25 years ago today Cheryl and I walked down the hill into Cathedral Grove at Mission Springs and were married. We're celebrating by taking a trip to an "exotic" Pacific island later this summer. For now we're running a marathon getting the house ready to sell.
Wednesday, May 31
On this day
25 years ago today Cheryl and I walked down the hill into Cathedral Grove at Mission Springs and were married. We're celebrating by taking a trip to an "exotic" Pacific island later this summer. For now we're running a marathon getting the house ready to sell.
Random
...In spite of the fact that Canadians smoke more and wait a little longer in the health care line, overall they're healthier than Americans. The figures reflect the fact that there are so many Americans without health insurance.
...Virgin Mobile USA is testing ad-supported cell phone service. Customers watch ads on the computer, take a test to prove they were paying attention, and are then awarded "free" cell-phone minutes. Sounds like it's more work than it's worth.
...UNISA (University of South Africa), a major player in distance education, is setting up shop in Ethiopia.
...Virgin Mobile USA is testing ad-supported cell phone service. Customers watch ads on the computer, take a test to prove they were paying attention, and are then awarded "free" cell-phone minutes. Sounds like it's more work than it's worth.
...UNISA (University of South Africa), a major player in distance education, is setting up shop in Ethiopia.
Tuesday, May 30
Random
...A list of the domain names owned by Google -- most seem to be names that they'd just as soon have others not use. However, some should fuel speculation -- e.g. GoogleMasterCard.com. They are either thinking about issuing their own MasterCard or they're buying the whole company. :-)
...Has anyone been keeping a running count on the number of books and videos being produced to refute the Da Vinci Code? In a couple of months the dollar stores and book outlets are going to be flooded. Okay, guys -- you're all saying the same thing -- The Da Vinci Code is Fiction (with a big F). You've made your point. Besides, the movie appears to be putting people to sleep. Stand down.
...Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that individual differences in human sexual desire can be attributed to genetic variations. They found a correlation between variants in the D4 receptor gene and sexual desire and function. The previous assumption was that sexual variations are rooted in psychological factors. I suspect a combination of both.
...Our county, one of the Republican bastions in California, seems to favor a more lax approach to immigration and pathway to citizenship. It demonstrates that this isn't a liberal/conservative issue.
...Has anyone been keeping a running count on the number of books and videos being produced to refute the Da Vinci Code? In a couple of months the dollar stores and book outlets are going to be flooded. Okay, guys -- you're all saying the same thing -- The Da Vinci Code is Fiction (with a big F). You've made your point. Besides, the movie appears to be putting people to sleep. Stand down.
...Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that individual differences in human sexual desire can be attributed to genetic variations. They found a correlation between variants in the D4 receptor gene and sexual desire and function. The previous assumption was that sexual variations are rooted in psychological factors. I suspect a combination of both.
...Our county, one of the Republican bastions in California, seems to favor a more lax approach to immigration and pathway to citizenship. It demonstrates that this isn't a liberal/conservative issue.
Monday, May 29
Random
...Our apricot tree is an early variety and apparently all of the rain we had this spring came at the wrong time -- destroying the blooms. So far I've counted only five pieces of fruit on a tree that normally has thousands.
...We're making progress on getting the house cleaned up. Painting is done in the living room and dining room. Today I tackle a bedroom and the hallway. Perhaps we can get it on the market by the end of the week. We'll see.
...I've handed the administration of Cornerstone's website off to Dale Phillips, who teaches business-computer stuff at MJC. It's always fun when you can transfer something to someone who is more qualified than yourself to do the job.
...A lecturer at Bradford University, West Yorkshire, England, is putting all of his lectures on podcast and will now use class time for small group teaching. He is also utilizing a blog and text messaging.
...The death toll from Saturday's Indonesian quake now exceeds 5,000.
...We're making progress on getting the house cleaned up. Painting is done in the living room and dining room. Today I tackle a bedroom and the hallway. Perhaps we can get it on the market by the end of the week. We'll see.
...I've handed the administration of Cornerstone's website off to Dale Phillips, who teaches business-computer stuff at MJC. It's always fun when you can transfer something to someone who is more qualified than yourself to do the job.
...A lecturer at Bradford University, West Yorkshire, England, is putting all of his lectures on podcast and will now use class time for small group teaching. He is also utilizing a blog and text messaging.
...The death toll from Saturday's Indonesian quake now exceeds 5,000.
Sunday, May 28
Random
...We received our first check since we started collecting used ink cartridges -- $85 for nearly 60 empties. We used Empties4Cash.com -- very easy to work with -- very prompt in pay-out.
...The kind folks at the ESV website have put together a Bible reading calendar that works in your Google Calendar. Very slick. These guys have all kinds of plug-in and syndication options.
..."Some 20 million Americans spend at least $1,000 a year on lottery tickets." I'm not among them. Nope, not even a dollar. So I won't benefit if they decide to implement this hair-brained scheme to channel half the lottery revenue into IRA accounts. It is creative.
...George Mason University in Virginia has a new policy -- no SAT necessary IF you're in the top 20% of your high school class and have a 3.5 GPA or better. With all of the goofy things happening to SAT scores this year we shouldn't be surprised if more institutions start deemphasizing the standardized testing system.
...The "Minutemen" gun-enthusiasts turned border guards have decided to set-up a fence along the Arizona-Mexico border. I doubt their fence will work much better than the fencing that already exists along other parts of the border. But you can't say that the Minutemen are apathetic.
...The kind folks at the ESV website have put together a Bible reading calendar that works in your Google Calendar. Very slick. These guys have all kinds of plug-in and syndication options.
..."Some 20 million Americans spend at least $1,000 a year on lottery tickets." I'm not among them. Nope, not even a dollar. So I won't benefit if they decide to implement this hair-brained scheme to channel half the lottery revenue into IRA accounts. It is creative.
...George Mason University in Virginia has a new policy -- no SAT necessary IF you're in the top 20% of your high school class and have a 3.5 GPA or better. With all of the goofy things happening to SAT scores this year we shouldn't be surprised if more institutions start deemphasizing the standardized testing system.
...The "Minutemen" gun-enthusiasts turned border guards have decided to set-up a fence along the Arizona-Mexico border. I doubt their fence will work much better than the fencing that already exists along other parts of the border. But you can't say that the Minutemen are apathetic.
Saturday, May 27
Random
...Train collision ahead -- same-sex marriage issue -- what happens to faith-based organizations which refuse to accept and work with same-sex couples. 
...My copy of N.T. Wright's new book Simply Christian
arrived yesterday. Wow.
...The magnitude of this morning's 6.3 earthquake in Indonesia is just now becoming apparent. Looking at the pictures it appears that many of the at least 3,000 dead could have been saved if there were different construction practices. Aid is on the way.
...The western states depend on contract firefighters -- many from Mexico -- many are likely illegal. A dilemma.
...Globalization and the changing face of agriculture -- India, a country that has struggled to feed itself, is preparing to feed the world.
