It has been awhile since I have gotten a chance to blog. I think I let life interfere to quickly. Not much has changed in my status except that I have allowed myself to be tied down by busy-ness.
At any rate, the fracas over the election seems to be starting to die down. What a mess. I just cannot believe that so many people are so emotionally invested in the election that they are threatening to leave because their guy didn't win. I will leave out my personal feelings on the matter but I do want to say this: If I survived 8 years of President Clinton, a man who I had no respect for as a person (but I do respect him by virtue of the office that he held; that is to say, even though I did not vote for him, he was still my president), the left can surely tolerate another 4 years of President Bush.
There is much more I want to say on the matter but I feel it would generate more heat than light. Now if we can just get past the "He stole the election" garbage, things should start to return to what passes for normal.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
From Treating to Murder
Now They Want to Euthanize Children
I am appauled that things have slid so fast in Holland. Where is the ethics? This is as bad as what the Nazi German doctors were doing during World War 2. Now it is acceptable?! I just do not know what to say.
I am appauled that things have slid so fast in Holland. Where is the ethics? This is as bad as what the Nazi German doctors were doing during World War 2. Now it is acceptable?! I just do not know what to say.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Where am I?
I just wanted to check in and say that I have not totally fallen off the face of the earth (only mostly).
I have been very busy the past couple of months as things at the church where I work have kicked into gear for Fall. I have also had the opportuity to preach a couple of times and give a tour of Antietam national Battlefield.
I hope now that we are halfway through October, the pace of life might slow down a bit, just in time for the start of Christmas season.
I have been very busy the past couple of months as things at the church where I work have kicked into gear for Fall. I have also had the opportuity to preach a couple of times and give a tour of Antietam national Battlefield.
I hope now that we are halfway through October, the pace of life might slow down a bit, just in time for the start of Christmas season.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
On Tour
Yesterday, my wife and I went with some friends from our church to the Gettysburg National Military Park. On my church's men's retreat in the spring, I go to Gettysburg during the freetime on Saturday since it is only a 20-30 minute drive from the retreat center.
This past year was so popular with the guys they asked if I would lead another tour over the Summer so they could spend more time talking about the battle and seeing the park. We set the date and yesterday the group went up to the battlefield.
It was raining early in the day but it did not last too long and brought the temperature down. I have been to the battlefield several times (as you might imagine, being a historian and only living about 2 hours away), but this time I was able to go to several place I had not yet had a chance to see. Everybody had a great time. Even my parents came along and when they spoke with my sister's husband that evening, he said that he would like to go up as well.
It is an awe inspiring place. If you live close by, take a weekend and vist. The town is great and there are several nice restaurants in the area like the Farnsworth House. It is a nice trip and even if you know nothing about the battle, a stop at the Visitor's Center will give you a good overview of the events of July 1-3, 1863 and you can even take a self guided auto tour.
Well, as you can tell, I try to promote people to learn the history of the nation in which we live and for those on the east coast of the USA, it is all around you. Take some time to appreciate the areas that are quite literally in your own backyard.
This past year was so popular with the guys they asked if I would lead another tour over the Summer so they could spend more time talking about the battle and seeing the park. We set the date and yesterday the group went up to the battlefield.
It was raining early in the day but it did not last too long and brought the temperature down. I have been to the battlefield several times (as you might imagine, being a historian and only living about 2 hours away), but this time I was able to go to several place I had not yet had a chance to see. Everybody had a great time. Even my parents came along and when they spoke with my sister's husband that evening, he said that he would like to go up as well.
It is an awe inspiring place. If you live close by, take a weekend and vist. The town is great and there are several nice restaurants in the area like the Farnsworth House. It is a nice trip and even if you know nothing about the battle, a stop at the Visitor's Center will give you a good overview of the events of July 1-3, 1863 and you can even take a self guided auto tour.
Well, as you can tell, I try to promote people to learn the history of the nation in which we live and for those on the east coast of the USA, it is all around you. Take some time to appreciate the areas that are quite literally in your own backyard.
Friday, August 20, 2004
RCC May Have Gone Overboard on This One
MSNBC - Girl with digestive disorder denied Communion
OK, this is a little much. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has revoked a first communion because the wafer contained no wheat. The little girl who has had her sacrament denied cannot have wheat because of a rare allergy that causes her small intestine to block the absorption of food and may damage the organ as well.
Now while I do not agree with the doctrine behind the RCC's move, it should not really be a problem. Since the Catholic Church holds to a view of transubstantiation, that the bread and wine really become the body and blood of Christ, then why does it matter whether or not you start with a wheat or rice wafer. The institution of the sacrament, in RCC doctrine, means that the wafers are no longer wheat (or rice) but only appear to be wheat.
With the importance to Catholic regading the Lord's Supper, you would think that they would accommodate those who may not be able to take part using the traditional elements. You can still use the wafers and wine, just use rice or corn or whatever to make the Mass accessible to all who want to take part.
OK, this is a little much. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has revoked a first communion because the wafer contained no wheat. The little girl who has had her sacrament denied cannot have wheat because of a rare allergy that causes her small intestine to block the absorption of food and may damage the organ as well.
