Well my week started off okay. Seemed to be doing alright, winning, then tied, but my team was playing well. Then the weekend hit and my guys decided to stop playing I guess. I went from down by like one to losing 10-0. This drops me to 8-30-2. I honestly have nothing to say. My pitchers do okay, just get no wins, my hitters struggle over the weekend, but are great during the week. Frustrating.
Good news though, Jonathon Broxton may get bumped to Closer...that would be nice.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Progress? . . . .
Don’t for a minute think that I’m thumping my chest with “I told you so!” arrogance. That’s not the case at all. Nor do I claim to have any special powers that allow me to look into the future. Figuring this one out didn’t take rocket science brilliance. It’s simply a case of knowing where culture’s moving based on where culture has moved over and over again during the past. It’s heeding the words of Francis Bacon when he said, “Histories make men wise.” It wasn’t hard to see this one coming.
A couple of weeks ago I was channel surfing when I paused on Channel 62. If you’re tied into our local cable service you know that’s the home of BET. I arrived a few seconds into a music video that left me feeling. . . . well. . . . a little dirty. Having watched lots of music video over the years, feeling dirty doesn’t happen all that often for me anymore, probably as a combination of desensitization and the more clinical approach we take to observing and deconstructing media. As I worked through the initial shock of what I was seeing and hearing for the first time, it suddenly dawned on me that the performer was none other than Chris Brown singing his latest single release, “Take You Down.” While I watched and listened, numerous emotions converged including sadness, some distress, and anger.
The video features three sets of characters: lead singer Brown, two male backup dancers/singers, and a crowd in-the-round that’s largely made of screaming young female fans. Brown and his backup duo are performing on a rotating steel cage that’s set up with all kinds of hydraulics. The combination of sexually explicit lyrics and equally explicit dance moves place Brown right where I was very afraid he was headed. . . . . and he’s taking our impressionable young – VERY YOUNG – kids with him.
Perhaps you remember a little piece I wrote a few years ago entitled “How To Make a Pop Star.” In that article – and I encourage you to go back and read it – I talked about the music industry’s secret to creating and sustaining pop stars. The formula – simply stated – is to create them to be a darling of young girls’ mothers. Then, within a couple of years, they should – as stated by the woman responsible for Britney Spears – “piss the parents off.” That woman then went on to introduce those of us in the audience to the unknown young man they were positioning to be the next big pop star. . . Chris Brown. A few months later, Brown was a star. Now, two years later, it’s obvious the formula was used once again. If you don’t believe me, just give the “Take You Down” video a look. What we suspected would happen, has.
But it doesn’t stop there. This morning I opened my morning paper and read about the fast-unfolding controversy surrounding the one very young pop star who’s endeared herself to loads of parents of young girls because of her commitment to remaining wholesome. It seems that Miley Cyrus – aka Hannah Montana – has done a controversial photo shoot for the June issue of Vanity Fair magazine. Entertainment Tonight scooped the story, telling viewers that the fifteen-year-old Cyrus had posed topless while wrapped in what appears to be a satin bedsheet. Not only that, but there’s a photo in the mix of Cyrus posing with her father Billy Ray that just seems extremely inappropriate. . . . and even creepy. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that father would pose like this with his 15-year-old daughter. . . . . who happens by the way, to look quite a bit older than 15????
And what’s happened to all their talk about the faith and values they have embraced that have enabled them to separate themselves out from the rest of the celebrity pack? I was holding out hope that I would never have to say "it wasn't hard to see this one coming" in relation to Miley Cyrus.
All of this should spur us on to be more diligent in watching the culture, discerning the times, and responding to the realities that exist from the perspective of a Biblical world and life view. Our culture is schizophrenic on these matters. Sadly, it’s okay for Cyrus to pose and get paid for doing these photos that make strong visual statements that normalize her posture (and all that goes with it) for young kids, while serving to tempt a growing army of lusty boys and dirty old men. I couldn’t help but think of several recent area news accounts of male high school teachers and band leaders who were arrested after being caught having ongoing sexual relationships with underage female students. When will we start sending consistent messages? We bemoan the consequences of teenage premarital sexual behavior, but continue to promote it in the arts that are molding and shaping the emerging generations. We scream out against child pornography and the sexual abuse of children, while celebrating “artsy” photographs of a young role model who’s so young that her photographs teeter on the edge of child pornography. . . . if in fact they don’t cross it.
None of us – parents, pastors, educators, and youthworkers – should be at a loss for what to talk to our kids about today.
A couple of weeks ago I was channel surfing when I paused on Channel 62. If you’re tied into our local cable service you know that’s the home of BET. I arrived a few seconds into a music video that left me feeling. . . . well. . . . a little dirty. Having watched lots of music video over the years, feeling dirty doesn’t happen all that often for me anymore, probably as a combination of desensitization and the more clinical approach we take to observing and deconstructing media. As I worked through the initial shock of what I was seeing and hearing for the first time, it suddenly dawned on me that the performer was none other than Chris Brown singing his latest single release, “Take You Down.” While I watched and listened, numerous emotions converged including sadness, some distress, and anger.
The video features three sets of characters: lead singer Brown, two male backup dancers/singers, and a crowd in-the-round that’s largely made of screaming young female fans. Brown and his backup duo are performing on a rotating steel cage that’s set up with all kinds of hydraulics. The combination of sexually explicit lyrics and equally explicit dance moves place Brown right where I was very afraid he was headed. . . . . and he’s taking our impressionable young – VERY YOUNG – kids with him.
Perhaps you remember a little piece I wrote a few years ago entitled “How To Make a Pop Star.” In that article – and I encourage you to go back and read it – I talked about the music industry’s secret to creating and sustaining pop stars. The formula – simply stated – is to create them to be a darling of young girls’ mothers. Then, within a couple of years, they should – as stated by the woman responsible for Britney Spears – “piss the parents off.” That woman then went on to introduce those of us in the audience to the unknown young man they were positioning to be the next big pop star. . . Chris Brown. A few months later, Brown was a star. Now, two years later, it’s obvious the formula was used once again. If you don’t believe me, just give the “Take You Down” video a look. What we suspected would happen, has.
But it doesn’t stop there. This morning I opened my morning paper and read about the fast-unfolding controversy surrounding the one very young pop star who’s endeared herself to loads of parents of young girls because of her commitment to remaining wholesome. It seems that Miley Cyrus – aka Hannah Montana – has done a controversial photo shoot for the June issue of Vanity Fair magazine. Entertainment Tonight scooped the story, telling viewers that the fifteen-year-old Cyrus had posed topless while wrapped in what appears to be a satin bedsheet. Not only that, but there’s a photo in the mix of Cyrus posing with her father Billy Ray that just seems extremely inappropriate. . . . and even creepy. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that father would pose like this with his 15-year-old daughter. . . . . who happens by the way, to look quite a bit older than 15????
And what’s happened to all their talk about the faith and values they have embraced that have enabled them to separate themselves out from the rest of the celebrity pack? I was holding out hope that I would never have to say "it wasn't hard to see this one coming" in relation to Miley Cyrus.
All of this should spur us on to be more diligent in watching the culture, discerning the times, and responding to the realities that exist from the perspective of a Biblical world and life view. Our culture is schizophrenic on these matters. Sadly, it’s okay for Cyrus to pose and get paid for doing these photos that make strong visual statements that normalize her posture (and all that goes with it) for young kids, while serving to tempt a growing army of lusty boys and dirty old men. I couldn’t help but think of several recent area news accounts of male high school teachers and band leaders who were arrested after being caught having ongoing sexual relationships with underage female students. When will we start sending consistent messages? We bemoan the consequences of teenage premarital sexual behavior, but continue to promote it in the arts that are molding and shaping the emerging generations. We scream out against child pornography and the sexual abuse of children, while celebrating “artsy” photographs of a young role model who’s so young that her photographs teeter on the edge of child pornography. . . . if in fact they don’t cross it.
None of us – parents, pastors, educators, and youthworkers – should be at a loss for what to talk to our kids about today.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sports Stuff
While I was sleeping today, some very interesting things happened in the Pittsburgh sports world.
-The Penguins win 2-0 to take a two game lead over the Rangers. Right now they are playing excellent hockey and hopefully go all the way.
-The Steelers drafted some interesting players. The early choices, Mendenhall and Sweed are both pretty good picks. Mendenhall should be a decent back who can help Parker out and Sweed is the tall receiver Ben wanted.
The pick I am more interested in is Dennis Dixon from Oregon. That kid was absolutely awesome last year, but I never imagined him coming to Pittsburgh. If his knee is healthy, you could become a fun trick play kind of guy or maybe even the eventual backup to Ben, since Batch will not be around forever...
-The Pirates beat the Phillies 5-1. McLouth hit two homers today (obviously I chose not to start him on my fantasy team), Maholm pitched a two-hit complete game, and I was offered tickets to the game last night at work, but could not go since I knew I would never wake up for it. Getting home around 8 a.m. and then trying to go to a game at 1:35? Not going to happen.
-In other Pirates news, Matt Morris has been released. Morris has been absolutely terrible this season and is the constant reminder of how bad Littlefield was as a GM. WHYGAVS has a great story about it and about how we should not judge Morris or blame him, he went out and tried, but unfortunately the guy no longer has it anymore.
That's it for me, I must now head to work and hope one of the Pirates pitchers comes in again...
