Best of 2008

Last year I stole this idea from Greg, so this year I will continue it and post it before he does. I am such a genius. This will be a list of my favorites of '08.

Movie: The Dark Knight
Book: This one is hard because most of the books I read did not come out in '08. Actually this one might be tough to narrow down, but I am going to have to say Joe Abercrombie's The Last Argument of Kings. Plenty of other candidates though, Bloodheir, Princep's Fury, and maybe even Snuff.
Album: Dropkick Murpheys: The Meanest of Times. I suggest picking it up.
TV Show: This is another tough one. What show entertained me more than any other? Honestly, I have to say it was not Heroes. Season 4 of Lost is up there, but in the end, only one show caused me to sit up in the mornings after working a long ass midnight shift and watch it on-demand. Ghost Hunters. Seriously, I do not even believe in ghosts, but that Buffalo episode creeped me out.

Now on to the fun part: comics.
Favorite Superhero Series: I know most people will say that All-Star Superman is the best comic out there, and I do not dispute that it is incredibly cool and very well written, but when it comes to my favorite series, it was either Ultimate Spider-Man or Daredevil. I guess if I were forced to pick, I choose DD. Brubaker put our hero through hell (yet again) and in the end the guy still gets to sleep with Dakota North. Damn.

Favorite Non-Superhero Series: 100 Bullets. As the issues tick away, the pieces start to fall together, and I seriously cannot wait for the next issue. I wonder if that has clouded my judgement? Probably, but I do not care. I would have said Fables, but I think they ended the Emperor a bit too quickly, with no more adversary, it is a bit boring.

Favorite Warren Ellis Book: Haha, this is a trick, because my favorite Ellis comic is actually Freakangels, which is free and you can read online. Anything he has done from Avatar though has been pretty sweet so far, such as Gravel or Anna Mercury.

Best New Series: Crossed by Garth Ennis. Seriously fucked up, check it out.

Best TPB or Graphic Novel: Walking Dead: Made to Suffer. Seriously, just when you think they folks may get a little break, establish a life within the walls of the prison, something bad happens. The Governor attacks them and Rick and Carl escape, but his wife and baby daughter are killed during the escape. Whatever bad can happen will happen in this book.

Secret Invasion or Final Crisis: I am going to be honest, I liked most of the things in Secret Invasion, but I have no idea what the hell is going on in Final Crisis.

Anyways, there are some of my favorite things from '08, let's hope '09 rocks.

Narnia

I just finished watching Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and after would like to say how awesome it truly is. All the things I liked about it from seeing it in the theaters were still awesome, but I found plenty of other stuff that was pretty cool as well.

Anyways, this post was not meant to dissect the movie, instead I want to do a poll, which actor from the Narnia movies will go on to have the biggest career? I am only including the four Pevensie children for this poll.

1. William Moseley (High King Peter)
















2. Anna Popplewell (Queen Susan)























3. Skandar Keynes (King Edmund)























4. Georgie Henley (Queen Lucy)


My money is on Skandar Keynes. Right now they all have a similar resume, just the Narnia movies really. Moseley will not be in the next film, which means he has to get out there get himself into a movie. Keynes on the other hand can allow his character (and himself) to grow once more in the next Narnia film.

In the books, Edmund was the character who went through the most growth and changes. He first betrays everyone and is very selfish, then he becomes a bit more grownup and finally he becomes a leader much like Peter. This allows the actor to show more range, and so far Keynes has pulled it off remarkably well.

Anyways, let me know what you think. At first I would have said Popplewell, since she is becoming hot, but I have to go with my instinct here.

Girlfriend of the Week

Sorry for the delay on the GOTW, not that it probably affected anyone's life, but still, I expect better of myself.

Anyways, this week is dedicated to the women of the DC Universe, and this picture was done by Adam Hughes, who definitely draws some gorgeous women. I will give my respect to anyone who can name all the girls.

Now I can die. . . .

It's usually the content of humorous reflections on previously unfinished business that when finally done, leads us to act like our lives are complete. . . even though we know deep down inside that isn't even close to the truth. Since this illustration is fresh on my mind, I'll use it: The Phillies win the World Series. Frustrated fans who have waited a long, long time look at each other as they jump up and down in jubilation, screaming, "Now I can die!" Not really.

This morning I was reminded of the amazing "Now I can die!" uttered by that righteous and devout old man of Jerusalem named Simeon. He was waiting for "the consolation of Israel," that sweet comfort of seeing and knowing the Messiah.

Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus into the temple to be circumcised. Simeon takes the baby that came as part of this ridiculously unbelievable - yet amazingly true (yes Bill Maher, it's ridiculous and true!) - unfolding drama of redemption that could only be conceived by the Creator of the universe who so-loved His fallen creation that He would come to undo what had been done. As he's holding Him in his arms Simeon says these words: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

Amazing. What's flawed has been fixed. Messed up beyond self-repair, now we can be made over. Don't you love Christmas? Now I can die!