Now while I do not agree with the doctrine behind the RCC's move, it should not really be a problem. Since the Catholic Church holds to a view of transubstantiation, that the bread and wine really become the body and blood of Christ, then why does it matter whether or not you start with a wheat or rice wafer. The institution of the sacrament, in RCC doctrine, means that the wafers are no longer wheat (or rice) but only appear to be wheat.
With the importance to Catholic regading the Lord's Supper, you would think that they would accommodate those who may not be able to take part using the traditional elements. You can still use the wafers and wine, just use rice or corn or whatever to make the Mass accessible to all who want to take part.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Back from Iraq
An aquaintance of mine recently returned from Army service in Iraq. I had an eye-opening conversation with him with regards to the goings-on in country. He did not serve in a "frontline" post but spent most of his time in the area of Bahgdad referred to as the "green zone." He does not know who coined that term but he said that it is really a misnomer. They had motar shells fired at their compound daily, not to mention the car bombings that took place a few weeks ago.
He also said that if things do not change, we are going to lose and he cited several reasons why. First, our forces are essentially hamstrung. The recent upring with Al-Sadr is a good example. He is holed up in a mosque, as the Muslims put it, a holy shrine, and the U.S. forces are essentially prevented from moving in for political fears regading damage to the site. He referred to this as losing with an asterisk. "Yeah we lost but we did not put in our best quarterback." His solution was to treat the mosques as what they are, buildings. The U.S. needs to get over this idea that we cannot touch these places and get in there and root out Al-Sadr and those of his ilk.
Second, we should not put any faith in the new "Iraqi Army." These men that have been put in the army and police forces are not serving or protecting the people that put them there. When a crisis happens, a car bomb for instance, while the general populace in the area go to help the victims, these Iraqi police and military forces are looting the stores. While they guard bridges and overpasses, if the insurgents were going to attack the area, they would not stand and defend but rather, let them destroy the bridge or use it as a chockepoint to attack the United States military. Essentially, they are more in the way the helping maintain the peace.
Thirdly, even the secure areas are no longer secure. This serviceman's comment was that a year ago, you could walk around the Baghdad and not have any problems. Today, you need to be in fear for your life. He said there were times that they were driving around the city and finding themselves in a traffic jam with their weapons ready wondering if they were a sitting target.
If the government and military do not reach some sort of accord with how to conduct this campaign and win, we could be looking at another failure by the United States in nation-building. We need to allow our troops to get into the fight and take out the militant leaders like Al-Sadr and to put down the insurgents by force. The quicker those that are hindering the peace process are taken out of the picture, the quicker real peace will return to Iraq and the governing council can get on with its job of rebuilding the country. As long as the insurgents are there, little to nothing will be accomplished.
This veteran did say that going in was a good thing. They are still digging and finding all kinds of things, even a jet buried intact in the desert. If Hussein could find the time to bury that, who knows what else if out there.
He also said that if things do not change, we are going to lose and he cited several reasons why. First, our forces are essentially hamstrung. The recent upring with Al-Sadr is a good example. He is holed up in a mosque, as the Muslims put it, a holy shrine, and the U.S. forces are essentially prevented from moving in for political fears regading damage to the site. He referred to this as losing with an asterisk. "Yeah we lost but we did not put in our best quarterback." His solution was to treat the mosques as what they are, buildings. The U.S. needs to get over this idea that we cannot touch these places and get in there and root out Al-Sadr and those of his ilk.
Second, we should not put any faith in the new "Iraqi Army." These men that have been put in the army and police forces are not serving or protecting the people that put them there. When a crisis happens, a car bomb for instance, while the general populace in the area go to help the victims, these Iraqi police and military forces are looting the stores. While they guard bridges and overpasses, if the insurgents were going to attack the area, they would not stand and defend but rather, let them destroy the bridge or use it as a chockepoint to attack the United States military. Essentially, they are more in the way the helping maintain the peace.
Thirdly, even the secure areas are no longer secure. This serviceman's comment was that a year ago, you could walk around the Baghdad and not have any problems. Today, you need to be in fear for your life. He said there were times that they were driving around the city and finding themselves in a traffic jam with their weapons ready wondering if they were a sitting target.
If the government and military do not reach some sort of accord with how to conduct this campaign and win, we could be looking at another failure by the United States in nation-building. We need to allow our troops to get into the fight and take out the militant leaders like Al-Sadr and to put down the insurgents by force. The quicker those that are hindering the peace process are taken out of the picture, the quicker real peace will return to Iraq and the governing council can get on with its job of rebuilding the country. As long as the insurgents are there, little to nothing will be accomplished.
This veteran did say that going in was a good thing. They are still digging and finding all kinds of things, even a jet buried intact in the desert. If Hussein could find the time to bury that, who knows what else if out there.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Summer Daze
It has been a lazy summer (outside of work for me). Everybody around is either becoming all politcal (with the election coming up), national (with the Olympics), or regressing to being teenagers (just because it is late summer).
Not too much has been going on. My wife and I have moved twice and I hope for the last time for awhile. We are back down in our home town staying with some friends of ours who have graciously open there house to use for the forseeable future. It has been a major stress reliever knowing that we have a place to stay and do not have to worry about stretching our budget to the breaking point.
