I was looking at my college webpage on the Internet Wayback Machine last night (the server has been off-line for some years now). Some of you may remember that I rambled quite a bit back then. I read some of my old "blog" entries -- my posts were called "Thoughts of the Day" and resembled a blog, though no one had ever heard the term at the time.
Some of my posts were quite funny (and I may share them with you), others were pretty depressing, especially when I remember what motivated them. Anyway... reading these old musings prompted me to ramble a bit in my own mind last night:
What if all evidence contradicts God?
So, I'm facing a situation where, in my mind, all things point to one answer and in my heart, God is telling me something entirely different. It isn't quite so cut and dried as God saying 2 + 2 equals 5, but I am quite confused. I'm questioning God, questioning my interpretation of his purpose, and just generally confused.
Every fiber of my being screams that X is true, all evidence indicates that X is true, independent observers have confirmed that X appears to be true... When I ask God if X is true, I get an ambiguous answer that seems to indicate that it is in fact NOT true (I really don't get an answer at all). I suppose it could be that one part of my brain refuses to accept his answer and is therefore looking past it. It could be that I'm simply to dense to see that God is CONFIRMING my suspicion that X is true. I dunno.
I really wish he'd go ahead and tell me one way or another.
Lord, help me understand your purpose and intentions. I'm blunt -- send me a lightning bolt (figuratively) or something, please....
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
The importance of a comma -- "a basic rule of punctuation"
globeandmail.com : 'A basic rule of punctuation':
A grammatical blunder may force Rogers Communications Inc. to pay an extra $2.13-million to use utility poles in the Maritimes after the placement of a comma in a contract permitted the deal's cancellation.I'm a big fan of commas, as you may know. I'm also facinated by the law (though contract law can be boring as all get-out). The situation above illustrates perfectly why we hire lawyers to create and review legal documents -- and, also as illustrated above, sometimes they can screw up!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Thoughts on friendship: "Keeping score..."
The Bible says that "the love of money is the root of evil" -- or something similar. We hear that passage misquoted often as "money is the root of evil". Do you ruminate on what your friends owe you? Is it your turn to pay the bar bill or someone else's? Did you loan your buddy $10 and do you expect it back? So many friendships are allowed to sour because we're keeping score.
I moved back to my small hometown several years ago (6 or 7, I can't remember). I do remember that I hadn't been home long when, as I had no plans for the evening, my dad asked me to watch my brother while my dad and mom went out for supper. As he was gathering up his wallet, keys, etc before he walked out the door, my Dad discovered he had no cash. He asked, "Nathan, do you have any cash?" As it was Friday and I had gotten paid that day and had taken some cash when I deposited my check, I had about $150. I told him so and he said, "Let me borrow about $100." Of course I loaned it to him --I thought nothing of it...
Several weeks later I remembered this "loan" and quizzed pop about it... He said to me with a smile on his face, "If you wanna keep score, I can start dragging out American Express bills for the last several years." I was a bit shocked -- and humbled. Who knows how much of my father's money I'd spent using that gold-plated credit-card -- I don't know and Dad certainly doesn't know. I learned a valuable lesson from my father over the years and this was the moment when the lesson became real.
Don't keep score...
If you love your friends and your friends love you -- if they are true friends, you needn't keep up with who owes who what. You spend on them, they spend on you. You do them favors, they do favors for you. Friendship should be an equitable relationship, yes, but you shouldn't carry a ledger book around in your back pocket.
When I can and when the fancy strikes me, I commonly pick up the check for dinner or other fun and exciting activities when I'm hanging out with my friends. Sometimes the tab is small and sometimes it's not so small. Often, if we're with people who don't know me terribly well, folks begin to reach for the pocketbooks or bill-folds to "pay me back". I can see the calculations rolling through their heads as they add up what their portion of the bill should be -- I generally hide the ticket away as quickly as possible to make this process more difficult. My general response to requests for a sub-total is to say, "We'll settle up later." In my mind, we've already settled up! I've had the pleasure of their company and they've had to put up with me -- a fair bargain for the cost of the meal or a few rounds of drinks, in my mind at least.
To not keep score can be a difficult habit to adopt. We tend to immediately think of what people owe us... But, if you're with true friends, you should know that it'll all come out even in the end.
It's important, if you're not keeping score, to remember to always give at every opportunity. Always offer to help. Always offer to pay (and sometimes force the issue). Always wash the dishes. Never remind someone that you paid last time. It's always your turn.
Don't loan money; give it away...
I don't loan my friends money. I don't do it. It's a bad practice and it almost always leads to conflict. If you're loaning friends money, you're setting up a business relationship and business relationships and friendship often clash. I give folks money, if I can afford it, and am pleased when they pay me back. I'm not disappointed if they don't -- 'cause I didn't expect it.
The important rule to remember is never to give a friend more money than you can afford to lose. If it hurts you to give it and you have to have it back at some point, don't loan it. Simple, huh? You'll save yourself lots of grief and strained conversations.
This was tough for me...
Several years ago a friend of mine -- a very good friend -- backed over my parked car. We laughed about it at the time. The damage was entirely superficial; a dented door and some scrapes were the only indication that something had happened. My friend offered to pay for the repairs and I said "sure"... The mistake on my part was preparing myself to actually be recompensed for the damage.
I had the car repaired -- I think the bill was about $400, but it may have been closer to $600. I kept the bill and called my friend, saying that the repairs were complete and I offered to supply a copy of the bill. That's okay, the friend said, no bother, I'll send you a check. I've never seen a penny.