...The EU is devising a scheme to tax emails and text messages. Just leave it alone.
...Mission trips or holidays?
...My copy of N.T. Wright's new book Simply Christian
arrived yesterday. Wow....The magnitude of this morning's 6.3 earthquake in Indonesia is just now becoming apparent. Looking at the pictures it appears that many of the at least 3,000 dead could have been saved if there were different construction practices. Aid is on the way.
...The western states depend on contract firefighters -- many from Mexico -- many are likely illegal. A dilemma.
...Globalization and the changing face of agriculture -- India, a country that has struggled to feed itself, is preparing to feed the world.
...The EU is devising a scheme to tax emails and text messages. Just leave it alone.
...Mission trips or holidays?
Friday, May 26
Random
...The $100 laptop prototype -- in orange. The project is moving forward to help children in developing countries. The outrageous color scheme is intended to discourage (shame) adults from using the machines intended for children...."Chocolate may boost brain-power!" They had to do a study to figure that out. It seems like a no-brainer to me.
...Taxes die hard. The phone tax, established 108 years ago to fund the Spanish-American War, has been dealt a fatal blow by Congress. To put things in perspective, "the annual basic charge for a home phone in the 1890's was about $100, or more than $2,200 in today's dollars. A three-minute call from New York to Chicago in 1902 cost $5.45 -- about $120 today." The tax was originally considered to be a luxury tax. I'm planning to spend my extra $18 dollars a year on chocolate.
...Amazon has a new online reader.
...Bookmark: Budget template for Excel.
Thursday, May 25
Random
...A couple of months ago we made a "live recording" of 21 of Cheryl's worship songs. The CDs arrived from the factory today -- 11 heavy boxes. Wow -- they sound (and look) great. We'll work on getting the whole thing online for free download, too.
...Grow a square watermelon.
...We've been busy cleaning, packing, painting -- getting the house ready to sell. We're giving lots of stuff away, too -- last Sunday about half my plants to people after worship. We've been trying to give away our piano -- but without success. So maybe we'll try selling it.
...The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has taken another decisive step toward finalizing reunification with the Russian Orthodox Church. One of the interesting things about all of this is how the subject has barely come up on the Evangelical-Eastern Orthodox discussion list.
...Also on the EO front. The first new Orthodox church building in Rome since the big split in 1054 has been consecrated on the grounds of the Russian Embassy -- with the blessing of the Vatican and the mayor of Rome.
...Virtual church -- Chinese style.
...Hucksters have sold off land belonging to a bunch of churches in Chicagoland -- except the churches never authorized the sales.
...A plug: A free, live, online telecast will originate from Trinity Church in New York City tonight (Thursday, May 25), at 8 p.m. EDT. Three leading thinkers, Diana Butler Bass, Alan Jones, and Brian McLaren, will discuss how to build new kinds of Christian communities.
...Grow a square watermelon.
...We've been busy cleaning, packing, painting -- getting the house ready to sell. We're giving lots of stuff away, too -- last Sunday about half my plants to people after worship. We've been trying to give away our piano -- but without success. So maybe we'll try selling it.
...The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has taken another decisive step toward finalizing reunification with the Russian Orthodox Church. One of the interesting things about all of this is how the subject has barely come up on the Evangelical-Eastern Orthodox discussion list.
...Also on the EO front. The first new Orthodox church building in Rome since the big split in 1054 has been consecrated on the grounds of the Russian Embassy -- with the blessing of the Vatican and the mayor of Rome.
...Virtual church -- Chinese style.
...Hucksters have sold off land belonging to a bunch of churches in Chicagoland -- except the churches never authorized the sales.
...A plug: A free, live, online telecast will originate from Trinity Church in New York City tonight (Thursday, May 25), at 8 p.m. EDT. Three leading thinkers, Diana Butler Bass, Alan Jones, and Brian McLaren, will discuss how to build new kinds of Christian communities.
Wednesday, May 24
38 feet
Betsy did her all-time best in triple jump this afternoon -- 38 feet -- good enough to land her a spot in the California State high school track and field finals next Friday. Unfortunately, she won't be going down to SoCal for that. She's also graduating next Friday -- same day, same time. If she were not the valedictorian she might be slightly tempted to skip graduation for track.
One of the great (and final) lessons of high school -- you can't do everything!
One of the great (and final) lessons of high school -- you can't do everything!
Oaxaca adventure
Tim Carlson, the high school age son of our good friends Dennis and Mary Lynn Carlson, is in Oaxaca, Mexico doing some language study this spring. He's got a great blog with terrific pictures. And it all looks the same as what our other friends, Bruce and Katy Dockter, have been putting up on their blog.
Bruce and Katy are preparing to return to Turlock from their year in Oaxaca.
Dennis and MaryLynn lived in Oaxaca for a term as Covenant missionaries. They've also served as missionaries in the Congo. He is currently the transition pastor at Brookdale Covenant Church in the Twin Cities and is waiting for direction on their next assignment.
Dennis is also known as Odie Futz. He was a few years ahead of Cheryl and me at Willow Glen High School in San Jose and we were part of the same youth group at First Covenant Church there.
Bruce and Katy are preparing to return to Turlock from their year in Oaxaca.
Dennis and MaryLynn lived in Oaxaca for a term as Covenant missionaries. They've also served as missionaries in the Congo. He is currently the transition pastor at Brookdale Covenant Church in the Twin Cities and is waiting for direction on their next assignment.
Dennis is also known as Odie Futz. He was a few years ahead of Cheryl and me at Willow Glen High School in San Jose and we were part of the same youth group at First Covenant Church there.
Tuesday, May 23
Random
...The relocation of 8,000 US Marines from Japan to Guam means the addition of 17,000-19,000 new people on the Island -- when you include support staff and dependents.
...While most of the attention is on the Marines, the Air Force presence on Guam is growing, too.
...We're now at just over the 50% mark in terms of the financial support that we need to have in place before we leave for Guam in August. Keep us in your prayers. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time.
...I will be painting our living room today. I'm not the kind of person who finds creative satisfaction in that task.
...References, resumes, and interviews are useless at predicting job success according to a survey of British HR managers.
...Yesterday I mentioned Martin Dale in conjunction with my church website of the week. This morning he sent me email saying that he is also responsible for three more churches -- all quite historical, too -- for a total of eight churches! I don't know how English parish priests can keep up with it all.
...Yes, I had a CB radio and an early (pre-Yahoo) GeoCities website. Actually, I still have my GeoCities site -- just not much on it these days.
...Google is getting ready to place video spots on some websites.
...While most of the attention is on the Marines, the Air Force presence on Guam is growing, too.
...We're now at just over the 50% mark in terms of the financial support that we need to have in place before we leave for Guam in August. Keep us in your prayers. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time.
...I will be painting our living room today. I'm not the kind of person who finds creative satisfaction in that task.
...References, resumes, and interviews are useless at predicting job success according to a survey of British HR managers.
