PATRIOTS EAT FREEDOM FRIES
In the name of patriotism everyone seem to be changing French Toast into Freedom Toast and French Fries into Freedom Fries. Even Congress is getting into the act. But it seems to me that if we're really serious about expunging the French from our language that we ought to quit referring to ourselves as patriots. After all, patriot comes from the French word patriote.
Give it a rest.
Wednesday, March 12
THE WAR
It finally dawned on me (I'm a little slow) that the whole European resistance to the idea of fighting a war to get rid of Saddam really has little to do with the merits (or lack thereof!) for going to war. It's really about power -- not unlike that of the labor union which is organizing to protest the policies of management. In fact, the management policies may not be all that bad -- but the relatively powerless workers have to draw a line somewhere so that management treats them with respect.
It doesn't matter whether it's worth fighting a war or not. That's not at all the point. But it seems, from the perspective of a good many countries in the world, that the US has just gotten too big for its britches -- now that there is no other superpower to hold us in check. So they are all letting us know what they think. And as with striking workers the walkouts always seem to come at the most inopportune times. This is because the most inopportune times are when they can most forcefully make their point.
It finally dawned on me (I'm a little slow) that the whole European resistance to the idea of fighting a war to get rid of Saddam really has little to do with the merits (or lack thereof!) for going to war. It's really about power -- not unlike that of the labor union which is organizing to protest the policies of management. In fact, the management policies may not be all that bad -- but the relatively powerless workers have to draw a line somewhere so that management treats them with respect.
It doesn't matter whether it's worth fighting a war or not. That's not at all the point. But it seems, from the perspective of a good many countries in the world, that the US has just gotten too big for its britches -- now that there is no other superpower to hold us in check. So they are all letting us know what they think. And as with striking workers the walkouts always seem to come at the most inopportune times. This is because the most inopportune times are when they can most forcefully make their point.
SPAM TALE
I have this email account with charter.net, which provides our access at home. I have never given out the address to anyone. And so I almost never check it. Tonight I got the bright idea that I should at least go in there to see if charter.net was sending me anything about the account. And before I could do anything about it I had downloaded 1,300 pieces of spam that had been accumulating in my mailbox. So just how is it that the spammers figured out about the address that I never gave to anyone? Sure some of it had to be of the random generated variety where they take a list of names and put them in front of @charter.net -- but really -- not all 1,300 would have been generated that way. And as far as I can tell Charter isn't doing anything to block the stuff. At least on my EarthLink account there is spaminator -- an inadequate but noble attempt.
I have this email account with charter.net, which provides our access at home. I have never given out the address to anyone. And so I almost never check it. Tonight I got the bright idea that I should at least go in there to see if charter.net was sending me anything about the account. And before I could do anything about it I had downloaded 1,300 pieces of spam that had been accumulating in my mailbox. So just how is it that the spammers figured out about the address that I never gave to anyone? Sure some of it had to be of the random generated variety where they take a list of names and put them in front of @charter.net -- but really -- not all 1,300 would have been generated that way. And as far as I can tell Charter isn't doing anything to block the stuff. At least on my EarthLink account there is spaminator -- an inadequate but noble attempt.
MORE COMMON NONSENSE
How is it that a college teacher has given his students class credit for writing letters to the president opposing the war -- but those who wrote supporting a war received no credit?
He's been placed on administrative leave. Link
How is it that a college teacher has given his students class credit for writing letters to the president opposing the war -- but those who wrote supporting a war received no credit?
He's been placed on administrative leave. Link
Tuesday, March 11
MCDONALD'S TO OFFER WIRELESS COMBO MEAL
"NEW YORK (AP) - Would you like super-sized Internet access with that burger and fries? In a further sign of the spread of wireless Internet technology, McDonald's 'restaurants in three U.S. cities will offer one hour of free high-speed access to anyone who buys a combination meal. Ten McDonald's in Manhattan will begin offering wireless WiFi, or 802.11b, Internet access on Wednesday, McDonald's spokeswoman Lisa Howard said.'
"By year's end, McDonald's will extend the access to 300 McDonald restaurants in New York City, Chicago and a yet-unannounced California town, Howard said."
I'm suspecting that the "yet-unannounced California town" will be Turlock -- the west coast hotbed of technology (When we moved here about 8 years ago the ONLY "local" public Internet access was two AOL phone numbers out of Modesto). If we start the rumor maybe it will come true.
Link to the whole AP article
"NEW YORK (AP) - Would you like super-sized Internet access with that burger and fries? In a further sign of the spread of wireless Internet technology, McDonald's 'restaurants in three U.S. cities will offer one hour of free high-speed access to anyone who buys a combination meal. Ten McDonald's in Manhattan will begin offering wireless WiFi, or 802.11b, Internet access on Wednesday, McDonald's spokeswoman Lisa Howard said.'
"By year's end, McDonald's will extend the access to 300 McDonald restaurants in New York City, Chicago and a yet-unannounced California town, Howard said."
I'm suspecting that the "yet-unannounced California town" will be Turlock -- the west coast hotbed of technology (When we moved here about 8 years ago the ONLY "local" public Internet access was two AOL phone numbers out of Modesto). If we start the rumor maybe it will come true.
Link to the whole AP article
THE NEW U.S. -- FROM AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE
Link to "Wings clipped and living on a born again prayer in the US"
Link to "Wings clipped and living on a born again prayer in the US"
ENJOY THE DAY
Tuesday is our day off. We woke up to a rare coastal fog this morning (When we get fog it usually comes from the ground up -- "tule fog") and even after it burned off it felt like the coast with a gentle breeze. We're closing in on 80 degrees. For lunch Cheryl and explored another one of Turlock's authentic Mexican resturants -- Taqueria el Alazan (1668 Countryside Dr). Definitely a winner!
Tuesday is our day off. We woke up to a rare coastal fog this morning (When we get fog it usually comes from the ground up -- "tule fog") and even after it burned off it felt like the coast with a gentle breeze. We're closing in on 80 degrees. For lunch Cheryl and explored another one of Turlock's authentic Mexican resturants -- Taqueria el Alazan (1668 Countryside Dr). Definitely a winner!
RALPH WINTER
Dr Winter, founder of the US Center for World Mission and one of the great missionary strategists of our time, spoke this evening at the Perspectives class that we're hosting at Cornerstone. He was wonderfully engaging -- definitely a man with ideas -- but also a fairly decent grasp of chaos theory! I was pleasantly surprised to hear him advocating a more holistic approach to missions than what I expected. And he spoke quite a bit about the need for intellectual development among Christians as a means of countering secularized western education.
Following the class three of us cornered him for 15 minutes or so and got to ask him all kinds of questions about educational development and its role in missions. As a sidebar, one of the interesting comments he made was in regard to intelligent design theorists. How come none of the intelligent design people see an evil design at work in creation?
Dr Winter, founder of the US Center for World Mission and one of the great missionary strategists of our time, spoke this evening at the Perspectives class that we're hosting at Cornerstone. He was wonderfully engaging -- definitely a man with ideas -- but also a fairly decent grasp of chaos theory! I was pleasantly surprised to hear him advocating a more holistic approach to missions than what I expected. And he spoke quite a bit about the need for intellectual development among Christians as a means of countering secularized western education.
Following the class three of us cornered him for 15 minutes or so and got to ask him all kinds of questions about educational development and its role in missions. As a sidebar, one of the interesting comments he made was in regard to intelligent design theorists. How come none of the intelligent design people see an evil design at work in creation?
Monday, March 10
CANADIAN-US TENSIONS MOUNT AFTER ATTACK ON CURLING
From today's Ottawa Citizen: "Those cutting remarks Canadian leaders have been making about their American counterparts seem to have taken their toll.
"After the prime minister's press secretary referred to George W. Bush as a moron and Liberal MP Carolyn Parrish referred to his entire electorate as 'those bastards,' Americans are fighting back.
"They have attacked curling."
Link to Ottawa Citizen article
Come, come, children you play nicely or you're both going to have to go to your rooms for time out.
From today's Ottawa Citizen: "Those cutting remarks Canadian leaders have been making about their American counterparts seem to have taken their toll.
"After the prime minister's press secretary referred to George W. Bush as a moron and Liberal MP Carolyn Parrish referred to his entire electorate as 'those bastards,' Americans are fighting back.
"They have attacked curling."
Link to Ottawa Citizen article
Come, come, children you play nicely or you're both going to have to go to your rooms for time out.
WE'RE STILL A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS
U.S. foreign-born population reaches record high -- 32.5 million or 11.5 percent. Link to AP story
U.S. foreign-born population reaches record high -- 32.5 million or 11.5 percent. Link to AP story
Sunday, March 9
JONAH: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE
When I saw it in the theater I decided that I would pick up the DVD when it came out. It was released last week and Wal-Mart had it for less than $17 yesterday so I'm watching it again tonight. My favorite characters: Khalil the caterpillar and Reginald the camel. Link
When I saw it in the theater I decided that I would pick up the DVD when it came out. It was released last week and Wal-Mart had it for less than $17 yesterday so I'm watching it again tonight. My favorite characters: Khalil the caterpillar and Reginald the camel. Link
IRAQIS ATTEMPT SURRENDER
"TERRIFIED Iraqi soldiers have crossed the Kuwait border and tried to surrender to British forces - because they thought the war had already started.
"The motley band of a dozen troops waved the white flag as British paratroopers tested their weapons during a routine exercise.
"The stunned Paras from 16 Air Assault Brigade were forced to tell the Iraqis they were not firing at them, and ordered them back to their home country telling them it was too early to surrender..."
Link to the complete story in today's Sunday Mirror
"TERRIFIED Iraqi soldiers have crossed the Kuwait border and tried to surrender to British forces - because they thought the war had already started.
"The motley band of a dozen troops waved the white flag as British paratroopers tested their weapons during a routine exercise.
"The stunned Paras from 16 Air Assault Brigade were forced to tell the Iraqis they were not firing at them, and ordered them back to their home country telling them it was too early to surrender..."
Link to the complete story in today's Sunday Mirror
PROTESTORS HIT THE WRONG CHURCH
Rick Lindholtz reports that 8-10 protestors from the Fred Phelps group showed up this morning to picket in front of the Lutheran church where he is on staff. Rick says, "They had brightly colored signs that said 'Your Pastor is a liar', 'Fag Church', 'Thank God for Sept 11' and the like, and the objectionable 'logo' that appears in several places on their website. They didn't say anything to anyone, just stood out there with their signs. Four of them sang gospel quartet songs - I wondered if the disconnect between their songs and their signs was as totally unconscious as it seemed to be."
Then Rick adds, "Oh yeah, one of their signs made a contemptuous reference to the ELCA." The protestors didn't budge when they were told that the church isn't associated with the ELCA but is a part of the more conservative Missouri Synod.
Idiocy and hate often go together.
Rick Lindholtz reports that 8-10 protestors from the Fred Phelps group showed up this morning to picket in front of the Lutheran church where he is on staff. Rick says, "They had brightly colored signs that said 'Your Pastor is a liar', 'Fag Church', 'Thank God for Sept 11' and the like, and the objectionable 'logo' that appears in several places on their website. They didn't say anything to anyone, just stood out there with their signs. Four of them sang gospel quartet songs - I wondered if the disconnect between their songs and their signs was as totally unconscious as it seemed to be."