-The Penguins win 2-0 to take a two game lead over the Rangers. Right now they are playing excellent hockey and hopefully go all the way.
-The Steelers drafted some interesting players. The early choices, Mendenhall and Sweed are both pretty good picks. Mendenhall should be a decent back who can help Parker out and Sweed is the tall receiver Ben wanted.
The pick I am more interested in is Dennis Dixon from Oregon. That kid was absolutely awesome last year, but I never imagined him coming to Pittsburgh. If his knee is healthy, you could become a fun trick play kind of guy or maybe even the eventual backup to Ben, since Batch will not be around forever...
-The Pirates beat the Phillies 5-1. McLouth hit two homers today (obviously I chose not to start him on my fantasy team), Maholm pitched a two-hit complete game, and I was offered tickets to the game last night at work, but could not go since I knew I would never wake up for it. Getting home around 8 a.m. and then trying to go to a game at 1:35? Not going to happen.
-In other Pirates news, Matt Morris has been released. Morris has been absolutely terrible this season and is the constant reminder of how bad Littlefield was as a GM. WHYGAVS has a great story about it and about how we should not judge Morris or blame him, he went out and tried, but unfortunately the guy no longer has it anymore.
That's it for me, I must now head to work and hope one of the Pirates pitchers comes in again...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cosmetic Changes
I want your honest opinion about the changes I have made. Is it too dark? Do you like stuff on the left? Are some colors too hard to read? I want to know.
**UPDATE** I added a section calledMy Favorite Posts Some of My Best Posts. These are some of the posts that have made me laugh, or that the comments were interesting. If you have not read most of them, I recommend it.
**UPDATE** I added a section called
New Poll
The new poll is about the next Lost character to die. I know many of you do not watch it anymore, but whatever, take a guess. I really want to know your reasoning in the comments.
I voted for Juliet. My reason being that Jack gave her kiss last episode or at some point, but in the flashforward, Jack says he was in love with Kate. His current illness, plus the death of Juliet could help push him to a point of alcoholism and pill-popping later in life...just a guess.
I voted for Juliet. My reason being that Jack gave her kiss last episode or at some point, but in the flashforward, Jack says he was in love with Kate. His current illness, plus the death of Juliet could help push him to a point of alcoholism and pill-popping later in life...just a guess.
Lost: Episode 409
I am so glad this show is finally back. A month or whatever was way too long. Very action filled episode, definitely a few moments of "holy shit."
The Assault
Locke, Hurley, and Sawyer are playing Risk (best board game ever) when the phone in Ben's house rings. Locke answers it and gets a recording saying "Code 14-J." They immediately get Ben, who freaks out and says they have to leave because they are about to be attacked. They fortify Ben's house, but Sawyer leaves to get Claire. On his way, some of the random people in the group get shot down and when he gets to the house, a rocket blows up the house. He goes inside and finds Claire hurt, but not dead.
Sawyer carries her out and makes his way back to the fortress, but needless to say no bullets touch him, but they always hit their mark when it comes to an unnamed extra. After awhile there is a knock at the door and it is Miles. He has a radio and he says that the shooters have Alex. Ben looks out the window and sees Keamy holding a gun to Alex's head.
Keamy says if Ben gives up, then no one else will die. Ben tells Keamy that he knows what kind of person Keamy is and that he knows Keamy is lying. Keamy tries to deny it, but Ben then gives Keamy's military history and how he became a merc in Uganda. Always awesome that Ben knows everything about everyone. Ben says that Alex is not his daughter and she means nothing to him. He then tells Keamy to leave the island and to forget about the place. Keamy shoots Alex in the head.
A very shocked and then pissed off Ben goes to his secret room, shuts the door and reveals another secret passage. Sawyer is beating on the door, but then Ben comes back out. He says they must run towards the tree line and get away from the house. When they do, the Smoke Monster comes out of nowhere and kills all the soldiers. Ben stops off to kiss Alex on the forehead.
Locke asks Ben why he lied about the Smoke Monster, but Ben says they must go to Jacob and he can explain about the Smoke Monster. Sawyer says that he, Claire, the baby, and Hurley are going back to the beach. Locke says that Hurley must come with them because he is the only one who can find Jacob's cabin. Hurley agrees, but Sawyer leaves Locke with a nice threat: "You harm one curly hair on his head, I will kill you."
The Beach
The group finds the doctor from the freighter washed up on the beach, his throat has been slit. Daniel says he knows the man. Daniel also says he can rig the sat phone to send/receive signals, but they could only be in Morse Code.
Jack is sick, and the only thing I can figure is this is where he gets addicted to pills. Anyways, Daniel fixes the phone and sends out a message. As he gets his message back, he says that they are sending the helicopter right away. Jack looks at Bernard, who then says that Daniel is lying. The message really said that there was nothing wrong with the doctor.
Daniel has no explanation and Jack pounces on him. Daniel then informs him that they never planned on rescuing the survivors...
Flashforward
Ben wakes up in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Two men come at him with guns, but he kills them both. He goes to Tunisia and checks into a hotel under a preferred guest name, Dean Moriarty, a character from Jack Kerouac's novel On the Road. If you click the link, the picture on the cover looks like Ben when he shows up at the hotel.
Later we see Ben in Iraq and he is following Sayid, who is attending the funeral of Nadia. Sayid sees Ben and thinks he is paparazzi. When Sayid attacks him he realizes it is Ben and wants to know how he got off the island. Ben says he used Desmond's boat, but we saw him wake up in the desert and one of the questions he asked the hotel clerk was, what year is it?
Ben explains to Sayid that Nadia was killed by a man working for Charles Widmore. Ben begins following the guy and is making it way too obvious that he is following him. The guy ambushes Ben and wants to know who he is. Ben tells him to take a message to Widmore, just then Sayid shoots the man. Sayid wants to join Ben's crusade to kill all these men, but Ben uses some nice reverse psychology to really get him gung ho involved.
The flashforward ends with Ben going to the Penthouse suite of Charles Widmore. Widmore asks if Ben is going to kill him, and Ben says no, but he should not have broken the rules by killing Alex. Ben says that he will kill Penny in return, but Widmore says that Ben will never find her, which Ben retorts that Charles will never find the island. As Ben leaves, Charles says the island belongs to him.
What does that mean? Did Widmore visit the island once and cannot find it's location? At least we now know how Ben was able to convince Sayid to become his hitman.
Still nothing about the Statues, nor about the last member of the Oceanic Six...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
First Law Trilogy
Over my vacation I mentioned that I read two books. Ryan recommended them and he has pretty similar taste as me, so I picked the first two up The series is called the The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. The two books are called, The Blade Itself and Before They Are Hanged.
If you like fantasy novels with awesome descriptions of battles and vicious fight scenes, well this book is for you. If you enjoy nice things and books that do not describe cleaving a man in half with a sword, then you may want to steer clear.
Without giving a bunch of stuff away, I have decided to go a different route today. I will do a movie casting for some of the main characters.
Logen Ninefingers
Logen is a barbarian from the North. Fortunately though, Abercrombie does not make him a carbon copy of Conan. Logen has seen many battles and is fearful to be in them. He realizes that fear is an okay trait. He acts like he does not want to ever see a battle again, but as soon as the fighting starts, he goes into a berserker rage and thats when the bodies start piling up.
My Choice: Ray Stevenson
Captain Jezal dan Luthar
Jezal is young, very attractive (all the ladies swoon for him) and very good at fencing. He is about to compete in the fencing contest that can help propel his career. He believes he is much better than anyone who is not of nobility and definitely feels he is a step above a barbarian like Logen.
My Choice: Jonathan Rys Meyers
Inquisitor Sand dan Glokta
Glokta was once like Jezal, only better. He was the Contest winner, he went to war as a Colonel. Everyone loved him, he was rich, arrogant, and felt he was much better than everyone because of his birth, unfortunately two years in a Gurkish prison being tortured everyday will change your mind about things.
Now he is the torturer for the Inquisition, his body is crippled, his smile busted because of a lack of teeth and the ones he has are pointed and broken.
My Choice: Edward Norton
Bayaz, First of the Magi
The oldest of the Magi, a man who must be hundreds of years old. He is mysterious and powerful, but as everyone who sees him says, he does not look like the most powerful Magi. He looks a bit like a butcher is how Logen describes him.
My Choice: Derek Jacobi
Major Collem West
West is a commoner who rose up and won the Contest and was also the first through the Breach at a Gurkish War. He became friends with Glokta, but that friendship dissolves over time. He now must train Jezal to be a fighter. He has a bit of a darkside to him though, showing flashes of anger that will scare even the Northmen...
My Choice: Kevin McKidd
Well that's about it, if Ryan gets a chance to read this, I would like to hear his opinions or if anyone else has read it, or just wants to know my reasons, let me know and the comments.
If you like fantasy novels with awesome descriptions of battles and vicious fight scenes, well this book is for you. If you enjoy nice things and books that do not describe cleaving a man in half with a sword, then you may want to steer clear.
Without giving a bunch of stuff away, I have decided to go a different route today. I will do a movie casting for some of the main characters.
Logen Ninefingers
Logen is a barbarian from the North. Fortunately though, Abercrombie does not make him a carbon copy of Conan. Logen has seen many battles and is fearful to be in them. He realizes that fear is an okay trait. He acts like he does not want to ever see a battle again, but as soon as the fighting starts, he goes into a berserker rage and thats when the bodies start piling up.
