As regular readers will know, the Funky Presbyterian has made no attempt this year to conceal his enthusiasm for Mr. Stevens and his latest, greatest album: Illinoise. Now as the year draws to a close, we can surf the "internets" as G-dub would say, and find our favorite oddly monickered songsmith topping the lists of many critics lists. We should not be surprised.
Here's his place in the standings:
Metacritic: #1
Pitchfork: #1
Pop Matters: #2
Glide: # 4
NPR's All Songs Considered: #1
Rate Your Music: #1
This is not mention the untold number of independant music bloggers who rank him at the top and many more officaly publications where his work is in the top 10 for 2005. Buy it. Buy it now. Stop reading. Get up and go to the store and buy the album. Or... as I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU PEOPLE you can sign up for Emusic and choose this album as one of your 50 free downloads you get just for signing up (If you do, let me know before you do and I can get hooked up with 50 free tracks for referring you).
Click the link for a free track from the album. It's a song about a friend with cancer. Have the puffs plus handy.
Good job, Sufjan.
20.12.05
19.12.05
17.12.05
That we might become rich.
when we penetrate to the mysterious and marvelous primary purpose of the Christmas miracle, I think we must conclude that both Evangelists intend that we should understand before everything else that, by means of the virginal conception, "the pre-existant Word became flesh". Mary's virginal conception, in other words, was the means whereby God became man, the means whereby he who "was rich, for our sakes became poor, that through poverty, we might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9) - Robert L. Reymond
That we might become rich.
when we penetrate to the mysterious and marvelous primary purpose of the Christmas miracle, I think we must conclude that both Evangelists intend that we should understand before everything else that, by means of the virginal conception, "the pre-existant Word became flesh". Mary's virginal conception, in other words, was the means whereby God became man, the means whereby he who "was rich, for our sakes became poor, that through poverty, we might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9) - Robert L. Reymond
free sufjan christmas album
Check out Joe's blog here where he links to a free Sufjan tvens Christmas album. Merry Christmas.
14.12.05
13.12.05
12.12.05
10.12.05
How to Make Green Beans Exciting
When you're a six year old boy you have an internal drive to make everything dramatic and exciting.
This evening as we were atttempting to persuade Jack to eat his green beans, he said "But I don't know if I don't like them or if I do like them".
To this Charity replied, "Well it doesn't matter. I cooked them and either way- you're going to eat them".
Jack looked thoughtful, and trying his very best to find the motivation to comply with our completely unreasonable demands, his eyebrows suddenly shot straight up as he enthusiastically queried, "You mean so they don't destroy the world?"
"umm... yes. Eat your green beans. So they don't destroy the world".
Mission Accomplished.
This evening as we were atttempting to persuade Jack to eat his green beans, he said "But I don't know if I don't like them or if I do like them".
To this Charity replied, "Well it doesn't matter. I cooked them and either way- you're going to eat them".
Jack looked thoughtful, and trying his very best to find the motivation to comply with our completely unreasonable demands, his eyebrows suddenly shot straight up as he enthusiastically queried, "You mean so they don't destroy the world?"
"umm... yes. Eat your green beans. So they don't destroy the world".
Mission Accomplished.
9.12.05
Drug may help short boys be taller.
God made a world rich with diversity. Some people have dark brown skin. Some people have light brown skin. Some people have kind of pinkish skin. Some boys are tall, some boys are short. Diversity. It's a good thing.
We must make proper distinctions between diversity to be embraced and disorders to be corrected. In general, shortness is a characteristic like having green eyes or curly hair. It is to be appreciated and embraced. It is not a disorder to be corrected. My theology gives me a framework for this. Shortness of stature is not a part of the fall. Disease and injury and deformation are parts of the fall. They stand to be reversed by the advancements of technology and medicine in part in this life and the complete victory of Christ and his Kingdom in full, in the next. I am 5'5" tall. When the kingdom of God comes in it's fullness, I expect I will be 5'5" tall. (and you just might be as well-wink wink).
Why am I concerned about this? Because I am short? Maybe. But my height has never really been that big of an issue for me. In fact I think being short has helped to develop aspects of my personality and character that otherwise may have been undeveloped. I've always had more than my fair share of self confidence. There's never been much I couldn't do and being short never really hurt me in the "lady department" (as evidenced by my totally hot wife). I don't really even think of myself as short. My wife often laughs at me because sometimes I'll meet a guy who is a good three or four inches taller than me and I'll later make some comment about him being really short and she points out that he' s taller than me and I don't believe her. I feel taller than almost everyone I meet, I guess. I definitely feel wider. And that's gotta be worth something, right?