...Yesterday I mentioned Martin Dale in conjunction with my church website of the week. This morning he sent me email saying that he is also responsible for three more churches -- all quite historical, too -- for a total of eight churches! I don't know how English parish priests can keep up with it all.
...Yes, I had a CB radio and an early (pre-Yahoo) GeoCities website. Actually, I still have my GeoCities site -- just not much on it these days.
...Google is getting ready to place video spots on some websites.
Monday, May 22
Random
...A basket casket -- why not? (via)
...Good news -- the ozone hole may disappear by 2050.
...More good news -- gas prices are dropping -- 1.45 cents over the past two weeks.
...Even more good news -- a bear has appeared in Germany -- the first in 170 years.
...Bad news: in spite of the fact that kimchi might cure bird flu, too much of it could be bad for you. Salt.
...New: Google Blog Search
...Bookmark: make a self-watering planter from a milk container
Romney Marsh Churches
My church website of the week belongs to the Benefice of New Romney -- churches with a bit of history (understatement). I first came across this site after reading sermons by Martin Dale on SermonCentral.com (His are among the best posted there).
Saturday, May 20
Random
...Black TP -- now we've arrived. I'm not sure where we are but we've definitely arrived....New York State is proposing a tax on private for-profit colleges to help pay for the policing of fraud in the private sector schools. Since they're only taxing the private for-profits you can't help but conclude that they are trying to protect the public-institution turf by making it harder for the for-profits to do business.
...8,000 mpg car -- not even a hybrid. (via)
...More competition for the oil -- "India's largest automobile manufacturer, Tata Motors Ltd., said Thursday it plans to set up a plant in the communist-ruled West Bengal state to manufacture a family car that will cost little more than $2,000."
The Da Vinci Code?
Sure -- watch it if you'd like. If you all think it's worth it, I might borrow it from someone once it comes out on DVD.
Oh, yes, in case someone is worried that I'm endorsing heresy, I'll mention that it's totally out-there Gnostic fiction (that means lacking in factual information with a not-so-hidden agenda to advance a Gnostic world view) -- in case anyone has missed that point.
If you're looking for facts:
1. Robin Griffith-Jones, the master of London's Temple Church, is featured in a BeliefNet series of six short online videos.
2. Jonathan Wilson has an in depth analysis of the whole Da Vinci Code story-line and phenomena.
Oh, yes, in case someone is worried that I'm endorsing heresy, I'll mention that it's totally out-there Gnostic fiction (that means lacking in factual information with a not-so-hidden agenda to advance a Gnostic world view) -- in case anyone has missed that point.
If you're looking for facts:
1. Robin Griffith-Jones, the master of London's Temple Church, is featured in a BeliefNet series of six short online videos.
2. Jonathan Wilson has an in depth analysis of the whole Da Vinci Code story-line and phenomena.
Friday, May 19
English as the national language
The US Senate has voted to make English the nation's "common and unifying language."
Personally, I think this is a good idea. We need an official language and perhaps even an official agency (as the French have) to determine what constitutes English.
This is our opportunity to clean things up. Perhaps we can finally do something about the people in Alabama who THINK they speak English. But I can't understand 85% of what they're saying.
This bill would also force Congress to use English. With so many of them trained in law they way too often slip into Legalese -- completely ignoring "the common and unifying language."
And what about the clergy? We don't speak English half the time, either. Unfortunately (or fortunately -- depending on how you look at it), we're protected by the First Amendment -- or they'd make us change, as well.
Then there is the matter of our children. In spite of the fact that I'm totally hip and cool -- my undereducated kids don't even know what I'm talking about when I say that something is groovy.
We need to do something common and unifying! I am afraid, though, that wherever Congress ends up on this matter, the president won't sign it. He knows that he isn't exactly a master of English and he's afraid of doing jail time for aggravated malapropism.
C'est la vie.
Personally, I think this is a good idea. We need an official language and perhaps even an official agency (as the French have) to determine what constitutes English.
This is our opportunity to clean things up. Perhaps we can finally do something about the people in Alabama who THINK they speak English. But I can't understand 85% of what they're saying.
This bill would also force Congress to use English. With so many of them trained in law they way too often slip into Legalese -- completely ignoring "the common and unifying language."
And what about the clergy? We don't speak English half the time, either. Unfortunately (or fortunately -- depending on how you look at it), we're protected by the First Amendment -- or they'd make us change, as well.
Then there is the matter of our children. In spite of the fact that I'm totally hip and cool -- my undereducated kids don't even know what I'm talking about when I say that something is groovy.
We need to do something common and unifying! I am afraid, though, that wherever Congress ends up on this matter, the president won't sign it. He knows that he isn't exactly a master of English and he's afraid of doing jail time for aggravated malapropism.
C'est la vie.
Random
...Town says marriage is important for community stability.
...Reduce, reuse, recycle. Wednesday the US Navy sank the retired aircraft carrier USS Oriskany in the Gulf of Mexico to create the world's largest man-made reef.
...Rare American Chestnut grove discovered in Georgia. I get excited about this kind of stuff.
...Vineyard churches are moving closer to ordaining women -- or at least of having that as a legitimate option.
...IBM is taking on Microsoft Office with their latest version of Lotus Notes.
...Google Video is playing catch up to YouTube -- but it is becoming a player.
...Why email fails to adequately convey emotion -- ego. The reason that it is more of a problem with email than other forms of writing -- brevity.
..."The opposite of joy is not sadness or sorrow but anxiety." -- Dan Clendenin
...A Labrador retriever jumped into a rushing Colorado river to rescue a 9-year-old boy.
...Reduce, reuse, recycle. Wednesday the US Navy sank the retired aircraft carrier USS Oriskany in the Gulf of Mexico to create the world's largest man-made reef.
...Rare American Chestnut grove discovered in Georgia. I get excited about this kind of stuff.
...Vineyard churches are moving closer to ordaining women -- or at least of having that as a legitimate option.
...IBM is taking on Microsoft Office with their latest version of Lotus Notes.
...Google Video is playing catch up to YouTube -- but it is becoming a player.
...Why email fails to adequately convey emotion -- ego. The reason that it is more of a problem with email than other forms of writing -- brevity.
..."The opposite of joy is not sadness or sorrow but anxiety." -- Dan Clendenin
...A Labrador retriever jumped into a rushing Colorado river to rescue a 9-year-old boy.
Thursday, May 18
What's in a domain?
According to LeapFish.com, the estimated value of my domain boydston.us is $13,580. It would probably go up significantly if a large portion of the US population decided to change their last name to Boydston. For example, the estimated value of jones.us is $78,662. And jones.com is supposedly worth $158,438.
Ecclesiology
Jordon Cooper has posted a stimulating paper by Howard Snyder -- Principles of Wesleyan Ecclesiology. I'm not sure what makes these principles distinctively Wesleyan. And if you've ever read anything by Dr Snyder there aren't any surprises in there. (I took a class at Fuller co-taught by Howard Snyder, Earl Grant, and John Maxwell. That was a trip -- and a great class.) But it's good fodder for the church as a whole.