Princeps Fury

I just finished the latest Codex Alera book, Princeps Fury, by Jim Butcher. This series just keeps getting better. He continues to surprise and make the characters grow with each book.

Anyways, back in this post I mentioned how the main character, Tavi, was a more interesting character than Eragon. Granted I only touched upon it, but with each book, this becomes more and more obvious.

In the first book, Tavi is a boy without any furies. Everyone in Alera can use furies, what they are is not really important, but think of it as elemental magic. He is the only one who cannot. He grows up being called a freak and picked on. This forces Tavi to use his mind when dealing with problems.

Later at the academy we see him as someone constantly being bullied, but then we learn the truth. His sheepishness is a ruse. He has become one of the better hand to hand fighters and will one day make a great Cursor (spy).

He is next sent to one of the far away border legions, which comes under attack. After many of his superiors are killed, Tavi must step up and become the leader. He leads his men to victory and holds off the invasion. It is at this time that Tavi learns of his past and uses that to take control of the situation he is in. He also learns that he can use furies, but that it will take him some time to learn how to control them.

He started out as the boy who would never sacrifice a life, to a leader who knows that some of his men will be hurt, to now being a genuine leader and knowing that the realm of Alera comes first. He understands that what is best for all the people, not be good for a few.

Anyways, I kept planning on writing something like this, and was going to write about how Eragon is the opposite, but really, do I need to?

Spine-Tingling Reality. . . . .

There's a tradition at our church that I absolutely love. On the Sunday before Christmas, our service ends with the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, that thrilling piece from Handel's "Messiah." Members of the congregation who can sing - and a smattering of those who can't - join the choir and some musicians up in the balcony for some three-plus minutes that are absolutely unbelievable.

Now I'm not the kind of guy who sits around and listens to classical music. But this is one piece that I could listen to every day of the year. I remember as a kid watching my dad take the vinyl discs from his boxed "Messiah" LP set, then placing them carefully on the metal rod on our record player. The music, which was not exactly my type, filled the house from time to time during the days before Christmas. Hearing the now familiar music takes me back to those early Advent seasons. All of that is rather nice in and of itself, but it's my growing understanding of the amazing, liberating, and life-giving message Handel penned and embedded in such a beautiful piece that makes my hair stand on end. In fact, it's a hopeful message that we should hear and heed every minute of every day.

I listened yesterday and was reminded of who I am - a sinner deserving of nothing but death. In his mercy and grace, God has come in the flesh to undo what's been done in every nook and cranny of creation and life, to usher in His everlasting Kingdom, and to breath new life into me. Consider the simple, straightforward, and earth-shattering text of the "Hallelujah Chorus":

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

I recently read a story regarding how transcendent Handel's music and message really are. An orchestra performed "The Messiah" in China to an audience unfamiliar with Handel, his music, and the God of the Bible. In the audience were all sorts of people, including communist military and government officials. When the time came for the conclusion of Handel's work and the playing/singing of "The Hallelujah Chorus," the audience rose to it's feet, with the exception of the straight-faced and still-seated officials. Nobody knew this tradition existed. They were simply moved to doing it. Afterwards, one attendee said something like this: "I don't know who God is, but I jumped to my feet because at that moment He was here."

This week we celebrate the fact that God is, and He is here. He has revealed Himself in His Son. I invite you to take a few moments, to turn up your speakers, to watch and listen, and to ponder the amazing reality that Mr. Handel's work continues to communicate with timeless clarity. And if you so desire, stand up.



Hallelujah. Praise Jehovah! The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord!

The Spirit

Over Christmas, The Spirit comes out. For those of you who have seen the previews, it looks like Sin City and 300, well that is because Frank Miller (the writer of both those comics) is directing this one.

I have a feeling this will be very cool, visually, but I am somewhat afraid that it will be slightly cheesy. Especially the dialogue, if Miller turns the Spirit into the Goddamn Batman, we are all in trouble...

Pretty Funny

John sent this to me the other day, and it made me laugh, so therefore, I will share it with you. Enjoy.

Very Amusing

As we all know, Tom Cruise might be slightly insane. I am afraid of him, and the safety of the world. However, I enjoy anyone who can make fun of themselves, even just a little bit.

Girlfriend of the Week

This weeks GOTW is Casey Dixon. Sorry for the quality of the picture, this was a scan from years ago.

Anyways, I planned on writing a post about how I have no way of getting in touch with certain people since I lost my phone during the jumping. Casey was one of those people, and out of the blue, I receive a text message from an unknown number saying we should get drinks over the holidays. Low and behold, it was my old friend Miss Dixon.

So hopefully over Christmas we can go out and have some fun just like we did back in the old days...

Should I laugh, cry, or what. . . .?