Barb and I did have a nice day to relax yesterday. Tuesday is my day off so we went to the mall to check out The Village. It was a great movie. I usually enjoy Shyamalan's story-telling ability but this was particularly good. The story was excellent and the actors did a wonderful job of drawing you into their world. It does start fast and took alittle time for me to figure out what was going on but after about 30 minutes or so, I was bale to settle in and enjoy the story. I highly recommend it and may go see it again. Now if I can just talk Barb into going to see The Bourne Supremacy or I, Robot.
In an unrelated story, I am still looking for full-time employment. The one church which I was farthest along in the process with declined my application deciding to go with another candidate. So that essentially puts me back at square one in my search for a pastoral position. The good news is that my name is getting around and I am being asked to fill in as pulpit supply more often. I have sent out some more resumes but I have not heard anything back as yet. Maybe things will work our where I am right now but it is a long time to wait (late fall).
I am also giving a tour of Gettysburg in a couple weeks. If it is going to be as hot as it has been the past couple days, that is going to make a long trip. It will be nice to do something fun and to take my mind off of job related problems. The World Boardgaming Championships are also this week. I will be going Friday and Saturday. Maybe able to get a few pick-up games in after the ASLSK tourney.
Not too much has been going on. My wife and I have moved twice and I hope for the last time for awhile. We are back down in our home town staying with some friends of ours who have graciously open there house to use for the forseeable future. It has been a major stress reliever knowing that we have a place to stay and do not have to worry about stretching our budget to the breaking point.
Barb and I did have a nice day to relax yesterday. Tuesday is my day off so we went to the mall to check out The Village. It was a great movie. I usually enjoy Shyamalan's story-telling ability but this was particularly good. The story was excellent and the actors did a wonderful job of drawing you into their world. It does start fast and took alittle time for me to figure out what was going on but after about 30 minutes or so, I was bale to settle in and enjoy the story. I highly recommend it and may go see it again. Now if I can just talk Barb into going to see The Bourne Supremacy or I, Robot.
In an unrelated story, I am still looking for full-time employment. The one church which I was farthest along in the process with declined my application deciding to go with another candidate. So that essentially puts me back at square one in my search for a pastoral position. The good news is that my name is getting around and I am being asked to fill in as pulpit supply more often. I have sent out some more resumes but I have not heard anything back as yet. Maybe things will work our where I am right now but it is a long time to wait (late fall).
I am also giving a tour of Gettysburg in a couple weeks. If it is going to be as hot as it has been the past couple days, that is going to make a long trip. It will be nice to do something fun and to take my mind off of job related problems. The World Boardgaming Championships are also this week. I will be going Friday and Saturday. Maybe able to get a few pick-up games in after the ASLSK tourney.
Friday, July 23, 2004
Baseball and Black Holes
Major League Baseball : News
I just love the opening quote, "...arguing that a black hole was basically a cosmic version of Brooks Robinson..." Apparently, Stephen Hawking, the author of A Brief History of Time and Black Holes, Baby Universes and Other Essays has changed his view regarding black holes.
He previously viewed the cosmic phenomena as a point in space that has such a great gravitational pull that not even light can escape. Hawking now believes that information about what a black hole absorbs may be discoverd by what information it emits.
I just love the opening quote, "...arguing that a black hole was basically a cosmic version of Brooks Robinson..." Apparently, Stephen Hawking, the author of A Brief History of Time and Black Holes, Baby Universes and Other Essays has changed his view regarding black holes.
He previously viewed the cosmic phenomena as a point in space that has such a great gravitational pull that not even light can escape. Hawking now believes that information about what a black hole absorbs may be discoverd by what information it emits.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Long Days...
We moved back to our old stoping grounds this past weekend (hence no posts). Even with everything packed, for the most part, it was still a chore to get evrything moved. We are going back north of the city at the end of the month to house sit (for only a week this time). When our friends return, I hope we will be able to spend sometime with them before we have to move again. It was nice being able to see my friends from college because they are all in that area.
Not a whole lot of movement on the job front. It looks like I will not hear until late fall about a permanent position at the place where I am currently working. I am pulpit supply this weekend (so I probably won't poat again this week unless I am able to finish this sermon) and i also have a couple of other places that I can now send my resume to. I am longing to have this job search over with and to begin full-time ministry.
I also hope that my friend will be able to work out the details for the Gettysburg trip. He wants me to give the tour but we need to put things together. I do not normally like doing tours in the heat of the Summer, but thus far this season has not been to bad. I will probably be giving another one in the fall. I guess I am still in "Hurry up and Wait" mode.
Not a whole lot of movement on the job front. It looks like I will not hear until late fall about a permanent position at the place where I am currently working. I am pulpit supply this weekend (so I probably won't poat again this week unless I am able to finish this sermon) and i also have a couple of other places that I can now send my resume to. I am longing to have this job search over with and to begin full-time ministry.
I also hope that my friend will be able to work out the details for the Gettysburg trip. He wants me to give the tour but we need to put things together. I do not normally like doing tours in the heat of the Summer, but thus far this season has not been to bad. I will probably be giving another one in the fall. I guess I am still in "Hurry up and Wait" mode.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Quite a Day
Got to see Spiderman 2 (great movie) on Wednesday and had a nice weekend with my family. We enjoyed our 4th of July with a little cookout and some backyard fireworks. Now, for me anyway, it is back to work.
