Interesting news story: US Investigates Bush Spying Leak (BBC)
The US justice department has opened an inquiry into how information about President George Bush's secret spying programme was leaked, officials say.
It is interesting on several levels. The Administration is indignant that someone let the cat out of the bag about his people spying on Americans. That is like stealing cookies from the cookie jar, and when you get caught, saying "Umm... you should never have come into the kitchen!" Take some responsibility. You shouldnt' be stealing cookies. What is the greater crime - to violate civil liberties by spying on Americans, or to let the media know that this violation is occurring by their representative leader?
Bush calls the report irresponsibile. I call throwing the US Constitution in the trash irresponsible.
Bush says that, through the report, enemies of the US have learned things they shouldn't have. I say the US government is learning things they shouldn't have.
You can justify absolutely anything for homeland security - torture and detainee abuse, spying on ordinary U.S. citizens, spending billions and billions and billions of dollars, destroying the infrastucture of other nations which may or may not be a threat, killing tens of thousands of people both innocent and guilty. What's ironic is, at least in my opinion, we are not any safer after any of these actions. Secure the borders. Give appropriate funding and expertise/mentoring to developing nations so their people are less impoverished. Establish trade justice so the poor are not shut out of our markets. It is an endless list of unpursued ways to bring security and hope to our country.
I suppose it's strange to quote the musical-movie Rent on this, but there is a line where they say the opposite of war is not peace; it's creation. Amen to that. Create some hope, some job opportunities, some affordable housing... create a way out of the rage mentality.
Beware because I loved Rent and am going to blog about 10 more times on it. I should develop a blogging series like a sermon series. Hmmm!! I like that idea.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Another gift
To all who do not believe in destiny, hear ye! Hear ye!!
The craziest thing just happened to me tonight. Let me rewind... I lived in Rapid City, South Dakota during 1995 through 1998. Just three years. I started there in 8th grade and left halfway through high school. I had several good friends, but one especially: Katryna. Our moms worked together, and when my family was new to town, Katryna's mom and my mom exchanged phone numbers... for US, their daughters! It was kind of like having your parents set you up with a guy, except, it was a girlfriend. lol However, being new to town and having nothing to lose, I called Katryna's number. We had a funny and memorable first conversation, followed by meeting at the mall to go shopping. Anyway we got to be really good friends, and even when my family and I moved to Minnesota, we stayed in touch. One time we decided that halfway between our houses was the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota (a real gem of the Midwest if you've never been... hah!) so we made a weekend trip to meet there. Good times, good times.
Well, as tends to happen, we lost touch. I didn't know why; we just did. It has been at least 5 years since I have talked to or heard from Katryna.
Until tonight...
I was just sitting here in my parents' family room on Christmas Day, playing on the computer while watching TV, when I went into an email account I don't use anymore. I was looking for this obnoxious validation email that never seems to arrive. In any case, I decided to empty my junk mail folder. I scanned them quickly before deleting, when WHAT did I see but a forward from Katryna! No way!! She never sends emails to anyone, let alone to me. I opened the email and found it had been sent within just minutes. So, spastic as I am, I wrote back "Katryna!! Are you there?!" She immediately wrote back "Yeah, what's your phone number? I have way too much to say to type it out." I gave her my number, and soon we were catching up on over five years of life. Wooooohooooooo! She is doing so well, and even getting married in July. I am not surprised at all.
I love her, by the way. She is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. Anyway, I just feel like this was all very serendipitous and a really sweet Christmas gift. All this reconnecting with friends in the last few months...
The craziest thing just happened to me tonight. Let me rewind... I lived in Rapid City, South Dakota during 1995 through 1998. Just three years. I started there in 8th grade and left halfway through high school. I had several good friends, but one especially: Katryna. Our moms worked together, and when my family was new to town, Katryna's mom and my mom exchanged phone numbers... for US, their daughters! It was kind of like having your parents set you up with a guy, except, it was a girlfriend. lol However, being new to town and having nothing to lose, I called Katryna's number. We had a funny and memorable first conversation, followed by meeting at the mall to go shopping. Anyway we got to be really good friends, and even when my family and I moved to Minnesota, we stayed in touch. One time we decided that halfway between our houses was the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota (a real gem of the Midwest if you've never been... hah!) so we made a weekend trip to meet there. Good times, good times.
Well, as tends to happen, we lost touch. I didn't know why; we just did. It has been at least 5 years since I have talked to or heard from Katryna.
Until tonight...
I was just sitting here in my parents' family room on Christmas Day, playing on the computer while watching TV, when I went into an email account I don't use anymore. I was looking for this obnoxious validation email that never seems to arrive. In any case, I decided to empty my junk mail folder. I scanned them quickly before deleting, when WHAT did I see but a forward from Katryna! No way!! She never sends emails to anyone, let alone to me. I opened the email and found it had been sent within just minutes. So, spastic as I am, I wrote back "Katryna!! Are you there?!" She immediately wrote back "Yeah, what's your phone number? I have way too much to say to type it out." I gave her my number, and soon we were catching up on over five years of life. Wooooohooooooo! She is doing so well, and even getting married in July. I am not surprised at all.