Now, I know that my friend simply forgot. My friend wouldn't stiff me on purpose. I never mentioned it again, however. "WHAT???" you say? Nope, I never mentioned it. This would create a situation where money was, for only a second, at the center of our friendship. A debt would be the topic of conversation. As time passed I lay awake at night thinking about that money -- there were times when I could really have used it, times when my own wallet was a bit thin. This is when not keeping score became hard. I had made a mistake, as I mentioned above, in preparing myself for the money.
I am simply not going to permit money come between me and those I love. It's a cursed mistake and I'm not going to do it -- I recommend that you avoid it as well.
Some warnings...
Don't let yourself be taken advantage of by false friends. Know your true friends and keep them close. Be wary of folks who never pick up the tab -- the amount isn't important. If they're buying dinner at Chez McDonalds and you're buying dinner at Chez Phillipe, that's fine. If you're always buying dinner, you're in trouble... Your true friends won't abuse the relationship.
Don't overspend or overcommit yourself in your friendships -- it's easy to get caught up giving to people. Whether you're giving time, money, or even emotional capital, remember that you have to look after yourself. If your friends are true friends, they'll help look after you just as you look after them.
Please, please, please.. Remember this: This works for me. I am at peace in my life; I'm as happy as I've ever been, I suppose. This isn't a be-all-end-all blog post for friendship and there are caveats and contradictions to every rule. Your mileage may vary.
I moved back to my small hometown several years ago (6 or 7, I can't remember). I do remember that I hadn't been home long when, as I had no plans for the evening, my dad asked me to watch my brother while my dad and mom went out for supper. As he was gathering up his wallet, keys, etc before he walked out the door, my Dad discovered he had no cash. He asked, "Nathan, do you have any cash?" As it was Friday and I had gotten paid that day and had taken some cash when I deposited my check, I had about $150. I told him so and he said, "Let me borrow about $100." Of course I loaned it to him --I thought nothing of it...
Several weeks later I remembered this "loan" and quizzed pop about it... He said to me with a smile on his face, "If you wanna keep score, I can start dragging out American Express bills for the last several years." I was a bit shocked -- and humbled. Who knows how much of my father's money I'd spent using that gold-plated credit-card -- I don't know and Dad certainly doesn't know. I learned a valuable lesson from my father over the years and this was the moment when the lesson became real.
Don't keep score...
If you love your friends and your friends love you -- if they are true friends, you needn't keep up with who owes who what. You spend on them, they spend on you. You do them favors, they do favors for you. Friendship should be an equitable relationship, yes, but you shouldn't carry a ledger book around in your back pocket.
When I can and when the fancy strikes me, I commonly pick up the check for dinner or other fun and exciting activities when I'm hanging out with my friends. Sometimes the tab is small and sometimes it's not so small. Often, if we're with people who don't know me terribly well, folks begin to reach for the pocketbooks or bill-folds to "pay me back". I can see the calculations rolling through their heads as they add up what their portion of the bill should be -- I generally hide the ticket away as quickly as possible to make this process more difficult. My general response to requests for a sub-total is to say, "We'll settle up later." In my mind, we've already settled up! I've had the pleasure of their company and they've had to put up with me -- a fair bargain for the cost of the meal or a few rounds of drinks, in my mind at least.
To not keep score can be a difficult habit to adopt. We tend to immediately think of what people owe us... But, if you're with true friends, you should know that it'll all come out even in the end.
It's important, if you're not keeping score, to remember to always give at every opportunity. Always offer to help. Always offer to pay (and sometimes force the issue). Always wash the dishes. Never remind someone that you paid last time. It's always your turn.
Don't loan money; give it away...
I don't loan my friends money. I don't do it. It's a bad practice and it almost always leads to conflict. If you're loaning friends money, you're setting up a business relationship and business relationships and friendship often clash. I give folks money, if I can afford it, and am pleased when they pay me back. I'm not disappointed if they don't -- 'cause I didn't expect it.
The important rule to remember is never to give a friend more money than you can afford to lose. If it hurts you to give it and you have to have it back at some point, don't loan it. Simple, huh? You'll save yourself lots of grief and strained conversations.
This was tough for me...
Several years ago a friend of mine -- a very good friend -- backed over my parked car. We laughed about it at the time. The damage was entirely superficial; a dented door and some scrapes were the only indication that something had happened. My friend offered to pay for the repairs and I said "sure"... The mistake on my part was preparing myself to actually be recompensed for the damage.
I had the car repaired -- I think the bill was about $400, but it may have been closer to $600. I kept the bill and called my friend, saying that the repairs were complete and I offered to supply a copy of the bill. That's okay, the friend said, no bother, I'll send you a check. I've never seen a penny.
Now, I know that my friend simply forgot. My friend wouldn't stiff me on purpose. I never mentioned it again, however. "WHAT???" you say? Nope, I never mentioned it. This would create a situation where money was, for only a second, at the center of our friendship. A debt would be the topic of conversation. As time passed I lay awake at night thinking about that money -- there were times when I could really have used it, times when my own wallet was a bit thin. This is when not keeping score became hard. I had made a mistake, as I mentioned above, in preparing myself for the money.
I am simply not going to permit money come between me and those I love. It's a cursed mistake and I'm not going to do it -- I recommend that you avoid it as well.
Some warnings...
