged, “Do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

These are words that are inspired by the Scripture verse 1 Corinthians 9:25, which reads as follows: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Ben Roethlisberger’s Football and Faith

He knew it and his fans knew it too. Ben Roethlisberger’s time as a professional football player was coming to an end.

At what would be his final home game after 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the star quarterback experienced something most athletes only dream of – the pure unadulterated outpouring of love from fans that had been with him from the start.

Right back at them went the love from Big Ben.

“My family and I are overwhelmed with the love and support we have received around last night’s game. We are truly grateful for every one of you,” he posted on his Twitter account.

It was common knowledge that Ben had restructured his contract before the start of the season in order to remain in the game for one last stretch before his retirement.

It’s official now.

“The time has come to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats and continue to be all I can be to my wife and children,” Ben said in a video posted on Twitter.

“I retire from football a truly grateful man,” he added.

Since being drafted 11th overall in 2004, he remained loyal to the Steelers for his entire career; this in an age of free agency where fans watch players bounce from one team to another.

And what a career he has had.

Ben won the Rookie of the Year award in his first year, made the Pro Bowl six times, and led the Steelers to 165 regular season wins, eight division titles, and three Super Bowls, winning two. That’s Pro Football Hall of Fame level legacy.

After he is retired for the requisite five seasons, he will most likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In 2013, after overcoming off-field issues that scuffed up his reputation, Ben had a turn around in which he won the most prestigious honor the NFL bestows, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which focuses on virtuous activities of players in the league while off the field.

His charitable activities continue to make a difference in his community and the world at large.

He demonstrated for everyone what his priorities are as he walked through the stadium tunnel for the last time, accompanied by his wife Ashley and three children Bodie, Baylee, and Ben Jr.

What everyone saw was a man who is more than a winning athlete. He walks the walk of a truly devoted husband and father.

As he stated in a 2013 interview, “I’m putting all my energy into being the best person, best husband and best father I can be.”

His commitment to family has a great deal to do with his religious faith. After his team’s final game of the season, the AFC’s wildcard playoff game, Ben invoked God in talking about what was to come next in his life.

He said something you don’t hear too often from celebrities or otherwise. He shared that he was going to “try to expand God’s kingdom.”

He grew up in the Christian tradition and in 2017 made a recommitment to his faith.

During a June 2020 ManUp Conference, he explained why he chose to be baptized for a second time.

“I was baptized as a kid; my parents took me as a baby. But I didn’t make that decision. So three years ago now I made the decision to be baptized because I felt like I needed to do that. I wanted to have a closer walk, a better relationship with Jesus, with my wife, with my kids, with my family — become a better person,” Ben said.

He had a message for young athletes about how his religious beliefs fit with his vocation.

“I want that to be known, especially to all you young men out there. It’s cool to be a Christian and be an athlete. Go ahead and be the best athlete you can possibly be, and see if you can be a better Christian,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do now. I’m trying to be a better Christian than I am athlete and football player.”

Like so many other Christians, he was led back to his faith heritage in the most beautifully mystical way.

“Jesus is the One who brought me back…and I’m so thankful for it because I feel I’m a better Christian, a better husband and a better father today because of His forgiveness of me.”

Seamlessness of faith and action is what makes us winners in life.

Mourning the Passing of Rock Icon Meat Loaf

Marvin Lee Aday, more famously known as the rock star Meat Loaf, passed away recently at the age of 74.

He was simply one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.

Meat, as he liked to be called, was the musical performer on more than 100 million records that were distributed worldwide.

He made his way to the top rung of rock stardom in the United Kingdom and in Europe.

His nickname was given to him in part by his dad. But the completion of the famed label came from a high school football coach.

He went through a legal name change in 1984, but not one folks might have thought. He changed his first name from Marvin to Michael.

To the surprise of many meat eaters, his carnivorous nickname did not actually reflect his personal eating habits. Many individuals were stunned to find out that Meat was actually a vegetarian for more than a decade.

Commenting on the vegetable eating irony, he told Entertainment Weekly, “There’ve been vegetarians who wouldn’t speak to me because of my name. I was sitting with Jon Bon Jovi at one of those awards things, and I say, ‘Oh, man, I love k.d. lang. I’d really like to meet her.’ They went to find out if it was okay, and she goes, ‘No. His name is Meat Loaf.’ I stopped being a k.d. lang fan after that.”