Then Rick adds, "Oh yeah, one of their signs made a contemptuous reference to the ELCA." The protestors didn't budge when they were told that the church isn't associated with the ELCA but is a part of the more conservative Missouri Synod.
Idiocy and hate often go together.
BLOGS: WAVE OF THE FUTURE?
"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The online diaries known as Weblogs, or "blogs," seemed like a lot of inconsequential chatter when they surfaced a few years ago.
"But as more people have embraced the concept, what once seemed like a passing fancy has morphed into a cutting-edge phenomenon that may provide the platform for the Internet's next wave of innovation and moneymaking opportunities.
"'Just like the Internet was 10 years ago, blogging is popular with an underground culture that is doing it for the love and passion," said Tony Perkins, who edited the recently folded Red Herring technology magazine and last month launched a business blog called Always On Network."...
"'This is the 'eBayization' of the media,' (Tony) Perkins said. 'You create a compelling arena and then let the real entertainment come from the participants themselves.'" Read the whole story
"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The online diaries known as Weblogs, or "blogs," seemed like a lot of inconsequential chatter when they surfaced a few years ago.
"But as more people have embraced the concept, what once seemed like a passing fancy has morphed into a cutting-edge phenomenon that may provide the platform for the Internet's next wave of innovation and moneymaking opportunities.
"'Just like the Internet was 10 years ago, blogging is popular with an underground culture that is doing it for the love and passion," said Tony Perkins, who edited the recently folded Red Herring technology magazine and last month launched a business blog called Always On Network."...
"'This is the 'eBayization' of the media,' (Tony) Perkins said. 'You create a compelling arena and then let the real entertainment come from the participants themselves.'" Read the whole story
.AF BACK IN THE MIX
"KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - 'Planting its flag in cyberspace,' Afghanistan will officially activate its .af Internet domain name on Monday for Afghan e-mail addresses and Web sites, officials and the United Nations said." Link
"KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - 'Planting its flag in cyberspace,' Afghanistan will officially activate its .af Internet domain name on Monday for Afghan e-mail addresses and Web sites, officials and the United Nations said." Link
Saturday, March 8
INTERNET SPEED RECORD
"SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Researchers at a Stanford University-affiliated research center said on Friday they had found a way to send data across the Internet more than 3,500 times faster than the typical broadband connection." Link
My laptop is plenty fast for what I do, but frankly speeding up the packets of info coming at me by 3,500 probably won't make a whole lot of difference. It's kind of like racing down the arterial so you can be the first to wait at the traffic light. But maybe in a few years...
"SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Researchers at a Stanford University-affiliated research center said on Friday they had found a way to send data across the Internet more than 3,500 times faster than the typical broadband connection." Link
My laptop is plenty fast for what I do, but frankly speeding up the packets of info coming at me by 3,500 probably won't make a whole lot of difference. It's kind of like racing down the arterial so you can be the first to wait at the traffic light. But maybe in a few years...
I'M LOOKING FOR ECONOMIC MODELS
The church planter that I coach in Fresno is starting a congregation to reach Southest Asian refugees. He has about 75 people. Some have been in the US for as long as 20 years. But few of them have made the economic transition. They're still working multiple jobs at minimum or near minimum wage -- and barely making ends meet -- often not. They are good workers but in spite of years of trying to pick up English many are not skilled enough to move forward in work or education. They have a strong pastor who is also a community leader. He has adapted well and is working on a college degree. I'm looking for some economic development models that I can encourage him to examine. Suggestions?
The church planter that I coach in Fresno is starting a congregation to reach Southest Asian refugees. He has about 75 people. Some have been in the US for as long as 20 years. But few of them have made the economic transition. They're still working multiple jobs at minimum or near minimum wage -- and barely making ends meet -- often not. They are good workers but in spite of years of trying to pick up English many are not skilled enough to move forward in work or education. They have a strong pastor who is also a community leader. He has adapted well and is working on a college degree. I'm looking for some economic development models that I can encourage him to examine. Suggestions?
SWEETHEART BANQUET
Last night our high school students from church put on a banquet for about 20 couples who paid at least $40 a pair. It was a fundraiser for the CHIC trip next summer and a way for "all the men who forgot Valentine's Day to redeem themselves." Our associate pastor, Dan Whitmarsh, coordinated the whole thing and his wife, Karina, a gourmet cook, whipped up the fancy appetizers, cordon bleu, and molten lava lover's cake. Dinner was served in "the special room," the Star Wars room, the 70's room, and best of all "the monastery" (my study). There were about 20 kids involved in preparation and serving. They also provided entertainment.
It was a remarkable event. The food was excellent. The kids were really "on" and at their best. Thanks Dan and Karina. Outstanding job!
Last night our high school students from church put on a banquet for about 20 couples who paid at least $40 a pair. It was a fundraiser for the CHIC trip next summer and a way for "all the men who forgot Valentine's Day to redeem themselves." Our associate pastor, Dan Whitmarsh, coordinated the whole thing and his wife, Karina, a gourmet cook, whipped up the fancy appetizers, cordon bleu, and molten lava lover's cake. Dinner was served in "the special room," the Star Wars room, the 70's room, and best of all "the monastery" (my study). There were about 20 kids involved in preparation and serving. They also provided entertainment.
It was a remarkable event. The food was excellent. The kids were really "on" and at their best. Thanks Dan and Karina. Outstanding job!
CHURCH RELEVANCE
Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, NPR columnist, prolife spokesperson, and wife of an Orthodox priest was recently interviewed for Modern Reformation magazine. (Frederica and her husband were both non-believing hippy-types who were dramtically converted to Christ in the 70's. He eventually became an Episcopal priest but decided to leave the Episcopal Church in 1991 when their House of Bishops defeated a resolution stating, "Clergy should abstain from sex outside of marriage." They became Eastern Orthodox at that point.) The interview is not up on the magazine site but Frederica sent it out to a mailing list she has. And I think that the last section was particularly noteworthy for Christians of all backgrounds --
MR: As an Orthodox person, how do you respond to the obsession in
contemporary culture with relevance, being "postmodern," etc.?
FMG: I think it's entirely misguided. Even two old boomers like my husband and myself knew ten years ago that we didn't want to join any church that prioritized being relevant. The Gospel is already relevant, because it's timeless; hitching it to time-bound fashion only trivializes it. I think this insight is the wave of the future, ironically; I think that we will increasingly see it become fashionable to disdain passing fashion, a situation that makes Orthodox heads spin. For example, a friend recently told me that her Southern Baptist church has established a Celtic service, complete with chant, candles, and incense (at least until those with allergies complained). She said that boomers mostly go to the 9:30 "contemporary" service, where they can have all those middle-aged things like rock music and humor and skits. "But the older people wanted an earlier service, and the young people, of course, wanted something more traditional." Those words keep echoing in my mind: "The young people, of course, wanted something more traditional." If the church of the future wants to be up-to-the-minute, hip, and relevant, it had better look into tradition.
Link to the whole interview
Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, NPR columnist, prolife spokesperson, and wife of an Orthodox priest was recently interviewed for Modern Reformation magazine. (Frederica and her husband were both non-believing hippy-types who were dramtically converted to Christ in the 70's. He eventually became an Episcopal priest but decided to leave the Episcopal Church in 1991 when their House of Bishops defeated a resolution stating, "Clergy should abstain from sex outside of marriage." They became Eastern Orthodox at that point.) The interview is not up on the magazine site but Frederica sent it out to a mailing list she has. And I think that the last section was particularly noteworthy for Christians of all backgrounds --
MR: As an Orthodox person, how do you respond to the obsession in
contemporary culture with relevance, being "postmodern," etc.?
FMG: I think it's entirely misguided. Even two old boomers like my husband and myself knew ten years ago that we didn't want to join any church that prioritized being relevant. The Gospel is already relevant, because it's timeless; hitching it to time-bound fashion only trivializes it. I think this insight is the wave of the future, ironically; I think that we will increasingly see it become fashionable to disdain passing fashion, a situation that makes Orthodox heads spin. For example, a friend recently told me that her Southern Baptist church has established a Celtic service, complete with chant, candles, and incense (at least until those with allergies complained). She said that boomers mostly go to the 9:30 "contemporary" service, where they can have all those middle-aged things like rock music and humor and skits. "But the older people wanted an earlier service, and the young people, of course, wanted something more traditional." Those words keep echoing in my mind: "The young people, of course, wanted something more traditional." If the church of the future wants to be up-to-the-minute, hip, and relevant, it had better look into tradition.
Link to the whole interview
MICAHEL CARD RECOVERING FROM CRASH INJURIES
Michael Card was the only person injured when his tour bus collided with a disabled semitrailer truck on February 26th in Colorado. A full recovery is expected and he is back on tour, performing this weekend in Minnesota, with the help of one of the greatest guitarists in the world -- Phil Keaggy (Michael's injuries prevent his from playing the piano or guitar). Link to the Star-Tribune article
Michael Card was the only person injured when his tour bus collided with a disabled semitrailer truck on February 26th in Colorado. A full recovery is expected and he is back on tour, performing this weekend in Minnesota, with the help of one of the greatest guitarists in the world -- Phil Keaggy (Michael's injuries prevent his from playing the piano or guitar). Link to the Star-Tribune article
NO SMALL CHANGE
"When Melvin Doyle told his priest that he'd like to donate his coin collection to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Hope/Plymouth [Minnesota], the Rev. Bob Hazel imagined a few glass cases and cardboard binders." But it turns out that Melvin, who will soon turn 90, has been squirreling his change in his basement -- something he started doing in 1918. The total estimated value of the three pick-up truck loads of coins (moved by 12 men) -- $75,000. As Doyle said, "The mint will be able to shut down for a couple days when we turn those in..." Link to the Star-Tribune article
"When Melvin Doyle told his priest that he'd like to donate his coin collection to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Hope/Plymouth [Minnesota], the Rev. Bob Hazel imagined a few glass cases and cardboard binders." But it turns out that Melvin, who will soon turn 90, has been squirreling his change in his basement -- something he started doing in 1918. The total estimated value of the three pick-up truck loads of coins (moved by 12 men) -- $75,000. As Doyle said, "The mint will be able to shut down for a couple days when we turn those in..." Link to the Star-Tribune article
WAS JESUS A PACIFIST?
Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite (Chicago Theological Seminary) and Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary) debate the topic in tomorrow's Dallas Morning News. Link
Kudos to the Dallas Morning News for their willingness to bring this kind of a debate to the masses. Once again they are outdoing everyone else in the mainstream media in covering the spiritual angle.
Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite (Chicago Theological Seminary) and Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary) debate the topic in tomorrow's Dallas Morning News. Link
Kudos to the Dallas Morning News for their willingness to bring this kind of a debate to the masses. Once again they are outdoing everyone else in the mainstream media in covering the spiritual angle.
Friday, March 7
MALL DROPS CHARGES
"The owner of a shopping mall where a lawyer was arrested this week after refusing to take off a T-shirt advocating peace on Thursday opted to drop trespassing charges against him." Link
It took awhile but common sense finally had the last word. Or is it the last word? If you're going to maliciously have someone arrested you probably don't want that someone to be a high profile lawyer. Unless the attorney is exceptionally gracious I suspect that there is more coming on this one.
