Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Awesome-ness!

Today I took off from work to go see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (is that sad and pathetic or just devoted?). And I thought it would be cool to take my dad.
I still have vivid memories of my dad taking me and my brothers to see the Temple of Doom when we lived on Guam. Around that time I had purchased with some birthday or Christmas money the book with cassette of Raiders of the Lost Ark, which I listened to over and over again. So even as a first or second grader (I don't remember which) I was a major Indy fan.
The theater we would often go to on Guam was this open aired theater. We would also see the Karate Kid and Rock IV there...two other freakin' amazing movies. The theater had four walls but no ceiling. Which meant while we were watching the movie would could quickly glance up and see the stars.
When we saw Temple of Doom there I remember it raining on us and my brothers and dad all huddled under a large umbrella together. Somehow this made the movie more amazing.
But before we hit the theater my dad and I had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. I mention this for a couple of reasons. Anastasia, our waitress, had our table , another table of about 40 people and another large table on the patio. Unfortunately we weren't well taken care of, and while I get frustrated with that I feel bad for Anastasia. Why would the hostess seat us in her section? And why can't someone else have taken our table, even though we were in her section?
I had the chicken wrap with the wedges, and the wedges were cold. Not my favorite trip to the BW3.
Oh back to why I mentioned this lunch trip in the beginning... Can anyone tell me why Buffalo Wild Wings was once called BW3? BW2 would make sense, but BW3...I need answers.
So the movie...
Awesome!
I don't want to spoil anything, and I promise not so mention any details. Promise.
I do want to prepare some of you though... My promise will not be broken...trust me keep reading...
I read that Lucas and Spielberg and company intentionally made the previous Indy movies, because they were set in the 1930s, to mimics the Saturday morning movies of the 1930s and it's themes.
Whereas this current film...stay with me a promise is a promise, set in the 1950s (come on you saw the preview...you knew that), mimics the movies and themes of the 1950s.
It intentionally won't have the same feel as the previous movies...that's what I'm saying.
If you bear that in mind...you'll love it too.

Tragic

This is really sad.
Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter killed by car in driveway
I don't know about you, but I getting really tired of senseless tragic deaths and I can't wait until the day when there will be no more.

Glimpsing Your Upcoming Death

I read yesterday that P.T. Barnum, when he had grown gravely ill, had his obituary printed prior to his passing so that he could enjoy it. 

If you are interested you can read it HERE.  It is really interesting; the man lived an amazing life, worthy of the circus.

 

This got me thinking though…

 

If I could have a sneak peak at my obituary what would I want it to say?

 

Maybe this caught my eye because several churches I know of have been doing 30 Days [or One Month] to Live sermon themed series.

 

So I’m thinking of writing a short obit for myself, possibly using rhyme. 

 

What words should I include?

-          Faithful?

-          Honest?

-          Wise?

-          Devilishly Good Looking?

1.7 Percent Chance

How does this happen?
Who do you go with?
Beasley of Kansas State or Rose of Memphis?

Looking For Some Clarity

What’s the rule on chewing gum during a fast?

Allowed?

Not Allowed?

Failing is for Winners

I've been really dumbfounded recently, as I've tried to recruit students to attend Oak Hills Student Ministries Mexico Mission trip, by the number of parents who just flat out told me that they won't allow their children to attend.
But then again I'm not, as our youth ministry is made up largely (90%?) of home schooled students. They are completely afraid of their children being put in any situation that might endanger (challenge) their child.
So when I invite the parents to attend with their child, I get the same fearful response.

The puzzling thing is that Max Lucado just did a series entitled Fearless.

I don't like to question parents or say their wrong, unless the issue is straight up heresy or illegal. But I do think these parents are crippling their children, or building up a future rebellious attitude.

I've been challenging these parents to at least attend the information meeting this Sunday between services.

My job will be to create enough confidence and assurance in our adult leaders, these students and our plans that these parents will allow their children to risk. Pray for me as I really want to build not attack.

Any helpful thoughts or suggestions.