Meat’s vocal specialty was an ultra-dramatic performance amid an orchestral blanket backdrop. His recordings combined European opera tradition with American hard rock. The result was a unique brand that he shared with longtime composer-songwriter Jim Steinman.

Steinman wrote and produced many of Meat’s best known works, including his 1977 debut album “Bat Out of Hell.” The album was based on a futuristic rock opera version of Peter Pan, titled “Neverland,” which was produced by another rock legend, Todd Rundgren,

The recording came about from an unusual collaboration of musicians that included the pianist and drummer from Bruce Springsteen’s “E Street Band,” members of Rundgren’s group “Utopia,” and a well-placed Edgar Winter sax solo.

The album was actually rejected by four record labels. However, two breakthrough television performances by Meat, the UK’s “Old Grey Whistle Test” and the U.S.’s “Saturday Night Live,” propelled the album’s ultimate release.

It would go on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, with more than 43 million copies sold globally, and two sequel albums to follow.

Meat had an acting stint in addition to his mega-successful musical career. He was a scene stealer in the cult films “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Fight Club.”

He also starred in numerous other films that include “Roadie,” “Motorama,” “Crazy in Alabama,” “Stage Fright,” “Spice World,” “Leap of Faith,” and “Americathon.”

Meat played dual roles in the original Broadway cast of “The Rocky Horror Show” and also appeared in the musical “Hair.”

High-profile associates in the music business paid tribute to the rock singer at his passing.

Queen guitarist Brian May wrote on Instagram that Meat was “Always full of madness, with the innocent sense of naughtiness of a five-year old, Meat was forever young.”

Bonnie Tyler, who recorded an album with Meat, described him as “a larger than life character with a voice & stage presence to match & is one of those rare people who truly was a one-off talent and personality.”

Alice Cooper, rock legend in his own right, said, “Meat Loaf was one of the greatest voices in rock ‘n’ roll, and he was certainly one of my closest friends in the business.”

Cooper said there is no one like Meat, and that “his shoes can never be filled.”

Unlike many of his colleagues, Meat was an independent thinker and soon projected a right-of-center persona. In 2012, he was one of the few well known entertainment figures to campaign for then-GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

When Meat was a contestant on the 2011 season of “Celebrity Apprentice,” then-host Donald Trump asked the rocker if he thought he should run for president.

Meat answered, “Absolutely. I would vote for you. In fact, I’ll help you with your campaign.”

Meat and President Trump became fast friends on the show, so much so that the 45th president issued a statement about Meat’s passing, describing the singer as a “great guy.”

“He was smart, talented, open, and warm. His success was enormous — we all loved him. Meat Loaf will be greatly missed!” President Trump said.

Meat also held traditional religious views that placed him at odds with many current entertainment industry figures.

He grew up singing in the church choir, studied the Bible, and attended a Christian college. His faith influenced his work, with many of his songs containing Christian concepts.

At one point he collaborated with a female vocalist named Shaun Murphy, aka Stoney, whom he met during the Detroit performances of the musical “Hair.”

The album that the two released in 1971, titled “Stoney and Meatloaf,” contained a Christian-themed song “(I’d Love to Be) As Heavy as Jesus.”

Some of the lyrics are as follows:

“I just want to rise above, above that devil’s glove

And see God in every single man, I just want to spread joy like that little boy

Who once walked, walked this promised land,

And I’d love to be as heavy as Jesus.”

Meat shared his very active and consistent prayer life via an interview.

“I’ll be honest with you. I pray every night and if I skip a night, I apologize for skipping it,” he stated. “I thank [God] for my blessings because I’ve been very blessed and I pray for my family and I pray for people who are ill…”

Rock opera pioneer Andrew Lloyd Webber described Meat’s afterlife in this way:

“The vaults of heaven will be ringing with rock.”

Clearly the world was blessed by his talent.

The Heart of the Life Movement Beats On

The annual March for Life, like so many other pivotal nationwide events, has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its parallel ripple effects.

