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 [...]
Entries from May 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Losing An Understanding of the International World
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
This Can Get You Fired: Questioning Bill O’ Reilly
by Ian Ebright
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 [...]
Thursday, May 22, 2008
If Life is a Tightrope, Are You Feeling Off-Balance?
by Ian Ebright
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 [...]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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 [...]
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Faith and Mysticism PART II: Let’s Get High
by Ian Ebright
“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 [...]
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Is This Patriotism: Tough Talk?
by Ian Ebright
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 [...]
Friday, May 9, 2008
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 [...]
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Faith and Mysticism PART I: This Sounds Creepy.
by Ian Ebright
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, [...]
Sunday, May 4, 2008
“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:
Friday, May 2, 2008
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, [...]
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Iraq: mission accomplished, and home in six months?
I just finished reading the newly released ‘Mission Accomplished! Or How We Won The War In Iraq.’ Many remember the President’s infamous visit to the aircraft carrier in May of 2003, where he emerged from a S-3B Viking aircraft wearing a flight suit and later gave a ”victory” speech that was premature to say the least. The title of the book [...]