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

p.s. I think I should clarify that I don't necessarily have any issues with home schooling in general. But I disagree with home schooling as a means of separating from culture. I feel the response I receive more often that not, when asking why someone home schools, is fear of public influence not better education. Also I'm not sure if I think education minus social interaction is really worth it either.

Tidbits and Other Fun Facts #1

I think reading a Sports Illustrated cover to cover a bigger success than reading an actual book.

I get my SI every Thursday.
Danica is the current cover holder.

Who thinks she'll win this coming Sunday?

Letting My Nerd Flag Fly

Okay so I recently said that in my apartment I'm the sports guy and Chris is the Nerdy SciFi guy, but I have to agree with Chris... This looks better than the last three movies.

Apparently Your Chants Didn't Work

Here is some video of Dodger fans chanting at Carlos Lee, of the Houston Astros, "You suck."

The Astros, in case some of you readers didn't know (other's I assume are still licking their wounds), swept the Dodgers in this series. One of those games, after no hits through seven, the 'stros piled on eight runs to win.

It's been a good week to be a Astros fan!

Holy Bovine

That's just a huge cow. At first I thought, "That's a lot of hamburgers." But then I realized it's a dairy cow, (at least I think...what do I know? I was never in 4H) so I said "That a lot of milk!"

Chilli, a British cow that is more than 6 feet tall, may enter the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest cow. The animal weighs more than a ton and is the size of a small elephant.
According to http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/popup?id=2205608

"...'cause knowing is half the battle..."

Recently Entertainment Weekly posted these photos on their website. From the upcoming G.I. Joe movie. What do you think? Did they do a good job a recreating the characters?Channing Tatum as Duke
Christopher Eccleston as DestroSienna Miller as The Baroness
Ray Park as Snake EyesDennis Quaid as Gen. HawkAdewale Akinnouye-Agbaje as Heavy Duty

Rachel Nichols as Scarlet

Byung-hun Lee as Storm Shadow

Said Taghmaoui

Looks What's Coming to the Big Screen

The Fraggles!


Also I heard that Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall is going to create a new Muppet's movie.
I hope it's something like the Dracula Opera in FSM. That would be an awesome role for Kermit.

Receiving Recognition Recklessly

So I know that when you receive some sort of public recognition or praise, especially as a Christ follower, you're supposed to be humble and gracious. Probably say something like, "It's all for Jesus" and point up to heaven.

I guess I still struggling with that.
Because Shaun Groves, musician and Compassion International hero, specifically mentioned me and my blog on his Shlog today.

Heck yeah! That's awesome. I somehow feel it really important to tell you tonight.

Yeah, sure, it's in recognition of the fact that I've link my blog to his...but I'm gonna take it.

Don't take that from me...

Droppin' the Super Funny Awkward Laughs

I saw this video today and thought I'd share it.
It was on Andrew Osenga's blog.
You may know Andrew from the former band The Normals.
Or his current work with Caedmon's Call.
Or maybe just his own stuff.
Anyways he's working on a new album and this video is from some of the making of it.
Enjoy.

Answers to Everyday Grammar Questions

Today on the Mental Floss blog there was a post that dealt with many common grammar questions.  I particularly found this interesting, because it addressed a pet peeve issue of grammar for me.  Allow me to save you the time of visiting the site by just copying it below.

 

Q: “I feel like I remember having read in my old college Chicago Manual of Style that there are a select few proper names for which the possessive is ’ and not ’s. I think one was Jesus (as in ‘He followed Jesus’ teachings,’ not ‘He followed Jesus’s teachings’). I think it was the same for Moses and Sophocles … am I making this up?”—Posted by lala on 5/8

 

A: You remember correctly! The usual practice in making names possessive is to add an apostrophe plus s. But there’s an exception. When a Biblical or classical name ends in s, the custom is to add just the apostrophe: Jesus’ disciples, Hercules’ strength, Xerxes’ writings, Archimedes’ principle.

We also drop the s and use only the apostrophe in certain idiomatic expressions with the word “sake” (this avoids a pileup of sibilants). Examples: “for goodness’ sake,” “for conscience’ sake,” “for righteousness’ sake,” “for convenience’ sake.”

