Post #58 The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing...

by Mark McHugh,
courtesy of Andrew Sullivan

Post #57 Pagan Christianity?

I am reading a book that has been on my shelf for quite some time. It is written by trend tacker, George Barna and house church pioneer, Frank Viola. The focus is on the ancient roots of Christianity--the roots that actually have no biblical basis--the roots that take foot in the ground of the other faiths and religions that have been assimilated by Christianity over the past 2000 years.

The introductory chapter starts with the following quote:

There is perhaps nothing worse than reaching the top of the ladder and discovering that you're on the wrong wall.
-Joseph Campbell, Twentieth-Century American Writer

This is an appropriate place to start this book. The assumption is not that Christianity in message is the wrong wall, but perhaps Christianity in method might be. The way we have been living out the lessons and examples of Jesus may be counterproductive to what He intended with those lessons and examples. It is not that Christianity is in question, it is the possible misrepresentation of Christ that is.

The writers describe a silent revolution in which devotees are leaving old, accepted ways of "doing church" for even older approaches. They explain,

The heart of the Revolutionaries is not in question. There is ample research to show that they are seeking more of God. They have a passion to be faithful to His Word and to be more in tune with His leading. They ardently want their relationship with the Lord to be their top priority in life. They are tired of the institutions, denominations, and routines getting in the way of a resonant connection with Him. They are worn out on the endless programs that fail to facilitate transformation. They are weary of being sent off to complete assignments, memorize facts and passages, and engage in simplistic practices that do not draw them into God's presence.

The writers then tell us what this book is really all about:

This book will challenge you to consider making more significant changes in they way you practice your faith. Altering the ways in which we worship is no simple task. When people suggest significant changes in some of the hallowed practices, cries of "heretic" can be heard coming from all directions. Such protest is common largely because people have little knowledge of the true foundations of their faith.

And finally, Barna and Viola conclude,

That's where this book comes in. Rather than foster continued resistance to methodological innovations, it's time that the body of Christ get in touch with both the Word of God and the history of the church to arrive at a better understanding of what we can and should do--as well as what we cannot and should not do.

The writers follow this introduction by examining several aspects of "church", deeply analyzing the origins and primary practices that birthed the traditions and sacred cows of today.

The following list highlights the proceeding chapters:
-Have we really been doing it by the book?
-The church building
-The order of worship
-The sermon
-The pastor
-Sunday morning costumes
-Ministers of music
-Tithing and clergy salaries
-Baptism and the Lord's Supper
-Christian education
-Re-approaching the New Testament
and finally,
-A second glance at the Savior

It is important to note, that although I might disagree with some of the things the writers have to say, I do believe it is important for leaders in the church and followers of the faith to understand where our traditions come from and why they became traditions. It is healthy to examine our lives.

As I finish each chapter, I will post some thoughts. Constructive comments are welcomed.

Post #56 LOST Revelation Thursday...

Lostpedia link for this episode.

Last night's episode: The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham
Primary Focus Character: John Locke (aka Jeremy Bentham)
Secondary Focus Character: Benjamin Linus

We find out that the Ajira flight 316 did crash land on the island. Several people congregate on the beach as Caesar, one of the only passenger from the flight seated with our LOSTies, is rooting through an office in the Hydra DHARMA station.
He appears to know what he is looking for.

The woman who had Sayid in custody, Ilana, tells Ceasar that someone is on the beach who was not on the plane. In a scene reminiscent of Luke in Jabba's chamber, we see a cloaked Locke reveal himself. We see two canoes and Ilana explains that the pilot and a woman took a third canoe and left without saying anything to anyone.

Off the island, Locke finds himself in Tunisia after turning the "frozen donkey wheel." A group of men picks him up and takes him to a makeshift hospital to treat his broken leg. Here we see Matthew Abaddon and Charles Widmore.

Widmore sets Locke up with a fake passport and provides Abaddon as a driver. He send Locke on his way to persuade the O6 to come back to the island with him.