Wednesday, May 17
Random
...Skype is attempting to respond to AOL's offer to give free-use phone numbers to all of their instant messaging customers by offering free Skype-to-any-phone in Canada or US calls -- at least through 2006. Calls must originate from a Skype enabled computer in the US or Canada. Worldwide computer to computer calls are still free, too. (I'm a user and I love it.) My suspicion is that we ain't seen nothin', yet. Things are just now getting competitive....Google Notebook actually seems to be working now. (I couldn't get it to come up the other day when it was released.) Very slick.
...The Pitman High bands had their spring concert last night. Terrific as usual. High point was a piece written and conducted by junior Richey Winkler in honor of band director Steve Matthews, who is taking a new job in Missouri.
...Drunken student climbs tree, falls asleep 100 feet up, eventually awakens to the reality of his situation. What did doltish people do before cell phones?
...Betsy in the news -- "track star"
Tuesday, May 16
Random
...More than 30 pastors and lay-leaders from the Free Evangelical Church of Germany are in the US to attend a Covenant church planting training session led by Gary Walter and Dave Olson.
...A Canadian ice manufacturer has purchased one of the local ice companies. When you think about it, it makes lots of sense.
...Some of the flight attendants on Southwest Airlines are multimillionaires -- and they're still working the aisles.
...The name of a new restaurant has created a stir in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Pink Taco is scheduled to open in June.
...One in ten Americans have given up landline telephones altogether -- re
lying solely on mobile phones. No big deal unless you're a landline phone company -- or a pollster.
...Yes, it was a mix-up. But the guy the BBC put on the air thinking it was Guy Kewney wasn't really a cab driver. Guy Goma, from the Congo, was in the BBC reception area to apply for an IT job. When the receptionist called for Guy Kewney, Guy Goma thought she was calling him.
...Bookmark: History of International Migration
...Yahoo.com has updated the look on their main page. Nothing radical, though.
...A Canadian ice manufacturer has purchased one of the local ice companies. When you think about it, it makes lots of sense.
...Some of the flight attendants on Southwest Airlines are multimillionaires -- and they're still working the aisles.
...The name of a new restaurant has created a stir in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Pink Taco is scheduled to open in June.
...One in ten Americans have given up landline telephones altogether -- re
lying solely on mobile phones. No big deal unless you're a landline phone company -- or a pollster....Yes, it was a mix-up. But the guy the BBC put on the air thinking it was Guy Kewney wasn't really a cab driver. Guy Goma, from the Congo, was in the BBC reception area to apply for an IT job. When the receptionist called for Guy Kewney, Guy Goma thought she was calling him.
...Bookmark: History of International Migration
...Yahoo.com has updated the look on their main page. Nothing radical, though.
Monday, May 15
Jaroslav Pelikan crosses finish line
Jaroslav Pelikan, in my mind, the greatest historical theologian of the 20th century, died Saturday at the age of 82. A Yale scholar with a generous spirit that came through in his writing, he saw his mission in life as being a spokesman for the first 19 centuries of the Church -- giving history a vote.See also CT 1990 article
Praise God for a faithful life -- well-lived.
My Cocoons
Last spring I bought a pair of the world's most hideous looking sunglasses. I had tried them on in the optician's office -- as a joke. Unfortunately, they felt extremely comfortable and they blocked the rays as no other glasses I'd ever used. It took me months to get over the embarrassment of it but eventually I made my way back to that optician and bought a pair of Cocoons.
I've now worn them enough that I don't care if they make me look like an aging alien. Cognitive dissonance. These things are so polarized that I look into the sky and see clouds that no one else sees.
Fishermen love them.
Every time I cross paths with another Cocoon owner there is an instant silent bond -- an acknowledgment of another practical person whose common comfort sense has overridden all fashion sense.
A few weeks ago I noticed that the stems were starting to crack. So I took my Cocoons back to where I bought them, hoping they would replace the stems. The replacement package came today -- except it turns out that the company didn't want to replace the stems. They would rather replace the complete pair of glasses! So at 12:30 p.m. I handed in my Cocoons to the optician and received a completely new pair -- no charge. That's service.
This means I can continue on as the goofy-looking but totally-relaxed guy behind the cool shades.
I've now worn them enough that I don't care if they make me look like an aging alien. Cognitive dissonance. These things are so polarized that I look into the sky and see clouds that no one else sees.Fishermen love them.
Every time I cross paths with another Cocoon owner there is an instant silent bond -- an acknowledgment of another practical person whose common comfort sense has overridden all fashion sense.
A few weeks ago I noticed that the stems were starting to crack. So I took my Cocoons back to where I bought them, hoping they would replace the stems. The replacement package came today -- except it turns out that the company didn't want to replace the stems. They would rather replace the complete pair of glasses! So at 12:30 p.m. I handed in my Cocoons to the optician and received a completely new pair -- no charge. That's service.
This means I can continue on as the goofy-looking but totally-relaxed guy behind the cool shades.
Abbey Way Covenant Church
My choice for church website of the week is a new church plant in the Twin Cities. Abbey Way is in the early stages of gathering a committed core. This church is unique in that they are attempting to create a congregation which focuses on a set of shared spiritual practices and corporate rhythms. That is, they are not likely to be a program-driven church. :-)
Random
..."Disease spread by global warming could kill an extra 185 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by the end of the century and turn millions more into refugees unless rich nations take action now, a report said on Monday." More
...Since we're looking at worst-case scenarios, will high-definition video piped through the Internet strain the system to a stand-still? It is a concern.
...Robin Griffith-Jones, the master of London's Temple Church, has a great series of six short online videos on the facts behind "The Da Vinci Code."
...The White House has a plan to deploy thousands of National Guard troops along the US-Mexico border to thwart the influx of illegal aliens. Bad idea. The Guard, which I have great respect for, is already stretched too thin because of the Iraq fiasco. They need to be available to function as a state militia and to serve during emergencies.
...Fr Joseph Huneycutt, who recently moved to Houston, has been musing on the uniqueness of life in his new home. When we lived in north Texas I noted that most any criticism of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex was quickly and philosophically countered -- "Well, at least it ain't Houston."
...A BBC employee thought the cabbie waiting to pick-up IT columnist Guy Kewney was Guy Kewney. The poor cab driver was just following directions when they grabbed him and rushed him into the studio to comment on the Apple Music/Apple Records verdict. Guy Kewney is a middle-age white guy. The cabbie appears to be an African immigrant. Although he was initially terrified he recovered well and the video is now a classic.
...Since we're looking at worst-case scenarios, will high-definition video piped through the Internet strain the system to a stand-still? It is a concern.
...Robin Griffith-Jones, the master of London's Temple Church, has a great series of six short online videos on the facts behind "The Da Vinci Code."