Got a great YouTube link from my buddy Mike Flavin this morning. It features Alec Greven, our culture's new relationship guru. It seems that Alec's struck gold - most likely literally - by writing and speaking about how a man should conduct himself in relationships with women. I'm sure that the recent media frenzy over this guy along with the success of his best-selling book, How to Talk to Girls, will result in fame, fortune, and some kind of match-making website.

Mike offered some great advice on how to use the video. He played it for his middle school youth group guys and then had a great discussion about love, dating, and relationships. I like that idea.

Here's the clincher. . . Alec is only 9-years-old! Which begs the question, how old was he when he dated that girl way back when he lived in Seattle?!?



Got to run so that I can watch this video and listen to Alec's advice a second time. There's so much in there that you've either got to scribble fast or keep rewinding. The first time around I realized that my wife would probably appreciate it if I showered everyday and washed my clothes more regularly. Thanks Alec! I'll let you know how it goes.

Now, back to watching. . . .

2008 Review

So this is my 2008 review of the things that happened in my life, and on my blog. Hopefully it is not too boring...

January
Umm, post-wise I only had six for the month of January. I really do not remember too much. I know that I worked third shift on New Year's Eve. I also missed most of the really good football games.

I came up with my Bucket List, which I really did not seem to accomplish much from that, but I will work on it.

February
I vaguely remember being very lonely back in February, probably because it was cold and I was alone. That is usually how that works.

I realize now that this is where I had my first encounter with Justin at Mugshots. I should have known from bull riding that he was a complete tool bag.

This was also the time of the Clemens steroids crap. Remember how boring that was? Yeah, I forgot too, but now that I read my blog it all comes back to me. When are these losers going to be out of baseball? It was nice not having Bonds or Clemens in the league this year. Or was it? Anyone have an opinion on it.

The highlight of February has to me almost burning down my apartment. I came home from Mugshots and tried to cook a french bread pizza. Sadly I was too drunk and fell asleep. When I woke up, I found a charred log in the oven.

March
March was a decent month. I remember going out for St. Patrick's Day. Well not really went out, just wore a green shirt and went over to Mugshots and got really drunk. Especially after a shot of Jameson which made me make the worst face ever.

Speaking of Mugshots, I wrote my first post about the place and some of the crazy folks who go there. Oddly enough the bartenders and my friend Steve enjoyed them and demanded more.

I also tried dating a girl in March. That did not really work out. We went out a few times, and I liked her, but I was just not ready for anything. This was the point that I realized I missed Kacie...

The best thing about March though was doing my baseball picks and setting up my fantasy baseball team. My god do I love that sport. As I have said before, my picks were pretty bad, but not the worst ever. Also, I traded away my top two picks and ended up doing very well in fantasy.

March 31st was the opening day for the Pirates, which ended up being a very screwed up game if I remember correctly.

April
Sports-wise, lots of great stuff started happening in April. Baseball season had truly begun, March Madness just ended, hockey playoffs were heating up, and the NBA was doing something.

Allow me to tell you this story about a night in Mugshots. Actually it's more like a day. I went over to watch the Pirate's home opener against the Cubs. They got their asses kicked, but I drank from 1 p.m. until like 9:30. Around 9ish I had a brilliant idea: chug a bottle of Red Hot. My stomach immediately bloated and I barely made it home.

The next day I woke up and went to work. All day my piss was on fire, and for awhile it was a bright orange. Tip to everyone: NEVER TRY THAT!

I also started reading a bit more at this point. As most of you know, I always read, but for some reasons I will read a ton of books, then I take a few month break. This was the end of that break.

April was also the month where I decided I wanted to go on vacation. I put out my invitation to everyone, but no one really bit on it. Everyone except for Gideon. I bet you all wish you would have gone now bitches!

May
May was a very cool month. The Pens were kicking ass in the playoffs, awesome movies came out, plenty of beer was drank, and we started playing softball at work.

Let me just say that two incredibly awesome movies came out in May: Iron Man and Prince Caspian. I loved both of them. Does anyone remember how much everyone thought Iron Man was the best comic book movie ever and then Dark Knight came out and people pretty much forgot about Iron Man...

I made a prediction about how Lost would end, and I pretty much nailed it right on. I also thought about how hot Shannon was and how it was sad she had to die.

I also got angry at the mall because I could not find any clothes or shoes. Oddly enough it is December I still have not bought a pair shoes...

We started softball at this point, we had a good season. I only got to play in a few games though. It kind of sucked. Hopefully next season we will work that schedule out so we can all play.

This was also the month where Kacie and I went to Primanti's in Crafton. If you do not remember this story, allow me to explain. The bartender noticed how into baseball I was and told me that she was dating Dan Uggla and that he was upset that Hanley Ramirez got a larger contract. Something tells me she is crazy...

June
What a bad month. This was the point where Steve and I got jumped. As of now we have not really heard too much about it. I guess the trial will not be until after the new year...

To make matters worse, George Carlin died. I rarely give a shit when a celebrity dies, but Carlin was my all-time favorite comedian. He will be missed.