The main reason why I am concerned about "treating" shortness as a deformity, is because I've got two little boys I'm trying to turn into men and they will probably be short and I don't need the culture continually telling them that short is wrong, or weird, or unfortunate. They'll get enough of that from their classmates. Variation in height is a part of God's intended diversity for mankind. The way I see it, we've all got enough disorders to worry about without trying to "fix" stuff that ain't broken to begin with.
So here's to short people. And tall people. And in-between people. And here's to thinking clearly about the world God created and what's broken and what's not and how to fix what is and how leave alone what isn't and about the view of the world we want our children to inherit from us.
We must make proper distinctions between diversity to be embraced and disorders to be corrected. In general, shortness is a characteristic like having green eyes or curly hair. It is to be appreciated and embraced. It is not a disorder to be corrected. My theology gives me a framework for this. Shortness of stature is not a part of the fall. Disease and injury and deformation are parts of the fall. They stand to be reversed by the advancements of technology and medicine in part in this life and the complete victory of Christ and his Kingdom in full, in the next. I am 5'5" tall. When the kingdom of God comes in it's fullness, I expect I will be 5'5" tall. (and you just might be as well-wink wink).
Why am I concerned about this? Because I am short? Maybe. But my height has never really been that big of an issue for me. In fact I think being short has helped to develop aspects of my personality and character that otherwise may have been undeveloped. I've always had more than my fair share of self confidence. There's never been much I couldn't do and being short never really hurt me in the "lady department" (as evidenced by my totally hot wife). I don't really even think of myself as short. My wife often laughs at me because sometimes I'll meet a guy who is a good three or four inches taller than me and I'll later make some comment about him being really short and she points out that he' s taller than me and I don't believe her. I feel taller than almost everyone I meet, I guess. I definitely feel wider. And that's gotta be worth something, right?
The main reason why I am concerned about "treating" shortness as a deformity, is because I've got two little boys I'm trying to turn into men and they will probably be short and I don't need the culture continually telling them that short is wrong, or weird, or unfortunate. They'll get enough of that from their classmates. Variation in height is a part of God's intended diversity for mankind. The way I see it, we've all got enough disorders to worry about without trying to "fix" stuff that ain't broken to begin with.
So here's to short people. And tall people. And in-between people. And here's to thinking clearly about the world God created and what's broken and what's not and how to fix what is and how leave alone what isn't and about the view of the world we want our children to inherit from us.
On old photos of FP
It has recently come to my attention that there has been some dissatisfaction with the 1991 photo of FP posted below. Apparantly the photo does not meet expectations of revealing a formerly awkward, nerdy, or similarly disfigured FP. Unfortunately, such photos will be difficult to find. You see, unlike FPW, FP is NOT getting better with age. Every day i wake up, I am the worst looking version of FP I have ever been. Slightly more paunch, slightly less hair on the head, slightly more in the nose and ears. Please understand... to turn back the clock for old FP is to return to a day when my mullet flowed like a golden river. My abs were rock hard. My eyebrows were... ok my eyebrows were out of control even then I guess... but you get the picture. SOOO...
If any of you have less flattering (and non-incriminating) photos of the FP laying around, throw them in the scanner and email me. I'll post them here. And then you can all point and laugh.
If any of you have less flattering (and non-incriminating) photos of the FP laying around, throw them in the scanner and email me. I'll post them here. And then you can all point and laugh.
Baby Ticker!
Now you can follow along with the countdown to baby Blosser #3, with our handy baby ticker.
7.12.05
Locating old bandmates
Over the years I've played in bands with about ten different guys. Today I located one of the very first drummers I ever played with. The day he came over to my house to practice, he introduced himself with these words "I am the best drummer in Darke County". And you know something? He was. I am delighted to find that today he is a music director for an emerging congregation in Atlanta. We had a good conversatin about church music and the like.
When I think back over all the guys I've played in bands with, do you know that six or seven of us have been called into full time Christian ministry? Isn't that a crazy ratio? The lesson to be learned here is obvious. If you don't want to end up in full time Christian ministry, don't play in a band with the funky presbyterian.