...The White House has a plan to deploy thousands of National Guard troops along the US-Mexico border to thwart the influx of illegal aliens. Bad idea. The Guard, which I have great respect for, is already stretched too thin because of the Iraq fiasco. They need to be available to function as a state militia and to serve during emergencies.
...Fr Joseph Huneycutt, who recently moved to Houston, has been musing on the uniqueness of life in his new home. When we lived in north Texas I noted that most any criticism of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex was quickly and philosophically countered -- "Well, at least it ain't Houston."
...A BBC employee thought the cabbie waiting to pick-up IT columnist Guy Kewney was Guy Kewney. The poor cab driver was just following directions when they grabbed him and rushed him into the studio to comment on the Apple Music/Apple Records verdict. Guy Kewney is a middle-age white guy. The cabbie appears to be an African immigrant. Although he was initially terrified he recovered well and the video is now a classic.
Sunday, May 14
New India Palace
For Mother's Day we walked the few blocks from our house to enjoy the buffet at New India Palace -- great food! And when you consider that this was their first day open -- impressive!
As far as I can tell, this restaurant (1560 Fulkerth) is the first Indian food option in Turlock. This is significant not only because we'll now have another food choice but because it is also a milestone in the coming of age of the Turlock Indian community.
Furthermore, it means that we'll have a place to go when the smell of our Indian neighbors' cooking creates curry lust.
As far as I can tell, this restaurant (1560 Fulkerth) is the first Indian food option in Turlock. This is significant not only because we'll now have another food choice but because it is also a milestone in the coming of age of the Turlock Indian community.
Furthermore, it means that we'll have a place to go when the smell of our Indian neighbors' cooking creates curry lust.
Random -- Mother's Day
...Happy Mother's Day...My, aren't we politically correct. California SB 1437 (.pdf) made it through the Senate this week. Some of the conservative watchdogs think that if the bill were to become law it would mean that all references to sex-specific terms such as "mom" or "dad" would be removed from textbooks. I think that's stretching the interpretation a bit (quite a bit) but the whole pc nature of the bill looks pretty silly -- and manipulative.
...Advertising Design Goodness: the best and worst advertising (via)
...Second trailer for Cars, the Disney-Pixar must see which opens June 9th
...Happy Non-Mother's Day -- 30% of German women are intentionally choosing to go childless.
Friday, May 12
Russian Orthodox reunion
The Russian Orthodox Church Abroad voted yesterday to accept the Moscow patriarch, Aleksy II, as its head. If the church receives final approval from its leaders next week (
which is highly likely) this will end a bitter separation which has spanned 80+ years.
The ROCA (also called Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia) was founded by emigres who fled Russia after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. In 1920, it severed ties with the Moscow Patriarchate which had come under control of the atheistic communist government. And it has existed in an ecclesial limbo ever since. The other Orthodox bodies around the world didn't sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate so they couldn't officially recognize the ROCA, but they acknowledged that the situation was an irregularity which would eventually be repaired. And in Eastern Orthodox time 86 years is pretty fast.
which is highly likely) this will end a bitter separation which has spanned 80+ years.The ROCA (also called Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia) was founded by emigres who fled Russia after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. In 1920, it severed ties with the Moscow Patriarchate which had come under control of the atheistic communist government. And it has existed in an ecclesial limbo ever since. The other Orthodox bodies around the world didn't sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate so they couldn't officially recognize the ROCA, but they acknowledged that the situation was an irregularity which would eventually be repaired. And in Eastern Orthodox time 86 years is pretty fast.
Random
...Carnegie Mellon University freshman Nick Hudson has the distinction of being the "only student majoring in bagpipes at any American university or college." He receives a $7,000-a-year music scholarship and gets subsidized kilts. There is a one-to-one faculty-to-student ratio in the school's bagpipe program....Clever -- a revolving circular kitchen. (via)
...Three new Google products: Google Co-op (social software), Google Trends, and perhaps the most useful for most people -- Google Notebook.
...AOL layoffs and closure. The bleeding continues. (The lifespan of a company is extremely short these days.) However, there are jobs out there -- finally.
...Oklahoma has become the last state to legalize tattooing.
Thursday, May 11
Ocean wind farms
They're planning wind farms for off the Texas coast. However, environmentalists are concerned that the South Texas location will endanger migrating birds.That's got to be frustrating for the energy people. It seems like every alternative you come up with creates an environmental issue. It may just be the wrong place for it. I don't know.
I'd like to see them develop something that harnesses the natural wave action -- although the waves along the Gulf Coast are usually pretty mild.
Wednesday, May 10
Random
...Younger buyers are coveting "grandpa cars."
...Spotted at Costco -- at least three Spanish language versions of the Bible -- stacks of them. That tells you something about the demographics.
..."Sometimes my own messages send signals that I don't mean to send, but stirs up anxieties in the Muslim world..." -- President George W Bush, who is apparently growing wiser.
...San Francisco's growing reputation for intolerance.
...Half of all new US teachers quit within their first five years -- poor working conditions and low salaries. Of those who hang in there, "today's average teacher is a married, 43-year-old white woman who is religious."
...New study: Indoor ionic air purifiers emit ozone as a byproduct of the ionization process -- causing indoor smog. Investors must not believe it. Stock for the Sharper Image (a leading distributor of such purifiers) was up slightly yesterday.
...Spotted at Costco -- at least three Spanish language versions of the Bible -- stacks of them. That tells you something about the demographics.
..."Sometimes my own messages send signals that I don't mean to send, but stirs up anxieties in the Muslim world..." -- President George W Bush, who is apparently growing wiser.
...San Francisco's growing reputation for intolerance.
...Half of all new US teachers quit within their first five years -- poor working conditions and low salaries. Of those who hang in there, "today's average teacher is a married, 43-year-old white woman who is religious."
...New study: Indoor ionic air purifiers emit ozone as a byproduct of the ionization process -- causing indoor smog. Investors must not believe it. Stock for the Sharper Image (a leading distributor of such purifiers) was up slightly yesterday.
Tuesday, May 9
Random
...One third of El Salvador's population lives in the United States -- 2.5 million people. Each year Salvadorans living in the US send $2.5 billion home -- the small nation's greatest national resource.
..."Bottlenose dolphins can call each other by name when they whistle, making them the only animals besides humans known to recognize such identity information, scientists reported Monday." I want to know who actually names the dolphins.
...The US government says that ALL American officials -- including intelligence agents -- are prohibited from using torture to interrogate prisoners -- even terror suspects. The sad part is that the State Department was put in a situation where it had to explain where we stand on the issue. It should be so evident that we're never in a position of having to clarify our position.
...Coming soon -- Google Health
...On my walk last evening I stopped by the NEW INDIA PALACE (1560 Fulkerth Road). The door was wide open and they were busy getting things ready for their opening on Wednesday. Finally, Indian food coming to Turlock!