"The owner of a shopping mall where a lawyer was arrested this week after refusing to take off a T-shirt advocating peace on Thursday opted to drop trespassing charges against him." Link
It took awhile but common sense finally had the last word. Or is it the last word? If you're going to maliciously have someone arrested you probably don't want that someone to be a high profile lawyer. Unless the attorney is exceptionally gracious I suspect that there is more coming on this one.
Thursday, March 6
WATER PROBLEMS
"Already about 40% of the world’s population has insufficient water for sanitation and hygiene, and 2.2m people die each year from diseases linked to inadequate sewerage or contaminated drinking water." And the situation is getting worse -- even in so-called developed countries. Link to the Economist
Officials in Mira Loma, California, have committed to building a desalter purification plant to meet the water needs in parts of western Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Link to the Press Enterprise (You may have to do the free registration bit for this article).
"Already about 40% of the world’s population has insufficient water for sanitation and hygiene, and 2.2m people die each year from diseases linked to inadequate sewerage or contaminated drinking water." And the situation is getting worse -- even in so-called developed countries. Link to the Economist
Officials in Mira Loma, California, have committed to building a desalter purification plant to meet the water needs in parts of western Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Link to the Press Enterprise (You may have to do the free registration bit for this article).
THE CONVICITON OF THINGS NOT SEEN
I'm in the middle of reading a The Conviction of Things Not Seen: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century, edited by Todd E. Johnson. This is a festschrift in honor of Robert Webber. The collection really does honor Webber in an appropriate way, with numerous essays that stimulate serious thinking about how we do worship. It's loaded with chewable material. For now just one sample -- this from John Witvliet:
...A more important test, however -- which also needs to be recognized, celebrated, affirmed, and credentialed -- is to see how effectively, honestly, and knowingly a worship band or organist can get a congregation to sing well together. Music in worship is not primarily about individual choice, participation, or preferences, but about the entire congregation.
And many voices would extend this reasoning one step further to argue that music in worship is not about individual congregations but also about the whole body of Christ, the whole catholic church. In his description of liturgical worship, Dietrich Bonhöffer explores this catholic impulse:
"It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together...serves to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see out little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church."
In a culture that celebrates individual choices and preferences, this vision calls us to a new way of experiencing music. This vision invites us not to ask, "Did I like the music?" but rather, "Did that music give me a powerful sense of joining with Christians in other times and places?" (pp. 75-76)
I'm in the middle of reading a The Conviction of Things Not Seen: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century, edited by Todd E. Johnson. This is a festschrift in honor of Robert Webber. The collection really does honor Webber in an appropriate way, with numerous essays that stimulate serious thinking about how we do worship. It's loaded with chewable material. For now just one sample -- this from John Witvliet:
...A more important test, however -- which also needs to be recognized, celebrated, affirmed, and credentialed -- is to see how effectively, honestly, and knowingly a worship band or organist can get a congregation to sing well together. Music in worship is not primarily about individual choice, participation, or preferences, but about the entire congregation.
And many voices would extend this reasoning one step further to argue that music in worship is not about individual congregations but also about the whole body of Christ, the whole catholic church. In his description of liturgical worship, Dietrich Bonhöffer explores this catholic impulse:
"It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together...serves to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see out little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church."
In a culture that celebrates individual choices and preferences, this vision calls us to a new way of experiencing music. This vision invites us not to ask, "Did I like the music?" but rather, "Did that music give me a powerful sense of joining with Christians in other times and places?" (pp. 75-76)
HACKERS COMPROMISE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INFO
"Hackers broke into a University of Texas database and stole the names, Social Security numbers and e-mail addresses of more than 55,000 students, former students and employees, officials said." Link
"Hackers broke into a University of Texas database and stole the names, Social Security numbers and e-mail addresses of more than 55,000 students, former students and employees, officials said." Link
PAYPAL EMAIL SCAM
I got another html formatted email notice from PayPal informing me that "PayPal is currently performing regular maintenance of our security measures. Your account has been randomly selected for this maintenance, and placed on Limited Access status. Protecting the security of your PayPal account is our primary concern, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To restore your account to its regular status, you must confirm your email address by logging in to your PayPal account using the form below."
On the form they not only ask for my email address and date-of-birth but they also want my credit card number, expiration date, AND bank account number.
Right! Dream on! I don't even have a PayPal account. Nor have I ever had such an account in the past.
Of course the return address on the email is info@paypal.com. And it actually looks like it could be from PayPal. But the button in the form sends the information to http://www.parom.org//cgi-sys/formmail.pl. The whois at nic.com says the domain belongs to:
Registrant ID:51-C
Registrant Name:CONTACT NOT AUTHORITATIVE
Registrant Street1:Whois Server:whois.rrpproxy.net
Registrant Street2:Referral URL:www.key-systems.net
Registrant City:N/A
Registrant Postal Code:N/A
Registrant Country:CA
Registrant Email:not@available.org
Admin ID:51-C
That's real helpful.
This isn't the first time someone has tried to pull this scam. Last fall the scammers sent out similar email except they directed people to a bogus website to fill out the form. This time they are more clever -- just sending out the form in html format.
I've reported this kind of stuff to various ISP's and companies in the past. But I've never gotten a response. So this time I decided I'd respond to the solicitation. I entered an email address: Can you say "Jail Time" Then I put in a password: "You're busted". I clicked the "update" button in the form and it sent my message off.
I wish I had the power to make my message come true. It only takes one or two people to fall for this kind of a scam to make it worth the while of the bad guys.
I got another html formatted email notice from PayPal informing me that "PayPal is currently performing regular maintenance of our security measures. Your account has been randomly selected for this maintenance, and placed on Limited Access status. Protecting the security of your PayPal account is our primary concern, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To restore your account to its regular status, you must confirm your email address by logging in to your PayPal account using the form below."
On the form they not only ask for my email address and date-of-birth but they also want my credit card number, expiration date, AND bank account number.
Right! Dream on! I don't even have a PayPal account. Nor have I ever had such an account in the past.
Of course the return address on the email is info@paypal.com. And it actually looks like it could be from PayPal. But the button in the form sends the information to http://www.parom.org//cgi-sys/formmail.pl. The whois at nic.com says the domain belongs to:
Registrant ID:51-C
Registrant Name:CONTACT NOT AUTHORITATIVE
Registrant Street1:Whois Server:whois.rrpproxy.net
Registrant Street2:Referral URL:www.key-systems.net
Registrant City:N/A
Registrant Postal Code:N/A
Registrant Country:CA
Registrant Email:not@available.org
Admin ID:51-C
That's real helpful.
This isn't the first time someone has tried to pull this scam. Last fall the scammers sent out similar email except they directed people to a bogus website to fill out the form. This time they are more clever -- just sending out the form in html format.
I've reported this kind of stuff to various ISP's and companies in the past. But I've never gotten a response. So this time I decided I'd respond to the solicitation. I entered an email address: Can you say "Jail Time" Then I put in a password: "You're busted". I clicked the "update" button in the form and it sent my message off.
I wish I had the power to make my message come true. It only takes one or two people to fall for this kind of a scam to make it worth the while of the bad guys.
SIGNS OF SPRING
The blossoms on the apricot tree have given way to fresh and delicate kelly green leaves. The birds are all looking for nesting material. The windows are open. The thermometer reads 77 degrees. The backyard is a pleasant place to be.
I spent some time out there this afternoon trying to get some reading done. Unfortunately, my neighbor has this swimming pool filter that generates a shrill whine. And it seems like he runs it 24/7. It's got to be the cleanest little above-ground pool in the world. The joys of suburban life!
The blossoms on the apricot tree have given way to fresh and delicate kelly green leaves. The birds are all looking for nesting material. The windows are open. The thermometer reads 77 degrees. The backyard is a pleasant place to be.
I spent some time out there this afternoon trying to get some reading done. Unfortunately, my neighbor has this swimming pool filter that generates a shrill whine. And it seems like he runs it 24/7. It's got to be the cleanest little above-ground pool in the world. The joys of suburban life!
Wednesday, March 5
AMERICAN CULTURE: CONFLICT OR TRANSFORMATION
Mere Comments points to a manuscript of Prof. Albert J. Raboteau's Father Alexander Schmemann Lecture at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, "Orthodox Christianity and American Culture: Conflict or Transformation?" It's loaded with quoatable material -- a few samples:
+ "It is easy to criticize the vulgar consumerism of mass media advertising. There is a more subtle form, however, that can turn religion itself into just another form of ego gratification -- a kind of spiritual consumerism that focuses on having spiritual experiences to aggrandize the self -- spiritual hedonism, but hedonism none the less."
+ "African-American Christianity has continuously confronted the nation with troubling questions about American exceptionalism. Perhaps the most troubling was this: 'If Christ came as the Suffering Servant, who resembled Him more, the master or the slave?' Suffering slave Christianity stood as a prophetic condemnation of America's obsession with power, status, and possessions. African-American Christians perceived in American exceptionalism a dangerous tendency to turn the nation into an idol, and Christianity into a clan religion. Divine election brings not preeminence, elevation, and glory, but as black Christians knew all too well, humiliation, suffering, and rejection. Chosenness, as reflected in the life of Jesus, led to a cross. The lives of his disciples have been signed with that cross. To be chosen, in this perspective, means joining company not with the powerful and the rich, but with those who suffer, the outcast, the poor, and the despised."
+ "Contrary to common opinion, pluralism is not relativism, nor does it necessitate relativism. Pluralism means encountering the values and attitudes and beliefs of others with respect for those who hold them. Pluralism, when taken seriously as respect for difference, actually rejects relativism for avoiding the hard truth that we do indeed differ. Pluralism is not a denial of truth; it is the difficult road we walk to achieve a mature understanding of the truth and the opportunity to share that truth with others who are seeking it. Whereas relativism patronizes others by pretending that difference does not matter because everything is a matter of 'to each his own,' pluralism appreciates diversity precisely because it challenges one’s own values, assumptions, and beliefs, including one’s religion. Pluralism challenges us to experience religion as more than cultural identity. It challenges us to appropriate, internalize, and live out the religious identity passed to us by family and society. It creates an opportunity to discuss and to argue for one’s own position."
+ "Pluralism challenges us to put our lives where our mouths say we are. In addition, pluralism offers us the opportunity not only to understand more deeply our faith in distinction from that of others, it also presents before us a 'field ripe for the harvest'. In this time and place, no less than any other, the 'Great Commission' – 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,' applies. And it becomes an urgent imperative for us, not simply to counteract dwindling or stagnant numbers of members, but because Christianity is by divine calling inescapably missionary..."
Mere Comments points to a manuscript of Prof. Albert J. Raboteau's Father Alexander Schmemann Lecture at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, "Orthodox Christianity and American Culture: Conflict or Transformation?" It's loaded with quoatable material -- a few samples:
+ "It is easy to criticize the vulgar consumerism of mass media advertising. There is a more subtle form, however, that can turn religion itself into just another form of ego gratification -- a kind of spiritual consumerism that focuses on having spiritual experiences to aggrandize the self -- spiritual hedonism, but hedonism none the less."