When I think back over all the guys I've played in bands with, do you know that six or seven of us have been called into full time Christian ministry? Isn't that a crazy ratio? The lesson to be learned here is obvious. If you don't want to end up in full time Christian ministry, don't play in a band with the funky presbyterian.
Funky Free Download of the Week: December 7th
A new feature here at FP. I will scour the internet for free and legal downloads of good songs and post one each week, here for your listnening and downloading pleasure.
Here's one by "the Winterpills". The slow, dreamy chill of this track fits well with the weather outside (and occasionally inside) my office. Enjoy and feel free to track down these groups and purchase their full length albums.
And as always, please remember... this is a bottle neck of sea salt.
Here's one by "the Winterpills". The slow, dreamy chill of this track fits well with the weather outside (and occasionally inside) my office. Enjoy and feel free to track down these groups and purchase their full length albums.
And as always, please remember... this is a bottle neck of sea salt.
6.12.05
Darling Little Tissue Blob at 26 weeks
Amazing 3D imaging now available for expectant mothers.
Charity was able to have an ultra sound performed yesterday and we are about 8 weeks along. Everything looked good and was where it was suppose to be. Even saw the heartbeat. In twelve more weeks we'll be able to determine the sex (assuming the little booger cooperates). And yes, we are going to find out the sex. We always do and no we don't think it ruins the fun.
My guess is that it is a little girl. And I am almost NEVER wrong about these sorts of things. (I've got a method). We'll see, I guess.
Charity was able to have an ultra sound performed yesterday and we are about 8 weeks along. Everything looked good and was where it was suppose to be. Even saw the heartbeat. In twelve more weeks we'll be able to determine the sex (assuming the little booger cooperates). And yes, we are going to find out the sex. We always do and no we don't think it ruins the fun.
My guess is that it is a little girl. And I am almost NEVER wrong about these sorts of things. (I've got a method). We'll see, I guess.
Which of the following...
nomenclature do you find most enticing when describing an event or gathering, and is the use of the exclamation point a further enhancement of said enticement? Would enticement increase with the addition of multiple exclamation points?
1. a calvalcade!
2. an extravaganza!
3. a spectacular!
4. a bazaar!
5. an expo!
6. a jamboree!
1. a calvalcade!
2. an extravaganza!
3. a spectacular!
4. a bazaar!
5. an expo!
6. a jamboree!
New Carnivore Found on Island
I love when stuff like this happens. We always seem so confident that we know everything that is going on in our world and then a little guy like this slips right by us. Kinda funny.
OSU and ND
Buckeyes will play the Irish in the new year. I'm pretty excited about this match up for a number of reasons. First, it pits one great football tradition against another great football tradition. Second, they don't play each other very frequently. And Third, Brady Quinn is from the Columbus area and yet was not heavily recruited by OSU. I'd like to see if he is able to make OSU regret that decision. Ultimately, however my pick is the Buckeyes by at least 10.
5.12.05
ouch.
This article was so funny it made me spill starbucks all over my vintage t-shirt. But that's ok. At least my ipod didn't get wet. or my copy of blue like jazz. Anyway, it's almost five and I've got meetings at seven. Better blow out my prayer candles and go grab some dinner at the high end organic fast food cafe down the street. (I should remember to stop by Newport Music Hall and pick up tickets for Friday's Spoon concert).
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Something I Read Today...
This paragraph from Oberman's biography of Martin Luther:
_____________________________
Luther's encounter with Augustinian theology through Staupits and with mystical experience through Tauler encouraged and confirmed him on his way to a new piety and a new way of thinking. Both of these central experiences, tribulation and mystical ascent, diabolical remoteness from God and joyous union with God, are no longer typical of the spiritually ill and the spiritual elite, two mariginal Christian groups. All parts of the true Church suffer spiritual distress and are at the same time united with God. Thus the church of martyrs is no obselete stage in Church history. The Church is the community of the faithful and must remain the community of those afflicted by the devil
_____________________________
Luther's encounter with Augustinian theology through Staupits and with mystical experience through Tauler encouraged and confirmed him on his way to a new piety and a new way of thinking. Both of these central experiences, tribulation and mystical ascent, diabolical remoteness from God and joyous union with God, are no longer typical of the spiritually ill and the spiritual elite, two mariginal Christian groups. All parts of the true Church suffer spiritual distress and are at the same time united with God. Thus the church of martyrs is no obselete stage in Church history. The Church is the community of the faithful and must remain the community of those afflicted by the devil
Jeremy Enigk to record new solo album
I've recently read that Jeremy Enigk, formerly of Sunny Day Real Estate, has been working on material for a new solo album. This will come as great news to those of you who fell in love with Enigk's 1996 master piece "Return of the Frog Queen".