Tomorrow, the folks we are house-sitting for will return from there trip. That means we will need to move to our next place. Friday looks like it will be the day as I have been able to get time off from work. I am not looking forward to doing this again but at least there is less stuff to move, only some boxes, computers and clothing. Still, it will be hard to leave. i have enjoyed being close to my college friends but know we are going back to the area where our home church is and, as a result, where or church friends live. I hope I will still have some time to see and hang out with the gang north of Baltimore.
Even more, I would like to hear about job permanence. I still have some resumes to send out but I would like to be brought on the staff of the church where I am currently working. Still, anyplace where God would like to send me is fine but Maryland (where both mine and my wife's family live) would be my first choice.
Tomorrow, the folks we are house-sitting for will return from there trip. That means we will need to move to our next place. Friday looks like it will be the day as I have been able to get time off from work. I am not looking forward to doing this again but at least there is less stuff to move, only some boxes, computers and clothing. Still, it will be hard to leave. i have enjoyed being close to my college friends but know we are going back to the area where our home church is and, as a result, where or church friends live. I hope I will still have some time to see and hang out with the gang north of Baltimore.
Even more, I would like to hear about job permanence. I still have some resumes to send out but I would like to be brought on the staff of the church where I am currently working. Still, anyplace where God would like to send me is fine but Maryland (where both mine and my wife's family live) would be my first choice.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Moore's Movie Making Waves
Newsday.com - Long Island News
The above article is typical of what I expect most movie-goers are saying with regards to Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11." Not many people are going to the film with an open mind and after seeing it, most say that their opinion has not changed.
I found some of the quotes rather interesting:
John Berner was especially moved by a scene depicting Bush's initial reaction to news of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks while speaking to a classroom full of children. "The look on his face really showed someone who is not in control," said Berner, 42, of Huntington.
Mr. Berner, I have news for you, no one was in control. How on earth could we expect to be in complete control of an attack that virtually no American could even conceive of before 9/11. I am reminded of a quote from World War Two (attributed to Eisenhower I believe) that "no plan survives first contact with the enemy." It goes without saying that Bush wasn't in "control." No one was.
Michael Freed said people should see the film, regardless of their political leanings. "You have no right to have an opinion unless you see the movie," said Freed, 51, of Plainview, who caught the movie in Farmingdale yesterday. "It's the same way people want to have an opinion about this country, but they don't vote."
I have no right to have an opinion unless I see the movie? What kind of opinion is that? Does Michael Moore have sole and singular control of what has happened in the past three years? Guess what. I have an opinion about what happened because I lived through it. I saw, along with the rest of America, the towers come down. I followed the reports that led to the Taliban. I listened to both Preesidents Bush and Clinton as they said that the removal of Hussien was the proper thing to do. I do not need Moore to tell me what to believe, I thankfully can think for myself. I hope the rest of America willl too.
The above article is typical of what I expect most movie-goers are saying with regards to Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11." Not many people are going to the film with an open mind and after seeing it, most say that their opinion has not changed.
I found some of the quotes rather interesting:
John Berner was especially moved by a scene depicting Bush's initial reaction to news of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks while speaking to a classroom full of children. "The look on his face really showed someone who is not in control," said Berner, 42, of Huntington.
Mr. Berner, I have news for you, no one was in control. How on earth could we expect to be in complete control of an attack that virtually no American could even conceive of before 9/11. I am reminded of a quote from World War Two (attributed to Eisenhower I believe) that "no plan survives first contact with the enemy." It goes without saying that Bush wasn't in "control." No one was.
Michael Freed said people should see the film, regardless of their political leanings. "You have no right to have an opinion unless you see the movie," said Freed, 51, of Plainview, who caught the movie in Farmingdale yesterday. "It's the same way people want to have an opinion about this country, but they don't vote."
I have no right to have an opinion unless I see the movie? What kind of opinion is that? Does Michael Moore have sole and singular control of what has happened in the past three years? Guess what. I have an opinion about what happened because I lived through it. I saw, along with the rest of America, the towers come down. I followed the reports that led to the Taliban. I listened to both Preesidents Bush and Clinton as they said that the removal of Hussien was the proper thing to do. I do not need Moore to tell me what to believe, I thankfully can think for myself. I hope the rest of America willl too.
Friday, June 18, 2004
My Comics
Thankfully, it has been a quiet week. Work has been "normal" since the big push for the ministry heads meeting. Now with that accomplished we have a lull in the action until about mid-July when the church is going to get started to prepare for the Fall schedule (sounds kind of redundant doesn't it).
To reveal a little bit more about me, I collect comic books. I am a big fan of the X-Men, Spiderman, and the Fantastic Four (all from Marvel). Something else that has started this month is DC Comics Identity Crisis. The premise is, "If you can't get the hero, get their family. It looks like it is going to be stunning. Only the first issue has been released but if it sets the tone for the rest of the series, this should be one of the best stories DC has put out (well, Brad Meltzer gets the credit). The repercussions for the DC universe will not be as great as the Crisis on Infinite Earths series but it looks to be quite the shakeup.
I save my anime and Robotech obsession for another day.