...US newspaper circulation dropped 2.6% in the six-month period ending in March. Newspaper run websites had an 8% increase in viewers during the first quarter of 2006. The SF Chronicle continues to lead the pack in air-sucking behavior.
..."Bottlenose dolphins can call each other by name when they whistle, making them the only animals besides humans known to recognize such identity information, scientists reported Monday." I want to know who actually names the dolphins.
...The US government says that ALL American officials -- including intelligence agents -- are prohibited from using torture to interrogate prisoners -- even terror suspects. The sad part is that the State Department was put in a situation where it had to explain where we stand on the issue. It should be so evident that we're never in a position of having to clarify our position.
...Coming soon -- Google Health
...On my walk last evening I stopped by the NEW INDIA PALACE (1560 Fulkerth Road). The door was wide open and they were busy getting things ready for their opening on Wednesday. Finally, Indian food coming to Turlock!
...US newspaper circulation dropped 2.6% in the six-month period ending in March. Newspaper run websites had an 8% increase in viewers during the first quarter of 2006. The SF Chronicle continues to lead the pack in air-sucking behavior.
Monday, May 8
Toning down the immigration rhetoric
The Evangelical Covenant Church's Department of Communication received a few scathing emails after it ran a story on the Covenant's website about pastors marching in favor of immigration reform. The concern seems to be that they are supporting illegal activities -- lawbreaking.
The emailers are missing the point. No one is denying that there are people living in the US under questionable circumstances -- "illegal" -- "undocumented". No one is trying to justify how they got here. In an ideal world they would have all gotten here legally. (Of course, from the native First Peoples' perspective most Americans came here illegally. And then there are the issues surrounding the cloudy circumstances through which the US gained control of much of the West and Southwest. But those are issues for another day's conversation.) However, the protestors are arguing that for the sake of compassion, mercy, grace -- and even economic justice -- WE NEED TO FIND A WAY SO THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT HERE ILLEGALLY. We need to create a channel to help them become "legitimate" in the eyes of the government.
I've heard some people argue that "the illegals can become legitimate by going back to where they came from and applying for entry." That is simply not realistic at this point in history. If all illegal immigrants suddenly left the US it would create a massive hole in the economy, swamping the boat for a long long time. It would rip apart families (children born in the US are citizens regardless of the status of their parents). The sudden shortage of US dollars flowing into Mexico and south would create economic and political instability in the Latin American countries. The last thing we want are a bunch of Cuban style states emerging along our borders.
And then there is the whole issue of enforcement. If we put into practice even 20% of the extreme measures being proposed we would be spending 80% of our tax dollars on wall maintenance. And frankly, we have a few other issues which need attention, too.
All that the protestors are saying is, let's work together to figure out a solution to this problem. Let's work together without the harsh sometimes-racist-sounding rhetoric and compassion-neutral posturing. Yes, there are some problems to be solved -- but simplistic unneighborly approaches are not only lacking in gospel -- they're not very workable either.
We are can-do people. Yes, it's a complex problem. But we can tone things down, create some good will, and figure out solutions.
The emailers are missing the point. No one is denying that there are people living in the US under questionable circumstances -- "illegal" -- "undocumented". No one is trying to justify how they got here. In an ideal world they would have all gotten here legally. (Of course, from the native First Peoples' perspective most Americans came here illegally. And then there are the issues surrounding the cloudy circumstances through which the US gained control of much of the West and Southwest. But those are issues for another day's conversation.) However, the protestors are arguing that for the sake of compassion, mercy, grace -- and even economic justice -- WE NEED TO FIND A WAY SO THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT HERE ILLEGALLY. We need to create a channel to help them become "legitimate" in the eyes of the government.
I've heard some people argue that "the illegals can become legitimate by going back to where they came from and applying for entry." That is simply not realistic at this point in history. If all illegal immigrants suddenly left the US it would create a massive hole in the economy, swamping the boat for a long long time. It would rip apart families (children born in the US are citizens regardless of the status of their parents). The sudden shortage of US dollars flowing into Mexico and south would create economic and political instability in the Latin American countries. The last thing we want are a bunch of Cuban style states emerging along our borders.
And then there is the whole issue of enforcement. If we put into practice even 20% of the extreme measures being proposed we would be spending 80% of our tax dollars on wall maintenance. And frankly, we have a few other issues which need attention, too.
All that the protestors are saying is, let's work together to figure out a solution to this problem. Let's work together without the harsh sometimes-racist-sounding rhetoric and compassion-neutral posturing. Yes, there are some problems to be solved -- but simplistic unneighborly approaches are not only lacking in gospel -- they're not very workable either.
We are can-do people. Yes, it's a complex problem. But we can tone things down, create some good will, and figure out solutions.
Campus fun
Brown tree snakes are a big deal in Guam. Until WWII Guam was a snake-free island but this invasive species 
arrived as a stowaway on a ship or transport plane traveling from Australia or PNG. The snakes, without natural predators, have decimated the native bird population on the island. But they've provided lots of sport for some of the students at Pacific Islands Bible College.
In this picture Marcus (a volunteer from Germany helping with campus maintenance), Happiness, and Stella show off one particularly long capture. Happiness and our friend Joyce Owen (wife of the college president) have had a contest this semester to see who could kill the most snakes. Joyce has killed nine and Happiness has killed eight. But she says that "He definitely got the two biggest so I say he won."
Tomorrow is graduation day at PIBC.
arrived as a stowaway on a ship or transport plane traveling from Australia or PNG. The snakes, without natural predators, have decimated the native bird population on the island. But they've provided lots of sport for some of the students at Pacific Islands Bible College.In this picture Marcus (a volunteer from Germany helping with campus maintenance), Happiness, and Stella show off one particularly long capture. Happiness and our friend Joyce Owen (wife of the college president) have had a contest this semester to see who could kill the most snakes. Joyce has killed nine and Happiness has killed eight. But she says that "He definitely got the two biggest so I say he won."
Tomorrow is graduation day at PIBC.
Random
...Christianity Today has gone into the online education business.
..."Do you know whom you worship? Did the Nicene Creed distort the pure gospel, or did it embody and protect it?
"
...Hybrid muscle -- using buffalo to generate electricity.
...Google click-fraud controversy
...China will have 60 million blogs by the end of 2006. China, which still functions with a high level of centralized control, will eventually loosen up. They'll have to because it's going to be logistically impossible to control that much opinion.
..."The remedy for rampant drinking at American colleges? It could be a crash course in the art of sensible social drinking, reminiscent of the old-fashioned, formal cocktail hour -- often a showcase for decorum."
...On Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese of California elected a new bishop -- and he's not a homosexual. What a strange thing to have to say.
...On Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee once again failed to elect a new bishop. There were 36 "failed" ballots. Richard Kew, who lives and serves there, has some insight.
...The Guam Police Department is investigating an incident last week in which a boy and girl fell out of a moving school bus! Their injuries were minor.
