Bring Back Superswede!

What ever happened to Superswede? And I don't mean at Game Night, I mean here in the blogging realm. I know that he didn't want to start his own blog because he didn't feel that he had all that much to say. He certainly had enough to say when it came to the comments though. Maybe he was right, and having made his contribution, moved on. Anyway, I enjoyed his presence, and wish he were still around. I'm sure many of you share the same feelings. So, in the hopes that he is still out there checking up on us I'm making my official plea for his return. Mainly because he was nice to have around, but also because I need some more comments.

Eh?

So it's 9:53, or 2153, according to the enormously huge clock that hangs on my office wall. No, I didn't pick it out. I don't get to pick out much in my office besides my computer wallpaper (which is currently a nice shot of Michael Schumacher in the Belgian GP). The giant clock is essential though. It is linked into a satellite network and is incredibly accurate so that I always know exactly what time it is. What the accuracy has to do with the size is beyond me. Maybe the size is more related to the expense, which was unbelievable for a wall clock, or the fact that they had to drill a hole through my office wall in order to install the antenna. So, now you know that I have an incredibly large, accurate, and expensive clock on my office wall. You also know that I work for the government, the plot thickens. Also, with a little bit of intellect you have probably already figured out that I am extremely bored. After an incredibly enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday I have found myself back at work on a Saturday night. I had a strong desire to blog, but nothing to really blog about. I recently read some interesting (won't venture as far as to call them "good") articles about homosexuality and Christianity. Wow, I just don't want to get into that. Instead I think I'll bring you up to date on my recent viewings and readings.

Land of the Dead. In a stroke of bizarre luck I got to see Romero's latest masterpiece over the holiday and really enjoyed it. If you can tolerate a healthy dose of gore you really must watch this film. My fellow viewers certainly didn't fall into the "zombie fan" crowd, but enjoyed the film anyway. If you pick it up give me a call and I'll join in the bloodfest.

Citizen Soldiers. Brechty gave me this Ambrose work along with a lump of other books a few months ago. Its really top notch reading for any history buff. It is amazing how the Allies simultaneously did so many things incredibly right and incredibly wrong during the assault on Europe. It is just great reading, and makes me very excited to view the free copy of Band of Brothers that I should be receiving shortly.

Confessions. A few posts ago I dropped you a few tantalizing quotes from St. Augustine. The Confessions is literally littered with them. The work is incredibly modern, amazingly modern when you consider it was written around 400 AD. The story of Augustine's youth could easily be confused with the plot of a Thursday night "O.C." episode. And people say that show isn't realistic.

Romans. I always loved Paul's letters, and admire him for the true intellectual that he his. The guy wasn't wishy-washy, and certainly didn't play games. Yet, could intelligently debate the philosophers of Athens and the Jewish scholars of Jerusalem with time left over to mount an adequate legal defense according to the rules of Rome. Reading this guy's stuff makes me stop and say, "Wow, why can't I be that smart?"

Well, there it is. I've always described my job as "long hours of torturous monotony punctuated by brief moments of extreme terror." Despite being interrupted by a few moments of extreme terror, the big clock now read 2248, and I have 6 minutes until I need to enter the code again. 22 37 14 12? That doesnt't sound right. Crap! Better go find Jack.

The Official Thanksgiving Post

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I say probably because it doesn't seem fair to choose Thanksgiving over holidays with such weighty theological implications as Christmas and Easter, but Thanksgiving certainly ranks high in my book. In a society that has become ridiculously polarized it seems essential to share a day of unity where we gather with loved ones to recognized the freedoms and blessings that we all enjoy. I'm talking about the really great things about being American like the post-dinner football nap, and disdain for Canada. Seriously though, I think it is important on several levels to participate in an annual day of thanks. Personally I think that it has a great deal of value, especially when we take the effort to gather with family and close friends. Nationally I feel that its even more important to look back to the original Thanksgiving feast, and recognize the amazing run of damn good luck that this country has had. That original gathering of Pilgrims and Indians holds with it some of the core values that many of us still hold as a part of our national identity. Its about people putting aside differences to pool resources and overcome adversity in the hopes of a better future. An activity that our leaders would be wise to learn from today. Ultimately Thanksgiving is about remembering that early meeting and realizing that, despite the subsequent muck we made of things, we are here despite ourselves. Its about giving thanks for grace. Oh, and stuffing your face with as much turkey and pie as possible!

On A Lighter Note.

I found these two videos online and thought that they were hilarious. Not to mention that I really like the song. I know proteinstar has already seen one of them. It helps if you watch them in order.