+ "African-American Christianity has continuously confronted the nation with troubling questions about American exceptionalism. Perhaps the most troubling was this: 'If Christ came as the Suffering Servant, who resembled Him more, the master or the slave?' Suffering slave Christianity stood as a prophetic condemnation of America's obsession with power, status, and possessions. African-American Christians perceived in American exceptionalism a dangerous tendency to turn the nation into an idol, and Christianity into a clan religion. Divine election brings not preeminence, elevation, and glory, but as black Christians knew all too well, humiliation, suffering, and rejection. Chosenness, as reflected in the life of Jesus, led to a cross. The lives of his disciples have been signed with that cross. To be chosen, in this perspective, means joining company not with the powerful and the rich, but with those who suffer, the outcast, the poor, and the despised."
+ "Contrary to common opinion, pluralism is not relativism, nor does it necessitate relativism. Pluralism means encountering the values and attitudes and beliefs of others with respect for those who hold them. Pluralism, when taken seriously as respect for difference, actually rejects relativism for avoiding the hard truth that we do indeed differ. Pluralism is not a denial of truth; it is the difficult road we walk to achieve a mature understanding of the truth and the opportunity to share that truth with others who are seeking it. Whereas relativism patronizes others by pretending that difference does not matter because everything is a matter of 'to each his own,' pluralism appreciates diversity precisely because it challenges one’s own values, assumptions, and beliefs, including one’s religion. Pluralism challenges us to experience religion as more than cultural identity. It challenges us to appropriate, internalize, and live out the religious identity passed to us by family and society. It creates an opportunity to discuss and to argue for one’s own position."
+ "Pluralism challenges us to put our lives where our mouths say we are. In addition, pluralism offers us the opportunity not only to understand more deeply our faith in distinction from that of others, it also presents before us a 'field ripe for the harvest'. In this time and place, no less than any other, the 'Great Commission' – 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,' applies. And it becomes an urgent imperative for us, not simply to counteract dwindling or stagnant numbers of members, but because Christianity is by divine calling inescapably missionary..."
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WATCH WHAT YOU EAT...
Gary Cole passed this along:
Here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies:
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
Gary Cole passed this along:
Here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies:
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
PHILIP YANCEY ON LIFE IN RUSSIA
"Last fall I spent a day with church-going Christians in Sweden, a distinct minority these days.
"I mentioned that although many Swedes had abandoned the church, their society continued to live off the moral capital accumulated during centuries of faith. Honesty, peacefulness, generosity, prudence, justice -- the Vikings were not noted for such qualities before their conversion.
"'What would Sweden look like if we used up our moral capital?' one woman asked. I recommended she visit Russia, the next stop on my trip, for an answer..."
Link to the whole story
"Last fall I spent a day with church-going Christians in Sweden, a distinct minority these days.
"I mentioned that although many Swedes had abandoned the church, their society continued to live off the moral capital accumulated during centuries of faith. Honesty, peacefulness, generosity, prudence, justice -- the Vikings were not noted for such qualities before their conversion.
"'What would Sweden look like if we used up our moral capital?' one woman asked. I recommended she visit Russia, the next stop on my trip, for an answer..."
Link to the whole story
Tuesday, March 4
LENT RESOURCES
The Christian Resources Institute has good information on Lent (which starts tomorrow) written from an evangelical perspective. Link
The Christian Resources Institute has good information on Lent (which starts tomorrow) written from an evangelical perspective. Link
COMMON SENSE & THE CONSTITUTION GO OUT THE WINDOW
"NEW YORK (Reuters) - A lawyer was arrested late Monday and charged with trespassing at a public mall in the state of New York after refusing to take off a T-shirt advocating peace that he had just purchased at the mall." Link to ABC / Link to AP
We're making decisions based not on principle, law, or even common sense -- but on raw unprocessed fear. It's happened before. Remember the Japanese interment camps in WWII and the McCarthyism of the 50's? With each episode of illogical fear acted out by an American it is evident that the terrorists have gained another notch on their belts -- a notch etched deeper than what could be cut with an actual act of terrorism. Relax. Stay calm. Don't arrest everyone who refuses to tow the party line. And we'll get through this with our nation not only intact -- but also stronger for it.
"NEW YORK (Reuters) - A lawyer was arrested late Monday and charged with trespassing at a public mall in the state of New York after refusing to take off a T-shirt advocating peace that he had just purchased at the mall." Link to ABC / Link to AP
We're making decisions based not on principle, law, or even common sense -- but on raw unprocessed fear. It's happened before. Remember the Japanese interment camps in WWII and the McCarthyism of the 50's? With each episode of illogical fear acted out by an American it is evident that the terrorists have gained another notch on their belts -- a notch etched deeper than what could be cut with an actual act of terrorism. Relax. Stay calm. Don't arrest everyone who refuses to tow the party line. And we'll get through this with our nation not only intact -- but also stronger for it.
PYONGYANG IS CRAZIER THAN SADDAM
Literally. He appears to be intent on provoking the ire of the United States, which was very willing to ignore him until he started to ratchet up the pressure with his new North Korean nuclear enterprise. Now the US is responding by sending bombers to Guam ("just in case").
His people are starving; his army is ill-equipped; so he's pouring his energy into developing a nuclear time bomb. Go figure that one. At least we understand Saddam. He's a compulsive gambler who believes that he can beat the odds. But what gives with Pyongyang?
As much as we'd like to think it does, maybe the future doesn't lie in the hands of America. Even when we're acting nobly (We don't always -- e.g. the dirty tricks on UN security council members) it doesn't mean that we're always going to get to call all the shots. Sometimes I wish I were a dispensationalist so I could just sit back knowing that the whole thing is spiraling toward Armageddon anyway. Instead I'm stuck trying to figure out what's going on. It doesn't always add up.
Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NLT) -- "How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its hardness."
Ecclesiastes 8:12 (NLT) -- "But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off."
Literally. He appears to be intent on provoking the ire of the United States, which was very willing to ignore him until he started to ratchet up the pressure with his new North Korean nuclear enterprise. Now the US is responding by sending bombers to Guam ("just in case").
His people are starving; his army is ill-equipped; so he's pouring his energy into developing a nuclear time bomb. Go figure that one. At least we understand Saddam. He's a compulsive gambler who believes that he can beat the odds. But what gives with Pyongyang?
As much as we'd like to think it does, maybe the future doesn't lie in the hands of America. Even when we're acting nobly (We don't always -- e.g. the dirty tricks on UN security council members) it doesn't mean that we're always going to get to call all the shots. Sometimes I wish I were a dispensationalist so I could just sit back knowing that the whole thing is spiraling toward Armageddon anyway. Instead I'm stuck trying to figure out what's going on. It doesn't always add up.
Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NLT) -- "How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its hardness."
Ecclesiastes 8:12 (NLT) -- "But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off."
INSIGHTFUL
Janet Street-Porter writes in her Editor-at-Large column about the eccentric inertia in the Church of England, futurists, and Libeskind's twin tower design. "The choice of Daniel Libeskind to rebuild the twin towers site is inspired. Here is an intellectual, a dreamer, an architect whose Jewish Museum in Berlin moves people to tears. Why then do I cringe at the news that it contains a spire 1,776ft tall, said to be a 'tribute' to the year of America's independence? Is this not evidence of the US's desire to be seen as the dominant culture? Skyscrapers were born in a previous age. The old US philosophy of consumerism provokes increasing hostility. I don't think Libeskind's design is the solution."
Not that I agree with her read on the situation but hers is probably a common perception of those outside the states. Link
Janet Street-Porter writes in her Editor-at-Large column about the eccentric inertia in the Church of England, futurists, and Libeskind's twin tower design. "The choice of Daniel Libeskind to rebuild the twin towers site is inspired. Here is an intellectual, a dreamer, an architect whose Jewish Museum in Berlin moves people to tears. Why then do I cringe at the news that it contains a spire 1,776ft tall, said to be a 'tribute' to the year of America's independence? Is this not evidence of the US's desire to be seen as the dominant culture? Skyscrapers were born in a previous age. The old US philosophy of consumerism provokes increasing hostility. I don't think Libeskind's design is the solution."
Not that I agree with her read on the situation but hers is probably a common perception of those outside the states. Link
GRODA'S ANNIVERSARY
It was two years ago yesterday that my children gave "Groda" to me for my birthday. He's the Swedish-speaking African frog that lives in a little aquarium on my desk. It's amazing that he's lasted so long. I guess he just enjoys watching me work -- or whatever it is that I do when I'm at my desk.
It was two years ago yesterday that my children gave "Groda" to me for my birthday. He's the Swedish-speaking African frog that lives in a little aquarium on my desk. It's amazing that he's lasted so long. I guess he just enjoys watching me work -- or whatever it is that I do when I'm at my desk.
Monday, March 3
Sunday, March 2
MORE EUROPEAN - AMERICAN BANTERING
Economist article
"Self-assurance is often the difference. Americans do not define themselves in opposition to Europe, as Europeans sometimes do to the United States. American capitalism is not the alternative to the European social market. America, to its inhabitants at least, is just America, the city on the hill. Opinion polls show that Americans are more patriotic than most Europeans, and alongside that patriotism goes a sense of superiority. We're the best. Europeans are not so lucky, but neither are Canadians, Mexicans or anyone else. This self-confidence takes some of the edge off American hostility, just as it sharpens Europe's."
Economist article
"Self-assurance is often the difference. Americans do not define themselves in opposition to Europe, as Europeans sometimes do to the United States. American capitalism is not the alternative to the European social market. America, to its inhabitants at least, is just America, the city on the hill. Opinion polls show that Americans are more patriotic than most Europeans, and alongside that patriotism goes a sense of superiority. We're the best. Europeans are not so lucky, but neither are Canadians, Mexicans or anyone else. This self-confidence takes some of the edge off American hostility, just as it sharpens Europe's."
RECYCLING BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Some Swedes have decided that "The use of incineration to burn household waste - including packaging and food - 'is best for the environment, the economy and the management of natural resources...'" Link (Thanks InstaPundit)
Some Swedes have decided that "The use of incineration to burn household waste - including packaging and food - 'is best for the environment, the economy and the management of natural resources...'" Link (Thanks InstaPundit)
FUTURISTIC ART
There is a fascinating online exhibit of the futuristic artwork of A.C. Radebaugh. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
There is a fascinating online exhibit of the futuristic artwork of A.C. Radebaugh. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
Saturday, March 1
WORLDWIDE DAY OF PRAYER - MARCH 9, 2003
Turlock is one of three or four hubs of Assyrian cultural activity is the US. Our neighbors here are asking all of the churches to pray for their extended community of churches--particularly for the Christians who are still living in Iraq. See the ELCA background information on the Assyrian churches
The following is the AUA press release
The Assyrian Universal Alliance is sponsoring the Worldwide Day of Prayer for the Christians of Iraq.
The Churches representing the two (2) million Christians in Iraq are:
The Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church of the East
The Holy Ancient Apostolic Church of the East
The Chaldean Roman Catholic Church
The Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic Churches
The Armenian Churches
The Protestant Churches
These Churches also serve an additional two (2) million Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Christians scattered in over forty countries around the world.