My Choice: Ray Stevenson
Captain Jezal dan Luthar
Jezal is young, very attractive (all the ladies swoon for him) and very good at fencing. He is about to compete in the fencing contest that can help propel his career. He believes he is much better than anyone who is not of nobility and definitely feels he is a step above a barbarian like Logen.
My Choice: Jonathan Rys Meyers
Inquisitor Sand dan Glokta
Glokta was once like Jezal, only better. He was the Contest winner, he went to war as a Colonel. Everyone loved him, he was rich, arrogant, and felt he was much better than everyone because of his birth, unfortunately two years in a Gurkish prison being tortured everyday will change your mind about things.
Now he is the torturer for the Inquisition, his body is crippled, his smile busted because of a lack of teeth and the ones he has are pointed and broken.
My Choice: Edward Norton
Bayaz, First of the Magi
The oldest of the Magi, a man who must be hundreds of years old. He is mysterious and powerful, but as everyone who sees him says, he does not look like the most powerful Magi. He looks a bit like a butcher is how Logen describes him.
My Choice: Derek Jacobi
Major Collem West
West is a commoner who rose up and won the Contest and was also the first through the Breach at a Gurkish War. He became friends with Glokta, but that friendship dissolves over time. He now must train Jezal to be a fighter. He has a bit of a darkside to him though, showing flashes of anger that will scare even the Northmen...
My Choice: Kevin McKidd
Well that's about it, if Ryan gets a chance to read this, I would like to hear his opinions or if anyone else has read it, or just wants to know my reasons, let me know and the comments.
Fantasy Baseball Week Three
I lost to Imler 4-5-1, dropping my season record to 8-20-2. I was winning most of the week, but my pitching faltered in the end. With the guys I have, I should easily get more than 3 wins per week. My offense destroyed the ball. No saves yet again, but I continue to rack up strikeouts.
I made a trade with Ryan: Cabrera and Lackey for Pedroia/Braun/Capps. Yes, I am well aware that I picked Cabrera to be the AL MVP and that he is turning his season around very quickly, but I need a shake up.
I am still willing to toss around another trade for anyone that's interested.
I made a trade with Ryan: Cabrera and Lackey for Pedroia/Braun/Capps. Yes, I am well aware that I picked Cabrera to be the AL MVP and that he is turning his season around very quickly, but I need a shake up.
I am still willing to toss around another trade for anyone that's interested.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A fun music question. . . .
I’d never been to a Broadway show until last Friday night. A generous friend set us up with tickets to see Jersey Boys, a wonderful musical that tells the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. I grew up with their music and still try to sing along with Valli’s falsetto every time the local oldies station plays one of their well-known tunes. It’s great stuff. Being in the Jersey Boys audience was a great finish to a day in Manhattan that included being served a great tuna salad on wheat toast by none other than Rupert Jee, of The Late Show and Hello Deli fame.
So we’re sitting in the theatre during intermission and talking about how much fun it is to learn the stories behind the songs we’ve been listening to for so many years. Then our friend Rick leans over and asks this question: “If you were going to spend the rest of your life on a desert island and you could take one album with you to listen to, what album would you take?” He then clarified by eliminating any compilation or greatest hits albums.
Hmmm. I’m still thinking. Because my musical tastes span decades and genres, it's a tough question. I'd like to take an entire collection. But the parameters of the question say I can't. I think I’ve narrowed it down to two. First, there’s the album from my junior high youth that grabbed me when my school music teacher, Miss Margolis, cranked it up through the Harmon Kardon speakers that hung on the front walls of the music room. Her goal was to get us to appreciate and deconstruct music. It worked. That album? Chicago Transit Authority. I loved it, got my own copy on vinyl, and wore it out. It was a musical watershed moment for me. And then there’s a disc that’s much newer, U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind.
So what album would you take with you, and why? Go ahead and comment. And remember, nobody’s allowed to laugh at anybody else’s selection. Anything is fair game.
So we’re sitting in the theatre during intermission and talking about how much fun it is to learn the stories behind the songs we’ve been listening to for so many years. Then our friend Rick leans over and asks this question: “If you were going to spend the rest of your life on a desert island and you could take one album with you to listen to, what album would you take?” He then clarified by eliminating any compilation or greatest hits albums.
Hmmm. I’m still thinking. Because my musical tastes span decades and genres, it's a tough question. I'd like to take an entire collection. But the parameters of the question say I can't. I think I’ve narrowed it down to two. First, there’s the album from my junior high youth that grabbed me when my school music teacher, Miss Margolis, cranked it up through the Harmon Kardon speakers that hung on the front walls of the music room. Her goal was to get us to appreciate and deconstruct music. It worked. That album? Chicago Transit Authority. I loved it, got my own copy on vinyl, and wore it out. It was a musical watershed moment for me. And then there’s a disc that’s much newer, U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind.
So what album would you take with you, and why? Go ahead and comment. And remember, nobody’s allowed to laugh at anybody else’s selection. Anything is fair game.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Vacation Update
This post comes to you live from the wonderful area of Philipsburg. I have been "vacationing" here this week and let me tell you, it has been pretty awesome. Actually it has been cool, got some stuff done (car inspected, tires rotated, oil changed), enjoyed a book (I may write about it when I finish the second one), drank some beers, and pretty much just relaxed.
Anyways, the point to this rambling post was to let everyone know that I need to know if you want to go on the cruise with me in November by April 25th. I am going, I hope you guys let me know. All we need for a deposit is like $25. It looks to be the 12th-18th.
That is all. Continue with your day.
**UPDATE** This is an update to the update, haha. Here is the link.**END UPDATE**
Anyways, the point to this rambling post was to let everyone know that I need to know if you want to go on the cruise with me in November by April 25th. I am going, I hope you guys let me know. All we need for a deposit is like $25. It looks to be the 12th-18th.
That is all. Continue with your day.
**UPDATE** This is an update to the update, haha. Here is the link.**END UPDATE**
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
These are our times. . . .
For some reason, this has been a day for pondering our changing world. I’m currently in Indiana where I spoke earlier today at the Prevent Child Abuse Howard County annual meeting. The gathering of youth serving professionals from law enforcement, healthcare, social services, churches, schools, and community organizations had gathered to hear me speak about changes taking place in youth culture along with the skill sets needed to keep up with those changes on a daily basis. I’m not sure how I could ever have enlightened these folks as they find themselves entrenched in dealing with one of the ugliest realities of our times on a daily basis. They visit the dark side each and every day. Their work on behalf of abused children and teens is commendable. Everyone I met is passionate about kids, committed to doing right in the midst of a social problem that is very wrong, and sacrificing opportunities to make a much better living at something else in order to help those who have been victimized by this scourge. The issue has been on my mind quite a bit lately as I continue to hear and see stories of adults taking advantage of and violating those who are younger. Typically, the old perpetrators are male, and the young victims are female. Some of them are so very young that you wonder how they could ever recover. Yet, woven in and through this morning’s non-sectarian presentation was the hope of freedom and new life through the Gospel. Our morning began with prayer. It ended with prayer. Not ceremonial prayers, but heartfelt prayers that recognized the depth of depravity in our world, the complexity of the issues, and the hope and healing that can only be found in Christ.
My morning began with another reminder of the times as one of the news shows again ran the now very familiar video of the cheerleader beating. No surprise that it was a topic of conversation during this morning’s breaks. “What kind of world are we living in?” was a question I heard one woman ask. “What would drive kids to do this, film this, and post this on the Internet?” asked another. There’s no easy answer. But our kids are making sinful and dangerous choices as they live in the perfect storm where forces like postmodern amorality, narcissism, celebrity-obsession, violence, lack of guidance, relational brokenness, and pent-up anger converge. Sad, but not surprising. Perhaps we should be asking why it doesn’t happen more often.
But the day’s not all dark. For one, today’s the day that one of my favorite recent films hits stores on DVD. Lots of kids will be watching and talking about Juno. In fact, it’s likely to develop a cult following. Disturbing as it was to watch the film’s opening scenes, and discouraging as it was to see the realities of relational brokenness and self-centeredness played out on film, this is a movie full of redemptive themes and signs of life. If you haven’t seen it, you should. If your kids have already watched it, watch it with them before springing into a discussion about how Christian faith speaks to the issues raised by the film. CPYU’s Derek Melleby has written a wonderful little 3D review of Juno for the latest edition of ENGAGE. We’re posting it on our site as a free download in the hope that you’ll find it helpful in your ministry to kids. And, if you’re struggling to learn how to watch a film like Juno with eyes of faith, check out this article on “What Makes A Movie Good?”
And finally, the paper just informed me that on this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. I’ve been on this earth for over a half century, making it hard for me to admit that I’m just now learning how significant April 15, 1947 was. The recent anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King had me revisiting the Civil Rights Movement through some viewing and reading. Enjoying Dick Doster’s novel about small town baseball and racism in the South of the 1950s has served to open my eyes a little bit farther. And watching Ken Burn’s Baseball on PBS this past weekend dropped Robinson front and center onto my consciousness again. Have you seen it yet? One of the weekend’s installments was timed perfectly and I’m sure, by design, to coincide with today. The episode told Robinson’s story. I was especially moved by the interview with his widow, Rachel, who told how Robinson would go to bed at night wondering how he would ever be able to muster the strength to go on. Then, as she said, he would wake up refreshed and renewed in his quest to do what was right.