June also saw me rock a Hawaiian shirt to work everyday. Most of you laughed at me. Screw you. Soon I will wear a sweater vest to work everyday. Anything to get out of wearing a tie.

The Pens made it to the Stanley Cup finals, but lost to Detroit. Needless to say we drank like they won it anyways. I also got to use the company box at PNC Park to see the Pirates/Astros game, but unfortunately it was during game six of the finals. All of us were paying way closer attention to the tv than to the game. We did drink all the beer in the box though, which was pretty sweet.

I believe June was filled with many nights of me coming home from work or from the bar and watching Boondocks on Cartoon Network. I swear that is all I did for like two weeks.

July
Now this was a kickass month. The Dark Knight came out, and you all know my thoughts about that.

I also grew a beard because I was on vacation. Yes it was my second vacation of the year, but this one was more fun than the first, even if I only did little things. They were still very fun.

The Pirates made a few trades, namely Bay & Nady. Most fans got upset, but I was pretty excited by the direction the Pirates were going. Yes they suck, but they can only get better by trying to get some decent pitching. The only way that can happen is to make smart trades...

The 4th of July sucked this year. I worked. Big freakin' deal. The only interesting thing about it was that my brother had to deal with my crazy cousin trying to pay someone to beat him up. This is why I no longer have a family on my mom's side...

Also in July I went golfing again for the first time in like 4 years. I sucked pretty bad, but had some okay shots. Especially for being awake 32 hours and having no practice rounds or anything. Just playing a stupid company charity event. I wonder if I will play again next summer...

August
I remember writing this post and then picking up a book to try and read for a bit by the candle light. That is very difficult and for some reason the candle became too hot and cracked the glass. Oops.

The fall TV season started, and the only show that I really liked was True Blood, although I did not like it as much as I thought I would. Oh well.

The highlight of August was definitely going to the Steelers' preseason game against Carolina. I received the tickets from my mom and stepdad, and took a guy I work with. We had a great time. Unfortunately I did not make it to a real game yet.

September
Seemed to be a busy month for me. The big thing was Travis Fortney's birthday extravaganza down in Harrisburg. Revanstrife, Kacie, and I went down to Harrisburg for a fun time. We had a surprise party for T-Bone, then went back to his place and drank a ton of beer. End result:

I made some football predictions...somehow I bet they are way off. We had some major comment wars, which spawned The Yummy Pancake. I have not decided if it has been a failed experiment or not, we shall see where the future takes the pancake...

I also started the GOTW. Which is plenty of fun for me, looking at pictures of hot girls. How would I not like it?

Heroes started. I guess we can say that the season was a failure, but there were some great moments.

I read Brisingr, which actually caused some outside traffic to stray to my site. Kind of cool.

Fantasy baseball ended, Singer was the champion. Next season promises to be interesting, and I hope we can get plenty of people interested in playing.

October
This month sucked balls. I turned 28. I worked an assload of midnight shifts. Especially over my birthday and over Halloween. That really pissed me off.

On a cool note, I had the amazing dart game that month. I will admit though, since then I have been getting my ass beat by those guys. Except that we were using three darts of unequal weight. I bought some darts and so did Danny, and since then I have been back to form.

Because of all the midnight shifts, I did not go out much or do anything really. I know that I read a few books though and also purchased Iron Man. Also my computer broke, which cost me money and left me without the internet for a few days. That was a rough time.

November
Yes October sucked, but November rocked the cashbox. Obviously you know that this was my vacation cruise with Gideon and my mom/family. We got ridiculously drunk and had an insane time.
I would like to explain how weird I felt after the cruise. Steve picks me up at the airport and that evening we went out for beers. I was still swaying and thinking the ship was moving for like 2 more days. Luckily beer helped normalize me.

Also, November is Thanksgiving. I closed the store and went home at like 5 a.m. I managed to get a few hours sleep then Adam and I went out to Pap & Gram's for great food and some Texas Hold 'Em. I ended up winning like $30, which is always nice.

Needless to say these two events pretty much occupied the entire month.

December
And here we are. The wonderful month of December. Not a whole lot has happened so far. I worked a bunch. I went out a few nights. Umm, I still have not bought any Christmas presents so far and have no clue what to buy anyone.

I am sure Christmas will be fun, lots of food. Plenty of cards. Seeing great people...

Heroes: "Dual"

This episode concludes volume three. Like I keep saying, people are saying how bad the show is this season, and they are mostly right. Unfortunately, there are some really good moments in each episode, but I think the whole catalyst/power thing is just uninteresting. And it makes all the mythos of season one seem not as real.