I love her, by the way. She is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. Anyway, I just feel like this was all very serendipitous and a really sweet Christmas gift. All this reconnecting with friends in the last few months...
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Who doesn't love BABY OTTERS?
I just have to blog this photo from flickr. I don't have the link but anyway it's not mine, some... otter lover took it! I just think they are beyond adorable.
Children's books
I admit I'm sort of all-talk and no results when it comes to writing lately, however I have thought of several children's book story ideas. Hopefully these will actually come to fruition. Tell me what you think.
- Shrinking Sheila - inspired by our elderly friend Sheila who really is shrinking in her old age. She is also an inspiringly positive and upbeat old person. This book would explain aging to children in a lighthearted way.
- The Christmas Tree Farm - Personified Christmas trees as they prepare to leave their farm during the holidays. I anticipate this one will be made into a pixar animation. :) Heh.
And my newest idea which was born in my head less than one hour ago...
- Tis the Season and Twas the Night - Winter and nighttime personified in an original Christmas story! lol Tis meet Twas. Both charming enough to have inspired poetry (one a song and another a story).
So, be on the lookout for these and other groundbreaking children's books from soon-to-be-author me...
- Shrinking Sheila - inspired by our elderly friend Sheila who really is shrinking in her old age. She is also an inspiringly positive and upbeat old person. This book would explain aging to children in a lighthearted way.
- The Christmas Tree Farm - Personified Christmas trees as they prepare to leave their farm during the holidays. I anticipate this one will be made into a pixar animation. :) Heh.
And my newest idea which was born in my head less than one hour ago...
- Tis the Season and Twas the Night - Winter and nighttime personified in an original Christmas story! lol Tis meet Twas. Both charming enough to have inspired poetry (one a song and another a story).
So, be on the lookout for these and other groundbreaking children's books from soon-to-be-author me...
Draw-ring
I have taken up drawing. I always wanted to be able to draw portraits, but thought you had to be born with this amazing natural talent. Well I talked to Curt, my artist friend, and he said you can learn it by practicing just like you learn anything else by practice. It's the same thing I keep reading in my drawing book and tutorials online, too. I'm excited! However, I do need this certain sort of tool... a tortillian, I believe it's called. It's a paper cone that you use for shading and blending. I am currently on the grid method which was very successful for me one time in 7th grade. lol But this time I hope to graduate to the non-grid method (free hand!).
Anyway, so it's Christmas Eve. I am glad it's Christmas but seeing as there are no children in our family right now, there is not much magic in Christmas either. I guess it's not about magic but that's the part that gets you excited. At least for me. My parents are going out to do some last minute shopping. I'm gonna take a shower, wrap my presents, and help my Dad set up his new laptop... I think we might go to mass tonight. We usually go to midnight mass but we're all feeling a little too tired for that. Well, actually just me and Mike! And Jess, too, I'm sure. Midnight seems a little arbitrary when it is 8pm and you have to wait 4 hours for no good reason. Although I do like the church in the darkness and the lighting of candles and just... yeah, midnight mass is really pretty and sacred. But I don't know that it's worth feeling trashed on Christmas morning!
This vacation time is going sooooooo faaaaaaast. Argh!
Anyway, so it's Christmas Eve. I am glad it's Christmas but seeing as there are no children in our family right now, there is not much magic in Christmas either. I guess it's not about magic but that's the part that gets you excited. At least for me. My parents are going out to do some last minute shopping. I'm gonna take a shower, wrap my presents, and help my Dad set up his new laptop... I think we might go to mass tonight. We usually go to midnight mass but we're all feeling a little too tired for that. Well, actually just me and Mike! And Jess, too, I'm sure. Midnight seems a little arbitrary when it is 8pm and you have to wait 4 hours for no good reason. Although I do like the church in the darkness and the lighting of candles and just... yeah, midnight mass is really pretty and sacred. But I don't know that it's worth feeling trashed on Christmas morning!
This vacation time is going sooooooo faaaaaaast. Argh!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Remembering the dead
Here's a map showing the Iraqi police and civilian deaths during the war (as well as US and foreign troops). The numbers are pretty staggering. What's even more amazing is when you read the article about this on BBC and see that these numbers are disputed; they are thought by many to be way too low. Many believe at least 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died through poor planning and other sloppy war acts.
I'm not saying anything other than... here's a reminder of real lives that have ended and real families broken apart. I am glad the Iraqis can vote now but at this expense? Ten 'September 11ths' ? Even if it's worth it (though I do think it's a little pretentious of us to determine Iraqi lives are worth the cause without asking...), even if it's worth it, it hasn't been handled carefully or compassionately. I just really, really want a better leader.