All these things combine to remind us that these are our times. Every minute and square inch of life this side of ultimate redemption is a battleground between the Kingdom of God, and the kingdom of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The battle goes on as we play our part in living out Kingdom priorities as all things are claimed and counter-claimed as the battle rages. It’s ugly, but it’s where we belong. It’s sometimes tiring and we wonder how we can ever get out of bed tomorrow morning to carry on, but by His grace it somehow happens.
My morning began with another reminder of the times as one of the news shows again ran the now very familiar video of the cheerleader beating. No surprise that it was a topic of conversation during this morning’s breaks. “What kind of world are we living in?” was a question I heard one woman ask. “What would drive kids to do this, film this, and post this on the Internet?” asked another. There’s no easy answer. But our kids are making sinful and dangerous choices as they live in the perfect storm where forces like postmodern amorality, narcissism, celebrity-obsession, violence, lack of guidance, relational brokenness, and pent-up anger converge. Sad, but not surprising. Perhaps we should be asking why it doesn’t happen more often.
But the day’s not all dark. For one, today’s the day that one of my favorite recent films hits stores on DVD. Lots of kids will be watching and talking about Juno. In fact, it’s likely to develop a cult following. Disturbing as it was to watch the film’s opening scenes, and discouraging as it was to see the realities of relational brokenness and self-centeredness played out on film, this is a movie full of redemptive themes and signs of life. If you haven’t seen it, you should. If your kids have already watched it, watch it with them before springing into a discussion about how Christian faith speaks to the issues raised by the film. CPYU’s Derek Melleby has written a wonderful little 3D review of Juno for the latest edition of ENGAGE. We’re posting it on our site as a free download in the hope that you’ll find it helpful in your ministry to kids. And, if you’re struggling to learn how to watch a film like Juno with eyes of faith, check out this article on “What Makes A Movie Good?”
And finally, the paper just informed me that on this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. I’ve been on this earth for over a half century, making it hard for me to admit that I’m just now learning how significant April 15, 1947 was. The recent anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King had me revisiting the Civil Rights Movement through some viewing and reading. Enjoying Dick Doster’s novel about small town baseball and racism in the South of the 1950s has served to open my eyes a little bit farther. And watching Ken Burn’s Baseball on PBS this past weekend dropped Robinson front and center onto my consciousness again. Have you seen it yet? One of the weekend’s installments was timed perfectly and I’m sure, by design, to coincide with today. The episode told Robinson’s story. I was especially moved by the interview with his widow, Rachel, who told how Robinson would go to bed at night wondering how he would ever be able to muster the strength to go on. Then, as she said, he would wake up refreshed and renewed in his quest to do what was right.
All these things combine to remind us that these are our times. Every minute and square inch of life this side of ultimate redemption is a battleground between the Kingdom of God, and the kingdom of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The battle goes on as we play our part in living out Kingdom priorities as all things are claimed and counter-claimed as the battle rages. It’s ugly, but it’s where we belong. It’s sometimes tiring and we wonder how we can ever get out of bed tomorrow morning to carry on, but by His grace it somehow happens.
Poll Results
This ended up being a somewhat popular vote, eight people voted. I voted for Starfire, which is not to say that all the girls are not equally hot, but she's got really green eyes, that was the clincher.
Three of you voted for Supergirl. Pedophiles. She is like 17 years old. You will most likely be on To Catch a Predator very soon. Anyways, Wonder Woman finished second. Here are a few pictures of Supergirl to make you voters happy.
Fantasy Baseball Week Two
Oh for the love of god, make it stop! My team has decided to hit pretty much below the Mendoza Line the past two weeks. I know it will not last, but I am still just falling further into the hole.
I picked up Evan Longoria. I may try and trade Cabrera for some kind of closer. JoeBlowrowski is killing me with his 86 MPH fastball. At this point I have given up on saves and just picked up more starters. Figure I will corner the market on wins, use Zach Greinke from the RP position. At some point someone may want another a starter and I will force them to come to me...
This week I play Imler, whose team has like 900 HRs already this season. I am confident that I will not get destroyed. Current record: 4-15-1.
I picked up Evan Longoria. I may try and trade Cabrera for some kind of closer. JoeBlowrowski is killing me with his 86 MPH fastball. At this point I have given up on saves and just picked up more starters. Figure I will corner the market on wins, use Zach Greinke from the RP position. At some point someone may want another a starter and I will force them to come to me...
This week I play Imler, whose team has like 900 HRs already this season. I am confident that I will not get destroyed. Current record: 4-15-1.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Mugshots: Revenge of the Craziness
It seems that I failed to mention, or make fun of, certain people at the wonderful establishment known as Mugshots. Before I go into some of the weirder aspects, let me touch upon a few of the good things.
The Bartenders
As I said, they are all attractive, but this Trio of Beer Slinging has many more fantastic qualities. They are intelligent, funny, silly, and usually highly annoyed by the crazy folks who come in.
Also, if you are in the area and want to be entertained then ask Jen to see the Galloping Pony. One of the reasons she is the Greatest Bartender Ever (GBE). Without further adieu, let us get on with the fun.
StrawBoy
I have multiple stories about Chris, but I need to start with why I call him StrawBoy. He drinks his beer with a straw, which I have to say is very gay. This would be fitting for some small dude who may be a bit effeminate, but Chris is not of that ilk. He happens to be a somewhat larger black man, and as Steve points out, he loses any street cred for drinking with a straw.
He also happens to be a Patriots fan. All season long he talked about how they were going to win the Super Bowl. The week of the big game he tells Steve and I that he will win a very large sum of money if the Pats win. When we inquire how much, he says enough to buy a $100,000 home, which he already put the down payment on because he was that sure of the Patriots (oops).
This obviously sounds like bullshit (he is a cook at Bob Evans), so Steve calls him out on it. Asks if Chris will take us up and give us a tour of the place. Chris keeps saying it is too far and that some other time, but Steve will not let it go, which then causes Chris to ask a very weird question: "Can you take off your hat?" Steve does, and Chris makes some odd comment and walks away. The only thing we can think is that Chris assumes Steve is a skinhead? I guess a white guy cannot have a shaved head without being considered a Nazi, which sucks for Steve because he is going bald.
Later that week, Chris runs his mouth some more and ends up getting his ass kicked. He has not come back in since then and his girlfriend says it is because he is embarrassed about causing a fight. I think it is because he does not have that 100K mansion up on the hill...or maybe Mugshots ran out of straws, we will never know.
A Pimp Named Slickback
Tony Tony Tony, or however this weird guy wants to spell it, comes to karaoke night with his own microphone headset. You would think he would be fantastic, but he is very average to say the least. Also, he dresses like a pimp, in fact he reminds me of A Pimp Named Slickback from Boondocks.
His girlfriend, Miranda, dresses in all black, usually some kind of weird leather/lace combination, which might be attractive if she were not some kind of half-vampire, half-hooker.
The Creeper
I was not there for this guy, but Jen immediately told me the story when I came in after work one night. This guy tells Jen that she is attractive and then asks if she would date a 38 year old, which Jen says that is too old for her.
He continues to make weird comments about how beautiful she is and whatnot. Then orders some beer to go and says to Jen "I am going to put your picture on my cantaloupe tonight when I am in bed." WTF?? Who says that? Who in their right mind would ever say that to a girl? I can see making a joke amongst friends, or even saying that to some bar skank you do not know in order to scare her away, but to say that to the bartender, of an establishment you may want to return to...unacceptable.
The Stupids
These are just people who say dumb things and prove that there is no god because if there were a god he would have smote these pathetic individuals long ago.
-OldFatFuck: This guy gets pissed off because Jen gives him an IC Light in a plastic special, which is on special for $2. He does not believe the cup is 16 oz. Jen assures him that it is, but he will hear nothing of it. He demands a mug and proceeds to pour the beer into the mug. It clearly holds 16 oz. and his half assed pour causes the beer to foam up and spill on the bar. Jen wipes it up and even refills the mug for him because she is a nice bartender (GBE).
He continues to complain about how he does not believe it and orders another beer. Obviously Jen used some sort of alchemy to make the smaller cup fit into the vastly larger mug. Everyone knows that bartenders are also practitioners of the black magiks.
I would let this go, but after his third beer, he leaves and only tips her $.65. It may be a little over 10%, but after making a fool of himself, spilling beer, calling her a liar, well I would have tipped a bit more.
-Cheapskates: These are the people who complain about Danny's (the manager) prices and specials. Especially the "if you are seated at the bar and a Pirate hits a home run, a 12 oz. draft is a penny." He also does the same thing for Sydney Crosby goals during the playoffs. People say shit like "what a cheap prick, only giving us a 12 oz. beer." It is pretty much free, just say thank you.
Also, the people who act like it's the bartenders fault for the prices. These are the same people who like to leave change as a tip. Fuck those people.
-Race Fans: I will go easy on this group because the lovely Lisa is part of this, but I do not think she would be as big of a dick as this guy was the other night. I walk in and find a seat at the bar so I could watch the Pirates game. I get settled in and anyone can tell I am very into the game. This guy beside me calls Jen over and asks if she can turn the TV to the race. The TV I am watching, not the one beside it, not the big screen. The only other TV I could really see from that angle was the corner one above the door. I then laugh and ask Jen to turn that TV to the Pirates game, which forces me to turn and face the guy the entire game.