"Dual" started out a little differently. Instead of Mohinder giving an opening monologue, it was Sylar. Lucky for me (and now you) I found the entire quoted text:

On the sixth day, God created man in his own image. Now it's up to us to figure it all out: right, wrong, good, evil. In each of us is the capacity to decide what drives our actions. So what is it that makes some choose selflessness, the need to devote oneself to something greater, while others know only self-interest, isolating themselves in a world of their own making? Some seek love even if unrequited, while others are driven by fear and betrayal. There are those who see their choices as dark proof of God's absence, while others follow a path of noble destiny. But in the end, good, evil, right or wrong, what we choose is never what we really need, for that is the ultimate cosmic joke, the real gift that God has left behind.

Instead of giving a summary of what happened, I will just tell you what happened to our favorite characters.

Peter
Peter injected himself with the formula and used Nathan's power to save them both from the burning lab. In theory he should only have flight and Flint's fire ability. He and Nathan are no longer that close.

Nathan
We are seeing the beginning of the Nathan we saw in the future from season one. Remember? It turned out to be Sylar, but I am guessing that Nathan initiated the plans to turn all the people with powers over to the government. The season ended with Nathan in limo with the president. He gives him a dossier of all the characters and what their abilities are...

Hiro & Ando
Hiro still does not have his powers back. Ando now has powers, his power is to supercharge another person's power, which is how they saved Hiro from the past. How will Hiro restore his powers?

Claire
Claire stabbed Sylar and almost saved her bio-mom. Seriously, did anyone else laugh at the way Sylar called Meredith bio-mom? Anyways, not really sure where Claire goes from here. Probably back to school.

Sylar
Ended the season with a shard of glass stuck in the back of his skull. Is he done? Could this really be it for him? I somehow doubt it. I am guessing that the fire will somehow cause something to fall and knock the glass out of his brain. Or maybe Sylar is really done, so Quinto can work on other projects?

Matt & Daphne
Daphne redeemed herself. Matt celebrated. They went home and had sex. Actually they had a great idea, which is kind of what the previous writer of the show has been saying in regards to how to fix the show. The idea that the heroes power was some innate. For example, Daphne wanted to run, Matt was self-conscious and wondered what everyone thought, Hiro was a bored office-drone who wanted to stop time...that is why Ando did not get Hiro's power, instead he is the ultimate buddy.

Anyways, does the future come true and we find Matt working for Nathan tracking down the other Heroes? That about wraps it up. Hopefully they work the kinks out, and we start the next chapter out in grand style.

Wolverine

I just saw the trailer for the new X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Looks pretty cool. Check it out.
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD

Colonic Christmas. . . .

I finally did it. Based on the fact that everyone reading this has either had it done already or will experience the joy of doing it sometime in the future, I think it's okay to talk about it. Katie Couric will be very, very happy with me. Yep. . . . I had my first colonoscopy this morning. Merry Christmas to me!

For those not familiar with the process that I went through over the weekend, let me tell you about it. The weekend was spent preparing for my trip to the Gastroenterologist, a trip which began at 6:15am this morning. Normally when you use the word "prepare" before the word "trip" it's a time filled with excitement. Hmmmm. This was a little bit different. Here's how it works. You must stay at home. Traveling is risky. Why? Because your preparation involves three things. 1) Eating nothing for a long, long time. 2) Drinking lots of everything named "water" (with a variety of special additives that all include the three letters L, A, and X somewhere in their name) for a long, long time. And 3). . . . You must stay at home. . . . because. . . . traveling is risky. Of course, taking these three preparatory steps lead to a level of excitment that keeps you awake for the entire night before the procedure. However, it's not the excitement of anticipation, like, let's say on the night before Christmas or before going to DisneyWorld as a kids for the very first time. Rather, it's the opposite of another type of ". . .ipation" that keeps you moving all night. . . . moving from the bedroom to another room that starts with the letter "B." This movement from room to room takes place because of another type of constant movement.

I'll spare you the details of what happens when you arrive at the Doctor's office at 6:45am. Suffice it to say that the procedure itself. . . . from the time you arrive until the time you leave. . . . is somewhat humiliating. I looked up the word "colonoscopy" in the dictionary. Webster's got it all wrong. In my humble and now experienced opinion, the prefix "colon" is from the same Latin root word meaning "complete." "Oscopy" is the Latin word for "loss of dignity." Put them together and what do you got? It seems strange that we pay (thousands of dollars I might add) for this to be done to us. It's even stranger that insurance companies finance such humiliation. And, while most medical instruments have names that don't reveal where they are placed (stethoscope, laparoscope, duodenoscope, etc.), the instrument these folks use is named in a way that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. . . the ENDOscope! I have no idea what my stetho is. I have no idea where my laparo is. Where is the world is my duodeno??? But then there's the endo.