I'm not saying anything other than... here's a reminder of real lives that have ended and real families broken apart. I am glad the Iraqis can vote now but at this expense? Ten 'September 11ths' ? Even if it's worth it (though I do think it's a little pretentious of us to determine Iraqi lives are worth the cause without asking...), even if it's worth it, it hasn't been handled carefully or compassionately. I just really, really want a better leader.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Sudden audience
Okay I feel slightly freaked out that in the last few days, my blog URL has gone out to two massive mailing lists. Ummm. lol Maybe nobody is reading it but I suddenly feel a little violated. It may take me a few days or weeks to get back to being unguarded!
My mom and I just got back to Minnesota tonight after our long drive home. Tis good to be home. The pile of snow lining the driveway is unbelievably... vertical.
My mom and I just got back to Minnesota tonight after our long drive home. Tis good to be home. The pile of snow lining the driveway is unbelievably... vertical.
Monday, December 19, 2005
And I can breathe in a small town
I am in Meriden, Kansas at my uncle's brand new pharmacy. It is small-town inspiring; it makes you want to have your own small business venture! I guess I am attracted to that kind of independence. :)
Anyway, my Mom and I have spent the last couple days visiting (mostly) elderly people in the Topeka area. We are joking that we are the "Friendly Visitors" roving around from one nursing home to the next. We have a DVD presentation (the slideshow we just made for my Grandma's memorial mass) and little Christmas gifts and we come bringing good cheer. Hah! Seriously, it is quite entertaining. (Though I'm glad we're done. It also got a little old). This whole experience makes me think a lot about human interaction, visiting elderly people or other shut-ins, the Christmas spirit, the concept of "visiting" in general, my Mom's unique gifts and way of loving and serving people, and life and death in general (just catching up on what everyone is doing, who got married, who died, who did this, and who did that). One cool thing about the DVD is we have video footage from the 1940s (in color!! not black and white) of my Grandma when she was my age (in her 20s). We have video footage of my Grandma's wedding, and so many other cool things from the 40s and 50s. It is really amazing. How is it that so much happened in the world before I was born? lol Anyway my Grandma was an extremely beautiful woman. I think she looks like a movie star, particularly Judy Garland. Once I get back to my computer I will post a picture here.
Annnnyways. I think some other people are coming in the pharmacy right now. We're driving back to Minnesota on Wednesday. We have big plans to see lots of movies this Christmas. :) Rent, King Kong, maybe Narnia again (my family hasn't seen it), uhh can't remember the others right now. Any other recommendations?
Anyway, my Mom and I have spent the last couple days visiting (mostly) elderly people in the Topeka area. We are joking that we are the "Friendly Visitors" roving around from one nursing home to the next. We have a DVD presentation (the slideshow we just made for my Grandma's memorial mass) and little Christmas gifts and we come bringing good cheer. Hah! Seriously, it is quite entertaining. (Though I'm glad we're done. It also got a little old). This whole experience makes me think a lot about human interaction, visiting elderly people or other shut-ins, the Christmas spirit, the concept of "visiting" in general, my Mom's unique gifts and way of loving and serving people, and life and death in general (just catching up on what everyone is doing, who got married, who died, who did this, and who did that). One cool thing about the DVD is we have video footage from the 1940s (in color!! not black and white) of my Grandma when she was my age (in her 20s). We have video footage of my Grandma's wedding, and so many other cool things from the 40s and 50s. It is really amazing. How is it that so much happened in the world before I was born? lol Anyway my Grandma was an extremely beautiful woman. I think she looks like a movie star, particularly Judy Garland. Once I get back to my computer I will post a picture here.
Annnnyways. I think some other people are coming in the pharmacy right now. We're driving back to Minnesota on Wednesday. We have big plans to see lots of movies this Christmas. :) Rent, King Kong, maybe Narnia again (my family hasn't seen it), uhh can't remember the others right now. Any other recommendations?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Less than classy
OH-kay! Who besides me was less than pleased with the finale of the Apprentice tonight? I can respect the fact that Randall won. Everyone loves him, he's a Rhodes scholar and MIT grad, he's the best person ever, yada yada yada. Come on. Rebecca is articulate and has an edge. Anyway, so, I can respect Randall won. But then the Donald asked him, after winning, if he thought Rebecca should be hired, too. (Why am I telling you this? If you have any clue what I'm talking about, you must have seen it.) And the chump said no!! Total lack of class! Oh MAN! What a low blow there at the end, and there was absolutely no reason for it. Did he think it would take away from his glory? That is unbelievable. Especially since they had chosen alternate projects and therefore would have had no fight about who was doing what. Ugh. I definitely did not expect that from Mr. Nice Guy. I guess that goes to show you he does have an edge? I don't know. All I have to say is I went to the gym to watch it (still no TV... maybe never... lol) and I walked over 4.5 miles. That, my friends, makes for some sore feet. GOODnight!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Pandora
Kyle, you are right, this site is awesome!!
Try it, everyone! lol
http://www.pandora.com/
I tried a lot of different things. I like how for one artist I like it suggested other "vocal-centric aesthetic" bands. Sweeeeeet! That's a good way to say what I like. Whoa why does my right hand hurt really bad right now? Interesting.