 

The strange thing is I’m horrible at grammar.  I do believe I have some struggles with dyslexia, which I’ve learned to combat by quickly viewing a sentence and never really noticing what I actually read.  I have to focus on the bigger idea more than the small details otherwise I get lost.  So I can not say that I’m perfect in all areas of grammar, but when people verbalize this above mistake it grinds my gears.  I even heard the king of Christian literature, Max Lucado, say “Jesus’s” before.

 

Anyways I post this because when I complain about it and people ask for the grammatical rule I’m not qualified enough to give a good answer.  Hopefully this helps.

 

If you have other grammar questions you can visit the grammarphobia site.

 

Every Had One Of Those Days?...

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I have before. Those days suck!

a Quick glimpse...

I saw this video below and it made me wonder what my roommate, The Deuce, thinks when he listens to Chris (the other roomie) and I rattle on.

I would be the sports guy, Chris the Star Wars nerd, and The Deuce - the cubicle dude. Of course I'm much better looking than that sports guy...


Recently Chris, for his birthday, received a Star Wars pop-up book (that I have to confess is pretty frickin' awesome - solely on pop-up book standards, then a little more for it's Star Wars content). He was showing it off to Rachel and spouting off about what ships were what, using all the technical terms and stuff. Rachel replied:
"Wow, you sure are waving your nerd flag high today...aren't you?"

Unassisted Triple Play

This is the best video I've found so far...14th in MLB history. Awesome!
Troy Tulowitzki did it last year, that's the second video.


Randy Velarde had one in 2000.

What Jen Must See...

John Mayer is a laugh...

Apparently he's also a cad...

Hey Mom!...

Happy Mother's Day!

Greatest List of Baseball Moments (In My Humble Opinion)

Greatest List of Baseball Moments (In My Humble Opinion)

-          Lou Gehrig “luckiest man” speech [1939]

-          Bobby Thomson’s Shot Heard ‘Round the World  [1951]

-          Bill Mazeroski’s 9^th inning homerun in Game 7 [1960]

-          Carlton Fisk’s World Series home run (where he waves it fair) [1975]

-          Hank Aaron breaking the home run record [1974]

-          McGwire hits 61 [1998]

-          Maris and Mantle‘s home run chase in ’61 with Maris hitting #61 on the last game of the season [1961]

-          Kirk Gibson off the pine World Series Home Run.[88]

-          Joe Carter’s three-run homer to win the Series [1993]

-          Cal Ripken’s 2131^st baseball game [1995]

-          Pirate’s Harvey Haddix 12 perfect innings result in a loss [1959]

-          Don Larsen’s World Series No-Hitter [1956]

-          Willie Mays over the shoulder catch and throw [1954]

-          Jack Morris’ 10 shutout innings to win the series. [1991]

-          Buckner’s Error [1986]

 

If I had to choose one over any other it would be between

-          the Lou Gehrig speech, or

-          September 8^th, 1990, Nolan Ryan’s lip is bloodied by a Bo Jackson line drive, and he continues to pitch. or

-          In 1973 Detroit Tiger Norm Cash took a saw off table legs to the plate against Ryan saying “I wasn’t going to hit him anyway.”

 

What about you? 

What other moments do you feel belong on this list? 

Which is your favorite?

 

 

 

The Capcity for Creative Solutions

teens tell police they converted skull into bong

 

I am never surprised, but always amazed.  This is stupidly awesome!

Confession

So I suppose I should be embarrassed by this but I'm just going to own it. I came home from youth group tonight and sat down on my couch and watch 27 Dresses all by myself.
I won't say that hated it, I did laugh out loud a few times. But I also feel the need to inform everyone I was reading through my Baseball Digest (they have tough crossword puzzles and trivia questions).
Also the soundtrack was pretty good.

[Note to Self - Do something extra manly tomorrow.]

Audio

This is pretty cool. A little long, but a few of you will really enjoy it.
I remember watching this live on TV but the audio is really fun. Vin Scully is great.
When Kirk Gibson comes to bat the roar of the crowd is hair raising.
Enjoy!