Some of you may know the back story. Enigk and SDRE were an up and coming alternative act back in the mid 90's when alternative actually meant something. They were on a batman soundtrack, videos on MTV, hailed as the next smashinng pumpkins- yadda yadda yadda. Then all of a sudden- BLAMMO. Jesus finds Jeremy.
And Jeremy goes and makes one of the most beautifully understated albums of the second half of the decade. It's been about nine years and finally we have a new work on the way. Hoorah.
Click the title for a link to a song.
And here's an old online post from jeremy to his fans back in 1994 that explains stuff in his own words. Intriguing...
____________________________
Yes sir I have given my life to Christ. For along time I dwelt on a lot of pain in my life. Pain that I had tried to get rid of in many different ways. I watched myself slowly shrivel up into a hopeless, bitter and lonely person. Well one thing led to another and I could not take it anymore so I took a shot on calling upon God. He answered me. My pain was gone. I was full of joy. I had hope again. All the hope that was squeezed out of me was replaced ten times. I had tried this in many different ways. None of them succeeded in saving me from hurt. Well , I was so full of joy that I wanted all of my friends to feel the way I did. So I told all of them, and of course they couldn't understand, since it was something that I had been going through myself. And also it is such a far thing to grasp, that it is easier to just blow it off. To give your life to Christ means to deny yourself, to completely live for him. Doing this will change your comfort zone that you had been trying to get since you can remember. You then are a new person desiring a whole different way then before. Most people definitely don't want their comfort changed, so they stay away from the idea of Jesus. The funny thing is, when you sincerely call upon him, though you let yourself go, He fills you with a joy and peace that far surpasses any joy, peace or comfort that you could possibly feel from earthly pleasures. Now, how this applies to the band breaking up. Well now that this has happened to me, Naturally I want to sing about it. I want it to be what sunny day real estate is about, so that others out there will hear. But there are mixed feelings about what we could do about me wanting to sing about Christ. One of the members doesn't mind me singing about Christ, another is very uncomfortable with the idea of singing about Jesus, and one didn't mind but now all of the sudden does. Well I understand where they are coming from because I was there. Jesus isn't anything that I want to compromise with for he is far more important then this music, financial security or popularity could ever be. So the idea of breaking up has been talked about. I have different intentions now. I want to take the band on a different path then they. It is no longer the financial freedom that once controlled me, but it is to expose people to truth for their sake and especially Jesus' sake. But who knows what is going to happen in the future. Every time I make a plan it gets changed. The future is the future. I hope that we come to a decision about the band that everyone is happy with.
Well my friend, you asked a couple questions and I gave you the whole story. Why give you the quick dumb version when you can get the story where it is. I'm going to say that there is more than what you see. I think most people believe that. Most people believe in some sort of God. Some create their own to their own comfort. Creating a mirror image of themselves, only calling it God. I must say that the true God is the one who is in the Bible, Jesus Christ. He is the only one whoever claimed to be God and on top of it all he rose from the dead. He has showed himself to me so clearly that I couldn't possibly believe otherwise. I would be a fool to say that he hasn't worked miracles in my life. When I didn't believe, there were no miracles. When I believed, the miracles still have not stopped. Call me crazy, for I'd rather be crazy and see what I've seen, then to ever go back to where I was. Now dear Seth, there is another reason that I write this letter. In it I hope you will let others who are interested read this letter to know where sunny day real estate and I stand, to clear up any confusion that is flying around. And especially to let you know of the intense change that Christ has put me through. I'm sure that you by now can see why. Maybe not through these words, but in the sincerity that I write this letter. I also intend for others to read this who are outside of your circle, Seth. These people would be, everyone in the band, and to all the people at Sub Pop. If my word is anything, this is the most sincere I have been in my life. Jesus Christ is Lord. There is a supreme truth to this world, and may your hearts search for it. Believe what you will. There is nothing more that I could do or say to show you. Believe me I have tried with many. Thanks for hearing me out.