Locke visits all of the O6 with no luck. He visits a much older Walt who tells Locke that he has been having dreams about him. Locke also visits the grave of his dear Helen. This is where Abaddon is gunned down and Locke, in a rush to flee is in an accident.

After leaving the hospital, Locke feels like a failure: alone and worthless. He writes Jack a note and proceeds to hang himself. But, as he is about to step off the table, Locke is interrupted by Ben, who has tracked him down. Ben talks Locke down from the table, but when Locke explains that they should find the woman, Eloise Hawking, Ben appears visible stunned. He grabs the cord and chocks Locke to death. He then stages the scene as if it was a suicide and takes Jin's wedding ring.

Back on the island, Locke finds Caesar, who shows him several of the people who had been hurt in the crash. They stop at one bed where Caesar asks if Locke knows the man in the bed. Locke answers that he was "the man who killed me." The man is Ben Linus.

Questions:
* How many survived the crash of Flight 316?
* How and why did John Locke return to life?
* What was Caesar looking for in the Hydra office?
* How did Danielle's map of the Island end up at the Hydra station?
* How did Daniel's map to the Tempest end up in the Hydra station?
* Where did Lapidus and the woman go on the boat?
o Who was this woman?
* Why was the surveillance camera at the "exit" not present in 2005 when Ben left the Island?
* Was Charles Widmore telling the truth about his past leadership of The Others?
o If so, how did Ben force him off the Island?
* Why was Walt having dreams about John's future?
* Why did Ben kill Locke?
* Why did Locke seemingly trust Ben again after the warning from Christian/Jacob?

Crazy Theory:
I believe that the original LOSTies somehow "flashed" out of the plane and entered the island circa 1960, while the other passengers of Ajira 316 crashed on the island circa 2008-9.

Post #55 The importance of 316...

Another LOST post...

I think the title of the episode is important not just to the Ajira flight, and not just because the episode aired on the day when only 316 days were left in our year. The importance of the title is specific to the "suicide note."



When considering that John is presumed to have written the note, we must also consider the Biblical reference: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The importance is John's note simply saying "I wish you had believed me."

There is significant allusion to salvation and redemption being attainable IF they had only believed John from the beginning.

I think all of this falls into a previous post I made regarding John's role as "Christ-figure". When his body is "resurrected" on the island, and he brings peace to that place, we will see his ministry come full circle.

Post #54 Great Opening Title Sequences...

Some tv shows have great opening title sequences. I found a link to some of the best out there. They left a few of my favorites off, but the list definitely has some great ones: Dexter, Mad Men, and True Blood.

Check it out here

Post #53 And the winner is...

Post #52 On the tube...

Anyone who has been reading my postings lately knows that I am a huge fan of the show LOST. However, there are some other shows that have occupied my time. I finished "The Wire" about a month ago. It is unfortunate that I only learned about this show after it had finished its final season.

Such is the case for "The Shield." I am about to start the sixth season. I love stories about police officers who have become jaded and corrupt. This goes back to a previous post about why I love the Jack Bauer character from "24." Another show that I look forward to watching when it returns in March is "Rescue Me."

My father was a fire fighter. So the story of "Rescue Me" is one I understand: the hero at work who cannot save his family. Not that my dad was all that bad, but I saw it in other fire fighters. I also saw the dedication to the job that my dad had. IT is interesting to see it on a tv show.

Post #51 Lost Revelation Thursday...

Here is the link to the Lostpedia article for last night's episode: 316

Although this was a good episode, it was most likely a "filler" episode that is necessary in order to set up a much larger part of the story. However, there are a few questions that come to mind and maybe even a theory.