Tonight - Watching Cloverfield

WARNING: If you haven't seen the movie don't read too far into this post.
I'm currently watching Cloverfield. The Deuce and I have tried to persuade Philip that these events really happened. I'm not sure if he's buying it. That's a scary monster.
If you were in the middle of some horrible event how hard would it be to take a phone call from your mother.
I have a song from The Braak Show stuck in my head. I'm hot for you baby...I'm a big ol' beet... da dat da da dat... I go good with meat." Maybe later I'll find the youtube clip for you.
cra-vas or crev-ess?
What would you think if you were walking in a subway and you saw a flaming (on fire) homeless man?
I'm teaching tomorrow night. We've been going through spiritual roadblocks and I'm going to talk about the roadblock of the believing and accepting God's unconditional love.
The chick who blows up in the movie...where else have I seen her. Hud the camera guy was on the show Carpoolers.
That chick is in heels running around New York. Oh wait she took them off to climb the stairs.
If I could teach one lesson it would be about the love of God. If I had only opportunity left to share with students it would be to share the love of God.
"You came back for me." Cheesy line. First off they didn't come back they just came for her no. No back. Tomorrow is the food show and I'm really excited!! I'll definitely take tons of photos. I know I promise that a lot but this time I mean it.
A crashing helicopter might be an interesting ride...say a six flags.
That chick survived a iron rod through her chest and a helicopter crash...wouldn't it be ironic if this was her lucky day.
Getting your legs eaten and falling out of the mouth of a monster...not a good ride for six flags.
I bet if I tell Philip a few more times that this real he'll believe it.
We are now going to watch some more real footage in the special features.
Anyways these were just thoughts while watching a movie...or at least those I was able to quickly type on my phone.

We'll Miss Him

Julio Franco has officially retired from baseball. The man hadn't played this year, but was able to suit up for 55 games last year. Oh did I mention he's 49 as of this year. He had a 23 year career. And the amazing thing is he is actually fitter than half the league and quicker than many others as well.
Congratulations Julio!

Captial Punishment Revisited

I'm pretty sure that I could turn my back while this grandma broke off a switch and taught this child to hate "doing bad things".

How about you?
Would a good spanking be in order here?

Tada Jada

I'm up late watching the second season of Doogie Howser M.D., and Jada Pinkett just showed up. She's in the hospital to have her leg operated on, and Ray [the former gang banger who held Doogie and Vinnie hostage in a gas station (season 1) turned hospital orderly...or course] is hitting on her.

Oh holy crap...Julius Erving just showed up in a Doogie daydream....Awesome!

She's no John Mayer....

...but ain't that cool?!

Plus I dig her name...Kaki King.

Sometimes...

Sometimes my job requires me to ear t-shirts with rainbows on it. [that was my day]
Anyone have any good job leads?

"How did one group get to claim refracted light?"
- Demetri Martin

Sanitized

The Deuce asked me to blog about some utensils he recently had the pleasure of using. I told him to post about it on his blog, but apparently he's a girly-man and "can't find the time"-blah-blah-blah. Seriously man it takes just a few minutes out of your day.

But I'll post it for him anyways....

I hate getting dirty silverware at a restaurant, but I can't stand not having holy-sanitized-silverware. Thankfully the good people some eatery in Austin not only properly washed these utensils but then put them in this handy-dandy baggy thingy. I'm especially thankful for this because I do not like my silverware being exposed to the elements.

But then they go a little further and on these handy-dandy baggy thingy-s they printed three prayers. Because worse than un-sanitized silverware is forks and knives that God personally has not been invited to bless. I like to think that what these prayers are for, blessings for holy-sanitized silverware. Because whoever would possibly take the time to appreciate these prayers probably will already ask a blessing over their dinner.

But going one more mile still...there is three prayers on these handy-dandy baggy thingy-s . One for Protestants, one for Catholics and one Jewish prayer. Again I'm just assuming, but I believe this to be because you never know which group's silverware the Great I Am will be personally be watching over.