With love,
-Jeremy Enigk
Some of you may know the back story. Enigk and SDRE were an up and coming alternative act back in the mid 90's when alternative actually meant something. They were on a batman soundtrack, videos on MTV, hailed as the next smashinng pumpkins- yadda yadda yadda. Then all of a sudden- BLAMMO. Jesus finds Jeremy.
And Jeremy goes and makes one of the most beautifully understated albums of the second half of the decade. It's been about nine years and finally we have a new work on the way. Hoorah.
Click the title for a link to a song.
And here's an old online post from jeremy to his fans back in 1994 that explains stuff in his own words. Intriguing...
____________________________
Yes sir I have given my life to Christ. For along time I dwelt on a lot of pain in my life. Pain that I had tried to get rid of in many different ways. I watched myself slowly shrivel up into a hopeless, bitter and lonely person. Well one thing led to another and I could not take it anymore so I took a shot on calling upon God. He answered me. My pain was gone. I was full of joy. I had hope again. All the hope that was squeezed out of me was replaced ten times. I had tried this in many different ways. None of them succeeded in saving me from hurt. Well , I was so full of joy that I wanted all of my friends to feel the way I did. So I told all of them, and of course they couldn't understand, since it was something that I had been going through myself. And also it is such a far thing to grasp, that it is easier to just blow it off. To give your life to Christ means to deny yourself, to completely live for him. Doing this will change your comfort zone that you had been trying to get since you can remember. You then are a new person desiring a whole different way then before. Most people definitely don't want their comfort changed, so they stay away from the idea of Jesus. The funny thing is, when you sincerely call upon him, though you let yourself go, He fills you with a joy and peace that far surpasses any joy, peace or comfort that you could possibly feel from earthly pleasures. Now, how this applies to the band breaking up. Well now that this has happened to me, Naturally I want to sing about it. I want it to be what sunny day real estate is about, so that others out there will hear. But there are mixed feelings about what we could do about me wanting to sing about Christ. One of the members doesn't mind me singing about Christ, another is very uncomfortable with the idea of singing about Jesus, and one didn't mind but now all of the sudden does. Well I understand where they are coming from because I was there. Jesus isn't anything that I want to compromise with for he is far more important then this music, financial security or popularity could ever be. So the idea of breaking up has been talked about. I have different intentions now. I want to take the band on a different path then they. It is no longer the financial freedom that once controlled me, but it is to expose people to truth for their sake and especially Jesus' sake. But who knows what is going to happen in the future. Every time I make a plan it gets changed. The future is the future. I hope that we come to a decision about the band that everyone is happy with.
Well my friend, you asked a couple questions and I gave you the whole story. Why give you the quick dumb version when you can get the story where it is. I'm going to say that there is more than what you see. I think most people believe that. Most people believe in some sort of God. Some create their own to their own comfort. Creating a mirror image of themselves, only calling it God. I must say that the true God is the one who is in the Bible, Jesus Christ. He is the only one whoever claimed to be God and on top of it all he rose from the dead. He has showed himself to me so clearly that I couldn't possibly believe otherwise. I would be a fool to say that he hasn't worked miracles in my life. When I didn't believe, there were no miracles. When I believed, the miracles still have not stopped. Call me crazy, for I'd rather be crazy and see what I've seen, then to ever go back to where I was. Now dear Seth, there is another reason that I write this letter. In it I hope you will let others who are interested read this letter to know where sunny day real estate and I stand, to clear up any confusion that is flying around. And especially to let you know of the intense change that Christ has put me through. I'm sure that you by now can see why. Maybe not through these words, but in the sincerity that I write this letter. I also intend for others to read this who are outside of your circle, Seth. These people would be, everyone in the band, and to all the people at Sub Pop. If my word is anything, this is the most sincere I have been in my life. Jesus Christ is Lord. There is a supreme truth to this world, and may your hearts search for it. Believe what you will. There is nothing more that I could do or say to show you. Believe me I have tried with many. Thanks for hearing me out.
With love,
-Jeremy Enigk
Police Dogs Fight Crime With New Head mounted Cameras
I bet I know what Wyatt will be asking for at Christmas time this year.