- Who built The Lamppost?
Who was the group originally interested in the Island?Who did the equations?
- What is Desmond's remaining purpose with the Island?
- Why does Locke need to serve as a proxy for Christian?
- What was Ben's loose end? What happened to make him bloody and beaten?
- What happened to Aaron? Why doesn't Kate want Jack to know?
- Why doesn't Aaron have to return to the Island as well?
- What was Sayid arrested for? Why go to Guam?
- How did Hurley hear about the flight? Why did he bring a guitar case?
- Did Ben and Frank go back to the Island as well?
- What happened to the other passengers on the plane?

Big Reveal: Jin in a DHARMA jumpsuit.

Theories:
- Charlotte learns Korean as child from Jin. Then she needs it in order to speak to Jin 20-something years later.

- Ben's loose end was going after Penny. He told Charles that he would kill her for the death of Alex.

- Hurley was "told" to get on that plane by Charlie.

Post #50 A quote...

The test is not whether someone loves you because of who you are, rather if they love you in spite of who you are.

Post #49 Demotivators, part 3

Post #48 Demotivators, part 2

Post #47 Demotivators, part 1

Post #46 Early Works

I am a huge movie geek. I love crime dramas and sci-fi the best, but I can go for an action flick or even a decent comedy every once in a while. I found a site that has the works of several influential film-makers before they made it big. Scorsese, Kubrick, Lynch, P.T. Anderson, and Lucas to name a few. You can watch several of them in their entirety. If you are a movie geek, check it out.

The Hollywood Saloon

Post #45 Again with the Political Humor...

Post #44 More on My iPod...

I wanted to come back to my posting about the music on my iPod. So, let me introduce you to some of the artists that have been playing when I am not busy listening to podcasts.

Ray Lamontagne - Gossip in the Grain.
I have been a fan of Lamontagne for some time. His first couple of albums, "Trouble" and "Till the Sun Turns Black" truly display some great songwriting. This new album explores some new artistic areas for Lamontage. Give this one a listen.

Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You.
Allen returns to her trademark: catchy tunes, kitschy lyrics, and and vulgar displays of profanity. All of that aside, I have a slight crush on this Brit. If you want a distraction from radio, check out Lily Allen.

Bitter:Sweet - Drama.
I have been a fan of "trip-hop" for many years. The coma-inducing grooves and multi-layered musical experience is sure to help you forget the money you lost in the market or the increasing size of your credit card debt.

New music; check them out.

Post #43 Lost Revelation Thursdays...

Instead of doing a synopsis of the episode, I will just point to my primary resource on all things LOST: Lostpedia.com. Specifically, I will point to the page for this episode: This Place is Death.

Instead of a synopsis, I want to discuss a couple of theories and pose a few questions.

Most epic stories have a character that is referred to as the "Christ-figure." The "Christ Figure is a spiritual or prophetic character who parallels Jesus, or other spiritual or prophetic figures...Christ figures are often martyrs, sacrificing themselves for causes larger than themselves. Wikipedia article.

I believe that this week's episode is the true beginning of John Locke's role as Christ-figure. Here are my thoughts:

- Jesus ministers to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. This is an example of his ministry reaching out of his primary area of Jerusalem.
- John begins his journey to save the island and takes his "ministry" out of his primary area, by entering a well...Jacob's Well.

-The story of Jesus at Jacob's Well is recorded in the book of John.
-Do I really need to make this connection?

-Jesus' ministry requires him to sacrifice himself for the salvation of others.
-John's "ministry" requires him to sacrifice himself for the salvation of others, as told to him by Christian Shepherd.

This being said, LOST has led me to consider several crackpot theories in the past.

That leads me to my Crackpot theory of the week:

Daniel is Charlotte's father. She tells him that she has not seen her father since she left the island as a child. Previously, Daniel had expressed that he loved Charlotte. Many viewers believed that Daniel meant this on a romantic level. However, he never implies this and tenderly, compassionately cares for Charlotte, as a father would.

This is probably in left field but I will stick to it until it is proven wrong.