To reveal a little bit more about me, I collect comic books. I am a big fan of the X-Men, Spiderman, and the Fantastic Four (all from Marvel). Something else that has started this month is DC Comics Identity Crisis. The premise is, "If you can't get the hero, get their family. It looks like it is going to be stunning. Only the first issue has been released but if it sets the tone for the rest of the series, this should be one of the best stories DC has put out (well, Brad Meltzer gets the credit). The repercussions for the DC universe will not be as great as the Crisis on Infinite Earths series but it looks to be quite the shakeup.
I save my anime and Robotech obsession for another day.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Tickets and Battle Anniversaries
The GMail account has been really the only highlight of my weekend. I did not have a weekend at all essentially. I had to go to work on Saturday morning. On my way around the Baltimore beltway (the west side), I was flagged down by a nice State Police Officer for speeding. I have not gotten a ticket in almost 8 years (since before I was married). Anyway, my commute did not improve.
Long story short, I got to work late. I am glad that my bride did not hold the ticket against me. She knows I have a pretty heavy foot and has been "encouraging" me to slow down for some time. She also thinks I should go to court rather than just pay the fine. I should be able to get probation before judgement, avoiding the points but probably paying the fine.
Had to work Sunday afternoon as well (I do work for a church afterall).
On the history side of things, the 189th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo (or Mt. St Jean). June 18th will mark the end of the Hundred Days that Napoleon was looking to reinstate himself on the throne of Europe. Also, the American Civil War battle of the Seven Days that saved Richmond in 1862 and saw the rise of a man named Robert E. Lee to command of the Army of Northern Virginia took place this month.
Time to head to my other job.
Long story short, I got to work late. I am glad that my bride did not hold the ticket against me. She knows I have a pretty heavy foot and has been "encouraging" me to slow down for some time. She also thinks I should go to court rather than just pay the fine. I should be able to get probation before judgement, avoiding the points but probably paying the fine.
Had to work Sunday afternoon as well (I do work for a church afterall).
On the history side of things, the 189th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo (or Mt. St Jean). June 18th will mark the end of the Hundred Days that Napoleon was looking to reinstate himself on the throne of Europe. Also, the American Civil War battle of the Seven Days that saved Richmond in 1862 and saw the rise of a man named Robert E. Lee to command of the Army of Northern Virginia took place this month.
Time to head to my other job.
GMail pt.2
Well, today it happened. I was able to get a coveted GMail account from a very nice person named Mollie B. I posted my plea on the GMail Swap page and she came through for me. I hope that I will soon be able to invite others so that I can return the favor.
Friday, June 11, 2004
GMail and Hattrick
I know that some of you Blogger users out there have gotten the offer to use GMail. I keep hoping that one day when I login that I will see the mythic invite. Until then, I guess I can always go with GMail Swap. Since I just moved, put everything in storage, and am still looking for full-time employment, there is not anything that I can offer except my thanks. I wonder if anyone will go for that.
On another note, my Hattrick team, Severn United, finally promoted into the next series, IV.48. Of course they will probably be crushed by the teams at this level. It is amazing how addicting a soccer (or Football for the rest of the world) simulation can be. I have played it for a year and a half and finally got my team to move up. Should be interesting next season (which run in 16 week increments). Check it out. It's free, fun, and people from all over the world play it so you can have competitions and matches with other users half a world away. Now I need to concentrate on how to get GMail and keep my team at a competitive level.
On another note, my Hattrick team, Severn United, finally promoted into the next series, IV.48. Of course they will probably be crushed by the teams at this level. It is amazing how addicting a soccer (or Football for the rest of the world) simulation can be. I have played it for a year and a half and finally got my team to move up. Should be interesting next season (which run in 16 week increments). Check it out. It's free, fun, and people from all over the world play it so you can have competitions and matches with other users half a world away. Now I need to concentrate on how to get GMail and keep my team at a competitive level.
My Morning Commute
Anyone familiar with Maryland is probably also aware of the two beltways around Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Fortunately I do not have the "Two Beltway Communte" but today it might as well have been both. I am currently residing in Lutherville, MD and work in Arnold. Basically a 35-45 mile trip one way which takes about one hour depending on traffic. Well, today that trip turned into a two hour crawl around the Baltimore metro area.
I just do not understand. When it rains, it is as if people lose all control of their senses when it comes to driving. Things are bad enough when it is dry, but now it is like they have never driven a vehicle before. It is no wonder there are more accidents, so many people are looking at what has happened in other fender benders (or much worse as was the case this morning) that they get involved in an accident themselves because they are not paying any attention to what they are doing or where they are going, they smack into the person in front of them. Why are people so compelled to look at this wrecks? What could they possibly learn or want to know? It makes my commute longer because of their rubbernecking! I hope going home will be better.
I just do not understand. When it rains, it is as if people lose all control of their senses when it comes to driving. Things are bad enough when it is dry, but now it is like they have never driven a vehicle before. It is no wonder there are more accidents, so many people are looking at what has happened in other fender benders (or much worse as was the case this morning) that they get involved in an accident themselves because they are not paying any attention to what they are doing or where they are going, they smack into the person in front of them. Why are people so compelled to look at this wrecks? What could they possibly learn or want to know? It makes my commute longer because of their rubbernecking! I hope going home will be better.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Memorial Weekend Trip
My wife and I went camping over the Memorial Day weekend. We went to the George Washington National Forest. We stay at the Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge, VA. We went with some friends of ours from church.