4.12.05
Bengals are for real
The Bengals demonstrate that they are indeed for real this year, by beating the Pittsburgh Squealers (the only pro sports team in West Virgina by the way) by a score of 38-31.
2.12.05
NT Wright on the Most Dangerous Baby in the World
Here is the old king in Rome, turning 60 in the year Jesus was born: he represents perhaps the best that pagan kingdoms can do. At least he knows that peace and stability are good things; unfortunately, he has had to kill a lot of people to bring them about, and to kill a lot more, on a regular basis, to preserve them. Unfortunately, too, his real interest is in his own glory. Already, before his death, many of his subjects have begun to regard him as divine.
Here, by contrast, is the young King in Bethlehem, born with a price on his head. He represents the dangerous alternative, the possibility of a different empire, a different power, a different glory, a different peace. The two stand over against one another.
Augustus’ empire is like a well-lit room at night: the lamps are arranged beautifully, they shed pretty patterns, but they have not conquered the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signaling that it is time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom he is pleased!
If Jesus is the true King of all the world, whose kingdom redefines power and glory so that they are now seen in the manger, on the cross, and in the garden, then to pray “My kingdom come” from the Lord’s Prayer is to ask that this kingdom, this power, and this glory may be seen in all the world. It is not enough, though it is the essential starting point, that we submit in our own lives to God’s alternative kingdom-vision; we must pray and work for the vision to come in reality, with the rulers of this world being confronted with the claims of their rightful King.
Here, by contrast, is the young King in Bethlehem, born with a price on his head. He represents the dangerous alternative, the possibility of a different empire, a different power, a different glory, a different peace. The two stand over against one another.
Augustus’ empire is like a well-lit room at night: the lamps are arranged beautifully, they shed pretty patterns, but they have not conquered the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signaling that it is time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom he is pleased!
If Jesus is the true King of all the world, whose kingdom redefines power and glory so that they are now seen in the manger, on the cross, and in the garden, then to pray “My kingdom come” from the Lord’s Prayer is to ask that this kingdom, this power, and this glory may be seen in all the world. It is not enough, though it is the essential starting point, that we submit in our own lives to God’s alternative kingdom-vision; we must pray and work for the vision to come in reality, with the rulers of this world being confronted with the claims of their rightful King.
Shaving Before Coffee
is not a good idea. Sliced my left nostril. Which isn't even that close to the part I was aiming at.
1.12.05
Funky Pastor's Wife circa 2005
i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry i'm sorry
Funky Pastor's Wife circa 1990?
You can obviously see why I fell in love. See, I can post this because when one sees this picture they say "Wow, she has really become quite beautiful after this awkward teenage phase". When people see old pictures of me they say, "Well, at least you're wiser now".
Recent Quotes From the Kids
Jack (age 6)
"When your scared, it's hard to get unscared"
"I mostly only eat things that are made out of cheese"
And when I asked "Did you eat all your lunch?" He replied "Yes... but PLEASE don't look".
Sam (age 1 1/2)
"No"
"When your scared, it's hard to get unscared"
"I mostly only eat things that are made out of cheese"
And when I asked "Did you eat all your lunch?" He replied "Yes... but PLEASE don't look".
Sam (age 1 1/2)
"No"
30.11.05
NT Wright on the Virgin Conception of Jesus
Of course, legends surround the birth and childhood of many figures who afterwards become important. As historians we have no reason to say that this did not happen in the case of Jesus, and some reasons to say that it did. But by comparison with other legends about other figures, Matthew and Luke look, after all, quite restrained.
Except, of course, in the matter where the real interest centers. Matthew and Luke declare unambiguously that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived. What are we to make of this? It will not do to say that we know the laws of nature and that Joseph, Mary, the early church and the evangelists did not. Mary and Joseph hadn't seen diagrams of Fallopian tubes, but that doesn't mean they didn't know where babies came from. Hence Mary's question to Gabriel (in Luke), and Joseph's determination to break the engagement (in Matthew).
-If this much has grabbed your attention, please take the time to read the rest of the article. It's quite good and thought provoking.
Except, of course, in the matter where the real interest centers. Matthew and Luke declare unambiguously that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived. What are we to make of this? It will not do to say that we know the laws of nature and that Joseph, Mary, the early church and the evangelists did not. Mary and Joseph hadn't seen diagrams of Fallopian tubes, but that doesn't mean they didn't know where babies came from. Hence Mary's question to Gabriel (in Luke), and Joseph's determination to break the engagement (in Matthew).