..."Do you know whom you worship? Did the Nicene Creed distort the pure gospel, or did it embody and protect it?
"...Hybrid muscle -- using buffalo to generate electricity.
...Google click-fraud controversy
...China will have 60 million blogs by the end of 2006. China, which still functions with a high level of centralized control, will eventually loosen up. They'll have to because it's going to be logistically impossible to control that much opinion.
..."The remedy for rampant drinking at American colleges? It could be a crash course in the art of sensible social drinking, reminiscent of the old-fashioned, formal cocktail hour -- often a showcase for decorum."
...On Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese of California elected a new bishop -- and he's not a homosexual. What a strange thing to have to say.
...On Saturday, the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee once again failed to elect a new bishop. There were 36 "failed" ballots. Richard Kew, who lives and serves there, has some insight.
...The Guam Police Department is investigating an incident last week in which a boy and girl fell out of a moving school bus! Their injuries were minor.
Rural Hall Moravian Church
From my favorites list, my church website of the week -- Rural Hall Moravian Church, Rural Hall, North Carolina. There is depth to this website, but not much flash -- classy but not flashy. God is obviously still at work in this 83-year-old congregation -- ordinary Christians faithfully serving in their context.
Sunday, May 7
Confirmation Sunday
Four of our students completed our two-year D/C (Discipleship/Confirmation) program at Cornerstone and so we had "confirmation" this morning. We also baptized three of the students and one other who had completed the class a few years ago. Here are a few pictures. 
Saturday, May 6
Progress
...Last month we did a "live" recording of about 20 of Cheryl's songs. The master disc came from the production company this week. Cheryl got all the paper work together and did all the proofing and then this morning we sent it off to the company which burns and packages the CD's. We ordered 1,000 and they should arrive in Turlock sometime before the end of the month.
...I did a little tweaking and now the blog appears to be functioning right on Safari -- the Mac browser.
...I did a little tweaking and now the blog appears to be functioning right on Safari -- the Mac browser.
Desultory
...The $57 billion porn industry is readying to make the jump to providing "content" for MP3 players. Life is about to get even more complicated for a lot of people who have been hooked on this stuff. (Marketplace audio story)
...Google is being sued by Jeffrey Toback, a Democratic representative in New York's Nassau County Legislature. He charged in a complaint filed Thursday that "Google has been taking in billions of dollars by allowing child pornography and 'other obscene content' operators to advertise their sites through sponsored links..."
...The Presbyterian Church (USA), experiencing severe budget shortfalls, is cutting staff -- eliminating 84 denominational positions and 55 missionaries.
...Not that it's a major concern for what I'm doing with it but I'm having trouble figuring out how to get the Mac to play .wax video files.
...Today is "Free Comicbook Day."
...Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo -- so Cheryl and I went out and had Greek food. It wasn't at all crowded.
...AOL is attempting to one-up Skype by providing a free phone number to instant messaging users so they can receive free incoming calls from regular phones while they are online. Skype currently charges for that service.
...AOL is also attempting to take on MySpace.com with the introduction of AIM Pages -- a social blogging system. Once the largest of the Internet service providers, AOL was swamped by the broadband wave and is still trying to find a little piece of dry ground upon which they can stand. I'm thinking that kids will soon be bored with the whole social networking thing, though.
...Proposed: a first-class stamp that would be "forever" -- or at least would be adequate even when postal rates increase. This makes too much sense to be a government proposal.
...Google is being sued by Jeffrey Toback, a Democratic representative in New York's Nassau County Legislature. He charged in a complaint filed Thursday that "Google has been taking in billions of dollars by allowing child pornography and 'other obscene content' operators to advertise their sites through sponsored links..."
...The Presbyterian Church (USA), experiencing severe budget shortfalls, is cutting staff -- eliminating 84 denominational positions and 55 missionaries.
...Not that it's a major concern for what I'm doing with it but I'm having trouble figuring out how to get the Mac to play .wax video files.
...Today is "Free Comicbook Day."
...Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo -- so Cheryl and I went out and had Greek food. It wasn't at all crowded.
...AOL is attempting to one-up Skype by providing a free phone number to instant messaging users so they can receive free incoming calls from regular phones while they are online. Skype currently charges for that service.
...AOL is also attempting to take on MySpace.com with the introduction of AIM Pages -- a social blogging system. Once the largest of the Internet service providers, AOL was swamped by the broadband wave and is still trying to find a little piece of dry ground upon which they can stand. I'm thinking that kids will soon be bored with the whole social networking thing, though.
...Proposed: a first-class stamp that would be "forever" -- or at least would be adequate even when postal rates increase. This makes too much sense to be a government proposal.
Friday, May 5
Desultory
...Today is Cinco de Mayo, the day when Americans join with Mexicans from Puebla to celebrate the defeat of the French. If it hadn't been for Cinco de Mayo we Californians might have ended up speaking French instead of Spanish. Viva Benito Juarez! :-)
...Skype is adding features -- I suspect that Skypecasting will be one of the more popular.
...This looks useful -- businesscard size notepads. I'm forever scratching notes on business cards. Lowtech works. (via)
...The Chinese (as in China) are designing not only California style homes but they're trying to recreate actual California communities. Hopefully they'll be able to make improvements and leave out the commutes that are a result of the way that California communities were planned (or not planned).
...Skype is adding features -- I suspect that Skypecasting will be one of the more popular.
...This looks useful -- businesscard size notepads. I'm forever scratching notes on business cards. Lowtech works. (via)
...The Chinese (as in China) are designing not only California style homes but they're trying to recreate actual California communities. Hopefully they'll be able to make improvements and leave out the commutes that are a result of the way that California communities were planned (or not planned).
Thursday, May 4
I'm now in the Mac club
Dave Larson, pastor of the New Life Christian Center in Turlock, read and responded to my request for a used Mac. Apparently, the church had an extra one not in use. So now it is. One of my missionary projects will involve some online design and I wanted to have a Mac on hand to test out webpages in that system. (Thank you, Dave, and NLCC!)I've already discovered that this blog doesn't function right in the Safari web-browser. I can't get the center column to load. So I'll have to eventually see what I can do about that.
I do like the feel of the Mac operating system -- elegant -- classy -- although it is a bit counter-intuitive for me. I'll learn.
More on taps
My post on Taps from a few days ago appeared in the Turlock Journal yesterday and apparently not everyone was amused.
No offense intended. I was mostly poking fun at how we've had to resort to computerized bugles. And on a more serious note I was using the opportunity to point out the contradiction of ending a Christian service where the focus is on the resurrection of the dead on such a pensive note as Taps.
Now, in fact I'm not against the playing of Taps (while it isn't sacred, many people find it meaningful). However, if I were allowed to put things in order I'd simply move the taps and the gun salute to the beginning of the committal service. Then I'd proceed to read the powerful words of scripture which declare a hope beyond death -- that which keeps us from being swallowed by grief. We end on an upbeat!
