Post #93 The End to a Christian America?

I came across this article by Newsweek writer, Jon Meacham. It focuses on the shift in perceived power of the political Christian movement. There are some great quotes, but here is a taste:

There it was, an old term with new urgency: post-Christian. This is not to say that the Christian God is dead, but that he is less of a force in American politics and culture than at any other time in recent memory. To the surprise of liberals who fear the advent of an evangelical theocracy and to the dismay of religious conservatives who long to see their faith more fully expressed in public life, Christians are now making up a declining percentage of the American population.

Kathleen Parker adds to this conversation in this Washington Post article.

If people who call themselves Christians want to see any influence in the culture, then they ought to start following the commands of Jesus and people will be so amazed that they will be attracted to Him. The problem isn't political. The problem is moral and spiritual.... You have the choice between a way that works and brings no credit or money or national attention. Or, a way that doesn't work that gets you lots of attention and has little influence on the culture.

Post #72 "Unemploymentality," the new "Strategery"

Post #70 Stewart destroys Cramer

This is kind of long, but it is worth it.
There are some who refuse to accept Stewart as a legitimate journalist. However, he is one voice in the cacophony of talking heads. Among the suck ups and talking point vomiters Stewart refuses to play either role. Instead, he holds people accountable, to their mistakes and to their arrogance. If only he had a place in politics.

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

by Mark McHugh,
courtesy of Andrew Sullivan

Post #45 Again with the Political Humor...

Post #41 More Political Humor...

Post #39 Political Humor...

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 #31 News/Political Humor...

Post #27 The Enigma That is Andrew Sullivan...

The other site that I visit daily (often multiple times per day) is The Daily Dish "Dish" author, Andrew Sullivan has become a great source of political and social commentary. He also provides a voice to an often voiceless group of people: gay, conservative, and religious.

Because of his seeming enigmatic identity, Sullivan speaks from a position unlike many other writers. His commentary is often focused on social, political, or news-worthy topics. He also features 2 segments that I thoroughly enjoy: "A View From Your Window" (reader submitted photos) and "Mental Health Break" (video clips that remind us that it is ok to laugh once in a while).

Sullivan not only posts nearly every day, he regularly posts 15-20 times per day. He often uses quotes from other articles, interviews, or speeches in order to spur discussion. Although he does not allow for reader comments on each post, he welcomes emails, even posting "Dissent of the Day" when differing opinions warrant attention.

Check out The Daily Dish and see if you are not inspired, challenged, or both.

Post #24 The Missing Link...

This experiment is closing in on the end of its first month. The challenge is to write one post for every day of the year. I have missed a few days, here and there, but have been able to catch up. It is not east, as I sometimes get lazy and other times just forget. But, I think it is a good thing to give my brain the shot of creativity that it craves.

For this post, I want to give a few links to other sites/blogs that I visit regularly. I hope you find them enjoyable.

Church Marketing Sucks

Finding Rhythm - Zach Lind

Post Secret

PoMo Musings - Adam Walker Cleveland

Pundit Kitchen - Funny Political Pictures (May have questionable material)

LOSTCasts The only LOST podcast worth listening to

Post #11 1440 minutes

The bleeding heart liberal in me hates this show: the violence, torture, fear-mongering. But I am drawn to the story of Jack Bauer like a moth to a flame. I don't know if it is the concept: 24 episodes, each one hour in the life of America's hero. I don't know if it is the action. I don't know if it is the story. But something draws me to it.

Anyway, after a long hiatus, the show comes back tonight. My DVR is set, can't wait to sit down tomorrow to watch.

Post # 3 All in my head

So this is only the third post, and I am getting it online after 10:00pm. This is going to be more difficult than I originally thought. I have to sit down and arrange my thoughts for posting, but as for now I will shed light on some things I am thinking about with hopes to put flesh on these bones at later dates.

1. I have been thinking about teachable moments lately. My degree in Biblical Studies is not being put to much use lately and I think I am going to need an outlet soon.

2. Michelle's website is a lot of fun for me. She has been taking great photos and I get to write the code and figure out how to display them in a semi-professional manner.

3. To revisit the last post: I miss making music on a regular basis.

4. I need to read more often. Maybe I can post thoughts about some of the books I have on my "to-read list".

Well, I know that this may not be that exciting. But trust me, it will get better. As I find my rhythm, I will focus on controversial topics, theology, politics, and pop-culture. However, right now, it is still all in my head.

Don't threaten to move, just do it!

Republicans and Christianists who do not think they can help unite our nation under our new President, should stop threatening to move, and just do it!

At this moment, we have a choice. We can admit that the direction of the country has not been consistent with the needs of the majority of the county. We can admit that our economy, education, housing market, job security, and positive worldwide political influence have all suffered under the Bush administration.

We can decide to be angry, scared, bitter, crass, immature, or unhelpful.