-If this much has grabbed your attention, please take the time to read the rest of the article. It's quite good and thought provoking.
Rediscovering: Arvo Part
An Editorial review from Amazon
Composed in 1982 and later recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble on ECM, Arvo Pärt’s Passio (Passion According to St. John) made its composer famous, and rightly so. It is a work of unique beauty. Its meditative, intensely spiritual quality is static; the listener will find no outbursts or overtly dramatic moments to latch on to as one does in Bach's Passions. Here the story is told with a lack of overt emotionalism which quickly becomes hypnotic.
--Robert Levine
Composed in 1982 and later recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble on ECM, Arvo Pärt’s Passio (Passion According to St. John) made its composer famous, and rightly so. It is a work of unique beauty. Its meditative, intensely spiritual quality is static; the listener will find no outbursts or overtly dramatic moments to latch on to as one does in Bach's Passions. Here the story is told with a lack of overt emotionalism which quickly becomes hypnotic.
--Robert Levine
Today
Wife
Kids
Car
Coffee
Desk
Organize
Blog
Pray
Bible
Study
Write
Listen
Meet
Eat
Counsel
Prepare
Delegate
Deliberate
Read
Speak
Plan
Think
Write
Type
Print
Car
Home
Wife
Kids
Kiss
Tickle
Wrestle
Eat
Group
Teach
Lead
Ask
Laugh
Door
Couch
Sportscenter
Snack
Brush
Garggle
Bed
Sleep
Snore
Kids
Car
Coffee
Desk
Organize
Blog
Pray
Bible
Study
Write
Listen
Meet
Eat
Counsel
Prepare
Delegate
Deliberate
Read
Speak
Plan
Think
Write
Type
Car
Home
Wife
Kids
Kiss
Tickle
Wrestle
Eat
Group
Teach
Lead
Ask
Laugh
Door
Couch
Sportscenter
Snack
Brush
Garggle
Bed
Sleep
Snore
29.11.05
I pose a dilemma for your consideration
Suppose you suddenly acquired a very large sum of money (as in a lottery) and were required to spend it ALL on one of the following items. Which would you choose? Each item would be a real, actual working model.
1. A Rocket Pack
2. A Light Saber
3. A Teleportation Device
4. An Invisible Jet
5. A Green Lantern Ring
6. A Little Green Martian Friend Like Fred Flintstone Had In the Later Episodes of the Flintstones.
Please, respond with care. This is a very important question.
1. A Rocket Pack
2. A Light Saber
3. A Teleportation Device
4. An Invisible Jet
5. A Green Lantern Ring
6. A Little Green Martian Friend Like Fred Flintstone Had In the Later Episodes of the Flintstones.
Please, respond with care. This is a very important question.
My Man Purse
George Carlin use to say that all a guy needs is a place to put his stuff. I completely concurr. However, with the ever increasing necessity to be wireless, blue toothed and portable, a man now needs a place to put his stuff which can be thrown over a shoulder and hauled around town. Now I've got bags. I've got gym bags for the sweaty t-shirts and sneakers. I've got a padded bag to protect my powerbook. I've even got a great, old leather bag with buckles that looks like Indiana Jones dragged it all the way to the holy of holies and back. Problem: they are all too large to serve as an everywhere-all the time solution for my stuff storing and porting needs. When you need to bring your ipod, planner, notebook, pens and bible with you just about wherever you go, a large bag seems a bit cumbersome. Yet to leave the bag behind, means you either leave behind the essentials you may need or carry everything in hand. For me that's a instant recipe to have a missing ipod or planner. Or ipod. yikes.
Hence, a few weeks ago I undertook the search for a new bag in which to carry my stuff. An everywhere, all the time bag. A "man-purse" if you will. My search began on the internet and while I found some bags that were small enough to meet my needs, many of them were just plain ugly. Or worse, they were dull. Others had just the right pizazz, and the perfect size, but were outrageously expensive. I thought I had hit on something perfect when I found a scandinavian company that makes man bags from the remnants of semi-truck tarps. Each is an original and extremely durable as you might imagine. What I initially thought was a great price I soon realized was listed in euros, not dollars. It made quite a difference. Like 200 bucks!