Let me get serious for a minute. I try to process all of life theologically because, after all, all of life is so flawed that the rocks, trees, hills, and yes. . . even one's colon. . . cry out for redemption. When I got to the Doctor's office this morning I happened to show Lisa the reading that I had brought with some other items in a little white plastic bag. On Friday night I had picked up a brand new copy of Cornelius Plantinga's Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin. Ironically, the book's title echoes a thought I was having during every waking moment of the preparation and procedure. Sure, I found that to be some humorous irony. But it's actually quite true. In the book's Intro Plantinga writes: "The whole range of human miseries, from restlessness and estrangement through shame and guilt to the agonies of daytime television - all of them tell us that things in human life are not as they ought to be." Plantinga goes on to remind us that the shalom of God's good creation has been vandalized by sin. Shalom is the way things ought to be. . . . universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. Shalom is a colon without cancer, blockages, polyps, etc. It is a colon experiencing the joy and wonder of "colonhood" in God's perfect created order. It is a colon without need of a colonoscopy. . . . ever!

While my morning was spent in a way that it was not supposed to be, I look forward to a world where my colon's health will be perfected along with everything else in our sin-soaked creation that groans. In a very real way, what I experienced this morning is a wonderful reminder of why we should go out of our way to celebrate the coming of the Redeemer who not only gives us the hope of new life, but will eventually usher in a Kingdom so complete in its perfection that all colons will be unquestionably fine and fully without need of photographic investigation. Yes, things will be the way they are supposed to be.

Until then, I thank God for the Doctors, nurses, technicians, and other people in that room who do what they do. Before we got things going this morning I looked over my shoulder to one of the nurses who was standing strategically behind me and asked her, "What ever possessed you to take this up as a vocation?" She told me that she liked the hours and the routine. Okay. Whether she knew it or not, there's more to what she does than that. Along with the rest of the crew, there was something happening at a deeper spiritual level. The head of the practice is a fellow believer. I know him, although he wasn't in the room today. I know that for him his work is about bringing honor and glory to God by bringing the Kingdom order of God in some little way to be realized on this fallen sphere in people's physical insides. That's really what happened to me in there. Because what shouldn't be is, an entire medical practice exists to prevent what shouldn't be and provide for what should.

Could it be that Christmas is also about. . . . colons????

Big Jim Slade

For those you who have never seen Kentucky Fried Movie, this next clip will make absolutely no sense. For those of you that have, well you will definitely laugh. For some reason I am in a clip kind of mood today.

Very Funny

Seriously, just watch it and laugh like I did.

Girlfriend of the Week

This beautiful young lady is Carrie Milbank. She started out as a Houston Texans cheerleader and now does sports reporting, I think for the NHL. I saw her recently somewhere and had to look her up, took awhile to find her since I could not remember her name, except that it was Carrie. She is hot. She could definitely interview me on the sidelines, if you know what I mean. That means I would have sex with her.

8 Items or Less??

Tonight I stopped at Giant Eagle to grab something to eat and a Mountain Dew. Obviously with three items I hopped into the express line. The lady in front of me had like 25 things. Why is it that people cannot understand the sign that says 8 items or less?

I could understand if someone had nine or ten items, that would be fine. But, when you begin to seriously exceed that limit, the cashier needs to step up and tell the person to go to another line.

These are the things that absolutely drive me crazy. Maybe I should become a line vigilante, dispensing justice upon people who break these rules. Without rules there would be line anarchy. If I just randomly jumped line, the cashier would probably tell me to go to the end of the line, so why not punish these people? Someday I will just hit one of these people, or step in front of them and say "Sorry, this is the express line! Move along."

Heroes: "Our Father"

This season is winding down. It definitely has been a let down overall story wise. It started off with a bunch of bad guys getting released, and ended up with another group trying to give powers to the world and Primatech being the good guys. We saw Sylar try to be good, then work for his dad, and now he is back to the old, evil Sylar.

If this episode did not have to be measured up to the overall season, I would say it was an excellent episode. We learn some interesting things about the characters and their fathers. Unfortunately, the odd little season mistakes and annoyances prevail through the episode, which in the end helped drag it down.

Hiro and Claire
The main reason this episode is called "Our Father" has to do with these two time-travelers. They go back sixteen years ago to the moment when Kaito gives Claire to Mr.B. Hiro sees his mom heal a dove and decides to stay and have her heal his mind. Claire goes after the Bennett family in order to protect herself.

Hiro listens in on Kaito explaining to his mom that Hiro is too irresponsible to be given the catalyst. He believes that Hiro will never amount to anything. Young Hiro tells current Hiro that his father does not believe in him and that he is probably right. The two Hiro's then do the exact same body positions, which was kind of cool (especially when you consider that mentally they are the same age).

Hiro then makes his mom waffles and explains who he is. She believes him and heals his mind. He then remembers everything and hugs her and tells her that he misses her. She gives him the catalyst and then dies.

Meanwhile, Claire befriends Sandra Bennett, and helps her with baby Claire. Mr.B comes home and does not believe Claire's story. Claire explains that the company wants to take Claire away and do something to her. She also says that his Claire-bear will be in his life for at least sixteen more years. When the phone rings, he decides not to answer it.