Big Questions:
- What happened to the French men inside the Temple?
- What were the markings on the Temple? What purpose does it serve?
- How did Charlotte know about the well?
- Who are Charlotte's parents?
- When did Daniel see Charlotte as a young girl?
- Is Christian really Jacob, or is Jacob assuming the form of Christian?

Post #42 Earth 911...

I found a site called Earth911. It has several resources for how to be more environmentally aware. There is information about recycling, energy conservation, water usage, fuel efficiency, gardening, and construction. There is also info about government programs and legislative bills so we know what our elected officials are trying to accomplish.

Check out the site:
Earth 911

Post #41 More Political Humor...

Post #40 Workin' it...

We have been doing well with the workouts this week. The past two days we have worked out with the cross trainer and done weight training. Today, because it was 60 degrees out, we decided to go for a run.

Although I am not in my best shape, I feel pretty good. Running is a love-hate relationship for me. I don't want to do it, but once I do, I feel pretty good. To be honest, I hate working out at all. I would be happy to sit on my ever expanding rear end and watch tv all night. But Michelle pushes me to get healthy. Without her, I would be a serious candidate to be a Biggest Loser contestant.

We got a weight bench a week ago. IT was a seriously good deal, retailing for over $100, but on clearance for $29. So this weekend we ordered a bar and weight set. It will be here in a couple weeks. I guess dumbbells will work for now.

Anyway, if we stay on our meal plan and continue to work out well, we should be in decent shape for our trip to Arizona/California in May.

Post #39 Political Humor...

Post #38 A Good Week...

I hate to brag, but man I had a good week. Funny thing is, I have felt like grabage most of the week. I had headaches, toothaches, and earaches Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I think I need to see my dentist soon. But that is definitely for a different post.

So how did we have a good week this week? First, Michelle passed her LISW exam. For those who don't know. That is a test so she can become a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She still needs to get supervision hours completed. But this is a pretty huge milestone for her career.

Then, last yesterday, I was blessed to spend several hours with a couple of my good friends. We met for coffee, then after that ran into lunch, we went to a deli for some grub. It is always refreshing for me to spend time with those guys.

Later that evening, Michelle and I got to spend time with Erica and David. These two are great and we love spending time with them. In fact, we went to Vegas with them back in December. Anyway, last night, we went to P.F. Chang's in West Chester. Now, I am no fan of Chinese food. But I have to admit, I had a great time and my dinner was excellent. Nothing like good food and great friends.

Finally, today, we had an appointment to get our tax work done. Our consultant is a great help when it comes to the tax laws, deductions, and legal stuff. Since we were first time home buyers this past year, we are going to get a good chuck of change back as a return. That money will help pay off one of our cars, which will really help when our student loans are due soon.

Post #37 Washington Wept...

Not much for today. I just wanted to post a pic that I think appropriately sums up our current national situation:

Post #36 LOST Revelation Thursday...

This is a pretty lengthy post, my apologies.

Last night’s episode: “The Little Prince”
Primary Focus Character: Kate/Aaron
Secondary Focus Character: Jack/Sawyer

On Island:
Sawyer, Locke, Juliet, Miles, Charlotte, and Daniel are in the field where the "Others" 1954 camp was before the most recent flash. Charlotte is revived and Locke suggests that the group head to the Orchid station. In order to save time he suggests heading to the beach camp and using the zodiac. After dark, while traveling through the jungle, they see a beam of light emanating from the ground. Recognizing it as the light he saw the night Boone died, coming from the Hatch, Locke takes them in a different direction. Miles notices that he has started having a nose bleed. Sawyer hears screaming and finds Kate assisting Claire as she gave birth to Aaron. The events surrounding the LOSTies originally occurred on November 1, 2004. Sawyer is obviously overwhelmed; the scene ends with another time flash.

After the flash the group makes its way to the beach. It has been ransacked None of the remaining survivors are in the camp and the zodiac is gone. There are a pair of canoes, one containing a water bottle with an Ajira Airways label. The group takes a canoe and makes their way toward the Orchid. The soon realize their are being pursued. As the other boat closes in, and shots are being fired at the LOSTies, another time flash occurs. Because the beach camp had been built, the time of this flash is post-Oceanic crash. However, the time is not easily identified.