Try it, everyone! lol
http://www.pandora.com/
I tried a lot of different things. I like how for one artist I like it suggested other "vocal-centric aesthetic" bands. Sweeeeeet! That's a good way to say what I like. Whoa why does my right hand hurt really bad right now? Interesting.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
More on torture (are you surprised?)
I didn't set out to make this blog half about torture and half about meaningless things in my life... lol but uhh that's what it is turning into. I can't read torture news and not post about it.
I just got an email from Human Rights First. Here's an excerpt:
You might have read in the papers that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the world last week that "the U.S. doesn't engage in torture." But how, exactly, does the White House define "torture?"
The Administration has acknowledged using tactics such as "waterboarding" and "cold cell," but still insist they don't engage in torture. With "waterboarding," interrogators make detainees believe they are being drowned; with "cold cell," interrogators put detainees in cells cooled to 50 degrees, and douse them repeatedly with cold water.
We have used generous donations from supporters like you to lead the fight in support of Senator McCain's anti-torture amendment, the outcome of which will be decided in a matter of days. As this torture debate reaches its climax, can we count on you to help us finish this battle and prepare for the next one?
Will you help us secure a ban on torture?
We will continue in 2006 to make sure torture never again happens in America's name. Whether it's our push for an independent commission to uncover the truth or our lawsuit against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld seeking accountability, we will fight until we are certain that U.S. interrogation policies are in line with our values.
We are dedicating considerable time and resources to challenging these interrogation policies and reestablishing our nation as a champion of human rights around the world.
Is there a Christian organization working on this issue? Well I'm sure there is, but I need to find out who it is. I feel really compelled to give toward this. Why is America torturing its prisoners?! Why is it holding prisoners without cause?! Why is it barring access to prisoners?! Why why why. It's not necessary. It makes us less safe. Call me simple but THIS is simple to me. We probably create 100 terror-minded people for every one person we wrongly imprison or purposely torture. This has to stop. Do we really think ourselves that different from people that were born in other countries? Do we think ourselves that much better and less f-d up than terrorists and other criminals? Torture is not just an interrogation tactic or punishment - it is cruel vengeance. And I really believe the Lord will have his own vengeance to pay for people that engage in it. But in a democracy, to the extent that I don't speak up, I engage in it. So I have to do something...
I just got an email from Human Rights First. Here's an excerpt:
You might have read in the papers that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the world last week that "the U.S. doesn't engage in torture." But how, exactly, does the White House define "torture?"
The Administration has acknowledged using tactics such as "waterboarding" and "cold cell," but still insist they don't engage in torture. With "waterboarding," interrogators make detainees believe they are being drowned; with "cold cell," interrogators put detainees in cells cooled to 50 degrees, and douse them repeatedly with cold water.
We have used generous donations from supporters like you to lead the fight in support of Senator McCain's anti-torture amendment, the outcome of which will be decided in a matter of days. As this torture debate reaches its climax, can we count on you to help us finish this battle and prepare for the next one?
Will you help us secure a ban on torture?
We will continue in 2006 to make sure torture never again happens in America's name. Whether it's our push for an independent commission to uncover the truth or our lawsuit against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld seeking accountability, we will fight until we are certain that U.S. interrogation policies are in line with our values.
We are dedicating considerable time and resources to challenging these interrogation policies and reestablishing our nation as a champion of human rights around the world.
Is there a Christian organization working on this issue? Well I'm sure there is, but I need to find out who it is. I feel really compelled to give toward this. Why is America torturing its prisoners?! Why is it holding prisoners without cause?! Why is it barring access to prisoners?! Why why why. It's not necessary. It makes us less safe. Call me simple but THIS is simple to me. We probably create 100 terror-minded people for every one person we wrongly imprison or purposely torture. This has to stop. Do we really think ourselves that different from people that were born in other countries? Do we think ourselves that much better and less f-d up than terrorists and other criminals? Torture is not just an interrogation tactic or punishment - it is cruel vengeance. And I really believe the Lord will have his own vengeance to pay for people that engage in it. But in a democracy, to the extent that I don't speak up, I engage in it. So I have to do something...
Going to Chapel Hill because I can
So today I'm going to work from a coffee shop in Chapel Hill just because I can! Muahhaha. It just occurred to me last night that I could and so why not. I love my life these days. lol I love my work, and the flexibility, and North Carolina, and I love December, and I love that the sun is shining and it's not all that cold but that I have all the snow in the world waiting for me in Minnesota in about a week.
Okay so I inspired myself yesterday to download the whole Rascal Flatts CD. The guy's voice is so clear and upbeat. You totally have to sing along. You do not have a choice! I really love "Fast Cars and Freedom" and "Feels like Today." Optimistic a la Keith Urban. But this first song on the CD is great... called "Where You Are."
There you aaaaaare, standing strong
I'm a leaf holding on
You beliiiiiiieve like a chiiiild
In this fire running wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me!
You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man, let me drink you in!
Well I am on my way, you're a mountaintop
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up.