Last year the pro-life event was significantly smaller in size, consisting of a mere group of pro-life leaders who attended in person, along with a host of life enthusiasts from across the land who were only able to attend virtually.

It is by design that the annual pro-life rally takes place during the same time period as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the nation-altering 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion throughout the country.

The first march was held in 1974, organized through the efforts of pro-life activist and lawyer Nellie Gray. Originally intended to be a one-time event, participants of the first march had a great deal of hope that the Supreme Court would see fit to reverse the Roe v. Wade decision.

After the first march was completed, reality quickly set in. Gray took steps to institute the march as an annual event, and was able to obtain official recognition for it as a nonprofit organization.

Jeanne Mancini assumed leadership of the March for Life organization after Gray passed away in 2012.

This year’s event is going to take place well before the expected announcement of the Supreme Court in the yet-to-be determined decision of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which holds the possibility of effectively overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the abortion issue back to the state level and jurisdiction.

The 2022 version of the March for Life would be the first one to take place since the two-year-old coronavirus pandemic descended upon us. This does not mean that individuals over the years have not tried to prevent its occurrence.

This year’s march is scheduled to take place on Jan. 21, six days after a new vaccine mandate is set to take effect in the nation’s capital.

The mandate imposed by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requires those who are entering restaurants, bars and nightclubs, indoor entertainment establishments, indoor event and meeting establishments, and other indoor spaces to provide proof of having received at least one dose or more of the coronavirus vaccine, or to show evidence of a negative COVID test (taken within 24 hours of the event), accompanied by either an oral or written religious exemption or a written medical exemption.

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the prominent pro-life group the Ruth Institute, issued a statement blasting the timing of Mayor Bowser’s vaccine mandate.

“We are disgusted by the transparently heavy-handed tactics of the mayor’s office in interfering with the biggest pro-life event in the nation,” Dr. Roback Morse said.

The group’s founder continued.

“It’s hard to believe that the timing of the mandate, which goes into effect several days before the March [for Life], is a coincidence. Rather, it looks like a deliberate move by a pro-abortion politician to throw a monkey wrench in a week of pro-life events,” she added.

Because the mandate requires that those entering indoor spaces must provide proof of vaccination and/or exemption, the imposed restrictions appear to be a means by which attendees might be hampered in their participation in this year’s March for Life.

“How could the mayor not know that pro-lifers are among those least likely to be vaccinated, due to concerns that fetal cells were used in the vaccine?” Dr. Roback Morse asked.

Students for Life of America, a young pro-life leadership training organization, expressed its displeasure with the last-minute mandate.

With regard to Mayor Bowser, a statement by the group indicated it is widely known that the mayor supports abortion. Consequently, the statement also suggests that the mandates imposed, along with the timing of their imposition, appear to be an attempt to “throw a wrench into plans to mourn the 49th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision that wiped out the pro-life laws of the 50 states replacing them with chaos.”

“Under her leadership, the D.C. government in late December announced that there would be a new and stricter mandate in the district starting January 15 – shortly before the national pro-life march on January 21 and the National Pro-Life Summit on January 22,” the statement read.

“This last-minute mandate has caused dramatic changes for many organization’s plans to mourn the day the Supreme Court first allowed the human rights atrocity of our day,” the statement asserted.

The good news is that instead of folding up and canceling the event, dedicated activists behind the March for Life are making adjustments to deal with the mandates.

As March for Life’s Mancini noted in a statement, “While the March for Life itself is not affected, our indoor events will have a few modifications due to the District of Columbia’s current COVID regulations.”

Students for Life of America have actually purchased several thousand rapid-response COVID tests, so that those who want to attend the group’s indoor conference can obtain a free test to show their status, thus making them eligible to enter.

March organizers are urging participants to attend in person and to go over to Virginia with the money that they would have spent in Washington, D.C. for lodging and food.

This year’s theme for the March for Life is “Equality Begins in the Womb.”

It will proceed as planned, with a kick-off concert by contemporary Christian artist Matthew West, followed by a noon rally and the traditional march to the U.S. Supreme Court.

‘American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story’ Scores Big at the Box Office

Had a screenwriter pitched the making of the Kurt Warner story, Hollywood studio execs would probably have passed. Not believable enough.