Why I Love Sports

This is a great story. After 5'2'' Sara Tucholsky hit her very first home run every she forgot to step on first bases. As she made the quick turn back towards the bag her right knee blew out. She crawled through the pain back to first. However for her homerun to count, she had to complete the trip around the bases without her teammates help.
Only one solution could be found, and that was by the first baseman of the opposing team. Members of the visiting team lifted up Sara Tucholsky and carried her around the bases, pausing at each to let Sara make the appropriate touch.
FYI - Sara's team won! It was the losing team (who were knocked out of the tournament, ending their season) that showed her amazing honor.

Double Feature

Today I took a sick day and except for a quick visit with the insurance adjuster I chilled at home and enjoyed a double feature at the local matinee house...er I mean my couch.
Here's what I watched:

Question

and

If Metropolis is to Manhattan what is Gotham City?
I assume some people will say Chicago but I disagree.
And I base this thought solely on the idea that as often as Batman and Superman interact, specifically within the Justice League Organization that they cannot live to far from one another.
Now the argument can be made that at Superman's speed distance doesn't play into the equation. Maybe...but distance would get in the way with the amount of time they are able to interact.
Therefore based on the size of the city depicted in the comics and movies I would suggest that Gotham City is an east coast city, and more specifically some New England city.
I have two guesses:
(#1) Boston - Bruce Wayne's wealth would fit this city that everyone outside of hates.
(#2) Newark - Everyone knows that New Jersey is a haven for the low lifes found in abundance in Batman's everyday.


Those are my suggestions...how about you?
If Metropolis is to Manhattan... then Gotham City is to _____________

Uno

Check this out!












I'm sure this will cause a few hundred more deaths per week, but sweet Lord...I want one!!
I have no clue how fast it goes, but is does have two wheels for some stability.
Also it runs on electricity...so I assume I'll be pulling mine up Leo and Tobey at the stop light.

Gift Ideas

As the big 3-0 anniversary of my life approaches (only 4 months to go) I thought I should offer up gift ideas, because I know you'll are planning on big purchases.


















bedfan only $79.99














wall desk only $655.00











folding bike only $164














bottle cap tripod only $10.99



















aquatic climbing wall only $7999.95 (I'll also need a pool with this)

Thanks! I promise to share.
-t-

Scariest...

...Commercial Ever!!!!

New Poster

"she's just being Miley"

A little over a week ago I was on one of my trips to or from work (can't remember which) and a song came over radio. It was a typical pop song that music elitist will instantly and snobbishly reject and criticize, before tossing out band names and artist that they know to be musically superior and untarnished by the trappings of commercialism. [These are also the people who proudly tout their hybrid vehicles or their outstanding gas mileage - proud of their green lifestyles – but never recycle...irrelevant and disingenuous...just joking...sorta]. The vocals surging through my speakers were raspy – or were they husky? – and with a slight hint of southern twanginess. And I have to confess I actually enjoyed the song and so I turned up the volume and gave the song a little more attention. Who was singing?...Miley Cyrus.

I was surprised too.

I can’t say I’ve never seen her show, because before my sisters were college bound they often left the family TV turned to the Disney channel. So I’ve seen parts of her show and of course I’m not ignorant so I’ve heard of her, but I couldn't’t really tell you anything. And despite my assumptions I was actually impressed.

From that point I’ve paid attention a little more, especially when I hear that she’s dedicating her youtube clips to Jesus and making other bold open confessions of faith (more than I can say for any previous pop princess…Jessica Simpson having a former Baptist youth pastor for a dad doesn’t really say anything in and of itself…)

I know my niece Halie loves her and I’ve perused the young girls clothing sections in search of Hannah Montana gear (not something I plan on doing again without a female buffer…you get strange looks from shopping mommas).

And because she’s been known for her strong role model status in a current culture dying of role model dehydration I’ve even prayed for her and her family, knowing that our media has a way of chewing up and spitting out individuals in pursuit of the all important American dollar.

So I find it disheartening today to find her having to apologize for indiscreet photos taken. I don’t make it a practice to post photos of topless 15-year-olds on this blog, but after some deliberation I assumed everyone who reads this probably has already seen it or would find it easily.