Don't let yourself be taken advantage of by false friends. Know your true friends and keep them close. Be wary of folks who never pick up the tab -- the amount isn't important. If they're buying dinner at Chez McDonalds and you're buying dinner at Chez Phillipe, that's fine. If you're always buying dinner, you're in trouble... Your true friends won't abuse the relationship.
Don't overspend or overcommit yourself in your friendships -- it's easy to get caught up giving to people. Whether you're giving time, money, or even emotional capital, remember that you have to look after yourself. If your friends are true friends, they'll help look after you just as you look after them.
Please, please, please.. Remember this: This works for me. I am at peace in my life; I'm as happy as I've ever been, I suppose. This isn't a be-all-end-all blog post for friendship and there are caveats and contradictions to every rule. Your mileage may vary.
Monday, July 31, 2006
TiVo 80 Hour Series2 DVR for $83.40 with Box and 1 Year of Service
TiVo is having a promotion where for $83.40 you get the 80 hour box with a full year of service. You can also get the 80 hour dual tuner box with 1 year of service for only $155.40. This is a great deal for people looking to get a Series2 TiVo.
read more | digg story
Yeah! I've been looking at TiVo for a few months -- since my cousin bought my parents a TiVo for Father's Day. This is the deal I've been waiting on. Yes, I ordered mine today. If you're interested, please move quickly; this is a "limited time" offer available only while "supplies last".
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Some funny stories from the courthouse
I'm a director of the local Chamber of Commerce -- I enjoy the opportunity to better my community and promote commerce and good business practices. Our Chamber offices recently moved to a new location and I attended the grand opening this afternoon. Being "election season" there were, of course, dignitaries of all stripe in attendance. I had the opportunity to talk to lots of interesting people and shake lots of sweaty hands (it was near 100 degrees outside today and the A/C isn't really up to par in the new building).
I talked for quite a long time with a person who's been employed in some capacity in the governing of our county for the better part of 40 years. A wealth of information, very helpful any time you want to get anything done. She shared a few stories, anecdotes really, from her time in various county government offices.
What kind of check?
There was a local counseling center that operated in the basement of the County Health Department. People could come in and talk to psychologists or psychiatrists about their problems -- for free or very little money. The story is told that a lady arrived and requested an appointment with a psychiatric professional. She met with the doctor and complained that she just couldn't satisfy her husband. After some conversation, the doctor recommended a "vaginal check" before their next meeting. She agreed and left. Several weeks later, the lady returned and complained that she still was having trouble. The doctor queried her, "Did you get the vaginal check?"
"No!" she replied, "and I've been checking the mailbox every day!"
I want a refund ...
An elderly couple made their way to the courthouse for a marriage license and a short ceremony by the judge. The lady working in the County Clerk's office noticed, while issuing the license, that the gentleman was somewhat hard-of-hearing as, when she asked him, "Would you please sign?" he replied that it was 3 o'clock. The couple was duly married and left, presumably, to begin their life of wedded bliss together.
A few weeks later the elderly gentleman returned to the County Clerk's office and told the deputy clerk that he'd like a refund! "A refund?" asked the clerk. "Yes," said the old man, "she don't give me none!"
She was taken aback -- no one had ever asked for a refund for a marriage license after he had been married in the courthouse! She scurried off to the County Clerk who laughed and walked from her office to speak with the old man. "Sir," said the clerk in her most serious tone, "you can't have a refund because the marriage wasn't consummated." He stared at her for several long moments with furrowed brow as he processed her response. Finally, he drew a deep breath, slammed his palm on the counter and said, "Dammit woman, I ain't constipated and I don't know what that has to do with anything anyhow. I want a refund!"
I talked for quite a long time with a person who's been employed in some capacity in the governing of our county for the better part of 40 years. A wealth of information, very helpful any time you want to get anything done. She shared a few stories, anecdotes really, from her time in various county government offices.
What kind of check?
There was a local counseling center that operated in the basement of the County Health Department. People could come in and talk to psychologists or psychiatrists about their problems -- for free or very little money. The story is told that a lady arrived and requested an appointment with a psychiatric professional. She met with the doctor and complained that she just couldn't satisfy her husband. After some conversation, the doctor recommended a "vaginal check" before their next meeting. She agreed and left. Several weeks later, the lady returned and complained that she still was having trouble. The doctor queried her, "Did you get the vaginal check?"
"No!" she replied, "and I've been checking the mailbox every day!"
I want a refund ...
An elderly couple made their way to the courthouse for a marriage license and a short ceremony by the judge. The lady working in the County Clerk's office noticed, while issuing the license, that the gentleman was somewhat hard-of-hearing as, when she asked him, "Would you please sign?" he replied that it was 3 o'clock. The couple was duly married and left, presumably, to begin their life of wedded bliss together.
A few weeks later the elderly gentleman returned to the County Clerk's office and told the deputy clerk that he'd like a refund! "A refund?" asked the clerk. "Yes," said the old man, "she don't give me none!"
She was taken aback -- no one had ever asked for a refund for a marriage license after he had been married in the courthouse! She scurried off to the County Clerk who laughed and walked from her office to speak with the old man. "Sir," said the clerk in her most serious tone, "you can't have a refund because the marriage wasn't consummated." He stared at her for several long moments with furrowed brow as he processed her response. Finally, he drew a deep breath, slammed his palm on the counter and said, "Dammit woman, I ain't constipated and I don't know what that has to do with anything anyhow. I want a refund!"
Tips for cheering yourself up--from 1820.