But Kurt’s real life story is true, and events that unfolded are as awesome as it gets.

The undrafted quarterback hailed from a small college and stocked shelves in a grocery store to make ends meet.

He first played professionally on an arena football field in his home state, where the Iowa Barnstormers took him on as quarterback.

After a time he was signed as a backup QB on the NFL team of the then-St. Louis Rams. When the starter went down with an injury, Kurt was able to lead the team to one victory after another, culminating in a Super Bowl win, where he was named both League and Super Bowl MVP.

Some use the word “impossible” to describe his life trajectory. But the same would go for a lot of the bullet points of his bio, as the movie “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” underscores.

On Christmas Day 2021, the film hit the big screens. It won the hearts of football fans as well as non-jaded cinema buffs who still enjoy stories that hail the human spirit’s triumph over adversity.

The original plan for the film was to have it released in Winter of 2020. But COVID-related delays ended up pushing the release date back.

The screenplay is derived from a book co-written by Kurt and journalist Michael Silver called “All Things Possible.” The movie itself is directed by the Erwin Brothers, Jon and Andrew, modern-day virtuosos of the faith-based genre.

This same duo made a film back in 2018 called “I Can Only Imagine,” which wildly exceeded box-office expectations by taking in over $70 million on a budget of only $7 million.

The Erwin’s latest project not only opened with almost $6 million, it remained in the top four over New Year’s weekend, tallying up a cumulative total of over $15 million.

It received a coveted A+ from audiences via CinemaScore and garnered mostly favorable reviews from the frequently hard-to-charm film critic community.

Zachary Levi plays the lead role of Kurt. Levi’s prior roles include him being featured in the 2007 television series “Chuck” as well as in the 2019 superhero movie “Shazam!”

Audiences first encounter a young Kurt as he watches renowned quarterback Joe Montana secure a Super Bowl win.

At each juncture of his involvement with the sport of football, it seems that Kurt is destined to deal with obstacles: Frustration at being benched and being kept off the field at Northern Iowa University because he doesn’t see eye to eye with his coach (played by Adam Baldwin); And when he finally gets his shot with an NFL team, how the offensive coordinator appears to take pleasure in making things as difficult as possible for the backup QB candidate.

Thankfully for Kurt, Head Coach Dick Vermeil (played by Dennis Quaid) has a hunch that the player before him has potential, and he keeps him on the team.

Intriguingly, the central focus of the film turns out not to be sports. Instead it is a love story surrounding Kurt and Brenda, Kurt’s bride of two dozen years (played by Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin).

For Kurt, it is the proverbial love at fist sight. His eyes catch a glimpse of Brenda in a country music nightspot. After some tutoring in country dancing, Kurt musters up the nerve to ask Brenda to dance. Her response, “’Bout time.”

She refuses to give Kurt her phone number. Instead she tells him that, as a single divorced mother with two young children, he should want nothing to do with her life. She punctuates her message by driving away before he has a chance to respond.

He nevertheless manages to find out her address, meet her children, including one child who is blind from a brain injury, and eventually win Brenda’s trust. It all leads to an amazing scene depicting love’s first kiss.

In his initial game as an NFL starter, Kurt and the Rams shock a team known for its fierce defense, the Baltimore Ravens. After an upset win, the QB thanks the Almighty.

The Rams would go on to post a 13-3 record that season, as the team’s offense under Kurt become known as “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The Rams ultimately defeat the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, with Kurt breaking Joe Montana’s record for passing yardage.

The accolades of Super Bowl MVP and League MVP are attached to his name, making him the first undrafted player to secure either of the titles.

Film credits indicate that Kurt would go on to play in two other Super Bowls, and he would become enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Credits also note that the two executive producers, the real life Kurt and Brenda, continue in nuptial bliss with their now-seven children.

What’s the secret to their marital success?

“You have to know that there is a plan for your life,” Brenda says. “We believe in faith, we believe that you have to have faith in your own strength and faith in each other, your relationship to make it through, no matter what.”

As “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” illustrates, faith is the completed pass into the end zone.

Elon Musk Takes On Senator Warren

High-tech prodigy, recurring start-up success, and business visionary, that’s Elon Musk.