On a very glorious note, my cigar smoke blew in his face the rest of the game and his stupid race was delayed because it was on Fox, and the Yankees/Red Sox game had a rain delay, which caused Fox to miss the beginning of the race. That dickwad eventually left as the race was starting. I smiled.
Okay, that's about it for now. Hopefully I can get some pictures, at least of the bartenders, help spice things up a bit.
The Bartenders
As I said, they are all attractive, but this Trio of Beer Slinging has many more fantastic qualities. They are intelligent, funny, silly, and usually highly annoyed by the crazy folks who come in.
Also, if you are in the area and want to be entertained then ask Jen to see the Galloping Pony. One of the reasons she is the Greatest Bartender Ever (GBE). Without further adieu, let us get on with the fun.
StrawBoy
I have multiple stories about Chris, but I need to start with why I call him StrawBoy. He drinks his beer with a straw, which I have to say is very gay. This would be fitting for some small dude who may be a bit effeminate, but Chris is not of that ilk. He happens to be a somewhat larger black man, and as Steve points out, he loses any street cred for drinking with a straw.
He also happens to be a Patriots fan. All season long he talked about how they were going to win the Super Bowl. The week of the big game he tells Steve and I that he will win a very large sum of money if the Pats win. When we inquire how much, he says enough to buy a $100,000 home, which he already put the down payment on because he was that sure of the Patriots (oops).
This obviously sounds like bullshit (he is a cook at Bob Evans), so Steve calls him out on it. Asks if Chris will take us up and give us a tour of the place. Chris keeps saying it is too far and that some other time, but Steve will not let it go, which then causes Chris to ask a very weird question: "Can you take off your hat?" Steve does, and Chris makes some odd comment and walks away. The only thing we can think is that Chris assumes Steve is a skinhead? I guess a white guy cannot have a shaved head without being considered a Nazi, which sucks for Steve because he is going bald.
Later that week, Chris runs his mouth some more and ends up getting his ass kicked. He has not come back in since then and his girlfriend says it is because he is embarrassed about causing a fight. I think it is because he does not have that 100K mansion up on the hill...or maybe Mugshots ran out of straws, we will never know.
A Pimp Named Slickback
Tony Tony Tony, or however this weird guy wants to spell it, comes to karaoke night with his own microphone headset. You would think he would be fantastic, but he is very average to say the least. Also, he dresses like a pimp, in fact he reminds me of A Pimp Named Slickback from Boondocks.
His girlfriend, Miranda, dresses in all black, usually some kind of weird leather/lace combination, which might be attractive if she were not some kind of half-vampire, half-hooker.
The Creeper
I was not there for this guy, but Jen immediately told me the story when I came in after work one night. This guy tells Jen that she is attractive and then asks if she would date a 38 year old, which Jen says that is too old for her.
He continues to make weird comments about how beautiful she is and whatnot. Then orders some beer to go and says to Jen "I am going to put your picture on my cantaloupe tonight when I am in bed." WTF?? Who says that? Who in their right mind would ever say that to a girl? I can see making a joke amongst friends, or even saying that to some bar skank you do not know in order to scare her away, but to say that to the bartender, of an establishment you may want to return to...unacceptable.
The Stupids
These are just people who say dumb things and prove that there is no god because if there were a god he would have smote these pathetic individuals long ago.
-OldFatFuck: This guy gets pissed off because Jen gives him an IC Light in a plastic special, which is on special for $2. He does not believe the cup is 16 oz. Jen assures him that it is, but he will hear nothing of it. He demands a mug and proceeds to pour the beer into the mug. It clearly holds 16 oz. and his half assed pour causes the beer to foam up and spill on the bar. Jen wipes it up and even refills the mug for him because she is a nice bartender (GBE).
He continues to complain about how he does not believe it and orders another beer. Obviously Jen used some sort of alchemy to make the smaller cup fit into the vastly larger mug. Everyone knows that bartenders are also practitioners of the black magiks.
I would let this go, but after his third beer, he leaves and only tips her $.65. It may be a little over 10%, but after making a fool of himself, spilling beer, calling her a liar, well I would have tipped a bit more.
-Cheapskates: These are the people who complain about Danny's (the manager) prices and specials. Especially the "if you are seated at the bar and a Pirate hits a home run, a 12 oz. draft is a penny." He also does the same thing for Sydney Crosby goals during the playoffs. People say shit like "what a cheap prick, only giving us a 12 oz. beer." It is pretty much free, just say thank you.
Also, the people who act like it's the bartenders fault for the prices. These are the same people who like to leave change as a tip. Fuck those people.
-Race Fans: I will go easy on this group because the lovely Lisa is part of this, but I do not think she would be as big of a dick as this guy was the other night. I walk in and find a seat at the bar so I could watch the Pirates game. I get settled in and anyone can tell I am very into the game. This guy beside me calls Jen over and asks if she can turn the TV to the race. The TV I am watching, not the one beside it, not the big screen. The only other TV I could really see from that angle was the corner one above the door. I then laugh and ask Jen to turn that TV to the Pirates game, which forces me to turn and face the guy the entire game.
On a very glorious note, my cigar smoke blew in his face the rest of the game and his stupid race was delayed because it was on Fox, and the Yankees/Red Sox game had a rain delay, which caused Fox to miss the beginning of the race. That dickwad eventually left as the race was starting. I smiled.
Okay, that's about it for now. Hopefully I can get some pictures, at least of the bartenders, help spice things up a bit.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Fantasy Baseball Week One
It's that time of year that only like three other people care about: Fantasy Baseball Results!
Offord pretty much bent me over and raped me. Although, it was not the kind of hardcore prison raping you are picturing, it's more like the drunk, passed out, just slip it in because we are friends raping...okay, that was a bit creepy, sorry.
Anyways...he beat me 7-3-0. The three categories I won (SBs, Ks, SVs) were actually decided by a pretty good margin. The categories in which I lost were all pretty close. What does this mean? I put up a pretty good fight, my team just did not perform up to expectations.
Offord did own me in Wins, but as I look at my pitchers, most of them had pretty good outings, but did not get the win (i.e. Cole Hamels). The two pitchers who cost me the most were Gil Meche and Roy Oswalt, their ERA and WHIP helped skyrocket my totals.
Hitting wise, well my AVE sucked, Kendrick rocked all week, but that's about it. Cabrera is playing horrible right now and it is really killing me.
I dropped Soto in favor of Ryan Doumit and Gil Meche for Johnny Cueto. I really need to either pick up someone with a bunch of available positions, or trade one of my bench outfielders (either Hunter Pence or Jermaine Dye).
Well that wraps up the first week.
Offord pretty much bent me over and raped me. Although, it was not the kind of hardcore prison raping you are picturing, it's more like the drunk, passed out, just slip it in because we are friends raping...okay, that was a bit creepy, sorry.
Anyways...he beat me 7-3-0. The three categories I won (SBs, Ks, SVs) were actually decided by a pretty good margin. The categories in which I lost were all pretty close. What does this mean? I put up a pretty good fight, my team just did not perform up to expectations.
Offord did own me in Wins, but as I look at my pitchers, most of them had pretty good outings, but did not get the win (i.e. Cole Hamels). The two pitchers who cost me the most were Gil Meche and Roy Oswalt, their ERA and WHIP helped skyrocket my totals.
Hitting wise, well my AVE sucked, Kendrick rocked all week, but that's about it. Cabrera is playing horrible right now and it is really killing me.
I dropped Soto in favor of Ryan Doumit and Gil Meche for Johnny Cueto. I really need to either pick up someone with a bunch of available positions, or trade one of my bench outfielders (either Hunter Pence or Jermaine Dye).
Well that wraps up the first week.
March Madness Pool Results
Kansas wins the tournament and causes massive upheaval in our pool. Gideon was winning, but Offord and Meinecke were close behind. In order for Gideon to win, Memphis had to win. He had North Carolina beating Memphis, which meant he could get no points, but neither could Offord or Meinecke. I guess Offord was also eliminated from winning it as well, since they both had Kansas winning.
I went from last place to fifth place (out of eight, not too impressive). So congratulations to Meinecke, next time I see you, I will buy you a beer as a prize.
I went from last place to fifth place (out of eight, not too impressive). So congratulations to Meinecke, next time I see you, I will buy you a beer as a prize.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sugarcoated. . . .
Byron Borger’s July 1, 2004 blog is one of the reasons why I keep telling people that Byron’s Hearts and Minds bookstore is the greatest bookstore in the world. I’ve known Byron for years. His pastor’s heart and love for all things good, true, right, and honorable have combined to make him a businessperson who doesn’t seem like a businessperson (as most of us know them) at all. Rather, he’s a man who’s passionate about life and passionate about the books that take us deeper into understanding what life is truly all about. I often joke that if it was legal for a man to marry books, Byron would be a polygamist! Yes, the man loves books.
A trip to Byron’s store is an adventure. The converted house is jam-packed full of all kinds of stuff. Somehow, Byron knows not only where everything is, but what’s between the front and back covers. All you have to say to Byron is, “I’m looking for something on _________”, and you’ll get a verbal bibliography – annotated, I might add – that can keep your eyes, heart, and mind busy for a long, long time.