The group finds itself in the middle of a storm and makes their way to shore. There they find debris from a recent shipwreck. Juliet realizes that she is now experiencing a nose bleed. Meanwhile, a French-speaking group is seen in an emergency raft fighting the storm. They see someone floating in the water and rescue....dum, dum, dum...Jin. They finally reach the beach and a woman in the group identifies herself as...dum...dum...dum...Danielle Rousseu.

Off Island:
Kate leaves Aaron with Sun at the hotel. Sun receives a package from an unknown source. The package consists of a surveillance report, a box of chocolates with a hidden gun inside, and photos of Jack and Ben in front of the Hoffs-Drawlar funeral home.

Kate meets with the lawyer who came to her house, volunteering she will provide her blood and Aaron's if he will tell her who his client is. He says that she is in no position to bargain and that she will lose custody.

Meanwhile, Jack and Sayid are in the hospital waiting for Sayid to regain his strength. Jack leaves the room to be chewed out for being irrespondible. A nurse comes to give Sayid medication, but Sayid recognizes this as an ambush and moves from the hospital bed just as the nurse attempts to shoot him with a dart gun. After disabling the gunman and choking him, he demands to know who sent him. The man tells him there is an address in his pocket. Sayid then shoots him twice with the dart gun.

Jack's phone rings - Hurley, who is at the county jail in an orange jumpsuit, is very happy. Jack assures him that Sayid is okay. Hurley says to tell Sayid he followed his advice (In "Because You Left", Sayid cautioned Hurley to do the exact opposite of whatever Linus requested of him.). Ben arrives. They get the piece of paper from the attacker's pocket. It has Kate's address. Jack calls Kate and persuades her to tell him where she is. He goes to meet her.

Kate and Jack follow the lawyer from his offices to a motel near LAX. Concluding that his mysterious client must be there, they watch as he goes to a room. When the door opens they see Carol Littleton inside. Concluding that she intends to gain custody of Aaron, Kate attempts to flee, but Jack convinces her to allow him to talk to Ms Littleton. When he does so he discovers that Littleton has no knowledge of Aaron's existence and was in town to settle a lawsuit against Oceanic Airlines. Upon learning this, Jack and Kate go to rendezvous with Ben, unbeknownst to Kate that the lawyer is actually Ben's lawyer as well.

Ben and Sayid meet the lawyer in the police garage where he informs Ben that the charges will be dropped against Hurley and that he should be out by the next morning. When Sayid asks who the man is, Ben says he is his lawyer.

Jack, Kate, Ben and Sayid meet up, but when Kate sees Ben she looks very disturbed. Jack then tells her that Ben is with him and that Ben is there to help them and everyone they left behind. Kate then accuses Ben of trying to take Aaron, Jack dismisses it, but Ben quickly says that Kate is right and apologizes to Jack. Kate then asks Ben why he doesn't just leave her and her son alone, Ben responds to that with 'Because he's not your son, Kate'. It is then revealed that Sun is observing them from a car with Aaron sleeping in the back and her surveillance photos in the passenger seat. She then gets her gun and steps out.

Big Reveals:
Jin is alive.
We see a young Danielle Rousseu and her team.
The name on the side of Ben's van, "Canton Rainier" is an anagram of "reincarnation."

Big Questions:
* What is the nature of the "time sickness"?
* If the "sickness" first strikes individuals who have spent more time on the Island, why are Charlotte and Miles affected?
* What is Ben's motive for separating Aaron from Kate?
* Who were the pursuers in the other boat?
o Were they responsible for ransacking the beach camp?
o What happened to the rest of the survivors?
o When did these events take place?
* Who sent the package to Sun?
* Who was Sayid's assailant at the hospital and why did he have Kate's address?