Time Magazine just crowned him 2021’s “Person of the Year.” One more accolade added to a list that appears to have no end.

Elon took an interest in computers at the age of ten. By the time two years had passed, he was self-schooled in computer language.

In a micro-foreshadowing of things to come, the code for a video game that he had created fetched five-hundred bucks.

Like other kids whose IQs are seemingly in the stratosphere, peer equals tend to be in short supply, which sometimes leads to major misunderstandings. This was the case for Elon.

An undeserved share of childhood time was spent warding off attacks by bullies. On one occasion, he had to be hospitalized after being thrown down a flight of stairs. It happens way too often. Guess it’s just the perpetual price that has to be paid for being different.

In 1995, Elon co-founded a web software company called Zip2, which in 1999 was sold to Compaq for over $300 million.

He racked up another fortune in 2002, when PayPal was sold to eBay. During the same year, he founded SpaceX, an aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, where he now serves as CEO and CTO.

The year 2004 would turn out to be a big one. Elon joined a company that would eventually become electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. He rose to CEO in 2008. The value of Tesla soared, as did Elon’s share. This would propel him past his billionaire rivals right to the top of the world’s richest list.

It’s no stretch to say that the media have had it out for him for a while now. One blaring example is an incident that occurred in 2018, when he appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He sampled a single puff from a cigar that Rogan described as consisting of tobacco laced with cannabis.

Many in the media conflated the whole thing into a story that questioned Elon’s stability as a business executive. The negative coverage caused Tesla shares to drop in value, which in turn created a crisis in confidence. No problem for the tech mogul, though.

He explained to CBS’s “60 Minutes,” “I do not smoke pot. As anybody who watched that podcast could tell, I have no idea how to smoke pot.”

Elon has been an adept Twitter user since 2009. His followers clock in at almost 68 million people.

It’s an understatement to say that he has mastered the medium. Over the years he used it to communicate business and tech ideas. But he has also jousted with debaters as well as detractors, one of the most recent being Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

After Time named him “Person of the Year,” Sen. Warren launched a social media attack. She kicked off the virtual war with the following tweet: “Let’s change the rigged tax code so The Person of the Year will actually pay taxes and stop freeloading off everyone else.”

She also took out Facebook ads that accused him of being a “freeloading billionaire.” Evidently seeking to impose a wealth tax on him, the ads asked for people who agreed with her to chip in $10.

Elon was not about to take all of it lying down. He responded with his own tweet.

“You remind me of when I was a kid and my friend’s angry Mom would just randomly yell at everyone for no reason,” he posted, adding, “Please don’t call the manager on me, Senator Karen.”

He noted the following in a separate tweet: “If you opened your eyes for 2 seconds, you would realize I will pay more taxes than any American in history this year.”

In an interview with the Babylon Bee website, he elaborated. “She struck first, obviously. She called me a freeloader and a grifter who doesn’t pay taxes, basically,” he noted.

“I’m literally paying the most tax than any individual in history has ever paid this year, ever, and she doesn’t pay taxes, basically. And her salary is paid for by the taxpayer like me. If you could die by irony, she would be dead,” he said.

Elon is reportedly set to pay an unprecedented tax bill of $11 billion, due to the sale of some Tesla stock. He has been critical of a tax on unrealized gains, which has been advocated by Sen. Warren and other Democrats.

He had previously commented on his Twitter account, “Eventually, they run out of other people’s money and then they come for you.”

Interestingly, he does not receive a salary from Tesla, having agreed to a compensation plan that ties his personal earnings to Tesla’s valuation and revenue.

As a matter of fact, he has repeatedly described himself as “cash poor” and has “professed to have little interest in the material trappings of wealth.”

On a celebrity note, he has become an integral part of the global pop culture, having appeared in films such as “Iron Man 2,” “Men in Black: International,” and “Why Him?”

He has also been featured on television shows that include “The Simpsons,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “South Park,” and “Saturday Night Live,” where he served as host of the show.

In China, he has become a “trademark phenomenon,” according to the South China Morning Post, which reports that over 270 different companies have registered trademarks using his name.

Pretty good for a kid who taught himself how to speak computerese and then clicked his way to the top of the world.