Reading Byron’s blog is an adventure in and of itself. Because I like to read widely, I took notice when in July 2004 Byron pointed folks to Steve Almond’s Candyfreak. I made a mental note to “read Candyfreak someday.” I’ve read a few books on candy because I live 10 minutes from Hershey, there’s an M&M/Mars company here in Etown, and I just happen to love eating candy. In fact, one of my favorite childhood memories involves candy: the Halloween night when I filled two paper grocery sacks full of loot that when dumped out, formed a small mountain of sugar on my bed. I finally got around to Candyfreak last month, and I wasn’t disappointed. Subtitled “A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America,” Candyfreak is not just about the stories of some of America’s not-so-well known regional candy companies and their products, but about life itself. Almond is hilariously funny, a phenomenal writer, and master wordsmith who really knows how to turn a phrase, and a man – like all of us – who is trying to find his place in the world. Somehow, Almond uses candy as the basis for what is in many ways, his memoir.
Disappointed that the book was coming to an end, I read with great interest as Almond wrapped up his last chapter with some musings on his own life. His journey through the chocolate underbelly of America over, he resigned himself to the fact that it was time to re-enter real life. He writes: “It was Freud’s belief that people return, inexorably, to the trauma of their childhoods. And he was right. I had spent most of my adult life doing just that, making my best friends into cruel brothers, my bosses into negligent fathers, my sweet, clutching lovers into insufficient mothers. And thereby, fading into my late thirties, I still lived in a condition of aggrieved solitude, as I had so many years ago. I couldn’t escape. I had always imagined some splendid woman would come along and cure me. Or that my work as a writer, my passionate, empathic accomplishments, would overwrite the bad files of my childhood. And what I realized, as I drove through that light California rain, was that the burden of these great hopes was often too much for me to bear. I feared I would die before I got better. In certain ways, I wanted to die. And, in certain ways, I felt dead already. I had decided to write about candy because I assumed it would be fun and frivolous and distracting. It would allow me to reconnect to the single, untarnished pleasure of my childhood. But, of course, there are no untarnished pleasures. That is only something the admen of our time would like us to believe. Most of our escape routes are also powerful reminders; and whatever our conscious motives might be, in our secret hearts we wish to be led back into our grief.” Almond’s conclusions raised memories of Douglas Coupland’s “confession” in Life After God.
While Steve Almond and I share a love for candy, there was nothing in his book that led me to believe that we share the same experience of having finally found redemption. Yes, I must admit that I sometimes slip up and go looking to escape through the sweet stuff that comes in carefully designed wrappers (along with lots of other stuff), but I know that it can never be found there. Redemption comes only through the One who came into the world to undo the depravity that has infected our lives to the core.
In Almond’s very next paragraph he writes: “There sat the bag of goodies from Annabelle on the seat beside me. I reached in and grabbed myself a Big Hunk so that, even as these dark musings tossed me about, even as I gave myself over to tears, I was also tasting, for the first time in many years, the sweet, cake-butter nougat of that bar and the soft roasted peanuts exploding with flavor on my tongue; chewing and chewing until my jaw ached with the effort.”
It got me thinking. . . . isn’t that how so many of us live our lives? We chew, chew, and chew some more. We long to escape the depravity that has enveloped us through our own efforts. . . . and we just keep aching all the more. Steve Almond’s words brought to mind the contrasting words written by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans: “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
And to Byron. . . . thanks for turning me on to this light-hearted yet very thought-provoking book!
A trip to Byron’s store is an adventure. The converted house is jam-packed full of all kinds of stuff. Somehow, Byron knows not only where everything is, but what’s between the front and back covers. All you have to say to Byron is, “I’m looking for something on _________”, and you’ll get a verbal bibliography – annotated, I might add – that can keep your eyes, heart, and mind busy for a long, long time.
Reading Byron’s blog is an adventure in and of itself. Because I like to read widely, I took notice when in July 2004 Byron pointed folks to Steve Almond’s Candyfreak. I made a mental note to “read Candyfreak someday.” I’ve read a few books on candy because I live 10 minutes from Hershey, there’s an M&M/Mars company here in Etown, and I just happen to love eating candy. In fact, one of my favorite childhood memories involves candy: the Halloween night when I filled two paper grocery sacks full of loot that when dumped out, formed a small mountain of sugar on my bed. I finally got around to Candyfreak last month, and I wasn’t disappointed. Subtitled “A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America,” Candyfreak is not just about the stories of some of America’s not-so-well known regional candy companies and their products, but about life itself. Almond is hilariously funny, a phenomenal writer, and master wordsmith who really knows how to turn a phrase, and a man – like all of us – who is trying to find his place in the world. Somehow, Almond uses candy as the basis for what is in many ways, his memoir.
Disappointed that the book was coming to an end, I read with great interest as Almond wrapped up his last chapter with some musings on his own life. His journey through the chocolate underbelly of America over, he resigned himself to the fact that it was time to re-enter real life. He writes: “It was Freud’s belief that people return, inexorably, to the trauma of their childhoods. And he was right. I had spent most of my adult life doing just that, making my best friends into cruel brothers, my bosses into negligent fathers, my sweet, clutching lovers into insufficient mothers. And thereby, fading into my late thirties, I still lived in a condition of aggrieved solitude, as I had so many years ago. I couldn’t escape. I had always imagined some splendid woman would come along and cure me. Or that my work as a writer, my passionate, empathic accomplishments, would overwrite the bad files of my childhood. And what I realized, as I drove through that light California rain, was that the burden of these great hopes was often too much for me to bear. I feared I would die before I got better. In certain ways, I wanted to die. And, in certain ways, I felt dead already. I had decided to write about candy because I assumed it would be fun and frivolous and distracting. It would allow me to reconnect to the single, untarnished pleasure of my childhood. But, of course, there are no untarnished pleasures. That is only something the admen of our time would like us to believe. Most of our escape routes are also powerful reminders; and whatever our conscious motives might be, in our secret hearts we wish to be led back into our grief.” Almond’s conclusions raised memories of Douglas Coupland’s “confession” in Life After God.
While Steve Almond and I share a love for candy, there was nothing in his book that led me to believe that we share the same experience of having finally found redemption. Yes, I must admit that I sometimes slip up and go looking to escape through the sweet stuff that comes in carefully designed wrappers (along with lots of other stuff), but I know that it can never be found there. Redemption comes only through the One who came into the world to undo the depravity that has infected our lives to the core.
In Almond’s very next paragraph he writes: “There sat the bag of goodies from Annabelle on the seat beside me. I reached in and grabbed myself a Big Hunk so that, even as these dark musings tossed me about, even as I gave myself over to tears, I was also tasting, for the first time in many years, the sweet, cake-butter nougat of that bar and the soft roasted peanuts exploding with flavor on my tongue; chewing and chewing until my jaw ached with the effort.”
It got me thinking. . . . isn’t that how so many of us live our lives? We chew, chew, and chew some more. We long to escape the depravity that has enveloped us through our own efforts. . . . and we just keep aching all the more. Steve Almond’s words brought to mind the contrasting words written by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans: “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
And to Byron. . . . thanks for turning me on to this light-hearted yet very thought-provoking book!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Vacation Time
Due to such a long tenure at my current job, I have three weeks of vacation this year. I have already picked my dates. One is coming up in about a week, the second is in July around my brother's birthday, and the third and final vacation happens in the beginning of October, around my birthday.
What is the significance of this? I want to go somewhere. I have not been anywhere since my trip to Jordan, unless you count a weekend trip to Michigan. I want a real vacation. I am open to suggestions, but I would really like to go on a cruise. One of the cheap like 4 day kinds to somewhere in the Caribbean.
Normally I would say something like this and a few people would say "yeah, we should do that", but this time I am going to actually tell you people this: anyone is invited. We just need to set it all up. I am going to list people, this does not mean you are not invited if your name is not mentioned just that these are the people I can think of at the top of my head:
-My Brother
-Gideon
-Imler
-Kooch
-Kacie
-Offord
-Mr. Killarny
-ANYONE ELSE WHO KNOWS ME!
These are some of the things I hope to get out of this vacation: lots of pictures, lots of sex, lots of booze...hopefully all of those things in one scenario. I think going on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico would be pretty sweet because they have Mayan ruins, which would be great for me, and everyone else could go scuba diving or some shit.
I want an adventure. We could do something random, like catch a flight from Florida to one of the small Caribbean islands and just sleep on the beach, whatever. I have already begun saving some money for this, so please do not disappoint me. And yes, if need be, I will go it alone, but I do not want to.
Things I do not want to do: go to Canada, go anywhere that is not extremely warm and features chicks in skimpy bikinis, stay in Pennsylvania. I am sure the rest of you are absolutely sick of where you are at and would love to do something, well most of us are nearing the end of our 20s, and the majority of us live far apart, this could be the last chance we have at one final adventure.
Okay, sorry about the ranting. I just want you to understand how dead serious I am about this.
Are we going to see this kind of girl sitting at home?
I hope to hear from everyone in the comments, on myspace/facebook, AIM, cellphone...however you want to get in touch with me.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Going Gray
As many of you know, I am 27 years old. I am still fairly immature. Most people usually guess that I am in my early 20s. Hell, I still get carded at a few bars in the world.
For awhile now I have noticed gray hairs popping up. Usually people notice them and say something like "oh my god, you have gray hairs!" And I laugh and say something like "yeah, it makes me look distinguished." Although, the other night, a girl points out my flaw and then follows it with, "I have them too and I'm only 20. That's why I dye my hair." I replied "well I am not as obviously vain as you."