The Happiness Project: Tips for cheering yourself up--from 1820.:
Some of the tips on this page are very helpful, I think. For example, "Live as well as you dare." Also, "Do good, and endeavour to please everybody of every degree."
I don't have much trouble remaining happy these days, but there have been times when staying happy has been a bit ... difficult. I particularly like the tip to, "Keep good blazing fires."
Have a look at these tips and tell me what you think.
11th. Don’t expect too much from human life—a sorry business at the best.
Some of the tips on this page are very helpful, I think. For example, "Live as well as you dare." Also, "Do good, and endeavour to please everybody of every degree."
I don't have much trouble remaining happy these days, but there have been times when staying happy has been a bit ... difficult. I particularly like the tip to, "Keep good blazing fires."
Have a look at these tips and tell me what you think.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Are you better off single?
Are you better off single?:
Yes, but I'm not sure I want to be single. If I'm single, with whom do I snuggle on the couch? Pets don't count... If I'm single, with whom do I walk in the rain?
Of course, sleep is very important to me. I need my beauty rest -- yes I do. If I wear my earplugs and my eyemask, I'll bet I wouldn't even notice a woman in my bed... (Hrm, I'd better not tell any women that -- they might take it the wrong way.)
According to this article, single folks make-whoopee an average of only 49 times per year while married people get-it-on an average of 98 times -- the catch is that single folks supposedly have better lovin'. Besides the obvious question as to whether "more is better", I think star gazing on your back would probably be more special with someone special. I mean, jiggery-pokery isn't why we get married, but it's nothing to sneeze at! If you're looking for more fun euphemisms, check out this link from Wiktionary.
The article also asserts that single people are generally happier (or rather, less depressed). Of course, this makes some sense if you believe the article's assertion that single people are better looking ('cause everyone knows we let ourselves go when we get married) .
Read the article -- it's fun!
While snuggling up next to a warm body can be pretty fantastic, according to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, your bedmate can cause you to lose an average of 49 minutes of sleep per night. Sleeping two-to-a-bed just isnÂ’t as restful as snoozing solo.
Yes, but I'm not sure I want to be single. If I'm single, with whom do I snuggle on the couch? Pets don't count... If I'm single, with whom do I walk in the rain?
Of course, sleep is very important to me. I need my beauty rest -- yes I do. If I wear my earplugs and my eyemask, I'll bet I wouldn't even notice a woman in my bed... (Hrm, I'd better not tell any women that -- they might take it the wrong way.)
According to this article, single folks make-whoopee an average of only 49 times per year while married people get-it-on an average of 98 times -- the catch is that single folks supposedly have better lovin'. Besides the obvious question as to whether "more is better", I think star gazing on your back would probably be more special with someone special. I mean, jiggery-pokery isn't why we get married, but it's nothing to sneeze at! If you're looking for more fun euphemisms, check out this link from Wiktionary.
The article also asserts that single people are generally happier (or rather, less depressed). Of course, this makes some sense if you believe the article's assertion that single people are better looking ('cause everyone knows we let ourselves go when we get married) .
Read the article -- it's fun!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Truths men don't tell women
11 "Don't-Tell-the-Wife" Secrets All Men Keep - MSN Lifestyle - Relationships:
With that much room left on our emotional-growth charts, we sense we've only begun to admire you in the ways we will when we're 40, 50 and -- God forbid -- 60. We can't explain this to you, because it would probably come out sounding like we don't love you now.This is a neat little column -- and there are so many truths here. The particular truth, above, explaining that "Every year we love you more" I've seen proved time and time again. I see, weekly, 80 year old men who gaze at their wives in wonder. They're probably still wondering how they could be so lucky.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
For whom the bell tolls?
For whom the bell tolls:
I'd like to say that the above causes of death are amazing to me -- but I live in the South. What *is* interesting in the above article is the explanation that the things we fear most are not in fact significant risks.
- Tobacco (435,000 deaths, 18.1 percent of total U.S. deaths)
- Poor diet and physical inactivity (400,000 deaths, 16.6 percent)
- Alcohol consumption (85,000 deaths, 3.5 percent)
- Microbial agents (75,000)
- Toxic agents (55,000)
- Motor vehicle crashes (43,000)
- Incidents involving firearms (29,000)
- Sexual behaviors (20,000)
- Illicit use of drugs (17,000)
I'd like to say that the above causes of death are amazing to me -- but I live in the South. What *is* interesting in the above article is the explanation that the things we fear most are not in fact significant risks.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
This is my song...
I was given the opportunity to sing at the Community Gospel Singing that's part of our local 4th of July celebration. Here are my remarks given before I sang my second song:
Here are the lyrics to the song I presented, "This Is My Song":
The song is set to the tune of "Finlandia".
We live in the Greatest Nation in the World.
All we have, every day, every gift, and indeed every nation and all people are creations of God. Jesus is the sovereign lord of not only our town and of the state of Tennessee and of the United States, but also every nation and every person in the whole world.
Today, as they have throughout the history of our nation, American fighting men and women are creating, keeping, and defending peace in lands all over the globe. Our prayers are and should be with these warriors because they are fighting on the front lines of a war for peace and freedom. They are fighting for peace and justice in our name.
And, while their fight is just, we know that true peace -- the Peace that Christ died to bring us and the world -- cannot be achieved until the whole world acknowledges that he is Lord of all.
On this 4th of July, let us pray for Peace in our lifetime -- and let us pray that Christ will be lifted up and that all will some day serve him and that we can live as one under his banner of love.