Thanks to Lostpedia.com

Post #35 On my iPod

I can't go anywhere without my iPod. I listen to it every day on my way to work and on my way home. I rarely listen to "regular radio" anymore. I thought I would share a little of what I am listening to.

First, I subscribe to a lot of podcasts. So, here's what I am listening to:


Mars Hill Bible Church - Rob Bell is the teaching pastor at MHBC. I love his style and he often speaks to my heart.






LOSTcasts - Ran by a team of fans from Austin, Texas, this podcast reviews each episode of LOST. They also provide theories and discuss connections between characters. One of the best parts is the comment section on their website where fans can join in the conversation.






The Official LOST Podcast - Hosted by ABC, the OLP features the creative force behind the show: Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. They answer fan questions and occasionally provide some spoiler info.






Countdown with Keith Olbermann - You either love him or hate him, but KO is my man for political commentary.






SModcast- Presented by filmmaker, Kevin Smith and producer, Scott Mosier. THis one is vulgar, but it is my guilty pleasure. They basically record themselves having a conversation and then put it on the web. It is sometimes incredibly juvenile. Other times, it is somewhat enlightening.

So there we have it. My current list of podcasts. Tomorrow, I will post some of the music I am listening to.

Post #34 100 things about me...

I normally don't do these things, but Michelle sent it to me, and I thought it would make for a good daily post.

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have a scar on my left eyebrow from a pickup basketball game. I got undercut and ended up with 8 stitches. It coincidentally happened on the day my mother passed away. So I have a daily reminder of my mother.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Nothing. Our house is a cape cod, with sloped upstairs ceiling. Haven't quite figured out what to do with that.

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I do all three. I usually snore if really tired or sick.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
I listen to a lot of different types of music, but I loathe country.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
4:30pm I think. My dad would know.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
I just want to be a good person and to make my wife as happy as she can be.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Late night talks over hot chocolate with my mom.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
I am pretty possessive of my guitars. But I would say my prized possession is my degree; it not only cost me a ton of money, but also 13 years.

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
I am just barely 6' tall.

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Not often. We used to go caving in Kentucky. There was one cave that was about a quarter mile long. You had to go through it on your belly and at one point, the ceiling was against your back. It was maybe 2 feet tall for a long portion.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Sometimes

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I cry every time I watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
Getting old

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Mid-length light brown hair with highlights and green eyes. (that's what my wife has right?)

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO AT?
I did the proposing; next to a lake, at night.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Coffee!

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
I'm not picky. Just no mushrooms.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A Texas Roadhouse Filet, medium rare.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
I am a big fan of black.

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
I know that I have, but can't remember when. I think I might have been in jr. high.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Anything from my grandmother.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
Besides my wife? None that I no of. I am sure my wife can think of a few.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Nope. I did dislocate my thumb while skiing a few years ago and it pops out of place occasionally.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
Not really a brand kind of guy. I like anything made in Europe. My Irish souvenirs are great.

25. WHO IS YOUR FAV FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Female: It is difficult to pick one.
Male: I am typically a fan of anything Ed Norton does.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Yep

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
2 dogs: Barkley and Dexter, one satanic cat: Max

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
Maybe

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED.
23

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Typically, brunettes, but whatever color my wife's hair is.

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
"We are the music makers. We are the dreamers of the dreams." - Willie Wonka (the original)

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
Dublin, in any pub, with a pint of Guinness.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Yes.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Insecurity disguised as arrogance.

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
Yeah. A couple of writers and some musicians.

37. FIRST JOB?
My first real job was at a Rax restaurant.

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yeah. I remember making a few.