Let me say that I do not mind the gray hairs. I am not scared that I will be old or some stupid shit like that. My only complaint is the speed with which this is happening. Hurry the fuck up hair! This one or two hairs a month bullshit makes me angry. And don't pussy out and go sort of gray, go completely white.
Yeah, I said white. Especially my goatee and eyebrows, hell all my body hair. Except my pubes, keep them dark, well if I ever let them grow back in. If my hair would go completely gray, silver, or white, I would start dressing like Elijah Snow, white suit, white shirt, white everything.
I hate this in between crap. Maybe I could get some cool gray streaks like Reed Richards...
So, this is me, telling my hair to knock this shit off. Go gray, or stay brown. Make up your mind. Thanks.
For awhile now I have noticed gray hairs popping up. Usually people notice them and say something like "oh my god, you have gray hairs!" And I laugh and say something like "yeah, it makes me look distinguished." Although, the other night, a girl points out my flaw and then follows it with, "I have them too and I'm only 20. That's why I dye my hair." I replied "well I am not as obviously vain as you."
Let me say that I do not mind the gray hairs. I am not scared that I will be old or some stupid shit like that. My only complaint is the speed with which this is happening. Hurry the fuck up hair! This one or two hairs a month bullshit makes me angry. And don't pussy out and go sort of gray, go completely white.
Yeah, I said white. Especially my goatee and eyebrows, hell all my body hair. Except my pubes, keep them dark, well if I ever let them grow back in. If my hair would go completely gray, silver, or white, I would start dressing like Elijah Snow, white suit, white shirt, white everything.
I hate this in between crap. Maybe I could get some cool gray streaks like Reed Richards...
So, this is me, telling my hair to knock this shit off. Go gray, or stay brown. Make up your mind. Thanks.
Super Long Poll
This weeks poll is for the guys (and also for super, sexy girls who like to look at other girls). Who do you think is the hottest comic book girl out of this grouping? It does not matter if you read comics, or what their powers are, or who would win in a fight. What matters is which of these girls would you definitely want to bone if they were real, or you were inside of a comic book?
Wonder Woman
Black Canary
Emma Frost
Aspen Matthews
Invisible Woman
Caitlin Fairchild
Black Cat
Zatanna
Supergirl
Starfire
Spider Woman
Power Girl
This is a tough choice for me, one that I will ponder over for a few hours. I originally wanted to use a site that Wizard uses for real girls photoshopped to look like these chicks, but unfortunately I could not find it, but do not fear, I will and when I do, I will post something about it.
Wonder Woman
Black Canary
Emma Frost
Aspen Matthews
Invisible Woman
Caitlin Fairchild
Black Cat
Zatanna
Supergirl
Starfire
Spider Woman
Power Girl
This is a tough choice for me, one that I will ponder over for a few hours. I originally wanted to use a site that Wizard uses for real girls photoshopped to look like these chicks, but unfortunately I could not find it, but do not fear, I will and when I do, I will post something about it.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Sexy Man Poll Results
Well the votes are in and let me just say that it was a close one. I tied with Brad Pitt as the sexiest man alive. Although, I did vote for myself because I am a narcissistic bastard. Clooney came in a close second. Vader received no votes and plans to force-choke everyone who doubts his sexiness.
I wanted to find an older website and use the pictures from it for my next poll. I could not find it, so I need to rethink what the next one will be about. Stay tuned.
I wanted to find an older website and use the pictures from it for my next poll. I could not find it, so I need to rethink what the next one will be about. Stay tuned.
A Rambling Bit
This will probably be a long rambling post about something I heard on Mike and Mike in the Morning. They were talking about closers in baseball and how someone thinks it would be better for Boston to use Papelbon as a starter instead of a closer.
The reasoning behind this being that statistics have shown that a team will almost always win a game in which they have a three run lead despite the closer. They used a bunch of different numbers on the site and even a quote from Trevor Hoffman. They turned the discussion into which is more important, a closer or a starter. To me, this should not even be a discussion, a starter is much more valuable, but this is not what I want to talk about.
At what point would Papelbon be more valuable as a starter? If he were a 4th or 5th starter getting maybe 10 wins, and they could pretty much plug in another starter and not see much difference, then he is much better as a closer. However, if he pitches anywhere near his ERA+ closing numbers, then he would be a phenomenal starter.
Unfortunately it is hard to tell if he could pitch at that level as a starter,most likely not (Santana's best season ERA+ was 182), but even close to an above average year makes him one of the top starters in baseball. The elite starters in the league are pretty hard to come by.
Trust me, I am not saying that he would be that good, but if the Red Sox believe he could be, then they should seriously consider moving him to the starting rotation. Same with Joba Chamberlain. Oh and for those of you who have no idea what ERA+ means, check out this.
Speaking of closers...I have used the discussion that closers are underused. A few years ago the Red Sox tried to use their best relievers in optimal situations, which caused many fans to get pretty upset.
Without bringing up any specific Pirates games I want to toss this scenario out there. The Buccos are up 3-0 going into the 7th inning. Snell walks a batter, then gives up a single, runners on 1st and 3rd. The Pirates go to the bullpen with the heart of the order coming up (let's use the Mets, since they have a very good lineup). Why would you bring in a bunch of subpar relievers, such as John Grabow or Marte to face guys like Wright, Beltran, Delgado? If Capps is your closer, the guy you rely on to "save" the game, is this not the moment when the game truly needs saved? Instead they bring in a righty, he gets an out, but a run scores. Then they bring in another reliever and another until they are out of the inning and the score is now 3-3. The Pirates get the run back and Capps come on to close the 9th facing the bottom of the order. Does that make much sense? Wouldn't Capps have been better used back in the 7th?
Well it appears things that I have said to people in a drunken argument, actually have been studied and the results are sort of in my favor. If I am reading the article correctly. I hope that some of my friends who love baseball, or love statistics (that means you Ryan, Jason, and Jason) check this article out. Let me know what you guys think.
For the rest of you none baseball fans, please enjoy a very sexy picture of a very sexy lady.
The reasoning behind this being that statistics have shown that a team will almost always win a game in which they have a three run lead despite the closer. They used a bunch of different numbers on the site and even a quote from Trevor Hoffman. They turned the discussion into which is more important, a closer or a starter. To me, this should not even be a discussion, a starter is much more valuable, but this is not what I want to talk about.
At what point would Papelbon be more valuable as a starter? If he were a 4th or 5th starter getting maybe 10 wins, and they could pretty much plug in another starter and not see much difference, then he is much better as a closer. However, if he pitches anywhere near his ERA+ closing numbers, then he would be a phenomenal starter.
Unfortunately it is hard to tell if he could pitch at that level as a starter,most likely not (Santana's best season ERA+ was 182), but even close to an above average year makes him one of the top starters in baseball. The elite starters in the league are pretty hard to come by.
Trust me, I am not saying that he would be that good, but if the Red Sox believe he could be, then they should seriously consider moving him to the starting rotation. Same with Joba Chamberlain. Oh and for those of you who have no idea what ERA+ means, check out this.
Speaking of closers...I have used the discussion that closers are underused. A few years ago the Red Sox tried to use their best relievers in optimal situations, which caused many fans to get pretty upset.
Without bringing up any specific Pirates games I want to toss this scenario out there. The Buccos are up 3-0 going into the 7th inning. Snell walks a batter, then gives up a single, runners on 1st and 3rd. The Pirates go to the bullpen with the heart of the order coming up (let's use the Mets, since they have a very good lineup). Why would you bring in a bunch of subpar relievers, such as John Grabow or Marte to face guys like Wright, Beltran, Delgado? If Capps is your closer, the guy you rely on to "save" the game, is this not the moment when the game truly needs saved? Instead they bring in a righty, he gets an out, but a run scores. Then they bring in another reliever and another until they are out of the inning and the score is now 3-3. The Pirates get the run back and Capps come on to close the 9th facing the bottom of the order. Does that make much sense? Wouldn't Capps have been better used back in the 7th?
Well it appears things that I have said to people in a drunken argument, actually have been studied and the results are sort of in my favor. If I am reading the article correctly. I hope that some of my friends who love baseball, or love statistics (that means you Ryan, Jason, and Jason) check this article out. Let me know what you guys think.
For the rest of you none baseball fans, please enjoy a very sexy picture of a very sexy lady.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Best Part About the Stacks
I saw many of my Penn State friends with masturbation links in their AIM profiles and just figured they were giving me subtle hints at what to do after work. Then I go to WithLeather, and what do I see? A PSU basketball player gets caught at the library masturbating behind some girl.
Honestly, who hasn't been down in the Stacks, saw some hot chick and decided to rub one out? Oh, just me and that dude? Thank god I never got caught. I hope they do not put tons of camera's down there, I still want to fulfill my fantasy of having sex down there, preferably in the EE section...especially if it's with this girl. Believe it or not, I had a bunch of Anthropology classes with her, she was really hot and pretty cool, came off kind of like a hippy chick. I do not want to put up a naked picture of her, so I will just put up a hot picture of some other chick that I do not know, that I would also do very dirty things to down in the stacks...
UPDATE: Apparently it is not a good time to be a Penn State Public Masturbator Student Athlete (PSPMSA). Nice to see even after they leave PSU they continue jerkin' off in public. Brings a tear to my eye.