While we were down there I got the chance to go to the National D-Day Memorial. Barb, my wife, and I drove to Bedford, VA, where the memorial is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have never driven along this road, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic driven with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings of three national forests. It definitely stretches out your drive time (speeds around 45mph with lots of twists and turns; probably not for those who are prone to car sickness), especially compared to I-81 which the parkway parallels.
At any rate, the drive and the memorial were well worth it. The "Landing" portion of the D-Day memorial is particularly poignant. The statues and the sounds with the water (blowers in the water make splashes and sounds that simulate the zip of bullets and the popping of mortar rounds) provide a great effect. Besides those sounds, the park was quiet even though there were hundreds of people present. I guess the approach of the 60th anniversary caused people to pause and take account of what it was the American, British, French and Canadian soldiers accomplished that day.
All in all it was a great trip. This was the first time I had been camping in years, since middle school probably, half a lifetime for me. I would like to make camping a regular event again but for now, it is back to work.
While we were down there I got the chance to go to the National D-Day Memorial. Barb, my wife, and I drove to Bedford, VA, where the memorial is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have never driven along this road, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic driven with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings of three national forests. It definitely stretches out your drive time (speeds around 45mph with lots of twists and turns; probably not for those who are prone to car sickness), especially compared to I-81 which the parkway parallels.
At any rate, the drive and the memorial were well worth it. The "Landing" portion of the D-Day memorial is particularly poignant. The statues and the sounds with the water (blowers in the water make splashes and sounds that simulate the zip of bullets and the popping of mortar rounds) provide a great effect. Besides those sounds, the park was quiet even though there were hundreds of people present. I guess the approach of the 60th anniversary caused people to pause and take account of what it was the American, British, French and Canadian soldiers accomplished that day.
All in all it was a great trip. This was the first time I had been camping in years, since middle school probably, half a lifetime for me. I would like to make camping a regular event again but for now, it is back to work.
From Move to Movie
The move is done! Woo Hoo! I hope that this will be the last time I have to move my family on my own.
Anyway, I had a great weekend, even if it was raining and too short. I got the chance to see the new Harry Potter movie at the Muvico at Arundel Mills Mall. The critics are right about it being a darker film than the previous two movies (but I liked both of those as well). From what I have heard, most of the story from the book is left out of this film. The essential elements are there but basically it is only the frame of the story. My sister told me to read the book, which I am planning on doing soon (perhaps before I go and see this one a second time).
As always "your mileage may vary" but I thoroughly enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban. I hope that the same director will come back to helm the Goblet of Fire film and maybe Rowling will get the other books done in a couple years.
Anyway, I had a great weekend, even if it was raining and too short. I got the chance to see the new Harry Potter movie at the Muvico at Arundel Mills Mall. The critics are right about it being a darker film than the previous two movies (but I liked both of those as well). From what I have heard, most of the story from the book is left out of this film. The essential elements are there but basically it is only the frame of the story. My sister told me to read the book, which I am planning on doing soon (perhaps before I go and see this one a second time).
As always "your mileage may vary" but I thoroughly enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban. I hope that the same director will come back to helm the Goblet of Fire film and maybe Rowling will get the other books done in a couple years.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Parenthesis to History (washingtonpost.com)
Parenthesis to History (washingtonpost.com)
I think that Krauthammer has missed the point. His compliants about the National WWII Memorial are off the mark. Asking questions about why are the states named. These are where the nation sent its sons out to fight and in some cases die. Take the 29th Infantry Division for example. Part of this division landed in the first wave at Omaha beach on D-Day (and has its own memorial. These men were formed from a National Guard division, as were most of the divisions that the United States created to fight in Europe and the Pacific. They came from Maryland, Virginia, as well as some from Pennsylvania. It was a regional and state division like most National Guard units. This is why the D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, VA. That town suffered the highest casualty rate on D-Day, losing almost 20 of her sons in a single day at one place.
Krauthammers point about the stars (4,000 gold stars representing 100 combat deaths) is also misplaced. In fact, men did die by the hundreds in battles. Kasserine, Sicily, Italy, D-Day, St. Lo, the Ardennes, the Rhinelend, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. These and many other place saw young men, from small and big towns all across the United States and its territories, give their lives to defend and bring freedom to the peoples of Europe and Japan and the Pacific.
To make these kinds of complaints regarding the WWII Memorial shows that one, Krauthammer just dislikes the memorial itself or its location, and shows his ignorance of the US Military's structure during World War II. Our boys were killed by the score for what they believed was an important task. In my opinion, he cheapens their sacrifice and this nation's long overdue "thank you" by bringing his personal dislikes to the table.
I think that Krauthammer has missed the point. His compliants about the National WWII Memorial are off the mark. Asking questions about why are the states named. These are where the nation sent its sons out to fight and in some cases die. Take the 29th Infantry Division for example. Part of this division landed in the first wave at Omaha beach on D-Day (and has its own memorial. These men were formed from a National Guard division, as were most of the divisions that the United States created to fight in Europe and the Pacific. They came from Maryland, Virginia, as well as some from Pennsylvania. It was a regional and state division like most National Guard units. This is why the D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, VA. That town suffered the highest casualty rate on D-Day, losing almost 20 of her sons in a single day at one place.