Claire and Hiro meet up, where Hiro explains he now has the catalyst. This is where things get confusing. Arthur walks onto the rooftop and takes the catalyst and Hiro's powers. He then throws Hiro off the roof. Hiro catches a flagpole and hangs on for dear life. Arthur then teleports Claire back to the present time and gives her a message for Angela "Tell her I won." He then teleports back to Pinehearst and uses the catalyst to activate the formula.

How the hell did he teleport back in time? Or was that the Arthur from that time? If that were the case, how did he know what to do or when to go? Also, if he wanted to steal Hiro's powers, why did he not just do this back in Africa? That is the problem with this season, good episodes are ruined by the silliness of the season theme.

Sylar
Now the bad man, just gets more bad ass. After killing Elle, he uses her phone to call Arthur. He says that he has a whole list of new powers (from her phone) and that he wants to know the truth. Arthur says that he is Sylar's father and that he should return. Sylar says he will.

He pays a girl a visit who can detect when people are lying. He slams her to the wall and before he cuts her head open, says that it will not hurt. And then very sheepishly says oh wait, I lied. She screams and her office mates come in to give her a surprise birthday cake. They see Sylar covered in blood and he says "oooh cake." Classic.

Later he rides the elevator up to see Arthur with some guy who keeps staring at all the blood he is covered in. Sylar just smiles. Once at the office, he stops the bullet that Peter shoots at Arthur. Asks if he really is his son. Arthur says yes, and Sylar's new power indicates he is lying. He releases the bullet, which kills Arthur. Sylar then turns to Peter and says "do not worry, you have nothing I want." Peter sends the Haitian after Sylar.

Here is the big question. How will Peter get his power back? Will he use the formula? What if everyone who used the formula was given Peter's power? They would be useless because they would all end up with flight from Nathan, haha. Sorry, just thinking out loud. I kind of thought that when Arthur died, he would give back everyone their powers.

So, one week to go and then they can reboot for the next arc.

Wisdom. . . .

The older I've gotten the more I've become convinced of the value and absolute need to ask ourselves the right questions. Sadly, I think most people are like me. We learn to ask the questions about thirty years too late. I think that is by and large a typical habit among people in youth ministry.

We are young. We are idealistic. We know what we're doing. . . or at least we think we do. And so we start to do. . . . usually without stopping to assess the world around us, seek the will of God in His Word, and then and only then engage in ministry that is marked by faithfulness and obedience as opposed to "what works." I realize this may sound like an overstatement or some kind of generalization, but I'm trying to capture and communicate a corrective approach to so much of what we've been doing for so long. . . . usually without evaluation.

This is why I asked some pretty specific questions of theologian David Wells. Wells has earned a well-deserved reputation as a critic of the contemporary church, particularly the market-driven consumer-oriented seeker-sensitive variation along with the emergent types that have been popping up in reaction against the aforementioned seeker-sensitive congregations. I firmly believe that no matter who we are or what we are doing in our efforts to worship and serve Christ, we must always be asking questions that force us to evaluate everything we are and do in light of the Scriptures. No one and no one way is beyond scrutiny.

That's where David Wells comes in. If you've ever read any of his books you might conclude that he's a critical, angry, unsettled man. And then you meet the man or sit under his teaching. He's one of us. A brother in the Lord. A member of the Church. And it is that Church that he loves so very much that he can't help but speak in response to what's happening from the perspective of a deep and discerning knowledge of and love for God's Word. I've grown to appreciate this man and what he says. However, I don't think his work will be fully appreciated until history has a chance to look back on it and we say, "Wow. . . that guy really had his finger on the times."

If left to ourselves, few of us would ever pick up any of David Wells' books. That's why I want to challenge you to get brave, open yourself up to some self-evaluation, and start working through his latest book, "The Courage To Be Protestant: Truth-Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World." We posted a review of the book on our CPYU Bookshelf blog back on October 13. Last week we posted a short interview I conducted with Wells about the book. You can read the full text here.

Here's the last question I asked Wells along with his answer. . . . I think you'll see that this guy is passionate about Christ, the Kingdom, and kids. . . .

CPYU: If you were to address a room full of youth workers and you had the opportunity to communicate one message to them, what one message would you communicate?

DW: It is time to get brave. Let’s stop the pandering. Kids see right through it. Let’s give them the real thing. They are looking for it. No one has demanded anything of them; let us tell them that if they come to Christ, he bids them die. No one has told them that they can know truth as something other than their own private perspectives; let us tell them there is Truth and those who know it, lose their lives. No one has told them that there is a different way of life. What many churches have done has been to run after the kids fearing that they will be lost irretrievably to MTV, rock, sex, and drugs. So, better to give them small, undemanding doses of Christianity that won’t interfere too much with their lives and which they will be willing to accept, than none at all, we think to ourselves. Wrong! If we tell them that they can have Christ on their own terms, we are selling them down the river. They instinctively know that. So, let us not make fools of ourselves anymore.