That was not going to happen. So on my way home from work a few weeks ago I stopped iin at an army surplus store on High Street and found this great little map bag. It was twleve bucks. It is small and durable and even fits my powerbook. Plus, since it's from an army surplus store, it totally overcomes the feminizing stigma that can come with carrying a man-purse. (It does, doesn't it? I mean, it's pretty manly, right? Right? Wait here while I go smash a beer can on my head to re assure myself of my manhood...)
Alrighty then. My good friend Dan is starting a business that involves embroidery (because he is as secure in his manhood as I am) and so he said he would embroider something cool on my new murse for just being my friend- because that's how he rolls.
So here it is. The offical, public unveiling of my new man purse. I hope you dig it, cause I dig it. And no you can't buy one cause it's one of a kind. One might say it's "only begotten". (What can I say? It's Advent).
Hence, a few weeks ago I undertook the search for a new bag in which to carry my stuff. An everywhere, all the time bag. A "man-purse" if you will. My search began on the internet and while I found some bags that were small enough to meet my needs, many of them were just plain ugly. Or worse, they were dull. Others had just the right pizazz, and the perfect size, but were outrageously expensive. I thought I had hit on something perfect when I found a scandinavian company that makes man bags from the remnants of semi-truck tarps. Each is an original and extremely durable as you might imagine. What I initially thought was a great price I soon realized was listed in euros, not dollars. It made quite a difference. Like 200 bucks!
That was not going to happen. So on my way home from work a few weeks ago I stopped iin at an army surplus store on High Street and found this great little map bag. It was twleve bucks. It is small and durable and even fits my powerbook. Plus, since it's from an army surplus store, it totally overcomes the feminizing stigma that can come with carrying a man-purse. (It does, doesn't it? I mean, it's pretty manly, right? Right? Wait here while I go smash a beer can on my head to re assure myself of my manhood...)
Alrighty then. My good friend Dan is starting a business that involves embroidery (because he is as secure in his manhood as I am) and so he said he would embroider something cool on my new murse for just being my friend- because that's how he rolls.
So here it is. The offical, public unveiling of my new man purse. I hope you dig it, cause I dig it. And no you can't buy one cause it's one of a kind. One might say it's "only begotten". (What can I say? It's Advent).
Detail of Embroidery
Dan did this great embroidered burning bush on my man purse. He came up with the image by combining a bush from the old school Nintendo game, Super Mario Brothers with one of the fireworks explosions you see when Mario jumps off the stairs onto the flag pole. Pretty ingenious, I think.
The burning bush was an image often used by the protestant reformers to picture Divine Revelation, the Word of God. It is all about kerygma.
Super Mario Brothers is just really freakin' awesome.
I totally dig the combination. Thanks Dan, you are the man.
The burning bush was an image often used by the protestant reformers to picture Divine Revelation, the Word of God. It is all about kerygma.
Super Mario Brothers is just really freakin' awesome.
I totally dig the combination. Thanks Dan, you are the man.
Too Funny!
I found out today that my good friend KDNY has just been appointed to serve on his company's "Diversity Team". Those who know KDNY should get quite a kick out of that one.
Go gettum, Keithy.
Go gettum, Keithy.
Well it's about freakin' time!
Our good friends over at the "US Air Force" have finally invented a real, live, laser ray gun. Haven't we all been waiting on this thing to hit the market for the last half century? I know I have.
Now... where's my rocket pack?
Now... where's my rocket pack?
A Theologian Weighs in On File Sharing (sort of)
Thanks to Joe Haack over at joehaack.blogspot.com (and by "over at" I mean about fifteen feet away in the other room) for drawing attention to this fascinating article. Score one point for guy named "Vern".
Current Score/
Guys named Vern: 1
Record Industry: 0
Current Score/
Guys named Vern: 1
Record Industry: 0
28.11.05
Have you heard?
Spoon. Click the link for a free donwload of thier great tune I Turn My Camera On.
By the way, I sing this song to the boys when I get them ready for bed, but we change the words to "I Put My Jammies On". So there you go.
Put Spoon's album Gimme Fiction on your Christmas list.
By the way, I sing this song to the boys when I get them ready for bed, but we change the words to "I Put My Jammies On". So there you go.
Put Spoon's album Gimme Fiction on your Christmas list.
26.11.05
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