Krauthammers point about the stars (4,000 gold stars representing 100 combat deaths) is also misplaced. In fact, men did die by the hundreds in battles. Kasserine, Sicily, Italy, D-Day, St. Lo, the Ardennes, the Rhinelend, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. These and many other place saw young men, from small and big towns all across the United States and its territories, give their lives to defend and bring freedom to the peoples of Europe and Japan and the Pacific.
To make these kinds of complaints regarding the WWII Memorial shows that one, Krauthammer just dislikes the memorial itself or its location, and shows his ignorance of the US Military's structure during World War II. Our boys were killed by the score for what they believed was an important task. In my opinion, he cheapens their sacrifice and this nation's long overdue "thank you" by bringing his personal dislikes to the table.
Monday, May 24, 2004
My Aching Back
Well, we are now mostly moved into storage. All of our "heavy" items are in the storage space and we actually have some space left (after some creative maneuvering). I had a couple of friends help me out and we accomplished most of what I wanted to get done. My wife and I are exhausted and bruised but we are happy about how things went.
Now we get to play house for six weeks in our friends home while they are out of town. This home must be in the center of the cicada infestation around Baltimore. I mowed the lawn on Saturday evening and those insects were deafening. I am not kidding. I could still hear them clearly above the mower engine. I hope I do not go insane listening to continuous chirping.
All in all things are going well as we enter into our first week. We have managed to keep the fish alive and the carpet clean. Just a few more boxes and one or two trips to the storage facility and the Great Move of '04 will be finished.
Now we get to play house for six weeks in our friends home while they are out of town. This home must be in the center of the cicada infestation around Baltimore. I mowed the lawn on Saturday evening and those insects were deafening. I am not kidding. I could still hear them clearly above the mower engine. I hope I do not go insane listening to continuous chirping.
All in all things are going well as we enter into our first week. We have managed to keep the fish alive and the carpet clean. Just a few more boxes and one or two trips to the storage facility and the Great Move of '04 will be finished.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
I am Running on Close to Empty
Well, we are moved, partly. We have the storage place and have started to move the boxes in. What is not so clear is the amount of help we will have on Friday when we start to move the furniture. Even now, there are still plenty of small things that need to be boxed and moved.
The stress of the whole project is starting to get to me. I am having a hard time sleeping and as a result have less and less energy to get things done. I still have to work at my regular jobs on top of this. I cannot wait until Friday evening when the major things will be behind me.
And, still I am waiting for word of full-time employment. Believe it or not, in my denomination, it has been particularly difficult to find a pastoral position. I have been searching for over a year now and have only seen movement in the past six months. By God's grace my wife and I have come through it with our sanity intact. Full-time employment and a permanent house, I am looking forward to those blessings.
In the meantime, we are going to be wandering. Six weeks at on place and then we move on to the next. As unstable as it sounds, my wife and I are feeling rather content. I just want to get the physical act of moving out of the way.
The stress of the whole project is starting to get to me. I am having a hard time sleeping and as a result have less and less energy to get things done. I still have to work at my regular jobs on top of this. I cannot wait until Friday evening when the major things will be behind me.
And, still I am waiting for word of full-time employment. Believe it or not, in my denomination, it has been particularly difficult to find a pastoral position. I have been searching for over a year now and have only seen movement in the past six months. By God's grace my wife and I have come through it with our sanity intact. Full-time employment and a permanent house, I am looking forward to those blessings.
In the meantime, we are going to be wandering. Six weeks at on place and then we move on to the next. As unstable as it sounds, my wife and I are feeling rather content. I just want to get the physical act of moving out of the way.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Director Moore Launches Bush Tirade at Cannes
Entertainment News Article | Reuters.com
Why is it always easier to make political statements slamming your government overseas (in France no less which already thinks poorly of the US)? Come on Michael, show some gumption and do that back here in the States.
It would be nice if he put a logical argument rather than this ad homonym diatribe. Using grieving mothers to make you point about the war in Iraq? Following that logic, we should have pulled out of World War Two (or One for the matter, and Korea). No one wants to see their child die. But using their grief to schill your political adgenda is low. Our boys were killed by the thousands during the Second World War but crushing the totalitarian powers was worth the cost. Does not Iraq, a people who have been sorely oppressed for decades deserve the same resolve?
Any way that is just my opinion.
Why is it always easier to make political statements slamming your government overseas (in France no less which already thinks poorly of the US)? Come on Michael, show some gumption and do that back here in the States.
It would be nice if he put a logical argument rather than this ad homonym diatribe. Using grieving mothers to make you point about the war in Iraq? Following that logic, we should have pulled out of World War Two (or One for the matter, and Korea). No one wants to see their child die. But using their grief to schill your political adgenda is low. Our boys were killed by the thousands during the Second World War but crushing the totalitarian powers was worth the cost. Does not Iraq, a people who have been sorely oppressed for decades deserve the same resolve?