Here are the lyrics to the song I presented, "This Is My Song":
This is my song, O God of all the nations
A song of peace for lands afar and mine
This is my home, the country where my heart is
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean
and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine
but other lands have sunlight too, and clover
and skies are everywhere as blue as mine
O hear my song, O God of all the nations,
a song of peace for their land and for mine
This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth's kingdoms
Thy kingdom come; on earth thy will be done
Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve Him
and hearts united learn to live as one
O hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations
myself I give thee; let thy will be done.
The song is set to the tune of "Finlandia".
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Storm shelters
Our storms a few months back prompted many people to construct storm shelters or safe rooms in or near their homes. Of course, in our part of the world, storm shelters have long been popular.
I'm told, by my father, that this type of shelter is not uncommon.
A guy was coming 'round the side of the house after we turned around... Do you think he knew we were looking at his shelter?
I'm told, by my father, that this type of shelter is not uncommon.
A guy was coming 'round the side of the house after we turned around... Do you think he knew we were looking at his shelter?
Monday, June 26, 2006
Marriage
My friends are all getting married...
Tori, Allison, Patrick -- all are married now. Patrick was the most recent. He was married on Saturday.
I'll be 28 in August. I'm waiting patiently for Miss Right. I'm not desperately searching. I'm convinced God will plop me down in front of her or her in front of me at the right time. My life is so terribly busy but I know that at the right time all this extra baggage I carry will come flying off like so many packages from the bed of a flat-bed truck as it rolls over a rail-road tie.
I've been terribly luck with my friends' marriages. Tori married a man who could be my brother. Allison married a man who could be my brother. I can tear up as I thank God for his Providence that brought these men to these women who are so important to me. Patrick's wife is charming and enchanting, though I've not had the opportunity to become as close to her as I might.
Tori, Allison, Patrick -- all are married now. Patrick was the most recent. He was married on Saturday.
I'll be 28 in August. I'm waiting patiently for Miss Right. I'm not desperately searching. I'm convinced God will plop me down in front of her or her in front of me at the right time. My life is so terribly busy but I know that at the right time all this extra baggage I carry will come flying off like so many packages from the bed of a flat-bed truck as it rolls over a rail-road tie.
I've been terribly luck with my friends' marriages. Tori married a man who could be my brother. Allison married a man who could be my brother. I can tear up as I thank God for his Providence that brought these men to these women who are so important to me. Patrick's wife is charming and enchanting, though I've not had the opportunity to become as close to her as I might.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Writely is cool!
So, I've finally managed to get a Writely invitation. A friend sent it.
Writely was purchased by Google a few months back. It's already a very robust project. One of the coolest things is that it allows you to blog from within the interface. This is handy as the interface is better than Blogger's.
Let me know if you're interested in a Writely account.
Writely was purchased by Google a few months back. It's already a very robust project. One of the coolest things is that it allows you to blog from within the interface. This is handy as the interface is better than Blogger's.
Let me know if you're interested in a Writely account.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Faster than Charlie Moore's cat
In our small town of Dyer, there are numerous stories that almost everyone (at least the "old-timers") knows by heart. Some have spawned phrases that are now part of the local lexicon... The tale of "Charlie Moore's cat" spawned such a phrase.
"He's faster than Charlie Moore's cat..."
I've heard that someone was faster than Charlie Moore's cat since I was very young child. I knew that something faster than that cat must be very fast, but I'd never thought about how fast the cat really was. I imagined all the cats I've seen dash across yards and streets -- they do move pretty quickly.
A couple of years ago, after I'd moved back home, I was having supper with my parents before choir practice. My father commented that Samuel had eaten very quickly -- Samuel had moved faster than Charlie Moore's cat, in fact. As I continued to eat, I asked my father about that famous cat... He suggested I ask someone at choir practice. "Oh, well," I thought, "that's the end of that."
Toward the end of practice I *did* remember to ask about the cat... Mrs. Martha Lynn Knott began to laugh -- heartily. I knew I was in trouble then... I don't remember who actually explained the story -- I suspect that Mr. Fisher Williams finally revealed the secret.
Charlie Moore was a resident of Dyer many years ago -- before I was born (which wasn't so long really, but I got the impression that Mr. Moore was an old man when some of the older members of our church were very young). The story, such as it is, is this:
Charlie Moore's cat was so fast that he could apparently crap from the top of a light/telephone/telegraph pole (it differs with the telling), race to the ground, and dig a hole for the fecal matter to land in -- before it reached the ground... That had to be one fast cat!
"He's faster than Charlie Moore's cat..."
I've heard that someone was faster than Charlie Moore's cat since I was very young child. I knew that something faster than that cat must be very fast, but I'd never thought about how fast the cat really was. I imagined all the cats I've seen dash across yards and streets -- they do move pretty quickly.
A couple of years ago, after I'd moved back home, I was having supper with my parents before choir practice. My father commented that Samuel had eaten very quickly -- Samuel had moved faster than Charlie Moore's cat, in fact. As I continued to eat, I asked my father about that famous cat... He suggested I ask someone at choir practice. "Oh, well," I thought, "that's the end of that."
Toward the end of practice I *did* remember to ask about the cat... Mrs. Martha Lynn Knott began to laugh -- heartily. I knew I was in trouble then... I don't remember who actually explained the story -- I suspect that Mr. Fisher Williams finally revealed the secret.