And all that I want is to be... where you aaaaaare.
I'm the frozen ground, you're the warm sunlight...
Shining down on me, baby just in time...
etc etc mushy sappy in love stuff. lol But I do love the way he sings it.
Okay I'm just waiting for my boss (uhh.. "client") John to call me back so we can call this guy in Africa together. And then when that's done, I'm out of here. :)
Okay so I inspired myself yesterday to download the whole Rascal Flatts CD. The guy's voice is so clear and upbeat. You totally have to sing along. You do not have a choice! I really love "Fast Cars and Freedom" and "Feels like Today." Optimistic a la Keith Urban. But this first song on the CD is great... called "Where You Are."
There you aaaaaare, standing strong
I'm a leaf holding on
You beliiiiiiieve like a chiiiild
In this fire running wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me!
You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man, let me drink you in!
Well I am on my way, you're a mountaintop
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up.
And all that I want is to be... where you aaaaaare.
I'm the frozen ground, you're the warm sunlight...
Shining down on me, baby just in time...
etc etc mushy sappy in love stuff. lol But I do love the way he sings it.
Okay I'm just waiting for my boss (uhh.. "client") John to call me back so we can call this guy in Africa together. And then when that's done, I'm out of here. :)
Monday, December 12, 2005
Award winning bro
My brother was named homebuilder of the year with our home city's National Homebuilder's Assocation.
Awwwwwwwww!!! So proud.
Awwwwwwwww!!! So proud.
For a moment she isn't scared
Sarah Beth is scared to death
To hear what the doctor will say
She hasn't been well
Since the day that she fell
And the bruise, it just won't go away
So she sits and see waits with her mother and dad
and flips through an old magazine
Til the nurse with the smile, stands at the door
And says will you please come with me
Sarah Beth is scared to death
Cause the doctor just told her the news
Between the red cells and white, something's not right
But we're gonna take care of you
Six chances in ten it won't come back again
With the therapy were gonna try
It's just been approved
It's the strongest there is
I think we caught it in time
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
and she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And the soft wind is blowing her hair
Sarah Beth is scared to death
As she sits holding her mom
Cause it would be a mistake
For someone to take
A girl with no hair to the prom
For, just this morning right there on her pillow
Was the cruelest of any surprise
And she cried when she gathered it all in her hands
The proof that she couldn't deny
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
and she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
and her very first love was holding her close
and the soft wind is blowing her hair
It's quarter to seven
That boy's at the door
And her daddy ushers him in
And when he takes off his cap
They all start to cry
Cause this morning where his hair had been
Softly, she touches just skin
They go dancing around and around
Without any cares
And her very first true love is holding her close
For a moment she isn't scared...
(Rascal Flatts, "Skin")
To hear what the doctor will say
She hasn't been well
Since the day that she fell
And the bruise, it just won't go away
So she sits and see waits with her mother and dad
and flips through an old magazine
Til the nurse with the smile, stands at the door
And says will you please come with me
Sarah Beth is scared to death
Cause the doctor just told her the news
Between the red cells and white, something's not right
But we're gonna take care of you
Six chances in ten it won't come back again
With the therapy were gonna try
It's just been approved
It's the strongest there is
I think we caught it in time
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
and she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And the soft wind is blowing her hair
Sarah Beth is scared to death
As she sits holding her mom
Cause it would be a mistake
For someone to take
A girl with no hair to the prom
For, just this morning right there on her pillow
Was the cruelest of any surprise
And she cried when she gathered it all in her hands
The proof that she couldn't deny
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
and she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
and her very first love was holding her close
and the soft wind is blowing her hair
It's quarter to seven
That boy's at the door
And her daddy ushers him in
And when he takes off his cap
They all start to cry
Cause this morning where his hair had been
Softly, she touches just skin
They go dancing around and around
Without any cares
And her very first true love is holding her close
For a moment she isn't scared...
(Rascal Flatts, "Skin")
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Aslan and friends
Tonight a big group of us went to go see Narnia (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). I didn't have super high hopes for it, well sorta, but I had heard it was mediocre. And even though I was interested in the Christian themes, well let's just say I wasn't taking a fanatical approach.However...
IT WAS AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING! I'll just leave it at that because I don't want to get your hopes high, but I just truly loved it. One of my friends next to me, who actually is very angry with God and all of that, just cried and cried like a baby. Actually he also shouted "Lord Jesus makes all things new!" and spoke in tongues. lol But I'm telling you, it has that kind of effect. What an incredible, unexplainable portrayal of sacrificial love. Wow. Whatever you believe about Aslan and Jesus and all the rest, just go see it and be open to it. It might speak to you in some less obvious or less classifiable way. And, oh yeah, the graphics were amazing. I don't know how you could have improved upon it.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
No access/monitoring for Red Cross
US Blocks ICRC Access to Suspects
Un-be-lievable.
The ICRC wants access to all foreign terror suspects held by the US "in undisclosed locations".
"The dialogue continues on the question. We would like to obtain information and access to them," ICRC spokesman Florian Westphal said on Thursday.