This special Day of Prayer on March 9, 2003 is for the Christians of Iraq. An urgent appeal is going out to the Worldwide Christian Community for a Day of Prayer during the Sunday Church Services and throughout the day for those Christians currently beleaguered in Iraq.
Urgent prayer is being requested for protection for this special Christian Community, the oldest Christian Nation in the world struggling for survival in a sea of turmoil in the land of their forefathers.
Please pray for the Assyrian Church of the East that this oldest Church in the world, will endure this trial experience and return to its roots as the largest missionary force in the world.
Urgent prayer is also being asked for opportunities through the media of Newspapers, TV, Radio, Magazines, etc., to get the word out to the world that this Christian Community in Iraq is on the verge of another survival situation. Between 1914 and 1918 and again in 1933 these Christians went through massacres in which over 2/3 of the nation was slaughtered.
Urgent prayer is also being requested for these indigenous Christian people of Iraq so that this time such an inhumane holocaust can never happen again.
With signs of war with Iraq increasing every day, lost amidst the fog of war are these Christians, once a proud and very influential nation.
The liturgy of the Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Churches is still today in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ. Early in the first century the Assyrian Church sent missionaries to China, Central Asia, India, Mongolia, Japan, Siberia, Ethiopia and the rest of the known world.
Urgent prayers are asked for this nation that is remembered in prophecy (Isaiah 19 : 23 - 25).
It is their history that is little known. It was to them that Jonah came to bring the message of repentance and they repented. It was to them that the Apostle Thomas came and their King Abgar repented for his people and Assyria became the first Christian Nation. These Christians of Iraq, for whom we ask your prayers, today are the remnants of Assyria that was the creator of much of our present civilization.
The Christians of Iraq because of their Christian faith have suffered greatly in an area that is almost completely Muslim. In the past they have been oppressed by the Persians, Mongols, Turks, Kurds and Arabs. Today these Christians face another problem in Iraq. They are plagued by the Iraq Government program to "Arabize" all citizens. The Christians as other minorities in the region suffer under this Arabization program. Although they are not Arabs they have been forced to sign forms that require
them to renounce their ethnic ideates, religion and declare themselves to be Arabs.
Urgent prayer is being requested from the worldwide Christian community so that Almighty God will hear our prayers and protect His children, Assyria the work of His Hand.
Please let us know that you will join us in prayer on March 9, 2003. Please inform us by Fax, letter, e-mail or phone. Our organizing committee is in need of volunteers. We need your help.
Assyrian Universal Alliance
Tel: (773) 274-9262
Fax: (773) 274-5866
e-mail: auaf@aol.com
Organizing Committee information:
- Rev. Ken JosephJr. Chairperson email: info@keikyo.com
- Sen. John J. Nimrod email: JohnNimrod@aol.com
- Carlo Ganjeh email: ganjeh@aol.com
- Hon. Homer Ashurian email: libashur@aol.com
Turlock is one of three or four hubs of Assyrian cultural activity is the US. Our neighbors here are asking all of the churches to pray for their extended community of churches--particularly for the Christians who are still living in Iraq. See the ELCA background information on the Assyrian churches
The following is the AUA press release
The Assyrian Universal Alliance is sponsoring the Worldwide Day of Prayer for the Christians of Iraq.
The Churches representing the two (2) million Christians in Iraq are:
The Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church of the East
The Holy Ancient Apostolic Church of the East
The Chaldean Roman Catholic Church
The Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic Churches
The Armenian Churches
The Protestant Churches
These Churches also serve an additional two (2) million Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Christians scattered in over forty countries around the world.
This special Day of Prayer on March 9, 2003 is for the Christians of Iraq. An urgent appeal is going out to the Worldwide Christian Community for a Day of Prayer during the Sunday Church Services and throughout the day for those Christians currently beleaguered in Iraq.
Urgent prayer is being requested for protection for this special Christian Community, the oldest Christian Nation in the world struggling for survival in a sea of turmoil in the land of their forefathers.
Please pray for the Assyrian Church of the East that this oldest Church in the world, will endure this trial experience and return to its roots as the largest missionary force in the world.
Urgent prayer is also being asked for opportunities through the media of Newspapers, TV, Radio, Magazines, etc., to get the word out to the world that this Christian Community in Iraq is on the verge of another survival situation. Between 1914 and 1918 and again in 1933 these Christians went through massacres in which over 2/3 of the nation was slaughtered.
Urgent prayer is also being requested for these indigenous Christian people of Iraq so that this time such an inhumane holocaust can never happen again.
With signs of war with Iraq increasing every day, lost amidst the fog of war are these Christians, once a proud and very influential nation.
The liturgy of the Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac Churches is still today in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ. Early in the first century the Assyrian Church sent missionaries to China, Central Asia, India, Mongolia, Japan, Siberia, Ethiopia and the rest of the known world.
Urgent prayers are asked for this nation that is remembered in prophecy (Isaiah 19 : 23 - 25).
It is their history that is little known. It was to them that Jonah came to bring the message of repentance and they repented. It was to them that the Apostle Thomas came and their King Abgar repented for his people and Assyria became the first Christian Nation. These Christians of Iraq, for whom we ask your prayers, today are the remnants of Assyria that was the creator of much of our present civilization.
The Christians of Iraq because of their Christian faith have suffered greatly in an area that is almost completely Muslim. In the past they have been oppressed by the Persians, Mongols, Turks, Kurds and Arabs. Today these Christians face another problem in Iraq. They are plagued by the Iraq Government program to "Arabize" all citizens. The Christians as other minorities in the region suffer under this Arabization program. Although they are not Arabs they have been forced to sign forms that require
them to renounce their ethnic ideates, religion and declare themselves to be Arabs.
Urgent prayer is being requested from the worldwide Christian community so that Almighty God will hear our prayers and protect His children, Assyria the work of His Hand.
Please let us know that you will join us in prayer on March 9, 2003. Please inform us by Fax, letter, e-mail or phone. Our organizing committee is in need of volunteers. We need your help.
Assyrian Universal Alliance
Tel: (773) 274-9262
Fax: (773) 274-5866
e-mail: auaf@aol.com
Organizing Committee information:
- Rev. Ken JosephJr. Chairperson email: info@keikyo.com
- Sen. John J. Nimrod email: JohnNimrod@aol.com
- Carlo Ganjeh email: ganjeh@aol.com
- Hon. Homer Ashurian email: libashur@aol.com
BLOG PUBLISHERS STEALING LIMELIGHT
Reuters: "Blogs feed other blogs, cross-referencing each other via hyperlinks. An endless series of underground gopher tunnels, the typical blog has 50 to 100 links to other sites... The phenomenon is changing the basic metaphors for how the Web works. Bloggers don't so much surf as clip excerpts from the Internet, then share these choice tidbits with friends, colleagues, and passers-by from other blogs." Link
Reuters: "Blogs feed other blogs, cross-referencing each other via hyperlinks. An endless series of underground gopher tunnels, the typical blog has 50 to 100 links to other sites... The phenomenon is changing the basic metaphors for how the Web works. Bloggers don't so much surf as clip excerpts from the Internet, then share these choice tidbits with friends, colleagues, and passers-by from other blogs." Link
LENT -- TIME TO "GET REAL"
Lent begins on Wednesday and the Dallas Morning News carries a good introduction to the meaning and pracitices of the season. Link
Lent begins on Wednesday and the Dallas Morning News carries a good introduction to the meaning and pracitices of the season. Link
Friday, February 28
NEW HARRIS POLL
"That very large majorities of the American public, and almost all (but not all) Christians believe in God, the survival of the soul after death, miracles, heaven, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Virgin birth will come as no great surprise. What may be more surprising is that half of all adults believe in ghosts, almost a third believe in astrology, and more than a quarter believe in reincarnation -- that they were themselves reincarnated from other people. Majorities of about two- thirds of all adults believe in hell and the devil, but hardly anybody expects that they will go to hell themselves." Link to the complete story (Thanks CT)
I'm not surprised that hardly anyone expects to go to hell themselves. But I'm still trying to figure out how it is that "almost all (but not all) Christians believe in God..." It's like saying that most theists believe in God. Do we have a problem with definitions?
"That very large majorities of the American public, and almost all (but not all) Christians believe in God, the survival of the soul after death, miracles, heaven, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Virgin birth will come as no great surprise. What may be more surprising is that half of all adults believe in ghosts, almost a third believe in astrology, and more than a quarter believe in reincarnation -- that they were themselves reincarnated from other people. Majorities of about two- thirds of all adults believe in hell and the devil, but hardly anybody expects that they will go to hell themselves." Link to the complete story (Thanks CT)
I'm not surprised that hardly anyone expects to go to hell themselves. But I'm still trying to figure out how it is that "almost all (but not all) Christians believe in God..." It's like saying that most theists believe in God. Do we have a problem with definitions?
HACKER AND SCHOOL MAKE DEAL
The 17-year-old Turlock High School student who hacked into the school district's computer system to show his teacher how vulnerable it was -- and then got suspended and arrested -- is being reinstated back into school. The conditions? He's not suppose to touch a school owned computer, talk to the press, and he has to write a letter of apology to the school district. (See my earlier story) I still think they should give the kid extra credit for showing the school how irresponsibly vulnerable their system is -- and maybe a scholarship to CalTech. I suspect that at least Robert Lee's fellow students will give him a standing ovation at graduation in June. Link to Modesto Bee story.
The 17-year-old Turlock High School student who hacked into the school district's computer system to show his teacher how vulnerable it was -- and then got suspended and arrested -- is being reinstated back into school. The conditions? He's not suppose to touch a school owned computer, talk to the press, and he has to write a letter of apology to the school district. (See my earlier story) I still think they should give the kid extra credit for showing the school how irresponsibly vulnerable their system is -- and maybe a scholarship to CalTech. I suspect that at least Robert Lee's fellow students will give him a standing ovation at graduation in June. Link to Modesto Bee story.
Thursday, February 27
COWBOYS DUMP EMMITT SMITH
The last of the team from the glory days we lived in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex is now a free-agent (We moved back to California in 1995). Link
Those who know me know that I'm no big football fan. But it's different with Emmitt. He is a class act and an incredible athlete. I could watch him dancing down the field all Sunday afternoon long (If that's all there was to football -- I might become a real fan).
I can now see the wheels starting to turn in the heads of the Raider fans around here. Well, it would move the team up the food chain a few notches.
The last of the team from the glory days we lived in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex is now a free-agent (We moved back to California in 1995). Link
Those who know me know that I'm no big football fan. But it's different with Emmitt. He is a class act and an incredible athlete. I could watch him dancing down the field all Sunday afternoon long (If that's all there was to football -- I might become a real fan).
I can now see the wheels starting to turn in the heads of the Raider fans around here. Well, it would move the team up the food chain a few notches.
DOING CHURCH IN A MULTI-CULTURAL WORLD
The Renewal Project is sponsoring a conference May 15-17 in Oakland, California. Includes input from: Dolphus Weary, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Russell Yee, Adam Edgerly, and Todd Spitzer.