Honestly, who hasn't been down in the Stacks, saw some hot chick and decided to rub one out? Oh, just me and that dude? Thank god I never got caught. I hope they do not put tons of camera's down there, I still want to fulfill my fantasy of having sex down there, preferably in the EE section...especially if it's with this girl. Believe it or not, I had a bunch of Anthropology classes with her, she was really hot and pretty cool, came off kind of like a hippy chick. I do not want to put up a naked picture of her, so I will just put up a hot picture of some other chick that I do not know, that I would also do very dirty things to down in the stacks...
UPDATE: Apparently it is not a good time to be a Penn State Public Masturbator Student Athlete (PSPMSA). Nice to see even after they leave PSU they continue jerkin' off in public. Brings a tear to my eye.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Comic Stuff
It has been awhile since I talked about comic books at all and I figured tonight would be a good time to share with you some of my feelings. The last few years we have seen both DC and Marvel bring out the mega-crossovers. One company has been pretty good and the other pretty much sucked.
It all started with DC giving us Identity Crisis, which completely kicked ass. The DCU barely had time to flesh out all the stories following the book when we were given the crapfest known as Infinite Crisis.
During that same period of time Marvel gave us House of M and then Civil War, both of which rocked and completely fit together and made what is coming up next make more sense.
In between the previous event and the newest event, each company put out a kind of mini-event, DC: CCountdown; Marvel: World War Hulk. WWH, pretty sweet book. I mean come on, Hulk leads a small army of super warriors against NYC in order to punish puny humans for sending him into space...
Countdown, we get to see Jimmy Olsen try to figure out was his new powers are. Seriously, we are counting down to how long you fall asleep while reading each issue.
Countdown leads into Final Crisis. I really have nothing to say about it, I am not very excited, but Grant Morrison is writing the thing, and said it will have to do with something he touched upon in Seven Soldiers/Mr. Miracle.
Marvel brings us Secret Invasion, which I am super pumped about. Brian Michael Bendis writes it and has been leading up to this for a few issues in both of his Avengers titles. The New Avengers discover that the Elektra they had been battling is actually a Skrull (a group of shape-shifting aliens) when she is killed by Maya Lopez.
This causes everyone to kind of panic and distrust sweeps across the team. Jessica Drew gives the body to Tony Stark, and he quickly realizes that he cannot trust anyone on his team, especially when his secret group, the Illuminati proves to have a Skrull amongst them.
Some of my predictions: Sue Richards (Invisible Woman, Reed's wife) will be a Skrull. Henry Pym, Black Panther, and probably your mom. I cannot imagine any other really big guns coming out as Skrulls, but it is Bendis, so who knows.
In conclusion, I believe that Marvel has blown DC out of the water the last few years and it looks like another big Marvel year for us.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Liturgy and depression. . .
The statistics on depression are, well. . . . depressing. Depression has been called the common cold of emotional problems. The American Psychiatric Association reports that depression affects nearly one in 10 adults every year. One study of students in grades six, eight, and 10 (average ages 11, 13, and 15) found that 18 percent of students reported symptoms of depression. Other research says that at any given time, one in eight adolescents may be suffering from depression. Sadly, many go off to college and find it hard to bear up under the stress. One recent survey found that one in five college students say they have felt too stressed to do schoolwork or be with friends. One in six say they have friends who in the past year have talked about committing suicide. One in ten say they have considered it themselves. Depression has reached epidemic proportions in our culture.
I’m not a psychologist or a counselor. I have, however, had almost fifty-two years of experience with myself and the stuff that goes on inside my head, along with lots of discussions with people young and old who have struggled with something much deeper than a case of the blues. The greatest weapon I know of in the battle against the stormy seas of feelings of hopelessness and despair is an anchor. Specifically, the anchor of truth that can be known and held on to, even when one’s feelings are all over the place. I oftentimes start and end my days by reminding myself of the things I know. It’s a helpful little exercise that allows me to sleep much better than I would otherwise.
This morning I was reminded of how the anchor becomes a part of our lives through liturgy. First, some background - I grew up in a liturgical tradition and I’m still there. I know that all churches have a liturgy whether they’re willing to admit it or not. Ours was always printed out in a “Church Bulletin” and followed religiously. I also grew up in a day and age and evangelical culture where that liturgical discipline was often questioned or viewed as methodical, predictable, constraining, and insincere. The insincere part was often stated by critics who talked about praying their own prayers rather than the written prayers of someone else, because, after all, that was only ritual. This movement swept through churches, draining them of the weekly “rituals” that served to strengthen our faith and remind us of who God is and who we are in Him.
Back to this morning. . . . I’m continuing to read through Ed Welch’s wonderful book, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness, Light For The Path. Welch begins Chapter 6 with these words: “Have you ever been to a church service in which the order and content of the service were prescribed from start to finish? These are called liturgical services. They consist of prayers and reading that have been prepared in advance. If you are depressed, you are going to have to learn to be a liturgical worshiper. If you wait until you feel motivated to worship, you might be waiting a long time. If you are remotely inclined to communicate with God, you might find that words fail and you have nothing to say. When you drag yourself to worship, the service had better be mapped out ahead of time.” Welch goes on to challenge us to look into the Scriptures (starting with the Psalms) and to mine church history for prayers, creeds, and catechsims that put into words what we need to say. Yes, God has actually given us words that “somehow give voice to the silences in our hearts. If we had the skill and the words, we would write many of those same words.”
I know this to be true. The Psalms not only teach me, but express the deep groanings of my heart that I rarely can find words to express. My oft-mentioned Puritan prayer book – The Valley of Vision – is a morning and evening tool that has helped my prayer life and theology move to a deeper and deeper level.
This got me thinking. I wonder if we hurt ourselves and our children deeply when we remove the more formal liturgy and replace it with nothing but spontaneity? When the storms of life come, will our kids be able to weather those storms by reciting and reminding themselves of the “this I know,” if they’ve never had the opportunity to regularly repeat the “this I know” with a regularity that cements those truths and makes them so much a part of themselves that they can’t help but be recalled?
This is one of those places where the emergent church’s critique of shallow market-driven evangelicalism is dead-on right. Their hunger and thirst for transcendence that is driving so many younger Christians to practices, prayers, and liturgy that has stood the test of time is a good thing.
Could it be that the way we “do” church has actually created a culture more prone to depression? Could it be that it's actually hurting, rather than helping, the now and future emotional/spiritual health of our kids?
I’m not a psychologist or a counselor. I have, however, had almost fifty-two years of experience with myself and the stuff that goes on inside my head, along with lots of discussions with people young and old who have struggled with something much deeper than a case of the blues. The greatest weapon I know of in the battle against the stormy seas of feelings of hopelessness and despair is an anchor. Specifically, the anchor of truth that can be known and held on to, even when one’s feelings are all over the place. I oftentimes start and end my days by reminding myself of the things I know. It’s a helpful little exercise that allows me to sleep much better than I would otherwise.
This morning I was reminded of how the anchor becomes a part of our lives through liturgy. First, some background - I grew up in a liturgical tradition and I’m still there. I know that all churches have a liturgy whether they’re willing to admit it or not. Ours was always printed out in a “Church Bulletin” and followed religiously. I also grew up in a day and age and evangelical culture where that liturgical discipline was often questioned or viewed as methodical, predictable, constraining, and insincere. The insincere part was often stated by critics who talked about praying their own prayers rather than the written prayers of someone else, because, after all, that was only ritual. This movement swept through churches, draining them of the weekly “rituals” that served to strengthen our faith and remind us of who God is and who we are in Him.
Back to this morning. . . . I’m continuing to read through Ed Welch’s wonderful book, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness, Light For The Path. Welch begins Chapter 6 with these words: “Have you ever been to a church service in which the order and content of the service were prescribed from start to finish? These are called liturgical services. They consist of prayers and reading that have been prepared in advance. If you are depressed, you are going to have to learn to be a liturgical worshiper. If you wait until you feel motivated to worship, you might be waiting a long time. If you are remotely inclined to communicate with God, you might find that words fail and you have nothing to say. When you drag yourself to worship, the service had better be mapped out ahead of time.” Welch goes on to challenge us to look into the Scriptures (starting with the Psalms) and to mine church history for prayers, creeds, and catechsims that put into words what we need to say. Yes, God has actually given us words that “somehow give voice to the silences in our hearts. If we had the skill and the words, we would write many of those same words.”
I know this to be true. The Psalms not only teach me, but express the deep groanings of my heart that I rarely can find words to express. My oft-mentioned Puritan prayer book – The Valley of Vision – is a morning and evening tool that has helped my prayer life and theology move to a deeper and deeper level.
This got me thinking. I wonder if we hurt ourselves and our children deeply when we remove the more formal liturgy and replace it with nothing but spontaneity? When the storms of life come, will our kids be able to weather those storms by reciting and reminding themselves of the “this I know,” if they’ve never had the opportunity to regularly repeat the “this I know” with a regularity that cements those truths and makes them so much a part of themselves that they can’t help but be recalled?
This is one of those places where the emergent church’s critique of shallow market-driven evangelicalism is dead-on right. Their hunger and thirst for transcendence that is driving so many younger Christians to practices, prayers, and liturgy that has stood the test of time is a good thing.
Could it be that the way we “do” church has actually created a culture more prone to depression? Could it be that it's actually hurting, rather than helping, the now and future emotional/spiritual health of our kids?
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