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
Soulmates seems a little too much like a jr. high girl's dream. I think it is too "destiny" oriented. I think we have several people who we are compatible with.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
I was sleeping, but Michelle asked me to take Dexter out. So now I am doing my daily post.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
No. I have had a few procedures that required me to be under, but I have never been cut with a scalpel.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My glasses get a lot of compliments.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Nope, but I probably should have.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I would love it if Michelle got pregnant. Other than that, I would love home brewery and a drum set.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
2. Names are up for debate.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not really.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Arrogance, I like confidence, but when it comes off as just arrogant, I get turned off.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
I loved my senior year. Working with so many people on the yearbook and newspaper was great.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Never a name brand. I always get a store brand. Right now it is from Target.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Not really.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Maple glazed ham.

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I procrastinate a lot.

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
Not usually.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Maybe, but I would think that I was not very approachable, so maybe not.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
I used to. I am too old for that now.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Sure they matter. You don't want to be with someone you are physically repulsed by. But there are other very attractive qualities. I have met some very physically attractive people who are really ugly inside.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I just hold it in.

59. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
To leave a positive influence on as many people as I can.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Action figures and my basketball.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
Not many. Maybe 25-30.

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
I am too old for Barney. I was definitely a Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers kid.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Nope, I never use sarcasm. It uses me.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Tough choice. I don't eat mashed potatoes often. I do like some mac n' cheese, especially if Ron and Aisa made it.

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
I really just need someone who can tolerate me. It helps if they are kind-hearted.

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
I never really had a nickname. Everyone always just called me "Box."

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER
I would love flying. But if I could go into the future and find out sports scores, then come back and bet on them: that would be freaking awesome!

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
LOST!

69.WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
Kill them with kindness. If that doesn't work, just kill them. haha.

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Plain ole' vanilla.

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
yes.

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
Yes, several

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Work out, watch Biggest Loser.

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?
East or West Coast of US, or anywhere in Ireland.

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
If they want to, that would be cool.

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
News. I am a news junkie.

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Orange Juice

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO THE PHONE?
Michelle.

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I want to say eyes, but it is probably a little south of there.

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Read, play guitar, write, travel, work on project around the house.

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
I have a big problem with ignorance and intolerance. I sometimes see them in myself. That hurts.

82. FAVORITE SEASON?
Fall

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Candy bar: Kit Kat

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
Yeah, my wife. Seriously.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Brown, but I think I see some gray.

86. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

87. SHOE SIZE?
12

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Not really into fast food. I do like Fazoli's a lot.

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Rusty bucket.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
I want to say no, but I haven't really given it a chance.

91. WATCH TV TODAY?
I am right now.

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
I don't really have one.

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
I play guitar and bass. I want to learn drums and piano too.

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
I would like to say that I am an Independent, but I have never voted for a Republican.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Both

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Relationships. Although...never mind.

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
Groceries on Friday. I don't usually but much outside of that.

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?
Not really, I would however, be down with being a house-husband.

99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile.

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE:
Always falling more in love.

Post #33 Down Under...

We bought our house a little less than a year ago. I quickly became a handyman, building a 270 square foot deck and changing lighting fixtures in the house. Recently, we have talked about finishing our basement.

It won't be easy. I am sure we will have to do a little bit at a time. One of the obstacles is the ceiling in the basement. It is 8 inches of reinforced concrete, essentially creating a bomb shelter. Securing headers and footers for walls will be an experience. Wiring electrical boxes will be interesting as well.

I am looking forward to it. It will be an interesting project.

Does anyone have any hints, tips, or trade secrets to share?

Post #32 New Cult Fashion

It's not just the fact that they are basically just backwards bathrobes. It's not the fact that everyone in the commercial seems incredibly happy to wear one. The reason the Snuggie looks like the uniform of a cult has to do with two specific scenes from the commercial:

The Campfire

For some reason, creepy robe plus fire just screams, "Cult Members Welcome!"

The Game

When everyone around them is able to wear reasonable seasonal clothing and appear comfortable while the creepy family wears their matching bathrobes, there is an unsettled sense of strangeness.

Tell me that those people don't worship a comet, live in a commune, and drink poisoned FlaVor-Aid.

Post #31 News/Political Humor...