Other than our Covenant Midwinter Conference I pretty much don't do conferences anymore (too much time and money to go hear about the latest fads). But this looks like it will be worth my time and I think it will actually fit into my schedule. Amazing!
The Renewal Project is sponsoring a conference May 15-17 in Oakland, California. Includes input from: Dolphus Weary, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Russell Yee, Adam Edgerly, and Todd Spitzer.
Other than our Covenant Midwinter Conference I pretty much don't do conferences anymore (too much time and money to go hear about the latest fads). But this looks like it will be worth my time and I think it will actually fit into my schedule. Amazing!
MR ROGERS
Fred Rogers died early this morning. I admired him because he was an incredibly genuine person who was also incredibly famous -- two qualities which don't go together very often. And I admired him because he saw the importance of reaching pre-schoolers.
The Presbyterian Church USA sent out a press release this morning (Mr Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister) that said: "Editor's note - The Rev. Fred Rogers - who taught generations of children the quintessentially Christian but profoundly universal message 'Love yourself, love others' on his long-running television program 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' - died Feb. 27 at the age of 74 of stomach cancer..."
(I'm trying to figure out when "love yourself, love others" became the quintessential Christian message. I thought Jesus' message on this topic was that "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 [NLT] I certainly don't want to dispute the importance of what Mr. Rogers taught but to reduce the quintessential Christian message to "Love yourself, love others" is mistaken. It should be "Love God, love your neighbor [as you already love yourself]." Am I being too nit picky? No reflection on Fred but the Presbyterian News Service is missing the point.)
Greg Asimakoupoulos sent along one of his sorta' corny but sorta' serious sound-byte poems to the Abet list this morning:
There Goes the Neighborhood
Well, there goes the neighborhood.
By now you've heard the news.
Mister Rogers boarded the last trolley
last night and bid us all goodbye.
It's sad to say Fred is dead.
But instead of being swept with grief
let's celebtrate the fact that he was a beliver
and an ordained preacher at that.
Goodness, gracious how the Lord has used
that sweater-clad gentle man in the lives of kids we love.
Mr. Rogers was nothing short of Christlike
in his calm and caring ways.
He was a man of the cloth who offered
a security blanket to preschoolers
through puppets instead of a pulpit.
Thanks to King Friday and Prince Tuesday,
the message of Sunday was heard most everyday
by little lambs followed the lead of the shepherd
in canvas gym shoes.
Yes, Fred may be dead,
but it's such a good feeling to know he's alive
in the presence of the One he served.
Link to Fred Roger's quotes
Fred Rogers died early this morning. I admired him because he was an incredibly genuine person who was also incredibly famous -- two qualities which don't go together very often. And I admired him because he saw the importance of reaching pre-schoolers.
The Presbyterian Church USA sent out a press release this morning (Mr Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister) that said: "Editor's note - The Rev. Fred Rogers - who taught generations of children the quintessentially Christian but profoundly universal message 'Love yourself, love others' on his long-running television program 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' - died Feb. 27 at the age of 74 of stomach cancer..."
(I'm trying to figure out when "love yourself, love others" became the quintessential Christian message. I thought Jesus' message on this topic was that "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 [NLT] I certainly don't want to dispute the importance of what Mr. Rogers taught but to reduce the quintessential Christian message to "Love yourself, love others" is mistaken. It should be "Love God, love your neighbor [as you already love yourself]." Am I being too nit picky? No reflection on Fred but the Presbyterian News Service is missing the point.)
Greg Asimakoupoulos sent along one of his sorta' corny but sorta' serious sound-byte poems to the Abet list this morning:
There Goes the Neighborhood
Well, there goes the neighborhood.
By now you've heard the news.
Mister Rogers boarded the last trolley
last night and bid us all goodbye.
It's sad to say Fred is dead.
But instead of being swept with grief
let's celebtrate the fact that he was a beliver
and an ordained preacher at that.
Goodness, gracious how the Lord has used
that sweater-clad gentle man in the lives of kids we love.
Mr. Rogers was nothing short of Christlike
in his calm and caring ways.
He was a man of the cloth who offered
a security blanket to preschoolers
through puppets instead of a pulpit.
Thanks to King Friday and Prince Tuesday,
the message of Sunday was heard most everyday
by little lambs followed the lead of the shepherd
in canvas gym shoes.
Yes, Fred may be dead,
but it's such a good feeling to know he's alive
in the presence of the One he served.
Link to Fred Roger's quotes
Wednesday, February 26
HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
Bethany Covenant Church in Ripon, California has changed its name to Heartland Community Church. Their website hasn't changed over yet, though. My friend Ralph Moller is the pastor there and he says they are hoping that the name change will help eliminate confusion with Bethany Home, a convalescent hospital down the street.
Bethany Covenant Church in Ripon, California has changed its name to Heartland Community Church. Their website hasn't changed over yet, though. My friend Ralph Moller is the pastor there and he says they are hoping that the name change will help eliminate confusion with Bethany Home, a convalescent hospital down the street.
SAT-7
One of the coolest endeavors unfolding in North Africa and the Middle East is Sat-7 satellite television. Sat-7 provides culturally sensitive Christian programming. Link to online video
One of the coolest endeavors unfolding in North Africa and the Middle East is Sat-7 satellite television. Sat-7 provides culturally sensitive Christian programming. Link to online video
GOOGLE THIS
Apparently someone over at the world's greatest search engine is upset that people are googling. It seems to me that they'd be honored that they have become the standard. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
Apparently someone over at the world's greatest search engine is upset that people are googling. It seems to me that they'd be honored that they have become the standard. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
AMERICANS ARE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE
Finally, the English have figured us out. Link to the Telegraph The Economist is also taking a stab at trying to define what makes us tick. Link to the Economist
Finally, the English have figured us out. Link to the Telegraph The Economist is also taking a stab at trying to define what makes us tick. Link to the Economist
Tuesday, February 25
MOODY RESTRUCTURING
Moody Bible Institute is shutting down its magazine, moving its missionary flight school, and closing down its retail stores -- all to keep the institute afloat. Even though I'm neither a Dispensationalist nor a Baptist I've always admired MBI and the fact that they make a Bible school education extremely accesible. Link to CT story / Link to Moody Press Release
Moody Bible Institute is shutting down its magazine, moving its missionary flight school, and closing down its retail stores -- all to keep the institute afloat. Even though I'm neither a Dispensationalist nor a Baptist I've always admired MBI and the fact that they make a Bible school education extremely accesible. Link to CT story / Link to Moody Press Release
NOT MUCH CHANGE
Barna: "The research confirmed what more traditional measures have been suggesting: little is changing in the religious realm, despite a lot of discourse regarding new models of church experience and the need for a deeper faith commitment." Link
Barna: "The research confirmed what more traditional measures have been suggesting: little is changing in the religious realm, despite a lot of discourse regarding new models of church experience and the need for a deeper faith commitment." Link
Monday, February 24
Saturday, February 22
CLONING UPDATE
Patrick Dixon comments on Clonaid's report that they have now cloned five humans. Of course, the big news last week was that Dolly the cloned sheep has died prematurely.
Patrick Dixon comments on Clonaid's report that they have now cloned five humans. Of course, the big news last week was that Dolly the cloned sheep has died prematurely.
KEITH DRURY
This week he's stomping thru the TULIPs--no tip toeing. And he's finished posting the draft of his primer on pastoral ministry. Link
This week he's stomping thru the TULIPs--no tip toeing. And he's finished posting the draft of his primer on pastoral ministry. Link
CHINESE CHURCH GROWS IN AMERICA
According to a NY Times article printed in the Seattle Times nearly a third of Chinese Americans now attend church. Link (Thanks Andrew Jones)
According to a NY Times article printed in the Seattle Times nearly a third of Chinese Americans now attend church. Link (Thanks Andrew Jones)
30 HOUR FAMINE
About 20 of our students and leaders from the combined Cornerstone Covenant/Turlock Covenant churches youth group did the World Vision 30 Hour Famine this weekend. Last night they served dinner at the Modesto Gospel Mission (which they do once a month anyway). Then they slept outside the mission -- not far from the train tracks (I hear trains went by three times during the night). They got up to serve a 6:30 a.m. breakfast. They went back to Cornerstone for a few hours then headed to the Food Bank in San Franciso where they sorted food for the afternoon. Did I mention that they didn't eat anything the whole time, having gone into famine mode at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. Then at 7 p.m. this evening they had a spagetti dinner.
And they did it all with a great spirit of servanthood. I am more optimistic about this group of teens than any group I've worked with over the last 25 years. Once this generation grabs the mantle of leadership we'll be moving.
About 20 of our students and leaders from the combined Cornerstone Covenant/Turlock Covenant churches youth group did the World Vision 30 Hour Famine this weekend. Last night they served dinner at the Modesto Gospel Mission (which they do once a month anyway). Then they slept outside the mission -- not far from the train tracks (I hear trains went by three times during the night). They got up to serve a 6:30 a.m. breakfast. They went back to Cornerstone for a few hours then headed to the Food Bank in San Franciso where they sorted food for the afternoon. Did I mention that they didn't eat anything the whole time, having gone into famine mode at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. Then at 7 p.m. this evening they had a spagetti dinner.
And they did it all with a great spirit of servanthood. I am more optimistic about this group of teens than any group I've worked with over the last 25 years. Once this generation grabs the mantle of leadership we'll be moving.
Friday, February 21
NIGERIAN DIPLOMAT MURDERED BY SCAM VICTIM
From Wired: "Michael Lekara Wayid, Nigeria's consul in the Czech Republic, was shot dead by an unidentified 72-year-old Czech at the Nigerian Embassy in Prague on Wednesday... According to police reports, the suspect was a victim of the 419 scam, a thriving industry that employs thousands of people around the world. The scammers successfully manage to extort money from thousands of victims by promising them compensation for assistance in moving funds from foreign countries to banks in the United States." Link
From Wired: "Michael Lekara Wayid, Nigeria's consul in the Czech Republic, was shot dead by an unidentified 72-year-old Czech at the Nigerian Embassy in Prague on Wednesday... According to police reports, the suspect was a victim of the 419 scam, a thriving industry that employs thousands of people around the world. The scammers successfully manage to extort money from thousands of victims by promising them compensation for assistance in moving funds from foreign countries to banks in the United States." Link
TURLOCK HACKER BUSTED
A 17-year-old student at my son's high school showed his computer teacher how vulnerable the school district's computer system was -- demonstrating access to grades and attendance information. So they suspended and arrested him for hacking!
If anyone is under investigation it should be the school district for placing valuable information on an unsecure site. Hopefully we, as a school district (I'm speaking as a tax-payer and parent), are not too embarrassed to admit that we're the ones with a problem. Assuming the kid didn't steal or damage anything we should consider giving him extra-credit. Link to story in the Modesto Bee
A 17-year-old student at my son's high school showed his computer teacher how vulnerable the school district's computer system was -- demonstrating access to grades and attendance information. So they suspended and arrested him for hacking!