Charlie Moore was a resident of Dyer many years ago -- before I was born (which wasn't so long really, but I got the impression that Mr. Moore was an old man when some of the older members of our church were very young). The story, such as it is, is this:
Charlie Moore's cat was so fast that he could apparently crap from the top of a light/telephone/telegraph pole (it differs with the telling), race to the ground, and dig a hole for the fecal matter to land in -- before it reached the ground... That had to be one fast cat!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Boing Boing: Bird flu expected on US West Coast
Boing Boing: Bird flu expected on US West Coast:
We've been discussing the bird flu a great deal lately. Watch the back pages of the newspapers. The government *is* worried about the bird flu but they're trying to minimize panic.
Bird flu is expected to hit the US West Coast by this summer, California's Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Belshe said today.
We've been discussing the bird flu a great deal lately. Watch the back pages of the newspapers. The government *is* worried about the bird flu but they're trying to minimize panic.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Protestors at Union University
Jackson Sun:
This "Ride" was interesting to me -- I heard about it, believe it or not, from a high school student at Gibson County. I firmly believe that people should not be discriminated against in the public sector based on their sexual preference -- in accordance with local or state law. I do, however, have a problem with ANYONE trying to force private institutions to modify their policies to conform to a social agenda that those institutions may not share.
Two former Union University students, who are now living in Knoxville as a lesbian couple, were among the 33 gay rights riders who made the stop as part of the national Soulforce Equality Ride. The riders described how gays, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students are made to feel like "outcasts" on some private Christian campuses and in some instances expelled because of their sexual orientation.
This "Ride" was interesting to me -- I heard about it, believe it or not, from a high school student at Gibson County. I firmly believe that people should not be discriminated against in the public sector based on their sexual preference -- in accordance with local or state law. I do, however, have a problem with ANYONE trying to force private institutions to modify their policies to conform to a social agenda that those institutions may not share.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Cute web randomness
From Wikinews:
This was on a Wikinews user page -- I thought it was rather cute.
I was sitting on a beach one summer day, watching two children, a boy and a girl, playing in the sand.
They were hard at work building an elaborate sandcastle by the water's edge with gates and towers and moats and internal passages. Just when they had nearly finished their project, a big wave came along and knocked it down, reducing it to a heap of wet sand.
I expected the children to burst into tears, devastated by what had happened to all their hard work. But they surprised me. Instead, they ran up the shore away from the water, laughing and holding hands, and sat down to build another castle.
I realized that they had taught me an important lesson. All the things in our lives, all the complicated structures we spend so much time and energy creating, are built on sand.
Only our relationships to other people endure. Sooner or later, the wave will come along and knock down what we have worked so hard to build up. When that happens, only the person who has somebody's hand to hold will be able to laugh.
This was on a Wikinews user page -- I thought it was rather cute.
Is this the new Coke flavor (Blue Raspberry)?
I found this on digg -- apparently a new flavor of Coke! Cool! I'm a big fan of raspberry.
read more | digg story
Thursday, February 23, 2006
What is love?
"Love is friendship set on fire." - unknown
I dunno what to think, really. She's charming, very intelligent, a solid Christian, well read, a great conversationalist, and my mental twin on so many levels. In short, she's the perfect friend... but...
What's more, I'm jello when she smiles at me. My heart does strange palpitations when she begins speaking. I'm perfectly satisfied to simply sit quietly next to her and feel her warmth.
Am I in love? I don't know. Am I enchanted? Certainly. Do I know what to do or where this is going? You must be kidding -- I'm lost!
And now... I probably won't see her this weekend. What am I to do?
A story from Dyer
A random story from Dyer...
When the late Mr. John Stockton was a young boy (probably 8 or 9) he had a boxer dog which he walked daily around downtown Dyer. Behind the Farmers and Merchants Bank there was a "liars bench" where the old men sat and swapped stories and gossiped. As John was passing the liars bench with his dog on one of those long-gone (even in the smallest town) quiet and sleepy traffic-free days, one of the old men stuck his cane among the legs of the dog and John almost tripping them. As they stumbled, the old man said, "Hey John, does that dog eat sh*t?" John recovered quickly and said, "Yes sir, but I'll try to hold him while you get away!" John's father was the town night marshal and so was sleeping. John knew he was in trouble -- as he returned quickly home, he could hear the phone ringing inside his house and his father answering, "He did what!?!?! JOOOOOHN." They say that as John's father "whupped" him, he told him that he being punished not because of what he had said, but rather, because of the disrespect he'd shown the old man. Justice was sure and swift in a small town in the old days, no?
When the late Mr. John Stockton was a young boy (probably 8 or 9) he had a boxer dog which he walked daily around downtown Dyer. Behind the Farmers and Merchants Bank there was a "liars bench" where the old men sat and swapped stories and gossiped. As John was passing the liars bench with his dog on one of those long-gone (even in the smallest town) quiet and sleepy traffic-free days, one of the old men stuck his cane among the legs of the dog and John almost tripping them. As they stumbled, the old man said, "Hey John, does that dog eat sh*t?" John recovered quickly and said, "Yes sir, but I'll try to hold him while you get away!" John's father was the town night marshal and so was sleeping. John knew he was in trouble -- as he returned quickly home, he could hear the phone ringing inside his house and his father answering, "He did what!?!?! JOOOOOHN." They say that as John's father "whupped" him, he told him that he being punished not because of what he had said, but rather, because of the disrespect he'd shown the old man. Justice was sure and swift in a small town in the old days, no?
Monday, January 30, 2006
So where is this going? Romance?
I've met someone. Not recently though -- I met her several months ago.