Human rights groups say there is no way of knowing whether detainees being held in secret are being tortured.
On her visit to Europe, Condoleezza Rice has repeatedly denied that the US tortures prisoners.
Condie. Come on now. Is she being duped into defending America or does she know the lies she is speaking? My... goodness! Words are pretty meaningless, as this article shows. We don't want to hear anymore that the US does not torture. Ughhhhh. I can't take these articles coming out day after day after day.
America is going down a very dangerous path. It mostly just makes me very sad and worried.
Un-be-lievable.
The ICRC wants access to all foreign terror suspects held by the US "in undisclosed locations".
"The dialogue continues on the question. We would like to obtain information and access to them," ICRC spokesman Florian Westphal said on Thursday.
Human rights groups say there is no way of knowing whether detainees being held in secret are being tortured.
On her visit to Europe, Condoleezza Rice has repeatedly denied that the US tortures prisoners.
Condie. Come on now. Is she being duped into defending America or does she know the lies she is speaking? My... goodness! Words are pretty meaningless, as this article shows. We don't want to hear anymore that the US does not torture. Ughhhhh. I can't take these articles coming out day after day after day.
America is going down a very dangerous path. It mostly just makes me very sad and worried.
Cold Mountain / Warm Fire
I love the movie Cold Mountain. I really do. I'm only thinking of that cause I'm listening to the soundtrack. Which I always feel slightly bad about since I ripped it unknowingly off a co-worker's CD. Eee. But that guilt aside, I absolutely love this CD. And it's cold out. And I feel like watching it right now with just the light of a fireplace. And being all cuddled up and good things like that. That would be nice... I really wish that's what I were doing right now.
No TV. lol No fireplace. Etc. Gotta work on that TV thing at some point. And, yeah.
But in actuality, I am excited because do you know what tonight is? Yes! The second-to last Apprentice!! I have been rooting for Rebecca from the beginning so I am so excited that she made it to (dun, dun, dunnn!) The Final Two! She's so bright and articulate. Diana told me she did really bad one night but I missed that episode, so I still think she's awesome.
Now at this point, you may be asking, I thought you didn't have a TV? Very good! lol But hopefully Amanda will get home in time so I can watch it over there. Yeahhh! If not I will have to just go work out and watch the TV there. Hah! Anything for the Apprentice.
No TV. lol No fireplace. Etc. Gotta work on that TV thing at some point. And, yeah.
But in actuality, I am excited because do you know what tonight is? Yes! The second-to last Apprentice!! I have been rooting for Rebecca from the beginning so I am so excited that she made it to (dun, dun, dunnn!) The Final Two! She's so bright and articulate. Diana told me she did really bad one night but I missed that episode, so I still think she's awesome.
Now at this point, you may be asking, I thought you didn't have a TV? Very good! lol But hopefully Amanda will get home in time so I can watch it over there. Yeahhh! If not I will have to just go work out and watch the TV there. Hah! Anything for the Apprentice.
The Mind
The mind is a strange animal. lol Not that I'm starting a treatise, but ya know, it really is.
Lately I have been frustrated with my mind. I'm relatively intelligent, and yet, if you knew my mind, you would be shocked... Nothing is ever clear. Everything is always fuzzy and unclear. I am unable to conceive of any concept in its entirety. I can never simplify or conclude a topic in my head. I also have a bad memory. So when someone asks me a question, or when I put a question to myself, then a messy amalgamation of random thoughts, experiences, words, good feelings, doubts, and the like come rushing at me. I could say A, but then I could say B. I could say 1, but it is opposed by recollection 2. Either way I can never be totally certain of anything. For all I know, we are living in the matrix and it is not just a movie. For all I know…
It's crazy. But then there are sometimes when I stop the questions and stop thinking and it is easy (much easier) to come to answers and conclusions. The whole thing is very mysterious. I do believe in intution. I do believe we have an intuitive sense of what's right, and maybe more importantly (maybe similarly), what's REAL.
Anyway, that concludes today's treatise on the mind!
I just realized something. I am leaving town for Christmas a week from tomorrow. The gift I want to make for my Dad will take exactly one week to finish. I HAVE TO GO NOW! It's a special painted piece of pottery. I HAVE to get him this cause he broke the other one I made him a couple years ago and he really did love that thing. In fact, he still has it on his desk even though it's broken. lol So I have an idea for a new one and need to GET ON IT!
Lately I have been frustrated with my mind. I'm relatively intelligent, and yet, if you knew my mind, you would be shocked... Nothing is ever clear. Everything is always fuzzy and unclear. I am unable to conceive of any concept in its entirety. I can never simplify or conclude a topic in my head. I also have a bad memory. So when someone asks me a question, or when I put a question to myself, then a messy amalgamation of random thoughts, experiences, words, good feelings, doubts, and the like come rushing at me. I could say A, but then I could say B. I could say 1, but it is opposed by recollection 2. Either way I can never be totally certain of anything. For all I know, we are living in the matrix and it is not just a movie. For all I know…
It's crazy. But then there are sometimes when I stop the questions and stop thinking and it is easy (much easier) to come to answers and conclusions. The whole thing is very mysterious. I do believe in intution. I do believe we have an intuitive sense of what's right, and maybe more importantly (maybe similarly), what's REAL.