OR

We can choose to get behind our new leader. We can choose to unite and heal, to do what is good and right for our nation and for the world. We can drop arrogance and ignorance. We can choose to give each other the chance for a better future. We can choose to give our children and their children the opportunity to grow up in a nation that says, "We can achieve great things."

So, if you honestly believe that you cannot help unite our nation under President Obama, please, do the rest of us a favor. Stop making idle threats of moving to Mexico, Canada, or Australia, and just move. We want your help, but if you won't give it, then please don't be an obstacle.

Been a little busy lately...

Sorry for the lack of posts. Michelle and I have been house hunting. You can follow along at Our 1st House.

I have been reading several books over the past few months, become obsessed with all things political, and have been brainstorming music and writing. If I can just get disciplined enough to post here I will share some of my thoughts.

Olbermann nails it...

Andrew Sullivan beat me to it, but I will post it here too.

Sit through the whole thing. This is a classic Olbermann rant.

"This, Senator Clinton, is your campaign, and it is your name. Grab the reins back from whoever has led you to this precipice, before it is too late. Voluntarily or inadvertently, you are still awash in this filth. Your only reaction has been to disagree, reject, and to call it regrettable. Her only reaction has been to brand herself as the victim, resign from your committee, and insist she will continue to speak. Unless you say something definitive, Senator, the former Congresswoman is speaking with your approval. You must remedy this. And you must… reject… and denounce… Geraldine Ferraro," - Keith Olbermann

Politics, Schmolitics

I haven't blogged for quite a while. One of the reasons is that most of my free time has been spent reading, watching, and otherwise ingesting anything I can get my hands on that has to do with the presidential primaries. I have tried to refrain from discussing politics simply because I know it can be a very touchy subject. But since I have often discussed religion (the other topic you don't talk about), I figure "what harm can come from it."

So here are some things that I have been thinking about regarding the campaigns so far:

On the Republican side; I have to hand it to Mike Huckabee. Even thought he knew that there was a better chance of water turning to wine...wait, he's a baptist...water turning to grape juice, He stayed in the race in order to...I think there was a point to him staying in the race. I mean, he ended the race with less delegates than Willard "Mit" Romney, and Romney dropped out nearly a month sooner. Well whatever the point was, Huckabee was dedicated to it and saw it through until John McCain had enough delegates to secure the nomination.

Speaking of Senator McCain; I can't figure out while Republicans don't like this guy. He represents everything that is the Republican party: old, rich, white, angry, male. Oh, and he is the biggest war hawk in the race. If I was old, rich, and angry, I might even consider him myself.

Ok, on to the Democrats; I definitely lean to the left. I have never voted for a Republican, but I try to remain open-minded enough to at least consider the candidate regardless of their party affiliation, and thus consider myself an independent. However, I am frustrated with the Democrats. The campaigns have been mud-slinging, finger-pointing, and out right lying throughout the process. Ultimately, they are just providing the GOP with enough ammo to get them through the first few months of the post-nomination run up to November.

Let me talk about Senator Clinton; She is a really good legislator. She has worked diligently on many projects and has the type of personality suited to creating and formalizing laws. However, she does not have the executive experience that is necessary to lead our nation. She cites the experience gained from her time in the White House as First Lady as bona fide experience. However, when she does this, she focuses only on the positive aspects of former President Clinton's tenure. For example, NAFTA was initiated under Bill Clinton's presidency. This is the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that allowed hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of jobs to leave the United States to move across the borders (in order to save money for the company at the expense of US employees). NAFTA is something she tries to distance herself from. All in all, Senator Clinton does not have much more experience than her opposition, Senator Obama.

Speaking of Obama; I won't lie, the man is inspirational. He is able to give me something I have not had regarding our government in a very long time: HOPE. However, hope alone will not help the economy rebound, hope alone will not fix our broken health system, hope alone will not secure our borders or bring jobs back to the US. But hope does gather people, it inspires people, it motivates people. Senator Obama is known for his ability to unite people from both sides of the parties. He was able to pass bi-partisan ethics reform when no one wanted to tackle that subject.

Finally, let me add something about email rumors. If you believe emails simply because someone you know sent it to you, you are not helping anyone. You may as well believe the tabloid newspapers at the grocery store that predict the end of the world, or that bat-boy was seen in a Missouri town. The credibility of forwarded emails is terribly lacking. Do everyone (including yourself) a favor and fact check emails before blindly mass emailing people. Use Snopes or a credible news source to verify the info.

Let me defend the candidates a bit: McCain is not the father of an illegitimate black child, but is the adopted father of a Bangladeshi born daughter. He is a respected war-hero and dedicated public servant.

Barack Obama is not a Muslim, no matter how many emails your aunt sends you. He is a Christian. He is not unpatriotic, no matter how many pictures are taken out of context. He selflessly serves this country.

Hillary Clinton is not a cyborg that runs on the energy created from burning puppies. It is simply not true. She is, however, a gifted organizer and determined change-agent.

I will post more on each candidate as time allows. As for now, go delete some of those emails you have been thinking about sending.