If anyone is under investigation it should be the school district for placing valuable information on an unsecure site. Hopefully we, as a school district (I'm speaking as a tax-payer and parent), are not too embarrassed to admit that we're the ones with a problem. Assuming the kid didn't steal or damage anything we should consider giving him extra-credit. Link to story in the Modesto Bee
BUMMER
Advertising agencies have started using audible floating ads on websites. Link
Let me go on record saying that I refuse to purchase anything associated with an ad that I perceive to be intrusive or annoying. And for what it's worth, I generally find java and flash on most sites to be totally annoying -- clicking past whenever possible. I don't want sound coming at me. I don't want cute flashing images. I don't surf for "an experience" I surf for information and perspective.
"For their part, advertisers aren't fazed about user backlash. 'People are going to begin to expect it,' said Abstract Edge's Stone. 'Five years from now, surfing the Internet and going to a Web site without sound will be analogous to watching television with the sound turned off.'
Yeah, right. We'll all just be surfing with the speakers off and the 2008 version of pop-up blocker on. And, BTW, except for the Super Bowl (which is an unusual social experience), on the rare occasions that I watch television, I mute all of the ads.
Advertising agencies have started using audible floating ads on websites. Link
Let me go on record saying that I refuse to purchase anything associated with an ad that I perceive to be intrusive or annoying. And for what it's worth, I generally find java and flash on most sites to be totally annoying -- clicking past whenever possible. I don't want sound coming at me. I don't want cute flashing images. I don't surf for "an experience" I surf for information and perspective.
"For their part, advertisers aren't fazed about user backlash. 'People are going to begin to expect it,' said Abstract Edge's Stone. 'Five years from now, surfing the Internet and going to a Web site without sound will be analogous to watching television with the sound turned off.'
Yeah, right. We'll all just be surfing with the speakers off and the 2008 version of pop-up blocker on. And, BTW, except for the Super Bowl (which is an unusual social experience), on the rare occasions that I watch television, I mute all of the ads.
Thursday, February 20
NO, NOT OUR FRIENDLY INS!
"A Toronto woman coming home from India says she was pulled aside at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, accused of using a fake Canadian passport, denied consular assistance and threatened with jail." Apparently, the INS destroyed her Canadian passport and put her on a plane to Dubai. No wonder the rest of the world hates us! Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
"A Toronto woman coming home from India says she was pulled aside at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, accused of using a fake Canadian passport, denied consular assistance and threatened with jail." Apparently, the INS destroyed her Canadian passport and put her on a plane to Dubai. No wonder the rest of the world hates us! Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
EMERGENCY KIT
It took awhile but I finally found a reference to duct tape on the federal government's new emergency preparedness site. Link
It took awhile but I finally found a reference to duct tape on the federal government's new emergency preparedness site. Link
ARE YOU A RECOVERING SECULARIST?
Secularism is not the future; it is yesterday's incorrect vision of the future.--David Brooks
Great article in the Atlantic by David Brooks, who offers a six-step program for recovery -- only half tongue-in-cheek. Link
1. First you have to accept the fact that you (the secularist) are not the norm.
2. Confront your fear.
3. Get angry (at the ignorance around you).
4. Resist the impulse to find a materialistic explanation for everything.
5. Acknowledge that he has been too easy on religion.
6. Understand that this country was never very secular anyway.
Secularism is not the future; it is yesterday's incorrect vision of the future.--David Brooks
Great article in the Atlantic by David Brooks, who offers a six-step program for recovery -- only half tongue-in-cheek. Link
1. First you have to accept the fact that you (the secularist) are not the norm.
2. Confront your fear.
3. Get angry (at the ignorance around you).
4. Resist the impulse to find a materialistic explanation for everything.
5. Acknowledge that he has been too easy on religion.
6. Understand that this country was never very secular anyway.
CARA CARA
I have a new favorite orange -- cara cara. This is a variety from Venezula with a redish/bright orange flesh inside. Lower in acid than other navels. Sometimes called "pink navel" or "red navel". So I made an addition to my mini citrus orchard today.
I have a new favorite orange -- cara cara. This is a variety from Venezula with a redish/bright orange flesh inside. Lower in acid than other navels. Sometimes called "pink navel" or "red navel". So I made an addition to my mini citrus orchard today.
Tuesday, February 18
KEITH DRURY ON BEING A COLLEGE PROFESSOR
In case anyone is interested in moving into the academic world -- "Here's is how I spend my time as a college professor." Also, Keith's "Pssst… Boomers: They’re Laughing at you!" column is worth a look.
In case anyone is interested in moving into the academic world -- "Here's is how I spend my time as a college professor." Also, Keith's "Pssst… Boomers: They’re Laughing at you!" column is worth a look.
Monday, February 17
4 FACES OF THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANITY
The LA Times carries an article about the controversial artshow at Biola on the four faces of post-boomer Christianity. CT has an analysis on their weblog.
From CT: Biola University sociologist Dick Flory and University of Southern California religion professor Don Miller are the creators of "Recovery of Ritual," a new exhibit at Biola that, according to the Los Angeles Times, "explores challenges that churches face in attracting younger worshipers."
Four categories are depicted: Reactors, which use "nostalgic efforts that focus on the recovery of reason, seeking to roll back the clock on our postmodern culture;" Imitators, who "hijack portions of popular culture and inject a Christian message;" Reappropriators, who thirst for orthodoxy and are transfixed by the smells and bells of liturgical churches; and Innovators, who want to reinvent the church and focus on "intimate community."
The reactors are the only people that don't seem to cut it, according to the exhibit. And the paradox, of course, is that Biola is itself an institution built on reaction -- perhaps more so than most Christian colleges in the U.S.
The LA Times carries an article about the controversial artshow at Biola on the four faces of post-boomer Christianity. CT has an analysis on their weblog.
From CT: Biola University sociologist Dick Flory and University of Southern California religion professor Don Miller are the creators of "Recovery of Ritual," a new exhibit at Biola that, according to the Los Angeles Times, "explores challenges that churches face in attracting younger worshipers."
Four categories are depicted: Reactors, which use "nostalgic efforts that focus on the recovery of reason, seeking to roll back the clock on our postmodern culture;" Imitators, who "hijack portions of popular culture and inject a Christian message;" Reappropriators, who thirst for orthodoxy and are transfixed by the smells and bells of liturgical churches; and Innovators, who want to reinvent the church and focus on "intimate community."
The reactors are the only people that don't seem to cut it, according to the exhibit. And the paradox, of course, is that Biola is itself an institution built on reaction -- perhaps more so than most Christian colleges in the U.S.
FUEL CELLS
I've been wondering what would happen to all the big oil companies when (if) fuel cells actually become the driving power source in our world. An article in the Economist answers that question -- at least indirectly. If American technology wins the race the hydrogen in the fuel cells will be produced by fossil fuels. If the Europeans win the race we'll all be generating hydrogen from renewable resources (a more expensive approach). Link
I've been wondering what would happen to all the big oil companies when (if) fuel cells actually become the driving power source in our world. An article in the Economist answers that question -- at least indirectly. If American technology wins the race the hydrogen in the fuel cells will be produced by fossil fuels. If the Europeans win the race we'll all be generating hydrogen from renewable resources (a more expensive approach). Link
QUOTE OF THE DAY
From the Economist: "Like most people, whatever their faith, Muslims do not generally acquire their political opinions from clerics. Mostly, they do not care much for politics, and do not identify personally with a vast Muslim ummah all that much more than most Christians identify with Christendom. But with religious sensibilities heightened, and with mild-mannered preachers regularly blasting American policy, the voice of Osama bin Laden, heard again this week as he called on Muslims to fight “allies of the devil”, sounds less far-fetched. Muslims hate his methods, but they agree with the message: Yankee go home." Link
From the Economist: "Like most people, whatever their faith, Muslims do not generally acquire their political opinions from clerics. Mostly, they do not care much for politics, and do not identify personally with a vast Muslim ummah all that much more than most Christians identify with Christendom. But with religious sensibilities heightened, and with mild-mannered preachers regularly blasting American policy, the voice of Osama bin Laden, heard again this week as he called on Muslims to fight “allies of the devil”, sounds less far-fetched. Muslims hate his methods, but they agree with the message: Yankee go home." Link
Sunday, February 16
"DUCK AND COVER" AND DUCT TAPE
My first step down the road of cynicism occurred when I figured out how ridiculous it was to think that we could save ourselves from nuclear eradication by hiding under a school desk. Now they're telling us that we can seal ourselves off from a chemical attack with duct tape. Duct tape holds the world together (and removes warts) -- but really there are limits to what it can do. Really.
My first step down the road of cynicism occurred when I figured out how ridiculous it was to think that we could save ourselves from nuclear eradication by hiding under a school desk. Now they're telling us that we can seal ourselves off from a chemical attack with duct tape. Duct tape holds the world together (and removes warts) -- but really there are limits to what it can do. Really.
GOOGLE BUYS BLOGGER
It was bound to happen. Fortunately blogger has become the property of an equally creative (but better capitalized) company. Link
It was bound to happen. Fortunately blogger has become the property of an equally creative (but better capitalized) company. Link
Saturday, February 15
Friday, February 14
POMO DEBATE
Rudy Carrasco has opened a small can of worms by asking whether pomo churches are actually making new Christians or just in the recyling business. Link
Rudy Carrasco has opened a small can of worms by asking whether pomo churches are actually making new Christians or just in the recyling business. Link
Wednesday, February 12
GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL
FOR IT IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY
The Amarillo Globe-News: "The Wall Street Journal reported recently that 46 percent of Africans are now Christians, up from only 9 percent in 1900. The fastest growing sects are radical evangelical faiths, such as prevailed in America in the 18th century. This is great news. Evangelical Christianity is a precursor to capitalism."
FOR IT IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY
The Amarillo Globe-News: "The Wall Street Journal reported recently that 46 percent of Africans are now Christians, up from only 9 percent in 1900. The fastest growing sects are radical evangelical faiths, such as prevailed in America in the 18th century. This is great news. Evangelical Christianity is a precursor to capitalism."
Tuesday, February 11
NEW INFO ON AGE OF EARTH
Finally a definitive, once and for all answer about the age of the earth... Based on new data from a NASA satellite it has been determined that the universe is 13.7 billion years old (with a 1 percent margin of error). Also, the universe will forever expand and will not collapse in upon itself. I, for one, am relieved. Link.
Finally a definitive, once and for all answer about the age of the earth... Based on new data from a NASA satellite it has been determined that the universe is 13.7 billion years old (with a 1 percent margin of error). Also, the universe will forever expand and will not collapse in upon itself. I, for one, am relieved. Link.
RECKLESS DRIVING IS A SIN
Rusty, a spy from Mars, who looks like a car, visits Earth and discovers how poorly we drive. 1950s-style animation produced by the General Board of Temperance of The Methodist Church. Fun in a retro way. 10 minutes long. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
Rusty, a spy from Mars, who looks like a car, visits Earth and discovers how poorly we drive. 1950s-style animation produced by the General Board of Temperance of The Methodist Church. Fun in a retro way. 10 minutes long. Link (Thanks Boing Boing)
Monday, February 10
NIGERIAN SCAMS
Anyone who has had a longstanding Internet presence gets the emails that begin REQUEST FOR URGENT CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL -- followed by some wacko scheme to get your bank account numbers and access. I've been saving the emails for sometime now in a special mailbox of Nigerian scams -- current total 78. If someone is ever doing research let me know and I'll gladly share my collection.