And I don't know who it is that I'm upset with. Miley for the poor choice. Her parents who were at the shoot and allowed the photo. Vanity Fair for printing/posting it. Or Annie Leibovitz for talking/coercing Miley into and taking the photo.

Now certainly these don't excuse her other mishaps on her myspace, but I don't seem to really blame her for having the naivety of a 15-year-old. She's making poor adolescent decisions much like every adolescent I know, her's are just made on a national stage.

I met another 15-year-old this week who told me that she was just coming back to church and that she had recently gotten herself into trouble. Later I found out that as her parents were going through a separation they found out that she was trying certain drugs and sexually active. So I'm not quite worried about Miley yet.

Personally I think the above photo isn't very attractive. To me the photo portrays Miley as one of Heath Ledger's Joker cronies from the new movie (the red lipstick I think). But I'm not stupid enough to believe that Annie Leibovitz, Vanity Fair and whoever else involved with the photo wasn't trying to sex up the Miley image no matter how many times they try to say it was an artistic attempt.

And this "artsy" attempt, at least to me and even in light of Annie Leibovitz's distinguished career, feels to be just as much exploitation as what the we have seen from a west Texas compound.

I feel like I'm rambling. I suppose what's tumbling and turning in my head tonight is that this young lady has some serious pressures in her life. And the students I interact with on a weekly basis are under the all kinds of pressures and expectations as well...

...and my only answer is to pray.

I'm not really sure what to pray for, but I'll keep on.

Hilarious

This really made me laugh. Even more than the actual 911 call, the off screen reporter who is cracking up to the chagrin of the lead anchor.

Quote

I quote this all the time and people star at me blankly...well let me rephrase that...while people star at me blankly I often quote from this clip.
I just repeat over and over...
Maybe by posting it'll get stuck in some others heads too.

Coming Soon

I am really looking forward to this May. Two reason on my calender jump out immediately.
1) May 22, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull. I've already taken off from work.
and
2) Ill be able to wear this...This is my pass for May 7th's annual Food Show. Numerous food distributors will set up booths with the intention of selling their products to food vendors (restaurants, schools, etc) buy having chefs prepare samples of the food.
It's hard to imagine so I'll be taking pictures for you. I like to loiter around the seafood booths and enjoy the piles of shrimp.
So awesome!

Radical Forgiveness

One of the things that I really try to live (it's hard) and what I constantly speak into the lives of the students I work is to learn to forgive.
That sounds so easy, but I know so many students and adults who are so imprisoned by the anger and bitterness of past hurts.
- someone posted hurtful lies about them on the internet
- their dad wasn't the best dad
- their boyfriend decided to break up with them
- a friend owes another some money and is struggling to pay it back
- a couple experiences a divorce
- a business plan fall apart
I know when I haven't let something go, how it consumes my time and floods my thoughts, and drains my energy and steals my joy. And nowhere in the midst of that is there the joy of the Lord.
I saw this video a while back and it seems to be a great example of what it means to practice radical forgiveness. Forgiveness that goes out of the way to explain and demonstrate that love conquers all.
I think I better make some phone call tomorrow.

A little background: A church plant, called Kinetic Church, had a large trailer with much of their weekend service materials stolen. The church and it's pastor rented billboards all across the city in order for whoever stole the trailer to see this video:

What tells me even more that our world is in need of of absolute forgiveness is how some responded to this video, questioning if it was the right decision.
What would happen if extreme forgiveness became the norm for Christians and not the occasional?