Gary

Class

Here are my favorite lyrics from the American Version of the song:

When you leave my colors fade to gray
I need a love to stay or
All my colors fade away

I've Had Enough

Until yesterday I had never heard of The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Campus, and I would imagine that most of you aren't terribly familiar with it either. It caught my attention because the campus has banned their RAs from holding private Bible studies anywhere in their own dormitories. It isn't surprising that the campus has received some attention over this decision. One of the RAs contacted FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or something like that) for assistance. The campus has turned to the ACLU and the State Attorney General's Office for help while slowly changing their policy to avoid further opening the can of worms. Basically the campus claims that RAs are on duty 24/7 while in the dorms and are state employees. As such they cannot lead any activity that is religious or political in nature. While this policy appears to be a direct contradiction of the campus' own RA job description, the school is standing by it (explore the links below). The initial incident that sparked this debate specifically mentioned Bible study, but claimed that all religious activities were banned. In my internet research I was unable to find any evidence of action actually being taken against RAs for any other religious or political activities. To attempt to achieve a sense of fairness I have attached the following links for your perusal:

FIRE
Eau Claire Campus

Also in news this week, Michael Newdow is back in action. Newdow is the guy sued the government because he didn't want his daughter, who he doesn't have custody of, to hear the words "under God" in the school pledge. Newdow claimed that it violated his daughter's rights. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying that the girl's rights weren't any of his business. Newdow then rounded up some people who actually have custody of children in school and continued his crusade, eventually getting a federal judge to rule in his favor. Newdow now wants the words "In God We Trust" removed from all US currency. It isn't really all that surprising, except that you wouldn't expect this sort of thing from a guy who denies being an activist.

So what's my point, right? Some of you might remember that when Newdow won the school pledge case my response was "It's about time." Implying that American culture has long ceased to mirror religious culture and the shedding of religious adornments might not be all that bad. Basically I guess its just that guys like Newdow irk me. The man wants to remove any trace of anything in society that he doesn't agree with. Why didn't he start with taxes? Anyway, he can go ahead and remove "In God We Trust" from the dollar bill. I can just as easily insert it again with a black marker.

This University of Wisconsin thing has got me more concerned. Frankly I'm just sick of it. There is a growing anti-Christian trend (not sure if it can be called a movement yet) in this country, and this week it finally ticked me off. It is apparent that the constriction of religious liberties in the last few years has been specifically aimed at Christianity. When was the last time Muslims were told that they weren't allowed to do anything? Hindus and Muslims in US prisons are now allowed to wear religious head wear beyond the prison uniform so as not to constrict their religious freedoms. My local school district has now added days off of school so that Jewish kids can celebrate Rosh Hashanah (spelling?). I think that these are all good things. So why can't a college RA hold a voluntary Bible study with his friends? Because he is a Christian.

John Stewart loves to point out that Christians have had their way ever since Constantine, so we should just shut up and take it. While incredibly witty and hilarious, John would do well to reeducate himself on some of the following: Joseph Stalin, Khmer Rouge, China, North Korea, The Sudan, Iran, or maybe just the causes of the foundation of the State of Rhode Island. Yes, Christendom, riding the wave of Roman might, easily conquered Europe. The associated political power led to things like the crusades. I agree that bad things happened. Just as they do when radicals use Islam to teach a religion of homicide, or when pundits use Hinduism to promote a caste system that ensures the impoverishment of the poor in India. Name one nation in the world that doesn't have a black mark in its history. Or a major corporation with business practices that actually stand up under scrutiny. My point here is that every cause can be used for ill gain. This fact says much less about the cause itself than it does about the human condition. It is easy to point the finger, but by far more difficult to look at the nature of the human heart.

What exactly is it about Christianity that so offends people. This is a religion whose true followers believe in things like love, peace, justice, forgiveness, social service, obedience to authority, and grace. Jesus even told us to pay our taxes! Are these things so foreign to society that they must be stamped out at every occurrence? Choose a point of conflict in world history and you will invariably find Christians quietly working to better the situation. Take people like Corrie Ten Boom or Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Look at the Underground Railroad. These are people who are now widely regarded as heroes while their religion is despised. So why is Christianity, a religion that teaches morals that society views a honorable, slowly being pushed away from mainstream culture? Because it works. Christianity is dangerous. Those few individuals who are able to fully open themselves to the message have such an incredible impact on the world that the religion itself has become a veritable powder keg. It teaches you that not doing as you please is the best way to live life. It constantly demands more of you and offers no hope of reward, save death. Christians are passionate. This is something that, as humans, we don't often do well, but when we get it right the results are phenomenal. Christianity is in your face, and makes people uncomfortable. That makes them want to shut it down, and I guess that's fine. We've been taught to expect, and even accept, this. That's pretty much the end of my rage.