Anyone who has had a longstanding Internet presence gets the emails that begin REQUEST FOR URGENT CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS PROPOSAL -- followed by some wacko scheme to get your bank account numbers and access. I've been saving the emails for sometime now in a special mailbox of Nigerian scams -- current total 78. If someone is ever doing research let me know and I'll gladly share my collection.
HOME AT LAST
I arrived home in Turlock late this afternoon after a fairly uneventful flight from Chicago. They showed The Truth About Charlie as the featured inflight movie. That was probably the best movie I've ever seen on a plane.
I arrived home in Turlock late this afternoon after a fairly uneventful flight from Chicago. They showed The Truth About Charlie as the featured inflight movie. That was probably the best movie I've ever seen on a plane.
Sunday, February 9
Friday, February 7
THE INVISIBLE MAN--NEAR FUTURE REALITY?
University of Toyko engineering professor Susumu Tachi says that he is in the early stages of developing a technology that will eventually enable camouflaged objects to be virtually transparent by wearing an optical device. Link
University of Toyko engineering professor Susumu Tachi says that he is in the early stages of developing a technology that will eventually enable camouflaged objects to be virtually transparent by wearing an optical device. Link
Thursday, February 6
RESURRECTED BODIES
Timothy George has a fine nutshell article about why Christians make such a big fuss over the "resurrection of the body".
Timothy George has a fine nutshell article about why Christians make such a big fuss over the "resurrection of the body".
Wednesday, February 5
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YANKS & BRITS
From Salon interview with Jane Walmsley, American long time resident in Britian (via Boing Boing):
I felt like a war bride that moved in the wrong direction. The biggest difference between the Brits and Americans is that Americans think that death is optional. Americans are optimists. Americans believe in the ultimate perfectibility of life. They believe that everything gets better. They believe that if you try hard enough there's a steady crescendo of improvement and your fate is in your own hands. You can make things perfect for yourself. And it's certainly your job to try.
Take somebody like Oprah Winfrey -- she's the symbol of self-improvement...
She's all about self-esteem and perfectibility and viewing yourself as a work in progress. The whole psychology of that is that you must believe that A) improvement is possible and B) that it is actually possible to get it right. You are your own best project. And because we're Americans we somehow think that everyone else in the world thinks that way too, and of course, nothing can be further from the truth. They don't.
From Salon interview with Jane Walmsley, American long time resident in Britian (via Boing Boing):
I felt like a war bride that moved in the wrong direction. The biggest difference between the Brits and Americans is that Americans think that death is optional. Americans are optimists. Americans believe in the ultimate perfectibility of life. They believe that everything gets better. They believe that if you try hard enough there's a steady crescendo of improvement and your fate is in your own hands. You can make things perfect for yourself. And it's certainly your job to try.
Take somebody like Oprah Winfrey -- she's the symbol of self-improvement...
She's all about self-esteem and perfectibility and viewing yourself as a work in progress. The whole psychology of that is that you must believe that A) improvement is possible and B) that it is actually possible to get it right. You are your own best project. And because we're Americans we somehow think that everyone else in the world thinks that way too, and of course, nothing can be further from the truth. They don't.
Tuesday, February 4
POMO -- QUOTE OF THE DAY
Kevin Miller in Leadership Journal: I'm fully prepared to admit that when we boomers were young, we faddishly embraced church-growth ratios and sociological analysis; we praised these modern tools as the salvation of the church. So it's poetic justice for us now to sit in the back of the room, the balding and befuddled, as the next generation praises the postmodern matrix as the salvation of the church.
But we're both wrong. We've already got a salvation for the church, and he will not share his glory with any current cultural form, no matter how valuable or necessary it may be. If the church uncritically embraced modern culture, the solution is not to uncritically embrace postmodern culture.
Kevin Miller in Leadership Journal: I'm fully prepared to admit that when we boomers were young, we faddishly embraced church-growth ratios and sociological analysis; we praised these modern tools as the salvation of the church. So it's poetic justice for us now to sit in the back of the room, the balding and befuddled, as the next generation praises the postmodern matrix as the salvation of the church.
But we're both wrong. We've already got a salvation for the church, and he will not share his glory with any current cultural form, no matter how valuable or necessary it may be. If the church uncritically embraced modern culture, the solution is not to uncritically embrace postmodern culture.
TUESDAY IN CHICAGO
One of my favorite rooms in the Hyatt Regency O'Hare is the pool room -- an indoor swimming pool enclosed in a large glass room. You can stand in the 85 degree tropical room and watch the snow fall all around you outside. I also like our room on the 7th floor with its clear view of the Chicago skyline.
The Board of the Ordered Ministry meetings today were great. Our task is to interview people who are applying for various ministerial credentials in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Today we interviewed a Korean pastor who intends to go to China to reach Muslims ( I won't mention his name for obvious reasons). Among the not-so-rich and famous, we interviewed and approved the ordination of Glenn Kaiser (These recomendations now go to the entire Ministerium for endorsment and then the annual meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church in June for approval.) There were several others. And the thing that struck me the most about it all was how much the presence of all of these ministers takes the whole Ministerium up a notch or two. I thought that all of these meetings would be tiring but being around all of these people recharges my batteries.
Doug Pagitt is also here and he's blogging about Midwinter, too.
One of my favorite rooms in the Hyatt Regency O'Hare is the pool room -- an indoor swimming pool enclosed in a large glass room. You can stand in the 85 degree tropical room and watch the snow fall all around you outside. I also like our room on the 7th floor with its clear view of the Chicago skyline.
The Board of the Ordered Ministry meetings today were great. Our task is to interview people who are applying for various ministerial credentials in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Today we interviewed a Korean pastor who intends to go to China to reach Muslims ( I won't mention his name for obvious reasons). Among the not-so-rich and famous, we interviewed and approved the ordination of Glenn Kaiser (These recomendations now go to the entire Ministerium for endorsment and then the annual meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church in June for approval.) There were several others. And the thing that struck me the most about it all was how much the presence of all of these ministers takes the whole Ministerium up a notch or two. I thought that all of these meetings would be tiring but being around all of these people recharges my batteries.
Doug Pagitt is also here and he's blogging about Midwinter, too.
Monday, February 3
CHICAGO
I'm living the life of luxary high on the 7th floor of the Hyatt O'Hare -- when I'm not in a meeting -- which has been most of the day. It's currently 37 degrees with snow expected tonight.
It's good to see so many friends at the Covenant Midwinter Conference. And travel yesterday wasn't too bad. The TSA security check was no big deal and those guys seem to have it down now. I think the government put all of the security agents thru friendliness training, too. They laughed and joked with passengers during the screen. That helps a lot to ease the tension and move things along. The plane was delayed two hours but eventually we landed in Chicago.
Tonight, my roommate Steve Bilynskyj and I took Olle Alkholm for his first Chicago pizza at Ginos. Olle is the pastor of Immanuelskyrkan in Stockholm and is president of the Ministerium of the Swedish Covenant Church (Svenska Missionsförbundet). That is, he is my Swedish counterpart. He was fun to get to know. He has cool business cards. One side is in Swedish and the other in English.
I'm living the life of luxary high on the 7th floor of the Hyatt O'Hare -- when I'm not in a meeting -- which has been most of the day. It's currently 37 degrees with snow expected tonight.
It's good to see so many friends at the Covenant Midwinter Conference. And travel yesterday wasn't too bad. The TSA security check was no big deal and those guys seem to have it down now. I think the government put all of the security agents thru friendliness training, too. They laughed and joked with passengers during the screen. That helps a lot to ease the tension and move things along. The plane was delayed two hours but eventually we landed in Chicago.
Tonight, my roommate Steve Bilynskyj and I took Olle Alkholm for his first Chicago pizza at Ginos. Olle is the pastor of Immanuelskyrkan in Stockholm and is president of the Ministerium of the Swedish Covenant Church (Svenska Missionsförbundet). That is, he is my Swedish counterpart. He was fun to get to know. He has cool business cards. One side is in Swedish and the other in English.
Sunday, February 2
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Jonathan Wilson starts his column in the Partial Observer: "Five men and two women, representing the aspirations of three nations and most of the civilized world, have perished today while taking the risks that the future requires." Link
Jonathan Wilson starts his column in the Partial Observer: "Five men and two women, representing the aspirations of three nations and most of the civilized world, have perished today while taking the risks that the future requires." Link
PHIL SEES HIS SHADOW
Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog weather prognosticator reportedly saw his shadow this morning, signaling six more weeks of winter in North America. Yeah, right! For most of the country winter hasn't come yet. Wisconsin has declared a state of emergency because the lack of snow is melting the tourist industry. In Turlock, California we've had but two mild frost nights (plus the normal December and January fog nonsense). Me thinks Phil doesn't know about El Nino.
I hope I'm not speaking too soon. I leave this afternoon for week in Chicago. There's a little snow and a lot of wind predicted (not by Phil). Fortunately (or unfortunately about the second or third day) I'll be sequestered in the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for pretty much the whole time. No cold in there -- we'll all be breathing manufactured air in that little city.
Groundhog Day is also my brother's birthday. He lives in Blanchard, Idaho and yes they are predicting a light dusting of winter for there tonight. That's just what Greg likes so I hope he enjoys his birthday present -- from Phil.
Punxsutawney Phil, the official groundhog weather prognosticator reportedly saw his shadow this morning, signaling six more weeks of winter in North America. Yeah, right! For most of the country winter hasn't come yet. Wisconsin has declared a state of emergency because the lack of snow is melting the tourist industry. In Turlock, California we've had but two mild frost nights (plus the normal December and January fog nonsense). Me thinks Phil doesn't know about El Nino.
I hope I'm not speaking too soon. I leave this afternoon for week in Chicago. There's a little snow and a lot of wind predicted (not by Phil). Fortunately (or unfortunately about the second or third day) I'll be sequestered in the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for pretty much the whole time. No cold in there -- we'll all be breathing manufactured air in that little city.
Groundhog Day is also my brother's birthday. He lives in Blanchard, Idaho and yes they are predicting a light dusting of winter for there tonight. That's just what Greg likes so I hope he enjoys his birthday present -- from Phil.
Saturday, February 1
THE TRAGEDY
It's hard to say anything more than what has been said. I was touched by the president's words which included a very appropriate quotation from Isaiah 40:26.
One of the most intersting Internet angles is the National Weather Service's radar image reported to be that of the shuttle's break-up over Texas. (Thanks Donald Drake).
Of all the Internet news services I subscribe to it was the Tucson Citizen which got to me first as I was opening my email. From the time stamp on their email it looks like they had news to their subscribers within 7 minutes of the shuttle break-up. They must have had staff on duty on Saturday morning.
It's hard to say anything more than what has been said. I was touched by the president's words which included a very appropriate quotation from Isaiah 40:26.
One of the most intersting Internet angles is the National Weather Service's radar image reported to be that of the shuttle's break-up over Texas. (Thanks Donald Drake).
Of all the Internet news services I subscribe to it was the Tucson Citizen which got to me first as I was opening my email. From the time stamp on their email it looks like they had news to their subscribers within 7 minutes of the shuttle break-up. They must have had staff on duty on Saturday morning.
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