Anyway, that concludes today's treatise on the mind!
I just realized something. I am leaving town for Christmas a week from tomorrow. The gift I want to make for my Dad will take exactly one week to finish. I HAVE TO GO NOW! It's a special painted piece of pottery. I HAVE to get him this cause he broke the other one I made him a couple years ago and he really did love that thing. In fact, he still has it on his desk even though it's broken. lol So I have an idea for a new one and need to GET ON IT!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Opening the lines
1. It is crazy living within 50 yards of my friends. It is like college. It is like "playing life", not really living it. Things feel kind of pretendish in a very fun way. Tonight Curt and Drew put together multiple pieces of furniture for me which took multiple hours and which I thanked them for multiple times. Then Amanda came over too, we had pizza, and we "Christmasified" the apartment! Say it like Chris-MIS-uh-fide. lol
2. I am loving being here in North Carolina and (ooh I should update my profile) and what's funny is I have this feeling like I have to a lot to do quickly... like I have to really seize the day, almost like I'm just visiting. Then it hits me: I REALLY LIVE HERE! And I will be here for the long haul. Well, at least the Lord-willing-kinda-immediate long haul. lol It's insane. I said this to my Mom and she said I've been on the move so much lately it just feels like I'm still traveling. She must be right. It's a bit of a shock to the system to get to settle in.
3. Tomorrow Curt and I are going to a ... meeting? worship time? fellowship? informal service? ... in the morning. I'm glad for it because, well, here's the deal. I'm here for a church plant, right? Problem is, I'm quite unspiritual and not doing a good job of following Jesus these days. I actually came here because if being a Christian meant living the usual Christian life in America, to the extent that such a thing exists, then I would just fail. I am bored with Christianity, and bored with Christ, AS he is expressed collectively (or not expressed) in that context. So, in a way, in a very real way, this move is somewhat selfish. If I can't experience Jesus in spontaneous, real community, then I certainly can't experience Him in morning devotions, or other acts of quiet obedience. I mean I guess I would experience Him, but not often, or so it seems. And not in the richest ways. Anyway, back to my original point, I'm glad for going to be with other believers tomorrow morning because, strangely, everyone seems to be viewing me as super spiritual or just... yeah... since they heard the words "church plant." They don't understand this is a church for church drop-outs!! I've effectively dropped out of Christianity and church as we know it. I can't do it and frankly I'm just not even interested anymore. So this is the experiment. This is being true to myself. It feels a little like laziness, it feels a little like hard work, it feels just... like there's HOPE! So tomorrow is a first taste. We're not actually going to be joining any group, per se, but this is just a way to be with other believers in the area.
To be perfectly totally honest, and to stop talking about the social aspect of all this for a moment, what I'm really thinking about is talking with God. Talking with the Lord. I've kind of put up a wall of silence. I still pray desperation prayers, when things are crazy. I'm relieved to know that prayer is my impulse in desperate circumstances, but it's not a relationship, you know? I'm feeling that once you put up a wall of silence with God, it's hard to take that wall back down. It's a process, anyway... it's not overnight cause it's a habit you have to get back into. He's real. If he's real and has a name and a spirit and a mind (or whatever ya call it :) and a personality and all of that... if he's real, then what he did in history is real, and he wants to hear from me, and talk to me. No thundering voices out of the clouds, but just... sensing. I guess it must seem hokey but it's faith. And my soul tells me when things are silent with heaven and tense... versus when things are open and calm. So, yeah. That's my prayer over the next few months. Open up and talk to Him again. He takes us back like we never went away. I think He understands time and is less hung up about it then even we are. Getting to that conclusion just now is what I needed to articulate for myself tonight... He is not hung up on time away quite the way I am. He is like none other, in fact...
Don't want to celebrate another Christmas totally absent of reflection, totally absent of ... yeah.
Anyway, time for bed. More soon.
2. I am loving being here in North Carolina and (ooh I should update my profile) and what's funny is I have this feeling like I have to a lot to do quickly... like I have to really seize the day, almost like I'm just visiting. Then it hits me: I REALLY LIVE HERE! And I will be here for the long haul. Well, at least the Lord-willing-kinda-immediate long haul. lol It's insane. I said this to my Mom and she said I've been on the move so much lately it just feels like I'm still traveling. She must be right. It's a bit of a shock to the system to get to settle in.