We met Adrienne when she visited Mrs. Wright's house in the spring of 2005. That seems like forever ago. At the time, I was enchanted, but I had reasons for not pursuing a relationship of any kind -- not the least of which was her moving to Memphis in the fall to begin her teaching career.
Adrienne is VERY intelligent, witty, well spoken, an excellent conversationalist, and very pretty. She's a committed conservative Christian.
A few weeks ago, Tori and Jeff asked if I'd come to dinner. We go to eat at a "swanky" restaurant probably once per quarter, on average. I'd meant to call Adrienne several times when in Memphis, but something always seemed to "come up" or prevent me from calling. This time, however, I did manage to call her and she accepted my invitation to dinner. We all dined at Cielo. Again, I was absolutely enchanted. She seemed to have a good time.
Saturday, after dinner at Cielo Friday night, we went out again -- that time, we simply hung around Wolfchase and had lunch at Grisanti's Bol-A-Pasta.
We met Adrienne when she visited Mrs. Wright's house in the spring of 2005. That seems like forever ago. At the time, I was enchanted, but I had reasons for not pursuing a relationship of any kind -- not the least of which was her moving to Memphis in the fall to begin her teaching career.
Adrienne is VERY intelligent, witty, well spoken, an excellent conversationalist, and very pretty. She's a committed conservative Christian.
A few weeks ago, Tori and Jeff asked if I'd come to dinner. We go to eat at a "swanky" restaurant probably once per quarter, on average. I'd meant to call Adrienne several times when in Memphis, but something always seemed to "come up" or prevent me from calling. This time, however, I did manage to call her and she accepted my invitation to dinner. We all dined at Cielo. Again, I was absolutely enchanted. She seemed to have a good time.
Saturday, after dinner at Cielo Friday night, we went out again -- that time, we simply hung around Wolfchase and had lunch at Grisanti's Bol-A-Pasta.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Kissing Dating Goodbye?
Responses to Harris’s book
- Kissing Nonsense Goodbye – Seems to be somewhat critical
- Dateless in Christianville – Again from ChristianityToday.com
- State of the Date – Again from ChristianityToday.com
I searched google for "response" “Kissed Dating Goodbye” and many of the non-blog links are from ChristianityToday.com
My friend, Adrienne, recommended this book and I read it in one sitting—Harris wrote it when he was only 21 and it’s nice bit of prose, but still a quick read. I’m not certain what to think of the book yet—I may read it again. Above, I’m trying to collect some critical comments on the book as most people seem to praise it—but I’m not sure if they’re trying to implement the “conviction” in their lives.
One of the things that concerns me about trying to apply the principles of this book to my life is the confusion that will undoubtedly arise in relationships. The book seems to advocate never spending time alone with an interesting single woman (or man). I spend LOTS of time with single women—and I don’t spend much time with boring people. How should I handle this? If we’re alone, are we dating?
The book seems to be written for someone say, aged 16-23 or so. As a 27 year old who did give up on dating, basically, for the last 5 years, how should I approach this? At the time, I knew that I lacked the maturity to pursue a relationship toward marriage—and emotional attachments without any hope or plan of a future were pointless. I have embraced my “singleness” and accomplished quite a bit. I still don’t see any point in pursuing a romantic relationships simply for the purpose of companionship. I can’t imagine, at this point in my life, investing myself emotionally in someone who I couldn’t marry.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Sultry Nathan?
Adrienne took this pic of me while visiting Memphis over the weekend. Sultry... yeah.Are those what you call "bedroom eyes"?
Monday, January 23, 2006
Feeling gloomy? There may be a reason!
commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Nation & World:
I've talked to several people who feel sort of "down" lately... Perhaps it's because we were moving up to today -- the gloomiest day of the year. We can look forward, however, to June 23, the happiest day of the year. So, it's all up hill from here!
If you're having a bad day today, no wonder. According to one scientist, today -- Monday, Jan. 23 -- is the gloomiest day of 2006.
I've talked to several people who feel sort of "down" lately... Perhaps it's because we were moving up to today -- the gloomiest day of the year. We can look forward, however, to June 23, the happiest day of the year. So, it's all up hill from here!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Roger Norvell
Roger Norvell was killed Saturday in a freak accident while cleaning up some trees. Apparently a tree or limb struck him. He was 40, I think.
His funeral was today at Gibson County High School -- the gym was packed. Local police officers, emergency workers, and the faculty of the school were all there.
One of my fellow church members commented that she had been concerned about some of the local guardsmens and reservists during their stint in Iraq -- we don't consider that death can come for us at any time. Roger was simply doing something that dozens of people do on any given Saturday -- he was essentially working in the yard.
We need to cherish life, our friends, our families. We need to make an effort to love completely and forgive easily.
His funeral was today at Gibson County High School -- the gym was packed. Local police officers, emergency workers, and the faculty of the school were all there.
One of my fellow church members commented that she had been concerned about some of the local guardsmens and reservists during their stint in Iraq -- we don't consider that death can come for us at any time. Roger was simply doing something that dozens of people do on any given Saturday -- he was essentially working in the yard.
We need to cherish life, our friends, our families. We need to make an effort to love completely and forgive easily.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Aren't we cool looking?
Here's a picture of Matt and I from several months ago. We look cool in this pic -- I thought I would share it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
See what booze can do to you...
Herald Sun: See what the booze can do [08jan06]:
Luckily this doesn't happen to men...