Girlfriend of the Week

This weeks GOTW is Virginie Ledoyen. She was the chick in The Beach. She was absolutely gorgeous in that movie (which many people did not like, but I thought it was pretty good, so screw everyone else.)

Anyways, she does a lot of French films, but not enough American films. Personally I feel Hollywood needs to change this. And she needs to get naked. Preferably in my apartment, but on screen works as well.

Wow. . . . worth pondering. . . .

My friend Troy sent me a link to a news story from the UK this morning. The story is about The Immersion Project and a thought-provoking little video from Robbie Cooper that looks at the role digital media is playing in the lives of our kids. More specifically, the film (below), gives us a straight-on view of the faces of kids as they lock-in with full attention to the TV screen as they play violent video games.

If youth culture is like a snowball tumbling on its own down the face of a steep mountain, rapidly picking up mass, volume, and speed, then our fast-evolving digital media culture makes up a good amount of the white stuff that the culture's picking up as it tumbles down the hill. In recent youth culture seminars I've found myself reminding people that seven years ago we wouldn't be talking about things like Facebook, social networking, Twitter, micro-blogging, etc. Indeed, the world is changing and changing fast. Now, all this stuff is pervasive. We have to figure out where it's come from, what needs it's feeding, and what it's doing to us and how we are choosing to live in the world. It's effect is not nuetral, and our faith must inform both our response to its existence and the manner in which we choose to employ it in our everyday lives. These are serious matters that are just starting to be discussed with any sort of seriousness.

I don't know about you, but looking into the faces of these kids and hearing their comments. . . . well. . . . it's somewhat sobering. This isn't research. It's real life. Take a look and tell me what you see.

Heroes: "The Eclipse Part 2"

It looks like this years finale will be about four episodes long. I was down with this episode. Everything that happened seemed to be pretty cool and seems to be going on the right track.

Peter and Nathan
Peter and the Haitian rescue Nathan from Baron Samedi. As they make a run for it, soldiers come after them, Peter says he will stay behind to distract them. Nathan argues, but Peter says that since he has no powers, he is expendable. Peter holds the soldiers off for a bit, but then runs out of ammo and surrenders.

Nathan and the Haitian come back, both with their powers. Nathan flies into the Baron, slamming him into a car, but that does nothing to the unstoppable dictator. The Haitian then uses his power to defeat his brother. Nathan then tells Peter that he is going to join the Pinehearst group because if everyone had powers, the world would be a better place. He flies away, leaving Peter and the Haitian.

Sylar & Elle/Mr.B & Claire
After some hardcore sex, the two get shot at by Mr.B. They escape, but not before Elle gets hit. Mr.B tracks them to a grocery store, where he and Sylar have a nice battle. And by battle, I mean Sylar gets his ass kicked, then his throat cut.

At this point, Claire has just died, but when the eclipse goes away, she comes back to life. She is angry that Mr.B was not there for her when she needed him. When he hears she died, he becomes afraid, and for good reason. Sylar and Elle are downstairs.

Sylar is about to kill Mr.B when something very unexpected happens. Well not too unexpected, since everyone knew it was coming. Anyways, Hiro teleports in and grabs Sylar and says "Bad man" and takes him away, then reappears and takes Elle away as well. He then comes back and picks up Claire and they go back in time. More on that in a minute.

Hiro took Elle and Sylar to a beach somewhere (what a nice guy, I would have dumped them in Antarctica). They have a little talk, then Sylar climbs on top of her and tells her that he cannot change who he is, and that he will always have issues. He is perplexed by the things Mr.B said, especially about the Petrelli's not being his parents.

Elle tells Sylar that he is hurting her, and he says "I know." He then cuts her head open and the hottest girl on the show dies. But, we get our favorite villain back, so that is a good thing.

Hiro/Ando/Parkman
At the comic store, Ando gets Hiro to read a whole bunch of 9th Wonders. Breckin believes they are who they say they are, but Seth does not. Matt realizes they will get their powers back and goes to see Daphne before she can run away.

Hiro sees his father die and all the bad things that happen and he locks himself in the bathroom. Seth talks to him and tells him that if he were truly Hiro, he would step up and accept his responsibility. Hiro comes out and says thank you. They discover in issue one that Hiro and Claire were at the meeting when Hiro's father gives Mr.B the baby Claire. That is when Hiro teleports in and saves Claire.

They then go back to that point and watch the hand off, in hopes of Hiro getting his memory back. Seth sees Hiro teleport and now believes them. He says that this would be the last 9th Wonders issue, but there is a rumor that Isaac gave his sketchbook to a bike messenger before he died. That is where Matt, Daphne, and Ando will probably go now.

Here is the question though, how will Peter get his powers back? Will the Haitian be able to help him out? When they defeat Arthur, will Peter's come back? Will Peter have a showdown against Sylar and Nathan? Or will Sylar just become a complete monster and try to kill everyone? So many questions, so little time left.