Any way that is just my opinion.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Idiocy Runs in My Family
I finally did it. Last night after coming home from my second job, my wife asks me if I want to go out to eat. I was hungary (as it was 8:45pm) but I did not want to miss the series finale of Fraser. She suggests we go to Taco Bell and come right back. I think that is a good idea and we head out the door. She asks me if I have my keys and I check my pocket and say "yes" and close the door. When I reach into my pocket to lock the deadblot, I realize the keys I have with me are for my jobs and not my house/car keys.
Needless to say my wife was upset. I knocked on our neighbor's door just as he was coming out. I told him our situation and he graciously let us use his phone. I called the rental management company but they will not be able to get anyone to our townhome for another hour and would charge us an arm and leg for the service. My neighbor said that there was no chage if you needed to be let in during business hours.
Long story longer, I figure we can crash at one of our folks place as they only live about 30 min. away. I have a spare key to my car in my wallet but upon opening my vehicle I find that I indeed had put the Club on my car and could not drive it (like I said, idiocy runs in my family). We borrow another phone from a different neighbor, our neighbor had gone to get something to eat and fortunately we live in a very friendly area (even though there is a heavy crime rate) and contact my parents (unbeknownst to me, my wife had gotten a phone from another couple who were leaving and saw our situation and she called her folks (idiocy runs in my family you know)). Both sets show up be we go with mine so I will definitely have a ride back in the morning so I can unlock my apartment and get my stuff for work.
One eventful night. I had cereal for dinner and missed Fraser. At least God is gracious in that we have nice neighbors who are willing to help us out and parents that live close by to give us a free place to stay. Even though their son/in-law is an idiot.
Needless to say my wife was upset. I knocked on our neighbor's door just as he was coming out. I told him our situation and he graciously let us use his phone. I called the rental management company but they will not be able to get anyone to our townhome for another hour and would charge us an arm and leg for the service. My neighbor said that there was no chage if you needed to be let in during business hours.
Long story longer, I figure we can crash at one of our folks place as they only live about 30 min. away. I have a spare key to my car in my wallet but upon opening my vehicle I find that I indeed had put the Club on my car and could not drive it (like I said, idiocy runs in my family). We borrow another phone from a different neighbor, our neighbor had gone to get something to eat and fortunately we live in a very friendly area (even though there is a heavy crime rate) and contact my parents (unbeknownst to me, my wife had gotten a phone from another couple who were leaving and saw our situation and she called her folks (idiocy runs in my family you know)). Both sets show up be we go with mine so I will definitely have a ride back in the morning so I can unlock my apartment and get my stuff for work.
One eventful night. I had cereal for dinner and missed Fraser. At least God is gracious in that we have nice neighbors who are willing to help us out and parents that live close by to give us a free place to stay. Even though their son/in-law is an idiot.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Moving Along
I got home from work last night and dove in to help my wife with packing up boxes. As you might imagine, as historian and seminary graduate, I have quite a number of books. Well suffice to say, my work is cut out for me. I did manage to pack up two book shelves (only three shelves each) and used a total of eight boxes. I have two more full shelves that are the same size and another three full bookcases upstairs. I guess my weekend is planned out for me.
Work is also moving along well. I am hoping to gain full-time employment. I currently work as the manager of a church facility and at a bookshop (a dangerous prospect for a man with limited income and a fascination with books). Both are part time and neither has benefits. Perhaps I should look into working at Starbucks. From what I understand, they provide benefits for employees that work 20 or more hours a week, which would fit my schedule.
On other fronts, I have been asked by the men in my church to lead another tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. Since our church's men's retreat is hosted near the battlefield, during out freetime, I give the guys a tour of the battlefield park. It goes much too fast as our time is always limited. But this time we would be able to take all day some Saturday and actually get to walk around the sites. If you have not been there, even if you are not interested in history, you should take a look. Gettysburg National Military Park is a powerful place. Check it out.
Work is also moving along well. I am hoping to gain full-time employment. I currently work as the manager of a church facility and at a bookshop (a dangerous prospect for a man with limited income and a fascination with books). Both are part time and neither has benefits. Perhaps I should look into working at Starbucks. From what I understand, they provide benefits for employees that work 20 or more hours a week, which would fit my schedule.
On other fronts, I have been asked by the men in my church to lead another tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. Since our church's men's retreat is hosted near the battlefield, during out freetime, I give the guys a tour of the battlefield park. It goes much too fast as our time is always limited. But this time we would be able to take all day some Saturday and actually get to walk around the sites. If you have not been there, even if you are not interested in history, you should take a look. Gettysburg National Military Park is a powerful place. Check it out.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Blog 2.0
This is the second time I have tried to keep and web journal. The first one did not take because I had a hard time trying to keep up with it. I hope that this one will be an improvement but I am almost immediately facing a challenge.
My wife and I are moving to house sit for some friends of ours. We will be there for about 6 weeks and then we will need to find temporary housing while I continue to look for permanent employment. I will save the long story for later but suffice to say, our lives have been and at least through the summer will continue to be in a state of flux.
My wife and I are moving to house sit for some friends of ours. We will be there for about 6 weeks and then we will need to find temporary housing while I continue to look for permanent employment. I will save the long story for later but suffice to say, our lives have been and at least through the summer will continue to be in a state of flux.
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