This Sucks

So I drive a small affordable Kia Sportage. Four doors, decent gas mileage. It's not my dream vehicle (I love the Honda Elements...I know...practical), but it works. A couple of years ago I was involved in a small fender bender, where the other car gained a few scratches while I had my bumper ripped off by his rear license plate.
A repair shop was able to replace it and make it look all new. Yeah.
Then tonight I was driving home, or rather from work to my community group when suddenly there was some very strong vibrations from the car. Because of construction I could not immediately pull over so I began coasting to the next exit. Right before I reached the exit, BOOM, slappity, slappity, slap slap. I applied the brakes and came to a halt right as the mouth of the exit ramp. A couple deep breaths to calm myself down only made me painfully aware of the exploded rubber smell below my driver side window. I carefully hopped out and here is what I saw.The tread on my tires had come apart and began slapping around my wheel well like a crack head woman.
I carefully changed my tire by leaning over the front hood, cars zooming past narrowly avoiding me.
This weeks been kind of crappy and this is a great way to cap it off, except that there is still Friday and Saturday to go. Lord help me.

Who's the greatest!

I was completely surprised that Abbott and Costello weren't at the top of this list.
How about you? Any favorites or surprises?

Fold-In

Be sure to check out these interactive fold-ins mad popular in Mad magazine.

Happy Earth Day

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it..."
Psalm 24:1
"...for the world is mine, and all that is in it."
Psalm 50:12
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3

Today I both recycled and spent some time in worship. We all have to do our part.
-t-

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

Comment

Someone (going by the name anonymous) posted a comment on a previous post of mine that is completely insane.
You can read it HERE.
If any of you can figure out what in the world it's about I would love to know.

Good For Her

This is a great photo. While I don't typically watch racing or keep up with racing news (I leave that to my 3 year old nephew), but this is just pretty darn cool. A honest historic moment in women's role in sports.
And I don't just think this because she is super cute...at least I don't think I do...cause seriously she's super cute!
I'm sure she'll be on Letterman this week (Letterman owns the racing team Danica drives for, at least I think she still is)...which means I'll definitely be watching Letterman this week.

You Probably Guessed...

but I post videos when I have nothing to say.

Trapped

This would freak me out.

Safe!

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One thing I love about baseball is how in the midst of the mundane ordinary comes something legends are made of.

Embracing Simplicity

Thanks

The Blessing of Baptism

My former professor Mark Moore recently posted this on his blog.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Blessing of Baptism

1. It is the only religious ordinance (that I know of), that deals with guilt and shame equally at the same time. In the East, shame is the big issue--not measuring up to communal expectations. In the West, guilt is the primary issue, having crossed a line individually. Consider the wisdom of God to give us a practice that is capable of dealing with both our sociological and spiritual needs at once and across all cultural divides.

2. This 'enacted sinner's prayer' is far more memorable than any articulated prayer. Ask how many people remember what they 'said' when they converted; then ask how many remember where, when, and how they were baptized? God knows we are tactile. This is the perfect gift to help us remember our beginnings.

3. Furthermore, this 'sinner's prayer' is always said correctly. It is about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. You CAN NOT DO IT WRONG! I need that with all the stupid things I say.

4. It starts our Christian walk right. We begin by imitating Jesus in his salvific act. It brings us to 'dead' center in our theology so that our beginning in Christ aims at the core of Christianity as well as our ultimate destiny of resurrection.

5. The Scriptures bind together this gift with the promise of a cleansed conscience and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I want that!

I'm not so stricken with the question of 'only one way to convert'. I suspect God is far more creative than we give him credit for. However, given these five blessings of baptism, it boggles my mind why anyone would be contentious in refusing such a gift directly from the hand of Jesus, especially when it models the self-abnegation he enjoined on his disciples.

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What do you think?
-t-

Great Photo

From Monday night I believe.
FYI - He beat the tag. The go ahead run.

49ers 2008 Schedule

Week 1            Sunday, Sept 7^th           vs. Arizona

Week 2            Sunday, Sept 14^th         at Seattle

Week 3            Sunday, Sept 21^st         vs. Detroit

Week 4            Sunday, Sept 28^th         at New Orleans

Week 5            Sunday, Oct 5^th            vs. New England

Week 6            Sunday, Oct 12^th          vs. Philadelphia

Week 7            Sunday, Oct 19^th          at New York Giants

Week 8            Sunday, Oct 26^th          vs. Seattle

Week 9            Bye Week

Week 10          Monday, Nov 10^th        at Arizona

Week 11          Sunday, Nov 16^th         vs. St. Louis

Week 12          Sunday, Nov 23^rd         at Dallas

Week 13          Sunday, Nov 30^th         at Buffalo

Week 14          Sunday, Dec 7^th            vs. New York Jets

Week 15          Sunday, Dec 14^th          at Miami

Week 16          Sunday, Dec 21^st          at St. Louis

Week 17          Sunday, Dec 28^th          vs. Washington

Held Hostage

I’ve probably just seen too many bank heist movies but I can’t help wanting to be part of a bank robbery. And it seems that bank robberies currently are all the rage. I can think of several recent heist movies:

· Ocean’s movies

· The Italian Job

· Inside Man

· The Bank Job

I also read a great article in last week’s Sports Illustrated on the largest cash robbery by a team that included a former UFC fighter.

Now I don’t think I’d want to be apart the actually holding up of the bank or be involved in the criminal aspects of the robbery. While I talk a big game I don’t particularly like physically hurting people just for the sport of it. Um…that’s not entirely true. More accurately I don’t particularly like seriously hurting people…squeezing a pressure point until some gives is always fun. However I will say that if I were going to be a part of a heist gang I would like the atmosphere to light and jovial. Because those movies where it’s always serious, the heist always ends with multiple deaths and failed robberies. But the movies where the atmosphere is filled with laughter and friendliness things just seem to work out.

Although I do think I’d have a knack for this type of activity. For some reason it is really important to me to know exactly where things are in a bank. For instance, today I took the deposit from work to the bank. As soon as I enter I know where all five cameras are that are pointed towards the door. There is a sixth camera that covers the rest of the small lobby. I also know how many ladies work at said bank, and would have to assume there might be one or two more in the back. I’ve seen inside the vault. I know the busy and slow times of the day. And I know where they keep their jar of lollipops, of which I prefer the root beer flavor.

I don’t see myself going into law enforcement either, so a negotiator or S.W.A.T. team member is out of the question. A bank security man doesn’t seem to appeal to me either. Expect for said robbery you’re usually just sitting around all day. Plus being in bank security and wanting to be apart of a bank robbery seem to be in direct conflict. I suppose one could be the bank security man and be a part of the heist gang, but that seems like twice as much work.

Also I don’t see myself having the type of influence that can alternately bring about resolution to this type of activity. I’m thinking here of Jodie Foster’s character in Inside Man. I bring her character up mainly because this affords me the opportunity to say that Jodie Foster looked really hot in that movie. Maybe it has to do with her long straight hair or her great legs…I don’t know, but either way she’s never looked that good to me before. (fyi…I’m watching The Brave One tonight)

Now a hostage has some potential for excitement and, in case of a long stand off, free pizza and subs. If someone is waving a gun around at me I think I can obey orders. But I think I’d also have enough courage and awareness that if one of the gunmen was not paying attention or distracted I’d do what I could to take him out. Now I’m not saying I’d be heroic or somehow have illusions of grandeur, I have seen Die Hard and know that fighting back will get your t-shirt dirty and you may lose your shoes. But I think I’d also like being a hostage for the fact that when the conflict is resolved I could write a book about the experience that would be #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for a few weeks and then I could sell the rights to the story and maybe have some small role in the movie. Hmmm…maybe a few illusions.

If you are looking for a good heist movie I can also recommend these to you:

• Dog Day Afternoon
• Reservoir Dogs
• Bottle Rocket
• Ronin
• The Score
• A Fish Called Wanda
• How to Steal a Million
• The Thomas Crown Affair (I’m talking about the original with Steve McQueen, the newer one with Bronson and Russo sucked and unfortunately there is a sequel coming out)
• The Usual Suspects
• Heat
• Bonnie and Clyde
• The Getaway (I liked both the McQueen/MacGraw more than the Baldwin/Basinger, but both are good)
• the Die Hard movies

And these are few more than I want to watch:

• Dog Day Afternoon (I know, I know…how have I not seen this?)
• Sexy Beast (Kingsley is supposed to be brilliant in it)
• The Killings
• Flawless
• RocknRolla (directed by Madonna’s Guy)