I realize that this is a bit contrary to custom and how many people deal with death. But it is exactly what the Apostle Paul was talking about when he says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
In the Moravian tradition the church band gathers in the graveyard early on Easter Sunday. And they march over the graves while playing Easter hymns. Some might consider that disrespectful. Quite to the contrary, though, it is making light of the power of death and declaring that Christians aren't stuck in graveyards. While we recognize the pain that goes with the temporary separation of death, we also make light of it and declare it impotent. And that is what we what we will emphasize the most.
No offense intended. I was mostly poking fun at how we've had to resort to computerized bugles. And on a more serious note I was using the opportunity to point out the contradiction of ending a Christian service where the focus is on the resurrection of the dead on such a pensive note as Taps.
Now, in fact I'm not against the playing of Taps (while it isn't sacred, many people find it meaningful). However, if I were allowed to put things in order I'd simply move the taps and the gun salute to the beginning of the committal service. Then I'd proceed to read the powerful words of scripture which declare a hope beyond death -- that which keeps us from being swallowed by grief. We end on an upbeat!
I realize that this is a bit contrary to custom and how many people deal with death. But it is exactly what the Apostle Paul was talking about when he says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
In the Moravian tradition the church band gathers in the graveyard early on Easter Sunday. And they march over the graves while playing Easter hymns. Some might consider that disrespectful. Quite to the contrary, though, it is making light of the power of death and declaring that Christians aren't stuck in graveyards. While we recognize the pain that goes with the temporary separation of death, we also make light of it and declare it impotent. And that is what we what we will emphasize the most.
Desultory
...At the University of Houston only 9% of undergraduates earn their degrees in four years. Now they've got a plan to speed things up -- tuition rebates totally up to $3,000 for students who earn their bachelor's degree in four year.
...I drove by the San Luis Reservoir yesterday and I can't remember ever seeing it so full -- right up to the top water line.
...A new study has discovered a correlation between the ability of elderly people to walk a quarter-mile and whether they'd be alive six years later and how much illness and disability they would endure.
...Useful: Firefox browser tab that runs sites intended for IE.
...Wal-Mart plans to start selling build-your-own-computer components. With the cost of already built computers so low, my questions is, why? Most Wal-Mart shoppers are not going to be of the sort who have the time, energy, or know how to build their own. And Wal-Mart would have to do a major job of underselling the existing distributors who already seem to be offering dirt cheap components.
...I drove by the San Luis Reservoir yesterday and I can't remember ever seeing it so full -- right up to the top water line.
...A new study has discovered a correlation between the ability of elderly people to walk a quarter-mile and whether they'd be alive six years later and how much illness and disability they would endure.
...Useful: Firefox browser tab that runs sites intended for IE.
...Wal-Mart plans to start selling build-your-own-computer components. With the cost of already built computers so low, my questions is, why? Most Wal-Mart shoppers are not going to be of the sort who have the time, energy, or know how to build their own. And Wal-Mart would have to do a major job of underselling the existing distributors who already seem to be offering dirt cheap components.
Wednesday, May 3
Desultory
...Cool. Measuring-tape -- imagine the uses. (via)
...Frederica Mathewes-Green has a good essay on the common need of the rich and poor.
...I'm on the road today heading over to Mission Springs, speaking this evening and tomorrow morning at the retired Covenant ministers' retreat. Should be fun.
...Zondervan is buying Youth Specialties. The video announcement is a hoot. Of course, HarperCollins is the parent company of Zondervan. And HarperCollins is a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. So, all the crazies in El Cajon are now officially working for THE MAN.
...Frederica Mathewes-Green has a good essay on the common need of the rich and poor.
...I'm on the road today heading over to Mission Springs, speaking this evening and tomorrow morning at the retired Covenant ministers' retreat. Should be fun.
...Zondervan is buying Youth Specialties. The video announcement is a hoot. Of course, HarperCollins is the parent company of Zondervan. And HarperCollins is a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. So, all the crazies in El Cajon are now officially working for THE MAN.
O, say, can you sing...
If you're open-minded enough for Spanish and Swedish, then you'll certainly appreciate the Star Spangled Banner in Morse Code.
Actually, it turns out that singing what eventually became the national anthem in a language other than English isn't all that novel. In the early 20th century the US federal government was promoting the song in several languages. The Library of Congress has a 1919 Spanish version online. There are currently four Spanish language versions on the US State Department website.
President Bush was heard to sing the national anthem in Spanish when he was on the campaign trail.
Other versions available (some from the 19th century): Samoan, Chinese, Yiddish, Esperanto, German, Finnish, Japanese, Polish... (via)
Of course, this controversy really has little to do with the national anthem anyway.
Actually, it turns out that singing what eventually became the national anthem in a language other than English isn't all that novel. In the early 20th century the US federal government was promoting the song in several languages. The Library of Congress has a 1919 Spanish version online. There are currently four Spanish language versions on the US State Department website.
President Bush was heard to sing the national anthem in Spanish when he was on the campaign trail.
Other versions available (some from the 19th century): Samoan, Chinese, Yiddish, Esperanto, German, Finnish, Japanese, Polish... (via)
Of course, this controversy really has little to do with the national anthem anyway.
Tuesday, May 2
Random
..."Part of the 160 acres proposed for a San Joaquin Delta College Lodi campus is under water, flooded from a break in a privately owned levee on the Mokelumne River." Hopefully the architects will make creative use of pontoons and stilts as they come up with a campus design....While the pundits argue over the size and effectiveness of Monday's immigrant boycott and rallies, I think it is worth pointing out that the whole thing was civil and peaceful. Well-behaved people pressing their point is the American experiment at its best.
...Now online: Yahoo! Tech -- a chance to talk gadgets and sell computers, phones, cameras, etc. -- AP story
...Puerto Rico has run out of money -- or at least the politicians can't agree on how to allocate the money they do have; so the government has been shut down.
...Forget about the hydrogen economy. George Olah thinks that methanol is the key to weaning the world off oil.
...KUAM in Guam has given their website and broadcast studios a new look.
...King of the Hill Church -- You Tube video clip (via)
...Statistical Illusion -- Bob Smietana article in CT -- New study confirms that we go to church much less than we say.
...Steve Jobs tells his story at the Stanford graduate commencement ceremony.
Monday, May 1
More fire info
I was out at Wilkey Sheet Metal briefly this morning. The building that burned yesterday is still smoking and there is water all over the place. Phone and Internet service is out. The Modesto Bee has a brief article.
Random
...It's Berkeley! Last night Betsy made her university decision. Like mother, like daughter. (Stanford wasn't even a consideration.)
...A Guam physician would like to raise the drinking age to 21 as a means of reducing the teen pregnancy rate on the island.
...The Chuppies have the resources but not the experience of dealing with choices. The new China.
...Neil Young is streaming his new anti-war album. Deja vu 1970 -- with broadband.
...Google is unhappy about the MSN search box on the new IE browser. As I see it, Google may just have to come up with their own browser.
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