3. Tomorrow Curt and I are going to a ... meeting? worship time? fellowship? informal service? ... in the morning. I'm glad for it because, well, here's the deal. I'm here for a church plant, right? Problem is, I'm quite unspiritual and not doing a good job of following Jesus these days. I actually came here because if being a Christian meant living the usual Christian life in America, to the extent that such a thing exists, then I would just fail. I am bored with Christianity, and bored with Christ, AS he is expressed collectively (or not expressed) in that context. So, in a way, in a very real way, this move is somewhat selfish. If I can't experience Jesus in spontaneous, real community, then I certainly can't experience Him in morning devotions, or other acts of quiet obedience. I mean I guess I would experience Him, but not often, or so it seems. And not in the richest ways. Anyway, back to my original point, I'm glad for going to be with other believers tomorrow morning because, strangely, everyone seems to be viewing me as super spiritual or just... yeah... since they heard the words "church plant." They don't understand this is a church for church drop-outs!! I've effectively dropped out of Christianity and church as we know it. I can't do it and frankly I'm just not even interested anymore. So this is the experiment. This is being true to myself. It feels a little like laziness, it feels a little like hard work, it feels just... like there's HOPE! So tomorrow is a first taste. We're not actually going to be joining any group, per se, but this is just a way to be with other believers in the area.
To be perfectly totally honest, and to stop talking about the social aspect of all this for a moment, what I'm really thinking about is talking with God. Talking with the Lord. I've kind of put up a wall of silence. I still pray desperation prayers, when things are crazy. I'm relieved to know that prayer is my impulse in desperate circumstances, but it's not a relationship, you know? I'm feeling that once you put up a wall of silence with God, it's hard to take that wall back down. It's a process, anyway... it's not overnight cause it's a habit you have to get back into. He's real. If he's real and has a name and a spirit and a mind (or whatever ya call it :) and a personality and all of that... if he's real, then what he did in history is real, and he wants to hear from me, and talk to me. No thundering voices out of the clouds, but just... sensing. I guess it must seem hokey but it's faith. And my soul tells me when things are silent with heaven and tense... versus when things are open and calm. So, yeah. That's my prayer over the next few months. Open up and talk to Him again. He takes us back like we never went away. I think He understands time and is less hung up about it then even we are. Getting to that conclusion just now is what I needed to articulate for myself tonight... He is not hung up on time away quite the way I am. He is like none other, in fact...
Anyway, time for bed. More soon.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Rural photography online exhibit!
Okay, well, I went to photograph the horses and cow-goat creatures (still can't figure out what they are), but a couple things happened. Basically, when they got to a point that they were actually grazing on the side of the hill I could see, they were so far away and my camera is so bad at capturing things at a distance, that, yeah, you can just hardly see anything! Which is very unfortunate! I suppose I should have climbed over the fence but I'm not all trying to be the horse papparazzi or anything. It's enough that I brought my camera on a rural road, I don't think I need to be breaking laws in addition to that.
So, here are a few highlights:
So, here are a few highlights:
Do you see the horses and stuff, or is it just me? This is my camera fully zoomed in, I'm sad to say.
Pretty, eh?
You know you live in the country WHEN... you see fine art like this. :)
If you want, you can view lots more photos, including some of my very messy yet spacious apartment.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Horses and other farm creatures
I decided to take a walk today around my apartment building area. I only had to go one block north to find that WE LIVE BY A FARM!! There is a huge green hill with horses, and calves, I think, but they have such long ears that they look like goats. Do goats have long ears? Haven't figured it out yet. Lucky for you, tomorrow morning I'm going back with my camera and you will see everything I am talking about.
I feel like I live in the country, kinda, and I LOVE IT! Woohoo. I mean we don't really, but to have that so close by? Can ya tell I'm done with big city life for a couple years or so?!
The horses picked their heads up and looked at me when I walked by. That was cute. You gotta wonder what's going on inside their horsey little heads.
You know how when you haven't exercised for awhile, you have all this pent up energy? Well, I haven't exercised for awhile, and that's what I had. So I started running. I mean I didn't really go that far, but I was run-ning. lol It was to the point that when I stopped, my legs kinda kept going because of the natural momentum. So now I'm really sore, or maybe will be tomorrow. The sun is setting... time for my shower. Hah!
Tonight I WILL, must, definitely come up with my December goals. No... more... excuses!
I feel like I live in the country, kinda, and I LOVE IT! Woohoo. I mean we don't really, but to have that so close by? Can ya tell I'm done with big city life for a couple years or so?!
The horses picked their heads up and looked at me when I walked by. That was cute. You gotta wonder what's going on inside their horsey little heads.
You know how when you haven't exercised for awhile, you have all this pent up energy? Well, I haven't exercised for awhile, and that's what I had. So I started running. I mean I didn't really go that far, but I was run-ning. lol It was to the point that when I stopped, my legs kinda kept going because of the natural momentum. So now I'm really sore, or maybe will be tomorrow. The sun is setting... time for my shower. Hah!
Tonight I WILL, must, definitely come up with my December goals. No... more... excuses!
Coffee.
Does anyone else find it _amazing_ that you can set your coffeemaker timer, go to bed, wake up at 8 or whenever, and have just-brewed coffee waiting for you?
This is fairly new for me. HOW AMAZING!!
This is fairly new for me. HOW AMAZING!!
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