Actually, this story amazed me. I, first of all, can't imagine an attractive 30 something year old getting falling-down-drunk regularly. Second, I would never have imagined the effects of regular "boozing" on a person.
Her body fat increased from 37.4 per cent to 38.9 per cent, she put on more than 3kg, and her skin became so damaged she had the complexion of a 50-year-old.
Luckily this doesn't happen to men...
Actually, this story amazed me. I, first of all, can't imagine an attractive 30 something year old getting falling-down-drunk regularly. Second, I would never have imagined the effects of regular "boozing" on a person.
When do you think folks steal stuff?
Jackson Sun - Budget, turnover limit JPD patrols:
Some how I'm not surprised that most burglaries occur at night, are you?
Most of the city's commercial burglaries occur during officers' patrols on the late second or third shifts, officials said. The second shift is from 2 p.m. to midnight, and the third shift is from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Some how I'm not surprised that most burglaries occur at night, are you?
Speed limits in residential areas
As I noted in a previous post, a citizen requested that the board reduce the speed limit on North Main Street near Barron hill. Currently, the speed changes from 30 mph to 45 mph just past the Yorkville Highway. An older gentleman out there asked the council to knock the speed down. Basically, the the speed would change to 30 around the nursing home.
I went out to North Main the other day and stood on the side of the road for several minutes. 45 is VERY fast there -- I personally don't oppose changing the limit.
I have heard, however, from several folks who oppose the change. Some of the people who oppose the change actually live on Barron hill.
I went out to North Main the other day and stood on the side of the road for several minutes. 45 is VERY fast there -- I personally don't oppose changing the limit.
I have heard, however, from several folks who oppose the change. Some of the people who oppose the change actually live on Barron hill.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
The new year comes with a BANG? More of a thud...
We've had huge parties with more than 70 or 80 people... I've spent new years with small groups before. I'm getting old, surely, because this year we had about 10 folks at Tori's parent's house and played games and basically sat around to greet the new year. I left at 12:30 and I was the last to leave.
We had a great time. Lots of games including Spades, Apples to Apples, and "Scene It". Lots of food including summer-sausage, dry pepperoni, dips and chips, etc. Champagne, a little beer, and some Tennessee Sippin' Whiskey. I don't think anyone got drunk or even close. Very relaxed and that was the plan.
Liz and her boyfriend, Ben, came by. We have a history of including youngsters in our get-togethers. Tom and Jay were present (and literally kicked out of) some parties, but I think it was a good experience for them then and a good experience for Liz now. It's hard to believe she's a senior and will be graduating in May. I finally verified that Ben is Robert Dodd's nephew -- I think I knew that, but I probably forgot. Ben's a nice enough guy and seems to make Liz happy so that's enough for me.
I was pleased to see Jeremy come from Jackson. I think he had a good time. We invited him to Memphis for last year's new year's festivities, but he declined. It's easy to come to Dyer, though, with little cost and no expectations. I'm glad he came.
I wish I'd been able to get Adrienne to visit us. She was busy getting ready for school on Monday. If she lived closer, I think she'd be a great date to just about any event. She's absolutely enchanting.
I hope the new year brings us all prosperity and happiness. Best wishes for a great 2006!
We had a great time. Lots of games including Spades, Apples to Apples, and "Scene It". Lots of food including summer-sausage, dry pepperoni, dips and chips, etc. Champagne, a little beer, and some Tennessee Sippin' Whiskey. I don't think anyone got drunk or even close. Very relaxed and that was the plan.
Liz and her boyfriend, Ben, came by. We have a history of including youngsters in our get-togethers. Tom and Jay were present (and literally kicked out of) some parties, but I think it was a good experience for them then and a good experience for Liz now. It's hard to believe she's a senior and will be graduating in May. I finally verified that Ben is Robert Dodd's nephew -- I think I knew that, but I probably forgot. Ben's a nice enough guy and seems to make Liz happy so that's enough for me.
I was pleased to see Jeremy come from Jackson. I think he had a good time. We invited him to Memphis for last year's new year's festivities, but he declined. It's easy to come to Dyer, though, with little cost and no expectations. I'm glad he came.
I wish I'd been able to get Adrienne to visit us. She was busy getting ready for school on Monday. If she lived closer, I think she'd be a great date to just about any event. She's absolutely enchanting.
I hope the new year brings us all prosperity and happiness. Best wishes for a great 2006!
Avoid that hangover!
Avoid that hangover!:
Creamy and soothing? I won't comment.
My sure-fire cure for a hangover is to sleep until you're not tired anymore. Bloody Marys are cool as well -- along with a G&T. I've not been hung over in several years, I don't think -- though it might be due to my sleeping until the afternoon on several occasions. As a former bartender, I'll attest that LOTS AND LOTS of water before going to bed seemed always to prepare my customers for the next day's events.
“I suggest two Ramos Fizzes or New Orleans Fizzes from Buena Vista and three shots of Fernet vodka — you can get that anywhere,” he said, listing the ingredients in a Ramos Fizz as gin, egg whites, cream, orange flower water, sugar, half-and-half and a splash of soda. “It’s creamy and soothing, and it settles the stomach.”
Creamy and soothing? I won't comment.
My sure-fire cure for a hangover is to sleep until you're not tired anymore. Bloody Marys are cool as well -- along with a G&T. I've not been hung over in several years, I don't think -- though it might be due to my sleeping until the afternoon on several occasions. As a former bartender, I'll attest that LOTS AND LOTS of water before going to bed seemed always to prepare my customers for the next day's events.
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