Monthly Archives: May 2008
Losing An Understanding of the International World
How much do we really know about the world that lives outside of our nation?
I like this quick presentation by Alisa Miller, who serves as the head of Public Radio International. In the video clip below, she speaks to why Americans know less than we used to about the international community. Miller comes off a little snotty and I don’t care for her inclusion of the IPCC, but the video remains an eye opener. Here it is:
This Can Get You Fired: Questioning Bill O’ Reilly
Bill ‘O Reilly has been chosen to receive the Governor’s Award at this year’s Emmys. Did you know that? I had no idea. This award is the highest honor given out by the committee. One journalist found a more subtle way to share his dissent with others in his field. He then got fired for it. Keep reading →
If Life is a Tightrope, Are You Feeling Off-Balance?
I am not stating anything original when I say that Americans usually have too much to do, and not enough time to do it. It’s a struggle for me to balance the contents of my life. So I use a calender, and load it up with work, errands, time with my wife, writing time, family time, some time with my friends, plus celebrations and special occasions and hopefully a little time for myself, either to relax or to read and reflect. I know reflecting sounds a little pretentious, but I am pretty amazed as I grow older by how many days can pass between moments when I really hear myself and work through those thoughts. I’m not talking about the usual day-to-day, which has us saluting Responsibility as we finish tasks, answer challenges and remember to pick up some mayonnaise on the way home.
Now Hear This: Rob Dickinson’s ‘Fresh Wine for the Horses’
Rob Dickinson was the lead singer of Catherine Wheel. You remember- that four-piece alternative rock act who received an honorary “favorite band ever” trophy during an imaginary ceremony in my head. The guys from Great Yarmouth, England released what is likely the greatest album of all time- ‘Chrome,’ and played a show in Vancouver, BC in support of their fourth album ‘Adam and Eve ‘ which was easily the best concert experience of my life. Is there a pattern forming here?
Faith and Mysticism PART II: Let’s Get High
“What does mysticism really mean? It means the way to attain knowledge. It’s close to philosophy, except in philosophy you go horizontally while in mysticism you go vertically.” – Elie Wiesel
Why do we search for ways to leave the ground, and what do we find once we arrive “up there”?
During times of extended channel surfing, I usually regret stopping for a moment to watch religious cable. I always seem to catch it right in the middle of a worship-athon. It’s that typical scene- an uncomfortably large auditorium full of people with their hands desperately stretched out, and eyes squeezed shut as if God is a genie just waiting to be willed into the room. Some are searching desperately for a sign.
Is This Patriotism: Tough Talk?
Many of our nation’s political figures have become fire-breathing opportunists. They condescendingly point fingers during town hall meetings, or threaten other nations and then smile.
This country used to elect imperfect people who, despite personal flaws and often failed policy- still practiced restraint and favored diplomacy, especially in regards to matters of foreign policy.
Not anymore. In this post 9/11 era, we hear threats far more frequently from our own politicians than even Al Qaeda. Remember what Representative (and ’08 GOP presidential candidate) Tom Tancredo once told a radio show host? He said a Tomcredo presidency would “take out their holy sites” should Islamic terrorists pull off a multi-city nuclear attack on our soil. Yes, he actually clarified that he was talking about bombing Mecca. Way to distinguish between criminals and innocent Saudis, Tom. Innocent until stereotyped, I guess.
To Indiana Jones fans: a spoiler-free warning
After watching the first trailer for ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,’ my excitement quickly turned on me. Everything about this installment seems to be a bit limp, from the action sequences that have a very “stunt show” vibe to them, to the look of it all- which juggles phony CG with overstuffed sound stages.
The film has just screened ahead of the May 22nd release date, and even the most favorable review (so far) claims it to be only the third best of the series (calling ‘The Last Crusade’ the weakest of the bunch, which is a nutty view in my book). However- two other fans are less happy, and here are some spoiler-free excerpts:
Faith and Mysticism PART I: This Sounds Creepy.
Should we welcome, and even search for episodes of elevated spirituality?
Last night I went to Seattle Pacific University to watch two friends of mine- host Dick Staub and pastor Earl Palmer, as they spoke with other experts about author C.S. Lewis and his views on faith and mysticism.
I can’t help but think of levitating spheres, prisms with rainbows and Yanni music when I hear the word ‘mysticism.’ It has been associated with self-righteousness, and many (including myself) are often skeptical about those claiming to have had such experiences. I say this as a Christian, which is admittedly ironic because I believe in God, the supernatural and a Bible which is filled with fantastic and mysterious events. As a person of faith, I still favor an intellectual explanation or a rational argument over the warm fuzzies.
“And here…we…GO” The third Dark Knight trailer has arrived
I’m leaning a little heavily on stuff from The Dark Knight, but The Broken Telegraph is only a week and a half old, and during that time they’ve just kept on releasing more (blaming “them” is so much easier). So if you’re interested in watching the third trailer- which was just released hours ago- look no further: Keep reading →
China completes two record-breaking structures
The People’s Republic of China (such an ironic title given their record on human rights) have finished two structures that are claiming a place in the record books- until Dubai reads it as a taunt.
First up is the world’s longest sea bridge, which links Shanghai to the industrial city of Ningbo. The bridge is a total of 22 miles long, and extends across Hangzhou Bay, cutting the distance between the two cities from roughly 250 miles to about 50 miles. Have another look: Keep reading →
A Pastor on "Church... on A Pastor’s Rebuttal on Church Discipline: Responding to the...
Lee on A Pastor’s Rebuttal on Church Discipline: Responding to the...
Brad Anderson on A Pastor’s Rebuttal on Church Discipline: Responding to the...
Chelsea on Nobody Wants to Talk About the Struggles of Being a Guy in His 30s
Ian Ebright on Mars Hill Seattle, and the Problem of Insulated Churches
M. on Mars Hill Seattle, and the Problem of Insulated Churches