Jumping On The Bandwagon.

After a four day absence from work due to illness and a "holiday," yes election day is a holiday where I work, I have returned to the blogging realm. I've decided to make my return by jumping on Proteinspew's quotation bandwagon and offer up some quotes of my own. I will not, however, be joining in the Chesterton fetish. Here we go.

"[Homer] attributed divine sanction for vicious acts, which had the result that immorality was no longer counted immorality and anyone who so acted would seem to follow the example not of abandoned men but of the gods in heaven."

and

"The words [Homer's] actually encourage the more confident committing of a disgraceful action. I bring no charge against the words which are like exquisite and precious vessels, but the wine of error is poured into them for us by drunken teachers. If we failed to drink we were caned and could not appeal to any sober judge. Yet, my God, before whose sight I recall this without the memory disturbing me, I learnt this text with pleasure and took delight in it, wretch that I was. For this reason I was said to be a boy of high promise."

I could rage on about the validity of this man's comments on sports, hip hop culture, or even the Intelligent Design trial, but I will control myself. Instead I offer up bragging rights to the first blogger to name the "boy of high promise." Do not despair, I will give some hints. The above comments were authored before 1517 (ie, Pre-Reformation), they were not authored by Luther. One of you already has a head start. Have at it.

Crabcake Review #1

In my continuing effort to provide the most stimulating and cutting edge blogging experience possible, I have added another new feature: Crabcake Reviews. I have long been a connoisseur of the crabcake and have compiled a list of my personal favorites. The contest for best crabcake sandwich is currently in tight contention with no one sandwich firmly holding the #1 spot. However, the contest for best crabcake (no adornments) is a different story. That #1 position had been solidly held by The Old Lincoln House in Ephrata, PA for about two years. I say had been, because the competition changed drastically last Friday night.

In celebration of two birthdays and an engagement, my parents took the fiance and I out to Lily's on Main, a self-described "American Cafe" on Main St. in Ephrata, PA. It's vintage decor combined with a scenic second story location provides Lily's with a classy feel. Diners could easily imagine George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn having a romantic interlude at a corner table. We began our meal with some calamari and "Black and Tan" hummus as we perused the menus for our main courses. The $25 price tag for crabcakes would normally make me choke, but the appetizers were so tasty that I just couldn't bring myself to dishonor them with such an uncouth action. While no domestic calamari can compare to dining on this delicacy along La Rambla in Barcelona, Lily's brand was just downright delicious, and the hummus closely followed suit.

After a brief survey of the menu I began to think that $25 wasn't all that bad. However, I still had a few concerns about the crabcakes. The menu stated that the cakes had white corn mixed in them and were served with rice pilaf and asparagus. The two sides were, to say the least, not my favorites and mixing white corn into crabcakes struck me as bizarre at best. In the end I decided to push my snobbery aside, and ordered the crabcakes in curiosity. After a wait that was just slightly longer than I would have liked our meals arrived. I was impressed with the presentation of the meal and felt that the appearance was very well done, especially in consideration of the asparagus. As the first bite of crabcake entered my mouth I was treated to an explosion of flavor that immediately placed The Old Lincoln House in a solid #2 position. Whether the white corn had anything to do with it or not, those were simply the best crabcakes I have ever tasted. After slowly savoring the first several bites I cautiously scooped up a forkful of rice. When the newly pleasant flavor of rice pilaf massaged my pallet I began to wonder if I hadn't stumbled into a strange new world where all food tasted better than it did back home. While still pondering the implications of this possibility my eyes slowly drifted toward the asparagus. As my teeth locked closed on the vile weed my suspicions were confirmed. I was in a strange new world where all the food tasted better! As I lovingly finished the rest of my meal I drifted off into a euphoric haze that could only be shaken by the arrival of dessert. I was a bit baffled as the waiter approached with a tray of what appeared to be a mountain of whipped cream, and was even more baffled as he doused it with brandy and set it on fire. This was my introduction to "Baked Alaska." I shortly found out that beneath that flaming inferno lie a chocolate and ice cream cake. Any restaurant that can set an ice cream cake on fire, and then serve it to you while retaining the delicious flavor ranks high in my book.

Alas the evening could not last forever. Leaving Lily's I became aware that I was leaving my magical world and returning to the land where asparagus is offensive and rice pilaf is bland. On our way back to the car I noticed that everything seemed a bit older and dirtier than it had before dinner, but my thoughts soon became consumed with the reality of my experience. The champion had been unseated. Lily's now had the #1 crabcake in the world.